It is really important that growth should not automatically generate a proportionate rise in energy consumption.
(BG) Madam President, Prime Minister, 2011 will be the first year in which the European Union will be headed by two countries from Central and Eastern Europe, Hungary and Poland.
In addition, the proportion of people aged over 80 will rise from 4.1% in 2005 to 11.4% in 2050.
in writing. - (SV) This report observes that in most Member States the population is getting older and that the social security and pension systems will therefore be put under strain.
Written statements (Rule 142)
We are in favour of common research into nuclear safety, for example, but we feel that, in several cases, the report is far too pro-nuclear energy.
Another point that was mentioned during the debate was the issue of resistance to protectionism.
The external service must be wholly in step with the Commission.
We welcome the proposal put forward to ensure improvements in national fiscal frameworks and to encourage Member States to make better fiscal decisions in the future.
First of all, I do not believe that belittling the Greeks in the manner that Mr Soini did is very useful, or even professionally appropriate.
We have, for example, allowed our spare capacity to fall by around 1% every year, and that is creating insecurity.
in writing. - I would like to thank the rapporteur for his excellent work.
I would like to speak with particular reference to observation missions in Africa because there is a special partnership between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.
I voted in favour of this resolution.
The committee's proposal, which, in a big brother-like manner, states that seasonal fruit should be distributed, giving preference to a varied range of fruits so as to enable 'children to discover different tastes', is completely ridiculous.
We have in any case taken note of them and shall take them into consideration.
I would like to comment on the content in relation to four or five particular issues.
I also wish to thank the Commissioner for her involvement and support throughout this period, and I thank her services as well.
Doha would boost the world economy and prevent protectionism from picking up.
The Stockholm programme adopted by the European Council of 10 and 11 December 2009 calls on Member States to adopt immigration policies marked by flexible arrangements to support the development and economic performance of the Union.
Let us make it clear: we are not making an exception for any sector of our industry.
The European Commission is ready for discussions with Parliament and the Council of Ministers, as well as the two consultative committees, in working towards the development of a shared system.
My committee was not involved in the resolution at all.
In clearly defined circumstances, certain products used for equidae will not have to have MRLs but will have to respect a six-month withdrawal period.
Professional secrecy clauses have been extended beyond Commission staff to include members of expert groups so that, instead of moving towards more transparency, we are moving towards more secrecy.
Communism is a crime against humanity.
Employees will not be required to work in excess of 60 hours a week averaged over three months, or 65 hours a week averaged over three months, when the inactive part of on-call time is regarded as working time.
It is now certain - it is a recognised fact - that the crisis is already having consequences for the real economy, and that we have more difficult times ahead.
It sees in this the fruits of some highly constructive cooperation, initiated between the two institutions from the very beginning of the examination of this text.
How is this reflected in the budget reform?
Overall, it has been a good test, which has brought excellent results for Parliament.
It is time to do a deal.
A balance has been struck for 2008 between financing, on the one hand, for external policies such as support for Kosovo and Palestine and, on the other, for Galileo, a project that binds the Member States closer together.
I should also like to respond to what Mr Matsakis said: I share his view about alcohol.
I think you have already noticed that there is always a strong voice from the Commission side highlighting the need to keep an adequate level of financing for research and innovation in the educational sectors, because we believe this is how we will preserve and improve our competitive edge and prepare our future researchers, our future workers in highly competitive areas for better performance in the future.
With regard to urgent matters, we have a whole host of issues here, including, in Brazil, solidarity with the victims of the storms, which have left more than 700 people dead.
Tomorrow, we will publish in the Commission the report on the implementation of a thematic strategy on prevention and recycling of waste.
It is estimated that during 30 years of dictatorship more than five million people have been imprisoned, more than 200 000 tortured to death and recently more than 200 killed.
We need to carry on as we have been for a number of years in encouraging this mobility in the European Union, and we need to ensure that there is fair competition between the various modes of transport.
Firstly, we oppose any legislation that assumes that women's health, education and reproductive rights are the responsibility not of Member States but of the EU.
Mr President, this whole matter has caused a lot of problems, particularly in the agricultural sector in Ireland.
We need to have a wider answer to the question of 'how?'.
I would like to compliment the Swedish Presidency and, above all, Commissioner Rehn on their work.
If we hand over the right to decide on these matters to the EU, what is the next step?
We need a new constitution, not just a new name.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. -Madam President, on behalf of my group, I would also like to welcome this agreement.
Maroni exposed this.
This area had already received attention in Flanders and is now set to receive attention from all the governments of Europe.
Every effort must be made to detain and punish the murderers.
This provision takes up the Italian request to introduce a genuine 'regional safeguard clause', applicable only in certain regions of the European Union.
In this respect, the EU must include coastal tourism in the list of its political priorities.
We are going to continue to support energy saving, energy efficiency and renewable energies, and we are also spearheading the development of a methodology - an inevitably complex one, given the technical difficulties - to evaluate more precisely the carbon footprint of all the projects that we finance.
Right at the start, I would like to make it clear that the EU is giving its full support to the stabilisation and normalisation of Georgia and to democratic reforms in the country.
The Commission has made a firm commitment to promote the appropriate bilateral regional cooperation frameworks.
It is a fact that the level of control of these installations is a very important factor and, as such, it should be increased and carried out at shorter intervals.
One important policy objective must be to create framework conditions to protect jobs in Germany even in times of crisis.
This may seem costly to some, but receiving equal treatment is an absolute must, as it is for those suffering from other disabilities, so that we can respect ourselves and the values of European society.
More generally, let me recall that the stimulus packages that the Union and the Member States have adopted since the end of last year constitute major contributions to supporting employment.
Almost 10% of Europe's children suffer from 'dys' problems: children who are usually invisible to our education systems, which all too frequently blame their academic failure on unrelated causes.
However, the actual budget used has been smaller than that amount and has been steadily decreasing since 2003.
Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union acknowledges territorial cohesion as an objective of the EU.
SMEs account for more than 90% of the EU economy and two-thirds of its jobs.
However, I regret that the report was not drafted jointly by the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Development, in view of the fact that the chairmen of these two committees jointly chair the European Parliament's election observation group.
For this reason, I think we should actually be pressing ahead with an EU-Japan free trade agreement.
For all these reasons, we must foster mechanisms to promote an international adoption instrument inspired by protecting children, harmonising the different requirements and procedures laid down in the legislation of the Member States, in particular, applying Article 21 of the European Charter of Children's Rights and taking into consideration Article 24 of our Charter of Fundamental Rights.
I would suggest that, in working to attract young people to this profession, you will only frustrate them until we provide them with the opportunity to gain these skills.
I am also inviting the Council to consider targeted sanctions, which is what the Socialist Group would have liked to have done but we did not get any support for it: travel bans perhaps, the freezing of assets.
I am interceding in order to ensure that it is not forgotten.
The European Council also supports full implementation of the Commission action plan on the Small Business Act initiative that was adopted by the Council on 1 December 2008.
However, I want to see this compromise used as the basis, so that in future, the European Union can do it better.
They conveyed the Romanian Government's concern about the financial stability of cross-border healthcare and the proportions it may assume because, as you are very well aware, some Member States have a very small national income.
And as you said, Minister, 2008 was supposed to be a come-back year, the year in which social Europe was re-energised.
(EL) Madam President, I take the problem of combating neurodegenerative diseases - and especially Alzheimer's - extremely seriously.
We should not fear major debates, and I wish to thank you, Mr President-in-Office of the Council, for having made your contribution, because economic and social policy is the major debate, the one that is of most concern to our citizens, the one that demands our response in the short, medium and long term.
Therefore, we should use most of the EUR 5 billion as guarantee funds to leverage EUR 20, 25 or 30 billion of public and private investment.
The report addresses creditably the concerns of Union's citizens - especially citizens of the states surrounding the Baltic - about the environmental impact of the planned gas pipeline.
At present, the EU is working with the African Union and other regional organisations to strengthen their capacity to address environment and climate change issues.
Mr President, renewed combat in the eastern part of the Congo is making a mockery of human rights and is silencing democracy.
I was not in favour of expanding the scope, but then I saw that a majority was moving in that direction.
50% for area and 50% for production for that part of the envelope which is specifically related to promotion in third countries, which I consider to be a new and very important forward-looking policy for the wine sector.
- Before the vote on Amendment 4:
She has proposed to this Parliament sensible solutions to the problems of carbon leakage in industry, she has introduced quality criteria and a 50% limit on the use of off-setting and clean development mechanisms, and she has tried to keep to around 50% the freedom of Member States to use the revenues generated from auctioning allowances.
Each of these applies within the EU.
It is good that consumer affairs are now dealt with by the same committee, but it is perhaps a shame that we have lost that focus on the internal market and civil and commercial law.
Let us be able to live up to it, because these are real problems and real people, and we have to deal with them now.
To complete the dominance of the EU electricity and natural gas markets by large-scale capital interests, the package of five proposals for the third legislative bundle is now being prepared by the Commission.
(DE) Mr President, we shall make an exception and support that proposal.
I think it was very important for us to make this a cross-group resolution.
Safeguarding human rights and individual dignity is completely at odds with weak policies that encourage the threat of terrorism and social malaise.
Finally, I should like to thank our rapporteur for his excellent work.
It should be stressed that the work plan was elaborated in the light of detailed discussions with other institutions, including the issues discussed recently in the debate on globalisation at the Council's informal meeting in Lisbon.
I do not accept that.
(Applause)
The EU's accession to the European Convention will mean that the protection of fundamental rights will be supplemented and strengthened, that citizens in our Member States will have better protection in relation to the EU's activities and that legal practice in the area of human rights will be harmonised better in the two European courts, in The Hague and Strasbourg.
This is the principle of 11 March 2011.
I augur that whenever an agreement is concluded, insistence be made upon the principle of reciprocity, and I believe that it is these type of agreements that can serve as the foundation for this to happen elsewhere.
The Commission says that the ideal situation would be if EU consumers could have the same basic rights wherever they were in the Union and wherever they did their shopping.
Solidarity has been pledged by many Member States, the Commission and other countries, and Greece is grateful to those who have taken swift action against a natural disaster arising from conditions beyond anything we could have imagined.
Unfortunately, there is not much we can do at this stage of the issue in the final vote.
A resolution would only make sense after the forthcoming elections in Ukraine.
The collapse and violence in Haiti in recent years are the result of brutal relations with the outside world - with certain states and international concerns - which go back for hundreds of years.
I am well aware that some people will tell me that never has so much been invested, produced, exchanged and earned by industry.
in writing. - This report on the White Paper on Sport needs to recognise that there is a subsidiarity issue over sport in the EU.
The target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the EU Member States by a total of 30% by 2020 was not brought to the table early enough.
Concerning culture and education, our objective is to agree on the launch of a policy dialogue.
The European Union will be represented by the Presidents of the European Council and the Commission.
Mr President, why is the Swedish Presidency refusing to lead Europe into forcing reform of the UN Security Council, by demanding a seat at the table for the European Union with the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon?
in writing. - (RO) First of all, I would like to congratulate the Rapporteur for the objectivity with which he expressed the position of the European Parliament regarding the Commission's 2007 enlargement strategy paper.
In particular to activities carried out by the so-called CEPROM.
It can be abused, as some credit rating agencies are doing, for example, by giving advice that drives countries to ruin.
It does not work in practice and circular migration often turns into permanent migration.
Firstly, minimum rules on the right to interpretation and translation, which were adopted already in 2010. Secondly the right to information about rights - the letter of rights - which is going to reach an agreement very soon.
- Before the vote:
We believe that the report and the extension of the scope of housing interventions to the entire European Union strengthens cohesion between all the regions, with no discrimination between old and new Member States.
I fear that these unfavourable results are, in large measure, the result of an ideology of learning that seems to be completely absent from the Commission's communication and Parliament's resolution: in these, not once can the words 'merit', 'rigour', 'effort', 'concentration' and 'discipline' be seen, and 'knowledge transfer' and 'memorisation' are seen as less important than the issue of 'aptitudes' and 'attitudes' based on 'essential competences'.
The fact is that, in this connection, we have nonetheless taken a step in a direction in which we will be able to move further at a later date.
We need to know whether the European Union will have the powers and the competency to play a role.
This should be facilitated by establishing some common rules for all funds to make coordination between them easier.
Article 174 of the Treaty of Lisbon mentions policy with regard to mountain regions as a particular type of regional policy, alongside island and cross-border regions.
President-in-Office of the Council. - Mr President, concerning the sum total of the ODA, I would like to underline that, since 2002 when establishing its commitment for the Monterey conference, the Council has reiterated the need to mobilise all other available sources of financing for development - primarily domestic resources complemented by viable innovative financing mechanisms - and support from developed countries, the private sector and emerging economies.
What surprises me about the debate in this House at times - even though I suppose I should not be surprised - is that those who shout longest and loudest about the sovereignty of Member States are the very ones to attempt to undermine that sovereignty by lecturing and hectoring Member States about the need to hold a referendum, when national legislation and, therefore, sovereignty and subsidiarity, dictate otherwise.
Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world.
This attempt to combine the various aspects of the problem and handle them together has to begin with the acknowledgement of a fact known to us all: 60% of migrants arriving in Europe come by sea, and 'Fortress Europe' has issued an approximate estimate, by default, that 12 000 human beings have drowned or otherwise gone missing over the past ten years.
Giving these studies a stronger practical purpose and including interactive teaching would result in a deeper understanding of national and European cultural values.
One of the highest priorities was equal-opportunities issues.
We must also not forget that the countries of the Western Balkans are of great geopolitical importance to us for many reasons.
This is very useful as this Council Decision makes for extremely effective sharing of DNA and fingerprints.
Criticisms have been levelled here at the pace of financial market regulation.

Your own-initiative report of 2006 and your swift handling of the Commission's proposal are important contributions to the success of the new European Company Statute.
Where you do have my full support is where you commented on EDF funding for the African Peace Facility; no one can deny the evident links between development and security.
We have common challenges concerning cross-border crime, so it would also be good for us if we could engage further in this.
This means that ethnic differences can lead to ethnic confrontations.
Secondly, because the motion for a resolution is dealing with this issue, and I am pleased that the Commissioner touched on this subject, I wish to draw attention to the danger posed by the objective of food self-sufficiency, which is very much in vogue.
Nevertheless - and now of course I also have to say a few negative things - the Commission remains concerned by the situation of human rights in China in general and more specifically in the field of civil and political rights.
The existence of an electricity grid and gas pipeline covering the whole of the European territory must be a priority, as Europe is highly dependent on energy imports.
The declaration by the Government of Belarus of its intention to improve relations with the European Union is the like totally scorning the democratic world.
We need a common history textbook of those times, which would show how Europe united, so that the children in our schools can have access to that truth and that knowledge.
His report and his green light for this country represent a bold step forward which has generated momentum.
open scope
We must not wait for a working group of the Council to tell us what must be done; it is up to the Commission to take this initiative.
We need solidarity when we have to give support to our Baltic friends or countries affected by the gas crisis between Russia and Ukraine, but we also need solidarity when we have to give support to our Mediterranean friends when they are facing challenges with which they cannot cope alone.
First of all, I am pleased that the report supports the thematic strategy for the sustainable use of pesticides.
Behind the walls that already exist there and those that are currently being built along the Egyptian border live people - men, women and children who have the right to decent living conditions - and people do not tolerate walls and divisions for ever.
(DE) Mr President, I believe that this debate is taking place at exactly the right time.
The Council's report for 2007 provides a fitting description of these issues.
It has been unfairly expropriated, and like so many other businesses, after many years of hard work, it is failing, following capricious decisions by those who think that anything goes.
The Committee on Agriculture has not commented on my report, so I take their silence to mean agreement.
Can the Commissioner assure me that, in the future, we will have a formal dialogue on such questions before final decisions are made?
Madam President, earlier this evening, we debated the social provisions and the Lisbon Treaty, which obliges the Union to consider the social consequences of a decision when making its policies.
These amendments include: prohibition of electoral blocs, increase of electoral threshold from 4% to 6%, unrealistic and undemocratic electoral threshold in relation to the real political situation in the Republic of Moldova, prohibition for people with dual citizenship to hold public positions, including to become Members of the Parliament etc.
If the European Union is to act as an honest broker, even-handedness is imperative.
Irrespective of the fact that in many legal systems the burden of proof is already transferred for far less important reasons or for reasons of comparable importance.
She urged that studies on antiviral medications should be independent of pharmaceutical companies.
I appeal to the Commission and Member States for decisive steps to be made in this direction in 2011.
After that, everyone went home.
I believe the EU has an important role to play in supporting a peaceful, stable and democratic future for the Sudanese people, whether in one country or two.
In order to do this, the decisions regarding the milk quota increases should be dropped. However, neither the European Commission, nor Mariann Fischer Boel personally, is inclined to acknowledge that wrong decisions have been made.
The report also urges the Turkish Government to bring its approach to freedom of religion in line with those principles as defined by the European Court of Justice.
I would also like to ask the Commission to sit down with the Member States and work closely with them in this area and not to interfere in their national powers.
However, it is interesting that we have succeeded in forging a treaty on the Antarctic, in which we have ruled out military presence and stipulated that this region may only be used for peaceful purposes.
I would like to say here that our party - the party linked to the PPE Group, which is the Portuguese Social Democratic Party (PSD) - is supporting the government's austerity measures, because we believe that the mistakes that have been made during 15 years of socialist government in Portugal, which are now unfortunately visible for all to see, must be remedied; the PSD will support measures to remedy them.
On the one hand, in the name of security and justice, they are demanding a minimum of European rules to curb illegal immigration and, on the other, in the name of their rules that have become dogma - those of ultraliberalism and of freedom of movement - they want the territory of the Union to become a place for receiving and attracting millions of prospective immigrants.
I can assure you, Mrs Frassoni, that the Commission takes your points very seriously.
The proposal to introduce a Eurovignette to stop emissions from heavy goods vehicles has stalled, as has climate policy.
Written statements (Rule 149)
Clearly, however, the production of goods for the market will be directly proportional to the scale of the budget that we will be able to confirm in order to cover the costs associated with agricultural practices of this kind.
by Mrs Hedh, on behalf of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, on consumer protection, and
And for us, the situation of the Roma of Europe is a question of destiny.
Naturally, we welcome the increasingly active role of the Republic of Korea on the international stage and we also wish them all the best when they chair the G20 this year.
On the other hand, however, they carried out expansionist lending based on external resources assigned in the short term and providing funding in the long term.
They are not measurable, but they are equally important.
You also raised the question of our choice of a decentralised framework for data collection, by saying: 'Is it not the case, really, that in choosing a decentralised system, we lose the power of oversight?'
Action must not be delayed because, if there is any delay, we will end up with disappointment in Moldova instead of confidence.
The detail of the regulation that is already being considered by some of my colleagues shows divergence both in the timetable of implementation and in the detail of the regulation.
In fact, in the short term the new regulation provides a comprehensive review clause which invites the Commission to set out, where necessary, further labelling requirements in this area.
Mr President, the final declaration of the Durban II Review Conference, which Afghanistan is taking part in, concluded only today on the absolute need to make all forms of violence against women criminal offences punishable by law and on the condemnation of any judicial arsenal based on discrimination, including religious discrimination.
President Calderón faces enormous challenges but he is determined to meet them head-on, and the EU should support him robustly.
One can well understand the concern relating to the EU integration capacity.
Try hard to achieve a fresh Security Council resolution.
We in the European Union are proud to have this kind of democratic system.
Just as in 1968, it has not hesitated to send in tanks to achieve its political goals.
In light of the different situations regarding rabies in Member States, the Commission chose a safe, precautionary approach.
As is the case for any prisoner, the State was responsible for his safety and for his life.
The attacks, especially on the civilian population in Tskhinvali, are to be roundly condemned, along with the military response, especially the military response by Russia and the attacks on the civilian population, particularly in the town of Gori.
I think that in many ways this review does that in an excellent way and it advances the tool in the right direction, but it does not really go the whole distance.
(DA) Mr President, it is always an emotional debate when we discuss the Roma here in Parliament.
3.
The European Commission proposed a ban on information about prescription-only medicines broadcast on television or radio, and the European Parliament has decided to extend this to the written press.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I would first of all like to thank Mrs Lulling for the endless hours she has spent achieving a good compromise and agreement with the Council.
This was apparent during the reform of the sugar market, for example.
After 2014, there will be no funds available to them and I appeal to this House to begin now to look at how we can actually help the victims of the violence of terrorism.
Indeed, I wish this report had been available before we voted on the postal services.
The Hungarian Government first ran to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) out of fear, this we know, but they say that they did of course try to approach the EU as well, and that the latter tried systematically to find a legal basis.
Member of the Commission. - Certainly not.
In this context, however, I have to mention that a number of the amendments concern provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 which the Commission did not propose to amend.
Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (announcement of motions for resolutions tabled): see Minutes
Poland announced that it is going to ratify the Treaty immediately.
The brutal clash with the participants of a peaceful demonstration and the arrest of opposition leaders and opposition candidates in the elections is a clear violation of human rights and signifies the abandonment of measures intended to improve relations with the democratic countries of Europe.
This is a crucially important timetabling issue, and we cannot but regret that the Ministers for Economic and Monetary Affairs were able to argue for a withdrawal of non-conventional employment support and unemployment reduction measures, when the Ministers for Social Affairs had not been consulted in what we know is a tragic employment and social affairs situation in our European Union.
The institutional one is that Article 3 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union states that monetary policy for the countries whose currency is the euro is the exclusive competence of the Union, but Article 2 provides that exclusive competence may be exercised by the Member States if authorised by the Union.
I agree that the CFSP must become more democratically legitimate by allowing Parliament to exercise real control over this policy and speak with a single voice as well and by emphasising various priorities: the causes of the current insecurity in Europe (terrorism, organised crime), energy security, fight against climate change and sustainable development, improvement in the stability of neighbouring regions, crisis management and conflict prevention/resolution, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, migration management, and promotion of human rights and civil freedoms throughout the world.
in writing. - (FR) How can a report be submitted to the representatives of Member States using legal and institutional notions that are simultaneously hazy, new, dangerous and utopian?
The interim report of the Temporary Committee on Climate Change does not contain any new ideas, thoughts or recommendations useful to the peoples of Europe regarding environmental protection.

We are increasing the perks and the budgets available to Members and to staff.
(NL) Ladies and gentlemen, in past decades this Chamber has been the scene of many ringing declarations on human rights.
However, I refuse to pillory China every two months, quite simply because that will not make it give in.
The Iraqi political process has shown itself to be important - even if, as you were saying, interesting - but still very fragile.
I hope it will keep all its promises.
I think that is nice.
Thanks to our joint efforts, we have achieved a positive outcome in the provision on the issue related to practices such as illegal adoption.
For example, a great many people have asked what business this is of Europe's.
In fact, in the compromise, the status quo is being resettled for mergers, divisions of companies and transfers of seats.
The debate is closed.
Nor do I want it to deliver it.
Shannon Airport - a hub in its own right - and regional airports like Cork are being starved of routes, while Dublin Airport is chronically overcrowded.
This is the purpose of the integrated guidelines proposed by the Commission.
This means that the integration of residents, the connection between immigration and development and illegal immigration are of vital importance.
I have already indicated to Mr Posselt that I will take his question and to Mrs Ţicău that I would take her question, and indeed the question from the three of you would have been the last one if we had been going quicker, but we are not.
Madam President, this has been a complicated issue to deal with.
Clogging up the first six months of the year is not its only use.
Currently, we have negotiated 45 such horizontal agreements with partner countries worldwide.
Establishing a modernised education system throughout the whole of Europe, placing strong emphasis on substantive research results and, of course, simplifying access to cross-border research programmes in Europe can raise the level of innovation in the EU.
The second is to observe the rules of budgetary discipline and sound financial management laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement.
The point is that it is also important to protect third parties, and special protection measures are required for any third parties involved.
It makes it possible to grant voting rights to Hungarians permanently living in neighbouring countries.
My country has enacted one of the most generous naturalisation laws in Europe, precisely in order to meet those people halfway.
in writing. - (FR) We voted in favour of the resolution on the automotive industry, but we have not forgotten that those who are today pretending to want to save it are really the ones responsible for this disaster.
Nine countries in the Baltic Region are EU Member States and there is only one third country - Russia.
I am somewhat sceptical about the merits of an EU strategy on wilderness, given that the EU's management of agriculture and fisheries has proved to be so disastrous.
(The President cut off the speaker)
We must expand these opportunities.
What I very much look forward to, however, is receiving information from the Commission about the political misuse of psychiatry by Beijing.
Mr President, Mrs Vassiliou, ladies and gentlemen, we are going to give our verdict on a text for which I have been hoping and praying for a long time, especially in the framework of my report on the impact of the exclusion of health services from the Services Directive.
The shaping of civic attitudes through voluntary work is not always given due attention.
In any case, we will have to continue debating this topic in the light of the changes to the legal status of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
These two regulations are harmonised to secure support for specific areas.
Regarding funding, there is no fund or mechanism for the time being.
The report which is to be put to the vote today takes stock of the difficulties which we encountered in implementing this Services Directive.
The collection and ordering of information relating to the costs of examining asylum applications is not a task the Treaties confer upon the Council.
However, I have the impression that very little has happened since then.
In response to President Barroso's declaration today that he will bring forward proposals for such a tax before June of next year, I would call on Prime Minister Cameron to clearly state that any move in this direction would trigger a referendum in the United Kingdom.
The National League for Democracy was disbanded by law this month and Aung San Suu Kyi, a political prisoner and recipient of the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought, cannot run in the elections.
According to the Commission, the application meets the eligibility criteria for EGF assistance, and that institution recommends that the budgetary authority approve its mobilisation.
It is then safety and competitiveness which suffer because of this.
This cannot possibly be done, though, Commissioner, if the Commission and Europe are only prepared to spend 5.5% of the European Development Fund (EDF) on this.
This is the solution which is best suited to the very specific situation of the fishing industry in the outermost regions.
The European Union has set itself the objective of becoming the world leader in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) with the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) and Galileo programmes, thus ensuring its technological independence from American GPS.
With regard to the Structural Funds, the Court of Auditors concluded very clearly that 12% of the funds that had been paid out should never have been paid: 12%, or almost EUR 4 billion.
We are in a completely different situation, which is not an ordinary drop in economic activity; we are, I repeat, experiencing exceptional circumstances and that now is the time to act.
I would therefore like to join in the thanks expressed to Karl-Heinz Florenz who, as a member of a different parliamentary group but in his capacity as rapporteur, has presented a report whose contents we, as the Socialist Group, can certainly endorse.
Nevertheless, women are not involved in decision making in the communities to which they belong.
(Applause)
However, the European Aviation Safety Agency continues to display many failings, especially with regard to its ability to run in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Furthermore, there should be support for academic entrepreneurship, making it a component of study programmes.
Where are the concrete proposals?
These have, in recent years, resulted in a very significant reduction in what was a plague of deaths on Portuguese roads, particularly in road accidents.
This is a proposal submitted by the Commission in April this year.
As regards on-call time, I would say to the Council that this must be recognised as working time as a general rule.
We certainly need action, because the disease travels extremely fast and we have to be able to vaccinate outside affected areas.
However, the fact that the CAP is considered only from the perspective of competitiveness and neoliberalism, in the direct tradition of the policies implemented by the European Union in the last few years, prevents me from voting in favour.
Your vote this week is excellent news ahead of the Prague Employment Summit.
Where consumers feel uncertain about the safety and quality of services, they tend to build up psychological barriers towards foreign suppliers, which dissuade them from using cross-border services.
The first point concerns Europol, as our committee has restored its budget, given the cuts proposed by the Council, and we have also proposed an increase of EUR 500 000 so that it can tackle the responsibilities that have arisen as a result of the entry into force of the second version of the Terrorist Finance Tracking Programme.
Concrete actions would have to follow; for example, the consistent inclusion of clauses prohibiting the persecution of Christians in international trade agreements with the EU.
The next decade will decide where Europe is going to be.
But we are looking to the European Commission to propose an ambitious social agenda, not just communications on demography, training and migration, as announced, but also initiatives for legislation to improve the quality of employment and strengthen the battle against poverty and social exclusion.
In the event of hundreds of thousands of toys being withdrawn from the market, as happened last year, can you tell me please, Commissioner, what becomes of those toys?
I should like to emphasise one of the aspects that I consider to be of the utmost importance at the moment, as we witness the negotiations for the new agreement that will replace the Kyoto Protocol in January 2013.
So I fear that there are lots of problems to be resolved.
I also believe that if our budgetary and control rights and our codecision on this issue are not respected, it will be very difficult for us to work together with the Council and the Commission over the next few years.
It is not an ideal budget, but I do think that outlays have been apportioned in a sensible way and cover all the priorities of the European Union.
The credibility of Parliament is at stake.
The consumers?
We shall be coming back to this once again next time.
I always say - and it is at the core of the cohesion report and its conclusions - that there is no contradiction between focusing on a few priorities as laid down in the EU 2020 strategy and flexibility in implementing these in the very varied regions of Europe.
Cooperation in the field of border control and strengthening it is one of Parliament's key priorities.
I voted in favour of granting 2009 discharge to the European Environment Agency because I think the work it does is essential in this day and age.
I wish the Czech presidency every success.
But the Commission has already made proposals.
This support is essential for helping the unemployed and victims of the company relocations that occur in a globalised world.
Now they are ready, and we congratulate the authorities of Bosnia and Albania for their achievements in pursing the reforms.
It is wrong to want to change the Atalanta mandate now, either with regard to enlarging the area of operations or with regard to the attempt by Members of this House to extend the mandate to include fishing.
Mr President, I would just ask the honourable gentlemen, would he not think his tirade against the European Union would be stronger if the British Government had not introduced similar legislation before the European Union did?
(Applause)
Without that clear European position, the subsequent actions would not have been possible.
Mr President, each year the Conference of Presidents tables different amendments to try to ensure that we spend more time in Strasbourg than we should.
(RO) The European Union must make it a priority to draw up a common energy strategy and an action plan aimed at improving the Union's energy security.
I congratulate the Commission for the Green Paper on a new urban mobility policy.
Our group has voted in favour.
Some of these people feel a very strong bond with Serbia, others with Croatia and a third group would like to underline its own independent Bosnian identity.
This is due to a set of measures contained in an all-embracing family policy.
More than 10 years have already passed since work on the creation of a common European asylum system (CEAS) started immediately after the entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam in May 1999, on the basis of the principles approved by the Tampere European Council.
Allow me to formulate some brief comments on certain amendments.
Brussels must initiate dialogue on the basis of a previously agreed benchmark system, otherwise the EU can only lose in this dialogue.
I therefore fully support Mr Lagendijk's position.
This step, albeit painful, seems to be another inevitable rung on the ladder towards settlement in the Balkans.
I would like to give my backing to my colleagues in the Group of the European People's Party which, together with the other groups - socialists, liberals and conservatives - have tabled compromise amendments in order to set up this microfinance instrument as quickly as possible, starting in 2010.
We had a feeling that the completion of the essential foundation of the EU 2020 strategy for smart growth and jobs and innovation - the Single Market - was not really reflected as a political priority.
Where this was not done, energy prices rose by 28%.
While the security situation has remained relatively calm with no major incidents, public tension and anxiety have increased.
Ladies and gentlemen, there was a date that surprised me when these amendments to the law on the protection of minors in Lithuania were passed: it was 14 July 2009.
4) The level of public initiative is too low, and there is a general lack of information on development cooperation available to the public throughout the EU.
rapporteur. - Madam President, I am presenting to you an own-initiative report recommended by an overwhelming majority in the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
That will remove the tension and minimise the amount of financial aid from EU to developing countries.
The agreement is based on the principles of mutual benefit, reciprocal opportunities to access the programmes and activities relevant to the purposes of the agreement, non-discrimination, effective protection of intellectual property, and equitable sharing of intellectual property rights.
(EL) As shadow draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on International Trade and as a member of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, I should like to say by way of introduction that the Lisbon Treaty signals the transition from a constitutional 'elitism' to the reform of the European unification project.
If you look at global demand for food it is set to increase by 50% in 20 years, but agriculture can, through carbon sequestration, anaerobic digestion, forestry planting - and I think that is the key - and wind energy, contribute to this debate.
I think that everything is known about desertification, but very little action is being taken.
A review of existing measures will allow us to plan objectives for the coming years more effectively.
There is no problem about that.
So the ALDE Group supports the provisions requiring importers to be more attentive to product marketing, by giving them a share of responsibility for it with all that that entails.
The theatre had to stop performing its programme in September because of financial difficulties.
However, we would like to state that in recital G 'sexual and reproductive health' should not be seen as a step backwards in relation to decisions that have already been made.

We have therefore reached a situation in which this directive undermines the territoriality of the right to work.
It is not about that.
I believe the report by Mr Goepel is in line with the role I have just outlined.
I believe that the efforts we now have to make should all be focused in one direction.
If we are to take this cause seriously, the Commission must find ways of funding it.
Relinquishing sovereignty over the currency means relinquishing part of national sovereignty.
In every country in Europe, unemployment has grown by leaps and bounds.
I agree completely with Mr Solana's assessment.
What universities think of this seems to be immaterial.
Ladies and gentlemen, our great Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish, said time and again, 'This land is worth living for'.
The idea of a uniform and united policy takes on special significance in the context of the security of European energy policy.
However, as this would affect our tax measures, it is Member States who should be taking such initiatives, not Europe dictating them top-down.
Klass report
Then public support for the EU as a safe haven, which has recently seen a short-term rise, will quickly evaporate, and we shall be in much worse economic trouble than we are at present.
If we now concentrate attention on technical details, the improvement of regulation, which clearly is necessary, then we will lose the initiative and room for movement.
Agreement between the EC and Bosnia and Herzegovina on short-stay visas (vote)
Education does not have to be multicultural as stated in this report; it only has to be of good quality.
The debate is closed.
In any case, we still face a food crisis, we still face an external crisis.
At that very moment, were they sincere, those men running a country deemed by Transparency International to be one of the most corrupt in the world and relying on a rule of law and a democracy that have never actually existed?
Of course, this issue should be put in the context of the comprehensive response.
They are unacceptable, anti-democratic.
A large portion of the funds was allocated to energy projects, but considerable financing is still required for decommissioning and national funds are not sufficient to cover this: the State Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning Fund has failed to accumulate sufficient funds.
The work to be done on logistics does not involve regulating this rapidly growing sector, but ensuring that it has a sustainable future by allowing it to mobilise the efficiency potential that still exists in the transport business.
Of course, the action, the initiative and the work of the European Parliament on this issue are important.
Another issue: in a situation where aid to various industries under the pact is being sanctioned, how should we view the European Union's severity towards the problem of the Polish shipyards?
It is here now.
This is an important issue, and it is rather odd that in 2009, we should be having to speak about the existence of a trade in humans in the Baltic Sea region.
However, despite Mr Skinner's efforts - and, on this point, our criticism is exactly the same as Mr Mitchell's - we regret that the governments have not understood.
It goes without saying that every Member of Parliament elected by the people has full voting rights, including the President.
I view export credits as an important instrument for supporting EU enterprises.
It is a fine example and a benchmark and it is a lesson being given to us by the second-poorest country on the planet: as we entered the court, we saw the slogan 'no peace without justice'.
Sexual abuse and the various types of exploitation, especially child pornography, are despicable crimes with deep-seated, long-lasting effects on its young victims.
Motion for a resolution
I would like to focus on the strong points.
As we see from the proposal for a Council decision, New Zealand is the only non-European industrialised country with which the Community has not yet drawn up a formal agreement on science and technology.
Such negligence by the authorities makes them an accomplice to the killing.
I think this is an important concept to keep in mind.
This is an important task, because better industry terms would allow the EU to become a global market leader in this area.
The rationality of this is often dubious.
The money which we could be investing in renewable energy sources is literally being thrown into a bottomless pit.
It is truly praiseworthy.
Conditions for an effective EU-US partnership on the Middle East have rarely been as good.
The debate is closed.
I voted against the line our group adopted on this
That is what Mr Schultz and I are now doing.
Written declarations (Rule 142)
They send just one message to the major investors: you have the right to expect fat profits and in doing so you bear no risk and, in particular, no responsibilities.
Similarly, China is initiating specific training measures targeted at these groups of public order personnel.
The global economic environment is being tested at the moment.
Moreover, the thematic working group on maths, science and technology has already been established.
It means capability, through the European institutions enabling all Member States to respond immediately and effectively to a shared crisis.
I am therefore going to try to answer the various questions that have been put to me and try hard to group together the speeches, since several of them related to the same subjects.
There is a time for setting targets and there is a time for giving oneself the means to achieve them.
(FR) Madam President, though presented on the legitimate grounds of protecting artistic creation, the so-called 'Hadopi' law, which is being drafted in Paris, is in fact a freedom-destroying law.
Transparency is very important for us to monitor what is happening there.
The economic crisis and the climate crisis can be combined to offer major economic opportunities to develop new technologies and create jobs.
Many important measures must be taken to limit and reduce this dependence.
This is the case firstly with the system of direct aid that needs to be modified, bearing in mind that the Member States must have greater flexibility to implement this change.
The formal proposal itself is already in this Parliament and I hope that the legislative procedure will soon lead to its adoption and to preparations for the European Year of Creativity and Innovation.
As a result, we cannot but condemn the acts of repression against peaceful protesters, leaders of the democratic opposition, as well as numerous civil society activists, journalists, teachers and students.
An agreement which, alongside the trade dimension, the strictly trade dimension, also has a political and institutional chapter, as well as a chapter aimed at promoting sustainable economic and social development.
Why has the Council not agreed on an increase in the cohesion and structural funds or an immediate prohibition on trading credit derivatives?
It has already been said several times that 10 years is a long time.
The information is intended to provide a basis for analysing the demand for drugs, ways of reducing it, and the drug market in general.
The Member States on the external borders of the EU are all under pressure from immigration and have turned into 'immigration camps' for Europe.
It has been difficult to address this subject in such a short time, especially as it has such broad, cross-cutting aims.
Over the past 15 years, the value of trade between China and Africa has increased 20 times over.
Will the five-year budgetary term coincide with or be accentuated by the five-year parliamentary term?
In cooperation with the Commission and each within our own sphere of responsibility we shall, of course, be presenting measures that may be more favourable and may in fact reflect our concerns on social matters.
Each individual Member State's ongoing commitment to stick to the 2014 targets will be crucial.
The representatives of human rights and humanitarian aid organisations, such as Polska Akcja Humanitarna or Médecins Sans Frontières, have been expelled from Darfur.
I do not see why there is such a drama about this.
The end of the year may prove difficult and the decline in the automotive market could be around 5% for the whole of 2008, which, for this market, would be the worst result recorded since 1993.
Composition of committees and delegations: see Minutes
There are Member States - as you know better than we do - that promise cheap loans for car manufacturers, provided that these car manufacturers buy parts from local suppliers in that country.
It is also important that we prevent the application of law from somewhere or other that is unacceptable in accordance with the principles of the European Union - for example Sharia law, Chinese law or whatever.
On human rights we do not always see eye to eye.
Would the Commission consider a proposal that there should only be one child per seat and that all children under 15 should wear seat belts on school buses?
However, the second proposal, in particular, is the essential one.
This delay undermines the credibility of our commitments and affects the conclusion of the economic partnership agreements.
In any case, believe me that I will do everything in my power to ensure this.
The majority of them referred to the limitations of the budget and its structure.
I see it as a policy that we create for the good of European citizens, which, of course, we can accomplish by creating favourable development conditions for undertakings, for investment, innovation, and for the creation of more new jobs.
in writing. - It is known that the report stresses the fact that forests should be seen as a major contributor to climate change mitigation and adaptation, rendering necessary the reinforcement of the EU strategy for combating the factors causing their deterioration, e.g. pests, forest fires, etc.
This morning, I took the healthy option and walked into Parliament and I was dismayed to see in cars young parents, with children strapped into the back, smoking cigarettes.
in writing. - (FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, as the rapporteur quite rightly points out, for there to be a market, there must be supply and demand.
A joint and unambiguous declaration by the three largest institutions of the European Union is an exceptional opportunity to achieve a political consensus on the way in which the European Union should react to the increasingly complex crisis situations emerging around the world.
'In order to ensure better monitoring of the transposition and application of Union law, the Commission and Parliament shall endeavour to include compulsory correlation tables and a binding time limit for transposition, which, in directives, should not normally exceed a period of 2 years.
I support this resolution and endorse the observations set out in it wholeheartedly.
The European Union spends a little over 200 billion on the same.
There are long-standing problems.
However, despite successive failures, the EU and the 'social democrats' Mandelson and Lamy are again trying to prevent the negotiations from 'coming off the rails', in order to safeguard and not lose the ground already gained in the negotiations.
The various national governments' reactions were highly varied, ranging from large-scale vaccination to no vaccination at all, as in Poland.
A new era which aims to be ambitious in its capacity for initiative and in its foresight with respect to the great challenges of our time.
What is your view?
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, for some hours the official Chinese propaganda has been saying that the situation in Tibet is under control again.
On climate change and energy, the alternative is clear: either our Member States are convinced that they must progress and set an example ahead of the Copenhagen Summit, and if so, we must make clear decisions before December to ensure reciprocity from our international partners, or they have decided that, despite worsening climatic conditions and our energy dependence, there is no need to take urgent action.
Secondly, because I consider that the Ukrainian people will only suffer from participation in the European Union.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (SV) Madam President, poverty, misery and starvation are the daily lot for the more than two billion members of the earth's population who live on less than two dollars a day.
It is contrary to the Lisbon Strategy and undermines the fundamental rights and values of the Union.
If I had time, I would also make reference to Croatia and other countries in south-eastern Europe which urgently need to address corruption, organised crime and abuse of certain private property rights before accession, in the case of Croatia, or candidacy can be taken forward with confidence.
However, the reality is different.
The fastest way to make them whole, much more effectively and practically than all of the top-down measures, is to support civic initiatives and the activities of cultural organisations and regional institutions.
Never let us say, though, that such documents should remain secret in case they cause problems.
It will be important to assess the results of cohesion policy for the period 2000 to 2006.
The specific case to which Mrs Harkin refers is still under examination by the Turkish courts, and it is not for me to comment at this stage, but we are monitoring this case very closely.
The Commission has in fact initiated infringement procedures in the past year against 22 Member States that have not implemented the European regulations properly, including Italy, Mr Agnoletto.
Unfortunately, big airports are crowded, there are very many flight delays, there is waiting time either on ground or in the air, which, on the one hand, contributes to pollution and, on the other hand, has certain social effects.
I would therefore suggest to you that the second part of the text should read: 'and therefore welcomes the decision of the European Council to deploy'.
(FR) Mr President, I would like to ask the Commissioner, Mrs Ferrero-Waldner, not to look on this Barcelona Process as a mere economic process.
It emphasises the role that the EGF can play in the reintegration of workers made redundant into the labour market.
I should like to see the EU push further ahead with this in the context of climate protection, and I hope that we can convince all the other major competing airlines to join this agreement.
Freedom of religion: at my niece's school, for the first time this year, there was no nativity play.
It is true that we need energy, but we need clean energy and safe energy.
That must also be prepared for the climate change negotiations.
I have one thing to say about official development assistance: the Commission's position on the matter is very clear.
We must not forget that this is our third attempt, I repeat, our third attempt to obtain a resolution on the death penalty at the United Nations General Assembly following our two failures in 1994 and 1999.
Once again, this must encourage us to reflect in order to prepare more effective strategies in the future.
We know of your struggle, Commissioner, even within the Commission, against lobbies and interests that undermine the EU's efforts to be a world leader in the fight against climate change.
I have voted in favour of this report.
On other issues - diversification of energy sources at European level and creation of a single energy market - we are right at the beginning of our journey.
I firmly believe that it has a decent chance.
In the new EU Member States, including Lithuania, in many apartment blocks, around 60% of thermal energy is wasted.
Finally, Commissioner, we are against the full liberalisation of planting rights from 2014 onwards for wines with designations of origin and geographical indications, and we can endorse the rapporteur's proposal that the new reform should enter into force on 1 August 2009.
9.
For them, profits must be had at any price.
10.
The sanctions to be applied if manufacturers fail to comply with this regulation must be scrupulously fulfilled.
Do we wish to ensure that all of our companies and our fellow citizens contribute within their means to the financing of civic life?
Instead, they should focus on establishing platforms that involve both employers and workers, universities, businesses and local and regional organisations, in order to offer opportunities in the educational and professional training sector, and to ensure that there is good mobility and that qualifications are recognised.
Let us be honest about this.
On 11 June 2007 the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 643/2007amending Regulation (EC) No 41/2006 as concerns the recovery plan for bluefin tuna recommended by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas.
I also welcome the adoption in May 2008 by the Turkish parliament of the package of employment measures intended to promote employment opportunities for women, young people and the disabled.
I can tell you that the entire Commission - the full College of Commissioners, including President Barroso - is in favour of a strong second pillar in the future common agricultural policy.
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution in favour of a general ban on the use of cyanide mining technologies by the end of 2011.
Therefore, I would like to ask when the Commission will present the appropriate report, and what action will it take on the basis of the analysis made?
That is where the European Union can fail badly.
Membership of committees and delegations: see Minutes
The free movement of people provides EU citizens with the potential to take up employment in another Member State.
On the contrary, I would like to say that Belgium made an excellent job of handling the trialogue between the Commission, the Council and Parliament.
Democracy and development will not be crushed by the brutal repression of widespread protests in September of this year, or by mass imprisonments.
All this will be considered in the evaluation and it will be under the umbrella of the internal security strategy that we will put forward to you within a short time.
During the Fourth Republic, a practice known as 'unseating' was used.
However, I am more confident than my fellow Liberal Members from Germany that we will probably succeed in amending this provision during the negotiations with the Council.
So that is also part of the problem, and that procedure needs to be quicker.
We are meeting the wishes of the many citizens who have asked us in countless letters and e-mails to take action in this area.
The Commission has brought a case against the Irish authorities and yet, by the time anything happens, there will be a motorway, probably there for already three or four years, and all the destruction will have happened.
They look over the water to Ireland and see that the people of Ireland have been asked to vote twice on the document when we have been denied the possibility to even vote once.
We continue to be faced with one of the world's most repressive and closed regimes, even if there has been some progress and even if we do need to find the right strategy to support this.
It is an economic recovery plan that will have to be paid for by tomorrow's taxpayers.
As you all know, the issues of nuclear power and human rights greatly limit the scope of our activities in Iran.
This service can survive by public funding that may be collected via a separate radio and television tax and that may be topped up with membership contributions to broadcasting organisations, as has been the case in the Netherlands for a long time.
The UK, like many other countries - not all - is recovering from that recession, and that is due to the government intervening when the market failed and not standing on the sidelines as some would have us do.
Migration management policy should indeed be effectively combined with European development cooperation policy, and should take into account aspects concerning security, regional cooperation in the Southern countries and cooperation agreements with countries of origin and of transit.
Voting time (continued)
We put in the oral question and we have also drafted a joint resolution about the Lithuanian law, which is allegedly about the protection of minors.
This just goes to show that the controls currently in place need to be updated and a new approach adopted as far as the duties of customs officials are concerned.
You want to bring the parliaments closer together in order to bring citizens closer together.
The report is as vague about how to achieve that as the EU Commission was in its Green Paper on urban mobility.
This is the Europe 2020 Strategy.
The Member States fail to control practices in respect of human rights, thereby undermining the credibility of EU foreign policy in the world.
It is customary in parliamentary assemblies to vote first, as Mr Capoulas Santos requested, on the amendments furthest removed from the initial text.
The debate is closed.
To this end, there must be a European proposal to simplify the work of young researchers via organic links with business in order to meet their development needs.
in writing. - (RO) Mr. President, dear colleagues, first of all, I would like to congratulate the Rapporteur for his work.
The next item is Question Time (B6-0457/2008).
They were rejected.
After years of institutional wrangling, Europe needs to refocus its efforts on delivering results in areas where it can add value to the work of the Member States, and where our fellow citizens expect the nations of Europe to cooperate.
There are 11 Member States, all old Member States, paying for the entire net difference.
National authorities will have an opportunity to comment on the ruling and describe how they assess the behaviour of airlines to passengers in the event of cancellation in the light of this precedent and also the practical consequences of the ruling.
Elections have winners and losers.
These are some of the fundamental rules which you, as you have said, do not want to call into question.
Equally, I could join the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats, but I can guarantee that it would not increase that group's political coherence - by no means.
This is pure hypocrisy and is aimed at ushering in a new 'superstate' over the heads of the peoples.
I note especially the proposal for, and I quote, 'an EU-wide uniform size labelling system for clothing and footwear'.
In the draft resolution you raise a number of issues of relevance for the ECB.
This school and its facilities, together with the nearby University of Life Sciences in Lublin and also the agricultural research institutes in Puławy, could be used as the basis for the establishment of a European School of Beekeeping.
This may influence Europe's whole economic situation and competitiveness.
(PL) Mr President, some words of acknowledgement for the rapporteur, Mr Blokland; as always, once again he has done some excellent work.
We have a distribution network for electricity which was designed to be one-way and now requires technical adjustments in order to become two-way and be able to handle decentralised electricity generation.
However, in general terms, the text was good enough to be supported by us at the end (with no enthusiasm, that is true).
I voted in favour of the report on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on Alternative Investment Fund Managers, since I believe that fund managers must be registered and must respect certain basic rules of conduct.
I would like to pay tribute to the work of Commissioner Kroes, and I support the composition of her group of monitoring experts.
The second area I want to mention is the Western Balkans, especially Kosovo.
As stated by Parliament's motion for a resolution, without a genuine political reconciliation process in the region, the European Union operation, planned to last only 12 months, cannot sustainably contribute to peace in the region.
The EU's commitment to human rights is conveyed during our regular political contacts and, in particular, during our human rights dialogue with the Chinese authorities.
Some speakers have already pointed out in this debate that, it is all too often forgotten that the purchasing power problem also constitutes a problem for Europe.
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology will make an important contribution to the transfer of technology from science to industry and to enterprises.
We agreed on the priorities very quickly and together managed to introduce rational elements and points of departure.
Relaxing the introduction procedure for alien species in aquaculture must be balanced by a strict definition of the rules with which closed aquaculture facilities will have to comply, in accordance with the outcome of the IMPASSE project, as well as being subject to supervision, the aim being to ensure that the technical requirements proposed by specialists will all be properly taken into account and observed.
On the basis of these premises, I voted for the Irish nominee for Chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority who, as is stipulated, is subject to strict rules regarding independence.
Determined in going out and making our case with key partners worldwide, explaining why we cannot let our ambition slip.
I say 'no' to these zealots.
Finally, the term 'tax haven' must also, in view of the point at issue here, be regarded as important.
According to media reports, this campaign was supported by the United Nations, even though psychologists confirm that growing up with a father AND a mother as role models is of key importance for a child's development.
What is more, in July Vietnam took charge of the presidency of the UN Security Council.
Secondly, the commitments of individuals countries to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2020, along with the need to buy emission permits, will result in a significant increase in the price of electricity and heating for individuals and even higher costs for the industrial sector, especially in the new Member States, such as Poland, where the energy sector relies on coal.
Do not fight globalisation; join it by encouraging competition within the EU and learn how to compete on world markets.
This is particularly important in Belgium, a small country with a relatively large inflow of foreign patients.
However, we need to table a proposed amendment to this directive in order to guarantee an overall unity of intent within Europe and also greater protection for laboratory guinea pigs used for scientific purposes connected with human and animal health.
This supervisory role will guarantee a truly democratic control of the service, which is of paramount importance to me.
Although he does recognise the benefits of such agreements in principle, the rapporteur does not forego a differentiated approach and, on several occasions, calls for a constructive dialogue between the Commission and Parliament.
Es un gran placer contar con su presencia.
The European Commission did not want that, the Council of Ministers did not want that, the majority of the Conservatives and the Liberals did not want that.
A number of decisions made by the Pakistani authorities on questions of religious liberties are worthy of respect, but it would seem that further measures are now needed.
However, I object to the creation of European Union bodies that would exercise power over Member States in areas that are wider than necessary to deal with this problem.
That is why the European Parliament, by a large majority, adopted the Estrela report.
Finally, I would emphasize two more ideas: the problems of vulnerable communities from any point of view, either ethnic and/or geographical, could be treated more efficiently if there were cooperation in this field between the local, regional, national and European authorities.
Worse, nearly 25% of young people under 15 have reading difficulties.
I will mention a few examples: the strengthening of judicial independence, a special commission of inquiry to investigate and analyse the processes that led to the collapse of the Icelandic banking system, the creation of a joint Parliamentary Committee between the European Union and Iceland, the situation regarding entry into the euro area, increased experience in the renewable energy sector.
I would like to pick up on an issue raised by Mr Verhofstadt.
To date, Europe has spent, and judging by the results, wasted, some of these priority funds established by Lisbon.
I believe that the transport sector needs renewable energy sources, not only heating and cooling and electricity.
The work of the Plenary and initiative reports (amendment of the Rules of Procedure) (debate)
Indeed, I would go further and say that large-scale producers today are usually vertically integrated under contractual terms with the processing sector, and that the prophylactic use of antibiotics is usually prohibited or restricted under quality assurance schemes.
All the issues which have been raised today are of course the right ones.
The Commission is well aware that Spanish tomato growers have to compete with Moroccan growers under unfair conditions, as they must bear much higher production costs stemming from the strict European standards on quality, food safety and workplace safety, as well as restrictions on pesticides which are not required of third countries.
The Commission is working hard to create conditions for partner countries which will enable them to come together and to plot a course towards comprehensive regional agreements.
Number three: media registration.
Efforts still need to be made in this area.
The CFP has become a bureaucratic nightmare with over regulation and micro-management plaguing the industry while achieving little in the way of positive outcomes.
Written explanations of vote
Let me remind you that, on 8 March 2006, the Commission issued what we called a 'road map for equality between men and women', outlining the eradication of all forms of gender-based violence as a priority objective.
James Tobin first proposed it following the USA's destruction of the Bretton Woods system.
(EL) Commissioner, almost every civilisation in the history of Europe has been based on the sea.
I am glad the Union supported Poland in its dispute with Russia over the export of our products. I am confident that Poland will in future years help to develop a positive relationship between Russia and the European Union.
This in turn requires intervention in the market and improved marketing in the sector, improving the first-sale price, increasing pay for work by fishermen, reducing the margins of middlemen and promoting fair distribution of added value throughout the value chain of this sector.
Secondly, I regret that this report attempts, under the guide of agricultural diversification (an objective that nonetheless receives little support from the EU in the Economic Partnership Agreements under negotiation with the ACP countries), to use a financing instrument to manage the rapid disappearance (in the space of three years) of the banana sector in the ACP countries, for the benefit of Latin American producers, who are already leaders in the global market with a share of more than 70% of the export market.
The market price is determined in the wholesale power exchanges.
We therefore urge you to evaluate the social impact in terms of employment, in terms of the funding of retirement pension, in terms of social protection, in terms of the funding of public services, of the measures you are preparing to take.
I consider that many irregularities from 2003-2006 would have the support of changing the rule of presentation of the Framework Programme 6, for instance, as compared to Framework 5.
The free trade area between the EU and Mercosur, like the Doha Round at the WTO, has become caught up in issues of trade in agricultural goods.
An increasing amount of national legislation, with the principle of public access we have in Sweden, for example, is now being made at EU level.
I believe that the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund is justified in this case.
The first is the exceptional mobilisation of the aid machinery and the world of solidarity that sent thousands of volunteers to support the people struck by the first stage of the emergency.
The use of new technology must be constantly perfected, especially through the creation of wider Internet access to encourage recourse to such new learning methods.
It should be noted that special attention should be paid and financing should be allocated to transport, which is a crucial factor in implementing territorial, economic and social cohesion.
(PL) Mr President, Egypt is an important economic and commercial partner of the European Union.
(PL) Madam President, it has to be said that the hypocrisy and double standards in this debate and in the criticism of the Hungarian constitution are striking.
However, the majority of the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance remain of the opinion that penalising such people only serves to push the trafficked individual into deeper misery, because his or her activity then becomes totally illegal.
I hope that the oldest nuclear plants in France will also be shut down and decommissioned in a similar way.
We need to make this kind of speculation unattractive and bring long-term investment strategies to the fore once and for all.
Obviously, measures are needed quickly to dissuade youngsters and pregnant women from drinking. One of the most effective ways may be health warnings on bottles.
Parliament and the Council exercise control, but only after the adoption of the delegated acts.
Human rights are not negotiable and I hope that a majority of this House will also vote in favour of these common European human rights in our amendment.
Nonetheless, to demonstrate our goodwill, we voted in November to grant discharge to the Council's accounts - on the clear condition that changes would be made this year.
We want to be more part of Europe.
These rules have been included in the Community Code as an integral part of this Code.
- Before the vote on Amendment 30:
We should keep things in perspective when it comes to the question of what the EU should regulate and what it should not.

We also need to promote the 25% reduction of administrative burden indicated in the SBA, which would contribute to the effectiveness of the SBA, would counteract any protectionist economic policies of Member States and stimulate business across the EU.
However, Mrs Miguelez Ramos emphasises the importance of political decisions being founded on science and long-term sustainability and not primarily on the fishing industry's short-term interests, and this is something that I see as a good thing.
We should neither praise nor blame all Irish people when only half of them went to vote and the Government showed its indifference as well.
Particular attention should be paid to the most vulnerable groups of people, including children and adolescents.
In this way we will, hopefully, avoid a delay like the one that occurred in the introduction of Euro 5 for passenger cars.
We must not throw good money after bad.
Thirdly, I fully subscribe to the report which recommends participation by representatives of the Union in the bodies of the convention on an equal footing with those of the contracting parties.
Consequently, the whole package of the 26 priority alignment proposals could be ready for adoption before the end of this year.
Mr President, the International Fund for Ireland has played a major role in peace and reconciliation in my country.
It is important that the Member States and the EU work more effectively together with industry and the service enterprises in order to make better use of the freight logistics.
Madam President, something absolutely unprecedented happened in this Chamber today.
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, with this directive, we are taking a huge step towards combating human trafficking in an efficient manner.
The simple fact of the matter is that we use too much on our planet.
There have been recurring violations of human rights in China, and we cannot omit to condemn them.
I would like to warn that we are extending the scope of this directive at a point in time where we have hardly any experience of how transposal of the current directive has gone.
It thus contributes to the dissemination and enforcement of human rights in all societies.
Closure of the sitting
I am not questioning the strategic importance of these projects, but I cannot fail to highlight that they have been falling short of expectations.
We expect the new European Commission to be the engine of the European Union.
I call on the European Union to invest as a matter of urgency in the implementation of the global partnership project, which will enable actions for combating famine to be better coordinated.
Finally, I am very interested in the proposal to introduce the voluntary collection of tourism statistics regarding the habits of people with disabilities or restricted mobility and the subsequent establishment of pilot projects in order to improve such persons' participation in tourism.
He already has a 'maxi-mandate' and, therefore, he may accept a mini-Treaty.
Mr President, in all fairness, I believe the Swedish Presidency can be satisfied with its achievements, and I think that Sweden can be proud of the performance of the Swedish Presidency.
I congratulate Mrs Oomen-Ruijten for this excellently drafted report.
It is equally essential that all remaining political prisoners be set free - more than 2 000 of them, according to Mr Posselt and Mr Preda.
in writing. - An improved quality of life through the creation of secure and better quality jobs and ensuring access to infrastructure of all types - be this transport, social or educational, or relating to research, development and innovation - has been the main reason for the public supporting the process of European integration.
It has its Parliament, its President and its Foreign Affairs Adviser, and now it wants the political parties to go with that.
Therefore, it is very important that you also use the new Euronest and all other means in order to really instil our ideas.
The debate is closed.
He hopes that once the results of his efforts are visible, the spreads will decrease.
It is true that Europe and China may disagree and have different views on some issues, such as on human rights and democracy.
But I can see that what you told us is a really important step and we actually expect more active measures from the Commission, obviously with the full backing of the European Parliament, as this matter is an extremely serious one for small and medium-sized businesses, especially in the context of the current financial crisis.
Since then, the National League for Democracy has been banned.
Lastly, I would like to highlight the work of the European Commission, and particularly Ignacio Bercero's contribution, for which I am most grateful.
Even though, at this point, we are only talking about a recasting of the guidelines, I would nevertheless like to take the opportunity to mention a project that is particularly problematic for Austria.
It is on this latter point that Parliament must have a real discussion.
In this age of digital information, info-exclusion may become a new form of discrimination and inequality.
In this respect, health systems such as ours quite clearly demand recognition of the fact that a visiting patient should not have more rights than an indigenous patient from the Member State where treatment is taking place.
We can usually judge Russia's sincerity by its degree of commitment to resolving conflicts like this one, but the fact is that in Transnistria, as well as in Georgia and Ukraine, Russia cannot resist interfering.
I apologise for the interruption.
They need international support to preserve their culture and identity.
Unfortunately, the proposal was defeated in the vote in committee, but now the Socialist Group in the European Parliament has resubmitted it so that we can vote on it here in plenary.
On the other hand, the Hungarian minorities in the surrounding countries, Slovakia included, are growing.
We will have modern and up-to-date regulations in an area where development is very rapid.
At the moment, from the perspective of the Slovenian Presidency, it is difficult to speculate on the nature of those effects, but they are very likely and must be expected to arise.
Where, then, is the European Union?
I congratulate the rapporteur and John Bowis for a job well done.
Price rises are felt most by low-income families, who spend a significant proportion of their budget on food.
It is nonetheless important to share information with Parliament and the public on the most important issues at stake, given the progress of the negotiations in this instance.
No.
Unanimity in the Council is required for the proposal to be approved.
The approval of this resolution is a first, indispensable step towards the greater participation of citizens in Europe.
If this is true, the situation is serious, because an apolitical concept, such as the intercultural dialogue, is consciously politicized for obscure reasons, thus damaging the image of a European Union Member State.
I have here the text of 11 March, which will be approved tomorrow and the day after.
One thousand job losses in Paris is bad, but in a small town like Limavady it is catastrophic.
Please be courageous and make Europe strong, both inside and out.
There is, however, an area of Council of Europe competence which would benefit from review, and I refer to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
The determination to promote relations with Latin American countries could pave the way to resolving the whole issue of European investors' rights, in an appropriate manner.
So I would argue, on that basis, that it is part of our responsibility, or our co-responsibility, not to reduce investment in Africa, and I would stress again, echoing one of the speakers, that investment can be sustained through exchanges of expertise.
Article 10 under Title II covers anti-discrimination.
On the eve of the coming into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the Council is acknowledging, as it were, that Parliament is the only body which is elected because Parliament works openly.
These are: non-discrimination, consultation and remedy, transparency and cost-relatedness of security charges, and establishment of a supervisory authority.
Many airlines want to see as much cost transparency as possible from the other side, the airports, and a regulatory authority that would ultimately set the prices, along with the introduction of the 'single till' system.
Member States have shown different degrees of willingness to take former inmates.
Scientists estimate that replacing these natural services and dealing with consequences such as unemployment and migration would cost 7% of gross income worldwide.
For that reason, talking about a consolidated package simply is not something that is feasible and realisable.
I urge the Commission to closely monitor the effects of increased biofuel production in the European Union and in third countries in terms of changes in land use, food product prices and access to food.
The men and women who are today involved in establishing inter-generational solidarity networks deserve recognition.
Undoubtedly, one of the most important CFSP matters is the EU's increasing energy dependence on sources of supply and transit routes and the need to curb the EU's energy dependence on third countries.
Question No 3: the Commission has also launched a study to evaluate Member States' legislation and the situation concerning trafficking in human beings.
These should not be based on transitional criteria or circumstantial or artificial wealth trends.
I do not think we should revisit the rules adopted by European decision makers, including the European Parliament.
The result has been to establish ESAs, which are fully scrutinised by this Parliament.
5.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (ES) Mr President, I would like to thank Mrs Barsi-Pataky for having such an open attitude, including all those of us who have participated in the process.
In other words, centralised control is crucial.
in writing. - I supported the Vălean report on EU citizens' rights.
Active support is required for job creation.
In his view, when the Commission exercises its right of initiative, it is engaging in populism.
There is just one point I would like to make, and that is the greater need for transparency in our financial institutions, be it at regional, national or EU level.
He said, 'Plato is dear to me, but dearer still is the truth'.
Myanmar has a history of military dictatorship going back around 50 years, and we condemn the fact that its inhabitants have not been able to lead a normal life for half a century.
Article 317 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides that responsibility for implementation of the EU budget lies with the Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, and that the Court of Auditors sends Parliament and the Council a statement on the reliability of the accounts and the regularity and legality of the underlying transactions.
According to the Treaty of Lisbon, restrictive measures will also continue to be used as a tool within the common foreign and security policy by means of Council Decisions in accordance with Article 29 of the treaty.
To this end, it is important that the national authorities responsible for its application submit periodic reports on their activities.
However, we must deplore the terms of this debate and its unacceptable position against Cuba, leaving aside the grave consequences of the economic, trade and financial embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba and the detention in American prisons of five Cuban citizens who only wanted to defend their country.
Those in favour of taking such a line, rejected the amendment tabled by our Group denouncing the European Court of Justice rulings that legitimise wage dumping and restrict trade union rights.
Attitudes towards further enlargement are unenthusiastic, mostly influenced by non-enlargement-related issues and partly related to the lack of information about enlargement.
We should ensure in particular that we do not suggest to people resident in the EU who have not attained citizenship that their views are not necessary or not welcome.
Lastly, we must ensure that freedom, democracy and rights are the fundamental elements that govern the application of this agreement.
That concludes this item.
For this very reason the Council recently adopted measures to promote the use and production of second-generation biofuels, in other words those biofuels whose production does not compete with food production.
We have a crucial year in front of us ahead of Durban.
Today, the crisis has changed many of these perceptions.
in writing. - (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I voted in favour of Mrs Starkevičiūtė's report.
You talked about the excesses, Mr Schulz, that are the practice in one country - it is not my place to mention it - but if we all agree on a minimum corpus for the cost, those excesses that you pointed out will no longer take place, and, Mr Cohn-Bendit, I am sure that Mr Daul would agree, why would the European Parliament not be involved in this?
How, then, can we talk about making it easy for women to return to work?
The Council is sitting on a proposal in selected areas at the moment.
Every issue, even the tiniest one, to do with human rights or press freedom will be scrutinised here.
Finally, the Treaty of Lisbon will make Europe more democratic, by giving far greater weight to this Parliament and also by giving the national parliaments and the citizens a greater say in European affairs.
Based on its rich cultural, historical and religious traditions, Tibet certainly deserves autonomy.
As I see it, the crucial issue in this country is that unfortunately - and here I would echo what Doris Pack has said - the nationalists often still seem to be setting the agenda.
Maintaining this symbol as the headquarters of the European Parliament costs hundreds of millions of euros each year, but we have respect for this symbol.
Of the 156 million people in Pakistan, 95% are Muslims, around 3% Christians and around 2% Hindus.
The exchange of good practice would be unimaginable without encouragement from Community institutions.
I have one more point to make concerning Parliament's capacity to see the development of strategies.
Campania could make a huge leap overnight towards becoming a recycling community.
In the past, this was about the single market, single currency and enlargement.
Judging from the debates which have been held in this Chamber, we can put a label on it: gender inequality.
I very much welcome the fact that only funds that have already been made available in the Structural Funds (around EUR 1 billion for the period 2007-2013) can be used within the framework of the Strategy for the Danube Region - in other words, that no additional funding is being allocated and that neither new institutions nor new legislation are needed.
These and many other things certainly merit our admiration.
We are fighting for this moratorium to be supported by the European Union.
The money will be used to re-train workers, help start businesses and provide people with job placements, which are very necessary.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (DE) Mr President, Commissioner, if what you are calling for is further development and harmonisation of the internal market, then we need to have a common set of rules.
These direct impacts on supply and demand are significant contributors to agricultural commodity prices and to the increases that we have seen.
The European Parliament has been asked to give its verdict within a particularly short timeframe on what are, nonetheless, very sensitive matters.
It is therefore necessary to take concrete steps to protect and promote the fundamental freedoms of individuals when surfing the web.
However, I find it hard to say anything positive about the end result of this report.
With the adoption of this package, business and SMEs will find it easier, as Mr Stubb said, to sell their products - common household goods, bicycles, ladders, tanks, containers etc. - while consumers should reap the benefit of a wider choice of high-quality and safe products.
We therefore engage on Iran, the Middle East, Afghanistan, the Balkans and elsewhere, as well as in multilateral fora.
The Commission will decide on any necessary action once the responses are available and have been analysed.
Mr Nattrass made some very personal remarks against me before sneaking out of the Chamber without listening to the debate.
Without doubt, the matter of immigration is once again becoming a serious domestic policy issue in some of the Member States, and is exacerbated by the economic crisis.
This is designed to enrich capital; it hides behind fanciful blandishments, admonitions, exhortations and homilies about the respect for diversity.
My group would also agree that an interinstitutional agreement would be useful to avoid the sort of arbitrary use of codecision that we have seen on occasion, that sort of arbitrary use at the behest of the Council when many of us felt, because things could not be got through by unanimity, Parliament was being used as a sort of alibi.
We are aware that other groups are making the same request, and rightly so.
The debate is closed.
(Applause)
There are also problems with Natura 2000.
Kosovo is a unique case.
As I said, this has been approved by political groups in the past.
Madam President, I voted for the report.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, it is a sign of the importance that this House attaches to our strategic relationship with China that this debate has been scheduled during your inaugural session.
It would also have been a very questionable interpretation of the health and environment legislation if we had continued exporting when on the one hand we are laying down a new safety landmark by way of the latest pesticide certification, while on the other we are doing the very opposite with our exports.
We called that the Community method.
in writing. - Statistics show that unfortunately, Roma are the most hated and discriminated ethnic minority in Europe.
There is not a single indication for this ban to prevail for non-ruminant ...
If we do, we shall lose touch, as we are doing now, by abusing the word 'marriage' in applying it to unions that are not marriage.
The chaos of daily declarations on Greece by national politicians and stakeholders is only adding to the confusion and creating more speculation on the markets.
Parliament has more than once called for regulation of the financing of security charges, but without success.
Does it know that farmers in New Zealand are not now subsidised but are doing very well and that only 3% of them went under when subsidies were withdrawn?
Intensive negotiations are being conducted on the Association Agreement, with excellent results.
This will have undeniable consequences for the credibility of the large amounts of criticism that will still have to be made later on.
That is a very good question.
in writing. - (PL) I voted in favour of adoption of the report on the Council decision on the signature, on behalf of the European Community and its Member States, of a Protocol to the Agreement between the European Community and its Member States of the one part and the Swiss Confederation of the other, on the free movement of persons, regarding the participation, as contracting parties, of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania pursuant to their accession to the European Union (9116/2008 - C6-0209/2008 C6-0209/2008 -.
If the poverty of aspiration implicit in a minimalist treaty is reflected in your poverty of enthusiasm?
Until the responsibility for this crisis is made clear in resolutions of this Parliament, then the resolutions themselves cannot be effective.
A number of landmark reforms have been carried out to date.
Like most of you, I am persuaded that our efforts to combat tax fraud and evasion and to increase tax cooperation are worthwhile.
We have a budget that provides extra resources for Frontex, thereby permitting essential responses to pressing challenges, and we have a budget that funds the common foreign and security policy, albeit only for 2008, and makes it possible to draw on the flexibility instrument for CFSP purposes.
This hysteria is cleverly maintained through the speeches by the President of the Commission, and also by the former President of Parliament, presenting us with the unimaginable cataclysms which they claim will result from climate change.
Passengers will have 12 basic rights applying to any length of journey.
Once this is done, we will be able to make progress in negotiations.
(SL) Commissioner, I congratulate you on your new post and I hope that you will be successful in this area.
Passengers must part with their cosmetics.
The time has now come for Europeans to learn lessons from these events and to call for radical reforms of European governance.
So perhaps we should ask ourselves whether we are sufficiently determined to do differently this time.
I would ask you to accept our intention to vote in favour of the report in the final vote.
If we want to bring this financial aspect under control, and this is vital for the economic stability of our countries, we need to be able - and it is your role, Mr Barroso, to provide this impetus - to set clear goals, clear measures and to show a clear determination in regard to good economic coordination.
Secondly, we need it to be a requirement to report all of the results of feed tests, and these must also be produced during the relevant checks.
The Lithuanian authorities are in the process of considering these changes.
Let us be very honest.
As a rule SMEs have a great capacity for initiative and adaptability since they are not stifled by bureaucracy and are normally run by entrepreneurs and managers who are highly committed to their work of wealth creation.
Could you give us an analysis of that, now, or in the near future, or in your action plan?
(Applause)
We have already taken measures to improve convergence and cooperation between supervisors.
In this way, we have managed to produce a report with a broad consensus on an important subject.
. - (RO) Communism is a deceitful philosophy.
Therefore, I believe that the system of yearly fines for non-compliance with these rules, as proposed in the report, should be supported and, above all, strictly applied.
However, in order to realise them we also need a new, stronger legal basis, in other words we need a Reform Treaty.
Therefore, the decision to include certain countries in this liberalisation of visa requirements is based on the merits of each individual country.
What price?
Since most appliances sold in shops belong to category A, clear information about the energy savings generated from the use of the appliance is lost and the manufacturer loses the motivation to produce an energy-efficient appliance.
And I can tell you, if we re-open the distribution of money between the envelopes and Member States, it will be like opening Pandora's box, and I have no more money available than the present budget of approximately EUR 1.3 billion every year for the wine sector.
I voted in favour of the important resolution on the livestock sector in the hope of improving the lot of livestock farmers and the whole sector, which is in crisis due to strong speculation for a rise in animal feed prices.
He will not be elected!
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Mr President, the ALDE Group is of the opinion that Laos and Vietnam are no democracies.
It will not: on the contrary, it will result in deflation.
The aim of this policy is to do away with physical, administrative and regulatory obstacles to cohesion, and to reduce the 'border effect' between territories and regions in order to enable them to address their shared challenges together, whether those challenges are territorial (services, infrastructure, urban and regional planning), global (globalisation, climate change), economic or societal.
Secondly, is the European public debt crisis deteriorating before our very eyes, as Mr Giegold describes?
What might work - and this is also mentioned in the Commission proposal - is if a coordinator was appointed for each cross-border project who could mediate in the area of interconnections and could get things moving.
I support the final form of the report on governance and partnership in the Single Market, and especially its key priorities.
In fact, I have brought some with me this evening just to remind us what some toys look like.
This was an excellent result.
The organisation of public debates and consultations with stakeholders, together with the submission of reports to national parliaments for opinions are further positive measures in this sense.
The EU has required each Member State to implement a stimulus package corresponding to just over 1% of its GNP.
Israeli must fulfil its international obligations, such as the Geneva Convention, to guarantee the flow of humanitarian assistance, humanitarian aid and essential services, and to open up the borders.
However, that is just one side of the coin.
Control of exports has a large impact on EU trade policy.
Improving access to the European market for goods originating from such countries must take this aspect into account, otherwise many spheres of manufacturing in Europe will be routinely eliminated.
The European summit really cannot reach any other conclusion.
(Applause)
President-in-Office. - (SL) The Presidency of the Council welcomes the report by the rapporteur, Mr Goepel, as a very measured and resounding contribution to the debate.
We will condemn authoritarian regimes which use force and persecute democratic organisations just because those organisations do not share the regime's views.
To attack these communities is to undermine our most fundamental values.
Explanations of vote
It is better to have a dissatisfied passenger who is alive than a passenger who, unfortunately, dies on board.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - Mr President, I thank the Commissioner for coming and presenting the latest position of the Commission on visa issues for the Ukraine and Belarus.
I have been very active in the discussions in Parliament because I truly believe that the Stockholm Programme is the best way forward to a citizen-centred Europe: a Europe for citizens, with the people.
Passengers living with disabilities, elderly people and families with small children are even more vulnerable in such exceptional situations, and this has been the case now as well.
In Bosnia-Herzegovina it took at least 10 000 for peace negotiations to begin, for peacekeepers to arrive on site and for disarmament to begin.
As a German I have to say that I find the conduct of the German Government cynical.
Oral questions and written declarations (submission): see Minutes
(PL) Mr President, I wholeheartedly support the report by Mr Peterle on behalf of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, entitled 'Together for Health: a Strategic Approach for the EU 2008-2013'.
Draft agreements with Jordan, Morocco and Egypt are already in place, which also cover trade in agricultural products.
According to global trade rules, imports of food products from third countries might be suspended if they present a serious threat to animal or public health.
This is my opinion on item 9 of this resolution.
In the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, we spoke many times about how we must learn from mistakes or from certain shortcomings so that these missions function better in future.
We had believed that our successes in past decades had eliminated the threats related to this serious public health concern.
We all remember that, until the Hampton Court summit of October 2005, there were even doubts that Europe could have a common strategy on immigration.
Yet, the European Central Bank has just threatened to raise interest rates if this demand, however legitimate, is met, despite the fact that profits have never been so high, as the experts acknowledge.
We must change the old system of state-owned monopolies with great privileges and no interoperability.
If we want to exercise influence in favour of democracy and the defence of human rights in Africa and Asia, we must first address those issues near at hand, on the Union's own doorstep.
We therefore need a different method of working in Parliament, one where our work and our decisions are brought into the open in a genuine spirit of true democracy.
The South Caucasus is a very interesting area which has been a constant topic of discussion in Europe for two hundred years now.
in writing. - While every effort must be made to find a solution to the situation in Gaza, this resolution at best will contribute nothing and at worst will have a negative impact.
One of the advantages of being late is that you can benefit from the latest technology.
It can help achieve unity effectively in a world of diversity.
On Monday, here in the European Parliament, a decision was taken to vote today on a document that some of us have no opportunity to read in consolidated form in our own language.
These include the US and of course Japan, China and India as well as other big countries and large-scale polluters.
The other condition mentioned in the question is an independent review of sectoral collective bargaining.
(FR) Mr President, following the dismantling of the 'jungle' camp in Calais at the end of September, I wish to denounce here the organisation, by France and the United Kingdom, of forced returns to Afghanistan, a country in total chaos.
My proposal involves the use of commercial banks as simple intermediaries, agents for granting credit and micro-credits from public funds to economic agents and entrepreneurs who, without funding, are also vulnerable to the risk of bankruptcy.
Others have not, as was the case with the last referendum, since we were not invited.
Before I close, I would like to mention, and indeed to emphasise, the positive atmosphere that prevailed in our meetings with the European Parliament.
Although Małopolska is ranked fourth in the country in terms of GDP, unemployment is a problem there - and it mainly affects the rural populace.
We are also anticipating with interest the legislative initiative on smart energy networks.
European countries are becoming the willing victims of a relentless global competitor with the instrument to destruct our livelihoods.
We call for the release of Mrs Saberi.
A total of 22 EU Member States have recognised Kosovo and only five have not done so, but the discussion on visas with Kosovo has not even started.
In addition, you are of course all aware of the Erasmus grants, which are still applicable.
I would stress that this is an unfinished legislative process in the national parliament with which the European Parliament is trying to interfere.
Madam President, this is an important matter.
It is the essential issue for this region and it is essential for the European Union, since the European Union's very raison d'être is peace.
This is an excellent opportunity to find out where the role of the Commission is limited and where it is challenged, and what the clear purposes of the Commission's policy are.
I am glad that by means of the Commission Communication and the report drafted by my colleague Goepel we have identified several solutions to enhance the common agricultural policy and to make the people in rural areas believe that this policy is for their own good and not only a set of bureaucratic provisions drafted by some offices in Brussels.
We must identify mechanisms - even gradual mechanisms - to avoid sanctions - I have almost finished, Mr President - but we can only do this if we respect the legality of the clauses and written agreements that the EU has signed.
If Amendment 1 is compatible with Amendment 51, as I believe it is, the Italian delegation will vote in favour of Amendment 1, but we do need this clarification.
That will give us common ground in order, together, to negotiate with the Chinese.
Discriminatory tax systems applied by Member States in favour of players can result in distortions of competition.
It offers a vital opportunity for the leaders of both the industrialised world and the emerging economies to work together on a common agenda for immediate economic stability and longer-term recovery.
With that in mind, we have supported the creation of the European Air Capacity Observatory under the auspices of the Commission.
I worked on the report concerning the draft decision on a joint framework for placing goods onto the market and I focused my amendment proposals on increasing the responsibility of importers, reducing the administrative burden on SMEs, retaining the new approach as the basic framework for placing products onto the market and creating and using European standards in a more flexible way.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (SL) Mrs Goudin's question is not covered by the Council's competences.
Two or three experimental CCS facilities should be built on the territory of Poland immediately.
However, the Innovation Union will only be a success if it is implemented jointly with the Member States and the regions.
(PT) Mr President, Mr Wathelet, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the 2011 budget which Parliament is proposing is ambitious, intelligent and respects the commitments which it has taken on in a rigorous and realistic way.
We would therefore be making a bad decision for the environment and a bad decision for future European jobs.
During the course of last year a number of worrying reports reached me.
The maintenance and practical application of this knowledge is essential both in connection with the operation of power plants and, for a long time afterwards, in connection with their closure.
I would like to express the hope that, in order to achieve these ambitious objectives, the European Commission will propose introducing appropriate support instruments not just at EU level, but also in Member States.
Food needs to be healthy, last a long time, taste good and cost as little as possible.
in writing. - (RO) The Commission's Report refers to the depopulation of rural areas, against the background of the absence of workplaces except for agriculture or due to poor living conditions.
I fully endorse what Mr Doorn has said.
My goal is to do this together with the Council and with the EU's other three institutions, so that the institutions can speak with one voice and be a clear partner in this.
With this resolution, we are ready to take responsibility for European agriculture.
9.
The requests are again accompanied by a whole series of ambiguities.
On the same day, the proceedings were suspended on the grounds that Ágnes Hankiss enjoys parliamentary immunity as a Member of the European Parliament.
However, I do not see this as a conflict of interest.
A requirement should be introduced to make investigations last less than 12 months and extend them by a maximum of 6 months.
What we can see is that a great deal is being said about the Roma minority, various programmes and platforms are being created, but the results are limited.
In addition to the current programmes and incentives, innovation will also be promoted through a series of initiatives which are currently being negotiated within the European Parliament and the Council.
I have been tasked by the European Council with ensuring that our cooperation and our respect for the integrity of the European Parliament are united by clarity - whether under the Treaty of Nice or the Treaty of Lisbon - in our nomination of a candidate to the post of Commission President.
Those who are participating in this debate here today will share this view, and I think that we will also be able to achieve a very large consensus in the debate.
Only then will we be able to implement tourism policy effectively and protect the rights of consumers.
The objective is to eliminate as much as possible existing incentives that run counter to the objectives of energy efficiency and the reduction of carbon emissions, as well as to create incentives where appropriate to serve these objectives.
Well, the Commission's proposals did not address this issue, and the reason is that nearly all Member States insist that they are not in a position to take commitments in that regard, even though they acknowledge that public financing of aviation security should be permitted.
I am grateful to Mr Saryusz-Wolski for having the courage to present this report, which contains a number of important and innovative ideas.
On the other hand, tenderers are also protected by the introduction of the review procedure, which guarantees the awarding process is fair and no discrimination occurs.
What is more, it is still not working.
It has been evaded in many Member States, as has already been mentioned here, not just in Austria.
The European Union needs to have a coherent long-term approach because national policies are inadequate when it comes to changing the Roma's situation.
However, in the case of industrial waste which is potentially harmful to human life and the environment, we have rules in the European Union for this.
I voted in favour of the report on European standardisation, because it increases the environmental safety valves of the current system.
Better passports alone are not enough.
Liberalisation is also the cause of the great environmental disaster that lies ahead unless we hasten to take decisive, enforceable measures to combat global warming.
I will give you an example to illustrate the fact that social cohesion gets destroyed in society because there is not enough control or not enough courage to exert control.
With regard to the position of the OSCE on the Hungarian media legislation, in relation to our own analysis, there is a difference of legal bases, but the OSCE was quite clear and quite right in its conclusions.
The answer in many cases is unfortunately not.
, on behalf of the PSE Group. - (ES) Mr President, I will read verbatim the oral amendment proposed by my group, the PSE Group:
The constitution, as it currently exists - the Dayton constitution - was a sign of stability in the 1990s, but it is no longer that today.
It is clear that a free-trade agreement will potentially benefit both sides, increasing the flow of goods and services, and enhance innovation and boost economic growth.
The reason why Mr Barroso must stay is because everything is changing, and he is the stability in a changing world.
Always communicating, never having open debates and therefore, with greater reason, not having referendums.
In this respect, I think that it is appropriate to have measures in place in the areas affected by changes in delimitation, which are aimed at boosting the agricultural sector's competitiveness and promoting diversification.
It is out of the question - yes, I have gone on for too long, but I am sure you will forgive your rapporteur, Mr President - for Europe to think about taking any urban transport-related decisions whatsoever on behalf of local authorities.
The behaviour of the German police is nothing less than harassment and it is in direct conflict with the principle of free movement of persons within the EU.
I agree with the paragraph in Britta's report which says that clear criteria must apply to this 10% level of biofuels in the energy mix.
National financial intermediaries were given a period of two years to provide loans, but as the report states, some financial intermediaries granted only a small portion of the loans or did not grant any at all, although the financial resources were in their accounts.
We call on you to support Amendments 22, 23 and 24 and to vote against those points which constitute intervention in the internal affairs of a sovereign state.
That would be a project that everyone out there would understand.
We have received many more excellent proposals for fundamental frontier research than we have money to fund.
There are clearly two guilty parties when it comes to Gaza's massive humanitarian crisis.
It is a positive step to make State aid for this sector conditional on having to meet quality social and environmental criteria, and on promoting jobs and training for seafarers from EU Member States, since the only true distortions of competition do not result from State aid, but instead from social, wage and environmental dumping.
(FR) Mr President, Mrs Ashton, the death and disappearance of the body of Seyed Ali Mousavi, the nephew of the leader of the Iranian opposition, is one of many tragic examples that show the current malaise of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (PT) Madam President, Commissioner, I am going to be frank as some Members have been, some more than others.
The distinction between developed and developing countries strikes me as odd.
It is this market that is capable of producing the hydrogen cars of the future and I believe this law today, when we vote for it, is crucial to achieving that goal.
It is worth pointing out that this is possible, as has been demonstrated by the progress made in free trade agreements.
As a main importer and consumer of wood and having committed itself to halving deforestation as part of its plans to fight climate change, the EU has a responsibility in combating illegal logging and trade in illegally harvested timber products.
The Member States of the European Union borrow at a lower rate of interest and lend, give money to the mechanism and, via it to Greece, at a higher rate of interest.
It is time to stop saying: 'Let's put the problem off for a couple of years'.
Amending budget no 1/2010: Section I - Parliament - Estimates of revenue and expenditure for the year 2011 - Section I - Parliament (debate)
I cannot see that making investments in poor countries more expensive is useful.
The debate is closed.
The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety voted in favour of the amendments that took greater account of the health and safety of children.
We can find best practice models in Nordic countries, and not only there.
The Romanian universal service provider is currently being restructured according to a schedule set by the Romanian Government for 2007-2010, and preparations for liberalisation will begin only afterwards.
The three aspects of sustainable development are well known: social, economic, environmental.
The boom is over.
When we talk about how much funding is actually committed to this, I think that we will have to look at various other areas as well.
As we have significant offensive interests in agriculture, trade agreements provide new opportunities stemming from our partners' concessions.
They are so vulnerable, and it is so sad to see that they are exposed to this danger.
The only option here is to make the effort to get to know these eastern neighbours and prepare the ground as regards legal, economic and social issues.
On the other hand, we have a government that has tried to resolve some of the problems that take away human rights in Latin America, namely poverty, illiteracy, infant mortality, availability of drinking water, and lack of title to indigenous lands.
I trust that, as the European Union, we shall maintain global leadership in this revolution.
I wonder if you would care to take this opportunity to say that you, as the deputy speaker today, confirm that this House values all opinions, be they for or against the Lisbon Treaty, and that we respect the dignity of that office of the Czech Republic.
I suspect that Mrs Georgieva's statement would have been the same two weeks ago, before these events.
We want to get on with the vote, but as Mr Schulz was the subject of the remark, he has the floor.
Public and private financial institutions must do their best to ensure that the markets work to benefit the real economy and small and medium-sized enterprises, in order to put them in a position to contribute to the economic recovery and growth in Europe.
It makes no sense to recognise global interdependence and to reject European interdependence.
(PL) I am pleased that the question of organ donation and transplantation is a priority for the Spanish Presidency, because it can be said that this is a matter of life and death.
(NL) Madam President, I should like to thank Mr Schwab for his commitment, as he was simply left with his back to the wall at the trialogue.
Do not be surprised if I cut you off.
Ensuring food quality: harmonisation or mutual recognition of standards (
We have no right to impose our view on the IASCF - this is up to the independent trustees - but we are making it our submission to improve the governance arrangements.
The promotion of foods using claims may mislead consumers and contravene scientific advice.
Of course I agree with Mr Ouzký that we need a global agreement, meaning all the countries of the world participating in a comprehensive agreement and all sectors of the economy to participate in the reductions.
Since yesterday, the condition of a robust mandate has been in place.
No one really does it properly.
It is also obvious that the audiovisual field is primarily the domain of the younger generation, who use television and devices operating via Internet protocols and multichannel digital television as one of their basic sources of information, together with other Internet technologies.
Mr President, my thanks to the Commissioner and to the rapporteur for the work done.
I would especially like to encourage the European Union, Mrs Ashton and Mrs Malmström to make contact with Russia and Tajikistan, because these are countries which could be very helpful, especially concerning logistics and the transportation of supplies for the population.
Large economic groups and transnational companies are, as always, expected to see a profit worth millions of euros with this Free Trade Agreement.
To streamline its operations, OLAF must be guaranteed immediate and automatic access to European Union fund management data bases, as well as all data bases and important information, by the relevant EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies.
We need a highly qualified diplomatic service which has people from every Member State so that they can enhance the representation of the EU in the world.
(SV) I would like to begin by thanking Claudio and everyone else who made this report possible.
We cannot allow the US authorities to have a decisive influence on the Basel proposals only to not then implement them.
Another request concerns a construction company in the Netherlands.
I shall miss out everything to do with China.
I have voted in favour of the Mann report because the recommendation to change the way in which pensions are financed in the original report was not adopted by the European Parliament.
It would be crazy to raise our ambitions in the current state.
Will the results we achieve be positive?
the report by Mrs Muñiz De Urquiza, on behalf of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, on the EU as a global actor: its role in multilateral organisations.
I believe that this is a record which will not be matched in the near future.
The second case is that of the European Food Safety Agency, where our initiative is the exact opposite, that is, we recommend putting 10% in reserve until the agency can demonstrate that it is operating appropriately.
One need only note that the rate of growth in global trade fell from 8.5% in 2006 to 5.5% in 2007 and was in the order of just 4% in 2008.
The Member who was speaking a moment ago ran over by the longest, but I allowed this because she represents Greece, and it was also the opinion of someone who lives in Greece, and this matter seemed to me to be important.
I have great sympathy for colleagues who are criticising the timetable, as distinct from the substance of what we do.
In the light of this example, I believe that it is up to Parliament to risk more than the other players, to be a striker who continually reinvents the game, taking inspiration from the new rules so as to strengthen the team's attacking ability and to put our hypothetical centre forward - the Barroso Commission - in a position to score.
Mr President, the prison at Guantánamo Bay was a necessary creation of the United States at the time.
Let me sound a warning, however, against further delays, including any that might be caused by the Council, because consumers have been waiting quite a long time now for lower repair bills and cheaper insurance premiums while these lengthy discussions have been taking place here in the House and among the Member States.
I hope that we will be able to work on these issues successfully together.
The conclusion of the Commission was that these two operations, which are so far apart in time, are not linked.
Thank you very much to everybody, especially to the colleagues who took part in this very difficult process.
The proposal to set up a common register of lobbyists is a good idea, as is the threat of sanctions.
I believe that we must focus attention on this, just as we must focus attention on the major human rights issues that have emerged lately.
Is a joint review of stress tests now required?
To achieve that objective, more effective cooperation is needed.
We opened our markets to China but China does not adhere to the terms and conditions it signed up to, and we have basically taken this lying down for a number of years.
However, the countries must at least have the opportunity to do as they wish.
We have therefore made clear our support for the efforts by the United States to achieve peace.
in writing. - (PT) I am voting overall in favour of the proposal presented in this report.
Lisbon wanted majority decision-making to be the norm within the EU.
We must also think of the increasing energy demands of the European Union, as well as the role of coal in energy security.
The EGF should, therefore, be mobilised in order to provide a financial contribution for the application submitted by Spain, which is why I have voted in favour of Mrs Matera's report.
If we consider forests solely as a source of renewable energy, we totally have missed the point of combining sustainable industry and environment protection.
I found one passage in this interview puzzling, however.
This mechanism, by contrast, subverts this principle, encouraging the movement of capital and putting economic power before political power and the interests of capital before the interests of countries and their peoples.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - Mr President, just for the record, I am not an author of this resolution.
It is time there was a clear definition for the production of traditional rosé wines.
We do not know today which countries will be awarded the Nobel prizes in five years' time.
Therefore, I will do everything to ensure that the Belgian and Hungarian Presidencies continue the work began by the Spanish Presidency.
Without a major crisis you will never manage to create a real European democracy, a real political community.
Moreover, as Europeans' elected representatives, you reflect the dominant feeling in Europe.
The Council has also stated repeatedly that the existence of secret detention facilities, where detained persons are kept in a legal vacuum, is not in conformity with international humanitarian and human rights law.
Too much information kills off European citizens.
There is also an annual reporting mechanism, and the annual report will be made public and will definitely be available to the European Parliament.
Sanctions should be directed against actual people, for example with a view to restricting their movements or confiscating their assets, and not against the victims of their malicious behaviour.
We are in favour of the development and application of technologies that reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and, therefore, the levels of atmospheric gas emissions resulting from their combustion.
- Report: Duff
Her speech in Toulouse on this subject was also brilliant.
It is true that we have elements of such a policy, such as the Seventh Framework Programme, which provides the conditions to attract research and development investment.
Health-related activities will contribute to tackling poverty-related diseases and reducing alarmingly high mother and child mortality rates.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
The democratic principle that all votes should have equal weight is something that cannot be applied until such time as the European Union becomes a fully federal system.
This money will hopefully go some way towards covering those costs.
If you are part of a country, I think you have rights and duties.
That said, the responsibility for our schoolchildren eating a sufficient quantity of apples and bananas must, nevertheless, rest with the children's parents and, possibly, the municipalities providing their education.
Rapporteur for the opinion of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs. - (RO) The financial crisis has imposed much more prudent credit policies, which are necessary for the banks, but harsh for the economy.
Both sides in the conflict draw attention to human rights violations committed by the other side, and both sides violate these rights.
Voting time (continuation)
In all these areas, it is necessary to ensure appropriate social and legal protection.
We want to continue taking the same care with our records of proceedings.
We then made efforts to encourage these countries to contact the candidate countries as well.
Employment in the EU, in other words, does not automatically lead to the prevention of poverty, and I am sorry to say that awareness of this fact within the European Commission and among the Member States has not generated any specific packages of measures involving objectives such as the introduction of a minimum wage above the at-risk threshold or the solution of the problem of basic social security to which Mr Kusstatscher referred.
The fact is that this Charter is not applicable to national legislation and national institutions at all.
The EU's ongoing love affair with the Treaty is an act of political necrophilia.
I think that with the addition made to the article concerned, this issue has been resolved and Greece's reservation has been lifted.
In the light of the speed with which the speculators are acting, we are doing far too little.
The issue we are facing today stems from the management of the Schengen area in 2011.
Healthy eating is part of general education.
Likewise, the equally cynical reaction of Hamas by launching rockets into areas and by the brutal killing of eight people in a school.
That is my vision of Europe.
I therefore welcome the adoption of this resolution, and I hope that all SMEs will benefit from these measures and become prosperous, as all Europeans would benefit.
This is quite simply the result of the development of US law, meaning that it is not a matter upon which the Council should express its opinion.
Consumer protection is, and has always been, one of the EU's priorities, and it was consolidated following the adoption of the Treaty of Lisbon.
All the signatures must be submitted by European Union citizens old enough to vote in the European parliamentary elections.
Both instruments are linked to the announced amendment - using the simplified procedure and without holding any referenda - to the Treaty of Lisbon, with the aim of introducing the so-called 'conditionality' associated with the European Stability Mechanism.
For example, we recall the research projects financed by the Seventh Framework Programme, especially those being engaged in with the participation of the Israeli aerospace industry, which manufactured unmanned aircraft used in the attack on the Gaza Strip in 2008 and 2009, causing the deaths of dozens of people.
Every state should be in charge of regulating the working time in their respective country.
It is therefore valid for a short period, which, in principal, expires on 31 October 2010.
The compromise between the European Parliament and the Council on the regulation on the so-called citizens' initiative, which has been accompanied by ridiculous triumphant talk about the strengthening of the democratic institutions of the EU, is nothing more than an insulting attempt to manipulate and fool the people.
They deserve the opportunity to show their merit during the accession process.
It has, however, become clear over the last few years that for many Europeans it is a matter for debate whether the net effect of globalisation, liberalisation and greater competition does anything to improve their well-being.
Now we are members and many of the Roma population, as European citizens, have established themselves in other countries, like Italy, joining other Roma people living there, some in camps which are already 40 years old.
Unfortunately, the outbound illegal shipment of waste from the European Union is large-scale, and for this reason it is important that the new directive be able to prevent this.
Therefore, a balance must be found between competitive economic policies and social policies.
rapporteur. - (PT) Madam President, after so many good contributions I am sorry to have to reply briefly just to some of the points that I consider essential, but I think they all, like the many points in the report not mentioned here, bring extraordinary enrichment to this debate.
In essence, we need to know whether we are succeeding in defining the new Europe and whether we are succeeding in defining - through a new relationship between the European political forces within and outside this Parliament - the real distinction, the real boundary that exists within today's Europe between conservatives and progressives, between those who want a more politically integrated Europe and those who, instead, want only an enlarged single market.
Finally, the issue of timely and equal access to prevention, diagnosis and care should be closely looked at if we want to ensure that the fight against cancer also contributes to the objective that we should all keep in mind the reduction of health inequalities in Europe.
Given the substantial cost of decommissioning these structures, it is only natural for the EU to support these countries in their efforts toward this decommissioning, so that no nuclear accident will occur in European territory, with consequences that are, unfortunately, well known to all of us.
in writing. - One of the most important weapons in the arsenal of the rights of European citizens is that of petition.
First, the revised settlement has been significantly narrowed in scope.
The situation is obviously difficult because of the price of oil, the price of commodities or the scarcity of raw materials, which are pushing up prices.
Representative democracy can function only when citizens communicate with their elected representatives and ask them to promote their interests.
The combination of partial decommissioning, total decommissioning, retaining vessels in operation with the possibility of engine substitutions, with the possibility of modernisation on board etc., all measures which already exist, and the whole package within a fleet adaptation scheme, could lead to a situation where we effectively bring about the needed reduction in capacity, which would translate to a reduction of effort to meet with the present state of affairs we have concerning the health of fish stocks.
Pakistan's minister for minority affairs announced yesterday that amendments are being prepared to stop the misuse of the blasphemy laws.
In my opinion, the European Parliament's negotiators should not exacerbate the situation in the talks, but, on the contrary, should aim to reach an agreement.
Rights-based management tools in fisheries (
In simplistic terms, firstly we want priority to be given to a social Europe rather than to a radical market orientation.
Let us be clear, Europe has much more to gain from globalisation than it has to lose.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, in the realm of climate policy, the year 2007 - and some time has already elapsed since then - is regarded as the year when the reality of climate change was officially acknowledged.
This report fails to mention the responsibility for and complicity in the dissemination of false information which served to justify the military intervention in Iraq, such as the existence and location of 'weapons of mass destruction' and links between the former regime and international terrorism.
I also agree that the text concerning GMOs and zero tolerance in this report is very unfortunate.
We have made promises which we have no intention of fulfilling.
This is something that the EU has to address.
It creates a situation in which many of the European Union's institutions can work together, and perhaps most importantly of all, it creates a place for the citizen with his everyday concerns, his desire to take part in the European process.
in writing. - Conservative MEPs voted against this report as it is a step in the wrong direction.
Economic welfare and greater upward social mobility are the key to a successful migration policy.
That can only evoke our enthusiasm and our support.
For years now, we have pointed to Zimbabwe as the great shame on the face of Africa, a testimony to the effects of tyranny, corruption and exploitation by one man's appalling regime.
That session, which was held to prepare this resolution, was, from that point of view, a farce, and that is why I left it.
However, despite what some of the protesters within this Chamber may think, this is a time for respect: not just respect for the Irish voters, who gave their democratic opinion with regard to this Treaty, but respect for the other countries and their individual rights on how they operate and how they ratify a treaty.
Mr President, I would like to congratulate the Swedish Presidency for the vision of a citizen-centred Europe laid down in the Stockholm Programme.
The fact that it will lead to an increase in the specific cost of a product and, therefore, probably also to an increase in the price of the product, has already been mentioned here by the Commissioner.
in writing. - (DE) The recent storms across Madeira, parts of Spain and France took a heavy toll with over 40 deaths on Madeira, another 60 in France, countless missing persons and extensive property damage.
The Treaty of Lisbon addresses the democratic deficit by strengthening the powers of both the European Parliament and the national parliaments.
Was there negligence on the part of the Irish authorities in enforcing with rigour the feed law and food safety requirements?
When considering the most recent escalations, this should not be forgotten.
Yes, we do want to make use of surplus foodstuffs.
It would be helpful if the Commission could indicate how the fund is going to improve developing country access to the CDM.
Mr President, in relation to the next two amendments, I am withdrawing our Amendment No 8.
Furthermore, they were never called to account or punished.
They are necessary, but they must also be worthwhile.
The Spanish Presidency really ought to be here today in order to confirm that.
It is a paradox that we enter working life later and leave it sooner.
Similar projects with no social control are also promoted in third countries to secure greater profits for businesses in the name of growth - the growth of capital, naturally.
We would like the protection of biodiversity to be a priority for the European Union through its various fields of competence.
With respect, that is sleight of hand and is targeted at people's ignorance; it ignores the fact, for example, that if we did not have EU law, we would still have national law, even in the United Kingdom, and indeed in particularly large quantities, as we know.
The vote will take place on Wednesday, 21 May 2008.
More importantly, the EQF would help to reduce discrimination against both immigrants and EU citizens in the workplace.
You can keep me here for another two weeks, day and night, and I will not accept this criticism.
We clearly need more Europe.
Now, in the third period starting in 2013, at least 50% of allowances will be traded and this will gradually increase year on year.
The EU needs to work constructively with Turkey and the US to stop impunity in Iran, which is one of the most urgent cases of aggressors and where execution, rape and torture are brought upon citizens by their own government on a daily and systematic basis.
Europe must combat this as a whole because four out of every five European citizens consider that corruption is a fundamental problem in their country.
This is why the motion for revising this directive is more than timely.
I would also like to ask the Commissioner - taking into account what former Commissioner Michel previously said about the need to step up the involvement of the World Bank and the IMF - whether he intends to come up with a proposal for this Istanbul Summit.
They will overburden businesses and will obviously result in job losses and in cost increases for consumers.
I find that situation quite simply unacceptable.
This should ring alarm bells ahead of the vote.
We want the Strasbourg week to be week 11, but this does not mean that our amendment is inadmissible.
Throughout history the arts have used the most progressive technologies of the day, and scientific debates have influenced many aesthetic theories.
(IT) Mr President, that demonstrates that this resolution is political.
I am very pleased about the plans in this area, particularly relating to the shipping industry.
Madam President, I welcome the revision of the Novel Food Regulation, which must stimulate innovation in the food and drink industry.
I voted in favour of adopting the joint motion for a resolution on the situation in Georgia.
Aer Lingus's decision to discontinue flights to London has adversely affected the region, not least economically.
(DE) Madam President, our fellow Members have negotiated very skilfully and have agreed on a very good resolution with the groups.
This is our shared Europe.
I would like to call to mind not only the Erika or the Prestige, as mentioned by Mr Sterckx, but - and this is the task that I have set myself for my report on the sector - I would also like to say that we must avoid tragedies such as that of the Princess of the Stars, with 800 deaths in the Philippines, as well as the 'mere' 4 deaths recorded in the collision between a container ship and a hydrofoil on the Strait of Messina or again the 'mere' 2 deaths a few days ago among those on La Besogne, which hit a bateau mouche in Paris.
I abstained during the vote on the report on the new strategy for Afghanistan.

It is in fact here that we have market-based instruments, because it is all about introducing taxes and charges on things which exacerbate environmental problems, internalising environmental problems in other words.
I am pleased to have your suggestions and contributions, which we have been following closely.
I had already been in Mexico and I will go there most probably next year.
(PL) Mr President, Commissioner, the events in Japan have affected all of us very profoundly.
People are scared.
the report by Mr Lehne, on behalf of the Committee on Legal Affairs, on the proposal for a Council regulation on the Statute for a European private company - C6-0283/2008 -.
When you realise that apparently the same happened in the Crimea, you can only feel very concerned.
If we want genuine equality, then individual European States must not recognise Sharia law in any way, shape or form.
Firstly, the common market benefits all the Member States, both old and new, and everyone else associated with this common market.
The European Parliament was then invited to give its view on the various parts of this paper.
We have begun to move, we now have a new basis for the Treaty, but one which is not yet in force.
It would have been much better to have an interinstitutional agreement, which would have provided greater security for the future.
A common European solution is needed to a common European problem, taking an integrated and cross-sectoral approach that enables aid for and specific intervention in the most underdeveloped areas, and in those with severe structural disadvantages.
I can tell you that obtaining a 'yes' will depend on a range of conditions; it is important to know that, and we must have an answer on this before 25 January.
The argument put forward by Mr Tomczak, who was a member of the Polish Parliament in 1999, that his national parliamentary immunity remained a formal obstacle to the criminal proceedings should be duly considered by the Polish judicial authorities.
This functional or flexible geography does not stop at national borders, and cooperation across national borders is of clear European added value and importance for citizens.
I think we need to do more in the short term to help the industry through this present crisis.
The sole Romanian church in Mălăiniţa will soon be demolished.
However, we will now prevent negative cases as a result of the fact that the substance of a company must be retained in the critical first years following the acquisition in particular.
Since our belief is that too much international trade leads to over-exploitation and depletion of fish stocks as countries seek to increase their exports, there was a good basis for common ground.
The CAS will become operational during the first semester of 2011.
Mr President, let me change tack and bring to your attention some real-life facts.
(DE) Mr President, Mr Mann, I hope you are in regular contact with your Chancellor, if you see things in the same way that I do.
I would like to inform the Chamber that during the vote, at the express request of the association of parliamentary journalists, for each set of results we must also expressly indicate the number of votes for and against and the number of abstentions.
You can boo, you can jeer, but remember this: Britain outside of the euro has been able to devalue, has been able to slash interest rates.
Their alleged crimes were committed when they were 13-17 years old.
Mr President, as indicated in the Council's proposal for a directive, the minimum VAT rate has helped keep the system operating at an acceptable level.
As parliamentarians, we should do our utmost to bring about the required change.
Member of the Commission. - (FR) Madam President, first I want to say thank you and to welcome the various statements made here, all of which are in support of Mr Lehideux's report.
The opening up of markets to airlines will provide improved services for passengers and cargo operators, and will bring great benefits in terms of the economy and of job creation.
The distressing events in Italy, and in Rome in particular, are only the latest in a series of incidents that have often gone unheeded or have been ignored.
This will mean that we as individual parliamentarians have no opportunity to look at the text, to evaluate it, to discuss and reach a sound decision on it.
However, particular attention needs to be given to the negative impact that a CCCTB could have on small countries such as Ireland, whose prosperity and employment levels depend, to a large extent, on its capacity to attract foreign investment.
A large proportion of these erroneous payments could have been prevented by the Member States.
Moreover, the latest reports indicate that the only Slovenian museum in Hungary is to be closed down because of funding cuts.
It is a serious violation of the human rights which we in the EU defend fiercely and fight every day to uphold.
(HU) As a rapporteur, or in this case draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety for the report on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms, I wish to emphasise again that the European Parliament must be given a greater role in supervising procedures.
We do need to look at that issue.
Madam President, I am happy to be able to lend my support to a pan-European project that is very ambitious both for the European Union and for developing countries, and which is aimed at eliminating tuberculosis by means of a vaccination programme.
(FR) Mr President, the food industry uses 300 food additives, 2 600 natural or artificial flavourings, plus traditional diastases or enzymes and also azo dyes.
Given that all countries have responsibilities for supporting the least developed countries (LDCs), in order to meet the Millennium Development Goals, I agree with the proposals included in this joint motion for a resolution, and I would like to see the goal of halving the number of LDCs by 2020 achieved.
The Committee is being very wary, and not without reason.
Subject: EU broadband strategy
During the crisis the Moldovan authorities committed serious violations of human rights.
Finally, both the Council and the Commission talk endlessly about the importance of flexicurity, but how can the Council be taken seriously while the directive on temporary agency work remains blocked?
China has maintained her cultural traditions and her values.
The same question can be asked of national parliaments.
We will overcome them most effectively if we work together to find common solutions.
Today, seven years since the agreement was ratified, the European Parliament has managed to express its opinion on the negotiations led by the Commission on the basis of Council directives.
The goal of creating a joint European identity and promoting the Union's interests is crucial to peace and social cohesion.
The best way to be less dependent is to pursue the route of more energy efficiency and energy diversification as well as more energy produced inside the European Union.
This unjust embargo on our people in Gaza and the war against it was but an episode in a continuous series of measures aiming at separating Gaza from the rest of the Occupied Palestinian lands, and also at marginalising Gaza and marginalising all of our people, and preventing our people from attaining their ultimate goal: an end to occupation, gaining freedom and the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the lands that were occupied in 1967, with Eastern Jerusalem as its capital.
The real causes of the problem are the unfair distribution of resources, for example owing to exploitation of fish stocks, including by fishing trawlers from the European Union.
Mr President, a court with a mission is a menace.
Why is that?
I strongly encourage establishing as an objective the reduction of the gender pay gap by 1% each year in order to achieve a target of a 10% reduction by 2020.
However, this budget package leaves those subsidies virtually untouched.
I also approved of this resolution because it calls on the EU to devote more attention to concrete projects that coincide with the interests of the partner countries.
We must therefore act by creating the right environment conducive to confidence building between the two parties, and to have two distinct and viable states which can cohabit peacefully.
In the light of this disaster, I think it essential that we immediately carry out a special assessment - a detailed and far-reaching technical inspection of drilling platforms operating in the territorial waters of the European Union.
This European Commission does not stand for more democracy and an awakening; it is a continuation along the path that led us into the current crisis.
Research should include technically and economically based pilot studies to ensure not only an attractive economic benefit-cost ratio but also one that yields net benefits toward the Community's goals of curtailing climate change and affordable food prices for all citizens of the world.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Mr President, the Commission is pleased that an agreement has been reached between the institutions on a joint text for a statute for parliamentary assistants.
According to international observers in the country, the elections in 2006 and 2007 were conducted in accordance with the rules and there is no doubt as to the legitimacy of Mauritania's ousted government.
To achieve this, they want 'to involve national judges more actively in, and accord them greater responsibility for, the implementation of Community law'.
If you want to be able to make valid comments on a subject of a technical nature, you normally seek information from those people who are most knowledgeable about these issues.
It is not the whole story, though.
This explains why there are differences; but they are, I believe, transitional differences.
The Commission proposal provides the necessary flexibility for derogations from BREFs, provided, of course, that they are warranted by local conditions at the time.
This development, which has significant consequences, throws up a double challenge both for managing more than 1 200 bilateral investment treaties (BIT) already concluded by the Member States and to define a future European investment policy which meets the expectations of investors and beneficiary states while, at the same time, respecting the objectives of the EU's external action.
Obviously, there is no doubt that the objective of bringing SIS II into service in September 2009 will be subject to delay.
Capital punishment, therefore, causes the opposite effect to the one intended.
Even though taxation might seem a bit difficult, and we all know that it is still beyond unanimity, we must be very courageous in putting forward action in this area.
I think this is an important matter.
In addition to the measures that need to be taken by the European Commission, it is important to strengthen the European Union's partnerships with international financial institutions with a view to identifying innovative financial instruments.A suitable funding framework also needs to be created, particularly through improving the rules for allocating costs for cross-border projects or technologically advanced projects.
Young people, science and innovation are at the heart of the priorities of the next European Union budget.
If the system is set up in such a way that a dependency on continuous subsidy develops without requiring effort among the regions to obtain the relevant resources, then I believe that such an intermediate category would be an unmitigated disaster because it will always be a bone of contention and offers no rationale.
In the meantime, we ask this mission to ensure that the national Serbian minority is respected and valued on the land of their ancestors.
It is also imperative that the Member States put those agreements into practice without delay.
I demand that the appropriate measures be taken.
The Spanish State is a paradigmatic example of that: it is attempting to meet requirements by passing its deficit on to the autonomous governments and local councils.
Let me start with national penalties introduced in respect of the reasoned offer procedure.
Flexible employment that does not recognise the importance of job security brings short-term benefits to employers at the expense of workers.
These vehicles are, however, an important alternative that must be given due consideration, despite these problems.
The EU has now taken on primary responsibility for assisting Kosovo internally.
I am glad that Mr Balčytis raised the issue of tourism in the Baltic region: tourism is not an issue that exclusively concerns the economies of Mediterranean countries - Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Malta.
Looking forward to Pittsburgh, that would seem to me to be the big danger.
Are you prepared to discuss with the German Government or with other governments what seems to me to be a completely unacceptable mechanism?
This country, Mauritania, is today going through a very serious political crisis.
The environmental impact analyses must be carried out by reliable and independent bodies before large projects are allowed to get underway.
There is a President of Parliament, there is a President of the Commission, and there will be a President of the European Council.
Even though the report is about the application and implementation of the Residence Directive, it also refers to the Metock ruling, which permits foreigners who have no legal right to stay in the EU to obtain a residence permit through marriage and hence to travel around the European Union with their spouses.
To ensure that these devices are really effective, it is crucial that all those involved in the distribution chain are subject to more stringent rules.
Should Parliament now go and say that it is all unnecessary?
Without this, coordination would have been substantially more difficult and these advances more uncertain.
Please come and exercise the solidarity that has so often been mentioned today.
It is more than that, however; it is the use of rape as a genuine weapon of war, and this goes on amid a certain amount of indifference in public opinion and the international community, and more specifically European public opinion.
On 31 May 2010 the Geneva Agreement on Trade in Bananas between the European Union and Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru and Venezuela was signed, providing for a gradual reduction in tariff rates on banana imports from those countries.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (SK) I would like to offer my frank congratulations to Mrs Bauer on the proposed text.
This modernised and simplified directive will reduce the obligations on operators while enabling them to combat excise fraud more effectively.
This is paragraph 7, which concerns the condemnation of the way in which the Turkish authorities are behaving in Northern Cyprus, which, according to all international rules, is unlawfully occupied by Turkey - by Turkish troops - and therefore by a country that is both formally and, in reality, negotiating its accession to the EU.
I do not believe these risks are subject to adequate common controls, nor do I believe that there is sufficient scope for joint decision-making on this issue.
It is high time to abandon the fatal illusion of federalism and build a Europe of the nations, united by more tangible alliances that will undoubtedly be more modest, but more effective.
We voted against it.
(SK) Madam President, sexual violence does not constitute a violation of female human rights or male human rights.
- Before the vote:
I have abstained from voting because in my opinion, the measures proposed in the report relating to the extent to which the individual Member States will be held responsible and will be involved do not go far enough.
If the right wing extremists now go on the offensive with such arguments, it is up to the electorate to judge.
Therefore, the European Union's attention is very important not only for the old European Union Member States, but also for those that have recently joined the European Union and that are benefiting from support from the Structural Funds and the European Social Fund.
I consider the word 'verify' would be more appropriate than 'ensure', and I would be interested in the Commissioner's view whether 'ensure', in this context, is consistent with WTO stipulations and, in general, with the EU's commitment to free trade.
UKIP notes the attempts the EU has made to interfere with other countries' policies in this area.
Commissioner, I do not believe in the formulas of our socialist fellow Member who talks to us of ultra-capitalism and ultra-liberalism - which, moreover, as a semantic assimilation, is morally debatable.
We in the international community must toughen our resolve against this tyrannical Mugabe regime.
(RO) Madam President, food security is one of the challenges of the future.
Did the European Council devote even five minutes' thought to what we failed to do previously in our policy on the Mediterranean?
Fourthly, these workers must be covered by a statutory social security obligation, in particular, given that this is a minimum wage sector.
What should we be expecting in this respect from the new US President and the package of measures he has just announced?
All the technical conditions have been met.
Then there are the problems that already exist today.
I would like to urge the presidency, particularly the incoming French Minister, to make this dossier a priority to help to resolve the crisis in availability, especially for what we call minor uses and so-called minor species, which include sheep, horses, bees, fish and many other animals that are not so minor in many of our countries.
The ceasefire, which was the first of the six points, was therefore immediate and effective.
We also know that poverty has not fallen in the European Union over the past five years, but that in fact more people are excluded from the affluent society.
My country's government has therefore refrained from signing the Charter of Fundamental Rights, particularly as there was a serious risk that the ratification process in Poland would effectively be blocked if a different decision were to be taken.
Investment in the quality of teacher training is one of the most efficient ways of achieving an overall improvement since teachers multiply such effects.
The consequences will be all the more serious for residents of remote and inaccessible mountain or island regions, which companies will not be able to serve profitably.
The Council wants to keep both the opt-out and the yearly calculation of working time.
in writing. - (LT) I welcomed this document, because it sets out an EU legal framework for spent fuel and radioactive waste management.
Written statements (Rule 149)
I also wish to congratulate Sebastián Piñera's new Government which takes office today, and to encourage him in the reconstruction efforts for which I hope he will be able to count on the European Union's full support.
I wanted the same to apply to the protection of European inventions, and I wanted enhanced cooperation to be used to create a European patent.
This will be voted on at the end.
I myself am determined to work hard at helping you to feel that our common Europe is also your Europe - and we will write the story of Europe's future together.
That is appropriate if we have tight controls on it.
I understand that yesterday was his birthday.
These things are covered to a certain extent by corporate social responsibility, but they cannot be implemented without a national framework.
This evening I should like once again to put it in graphic terms: I am anticipating that this dual nature of culture will really have an effect in all policy fields, particularly regarding internal-market logic.
Many women assist their husbands in business and current social security arrangements do not provide them with any protection.
I was perhaps a bit of a cynic about whether these sorts of meetings could achieve anything but, whilst there have been many voices in the press complaining about a lack of detail, particularly - as Jo Leinen suggests - about lack of detail in the area of financing for the Green Fund and many other issues that have been left unspecified at this stage, I take the optimistic view that this gathering was not the time or the place for dealing with minute detail, but was the time to flesh out the global aspirations and talk a bit about strategy, and I think that has been achieved.
We must be there for the people, feed them, bring them medical relief, and support their yearning desire for freedom.
Sixthly, boosting the Community budget in order to promote economic and social cohesion is absolutely essential.
(FR) Whether we like it or not, the Goldstone report has been endorsed by the General Assembly of the United Nations, and I do not see why there should be double standards in relation to international law.
I agree with the strong views expressed in this House regarding the need for Turkey to respect human rights.
Such is the case with the EUR 350 million in funding proposed for the Institution of Nuclear Fusion, an investment which is seriously dubious in the current climate.
I think that we might end up in a situation, because I think some of the difficulties the sector has been facing are actually rooted before the cotton reform was made in 2004.
Given the courage with which President Tadić has fought for a European course and how embattled he is in Serbia, it is imperative that we support these political forces and encourage them so that they are able to show their population that the path to Europe, rather than a nationalistic path, is the right path for the people, too.
The work is progressing quite well, also at working group level, and towards the end of the Hungarian Presidency we will be able to adopt the strategy at the General Affairs Council; the European Council will be able to assure us of its support in this regard, and then it will be up to us to implement it as fully as possible, from sewage treatment to the preservation of our drinking water base.
Mr President, knowledge creation within the European Union is always a priority, which we manage successfully.
Mr President, it is indeed and I think you failed to catch my eye.
In doing this work, the Commission has to respect the confidentiality to which the Court of Justice has confirmed that the Member States are entitled concerning the investigation of alleged application issues and potential infringement proceedings.
We cannot separate EU solutions from this system, but instead must ensure that we get as many global solutions in place as possible.
In conclusion, the Commission is, speaking quite unequivocally, in full agreement with Parliament, whatever the developments on the nuclear issue or on other issues of concern to the European Union.
52.
in writing. - (RO) The simplification of procedures is a major objective of the European institutions, which are aware that overregulation is a burden both for their operation and for the efficiency and competitiveness of economic operators.
The EU has rightly set ambitious targets for renewable energy, but the idea that achieving these targets will be pain-free is a delusion.
As this is the last meeting here in the plenary before the elections to this Parliament, I would like to express my sincere thanks for your very good cooperation and exchanges of views - sometimes with lots of patriotism and with lots of dynamism, but it has been a pleasure.
Indeed, you only support the results that suit you.
Naturally, the second thing that Europe must do, also in the short term, what we can do, is constantly to reinforce our measures in the area of energy saving, and to place ever greater stress on renewable energy resources, making more use of wind, solar, water and biomass sources.
To emerge from this, we need to focus on the quality and safety of our produce.
There is clearly a role to play for better employment contracts, which is why, in the flagship initiative Agenda for New Skills and Jobs and subsequent documents, we highlighted the problem of segmentation and advocated the use of open-ended contracts, which may have a wider relevance but which help the younger generation in particular.
I myself have just had a meeting with Messrs Milinkevich, Kozulin and Protasiewicz and Parliament can pride itself on awarding the Sakharov Prize to Mr Milinkevich.
In terms of further developing the EU's long-term approach to meeting the challenge, our existing energy policies are viewed by many as a 'world leader'.
Exchanging information and skills between immigration liaison officers and Frontex using the Information and Coordination Network for Member States' migration management services will enable better risk analysis by Frontex, as well as better control over legal and illegal immigration.
In that respect, the path we need to take is to say 'yes' to intelligent solutions.
This agreement also affects other forests indirectly, although this is less evident and more marginal.
In this regard, it is important that the Swedish Presidency is also prepared to change its view and to fight to prevent those hardest hit by climate change from also being affected even more by hunger.
I hope that a nearly unanimous decision in tomorrow's vote will underline these principles which have been freely agreed upon by 27 Member States, which are the principles behind our European directives, and which have been reinforced by the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The only measure on which Parliament does not agree is the extension of Europol's powers in this field.
I hope that the inspections of businesses will encourage Member States to refer to criminal law.
I have to tell you, Mr García-Margallo, that the Spanish Presidency of the Council is working in a close and coordinated way - the Community method - with Mr Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, to push forward the essential goals.
It is only right that we make this significant move, because there are so many problems and they are so extensive and affect so many countries, not least Afghanistan and Pakistan, but each country has its own specific problems.
Today's report will give rise to a debate that I hope will be fruitful.
This proposal takes account of the fact that the new Europe 2020 integrated guidelines are to be fully transposed in the Member States' policy measures and sequencing of reforms to be presented in the final NRPs due in April 2011.
in writing. - It is clear now that, despite the worst attempts of some to denigrate the European Union on the basis of measurements, the EU is able to deal with issues in a practical manner.
As our fellow Member has just said, how will you get a guarantee that all the criteria that you have mentioned to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy are taken into account by each Member State that uses nuclear power stations?
Then the 'user pays' principle is not very appropriate.
The danger of the proposed system is that cross-border healthcare, which implies a form of preferential treatment, will mainly be used by financially better off citizens.
The European Union, meanwhile, should concentrate on supporting and guiding innovation.
The report's conclusions are worrying.
The Commission was not able to justify implementation of the proposal, and neither could the Committee on International Trade during its meeting.
As you know, during the previous parliamentary term, we discussed the issue of the adoption of Romanian children by parents in Israel, and this caused serious problems, including of a political nature. Now we have another initiative.
Is that correct?
Member of the Commission. - (DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, first of all I would like to thank Mrs Járóka, Mrs Angelilli, Mr Wiersma and Mrs Mohácsi for raising these issues, which I am dealing with on behalf of my colleague, Vladimír Špidla, because he is currently in China, and this gives us the opportunity to talk things through on this extremely important subject.
The crisis must absolutely not be used to extend EU competences.
in writing. - (PT) Taking into account the statement of assurance as to the reliability of the accounts and the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions provided by the Court of Auditors pursuant to Article 287 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, I voted for this decision, which grants the European Ombudsman discharge in respect of the implementation of its budget for the financial year 2009.
Ms Haug, thank you for that.
Rosé wines and permitted oenological practices (debate)
Mr President, we can see the way in which the Irish Republic has been brought to its present predicament by the euro.
But, after that, an analysis should take place, and measures should also be taken.
At the start of its Presidency France did not know that a world financial crisis would erupt and that this crisis would become its greatest challenge.
However, for one fallen wall, how many others have been erected on our continent?
At the same time, 'A to G' is well known to consumers.
I am also very grateful for the timely input Mr Reul and this House will provide in the area of energy innovation, clean fossil fuel and nuclear energy.
Let us be clear, it is still important that workers should be able, if they so wish, to prolong their working life within the existing legal framework of each Member State, but the right to a pension at the legal age must be safeguarded.
I support it wholeheartedly.
However, you must be aware that this will involve a struggle over responsibilities.
I would especially like to thank the heads of the working groups in the Presidency, the majority of them young people, and their associates who have worked so well.
Just one paragraph about a confusion that remains: there was no increase in the budget for Members and there will be no increase for next year.
No.
It is therefore a matter of urgency that we come to an equitable common denominator in order to harmonise laws throughout Europe.
You bomb Afghanistan and complain about refugees.
To me, the Commission's silence seems highly eloquent.
To achieve this, national enforcers need sufficient staff and resources.
Above all, we are willing to give the Chinese people the assistance they need.
I would remind the House that Greece is particularly sensitive on this issue, having mourned victims of a similar attack against Greek tourists by fanatical Islamists in Cairo in Egypt on 18 April 1996.
Not only will the new Treaty provide for more transparency in the activity of the Union, which has always been a matter of particular importance to Sweden; it also makes combating climate change a new aim of the European Union, and that is an area in which Sweden can already boast major successes.
It is a single economic, cultural and perhaps also political force.
Over 120 women have been murdered since 1996, a significant number by a partner or ex-partner.
And, if we have received nothing else, we have managed to secure the programmes of the deliveries of the World Food Programme to the starving and suffering people of Somalia.
It is imperative that these funds are made available to those who really need them in an expedient and effective manner.
The Commission could, however, improve transparency and, hence, democratic scrutiny in the field of the common foreign and security policy, by informing Parliament of internal transfers in good time.
in writing. - Serious consideration has to be taken as regards existing Union-wide redress mechanisms such as SOLVIT.
Forwarding of texts adopted during the sitting: see Minutes
A large proportion of Parliament, like the Spanish delegation of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, has formally opposed paragraph 41 of this resolution, which asks for the principle of subsidiarity to be applied to land policy.
Since these products can be freely imported, proving their origin is apparently unnecessary, but there are still some doubts about this facilitating measure.
On this note, I would like to point out two things.
in writing. - (FR) I voted for the legislative resolution based on the report by my Greek fellow Member Katerina Batzeli approving, at first reading under the codecision procedure, the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Decision No 1720/2006/EC establishing an action programme in the field of lifelong learning.
The problem of climate change must, by now, be something that everyone knows about or is at least aware of.
On the other hand there are remaining concerns about public health, biodiversity and local wildlife.
Hence, my 'no' vote in the final vote.
Many times, consumers sign contracts for the supply of services without reading the contractual provisions carefully and if they do read them carefully they believe they cannot propose any amendments thereof.
It must remain clear that to innovate does not mean to imitate the old practice of privatising profit and socialising losses or that to diversify means to transfer the costs of decisions made by a few people to society as a whole.
If we want the European citizens of tomorrow to be motivated in their work and to be open to cross-border activities, it is important, even today, to offer them the prospect of adequate and sustainable retirement pension provision, harmonised at European level.
So if there are particular problems with certain products that cannot be recognised in individual Member States for ethical reasons, those Member States must retain the right to ban such products.
In France, she has proven that she understands the economy, that she also promotes small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, and that she has regard for those who actually work and make a contribution.
I do not think that renationalisation is a solution because, in my opinion, the Member States would not have the means to assure the adoption of specific measures in these outermost regions if we did not have the common agricultural policy and a Community approach.
We got this past the Member States with very great difficulty.
I think that the European Union must give its support to setting up a UN committee of inquiry which will substantiate human rights violations in North Korea.
Fortunately, the Council was of the same opinion and at the last minute we were able to put this right in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety.
Western Europe is rich in coal, which needs only travel a short distance to a power station.
I would like to remind everyone that, in the Nordic countries, robust social rights have succeeded in combining high levels of competitiveness with productivity.
Even though the proposal mainly focuses on administrative matters, it gives an idea of the nature and characteristics envisaged for future investments.
There is no evidence for this in any of the detailed and independent studies carried out.
Finding a real political solution to the Kurdish problem, recognising the Armenian genocide, normalising relations with neighbouring countries and ending the occupation of Cyprus are some of the issues which Turkey is required to address.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - Mr President, if globalisation causes redundancies, there will be a shortfall in revenue so the Globalisation Fund will not have the money it wants to spend.
We voted today in favour of peripheral regions being taken into account in this Directive and in favour of a deletion of a Commission proposal allowing an airline to demand conversion of its aviation allowances to Kyoto-backed allowances free of charge!
I am very grateful to Mr Tajani for pointing out that Parliament will also be involved in the follow-up work that remains to be done.
At the present time, when we are coming out of the crisis and are standing before the new challenges which await the EU after 2013, innovation is one of the most important ways - if not the most important way - to consolidate the EU's position in the world.
in writing. - I voted for this resolution which recalls, in the light of current events in the Southern Mediterranean, particularly in Tunisia and Egypt, the ENP's failure to promote and safeguard human rights in third countries; urges the EU to draw lessons from those events and to revise its democracy and human rights support policy so as to create an implementation mechanism for the human rights clause included in all agreements with third countries; insists that the review of the ENP must prioritise criteria relating to the independence of the judiciary, respect for fundamental freedoms, pluralism and freedom of the press and the fight against corruption; and calls for better coordination with the Union's other policies vis-à-vis those countries.
Thank you for your attention.
The Member States should therefore retain the right to take measures aimed at protecting the right to information and ensuring viewers' access to television broadcasts of major sport events. I have in mind the Olympic Games and the European Championship or World Cup.
The second point is, of course, the issue of what are known as the 'sunset clauses' or revision clauses.
That would not have been possible without the constructive and responsible role of Parliament throughout the whole negotiation process.
To ensure that allowances fetch an appropriate price so that the emissions trading scheme can be effective, the proportion of allowances to be auctioned off must be much higher than the Commission has proposed.
To help us achieve that, as from 2009 the Commission will be drafting a three-yearly report on youth.
Written statements (Rule 142)
For her to say that an MEP's immunity should be waived because the comments for which he or she is being criticised did not come within the scope of his or her parliamentary activities is absolute nonsense from a legal point of view.
The underlying reasoning is that anyone who can govern an artificial country such as Belgium can do likewise in Europe.
He has presented a very balanced report and has worked very closely with the shadow rapporteurs.
The pictures in children's books depicting women in aprons and men in spacecraft must disappear.
Anybody is welcome to look at these pictures that have been sent to me.
This shows that the outcome of today's debate needs to be a balanced one, so that we can be sure that the interests of all citizens have been protected.
That is the only way for this endeavour to succeed.
We do, of course, hope - and this is something we can all agree on - that Mr Solana will come before us a few more times before the end of this parliamentary term.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (FR) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we are here to talk about social Europe.
Mr Papastamkos, you probably know my personal opinion, which is, in fact, even a little bit more radical than your own.
(SK) I would like to congratulate the authors of this question, Mrs Hedh and Mrs Bauer.
For these reasons I voted against this report.
Those duties will apply to so many people who are vulnerable and suffering today.
However, success in tackling these problems will only be achieved when all 27 countries combine their efforts.
It is true that the EU will not be complete until the Balkans form part of the Union, but this cannot be at any price, and certainly not at the price of undermining international law and ignoring fundamental European values.
Among those affected are defence minister Abdul-Qadir al-Obaidi and Saleh al-Mutlaq, the head of the Sunni-led Iraqi Front for National Dialogue.
On the principle, there is no more to say; the passport is its own defence.
An extremely important step has been taken, which Moldova and the European Union cannot afford to mishandle.
But citizens are even more interested to see European institutions tackle the practical question of European policy-making.
Any financial aid to the dairy sector is imperative to its survival, especially the survival of small family farms as we find in Northern Ireland.
A rigorous assessment of all projects underway is therefore urgently needed, along with a strategic redirection of the funds that are still available, taking into account the achievement of the objectives set out by the Europe 2020 strategy in preparation for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
(ES) Mr President, I would first of all like to express my condolences and solidarity for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.
So far, the status of the Nobel Prize-winner has, at times, secured her a limited degree of freedom.
May I assure you that the European Commission and I are devoting a great deal of attention to effective financial management and strict financial discipline.
We must also find possible resolutions and peace in the states in the area and in the Arab states.
All the speakers talked of Lampedusa, but I would like to invite you to reflect on what the kind of migratory process we are experiencing at present really means for an island that lives on tourism and fishing.
I will end on a positive note.
Through no fault of their own they often cannot go back.
I have visited this country many times as a member of the South Asia delegation.
This is a report that will help as much as possible to provide more stability and we must ensure as far as possible that all the countries are harmonised with regard to the applicable rates to reduce discrepancies as much as possible.
There is now a new industry that has been built in Brussels.
Thus the new NATO strategy was adopted, which also officially overthrows the basic rules of international law.
Adjournment of the session
2.
I would therefore be grateful, Commissioner, if you could answer my questions, and I call for support for the report by Mr Freitas.
We would like to offer the family of the deceased and all his relatives our heartfelt sympathy and condolences.
Tourism encourages people to understand each other better, it promotes the formation of European identity and, through relationships among social, economic and cultural groups, it encourages dialogue between cultures.
We and Her Majesty's Government agree that spending should be increased in those areas that add value.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (FR) Mr President, the White Paper on Sport, following on from the own-initiative report on the future of professional football, known as the Belet report, is a substantial and necessary document.
We have discussed repeatedly in the European Parliament the insufficient accessibility of certain drugs, for example those for the treatment of cancer or so-called rare diseases.
I believe that the results of the audit carried out by the European Court of Auditors will reveal the objectives of the use of the funds and their effectiveness.
I would like to make a third and final comment.
At the same time, taking into account the interests of others and in order to prevent distortion of competition in the market in countries where the postal sector is already fully liberalised, the postal services of countries that are not yet opening their market may not provide services until the derogation deadline at the end of December 2012.
It depends on two elements.
What we can do - and this we are doing - is to strengthen and improve cooperation, but we cannot assume responsibility.
Transparency in the decision-making process is especially needed when European democracy is questioned.
in writing. - My statement aims to justify my abstention on the resolution on Turkey.
We have had very positive contributions from both the Council and the Commission.
I am Spartacus!
These principles must not be called into question in any way.
I voted for this resolution because it proposes a general ban on the use of cyanide mining technologies in the European Union by the end of 2011, and because I understand that a ban constitutes, at the moment, the only reliable way of protecting our water resources and ecosystems from the pollution caused by the use of cyanide in mines.
The introduction of the Blue Card, which the EU needs because it is facing a shortage of highly qualified workers in certain sectors, is a step forward for the economic migration of highly qualified workers from third countries.
With regard to the current investment at Roşia Montană, the plans involve an exponentially larger gold mine.
Documents received: see Minutes
Mr President, following Mr Kelam's remarks about Parliament's warning seven years ago, we have to consider what, if anything, has changed in China as regards Tibet since that time, and whether Parliament's position has changed.
We are now half-way through the six-month suspension of sanctions against Belarus that was the decided at the meeting of EU foreign ministers on 13 October 2008.
Moreover, the actions to eradicate or destroy drugs, which are sponsored by the international community, are used by the tribal political and military leaders for their own benefit and for eliminating competition.
It is not too late to avoid that.
Controlling our borders is not a technical problem and it is not a military problem: it is a political matter.
For this reason, we have always emphasised the importance of a powerful supervisory committee and of a high level of independence.
Dowries may be used to prop up the position of financial institutions in the private market.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question under Rule 149(8))
The EU must be sensitive to the need for austerity, particularly when it comes to the budget of the EEAS.
I would like to offer you the opportunity on behalf of my group to work with us in partnership to develop a suitable regulation at a European level, in order to ensure that the interests of the car industry are addressed in this free trade agreement.
We need these initiatives as a consequence of the rulings of the European Court of Justice in the Laval, Viking, Rüffert and Luxemburg cases.
And we should not delude ourselves that this can be done with some Treaty which would have three articles that we would all know by heart and all understand.
8.
This also featured in the original plan, and then the Commission seemed to neglect this issue.
We need higher minimum wages and better social services in Europe.
How are you supporting the establishment of 23rd August as 'Victims of Totalitarianism' day?
Last week, our delegation was refused entry to Gaza by Israel.
However, a wide variety of measurements and measuring systems prevail in many fields.
(FR) Madam President, Commissioner, yes, a reform of the COM in wine is desirable, but are the means put forward by the Commission the most suitable?
The development of modern technologies and green job creation are closely linked to energy policy.
For this reason, the EU should take a more balanced approach between the various sectors during trade negotiations, and should promote both its defensive and offensive agricultural interests.
I have no problem with the contents, but I do not think there is any need to repeat some elements in different resolutions.
Secondly, however, what we are doing is restoring, confirming and creating the chance for 18 MEPs, who would have had the right to take their seats if the Treaty had been approved before the elections, to exercise that right.
We are not going to catch true criminals, who come from every population group, by this method.
It will be hugely damaging.
My place was to bring together the coordination, to be talking to the Friends of Haiti Group, to be coordinating with the United States to make sure that we put in the maximum effort on the ground.
This means we have a great opportunity to make direct contact and talk with the Libyan opposition.
But your question is, 'how and when can you guarantee a positive DAS?'
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Mr President, your words today were typical of your time as President.
More attention should be devoted to employment, and the Council's plans are good in that respect.
Eight of the countries that joined the EU in 2004 - together with Romania and Bulgaria - have transitory periods of at least two years, which can reach seven years.
However, this should not be happening now.
We are actually at the point where we should recognise the failure of at least some of our policies and of the one-size-fits-all solutions that are too often applied.
Throughout this House all of us will have constituents, whatever our nationality, who have been suffering from abuses under the urbanisation law in the Spanish Costas, as indeed thousands of Spanish citizens are.
I do not believe that any of the parties involved would like to see the demise of this promising and developing sector, which has several dozen small and medium-sized enterprises operating within it.
It seems to me that we should also add a separate target for social justice and combating inequalities.
How can it highlight safety when it is self-declaration that prevails, and when some parties, attracted by the smell of profit, have no hesitation in transporting goods which could turn out to be particularly hazardous for people and the environment, without declaring them?
We must take this opportunity seriously and base our actions on these acquired institutional reforms.
There is no doubt that increasing energy efficiency is the most cost-effective and the fastest way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
We emphasise that we were against resources from the research budget being used for these projects.
I would have liked more to have been said in the package of measures about the Member States which are not part of the euro zone and about how to access liquidity in an emergency.
For these reasons I voted against this report.
There were discussions about increased solidarity among the Member States and ensuring the sustainability of the social security and pension systems.
Yes!
The threat of imported cheap labour is a reality, brought in through the back door by unscrupulous employers under the guise of free movement.
It is also strange to see this resolution adopted on the basis of Rule 106(4) of the Rules of Procedure, which concerns the election of the entire Commission and not the replacement of a commissioner.
Thank you for your attention.
As far as I can see, there are three reasons for this.
The charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures - Greening of transport and internalisation of external costs (continuation of debate)
However, in taking that lead, we have to show moral leadership.
I would stress that we are talking about international waters here and that Lene Espersen, the Danish Foreign Minister, has also emphatically said that this is unacceptable.
The only sensible way to react to this is to do something, in the short term, about a common European asylum and migration policy.
The second measure is to raise awareness of the benefits among users and public authorities through the establishment of a best practice Internet portal and European award schemes for smart homes - independent living applications for instance.
It provides a model in crisis, a model which prevents public intervention in the economy.
In view of these considerations, I voted for the joint motion for a resolution on the tuberculosis vaccine.
The reality is, ladies and gentlemen, that this report invites us to think much more widely about the quality of our customs system, our financial circuits and, more generally, about the protection of the financial interests of the European Union.
It is a topical subject which is hugely important for the future.
We should pay particular attention to Alzheimer's disease, since it is becoming an increasingly serious problem, not only in the EU but also on a global scale, and, according to specialists, the number of sufferers is constantly on the rise. Our society is ageing, and we must speak about this problem openly and look for solutions.
I am of the opinion that the text represents a very well-balanced compromise.
The voice of the citizens has enormous significance here.
For euro coins, a total of 100 095 counterfeits were removed from circulation in 2008, which represents a decrease of 7% compared to 2007, and the two-euro coin has always been by far the most counterfeited euro coin.
We believe that, with the new regulation, this opportunity for choice will be extended; it will not be reduced, rather it will be extended.
An organisation which plays with the lives of innocent people by acting behind their backs.
We need measures to prevent a counterproductive austerity policy, not punitive measures.
It is the ritual sacrifice to the new religion of climate and its new gurus, these partially-minded scientists who pour anathema on all those whose work opposes their untouchable conclusions.
In the current crisis situation, it is better to do more, rather than to wait.
There were the calls for the gender thought police in paragraph 9.
(DE) Madam President, Doris Pack has, as always, submitted an excellent text, because she is not only an expert on Southern Europe, but also on education.
How precisely do you propose to strengthen the social dimension of the Lisbon Strategy?
I particularly welcome cooperation on humanitarian crises and natural disasters.
Farmers will only increase production if they make a profit, and we have a real problem here.
The interim agreement is not only a favour to the US; it is in our common interest.
First, it is certain that complete decoupling lowers production.
The only hope for an effective solution to problems of this type lies in convincing the rulers and the opposition that the overriding aim of politics is not to acquire or hold onto power; the aim of politics is the good of the people.
I hope that we can reach those targets without the need for strong intervention at European level.
I am disturbed, however, about the media reports today that Haitians are protesting because, despite all efforts, they still have no tents over their heads or enough food and water.
Given the fact that the economy of Moldova is being heavily hit by the negative effects of the global financial and economic crisis, and that its wine sector employs about 300 000 workers, this report, which I voted for, proposes the increase of the current tariff quota for wine in order to support Moldova's efforts and to provide an attractive and viable market for its wine exports, which, moreover, do not compete with Portuguese products.
To that end we need a European agreement covering the southern shores of the Mediterranean, including Tunisia and also Egypt.
Therefore, with all due respect for the Commission's good intentions and the work carried out by Mr Lehne and the Committee on Legal Affairs, I cannot support this report.
This legislation does what only the European Union can do in a strong internal market.
Together with the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance in the European Parliament, I support this agreement.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to thank you, Mr President, for your hard work.
Only three hours ago I spoke with a colleague here in the European Parliament who said: 'If they don't do as we want, we can block them, not just in NATO, but in the EU.
We have to insist on the development of the civilian dimension of the peace enforcement and peace keeping missions, as well as of the crisis management and post-crisis rehabilitation operation.
Moreover, the planned measures, which are based on the massive collection of personal data, pose risks to the protection of privacy in my opinion.
Lobbies play a useful and essential role in legislative work, providing that there is transparency.
Yesterday, however, we had the debate on the strategy and future of Europe in view of the G20 with another president, who by contrast had to ask for and was given an invite, it is not clear on what grounds, aside from the obvious reason of the role being played by his national state.
I hope it will be given specific political content, and also that the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly will play a role as an instrument of support for the ambitions of those states which are obviously European in outlook.
This momentum is diminishing day by day.
Those sums of money were a good investment, as we can now see, as an enterprise economy emerges in Northern Ireland and the border counties.
With the national action plans, I would like to hope that the Directorate-General for Energy and Transport has enough staff, or is able to recruit enough staff, to deal with, monitor and implement the issues.
Both reports - the Rasmussen report and the Lehne report - demonstrate the urgent need for action.
This will translate directly into the kind of reduction in greenhouse gas emissions which will bring us closer to one of the 3x20 objectives.
Creating an excellent framework for training and work is a task that can be carried out from within the European institutions.
Furthermore, the Committee on Petitions is of the view that the Commission's uncooperative attitude in this and other cases of access to documents risks undermining citizens' trust in the Commission and eroding the ability of the European Ombudsman and the European Parliament to adequately and effectively supervise the Commission.
Clearly, there needs to be a substantial increase in numbers of effective UN and AU troops deployed in eastern Congo and a clear idea of where they come from - there are many countries that could contribute to this that are not doing so at the moment.
I am afraid that such an assessment is no longer valid.
The Council is, in turn, due to discuss this at the end of the month, on 27 and 28 October.
Good governance is a fundamental principle of the Cotonou Agreement.
(Applause)
We are taking positive action and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the public authorities.
(SK) Mr President, I would like to thank the group of Members for raising this urgent issue.
What is very important in my opinion is the emphasis placed on renewable energy as regards the candidate countries.
General arrangements for excise duty (
This means that prices rise and development becomes impossible.
Opening of the sitting
This is one reason why the Commission should examine it for compliance with EU law and it could have a great effect on other Member States.
We need to fight for full employment with comprehensive social security, in contrast with current practices, which, on the pretext of demographic decline, are leading towards the logic of uncertain employment and are undermining the importance of collective negotiations in various countries.
2.
The European Union adopted guidelines for the brokering of arms trading in 2001, and the common position was adopted in 2003.
Following the 2002 floods, which caused great human and material damage in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and France, the Council of the European Union created an instrument to allow funds to be released rapidly to assist regions affected by natural disasters.
The region I come from adjoins the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.
This should always be pointed out.
Several international journalists' organisations have also expressed their concern.
The next item is the Council and Commission statements on the implementation of Goldstone recommendations on Israel/Palestine.
Energy is one of life's basic necessities.
I voted in favour of this report because I feel it is necessary to provide European savers with clear and safe financial instruments.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (NL) Mr President, I would like to propose the following amendment to Paragraph 6.
It is vital that we act to ensure that the European Union implements a truly sustainable fishing policy in order to protect stocks, the environment, and European jobs in the long term.
Once again, I would like to express my thanks to Parliament's negotiating team and, in particular, to the Chair of the Budget Committee, Mr Lamassoure, and to the rapporteurs for the 2010 budget, Mr Surján and Mr Maňka.
The European Parliament would be committing a grave error if it sent a delegation to observe the elections, since this would be interpreted as support for the coup d'état; the OAS has already ruled out sending an observation mission to the elections.
I have never made negative comments about decisions of courts, be it the constitutional courts, the European Court of Justice or the Court of Auditors.
Finally, that is also the reason why we call on the Ukrainian authorities to avoid any perception of judicial measures being used selectively and insist that the maximum transparency of investigations, persecutions and trials be guaranteed; we also call on the Commission to assist in the reform of the judiciary in Ukraine by making use of EU capacity-building programmes and to consider creating a high-level EU advisory group for Ukraine to assist the country in its efforts to align itself with EU legislation, including on the judiciary.
It is obviously good to improve the operations of Frontex, but if we really want to help the countries of southern Europe, then we must move towards harmonising the right to asylum, review the Dublin Convention and, most of all, finally draw up a genuine immigration policy.
By the same token, I hope that Slovenia also finds a sensible solution regarding the German-speaking Austrian residual minority in Slovenia and recognises these people as an indigenous minority, and that the cultural convention between Austria and Slovenia can be full of substance in this regard.
Solidarity goes hand in hand with solidity in the emotionally charged context of sovereign debt markets.
We need new blood.
It is precisely in order to prevent the Internet from becoming a lawless area that the Democratic Movement's delegation considers that terminating Internet access should not be an administrative decision but a judicial decision.
Fake medicines may have effects other than those of the tablets prescribed by the doctor.
As we draft a new European Union strategy for its future commitment in Iraq, we must not overlook the need for dialogue with the United States, notably in the area of foreign and security policy.
The Commissioner herself has put a lot of energy into the region, but I am also aware that the Presidency is of the opinion that the European Union must not leave this region to the Chinese or the Russians.
It has both positive and negative sides and we have to find the right balance.
CAP 'Health Check' (debate)
Thus, I have to agree with the rapporteur, and hope that her recommendations, particularly with regard to certainty of information and the precautionary principle - which needs to benefit patients rather than companies - are taken into account by the Commission and by all Member States.
It follows that Europe's weakness in its relations with Russia is caused by its own naivety and short-sightedness.
In many ways what we see happening is a convergence of ideals and goals between the US and the European Union.
For more than 18 months, cod stocks in the North Sea have been enjoying a remarkable recovery.
We must introduce a rule for this, and the guidelines are a benchmark, a framework that we can work by.
So, we should stand in solidarity with the right of all people in Lithuania, in Russia, throughout the European Union, and elsewhere, to live in peace and in accordance with their own identities.
Mr President, it is a particular strength of the European Union that we are not egoistic, that we can see past the end of our own European nose and that we do look at what is happening outside Europe and in far-off exotic Asia.
(DA) Madam President, Serbia is probably the European country that, over the last thousand years of history, has been besieged the most, first by the Turks, then by the Germans and then the Russians.
Finally, I am ashamed that in this debate the British National Party will speak for the first time, with an MEP who last Friday described Islam as 'a cancer that should be removed from Europe by chemotherapy'.
I shall hand it over to him, and I sincerely hope that this Envoy for Women's Rights will be introduced, as we really need this driving force to effect real change.
I think that is very important.
We should not lose sight of the great objective in its entirety because the target audience of this EIT is small and medium-sized enterprises specifically.
The Commission will also invoke its existing competition law powers to deal with any anti-competitive practices that may emerge.
The abandonment of agricultural land and reduced production are leading to the decline of the countryside and the devaluation of the role of the primary sector in the social and economic framework.
Madam President, Commissioner, Mr Wieland has already outlined the facts of the case very clearly.
This is why I think that mentioning the Italian Prime Minister in your text filing lawsuits against Italian and European newspapers and not mentioning this case - I think what happened in Hungary is more serious - applies a double standard.
(SV) Mr President, I thank the rapporteur for a good piece of work on an important and sensitive matter.
This will improve working conditions on board and enhance transport safety.
Indeed, the Commission held a preliminary discussion, an orientation debate, before its meeting today on this subject.
For this reason, I support the introduction of the two annexes to the directive.
in writing. - (PL) The strategy for the Danube Region which we have prepared, and which we have voted on today, makes it possible to promote regional and cross-border cooperation.
Having said that, they are taking the initiative within their own organisations to confront their own people, and saying that it should absolutely not be done any more in their companies.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to begin by congratulating Mr Belder on his excellent work.
It is a temporary measure and there will not be a second one: if there is a second measure it must be within the framework of an analysis and a more thorough proposal on slots.
We must get intervention - medical and educational - to all those thousands of people, especially children who, since the New Year, have become disabled for life.
The abolition of visas will make an enormous contribution to the process of regional cooperation and the overcoming of ethnic divisions and will also help to build cultural, social, economic and political bridges.
Humanitarian aid is needed in abundance, and there must be international efforts made to get it there.
The current change in the international order is pushing the European Union to make a more active effort in its dealings with world and emerging powers so that it can take a proactive role in building a United Nations that can make an effective contribution to global solutions: peace, security, democracy and an international order based on the rule of law.
Finally, I would emphasise the importance of the Commission confirming that the application of ACTA will not have any impact on fundamental rights and data protection, or on the efforts that the EU is currently making to harmonise implementation measures for intellectual property rights.
We are also shocked by another tragic event in the state of Alabama in the United States, where a gunman on the rampage shot at least ten people before turning his gun on himself.
That is why our group feels strongly that the EU budget does not need to grow.
I shall speak in her language, French, using the papers she had prepared, because I am sure you will be very interested in hearing her own words:
That is not a public democratic debate.
We should develop programmes such as those which make milk and fruit available at schools.
The problem is, therefore, that the only Members listening to you are those who can do so in the original language.
We are opposed to the idea, which was considered, of the Commission's mandate finishing when work on the C-SIS central system is concluded.
The intensity, in particular, is being neglected on cost grounds, and maintenance intervals are being lengthened.
Respect for these rules and a European approach to fisheries are the best way of protecting the interests of the fishing sector.
This strategy must take into consideration the current economic and demographic situation, but also the completion of the internal market.
At present, one in five species is at risk of extinction.
In many Member States including my own, farmers and rural dwellers do not enjoy the same levels of broadband access, putting them at a distinct disadvantage in comparison with people who live in cities and towns.
This is a burden on the taxpayer which, in the view of many others, will not actually contribute to human rights.
In July, Natalia Estemirova, a well-known Russian human rights activist and journalist, was found dead in Ingushetia after being abducted by armed men in neighbouring Chechnya.
That is why we decided to abstain.
On behalf of every new Member State, I wish to register my protest.
To achieve these objectives, the EU needs a specific financing instrument for development cooperation.
You have introduced earlier sanctions in the excessive imbalances procedure.
All this law would do would be to permit seizure.
Such an approach would, in fact, only hurt the people of Belarus.
I voted in favour of this text.
These two areas of investment are the key to the rapid growth of the European Union.
We are not being political in this, Mr Cashman: our response has been less than adequate.
When I think of my own country, if you want to get forward a legislative initiative in the UK, you have to find a Member of Parliament, they have to be lucky enough to win an annual ballot or lottery, and then it is likely to get talked out by the government of the day.
We are supporting inland waterway transport with the NAIADES programme.
The role of women in agriculture and the development of rural areas is extremely important, as they represent around 42% of agricultural workers, are a cornerstone of keeping farms going, and ensure that desertification in rural areas is effectively combated.
This must present opportunities for poor countries, where, in line with the WTO decision, compulsory licensing can offer a solution in respect of medicines still protected by patents.
Today, I have heard much said - and I have heard it on many previous occasions - about various worrying aspects of crime.
The public commitment needs to be not merely verbal, but also financial; and human resources are necessary too, to provide the skills required for the long term - for as long as Chernobyl remains unresolved.
Resumption of the session
Without respect for these principles, it is impossible to see how Azerbaijan can have a common future with its European partners.
The deadline for tabling motions for resolutions falls on Tuesday, 15 February at 10:00.
The Presidency is therefore going to have an active presence in the work of the Council.
It remains to be seen how far we can actually go towards achieving the present aim of reducing the application of plant protection agents.
It is a real labelling con.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I am grateful to the honourable Members for being so open and straightforward and for making their remarks in such a way that, although certain groups have differing approaches, the emphasis is on how we can find a solution.
First of all, he asked for a number of changes to a rescue mechanism.
Mr President, I hope it does not have to do with counterfeiting medicines.
(DE) Mr President, Mr Leinen has accused me of suggesting that we ignore the Rules of Procedure.
The EU now speaks with a clear, coordinated voice on the international stage and I really would like to thank the Commission and, in particular, Joaquín Almunia, for the work that he has done to help bring about this consensus.
As a citizen, I need to know whether it is tobacco industry lobbyists or health organisations that are advising the Commission when an initiative to improve public health is to be produced.
We should cooperate with Turkey to the best of our ability, but the implications of the accession of a Muslim country to a European club are hard to quantify.
I note in recital E of this resolution that we Europeans give ourselves a nice pat on the back for our humanitarian aid efforts.
Mr Romagnoli, I have not forgotten about you.
In line with your suggestion, the Commission will involve consumer organisations representing traffic accident victims in the process of assessing the effectiveness of the systems existing in the Member States.
Following the granting of candidate status in 2005, there was a slowdown.
We grant the working group the freedom to submit any necessary recommendations.
He writes: 'The problem now is: nation-states have not just given up part of their sovereignty to the European Union but also part of their vision for their own future.
I agree with the rapporteur that linguistic and cultural diversity influence the everyday lives of citizens in a significant way.
It is not because history has condemned peoples of Europe to join Europe later that they have less rights.
Member of the Commission. - Firstly, I would like to mention that it is important to clarify that the EFTA states that are parties to the EEA Agreement - that is, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein - are subject to strict state aid discipline based on the EU model.
That is the price at which we will enhance the Union's cohesion and synchronisation, our dedicated budget will be deployed, comprehensively, in the desired directions, and the European Union will, at last, fully assume its role as a centre of stability.
For this reason, we need to find alternative solutions which will lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions from light commercial vehicles.
The report examines the effectiveness of the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI) in relation to the debate on the Multiannual Financial Framework.
The neutrality of the Internet is in danger, not only for this reason but also because of what is known as 'traffic management', and I am afraid that some aspects of the Harbour report regarding universal services do not clearly protect that neutrality.
From the perspective of commercial channels, the much older public broadcasters may be seen as competitors that are given a serious advantage as they collect funds through taxpayers' money.
We will feel her absence until we perhaps negotiate this patent some time in the future.
It is right and proper to respect the Irish vote.
I will just repeat what he said so that the interpreter can say it: 'one people, one empire, one leader'.
But, after this vote, I also now count on the constructive help of the Socialists to win this battle.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, as usual, if I had just one wish in my political life, it would be to have more time in Parliament to answer the questions I am asked.
It is most strange that at this juncture, on the eve of what I am now convinced will be the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty - and I did my bit in the UK House of Lords last year, by the way - the Commission should put forward this extremely muddled and senseless set of proposals.
Moreover, national authorities must assure consumers that they have the right to get their money back for the dangerous products they purchased.
That is our clear objective and, as a result, I understand the apprehension and concern and also the unease of some Members from Member States which have been in the European Union for many years, such as Greece, or have been members for four years.
A great deal has been achieved in recent years, for example in the area of drugs for paediatric use, a matter in which respect the public is not even aware that there is a problem, but where a European solution is very much on the agenda, because Member States cannot resolve this on their own.
On the minus side, an indicator of the lack of knowledge of EU citizens is the fact that almost four out of five complaints do not fall within the scope of responsibilities of the European Ombudsman.
The big thing that has happened is that Parliament's position has been weakened as a result of extensive lobbying by lobbyists in the pay of industry, which puts its interest in selling more pesticides ahead of protecting public health and consumers.
I agree with him that it is highly appropriate for the provisions of the Athens Convention of 1974 relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea to be incorporated into European law, since the national differences that still exist do not make it possible to guarantee an adequate level of liability and mandatory insurance in the event of accidents involving passengers.
From now on, we are sending out the clear message that illegal employment will no longer be tolerated and therefore it makes no sense to make the crossing over to Europe, while under the mistaken impression that there are jobs to be had here.
From a financial perspective, we already play a major role and, in my opinion, we must make use of this pole position to develop the relationship between Europe and Latin America.
Freedom of movement is prevented by the fact that certain Member States are permitted to require additional documents.
It is absolutely right that we recognise this, and when talking about women in small businesses I would just like to end with the words of that great philosopher, John Lennon.
It is also important for its employees to have a solid knowledge of English, as well as their native language.
These revenues must be allocated appropriately, otherwise they will be perceived as an additional tax.
How can a European citizen feel safe?
The European Parliament has already committed itself to respecting these rights, and all Member States are bound by them.
I would like to begin by saying that the Community civil protection mechanism can be activated only upon a request by an affected country.
Our initial proposal has evolved and we now have a compromise text agreed by the Commission that is the result of intense discussions.
I only hope that this report really is adopted, and adopted by a large majority.
For this purpose and to ensure that the strengthened ENP is effective, it must be followed by all the member countries as part of a privileged partnership with a view to achieving the necessary reforms.
in writing. - (PT) It is worrying that the issue of United Nations reform crops up so regularly.
They say that budgets reflect or mirror the intended economic policies.
In this context, we need legal certainty and, therefore, an extension of the monopoly over a longer period.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, despite the significance of this report, only 19 Member States reported on core indicators.
In addition, a concept of open innovation should be encouraged.
What we need is a real social pact, with a coherent vision and a serious commitment to a social Europe, so that at least we show citizens that Europe is more than just a market.
Mr President, I am speaking on the subject of the ICI+ Instrument.
For me, this is a move too far, and the one area I cannot support.
Mr President, President-in-Office of the Council, Commissioner, I think we should not beat about the bush.
Concerning the non-proliferation resolution, I would like to underline the importance of envisaging a world free from nuclear weapons, the clear judgment on the anachronism of tactical nuclear weapons and the value of the positions recently adopted by some European governments on this front.
The recent developments have made this suggestion even more relevant.
What is alarming is that trends are being observed indicating that these disparities are growing, which may increase inequality and lead to isolation.
Subject: Emergency relief following natural disasters
Transparency and the physical exchange of information are the foundations of fair competition and of a fair distribution of the tax burden.
By the time this massive evacuation was completed, there were only around 200 people left who wanted to be evacuated.
We will have a General Affairs Council on Friday on this matter and will examine the relevant chapters.
in writing. - The Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 allows for mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument to allow the financing of clearly identified expenditure which could not be financed within the limits of the ceilings available for one or more headings of the multiannual financial framework.
That would make a huge difference.
It is my conviction that a key factor here is also the creation of a perspicuous mechanism of operation for the judicial system in the Balkans, which will assume the original functions of the Tribunal after its closure.
First of all, her real aim is not ecological or even economic, it is dogmatic: as indicated in the explanatory statement, the aim is to introduce a common European energy policy, and this must take precedence over everything else.
Will it therefore take the lead in recognising that biofuels are not the answer?
Sustainable growth is an extremely complex issue.
Important work is under way in that respect.
We are making progress by taking the Irish requests seriously, and I address this remark to Mrs Doyle and Mrs McGuiness.
In the Carpathians or, for example, in Sajólád, 30-40% of the forests have already been stolen.
But both the Prime Minister and I come from Stockholm, where infrastructure and investment must all have practically doubled in cost.
Work in the Service should be treated as an integral part of their career at home.
Over the year, we have been working alongside Parliament and the Council to, among other things, increase protection for bank depositors, dissuade banks and other financial institutions from taking excessive risks in the future and better regulate the credit rating agencies.
The people are entitled to demonstrate within the limits of the law when they feel that the government is acting against their interests.
Firstly, we want to check the security precautions for future licences; in other words, what higher or highest standards are possible for new authorisations.
I sometimes wonder if we speak to the same people.
Danish firms which have invested in agriculture in Romania have been informed that, in future, they may not charge VAT on goods sold to intermediaries.
In addition, by abandoning the rules of fair economic competition we will be creating a jungle.
EUR 14.8 million of this carryover was for activities as yet not implemented (or, in some cases, for goods not received) at the year-end, which is at odds with the budgetary principle of annuality.
For this reason, it is very important that we address this issue.
God has given us many languages and many cultures, but only one world in which to live together, and it is getting smaller every day.
Mr President, Madam Vice-President, many thanks for having opened the debate here on this subject, which I think is an important one.
So I look forward to working in partnership with Prime Minister Orbán and with the Hungarian Presidency to make sure that it is a successful one.
Frequently amended regulations need to be codified in order to render Community law clear and intelligible.
There is as yet, however, no overview of those regulations that have been transposed so as to make it possible to determine the need for new regulations that has been claimed.
'Throughout its history, Europe has seen terrible outbreaks of armed conflict often rooted in prejudice and hatred.
This is an example of what cannot happen!
This is an area that I personally have had discussions with the car rental companies about.
This is a highly relevant report given that the pay gap in the European Union is a reality that should be eliminated.
This cannot be our only strategy, and we must certainly take up a demand being made by the EU Member States: to govern legal migration.
Is the Council in any way considering a further extension of the deadline for transposition of the accessibility requirement for existing and/or new infrastructure?
Economics should serve all people, helping them to be at home in their communities, at home in themselves.
Greater economic flexibility should be allowed.
I would be slow to denigrate that attitude in anybody.
However, let me start with a point of criticism, addressed to the Council, in particular.
(Applause)
The situation has obviously changed several times in the 20 years since they started.
What is the Council's position with regard to Europe-wide cooperation concerning homelessness?
The Commission has therefore called for the immediate establishment of a thorough investigation and for the prosecution of persons who broke the law.
The nationals of Montenegro also deserve greater democracy, greater respect, greater diversity and greater legal certainty.
I explicitly regret that my amendment to that effect did not command a majority in the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.
Without that knowledge it is very difficult for farmers to plan for the future.
The strategy for the capacity, efficiency and security of European airports prioritises the optimised use and development of current capacity, aid for combined transport and reducing the environmental burden.
Would Minister Malmström like to take the floor before signing the legislative acts?
This is something that we previously received Parliament's support for in principle.
We often say that Europe's small businesses are the heart of the European economy.
That is exactly what this should be about: we have to ensure that we can make energy savings in the built environment, for example, in a much faster timeframe, which is why we have submitted an amendment for a European Building Initiative.
No concessions.
Any attempt to reduce, weaken or postpone the promises made must be fought.
He served as President of the European Commission from 1981 until 1985.
Second, the year 2009 will see new elections to Parliament, and especially the introduction of the new Members' Statute, which will undoubtedly involve a considerable increase in Parliament's expenditure.
There is an increased moral risk here.
The European Microfinance Facility must provide useful assistance to the unemployed and vulnerable people who would like to set up or run micro-enterprises.
I believe - and I have said it again and again - that the proposals made in the second package are crucial to making this change, and for this to be strengthened we will add a couple of elements in the second strategic energy review under the headings: infrastructure needs and diversification of energy supplies, external energy relations, oil and gas stocks and crisis mechanisms, energy efficiency and making the best use of the EU's indigenous energy sources.
We have some funding, we can provide support for victims and we can encourage further cooperation.
Just two years ago, here in a plenary session of the European Parliament, I said that, in my opinion, one of the most significant challenges facing transport today is clearly that of making intelligent transport systems widely available in Europe.
The debate is closed.
However, I would still like to point out that the old Member States that are facing these asylum issues must also review whether their asylum policies are appropriate, as they are also granting asylum to applicants to whom it should not be granted.
The payments are set at the level of EUR 126.5 billion, corresponding to 1.01% of GNI.
The economic crisis in the developed world has brought in its wake trade restrictions which, in turn, are putting an economic stranglehold on less developed countries.
The Commission's initiative in conjunction with the recovery plan is therefore welcome, even if it has been put together very quickly.
He said the UK would not hand him over.
- Madam President, before I begin, may I just pay tribute to the previous speaker, Jim Allister.
Written statements (Rule 149)
This conflict is jeopardising the peace process that should have followed the referendum of January 2011.
Attention must be drawn to the fact that this is a highly toxic product and that viable and safe alternative solutions do exist.
It has constantly underlined the fact that the euro area needs a stability pact with authority.
Secondly, we have had very good cooperation between the Commission, the ECB and the IMF, which was not self-evident when we started about a year and a half ago in terms of fire-fighting the financial turmoil.
On the one hand, we can see the Annual Growth Survey, and we can see the European Semester leading to fewer jobs and less growth in Europe.
It is Europe's task to lead a global strategy that seeks to equip the international community with an effective legal architecture that guarantees the total exclusion of arms from space, through the revision and strengthening of the Outer Space Treaty.
Europe's energy security is based on a variety of sources, routes and supply countries.
It started as a 'chauvinistic' fallacy in competition with Google, but has been reformulated, following various changes, in more sensible, realistic and productive terms.
In order to promote a policy to address this issue, the European Commission issued a communication in October 2008, which the Council accepted in full last December.
I welcome the fact that the scheme must only involve fresh fruit and vegetables produced in the European Union.
in writing. - (SV) This report on non-profit local community media in Europe deals with an area which is considered to need additional funding under EU support programmes.
Those who hold power are tempted to stack the cards in their favour, especially in the run-up to elections, whilst those who lose find the results difficult to accept.
This should be an especially important subject in the ongoing review of the EU's human rights policy when it comes to the elaboration of a comprehensive human rights country strategy and to the evaluation of the EU guidelines on violence against women and girls and those EU guidelines concerning children and armed conflict, as well as combating all forms of discrimination against them.
I will focus on four main issues.
I understand that infringements of property rights on the Internet have to be dealt with, but that should not mean encroaching on the freedom of an individual Internet user.
I come from an island and I understand very well the importance of maritime research and progress.
The Commission will, for example, be obliged to submit reports to us on the concrete follow-up provisions adopted for any legislative initiative request.
Thus, the challenges are clear to Europe.
I think we had a very welcome participation by the High Representative in the meeting some weeks ago.
That said, in the light of the increased pressure on some external borders and the calls from Member States to strengthen the system of the Schengen rules, the Council needs to look into how we can further guarantee the principle of free movement and, at the same time, citizens' need for maintenance of a high level of internal security.
I would like to thank the Chair of the Committee on Budgetary Control, Mr Bösch, for all the work and patience he has put in, as well as the rapporteurs, Mr Jørgensen, Mr Pomés Ruiz and Mr Stubb.
This should be implemented through improving the existing E.U. legislation and directives involving consumer protection especially to ensure:
Forced labour camps, kidnappings, arbitrary arrests and torture appear to be the hallmarks of Kim Jong-il's tyrannical regime.
(HU) I wish to congratulate Alexandra Dobolyi and her fellow authors.
I am sure our excellent fellow Member, Mrs Lulling, will agree, since she has been working on this problem since 1994.
One merit of the La Russa report is this: if it is true, and it is true, that the purpose of the Community-wide internal gas market is to offer all EU consumers freedom to choose their supplier and at the same time to create new commercial opportunities, we must expect a more efficient service to be provided and then reflected in competitive pricing.
My third point, Mr Van Rompuy, is that the Treaty of Lisbon is not enough, and that more intergovernmental collaboration is needed.
in writing. - I voted in favour of Mr Guerreiro's report.
in writing. - My British Conservative colleagues and I are very supportive of the contribution made to the European economy by those organisations and enterprises which operate in the 'not-for-profit' sector.
Although we have held many debates on this issue, the measures taken in Europe have, unfortunately, been ineffectual, despite the threat posed to our continent and our economy.
The Socialist Group in the European Parliament shares the Commissioner's analysis of the present situation and agrees that, within the health check, we shall have the opportunity to examine this issue in depth and take more fitting definitive decisions for the future.
I believe that the masters' liability in the case of passenger freight should apply to inland waterways as well.
Surely it is time to learn from the lessons of successful fish preservation and conservation.
But what solution?
Of similar importance is the adaptation of health systems and everyday practice, including monitoring the disease in high-risk groups and providing qualified health workers and adequate supplies of equipment.
That is a rather strange set-up, a bit like having a butcher inspecting the quality of his own meat.
It would send the wrong message - in the desperation that may be perceptible in a number of speeches here - to diminish this ambition.
The next item is the report by Mrs Anna Hedh, on behalf of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, on the Consumer Markets Scoreboard.
I have in mind the Directives on seasonal workers, workers who are long-term residents and 'EU Blue Cards' which we are discussing today.
I myself thought that the final result was watered down and lobbied to pieces by industry, but at least it is there, the world's most wide-ranging chemicals legislation.
This is by far the best way to safeguard our welfare system.
Logistics involve no more nor less than avoiding too many transfers between the different modes of transport and making sure that optimum use is made of them where they are most efficient or profitable.
Measures to protect forests are vital.
The citizens are wondering who is threatening the European Union to the extent that it needs to tie its security in with ΝΑΤΟ?
In the area of funding, the report encourages the use of Structural Funds in support of energy efficiency, and calls for this to be made a priority within the EU budget after 2013.
Now is the time to work on creating jobs for the future.
Agenda of the next sitting : see Minutes
The idea will be to allocate the money in national envelopes, according to production in the year 2008-9 and, of course, within the ceiling of the national quotas, distributed in a non-discriminatory manner to those dairy farmers most affected by the crisis.
I also take the view that the election campaign for the European Parliament provides a great opportunity for responsible MEPs to explain what decisions we make in Strasbourg, how civil society participates in our work and how it will be able to participate following adoption of the Lisbon Treaty.
What comprehensive lasting prospect is the European Union able to offer to the Kosovars and to the other peoples of the Balkans - a prospect that can stabilise the situation here without the risk of destabilising it elsewhere?
A rescue plan for the growing number of school leavers with no qualifications is at least just as hard as for the duped savers, because without a qualification, these young people have absolutely no standing in life.
For the European Union the requirement for creativity is nothing new.
The three reports took account of these shortcomings and also defined them excellently.
President Pöttering has been hasty in asserting that there were no votes against.
Our role should be to stop creating the instability that fuels these vast population movements: there must be no more wars such as those against Iraq and Afghanistan; we must pull out of Libya before we are drawn into a ground war; we must cancel the planned conflict with Iran and we must avoid encouraging discontent in other Middle Eastern states.
Indeed, Mr Martin.
We hope that the free movement of citizens, workers and service providers will break down borders in people's minds and thinking as well.
It is certainly an attempt to perpetuate by means of a fait accompli policy, the political, economic and military domination of that most important region of Europe by the USA and the EU's major powers.
I have said, and the Commission has said, time and time again, there is no room for complacency, especially when the economic situation seems to be deteriorating globally.
ECB statistics (
What are you telling the board of the Jerusalem local authority, then?
We now need that large majority.
(FR) Mr President, Mr Barroso, Mr Reinfeldt, I would like to know your view, Mr Reinfeldt, on the conclusions of the Troika, since the Heads of State or Government decided to create this troika concept in order to give a sense of continuity to the Presidency.
The EU is a staunch supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which promotes universality and upholds the integrity of the Rome Statute with a view to protecting and consolidating the independence, legitimacy and effectiveness of the international judicial process.
A large proportion of the results for 2007 are already guaranteed by the results produced in the first two quarters, by the information available on what is happening in our economies in this third quarter and by the positive inertia of economic recovery based on the good, solid foundations that we inherited from 2006.
The recent discovery of a secret nuclear facility in Iran could well confirm this judgment, but we must now all redouble our efforts to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions and, as allies of the US, we strongly support their military struggle against Jihadi terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan and their strong efforts to bring lasting peace to the Middle East.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, in reality, we are holding a debate this morning about the significance of culture in the various policy areas - in foreign policy, in economic policy, in education policy and in social policy - and we all know that all of us benefit from culture being taken more seriously.
We expect the EUR 5 million pilot project currently implemented by the Commission to pave the way for efficient and effective solutions in the areas that matter most: early childhood education and economic inclusion, and provide progress on policy learning and evaluation.
- (DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, first a very big thank you to the rapporteur, Mr Lehne, who has done a magnificent job and has found appropriate solutions to a very difficult question in agreement with the Members from the other groups.
The establishment of this new legal instrument, the EGTC, was born of difficulties which this type of action encountered as a result of the different systems and different procedures in place
In order to ensure, as effectively as possible, the implementation of the social rules in road transport, the European Commission should come up with a uniform and binding interpretation of the Regulation on driving and resting hours, which the national inspection bodies should take into account.
No element in the framework decision can be construed as a reduction of or constraint on fundamental rights and liberties, such as the freedom of expression, of association, or of assembly.
in writing. - I voted in favour of the report on the new youth strategy, as I believe that the future of Europe is the young people today.
It is essential that this target should be met as we need some of these funds for other purposes, as Mr Fernandes has pointed out.
These vehicles can withstand almost any accident but, unfortunately, most of the vehicles on our roads are medium or low priced.
These include the search for peace and security in the region, the social and geopolitical impact of the economic crisis, environmental concerns, the management of migratory flows, and the role of women in our respective societies.
Without the Balkan war, it would have joined in 2004.
A fundamental question, however, remains: what should be done about milk production and milk producers in the long term?
How can these developments be verified?
Besides, it is in their interest.
By the way, during the work of the Committee on Culture and Education, we were able to remove from the report the proposal to appoint a special EU ambassador solely for cultural affairs.
The fact that we have nothing, not one single proposal, for how things should be in the future, disturbs us.
the report by Mr Cortés Lastra, on behalf of the Committee on Regional Development, on the contribution of the Cohesion policy to the achievement of Lisbon and the EU 2020 objectives.
We allow the construction of minarets in Europe, while they do not reciprocate at all.
This is a lamentable failure where European solidarity is concerned; we are allowing more and more national rescue plans for the industrial sector and we are reduced merely to calling for a rejection of protectionism.
The Christian Democrats have been in power in Italy almost uninterruptedly since 1946.
The subject of budget aid once again involves particular problems because it is not possible to follow up or trace the money and what it is used for.
in writing. - (IT) The Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) has been one of the key EU trade and development policy instruments to assist developing countries to reduce poverty.
It was possible thanks to our role as European leader; I am proud of this as President of a European institution.
Today we are facing new problems as a result of the globalisation of trade.
In this sense, we see a balanced report containing commitments that can be realistically met, which is why I strongly support it.
We have indicated our willingness to work with subregions, if that is what the ACP states wish.
Clearly, Israel's unilateral withdrawal from Gaza as a bona fide gesture of land for peace is of very little significance to Israel's critics.
Even though I agree with Ms Jäätteenmäki that, unfortunately, we have not seen a lot of progress.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to the South African delegation which is here to take part in the 14th inter-parliamentary meeting between the European Parliament and the South African Parliament.
Yet Barrack Obama has not only ditched his promise to shut that horrific prison but has now approved the resumption of military trials for detainees.
I believe everyone should join in this call for a purposeful Europe that combines the efforts of its three institutions to combat this horrible crime that violates human rights.
Sport excellence costs a lot, but it is equally necessary to increase the funding of mass sport from childhood to retirement age.
A Commission President who is strong is all very well, but a College, a Commission that is strong and which demonstrates its cohesion, is essential and is far more important still.
Something I would like to do during the European Football Championships - which are not long away now and which will be hosted in Poland and Ukraine - is to watch one or two matches with you.
Differing ideas have been put forward about how job losses and notice will be distributed.
For the first time in 16 years, the European Court of Auditors has issued a positive statement of assurance with regard to both the reliability of the annual accounts and the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions.
It does not say anywhere that the forty Members have to be present in the Chamber in order to submit this request for the quorum to be established, but it is also not excluded.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I am dealing with this file on behalf of my colleague, Mrs Kroes, the Competition Commissioner.
In the area of cohesion, which represents almost a third of the budget, the situation remains that this is the only budgetary area where the estimated error is over 5%.
The development of certain less polluting products entails the involvement of different parties, such as companies, the competent authorities and NGOs.
Indeed, in addition to the physical violence endured, the psychological violence that the victims have suffered is terrible beyond measure.
Nor do we believe that parents and older people in general have poor media literacy.
Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, I earnestly urge you to vote for it.
These blind methods have just demonstrated their limitations in Tunisia.
It would be interesting to hear what Mr Andersson thinks of this suggestion.
In 2011, the Commission will table the remaining pieces of regulation.
In other words, the Commission has been handing countries a bag of money without applying sufficient controls.
As my final and closing remark, Mr President, I would like to mention the topic of climate change - which was also recently addressed in the relevant committees, with the approval of important reports - to look again at a part of this resolution that has my full support.
First of all, I think it is excellent that the Commission has stepped into the breach and that Mr Hahn is also considering how he might be able to alter his operational programmes.
(DE) Unfortunately, this applies to the Commission, or at least to those members of the Commission who should be responsible for these issues.
I believe that, thanks to a measure of this sort, professions which are rare or hardly employed at a particular workplace will be promoted through them being combined by those holding some of these skills and according to market demand.
Primarily, however, it is important for ensuring legal certainty among European citizens.
I have therefore voted against it in the final vote.
However, there is also a wish for the rules to be made clearer, as well as for increased transparency and for there to be more efficient application of the instruments.
This was the result of compromises being made and which received willing support.
In my opinion, Germany should lead now and move towards a common European treasury.
The annual meetings of the Cooperation Committee and Cooperation Council, and of the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee are thus particularly important.
The next item is Question Time (B6-0231/2009).
In the world of international finance, it is usual for voting rights to be allocated according to the obligations to make contributions.
Competence was originally devised because about 80% of the population live in towns and, due to climate change, we now want to take this on.
One way to help this process is to insist constantly on respect for human rights in third countries.
It is increasingly evident that tax policies are not neutral.
I am sorry that the symbols of the European Union (the flag, anthem and motto) have been abandoned.
The Commission has translated these objectives into five major draft regulations: the ETS Directive or CO2 emissions trading scheme for industry and energy providers, which aims for a 21% reduction in industrial emissions by 2020; the Effort Sharing Directive, which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 10% in non-ETS sectors such as construction, transport and agriculture by 2020; the directive on renewable energy sources, whose aim is to increase the share of these energy sources from a little over 8% in 2006 to 20%, with a 10% reduction in the transport sector; the directive on carbon capture and storage, which aims to set out the conditions for storing carbon; and, lastly, the legislation on CO2 emissions from motor vehicles, which seeks to bring CO2 emissions down from 160 to 120 grams, between 2006 and 2008.
I only have one more opportunity to be with you, so I must make the most of this experience.
The new Erasmus Mundus programme will need to adapt to the increased demand for mobility, while at the same time maintaining its standards.
Mr President, I should like to make two quick points.
The exceptions are the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, which are not bound by this agreement, and a territorial restriction with respect to France and the Netherlands, for which this agreement only relates to those countries' European territories.
This speed and effectiveness are evidence of strong action, based on competence and greater trust in your institution.
The PSE Group gives broad support to the conclusions on climate change.
EU governments did not have a clue what to do.
In this respect I will be building on my cooperation with Mr Fjellner in the future.
What has been striking in this debate is the very broad consensus extending beyond the differences between groups.
Thank you for your attention and please vote in favour of discharge.
Nonetheless, I do not feel that imposing parity should be the way to increase women's participation in the labour market.
We have increasing numbers of poor workers.
A fund that helps everyone achieve a certain level of energy efficiency and embrace renewables has my support and I voted in favour of it.
In the case of Tibet unfortunately, there is only military occupation and political repression; there is also immigration.
Without such a measure, rogue traders and other debtors can evade their responsibilities by simply moving their assets to another jurisdiction, thereby denying the creditor effective enforcement of the judgment in the Single Market.
The Court's mandate comes to an end soon, in 2010, and the Sierra Leone Government has been totally frank about not being able to ensure that the sentences passed will be enforced.
Written statements (Rule 142)
On that occasion, the Council endorsed the Presidency's conclusions on the progress made and the need to continue to work in close cooperation with all Member States towards a solution acceptable to all parties involved.
However, now that I was given the floor, I would rather not criticise, but make a recommendation on behalf of 80 million people living with disabilities.
Looking back at our achievements, we must also be critical and own up to mistakes that have been committed.
Finally, cohesion policy must also be the subject of better communication so that European citizens can understand the important role played by the Structural Funds in major regional and social cohesion projects.
Whereas in our digital age, data protection, the right of informational self-determination, personal rights and the right to privacy have become values that play an ever increasing role and must therefore be protected with special care.
Nevertheless, this unfortunate affair testifies to the need for clarification and simplification of Community law so that citizens can understand and use it in their everyday lives.
This report proposes the continuity of the common agricultural policy (CAP), though with some contradictions.
The first is that the words 'human rights and the rule of law' be put in the first place in the points of concern and not the last.
I would call for arrangements to be made in the very short term to ensure that political and other refugees can continue to count on humane treatment, as Frontex's success will, to some extent, be determined by it.
9.
Of course, he went in the past too, but on the black market.
We believe that Europe needs to focus on ensuring it has the right capabilities to deploy at the right time, and making sure existing institutions function effectively rather than building additional institutions as an expensive and unnecessary luxury.
Provincial elections last year went fairly smoothly all over Iraq. Crucially, the next general elections, due on 7 March 2010, can be another big step towards consolidating the Iraqi democracy.
I declare resumed the session of the European Parliament adjourned on Thursday 9 June 2011.
Today, we should also remember the names of other figures who were representative of many people.
Today of all days, he ought to remember that.
They were the ones that set themselves this objective.
Mrs Ferrero-Waldner, one of your former opposite numbers, Madeleine Albright, observed when she was US Secretary of State that it was naturally far more difficult to raise human rights issues in China than in Burma, because in China geopolitical factors were part of the equation.
For the purpose of these checks a list of infringements has been proposed, in respect of which vehicles may be immobilised and required to be brought into conformity before continuing their journey.
Last year alone, western countries sold arms to developing countries for an estimated USD 42 billion; half of which were European.
I would like to stress that the behaviour of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament seems to me to be particularly hard to understand; first they were opposed to the debate, then they were opposed to my tabling a resolution, and then they actually voted against it, with Mr Ford offering a political explanation that we are passing too many resolutions on Tibet.
We are also heading for an employment crisis.
Steps must be taken to ensure access to free and anonymous testing in order to facilitate more people seeking testing.
Secondly, I do not think it professional either to compare the European Union with the Soviet Union, as Mr Soini did.
A stronger naval presence in the region may have a positive influence on the security environment in Somalia and, consequently, in the region as a whole.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (NL) Mr President, firstly I would like to thank the European Commission and Mr Dimas for this Green Paper on 'Adapting to climate change in Europe - options for EU action'.
(PL) I agree with Mr Mauro that in the fight against the crises, there has not been enough action from the European Union.
The free movement of citizens within the Community is one of their fundamental freedoms and encourages the development of the internal economy of the Member States.
In spite of these shortcomings, we believe that the aim of the report is a good one and that it presents a good number of sound initiatives.
The government of national unity, which was set up in 2009 to bring about democracy, is obviously not working, due to his efforts to ensure that it does not.
This route is also noted in the report.
For five years - actually, for four years: last year, after the crisis, you were more cautious - you explained to us that the basis for economic and environmental effectiveness was deregulation.
The draft resolution in question concerns the important partnership agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon.
If we think about the importance to Europe of a global strategy taking advantage of the sea's potential, and if we think about the economic strength that tourism can and does bring to European economies, and if we add to these thoughts the need to respond not only to the concerns raised by the relocation of various businesses, but also to the challenges posed by the current economic crisis, it is easy to understand the importance of a specific strategy for tourism in coastal zones, within the framework of global strategies for tourism and for the sea.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (ES) Mr President, first of all, I would like to say that I have listened with great interest and appreciation to all of the speeches made by the honourable Members, speeches of both support and criticism, although admittedly, the latter were in the majority, but I welcome them all.
Thank you again and all the best!
To the communist Member from Greece I would like to say that I have just heard from Moscow that Stalin is dead.
We must not forget that these sectors are the most vulnerable in times of crisis.
Despite the presence in the seas off the Horn of Africa of the US-led Combined Task Force 151 and a NATO Maritime Group, it was decided to concoct yet another fleet and a further command chain.
Some of you have asked, 'What is the point of all this?'
'A European perspective including Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union' could constitute a driving force for reforms in these countries.
For it is difficult to suppose that terrorists will agree to being scanned.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I have a question for Commissioner Verheugen: is the Commission ready to prepare a legal basis for a budget line for the 2009 or 2010 budget?
We condemn the restrictions on freedom of assembly and, in particular, the violent police crackdown on student demonstrations at Ankara University in December 2010. The European Parliament is also concerned that human rights defenders are being persecuted in Turkey.
Again, I quote Jean-Claude Trichet: 'Banking watchdogs should not have disproportionate requirements regarding credit agencies', and, on the other hand, according to Jean-Claude Juncker: 'Everything must be done to prevent salaries from getting out of hand'.
Delegated acts (Rule 87a)
The procedure for drawing up the list of the three candidates is not a matter for the accession agreement: it is a matter for us.
Women are better educated, but they do not gain promotion.
Because the rest of the world would interpret the European Union's imposition of such a measure at this time as a protectionist step.
We in the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) feel that the work standards devised by the International Labour Organisation help mitigate the harmful effects of competition on the international market, thereby increasing the chances of balanced economic growth being achieved.
The benefits are wide-ranging: more jobs, income, tax revenue and, first and foremost, renewable sources of energy.
It is indeed the Council's belief that SME policy is one of the key areas in our common fight against the economic crisis and for the speedy recovery of the European Union's economy.
We should not make the same mistake again.
Where is the European Union's consistency and credibility when its own decisions contrast so sharply with its much-vaunted principles?
This proposal aims to extend the scope of Council Directive 2003/109/EC concerning the status of third-country nationals who are long-term residents and beneficiaries of international protection who have been legally residing in a Member State for a period of more than five years.
We are often too quick to criticise our institutions and processes. But they have generally worked well, even in the most difficult times.
This should be seen not only as the cynical ploy it is, coming from forces not in the least bit interested in facing up to the realities of climate change, but also as short-sighted in the extreme.
In addition to being a key catch, cod is also vital to the proper functioning of the ecosystem.
We have been told that the fire service and the police are responsible for them.
Erroneous decisions by governments in economic and financial policy and inadequate financial supervision by governments and the manifest collapse of a number of banks are reason to call for a reformed financial system, not a new economic system.
Our analyses and the decisions which we are going to make must take into account the different levels of agricultural development across the European Union, this sector's weighting in Member States' economies, as well as different situations in terms of regional cohesion and development.
The events that took place in Spain show us that any time we lower our guard or choose the route of negotiation, terrorists return to the attack.
I am therefore particularly keen to be able to address you about the regulation that implements the citizens' initiative, this flagship innovation of the Treaty of Lisbon as regards improved citizen participation in decisions at European level.
In this context, I would like to make another comment.
Developing a real European energy strategy has now become imperative.
Activating the mandate of EUR 2 billion to fund measures to combat climate change offers significant potential support for countries in the Eastern Partnership, such as the Republic of Moldova.
It is also important to consider internal imbalances, including private and public debt, its evolution and origin (domestic or international) and late payments of the country, especially from the public sector and big multinationals to small and medium-sized enterprises.
That is why unequal pay hits women twice as hard.
I agree with Mrs McGuinness regarding the operation of codes of conduct.
Mr President, I wish to inform Parliament that last week, the UK Justice Minister gave Michael Shields, my constituent, a pardon, and he was freed from prison having served four and a half years for a crime he did not commit.
I would like to give my word to Mr Surján on behalf of the Czech Republic that the Czech Social Democrats will do everything possible to ensure that the exception demanded by President Klaus is withdrawn on behalf of the Czech Republic, as we consider it outrageous.
You do too, judging by the 'Political guidelines for the next Commission' which you presented to Parliament.
Our advice would therefore have been to include this, too, in the Commission's annual programme.
4.
There are no immortal dictators, but the spirit of freedom is timeless.
(PT) Mr President, the revision of the Eurovignette Directive should have been used to encourage more sustainable and environmentally-friendly road transport.
However, the truth is that whether it is possible to regard next year's budget as a successful response by the European Union to the financial and economic crisis will depend precisely on these measures and on the question of how far they really will increase payment amounts.
Rather than trying to establish and keep up-to-date a comprehensive list of these representatives - a tedious and perhaps even impossible task - it proposes, in particular, establishing a global definition of the term 'lobby', which will ensure that any bodies that are not on the list cannot get around the rules we have laid down.
Now, during the good years, the European Union was able to disregard these verities and was able to construct behind its walls a highly regulated and centralised market.
(Applause)
In addition, the Green Paper 'From Challenges to Opportunities: towards a common strategic framework for EU Research and Innovation funding', identified the key questions for future EU research and innovation support, including a number of specific questions on how to better meet the needs of SMEs.
Thank you and congratulations.
(Applause)
She talks about only one nuclear plant in Japan having been hit.
I would therefore like to address the demand that has been made many times for us to be more ambitious.
I am not saying we agree with everything in it, but we endorse the core passage.
When the right measures are not applied, problems arise regardless of the livestock production system operating in each Member State.
For this reason it is important to have impartial environmental reports produced, so that the risks may be established and weighed up against the benefits.
The new report extends this system to other procedural acts where the President represents Parliament and, in controversial situations, consults the plenary.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (ES) Mr President, the partnership between the United States and the European Union is fundamentally based on values and on enormous economic potential.
President of the Commission. - There are two questions there.
It is therefore important, in any case, that, in the name of short-term budgetary orthodoxy and of a legal approach to budget regulation, the many Member States no longer be able to stop this entire recovery plan.
It is not true that the number of asylum seekers corresponded to the total number; they made up about one tenth of the total.
The goods market in question is worth approximately EUR 500 billion.
I wish the European Commission and those who want the Lisbon Treaty to go through would learn from that statement themselves.
At present, the EU therefore has a unique opportunity to establish a new mechanism that should lead to greater macroeconomic, fiscal and currency stability for the Member States in the long term, and help increase their competitiveness.
I urge the Commission to come up with a new and better proposal as quickly as possible.
I would like to thank the rapporteur, Mr Thaler, for describing this route so accurately.
I believe this shows disrespect for the MEPs.
The Member States can no longer avoid an ambitious family policy to encourage the birth rate to rise, as a pledge to the equilibrium of their social security systems and, more importantly, to their dynamism, prosperity and, quite simply their survival.
To this end, I sincerely hope that we will receive positive news very shortly from the Council, so that we have the right political conditions to ensure the success of the 2011 budget adoption procedure.
This decision had been preceded by a discussion with Member States in the Council.
12.
I would like to address three key points which some of you have already mentioned.
I will give you some figures to illustrate the workload in 2007: 183 million customs declarations were processed, which means around 5.5 customs declarations every second; 1 545 million tonnes of seaborne cargo and 3 million tonnes of airborne cargo were handled; 43 cases of fake goods were found and seized, which amounted to 79 million counterfeited and pirated articles, and the trend is upwards.
These set out the principle whereby, as far as enlargement was concerned, the European Union would require each candidate country to comply fully with all the Copenhagen criteria, but that any enlargement would still be subject to the Union's capacity for further integration.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I think that we are taking an extremely significant step forwards by adopting this report, and it will be very useful with a view to the Barcelona Summit of 7 June, a summit which, as we know, is set to be difficult given the deadlock in negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and also owing to various uncertainties and difficulties regarding the definition of the administrative set-up of the new secretariat structure.
In recent years, there has been no reinvestment in capital movements from east to west within the EU, and consequently there is an enormous capital drain from eastern Member States to the western ones.
Thank you.
Brevity is the source of wit, so I will detain the House no more, other than thanking - as every MEP should - the two wonderful assistants, Renaud and Maris, who work with me and who make my work not only enjoyable but also productive.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (HU) Thank you, Mr President, for your kind words.
Latvia will continue to be an active supporter of Europe's Neighbourhood Policy and play an active part in implementing it.
the report by Salvatore Tatarella, on behalf of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on a Community Ecolabel scheme - C6-0279/2008 -, and
The knowledge that in spite of various methods of diagnosis and treatment, very many people are going to die of cancer, is always bitter and sad.
You can take on board the objections of this House.
I voted in favour of this document because in 2005, the European Council granted candidate status to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia but has failed ever since to set a date for the opening of negotiations, in spite of the substantial progress made by that country on its path towards the EU; because bilateral issues should not represent and be used as an obstacle in the accession process, although they should be settled before membership; and because the continuation of the accession process would contribute to the stability of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and would further strengthen inter-ethnic dialogue.
A democratic legislative institution like the European Parliament obviously cannot question this benefit.
Give them the hope that will allow them to stand on their own two feet again.
(PL) Mr President, the ceremonies which took place on 9 November this year in Berlin on the 20th anniversary of the demolition of the Berlin Wall commemorated the unification of Germany. Moreover, they also showed the route taken by Central and Eastern Europe to freedom and democracy, and to the end of the division, not only of Germany, but of the whole of Europe.
This free trade agreement (FTA) is the widest-ranging negotiated by the EU to date.
In fact, over the whole of last year, their load factor was only 21%.
In industry, labour is responsible for 20% of costs and resources for 40%.
Independent reporters live in constant fear of interrogation and arrest.
warns that the agreement may not comply with international data protection laws;
Of course, we need to continue along these lines, and I would like very briefly to mention the three great challenges that we face in the coming months and years.
In Europe, earthquakes might not always have catastrophic consequences; however, we still need to be protected from them.
I also support the call for the EU to respect and promote the guarantee of a sustainable future for farmers in the context of trade agreements, and not to put European agricultural production, rural agriculture and global access to food at risk.
The next item is the vote.
Moreover, serious and repeated violations of public procurement rules were identified: five procurement procedures - worth a total of EUR 455 111 - failed to comply with the rules.
The fact that, out of the total number of unemployed persons in the European Union, over 40% are young people is just as serious.
Significantly, the treaty strengthens the powers and independence of both the Commission and the ECB, with their free-trade thinking.
We are aware of the deep concern amongst our citizens about the impact of the global climate change.
(SL) I, too, would like to express my sympathy for the events in Haiti, as well as congratulate the European Commission and European institutions for their relatively appropriate response.
In other words, I propose that we set up a fund for this task which Bulgaria has not addressed at all to date.
I will resume because there is no point in wasting time.
(ES) Mr President, allow me to join in the words of support for the residents of Lorca, in Spain, that have been affected by this natural disaster.
Supporting early demonstration of sustainable power generation from fossil fuels (
There are important issues like transportation, tourism, culture, preserving our heritage, but all these rank behind protecting our water resources.
I sincerely believe that piracy is a form of terrorism and it is taking on uncontrolled proportions.
Rights of passengers in bus and coach transport (debate)
This is why we are fighting: it is not an ideological battle, it is a matter of the general interest.
One could say that mobility, especially in the case of young researchers, can have a significant influence on their future achievements.
However, as you have also said, Commissioner, we need to design these instruments in such a way as to prevent the extremes seen in the US, for example, from creeping in, and instead tailor them to our own legal system.
If the world kept its promises, there would not be a food crisis.
(ES) Hello, Mr Rodríguez Zapatero.
I voted in favour of this document, which states that the agreement of 2004 concluded with the Swiss Confederation concerning the criteria and mechanisms for establishing the state responsible for examining a request for asylum lodged in a Member State or in Switzerland (the 'Dublin agreement with Switzerland') provides for the possible association of Liechtenstein with the Dublin acquis by means of a protocol.
Thus it is now up to you - the Commission, the Commission services, the agency - to ensure that the Member States do indeed do what they have incorporated in the legislation in the fields of port state control, classification societies, SafeSeaNet and all the matters we are now finalising or improving.
The obvious questions are: why is this the case and who is profiting from the situation?
We need strong measures, simple, transparent laws and, by extension, less bureaucracy.
According to some estimates, tax fraud amounts to EUR 200 billion, or 2% of GDP, and double the sums allotted by the European Union to the so-called European Economic Recovery Plan.
I have had the opportunity to observe, in fact, the quality of the work carried out by Frontex with the Polish teams on the Ukrainian border.
(The President cut off the speaker)
The Commission intends to present a communication soon that will seek to clarify the issues in connection with bee health and the key actions that the Commission intends to take in order to address them.
The review of this proposal began at the end of last year and the Council is still dealing with it.
(PL) Mr President, we are currently facing rapid increases in the price of energy.
Both loan rates and demands for collateral should reduce the moral damage that such a belief could create.
An embargo was imposed on the Bosnians and on the Serbs.
in writing. - (DE) I would like to draw the attention of the Council to a problem which is threatening to paralyse the cooperation between the two institutions on the subject of fisheries policy.
When inspection happens, there must be sufficient notice before inspection occurs.
I think you are kidding.
The hope that the death of Mobutu would finally herald the beginning of progress in Congo has been dashed.
My group believes that this problem has a European dimension which justifies an initiative by the Commission.
These are nice dreams, but now we need sensible action.
Apart from introducing the position of High Representative, also known as the EU Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Lisbon Treaty strengthens EU foreign policy by establishing common diplomacy.
However, the EU has no right to create such rules on maternity and cannot be allowed the legitimacy to do so.
(SK) Ukraine is a neighbour of strategic importance to the EU and a natural 'bridge' connecting the EU with Russia and Central Asia.
I believe that 0.9% is one of the lowest percentages we have seen in recent years.
The first of these is the level of errors which occur during budgeting and realisation.
This is not what European integration is all about.
The very existence of the fishing community depends upon these conditions.
It is vital that we encourage Serbia on the road to Europe through an appropriate approach and in spite of the short-term turbulence and wavering.
I will not be able to answer all the questions put today, but I will go through some of them.
(DE) Madam President, in 2009 between them, the EU and Japan produced more than one quarter of the world's economic output and accounted for over 20% of world trade, which is why a well-conceived free trade agreement with Japan is of central importance for the EU.
The release of the soldier, Gilad Shalit, has been discussed in this House.
Both decision-makers and public and private agencies must take up their responsibilities and act to improve opportunities in employment, business enterprise and education and to prevent social exclusion and combat poverty.
I would like to thank the President for what he did in order to restore normality in Slovakia.
Some European countries, in pursuing their own ambitions, are trying to compete politically and militarily with NATO, of which they are members.
However, we need clarification regarding the division of funds, integrated regional programmes, between regions and between ACP countries.
The principles of the Olympic Charter echo those of the EU to a considerable extent, I refer to citizens' basic rights and human rights where no compromise is given.
A balance therefore needs to be struck between the ambition, on the one hand, to develop the common transport policy as a right to mobility and as an important part of economic growth and, on the other hand, an integrated approach that will improve traffic congestion and make a drastic contribution towards combating climate change.
Support for rural development from the European Agriculture Fund allows Member States, within the framework of improvements to the environment and the countryside, to make payments for natural disadvantages in mountain areas as well as payments in other disadvantaged areas.
Why do we not have the courage to accept that one or other will fail?
I would mention here the provisions relating to the security of supply, namely information about tenderers and subcontractors provided to the contracting authorities and the commitments tenderers have to make to ensure security of supply.
One-minute speeches (Rule 150)
Within this context, and without underestimating the differences and the specific features of package holidays, the Commission will also take into account the impact assessment currently being carried out on the review of Directive 90/314 relating precisely to package holidays.
This Presidency is no exception.
The forthcoming Summit of 14 November will provide the opportunity to examine the various dimensions of the relationship which we must have with Russia, and we must pursue a constructive engagement to determine whether Russia hopes to take full advantage of this dialogue.
I voted today in favour of the opinion of the European Parliament on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania.
No, because this is due to other causes that have nothing to do with ownership unbundling.
I think it is a very important issue.
As economic conditions deteriorate, the pressure on bank balance sheets is set to continue.
It is quite often possible to find the authors of orphan works if you put your mind to it.
- (PL) Madam President, I would like to draw attention to three issues in this debate.
The UN crop programme has failed in practice.
I believe that we have demonstrated solidarity in supporting Member States gripped by financial difficulties.
He knew the risks of publicly defending gays.
In future, this policy should not just be maintained; it should be strengthened with the requisite resources.
It has often been the avant-garde in European integration.
In essence, it is a mere palliative, a sham intended to suggest a modicum of citizens' involvement in the Treaty of Lisbon without really bringing that involvement into the decision-making process.
In Belgium too, the opposition is to a large extent denied access to the media.
Nor shall we let anyone, whether inside or outside the European Union, set limits on our resolute defence of human rights.
10th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women and peace and security (
Between 2005 and 2010, Portugal was one of the countries that most increased its exports; what we need is more unity, more responsibility and more solidarity so that the markets calm down.
Integration must include efficient access to quality training, parallel with language courses and access to university.
The Bauer report is not one we can support, however, as the request for a new legislative proposal on equal pay is based on Article 141(3) of the EC Treaty which is covered by the Conservative Party's pledge to opt out of the Social Chapter.
We should not forget an important element, namely the introduction of a control procedure.
Young people do not get a single mention in the report either, which is incomprehensible.
All that is left for the Hungarian opposition is the power of the public eye, and now they intend to deprive us even of that.
To mention one more example, Member States cannot say, 'I will give you a premium if you scrap your old car, but only if your new car is a German one', if you live in Germany, or a French one or a Czech one.
The European Commission must pay due attention to this issue and must actively work to ensure safety.
Secondly, we find it hard to imagine Parliament approving a trade deal with Canada while Canada pursues a challenge, through the WTO, on the EU's trade ban.
When reading the content of the agreement, one cannot fail to be surprised at the voices being heard in some national parliaments questioning whether it poses a threat to the Council's powers.
I would like the European Union to avoid such a situation, and I would like us to be at the forefront of progress where the transport sector is concerned.
This report calls on the Commission to adopt definitive legislation on social responsibility in subcontracting throughout the whole production process.
The Council and Commission must keep Europe's legislative body informed during every stage of the negotiation and signing of this agreement.
Under the Czech Presidency we took steps to boost energy security, focusing on activities that will increase diversification of energy sources and supply routes through the so-called southern corridor.
These are the tables that the Member States are supposed to draw up in order to document how they have implemented the directive.
We have withdrawn our amendments.
It was really very helpful for the Commission.
This goes beyond the commitment made by the Commission in the 2005 framework for expert groups, which applied only to members of formal groups.
I must stress that the countries around the southern rim of the Mediterranean also have an important role to play in the supply of gas to Europe.
They are not minorities, they are Egyptians and Palestinians, just like all the other residents of these countries.
(GA) Mr President, I would like to welcome the efforts Commissioner Kallas and the transport ministers have made to resolve this problem.
In their response, I note that the Commission has already launched a public consultation and has held hearings to exchange views with stakeholders.
When you present the preliminary draft budget to us, do so in a simple and comprehensible way.
I believe that the relevant rules should provide guidance to officials as to how they should ensure both sound financial management and good administration.
I therefore propose that the national states, by nationalising their national banks, advocate printing money, or vouchers corresponding to money, to finance small businesses.
The Kosovo Albanians were given the opportunity for a European-style solution.
(RO) Mr President, at the moment, Iran is joining the Arab states which are seeking their path to democracy, and the situation in the country is described in detail in the report drafted by Mr Belder.
Ukraine is a strategically and economically significant EU partner and an Eastern neighbour with an important role within and outside the region.
Thank you for your presence and thank you for your speech.
This report reminds us that, if the EU wishes to become a leader in the world in terms of social policy, it needs to safeguard cohesion between the social policies applied in its Member States.
The second was to reduce costs by cutting red tape.
Faced with challenges such as electricity security, energy dependency and the often discussed mitigation of climate change, the EU needs to boost the development and deployment of cleaner and more efficient energy technologies.
The cultural life of the city has never stopped.
There should be a more intensive focus on it, and it should never be undervalued or temporarily neglected in any way.
The question is important for the Danish debate, which is why I ask that a clear answer be given.
The aim of this report is to simplify and clarify the conclusion of air transport agreements and the adoption of decisions on such agreements, with the European Parliament informing the Commission in advance about the criteria upon which it will base its decision whether or not to consent to the conclusion of a particular agreement on behalf of the EU.
So that this development process can continue as fruitfully as possible, stable funding must be provided for public broadcasting corporations, enabling them to promote public interests and social values, to preserve pluralism in the media and to give people access to high-quality content.
President-in-Office of the Council. - Mr President, we have had a very long and useful debate, and the Presidency is grateful to all the Members of this House for their comments.
One of the speakers here said there are clearly institutional shortages in this area.
I think we should adopt broader measures for the European Union in this area.
(DE) Mr President, the previous speaker has just demonstrated how difficult the advancement of democracy in Europe is when we see that, in Ireland, half the population failed to vote because of the complexity of the issues and the fact that not everyone wants to be a constitutionalist.
in writing. - (DE) As long ago as 1964, some developing countries were already calling loudly for trade preferences in order to improve their economic situation.
Disparities in health between countries, between regions, between rich and poor, between different ethnic minorities, affect each and every EU Member State and, in many places, they are getting wider. I would like to be sincere on this issue.
Of course, please encourage us to do more in this field.
For this reason, the report should prioritise the rights of the weakest, especially women and their specific needs.
I believe the EUR 1 billion that the European Union will provide for this purpose is a step in the right direction.
My third point concerns the need for a new trade agreement and I believe that our objectives are very similar in this area as well.
(RO) I would like to congratulate the rapporteur, Piia-Noora Kauppi, for her report concerning the directive on financial collateral arrangements, which contains three major amendments to the current directive.
Certainly, Parliament is often touchingly united in criticising other institutions, but there is actually good reason for Parliament also to be self-critical.
Of course, in this situation of crisis, the Member States are putting up some resistance to the increase in contributions, but they must acknowledge the intentions of the EU and the need not to jeopardise everything that has been achieved in terms of cohesion and integration.
It is obvious that increased costs for enterprises would then cause higher product costs, to the detriment of consumers.
Such taxes and export bans are designed to protect the domestic markets from short-term supply shortfalls and price shocks.
We are a nation that loves freedom and democracy.
That is in addition to the agreement reached at the informal Ecofin Council held in Nice in September this year, for the EIB to intensify and, at the same time, bring forward its specific financing lines for SMEs.
Radical Islamic fundamentalism, though non-violent, is also on the increase in a number of countries.
On the other hand, the first point condemns the violence that unfolded during the dismantling of the camp near Laâyoune; and this condemnation of violence is clear even if we do not currently have all the facts to say who did what.
We should not really expect anything else.
Access to education would provide them with a real opportunity.
Furthermore, the approval of Decision No 574/2007/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the External Borders Fund for the period 2007 to 2013 as part of the General programme 'Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows', is another important step for the promotion of solidarity and will establish a new means of extending financial aid to the Member States that apply the provisions of the Schengen Agreement at their external borders.
You have really shown that you are ready to take up that responsibility.
In every country, including France, studies show that this is not the case, not only when it comes to demographics, but also in terms of finance.
(PL) Madam President, everyone in my country expects a positive decision from the Commission.
I also agree with the rapporteur that it is necessary for the Agency to improve its financial management with regard to the reimbursement of costs incurred by Member States by identifying, with those Member States, deficiencies and difficulties so as to implement, together, the appropriate solutions.
Environmental, poverty-related and development aspects should always be taken into consideration in the European Investment Bank's decisions.
Like liberties, fundamental social rights are human rights, and must not be curtailed as a result of internal market freedoms of movement.
Mrs Dodds is right: if we are going to be a part of the resolution, we have to be absolutely honest and bring the sides together.
Once again, thank you to you all for your cooperation.
Every time an ASEAN member country cannot deliver on a specific issue, we are faced with the lowest common denominator outcome.
Having made these additional comments, let me conclude by reiterating my confidence about tomorrow's vote and in the quality of the Dess report.
Have we managed to reconcile the interests of consumers with the interests of traders during our work on this directive?
Affordable and universally accessible energy is in the interest of all EU Member States.
We discuss both; we amend nothing.
Instead, the committee process lasted only a few days and we are now holding a debate in Parliament two days after the adoption of the provision within the Committee on Constitutional Affairs.
This Community already communicates across the world.
Today, it is clear that the rebels do not want to live under regimes that do not respect their rights and which do not ensure a modicum of respect for the rules of democracy and the rule of law.
A thorough assessment has been carried out on a case-by-case basis to produce a set of criteria relating to illegal emigration, public order and safety, as well as the European Union's external relations with third countries.
The Commission regularly receives complaints from citizens about how national law is implemented.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, exactly one year ago we took the decision to combine the reports on public finances for 2007 and 2008.
I believe the disputed points will be resolved swiftly and perhaps even easily, given the importance of this topic.
The promotion of equality also involves combating violence against women.
In particular, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that five million Zimbabweans are at risk of suffering severe famine by the beginning of 2009.
While we at EU level are still talking about promotion, the Member States are already making cuts in the funding for universities.
My country, Poland, is especially interested in good management of the new EU Eastern Partnership programme.
Under these circumstances it is most important to ensure that new hardware is not let in through the back door on Austrian and European transport routes.
We should not violate our own Treaty on European Union.
Since we have respect for democracy, we should respect the vote of the Irish people.
Just as the market grows, so too do the general revenues from gambling in the world.
However, the substance of the proposal lies in the new dispensation for private European companies, which will allow a 'private European undertaking' to trade in all the Member States of the EU and circumvent the current obstacles of any social control.
The economic crisis has exposed the irresponsible financial and economic decisions of several governments, but it is the conscientious Member States that are paying the price.
6.
The financial crisis, as you have said yourself, does not erase the environmental crisis.
I would, however, reiterate that we should create a mechanism which will prevent a recurrence of the various misfortunes that occurred in relation to the Hungarian crisis, and which has done nothing to increase the prestige of the European Union in Central and Eastern Europe.
I welcome the adoption of this report and the excellent work accomplished by the rapporteur, Mr Rangel.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - Mr President, yesterday we enjoyed a wonderfully clever speech by the French President.
The Czech Presidency, through the leadership of Prime Minister Topolánek, intends to ensure that the meeting next week demonstrates through practical action that the European Union remains committed to its ideals and that it faces these challenges together in a coordinated manner and in a spirit of responsibility and of solidarity.
in writing. - The legislative resolution passed with a surprisingly wide majority of 525 in favour, 49 against, and 44 abstentions.
This is the first report to consider a variety of innovative mechanisms designed to ensure that players in the financial markets also carry some of the costs.
In reply to Ms Flasarová, we cannot prevent companies from delocalising, but we have instruments to tackle that issue.
It is therefore imperative that Member States transpose internal market legislation into national law in a timely manner.
Introduction of such rigorous provisions on some of the substances used in cosmetics acts against the interests of many Polish businesses.
It is right that the Stability and Growth Pact and the full framework of administration of economic affairs should support the EU strategy on growth and jobs and comply with them, and also that it should aim to boost the competitiveness of all Member States as well as social stability in all regions of the EU.
1.
I voted in favour of this recommendation as I believe that the scope of this regulation should be able to be extended to the territory of any Member State about to join the euro.
We also want to build a just Europe, so any initiative that has a bearing on procedural rights is vital.
The banks and, in the meantime, the Member States which, because of the loss of confidence among the players on the financial markets, came to rely on the intervention of the ECB as an intermediary in order to access funding, must regain their independence.
The aim of the EGF is to help workers who are victims of the relocation of businesses, and it is crucial in facilitating access to new employment in the future.
Technical modernisation and the introduction of information technology into the workplace will ensure that work is more effective and productive. This will make a significant contribution to improving the situation.
Obviously, the FTA also opens the EU market to Korean products.
This increase in competences is often at the expense of decision-making at a lower level, where those affected are guaranteed maximum influence.
Does the Commission believe that the registration process will now be adequate, and what steps will it take to make sure that the rest of this Agency's processes work smoothly and effectively?
We ask that people's fundamental rights be respected and that everyone be made aware of the situation, given that some countries have joined the European Union without fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria.
I think that Mr Brok found the right words to express what we want.
This unilateral secessionist act is an impermissible precedent in international relations.
The Commission does not oblige it to do so.
The number of people affected by depression and other civilisation-related diseases, caused by stress and the pace of life, is markedly increasing.
I support the proposal that there should be an increase in active and tolerant, European-wide dialogue at all levels.
Due to the quick adoption of the proposal at first reading, the Commission can now implement its sustainable industrial policy and get straight to work on coming up with other specific steps to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions.
Maybe it is not exactly a billion and it will not be entirely additional, although a very large part of it will be.
President-in-Office of the Council, Commissioner, it is in the mutual interests of the Union and Russia to set common political and economic targets for the sake of democratic principle, peace, stability and security.
In Portugal, for example, we have unfortunately reached the record level of 11% unemployment.
According to the Commission in January, the prognosis is -2%; now the European Central Bank tells us it is -3%.
So today Parliament has achieved a balance.
You have to listen to them and give them answers because, just as you have said, Mr President, sweeping the dust under the carpet leads to difficulties in the future.
In the years before and after this date, the critical human rights situation in Burma was the subject of numerous parliamentary resolutions.
The success of Ryanair means that they have 20 operational bases across the EU serving almost 130 destinations and, yes, increasing.
Impact assessments will be carried out within the framework of the reviews and these will include the costs and consequences of operating the agreements.
They will be too interesting to be left in the cold and powerful hands of oblivion.
President-in-Office, I imagine you would not have chosen the challenges which confronted your presidency, but you have tackled them with energy, with enthusiasm and with creativity, and you have shown the power of European solidarity.
Lastly, I would remind you, as the Commissioner did a moment ago, that the Council of Ministers issued reservations with regard to the third pillar and so on.
The ICCAT groups decided on the plan based on scientific opinions which made certain distinctions between the Mediterranean and the East Atlantic.
It is important that, in particular, those EU citizens who have lost their jobs during the current crisis are given new prospects for the future as quickly as possible.
Admittedly, the vote was held in a country outside the European Union, but it clearly concerns an issue that is not unfamiliar to us.
Both sides have committed to work and develop things in this area.
It is essential to adapt the social security and pensions system to today's challenges.
It is true that, in the action plan on asylum, the Commission proposed to study the options that could be offered by distributing asylum seekers around the Member States on a voluntary basis.
In actual fact, the regulation that we are discussing and approving here today is hostile to innovation, for the money that the car manufacturers will have to pay out is needed for innovation and research.
Tobacco smoke: policy options at EU level (vote)
Europe is made up of a rich and diverse mix of educational traditions.
The second of the zones is one which will not, in principle, impede air traffic cooperation being carried out, even though ash is still present.
I voted in favour because, under the agreement, cooperation is to be promoted at subregional level, thus meeting the European objective of strengthening regional fisheries management organisations and, in that way, fostering fisheries governance.
We know that Russia, which is one of our partners, is now involved in the conflict.
in writing. - (PL) I am supporting Mrs Jackson's report because the new directive on waste is intended to provide a basis for the creation of a 'recycling society'.
This report will allow us to close the legal loopholes which have existed to date with regard to legislative provisions on European Union fleets, which will improve the European Union's credibility in this field, and contribute to the fight against illegal fishing.
The 300 or more contributions are worth following up.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I do not agree with what has been said about food prices rocketing.
Instead, we need to explain and justify the situation when citizens are not provided with information.
Secondly, I believe that the recognition of degrees in all European countries is a priority.
The first sentence in the conclusions from the Court states that for 2007 the Court has identified further progress in the Commission's supervisory and control systems, so at least we are going in the right direction.
It also falls within the spirit of the agreements made with the international institutions.
Workers' terms have deteriorated following the Laval judgment and following the Viking, Rüffert and Luxembourg judgments.
This is why it is so important that we once again explain our position, and we urge the Chinese Government to stop the cultural destruction threatening Kashgar's architectural survival immediately and to carry out a comprehensive expert inquiry into culture-sensitive methods of renovation.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to congratulate the rapporteur for having produced an excellent piece of work and for having collaborated so well on what is a particularly sensitive issue.
The Lisbon ratification process is quite rightly your first priority.
Member of the Commission. - I wish to thank all Members for their comments.
(PL) Mr President, each Member State has a different legal system and different principles for the recognition of administrative documents.
The problems deriving from divergences in Member States' contract laws often discourage businesses, in particular, small and medium-sized enterprises, from engaging in cross-border trade and keep them from benefiting from opportunities and gains which the Internal Market offers.
These transitional provisions must safeguard equal treatment of the institutions - especially Parliament - in accordance with the new competences which it will acquire under the new treaty.
Lessons need to be taken seriously, and the results of an analysis of this experience incorporated into future energy developments.
The Court's decision is yet another European nail in the coffin of British liberties.
How can the protection of data gathered by private companies be guaranteed, given that this diplomatic protection has not been assured?
At this stage we should not get too side-tracked by discussing the technicalities of what MSY actually is and how it should be applied.
I will take it into account.
We will do our utmost to help the Tunisian people to turn their aspirations into reality.
However, that also means of course that our currency will come under pressure.
Indeed, we must receive assurances that two important reservations - the question of bulk data transfer and the opportunity for Europeans to have legal redress in the United States - are lifted.
The first is Atlantic bluefin tuna.
Once again, we find ourselves in this Chamber to approve an exceptional allocation within our own borders.
I really do think that we can have political differences and different ideologies, but that - particularly in a situation like the one we are now in - we need to unite, not move apart.
Madam President, regions are an extremely important place for the development of culture.
I agree that the position on delegated acts must be approved and reiterated at second reading.
That was 23 years ago.
I invite Parliament, which, with the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, will be a colegislator in the field of visas, to support the structured method of dialogue on the liberalisation of visas, which is the method followed by the Commission, because a different approach would cause confusion without really changing the visa regime.
The Ombudsman is an independent institution and a control mechanism for the administration of the EU.
I think it was necessary to go further than the regulation of 2008 and to adopt legislation to ensure that passengers do not bear these additional costs, which may at times prove to be completely unrelated to security charges.
That being said, the role of this Adjustment Fund must be assessed.
Finally, voluntary codes do have a role, and reach parts which we cannot regulate.
The assessments of the independent experts and those of Parliament, which voted overwhelmingly in favour of Romania's integration into Schengen, should count as a crucial factor in the European Council and, consequently, the procedure should be unblocked.
Firstly, from a strictly commercial point of view, it should be pointed out that any trade agreement has to be reached within the framework of mutual respect for the rules of international trade, which means respect for the rules of competition law and respect for copyright law.
We only need to think of the way Romania treats Transylvanian Hungarians or Csángó Hungarians, or of the exclusionary, discriminatory Slovak language law.
Tomorrow, we will do our bit in Parliament.
Honduras (debate)
It concerns Parliament's composition, which remains unclear as from 2014.
Please take Parliament and the concerns of the car dealers seriously and incorporate their concerns and those of the small and medium-sized enterprises into the Regulation.
European farmers expect immediate answers and too much time has already been wasted.
Mr President, I trust, however, that Parliament will not succumb to the temptation to revive the already dead constitutional idea, because it would merely illustrate that it is an ivory tower.
- Report: Aloyzas Sakalas
One positive step would be to simplify the process for monitoring projects' financial and administrative aspects, while also consolidating the scientific and technological assessment process.
The twentieth century showed us that utopias are bound to fail without proper economic and social frameworks.
in writing. - Although we have devised many strategies for lifelong learning their implementation leaves much to be desired.
We still await the real evidence of that happening.
It is an insult to the unions to think that their only use is to paralyse.
By demagogically using the words 'democracy' and 'communication', what the report is really trying to do is to call these into question.
This Directive must be amended because this is also demanded by the Charter of Fundamental Rights, which clearly states in Article 27: 'Workers or their representatives must (...) be guaranteed information and consultation (...).'
Consumers have a right to know how their food has been produced and where it comes from.
In this progressively unifying Europe, do the Germans wish to resurrect the phantoms and demons of 20th century politics, i.e. unions and pacts that led to wars, crimes, the Holocaust and the division of Europe?
As the Chairman of the Committee on Petitions, I notice how frequently the citizens of the European Union are not aware of their rights and, conversely, how they sometimes believe that they can intervene in matters when they have no right to do so.
In reply to Mrs Doyle, concerning maternity leave, the Commission is to prepare an impact evaluation on possible legislative measures introducing new forms of leave - adoption leave, and leave to care for family members other than children.
The vote will take place on Thursday.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the rapporteur for his work and all those who contributed to the success of the negotiations; thanks to you we will at last be able to vote on this issue tomorrow.
However, the Council has just shown us that this solidarity is starting steadily to diminish.
Otherwise, if we wait until 2015, when quotas are hopefully to be abolished, we shall miss a unique opportunity for the European dairy industry.
(DA) Madam President, the point I want to make is, stop attacking the European Court of Justice and the Posting of Workers Directive.
Since this topic is the responsibility of the national authorities of the individual Member States, the EU hopes that greater incentives will be given to public service broadcasters with the aim of relaunching a service that, in many countries, suffers under the weight of politics and information control, and of preventing imbalance with private sector competition that is, at times, unfair.
There would be many fewer fatalities if emergency assistance came earlier to those in need, so the introduction of an automatic accident notification system is a vital solution.
This is a backward step, and a head-on attack on the system of international law that took so much to construct following the two world wars.
We are talking about very sensitive situations that deal with the safety of people and their property, and that often touch us all because of the loss of lives, the destruction of families, and the devastation of whole livelihoods.
The vote on Amendment 3 and the final vote were, in my view, extremely important.
Should I be doing this indefinitely?
Where we are at, in fact, is 0.38% of the budget instead of 0.42%, after having planned for 0.7%.
However, a forward-looking budget also means shifts in priorities and still more European money.
It will enable consumers to take earlier possession of the product purchased.
Unilateral actions, such as the quantitative easing by the Federal Reserve, are as worrying as the depreciation of the renminbi.
This is not sustainable, as was made clear by the courage shown by Tunisian and Egyptian women during the recent events in their countries.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I believe that the solution that we are discussing is an erroneous solution, that it is highly unfair to many vulnerable people and that, in some ways, it is also self-destructive, because it will not have escaped anyone's attention - and this point has already been made - that there is a contradiction between discussing a single permit and beginning with waivers and exceptions.
The euro's value against the US dollar has, throughout, to all practical purposes, remained higher than it was when the European currency was established.
Mr President, just very briefly, this is all new to me and I found the discussion very stimulating and educational.
Does the Presidency have any intentions this autumn of promoting talks with Russia on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement?
Moreover, the absence of a strict liability compensation convention for non-toxic substances leaves local government picking up the cost of the clean-up.
Packaging must include accurate information about thrombin and the labelling must be clear.
However, while Airbus has received repayable financing, Boeing is collapsing under the weight of funding from different countries, and particularly under the enormous weight of military research.
I firmly believe that Intelligent Transport Systems will increase traffic efficiency, thereby reducing traffic.
It is not important who votes in the party and how.
Not just a traditional education but one that focuses on e-skills and entrepreneurship for example.
We should not forget the refugees who have still not returned to their homes and the serious crimes that have as yet gone unpunished.
The Commission and Member States should introduce transparent recruitment procedures as soon as possible to ensure a gender balance in recruitment bodies.
You may rest assured that the French Presidency is determined to work very closely with the European Parliament; it proposes that the Galileo Interinstitutional Panel, the GIP, which involves the three EU institutions - the Commission, Parliament and the Council - meet as soon as possible in order to discuss the conditions necessary for the successful implementation of this programme, which is very important for the European Union as a whole.
The motion which we are being called on to adopt in a couple of days' time and which relates to the strengthening of energy efficiency through ICT places particular emphasis on research and development of pioneering technologies, such as nano-technologies and photonic technology, which have high potential to improve energy efficiency, and on designing policies to strengthen the take-up of these technologies.
In view of all the objections, I also call on the Commission to put forward proposals for a total ban on animal cloning without delay.
The Liberal Group has requested an extension of the deadline for the tabling of joint motions for resolutions and amendments on the priorities of the European Parliament for the legislative and work programme of the Commission until 10 a.m. tomorrow - Tuesday, 23 September 2008.
We must, however, continue a debate which our Italian colleagues have started, namely the debate as to whether the concept of citizenship in the European Union is the same as the concept of citizenship at national level.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (NL) Mr President, I do recognise the problem described by the rapporteur.
At the outset, President Barroso stressed on various occasions that the Commission does not make political judgments on the fundamental constitutional and institutional choices of a Member State.
I therefore warmly welcome the possibility of citizens' initiatives which the Treaty of Lisbon opens up for EU citizens, and in this context, also the public consultation with the Commission and the Green Paper on how to bring the citizens' initiative to life in concrete terms.
It is vital that they can use national parliamentary controls to handle incomings which, particularly in a budget-support policy, can often be an important lever in their national policies.
However, faced with this bleak vista, we must seek to find creative solutions to give those unemployed the skills, the prospects and the hope for a better future.
10.
The 'single permit' resolution, presented by Mrs Mathieu, specifically targets migrant workers' rights.
Successes like the invention by the Romanian Raluca-Ioana van Stade, which is a sensor that can determine the presence of cancer in the human body at molecular level, directly from a person's blood, using a simple procedure lasting less than six minutes, must be supported and capitalised on to the full.
I think that the question which you are raising is of course extremely serious and we have to take it with similar seriousness.
Once the legal immigration policy is enforced, there is a risk of disadvantaging European citizens as compared to third country citizens.
As has been said, this is about combating a type of social terrorism, which is chauvinist violence.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (PT) Madam President, Mr Vice-President of the Commission, ladies and gentlemen, this has indeed been a long and full debate, and of all those I have taken part in here on behalf of the Presidency, this one had the longest list of participants and Members to have given their opinion.
Mr President, it took Ireland 700 years to get the British out of the Republic of Ireland and I have to sit here time and again listening to people we threw out telling us what we should be doing in Ireland.
I am therefore not in favour of waiving his immunity.
We have been working for years on an early-warning system, and yet we still do not have anything substantial to show for it.
At a time as delicate as the present, I would argue that we need enhanced cooperation in neighbourhood and partnership relations in order to establish a friendly environment in the closest environs of the European Union, as the ENP's main objective sets out.
Therefore, I am inclined to share Mr Hutchinson's view, although I do regret somewhat that this debate is taking place here and now.
Secondly, from my modest position, but expressing the political forces that Mr Schulz was quite willing to admit are a threat to the traditional organisations - and I thank him for it - I should like to call on our Parliament, and yourself, Mr President, to be more modest and to set certain voluntary limits to our powers.
The next item is the joint debate on:
As regards your request to examine a range of options for sanctions and incentives to promote good tax governance in tax matters, the Commission is already examining a range of incentives to promote good governance at EU level, for example, the enhanced use of development aid in order to encourage certain third countries to move away from unfair tax competition.
Why play into the hands of the opponents of the WTO and put the image of this institution at stake?
Despite the fact that the health service is de facto managed by the Member States, the EU can, nevertheless, act to extend health care and be, for example, an excellent platform for the exchange of good practices.
It is up to the European Union to lead the way.
Some proponents of the Treaty of Lisbon even claimed this demonstrated that we were attentive to popular reluctance.
I hope that there will be agreement on a financing concept next week at the summit.
We should maintain the quota system and introduce transparency into the milk marketing chain.
Explanations of vote
I welcome the recent determination shown by the Congolese authorities to put a stop to this impunity, but this zero tolerance policy must be ambitious - all perpetrators of violence, without exception, will have to answer for their actions - and truly effective.
The European Parliament and the Council are in the process of considering this proposal.
In exchange for its financial contribution to programmes, Ukraine will have the right to participate as an observer in committees coordinating EU programmes.
I would like to end by saying that this is not quite what we wanted, but it is the right move and surely a step in the right direction.
The crucial point is that the sugar is added before fermentation and not afterwards, which means that it is not a matter of sweetening sour wine, and the addition of sugar is only permissible for table wines and vins de pays.
We would like to see significant reprioritisation within the Multiannual Financial Framework to fully fund Europe 2020 priorities that have the greatest impact on raising employment and growth levels.
in writing. - The EU as a bloc is the world's largest contributor of humanitarian aid.
I am also concerned by its increasing hostility to Israel, our ally, as witnessed by the Gaza flotilla episode and Turkey's officially published findings.
I believe that, especially at this time, we also have to draw the attention of young people to the need for mobility and to foreign opportunities.
The intellectual rights of creators are deemed to be property to be taken away and bought like a commodity.
This is important, not least in the context of the ongoing negotiations for the new agreement which are being held by the Commission and which must contain clear, legally binding provisions on trade and investment and also on energy.
Secondly, the current situation affects us all.
However, this will pay off, because we know that after these tough days, Mr Barroso will probably once again be Commission President and that there will, once again, be uneasy compromises between the large and powerful groups in this House, but also between the governments in the Council, and that Mr Barroso, who has personified the failures of European integration during the last five years, is likely to continue to do so over the next five years.
I would therefore like to say very clearly that we want some give and take from our Chinese partners on this issue - we want the protection of the cultural heritage of the Uyghurs.
Over and above emergency measures, when we report on the health of the CAP we must redefine the way we intervene on the world markets (infrastructure, intervention stocks, risk management, prospects and economic modelling of price changes, etc.), reconsider the decoupling of aid and globally rethink our agricultural production models to ensure that they are productive and enduring.
However, is it not sinister that recipients should be told which economic policies they should choose and which they should discard?
I feel solidarity with and concern for the fate and safety of the 1.5 million Palestinians held in Gaza, for whom it is impossible to leave the Gaza strip, and for the humanitarian situation of the Palestinians on the West Bank who, despite cooperation from the Palestinian National Authority, see no improvement in their living conditions.
A language will not survive on a few seconds alone.
The Commission's proposal and the report seek to achieve greater stability in the financial system and to increase the protection for investors.
I am sure that European farmers will take great pride in sharing part of the agricultural budget with those who are most in need.
I want to see Zagreb take action.
All opportunities to reduce inappropriate paper and energy consumption at the European Parliament have not yet been exhausted.
(DE) Mr President, in addition to what I have just said, I would like to ask for currency policy to be included in the recitals.
Banning cluster munitions (
If Mr Barnier does get the internal market, what is he going to give to the Poles, to whom he promised a great Commission?
The non-interest-bearing deposit should be released upon correction of the excessive deficit while the interest on such deposits and the fines collected should be assigned to stability mechanisms to provide financial assistance, created by Member States whose currency is the euro in order to safeguard the stability of the euro area as a whole.
They would gain an understanding of distant countries and peoples. Our knowledge of the latter tends to be fragmented and based on often negative stereotypes.
Voluntary return, the duration of temporary custody, with alternatives provided for certain cases, the organisation of custody facilities, the ban on collective returns, the particular treatment to be given to minors and vulnerable persons when adopting a return decision and the preservation of family unity: all of these are positive features of the proposal for a directive, as is the free legal aid, if requested, to pursue an appeal against the removal order.
I should also like to thank Mr Deß very much for shadowing this report for the PPE-DE Group.
I have a question for the Commissioner: will progress be made towards these Eurobonds in December?
Madam President, we are talking about this man-made famine now, 75 years after the events, because, if we do not talk about it now, then it could become like the dark midnight of justice.
Concerning the issue of red tape, this will not create a new burden for enterprises because we are using existing administrative and statistical data.
'Balanced' means asking for improvements and at the same time offering assistance.
Work is currently under way on Chapter 16 on taxation and Chapter 19 on social policy and employment.
in writing. - (HU) First of all, permit me to express my profound condolences to the Japanese people and the relatives of the victims in connection with the exceptional natural and industrial disaster which happened barely 12 days ago.
Measures in this area fall primarily within national competence and the Community can only support and complement the work done by the Member States.
Today, the questions we have been asking from the start need to be addressed, though obviously in quite a different context now.
Since this type of crime can operate too freely, it has taken advantage of our freedoms, moving as it pleases between financial marketplaces, tax havens and markets dealing in property and other assets.
The economic environment has changed dramatically since 2008; hence, a review really is needed.
How the accountability of members of boards of directors is organised must be clearly defined, and must be put into practice in a reasonable way, so as not to jeopardise financial institutions' willingness to seize business opportunities, which is a desirable aspect of their work, or the quality of the human resources at their disposal.
My hope is that the step we take today, with the adoption of this proposal, is the first of many future ones.
Mr President, President Barroso, I would like to put a question to you in this House about the European Emergency Fund.
Prison remains orientated towards the needs of male prisoners and I welcome the report's aim to highlight the differences experienced by women.
If, today, regions are seeking to re-dedicate resources in addition to the resources already available, we are certainly very open, in this area, to the idea of opening up this opportunity or, in any case, to holding serious talks in this regard.
Many companies which are entitled to apply for European subsidies and whose ideas will bring added value on a European scale do not have the necessary language skills to go through the application process in English.
The delegation from Georgia is led by the Speaker of Georgia's Parliament, Mrs Burjanadze.
They specifically agreed to what is in the deal.
Apart from the environmental and public health issues, which are a concern in themselves, failure to re-use raw materials results in inefficiency and additional cost for the production system, which could be resolved by making better use of the materials that constitute the equipment concerned.
We cannot and shall not forget Nasrin Sotoudeh, nor her fellow fighters for fundamental rights in Iran.
There is a general feeling of aversion towards and mistrust of Russia that does not represent a sound basis for the cooperation that we are calling for.
Cooperation between Member States should be strengthened in terms of the exchange of information about criminal records related to convictions for sexual abuse, so that those convicted of such offences can be prevented from taking jobs involving direct contact with children.
EU development aid so far has focused, first of all, on providing necessary functions for the government to help deliver the basic services of the state, such as the running of the education system, the healthcare system and the police, and the ability to provide staff in the public sector.
These new technologies can significantly improve vehicle safety and it is clear that road safety will benefit when they are introduced as the standard system on new vehicles.
Mr President, Mr Barroso observed that we are living in extraordinary times - true - but extraordinary times call for extraordinary leadership.
I shall focus on two examples.
Apart from anything else, he is also systematically persecuting various minorities: racial minorities, sexual minorities, and all other minorities, in their own land.
For my younger brother, the Internet is as natural as watching television or chatting in the school playground at break time.
Unfortunately, it is not as simple as it is sometimes made to appear in political debates.
This crisis has been brought about, as we all know, by a kind of casino capitalism, crony capitalism, and a financial services sector that has been subject to no regulation - or to light-touch regulation, as it is sometimes politely referred to.
The most shameful thing for us in the EU is that it is being carried out by one of our preferred trading partners.
If it is really concerned about minors' living conditions, the Italian Government should take action to ensure proper health conditions in the camps, to foster social inclusion and integration, and to promote schooling and entry into working life.
I am proud to have participated in this work in Parliament, which will take a decision on the matter tomorrow.
The Presidency is pleased that this issue has been addressed within Parliament, and thanks its rapporteur, Mr López-Istúriz White, for his proposals on the legal protection of adults.
It will answer those questions which were raised by Mr Lungren, that is, it will help to bolster the whole euro area, because the procedures for euro transactions will be strengthened.
It is much appreciated.'
The collation and categorisation of such data should be consistent with previous annual reports in order to assist Parliament in making meaningful assessments of the progress being made by the Commission.
And, yes, where we can use them as a laboratory, for example, for the development of renewable energies, we should certainly try and promote and encourage that at the same time, seeing to it that their vulnerabilities are not prejudiced in any way.
Commissioner, will you require anybody selling goods to have a direct contact number where people who have difficulties can make direct contact with those who have sold them defective goods or services?
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - Mr President, doesn't this all go to show that this vast exercise of EU financial regulation has singularly missed the mark?
Unless we are honest in identifying the problem, there can be no solution.
The joint debate is closed.
(Applause)
Mr Reinfeldt, you do, of course, deserve our thanks.
Romania, like other new Member States of the European Union, is in a much worse situation than the general one described in the report.
It is the best in the world, after all, as it is the only ETS in the world to date.
I think it is tremendous that European action forces should help where local fire fighters cannot manage alone.
Another lesson is that we must establish a European civil protection body.
The main thing - as everybody, including the airlines, said - was that it was very important to resume flights.
Nevertheless, compliance with the obligations in Article 9 does not require a formal social impact assessment procedure.
I have referred, for example, to the legislative proposals already prepared and to the intention to tighten the penalties for people trafficking.
A recent report states that two thirds of young people have received unwanted requests while using the Internet and 25% have viewed material with indecent content.
Congratulations are also due to the new Member States entering the Schengen area on the tremendous efforts they made to meet all the Schengen requirements in such a short period of time.
We want to have an action plan that covers cooperation on key issues - science, technology and innovation, environment, climate change and so on.
Better law-making must also mean the involvement of the European Parliament both in interinstitutional debate and as a co-legislator.
However, social rights, including the rights of workers, have not been regarded as a priority, even at a time when fundamental social rights are being called into question by the policies promoted by the EU.
Each of these countries is faced with a choice. They can follow either the Russian or the European model.
The commitment that the EU made to realise the UN's Millennium Development Goals cannot be forgotten.
If implemented correctly by national bodies, this international agreement will be an important tool for ensuring the long-term protection of marine life and the sustainable exploitation of fish stocks.
Equally, we cannot force girls to take up technical studies. In order to maintain a fifty-fifty balance.
The next item is Question Time (B7-0019/2011).
Human rights, which include women's rights, are and need to be universal and defended in any context.
Who is the Union for?
Those who carry inside them the hurt of having been abandoned are entitled to grow up in a happy environment with people who can offer them a new life.
This alone makes it paramount that we let this part of the EU budget through today.
(PL) This is an important step for the European Parliament towards opening the door to nations which are obviously European, such as the Georgians and the Armenians.
In short, it is true that mobility has to be changed rather than reduced.
It is imperative that we do not mask realities.
It is men who have been elected to the highest positions in the European Union (President of the European Parliament and President of the European Commission).
One of these is the activity of foreign investors, particularly those from Russia.
I can understand people in Athens going out into the streets and protesting.
I therefore agree with the rapporteur's recommendations on the improvements that need to be made to the governance system in the EU 2020 strategy compared to the Lisbon Strategy.
Mr Barroso said it's becoming fashionable to be Populist and wave the flag of xenophobia.
My experience is that if you communicate clearly on the substance issues then it is much easier, and this is exactly also what our representation office in Ireland is trying to do: to communicate on the different substance issues.
Commissioner. - (FI) Madam President, I would still like to make a couple of comments in Finnish because of the speech by Mr Soini.
For our part, we will bring you a proposal, a communication to strengthen the EU's disaster response capacity, and we will come back to you with the lessons learnt from this disaster.
I also want to say that, despite the fact that we have a decision requiring gender mainstreaming in all our work here in Parliament, no gender analysis of this directive has been carried out, also despite the fact that we know that many women on the lowest wages are precisely those who often get caught in the debt trap.
Lastly, I should like to point out that I originally felt there should be no reference to specific countries.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the guidelines we are shortly to vote on are the first step towards the European budget for 2012.
If we really want to export our poultry and pig industry outside the EU and feed our citizens on Brazilian chicken and pork and even chicken from Thailand, all of which has been fed on GM, then the present policies of zero tolerance on non-GM feed and the appallingly slow licensing of GM feed within the EU are exactly the way to go about it.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the European Parliament for its support of the Commission demand for the knowledge triangle of research, education and innovation.
Although both the Lisbon strategy and the EU 2020 strategy attach greater emphasis than ever before to social policy, the issues of competitiveness and economic factors continue to take priority to the detriment of social issues.
The first concerns the question whether all the European Union's policies can come under the general Europe 2020 umbrella.
I hope so and we support you in it, Mr Barroso.
That is what I wanted to say.
The third is to protect the safety of our citizens against terrorists, drugs and counterfeited and pirated goods that can even endanger their health and life, by controlling the supply chains used for the international movement of goods.
I would also like to thank Commissioner Füle for his remarks, especially for mentioning the maritime dimension, which the Commission is shaping right now and, of course, for making the necessary link between the Black Sea strategy and the Danube strategy.
It is also about structural reform, fiscal consolidation and growth-enhancing measures.
in writing. - We oppose the Union for the Mediterranean.
- Madam President, I am sorry we are keeping you from your lunch with our explanations of votes.
The Governing Council is the pertinent entity.
CEPOL helps national bodies to work together to prevent and combat crime.
Written statements (Rule 149)
However, our assessment shows that further serious work needs to be done in the Member States to improve the effectiveness of their policies for Roma integration.
I could never imagine in my youth that one day I would speak in it.
In order to maintain this dynamic and ensure a quality process, we must point out that further efforts are needed to meet the requirements of the Negotiating Framework, including Croatia's obligations in respect of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, and also the implementation of the Accession Partnership.
As I indicated in my speech, the assessment conducted so far indicates that stringent measures are already in place - this point has been made.
We all assessed that the meeting was positive.
Those are the core tasks to which I have devoted my time since I took on this role.
The first matter is Yemen.
We also need to clarify under what exceptional circumstances suspension can be carried out in order to avoid unilateral action that jeopardises the whole system. So you can rest assured that we will do our utmost to strengthen Schengen and that we need more European engagement there, not less.
I have many other questions but I know we are tight on time so, if the Commissioner could answer that one, I would be happy.
In line with the appeal the report makes to Member States, I would like to call for a strengthening of the decentralisation process for implementing regional policy in Bulgaria, in order to ensure that the system of multilevel governance functions in the most effective way on the basis of the principles of partnership and subsidiarity.
Under its provisions, traders will have to provide clear and accurate information in a timely manner and, failing that, a consumer cannot be bound by distance or off-premises contracts.
It is a sorry state of affairs that no one benefits from this, the people least of all.
Let us take that as the benchmark.
I highlight this last point because we cannot let the first European Maritime Day coincide in the minds of citizens with the death of an entire trade.
Yet the Heads of State or Government lacked the courage to opt for a purely European solution.
Situations of loss of income are on the increase and women are getting poorer.
I welcome the fact that the European Union immediately activated its Civil Protection Mechanism to coordinate its emergency aid.
This was after a massive consultation.
The funeral was attended today by the High Representative, Mr Solana, and the Commander of the operation, General Nash, who expressed sympathy on behalf of the European Union.
It demand selflessness, sharing and putting others first.
I would like to share my reading of these with you, and to talk to you especially about the next stages.
We often do this formally but, Mr Eppink, although our parties often disagree on many things, I must say that while drawing up this report, there were no taboo matters in our discussion.
This wisdom cannot simply end at ensuring fair relations between competitors in the European area.
Some attempt has been made to strengthen the opportunities SMEs might have to participate.
Yes, the time has come to finally give priority to all these small businesses, and to their directors and employees, and to do so, first and foremost, in European regulations.
If you cross check your papers, you will see, firstly, that you gave the floor today out of order and, secondly, that you gave the floor to persons who spoke at the previous plenary sitting of the European Parliament; consequently, your arguments do not stand up.
The vessel owners should be accountable for the costs arising under the agreements from which they themselves draw benefit, and we want to see continued change in that direction. We therefore voted for Amendment 8, although that change should take place in a wider context.
From my own experience of more than eight years as a member of the Commission, I can assure you that I have had to put the brakes on overzealous Commission departments far more often than I have needed to urge them to fire up the heavy artillery of the treaty infringement process.
However, I have a problem, and I am asking the Council to solve it.
I hope that the European judicial area will help sooner or later to rectify this great injustice.
For more than 10 years now, Parliament has been calling for tighter controls, including legislation on European inspections: for minimum criteria for inspections in Mr Jackson's report in 1999, for legislative reform for shipments of waste in Mr Blokland's report in 2003, and for minimum criteria for inspections in the 2008 resolution.
I would say yes, but what for?
One of the few regimes that genuinely enjoys popular support - that of Álvaru Uribe in Colombia, who has the support of more than three quarters of his population because he has restored order to that unhappy country and has cracked down on the paramilitaries of both Left and Right.
I therefore consider that we should vote in favour of the Berlato report.
Security and stability are vital if the citizens are to put their trust in the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Appropriate checks should be introduced and the import into the EU of agricultural food products produced with the aid of chemicals should be banned.
For older citizens, we are calling for a European fifty-plus employment pact initiative.
It is clear to me that the Dublin system is not perfect yet.
Mr President, the Union for the Mediterranean faces real obstacles and what I am asking of the European Union, of all the institutions and of Parliament, is determination, considerably more determination, when it comes to trying to overcoming these obstacles.
It was Russia, nonetheless, that rescued the Kyoto Protocol, while the US refused to ratify it.
Why on earth are we putting in place legislation in the European Union when we are in effect wasting our time?
Finally, with regard to the incident of racism against a non-white person, I would like to point to the huge numbers of equally serious anti-white racism incidents occurring in the enclaves of illegal immigration, not to mention the 'white-hunting' taking place under President Mugabe's reign and also even in South Africa.
(Applause from the left)
If I have understood you correctly, you wanted to ensure that a study was started into whether there are, in fact, too many toxic substances in children's toys in Germany, as the study indicates.
This process, in particular the intervention of the army, has led to criticism.
I would like to seize the initiative and turn once again to the Council.
(RO) I wish to congratulate the authors of the resolution for harmonising the points of view of the various political groups.
I am willing to start the discussion about the need for reform and then to think about how we can define a number of areas on which we would like to do more work.
Firstly, the Commission instructed an agency to take over the administration of the programme and to simplify the administration procedure even before this regulation was proposed.
It is unacceptable that Musharraf should show such a cavalier disregard for democracy.
21.
In addition, as I have already said on repeated occasions, we should study the situation of the religious minorities in that part of the world and prepare a report on the subject.
Regarding the consumer forum, we will certainly invite the consumer organisations that are well represented in Member States and the umbrella organisation.
in writing. - In favour.
The Eastern Partnership has obvious budgetary consequences: EUR 350 million have been appropriated for the next few years - and even this will probably not be enough.
For this reason, I would like to thank the rapporteur for calling on the Commission to take steps in the medium to long term to address this problem.
I am in favour of devoting an appreciable level of attention to matters concerning EU citizens' health, but not of adopting excessively alarmist attitudes, which then result in exorbitant public health spending.
Members of the Commission and the Council, it is also bumping up inflation for the poor in the EU much more quickly than overall inflation.
With the support of the EU-US Senate leaders, I will look to move forward on that at the forthcoming TEC meeting on 17 December.
One important matter in the setting up of the European External Action Service is contact with the European Parliament.
The European Union cannot continue deviating from the rule of law and therefore I call on my colleagues to join the newly-formed European committee for justice under the leadership of Vice-President Alejo Vidal-Quadras calling for the immediate removal of the PMOI from the blacklist.
You have said, Commission President - and that is why I am appealing to you now - that our work is not yet over.
The public needs to be 100% sure that the products they consume are safe and fit for purpose.
Above all, in the countries with the greatest financial difficulties, it should commit to investment in public services, to supporting production, to creating jobs with rights, to eradicating poverty, and to combating social inequality and all types of discrimination, not least gender.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, two weeks ago I went to Lampedusa and Malta.
The growing number of older people, plus the need for a wider range of services and products, increases demand in this area.
The globalisation associated with the current crisis has changed many of the circumstances that served as a basis for decisions taken at European level in the past and which were, at the time, considered correct.
Naturally, I am pleased that a Portuguese, Gabriel Rodrigo Ribeiro Tavares Bernardino, has been nominated as first Chair of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority.
To help Iraq reverse the dismal administrative situation she has inherited, we need also to make close partnerships with the public service ministries and to use all of our experience in the enlargement process to help capacity-building and institution-building.
(LV) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, from the procedural viewpoint the EU's budget for 2009 can be seen as preparation for two important issues.
We will, of course, involve the Member States, and the experts from the Member States will be involved in planning the timetable of the visits, in performing the in situ visits, and in drafting the evaluation report.
The fact that Bulgaria and Romania have external EU borders should not be regarded as a barrier preventing them from joining the Schengen area.
These new technical possibilities such as automatic distance control and automatic obstacle recognition are already available in some top-of-the-range vehicles.
Unfortunately, the Gdańsk Shipyard also became a symbol of the decline of heavy industry and the defencelessness of workers and trade unions in the face of that process, a model example of everything that is defined as 'casino capitalism'.
Of course, we cannot allow short-term support for the industry to undermine its long-term competitiveness.
The Commission has recently presented a proposal for a joint EU resettlement programme.
Composition of political groups: see Minutes
As you know, the European Parliament has always been particularly receptive to the suffering of the African peoples.
(HU) The military junta has promised free, democratic elections for 2010.
Flying in the face of common sense, nuclear energy is depicted as the technology of the future, with even more EU research funding and budgetary resources to flow into the development of this high-risk dinosaur technology.
With Chinese arms exports - some of them in the attack that was described a minute ago - estimated to be in excess of USD 2 billion a year, the irresponsibility with which they act has to be called into question.
The Commission's Communication on Roma identifies four areas that are of strategic importance to overcome Roma exclusion.
Written statements (Rule 149)
We are all very attached to it, and we expect the study initiated by the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries to clarify the sources of activity and of employment that we can expect.
For that reason, it is important that the Commission should now investigate the matter and that the practical aspects of going ahead should be weighed carefully.
Even if some people do not agree, let us move towards greater convergence in the euro area and in the Union for those who want to move forward, because now it is not just the federalists or the integrationists who want more governance in the European Union.
The alignment of study programmes and corresponding mutual recognition must be achieved in all areas of training and education, in particular, in manual trades, where there is a lot of ground to make up.
(PT) One of the areas of education which is still lagging behind in certain European Union countries, in particular Portugal, is pre-school education.
We know that another, far worse, alternative exists and that is another reason why we are prepared to do everything to ensure that the European Union is preserved, developed and strengthened.
draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs. - (IT) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I am truly proud of the work carried out in this Parliament and of its ability to make use of the already recognised powers to propose legislation.
I think that the process of moving towards the rapprochement of Turkey and the European Union is possible; it is a feasible process.
If Mr Gollnisch is charged over a press release written by the political office of the Front National, then of course this activity should be seen as falling within the scope of his EU mandate.
As is often the way with solutions to environmental problems, however, another aspect to the problem emerged.
The only Icelandic party in favour of membership has slumped from 30% to 18% in the polls.
Since then many other regions have initiated mutual cooperation.
Resettlement of detainees would concern those cleared for release in the light of this review.
By looking for innovative solutions, we contribute to an increase in the well-being of society.
For this reason, I believe it is a good thing that we are calling for subsidiarity in this area and that every country can go its own way.
This new regulation will definitely mean that these SMEs increase their market share and it will, in this way, contribute to employment in Europe.
Therefore, we must set priorities.
That is where the whole mission of pre-commercial procurement comes in.
We are continuing to fund the banks.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting: see Minutes
In the vote on the Lange report, I am abstaining on paragraph 31 because of the ambiguous wording, which refers to Eurobonds as well as project bonds.
The majority of major countries in the UN and the EU and the majority of EU Member States refused to recognise Slovenia at that time.
I therefore support the application for mobilisation of the fund as expressed in my fellow Member's report.
One would imagine that part of those harsh conditions would be to ensure that there would not be maladministration and, if there was, that there would be a correction put in place.
There is no faith that the new measures implemented recently are actually being taken stock of.
Kosovo is part of a very sensitive geographical zone, on which the EU should maintain constant focus.
State-aided railway companies should not be allowed to compete on a market with free competition.
If we need to have a debate on Venezuela in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, let us have it, but we should not use this session to do things that have nothing to do with the fundamental, specific and timely reporting of human rights violations.
I would therefore like to make a proposal to you, which I submit to the debate for further consideration.
(IT) Mr President, I believe that this Parliament's democratic vote has unquestionably demonstrated something that everyone knows to be true, namely that there is freedom of information in Italy.
Some Member States have been supplying Libya with weapons and even with torture equipment for years.
I take this opportunity to urge the European Council meeting in June to make it its priority to preserve jobs and find solutions for reducing unemployment in the European Union.
Nor is there yet any clarity regarding the precise allocation of the tasks relating to Kosovo and the budgetary needs for 2008.
Women would welcome child-care facilities at scientific institutions.
That way, we ensure that as few people as possible are listening and that, with only a very few exceptions, there is nobody sitting in the visitors' gallery, and we ensure that journalists, who should be reporting all this, are most likely already giving their attention to other things in the evening.
These products will have to comply with the rules in force and, following a careful appraisal, will be able to bear the CE mark.
Finally, I believe that in order to successfully achieve the proposed objectives, it is necessary to strengthen coordination between the various agents involved in pursuing the strategy for youth.
Vice-President of the Commission. - (FR) Madam President, I thank Mr Albertini for his excellent report.
In rural areas, as elsewhere, women expect to be able to realise their own plans for their lives, to be economically independent and to meet family challenges.
In addition, we must make decisive progress towards achieving the Single European Sky, developing all the functional airspace blocks (FABs) more quickly to reduce fragmentation in the management of airspace and to ensure their more effective management.
Now there will be supplementary guarantees concerning the EU law.
It will bring legal certainty to consumers, which is absolutely vital if people are to shop around and look for the best product which suits their needs.
Conforming to the recommendations of the United Nations General Assembly, the spearhead in this area, the Members are putting an end to the legal vacuum that allowed the irreparable destruction of our marine ecosystems to take place.
It is important that we find a good basis through a transparent process.
Centralised intervention in the economy has always failed.
The poverty rate amongst women has exceeded 18%.
All that is needed, in accordance with international law, is to conduct negotiations in good faith.
The EU must bite the bullet.
Election observation missions are a very important element of European Union policy for fostering democracy.
As I said, I am in constant contact with the most important players.
I also wish to draw your attention to the study to be prepared on actors and the possible proposal for a directive which will be presented in 2010.
The underlying principles of this process come down to three priority fields of action.
So yes to the defence of the liberty of the press in Europe, but no to this Parliament being used for purely partisan and national ends.
In proposing postponement of entry into force of this directive, the Commission was reacting responsibly to new scientific evidence - I repeat, new scientific evidence - namely a study commissioned by the Government of the United Kingdom and published in June 2007.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Mr President, the symbols of the European Union are a celebration of the unity that we have achieved and that we hope to strengthen.
All the European institutions that depend on the European Union budget have to be thoroughly audited by the Court of Auditors and by all entities with that function.
Unfortunately, vocational education has been neglected in recent years and has reduced in significance.
The disregard for women has reached peak levels when a German judge refers to the husband's right to use corporal punishment anchored in the Koran as a decisive factor in her judgment on a Muslim divorce case.
This report is on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive on Consumer Rights.
Financial independence is also important for this authority so that we can put the revenue into different categories depending on where it was taken from.
As I was saying, we welcome the report by Mrs Gurmai who I also thank for her enthusiasm, because we have to show that we are enthusiastic about our commitment to defending the rights of citizens.
The more recent EU Member States like Bulgaria find it important to have the opportunity to exchange good practices and to implement Community pilot programmes.
The guarantee of free and fair political expression without intimidation or harassment is also a necessity.
I voted in favour of Mrs Joly's excellent report on the work of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, which is - I repeat - a unique institution in the world by virtue of its composition and its willingness to work together to promote North-South interdependence, not only by legislative means, but also through democratic dialogue and cooperation.
An ex-post assessment of the agreement shows that it is relevant in that it helps to maintain the presence of EU fleets in the region while contributing to local job creation.
The former authorities of the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management say that the application by the Lux Veritatis Foundation was checked very carefully and not found wanting in any way.
I would like to stress the major importance of a comprehensive approach to be adopted for the risk classification, which includes possible risks related not only to the nature of the incoming material, in this case breadcrumbs, but also to the process itself.
The harmonisation of such statistics will hugely improve comparability and enhance policy development.
These errors should and could have been identified and corrected much earlier by the personnel who approved the payments.
The vote will take place on Tuesday, 11 March 2008.
The global economic crisis is just one of the factors contributing to a change in the behaviour and living conditions of young people in Europe.
Secondly, you say - and you are right - that public finances need to be controlled better, that a return to more stable debt levels is necessary.
I visited the area during the conflict and saw the problems and fears facing both sides.
The report tries hard to hide its approval of the liberalisation of trade, and its role in the offensive led by neoliberal capitalist globalisation, which it claims will ensure the economic development and progress of peoples.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (DE) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to congratulate Mr Tabajdi on his balanced report.
Although I understand the historical and political circumstances of Belarus, I firmly believe that the time has also come for Belarus to join the ranks of those countries that have outlawed the death penalty.
The Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance has asked for the report by Mr Hökmark on a Community framework for nuclear safety to be taken off the agenda.
We do, however, share the view that the European Parliament should participate more fully when the open method of coordination is used.
I believe that we must be more active and have much more to offer these countries.
Mr Schulz, I will simply say that my group and I concern ourselves with social issues just as much as you do, and we are all ...
These are seen as acts of hostility that only result in people rallying round Mr Putin.
When are we honest with European citizens?
So rest assured that action will be taken, if necessary.
Lisbon upholds the sovereign right of Member States to make such decisions, and that is just one of the very many reasons why I support it.
Firstly by destroying or at least lowering the financial fences of visa requirements, which prevent people from communicating so much.
I wanted to remind you that there were reservations raised concerning the actions of the European Union directly after the catastrophe.
As Mr Wurtz and other speakers have stressed, finance must continue to serve the economy; the economy must not be the victim of finance.
In this context, if other Member States decide to exercise their sovereignty and ratify the Lisbon Treaty, or otherwise, no real democrat, no flag-flying democrat who today claims to be Irish, can legitimately object.
In meetings with Lithuanians working abroad, I have heard on several occasions how they are paid less, are often not paid at all for work carried out, or have transport and living costs illegally deducted from their wages.
Any remaining funds had to be invested in this project.
In this way special national registers, which will be introduced with this regulation, would ease the control of these transport operators and this would become more effective, something that would undoubtedly have a positive effect on road safety.
The rebels' calls for a no-fly zone pose us a dilemma.
I shall miss this Parliament, this House, and all of you.
Nevertheless, we shall keep on waiting and we do in fact hope that the European Parliament's proposal may be taken into consideration following tomorrow's vote.
These are relevant questions and require an urgent response because this accident not only concerns the Spanish and Gibraltar authorities.
Thank you to Commissioner Piebalgs for his response.
It is my opinion that we need to support struggling companies as much as possible to provide them with the credit they need to keep their businesses afloat and to ensure that jobs are not lost.
When the judges took down the data in the minors courts, it was considered standard practice.
Seen in this light, I view these concerns as understandable, but not entirely justified in principle, and I hope I have managed to dispel them.
The agreement at first reading demonstrates how important the urgency of this dossier is to every person who took part.
The Commission has announced that it will take the necessary action once its officials have analysed the Lithuanian legislation, and my question is: has the analysis been carried out yet and have your officials, as part of that analysis, considered what the consequences could be for the recognition of same-sex couples from other Member States?
Many of them were injured.
To date, the reactions by the authorities, especially at European level, have been good.
I welcome the results of today's vote.
Clearly the European Central Bank and its President, Mr Trichet, take the Bank's mandate and the Maastricht criteria seriously.
Since there is no European demos, no European nation, this defect cannot be solved by strengthening the role of the European Parliament.
I would also just like to point out today that the EFTA countries have had a free trade agreement since 2006, and this has resulted, among other things, in Norway tripling its exports to South Korea since 2006.
The euro is therefore well worth strongly defending.
At the same time, however, the adverse impact of plant production products on the environment, and on watercourses in particular, is a very real one.
Many of those who are injured, and their families, face an agonising wait to find out whether they have contracted a blood-borne infection such as HIV or hepatitis C.
I voted in favour because the Schwab report has the merit of protecting consumers in their cross-border purchases.
- (CS) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, it is clearly a great pity that there has been a delay in the publication of this document and the action plan.
The lack of generally approved nuclear safety requirements in the EU allowed, in the not too distant past, some of the countries joining the EU to have political solutions imposed on their nuclear energy, which are not in line nowadays with the EU's objectives for limiting climate change and for energy supply security.
It will set about locating and confiscating the profits made from criminal activities.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (DE) Mr President, I believe Mr Swoboda's argument was admittedly brief, but it was concise.
Special attention should also be paid to improving the housing conditions and the health of elderly people, particularly in regions in which the population is falling by 20-30%.
This approach constitutes the difference that the EU can bring, particularly in comparison with other international actors.
This does not mean that the national approach, which is likely to be the one chosen by Hungary, cannot harmonise or even contrast with the Community approach.
(PL) Mr President, the European Union, in which one in seven citizens belongs to a national minority, can be proud of its extensive guarantee to respect their rights.
I am also delighted that progress has been achieved in negotiations over Montenegro's application to join the EU, which the Council has just handed over to the Commission for drafting.
- (FI) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank Mr Florenz sincerely for the excellent work he has done as rapporteur.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue card question under Rule 149(8))
In our opinion this implies, among other aspects, appropriate vocational training, improvement of working conditions, promotion of stable contractual arrangements and fair and dignified levels of pay.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, as coordinator for the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, I had the opportunity to present the opinion of the Committee on International Trade on the need for a European strategy for the South Caucasus.
The EGF is aimed at helping workers who are victims of the relocation of businesses, and it is crucial in facilitating their access to new employment in the future.
However, I believe that the EU and Israel are natural partners because they share the same values: democracy, the rule of law and personal freedom, and in particular a free press and independent judiciary.
Now we have to move from words to deeds.
Mrs Győri, you tell us that the Council has no say in the appointment of these officials, which is legally correct, but some Member States are lying in ambush.
Written statements (Rule 142)
(SL) You have raised many political problems during this debate, but I would like to draw your attention to another challenge which was not mentioned in our report.
That is why, Commissioner, we are also asking you to use as much influence as you can at governmental, regional and local-authority level, since these bodies will put into practice our provisions, budgets and regulations, and we will not be effective unless they are.
This kind of equipment is with us from dawn to dusk.
Against this background, the Commission welcomes the consistent support that Parliament has given to efforts to protect Europe's rich and varied natural heritage.
Now we have the presentation of the achievements of the Belgian Presidency: legislation, the European External Action Service, financial supervision, the Citizens' Initiative, the budget - we will discuss all these points.
However, that does not mean that we are back to business as usual.
Moreover, ever higher life expectancies mean the number of older people is increasing, along with the resulting consequences.
We would like to see the Commission becoming more proactive in solving this unacceptable state of affairs.
15.
It will also contribute under the Consolidated Plan of Action for Africa in the sphere of science and technology.
The subsidy appears to benefit all bio-diesel exported from and, by the way, sold in the United States, whatever its source.
I like the expression 'there is a conflict of interests'.
Modification of Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 (the 'Single CMO Regulation') (debate)
One of the journalist's daughters also suffered injuries, as did her mother.
We need to manage crises on our own and not to transfer this ability to other bodies.
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday:
I voted for this framework programme because I believe that it encourages the research community, academia, civil society organisations, companies and the industrial sector to participate in research projects.
To conclude, enlargement was always going to be a long-term effort and one which has to ride out political storms in Ankara, Belgrade, Brussels and many other capitals in Europe.
Regarding rest periods, this request came originally from the industry since they maintain that, after such rest periods, catches become more profitable.
(SV) Mr President, as a eurosceptic, I often feel a certain Schadenfreude when various EU institutions come up with unreasonable and ridiculous proposals like Article 47.
Nobody mentions that, for vast parts of the world, we are the terrorists.'
Call that narrow, mercenary national interest if you will, but to me it is inescapable common and fiscal sense.
If we allow these countries to gain increased market access, it could have detrimental effects not only on European farmers, but also on those developing countries most in need.
I understand the Commission's demand for greater flexibility in the funding of politically sensitive projects aimed at supporting democracy and human rights.
This is because weather is a local phenomenon and we are talking about climate, which is a long-term global phenomenon.
The European Union has been taking on an important role in combating these scourges, and I hope that it will continue to do so and even that it will strengthen this role, in as far as is possible.
On 10 March further sanctions were added, including an asset freeze, a further travel ban, an arms embargo and an embargo on equipment which might be used for internal repression - thus going beyond the measures imposed by the previously adopted UN Security Council resolution.
Now, unfortunately, six months after the deadline, local and regional bodies have not managed to set up a territorial cooperation grouping because Member States have unjustifiably neglected to take or have delayed taking appropriate measures to implement the regulation.
They include democracy, human rights and freedom of opinion.
They are now going to be discussed by the European Council and Parliament, and we hope this will be a very fruitful discussion.
The growing importance of aquaculture justifies the introduction of provisions regarding the collection, management and use of environmental, socio-economic and health data, in order to contribute to its sustainability.
Weapon systems would fail, commerce would stop, aircraft would fall out of the sky.
I also highlighted the need for more effective information campaigns in order to increase consumer awareness: this is the cornerstone of increasing consumer confidence in the EU's internal market.
I would like to thank the rapporteur, Mr Leinen, for the report he has submitted.
We can all agree on that, but the one thing - the elephant in the room - that nobody has talked about this afternoon is the fact that the court cannot look at the prima facie evidence against the accused person and exercise any discretion about whether they should be extradited or not.
The reason is that we can see the incredible potential that can be realised in growth, trade and development.
If those people continue to exist in their present conditions, it will be the cause of the third conflagration on this planet, causing huge migration and huge problems.
It is being violated, however, around the world almost daily.
I think the cooperation you mentioned between civilians and the military is fundamental.
Just as you say, we need to take action on fuel tourism for the sake of the internal market.
I do not think so, and I call for detailed work and reflection at second reading.
It is in keeping with the authority of Parliament that we stick to the facts in the resolutions.
We know what we have to do: it is a year since the Commission adopted the Climate and Energy Package, and much work has been done.
This directive does not say that segregation and educational segregation are discrimination.
The second large credibility gap is provided by the EU's short-sighted open border policy, which has encouraged mass immigration from Eastern Europe to my country.
The Commission has some responsibility to present what it believes to be the right way forward for the euro area and for the Union and so, in a very comprehensive document regarding the annual growth survey, we expressed our opinion.
What is happening to bees is very important to Europe - to the world, in fact.
There is no safe alcohol level in drivers.
It would be better to tell Turkey directly that, despite fulfilling all the criteria, it will not achieve full EU membership.
The proposal facilitates the process of adapting legislation to technical progress by transforming the three existing directives into a single regulation, thereby avoiding the transposition of merely technical updates and shortening the time between the submission of an application and the adoption of a new fibre name.
In my opinion, this is the angle to take in discussions on the EU budget.
The Danish members of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament - Mr Rasmussen, Mrs Thomsen, Mrs Schaldemose, Mr Jørgensen and Mr Christensen - have voted against not only the Commission's proposals but also the amendments proposed by Parliament.
We have just approved the energy and climate package, but now there is a crisis we should organise a meeting on a bigger scale to include our partners.
Who remembers the match between Argentina and England and what the result was at the end?
I would like some information because I believe that we are being kept in the dark about this.
Among the dead, there are medical doctors and children.
It is these important social objectives that guide the European Union in preventing, discouraging and eliminating illegal fishing, which is the subject of this regulation, and which reinforce its commitment to ensure compliance with the provisions of the common fisheries policy in Community waters.
I have abstained in the vote on Resolution concerning EU strategic objectives for the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) because I believe that northern bluefin tuna should not be included in CITES Appendix 1.
But in spite of this, the EU has the most ambitious and the most binding regulations in terms of environmental protection.
Madam President, on behalf of my colleagues in the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, I would like to thank Mr Davies for the way he has approached this, particularly his willingness to listen, and for a number of innovative approaches that we see in his report.
Oral explanations of vote
The resources needed for the EU institutions to be able to fulfil what is expected of them should, however, be made available, especially in view of the new institutional framework resulting from the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon.
To begin with, I would like to say a few words on the Grelier report, which is a compromise between the political groups and the European Commission. I endorse the version of this report which was agreed on and voted through in the Committee on Fisheries.
In my opinion, we must also have the courage to allow the Western Balkan regions to join the visa-free regime at the earliest opportunity.
in writing. - I voted for this report, which examines a Commission proposal to extend by 5 years to 31 December 2015 the requirement for EU countries to have a minimum standard VAT rate of 15%.
The recent financial and economic global crisis proved that Russia and the European Union are interdependent and need each other.
I have therefore voted against this motion for a resolution.
The cohesion policy is a fundamental pillar of the European integration process and one of the EU's most successful policies, encouraging convergence between increasingly diverse regions, and stimulating economic growth and the creation of jobs.
I am also aware that this Parliament, through the various resolutions adopted since 2002, has consistently expressed its opinion on that particular problem.
Was there any discussion on this important point?
The report proposes a common European asylum system and a common asylum support office with common standards for granting refugee and asylum status.
The aim of the Doha Conference is to assess progress made, reaffirm commitments, identify obstacles, but also find ways to overcome these obstacles.
I voted in favour of this report on the proposal for a directive recasting Directive 2002/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 2003 on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
It will also send a positive signal to our electorate.
Such an absence of harmonised standards no longer seems acceptable in the new framework, which is governed by technical specifications for interoperability for wagons, and by the new private agreement, the General Contract of Use for Wagons, between technical wagon operators and railway undertakings.
Let me also commend you for setting up the EP Delegation for relations with Afghanistan.
The Commission is trying to increase the competitiveness of rail freight transport through the proposal and I would like to take the opportunity to applaud this.
In the end I feel I am being blackmailed by the Council in voting for this agreement so we can at least have enhanced security measures in place to protect the public.
Request for urgent procedure
I will begin with a flashback to the year 1933.
On 20 December 2010 the enterprise General Motors Belgium, in the automotive sector, submitted an application for the EGF, having been forced to make 2 834 workers redundant from the main company and four of its suppliers.
In view of the figures reported and the Treaty of Lisbon's introduction of a proper EU humanitarian aid policy, I totally agree that we need a mid-term review focused on strengthening the action plan regarding the promotion of humanitarian principles, on the delivery of humanitarian aid, on clarifying the use of military and civil protection resources, and on disaster risk reduction and reinforcement of the link between emergency aid and development.
We have always attached the greatest importance to multilateral cooperation at the level of the promotion of the proper conservation and management of marine biological resources, which is the subject of this agreement.
Mr President, I found it very difficult to support my friend Ms Joly's report, because she started talking about a European and global tax.
With its very limited coastline, non-existing potential for storage reservoirs, little sun, few open spaces, and so on, it is a complete mystery how the share of renewable energy could be increased from barely 2% to 13% by 2020.
Furthermore, it has stimulated intense debate worldwide.
The resolution we are going to vote on this week will provide the guiding line for upcoming negotiations on the next-generation development instrument.
We took a decision yesterday that we would have a resolution on the EU-Russia Summit this week, and my Group believes that we should stick to that.
Could you please let me speak without interrupting me?
(The sitting was suspended at 19.25 until the start of Question Time and resumed at 19.30)
I am particularly happy that within one week, it was possible to triple the nominations of women from three to nine.
I agree, but we must consider that Turks are Turks.
The Treaty of Lisbon retains many improvements from the former constitution.
Europe must speak clearly with one voice, and loudly in favour of firm measures.
There is also a significant disparity among these areas in individual Member States.
I am in agreement with the rapporteur on such issues and have thus decided to vote in favour of this dossier.
(RO) In line with expectations, the Copenhagen Summit did not end with any concrete results.
You say it has worked well, but I am afraid the recast ignores vital jurisprudence on what actually needs to be done.
There was therefore nothing very surprising in this.
If there is free movement of labour, pensions must also always move from one country to another.
We know that the technology we need over the decades to come exists, and that it is available at a fair price, but the most problematic issue is that climate protection is an incredible challenge to human cooperation.
(EL) Madam President, the reason why we feel secure in Europe, the reason why Europe has been going for so long is, I think, because it has always respected national sensitivities.
The final judgement has not been reached in the Laval case in Sweden, and there are many aspects to this judgement - both the obvious discrimination against foreign enterprises, which we cannot support, and also the unclear information given to the enterprise.
Madam President, the troubles of Greece and the eurozone should not be seen as an exception.
Does that link really mean anything in practice?
At the moment, however, the statistics speak for themselves.
(FR) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would still like to remind you that we have not managed to settle the frozen conflicts in these eastern regions, nor have we managed to avoid war between Russia and Georgia.
It is something that should be looked at because those counties also suffered over a period of 30 to 35 years.
Human trafficking is one of the most serious crimes in the world and, unfortunately, it is growing in extent all the time.
I do not need to tell this audience about Europe's proud tradition of protecting citizens from government invasion of their privacy - a commitment grounded in respect for the inherent dignity of all people.
It is therefore essential to be rigorous and the basis for a rigorous analysis is not to allow any confusion or to accept mere supposition as fact.
The truth is that, faced with a financial situation like the one we are in now, governments are - quite naturally, I would say - becoming more defensive, more prudent.
I believe that the common principles behind the US, the UK and the European plans for cleaning up the banks' balances sheets will help to rebuild confidence and help to restore lending to the wider economy.
The truly important issue is the real impact on individuals, not just an abstract image of how things might work.
This is decided every five years.
What we cannot accept is the application of different rules and duties to a European producer and an agricultural producer outside the EU.
It is because it is fully aware of the budgetary constraints affecting the European Union that Parliament is today calling for the adoption of a 2012 budget that can respond to the political, economic and social challenges we currently face.
So, today, we have, first and foremost, a question of democracy to address and Europe, if it wants to respect its values and history, needs to take a leading role here.
Finally, can I just say that, if the EU will not appoint a special coordinator, I believe Parliament should appoint a rapporteur for Tibet.
It is the Chinese regime that has shown itself incapable of turning its country into a respectable and influential power on the international stage.
The Commission welcomes the call for more European research in the field and for more efficient use of the existing financial tools, such as the structural funds and the lifelong learning programmes.
In addition, the fact that the wet grip values for tyres will, in future, be improved again is something that is to be viewed as a positive development, as is the fact that tyre pressure monitoring systems, lane departure warning systems and advanced emergency braking systems are to be considered for other categories of vehicle.
Legal migration must be supported, and at the same time effective action needs to be taken against illegal immigration and human trafficking.
This issue takes on particular importance, seen in the context of the tragic fatal shootings at Jokela School in Finland a few weeks ago.
This is the reason for the proposals that have been tabled.

(The sitting was suspended for a few moments)
The final resolution approved is clearly better than the report, and we voted for it for that reason alone, but it retains certain aspects that we disagree with.
Implementing measures (Rule 88): see Minutes
I would also like to thank the Council and the French Presidency for the exceptional and fairly swift efforts made to pave the way for the rapid adoption of these two perfectly complementary texts.
Although I agree with the need to ensure that women participate in the EU and national programmes, I do not think it should be done through quotas.
(PL) Mr President, for me the northern gas pipeline and the approach taken by the European Parliament towards the northern gas pipeline are a test of the real value of the European Union, a test of whether the EU really does act on the basis of solidarity.
Areas which are unnecessarily regulated should be urgently identified, and such regulations eliminated.
There is, unfortunately, a real danger that even in Europe the fight against terrorism may result in failure to respect fundamental rights and freedoms.
In fact, this is absolutely not what the services had understood, but we shall of course go along with our rapporteur.
Therefore, it is necessary to establish a common European Union system for the regulation of online gambling, taking into account the protection of risk groups, with particular attention to the protection of minors and control of transactions.
I regret the fact that he will not be coming back again and I just wanted to say so on the record here.
Stabilisation of the milk and dairy market will not be achieved just through one or two odd measures, such as not increasing quotas, designed to mitigate the immediate, temporary effects of the crisis.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (PL) Mr President, Commissioner, Mr Solana, the most important and urgent matter in relations with Iran is to obtain a guarantee that it will not acquire nuclear weapons.
In order to leave your country and enter it again you had to fill in an embarkation form to advise authorities where you were going and how long you would be away.
On the basis of its findings, serious consideration can be given to legislative measures at a later date if they are shown to be expedient and necessary.
These risks include possible further rises in commodity prices and unanticipated increases in indirect taxes and administered prices.
Unfortunately, I was not supported by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs in this matter, but I am using my position as rapporteur to urge the Commission to examine this mechanism which the Treaty offers us and which, to date, we have failed fully to exploit.
We have experienced a crisis in the market in cereals, when it proved necessary to take 2 900 000 hectares out of set-aside. Then there was a crisis in the milk market, caused by a restrictive policy and the imposition of penalties on farmers.
The report does not say a word about all this.
Death penalty in Belarus, in particular, the case of Dmitry Konovalov and Vladislav Kovalev (
In its Common Position of 21 May 2007, the Council endorsed all 22 Parliament amendments.
Nevertheless, being a part of the EU and participating in development cooperation helps to eliminate narrow-mindedness.
The bilateral dimension continues under the European neighbourhood policy, and is complemented in some cases by the pre-accession framework - as well as, in the case of Mauritania, the ACP framework.
Bringing new products onto the market is a long and always expensive process.
As far as Macedonia is concerned, I hope that the Swedish Presidency will succeed in enabling accession negotiations to begin next year, so that we can finally resolve the bilateral problem which also exists in this case.
Moreover, consumers purchasing long-term holiday products will be given additional protection.
The protection provided by the Geneva Convention is undermined by the EU taking upon itself responsibility for interpreting who is to be granted protection and the form this will take.
The key, apart from the formal alignment process, will be whether the Commission, the relevant Directorates-General, the officials working in this area, are willing to include Parliament in the work in good time.
I agree almost 100% with it.
The aim of my comparison is to show the true path of the cohesion policy.
An overall budget of about EUR 2.1 million has been allocated to the Court by means of three Victims' Justice and Legacy projects.
The Commission's swift reaction was gratifying, as was the fact that it was confirmed by the Commissioner that every assistance would be given to Japan and the almost half a million people staying in temporary shelters following the devastating earthquake and tsunami.
Instead, we must adopt a sustained, ongoing approach to putting these new concepts into effect.
It is vital that the experience of the Holodomor is not forgotten.
We cannot meet our targets without cooperation from other states.
For several months, Russia has been conducting a very intensive campaign aimed at obtaining exemptions for its gas infrastructure from the rules set out in the third energy package, or, in other words, the rules of our anti-monopoly law, which prohibit the simultaneous and parallel control of energy resources and transmission networks.
(FR) Mr President, 150 deaths and countless instances of sexual degradation have been recorded today. It was an unprecedented violation of the Guinean civilian population that was carried out on 28 September.
The investment entailed could make control systems more efficient and cheaper to operate.
In any event, the consequences of cloned meat, including interactions with genetically modified fodder or pesticides and atomic radiation, cannot be predicted.
Order of business
Delaying payments or failing to make them altogether endangers the interests of companies and consumers alike.
Signature of acts adopted under codecision: see Minutes
Quite apart from the mantra of the role of free trade as a kind of saviour of the global economy that is currently in a precarious state, which is also reflected in the Free Trade Agreement itself, it is not clear from this agreement whether it will, or will able to, help us deal with the global challenges arising as a result of climate change and the necessary fundamental economic restructuring.
Today we can say that we are back to a pre-14 March situation, because the talks between the Chinese Government and the representatives of the Dalai Lama resumed in early May and a new round of talks took place last week; but I agree that we do not yet have a full assessment.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, let me first answer a number of specific questions which have been put, and start with climate change.
If I may, I will repeat one point I made in my initial address.
(NL) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to begin by thanking Mr Stockmann for his excellent report and good cooperation.
The spotlight must be on the amounts disbursed, the number of allocations made and the regions which have benefited from these funds.
We are working with social partners, because we believe that is also part of our model in Europe -the idea to work together with our social partners - and we believe that in this way we can help our workers to prepare them for the jobs of the future sustainable and low carbon economy that we want European to lead.
Moreover, after first reading in Parliament, we had several meetings with representatives of the country holding the Presidency of the Council to ensure that the issues we were working on were reflected in the common position.
It is precisely at a time of crisis that European society will see if the declarations and principles which lie at the foundation of the European Union are true, or if it is only a game being played by some States against others within an institution which was founded on noble principles.
It has been in existence for seven years.
Fourthly, and no less importantly, we must never forget that when we talk about the economy we are talking above all about people.
I suppose that, when our economies were powering ahead, we unfortunately left certain groupings behind.
Interim deals should be put in place to ensure that there will be no disruption to trade and that the livelihood of millions will not be put at risk.
We will not receive any more money, so where do we want to reorganise?
Mrs Ţicău, rail priority axis No 22 must, in effect, link Germany with Greece via Prague, Vienna, Budapest and Sofia.
Madam President, my group deeply regrets the death of the prisoner Orlando Zapata.
This is a criminal offence if committed by public dissemination or distribution of tracts, pictures or other material, and here, Member States have the obligation to comply with the provisions of the Framework Decision by 28 November 2010.
It is important that this matter be addressed by the European Parliament forthwith if the European Parliament is to have any credibility at all in these matters.
Moreover, this delay has already had a negative impact: indeed, it has opened the door to speculation; it has created, within the Union, doubts over certain countries' intentions with regard to the future of Europe (I do not want us to forget that this is the first major issue that we have had to deal with following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon); it has accentuated the difficulties of the Greek Government, which has had to implement anti-popular measures - not trivial or minor decisions - affecting millions of people, and it has done so without being sure that help was on its way.
As you know, those who farm in a manner that sustains protected flora and fauna receive aid from the Community and Member states, within the framework of Natura 2000.
I hope that the Commission will be extremely vigilant with regard to Member States stretching the limits on state aid to car manufacturers.
That depresses timber prices, it strips natural resources and tax revenue, and it increases the poverty of forest-dependent peoples.
Nor does China shy away from doing business with governments that are pilloried internationally, such as Sudan, for instance.
Concerning WTO accession: we, the European Union, remain a strong supporter of WTO accession because we think this will create a level playing field, which is necessary for our Economic Community, and we believe it is in our interests as a major trading partner for Russia to join a rules-based system.
This House has, in long debates, discussed the Israeli-Palestinian issue too many times.
In the forthcoming period, we must therefore, along with efforts to consolidate the public finances of the euro area, also strive to restructure and greatly simplify the rules of the internal environment.
There are a lot of unknowns, so the most important matter will be implementation of the guidelines.
The Irish citizens will have to decide by a new referendum whether they leave the European Union or they stay in the EU based on the Lisbon Treaty.
When I say fully, I mean not simply announcing that the ultimate aim is to freeze European expenditure to 2020, nor dismissing out of hand the notion of European own resources.
It does not seem as if Europe is ready for this scale of challenge, above all, nuclear Iran's hegemony in the Near East and Northern Africa.
However, we only have GPS on loan.
We are aware of the difficulties of this judicial process.
The first message, Mr López Garrido, is addressed to the Council.
Given the importance of such agreements, especially in terms of guaranteeing better services for passengers and new opportunities for operators, it is a good idea for Parliament to inform the Commission of its concerns and its assessment criteria at the outset, without waiting until the negotiations have been concluded.
We need to try to handle it in the short term, but also in the long term.
In Slovakia, the government party, the Slovak National Party, is stirring up tensions with its hate speech against minorities, its outbursts that revile the nation and its anti-Hungarian slurs.
(SK) I would like to congratulate the rapporteur on this excellent report.
I have just received information that the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Muhammad Shaaban, is in the official gallery.
As far as the negotiating and negotiation methods are concerned, I fully agree with my colleagues that the European Union must speak with one voice.
That is why this Euro VI standard is already being decided now, at a time when the Euro V standard has practically just entered into force.
Allow me to recall briefly the rationale behind this proposed directive, as well as its main objectives and principles.
It is incumbent on the Member States, however, to devise and implement programmes to simplify administrative actions and provide more systematic assessment of the social and economic effects of implementing Community legislation.
Why ban single-engine piston aircraft from flying at an altitude of 500 metres when the ash was above 8 000 metres?
I think that this question should have been asked at a different time today, namely when we discuss Mr Barroso's statement, and not at this time.
After all, there is such an urgent need to combat the effects of the economic crisis, unemployment and other difficult problems arising from the socio-economic situation in the Union.
Unfortunately, we have all seen that it was a failure.
Turning to Mrs Starkevičiūtė, what I wanted to say to her is that it is clear that the financial crisis has already had a major impact.
I fully endorse the opinion of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality, which points out the necessity of eliminating advertising content which is discriminatory.
Why is the Commission not coming up with a concrete proposal on this?
These improvements reflect a clear reality: The EU and its Member States are the biggest financial contributors to the UN system, with EU funds amounting to 38% of the UN regular budget, more than two fifths of UN peacekeeping operations and close to half of the contributions to the UN funds and programmes.
We are concerned about the US requirements that, by July 2012, all US-bound maritime containers will have to be scanned before being placed on a vessel at a foreign port.
Certainly not individually; probably not as Europe.
We also need to offer the Member States more flexibility in the use of lower rates for goods of basic necessity for social, economic, cultural and environmental reasons.
We know that there are longstanding reasons for the grave situation that is taking place there, particularly the poverty and social inequality which were the legacy of former colonialism or the structural adjustment plans imposed for years by the IMF.
We are already seeing more and more large European companies achieve their growth and their profits outside Europe, and they are also creating their new jobs outside Europe.
In the current economic environment, it is more important than ever to justify expenditure on our priorities by tackling all wasteful and excessive spending in other sectors.
We must all be aware that being the point of reference for Haiti and its people in a way means making them understand that we want to see the value and the dignity of every single person restored and, for them, this means seeing their hopes of happiness restored amid the huge suffering caused by the earthquake.
Agenda for next sitting: see Minutes
Four things are needed in order to prevent the Greek crisis from having a much-feared domino effect across the entire euro area: firstly, a united Greece with an economic and budgetary recovery plan; secondly, a European Union and a Euro Group which are united by the same objective; thirdly, a little more time than initially planned, particularly for privatisations; and fourthly, solidarity which is properly understood and which comprises not only new loans, but also, and above all, technical assistance from its partners, and in particular from the Commission.
At the same time, the country with the authority to issue the implementation permit, the country of origin, the party of origin as it is referred to in the Espoo Convention, has the following two duties.
The public in Europe must also speak more about terrorism.
The only 'success' is that the average consumption by cars was 12.4% less in 2004 than in 1995.
I congratulate the Rapporteur on her work.
Therefore, I think it is utterly impossible for a request for a roll-call vote on the motion I have only just tabled to have been submitted in the meantime.
It is no accident that, of the seven institutions which I have had occasion to assess, six of them are more or less in order, and one is the cause of continual problems.
President-in-Office of the Council. - In answer to the question on neutrality, I can only say that the Council decided again on Monday, the day before yesterday, that the EU units in Chad will be impartial, neutral and independent.
Unfortunately, the situation that I have described does not apply only to Kyrgyzstan.
This is about more than funding.
Moreover, this division is commonplace in many of our Member States in which there is a minister for justice and a minister for the interior.
I think it is absolutely essential for European citizens to be able to get information in any crisis situation, whether it be a general crisis or a crisis for themselves, and there needs to be an awful lot more clarity in the situation.
It happened and now we have to react to its consequences.
Mr Sarkozy, is this the kind of Union that you want, or will you join me in condemning the absolutely appalling treatment of President Klaus in Prague last week?
In this process, the Commission will, indeed, continue to inform and involve the European Parliament in a transparent way.
This, sadly, is the price we have to pay.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, I am happy to contribute by answering on the issue of the specificity of sport.
(PT) I would also like to congratulate our rapporteur, Mrs Attwooll, and to say that, in my opinion, the natural marine heritage should be preserved and should be used in a sustainable manner by the fishing communities whose lives are traditionally bound up with that environment; it cannot be regarded as just another business.
(SV) Madam President, at its recent meeting, the Council also debated the issue of the safety of nuclear power plants and European reactors.
It is very difficult to make money in the dairy sector at the moment.
Commissioner, I would like to ask you - as we already know the position of the President-in-Office - if you think, from an ethical and democratic point of view, in response to the deplorable events such as the death of Mr Zapata, and if the Commission thinks, that relations between the European Union and Cuba need to be raised to a higher level and given priority?
These agreements have been negotiated by the EU exerting strong pressure on governments of developing countries and without taking due consideration of the views of the people in those countries who would most suffer from their implementation.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the aim of this report is to agree on Union guarantees for the external investments of the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Everyone should have the right to stay and live in their country of birth: the way things are at present they do not have this choice.
The next item is the joint debate on the Council and Commission statements on the Lisbon Strategy, followed by the report by Mrs Starkevičiūtė, on behalf of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, on the Integrated Guidelines for Growth and Jobs (Part: broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and the Community): Launching the new cycle (2008-2010)
It is also stated in the report that the same standards of health, food safety, animal welfare, sustainable development and minimum social standards ought to apply to the methods of production of goods being imported from third countries as apply to the EU's own producers.
As you know, the Opposition organises a protest meeting every 31st of the month.
If you are suggesting a network to enhance and spread ideas, do not bother.
Please treat this as a warning.
It is the responsibility of the assemblies and the politicians of Madagascar to decide on the most effective form of consultation.
I invite the US and Australia to do better and to embarrass us in the EU into upping our game in Copenhagen next year.
I consider that 2009, the date when this Regulation must be reviewed, would be the right time to propose any amendments, if they are justified.
One last thought: I am certain that the new European Treaty will give us better instruments, that it will give us an instrument with which to work together with Parliament in order finally to create co-responsibility between the three institutions.
These measures can be included in three-year apiculture programmes that are prepared by Member States and cofinanced by the European Union budget.
However, that will not be of any help in countries where it is common to avoid paying VAT.
- Before the vote
Regardless of future changes to how the Union is represented within the UN, and in the Security Council - a debate which is still open - in particular, there is increasingly a need to join up the efforts of European countries so as to, alongside the Union's representatives overseas, encourage a collective capacity for intervention and influence.
The text sets out a number of priorities: combating the trafficking of human beings, respect for the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the European Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms when applying measures to prevent illegal immigration, strengthening cooperation with third countries, taking the firm steps that are required to combat illegal employment and, finally, the need for a responsible return policy.
Aside from the fact that it seems inappropriate to allocate funds on the basis of fish catches made by European boats without taking into account either fishery resources or the effects on the local population, the recent events make us fear that these funds will be used for military purposes against the Guinean population.
The unusual criteria established for acquiring Hungarian citizenship, in other words, without a natural link to Hungary, creates the possibility of political links coming into existence between a state and citizens who have no real link to that state.
There is no doubt that Parliament must play a major role in this Community method, but we have made this proposal for communitisation purposes, it being understood that this subsequently leaves the way very clear for the European Parliament to become involved.
I call on the Presidency of the Council to make an urgent decision on the regulation for the new Solidarity Fund, in order to increase transparency and make its mobilisation more flexible in an emergency.
The draft report proposes various important areas of work are, two of which I should like to comment on.
Let me point out, however, that under no circumstances should these savings be made available for other policies; they must stay within the CAP framework and be used to manage crises in the agricultural sector, for example.
Robust and transparent economic planning to control profligate government spending and unsustainable debt levels is a vital part of this for all 27 countries.
As things are looking at the moment, the package is moving in the right direction, although we have to ensure it does not become an empty shell.
I am not able to understand this fully.
In the grip of a crisis that is wrecking people's basic security, livelihoods and welfare, it is also constructive to think about new ways of measuring wealth.
This has brought ruin to a whole generation of teachers, who have been paying into the fund for 40 years.
On the other hand, I do not think that Europe should promote the award of citizenship.
That is not the approach to democracy and the present European Union that we should be teaching our young people.
I am sorry for once to have to contradict Mr Juncker.
Ultimately, ladies and gentlemen, the key is to coordinate our employment and social policies.
In this context, the current rules governing the closure of political parties in Turkey are not in line with the European Convention of Human Rights and with European practices, as was recently stated in an opinion of the Venice Commission.
We cannot continue to wait for decisions that are dragging on whilst thousands of people are knocking at our gates daily, without raising the response to which they have a right.
The current crisis which the car industry is facing also offers opportunities to completely change tack.
Mr President, it was unexpected, but it is a joy - I believe - for everyone here no longer to have an Eastern or a Western Europe for the first time in this Parliament.
We have men's quotas in all supervisory boards, in all statutory authorities, in politics and in business.
A concluding remark on Croatia.
It is good that Parliament introduced a moratorium on the death penalty in 2007 and we must do everything we can to keep this subject in the forefront of people's minds while the death penalty is still in place.
The current ban on this fishing technique, which has been used for decades by a section of the Portuguese small-scale fleet for the sustained exploitation of species such as monkfish and hake, was a severe economic and social blow to the sector and to the fishing communities most dependent on the exploitation of these resources.
rapporteur. - Madam President, I cannot say that I am altogether reassured by the Commissioner's response, because it seemed to me that, in what he was saying, he was actually giving pre-eminence to one particular form of rights-based management, whereas what the report is seeking is a review of all different types of forms to assess their merits and demerits.
You must speak louder than them.
We see that balloons are displayed in the Chamber.
in writing. - I voted in favour of recital X and most parts of paragraph 38, abstaining on one part of paragraph 38, for the following reasons:
We fear that this 2% increase in quotas for Member States, albeit optional, will allow the large countries and their large producers to increase their production, leading to a fall in prices for producers and thus resulting in a dumping situation, which may serve as a pretext for easier justification of its subsequent dismantling.
We are of course also pleased that the competent Commissioner, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, is present - as she almost always is.
You can pay a one-hundred-metre runner EUR 1 million to run the one-hundred-metre race in 10 seconds. However, even if you pay him EUR 100 million, he will not manage to do it in five seconds.
on behalf of the EFD Group. - Madam President, why does this report seek more international cooperation at university level?
It has reacted excessively harshly, both internally and externally.
One of the areas that I think needs to be enhanced is the communication of how farmers and those who use the land can farm in a way that is more 'climatically friendly'.
That is not the approach that we need.
The conclusions of this thoughtful report, on the other hand, offer cogent indications as to how that transformation can be made and how Serbia can once again take its place in Europe.
Commissioner Hahn is not with you, and it would probably have been helpful if he had been.
Sport is very necessary and also popular and that is why any programme in connection with Article 149 should be closely linked to the space and agenda of education and young people, for sport has been added explicitly to Article 149 for the first time.
This situation may result in a very serious economic and social crisis in Ukraine.
In general, these aims are desirable and merit support.

As regards the timing, we can say that most of the national systems were developed in the early 1980s but their deployment is a long and costly process.
If FYROM refuses to accept the name chosen for it and persists in this refusal, it will find that there are obstacles to its accession, because it has undermined its own efforts.
Consequently, it is certainly worth calling for the sanctions to be tightened, but similar pressure should above all be used against states such as China, Russia and India, in order that, by virtue of their economic and political influence over the Burmese regime, they cooperate with the European Union in this area and stop supplying weapons and strategic resources.
It is true that the Commission has a broad margin of discretion in the application of fines.
I firmly believe that the time has come to learn a lesson from these events.
In that respect, I expect the European Commission to come up with a proposal.
In relation to this, I would like to ask you about the following matter - should a rapid reaction centre not be established faster in Europe?
Meanwhile, the ordinary citizens of Burma continue to suffer oppression, persecution and poverty, all of which are the result of the brutal, anachronistic and shameful stance taken by the brainless military regime controlling that country.
Secondly, however, it is also a tragedy to see how too often they go unnoticed in our society.
However, Gaddafi's manipulation of this situation failed in his own country, which is proven by the fact that Benghazi was actually now where the revolution started.
This, in any event, is what the French Presidency hopes.
It is also essential to step up controls and put an end to unfair competition.
We must, however, get something straight here: this is the result of badly coordinated, local public transport that has been economised to death, the boom in shopping centres on the edges of towns whilst local shops are in decline, the falling quality of living conditions in the inner city, the rising crime rate, neighbourhoods that are home to large numbers of foreigners turning into ghettoes and, last but not least, longer journey times to work owing to urban sprawl and greater flexibility in working hours and employment relationships and the associated role of the car as a prerequisite for gainful employment.
Ronald Schranz expressed regret at the inconvenience which had arisen for passengers.
The distribution of these constraints must therefore be factored into our policies.
We remember that she devoted her life to uncovering the truth about the situation in the North Caucasus.
I therefore ask you to support our amendment in the vote.
I recently received correspondence from a dairy farmer in County Westmeath, whose herd of prized dairy cows has been all but obliterated since he first discovered TB on his farm less than a year ago.
It should be emphasised that the sector's problems stem, inter alia, from decoupling payments and production.
It will, in fact, increase the influence of the EU in the international arena and make us stronger in meeting global challenges, and I know that you in this Parliament will also be given a more significant role in the overall decision-making process.
We also know that climate change and good-quality soil go hand in hand, that soil is an important carbon dioxide pool and is continually losing this ability to bind CO2.
To ensure that this is not an idle notion, I think that we must put our trust in the local authorities and elected representatives of those cities.
- (ES) Mr President, I would also like to join in the cries of 'good news!' voiced by Mr Yañez-Barnuevo García because I believe that this report marks a turning-point in relations with the United States.
I believe that the agreement is generally favourable to the economic interests of the European Union, especially given the fact that we want our economy to be based on innovation, research and development, or 'smart growth'.
We need to be able, as the UNDP recommends, to ensure that the mobility of citizens from the South is equal to our own mobility to the South.
I also welcome the fact that the Commission has identified an alternative source of payment appropriations to the unused allocations from the ESF.
Tobacco has a life of only six months, so when you stop vans packed to the ceiling with cigarettes, you have to ask the question: is that really for personal use or is it going elsewhere for resale, and often to children?
10.
Such outrageous actions violate the natural right to property and therefore should be condemned.
(PL) Madam President, today we have two successive debates here in the European Parliament which will tell us what the order will be in the European Union and how power will be shared out.
The media enjoy very special protection, particularly through the current legal framework of the European Union.
The Flexibility Instrument provides for the possibility of funding specifically identified expenditure that cannot be funded within the maximum limits available under one or more headings of the multiannual financial framework.
Based on the outcome of the work carried out by this committee, summarised in the Stiglitz report, a proposal has been drafted for improving the national statistics system, defining the quality of life more accurately and including sustainable development in the calculation of the economic and social progress index.
The vote will take place on Wednesday.
I voted thinking about the people who lost their homes, belongings, animals and even family members in the floods.
It stresses the importance of maintaining quality public services, a solid public and universal social security system and high levels of social protection and quality employment combined with rights and of ensuring effective gender mainstreaming in the formulation and implementation of such public policies; finally, it urges the Commission and the Member States to give maximum priority to women's social integration and women's rights, by altering their respective policies accordingly, including income distribution policy.
Everything is possible, including financial support from the Union.
The first is the question of implementing supervision structures at European level.
The second point he makes is reforms in the infrastructure.
We have the task of ensuring that transparency and democratic control apply to the Council's budget and also to the budget of our own Parliament.
Fundamentally, we are a sick country in Europe and, if I can put it this way, that is in no way a credit to one of the previous speakers, Mr Verhofstadt, former Prime Minister of Belgium.
We call for the restoration of full freedom of speech. The voice of the people must be heeded.
(DE) Mr President, first of all, let me say that I think it is very good that we can now sit together down here.
No rounding up of this figure can add further to its horror, which is of colossal magnitude when you take in fully all the pernicious, despicable details of this brutal slaughter.
Our right to do so was set out unequivocally in the Rules of Procedure.
There are many abandoned children, not only in the developing world, but also in Europe.

Madam President, on a point of order, according to the parliamentary website Oral Questions, my question was No 3 on the list.
We shall now proceed to the vote.
The Council and the Commission have expressed their deep concern, and that is the correct line.
However, I think that, at least today, nobody can say exactly what promises or preoccupations there will be in this particular area.
This would lead to the decrease in illicit trade in organs and would offer people suffering from leukaemia a chance for life, no matter what their financial situation.
I hope that this meeting will provide an opportunity for open and realistic exchanges, so that together we can find the most appropriate solutions for everyone concerned.
It is very good that we do talk about them.
If a society starts to get ill, it is visible first in the shape of restrictions on freedom of religion and in the status of religious minorities.
In particular, some political prisoners have been released, and there has been increased cooperation with the UN.
I would like to ask the Members to keep to a normal speaking speed.
We have legislation on driving heavy goods vehicles, but not cars.
The Svensson report has unfortunately not yet overcome this conflict.
I shall conclude.
I therefore voted resolutely in favour of this ambitious project.
Today the European Parliament has clearly reaffirmed its support for more market measures, national budgets and scope for regional initiative, for socially sensitive phasing-out of intervention measures and for the preservation of existing oenological practices, in other words the addition of sucrose and rectified concentrated must (RCM), with these additives being placed on an equal footing by means of additional RCM subsidies.
The report rightly raises the issue of such representatives in the Council.
The EU gives a considerable amount of money - EUR 159 million - to 34 neurodegenerative disease research programmes, but since there will be a huge increase in these diseases, research projects under the Eighth Framework Programme must be broadened to include research on behavioural, cognitive and non-drug therapies.
To avoid wasteful duplication, it would be better to make full use of the potential offered by these systems and reduce the cost of Earth surveillance.
The Alliance enables the Member States to exchange information and experiences and in that way to help each other in the search for appropriate political responses.
I would say two things here.
I fully support the content and timescales of the Small Business Act.
Do we know how often adoptive parents encounter problems and what these problems are?
2. enhancing the quality of its services by offering mobile workers and their families a more comprehensive service;
You should also be exerting pressure on the blatant nuclear lobbyists from the United Kingdom, which brings us to the main topic.
I believe that we have coordinated well with the Parliament's delegations so that MEPs across this House have asked hard questions of governments in our representations worldwide, a process that I have been proud to take part in myself: from Columbia to Turkey, Georgia to Croatia.
So we need this Small Business Act and it must be more than just a token.
What measures besides voluntary activity could reduce that damage and protect young people from addiction?
It is not enough to just tap at the door; a responsible parliament must stop this undesirable development.
Mr President, we are in a tricky situation with one of our neighbours when a normally existing republic on the European continent is officially called non-existent - only 'the "former” Republic of M.' - by decision of the UN.
This demands, once again, a reconsideration of the use of nuclear power as part of the EU energy mix.
Secondly, it requires swift and effective compensation for the damage suffered.
It includes no specific proposals to improve the legal supply of cultural goods.
Therefore, increasing the Republic of Moldova's involvement in Community programmes and agencies is a natural step in the process of alignment with European standards.
I greatly regret that my own country, the UK, is opting out because of those two particular proposals.
I am also aware of how involvement and working for the benefit of others have a further effect in shaping positive attitudes to life.
I am afraid we are headed that way fast at the moment.
In Europe, close to two immigrant women out of three have low-skilled jobs, often in the sector of healthcare or domestic work.
Thirdly, dialogue could be assisted through a relaxation of the EU's visa policy.
This gesture gives evidence of Israel's willingness to build mutual confidence in the peace process, despite a severely critical Israeli public.
Cargo for Finland is transferred to Russian ships, which then take the goods to Finland on trucks, because Russia is not going to ratify this decision by the IMO.
And I believe, to return once more to my starting point, that as long as we can join forces with Commissioner Tajani in our common task, we will be able to cooperate.
Broadband technology is undoubtedly an important part of this.
Companies which are growing and expanding have a future.
On top of that, the incentive to increase productivity is weakened.
If the whole supply chain could agree on such a labelling system, it could add value to their products to provide consumers with extra information.
The current French-drafted UN Security Council resolution proposes a temporary increase in MONUC's authorised military strength by up to 2 785 military personnel.
in writing. - I agree with the Commissioner that if we agree to continue with the present status quo, protecting national interests more than standing up for common European interests and values, then the EU will be unable to address the dramatic challenges we face.
A lot has been said today about the transitional regions, most of it proper and important.
Nature has its own laws, but we have to try to react to them in the interests of the citizens of Europe.
The Member States are themselves responsible for deciding whether they want to perform a general and special common stress test in Europe.
With a population ageing fast, now is the time for Europe to act.
Although, as I point out in my report, it would, technically speaking, be perfectly possible to continue to accept new Member States, even if the Treaty of Lisbon were not to enter into force, doing so requires political will, and it is this that it is my job and that of my fellow Members here in Parliament to create.
Mr President, listening to the debate this morning I feel the need to make a couple of comments.
In the short term it is crucial to see the Treaty ratified by all the 27 Member States.
(SV) Mr President, in March 2007 the EU's Heads of Government promised that the EU would reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% by 2020.
However, the big challenge - which is addressed in this resolution - is how to convert warm words into useful deeds without just throwing money at SMEs - money that is not available in today's economy.
This report seeks to involve small and medium-sized enterprises and society's various players in the standardisation process.
So our report calls on the Commission to begin already to prepare for the next round of ITTA negotiations to secure a greatly improved successor agreement.
in writing. - (LT) I endorsed this document, as the Committee responsible decided to approve the closure of the accounts of the European Chemicals Agency for the financial year 2009.
However, I cannot go along with the idea that aggressive protests such as those that took place in London and Paris addressed this issue in a proper manner.
What have we to fear from the remaining 20 million people in the Western Balkans, being as we are a Community of 27 states and 500 million citizens?
During the debate on the Irish referendum, it was claimed time and time again that Parliament would not respect the result.
Second, in my opinion in the longer term further harmonisation is needed once we have gathered experience on the working of this directive so as to make it easier for consumers to shop across borders and to give full legal certainty to businesses on their obligations when offering these credits in other Member States.
The current directive had obviously reached its limits since, 14 years after its adoption, councils had been set up in only one third of the businesses concerned, and legal uncertainty meant that the Court of Justice had to intervene on several occasions.
In the face of these developments, the international community is mobilising.
Croatia is still working on opening benchmarks for the chapter on the judiciary and fundamental rights, where there are many difficult challenges in areas such as judicial reform, the fight against corruption and refugee return.
Thus it would be immediately deleted and absolutely not recorded - recording would be made impossible.
That will not only lead to discrimination within Europe but it is also extremely questionable with regard to the impact on the people.
Accelerated growth in Central Europe also makes a significant contribution to growth throughout Europe and improves investment conditions, yielding profits not only in Warsaw and Prague, but also in Amsterdam, London and Berlin.
It is this that has become ineffective today, and it needs to be recognised.
Even the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Mr Mauro, has referred to the anti-Catholic and antisocial arm of the Radical Party Minister, Mrs Bonino.
At global level, cod is the second most popular species.
Since 2005, you have been giving us the same negative reports on human rights, respect for minorities and the commitments made to the Union, whilst keeping the objective of accession intact.
This offer of a separate company form is particularly directed at Europe's small and medium-sized enterprises.
I warn the Americans to adopt Mr Oberstar's motion, for if they want to undermine this agreement with all their unilateral amendments, we will react sharply.
The Commission would support their preparations fully, including preparations for the actual cash changeover.
We acknowledge the considerable importance of sport in health terms as a preventive measure for obesity and chronic conditions.
I hope therefore that we will be able to present a number of possible scenarios to you next time.
The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) receives annual funding of EUR 500 million with the aim of providing financial support to workers affected by major structural changes in world trade patterns.
I do not think that this is the most important issue.
I believe that you will all agree with me that any person who breaks the law must pay.
Pre-commercial procurement also represents an important opportunity for SMEs.
This is taking far too long.
Not only will these choices be based on cost, but they will also be based on fuel efficiency.
This is because we now need to put the substantial austerity package successfully in place in the next week.
The high turnout on both election days was particularly encouraging.
Seven hundred thousand people were affected at that time.
1.
Versailles has become the prime location for abdicating French sovereignty, bearing in mind that the German Empire was proclaimed there.
Like all conflicts, this conflict's roots go deep and it did not start in recent times, and like all conflicts it is much more complicated than indicated by Mr Allister.
in writing. - (RO) Today, I voted in favour of the Brejc report because, for the effciency of external border controls, the use of the VIS (Visa Information System) is of fundamental importance.
It concentrates on tackling the short-term crisis; its objectives are to boost agricultural production.
In Libya, besides the office in Benghazi, the EU should have already employed EUFOR, not just to support humanitarian assistance to the people under attack as in Misrata, but to implement the arms embargo via sea or land borders as recommended by this Parliament.
Mr President, I should like to take the opportunity provided by this debate to call for a moratorium on the death penalty for innocent unborn human beings.
I will continue to oppose the upgrading of the EU-Israel association agreement until Israel comes into compliance with its human rights obligations.
There are very few to come.
Therefore, it is important for Europe to subscribe to scientific research and support TBVI (the Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative) so that large-scale vaccination can have a positive effect towards the elimination of tuberculosis by 2050.
As the whole world fights the vices of illegality, some national laws nevertheless insult the dignity of honest citizens.
draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Culture and Education. - (NL) Mr President, the importance of the renewed social agenda is clear, particularly in view of the current economic crisis.
I welcome the fact that we are calling across the party divide for justice to be done and for their property to be restored to them.
More and more voters have come to me and said: we do not know where we are with this EU.
However, it is necessary to realise that, without rolling resistance, which occurs through the deformation of tyres and their elastic properties, safe and comfortable driving would be impossible.
The situation for Germany is, of course, deteriorating.
I would also like to welcome very warmly the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso, and the representatives of the Commission.
We need to support these conversations, these negotiations, which are basically conducted by the Commission.
I voted for this European Parliament initiative, which emphasises the crucial role that local authorities play in implementing regional policy while, at the same time, calling for multi-level governance to be improved.
Indeed, as things stand at the moment, we refuse to grant an extension.
However, if you will allow me, my congratulations do come with a request, one that concerns the little details on which the citizens of Europe judge Europe and its value.
It is something that we, the women in the Socialist Group, have, for some considerable time, been calling for.
All that is needed is the political will, supported by a cold analysis of the last crisis, in order to describe future scenarios and to deliver the European Union from problems similar to those which were caused by the gas supply blockade via Ukraine.
The conflicts in the South Caucasus have reached a very dangerous ceiling, where we have got used to the idea that they are intractable conflicts.
However, the progress made in just a few weeks is considerable.
The General Assembly of the United Nations declared 2009 as the 'International Year of Human Rights Learning', and the EU has declared 2010 as the 'European Year for Combating Poverty'.
This would also have helped to create jobs with rights and to develop micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
But this is a separate subject.
rapporteur. - (DE) Madam President, may I ask you to ensure that Members are seated for the vote, because we need the prescribed majorities.
The European Commission deeply appreciates the rationale of this proposal in the motion for a resolution.
We should all feel very pleased with ourselves because tomorrow, barring any surprises, the text arising from all these negotiations and debates will be unanimously adopted, perhaps even without a vote, the real test that such a text may be adopted almost by acclaim.
The clauses in question have actually been used to restrict freedom of opinion and expression.
Today, when the President, the sovereign elected President of a country, is speaking and is interrupted and hassled to such an extent by the socialists, the President does nothing.
This will not work.
2009 budget: Parliament's estimates (debate)
In summary, we will indeed be able to come up with a legislative proposal on the applicable law on the subject.
Poultry and Manure and Slurry.
In those days he had to work nine minutes for a litre of milk; today only three.
We knew that the action taken against Islamists and fundamentalists was not aimed solely at these groups, but also at any criticism of the relevant government policy.
Mr President, for almost 30 years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been a major menace to human rights and democracy.
Resumption of the session
I would like to thank Parliament for its incredibly constructive approach during these rather lengthy negotiations, as evidenced by the debate that we have just had.
However, as we now all know, that was not the case.
The major part of the scrutiny process will disappear, and that must be the long-term aim.
Furthermore, the General Affairs and External Relations Council will be charged with conducting a preliminary examination of the proposals on a future Eastern Partnership, which the Commission intends to present in November.
It is therefore disproportionate to collect and use data whose reliability cannot be guaranteed beyond all doubt.
The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement provides us with a framework within which we can develop our bilateral relations further and thereby contribute to the overall goals of our strategy for the whole of Central Asia.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Mr President, I share the legitimate concerns of this House when it comes to the protection of the private data of European citizens.
We also urge the Council to appoint an EU Special Envoy for Tibet at last.
Europe's positions on Israel, Palestine and Iraq arouse great opposition in the Middle East, where Europe is suspected of focusing primarily on its own energy supplies, on safeguarding its own transport routes and on giving preferential treatment to those ethnic or religious minorities best disposed towards it.
Monitoring and enforcement are very difficult in this area, which is why we have made proposals in this regard.
Where certain individuals deployed in foreign and defence operations go beyond their duties, the disciplinary and legal consequences fall within the competence of the Member States.
Accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Convention on the fight against corruption involving officials of the European Communities or officials of Member States of the European Union (vote)
The wage disparity between men and women often leads to differences in men's and women's pensions.
(SK) Madam President, according to the minutes of the negotiations held between euro area finance ministers from the beginning of September this year, published by the Reuters press agency, you apparently stated, Mr Trichet, that if you had known that Slovakia would not agree to provide voluntary financial assistance to the Greek Government, you would never have agreed to Slovakia being accepted into the euro area.
In these six years, I have also listened to several discussions about discrimination against ethnic Roma and the need for solutions to ethnic Roma problems.
I gave my vote of confidence to this team of Commissioners, which will be led by José Manuel Barroso, as in general, they have shown good technical preparation, seriousness and ambition to be able to respond to the challenges of the EU without forgetting the values which underpin its creation, namely solidarity and territorial cohesion.
These are the five points that the Committee on International Trade would like to address to the new Trade Commissioner Mr De Gucht, whom I welcome to the floor for the first public exchange of views with Parliament and the members of the INTA Committee, in particular.
People in long-term possession of large funds to put on deposit can do this and make the deposit safe by splitting it between institutions, but it is unrealistic to ask that lump-sum payments be channelled that way.
That is our important social-democratic goal.
It is also there to do what the others are not doing, and to adopt rules that go beyond what the private sector can do.
You are aiming to make progress here, and we will be watching to see how you match up.
This is an area where the principle of subsidiarity should be applied.
That is why he is leading the charge tonight in defiance of the committee's democratic decision.
However, there are some distinctions to be drawn between the two cases: The Irish deficit exploded because the country had to stem the problems in the banking sector, which was in crisis due to the repercussions of the global financial crisis, exacerbated by the bursting of the property bubble.
Full ownership unbundling is a key condition for reform.
Therefore, I would ask the Council and the Commission to keep their fingers on the pulse with regard to the human rights situation in the Middle Kingdom.
The basic reason for this attack by the European Union, the bourgeois governments and capital on the income and rights of the working classes, the main weapon in which is in the agreement on the euro and the European stability - for which read controlled bankruptcy - mechanism, goes beyond capitalist management of the crisis and the debt.
The UK is losing its bee population at around 30% a year, and this is clearly unsustainable and potentially devastating.
His name is being dragged through the mud; he is being called an anti-Semite, even though Israel is not the only one to have the finger pointed at it in the Goldstone report.
So there is a lot of work to be done to get the balance right and I think that is the key here.
Nothing has been decided yet.
The Situation Centre is now to move to the External Action Service.
Together these documents simplify citizens' access to benefits and services, as many of my fellow Members as well as the Commissioner have pointed out.
The report's main objective is to improve security and healthcare for pregnant workers, workers who have recently given birth and workers who are breastfeeding at work.
I will just add a few points.
Despite all its problems, Europe is characterised by great creation.
A united Europe has opportunities for such a firm and, at the same time, friendly policy based on support and pressure, but is far from making full use of them.
Our Heads of State or Government have since confirmed their deep attachment to the European currency and the fact that Estonia is joining the euro area at the beginning of this year is yet another signal in this direction, as well as setting a very good example of how to respect standards to the major countries that fail to respect them.
I would remind you of the Water Framework Directive that clearly aims to prevent these hazards, but also commitments in the area of biodiversity.
(DE) Mr President, the European Union's motto is 'unity in diversity' but, as we know, in the natural world this diversity has decreased alarmingly over the last 150 years.
Georgian power is being put to the test.
It is up to the operators what kind of billing system they want to adopt.
Much is made of European bureaucracy - which certainly has its own burdens - but sometimes bureaucracy in the Member States runs it pretty close.
The public consultation process started in June 2006.
Now, suddenly, tomorrow - a few months later - there is a will to grant the Council discharge, all of a sudden. Yet not one of these four grounds for refusing to grant discharge has really been cleared up or satisfied.
For example, many of the people who are or were imprisoned in Guantánamo went to training camps for terrorists in Afghanistan after 11 September.
Instead of thinking in imperialist terms, perhaps Russia could begin to think cooperatively.
(BG) Mme Chairperson, Colleagues, I would like to once again draw your attention to the proper and efficient use of the EU financial resources.
Those funds were mobilised immediately, and were actually the first significant contribution to arrive.
If necessary, we should use our powers to veto the new Commission if they do not include the necessary legislative proposals in their first work programme.
Furthermore, the way in which we are going to work together, and whom we invite, is also our decision - in consultation with the European Council, of course.
However, I do not agree that we should just suspend development aid to Kenya.
The Commission needs to avoid making proposals which will be a burden on industry and we in this Parliament must show responsibility and exercise self-restraint.
Certainly now that the European Union has offered the Western Balkans the prospect of joining the Union, the horrors of Srebrenica remain a symbol and a duty, first of all in both word and deed.
We must make an effort, within the budget of the European Union, to divert more resources to the poorest countries, bearing in mind that the problems with emerging countries are mostly to do with rules, rather than financing.
In order for States in which workers have been made redundant as a result of the global financial and economic crisis to be able to provide these workers with practical assistance, the EU has set up the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.
I see great potential for trade in this.
This means that, by the end of my speech, Mr President, two children will have died from malaria.
Secondly, in the regions where the Hungarian population forms a large majority, the measure has an anti-minority facet as well: ethnic Hungarian public servants are being replaced by ethnic Romanian persons.
(NL) Mr President, while the Earl of Dartmore does not understand the difference between loans and subsidies, while Mrs Andreasen should give the EIB's annual report another read, what Mr Hartong has not understood is that Europe is not an island in the world and that, if we want peace and stability, on our continent too, we have to invest in other countries.
We can break this vicious cycle by acknowledging that non-paid work is work indeed, by encouraging women to work and gain their economic independence, by attacking the structural causes of labour market segregation, and by paying attention to women's problems when reforming our pension schemes.
in writing. - (DE) It is bizarre that the European Union is proposing to declare a 'European Year of Non-Violence' while the EU itself is deploying missions in Chad, where French interests make it impossible to achieve the requisite impartiality.
I have simply lost patience with this now.
A carbon tax for shipping arriving in, and departing from, the EU would be a globally significant measure, as this would affect a third of all international shipping and would provide developing countries with a stable source of cash for their climate actions.
Again, I know I can rely on your support to fast-track work on it.
It provides guidance for men and women to work together towards a better future for ourselves and our children, as only together can we ensure that women and men are equal not only before the law but also in their day-to-day lives and in economic and social life.
This is the case in Pakistan, for example.
I would therefore encourage Parliament, as suggested by the rapporteur, Daniel Caspary, to offer its full support for the conclusion of the Interim Agreement.
I therefore believe that particular care should be taken to protect the debtor. This could involve, for instance, submission of security by the creditor, the right to object, limiting the amount liable or even a requirement for the creditor to submit an application for court proceedings to be brought regarding the main action.
How can Frontex undertake to do this?
Unfortunately, the Council has not been quite as cooperative as regards the financing of the numerous new posts which were discussed and included in the resolutions at the European Council in June, for example.
It is easy to be affected by it.
Mr President, I was in the United States during the mid-term elections and saw something of the political earthquake that took place there.
We therefore need to strengthen intelligence, police and judicial cooperation between our states while simultaneously addressing the structural causes of terrorism, especially in the countries providing the most recruits for such acts.
Thus, we set out to achieve two objectives.
I believe in equal treatment, and we can deal with an opinion.
That is a reality too in these days in China.
We affirm that this Service should be assigned to the Commission for administrative purposes.
We are still facing situations in which Member States are trying to apply rules which, at times, do not appear to find justification in the provisions of the Services Directive.
The US secret services will be able to monitor everyone's telephone calls, Internet activity and emails on all servers based in the United States without restriction.
We are unanimous regarding the need on the part of women who are pregnant or who have just given birth for special protection in society and the labour market.
The first concerns the 10 years of the European Security and Defence Policy, which we celebrated at the end of 2009.
These are often strong women who, with well-functioning social support, manage to build a good life for themselves and for their children.
in writing. - I voted for the joint resolution on Belarus, being one of its initiators on behalf of the PPE Group.
It is not obvious that we can achieve this alignment.
To this end, within the framework of the 2009 call for proposals, EUR 250 million was allocated for the ERTMS, part of which will be used specifically to update the relevant computer programs.
11.
The moral of the story is that they had learnt nothing from history.
Nor can we, of course, condone the anti-Han and anti-Hui racist violence which erupted in Tibet and neighbouring Chinese provinces, as much as we do not condone the racist slurs against Tibetans echoed in China.
The debate is closed.
Globally, however, this is a good result which is fully in line with the objectives of Parliament, of the Council and of the Commission, namely, to fight human trafficking, this horrible modern slavery, this horrible crime which is not worthy of Europe in 2010 and which is a grave violation of the fundamental rights of so many citizens.
Can you tell me that it will be made public in the next few weeks, to enable Parliament to finalise its recommendations, as contained in the Rack resolution 'Towards a new culture for urban mobility', passed by this House in July 2008?
I mentioned the Culture Programme (2007 to 2013) earlier.
Those democratic forces can be assisted by various forms of support, say by funding media stations spreading democratic ideas and exposing the acts of terrorists.
Our consumers and our farmers deserve clarification.
It is my belief that we have really tried to satisfy the requirements of the fight against terrorism and to reconcile this with protecting fundamental rights.
It is not as if there are no anomalies at present.
- (PL) It is important to keep working on building new relations between the European Union and Belarus.
It is important to remember that many politicians, due to a lack of positive and professional assets, seek to promote their own political background and capital by provoking the least experienced and poorly informed sections of the public.
This is an important point: pursuant to Rule 18(1), second subparagraph of the Rules of Procedure, Mr Chichester will take the place of the preceding Vice-President, Mrs Koch-Mehrin, in the order of precedence.
President, you answered questions on the issuance of Eurobonds to provide current spending for governments.
Mr President, I would like to reiterate, on the record, in relation to this most important maritime package, recital 3 of the review of the EU-ETS Directive, which was passed by an overwhelming majority.
We may have particularly high hopes for the proposed main framework of the Partnership, especially the creation of four political platforms, democracy, good governance and stability, economic integration and convergence with EU policies, and energy security and interpersonal contact.
As climate change does bite, we may all be in the situation of representing those who are victims of such natural disasters and may have, therefore, to lay claim to European solidarity.
Closure of the accounts of the European Police College for the financial year 2008
I am counting exclusively on this Europe 2020 strategy to find these answers.
I have insisted on this matter due to the large number of children abandoned by parents who have gone off to work abroad, a situation encountered increasingly often in Central and Eastern Europe.
Europe needs a strong common regulation of the financial sector, but a large degree of flexibility when it comes to what economic policy will best tackle the crisis in the individual countries.
This report is one more step in affirming the rights of individuals and guaranteeing their security.
You are fast-tracking marketing licences.
Implementing a clause to derogate from the weekly limit of 48 hours and not calculating on-call time as working time risks creating a two-speed social Europe, divided between workers who can benefit from social protection in their Member States and others who cannot refuse to accept diminished social rights.
In the end, the overall inclusion of Roma is essentially a question of fundamental rights, even if we have to ask the Roma communities to try and integrate and not to close themselves in their own world where they do not respect European and national laws.
In my opinion, that would have been feasible.
If we do all those things, we will indeed bring about a small but not insignificant improvement.
That is completely and utterly wrong, but that is what you said in the interview with Il Messaggero, so do not get into a huff when it is pointed out to you.
Finally, since I believe that to ensure the success or failure of a trial, it is essential to conduct studies on vaccines and antiviral drugs that are independent of pharmaceutical companies, I fully agree with the rapporteur's request to make public the names of all the experts who are consulted by the European public health authorities.
It reached the following conclusion regarding the judiciary: 'Investigations in some high-profile cases continued to raise concerns.
I voted in favour of the creation of this microfinance facility for employment, since it aims at providing opportunities for the unemployed and encouraging entrepreneurship.
I believe that Mr Catania has written about the wrong subject; this report should not even have reached the Chamber, because the official services ought to check whether a report addresses the subject and title assigned, or whether it is something else entirely.
I welcome the recommendations regarding the signing of definitive agreements, the origin of EU funds to finance these agreements, which should not come from the European Development Fund, the need for a parliamentary committee to monitor the implementation of the agreement, and a review clause envisaging a global impact assessment in three to five years.
Moreover, the Commission has carried out communication actions in the wake of the 10th International Day against the Death Penalty.
This is a process that is gathering pace in terms of modernisation because the Commission is currently bringing forward proposals, in a White Paper, on introducing private damages.
The Presidency has also launched an initiative to establish a Platform of European Memory and Conscience, with the aim of raising public awareness about European history and the crimes committed by totalitarian regimes.
However, I have reservations about certain points in the report, in so far as they might be used as restrictions on the free and independent organisation and action of European parties.
I think the taxpayer back in the UK will be absolutely appalled by this.
We also agree with the demands in the report for work in the Council to be more open in order to enable civil society to participate in the dialogue in a meaningful way.
In previous debates on the directive I have expressed fears that the needs of thinly populated areas might not be catered for.
in writing. - (NL) The Davies report deserves support because of the political signal it sends.
Smoking is not just something that concerns smokers, because the hundreds of billions of euros in costs which are incurred by society as a result of tobacco consumption have to be paid by the majority who do not smoke.
We understand, especially to the people of Sarajevo, your frustration.
A more European Turkey is much better for discussing and solving problems with, and hence I fully support Turkey's accession to the EU.
Lingering disputes have a negative effect on the business community and on end consumers on both shores of the Mediterranean.
(Applause)
The countries of the European Union are already paying billions of euro in development aid.
What particularly surprised me was that the Americans gave me this document describing origin labelling in the USA.
(RO) As is also highlighted in the Oomen-Ruijten report, in 2009, Turkey made a clear commitment to the path of reform and good relations with its neighbours.
I also believe that taking greater responsibility may help the Member States reach common positions, thus consolidating relations among the 27 countries on these topics as well.
Unfortunately, this was not my week with the catch-the-eye procedure.
In every single case, we can show that Lisbon brings improvement.
These two groups differ significantly in weight, which means that electrical waste makes the collection rate higher, while electronic waste, which is rich in gold, silver and rare earth metals, often ends up on rubbish tips.
We are awaiting your report, which will come shortly.
Under what conditions?
Since the start of the year, and since the earthquake, we have been working hard, but the work has not advanced as quickly as we hoped.
The increased expenditure on students from third countries has been taken into account and, thanks to our rapporteur's negotiating skills, key criteria that Parliament wanted introduced into Erasmus Mundus III have been improved.
The Olympic Games should be a well-used opportunity for us to speak about peace, freedom and human dignity all over the world, in China first and foremost.
The authorities, including the prison authorities, must be encouraged to provide quality vocational training for people in prison.
In recital 22, we should cut the second sentence and in article two, I also suggest that we cut the second sentence.
It matters very much what kind of biofuel we use, how it is grown and how it is used.
In this period of economic slowdown, it would be particularly unfortunate for project promoters, of which there are still many, to have difficulty accessing the European funding available to them.
We are intensely aware of the necessity to ensure that cohesion policy and its cumulative effect over the whole territory of the Union is one of the key instruments which will enable the Union and its Member States to achieve the ambitions of EU 2020.
In the context of 'mixed' migratory flows, it is indeed crucial to include in their activities an approach that is more mindful and respectful of human rights.
However, this time the challenge is more difficult, because the plan has to be put into effect in a situation of economic crisis.
So it adds the words to Recital D: 'and which was not formulated with specific regard to the current circumstances of climate change and the unique consequences of melting ice in the Arctic Seas'.
This will also avoid the potential conflicts which could otherwise arise there in the rush to secure the energy sources that are still available.
Also, on the initiative of the President, the Bureau is going to have a regular procedure of working with the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on Budgetary Control, so I thank you.
Madam President, it is great to listen to a debate and then be able to respond and to hear from those who were in Bali because we do not hear enough as to what happens out there.
As you know, the European Commission is a firm supporter of the ILO's decent work agenda.
Mr Brown - I can understand this - did not want to reopen the debate about ratification in the United Kingdom when everyone knows it had been extremely painful.
(HU) Mr President, what I welcome in this directive is a clearer definition of patients' rights, the end of endless waiting lists and the proposed solution to the issue of no professionals being available in one's own country.
However, I ask you, Commissioner, to guarantee greater transparency too during the process of drawing up the delegated acts.
The new parameters laid down in the adopted report include keeping contractual freedom in negotiations between private enterprises, but imposing time limits (30 + 30 days); setting the term within which public authorities must pay private enterprises at 30 days; and introducing a new rule for large corporations - such as those operating in the postal service, energy and transport sectors - which compete with private companies even though they are publicly funded, in that they are equated to private companies and are therefore subject to the rules of the private market.
Our priority must be to do everything we can to prevent a downward spiral into recession.
However, fighting poverty and initiating efforts to tackle environmental problems at a global level should be carried out within the framework of the UN.
It is the Commission that decides who answers which questions.
The problems facing our towns may be similar, but they simply are not identical.
We need petitions from citizens so that we can provide tangible proof of what Europe is for, to prove that Europe is not an opaque institution but something that affects everyone's daily lives and that we are able to hold a dialogue with thousands of citizens.
Africa is exhausted by the consequences of the crisis, natural disasters, extreme poverty, wars and epidemics, and it is therefore urgent that we help to introduce a sustainable health policy.
Haste would be the worst possible policy and could take us back to institutional instability, even though the European Union is just about leaving it behind with the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon.
Parliament underlines that the Court of Auditors has stated that it has obtained reasonable assurances that the annual accounts for the financial year 2009 are reliable and that the underlying transactions are legal and regular.
That does not mean that the EU should hesitate in voicing its criticism and using its power to insist upon democratic reforms.
There are two statements appended to the regulation which help to ensure its proper implementation.
The geopolitical situation in the southern Mediterranean region is currently undergoing a sea change.
Modern communication has allowed us to stay in constant touch and to keep up to date at all times.
I therefore welcome the priority given to the development of electric vehicles by the Spanish Presidency in the context of the fight against climate change, and the Commission's Communication on a European strategy on clean and energy-efficient vehicles of 27 April 2010.
It provides for only one thing: the possibility of asking the Commission to enact new European laws, but not to repeal or to change those that already exist; not to change the policies.
We are extremely concerned with the scale of the current problem, especially given what is happening in the serious armed conflicts, in Libya in particular.
Mr Wessberg, from Sweden, has submitted his curriculum vitae, completed a written questionnaire and has been interviewed by the Committee on Budgetary Control.
If we share our experience, choose the best solutions and combine them, we can be certain of great progress.
I believe it will come as a surprise to most people that it is at all legal to buy illegal timber in the EU.
(DE) Madam President, I was in Croatia a few days ago and never has so much been spoken about Serbia there as in recent days, and specifically in a very positive sense because of exactly what Mr Brok said - the brave moves that Mr Tadić has made together with President Josipović - and I am also aware that Deputy Prime Minister Đelić is heavily involved in this regard - are significant steps towards Europe.
Cyprus and Greece are, and will remain, of the utmost importance to the European Union.
Will it be acceptable for politicians who used to be red in hue and are now tinted green to insult national leaders, claiming to act on behalf of this House, and for them to do so in the presence of its President? That is what actually happened in the Czech Republic in relation to President Klaus.
The European Parliament and the Commission will be able to develop a close dialogue on the Commission's Work Programme and international agreements.
Against this background, it is worrying that the Commission and the Council have found it so difficult to demonstrate any ability to act in respect of one of the greatest internal challenges that the EU is facing, namely the reform of the EU's long-term budget.
I ask the Sittings Service to make the necessary corrections in the Minutes.
I would expect a very broad consensus and a very strong vote in Parliament, on the basis of which we can enter into negotiations with the Council.
We lack the courage to bring about more democracy and transparency and to conduct less political activity behind closed doors.
Nevertheless, I believe that the temporary agreement must be supported because it will contribute to the security of European citizens.
It is therefore extremely important, particularly for the new Member States, to consolidate actions to assist the capacity for the real take-up of available funds, both in the way these funds are utilised, and by exchanging best practice, information campaigns, exchange of new technology and the development of various types of partnership, in such a way as to allow the programme requirements to be transformed into actual, quality programmes for the effective elimination of delays in development, which are a particular problem in the poorest regions of the EU.
These decisions will help to improve their integration; migrant workers do not represent a danger to our job markets.
This was a good decision for Ireland; it is a good decision for Europe.
On the contrary.
How can it be that we still have 250 members who refuse to cut their coats according to their cloth?
Furthermore, in Strasbourg on 5 February Parliament adopted Written Declaration 0080/2008 - http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&reference=P6-TA-2009-0081&language=SL" encouraging the recognition of Alzheimer's as a European public health priority.
I believe that I was even one of the few ministers in 1993 and 1994 to have gone to Chernobyl and spent 17 seconds under the sarcophagus.
The UK is renouncing access to funding on a principle of not applying for this fund in order to receive a rebate.
That, concretely, is the prescription of the Commission.
In the meantime, my group calls for maximum restraint by the security forces and for the arrest and trial of the ancien regime's presidential guard leadership responsible for the shooting, in the last few days, of innocent bystanders, in a futile attempt to destabilise the country.
Not a penny of EU taxpayers' money should go on the Community Tobacco Fund.
We will come forward with our evaluation and suggestions as soon as possible.
I would also like to tell you that I will be Tehran.
So now we are in the situation that we lost the cap and we have a 15% subsidy under the ETS regime for new coal power stations, for example in Germany, between 2013 and 2016.
To create clarity once and for all, the Commission has asserted that it will bring forward a proposal to solve all these issues.
Sarajevo deserves to be given the chance to demonstrate its huge potential.
Suddenly the markets have begun speculating on food products, because there are enormous profit margins.
Of course, we must protect human rights and of course the legal process should prevail, but sometimes in the world in which we live it is necessary to take extraordinary measures.
They would, unfortunately, be second-class citizens in those countries.
Secondly, are you able to move towards innovations that will allow the European Investment Bank and the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development alike to assume much greater responsibility and - why not? - to enable Europe to borrow to finance this necessity, which is the growth of tomorrow?
We are dependent on unstable regions and countries with undemocratic regimes.
Since 2007, 15 000 murders have been committed in the war against drugs, with the figure in 2009 alone reaching 7 724.
It is to be welcomed that, when procuring road transport vehicles, authorities and certain companies have to take account of not only the procurement price but also the lifetime energy and environmental impacts - that is, including energy consumption, CO2 emissions and further pollutant emissions.
Furthermore, the Council called upon the Cuban authorities to facilitate immediate access of international humanitarian organisations to Cuban prisons.
Lastly, greater synergy between civilian and military research would be a big advantage, since it would help prevent repetition, duplication and, hence, unnecessary costs.
Today world politics is first and foremost about gas and oil.
I must say that it is wonderful to be back in the European Parliament.
Many thanks, President Ilves!
However, in addition to the issues of transparency and accountability, it is also important to point out some of the wider implications.
In this regard, the report makes it clear that in the case of men in prison with young children or other family responsibilities, the measures should be the same as those applied to women.
Please could you pass on to Mrs Swinburne that there are no indications at all that what she is afraid of will happen, provided that the budget is sufficiently large.
During the most recent elections in my country, citizens were notified by mail that their utility bills would be wavered provided if they voted for that party.
I hope, too, that our athletes, who are responsible adults, will not shy away from speaking out at any time and will utilise the presence of some 20 000 journalists.
We must avoid a system based on double standards, which is very strict towards candidate countries and very soft on countries that are already members of the Schengen area.
In many EU countries citizens, in particular the weakest ones, children are affected by discrimination and poverty.
Therefore, a proposal that deals only with such activities cannot fall under development cooperation - under Article 179, as you mentioned.
As regards the concerns raised in the report about increasing migration pressure in the sensitive area of Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece, these are today's challenges for the European Union and the Member States, which need to find global, pan-European solutions to effectively strengthen their external borders, to strengthen Frontex, to demonstrate due Community solidarity and to support the Member States in the south of Europe where immigrants land.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - Mr President, Liz Lynnes's report highlights the need for a comprehensive, legislative framework which would prevent discrimination outside of the workplace and which would include a wide range of subjects.
However, in order to secure the trust and commitment of Europe's agricultural community, the new CAP needs to offer stability to farmers and a fair price, as is currently provided, for the goods which they produce.
Both sides of the bargain need to understand their rights and obligations.
As far as the economic crisis is concerned, the temptation of protectionism can be felt in every country.
We are all responsible for working together with you to ensure that this Parliament is not subjected to pressure from Commission proposals which are half-baked or which represent the unilateral interests of specific lobbyists.
However, since the required funds are not available in Heading 1a, and are not going to fall from the sky, we are prepared to take it from other budget categories, from Heading 2 2007 and 2008, making EUR 2.2 billion, and EUR 220 million from Heading 5.
We will need to be clear about the criteria for the lighter touch which we know will be provided for a limited list of industries and sectors faced with real leakage challenges.
The important contribution of the Fund in dealing with major disasters was demonstrated during the floods in central Europe, the earthquakes in Italy and the fires in Portugal and in my country, Greece, in 2007, and it is telling that a large number of Member States have used appropriations from the Fund.
The question is, is it the only way of solving a problem?
Statistics in the field of tourism are not used only for monitoring of tourism policy but also play an important role in the broader context of regional policy and sustainable development.
We have expressed many doubts about this new working method, which mostly consists of sending complaints directly back to the Member State against which the complaint is being made, in order to try to solve the problem.
Deepening social integration will help to influence social and political change, and is a vital investment in the future.
I hope very much for the Belarusian people that they take control of their own destiny.
However, as Vice-President Almunia announced to the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs in November, the Commission will analyse the effects on competition of the temporary State aid measures taken in the context of the crisis.
It is argued that this just restates rules already enshrined in the Members' Statute, but to many people this will just look like another case of 'one rule for them and another for us', and I am glad that the Liberal Democrat group did not support the amendments tabled by Mr Nassauer.
Anyway, I shall continue to do what I can to reach a compromise with the new Presidency of the EU, by trying to ensure that Parliament's wishes are taken into consideration to a greater extent.
I would describe such a recommendation as the maximum tolerable level of bureaucracy.
After all, this is all about saving lives.
In this respect, our group would like to see effective and binding measures that go further than what is being proposed.
In the case of the rights of persons with disabilities in air transport, the costs are spread across everybody, which is only normal.
(SV) Mr President, naturally I am very pleased and proud to see my government in the Swedish Presidency and I also think that the programme contains a lot that is good as regards solutions for the climate, jobs, the financial crisis, the Copenhagen Conference, the Baltic Sea Strategy, Community policy, enlargement, Iceland, Croatia, Turkey, etc.
Although President Bakiyev has officially resigned, the provisional government needs to commit to a clear plan for how to return to constitutional and democratic order and the rule of law.
In 2007, the amount committed to renewable energies, for example, far exceeds the amount committed to these more traditional forms of energy generation.
I should like to begin by saying that I consider the sections of the report concerning better information on the beneficiaries of Union funds and more transparent information on the Commission's web pages to be particularly valuable.
I guess that, when the number of the unemployed reaches 25 million in Europe, you will proudly stand here and say that our stimulus is now 5% of GDP.
I would like to join in Mr Verhofstadt's criticism.
It is imperative that we have the most appropriate safeguards.
This and only this can guarantee sufficient production of food products in Europe.
We firmly believe that the European Union can obtain success in advancing the human rights record of third countries only through patient work of bridge-building and persuasion, and this not just in its bilateral relations but also in the framework of multilateral bodies, as developments in the Human Rights Council demonstrate.
The second point which I would briefly like to mention is this: we hope that the Commission will implement the planned traffic management systems as envisaged.
I consider it important that the Commission, together with the Member States, should run an information campaign in order to provide citizens crossing borders into other Member States with advance information about the legal consequences of breaking the law in terms of the levels and imposition of possible fines.
At the same time, because of these multinationals, 99% of the bananas we eat are one species, even though there are several thousand species of banana, and this species is at risk of a specific disease as a result of single crop farming.
For more than fifty years there has been an article in the Treaty of Rome forbidding gender discrimination in levels of pay and since 1975 Directive 117 has been in force, which requires Member States to enforce the principle of equal pay for equal work.
Those were two good reasons.
EU policy on the taxation of energy products was introduced in 1993.
As to the issue of the simplification of procedures in order to accelerate the implementation of expenses, while this avenue can be explored, I believe a careful balance needs to be struck between real simplification and the need to abide by the rules in order to safeguard the EU's financial interests.
I understand the colleagues and we share the view that our strategic decision should not depend on Russia, but, on the other hand, Russia is an important partner.
That is why, my group will tell you straight, it supports you and has every confidence in you, Baroness Ashton.
The first priority during the European Council meeting must obviously be to find a solution so that the Czech Republic can finalise the procedures for ratifying the Treaty of Lisbon.
In a developed Europe, it is important to achieve the target of collecting 85% of electrical and electronic equipment by 2016 (according to the draft amendment that I tabled in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and which was adopted) and recycling between 50% and 75% of that.
Act on ACTA!
I add my voice to this expression of sympathy to the millions of Ukrainians that suffered this calamity and, in particular, to the relatives of those who died as a result of this artificial famine.
I apologise to colleagues who have had the courtesy to attend but whose questions were not taken.
Above all, what we are concerned with is equality of opportunity, which is conditional on access to education and professional training in technical and economic subjects.
The debate is closed.
in writing. - (SV) I have previously expressed my disgust with regard to the information that has come to light in respect of the treatment of people who are suspected, but not convicted, of crimes and who have been extradited and in some cases kidnapped by the authorities of various states.
The final adopted document, which is the result of a compromise, is not an ideal text, but this document contains no defamation of an anti-Semitic character, no defamation of any specific country or region in the world, or of any religion.
However, we do still have, after all, the Stability and Growth Pact, which continues to be in force.
An agreement was reached last weekend thanks to concessions both from Member States and MEPs.
Without a certain level of language acquisition, further learning is scarcely possible, as the language deficits can only be overcome with great difficulty with increasing age.
Mr Szymański, you said that only three points have been implemented.
I voted in favour of this report as I agree that the existence of complete, standardised statistics by type of goods is crucial for all modes of transport.
However, we do not need your prior authorisation in order for people not to have to pay out money themselves.
Allow me to add one more thought.
Indeed Ireland has a very robust body of National anti-Discrimination law, e.g. Equal Status Act, and has an excellent record.
The next item is the debate on the oral question to the Commission on anti-dumping cases - state of play and prospects by Daniel Caspary, Cristiana Muscardini, Tokia Saïfi, Georgios Papastamkos, Kader Arif, Bernd Lange, Gianluca Susta, Metin Kazak, Niccolò Rinaldi, Marielle De Sarnez, Yannick Jadot, Carl Schlyter, Helmut Scholz, Robert Sturdy, Syed Kamall, Jan Zahradil, on behalf of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats), the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance, the Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left and the European Conservatives and Reformists - B7-0562/2010).
We must not now allow national egoism, which may intensify at a time of crisis, to undermine the chance which the EU currently has.
We should acknowledge the way in which the Japanese people have conducted themselves and the actions of the rescue and prevention services.
That is why I voted for this report relating to the mobilisation of the EGF in favour of the Czech Republic, with the objective of supporting workers made redundant from Unilever ČR spol.s r.o.
Mr Cortes Lastra's report rightly points out that the Lisbon Strategy only achieved concrete results when it was linked to the cohesion policy.
For this reason it is exceptionally important to have clear agreement on changes to the relevant budgetary and legislative instruments by the end of this year in order to ensure a transparent framework for 2010.
A major gap in the Council and Commission's 2007 human rights report is any response to the revelations, not least by this Parliament, of EU governments' collusion in extraordinary rendition.
How can this be?
A return to normal for Kenya must therefore begin with a suspension of violence and destruction.
However, we, the Commission, will make every effort to keep the process as short as possible.
Fortunately, with a concession to Poland's demands, the problem has finally been solved satisfactorily.
The proposal only affects the Czech Republic with respect to the amount of maternity contribution, and not the length of maternity leave.
It is clear that, given the currently reduced level of bank lending and given the difficulties that now exist in accessing credit, if the weakest sectors of our society, the unemployed and disadvantaged groups, want to undertake an action, an entrepreneurial activity, all this must be supported robustly, because it is one of the instruments that can help us combat what is the natural epilogue to the financial crisis, namely an endless employment crisis.
We need to be clear, and quickly, on how we are going to handle the relevant issues in 2008, during the transitional period.
Nevertheless, the potential shortage of raw materials in the future should not only make us focus on solving the issue of access to raw materials.
For these reasons I will abstain from these sections but I wish to thank the Commissioner and the rapporteur again.
Producers in the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, who were neither considered nor present during the debating of this agreement, will also be hit hard by its consequences and the palliative measures announced will not prevent these consequences.
I want to thank the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality, and Parliament as a whole, for all the work that has been done to achieve this success.
I have to say that not every euro in the vaults of the European Central Bank will serve to convince people of an intrinsically bad idea.
This document is, admittedly, an absolute necessity, which is precisely why we must scrutinise its content closely.
Mr President, the PPE-DE Group has decided to vote in favour of the Lipietz report on trade and climate change at this mini-plenary session.
As our President has said, an agreement has not been reached because the Council's proposal has always been to move backwards, back beyond the 19th century, making employment law merely a bilateral relationship between the worker and the employer, without laws or regulations, without anything to respect beyond so-called 'free choice', forgetting that there is always an imbalance of power between the worker and the employer.
I believe that, when the figures are placed alongside each other, the only conclusion is that debt restructuring in Greece, and probably in Ireland, is inevitable.
I welcome the fact that the report emphasises the potential of the biomass resources of the EU Member States for producing significant quantities of second generation biofuels.
That objective of the action plan is therefore clearly on the Spanish Presidency's agenda, and is shared, of course, by the Belgian and Hungarian Trio, because it is a strategic objective.
In the light of the reform of economic governance, the following observation needs to be made. We must certainly implement rigorous budgetary policies to monitor and ensure that similar situations do not arise in the future.
However, could you give us some more information about this too?
I did very much like your words Commissioner, because I also believe that it is very important that these agreements contain sufficient guarantees to avoid signing clauses which are unbalanced and unfair for European industry.
This is because it will be possible for individuals to stand for election and vote when they are not nationals of a particular state.
- (LT) I would also like to encourage the scrutiny of your proposals from the perspective of financial market participants.
Confidence can neither be decreed nor purchased.
rapporteur. - Madam President, before we open the debate on the report on the implementation of the Structural Funds Regulation 2007-2013, allow me to seize this opportunity to thank the Commission for the concrete communication paper and the country fiches as a solid base on which to work.
I recommend postponing the draft resolution and returning to a discussion on this topic after the delegation returns from Kiev.
The EU is the world's leading producer of cars and the second largest manufacturer of lorries, with 19 million vehicles, of which 20% are exported.
I would also ask him to pass on my thanks to the committee chairman, Mr Deprez.
Under the pretext of solidarity, surrogate motherhood exposes women to physical exploitation and even abuse, in direct conflict with the ban on trafficking in human bodies and body parts.
(PL) Madam President, the two most recent accessions to the European Union have resulted in a significant exacerbation of regional disproportions within the Community.
The report calls for measures that are essential to discourage transplant tourism and the more general problems we face on this issue, and I therefore voted in favour of the report.
We should discuss how best to engage both the new Israeli Government - and hopefully also a Palestinian national unity government - in order to build a two-state solution.
I should like to thank you, Mr Van Rompuy, for having corrected, together with the Heads of State or Government, an unfortunate omission in the European Commission document, since the latter did not mention agriculture, and you were right to add one of the European Union's main historic policies, namely agriculture, which is a factor in the well-being of the European people.
There are no signs that there might be investment in the hydrogen economy within the context of the transport infrastructure, let alone the use of electric cars running on carbon dioxide-free electricity, as is called for in the report.
Will the European Council stop it by creating an effective European preventive mechanism which will safeguard the national economies and the stability of the euro area?
Let us get down to business and stop making vacuous speeches as was the case in the first part of the debate.
Europe 2020 must be an expression of the new, common political will and our response to the, sadly, increasing nationalism, egoism and protectionism.
I have re-read the Euratom Treaty very carefully and have also looked closely at the Nuclear Safety Directive adopted by the Council and Parliament in June two years ago.
Unfortunately, 20 years later, none of the Member States of the European Union have signed or ratified that Convention.
It is only by doing this that we will deserve the title of legitimate heirs of the fathers of Europe, through whose efforts we are all here today.
The summit will give us the opportunity to exert pressure on Russia to fulfil its contractual obligations in these areas and in other areas, too.
Written statements (Rule 142)
We have to focus our efforts in helping countries and communities in the poorest parts of the world have access to this resource.
Although the partnership agreement with Cameroon in the forestry sector is commendable and, as it is being introduced during the International Year of Forests, is also a very convenient way for the EU to improve its image, it is doubtful whether the agreement is worth the paper it is written on.
I support the introduction of a tri-annual review of the directive post its implementation to ensure that it remains responsive and adequate for its purpose.
I do not see any fairness in the proposal to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide.
One is the Official Development Assistance computer program, which has been trialled very successfully in Mozambique, and I hope that there will be investment in time and effort in this type of coordination in particular.
(HU) Mr President, the achievements made by Macedonia in relation to European integration were already greatly appreciated by the country report of February last year.
It is also very important to support the development of the euro area and to take appropriate measures to create suitable conditions for Member States aiming to become members of the euro area.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I am astonished by the discussion on the part of fellow Members who, on the one hand, speak of simplifications for small and medium-sized enterprises, but who, when it comes to taking the very first step for micro-entities - and that is all we are talking about today, not about any other scale - are already inclined to say no again.
Although the regulation states that all national and international partners must provide all the cooperation necessary, there is no detailed legal basis for such cooperation.
It is therefore particularly important for us to strengthen and continue to support the textile industry.
We have seen in this debate that many colleagues - Mr Mantovani, Ms Guy-Quint and others - and myself always deplore the fact that we have too little money in category four, the external actions.
The most important thing that needs to be discussed by the Commission and the parties concerned should therefore be the need to inject some confidence in the Greek people, without which no measures can be adopted at all.
Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, it is obviously a bit surreal having a debate about the blacklist at a time when the whole of aviation in Europe is in chaos, but I understand that we will have the opportunity tomorrow for a topical and urgent debate and that is exactly what we will have.
As all the EU Member States are involved as well as 16 partner countries, it is also understandable that people should have strong misgivings in the development of this policy as to how the different partner countries can be included in the collaboration.
I am very glad that Parliament has played an important role in enhancing the role of the multiannual spectrum policy programmes, which will be proposed by the Commission, and for the first time Parliament will have a say in this.
I have therefore supported this report on the proposal establishing a multiannual management plan for the western stock of Atlantic horse mackerel, and I welcome the fact that the amendment put forward by Mrs Patrão Neves has been adopted, as it is essential for ensuring that the artisanal fishery is protected, along with Portugal's interests in this matter.
The rapporteur presents figures that are enlightening and worrying.
Within the exchange programme for European art collections, the public in Budapest can currently view an unparalleled Gustave Moreau and an Alfons Mucha exhibition in an important museum.
This phenomenon has become a cause for concern at global level.
I am grateful for all your speeches.
It would be important, therefore, for the old Member States to take part in the allowance trading scheme.
However, the measures have failed to address the problem of the loss of bees.
This is the second time: we already increased it in December.
I would like to highlight European Groupings for Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs), which make a significant contribution to cohesion through cross-territorial cooperation programmes.
You can rest assured that we will devote a good part of our resources to this, always depending, as I have said, on the security situation.
I believe, ladies and gentlemen, that implementing this scheme, which everyone is in favour of, shows the important role that the common agricultural policy can play and does play in encouraging the consumption and, more simply, the production of healthy, quality produce.
(RO) European policies concerning the reform of traditional schools and their evolution towards the status of European Schools, with the involvement of local and national administrative structures, require, in my opinion, three major types of reform: systemic reform, including reform of the curriculum, based on quality and effectiveness; continual reform, involving evaluation of and capitalisation on previous results, adapting them to European Schools; and a third reform, based on the responsibility and ownership of all social actors.
Croatia is nearing the finishing line after four years of intense accession negotiations.
The interests of big money, whether economic or financial, and the major powers always supersede the interests of solidarity.
That is what should happen, but it does not.
This could certainly be an important factor to really assess the significance of the measure.
Which company can pay?
One of the main conditions for a vote on the report is thereby met.
When we look at the renewable energy scenario, we should also always consider what is happening in the Member States.
For this reason, Mr President, and for other reasons which I shall mention in my second speech, it is worth us granting the visa exemption to Taiwan, as the United Kingdom and Ireland did last year.
Access of Roma communities to the conditions required to earn their livelihood should be an important target within the concept of agricultural subsidies.
I would like, at this point, to thank Mrs Lulling very sincerely, because thanks to this report, many self-employed women will find life easier.
This proposal is aimed at introducing a procedure to give a single residence and work permit to legal immigrants, and to grant them a common set of rights throughout the EU.
We will fail to reform the international financial system unless there is progress in the Doha process and unless we are more successful in working towards peace and eliminating poverty.
There are countless questions, because it is obvious that this reform is essential but will be to the detriment of the poorest wine-producing regions.
in writing. - We have supported this resolution based on the fact that the Commission proposes to mobilise the European Solidarity Fund in favour of Ireland on the basis of point 26 of the interinstitutional agreement (IIA) of 17 May 2006.
Manufacturers need to be aware of the fact that the pressure of costs, as great as it still is, does not absolve them of the responsibility for a full inspection of every individual part of their production process and their supply chain.
This is why the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece must find a solution to the issue about what to call the state.
For the above-mentioned reasons our group will not support the resolution.
We have declared that, provided it complies with all the Copenhagen criteria and the obligations it has accepted according to the Negotiating Framework and additional protocol, Turkey should be able to join the EU.
Leadership is about taking chances, taking risks and taking the lead.
I am glad to see that so much attention has been paid to the issue of cross-border healthcare, which is so important in this age of ever growing migration.
I believe that the Copenhagen agreement to reduce global carbon emissions should be binding.
in writing. - I rejected the proposal as a whole as I do not believe it solves the problems.
If it is mundane, we need to have more debates on it, because the Irish Government has got itself into hot water by blaming Europe for forcing it to charge schools for water, when in fact the issue is how it is underfunding schools and how badly it is communicating and implementing this important piece of legislation.
It also says that there would be a flight of capital from Europe.
The President cut off the speaker
It is very clear what is in this.
The approval of proposals we tabled should, however, be noted, such as:
In view of the pressure to conform to political correctness, people would soon have to be extremely careful as to the institutions they visited when wearing RFID clothing.
Hence, the key things are: faster procedures and better public relations.
These are new times and a particular feature of new times is that crises mount up and proliferate and are not resolved.
That is a major task for the European Commission.
We strongly support the calls for a reduction in administrative burdens, the pursuit of the Lisbon Strategy on growth and jobs, support for SMEs, further progress on completing the Single Market, measures to boost consumer rights, further action on climate change, cross-border health care initiatives and boosting relations with the United States.
in writing. - (FR) In the 1960s, having agreed the benefits of planning, the French Parliament voted a growth rate for the economy every year with a view to taking its decisions on that basis, since it turned out for several years in succession that actual growth was exactly as it had voted.
Regarding the right to information, the biggest share of expenditure will be in the initial one-off cost of drawing up a letter of rights.
Should these criteria be the subject of broader consultation during the G20 summit with a view to establishing fair competition for financial activities on the world market?
There is a lack of discussion and a lack of understanding.
I have, to my consternation, discovered through being out in society that it is virtually only active citizens who are monitoring whether EU legislation is being respected in many places.
Thank you.
These points are based on my own experience as a councillor in the town of Chmelnice and on suggestions from voluntary organisations, and I consider them key to the more effective and more transparent drawdown of resources from EU funds.
(SV) Madam President, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues on the negotiating team for their constructive cooperation.
On the other hand, as you know, I have previously mentioned the existence of a high-level group for joint planning in connection with these conditions which, in this case, are chronic and not contagious.
On the basis of the report by my Italian fellow Member Paolo De Castro, I voted for the proposal for a Council regulation derogating from the regulation on common market organisation (CMO) as regards the 2009 and 2010 intervention periods for butter and skimmed milk powder.
These are, of course, difficult issues.
It is ironic that the Red Baroness herself, Cathy Ashton, stood against this no-fly proposal, her aide reportedly calling it 'headline grabbing desperation'.
That is the EU of undemocratic red tape; of political and ideological conservatism; of the accentuation and institutionalisation of profound inequalities and relations of social, regional and national domination; of militarism and external interventionism; and of the institutionalisation of neoliberalism as the only acceptable economic system.
The EU has some 68 000 km of coastline; Scotland has some 11 000 km of that.
But still there is no comprehensive EU policy on legal as well as illegal immigration, and on integration.
It is also important that we bring the national parliaments on board by taking an inclusive approach, as Mrs Goulard has suggested.
The Iraq war and the dual power situation in Pakistan are enough.
The vote will take place tomorrow, Thursday, 23 October.
However, you should not confuse the problems of other states with those of Ireland.
Therefore, the Member States determine the form and conditions of funding of their public service media so long as EU State aid rules are respected.
These forces obstruct the Egyptian solution that will put an end to internal disputes and divisions.
As if this were not complex enough, some states have subordinated the investigative bodies we are calling for to different state organisations.
Like mushrooms, the British people are left in the dark and fed manure.
It is also very important to use the potential of older people in the labour market.
If women are assisting in small and medium-sized enterprises, then they must at least have their own protection.
You may ask what our final objectives are with this directive.
Written explanations of vote
While the local people remain unaware of these issues, the whole thing will continue to be a sham.
(PL) Mr President, Mrs Ashton, when I talked with politicians in the Middle East, I often heard them say that the European Union is a payer, not a player.
2009 discharge: European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (
Written statements (Rule 142)
Mr President, Commissioner, I should like to thank all those who have taken the floor for their comments and for welcoming this report.
This causes us concern.
in writing. - (PT) I voted in favour of paragraph 20 of the report on the role of women in industry because it is essential that the Commission carries out a study into the negative consequences of long working hours on private, family and social life, such as children spending a lot of time alone, left to their own devices, which often leads to failure at school and crime.
While youth unemployment is currently 21% in the European Union, and close to 25% in my country, this has become a major challenge for Europe at a time when young Europeans deprived of employment are threatened with social exclusion and poverty.
That proved to be a complete failure, of course.
In conclusion, allow me to give you a wonderful quote from Alphonse Karr: 'A lover is almost always a man who, having found a glowing coal, puts it in his pocket believing it to be a diamond.'
We are only just beginning to glimpse the long-term consequences of this omnipresence of pesticide residues: they include various forms of cancer, endocrine disorders, reduced male fertility, damage to our immune systems, and degenerative diseases of the nervous system.
I believe that the partnership between the US, Canada and Australia, on the one hand, and the European Union, on the other, can offer the ideal solution for combating terrorism and organised crime.
At first, this country was always celebrated as the 'showcase' country and the model for new members of the Union, although at that time, very wrong policies were permitted and encouraged and these resulted in enormous bubbles in the property sector having to be dealt with, the banking sector being allowed to become a law unto itself and no attention being paid to preventing competitive dumping in the area of taxation.
in writing. - (SV) The amendments made by the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development to the Commission's proposal are good in part and very bad in part.
The Europe 2020 strategy, however, mainly concerns future trends.
Europe is certainly not closed off to external trade.
I call for the rapid establishment of a European civil protection force as devised by Mr Barnier in 2006 with the aim of arriving at a European response that is planned, genuinely coordinated and effective.
An understanding between the social partners, and negotiations based on good faith and reliable information are highly desirable, especially at times of crisis.
On 23 and 24 March 2000, the European Council, meeting in Lisbon, set the European Union (EU) an ambitious strategic objective: to become, by 2010, the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world.
All Member State commitments to support trade are supplementary to assistance from the European Development Fund and all our commitments are firm.
Obviously there are no plans for any widespread measure: anyone whose papers are in order will not be checked.
In fact, this may well be one of those reports to which the Chamber can lend its unanimous support, even if Switzerland's situation is a unique one, as the Commissioner said.
Together they produce performance.

We can only hope that, as happened after the Exxon Valdez accident in 1989 and the Erika accident in 1999, the EU and US regulatory framework for offshore oil exploration and exploitation activities will be strengthened this time too.
In dealing with the new threats posed by terrorism, the most difficult problem we face will be to actually define what incitement is, and whether justified criticism of governments could ever be considered to be incitement to terrorism.
Only if the areas of agricultural policy, development policy, trade policy, financial policy and energy policy, as well as research, work together can improvements be achieved.
To summarise: this is not just about supporting a key sector of our economy but is an approach from which we all stand to benefit in the long run.
Here, we clearly prefer a diplomatic solution, a negotiated solution, instead of a military solution.
The Commission, however, takes the view that the VHI's capacity has indeed changed.
It is those countries that have contributed least to climate change that will be affected most by it and if we do not resolve the issue of financing, we will not get a climate agreement either.
(DE) Mr President, it has become clear that the focus of this whole issue is on the passengers.
I support this report because it urges the commission to step up its monitoring of the implementation of EU law and improve existing EU law where it is established that it is not adequate in order to stop these scams once and for all.
EU flags, national anthems and Europe Days may appear to be symbolic questions without any great importance.
Our proposal will take full account of the proposal made by Parliament to increase the commitments under the headings 'Competitiveness for growth and employment' and 'External relations', through the use of the flexibility instrument.
This is for the purpose of benefiting from adequate access to medical care, except for the cases in which it can be proved that the given persons can benefit from adequate treatment and medical care in their own country of origin.
It comes as the last report from the European Parliament in the follow-up of the energy and climate change package from 10 January.
If this law is not amended, I will feel deceived by the President-in-Office of the Council.
That could have devastating consequences.
I would be very pleased if everything that Mrs Kolarska-Bobińska has written and that has received the support of a large majority is actually retained.
Finally, the fact is that the data are difficult to compare and so more direction from the Commission is needed.
The debate is closed.
It is vital that a clear answer is given to these questions, just as it is also vital to clarify what the European Commission thinks about this situation and whether it intends to take any steps to unblock the legislative process.
That is not how things are, however.
Firstly, it is crucial that freedom of services should be applied in all Member States.
More importantly, improving the energy efficiency of buildings is the most effective way of reducing energy consumption and emissions within non-ETS sectors by 20%.
In accordance with the treaty, the Commission must nevertheless remain neutral with regard to the public or private ownership of companies.
Mr President, the summit in Córdoba will be a test for all of us, European institutions and Member States.
But I know you will still have your work cut out tomorrow.
Nevertheless, membership of the European Union has, according to the decision of the Ukrainian Parliament, not become the first priority.
It is very important to make every effort to deliver visa-free travel for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania as soon as possible.
That is why I want to focus on the most important issues raised by these two proposals.
However, what we need is for the Dublin regulation to be amended without delay.
These funds must be, in the medium and long term, the 'rod' which the relevant peoples will use to learn to 'fish' and successfully become self-sufficient.
This, of course, is key to all our futures.
(RO) I would like to ask the Commissioner a question, as well as thank her for appearing before the House.
As Luxembourg nationals speak and write in French and German, before the vote on this very sensitive resolution, may I draw your attention to the fact that there is an enormous difference between the French and German texts of paragraph 17.
I believe that everyone should be able to express their views on the democratic future of their country without being detained, tortured or subjected to degrading and discriminatory treatment.
We must therefore not permit the emergence of new political currents inspired by ideas as anti-human as those that lay behind Nazism and communism.
(Applause)
We must move much more quickly, and I would also ask you, Commissioner, to please stress to Mr Van Rompuy that the 4 February meeting should also be a meeting about energy consumption.
I would like to thank Mr Smith, who has noticed the problem with the budget.
(Applause)
In this context I am delighted to tell you that based on the interest expressed in the report of Mrs Madeira, the Commission will be able to organise discussions on topics related to tourism in coastal areas within the framework of the conference to mark European Maritime Day, which will take place on 19 and 20 May 2009.
Female genital mutilation and also honour killings are taking their toll in Europe.
Madam President, if the cost of every roll-call vote is really EUR 400, I suggest that this Chamber is running itself with all the efficiency that it also applies to the common agricultural policy, to structural aid, to international development and to the rest of the European Union budget.
However, its population includes many non-Chinese ethnic groups, the largest of which is the Uighurs.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (PT) Mr President, Commissioner, we have decried the disastrous consequence of the liberalisation of the global economy for many sectors of economic activity, particularly in some Member States and the regions that are most dependent on these sectors.
We have never been naive about the difficulty of delivering an effective programme in Iraq.
Unfortunately, such negligence of crimes of Communist totalitarianism brings with it an appeasement of all neo-Nazis in Germany, Russia or anywhere: any of them could ask, if the Soviets are forgiven, then why should not our ancestors also be forgiven?
Member of the Commission. - Here, I will be brief.
We have drawn up a parliamentary resolution which forms a good basis for the discussions between the European foreign ministers.
I found Mr Lundgren's intervention absolutely flabbergasting.
As I said, good partners do not haul each other before WTO courts on account of their convictions.
Only by fighting will the workers be able to secure a high standard of free services provided solely by the government, well away from any private business activity.
18.
A Commission document issued yesterday confirmed that youth unemployment in the EU stands at 20%, which is twice that forecast for overall unemployment.
I am mentioning this because my country, Bulgaria, has 35 times fewer donors than Spain.
For this principle to be observable in practice, however, it is essential that we set up a system of strategic reserves, increase the number of links between transport networks, and, in short, construct a working response mechanism that would provide technical assistance to countries that have suffered the most as a result of crises.
In my opinion it is important to start at an early age with getting acquainted with the approaches of your neighbours or of other religions.
Thirty-five legislative initiatives are foreseen in the work programme.
They will certainly not do this unless there is strong pressure from all the signatory countries of the United Nations and the countries which are responsible for crimes against civilian populations countries such as Israel, the United States, Russia, China, India and Pakistan, which did not go to Dublin and which have refused to ban cluster munitions.
A clear united message from this House and the whole European Union with the readiness to engage would make all in Albania reflect upon the best course of action.
Yesterday evening we were discussing population.
With the 27 Member States, the European Union has approximately 2 million soldiers, 10 000 tanks and 3 000 fighter planes.
The Commission will support good cooperation between Member States and will constantly monitor any complaints received in connection with the exchange of information or assistance.
I should like to conclude by saying that innovation is not only reflected in end products or new services.
Can we seriously argue, as the opponents of this package do, that we can build growth on top of a mountain of debt that is continuously put off further and further into the future?
What does the Commission think of a situation in which the price of a Chinese product is less than the raw materials used to manufacture it?
I voted in favour of David Martin's report on the reform of the European Parliament's Rules of Procedure insofar as it will allow our House to adhere to the new ground rules accompanying the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon.
I believe that when we are reforming, when we are making documents available, when we are ensuring that there is greater transparency, we should take steps to show which parliamentarians are participating in the work of Parliament and which are not.
I refer in particular to SMEs, which must be able to play an active part in the creation of standards without incurring excessive costs or suffering a lack of representation.
When pornographic material can be just disturbing then viewing very vivid images of violence against others or even self-harm is something that really might provoke youths for thoughtless acts.
What measures does it intend to adopt with regard to Member States on the Mediterranean which are receiving refugees from North Africa?
A great many other matters are also covered.
In any case, I do often like to distinguish between capitalism and liberalism.
In regard to the general cost reduction in the health sector as a result of the use of these new technologies, I would also draw your attention to the research into 'mobile health monitoring' systems, the use of which would reduce annual health costs by EUR 1500 million in Germany alone.
I would say that this project has to be tackled along the same lines as we tackled the large internal market project of the European Union.

The timidity of the ECB and the euro area states is preventing us from funding a more effective economic recovery policy through the issue of Eurobonds guaranteed by a European Union whose funding capacity remains intact.
The debate is closed.
(ES) Madam President, I voted in favour of this initiative because when we talk about precarious work, we are talking once again about the inequality and discrimination that women suffer in Europe.
This is one area for which you have supreme responsibility.
I presume that a general conclusion was that, despite the difficulties that might exist and the improvements that could be introduced, this European Neighbourhood Policy that forms part of our strategy has worked well and has ensured that many of our partners and neighbours can enjoy stability, economic progress and economic and social development.
Since the introduction of the women's quota between 2003 and 2009 the number of companies quoted on the stock market has decreased from 554 to 362.
This matter only seems trivial.
We already have new pressures in category four, where we are allowing for a very tight margin that will be made tighter by the need to include the Baltic Sea Strategy.
African countries, China and India want to keep their exemptions not to submit to the international system of monitoring emissions and, at the same time, receive billions of euros for clean technologies.
Democratisation must succeed here too.
(The oral amendment was accepted)
The contribution that the European Union is making to achieving this goal is to ask the Member States for military expenditure to be increased, and as a result this civilisation has reached the immoral situation of having the highest arms expenditure in the world in 2006, more than in the Cold War: 17 times more than we spend on international cooperation.
I respect public opinion of this kind.
However, the report notes that 'the Gulf states' sovereign wealth funds account for more than one third of the world total and those funds helped to rescue the global and European financial system'.
In this respect, after having consulted his colleagues and counterparts and received their consent, President Sarkozy, in his capacity as President of the European Union, assumes the responsibilities of engaging in a comprehensive dialogue between the European Union and China.
You, my dear colleagues on the right, are perpetuating a traditional system with a male breadwinner and his little wife, with her little job on the side, kept neatly under his thumb.
(RO) The Package Travel Directive encompasses transport and accommodation services, along with other related services provided through package holidays.
So, with those very few words, I commend Mrs Gräßle for her efforts and I urge the Council and Commission to listen carefully.
Much of this is naturally related to climate change.
We must ensure that the necessary resources are fully available.
Then we discussed the need for the establishment of joint forces to help Member States cope with natural disasters like those which struck us this year.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, it is the case that, in recent years, there has been rapid development of the European foreign and security policy.
However, considering the potential negative impact that measures could have on the population, we still hope that an acceptable solution will be found without the necessity to isolate such a strategically important country, as many of you have said.
As for the financial system, the European Council also made a forceful call for all players in the system to act responsibly, especially in the banking sector.
The 'least bad' solution - and I use that expression again - is for the EU to insist that non-compliant Member States spend their regional funds on stamping machines and also to pay for an inspectorate whose staff are nationals of compliant Member States.
We must understand that.
It is not easy here, but when you are in the Council, it is worse, because there you have to work with unanimity.
I hope that this could have an impact on other, related sectors, such as plant protection product data requirements, which are right now moving through their own revision process.
Also, if transparency applies to agricultural credits, why not also, in a spirit of populism, have transparency over the pay of the EU's senior officials?
Unfortunately, however, the report does not deal with the ethnic cleansing which the Russian Federation carried out in Abkhazia from 1991 when, because of Georgia's independence, almost a quarter of a million Georgians were forced to leave Abkhazia, their own country.
It is certainly true that delays in terms of integration, wage gaps or a lack of career profiles are legion for women, particularly in the field of science and research.
Modern family policy is about the equal responsibility of men and women for children and work.
I know that many parents and teachers are increasingly anxious about children accessing material which is inappropriate and potentially dangerous.
President of the Commission, President-in-Office of the Council, I am afraid small and medium-sized enterprises will disappear with this crisis and nobody will care.
Review of the consumer acquis (debate)
I trust every democratically elected government in Europe which is accountable to a parliament and to the public to do this.
(ES) Madam President, Mr Barrot, it is no coincidence that a whole series of Spanish MEPs have spoken.
I would like to call upon Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to seek to overcome their differences and show that they are faithful to the generous founding EU spirit, which we all need so very much today.
This highly popular and profitable service was cancelled last October, forcing customers into unnecessary travel and inconvenience to go to other airports, the reason being that Air India did not want to lose its highly valuable Heathrow slots.
It has caused numerous inequalities and pressures, especially among vulnerable groups.
I personally believe it will be useful, but I think we need to discuss it here.
While there is already some production in eastern Europe, there will be a significant volume of new imports.
It is, however, regrettable that the proposal for a Tobin-style tax on financial transactions has not been adopted, as that would make it possible to limit excessive speculation, and promote financial stability and investment in the long term.
The second problem is a recent decision by Azerbaijani authorities to cancel the FM radio licences of several international radio stations like Radio Free Europe, Voice of America, BBC World Service and others, depriving listeners in this country of valuable and independent sources of information.
Nevertheless, we believe that these documents can be improved in the future, and we would remind you that we are advocating a long-term buildings strategy.
The solution to this problem can only lie in a combination of all these approaches and, actually, as part of a common political will.
The role of Libya, as partner on many issues in the Mediterranean region and in Africa, has been found to have a major impact on the security and stability of the region, in particular, on migration, public health, development, trade and economic relations, climate change, energy and cultural heritage.
The southern Member States are subjected to great pressure, particularly since the popular movements in Egypt and Tunisia, and the war in Libya, began.
Thus, there is a very real need for us to address the problem of Pakistan.
European businesses manufacturing high-quality products of excellence will then benefit from an instrument to protect and promote them in order to support them in the face of tough competition from countries outside the European Union in certain sectors.
in writing. - (IT) I voted in favour of Mr Kohlíček's report on the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector.
It would do better to keep its own house in order.
It is an essential and important step in enabling victims to reside or stay wherever they want in the EU and thereby be included in the freedom of movement.
This is the main reason why these inequalities are playing an important role in finalising a free-trade agreement.
in writing. - The common agricultural policy (CAP) has the potential to offer solutions to many of the problems currently affecting European farms, and this is obvious in no EU Member State more than in Ireland, where there is an equal commitment to both secure a fair and full CAP agreement and to move forward by implementing the changes necessary in 21st century farming.
Mr Verhofstadt stressed the significance of the citizen's voice.
We must give them perspectives.
This would amount to 2.8 million tonnes.
The less costly measures are specifically the regulation on origin marking, the protection of intellectual property, anti-dumping and the fight against counterfeiting.
It acts as confirmation that Europe is in the process of construction, and that our priority is to improve and promote cooperation between the EU Member States in the field of health protection.
Whilst Mr Sterckx obliges ports not to turn ships away, Mr Savary says that they can deny entry if insurance certificates are not being provided.
This resolution of Parliament follows previous commemorative resolutions from other international organisations such as UNESCO and OSCE.
In my opinion it is important not only that the ASEAN members ratify the eight core ILO conventions, which only Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines have so far done, but also that we ensure that we put mechanisms in place to make sure they are properly enforced.
It is for this reason, moreover, that I have two minutes instead of one.
Moderation in energy, whatever the word used, is finally on the agenda.
(PL) Mr President, I would like once again to express my pleasure at the importance that the Community attaches to the need for innovation in Europe.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the European governments are being driven by the markets.
Specifically, the Member State must be given a national action programme.
One of their main points of criticism is the Bologna Process.
We are fully aware of the views of the European Parliament in this respect and will take those into account.
Secondly, the overall price of the product must be specified before a consumer agrees to purchase a product.
I think it is getting better all the time, and I think the cap-and-trade system allows us really to tackle a huge proportion of the gases.
We must ensure that Europe does not forfeit any of its economic capacities.
The US still maintains the visa requirement for nationals of some Member States (currently Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovakia).
Although, in 2009, there was a small reduction in the number of complaints (9%) in comparison with 2008, of the 335 cases opened, approximately 318 were concluded and closed.
I am not convinced that a fence or a wall is a solution because there are other reforms that are much more important.
It is important that we get it right.
I voted in favour of this document, codifying Council Directive 80/720/EEC of 24 June 1980 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the operating space, access to the driving position and the doors and windows of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors.
President-in-Office. - (SL) In June 2007 the Commission published a green paper on a future common European asylum system.
The budget vote, which is upcoming, is also extremely important for ensuring appropriate future funding for agriculture.
Under Article 36 of our Accession Treaty we have the right to start reactivating this nuclear power station.
The second point was the arrangement whereby Parliament was to be more closely involved in the continuing development of the security provisions.
As Vice-Chair of the Committee on Fisheries, I decided to vote against this agreement because it ignores the opinion adopted by this committee, which proposed abolishing the derogation from the rules of origin for processed fishery products at the end of the negotiations on the Interim Partnership Agreement.
Finally, particular attention ought to be paid to isolated regions and islands, as in the case of Greece, where cohesion policies will significantly help the local population to stay put, find employment, have access to new technology and professional opportunities, and to comply to the Community norm.
We are not here to decide whether these people are guilty or innocent.
To improve the quality of these projects and the effective impact of their implementation, EU Member States must avail themselves of the maximum technical assistance which the European Commission can offer.
I therefore support the call made by my fellow Members for the European Union solidarity mechanism to be activated immediately.
Both motions for resolutions recall such ENP values as democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of the media, the independence of the judiciary and the fight against corruption.
It makes sense to simplify but not to radically change at this stage.
This text has the merit of recognising market failures and advocating the fight against climate change.
I think that it is very important to distinguish between professional and political arguments that have their place in a democratic society and actual interference with the European Central Bank's fiscal policy.
There were many points on which we were in total agreement, and others I hope we can work on in the future: specifically, the European consumer scoreboard promoted by the European Commission, a very important instrument that nonetheless, in my view, still does not provide standardised data to enable people to make clear decisions.
The damage to infrastructure has been enormous and half a million homes have been seriously damaged.
Taking into account that in the area of satellite communication the European Union at present covers 40% of the world market, we can clearly see that a common non-discriminatory policy can significantly strengthen the important role of the Union in this sector.
The Commission therefore immediately responded to the ruling by commissioning several studies, launching a comprehensive consultation process and carrying out the impact assessments.
Extradition -procedures for which are defined in a bilateral agreement - should have been granted.
Greater attention should be paid to social and cultural aspects and to support for development in a framework of mutual respect for the different levels of development and different political choices of the people.
I say to Alexander Lambsdorff that he has allowed himself to be hijacked by this, but all he has to do tomorrow for us to unanimously support Lasse Lehtinen's report, is to vote for our Amendments 5 and 6, which keep the door firmly open.
The cultural sector is a growth sector that is developing faster than many other areas in the economy.
You know that this has been a very sensitive issue, and with these agreements with third countries we create better possibilities for European airlines as well.
The small example of the urban mobility plan could be a real help in addressing this much larger problem.
Whilst it stresses the right to advertise, it ultimately asserts the patient's right to information.
That being said, I would like to mention three of the proposals put forward in the excellent report by Jorgo Chatzimarkakis.
This should also include a plan for the Baltic Sea energy connections network.
Non-governmental organisations have submitted complaints relating to the creation of illegal and secret databases for storing personal information in connection with racial and ethnic origins, and have stated that they are appealing to the relevant authorities.
Words are not enough.
We therefore urge the Council and the Commission to provide aid immediately and to launch comprehensive medical assistance programmes for the civilian population in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo without delay.
'including the gender dimension in order to empower women and defend their rights;'
Secondly, it needs to adopt specific measures for breeders that use sustainable protection measures.
in writing. - (DE) The Union for the Mediterranean is seen by some people in Europe as a prestige project initiated by a few political leaders.
The murder of the Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink should have provided a period of national reflection but, sadly, this did not happen.
It will be up to the people of Iceland to have the final say: they will have to vote in a referendum, and I hope that they will opt in favour of joining our great European family.
Item 11 of this document stated that the measures which had been unveiled by the Commission were not sufficient to provide the desired incentives for constructing at least 12 demonstration facilities by 2015, while in item 18 it was considered imperative that at least the 12 demonstration facilities earmarked for assistance should cover all possible combinations of the three carbon dioxide capture and storage technologies.
Opening of the sitting
Part two
This question is particularly important because the bigger the vehicles that manufacturers produce, the bigger their profit margins.
The solution to the Greek crisis must entail tough reform measures in Greece.
Similarly, tree-planting programmes in Rwanda have resulted in such an increase in the flow of rivers towards the capital that it can now be powered solely by a hydroelectric plant.
Ensuring the peaceful unfolding of that process will be of great importance, not just to Egyptian civilian society itself, but also to the region as a whole.
Violence against women, in my opinion, also reflects and reinforces inequalities between men and women, and therefore often determines the position of women in society.
I support the report because it includes the gender dimension of the CAP.
Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right, and religiously motivated discrimination and violence are inconsistent with our values.
I am quite concerned by the magnitude assumed by these disasters in recent years, which not only have natural but human causes as well, with consequences for both the economic and social infrastructure.
This is because of Israel's continual violation of international law, and because of our political commitments to Palestine.
As for the population of working age, it would peak at 331 million around 2010 and would then decrease regularly to around 268 million in 2050.
Therefore, this aid - which we should remember is granted at national, not European, level, and is therefore dependent on each individual Member State's economic resources - could be seen by many people as causing an imbalance in competition, but in reality, it would provide a little relief to a sector that is increasingly on its knees.
It is an enormous challenge, but it is a strategic issue which we cannot ignore.
Some people claim that violence within intimate relationships is a private matter, a family matter.
We have to look at the causes of ill health, and the debates this evening have centred round those.
However, the report insists on advocating these policies.
In this context, I demand the release of Judge Afiuni, and I appeal to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to send - I am just closing - a petition to the Venezuelan authorities expressing the fears of the European Union in connection with breaches of human rights, democratic principles and law and order in Venezuela.
Thank you for your attention.
As I have just told you, these different language versions are still being finished, and as you know, the Council can only pass that document, that agreement, to Parliament, when the different language versions are available, which the Commission has in hand.
in writing. - We have voted against Amendment 4, because it states 'is of the opinion that any possible solution should not lead to distortion of competition'.
I would like to start by saying that I think it is extremely important for us to truly make an effort to reduce the extent of counterfeiting.
In Gaza, Ottomans, the British, Egyptians, Israelis, Americans and Europeans are all part of the problem.
Every year, we pay EUR 4.5 billion net to the EU, most of which is channelled through to the weak Member States, the EU's spending is on the rise, while we are having to make cuts and while the value of the euro is continuing to slide, as a result of which the cost to Dutch citizens is rising, too.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, please allow me first of all to thank Mrs Lucas for her report, which draws attention to the overwhelming need to face up to the problem of the destruction of tropical forests.
Lobbying activities must be removed from the grey area, as it were, so that we have a clear and factual picture of where influence is genuinely being brought to bear.
One of the Member States' most important duties is to ensure the security of their citizens, but without jeopardising fundamental human rights.
We can look for various options, yet there is simply no alternative to this strategic response.
Likewise, the chairman of the board of regulators can attend the relevant committee and give an account of their work.
Why not continue to strictly monitor the US producers?
Yesterday, Spain and Europe lost a great statesman: one of the main architects of democracy in Spain and the founder of the People's Party, some of whose members are with us in the Chamber.
Firstly, the sudden and belated discovery, in respect of the signing of the 2010 budget in December 2009, that the 20% limit for expenditure under 'heading 5' had been exceeded.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (PL) Mr President, climate change really is one of the most serious problems facing mankind in this day and age.
Indeed, I would have preferred Amendment 1 - but of course that fell on the adoption of Amendment 4 - where it was recommended that the implementation of the electronic identification system be deferred until 2012 at the earliest.
We need to take a tough line on illegal organ trafficking.
As far as the FTT is concerned, it is clear that the options today differ from the initial discussions on the Tobin Tax, as it would cover a broader base of financial products.
You have also mentioned the delegitimisation of dialogue, since we cannot tolerate a dialogue that could, one way or another, give the impression that killing innocent people, injuring innocent people, can be a way of serving mankind.
It is not good or sound budgeting to fail to pay out on the outstanding commitments agreed on in previous years, so both must be taken into account when shaping the final draft proposal for 2012.
The Islamic Republic of Iran (hereinafter referred to as Iran) is facing an array of governance challenges, from power struggles between competing factions within the country's ruling elites to a crippling social and economic malaise, a problematic regional security environment and rising popular discontent at home.
The end result we have before us is a compromise which we are happy to support.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I am not taking the floor simply to stand up for my region.
While the European Union and many agencies in the Member States work very hard and with great commitment, supported by NGOs, to protect species, this conversation demonstrated once again that many people see the protection and maintenance of biodiversity as something of a luxury.
This is not an emergency aid solidarity fund; it is a fund which is based on reimbursement of specific costs for emergency operations after disasters, allowing for a return to normal living conditions.
I would say, the history of the overall policy of Europe in relation to its neighbours.
The Member States and the Commission thus wish to pursue the discussions in the various international bodies to establish the conditions for such a global agreement, or bilateral agreements, with a view to forging links between the European system and other national or regional systems in the future.
The Bologna Process and student mobility (short presentation)
It is now time that we took the important next step, because the European project cannot be limited to a pure, bald financial-monetary project.
Whatever could be the explanation?
We in the Committee on Regional Development have a different proposal from the one contained in the Garriga Polledo report.
Not all of us had a referendum and the opportunity to give our views on the future development of Europe, yet there are things happening across the EU that have a direct impact on our work in facing the challenges before us and all of those policy issues that have already been mentioned - employment, social rights, economic regulation, fighting terrorism, peace and justice - and I am proud to speak, incidentally, as chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in Wales.
Finally, I should like to say that anyone who knows the animal feed industry cannot doubt the obvious impact that both these factors will have on food prices.
The EU Commission notes that despite legislative advances, 'however, senior members of the armed forces have made a number of statements going beyond their remit, in particular, on judicial issues'.
Ten years ago, in my report on the role of the European Union in the field of sport, we called for a White Paper, and I am pleased that we are able to vote on it today.
The first to take the brunt have been taxpayers, also in terms of rising unemployment, dwindling incomes, reduced access to social services and increasing inequalities.
In short, a framework dedicated to reforms which facilitate the completion of the internal market as the best way of stimulating economic growth as a job creator in the European Union.
The promotion of the EU radio spectrum should not overshadow the needs of the poorest people in Europe.
18.
They are therefore vital to new clean energies as well.
The European External Action Service should be a major player in devising a truly comprehensive European approach to civil and military crisis management at European level and to conflict prevention, providing the EU with sufficient structures, human and financial resources to fulfil its global responsibilities.
In a nutshell, Bosnia and Herzegovina today needs urgently to overcome the current political stalemate, to move seriously towards the European Union.
I would also like to thank all the shadow rapporteurs.
When we are over this, will consumers really want to buy a big high-consumption car, or will they want a small, smart car?
I think that such exports should not be permitted.
Today is the first step on the way to conciliation to end the 'opt out'.
On balance, I think the possible benefits are larger than the possible negative effects.
Therefore, I hope that already in this trialogue this strong sense of responsibility that we all share, and it could not have been otherwise, will open the way to calm, responsible and constructive negotiations for the future of our Union.
In other words, universities do not always take market needs into account and the ones worst affected by this are the young people who have just finished their studies.
In relation to this, I would like someone to speak in favour of the motion.
Unless other oenological practices for making rosé wine can be discovered, we might for example be inspired by Pierre Dac, who said: 'Graft roses onto vines to get natural rosé wine!'
I am pleased that the report defends and endorses the systematic integration of the protection of the rights of women and children in all dialogues and consultations on human rights between the European Union and third countries.
What is more, the government also blocks websites.
This is why I believe that we should actively involve national authorities, the European Commission, as well as members of this Parliament, in promoting SOLVIT.
Madam President, my thanks to Mr Albertini for his report and I hope that everyone concerned will play their part in the efforts required.
For all these reasons, I would like the agenda for the European Council to reflect the importance of strengthening the commitment to act and work in cooperation with the European Parliament, notably in relation to the preparation and follow up of the action plan to be adopted during the coming six months of the Spanish Presidency.
Secondly, this directive, despite its inadequacies, and I accept that it has some, is not a regulation.
Often described as a catalogue of the worst national practices, the current directive has two major disadvantages: it fails to sufficiently protect the rights of asylum seekers, and it creates major disparities in treatment within the Member States.
Roma integration is therefore not merely a moral duty and a duty in terms of human rights protection but, above all, an economic necessity as well.
The Council took the view that the use of these substances could potentially mask poor hygiene practices.
Would we invest in subsidies for tobacco production, for producing tobacco that cannot be sold in the normal way, at the same time as we are by and large banning smoking in the EU?
Now for two points.
Given the huge EUR 1 000 billion turnover of these funds, any mistake in their application could have an extremely negative effect on European financial stability.
More seriously though, firstly, the outermost regions, all those that we call overseas, form part of the European Union, an important part, wherever those territories my be located and whether they have ties with France, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom or wherever.
What has happened since then?
At the same time, we cannot just stop at these decisions, as they will only provide short-term results.
I have already written a letter bringing this matter to the attention of the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, but I have not yet received a response.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Mr President, I think we should be clear what this motion for a resolution is not: it is not a re-run of the rather controversial and contentious report that we had last year; it is not about how to get a political solution to the territorial dispute and conflict over Kashmir.
It would take 10 lines!
Parliament accepts the figure imposed on the Council by the most thrifty or miserly Member State, but on condition that we agree on protecting the future.
For that reason, this resolution must not be seen as a private project of mine, but as a common stance of the European Parliament as a whole.
To reply to Mrs McGuinness, I think that the response from the G20, the way it was prepared, the fact that there is an action plan agreed by the G20, shows that the Council was united in its action.
For this reason the Commission prefers that taxes and contributions should be imposed at Community level not at the present stage but until such a time as a study has been carried out into the issue.
You know that no agreement was reached on this because some Member States put insurmountable problems in the way, but now the Slovenian Presidency has raised something that I think could be dealt with as a priority: the matter of judgments in absentia.
Alongside adequate healthcare and equal opportunities in employment, the Member States need to keep a closer eye on the extent to which EU funds for the Roma are actually used for the benefit of the recipients.
However, it turns out that at the moment the compromise reached is the limit of what is acceptable.
It is a positive sign that Parliament, despite massive pressure from lobby groups, has expressed its objections to such arbitrary exclusion from the Internet and has not accepted that any user can be denied access to the Internet.
I gather very few.
We need a stronger Europe and a genuine partnership with the US to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
There are many challenges in the area of the donation and transplantation of human organs.
In any case, that is what I shall be proposing to my fellow Commissioners in the coming days.
What conclusions does the Commission draw from this study?
Therefore, we fully support the Commission in adopting tough measures against governments and businesses which neglect to take action in this area.
There is no doubt that this new regulation will improve the timeliness, comparability and completeness of the statistics transmitted, as well as the efficiency of the data processing.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, first of all I would like to thank the rapporteur for the work he has accomplished.
The Chinese only have to apply their own constitution, which states in three places that this cultural heritage must be preserved.
What is important here is that we include, within this package, technologies for carbon capture and storage, the promotion of offshore wind energy and interconnection of gas and electricity transmission networks.
They have gained from Greece's fragility, and now they are imposing their imperial position of absolute domination of the country's internal policies in exchange for a loan on which they will also gain from the interest.
(FR) Mr President, for several weeks the world has been undergoing a serious financial crisis.
That is the right approach to take.
That is what honest Padania has to say!
The illegal logging regulation does not aim to punish or to hinder trade but rather to better control trade.
Ten years have passed, the G20, like several Member States, is no longer ruling out the idea of such a tax, and above all, the financial crisis has served to remind us of the damage that volatile financial markets can cause.
This scheme must not simply involve children eating apples; rather, they must know what type of apple they are eating and what its nutritional properties are and they must understand the beneficial effects of that fruit on their health and development.
The possibility and ability to learn and work in an international context is a prerequisite for a successful working life in a globalised economy.
The situation in Palestine is, unfortunately, one of the best examples of this.
This cannot go on any longer: the stakes are too high, and we have to know about projects that are harmful to the Baltic Sea before it is too late.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I personally am very pleased that we are having this debate on the human rights situation in Tunisia.
Finally, this report reminds us that the European Commission needs to ensure that promoting innovation does not endanger the progress made in basic research.
Although there are companies which pay union wages, there is evidence that women work in departments where they have fewer opportunities to progress and where they are paid smaller allowances.
I am sorry to have been a little long, but I think this is such an important matter.
An essential of our development and support policy must be to mutually uphold the requirements for environmental protection.
A series of events - the economic crisis, the financial crisis, the new type A flu virus - is further aggravating the situation in the air transport industry, and this situation demonstrates just how urgent and indispensable support measures are, not only for the airlines, but also their employees.
It is particularly significant that the debate and vote on this report seeking to draw attention to the inequalities and discrimination that persist have taken place on International Women's Day, whose centenary is being marked in 2011.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting: see Minutes
The coastline of the EU is 23 000 kilometres in length and one third of the population lives by the sea.
COP 9 will help to ensure this.
Madam President, today the Irish House of Representatives, the Dáil, will vote on the EU-IMF financial assistance package.
I also attach key importance to the implementation of the same laws in all Member States, adequate social protection - I repeat, social protection - and the fight against social exclusion.
I would first like to thank Mr Staes warmly for the fact that we have genuinely achieved a joint report in many, many respects that I can categorically support.
Opening of the sitting
I am sick of hearing that we cannot do better, that we have done all we can.
I want to highlight the quality of the debate and interventions at all stages, both in technical and academic terms and also in terms of the discussion on the political content and on the process.
The application of this scheme will take into account the technological development time lag and the negative consequences of the economic crisis.
Mr President, I am grateful for all the contributions that have been made to this debate, and I would like to express my very special thanks - because I did not do so just now - for the crucial role played in all this by Mrs Bowles, the Chair of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.
What is really encouraging is that although I lead the negotiations, I do so with the E3+3 sitting with me; and that shows very clearly to Iran that we are totally united in our approach, and I pay tribute to all those who work with me.
That would have a very negative effect on the running of the EU.
Our public health problems are so serious that we are once again compelled to raise taxes.
But apart from that, I fear the Robin Hood tax is facing the same problems as the Tobin tax, that you can only do it if it happens on a global scale.
During the Committee stage, my amendment rejecting the idea that resolution of the Cyprus question is to be achieved through unilateral action by Turkey was not accepted.
We are under an obligation to her to ensure that human rights and the rule of law are introduced into the North Caucasus.
This system is justified in itself.
The sectors most affected were construction, agriculture, industrial production, trade, transport and communications.
In the case of congestion, however, if the aim is to fight and reduce this phenomenon, all road users causing it must be treated in the same way without any discrimination between the various elements responsible.
This is a signal that Poland will discharge its obligations with regard to the Treaty.
What has happened, then?
I was a member of the Folketing, the Danish Parliament, when Denmark was lured into saying 'yes' to the Treaty of Lisbon on condition that it did not lead to the surrender of sovereignty.
We Social Democrats welcome any initiative that improves the situation of asylum seekers and people with no documents.
I hear that you want the second objective I mentioned.
Prime Minister, you mentioned three fundamental principles which I would like to take up, because they are also fundamental principles of our movement.
Given the financial crisis and the significant drop in the number of loans being granted, I support the proposal by the European Commission to establish a microfinance instrument targeting the most vulnerable groups, and particularly women, young people and the unemployed.
That is the best hope for the future of Pakistan, and it is the best hope for relations between Europe and Pakistan: that we get a democratically elected parliament in January, with the President out of uniform, in 'civvies'.
The Regulation will contribute significantly towards strengthening the EU's leadership role in the talks being held under the auspices of the UN Environment Programme, and also towards the adoption of an international treaty on mercury.
Ever since the late 80s and the early 90s, the supply of cod has been dropping steadily.
Even when confined to those 250 kilometre journeys, the directive barely received enough support from the Member States to pass.
During recent years, they have also been faced with another huge problem - ever-rising oil prices.
And as Mr Schulz has already said this is also a kind of positive signal of Europe's flexible policy towards Latin America and the Caribbean.
However, I take this opportunity to recall that we still lack a common set of criteria, definitions and an in-depth analysis which would thoroughly explain the various pension systems and their capacity to meet the needs of citizens.
This anniversary, then, gives us a particularly apt message of hope for today's times.
It has threatened to impose sanctions if constitutional order is not restored within six months.
I would like to mention a few of them here: a centre of excellence for environmental technologies in Slovenia, the Burgenland Mobility Centre in Austria, the 'brain hunt' competition in Estonia, the new building for the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology in Germany, the science park in Granada in Spain and the development of the problem district of East Leipzig in Germany.
The first European Community Directive in 1958 refers to multilingualism.
There was also consensus that we do not want a litigation industry to develop in Europe as it has in America, with turnover of USD 240 billion, which is ultimately of no advantage to consumers and, as we all know from simply reading the relevant books, mainly profits American law firms.
I come from Berlin, and there alone, we have had six arson attacks against mosques within the space of six months, fortunately not resulting in any deaths, following the uproar sparked by a social-democratic former central banker.
I was, therefore, expecting the Party for Freedom to show greater support for the negotiation process.
The straightjacket of the EU regulation is closing our industry, stopping innovation when it is ahead of the regulations and closing traditional industry, where the product is good but different from the approved continental version.
1.
This is the ideal system.
Firstly, the completely new system it provides should enable us to recognise macroeconomic imbalances at an early stage; and secondly, we should then be able to act quickly.
in writing. - I am very glad of the fact that today, the European Parliament adopted its position in second reading on the directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity and repealing Directive 86/613/EEC.
The not-for-profit sector was also involved.
I believe that the new directive will provide a coherent and uniform set of rules for patients all over Europe.
in writing. - (PL) Toxic substances contained in products used for cleaning, rinsing and disinfecting, as well as in paints and solvents, can pose a risk to human health by irritating respiratory pathways and eyes and by causing allergies.
Secondly, Mrs Reding, when we are negotiating with candidate states, we insist that they apply the highest standards of press freedom, otherwise they cannot join the European Union.
In my opinion, in local public transport, this should be a principle that we all keep to, and I believe we want to do so.
I have test-driven several of the environmentally friendly cars.
Many problems that today affect the majority of the Baltic States, for example - you mentioned Poland, but I could, of course, mention Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary - are due to the fact that they are not in the euro area.
The compromise that is now before us, namely that we review the social situation in the European Union in a few years' time and take further measures as necessary strikes me as a very reasonable proposal.
That certainly was not the case: the conference was the first step on a journey and, as I said before, we are now taking further concrete steps, which will build on the Lisbon impetus.
Information provision and promotion measures for agricultural products (vote)
Mr President, the Committee on Budgets was aware of the European Union's moral responsibility to countries that are in difficulty.
What the Member States have agreed now was the creation of a European stability mechanism.
I must say to you, however, that your speech seemed entirely improper to me.
(PL) Mr President, as a Pole, I always feel my heart beat faster when there is talk of human rights in China.
Fourthly, in the light of the current crisis, the presidency also urges agreement on the review of the Directive concerning measures to safeguard the security of natural gas supplies by the end of 2009.
The current legislation in force allows for derogation.
At the same time, we support these programmes being drawn up based on an assessment of the need for them and their timeliness, providing us with the assurance that the funds are being spent effectively in programmes which meet the objective of helping promote Community products.
The right path, in this case, is to guarantee a multilateral agreement which safeguards all our legitimate interests.
In this amendment we oppose creating legally binding instruments that would affect national legislation, policies and programmes and so affect the element of solidarity.
The ENP applies to a huge area, from Morocco to Ukraine.
Is there no area of activity in which the EU will trust national governments to do what they think is best for their own peoples?
The pace of integration of the Western Balkan countries is individual and depends on the merits of each one of them with regard, in particular, to their determination to satisfy all the requirements, meet all the obligations, carry out all the reforms and adopt the necessary measures that EU membership implies.
The right of veto and representative government have been cut in 62 areas as against 61 in the Constitution.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I voted for the Niebler report concerning the extension of the EC/US agreement for scientific and technological cooperation.
We also want to see a more effective internal market.
However, if the predictions of European Union geologists are confirmed, then gas reserves may be found not just in Poland and Germany, but possibly also in other countries.
(DE) I will now continue in German.
I feel there is a very high level of agreement in this House about what is important in the European position and which issues we must concentrate on ahead of the G20.
Six months have elapsed and the situation is as follows. The government has been unable to privatise the shipyards, the Commission has taken no account whatsoever of Parliament's position, the yards are not producing, the future is uncertain, people have lost their jobs and have been left in limbo.
This would require action not only from you, but also from the entire college and the President of the Commission.
The obligation to protect the discriminated is embodied in our most important legal acts - in the treaty and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights, which is referred to in the treaty.
The companies are nasty parasites on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Union.
Irrespective of the territorial issue with regard to Kosovo, Serbia is, of course, a key State in connection with the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU, and one which we should involve in all steps that we take.
This means that it will not be easy to submit a new proposal that might miraculously solve the situation.
If we vote through the Committee's proposal it will mean that the European Parliament will establish that tobacco and alcohol are not the same as any other goods, just as we have previously heard in this House, and must be treated differently.
(The President cut off the speaker.)
I have to oppose the Socialists' amendment calling for equivalence between Member States' systems of regulation and supervision in the context of applying the private placement regime, which would entail permitting reciprocal access to markets.
We are not allowed to trade sufficiently with our traditional partners in the British Commonwealth.
They have demonstrated that democracy and human rights can be universal values.
We are running the risk of becoming a profoundly illiberal society, by passing on passenger data, by Internet surveillance.
In short, we have to translate this momentum into a truly global result.
The Commission supports this key element of the priority project that will make it possible to connect rail networks at both sides of the Alps by means of a highcapacity, high-speed line, mainly designed for goods transport.
For decades, the United States has been pushing for the import of hormone-treated meat.
In conclusion, I can tell you that in order to set practical work in motion, the so-called 'Article 29 Working Party', of which all those involved in this work are aware, and which is a Working Party responsible for coordinating data protection measures, is preparing a reasoned opinion on data protection in relation to search engines and service providers.
They live in areas where incomes are much lower than the average for the EU, or even for the country they live in.
It also shows, however, that in future a solution to every crisis can be found by means of international cooperation.
After all, it is not complicated!
Finally, I would also call for the EU strategy on Roma inclusion to be linked with the strategy for the Danube region.
Mr Turmes, I really am trying hard to remain calm and objective here.
Green Paper on reform of the common fisheries policy (
It revisits it to make its demands broader and its penalties tougher.
How will the Commission ensure that the core negotiations are focused on development?
We also need a policy with more solidarity that takes account of different levels of development and economic capability.
I also welcome the fact that nuclear energy has found the place it deserves in such a report, and is presented as a necessary energy source.
(FI) Mr President, it is quite true that health inequalities vary quite a lot within the European Union.
I was delighted that at the end there was total, unanimous support for the opinion that we put down.
Arrangements for importing fishery and aquaculture products into the EU with a view to the future reform of the CFP (
The structural dialogue we introduced this year, the intense communication between the committees and the Commissioners really paid off.
The first of these factors - that is, possession of knowledge - is not a problem today.
The position taken by the authorities is also puzzling because it runs counter to that adopted during the election campaign, during which we witnessed the emergence of pluralistic forces, the formation of a real opposition and an active civil society.
The answer to the question of 'Who decides what?' has not become clear to me in the course of the debate.
A society based on creativity and knowledge is increasingly becoming a necessity for modern Europe.
We recognise that tax fraud is a serious problem and that it needs to be tackled with great urgency, and in particular that a solution needs to be found to the so called "carousel" fraud in respect of VAT.
The revision of the European Social Fund Regulation that we will adopt tomorrow will therefore enter into force immediately. This will make a significant contribution to reducing the bureaucracy associated with the European Social Fund.
I therefore congratulate the rapporteur on the excellent job he has done in a context that is so important and crucial for our producers, including the very smallest, because emphasising quality and respect for dietary and ecological principles will help them to stand out and stay afloat in an increasingly global and competitive scenario.
Only by assessing the existing situation can we determine whether we need new security standards.
I request the Italian government to take actions against any forms of discrimination on nationality or ethnicity criteria.
It has come a long way, and it has taken a long time.
Madam President, Commissioner, once again, I would like to thank the Members who have spoken.
It is crucial that the Copenhagen conference results in a politically binding agreement.
At any rate, I should like to assure the European Parliament that it is my intention - and not just my intention but also my desire - to move forwards with judicial cooperation on civil matters in Europe.
Our delegation has written a letter, which we have also sent to you, in which we ask that Mexico also sit at the G20 table and for this to be a permanent arrangement rather than merely a brief appearance.
Therefore, it should also be said loud and clear that there is something worse than no agreement and that is a poor agreement.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - Mr President, I too am the shadow on this package and I would pick up on what Mr Díaz de Mera García Consuegra was saying about the moral duty here.
Much remains to be done and the EU will have to play its role, over and above observing the elections, by providing long-term support for a reform process.
The implementation of the vital measures to combat climate change is hugely delayed.
I would like to recall that in May this year, we adopted a resolution calling on Russia to respect the conditions of the ceasefire and to withdraw its forces from Georgian territory.
(ES) Mr President, as has already been said, the Treaty of Lisbon is finally going to enter into force and some of the effects of this entry into force will be felt immediately after it is signed; for example, some of the work of the Committee on Budgets must be governed by new rules starting from January.
Thus on this issue we may all insist together, the European Parliament and the Pan-African Parliament in unison, that any person who has ever violated international humanitarian law, especially during a power struggle, cannot be excused, and that we can then impose sanctions on those responsible.
VAT reductions across the world are used to encourage people to buy energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly fridges, freezers and other goods that use up large amounts of energy, and cheaper prices for these products will help the less well-off.
I was in Washington in July and met a number of Senators who believed that the bottom of the mortgage crisis had not yet been reached and this would not happen before 2010.
Will things return to how they were before?
Trade is an important instrument for transferring technology to developing countries.
I agree with her assessment that women have been particularly affected by the economic and financial crisis that we are experiencing.
What kind of statements are these?
Any other consideration is secondary or unimportant.
These things are crucial to the internal market.
It also calls on the European Commission to assess the costs and benefits of creating a fully independent European Credit Rating Foundation.
in writing. - (NL) The large majority of all nations in the former Yugoslavia wish to join the EU.
in writing. - I voted in favour of the report on the 2009 Commission discharge because it gives an assurance of better management of payments in cases where funds are misused.
There are lessons to be learnt from our totalitarian past.
You made us elect Mr Barroso by saying that it was urgent and now you are going to have a 'lame duck' Commission which will just keep going until a decision can be taken.
How many times has Russia attracted attention in this regard?
The reason it gave for this was the relatively extensive construction activities on the Czech rail network, which cause trains to be delayed.
Together, we can put an end to the outrageous scandal that is long-term poverty.
The launch of the new website at the start of 2009 is a welcome measure.
Mr President, I would like to thank the rapporteur and the Chair for the work they have done on this report.
Although we do have a register of that kind for cows, it seems to be more difficult to achieve in relation to firearms.
I guess that we will see Parliament voting in favour of approving the Council's accounts this week, and shortly afterwards the Council will be approving extra budget for the Parliament.
Financing instrument for the promotion of democracy and human rights worldwide (amendment of Regulation (EC) No 1889/2006) (
The response to the situation in Greece is an important matter, especially because what is happening there contradicts everything that was trumpeted about the virtues of the euro and the blessings of being in the euro area: being in the vanguard of the strong currency of rich countries.
That is the bad news.
The next item is the joint debate on the following reports:
I support the idea of allowing derogations for Member States that wish to implement the farm structure survey in 2009 rather than 2010 due to the decennial population census in 2011.
The fact is that this policy has tangibly strengthened the power of internationally organised crime without putting adequate measures in place to combat it.
The European Union is also going to financially support new projects in the field of alternative energy, and this includes the wind energy sector.
What we have to do is use the money that is available to create the corresponding added value for the Danube and for the citizens, all 115 million of them, who live along it.
This fact goes against the very title of the budget, which is to conserve natural resources.
We should give some thought to the fact that while some of our fellow Members, chiefly from the EPP, worry about whether we will support a certain type of aircraft - I am no military expert and have no idea what this debate is about - then I believe we should pay far more attention to what Mr Arlacchi is talking about in this report, as it is very important.
Although legislation will only be harmonised to a limited extent, this harmonisation will, in reality, affect all EU entrepreneurs, since investors based in Member States which are not participating will also be able to take advantage of unitary patent protection.
Agenda of the next sitting: see Minutes
To conclude, ladies and gentlemen, we ask that before Europe declares itself willing to open negotiations on the conclusion of a free trade agreement, it resolutely defines the Community interest that it intends to protect and specifies the areas in which it will request reciprocity from Japan.
In December, though, we will need to look very carefully at the Commission's proposals to make sure that they meet the strict sustainability criteria Parliament is demanding.
British farmers producing beef, sheep meat, pig meat and eggs have actually seen a drop in the value of their produce over the last year; poultry meat is unchanged and milk only marginally higher; sugar beet will fall next year.
That instrument is fundamentally important now and should remain so, especially for fighting mafia groups and organised crime.
In addition to this there are the hundreds, thousands even, of petitions that the Parliament receives each year and that often refer to specific infringements of Community law, against which citizens feel helpless and therefore turn to Parliament.
I would like to thank the negotiators, particularly our rapporteur, Mr Gauzès, who, having been through such a difficult birthing process, surely ought to be entitled to some well-earned parental leave.
The funding figures are currently EUR 3.6 per capita per annum to the east and EUR 3.4 per capita per annum to the south.

The large-scale use of intelligent transportation systems and, first of all, of the electronic stability control is necessary.
This incident was the cause of the events which have rocked Greece over recent days.
That is the objective of the economic governance package, of which this report by my colleague Mrs Wortmann-Kool is a part.
Once again, I would like to thank my fellow Members from the European Parliament for their contribution and everyone from the European Commission and the Council for their constructive approach, and I will be grateful for an answer to these questions.
There may be a fundamental change in the relations between the most important powers in the world and there is indeed a great risk in these times of anxiety of the emergence of national egoisms, of naked nationalism, of ugly nationalism and some forms of extremism.
We are voting today on two reports that appear to be mutually complementary: Mrs Pack's report on the Bologna Process and Mrs Badia i Cutchet's report on improving the quality of teacher education.
I voted in favour of the motions for a resolution on the outcome of the Copenhagen conference on climate change, albeit with some confusion.
This is why the Presidency will do whatever it can to have this common position adopted at the Council meeting on 15 December, so that Parliament can adopt it in its part-session next January.
With the settlement of the fisheries dispute, Croatia has once more affirmed its readiness for EU membership, and the Croatian Government is also strengthening its efforts to combat corruption.
author. - Mr President, this afternoon I would firstly like to welcome the positive sign of relations between the EU and Belarus.
'the military and civilian crisis management units must be placed under the High Representative's authority, while the command and organisational structure may have to differ from that for civilian personnel; the sharing of the intelligence analysis of players within the EEAS is of vital importance in order to assist the High Representative in fulfilling his/her mandate of conducting a coherent, consistent and efficient external Union policy.'
Is it possible to shed light on the political will of Member States to fulfil their obligations?
There too, unfortunately, the ruling authorities have responded through the prism of repression and violence.
Today I ask for us to send that dove to the farthest corner of the world, so that it may return carrying the will to change of all the nations of the world.
It is to be welcomed that President Rahmon has created the post of an ombudsman.
However, we need to monitor the power of the supermarkets and to look at whether they are passing on the price increases they are charging to the producers of food.
Consideration has repeatedly been given to cutting this, but so far, we have always managed to ensure that it has not been cut in the budget.
Within the confines of Question Time, it is not possible to spell out their contents to you, but I do want to attempt to highlight the key points.
The key to a successful revolution in Belarus is Russia, which has always been an ally of the regime.
Thirdly, when it comes to energy in Europe, the one and same message must be given.
There are, however, other cost groups where it would seem to be difficult, or even impossible, to achieve a 2% margin of error.
I must point out that we had a Social Democratic Government in my own country, and five million people were unemployed when it left office.
Did I read 'partners'?
I am, therefore, going to allow only six Members to speak.
The whole world - Europe and the rest of the world - can follow their lead.
(FR) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, this report is vital to the future of the European project, which should involve solidarity and ambitious aims, particularly in view of the budgetary crises that Member States are currently struggling with.
At a time of financial crisis, simple financial instruments that are able to fund business, especially in underdeveloped regions or the above-mentioned social groups, are of particular value.
Let us wait and see tomorrow which way the majority in Parliament wishes to go.
I am pleased, therefore, that amendments have now been tabled by the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats and also by the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, which I expect to steer us onto a realistic course tomorrow.
I agree with Mr Díaz de Mera García Consuegra in relation to the decisive contribution that immigration liaison officers posted to third countries could, by virtue of their remits, make to Frontex achieving its objectives, especially considering that the agency has no representation outside the European Union.
Entire sectors of industry are going under, such as the shipbuilding industry in Poland.
The Afghan Government is not capable of acting as the sole manager of opium crops.
Supervision of the financial institutions within the EU is not a task for the EU at the present time.
In the Fifth Framework Programme, the Commission gave financial support to studies and projects in the field of women and science.
The worst of it is that the EU does not follow what is happening in climate research right now.
Appointing a European Union Special Representative for North Korea would allow us to monitor the human rights situation more closely in this country and ensure better coordination of the responses from Member States to this issue.
The situation is the same in this case, if not even more clear, which is why I am obliged to vote against the motion.
What is needed, then, is to ensure effective implementation both of the 27 conventions for countries to benefit from the generalised system of preferences (GSP), and of the accompanying measures designed to improve implementation capacity.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Madam President, I should like to request that the voting sequence be changed and that Compromise Amendment 10 be put to the vote after we have voted on a number of other identical requests by various Groups that were due to be voted on after Amendment 10.
This means intervention, cultural events, and also speeches from diplomats.
I read in the newspapers that the Council of Europe has made criticisms.
Despite opposition from the European Commission, the report defends the distribution, free of charge and on a daily basis, of fresh fruit in schools to improve the quality of health and life of children, particularly children from more disadvantaged backgrounds.
I also call on the Commission to desist from referring Member States to the Court, as Mrs Gebhardt said, but rather to encourage dialogue on the best possible protection.
There were also some contrary opinions among us - this is quite legitimate and these voices should be heard.
I am sure that Mrs Malmström will be a wonderful representative.
I believe there is a case for presenting it, because it seems to me that the rapporteur has recycled the argument cited last time by Mrs Wallis, who concluded that my parliamentary immunity should be lifted, something that the Court of Justice condemned in very clear terms.
We are at a crossroads in the definition of what the future reform of the common agricultural policy must be.
However this committee will be a normal comitology committee chaired by the Commission and subject to the same rules; only qualified majority against the Commission's draft can then prevent the Commission from adopting it.
At the moment, we need to ensure that the demonstrators' calls for democratic reforms are heard as part of a genuine political dialogue.
The African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the International Organisation of French-Speaking Countries, the Interparliamentary Union, the European Union, speaking via the Commission, the United States, and a large number of countries, including my own and Norway - to speak of countries from the European continent - have condemned the coup d'état - for that is what it is - which has taken place in Madagascar.
We wanted balance, not by having less budget discipline but by combining it with disciplined investment.
I congratulate France which, during its Presidency, took the important initiatives we are discussing today.
She did not use the word 'only' but she might easily have done.
The Commission has invested heavily in the development of common indicators for data collection.
The country is headed by two lawyers, President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin, who have repeatedly expressed their intention of combating legal nihilism.
The development of the EU's comprehensive approach and its combined military and civilian crisis management capabilities have been distinctive features of the common security and defence policy (CSDP), and represent its core added value.
That would be an irony that our children, our grandchildren and great-grandchildren would not forgive us, in my view, for allowing to come to pass.
Thus, I think the answer to this question is fairly clear.
Second, the effort needed to draw up financial statements for such an enterprise is out of all proportion to the resulting benefit for either the enterprise itself or the state.
The defects of the Stability and Growth Pact, in both its substance and its enforcement, have been obvious for some time; it is right that efforts are now underway to ensure a lasting settlement that works.
That is the condition sine qua non for the political secularisation that is provided for in the Taif Agreements and that a growing majority of the Lebanese people want to happen.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (SL) I must reiterate that I am here in this place as the representative of the Council and the Council has not addressed the question raised by Mr Leichtfried.
(DE) Mr President, firstly I should like to offer my hearty thanks to Mrs Doris Pack for her report and, most of all, for her commitment.
This has a cost, of course, but the cost of doing nothing would obviously be much higher.
This will protect European manufacturing from counterfeit products imported from labour-intensive countries in the East.
I conclude: the glib expression 'to cost the earth' which we - English-language speakers anyway - use figuratively with gay abandon now needs to be taken literally.
We have a shortage of employers - not a shortage of employees, but of employers, who can provide people with work.
The creation of the EEAS will require a variety of decisions, probably including changes to the Financial Regulation and the Staff Regulations, both of which require a Commission proposal and adoption through codecision.
in writing. - This report is part of a package of three reports with which the Parliament has answered to the broad Commission communication on the Single Market Act (SMA) containing 50 legislative and non-legislative proposals and divided in three different chapters, one focusing on Citizens, one on Business and one on Governance.
The Europe 2020 strategy is not just inspirational, a list of objectives, it is not just a vision - it is a reform programme.
There is an early warning system throughout the European Union for contaminated food.
That concludes the explanations of vote.
The European Union must confirm that it remains a stronghold of democracy and common values.
The establishment of European standards in services is a way to dismantle barriers in services in the internal market and to do so sensitively.
Of course nobody does.
(Applause)
'- ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, with special regard to the freedom of speech and of assembly and the right to demonstrate peacefully, and to listen to and take into account the legitimate demands of protesters as well as to ensure their security;'
Updating this legislation enables us to guarantee equal treatment for men and women, with particular attention focused on the issue of social protection, especially protection for self-employed women.
It is necessary to allocate funds to rural development under cohesion policy, because the second pillar of common agricultural policy is moving its activity to greening, 'ecologicalisation', environmental matters, agricultural development and processing.
(BG) This topic is particularly important for me, as five of the six Bulgarian regions are in the top 10 poorest regions in the European Union.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (FR) Madam President, Commissioner Frattini, Mr President-in-Office of the Council, ladies and gentlemen, the question of immigration is a political issue of special significance because it often involves human drama.
In this context, the EU is too small to be an isolated island.
What is important for the budget for 'other sections' is to assess each institution individually.
Therefore, I believe the most important question now is: how and what could we further build on the achievements of the Swedish Presidency?
Mr President, in recognising Kosovo's independence, we have taken a huge responsibility upon ourselves; a responsibility for maintaining peace and for the construction of sound state institutions in Kosovo.
However, I have some comments to make.
I would point out that the language arrangements of this enhanced cooperation will consist of just three languages: English, French and German.
In this way, we will provide a bit more transparency for statistics at European level and therefore make the euro area that bit more competitive.
I will say this again: the decision is very important, because we realise the resolution is needed quickly, but we need a resolution which has strong support, and these matters are of great importance.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Mr President, the Commission welcomes the agreement reached in first reading on the last of our four proposals on the alignment of existing legislative acts in the new comitology procedure with scrutiny.
in writing. - (FR) In line with the vote in the Committee on Legal Affairs, I believe that the Commission has exceeded its brief here and that the European Union does not need to issue new instructions to the Member States.
It would be like applying small sticking plasters to a gaping wound, which will just become larger and larger with the present transport policy.
That will require flexibility and creative pragmatism from both this House and from the Council.
The Council is not in agreement, and we shall have to come up with something.
It is necessary to combat inflation, but on the other hand this is making the situation worse.
Every closed loophole in trade, every obstacle, certificates of origin and control will be another success.
If we really do want to make progress towards this target of cutting red tape in Europe by 25% by 2012 - and that, of course, is no longer very far away - we need to make major progress in this area.
It is a result that my group can endorse, as we only ever wanted guidelines from the outset.
Another very important issue I wish to raise is that I think we should monitor the beneficiaries of this programme.
No justification is required for air traffic security.
- (PL) Mr President, the most important event of 2007 in the area of freedom, security and justice was clearly the enlargement of the Schengen area.
There is a pressing need for industrial fishing in the Baltic Sea to be stopped.
This industry represents a growing global market in which Europe should take the lead and achieve its independence.
It is a prime example of the success of the Lisbon Strategy, which has strengthened Spain's economy and been the motor of unprecedented convergence to the extent that it stands at 105%, ahead of the Community average.
I have a feeling that the Empire is striking back.
The Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament is proposing a financial transaction tax (FTT), the proceeds of which would go to the EU budget.
This is a sorry state of affairs in a country whose development is so important to us, but relations between Europe and Russia should not, under any circumstances, stop at development in a strictly economic sense and economic modernisation.
Migration will not go away: it is driven by the heady cocktail of despair and hope, it follows the law of supply and demand, but it has the capacity, if properly managed, to enrich and energise Europe.
The forthcoming conference can be assured that Parliament takes this issue very seriously.
This will introduce substantial Europeanisation into the important field of measurement.
These companies give their identities and they give their addresses.
We want the truth, we want the whole truth, and if the Commission opened the debate - it was my colleague, Franco Frattini, who opened the debate at the hearing - it is precisely because we want to get to the bottom of the truth.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I would like to thank you for the overwhelming support for this important proposal.
If that is the case, my group requests that we delay the vote on the Krahmer report until tomorrow, so that we can investigate the implications of the application of the recast procedure to that vote.
There are around seven Jewish festive days which cannot be observed because they are working days.
The Structural Funds and Cohesion Fund appropriations under heading 1b have been substantially strengthened, as the unpaid commitments under the funds - the RALs - are alarmingly high, at more than EUR 95 billion.
3.
The GUE/NGL Group will therefore vote for the proposed directive.
In order to achieve tangible results it is important to step up European cooperation in combating unfair online advertising practices, and the most vulnerable groups of people such as children, adolescents, the elderly and so on need special protection.
in writing. - (FR) I voted in favour of the legislative resolution approving, subject to amendments, the proposal for a Council regulation amending the regulation of 2003 as regards jurisdiction and introducing rules concerning applicable law in matrimonial matters, and this on the basis of the report by Mrs Gebhardt.
I am not explaining myself properly.
Finally, I hope and expect Turkey to sign as soon as possible the anticipated readmission agreement with the European Union, without any delay and without imposing additional conditions.
After all, only when it is time for the health check is it time to discuss a potential change to the existing regulations and structures.
Prime Minister, to end, I must say that we here in the European Parliament very much appreciate and thank you for your words, but we need allies in the governments of the Member States.
The crisis has highlighted, unfortunately, that many of the European Union's countries are vulnerable to energy blackmail and may end up suffering as a result of the misunderstandings, more of a political than an economic nature, between the countries from the former Soviet Union.
It is henceforth the Commission that represents the Union in foreign affairs, not the European Council.
We have fought for 10 years to have this treaty, and the Council did not want to wait 10 days to enforce the new provisions relating to the appointment of the two posts.
There has been much talk about facilitating the lives of our citizens.
Iran is a key country in the Middle East.
Is he absent?
The fact that the Hungarian Presidency is also setting its priorities in a similar spirit, and is placing emphasis on the strengthening of an EU that is close to its citizens, is welcome.
Some particularly tough challenges are therefore facing us as far as programming, the introduction of new solutions and implementation of the 10th EDF are concerned.
Concrete work must begin in order to establish partnerships with key actors with regard to regulatory approaches in all matters of common interest.
(SK) Madam President, the transformation of Turkey into a genuine pluralistic democracy based on the protection of human rights and basic freedoms appears to be a continuing challenge.
As proof, look at the number of mathematical formulas that exist for this purpose: the South Korean formula, the European formula, and of course the Swiss formula.
I believe that when we take a good look at how successful the ERASMUS programme has been, whereby university students in Europe can study in different countries, make friends in other parts of Europe, and discuss it afterwards among their friends and contacts, it is clear that it makes an essential contribution to mutual understanding in Europe.
At the same time, I am following with great attention the repeated efforts of the Commission and certain other parties, for whom the proposed target seems, on the contrary, rather unambitious, to reopen the debate on this topic and to try and change this regulation in order to set more stringent targets.
(RO) Given that on 3 February Hungary and Romania were appointed Priority Area Coordinators for environmental protection in the Danube region, specifically for restoring and maintaining water quality, I would like to ask you when these coordinators are going to implement this priority action, because this will enable us to guarantee the quality of drinking water.
Now the time has come to remove the two greatest hindrances in Europe, which the Irish have in fact already discredited.
I broadly agree with the measures proposed in this report, as I believe that this issue is one of the major challenges that Europe will have to overcome in the coming decades: the ageing population.
in writing. - (IT) The Braghetto report contains much for us to think about as regards the implementation of the bluefin tuna recovery plan.
(DE) Madam President, Mr Oettinger, in the bank stress tests, as we know, the leeway given was so generous that almost all the institutions investigated were able to come out of the tests relatively well.
The proposals for economic governance represent an attempt to entrench cutbacks and wage cuts.
This is truly alarming.
For there is one thing that must be clear to us, which is that for the 16th time in succession the European Court of Auditors has not given a positive statement.
There are several questions at least which should be put to the European Commission in the context of the communication on raw materials.
Although I essentially agree with the report, I reject its approach, which is why I am voting against it.
The next forum will take place in February 2011 in Budapest, where the Commission intends to present its communication on a new EU sports agenda to sports stakeholders.
Nevertheless, I believe that the European Union cannot be indifferent to its development or ignore what is happening on its borders.
The aim must be to protect the environment as much as possible from the unremitting expansion of aviation and to promote safety in the best possible way.
This is not merely a matter of dealers' responsibility; no, it is primarily about the responsibility of producers.
On the other hand, it is easy not to make any mistakes when one does little or nothing.
I am very happy to see that while we did not manage to achieve progress in 2008 and 2009, we now made a breakthrough during the Hungarian Presidency in that the Council is prepared to monitor processes, and inasmuch as it is able, will participate in this activity - we will see to what extent, negotiations are still to follow.
The issue of Roma inclusion is a genuinely European problem, which is why the European Union must go to the very root of the discrimination suffered by the Roma community by combating stereotypes, in order to ensure equal access to employment, housing, healthcare and education.
I hope that the victory of pro-European forces in Macedonia will help the Council towards a decision on the commencement of negotiations with that country, which is already a candidate and has spent a long time in the waiting room.
I think that this is going to be a successful Presidency for three reasons: one, you have prepared extremely well; two - and we heard it in your speech today - you are extremely humble; and three, you are very businesslike.
I do not agree with some amendments which, in my opinion, are not going in the opposite direction, even if, overall, they are consistent to a certain degree with the intended design of the agreed text.
If we just look at the Congo, we can see what MONUC troops can get up to.
I voted in favour of the Agreement on Air Transport between the European Union and the United States.
Hence, for this service to function properly and achieve the objectives for which it was created, it must be given a budget that is sufficient to provide the human and material resources necessary for it to perform its activities well.
In the light of this situation, which is much worse than the situation in the Western Balkans, I want to know when the international community and the European Commission is going to demand an international tribunal to investigate and judge the killing of tens or hundreds of thousands of people in Iraq.
Analysis of this data will certainly help to ensure that best use is made of the investments.
Ladies and gentlemen, I voted for the Wojciechowski report on the protection of animals at the time of killing.
Mr President-in-Office of the Council, you have said this is a contribution to peace.
I believe the role of education is especially important ...
We are convinced that Europe is faced not only with an economic crunch and recession but also with an environmental crisis.
For 60 years parents, children and relatives lived completely separated from each other so that they could not meet for decades.
The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) was set up to provide additional assistance to workers made redundant as a consequence of significant changes in the structure of international trade.
(NL) Mr President, by introducing emissions trading into aviation, Europe shows ambition, the ambition to tackle CO2 emissions and combat climate change.
Russia's political technology is one of the strongest in the world and that state has demonstrated that it is prepared to sacrifice enormous resources in order to achieve its political goals.
However, without peace and security it is not possible to engage effectively in longer-term development.
In the majority of cases, the purpose of the legislative proposals is to invite the Member States to ratify the conventions or to implement them within the Community.
What can we do at EU level?
Policy coherence for development is one of the priorities of this plan, which is currently being discussed in the Council.
If you do not act on those - and I know that some in the Ecofin do not agree with this approach - then we will be setting fire to the economic basis of the eurozone and that is very dangerous.
Firstly, the very appropriate measures to improve the natural environment and combat climate change require additional financial resources.
The Commission has already completed a good part of the job. Naturally, however, they, too, still have much to do.
Clearly the attractiveness of the European Area of Higher Education will be greater, the better and more evenly spread the quality of education in the different Member States.
in writing. - The ECR Group strongly believes that in the 21st century, it is simply abominable that slavery still exists on our Continent, and believes that people-trafficking will only be combated if all nations work together at the highest levels to prevent it.
I read in the action plan that the Commission will create an instrument in 2011 to evaluate national asylum systems, so that it can provide better assistance to the Member States in terms of each one's capabilities and needs.
An open debate on weblogs should be encouraged.
I think that Solvency II, regulation and CRAs are all very relevant and very important, but we need to build a fire station as well as douse the flames.
The cost of condoms is another issue that needs to be addressed.
The EU has a duty to present an ambitious European budget which can assist economic recovery.
We hope that in Bonn we will build on the solutions proposed in Portugal.
However, my motion calling on the Commission to present proposals for combating the abuse of the asylum system throughout Europe was successful.
Madam President, we have to look to the future.
The dramatic situation in the Middle East, and the resolution of the problems there, is connected to this, directly or indirectly.
Finally, the Commission endorses the views expressed about the need for health and social policies to work closely together.
So I will try and address the concerns.
We on this side of the House want to await the report before we jump to conclusions, but it appears that our colleagues on the Socialist side think that this is already a great thing and that, because we do not support it, we are some anti-consumer.
Excessively long payment periods and, indeed, late payments, are a threat to healthy company management, they affect competitiveness and profitability and could ultimately jeopardise the company's continued existence.
I for my part am going to remain committed to my values, and even to the values that you at times defend.
This is a very serious charge, Minister, and comes from one of the banking world's own leading members.
The cooperation agreement between OLAF, Eurojust and Europol is of huge importance.
However, I fear it is more likely that there will be further problems within the Council, problems with the responsibility of the Council and of the individual Member States: that the quotas envisaged will not be accepted there.
That is your right, but for my part, I will say again that I am sad to see our sovereignty being crushed.
There is of course a third factor, which is the intelligent driver.
The only way of actually implementing the EU's waste legislation is not to dump mercury for permanent disposal in liquid form.
To put it simply, we want these networks everywhere, but we do not have the resources, whether we negotiate with the Council to get more funds for the Trans-European Networks or with the countries themselves.
There is no doubt, then, about the importance of the objectives set out in the agreement.
I agree with you, but I fear, like everybody else, that governments, when they start cutting budgets in times of austerity, start with the obvious: culture - as we have seen already in certain cases - education and health.
(The sitting was opened at 9 a.m.)
However, I think that, apart from denouncing the criminal act itself, we must also question why it happened.
However, I do take your point that the IMO as an organisation is moving very slowly and that the Commission needs to get involved to push for quicker solutions.
We equally want to pay tribute to the work of Naeem Sabir Jamaldini, the coordinator of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, who was murdered on 1 March.
It acknowledges that all countries in the Union are facing growing challenges in relation to policies covered by this heading, and urges the Member States to make use of the increase in funding for freedom, security and justice relative to the 2009 budget so that they can together face these and any new challenges that may arise by promoting a common immigration policy that is as inclusive as possible but grounded in absolute respect for human rights.
One further point is also very important to me.
The issue was raised of transparency of beneficiaries as well.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, clear legal regulations for political parties in Europe are an important factor in shaping European society, developing European political debate and helping make the European elections truly European, with European campaigns and arguments rather than the national campaigns and arguments mainly encountered at present.
Finally, I would like to stress the fact that the integration of refugees is one of the keys to the success of this enterprise.
The citizens can now be sure that seal products will no longer be available on the market.
We need a common external policy in the energy sector.
The approved reduction in tariffs for Latin American banana exports is likely to have an adverse economic and social impact on the group of African, Caribbean and Pacific countries whose producers do not have the same technical facilities as their competitors.
Through today's resolution Parliament grants the Secretary-General of the European Economic and Social Committee discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) budget for the financial year 2009.
I will give you an example of how wrong things can go when the various users of the sea are governed by different authorities and different laws.
We will not give up on this piece of legislation, which we worked for for so long, both within and outside the Union.
Markets are nervous, reacting immediately, excessively and negatively to every signal.
What is at stake here is the European Union's credibility in supporting citizens affected by economic instability.
We cannot stop the technological development of what is now an alternative to liquid fuels, and perhaps the only one.
(NL) Madam President, the Hungarian Presidency has got off to an unfavourable start.
That is the case, amongst other places, in Egypt.
This means that the ESMA will have real powers, and we owe this largely to Parliament's efforts.
I very much welcome the fact that multilateral contacts with the Mediterranean region and, in particular, with the southern and eastern Mediterranean countries (SEMC) will be improved and strengthened.
These figures highlight the need for support, especially when we are talking about young or elderly people.
To the Commission and the Council I would say: move forward together in the direction of a more positive response to the need for harmonisation, a response which, as we have all been saying, will enable us to make optimal and more effective use of the digital dividend.
At the end of the day, this will perhaps be the decisive argument that Mr Busuttil referred to, in other words, the key to unblocking the situation with regard to the fixed positions that we see the Council taking.
I voted against making an exception for the Monday of Orthodox Easter when we make no provision for not meeting on 14 July.
I should like to express my deep sympathy with European fishers, whose salaries have been directly affected by an increase in oil prices, which has seriously exacerbated the economic fragility linked to the irregular nature of activity in this sector.
Sustainability has become a vital part of our growth model.
This situation is plunging them into further difficulties, and they are unable to meet their obligations.
9.
But racism cannot be tolerated no matter where it raises its ugly head, and I believe we all have to stand up and say that this is completely unacceptable and that it cannot happen no matter where it takes place.
It is set at the same level for a large country as for a small region and a large region.
The entire enlargement process is in keeping with the strengthening of NATO and the NATO occupation of the Western Balkans, with the secession of Kosovo and with the destabilisation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the European Union's contesting the borders and stability in the area, with coercion against the people of Serbia, with new frictions and oppositions in the Balkans.
Finally, in association with all tourism players at all levels, we must promote sustainable and high-quality tourism which is competitive, environmentally-friendly, responsible, and above all accessible to everyone.
While celebrating the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, it is crucial that this House take stock of the long way we still have to go to ensure gender equality across the Union and to mainstream it into all sectors and areas.
This is unacceptable, which is why I welcome the adoption of this text by the European Parliament, despite the incomprehensible vote against by the right.
Geographically, Ukraine is situated in a very important location, which is also important for gas supply to the EU.
I would like to thank the rapporteur, Mrs Batzeli, for the report she has submitted.
This means that the economic crisis is inevitably turning into an employment and social crisis.
All over the world, 31 reactors are under construction and others are in the planning phase.
You no doubt know that as from 1 January 2009 the rules implementing the so-called single European airspace will introduce common requests to all Member States for flight plans, so in this context we shall harmonise the rules on the flight plans of all aircraft whether they pass through or enter European airspace.
I hope this Parliament will be involved in that debate, not just watching on the sidelines, and we look forward to seeing how we can be involved.
You mentioned Schengen and, yes, we want the Schengen border extended.
Nevertheless, the measures aimed at combating tax evasion need to start somewhere.
The second area I would like to highlight is that of guaranteeing the rights of children who are not cared for by their parents.
We are all familiar, of course, with ambitious aims that are not achieved in the end.
However, implementing and adopting the many excellent proposals found in the various reports and in the Act itself is a difficult task.
We must respect both.
I therefore support Mr Borrell's statement that the funds and resources we have available should be directed to re-educating these young people, amongst other purposes. If these youngsters become set in their present ways, the only future they can look forward to is a life in gangs, committing rape and murder.
However, of course, information sharing also raises concerns about the protection of personal data.
Europe must show its support with appropriate compensatory measures.
Although I very much welcome the Commission's proposal and appreciate the demanding nature of this work, I am disappointed by the fact that this document has totally omitted the remaining countries, without even giving them a timetable of any kind.
However, agriculture is also an important economic activity in rural areas, with great potential for growth, since European production is a long way from guaranteeing our needs.
I therefore ask the Commission to take this resolution seriously and to act as quickly as possible.
What divided us most was how to make sure that the banks do not charge horrendous penalties for early repayments.
(LT) I would like to say a few words about the document, about China.
The resolution adopted today highlights the fact that the establishment of a common register ensures the widest participation of the various categories of operators while respecting their differences and specific identities.
It is important for us to emphasise that spreading the principles of democracy will also mean greater security of energy supply.
We will succeed by means of the Stockholm Programme, which is a five year work programme.
This House is frustrated about the issue of liquids, and this is being said by someone who advised the Spanish MEPs not to vote for the rejection, because making concessions, in the fight against terrorism, on the usefulness of a measure seemed to us to be taking things too far.
The wording concerning the issue of the climate has also been made clearer, even if there still remains a great deal to do in this regard.
I visited these refugee camps only a few days ago.
This is because of the wildly ambiguous attitude and the double standards of the Heads of State or Government.
It is a great moment which shows to citizens that MEPs are taking them seriously.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, you are going to be disappointed.
As regards the long-standing problem of Siberian overflight fees, the EU will continue to press for signature of the existing agreement.
Thank you Mr President and thank you first and foremost members of the European Parliament for the constructive and interesting discussion.
Request for the waiver of parliamentary immunity: see Minutes
Yet a good society and a good economy need a strong sense of values.
I can assure you that, under the Swedish Presidency and using the voice of the European Commission, the EU's voice is being heard.
This is another argument in favour of the European Union having an efficient and uniform system for monitoring facilities for compliance with environmental requirements.
In practice, things look rather different in this regard, too.
I am thinking of the area of 'objectively justified' differences in treatment.
The directive also provides for European reference centres, which will facilitate the pooling of expertise and its dissemination across Europe.
Law and order must be restored so that those hundreds of thousands of people who have fled their homes and even left the country can now feel safe to go home again.
The main outcome of the mid-term review is the legislative proposal which the Commission has just submitted to Parliament and the Council for amendment of the EIB mandate for the remainder of the current financial perspective.
They represent a backdoor reinstatement of the first version of the Bolkenstein Directive, where the law of the country of origin (social law, labour law, salaries and so on) applied to workers going to provide a service in another Member State, regardless of the legislation or collective agreements in force in the latter.
Some Member States were sceptical, but they did agree on the conclusion that the Milestone 1 test was successful.
A new report on the long-term stability of public finances in the European Union will be issued by the Commission in autumn 2009.
If there is one area in which our fellow citizens can see the practical and tangible effects of Europe's achievements and determination, it is the Cohesion Fund.
I would not wish to end this speech without stressing the very good cooperation between Parliament and the Commission.
As to the other topic to be discussed at the Summit, namely climate change, I am glad that the French Presidency understands, and I hope that it will take into account, the difficulties some states will have with quickly doing away with the use of coal for power generation.
Do we have an underlying plan?
These are grounds for sober pride and greater self-confidence, but not self-satisfaction.
A recent survey shows how the Turks really see the EU.
It has been clear for some time that tougher penalties are needed for both manufacturers and importers, to ensure that they take their responsibilities to consumers seriously; in this case to defenceless children.
Payments to staff are obviously public documents.
I will leave it at that one question.
In view of the massive proportions these could lead to, the EU's Frontex programme cannot be the best tool to deal with such levels of migration.
Europe has a unique experience of the mechanisms and process of post-conflict recovery and reconciliation.
Thank you.
Here, too, the tone of the debate is as if the money which goes to Brussels is disappearing into a black hole.
Europe must be more competitive and able to face up to the challenges of globalisation without, however, refraining from being inclusive and aiming for development that is sustainable and which guarantees social integration.
Parliament has done its duty.
It is a different treaty from the Constitutional Treaty but offers some similar or even identical solutions.
I doubt that the EU is motivated properly on this, so each of our own countries needs to put its house in order.
This is why I want, if I may, to emphasise three points.
As you know, our transatlantic relations are based on values that we have shared for a long time, such as universal human rights and the right to a fair trial.
Mr President, the short-term measures I have just described will, of course, have to be considered by the Foreign Affairs Council on 31 January, but it is not too early to reflect on some longer-term aspects of our relations with Belarus.
By making these changes, we hope that the projects of the second phase of FP7 will end in success.
We must develop and promote preventive measures against Alzheimer's disease or, in other words, a healthy lifestyle, which means staying physically and mentally active, being involved in the community and eating a healthy diet.
The interim agreement obliges the Treasury Department to delete data within five years of receipt - a period which is in keeping with the retention period in EU legislation on terrorist financing.
This is the future of the European army: an army, therefore, certainly not at war with the United States, but keeping a respectful distance; an army without Turkey, because until we have evidence to the contrary, Turkey is part of Asia, and in the Mediterranean is unfortunately in conflict with a European country; and an army allied with and closely linked to Russia and Belarus.
Sadly I have the impression that all these proposals are considerably restricting sugar beet growing in order to carve out a place for cane sugar.
I invite the European Commission to come up with solutions and even with examples of good practice in the Member States.
They refer to the tools with which to create a new generation of working environment in customs and trade. I refer to the establishment of a paperless environment, which is so necessary mainly to relieve our officials, who are reeling from the demands of unnecessary administrative paper documentation.
We do not yet have a European internal market; we have national markets and we have monopolies or small groups exerting control over national markets.
I hope that the president who has been thrown out of office will be sensible enough not to spread new discord and will make a genuine attempt to live a peaceful life in exile, which will give the Kyrgyz population the chance to build a democratic state.
Relations between the European Union and Latin America could be the key to cooperation between two major world regions.
We are already deeply involved there and we cannot just go along with the decisions of our major allies, surprising us as they do with some of their strategic decisions.
This Convention, adopted in June 2007 by the 96th session of the International Labour Conference, is aimed at establishing minimum international working standards for the fishing sector and promoting decent living and working conditions for fishers.
It should be noted that the Court of Auditors identified a surplus of EUR 57 600 000 in the budget outturn account, which represents 38% of the accrued revenue, and part of that surplus was carried over to the 2009 financial year.
However, we are also aware, and this needs to be clearly stated here, that the social partners are conducting a dialogue.
What are the real chances for people to enter the labour market?
Then we would have a deletion, but it would continue as follows: 'calls in particular on the Russian authorities to adopt preventive protective measures as regards human rights defenders, such as starting an investigation as soon as threats faced by them are known by the prosecutor and the judicial system;'.
I hope that these issues will be resolved in the near future so that they do not cause interruptions or delays in the negotiations.
So this is not an easy problem to solve.
I agree with what Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner said today: we need to build consistency between the European Union's internal and external policies.
In addition, major doubts must once again be raised over the cultural background of the country itself, which is closely tied to Islamic traditions - a long way from Europe's Catholic Christian roots.
Should some of these people really be assigned to living in poverty?
So citizens should be bold and fully exploit this great new experiment in post-national democracy.
Please remove these placards now.
in writing. - Unfortunately the rights of consumers purchasing industrial or food products are better protected than those of users of transport, medical care or education services.
Medicinal products purchased over the Internet from sites that conceal their actual physical address are estimated to be falsified in more than 50 % of cases.
It is also important to emphasise that we need to remain realistic.
We do not just have a currency crisis; we have a banking crisis and we have a sovereign debt crisis.
I plan to convene a meeting of Heads of States or Government on 19 November in order to nominate the President of the European Council, the High Representative and the Secretary-General of the Council.
(SV) Madam President, I would like to thank Mr Dess for his excellent work.
Without any doubt, Slovakia today is a perfect example of how to treat national minorities.
Texts of agreements forwarded by the Council: see Minutes
This report would send out an important political signal were it to be adopted as presented.
We therefore need to make it clear that the interests of jobs in industry in Europe must take priority in the trade agreements.
The Treaty of Lisbon is also a major step towards increasing the involvement of national representative democracies in the European process.
Achieving the goals set out in them will require money and political will.
I am rather concerned that the climate negotiations could suffer the same fate as the Doha negotiations, which are constantly being postponed year after year.
According to reports from Amnesty International and the UNHCR, people are sent back to their countries of origin without any form of investigation.
Joint - whom do I have in mind?
This is where citizens, through their activities, participate in the democratic process, and volunteering facilitates this important process.
Madam President, I voted against this measure.
The creation of a tighter monitoring system and more effective punishments for the owners of animals who do not respect the welfare requirements established by law is essential, but as such measures incur higher costs for farmers, we are in favour of the compensation grants that are included in this plan and are included in the grants scheme of the new common agricultural policy from 2013.
A proper diet is necessarily a key factor in our health, and there are still too many doubts being raised about genetically modified organisms by part of the scientific community.
Systematic cooperation leads to a better exchange of information and hence an improvement in the level of service offered to our citizens in all sectors.
Macedonia can learn from more than a century of linguistic conflict in another bilingual state, Belgium, that delaying this inevitable outcome just leads to unnecessary tension.
The Executive Board of the European Central Bank requires a new member.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (DE) Mr President, Madam President-in-Office of the Council, Commissioner Verheugen, ladies and gentlemen, first of all I would like to say a huge and sincere thank you to our rapporteur from the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats, Mrs Thyssen.
During his election campaign, Mr Obama had already underlined that closing this notorious prison would be a priority.
There are, however, clear indications that overfishing does play a part.
Similarly, Canada wants the right to tax shipping through an ice-free Northwest Passage.
The Court of Auditors acknowledged the progress we have made.
This recommendation relates to a draft Council decision on the establishment of an agreement between the EU and the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on supplementary rules in relation to the External Borders Fund for the period 2007-2013.
That will help us make life easier both for ourselves and for the refugees.
How can the Commissioner raise awareness - I am about to finish - among her fellow Commissioners and the entities which deal with European monetary policy in terms of rebalancing ...
It will greatly enhance Europe's capability in this area.
In cooperation with the Council - the fourth directive, about which we are talking, and which has been amended several times - Parliament has repeatedly tried to implement this.
Consequently, the right directives are needed because all European countries must have the same levels of protection against discrimination.
Vice-President of the Commission. - President, honourable Members, let me first thank the Chair of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs Sharon Bowles, rapporteurs Corien Wortmann-Kool, Elisa Ferreira, Vicky Ford, Sylvie Goulard, Diogo Feio and Carl Haglund, as well as the shadow rapporteurs who all played a major part in the negotiations.
However, we oppose the minor references to the Treaty of Lisbon.
That is why the banks no longer trust each other, because no one has securities for which they take responsibility through risk.
(DE) Mr President, my question relates to the compiled text, in other words, the consolidated version.
Employment is of course important, but so are education, social security systems and a regional policy which devotes attention to neglected areas.
The Government did not respond adequately when this was uncovered.
Added to this, the sums in question are basically symbolic.
The fact that Iran denies access to its nuclear facilities to the inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency constitutes a real safety risk, not only for states in its immediate vicinity, but also for the EU.
Madam President, in the case of Maria Lourdes Afiuni in Venezuela, is the issue one of combating corruption, which is the official version, or of persecuting a political opponent, which is the New York Times version reported by its correspondent, Simon Romero?
These subjects are, without doubt, very important, but I would like to remind you of another acute Chinese problem - Tibet.
In the absence of Community legislation, in many cities achieving the goals set out in the thematic strategy on the urban environment seems a very long way off.
Mrs Jensen's report adds a new dimension to that list: the organisation of aviation on the ground.
Indeed, it does not deal with the issue of rights or the issue of the posting of workers.
Moving onto the issues in this report, we know that human health is affected by animal health: 60% of human infections originate from animals and a vast number of the emerging diseases originate in animals.
I endorsed the report, because I think that today it is essential for there to be close cooperation between the United States and the European Union in practically all areas: politics, defence, the economy, energy, the environment, culture, science etc.
Competition policy is a key instrument enabling the EU to have a dynamic, efficient and innovative internal market, which is globally competitive.
We must therefore get an answer from the Commission to our questions arising from the 'Red Card to Forced Prostitution' campaign.
I feel that in the future the European Union and its Member States will have to consistently support the principle of territorial integrity for all states and actively discourage separatist tendencies.
This means that we, the 27 Member States, must act together.
For this reason, it is no surprise that we are interested in such matters and devote so much attention to them.
What is the Council's position on this new information and these trials, and what explanations can it furnish?
(Parliament approved the motion)
The road to this point has also been bumpy and full of obstacles, but as we stand here today it is in recognition of the fact that we can no longer allow matters simply to take their course.
We appealed to Kenyan leaders to try and answer the doubts about the regularity of the elections, but first of all to establish a dialogue and find a political solution.
Fortunately, we are not starting from scratch.
This is something we can discuss, but I can tell you that from my point of view, from my consultations, they now believe that they should commit to reaching that goal first.
Introducing minimum wages will prevent the poorest countries from competing.
Discipline is vitally important and central bank independence is vitally important, I agree.
They need to implement full disclosure of interest in planning decisions, which, at the moment, just provide income for officials.
Anyone who promotes human rights and democracy in China runs the risk of being declared a criminal and a separatist.
We agree.
An awareness of the massive potential for improvement that new technologies can offer us, both in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, necessarily involves abandoning the ways we worked in the past.
This is the meaning of the joint declaration that Germany and France decided to make in Deauville before the meeting of the G20 and the European Council.
in writing. - I have voted in favour of Amendments 30, 34, 65, 103, 109 and 114 because although I fully support the UN International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, I believe that regulation of access to labour markets, social security schemes and public housing are matters to be regulated by the Member States which should not be regulated at Community level.
It would be very important to know which countries are blocking it, while allowing themselves to make huge profits from people's blood and tears.
In fact, at the present time women outnumber men at university and also obtain better results.
How do we get Europe out of the crisis in which it finds itself?
I believe it is there, in this dual balance, that we have to seek the right solutions.
That is what happens when you treat with the forces of terrorism.
I understand what you are saying.
(HU) Mr President, the debate currently going on also reflects the fact that the major reform currently being implemented in the history of the European Union and European Parliament is of such significance that we will presumably not be able to complete the task based on a single report.
All measures taken have to bear this in mind.
Following on from the agreement on financial supervision, the European Parliament and the Belgian Presidency have shown that they are serious about reforming the financial system.
The ambitions of China and India will probably push this even further if we do not ultimately make a U-turn.
The Commission welcomes the recent cessation of hostilities in Gaza.
Why not do so within the context of the Union for the Mediterranean?
However, without legislative initiative on the part of the Commission, which also acknowledges the role played by minimum income, we are afraid that Member States cannot deliver on our promise to reject poverty.
Mr Pannella and I must leave our work tomorrow and hasten to Italy to try and create forms of non-violent resistance against this new form of denial of democracy.
I am not sure whether Mrs Merkel spontaneously chose the socialists in her government.
Look in i2010, look in the programmes for research, etc.
The European Parliament should make a point of including this in the proposed reform of the common fisheries policy in 2011, which I will be urgently promoting.
Against the backdrop of the current economic crisis, whose impact is especially being felt by citizens from those countries less developed economically, the recommendation made by the European Parliament for a minimum income scheme to be introduced in all Member States provides an obvious solution.
In closing I would like to thank all the shadow rapporteurs from the other groups for their extremely pleasant and constructive cooperation on this report.
I include the Chancellor of Germany among them.
(The President cut off the speaker)
If our discussions today are not followed up by concrete actions based on what we have heard here today, I fear that the declarations made by us will fall on deaf ears, mere good intentions with no real impact on misery and poverty throughout the world and in Europe.
The EIT can play an enormous role in ensuring that European innovation is once again renowned throughout the world and that European industry and researchers are a force to be reckoned with.
We will also table resolutions on Burma/Myanmar and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
There are something like 300 different types of soil.
It is the only democracy in the Middle East, surrounded by a sea of dictatorial regimes.
Better education guarantees a decent standard of living for the younger generation, thus improving the social and economic cohesion of the European Union .
Furthermore, it is of paramount importance that the European executive tables before Parliament as soon as possible proposals for setting up a European civil protection force, based on the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
I personally hope nevertheless that Belarus, if it does not reunite with Russia as some within the Kremlin would like, will one day enter its rightful place amongst the European family of free nations.
Many miners work in the pits for their entire lives.
Moreover, 19 million children are affected by poverty.
rapporteur. - (ES) Mr President, I wish to add the following to Article 2e.
Your letter needs to state: 'We agree with virtually everything the Commissioner said'.
In its statement of 4 March this year, the Presidency assessed Cuba's signing of the two pacts as positive.
(PL) Madam President, it so happens that only Poles are speaking at the moment, but we do have experience of the involvement of Poland and Polish soldiers in restoring security in Iraq.
As an evangelical Christian, it has become apparent to me, particularly over recent years, that the expression of Christian beliefs is largely deemed unacceptable in a society that wants us sanitised of any strongly held belief and where we must all believe the same or believe nothing.
I therefore believe that we should vote through this postponement today.
The debate on how to make this more evident by means of the labelling system is useful and welcome, and the report contributes certain elements and certain ideas along these lines.
A new generation has brought novelty to Egypt, but social media skills are not enough.
That is what I wished to say to you.
I agree that we need to review what the EU does, what tools we have available to us, whether we have enough, whether we need to think again about what we are able to do.
These concerns are partly environmental, but they are also at least as much political, and this pipeline can only be constructed if we find satisfactory solutions and satisfactory answers to all of these concerns.
I think that it is even one of the victims of this phenomenon because drought and floods are affecting us all in Europe with ever-increasing regularity, but their impact is felt primarily by farmers.
Resolute action against the machinery of propaganda is therefore the first small step in a bid to curb the spread of terrorism among the autonomous Islamic subcultures that exist throughout Europe.
EC-Bosnia Herzegovina Stabilisation and Association Agreement - EC-Bosnia Herzegovina Stabilisation and Association Agreement (debate)
This is the message conveyed by the common statement made by the European Parliament and the Pan-African Parliament, and I hope this message will be heard.
(HU) Madam President, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to speak, both as the rapporteur for the 2010 Employment Guidelines and as the coordinator of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats).
The European Parliament should vote in favour of this nomination in order for it to come into effect.
In response to Mrs McGuinness, I think that this is an extremely important element, if we wish to develop a strategy for European security and presence on foreign soil.
Is that correct?
in writing. - (DA) Anne E. Jensen and Niels Busk have voted in favour of Mrs McGuinness's own-initiative report on the common agricultural policy and global food security, as the majority of the report is excellent and it is only possible to vote either in favour or against.
Unfortunately, a number of amendments requiring biometric data to be included in passports were adopted.
During the communist dictatorship, the people of southeast Europe living on the borders of Yugoslavia were free to travel, despite the communist dictatorship.
How can it be a problem to involve the European Parliament in a constructive dialogue on the future financial framework and the next long-term budget?
It is difficult to disagree, and of course I accept all legal restrictions as regards MEPs, but it is difficult for me to agree with a situation where, on being sentenced to a fine in a case brought by the public prosecution service for a deliberate crime, or for being charged with such a crime, a person automatically loses their mandate to the European Parliament.
We improved the proposal in the Committee on Transport and Tourism.
As a result, wherever they are in the EU, European citizens should benefit from more efficient and cheaper communication services, whether they are using mobile phones, broadband connections to the Internet or cable television.
The Commission must haul the Serbian and Macedonian ambassadors over the carpet and demand that they take action.
The potential for biogas recovered from natural materials such as annual manure has still not been fully exploited.
The preconditions must be created for the country to be able to join the European Union, whereby it goes without saying that only the whole country can join the European Union.
How do they intend to prevent the illegal proposals from Tanzania and Zambia from being placed on the agenda in the very first place?
I must admit that I find this quite difficult to accept.
The Commission rejects the following:
But I hope we are all clear what we are talking about when we talk about flexibility, because we must not confuse flexibility with actually doing something.
However, I am afraid the recent vote has left a bitter taste in my mouth.
Part Two
The second thing we have to realise, despite all the different political views in this Parliament, is that global cooperation - not just in banking institutions, but global cooperation in other areas, in fiscal and monetary policy and in trade - has to be a very important part of how we approach the future.
I congratulate the rapporteur, Mr Moreira, for having highlighted the need to carry out periodic reviews of the list of pharmaceutical and chemical products that enter the European Union duty-free.
It seems that there is full agreement as regards another great challenge and issue, namely the capture and storage of carbon dioxide.
Most stressed that they need a different kind of support from the European Union.
The bulk of the estimated reserves of minerals, oil and gas are either on the sovereign territory of the Arctic states or in their exclusive economic zones, and some of them have far-reaching plans for further exploration activities.
I would like to stress again: terrorist attacks are not directed against airlines, they are directed against states.
They do not accept euro-scepticism, the fear of Europe.
We all have a responsibility here, all three institutions, and we must act quickly.
You know the key elements of what we have been doing.
Therefore, we Greens have already called for an extension of ten years to ensure the true sustainability of the investments and to create permanent jobs in the regions.
We are strongly engaged in continuing and in providing economic alternatives to opium poppy production.
in writing. - (LT) I abstained from the vote on this document, although the Committee responsible decided to approve the closure of the accounts of the European Railway Agency for the financial year 2009.
It is vital that the European Union stands united on this and that the Member States cease pursuing any bilateral initiatives with Lukashenko and his regime.
I voted in favour of the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement.
It is clear that the security situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated in the last three years.
Let us continue to keep the pressure on the Burmese leadership and force them to allow the international aid agencies to carry out their work.
in writing. - We have often asked ourselves whether it is worth dedicating a year to a particular topic.
That Nobel Prize became a catalyst of change.
Why is this?
Both the European Union and the Member States should provide a better model for society.
As for Syria, I am not a party to the talks that the Commission has been holding with Syria, but I have often spoken with the Syrian authorities: the fact is that they already have perhaps 2 million more inhabitants.
What will the modernisation of the Community Customs Code bring?
(ET) The objective of the Schengen area is freedom of movement.
In the European Union climate change is a priority issue.
But the printer companies found a way around that.
The agreement allows me to benefit from the expertise of the EDPS by consulting him in cases where the text of the Data Protection Regulation and existing case-law leave room for divergent views.
A new season of debate has begun, one that will see workers' and employers' representatives sitting together round a table in meetings organised by the European Commission, to promote economic growth and the greater good of all EU citizens.
Climate change is challenging our views on transport, land use, waste management, building work and energy use.
Given that the 27 Member States of the European Union are also members of the World Bank, we cannot claim to be without any influence on its policy.
More effective respect for fundamental rights; better access to the courts; more determined action against organised crime, human trafficking and terrorism; effective management of migration - these are all areas where the Stockholm Programme should set out a series of concrete steps forward.
The reasons are obvious, and they must be spelled out.
Furthermore, closer relations will only really be achieved by reducing the restrictions on border traffic, with student and pupil exchange programmes, and by facilitating the movement of researchers, investigators, artists, entrepreneurs and journalists.
After all, a coordinated policy is required in related areas, such as gender-specific prevention strategies, including in the countries these women and girls come from, and also awareness-raising measures and an evaluation of their effectiveness.
Oral questions and written declarations (submission): see Minutes
This would allow us to get a much clearer idea of our policy perspectives on top of the Commission's annual work programmes.
I know that this is a project which is close to the Commissioner's heart.
In 2008, the Commission adopted two other initiatives.
The arrangements for political dialogue and practical cooperation with Tajikistan must be improved so as to better reflect the shared challenges faced by the region.
The Commission's proposal on the establishment of the MEDIA Mundus programme was an excellent one.
This is the second layer of implementing the results of the consumer markets scoreboard and I believe that in the future, this one will remain as one of the strongest instruments to make our diagnosis on how the retail market is functioning, especially in this case, which is of such an important and basic interest and also very much related to services.
Monday: Mrs Roure has withdrawn her request for a brief presentation of her report on minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers and refugees in the Member States.
For instance, we still need to move forward in eastern European countries to end state-owned domination of electricity production and to liberalise it, as we did in the distribution sector.
To me, the answer is no, for what have we noticed?
The compromise that has finally been reached in the European Parliament represents a climbdown from the maximalist proposals that were made on the elimination of active substances, particularly from the negative implications that these proposals would have had with regard to insecticides and pesticides.
However, it is clear that, as with all significant amendments to the Treaty, a few preparatory acts are necessary for the Lisbon Treaty to enter into force.
While promoting economic competitiveness and creating jobs, the particularly important role played by SMEs must not be overlooked.
We have been at this same level since the early 1980s, and in the meantime we have not only been left behind by Japan but we are being overtaken by the Chinese, whose R&D expenditure in the economic sector is now greater than that of companies in the European Union.
A word also on the Treaty of Lisbon, which many of you mentioned: we need this Treaty more than ever, ratified by all Member States.
SOLVIT can provide an important and key addition in this respect.
12.3 million people are still victims of slavery, and more than 200 million children are forced to work.
In other words, we must restart the machine and ensure that that machine pollutes less.
For the mechanisms proposed in this new regulation to function correctly and effectively it is vital to have close cooperation between customs authorities and selected national authorities.
According to the view of the Council, this proposal is one of the most important measures in the area of transport.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the emergency situation is teaching the European policy on asylum and immigration a serious lesson It is again evident that the EU does not have a legislative and operational framework that enables it to cope with extraordinary but not unforeseeable events, such as the events of recent months in North Africa.
However, it will do so for the first time under new principles, and will, for the first time, carry out its work in connection with the new institutions provided for by the Treaty of Lisbon.
Some children are fortunate enough to receive this care from secondary care-givers like fathers, grandparents, other relatives, close neighbours - people who are committed to them and part of their life on an ongoing basis.
Consumers will be able to use labels to make informed choices about buying products, also based on ethical considerations, such as health, considerations of environmental impact, human rights, and the pay and conditions of workers employed in the manufacturing of textile products.
In agriculture alone, we have 2 726 tariff lines.
Concerning the funds, I did not understand the question.
Extending the scope to cover holiday clubs and other similar products is a great step forward in protecting the consumer from what had previously been an easy target for the unscrupulous tout.
The policies currently being implemented are aimed not only at cleaning up the regional capital but, above all, at organising an integrated waste system involving separate collection, a reduction in the waste produced, the construction of modern facilities and the restoration of former landfill sites.
in writing. - (FR) I am pleased that the European Parliament approved the amendments to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Seychelles for the period 2005-2011.
Last week, more than 800 people, mostly Somalis and Eritreans, arrived in Malta in just twenty-four hours.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I would like to give you some short explanations concerning your remarks.
This support was confirmed by the vote in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs in November last year.
Ukraine is not insignificant, it has 42 million inhabitants.
I endorse them on behalf of the PPE-DE Group: we all support the compromises.
Later, I will explain the details in order to answer Mr Higgins's supplementary question, but I must make it clear that we have launched an information campaign designed not only to promote the CE mark, but also to ensure that the products are more guaranteed, by checking for counterfeit goods.
It would be embarrassing if certain EU Member States were to lag behind Kosovo and Serbia in this respect.
Once the Treaty of Lisbon came into force in December 2009, the European Investment Bank became an instrument for supporting the European Union's external policies, while also acting as an important partner for driving the Union's economy.
The scientific world is divided on the subject.
(FR) Mr President, President-in-Office of the Council, this is such a serious matter that one must rise above the dreadful arguments that I have just heard in this House, because when we talk about the media we are talking about the health of a democracy.
The next item is the one-minute speeches on matters of political importance.
They may be a good starting point, but they need to be further developed. The points to be further developed are: a stronger focus on prevention of unsustainable fiscal and macroeconomic policies; the need for national reform programmes and stability and convergence programmes to be duly dealt with at national level before submission to EU-level surveillance; a stronger and more independent role for the Commission in the surveillance procedure; more independence for the Commission in relation to the Council concerning compliance with EU rules; the need for the decision-making procedure based on reversed qualified majority voting in the Council to be introduced in both the preventive and the corrective parts of the framework; enhanced transparency and accountability, in order to strengthen peer support and peer pressure; a more independent role for the Commission in the decision-making procedure but also greater accountability on the part of the Commission; and lastly, the need for Parliament to have a stronger role in the surveillance process, but not an executive role.
Through lower energy consumption, we are less dependent on imports of oil and gas and their varying prices.
There is no mention of protecting the Arctic using targets and standards.
To prevent future crises, the EU now needs to promote real changes in regulation and supervision, giving shape to a more healthy and robust financial environment.
The need for an EU strategy for the South Caucasus (
One final word, to avoid any misunderstandings.
I mean everybody's opinions, including yours, of course.
Supporting the countries of this region in their journey should be at the heart of Europe's policy, alongside economic and trade assistance.
We live in a country which, thanks to Saint-King Stephen, was created as a tolerant, welcoming, multi-ethnic Christian community, has more than a thousand years of statehood, and has testified to its profound sense of freedom through revolutions.
We have all undertaken to apply the 'polluter pays' principle, but this also means that those who bring the costs into being must also pay the price.

Just a word to conclude: it only remains for me to hope that the appointed President, whose human qualities and political skill are well known, manages as quickly as possible to give fresh impetus to a Europe that sorely needs it.
The first condition that occurs to me is that we need to try to ensure that the mechanism is managed by the Commission as far as possible.
These measures, together with the directive, will complete the legal basis which is indispensable in providing clarity, certainty and stability to the market.
The latter is precisely what makes this country rich and what could be its contribution to the European Union.
I would have expected our fellow Member to have been firmer in terms of both the value of words and the defence of democratic principles.
Europe has over 50 million disabled citizens, and it is therefore imperative that we make every measure to improve their well-being.
As a result, ongoing changes in many sectors are required, and we are today concerned with changes in the operation of railways, and in particular with the safety of their operation.
Consequently, I am asking the Commission to put forward a solution that gives the industry sufficient time to bring itself into conformity with the regulation's requirements, without having a disproportionate impact.
But this is no time for complacency.
We all agree they need all the help they can get: nicotine replacement therapies etc.
Such a blatant waste of EU money must stop.
Mrs Ojuland is right that we are being listened to, and that it is not only we who are listening to each other, but that there is also someone else who is listening to us.
(PL) Madam President, I would like to ask whether a small correction could be made to the Amendment I tabled.
In our view, this is the wrong approach.
Mr President, Mr Leinen has covered everything else I wanted to say, so I shall focus mainly on the question of tuna.
If a vehicle transporting dangerous goods is involved in such an accident, the consequences are, of course, all the more serious.
In my own home city of Cork, local authorities and businesses are striving towards the creation of sustainable energy policies.
Maybe we should think quite carefully about what happens in the Arctic.
Perhaps I can briefly explain why the socialist MEPs are very pleased today.
That is why an US anti-missile system in Poland or the Czech Republic is a crucial matter of concern for the whole of Europe and all its Member States.

The second element on which our Heads of State or Government will focus tomorrow and the day after, is the future permanent crisis management mechanism.
This amendment to the Agreement on air transport between the European Union and the United States represents an excellent opportunity to develop the potential of a market that accounts for 60% of world air traffic.
I would like to highlight the fact that European States have taken the initiative in these operations and were the first to intervene within the framework of the UN mandate, which itself was the initiative of several European States.
(PL) Mr President, Serbia is a European country that has made considerable progress towards integration into the European Union over the last few years.
Let me make two points.
We should, however, remember that there are still places in Chile which have not been reached by aid, because of the damage sustained to roads and bridges.
In the week preceding the climate change summit in Cancún, the European Parliament has adopted a resolution on the summit objectives.
The real question must be: do we intend to adopt solidarity measures at European level by safeguarding the euro area and the euro and will we eventually decide to adopt policies that serve fundamental economic, rather than just monetary, cohesion.
There are no specific recommendations and definite deadlines for implementation.
He has a good relationship with David Cameron.
Since Mr Andersson and Parliament accepted my proposal not to tear up the Posting of Workers Directive until national investigations had clarified that this really was necessary, I considered that I could nonetheless vote in favour of the report.
We call on the Member States to ratify this convention so that we can be more consistent and effective in dealing with this issue that affects us all.
The exclusion of the greater part of society from the possibility of benefiting from European Schools is contrary to the objective of increasing the mobility of European citizens in our labour market.
There are important lessons to be drawn, which I will be taking up with all concerned in the time ahead.
Because of the crimes against humanity, which slavery and colonialism represent, the European Union and France, in particular, now owe a moral, political and economic debt to Haiti.
And, unfortunately, the final figure is considered to be larger still.
We should seek to work with China and to tackle those issues, particularly when dealing with unsavoury governments.
The more doubtful regulators, banks, Mrs Berès - and even the European Central Bank - will have become reconciled that this is a beneficial, user-friendly service which holds no risks to the European economy.
(The President cut off the speaker)
Separate collections are made in Italy and the rest of Europe.
At a time of demographic collapse, this is not only squandering the development opportunities of individual children, but also poses a social threat for the next generation.
However, we must recognise that this matter leaves a slightly bitter taste in the mouth.
The Agreement foresees joint inspections, investigations, exchange of safety data, increased cooperation and consultations at a technical level.
The third thing is mobility of workers.
These principles are also reflected in the European Union guidelines for EU policy towards third countries on torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
As the honourable Member points out, increasing transparency in the work of the European Union is an important priority for Sweden as a Member State and as the holder of the Presidency.
Culture is an important element in the sustainable development of European regions and therefore the development plans for all regions must include a cultural dimension.
There have also been several hundreds of thousands of deaths.
It is crucial to follow up on the recommendations on natural disaster prevention recently adopted here.
This led to such desperate steps as the actions of Israeli operatives who simply kidnapped Eichmann from South America so that he could be brought to court.
I address these words to the Nigerian authorities, but also to all those who consider themselves to be lords of another person's life and death.
in writing. - (RO) I voted in favor of this resolution hoping that it will have a concrete impact on the situation in Georgia and on its decision to firmly continue the democratic reform, as well as on the process to consolidate EU actions in this country and, in general, in the Eastern neighbourhood.
I also know that the education must be narrowly focused on the specific requirements of a range of different groups of citizens in order to be really effective.
The animal feed chain is not somewhere to dispose of waste, and industrial waste products have no place in animal feed.
Since then, nothing has happened, apart from promises and high-sounding words.
What I feel is very much lacking, however, and was not adopted from my amendments, is the financial recognition of apiculture's effect of creating common good.
Both under the standard and the reverse charge regimes, should the recipient be a final consumer, he will not be able to deduct VAT and will bear it entirely.
I would like to thank Mr Feio for his excellent work in drafting this complex report.
(Applause)
However, financing should be provided from the Community budget and should not penalise small and medium-scale producers by adopting, for example, minimum aid limits.
The decline in the cultivation of protein rich crops and the replacement of domestic production by cheap imports on a massive scale may ultimately have a negative impact in the form of loss of know-how regarding actual cultivation techniques.
Tying education, innovation and research into a coherent supportive policy is a vital part of a functioning knowledge economy.
The first item is the report by Mrs Hieronymi, on behalf of the Committee on Culture and Education, on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing an audiovisual cooperation programme with professionals from third countries MEDIA Mundus - C6-0011/2009 -.
Parliament defended a strong position during the negotiations with the Council and obtained the best possible outcome for Europe's citizens.
Three years of debate have shown that there is no more room for manoeuvre and it is obvious that at second reading no further improvements will be made.
The Titanic was built to be an unsinkable ship.
This report is a little note of explanation, not an action plan.
I welcome the adoption of this report on health and veterinary inspection problems upon importation of bovine, ovine and caprine animals and swine and fresh meat or meat products from third countries.
In this current crisis we all know that, if we had made progress in the Economic Union as quickly as we have in the Monetary Union, we would be even better off today.
One of the objectives of the European Union is to expand the use of hydrogen in transportation in the near future and there should be dramatic growth by 2020.
In order to make our strategy successful, we need to see the extent to which the structural and cohesion funds have been utilised, and whether and in which circumstances they contributed to the social integration of the Roma.
I emphasise that it is a reform.
Madam President, I have no problem at all in seeking to answer that usual nonsense from the far right of this Parliament.
This policy urgently needs serious change and correction, not only in order to make it fairer, but also if it is to be more effective, for the benefit of everyone.
At the same time, we have to say that the time is ripe - after the Lisbon Treaty has been ratified - for an era in which we can put the new Europe, this new structure that the Lisbon Treaty creates, into action.
The debate is closed.
A majority rejected these solutions and wishes to stay in Bosnia.
(SK) Commissioner, thank you for your competent reply and congratulations to the Italian authorities for their appropriate action.
The adoption of a new ambitious and balanced common position by the Union is crucial if the latter is to defend its position.
Will these funds potentially be project bonds for purposes outside the Union, or will they simply be the project bonds for transport and other things that the Commissioner has mentioned?
A move away from nuclear energy or the imposition of unrealistic requirements for this section of our energy system will not eliminate a single problem.
Life expectancy in the 'old' Member States is on average 10 years higher than in the new Member States.
I have nevertheless seen fit to back some amendments modifying the initial draft, particularly those relating to 2011 as the date for the scheme's entry into force.
However, there are motives which arouse a certain concern, linked to the danger of the Moldovans' enthusiasm waning.
in writing. - I voted for this report, which proposes a range of improvements to the transparency of the CAP.
Do you not think that it is time to pay attention to social sustainability?
I think we all have the same view on this.
We are independent to deliver price stability to 330 million fellow citizens.
Also, on 11 March 1990, the Congress of Estonia, a democratic, provisional parliament, adopted a declaration of reestablishment of the state after 50 years of Soviet occupation.
The next item is the report by Mrs Kauppi, on behalf of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, on the tax treatment of losses in cross-border situations.
The establishment of the International Climate Protection Fund for the poorer countries has gone extremely badly.
Vice-President of the Commission. - (DE) Mr President, President-in-Office of the Council, ladies and gentlemen, in December 2006 the Commission proposed fully integrating the partners in the European Neighbourhood Policy into the implementation of certain policies and into a series of Community programmes.
on behalf of the EFD Group. - Madam President, in the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs on 22 November last year, the rapporteur said that pensions were exclusively a competence of the Member State.
One important change in relation to the present situation is the plan to finance Europol from the Community budget and give the staff the status of EU official.
For us, it is important to draw the right line between what is right and what is abuse and to proceed in such a way as to show, and to prove, that for us the right ends where and when the abuse starts.
The Member States are required to ban any obstacle to their incorporation and business and to safeguard their right to a fee for their 'services', in other words, the ransom for their slave trade.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (SV) Madam President, there is general agreement in the EU that we need to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in order to stem climate change, but this must not lead to a bureaucratic society without freedom and dynamism.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the financial crisis has made it clear that the financial market framework of the European Union must be revised.
I suggest that we start with the Commission and then proceed to the debate, and that Mrs Yade be given the floor in due course.
I would like to thank the rapporteur, Mrs Thomsen for a very far-reaching report.
The next step is to reduce by 70% the disproportion in mortality from cancer among Europeans being treated for these conditions.
10.
This action is immoral, perverted and bizarre, because it essentially constitutes a pre-election campaign.
Written explanations of vote
Lingering disputes have a negative effect on the business community and on end consumers on both shores of the Mediterranean.
We need a clear European external agenda in order for the EU to be able purposefully to promote a global policy based on multilateralism.
They help improve shared management, and that also means structural funds.
I do believe that sport should and can become part and parcel of the strategies for sustainable development of our regions, municipalities, cities and villages with the EU assistance.
Well, that time has come, because the mass movement has now hit the European Union.
As Mrs Ayala Sender has said, they help to minimise transport congestion.
Mr President, once more we have preened ourselves in this Parliament on our green credentials, and speakers have competed to push higher and higher the unrealistic targets for energy from only renewable sources and the targets for reductions of CO2 emissions - all in the belief that by our puny but costly efforts, we will save the planet.
The work of the relevant committees underlines the importance of taking account of these connections and, on that basis, analyses the possible actions.
Their disappointing response has been imbalanced and unjust.
Mr President, many in the House have today congratulated the Irish people on their good sense in rejecting the appeals of Nigel Farage and the UK Independence Party and voting overwhelmingly in favour of the Lisbon Treaty.
At present, thousands of Iraqis, Kurds, Afghans and Georgians are collecting in Turkey and trying to enter the European Union en masse.
Under the proposed mechanism, the EU would be able to issue debt to finance emergency loans to a euro area member in distress.
1.
A speedier introduction of the euro in these countries would reduce these costs and create stability.
It has already been established that Cancún will not produce a legally binding post-2012 framework.
With regard to the adoption of the employment guidelines, this year - dare I say it, as an exceptional measure - as part of a special partnership between the Commission and the European Parliament, and in a spirit of good cooperation with the Council, bearing in mind the somewhat revised timetable - the employment guidelines are normally published at the end of the previous year; this year, they were published in April and, even though they commit us to a long cycle for the years to come, we will have to deliberate them before the spring European Council - you kindly supported, on behalf of us all, the request we sent to President Van Rompuy calling for the European Council to grant the European Parliament the right to exercise its powers under the Treaty of Lisbon itself.
What matters now is implementation.
(NL) Like other speakers, I am terribly shocked that it has been possible for hundreds of thousands of litres of crude oil to gush into the sea for weeks on end without us managing to stop it.
Is it not very strange that we are trying to combat smoking and at the same time are funding tobacco production with European tax revenue?
President Sarkozy has been a musketeer for Europe in the best French tradition, and he has brought the musketeer motto up to date by saying that the world needs a strong Europe and that Europe is not strong if it is disunited.
Parliament is showing weakness rather than strength by resorting to such legal manoeuvres.
As you have said, Minister, all this means the possibility, particularly for the young generation in these Balkan countries, of participating much more in European life, of integrating into it, and we think that all of this can be extremely beneficial, both for these countries and for our Europe.
I am afraid that this will not be possible through this procedure.
My third point concerns climate change and energy targets.
As a result, around 230 000 people met a tragic death.
I cannot support this approach and believe that the Member States must be allowed to retain a right to refuse different preparations even if countries nearby have given them the green light.
in writing. - (EL) The report on the common immigration policy takes a positive view of the monopoly-friendly immigration policy of the EU and the European Parliament's contribution to it.
Communication with citizens during the ratification process - whatever method for ratification is chosen - as outlined by the European Council in June, is also vital.
The Commission is a very strong supporter of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
You are therefore going to give a one-off payment of EUR 1 000 to farmers who are now losing EUR 100 to 200 per day.
We need to practise the right sort of forest policy, forests in mountain ranges need to be protected, and forests with the right species of tree should be planted, so that their root systems can absorb water, ensuring that it does not drain away too quickly.
It is low carbon and it can provide a secure supply.
(ES) Madam President, in order to mitigate the social and energy impact and to ensure secure energy reserves, we have tabled three amendments in plenary with the following aims: firstly, for the overall volume of aid per year to diminish, but with no percentage limit or limit per business.
Ladies and gentlemen, I firmly believe that if we want to act in the interests of the citizens of the EU, we should invest in research, development and education in the field of nuclear energy.
I should like to congratulate him on a job well done.
You, or somebody, decided that the previous debate would be allowed to trespass on Question Time.
The science says that two degrees means rich countries must reduce their CO2 emissions by 40%.
However, such crises recur again and again.
The solution after the fire alarm activities are passed is more trade, more harmonization, functioning internal market with goods and even more with services.
I am really proud of the compromise adopted by a vast majority in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.
We have before us a climate protection programme which suggests that the Bali conference never happened, as if Europe had never positioned itself as a key pioneer to avert the dangers of climate change at global level.
Instead of calling a spade a spade, the report only 'stresses the importance of...', after the rejection of any concrete figures, benchmarks and deadlines.
Otherwise, patients' rights, as defined by the European judges, would be undermined.
(The President cut off the speaker)
As a Swede, I would like to take the opportunity to highlight the municipality of Södertälje, south of Stockholm.
We do have rural development, but often this does not benefit areas such as food production, but rather those such as the building of roads.
What is certain, and is also mentioned in the Commission communication, is that Europe does not lack in potential, whether human, technical, commercial or financial.
(PT) Madam President, on a subject which is vast by nature, I want to make just two brief points here.
The development of tourism must be sustainable; in other words, it must respect local communities and environmental protection.
We were told that in the last three years, and particularly since the introduction of a port state control scheme for the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission in May 2007, there has been a huge reduction in IUU fishing in the area.
Recycling is now 'the thing to do'.
I believe the EFSA should continue to guarantee scientific excellence and independence, meaning there is a need for measures relating to the declaration of interests by EFSA staff and experts working for the EFSA.
It needs to be demonstrated that this is the case, because this will help to ensure the added value I spoke of.
The Euratom Treaty must be revised.
To avoid such exploitation at national level, we have put forward the idea of defining an adequate pension at European Union level.
That is rare enough to be worthy of note.
I trust all the institutions will keep up the momentum.
We, Parliament, called for such coherence in the field of the environment and other policies in the recent report on biodiversity in the European Union; similarly, we must also mainstream biodiversity at international level.
The European Parliament also needs to keep this debate going with the Council and the Commission, so that they might raise the issue of this case and demand a fair trial.
(LT) First of all, I would like to thank those fellow Members who contributed to the drafting of this resolution, and I would also like to thank the Member of the Commission who gave us much hope and joy with his announcement today of the measures that the Commission intends to take.
Our group collaborated closely with the rapporteur, tabling these and other amendments, and I believe that on the whole we have achieved a report of which this Parliament can feel proud.
The Socialist Group is therefore asking the Commission to carry out an environmental impact assessment of the effects of scrapping the set-aside scheme.
It recognised that this is not an abstract economic debate, but a crisis that affects Europeans, their livelihoods and their well-being.
That is why I strongly reject the report.
I shall describe this to you.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, first let me tell you how impressed I was by the clear demonstration of solidarity and by the calls for responsibility from most of the speakers.
It is a strategic bridge that links Europe with the area of the Caspian Sea, Central Asia and the Middle East, as well as Southeast Asia and China.
The timing is particularly appropriate with a sharp increase being noticed in the number of political and humanitarian crises in the world, which gives rise to the need for the European Union to deploy its foreign policy instruments more effectively so as to ensure better use of its leverage in international organisations and to take the lead more effectively in resolving current and future international crises.
We are now at a time in the European Union when we can say 'back to work, Europe'; let us go back, let us work, let us operate.
That is why the European Parliament has wanted to reiterate how much increased investments in education and training are needed.
For this, we need comprehensive strategies, strong international organisations and the rule of law both within countries and between them.
(NL) First of all, I should, of course, like to thank the rapporteurs, Mr Grosch and Mrs Ţicău, for the work they have done and for the fact that they eventually managed to thrash out a compromise on the package, one that should not last for more than a few years at the most, as it is merely a transitional measure, in my view.
Above all, you mentioned everything you are hoping to do in terms of development, humanitarian action, the fact that justice must be done and that we must not sell the International Criminal Court short.
The emergence of new technology should also be used to ensure that it is easier for more people to use the internet, in more societies.
If the European Union regulates the income of airports, this should not be in order to safeguard the profits of these companies or to limit airlines' costs, and nor should it be in order to strengthen aviation by offering passengers the lowest possible fares.
We offer our help in doing this.
Withdrawing DCM from general circulation therefore seems to be the most sensible and responsible solution.
By doing that he is laying the foundations for an international mechanism to keep the peace and particularly for an international debate about the future status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and he is dissociating himself, and rightly so, from the recognition by Russia of the independence of these two separatist regions.
I certainly agree with the rapporteur as far as that goes.
I would also like to say that it is necessary for the Commission and this Parliament to consider the importance , in the last analysis, of making those countries from which these immigrants come - such as Libya in the case of Italy - pay.
So let us base our criticism on facts and not take unfair records against the Chinese.
That is why we must make a commitment and why I become so heated about this issue, which, I repeat, I consider to be a priority in the transport sector and a crucial aspect of my duties.
However, you will not achieve credibility if you negotiate everything behind closed doors and then try to console people by saying that it will not be so bad after all.
On the other hand, I am advocating a responsible approach in the area of work permits for legal migrants: we must think about it properly and we must choose qualified employees for the employment sectors most in need.
Such a change should involve Europe and the EU should be looking to strengthen the EU-US partnership, especially when addressing global challenges such as climate change and poverty.
Justice will not be done, however, and there will be no real fight against terrorism as long as innocent victims remain on that list, such as the People's Mujahidin of Iran, and whilst the world's foremost terrorist organisation - the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and all their satellite organisations in Iraq, Lebanon, the Gulf and throughout the world - continue to act with impunity, unchallenged because the European institutions are afraid to confront the terrorist beast.
Emigration must be a choice and not a necessity.
In future, international engagements should, in fact, be assessed for how sensible they are and their benefit to the EU.
Agricultural producers would never have been able to comply with complex health regulations, HACCP and traceability, and would therefore have been forced to purchase from real feed factories the foodstuffs that had been made on the farm for centuries.
Following this piece of legislation - if it goes through tomorrow - our consumers should be assured that nothing from the commercial hunt will be sold on Europe's market.
Commissioner, I still think you can do more for simplification.
However, they receive only the leftovers of the EU's agricultural subsidy pot.
What are the causes of the crisis?
We must all take steps to retain jobs in our home countries.
My request to the Commission is therefore as follows: of course, we must continue to assist Haiti, but, in particular, we also need to invest in the political infrastructure.
Thank you also to the rapporteur, in your Bavarian costume.
I declare resumed the session of the European Parliament adjourned on Thursday, 23 September 2010.
These organisations are particularly important for actively creating and developing modern technologies and ensuring economic development and modernisation, while, at the same time, creating new jobs.
In this respect, I would call for a new phase of targeted political and future-oriented work, notably through the creation of a European IGF involving the national parliaments and local authorities: a European forum implemented by 2009 and perhaps a world forum in Europe thanks to Lithuania's application for 2010.
I support the idea that better coordination, coherence and synergy between the Seventh Framework Programme and the Structural and Cohesion Funds may also improve the participation of currently under-represented Member States.
Moreover, we note that the parties to the GFCM are required to ensure full implementation of agreed measures from the date set by the GFCM.
EC/Ukraine agreement: short-stay visas (vote)
The Commission accepts this amendment.
My first point is the question of the European Union's special monitoring mechanism for textiles, which ended, as mentioned, on 31 December 2008.
Following the Laval judgment, we in Denmark are now implementing a change to the law, agreed with both sides of industry.
There are issues on which we have different positions, but I honestly believe that last week's summit in Nice confirmed that it is better to engage with Russia than try to isolate it.
The usual task of the European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters, as you said, is to facilitate this legal cooperation in Europe.
We are talking here of a generation which has not known a world without AIDS.
The report by the High Representative, Mr Solana, and the Commission on the security aspects of climate change realistically presents the situation and the risks facing the European Union.
We must also bear in mind, of course, that the rules have been formulated very broadly and that a great deal is left to the Member States' discretion.
Whether we want to or not, we still have to consider the real situation which brings us new challenges every day.
In relation to development policy, we have repeatedly pointed out that it makes no sense at all to maintain two complete systems running in parallel - one for the European Development Fund and one for development aid.
The Commission's recent proposals, especially the health check, also address disadvantaged areas like mountain areas.
In December 2008, it was agreed that the European Council would take the appropriate legal measures to ensure we have one Commissioner per country.
On 16 December, exactly 28 years ago, strikers were killed in the Wujek coal mine by the Polish communist police because they fought for solidarity; that is, for basic human rights, for dignity.
It is only the money of people who are now struggling to pay their mortgages and educate their children.
Member of the Commission. - Solar-thermal electricity was never excluded from the European Economic Recovery Plan.
I therefore believe that, on the contrary, we now need a real recovery plan like the one being introduced by the United States, which has put more than USD 780 million on the table, and coordination of the efforts made to support workers coping with the crisis.
I am very happy to see how far the reform has progressed.
Thirdly, let us remember that Moscow does not restrict itself to turning off the tap, as Georgia discovered.
Continuing with old programmes and designing new programmes has to be given in-depth scrutiny.
in writing. - (PT) In 2006 I fought hard for the establishment of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.
We were perhaps hoping to have achieved a result already in an unofficial trialogue.
If we are to establish a uniformly high level of protection throughout the EU, we must be able to introduce a number of elements quickly.
We must accept the difficulties that we are facing; the scientific evidence is now overwhelming.
We have to force China to accept its share of the responsibility for development policy, poverty reduction and sustainable growth.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (NL) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner Verheugen has reminded us of a number of very important elements in connection with today's topic: firstly, that trade between the United States and the European Union is worth USD 3 billion a day.
Do you agree that, in order to properly implement and make visible the adoption of corporate social responsibility, sanctions as well as incentives would be necessary?
(PL) Mr President, the European Union's approach to energy issues is full of inconsistencies.
However, this should not mean that the Member States thin down their health systems - something that the text also states.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I will try to respond to some of the questions raised.
When the dust settles, I hope colleagues will agree with me that a two-speed Europe is not the answer but the beginning of the end of our Union, the most successful democratic peace project of our time.
What we need, therefore, is for all the European political groups that are in power to work together.
The vote will take place on Wednesday, 20 October at 12:30.
The EU's position on world markets will, in future, be greatly influenced by the success of innovations and the speed of innovation cycles.
There really is no excuse not to stress-test the banking book.
However, like other types of insecure and atypical employment, temporary work has seen structural growth over the last few years, and this development was estimated at almost 60% over the last five years.
It is by eradicating the plague of unlawfulness that we can open up to what is acceptable and tolerable, including in numerical terms, in other words regular, clean and transparent immigration.
Finally, thirdly, within the EU budget, there should be a joint budget for joint action.
Labelling must be unambiguous and provide clear information to enable citizens to make their choice according to their own conceptions.
I said clearly that we, as the Presidency, will consult the European Parliament immediately after the elections.
Saturday's torch march against the Roma in Hungary is the latest evidence of this, and I would hereby like to call on the Hungarian Government to draw the conclusions from this.
in writing. - Guidelines were adopted as part of the renewed Lisbon Strategy in 2008 and shall remain valid until 2010.
I would also like to remind you that 2010 will be the European Year of the Fight against Poverty and Social Exclusion.
Moreover, as Mr Titley has already said, the existence of high administrative costs is obviously something that depends mainly on the Member States, and in my view not enough attention is being paid to these factors.
I hope that I will continue to have your support and understanding in the future.
Thank you.
There is very little evidence of this in practice, however.
In relation to the matter in hand, I can firmly state that my party and my government fully support the compromise proposed by our rapporteur, to which I made a substantial contribution.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (HU) Thank you, Mr President.
In the context of better implementation of environmental policy, would you be prepared to make the existing recommendation binding?
Therefore, I am calling for measures such as interventions or export subsidies not to be abolished altogether but to be included in the budget with a figure of zero.
This regulation on transitional technical measures resulted from the lack of agreement in 2008 on the draft regulation aimed at simplifying and clarifying Community rules on the conservation of fisheries resources.
He says that, as part of this package, the Commission should be tasked with screening budgets before they are approved by national parliaments.
Situation in Albania (debate)
Of course the European Parliament cannot wave a magic wand and bring this conflict to an end, but I assure you that it will put human rights at the heart of the review of Israel's status, which will be debated throughout this year.
The proposed text was positively received by the Council and the Commission.
Consequently, it will be quite right to focus precisely on these two countries in our common foreign policy.
I would like to familiarise you with an unprecedented case in Bulgaria, which demonstrates how the authorities restrict the opportunity of thousands of children to receive education and achieve something better in their life.
European agriculture is simply sacrificed, and will soon be handed over to market forces alone; a rigged market, too, for it has been left defenceless against imports and denied access to export markets.
We in Europe want to eat wholesome food, from our region: good, fresh milk, milk that I obviously drink.
What does this mean in specific terms?
I am aware of and appreciate the legislative efforts made by Montenegro in this area, but it is most important that they should gradually be given greater practical force.
All this undoubtedly is of concern to the international community.
In the short term, we can focus on minimising food waste, decreasing dependence on imports, reducing or stabilising demand, and establishing regulatory mechanisms on the market in order to prevent speculation.
Firstly, in the case of Europeana, we cannot allow a reduction in quality. This is something about which we should be careful during this project.
This is also a suitable instrument to bust the myths about lobbying which are circulating amongst the general public, whose common interest we, as members of the European Parliament, are promoting.
This could take some time.
We should of course focus our efforts on helping the most underdeveloped regions to catch up through Objective 1.
Why is it that, in a Parliament committed to openness and transparency, our own authorities keep secret embarrassing reports which reveal the fraudulent practices of Members?
Several have also been asking for an impact assessment on fundamental rights, an impact study on privacy and an impact study on the acquis communautaire.
For me, however, the issues of transparency and measurable results remain doubtful.
in writing. - (PT) I voted in favour of the report on discharge of the budget of the European Medicines Agency for the financial year 2009, since it contributes to scrutiny of how funds are used by the European institutions.
I can well imagine what consequences this would have for food quality as well.
(Applause)
If we care about consumers' concerns, then we should be transparent all the way and give them a real choice.
I look forward to hearing your answers.
Today, we voted on the motion for a resolution drafted by my Slovenian colleague Mr Peterle, of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats), on the fight against cancer.
We need to reduce amounts of waste in landfill and incineration.
Small farms in Europe need the support of the EU, so that they can continue to exist within the EU's wage structure.
We believe that the monitoring of the agreement is inadequate and that the agreement does not take due account of the environment in relation to the overfished stocks.
It can give an important fillip in terms of supporting the economic and social reforms required long term.
This is Orwellian Newspeak and it is unacceptable.
It has not been possible to rely on previous information concerning how much money is needed.
Therefore, in my capacity as Member of this Parliament, I voted in favour of this report.
We must therefore start contemplating a policy of broad climate change knowledge from above, in combination with a policy operated from below, in industry, in economic sectors, in agriculture, in our various territories, to allow each country to draw up its own project in line with the general project.
There is no objective analysis of what is required by the subsidiarity principle.
This is the way to convince people.
I think it's a bit upsetting to see so many countries running away from giving their people an opportunity'.
Hamas opposes a two-state solution, rejects the right of existence of the State of Israel, has taken power by means of a brutal coup against its own people, fires rockets at civilians, and uses civilians, schools and mosques as human shields.
Regarding the draft agreement between the European Union and the US on personal data protection in relation to the transfer and processing of data within the framework of police and judicial cooperation, we should ask one fundamental question: whether both sides have a balanced interest in the agreement.
To that end, for the plenary vote we have retabled a set of amendments to facilitate the procedure for products that are similar to foods or ingredients already existing on the market and where the authorisation procedure has already started under the old Regulation.
Even so, we will act properly, and we will accordingly approve the resolution, with all its drawbacks, and as for everything else, we have missed an opportunity, but rest assured that we will be there at the next meeting, because the debate on the perspectives is not over.
I had prepared a lot of other things to say, but I must point out that we have certainly not achieved all we can here.
There is no doubt to me that we have got to do two things.
This means breaking apart the private monopolies which exist in the nuclear industry, providing a massive injection of funding for renewables and localising energy production.
Finally, I would like to commend the willingness of our Commissioner, Mrs Reding, the technical cooperation between the Commission services, the Secretariat of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, and the legal and language experts from the two joint legislators who enabled us to produce a quality text.
But there is a limit to the reduction of the level of irregularity that can be achieved by improving the effectiveness of supervisory and control systems.
Croatia needs to focus, in particular, on the further reform of its judiciary and public administration, the fight against corruption and organised crime, respect for minority rights including refugee return, as well as war crimes trials and full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.
This is a major challenge which is connected with the increasing expectations of the public in this area, the ageing population in Europe and the constant advances in medicine and medical science generally.
I do not want to irritate you just now by reviewing this great and still relevant film in even more detail, but the uncontrolled access to all passenger information of all people worldwide for the purpose of profiling and nothing else has been going on in the USA at least since 11 September 2001.
(IT) Mr President, I would just like to say that today's episode clearly shows that the recasting agreement does not work and that it will affect our powers as a sovereign authority.
The information is intended to provide a basis for analysing the demand for drugs and ways of reducing it, as well as phenomena associated with the drug market in general.
There is a list, Commissioner, which you know of, which still needs to be answered and we need these questions to be answered, preferably in this debate.
So much is still to be done because the country has lived purely off oil.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the full extent of the instability sensed on the global financial markets is not yet clear.
So if the next cycle of the Lisbon Strategy is to succeed, we need to go further than merely diagnosing Europe's problems, we need to start treating them by applying a process of clear governance.
Lastly, the food crisis, which has recklessly been blamed on Spanish products, has led to unfair penalties and huge losses for those penalised by the Eurovignette: freight carriers and prime crop farmers.
To this end, we must go further than current emergencies dictate.
With less public money, more will have to be done; hence, public money, both European and national, will have to be used more efficiently.
What is this resolution about?
This is a bad signal for the recovery of growth and employment in Europe, in general, and for European citizens, in particular.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, representatives of the Commission, we welcome the impartial and independent investigation of, and the subsequent report on, the 2008 conflict in Georgia, conducted by the International Fact-Finding Mission headed by the Swiss diplomat, Heidi Tagliavini.
We need to change our agricultural policy, which must become more environmental in nature.
This refers to bakeries, butcheries, fruit and vegetables shops and, mainly, to market stands.
Nord Stream, Depal - it looks like all pipelines from Russia lead over the heads of central European countries.
I will give one example.
Written declarations included in the register (Rule 116): see Minutes
Moreover, exchanges of pupils and students would be facilitated by multilingual education.
It offers a strange contrast to the resolution which was adopted this morning on Christian minorities.
On the Senate, many of you were talking about tomorrow's vote.
For some reason that rule seems not to apply to Turkey.
I am, however, fully aware of the Presidency's difficult task of reaching a consensus within the Council, certainly now a number of Member States are using the financial crisis to weaken efforts in the areas of climate change and energy.
This includes examples where there has been very good cooperation at the local authority level with the Roma living in these settlements, and we also saw good examples where local politicians had made a real effort to resolve the situation to the benefit of the Roma.
To do this, we will have to adjust our relations with Russia following the crisis in the Caucasus.
If the relatives oppose the organ removal, then their view will be respected.
As further proof of their 'brainwashing' by pressure groups, they have also rejected Article 9, which simply refers to one of the reforms to the common agricultural policy already decided on, namely the end by 2010 of direct production-linked subsidies for tobacco growing.
My country, Lithuania, is a case in point.
On a more general note, it is in keeping with the principle of subsidiarity, in that it provides support to the Member States; it is in keeping with the principle of proportionality, because it applies to all the Member States; it promotes the objectives of cohesion policy, as set out in Article 158 of the EC Treaty, and it does not increase the Community budget for the period 2007-2013, but does speed up payments of advances and interim payments.
It would create incentives for higher and unjustified claims to be made.
The report advocates the adoption by the multinational enterprises of the best practice for editorial and journalistic freedom in each country where they operate.
Under this system, VAT invoicing rules will be simplified thanks to the increased harmonisation of European requirements and the widespread use of electronic invoicing.
in writing. - (SV) Explanation of vote concerning the proposal on population and housing censuses.
This makes it all the more important for us to promote innovation, which can counteract these problems by providing creative ideas and solutions.
This is the system most widely used among such systems available to the developed countries.
I am talking about information that all those who manage waste need to know.
I am especially worried about the Ashraf opposition camp, which has been under siege and under pressure since July 2009.
What would be the right course of action at a time like this?
I welcome the Action Plan for Energy Efficiency (and I supported it with my vote) for many of the reasons stated here.
Of course it is a major criminal threat, but so are drug smuggling, people trafficking and corruption.
Mr President, along with the approaching winter season, the threat of a new gas crisis is emerging from the east.
What has happened to these intentions?
Ultimately, the suspected oil and gas reserves to be found there could guarantee Europe's energy independence.
In fact, a report by the United States Department of Energy found that extending daylight saving time by four weeks saved enough electricity to power some 100 000 homes per annum. Similarly, a recent study by the University of Cambridge also suggests that increasing summer time would lead to a decrease in both energy consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions as, during the peak demand period from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day, many of the more expensive and carbon-emitting ancillary power stations are switched on.
The Caucasus is known to be an energy transit region in the same way as Russia, which is an important strategic partner and of major significance to us.
Moreover, it is true that, thanks to the Swedish Presidency, the roadmap was adopted by the Council on 30 November 2009.
Our interpretation of Article 290 is that this gives the Commission the opportunity to supplement or amend legislation.
The line between foolishness and crime in human action is often a grey one, and it seems to me that the EU is today giving us another example of that.
In June, Mrs Merkel demonstrated a combination of courage, responsibility and political will.
This report takes no cognisance of hazard or risk; it cannot identify between the two of them.
(The speaker agrees to answer the question of another Member, in accordance with Rule 149(8) of the Rules of Procedure)
Time does not permit me to read them all out, but the list will be forwarded to the honourable Member.
We will need to examine whether the 8% late payment interest rate is adequate; Parliament would have liked it to be 9%.
A sine qua non for the European Union in addressing all these issues is to ensure that the same standards of regulation, the same checks and balances, and the same stringent enforcement applies to products coming in from third countries as to our own producers within the European Union.
It involves other requirements, such as the labelling issue.
Sea piracy (debate)
Another important part of the report is certainly the fact that it speaks of the ethnic cleansing on South Ossetian territory in the Georgian villages.
I think that increasing the volume of lending by the amount which the report mentions is a very ambitious objective.
This will all be passed on to the competent authorities.
That is a major and most important step forward.
In order for such action to succeed, it is necessary, first and foremost, to adopt an integrated approach in the most varied of areas.
We talk about effectiveness in terms of the rapid alert systems, the close monitoring of the development of the pandemic and actual virus itself, as well as the assessment of the effectiveness of the preventive and curative measures adopted in the countries where the pandemic first occurred, which are all vital elements in preparing and adapting our own responses.
Although this report contains some good proposals, it cannot fulfil the specified aims.
I voted in support of this report despite some misgivings and concern with the overall thrust of the report.
The Commission has asked the parties involved to submit contributions on the topic of the Green Paper before 20 May 2011.
We must simplify and give responsibility to the Member States and then they must come here to face up to the consequences.
Mr President, Commissioner, I, too, believe that last week's tragic accident is the worst rail disaster to have hit Belgium since 2001, when I myself held the post of Minister for Mobility and Transport.
Let us help those who are looking to us today to give them a better life, a life that will restore to them their freedom, their security and, above all, their dignity.
Vocational education and training measures are absolutely essential for turning the European economy into a knowledge economy, in line with the Europe 2020 strategy objectives.
The liberalisation of sectors of strategic importance and the commercialisation of environmental protection promote the green economy as one of the larger investment outlets for monopolistic capital.
However, he takes such an interest in the problem of Lampedusa that he has already left the House - a House that ought to express its gratitude for the generous welcome accorded in recent years by the citizens of Lampedusa.
Well, just look at the present situation, reinforcing, as it does, this appeal from the European Parliament to the Commission and Council.
That can be quickly decided on Thursday afternoon.
We have twice held informal negotiations with the Council to come to an agreement.
I think the results of the elections have something to do with our behaviour and let us hope that we can have a government in Serbia that will look to the European perspective of Serbia.
We will be discussing the issues of combating climate change, finding ways to lead the EU out of the financial and economic crisis, promoting energy security and dealing with the problem of illegal migration.
Congratulations to everyone.
There are highly diverse views on this point.
(FR) Mr President, President of the Commission, the employment situation in Europe is very worrying, as my fellow Members have just pointed out.
However, as I understand it, the proposed sentencing tariff for reoffenders will, unfortunately, remain low.
Well done, ladies and gentlemen!
It is true that the disagreement that I referred to in my question may have been partially corrected; however, it is still the case that the Danish aviation authority does not permit SAS planes to take off before they have resolved the technical problems, while other aviation companies are actually using planes which have these technical problems.
The practices in question typically entail luring businesses, as well as professionals and non-profit entities, into being listed in a business directory free of charge, although signatories later discover that they have signed up to a contract with a fee.
The proposal does not specify the conditions for admitting third-country nationals.
This is an opportunity for us to lessen the environmental impact of the air transport industry and at the same time to reduce the noise nuisance for the more seriously affected residents.
The majority of public workers are women.
As far as partnership agreements in the fisheries sector are concerned, I would remind the House that, following the Council's conclusions in July 2004, the Community has introduced a new type of bilateral agreement.
That is why we should not set macro-economic stability and rigour in contradiction or opposition to growth.
I voted against the resolution on the Small Business Act Review, put forward by the European Commission in February 2011.
However, do you believe that equal conditions exist for wealthy international corporations, because they have to make a contribution of their own in order to obtain money from the Structural Funds or the European Social Fund, and small and medium-sized enterprises, which also want to train their people and want to have qualified employees?
Poverty affects 85 million people in Europe.
Furthermore, I believe that a common asylum system will weaken the accountability of British ministers and parliamentarians to the citizens who elect them.
Hopefully, substantive steps will be agreed in Cancún which should be in line with the latest developments in science in order to safeguard the survival of all nations, peoples and ecosystems.
Both the Commission and the Council have now acknowledged the importance of Parliament's involvement in the procedure.
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to tell you what happens in Italy - because loans and home purchases in my country are significant - and let me recount to you what an important Italian weekly publication, L'Espresso, said about the ethics of some Italian politicians (who, by the way, have also been our colleagues) in the face of the sufferings of so many savers and those who clamber to pay loans, when in fact a simple institution such as the social loan could make owning a house a reality.
We do not want to confuse items.
Sixthly, if I could ask you, Commissioner and Mr Bussereau, to listen to the wishes not only of the European Parliament, but also of the citizens of the Union and look at the maritime package as a single entity.
This concerns small-scale agriculture in Europe.
The financial imbalances relate to budgets and the balance of payments.
We have to take account of that, but in my view, I think that at the very least we have to have a college of European regulators.
Such a concerted effort would demonstrate our determination to deliver concrete, timely responses in the face of the crisis which has shaken us all.
We wish to tell them this: come out of your bubble and try to put yourself in other people's position.
We are, I agree.
That is why I want to stress some aspects that are, in my opinion, missing from the report in question.
Take, for example, the age-old question of the indication of origin of products, the 'Made In' label, particularly in the textile sector regulations which I have been following personally.
(PL) Mr President, today we approved a report in which we carried out a review of the functioning of the European Union's common market.
(IT) Mr President, the official figures say it all: 1% of the medicines sold legally in the European Union are falsified.
This was politically well-attended and discussed the developments in this respect and also future prospects.
We have passed too much legislation and waited too long, but the results are not very good.
The fourth issue is that of the deadline: of course we will be flexible in this regard.
Commission and governments have just one obsession: to reassure them.
(FR) Mr President, I beg your pardon, but I am undoubtedly the victim of a secret lobby.
It gives the new supervisory authority more powers and - something that is completely new - it gives ESMA the power to punish non-application of the regulation.
This week we launched the Covenant of Mayors, in which more than a hundred cities are now participating.
Once we get an end to the violence, we have to work to support the emergence of a new Libya with democratically chosen leaders and where people's rights are respected.
It is important to map these areas because it might be too late if we leave this too late.
The existing procedure must be simple so that states and beneficiaries can gain easy access to it.
I have not, however, received any signals concerning this problem of road safety that school buses is an issue that is badly handled.
This is the challenge for us, the European Parliament, just as it is for other European institutions.
The opportunity should also be taken to apply the rules on unfair terms to all negotiated contracts which contain unfair terms, even if they have been individually negotiated.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Madam President, I would like to thank my colleagues who have already contributed.
The Belarus resolution passed last year emphasised the need for a firm and conditional, yet positive policy.
That is why the Commission seeks to intensify its efforts so that EU citizens and their families can truly enjoy the rights guaranteed under current European law.
President-in-Office of the Council. - Mr President, access to affordable pharmaceutical products in poor developing countries and LDCs is essential to attain the proposed EU development goals and would contribute to poverty reduction, increase human security and promote human rights and sustainable development.
However, this report endorses the 'active promotion of the European Union's agricultural interests', free trade areas and trade agreements between the EU and Chiquita or Dole.
The current negotiations relating to the post-2012 obligations of developed countries that signed the Kyoto Protocol will continue.
The EU has been trying for years, with funding and know-how, to release the country from its agony, but the results are not overwhelming.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Mr President, Pakistan is a vital ally for the European Union.
Therefore, people must now be persuaded from an early age to live a healthier life - in which exercise is one of the main components - and obviously the proper infrastructure and sports opportunities must be ensured for them.
Now let us leave it to the Committee on Legal Affairs to give its verdict.
The Commission also carries out public consultations on its legislative plans.
With the goal of protecting children, we also obtained an interinstitutional agreement, concluded between the three institutions, to develop a common position on the adoption of the necessary rules to protect children against abduction and trafficking.
All that is required - I know it is quite technical - is a will for better cooperation between Member States.
The Council therefore needs to improve transparency concerning the debates currently in progress and to be answerable to the citizens of Europe.
With regard to the specific issue of Anglo, is it the view of the Commission that Anglo is different to the existing clearing banks, as we call them in Ireland, like Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank and so on?
I think it is particularly important for us to make progress in terms of research, education, sustainability and strengthening economic growth.
, in writing. - We always pride ourselves on being the most open among the European institutions.
The same rules, including the right to strike, should apply in respect of companies in the country of operation and those using posting arrangements.
Unemployment is increasing: when expenditure on unemployment benefits increases, the financial stimulus will increase.
With regard to the possibility of overfishing around the peripheral regions, we have been looking into this and the Council has just adopted a regulation on IUU fishing, with the European Parliament's blessing.
Ladies and gentlemen, the past week has been very eventful.
The Member States, as the shapers of their own specific conditions, must also have their place.
During the last visit by the Chief Prosecutor, Mr Brammertz, to Zagreb, in February, where he had gone to ask for the missing documents relating to the use of artillery in 'Operation Storm', which, for the record, resulted in the exodus of 200 000 Serbs and the death of 350 civilians, the Prosecutor demanded Croatia's full cooperation and, although the European Commission has just given the green light to opening Chapter 23 on the judiciary and fundamental rights, some European governments will not hear of it, nor will the European Parliament.
I think that this is reflected in the report by Ria Oomen-Ruijten, which has a large majority and is in favour of not establishing a criterion of two weights and two measures in the process of negotiation, of being firm and clear in our intentions and not giving out contradictory messages, because this could really nurture a vicious circle in which European reluctance, ambiguities, and contradictions could provide fodder for reactionaries or those who are against Turkey's membership of Europe, nationalist groups or suchlike who are against integration into Europe.
However, as the Commission observes, the fundamental policy has not changed.
On 24 April of this year, the European Parliament repeated this request.
(The oral amendment was accepted)
Above all, let us not forget the considerable humanitarian effort that we must undertake.
Over the years, the services sector has become increasingly important for the economic and social development of the European Union and has undergone substantial change.
If we do not do anything now, future generations may be able to limit the damage, but they will not be able to stop it.
I now come to Mr Deprez's question.
The world needs more and more food, and the exponential growth in consumption will not be resolved by an agricultural policy that is increasingly mean and stingy towards European producers.
It is not only the differing views on property and belonging that made Abyei the bone of contention of a civil war that lasted for decades; there are also the differing religions, namely the Muslim North versus the Christian and nature-based religions of the South Sudanese, who were forced together by the haphazard borders drawn up by the former colonial powers.
'We should end the practice of viewing words as crimes'.
As I said, I cannot tell you exactly at what stage they are because they are ongoing, but they follow the usual procedure and, to answer your question, we are also having discussions with Senegal and Cape Verde.
The move to promote a European approach is evidently not aimed at weakening or competing with the central role of the United Nations.
Who gets the opportunity to speak during the debate is, of course, also dependent on who is actually present.
That is why we voted in favour, although we believe that the most important thing would be to prevent these companies going bust and the jobs being lost.
It is a question of give and take, however.
The situation in the country remains very complex and chaotic, reconstruction efforts are struggling to get off the ground, millions of people are starving, and the earthquake has had a huge impact on more than 800 000 children, exposing them to the risk of violence, sexual abuse, trafficking and exploitation, The situation in the country became even worse with a political crisis following the presidential and parliamentary elections.
Therefore, I believe it is important to ensure that the Directive enables patients staying at home in their own Member State to have access to proper treatment too.
At the end of 2007, we adopted a communication on financial education to raise awareness of the need to increase consumers' level of financial literacy, promote the provision of high-quality financial education in the European Union and provide some practical tools to help achieve these goals.
I am therefore full of hope in this regard and I have to say that, in many commentaries that we have to sit through in this Chamber - in particular from a so-called parliamentary group from the United Kingdom - the quality in this House has really suffered terribly.
Recent information indicates that at least 85 underage criminals are awaiting execution in that country.
I therefore call on all colleagues in my Group, as in your Group and all the other Groups, to try to calm the situation down instead of aggravating it by statements designed for media effect, which is what I think they are.
Mrs Malmström, I would like to congratulate you on your election and your move from one bench to the other.
Indeed, Europe and Russia both face the urgent need for resolute action to tackle the crisis.
The report entitled 'Progress towards the Lisbon Objectives in Education and Training' adopted by the European Commission in 2005 clearly indicates that progress in that field had been inadequate in terms of achieving the desired outcome by 2010.
Mr President, I am happy to say that today is the 19th day of Estonia's membership of the eurozone, but Estonia has been preparing for this since its accession.
And, rather than being a one-off event, I also hope that it will be another milestone in an ongoing process that started well before the crisis - a process of cooperation between the Commission, the Member States and the social partners - which will go on throughout the crisis and beyond.
in writing. - As someone who has reservations regarding the long-term safety of nuclear power stations I am not entirely happy with this report.
Those who take a short-term view no doubt think that democracy is costly.
Therefore, it is very important for the European Union to be capable not only of responding to such challenges, but also to approach them efficiently by fast mobilization of the necessary financial instruments.
Of course, the efforts to improve employability begin well before higher education.
Sadly our fears of terrorist attack were proved correct.
It made me angry.
It can therefore be said that the European Central Bank has performed very well.
A lot we knew, and acted too little and too late.
There are no studies available on the social impact of the introduction of a Eurovignette in road transport.
Mr President, what we need now is stability.
However, the stability of Central Asia is in the interests of the region itself, in our interests, and in the strategic interests of the world as a whole.
No amendments.
Certainly, making savings on cleaning and upkeep, for example, is one solution, but perhaps we also need more ambitious agendas than merely saving on soap.
Tabled before the Council is the issue of the strategy and, at the same time, that of the infrastructure required for its implementation.
Consequently, so as to be able to finance the actions linked to the EU's new competences under the Treaty of Lisbon, I am supporting the request for the question of own resources to be examined and for new forms of Community income, in order to ease the pressure on national budgets and to do away with the belief in a 'fair return' which is economically inaccurate and politically unsound.
Children are the most precious thing that society has and it is our duty to provide them with conditions conducive to their harmonious development.
I agree with the rapporteur that the Agency must improve its budgetary and recruitment planning in order to redress the lack of consistency between its budgetary and staff forecasting, and to make progress in ensuring, as far as possible, a realistic evaluation of tenders.
I believe that this fact has to be recorded at this point as the truth will out and no progress will be made by only claiming to develop a new policy.
One of the official objectives of the European Union is to ensure an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The advantages of the Internet appreciated by law-abiding citizens are unfortunately exploited for criminal purposes.
I agree with the goal of providing a legislative framework for identifying and ensuring the traceability of timber products, establishing independent governmental verification procedures which certify that all timber products exported by the Republic of Cameroon to European markets have been obtained, harvested, transported and exported legally, with the aim of establishing the foundations of legal management and use in Cameroon's timber sector, and strengthening the enforcement of forestry regulation and governance.
This part remains unchanged.
I trust that the Parliament will be supportive in this area within the MFF.
This waste contains lead, cadmium, barium, mercury, brominated flame retardants and other chemicals and plastics that become hazardous when burned.
I hope that this does not remain the case, I hope that we are successful not only in this sector, but also in the construction sector, and I sincerely hope that tomorrow, we are able to give a response that is not only coordinated and articulate, but a response to the crisis that we are experiencing.
(The House rose and observed a minute's silence)
It should also be noted that the record industry makes a huge contribution in terms of employment and tax revenue and is a major exporter of intellectual property.
As early as paragraph 3 of the report it is established that the European Parliament sees the stability mechanism as 'part of a global package of measures which are designed to define a new framework, reinforcing budgetary discipline and coordination of economic and financial policies of the Member States'.
Under discussion here is a global agreement that goes much further than figures and quantities of goods to be traded.
Why are we not creating the conditions for that capital to stay at home to create jobs and make wealth?
First, talking about the transposition by Member States, we can say it has been poor at best.
Mr President, the eCall system in motor vehicles is a major advance in assisting emergency services to get to the scene of an accident as quickly as possible.
The more facts we know about, the better.
The Territorial Pact of Local and Regional Authorities on Europe 2020 can add to the strengthening of this contribution to the goals of intelligent, sustainable and inclusive growth.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting: see Minutes
This could be an excellent start to making the necessary ambitious changes in the form of a joint effort by the Commission and the European Parliament and, at the same time, to developing a budget which looks to the future and is combined with greater political legitimacy.
The European Union must work in close cooperation with the United States, Canada, Norway and Russia and constantly exchange information via SEIS, Eionet and SAON.
I would just like to say to Mr Jadot: I think your pig producers in Brittany may well benefit significantly hopefully, Yannick, because pig producers across Europe are having a bad time.
That is the stick we need in order to persuade Member States rapidly to create efficient, functional airspace blocks.
Let me just point out one thing.
This must be taken into consideration, in particular, in connection with the harmonisation of spectrum use in the EU.
It applies, and must of course apply, to all EU citizens.
in writing. - (PT) For the sake of consistency, in view of what we have said in the past and what we expect from the European Solidarity Fund, I shall clearly be voting for this resolution.
So the compromise proposed by the Commission was accepted by the Council, but not by Parliament.
However, these countries vary in terms of their economic development.
It is a welcome example of a European law which genuinely reduces red tape and embodies the principle of better law-making.
We are saying we want to do our duty.
The debate is closed.
Madam President, I stand here as a democrat and someone who believes that greater participation in the democratic process is to be encouraged.
Consequently, the problem of access to water is not only a problem for developing countries, but also for developed countries. Universal access to drinking water is an essential condition for the development of countries and the fight against poverty.
in writing. - (PT) Information from the register of activities shows that the Ombudsman received 3 830 complaints in 2006.
Controlling the export of dual-use goods is a key for the non-proliferation of arms, including weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Doyle report
In my own region of Yorkshire and the Humber, many thousands of people were affected and many are still unable to return to their properties.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Mr President, when Senator Obama became President Obama, we all heaved a sigh of relief.
So all we are doing is denying ourselves access to cheaper world market feeds, making it virtually impossible for our producers to compete and therefore we are in grave danger of haemorrhaging jobs and exporting our industry outside the EU.
I would like to make one last point which is off the record.
As it happens, I do not think that the Goldstone report is constructive in this regard.
It is of great importance that products based on new information and communication technologies are affordable to all EU citizens.
This is why we have proposed - and I would like to thank all the Members who have supported me on this point - creating what we have termed an economic dialogue, which must be proportionate.
With all measures against terrorism, the attention given to rights is often inadequate.
I would like to ask why it is that in Europe, we collect less than 1% of stem cells at birth, and I would like, of course, to agree with the Commissioner, who says that it is mainly up to Member States to regulate this, although the Commission, along with the Member States, could surely help to improve the provision of information to parents concerning the advantages of stem cells, in light of progress in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine.
What can we say about the issue of working time, where the Council, under its Presidency, has once again completely undermined its talk, Mr President, about the need to bring citizens closer to Europe: because the message that has been sent out loud and clear is one of 'more work for less pay'.
The February 2010 plenary session is today witnessing the very start of the institutional cooperation that will continue for the next five years.
Those affected by human trafficking have not taken a free, informed decision about all this.
This regulation in fact allows the Community to provide information about a number of agricultural products on the internal market and on markets in third countries, while tailoring such activities to each location.
Therefore, external trade policy and agreements with foreign importers must not jeopardise the EU's ability to maintain a strong and vibrant sector.
The report also reinforces Parliament's position in favour of new financial instruments, such as the tax on financial transactions and Eurobonds, which are an opportunity for the European economy.
Of course, the European Union should continue to take steps in favour of a strategy which will bring us to a progressive agreement to promote the reduction of climate change.
There is nothing you can do to change this, but it gives Europe a negative image.
That means we need new, additional resources to tackle climate change.
Member of the Commission. - First of all, I think we can see that renewable energies and biofuels have recently been the scapegoat for increased prices within the agricultural commodities sector.
Parliament will be excluded from the process.
The report on the EU strategy on Roma inclusion lists the problems and difficulties facing Roma communities in the EU.
The Commission considers that children become dangerous at six years old and must therefore give fingerprints which are incorporated in personal passports from that age, while the European Parliament, demonstrating its 'democratic sensibilities', considers that children must be put on file when they are slightly older, namely at 12 years of age.
They called on the Commission to ensure that the new priorities of the European Action Plan in the area of disability contribute to the effective implementation of the UN Convention.
That, for us, is the basis of the competences of a united Europe and of future governance, European governance.
Thirdly, I think it is erroneous that, although the basic purpose was to ensure free movement of medical services, the text of the directive itself concentrates, first and foremost, on movement of patients in need of non-urgent healthcare.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, with market globalisation and the severe crisis now affecting Europe, including in the agricultural sector, one possible response on the part of the agricultural market is to place emphasis on product quality.
May I conclude by making a number of points which should make your decision easier and counter the arguments of those who oppose better European firearms legislation.
To ensure that this objective is achieved, every single person needs to be actively involved and properly informed about how to protect the environment and assume their responsibility towards future generations.
But the ANC committed terrorist acts in fighting the utterly repressive apartheid state.
The countries in Africa need to be able to see that the first measures are already in progress.
People want proper, secure pensions in their old age.
It is surely important for us not to stop investing in mobility and youth programmes, such as the current Erasmus and Leonardo programmes, and the Youth in Action activities.
We urgently need to take a decision to amend the credit conditions for Greece and Ireland or we will end up destroying these countries.
The Pakistani Government's commitment to give seats to minorities in the Senate is to be commended.
Nonetheless, from this report, I feel that some of the provisions in this regulation will make a difference, will improve the application process for business and enhance consumer protection, especially on the labelling of animal-derived products.
It would be acting in accordance with its founding texts, which state that the EU should contribute in particular to sustainable development, free and fair trade and the protection of human rights.
It means that we wholeheartedly support this resolution and ask the Council and the Commission to act likewise.
Before the vote on paragraph 8:
In June, another ILO conference will take place in Geneva at which the problem of domestic work will be tackled.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
The Commission has said that farmers manage the landscape better and more cheaply than any other option we have, so let us make sure they are allowed to survive in these regions.
(EL) Mr President, may I start by expressing my full solidarity with the fight by the trade unionists in the European Parliament and wishing them every success.
If the AU cannot bring itself to sort out this mess, then it is reasonably fair to ask why the EU should do so.
Thus, on the one hand, it welcomes the unacceptable Pact on Immigration and Asylum and calls for the reinforcement of FRONTEX and stronger intelligence gathering and repressive measures against immigrants who are of no use to European capital.
This gives us an important insight into the level and strength of synergies developed between countries as a result of their participation in FP7 activities.
We cannot 'half-commit' to investment in renewable energy sources and low-carbon transport.
Can the Commission suggest any initiative in this direction?
Unfortunately, many parents and teachers are still out of touch with digital media and do not take the necessary steps to protect children on the Internet.
in writing. - On February 2010, in the presence and with the participation of the European Union, Greece, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Albania signed the Agreement on the protection and sustainable development of the Prespa Park Area.
I would therefore like to suggest that examination of these institutions is also becoming increasingly important.
It would be unfortunate if the Commission's only means of querying an agreement were to be to take the matter to the European Court of Justice.
Since the resolution is not only a political statement by Parliament, but also offers moral support for those who are jailed, we would like to propose the inclusion in our resolution of the names of four former presidential candidates who are still in the custody of the KGB.
From the perspective of the role of the European Parliament, it would be appropriate to make changes along two lines: clearer definition of the role of the European Parliament in the budgetary procedure and submission to the European Parliament of the work programme, the annual reports and the studies of the Agency with a view to providing regular and detailed information on its activities.
The Stockholm Programme establishes ambitious European policies on justice and security in order to build a citizens' Europe.
I understand from the exporters' association in Ireland that this would add EUR 150 per trip, or EUR 300 per round trip, for haulage from Ireland, which depends heavily on this type of haulage and also very heavily on exports.
What are we hearing?
Demand should be curbed through a value-based policy and through ongoing, widespread prevention work and information campaigns, especially among young people.
The Irish example, which I had the pleasure to learn about, is a good one.
It wants to remove them and plant their lands instead with colonies of retired Brits.
I am not afraid of that and I believe that, if we truly want to be present in Africa - as someone said, this is very important - we must do as I suggest and add another ingredient to the mix.
The recent decision of the Russian Government to establish official ties and to bolster the Russian military presence in Abkhazia goes beyond and violates existing agreements and the territorial integrity of Georgia.
More than 150 amendments were tabled to the report, but I think that it nevertheless still takes a critical approach.
Finally, in close association with the Presidency, the Commission will be pursuing its longstanding dialogue with the United States.
The missing element is effective analysis of the proposals being made on the operation of international financial markets, on the existence of international tax havens, on the fight against international financial crime, and on tax treatment at international level - on capital flows in the strictest sense.
Those are the words of Arrigo Cavallina, who recruited Cesare Battisti in prison when he was serving a sentence for robbery, talking about Mr Battisti, his crimes and the families of the victims.
This cannot happen, it is simply impossible.
It should inevitably work very closely with all the institutions, the Commission first and foremost.
Madam, I also agree with the President of the European Commission.
However, the European Union must punish those responsible.
There is only one problem here.
None of us can say for sure that it will stay there, calmly for the next millennia.
In two weeks' time, we will attempt to deal with these points with the European delegation.
If we recall that the suggestion of a 'European VAT', put forward by the Commission as a source of income for the Union, was immediately rejected by several Member States, we will have to acknowledge that asking the Commission for 'a new VAT strategy' seems to make little sense.
I particularly welcome the progress made with the ship monitoring tools, which are essential for reducing risk situations.
Otherwise, we cannot expect our policy in this area to succeed.
I therefore urge the Commission to modify the directive so as to avoid extensive and indecent interpretations of the statement that the European Union rightly made in the fight against terrorism.
They have to accept earning less money. They have been doing so for years.
I understand the rawness and the sense of grievance, but things must move on rapidly.
The process of ratification of the Constitutional Treaty was wrecked due to unsuccessful referenda in France and the Netherlands.
On the contrary, a lot of semi-finished products are included. If they are semi-finished, it means that they will be finished in Europe, which should, in fact, generate cheaper imports for those companies which give the final treatment to such products.
These very expensive journeys are one of the factors contributing to the rise in food prices.
Considering the importance of the policy of cohesion as an overarching element of all European policies, I welcome its planned inclusion in the document that is key to the successful implementation of this policy.
I hope it will get broad support in this Parliament.
We welcome the part played by an institutionalised public-private partnership in facilitating access for the small and medium-sized enterprises that form the basis of our economy.
(PL) Mr President, the European Commission's initiative to impose on Member States the duty to publish information on the beneficiaries of EU funds obtained under the umbrella of the common agricultural policy is worthy of support in every respect.
That is what I believe in all honesty.
The derogation from the rules of origin for fish processed in Papua New Guinea and Fiji is an example of this.
Mr Schmidt also raised the issue of a cumulative effect; however, I have answered this question in my point about the three-way balance, which is something we are going to be watching very closely.
The President responds to such a request by establishing whether or not the quorum exists.
in writing. - This report on rail passengers' rights and obligations should be welcomed.
I have therefore voted in favour of this report, which takes measures to tackle the massive bee mortality.
International adoption is, of course, vitally important.
The second point which is also important in this context is better monitoring of the impacts of EU legislation.
Indeed, our joint work has been complicated and slowed down by this alignment.
The report voted on here deals with some important issues, mainly with regard to the defence of equal healthcare for all, a situation which, unfortunately, is not yet the case in the EU, in particular, among more disadvantaged groups, such as children, the elderly, and in some cases women.
At that point, the international community really will have a role to play.
I believe that Parliament and its Members should lead by example as regards the transparency of their activities and the clarity of their aims.
The British Government has conceded that trade union law must now be amended so that unions can expel members whose political views they do not like.
Regardless of the parties' position on the Goldstone report, I hope that it will not be used as a pretext to stonewall discussions aimed at resolving the Palestinian problem in a peaceful way for good.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Mr Verhofstadt complained that nationalist and Marxist rhetoric are not enough to lead us out of the crisis.
This is why I find it laudable and encouraging that all the groups in Parliament have been united in their condemnation of the abuses committed by the Cuban authorities against human rights, not to mention the constructive approach, receptive to dialogue, which the EU has decided to adopt towards Cuba.
Yet, at the same time, we must ensure that sub-committee agendas do not become disconnected from the situation, as has happened in the past, or fail to feed into other bodies, such as the Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA).
Whole continents are beginning to compete in the energy sector, and let us be candid about it: no one can remain isolated from electricity or motorisation.
We know, for example, that up to two thirds of cancers are associated with an age of over 60.
Therefore, because it is necessary for individual development in such a competitive world and because it is necessary for the development of the internal market, this is a subject that has much greater importance than it is perhaps being given by being debated so late in the day.
Kosovo must not be isolated from the European processes in any way.
Six months ago, the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon inspired optimism and hope.
However, I think this will be difficult to achieve.
Despite all this, the European Union congratulates Turkey because that is what is required by NATO and the European multinationals investing in the Nabucco pipeline and their economic and geostrategic ambitions for this country and the Middle East in general.
They must be conducted transparently, at EU level.
Some priorities included by the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament which I would highlight are, for example: 1) investment for jobs and growth; 2) the social aspect, and the workers' rights and conditions; 3) sustainability; 4) European added value; 5) proposed structure and duration.
As such, there is a total absence of any references to and denouncements of the flagrant violations of human rights in Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, occupied Cyprus or the Western Sahara, as perpetrated by EU countries and/or their allies such as the US, Israel, Turkey or Morocco.
It is a delusion in strategic terms, because the behaviour of immigrants will end up being modelled on that of Europeans; I am thinking here mainly of the unfortunate tendency to have fewer children in a society which is truly disorientated on all counts.
I reiterate my thanks to all those who contributed to making this such a good report.
It becomes apparent that issues are often strongly interconnected and so the right solutions have to be found.
It is about understanding that by investing at the same moment in time in the next couple of years you will have added value.
Among other things, I am fully convinced that no tax in the world could have prevented the financial crisis which we have experienced in recent years.
In this regard, we particularly support the request in the report by Mr Cadec that negotiations on the fishing chapters are transferred from the remit of the Directorate-General for Trade to that of the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, as is the case with agriculture, as we are also dealing here with products that are particularly sensitive, tuna being the classic case.
It will also be necessary to end the confusion over the CE marking.
That is why all these critical remarks are beyond comprehension.
At the same time, fear on the part of the crew that they are in danger of suffering criminal or civil consequences or the fact that the vessel has inadequate insurance may prevent refuge from being sought, with unfortunate consequences.
Europe will soon, in fact, be facing real problems due to its low demographic growth, and suitable policies need to be adopted straight away so as not to jeopardise the entire European social security system.
This would also contribute to an improved use of funds.
From this perspective, we strongly support the approach of the whole Action Plan, which hinges on the principle of mutual recognition of decisions, to be achieved by strengthening mutual trust.
Mr President, has Mr Canfin considered that the use of the EIB as a public policy instrument, which is what he and his party advocate, will be at the direct financial cost of EU taxpayers, and in particular British taxpayers?
The prices of basic commodities continue to increase.
In this sense we find it particularly difficult to understand Serbia's opposition to the European Union, that is to say to its mission in Kosovo, because this mission is primarily in the interest of Kosovo's Serbian population.
Secondly, it also suggests the use of resources from the risk-sharing finance facility to support CCS.
What was the objective of the climate change conference, now?
A European perspective and new steps are essential for responding to these needs and especially for adequately tackling the supervision of cross-border groups and moving forward with the prevention and management of international crises.
We need to promote public awareness and online safety, especially among children, but also among parents so that they know exactly what is going on and what can be done on the Internet.
We are creating great laws.
I could say in some cases things are better and in some cases worse.
Otherwise, I should like to highlight three important developments in the past month.
We should look to Copenhagen.
Yes, solidarity, an idea which is, to me, as a Pole, especially dear. It should be an answer and a challenge which can be applied immediately.
During those one-minute speeches there was an incident.
Another point is that we also need a certain degree of reciprocity.
I fully agree with you that the instrument which we have discussed today is a very important one.
Or do you merely intend to let things carry on as they are?
From my perspective, the presentation of the action plan should have been given more time in Parliament in order to give Members the opportunity to debate and, more importantly, to amend the proposals.
That is actually a firm basis for the information society, and we must always preserve it.
I therefore appeal for environmentally conscious action to resolve this problem.
We shall therefore vote now on recital B, as amended by Mr Tannock.
The next item is the oral question by Giuseppe Gargani on the collective management of copyrights on-line - B6-0459/2008).
I am committed to this principle and, therefore, it is essential for me that the concerns of the people are heard at a European level.
As my fellow Member from Lithuania pointed out just now, barely 8% of Lithuanians who went abroad to work used the instruments offered by EURES.
What is the geographical distribution of such differences in the Member States?
The right of codecision of the European Parliament that has been directly elected by the citizens of Europe gives us the opportunity to bring democracy back into decisions on trade policy.
However, we must continue to work on it.
As you know, new governments in the region are trying to follow new paths to resolve this problem.
We will come to that discussion and, I hope, at the end, we will come to an agreement.
Production methods need to be adapted to the limits that poverty imposes.
Indeed, this seems to me to be the best way of reducing the EU's energy dependency, but also, and more importantly, of combating climate change - something which has now become an urgent necessity.
It is to be hoped, in this respect, that the Commission will be bolder in its approach.
The situation in Europe is that we are generally in a good position with regard to net neutrality and net freedoms, because we have effective network regulation in line with EU telecom rules, and European consumers have a greater choice of broadband services providers.
Nothing.
Along with my fellow Commissioners for Development, Andris Piebalgs, and for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, Kristalina Georgieva, I was pleased to announce at New York that the EU will contribute over EUR 1.2 billion to Haiti's reconstruction and development.
For the moment, the Court applies a uniform 2% materiality threshold across the board.
The rapporteur, Mr Reul, refers for example to the Arctic shelves, which, according to some estimates, account for up to 25% of new gas and oil sources.
Mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund: Spain (earthquake in Lorca) and Italy (Veneto flooding) (
This means Europe can continue to flout the rights of migrants either here or there, for it has actually made very few commitments in its 'Migration, Mobility and Employment' action plan.
The solution for combating illegal immigration is not to set up repression and intervention mechanisms.
We do not plan any initiatives for the moment on this.
The workers can and will send this message through the ballot box during the European elections in June.
(FR) Mr President, on Friday, 11 January I was refused access to the Lille-Lesquin Detention Centre for foreigners.
(ES) Mr Zapatero, I will now address you in your mother tongue, which is also my own.
It also helps to preserve the landscape and impacts on the environment: hence the complex nature of the tasks involved and the need to introduce suitable instruments providing support, within the framework of the common agricultural policy.
What could be done quickly for the banks must also be done quickly in the matter of this acquisition dossier, a dossier that is so important for many thousands of workers.
It provides the Member States, for the first time, with the ability to also charge for noise and air pollution over and above the existing infrastructure charges which, in addition, are not consistently levied everywhere at the moment, and in a way that could stimulate the likes of fleet renewal.
It is unique because it is the first global financial crisis we have seen and we are also in a recession in the world economy.
Last Saturday the self-appointed leaders of several of the European Union's largest countries failed to agree on any common tactic in this regard.
The aim of all this is to make better use of funds so that civil-military cooperation may fully materialise.
I think, in fact I am convinced, ...
Secondly, there is no evidence that mankind is dominantly causing climate changes.
When concrete measures are decided upon, this is always on the basis of the lowest common denominator.
Firstly, the assassinations of the President of Guinea-Bissau, João Bernardo Vieira, and the chief of the armed forces, General Tagme Na Waie, should be thoroughly investigated and those responsible should be brought to justice.
How can we have an employment policy without coordination of social law?
in writing. - (IT) I voted in favour.
In connection with my work on this report, I have spoken to a large number of enterprises on the internal market, many of which said that they have never known there to be any controls, market checks or market surveillance in respect of the products that they are involved with on the internal market.
350 000 people are employed in forest management.
We will have to introduce uniform redistributive policies with regard to both taxation and pay.
Therefore, I definitely consider the revision of EU energy efficiency policy, and its alignment with our current priorities, to be a necessary step.
We are not asking whether Mr Sarkozy or Mrs Merkel are visiting a better or worse restaurant or purchasing a better or worse briefcase, or buying the clothes of this or that firm, but we are asking how they handle the public resources of taxpayers, and we are fully entitled to do this, and they are wholly obliged to provide this information.
All Member States believe that gambling must be regulated with care, in view of the risk it poses to society, a risk that Mrs Schaldemose's report - which I have read with great care and interest - describes in explicit detail.
The report also reaches out to young farmers who, as we know, struggle to get started in the sector.
Particular attention needs to be given to terrorists' use of IT and communications technologies, particularly the Internet, which helps to disseminate propaganda broadcasts and training manuals.
This agreement should also allow us to leave behind the demagoguery that is heard in this House about European vessels fishing in third countries.
Unfortunately, the really big issue, the one concerning the liberalisation of gambling monopolies in Europe, missed the target.
Composition of Parliament: see Minutes
Consultation is the right way to solve this problem, taking into account national particularities and for finding a solution for the consumer.
Heads I win, tails you lose ...
The European Union requires common environmental standards and not only when speaking about projects of the Nordstream size.
On the issue of the Arctic, is this going to become a resources race with Russia, America and Canada for fishing stocks and a quarter of the world's oil and gas?
Cooperation among Member States should focus on discovering the most efficient systems, exchanging experience and promoting well-established procedures.
The Council's compromise, which contains less favourable rules than those currently in effect, was denied support by Belgium, Cyprus and Spain among others, including my home country Hungary, and is unacceptable to the European Socialists.
Demand has risen across the world, as you know, and this affects not just fertiliser but a whole range of other goods too, including cash crops and food.
This is the directive on the free movement of citizens, and there have been 1500 complaints by citizens but only 19 infringement cases have been opened.
It also offers detailed answers and solutions.
Will this argument be taken up by the Commission?
We are unfortunately faced with an extremely delicate situation.
Oral questions and written declarations (submission): see Minutes
Given the particular situation of small- and medium-sized enterprises, as already mentioned, it is vital to set up a technical assistance service for these enterprises because they are less well prepared to tackle this kind of issue.
We Greens cannot vote 'yes' to the resolution as it stands.
My colleague Mr Papastamkos is absolutely right when he says that we must think about preventing European companies being disadvantaged if other countries do not participate in whatever follows the Kyoto system.
I am not the one who can ensure success, however; it is the Council who must take the decision.
The recent decisions by the Commission on permanent spending cuts will have painful consequences on public health and care and workers' insurance rights and pensions which, in conjunction with the demand for higher taxes, will drastically reduce the standard of living of the grassroots classes.
I am in favour of only opening up the market for agricultural imports if it can be assured that the competitiveness of European agriculture will be maintained.
Mr President, we do not need to take a detour with regard to this vote.
The European Parliament supports strongly all the initiatives which increase the EU presence in the region and, in particular, the most recent one, the Eastern Partnership.
I strongly believe that the ESF has a valuable role to play in training and educating people.
We could have avoided incentivising and encouraging over-capacity and not thrown precious public money at unwarranted huge increases of capacity way beyond what the stocks of our fish can reasonably sustain.
We have not managed to do so.
European policies, Commissioner!
Mr President, I hope that the British kindergarten will be kind enough to listen for a moment.
If we do not eliminate the disparities in the level of direct support, this instrument - the main financial instrument of the CAP - will continue to divide the European Union into old and new Member States.
It is very clear now that we need to carry forward the positive spirit and efficiency of the Belgian Presidency.
I therefore commend the attention given to the EU's position in the United Nations system, in the international financial institutions and in other multilateral institutions, and I agree with the reform proposals which strengthen several of the positions that we have taken.
Work is a part of our everyday lives and is critical for the dignity, welfare and development of a person.
There is no geographic differentiation in the programme, since it is targeted towards European and not national organisations.
It would be very useful to understand, and I do not want us to end up effectively importing tomato pickers, instead of agricultural products and tomatoes.
In short, the Committee on Constitutional Affairs thinks that in order to deliberate on the proposal to amend the treaty, Parliament must assess the economic governance context under which the proposal falls.
I am sorry, however, and it is the only reservation I will mention, that the economic and social criteria are not accompanied more by ecological considerations, since 'sustainability' must become the hallmark of our agricultural policy.
Firstly, none the amendments voted for by my committee unanimously - and I stress, unanimously - were taken into account, even though the common agricultural policy is one of the policies with the most acts adopted under the comitology procedure and is therefore one of the ones most affected by the adaptation of legislative acts under the Treaty of Lisbon.
Women earn less than men doing the same jobs and, in addition, they are more likely to be molested.
This form of feminicide that we are now discussing has grown, above all in areas where we have companies investing in subcontractor plants and where women are completely dependent on men, socially, economically, in all areas.
Since the 1950s, Taiwan has gone through many successful reforms.
Their businesses need access to clear legislation and their consumers need to have access to a wider range of goods at more competitive prices.
We need genuine, understandable decision-making processes in Brussels, so that citizens from Greece to Denmark, in Germany and in Spain, trust in us.
Press freedom in Kenya
You face economic challenges.
Announcement by the President: see Minutes
Der Sommer war sehr groß...'.
Brussels should adopt a balanced approach with regard to the Georgia question by taking equal account of the legitimate interests of both Georgia and Russia.
The Commission should also take this on board so that we have a stronger link between issues of growth and the social dimension.
I would like to thank Parliament for its support.
Member of the Commission. - (SK) I think that many of the contributions made are indeed an incentive to get involved in the issue of adult education.
Member of the Commission. - (DE) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Mr Özdemir, we too regard Central Asia as a region of growing importance and I entirely agree with you that it forms a bridge between Europe and Asia, has great strategic importance and is indeed a neighbour of neighbours, when you think of the Caucasus.
At last!
Then BILD-Zeitung will write: the euro must be abolished - we must bring back the Deutsche mark.
At the forefront of these ambitious tasks is ratification of the Treaty.
Parliament must be more involved in drafting and revising the multiannual cooperation programmes, as well as be able to lodge objections against proposals of this kind.
The liberalisation of trade has been accompanied by fierce competition among countries seeking to attract foreign investors and by stiffer competition between undertakings.
In order to achieve this, it is necessary to enhance coordination within the EU, and this will require strong political will and flexibility on the part of the Member States concerning their representation.
This is especially true at a time when we are in an economic recession.
It states above all that the EU foreign strategy as regards children's rights should be based on the values and principles set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in particular Articles 3, 16, 18, 23, 25, 26 and 29.
Only such policies can prevent Schröder-Putin deals from ever being repeated.
The first is that it has an educational objective.
Fishermen are losing their only source of livelihood, and this is particularly true in those EU regions where there are few social and economic alternatives.
For this reason, we are watching with particular sensitivity all the events which are now unfolding to the south of us in the Arab world.
That is why we have endless protests - and very valid protests - in Ireland about the closure of local hospitals and local services.
Peace agreements with most of the armed groups in the eastern part of the country were signed in 2008 and 2009.
Madam President, this has happened for the last five years.
A human community is characterised by having advantages, strengths, disadvantages and weaknesses.
At a time when, in certain Member States, we see overt and covert attacks on media freedom and infringements of fundamental democratic rights, I consider it particularly important that the European Commission, as the guardian of the treaties, should pay greater attention than ever to government decisions that threaten the independence of the news media, the system of democratic checks and balances and the rule of law, and should, if necessary, take action in defence of fundamental democratic values.
It should not obscure the fact that other provisions are being drawn up, such as the European Blue Card system guaranteeing legal immigration for employment purposes, and that the stated aim of these measures is solely to encourage more immigration into Europe.
Ladies and gentlemen, the members of the EPP-ED Group who are concerned with budgetary matters have essentially been happy to approve the Commission's plans for 2008, and Mr Barroso has formulated a clear message that reflects political commitment.
Firstly, there is the African Elephant.
By working together we have been able to come up with what I believe is a good compromise.
When the powerful countries in the world come together, including America, Japan, Europe, Brazil, India and so on, who will raise their hand and ask whether we are paying enough attention to social issues?
While I appreciate the efforts of some MEPs to blunt the worst excesses of this CO2 hysteria, the plain truth is that anyone who even gives credence to the threadbare hoax of man-made global warming is a collaborator with the deadliest scam in history.
By making his signing of the Treaty dependent on the decision of the citizens of another country, President Kaczyński has placed Poland in the role of a country which is not capable of making a sovereign decision, and has offended the patriotic feelings of Poles.
I do not hide the fact that the Council's volte-face makes me confident for the future.
If we really are determined to involve the private sector, to apportion the burden, why do we doggedly refuse to go ahead and adopt a transaction tax at European level?
Time, therefore, is a very valuable resource, but those enterprises find themselves spending a great deal of time simply filling out forms.
We must, however, be vigilant to ensure that this improvement continues, and we certainly cannot settle for the results already obtained.
The economy is not an end in itself: it is just one means of achieving political objectives, progress within societies and human development.
This list of offences is an essential element of the package, and constitutes a potential restriction of the internal market.
The European Union should also support those emerging democracies around the world that are truly committed to human rights.
The assassinations of President João Bernardo Vieira and General Tagme Na Waie, the head of the armed forces, in March of this year, were certainly part of an attempt to destabilise the country, probably instigated by the drugs mafia.
Subject: Progress on the Temporary Agency Workers Directive
Let me say that one of the great opportunities ahead for us is for Europe and every other continent to work together.
(DE) Mr President, allow me to refer to some results of the summit which, I believe, reveal more than anything else the lack of a consistent development policy.
New technologies create entirely different conditions.
It is clear that every target should be related to the national context, but within the framework of a broader European strategy.
I think that we need a swift but very pragmatic solution here.
It is appropriate that the EU takes action in this area, given the international nature of the fisheries.
It is good that Mrs Ashton has said something about this, but still. the head of the European Commission should have intervened immediately in this matter.
After all, it is as clear as day that Turkey does not meet the conditions for accession to the EU, and that this will still be the case in 10, 15 or 20 years time.
The application of European law is vital so that EU citizens can fully enjoy the benefits of the internal market as even the most effective legislation becomes redundant if it is not applied.
There has to be change, the situation has to change!
The debate is closed.
Topics for discussion will be confirmed after the spring European Council - so we are planning to have the orientation debate on this next week.
Mr Niculescu, how will we succeed in ensuring a good relationship between the production of goods for the market, food products and environmental goods?
Secondly - and here I am also looking at Mrs Lulling - I am actually delighted with the very plain references to sexual and reproductive health and the sexual autonomy of women; and access to safe, legal abortion is part and parcel of this sexual reproductive health.
The telecommunications sector alone provides more than 3.5 million jobs and accounts for an increasingly large share of the European economy - almost 3.5%.
After all, we need facts in order to be able to take politically sound decisions.
It is important for them and for us to take advantage of this period in this regard as well.
The sarcophagus is not yet safe, which is why new financial resources are required to put this in order.
Results of the informal summit of heads of state and government (Lisbon, 18-19 October 2007) (debate)
8.
However, I would like to stress that it is important to maintain an obligation for Member States to evaluate the impact of recreational fisheries as set out in Amendment 93, and not just the possibility to do so as contemplated in Amendments 48, 49 and 50.
As with the decision on the 2012 calendar, this is a contribution to cutting Parliament's costs.
In the case of Mauritania, it is even more distressing that development funds are being used to support the interest of fisheries.
I have received a nomination for Mr Chichester to replace Mrs Koch-Mehrin, who has resigned as Vice-President.
It is therefore necessary to step up monitoring, in order to prevent the destruction of aquatic ecosystems, and a subsequent ecological disaster.
I would, however, like to remind the Commission that, under the Emissions Trading Directive, the EU's target of 20% for cuts in emissions will only change to 30% if other industrialised countries make 'comparable reduction efforts', and if the advanced developing countries have some obligations.
The effort to generate consensus will have to show full awareness of the main concerns surrounding the single market today'.
Three points seem to me to be important here.
Only preferential treatment for positive actions can contribute to the real integration of national minorities.
A comprehensive assessment of internal costs and in particular the negative impact of transport on the environment is compulsory.
Mr Reinfeldt, my group has three opinions to voice on this issue.
Commissioner, could I first of all thank you for responding positively to the resolution agreed with this House on 27 September.
I believe, as Vice-President of the Commission, that how we respond will define this Commission for years to come.
It enables a State, when asked, to provide help through its special units.
The supply of medication is a health service.
Natural disasters can and must be prevented.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, obviously it is not enough that the suppression of Tibetan culture within China has been increasing more and more since the 2008 Olympic Games.
What we are discussing today are implementing acts, and this regulation does not prejudge in any way whether we should use delegated or implementing acts in the future.
(DE) Madam President, our heartfelt thanks go to the rapporteur.
Why?
Findings from the data available from 10 Member States will be published as soon as possible.
I agree with the Commission that there needs to be an ecosystem-based approach to the management of deep-sea fish stocks.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (NL) First of all, I should like to express my sympathy with all the victims on behalf of our Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.
We should prevent pollution, in the same way that we should also invest in clean energy and focus on energy selfsufficiency and afforestation.
Secondly, I believe that we need to start, especially in the new Member States, with modernising the basic physical infrastructure.
For making abortion more accessible is an indicator of how our culture has fallen, and shows our departure from human values.
Furthermore, I strongly support the inclusion of a provision that Member States can regulate or prohibit transport of dangerous goods for reasons other than safety.
The role of the rapporteur will be enhanced: the rapporteur will present the committee's report which is in response to the Commission's legislative proposal, immediately stating what the Parliament thinks of the Commission proposal, and will wrap up the debate at the end, perhaps answering the points that different Members have made in the way that I attempted to do just now in our previous debate.
I should like to confirm to Mrs Segelström that I certainly have begun discussions with the Swedish authorities.
Voluntary registration is not enough. It should become compulsory for lobbyists to register in order to gain access to the institutions of the European Union.
We need more, but we will not be getting it from the Member States.
This would, of course, not have prevented the volcanic eruption, but it would perhaps have allowed us to act more effectively and more quickly.
in writing. - The EU and particularly the European Parliament took too long to respond to and address the warning signs of political and social turmoil in Egypt - leading ultimately to the geopolitical debacle of the last three weeks - and this in relation to a region that is very close to it and despite the fact that stability in the Mediterranean basin is essential for political well-being, economic strength and security in Europe itself.
(PL) Firstly, I would like to express my thanks for the recognition given to my amendment, which invites countries from outside the European Union to the forum for dialogue to which Mr Oettinger referred.
That is the opinion that I put forward at the beginning: I do not consider that I can tell the Polish legislator how to proceed, but I do consider that I can spell out the objective, and that objective is to remove the disparity of treatment between the status of Polish national MPs and the status of MEPs elected in Poland.
I particularly applaud the fact that the Commission is looking favourably on the proposal to release funds from the Third Community Support Framework.
All the political groups therefore agree that there is a problem concerning religious freedom and that it needs to be addressed seriously and firmly within the international community.
The same must also apply to President Sarkozy.
We should await their return and listen to what they have to report.
The EU has raised these concerns repeatedly with the Chinese authorities and reiterates its concerns in the two declarations published on 29 October and on 13 November, as it always does in such situations.
This approach must now be applied.
In autumn last year, under the leadership of my colleagues, Commissioner Frattini and Commissioner Figeľ, a conference took place on the high level of violence in sport, which identified concrete methods that could achieve an improvement in combating this phenomenon.
Mr President, this is an interesting and important debate.
Some members claim that only the well-off will be able to get themselves treated abroad.
Our voting yesterday went very well.
In recent years, we have concentrated mainly on the Treaty of Lisbon, and we have devoted less attention to economic union, and especially monetary union.
Thirdly, it refers to securing fair competition, which is currently the most significant thing that is lacking from the provisional common agricultural policy.
I would also ask Commissioner Potočnik to arrange with Commission Vice-President Wallström for this programme to be presented to the public as exemplary: this is part of the process.
Secondly, in Austria and in Stuttgart a great deal is being done for the main route from Strasbourg to Vienna and Budapest.
Therefore, we may need a period which runs into spring of next year.
However, if an animal disease does nevertheless break out, as you have already said, vaccination needs to be a central element of the fight against it.
In this regard, the proposal respects the principle of proportionality.
Madam President, I wish to raise the issue of Zimbabwe.
I for my part sincerely hope that we continue to cooperate closely over the coming months in our assessment of the situation and in our dialogue with Belarus, its authorities and its civil society, and I hope that this first step will lead us to make an in-depth mutual commitment based on concrete progress.
It is therefore vital for the livestock industry that we amend the directive to allow the use of this vaccine, and that we do this as soon as possible.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to communicate my vote in favour of the motion for a resolution concerning the attitude of the European Union in dealings with Belarus.
I am convinced that those amendments are very timely and necessary as the EU has to face and manage the increased flow of legal - and also illegal - immigration.
I am voting against this text.
Yemen has clearly acted unlawfully here, since like nearly every country in the world Yemen is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Mr President, I would like to thank the Commission and the Council for this morning's introduction.
The report supports a further simplification of both legislative and non-legislative regulations.
We may nevertheless hope that the application of reason can help the various political components to look more closely at what is right and fair where progressing along the road to European unity is concerned.
I am delighted with the Commission's announcement that by the end of 2011 a horizontal directive will be submitted to this end, because it makes no sense to simply address this in the area of electronic communications.
I am fully aware that the worst of the recession is over, but not the problems.
Without her work and her impetus, we would not have been able to imagine firstly a Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Forum, or subsequently a Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly, and we would not now be in a position to demand the role that the representatives of citizens should have in what we are trying to set up.
Mrs Gebhardt raised a very important issue, which concerns one of the tools of the Services Directive - the points of single contact.
In recent years, China has provided support for an international project to add cultural sites on the Silk Road to the world heritage list, but Kashgar itself has not been on that list because it is the home of one of China's largest minorities, the Uyghurs.
I believe that this is a sensible and rational course of action; the House may have new powers but we must exercise them in a measured and responsible way.
Initiatives of this kind allow the coordination of EU policy instruments in order to have a coherent, stable and sustainable development of the regions involved.
That is why it is so difficult to prepare reasonable legislation, which in a balanced and effective way will allow people to use all the benefits of the Internet safely, while at the same time curtailing the very real and serious threats connected with its abuse.
As rapporteur, she should have represented the views of the committee, where there was a very clear majority, and not sought in a number of ways to overturn what was clearly the will of a very large majority in this House.
The Union's Charter to be annexed to the Reform Treaty lists the fundamental rights of European citizens: dignity, freedom, equality, solidarity, citizenship, justice.
I think there is a moral for us as politicians here that, when the stakeholders themselves say that this is what they want, I do think we have a responsibility to try and facilitate that, wherever possible, so I do thank him for using the argument of consensus to get that through.
This agreement should contribute to the improvement of the human rights situation in Central America and it must be a constant incentive to these countries to respect human rights.
We must have the ambition to take on a vanguard role in the construction of a global financial and economic order.
This would be a very different position from the one that this party has taken in national politics, where it is cutting child benefit, the reimbursement of medicine costs for the chronically ill and income tax deductions for spending on education and health, and where it is drastically increasing the tax burden on the public, particularly lower income families with children.
In any event, I will not vote in favour of a text that violates the most basic consumer rights.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (FR) Mr President, Commissioner, Mr Cercas, ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here this evening to debate a subject that has kept us occupied for several years now, a subject that is important to all European workers, namely the review of the Working Time Directive.
I am, however, of the opinion that we cannot speak of success until a legally binding international agreement has been concluded as a continuation of the Kyoto Protocol, which will expire in 2012 - an agreement on which basis sanctions can be imposed.
The Eurosceptic vote in referendums in Ireland, the Netherlands and France is, as usual, simply ignored as if it did not exist.
I would like to make a similar point about international coach transport too.
We must also spend more on well-understood development aid - not as charity, but because it is an intelligent, strategic policy to introduce fair trade worldwide and to really develop a strategic approach to narrowing the prosperity gap on a global scale.
We need new methods of retrieving the funds paid out illegally and we also need stronger cooperation between the Commission and the Member States.
The Commission shares the rapporteur's view that it is essential to continue with our efforts.
I was not silent when we were discussing energy security and I was not silent in the past when we were discussing the Khodorkovsky case and other cases.
There also needs to be rejection and condemnation of any attempt to exploit the tragedy of the Haitian people by military occupation of their country, along with the unequivocal defence of Haiti's sovereignty and independence - something that is missing from the document in question.
This is because the least that can be said is that in the UfM, there is currently a signal lack of clarity.
It is important that we seek fair treatment for both partners, and I assume that the WTO body will take its decision in this spirit.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Mr President, this debate on permitted levels of radioactivity in food is timely, because this April will be the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster.
Protecting human rights, increased financial resources, the development of democracies, the rule of law and bilateral agreements are instruments which, if used correctly, can certainly contribute to preventing mass migration.
And black clouds in the area of human rights are actually coming to Moscow once more, because - as you heard yesterday - the constitutional court has discussed the possible reinstatement of the death penalty from next year, and for liberals this is definitely a very tough subject.
I would also point out that the future strategy for the Roma minority should focus on education as the core instrument for promoting social inclusion.
Pregnant workers and workers who are breastfeeding must not carry out activities which, based on assessments, pose a risk of exposure to certain agents or particularly harmful working conditions that jeopardise the safety or health of these workers.
in writing. - It is known that the mobilisation of the adjustment fund concerns 2834 redundancies (all targeted for assistance) in the primary enterprise General Motors Belgium and four of its suppliers operating in the motor vehicle sector in the region of Antwerp, during the four-month reference period from 14 June to 14 October 2010.
Malaysia is thus violating its commitment to Resolution 8/8 of the UN Human Rights Council, which states that corporal punishment can be tantamount to torture.
It is because it lacks teeth in this area and so many others that I abstained on this report.
In concrete terms, it involves introducing measures which should contribute to the greater financial stability of the banking sector, and to reducing the probability of another crisis, focusing on the following five areas: the quality of capital (increasing the quality of bank capital is undoubtedly desirable), stricter liquidity standards (the liquidity risk was shown to be significant during the crisis), countercyclical measures (the creation of additional banking capital in good times should limit excessive credit growth and consequent creation of price bubbles, such as, for example, in Spain), the introduction of a leverage ratio (this new indicator should contribute to the greater stability of banks, but it should include not only financial items contained in the bank's balance sheet, but also off-balance sheet items, such as derivatives and the contingent liabilities of the bank) and, last but not least, the creation of a central counterparty for the settlement of OTC transactions, particularly in relation to greater transparency in derivatives.
(DE) Mr President, the current Cohesion policy started life with the title of the Lisbon Strategy.
The accident in Chernobyl occurred 25 years ago, but as recently as March of this year there was an accident in Fukushima.
The other important point, on which I voted differently from my group, was Amendment 37d, which originally points to the significant savings that could be made if the European Parliament were to have a single seat.
That post has been abolished totally, so transparency of information about the State, for example on public procurement, is not there anymore.
As I put on my hat as Vice-Chairwoman of the Committee on Fisheries, I would urge that its considered views be taken on board in this interim report today.
The immigration liaison officers should not only be seen as 'facilitators of deportations' - which I would actually not like them to be seen as - they should closely monitor the human rights situation in the host countries and especially the protection offered to asylum seekers and returnees.
As a result, cooperation with the Hague Tribunal was not addressed seriously and credibly, which was why cooperation within the Stabilisation and Association Agreement was also delayed, then suspended, then resumed, and now we are waiting again.
We should draw up a list of uniform minimum building insulation standards for the whole EU.
We are following the situation, as I said, and we can urge Member States and we can demand that they inform us (they have, anyway, the obligation to inform us) and move actively.
(FR) Madam President, Mr Carlgren, Mr President of the Commission, we are facing a challenge for humanity, a challenge for the future generations.
The second is taking account of the different situations among Member States.
Amongst other things, that will, indeed, mean helping democratic parties and civil society to develop.
Questions which have not been answered for lack of time will be answered in writing (see Annex).
The title reads as follows: 'exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association process'.
The agreement with Vietnam also reminds us of the growing importance of the Asian market, and I think that, on this particular point, we have to point out that the Council has been dragging its heels for years over giving the Commission a mandate to negotiate with countries such as China and India.
Meanwhile, Member States of the EU have been the largest direct foreign investors in Ukraine since 1991.
One example of this is that only 11 of the 29 chemicals over which we wanted Parliament to have monitoring powers are now classified as hazardous substances.
Not only does it not respond to the major challenges for health policies in the Union, it also does not solve the issue of legal uncertainty for patients and enshrines a market approach to healthcare.
Moreover, I am convinced that in a post-crisis Europe, any Single Market strategy has to be formulated in such a way as to maintain and enhance social cohesion, ensure market integrity and economic sustainability and foster innovation.
The European Union has constantly reinvented itself, from the initial vocation of healing a war-torn continent to the building of the internal market and then on to the reunification of Europe.
At the recent meeting of local authorities from South Bohemia, Bavaria and Upper Austria, some experts mentioned that the new obstacle along the former national borders could be the so-called 'non-interference zone' of the Šumava National Park.
Here it states: 'underlined the importance of enhanced energy dialogue with the US and other key energy partners that share EU values.'
The new version of Europeana, which is currently under development, will be launched this year with the aim of reaching a volume of more than 10 million digitised objects before June.
In return, the Agreement - as the rapporteur herself admits - will threaten the survival of thousands of small and medium-sized producers, both in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries and in European countries.
Mr Pöttering says that a million Irish voters cannot stand in the way of 450 million Europeans.
The motion for a resolution on the reforms and progress in the Republic of Moldova provides a spur of encouragement at the right time to the political establishment and inhabitants on the other side of the River Prut, with the approaching ballot on 28 November.
Look at the broader picture of world food trade at the moment and the hardship faced in some countries that are heavily dependent on export revenues from one or few commodities.
Apart from anything else, they divisively create social problems for workers in the shipping industry and residents of island regions.
The vote will take place tomorrow, Thursday, 11 November 2010, at 12:00.
I would like to thank the rapporteur and the shadow rapporteurs for their excellent support and cooperation on this file.
Regarding the institutions, it is important to note that the President of the Council has to be selected by the Heads of State or Government.
Looking to the future, I agree with what the Commissioner said: in order to face the challenges of globalisation, an ageing population and climate change, internally we will need to take in the new countries, improve coordination in order to make the Lisbon Strategy a reality and make changes in order to monitor the stability of the capital markets.
The debate is closed.
Wind generators which destroy the environment, as in the Aegean Islands, sharply increased tolls on major public roads, private and public sector collaborations and so on - all are for the sake of profit made from contracting with individuals, and, of course, they are backed by state guarantees.
I am counting on the aspirations of our eastern neighbour, Ukraine, also being received with more understanding.
Thank you to everyone, of course, for the praise, congratulations and for the assessment of the Slovenian Presidency.
Progress in medicine, an improvement in living conditions and a drop in natural population growth mean a very old and very costly Europe in the future.
I do not wish to see the euro zone in prolonged difficulty, but the ECR cannot support EU legislation that transfers any further powers away from national governments who are currently outside of that euro zone.
Guantánamo is a zone where national and international law do not apply and, therefore, it goes against the principles of international law.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
Member States can continue to exercise and regulate their health systems, and they can decide for themselves what benefits they want to offer to their citizens, and to what extent.
I think it is good that we will have the Treaty of Lisbon.
For cases where prevention or early diagnosis is not possible, as you said, we need to improve therapeutic strategies and practice by being more effective and innovative.
Luxembourg is so small that three different countries lie less than half an hour away from the airport by car.
Closer cooperation between the Baltic countries will help bring them closer together and will make our region's market more harmonious and accessible to the whole of the European Union.
We would also like appointment of the new European Commission to be done with respect for the European Parliament and its rights, as well as implementation of the new role for national parliaments while preserving the principle of subsidiarity, and discussion of how to build Europe after Lisbon.
At the end of last week we proposed to the Eurogroup a huge financial rescue package and a stabilisation programme worth EUR 110 billion in all.
I am confident that the spirit of good interinstitutional cooperation that both institutions have demonstrated so far will continue throughout the whole reform process.
I expect that Europe will, in this way, become more competitive in this crucial field in relation to the US and other major economic areas, as Mr Hökmark said previously.
The beekeepers' production of honey, beeswax, propolis and pollen is only the smaller part of their activity, is it not.
Others - and we are in this camp - want to improve our results so that they match our ambitions.
(PL) Madam President, last night Anatoly Bitkov died in Magadan, the principal town of the Kolyma region in Russia.
There are problems, however, and I wish to mention a few of them.
We do not want to move transport from the sea back to the roads and we want fair competition in northern Europe, in the European Union and in the Mediterranean area.
Documents received: see Minutes
What is more, these inadequate limits are not fully used for this purpose, or even observed, and they are certainly not fully implemented.
We cannot.
In view of the current economic situation, the European Parliament has a duty to set an example in terms of cutting costs.
It has been revealed for what it is, which is an authoritarian conspiracy against the people.
In addition, Mr Mauro has asked the Council to act immediately and include the issue on its agenda without further delay, since it is an absolute priority, given that immigrants have also started arriving from Egypt now.
It is one thing to speak about Israel as the enemy; it is quite another to refuse to cooperate with providers of basic services and international organisations.
As European Parliament rapporteur for Schengen, I followed the calls for the early enlargement of the Schengen Area and the abolition of internal borders.
We believe that the adopted resolution falls well short of what, in our view, origin marking should be, which is to say, among other things, an instrument to protect industrial jobs in Europe, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises, and an instrument to tackle social and environmental dumping.
What we have now, and what we have had at other times in the course of 20th century European history, is a great deal of uncertainty, a certain desperation, a certain aimlessness, and what we need to do is provide hope, a forward-looking spirit and strong leadership so that everyone feels a part of the European Union.
We also spoke about the Southern Caucasus, again including Azerbaijan.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (DA) Madam President, a picture is beginning to emerge of how a putrid compromise is to be reached with Ireland to get it to accept the Treaty of Lisbon.
There is one fact that cannot be ignored, however, which is that the gas dispute is a political dispute.
in writing. - (FR) The fact that the European Union is once again preparing to approve the Charter of Fundamental Rights shows just how the people of Europe are being deceived.
Therefore, I will not answer with a 'yes' or a 'no', since the Member States are divided.
(HU) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, our position is that the root of the climate change that has a growing influence these days does not exclusively lie in the environmental pollution caused by humanity.
Commissioner, of course you can say that you only give the money, and that the governments of the Member States are responsible for social policy, but social rights are legally binding on the institutions of the European Union.
Based on this premise, the rapporteur gives some examples:
Unfortunately, the European Union, although committed, is very much lagging behind the United States.
Thank you very much, colleagues, for putting forward questions for discussion.
There may be more to come.
We need cooperation, not confrontation.
We should also be considering what we do with sectors that have been orphan sectors in terms of skill developments - not least the care sector at the moment - and really look at how we can ensure equality there.
But we do need a common European agricultural policy.
We have paid out billions to create a uniform system, and here billions are being paid out at national level to counteract that.
In particular, we recognise that attacks on civilians either by states or by organisations are entirely unacceptable.
This is not a debate on Greece so I am not going to go into the details of it, but I think, sincerely speaking, that some fault also lies with Greece itself.
Today such practices are neglected, and yet they are so simple.
More could perhaps have been done on certain points to protect patients, for example, with regard to the prior notification system, which will allow Member States to advance medical expenses, but only on a voluntary basis.
That is why I am pleased that the international community as a whole, through the UN Security Council, has made its position clear: that the violence is unacceptable; it must stop and people should be held to account.
In this Year of Intercultural Dialogue, it is important to devote special attention to promoting diversity and intercultural dialogue, as culture is a key dimension of the Lisbon Strategy and we will not achieve the fundamental Lisbon goals unless we treat it as such.
We support the removal of Article 3(1)(h), especially the percentage stipulated for gradually removing the aid granted so that Member States which are going to grant State aid to uncompetitive coal mines have the maximum flexibility possible.
Commissioner, I am pleased that you have started the negotiations with the Chinese Government in such an uncompromising manner.
As one was not forthcoming I made my statement at nine o'clock this morning, and I am not going to make it again.
We must firmly resist all manifestations of racism and xenophobia.
It seems to me that, in a democracy, every institution has to have a budget, and the institution must account for what it is spending to those who are actually making the contributions and who are providing the resources.
Israel is shirking its responsibility under international law, which means that the international community and, above all, the EU have to step in.
(ES) Mr President, I also think that there are ample reasons to support the amendments tabled for this report, and that the report is very valuable.
For this very reason, there needs to be an amendment to this report so that it is harmonised not only with the fundamental objectives of the Green Paper on the CFP or on the reform of the CFP, but also with the recommendations presented by the Council on the Regulation on total allowable catches (TACs) for 2011, in which Atlantic horse mackerel in International Council for the Exploration of the Sea Zone VIII C is essentially seen as geared towards artisanal fisheries, while the north, within this western zone, is mainly focused on industrial fisheries.
Despite the outermost regions not having been explicitly excluded from the scope of the directive (by recognising the permanent natural and geographical disadvantages and constraints affecting these regions and by establishing adequate derogations from compliance with universal public service obligations), as we proposed, we welcome the fact that the directive's scope has been limited to airports with more than 5 million passengers per year.
President of the Commission. - Mr President, some concrete questions were raised.
The report even underlines the necessity of the Galileo satellite project, which is quite clearly a civilian project, for autonomous ESDP operations.
It will be much better for Europe if Turkey does not become a member of the EU.
(Applause)
However, the question of what remits are given in terms of the relationship between the State and the citizens is, of course, as fundamental as it is sensitive, and one which ought to be discussed here in Parliament.
in writing. - British Conservatives are very much in favour of larger airports being subject to extra scrutiny where they hold a dominant market position.
Financial support to Member States (motions for resolutions tabled): see Minutes
Against the background of the safe use of products and technologies, it is intended to strengthen our European economy and simplify the associated administration.
However, in order to make this possible, a number of persistent problems need to be overcome.
People make informed choices about their appliances in a way that corresponds to the global society's interest.
This presupposes adequate financing, the withdrawal of all public aid which is harmful for biodiversity and a dedicated budget which we propose should be multiplied tenfold.
I think this will address many of the issues of industrial development and the issue of location.
The alternative, if it fails, would, of course, be a frightening prospect.
I too want to call on the President of Yemen to halt the execution of Thabet Samoum, as well as to call on him and the authorities to commute the death sentence passed on him and other juveniles such as Ali Abdulla.
In Romania innocent people are also thrown into jail for 30 days, after which they have to stand trial.
Mr President, as many of us know, the GSP system is up for review and the current system is coming to an end.
I would also like to thank the shadow rapporteurs, the Commission, the representatives of the Council and the staff for their fantastic cooperation, which was the key to achieving this political unity at first reading.
The waste is even greater than that caused by the fact of there being two seats, if programmes are run that do not produce the necessary results.
I agree.
In addition, we read about the increasing number of death sentences.
Perhaps it will not be enough, but it is essential in order to provide answers to the big questions that lie ahead: these resources are needed to tackle real problems, such as greater cohesion between the regions, a greater capacity for research and innovation, and a greater capacity to generate growth and provide jobs.
All this matters most to those citizens and enterprises who wish to freely exercise their rights in commerce in the internal market.
However, we believe that majority decisions by Parliament are not competent to interpret historic facts.
9.
(FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I am going to focus my speech on Mr Goerens' report, which deals with the ACP Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM).
I am sure we will vote for the resolution unanimously.
The sustainable development of European aquaculture demands substantial support for scientific research and technological development in the area of farming native species, so as to enable the production and supply of foodstuffs to be diversified and quality to be improved, while also guaranteeing greater environmental security.
These countries were affected by torrential rainfall, in some cases, without precedent, extensive flooding, landslips and mudslides.
The Treaty of Lisbon gives the Union legal grounds to establish intellectual property law, and provides that suitable standards will be adopted under the Ordinary legislative procedure.
Belarus certainly should be supported by the European Union in its reform process and also in its democratisation.
I voted in favour of this report.
Subject: Demarcation between Schengen and non-Schengen Member States
In addition to the European Economic Recovery Plan, decisions adopted by the European institutions have increased lending by the European Investment Bank.
Today we must say 'no' to the violation of fundamental children's rights, 'no' to violence and the sexual exploitation of children, 'no' to depravity and pornography on the Internet and 'no' to sex tourism.
These activities will still be covered at national level by national data protection legislation.
in writing. - (PL) Sanctions imposed by the European Union are instruments that ensure the effectiveness of the CFSP.
If, however, the G20 made such a statement for their own benefit, then we really do need to consider that there is a very serious issue of political conspiracy at a time in the economy when instant reaction is needed.
Members who took the floor earlier persisted in quoting the figure of 40% of GDP because that is the proportion of Afghanistan's GDP that is allegedly generated by the production of narcotics.
I wish to stress that no satisfactory solution has been reached so far.
This is the framework in which operational cooperation is now developing between the Agency and the Turkish authorities.
This tragic case merely reinforces our determination never to surrender our hard-won democratic freedoms to obscurantism.
I agree that we must simplify the funding of these programmes, but on one condition - after the result has been achieved, it must be available free of charge to all EU countries.
Regarding the call made to the Commission to eventually propose new measures, may I emphasise that this lies within the right of initiative of the Commission, which will in any case propose new measures if it is felt that it is necessary and appropriate to do so.
My colleague, Mrs Ferrero-Waldner, has said publicly that the Government has missed a chance to send a signal of reconciliation at a moment of national distress when the Government again extended the house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi.
The weakness of the rule of law, the corruption and nepotism, and the worryingly high level of casual violence are all indicators of a society that has to undergo a significant shift before democracy can be regarded as complying with the Copenhagen criteria.
I therefore support this report and the main amendments which seek to extend the offer to consumers by reinforcing competition.
What we need is policy in the Member States that supports young European families in their desire to have children.
I can therefore only hope that joint action by the EU and the Member States, always abiding by the vital principle of subsidiarity - as the excellent report by Mrs De Vits also stresses - is crucial.
Lastly, Commissioner, I would like to mention the issue of imports.
Given that the European Community is a member of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982, the European Commission has always undertaken to promote freedom of navigation in all its aspects and the development of appropriate instruments to prevent illegal acts against ships.
The recent criminalisation of illegal immigration in Italy is translating into greater exploitation of illegal immigrants and is restricting their access to employment, housing and basic services.
These plans will also have to deal with the difficult issue of borders in order to ensure that a peaceful and viable coexistence of the two states can be maintained.
I thank Mrs Jeggle for what was, on the whole, a very good report.
Cutting off power to businesses, seizing computers, occupying party offices on the grounds of supposed risks of attacks - the whole gamut of the déjà vu is on show in Ukraine.
The negotiations have been difficult.
The Goerens report will blow EUR 190 million, including EUR 17.4 million for a facility for rapid response to soaring food prices in developing countries.
We have needed the many years' experience of negotiating between the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament.
Three major subjects will be on the table at the Seoul Summit: reform of the international monetary system of course, but also the stability of commodities - especially food and energy - and global governance.
In my view, it was a mistake to package the two together, but I think we have managed it successfully.
Unfortunately, the terrorist attacks of 11 September caused , a decrease between 2000 and 2001 of approximately 2% in the number of passengers using air transport.
In the same way, I reject the idea that we should lower our guard when it comes to defending the interests of European farmers.
The case of the Saudi citizen, Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, must set the standard.
Among the many urgent problems facing children let me highlight the striking number of disappearances; these child disappearances often have a tragic ending as a result of sexual exploitation and violence linked to child pornography.
We believe that, as a very clear infringement of international law, it would also be used in other conflict situations as a method of resolving disputes.
However, the truth is that this process is paralysed, to a great extent for legal reasons.
5.
While Greece shares its burden of responsibility in its crisis, our European leaders share theirs as well.
Mr President, earlier Minister Jouyet made a reference to the Mumbai terrorist attack, demonstrating solidarity with India.
This is how the artist who made the Czech Republic's gift to the European Union portrayed the nations and countries of the European Union in his work.
Europe must join with its partners, in particular, the United States, in reminding the emerging countries of their responsibilities.
If it does, we could save much more than the EUR 400 that someone complained about when it comes to bringing transparency to voting.
They were part of 97 Squadron based at RAF Bourn in Cambridgeshire.
Can the Commission explain why a decision was not taken in 1998 to ban the marketing of pharmaceuticals containing benfluorex?
This does not mean that we are making compromises, but that we are listening to the voice of reason and not going to extremes.
We can therefore conclude that there is still a long way to go before the standards set out in EU law are properly and promptly transposed by the Member States.
Looking carefully at the images available on the Internet, one can measure the level of violence used against the Moroccan law enforcement authorities.
I am resolutely opposed to any measure favouring harmonisation of taxes across the EU.
I would like to inform you that I have already sent Mrs Suu Kyi an invitation to visit the European Parliament and to address one of our plenary sessions.
The development of the international audiovisual environment deserves our attention because this is an interesting field of activity and it opens up a large space for cooperation within the European Union and also with other countries in the world.
It would be completely mistaken and incorrect to characterise this process as a bilateral affair between two Member States of the EU.
It is important to ensure that the implementation of the visa liberalisation regime for Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina is not delayed any longer.
These really are very significant factors in relation to accidents.
I would say the same about the European patent.
I hope our vote tomorrow will take account of these different parameters.
However, I must ask whether it is possible to refer in the external policy document under discussion today to the Lisbon Treaty, which occurs on a number of occasions, since the Treaty is not yet in force as the ratification process has not yet been completed by all the Member States.
It jeopardises the objectives of the Europe 2020 agenda.
How much pain are we ready to suffer, how many days in hospital, to save EUR 1 000 by buying a less technologically advanced vehicle?
Ladies and gentlemen, in the 1980s we coined the phrase 'democratic deficit'.
The measures that legislators have already adopted - and that are therefore already in force - are cutting the costs of bureaucracy for European businesses by EUR 7 billion a year.
Finally, I think the EU will only have a proper position vis-à-vis the United States if we speak with one voice, because if we do not - if we are divided - then our rules are made in Washington and not here or in Brussels.
I strongly believe that democratisation should inform all of the European Union's policies vis-à-vis third countries.
It is now time to make it a more attractive, effective and credible policy that guarantees security and prosperity for all.
What we are now doing is opening up the entire internal market according to transparent rules, with obligations with respect to Member States and businesses, and in so doing we are actually counteracting this oligopolisation, so your argument just does not hold water.
To conclude, Mr President, I should like to thank the rapporteur for his excellent report, the representatives of the Court, and also all of the Commission staff who have done an excellent job on the ground.
Today, if we decided to raise the expenditure ceiling to the maximum threshold allowed by the treaties, this would mean an additional levy of more than 5 billion for countries like France and Germany.
Evaluation is nothing if the results are not presented, discussed, questioned, and indeed either accepted or sometimes rejected, by the very stakeholders that it aims to serve, and, of course, Parliament plays a vital role in this process, not only bringing to bear a broad cross-section of experience from political and public life but, just as importantly, from the many fields of deep knowledge held by Members.
That is the truth.
It should not be done to the detriment or at the expense of the southern neighbourhood.
I will of course report this to the Commission, President Barroso and my colleague, Joaquín Almunia.
Micro-credit allows the unemployed to make a new start, thanks to risk-sharing and financing instruments, making entrepreneurship accessible.
Up to now, the Community institutions, the Commission and the Council, have said nothing.
This should be based on the solidarity clause contained in Article 80 of the TFEU.
Opening of the sitting
Undoubtedly, there is quite a difference between the electricity and gas markets, and we should distinguish between them in our documents, as was rightfully done by the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy.
It is therefore regrettable to note that the latest municipal elections held on 31 October were criticised by most observers.
Is it justified for South Sudan to argue that, no, they should not be counted, as they are not permanent residents?
in writing. - (PT) We voted in favour of this report which improves on the European Commission's proposals, although it is not yet clear what will be accepted.
The last estimate was EUR 20 billion, which is quite a lot to anybody.
During my visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, I was informed of various interfaith meetings where Israeli and Palestinian residents come together and do not let recent political events hamper their dialogue.
The first one is that it is not transparent, but the EU is a tricky political system even for those who understand its functioning.
On the basis of the above, the rapporteur suggested that the Committee on Transport and Tourism, first, and then Parliament as a whole, should give a favourable opinion on the conclusion of this agreement.
That is why the GUE/NGL Group has tabled amendments to rectify the legal situation, to the effect that space may be used only for explicitly civilian purposes and that Galileo is an explicitly civilian project.
But I cannot act alone.
This points to the need to improve the work of the police and the gendarmerie but, also, the working relationship between the police and the gendarmerie, on the one hand, and the judiciary, on the other'.
I look forward to the day when we no longer need to talk about this and the principle of gender equality has finally been realised in the social sphere.
We cannot expect our producers to meet standards that third countries are not meeting.
While the governments of the Member States and the Union are among those who participated in the update in question, we face a paradox.
This work started in January, in accordance with the mandate which the European Council bestowed on the Slovenian Presidency in December last year.
We find some of the trends that 'will to some extent form the EU's humanitarian approach in the future' very worrying and extremely negative, taking the form of initiatives such as the 'EU response to situations of fragility in developing countries' or the 'European Consensus on Development', aimed basically at African countries but also at Caribbean and Pacific countries.
We must learn all the lessons from this action, which has been crowned with success.
Mr President, may I at the outset thank the Commissioner very much indeed for her strong and audacious statement, which was very much appreciated.
It is all the more urgent that we have equality of treatment.
I am disappointed that the Commission drew back from an earlier draft of the SET Plan, where the sources of the identified necessary investment were clearly indicated.
This enables them to maximise the number of working hours for transporting passengers and goods according to the varying daylight.
This is a basic element that we all need to respect because, if the Cyprus issue is not resolved fairly, it will be disastrous for the European Union itself.
The strength and security of Europe has depended for some time on the allies willing to play an active role in our defence.
With regard to education, I believe that this is a broader part of education.
Well-functioning markets depend on the respect of transparency across the board, and this report is a step in the right direction.
In 1997 Mr Brown established five famous so-called tests before we could adjudge sterling's accession to the single currency.
Does it come from individual states or from large lobby groups?
Those who did are, I am afraid, currently trapped inside an economic prison.
The vote will take place in a few minutes' time.
Without going into all the details once more, I am convinced that the initial 1996 ban on the inhaler was not legitimately imposed.
At this juncture, I would like to congratulate Mrs Striffler on the excellent work that she has done.
Skimmed milk powder also went up by 4% in France and Germany, and 2-3% if we look at the average all over Europe.
Both he and everyone else who has spoken today have pointed out the shortcomings, while also finding real potential solutions.
We have no time to dither; we cannot just wait and see.
Not all these aspects are duly safeguarded in the EU's environmental law, nor are its policies duly consistent.
Yes, it is indeed the anti-immigration mechanisms that encourage migrants to take increasingly risky routes to flee the desolation of their countries that are the cause.
If we want to get our small businesses and employment to stabilise in the European Union and in each individual Member State, we must do everything we possibly can to try and save them.
China can become truly great only by showing respect towards its minorities.
Therefore, there is no legal basis for Greece to obstruct the country's accession process.
Inevitably, there are a small number of technical adjustments that I hereby request be put to the vote in plenary.
What in any case are supposed to be its priorities?
You could fill in forms from here to the end of Parliament but, if there is no added value, it is of no benefit.
So there is no absolute need to guarantee legality placed on the companies.
We read from time to time that the European Parliament is demanding something or another, or deplores something, but do we think about what happens as a result?
The package you are about to adopt certainly represents a great stride in the right direction and - I reiterate - a great political message, a great sign of will by the European institutions to provide answers to the questions asked by 500 million citizens.
I welcome the fact - and little did I think I would be saying this today - that the military junta has now allowed in five United Nations helicopters to distribute food, despite the fact that a French naval vessel and American naval vessels are in the bay waiting to deliver food and medical aid to the people.
As Mr Mitchell is probably aware, at its spring session in 2007 the European Council approved the objectives of the European Union regarding the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.
Before intervening in this way, I suggest that you think before you act.
The geographical situation of Austria, where I come from, makes it a particularly popular destination and this has had disastrous consequences.
NGOs are often not aware of this nor do the Commission's officials bring this to their attention voluntarily.
Allow me to say that it is of special significance that the Treaty will be signed on 13 December in Lisbon at the Jeronimo Monastery, precisely where the Treaty of Accession of Portugal to the European Community was signed.
It is time to say that we must never again see people expelled from their homes and deported on the basis of their nationality, faith or origin, as happened in my own country as well as in other countries in the region.
(EL) Mr President, the European Social Fund is a tool, a basic tool with which to build a better Europe, so that we can forge the solidarity of peoples and states.
This pattern is consistent.
At international level, we must remind Cambodia to strive towards democracy and not use the selective enforcement of laws against individual rights.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to begin by stating that we have a general problem with the existing financial perspective because, from the point of view of the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance, the budget we have until 2013 is not really adequate for the major challenges that Europe and the current 27 Member States are facing.
It is so important to remember that this financial crisis has a human face as well and that face is represented quite often by the already most marginalised in society.
Other policies may offer key elements or even better options for effective solutions.
I believe, however, that the resolution should place greater emphasis on the effects of certain Community policies, particularly the common agricultural policy, which lead people to abandon the land and productive systems, and on activities which contribute to a preventive approach to the problem of fires.
This matter is vital for us.
Certainly not by the European Union: it firmly believes in and upholds unity and diversity.

The government of a sovereign state must openly accept the desire for change and drive through a political solution.
¡Muito obrigado!, Vital.
We are unhappy that this crisis is damaging the reputation not just of the Region of Campania but of Italy as a whole, but keeping quiet again about who is responsible and turning a blind eye would do little to resolve a problem which has worsened because of silence and intrigue, and although people should not used as political pawns, nor do I think that the do-gooder attitude that is also creeping round this House this evening is acceptable either.
It will be important, however, to carefully monitor the volume of goods coming from that country, so that we can make use of the safeguard clause in the event that it increases excessively and threatens European jobs.
I would like to mention some of those commitments.
Each one of us could be fined up to EUR 2 900 for publicly promoting sexual orientation - meaning homosexuality in this case, because I guess for heterosexuality that does not apply.
We would also draw attention, as we have done in the past, to the need to speed up the procedures for mobilising the Solidarity Fund, to ensure that regional disasters remain eligible and to effectively acknowledge the specific nature of natural disasters in the Mediterranean region, such as drought and fire.
Only states may be members of the European Union and Kosovo has become a state.
This includes the European Union strategy on Roma inclusion, initiated by the European Parliament.
What Google has done, taking on intellectual property and reproducing it for private usage, was clearly illegal at the outset, according to the conclusions drawn by the US Department of Justice itself.
in writing. - Community media has always had an important role to play in our society.
The process brought in by the treaty will strengthen the Union from within and also in a global context, and is also very closely linked to strengthening cooperation in the area of the current third pillar.
I have been told that, when the original Directive was debated in the 1990s, very serious concerns were expressed, and the discussions became very emotional.
Given recent developments in relation to the status of Kosovo, will the Council Presidency assume an active role in attempting to integrate further the countries of the Western Balkans into EU structures?
However, I believe women should learn to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies; in other words, when there is easy access to contraception and specialised advice, then abortion is more difficult to justify.
The result has been GDP growth of a meagre 0.7% in 2008, followed by a 4% contraction in 2009.
Yet when those very same subjects come to this Parliament, you rarely see all the Members from one country voting one way and all the Members of another country voting another way, because we are making political choices - policy choices.
Marijus has asthma attacks, but he is not allowed to receive his medicine, nor is he allowed to meet loved ones or even the Lithuanian consul.
As the former commissioner emphasised on 16 November 2006, the restitution of Famagusta to its legitimate inhabitants is an issue which will have to be dealt with under the auspices of the UN, as part of an overall settlement of the Cyprus issue.
15.
We have got used to Lakshmi Mittal's company being the largest steel company in the European Union.
Apparently, we in Europe are not yet capable of forming our own opinion on this and I think it would be a good idea if we could take this debate seriously enough to actually translate what it means in concrete terms into figures.
Providing better maternity leave and introducing paid paternity leave is a sensible investment.
Lastly, a few words on overproduction.
(DE) Mr President, I wanted to direct a further question to Mr Verheugen.
That is what is valuable about this motion for a resolution.
Unfortunately, our relevant policies are still often based on the idea that markets must regulate themselves.
The Commission, of course, fully shares the view that the Treaty of Lisbon is a very positive step for the future of the Union.
The current rules for the wine sector are unsustainable.
The part managed by the European Commission is the part which is the subject of this debate on discharge, whereas the part managed by the EIB is for the time being excluded from the discharge, and I would like to come back to this matter later.
It includes concepts that are innovative, such as reversed qualified majority voting and the fining of Member States, and ensures that national budgets are no longer a matter merely for national parliaments.
My electorate has not been given the opportunity to familiarise itself with it, and I am here, after all, to represent its views and interests, and not just my own convictions.
It is a paradox that the more our societies and economies are turning into knowledge economies, the less of an internal market we have because the internal market was legislated for industry and the old-time economy, and less for the service sector, where we need to go further regarding the service directive.
This House therefore found the right line.
We are trying to push things ahead, and owing to the commitments we made in Nagoya we will have to do more in Europe than at present - also owing to Natura 2000 itself and the commitments which we have made.
The perversity of this measure can be easily noticed when it is realised that the vast majority of those banned are from the political Opposition, a practice that most likely will not be used only for the elections this November but may continue for the elections which will follow.
This is freer agriculture, freer farmers and free trade.
Data sharing would allow for greater efficiency in the file evaluation system and would cut the cost of drafting these files, which would be significant both for small- and medium-sized enterprises and the national authorities responsible for examining applications.
on behalf of the PSE group. - (RO) Thanks to a lack of policies to promote an increase in the birth rate and certain facilities for child raising and care, that part of the population aged over 65 years will increase from 20% to 28% by 2025.
I welcome the compromise reached between Parliament and the Council on introducing into the framework directive adequate protection for users in cases of restriction of access to services and applications through electronic communication networks.
I fully agree with the idea that, out of a concern for simplification and efficiency, the feasibility be investigated of merging the various Community funds in the future cohesion policy for the period subsequent to 2013.
in writing. - MEP Mitchell presented a plan which articulates a collective Community response to the rising and volatile costs of food in developing countries by providing guidelines for rapid responses and safety net procedures for forthcoming harvests.
Multilingualism is essential for effective communication and represents a means of facilitating comprehension between individuals and, hence, acceptance of diversity and minorities.
(DE) Mr President, we need improvements, not justifications!
It is our political responsibility to finish this visa liberalisation process, and we also have to find a solution for all the people in Kosovo.
Our willingness must be there.
Gaza should be viewed as a very important component of Palestinian state-building.
The movement was launched in 2000 when the European Union, for the first time, gathered together all of these countries at the Zagreb Summit and recognised their aspiration to join the Union.
We would stress, however, that the compensation system proposed in this report is merely a stopgap that does nothing to change the fundamental problem.
I really want to be very clear on that.
A capitalist economy that bears the human factor in mind.
in writing. - (IT) I am voting firmly in favour of this motion for a resolution on stepping up the European Union's disaster response capacity.
At the same time, Interior Ministry officials have always argued that they lack even rudimentary equipment to successfully prosecute criminals in Bulgaria.
In addition, these 12-day trips help European integration and, for many people, are a very economical way of going on holiday.
I maintain my complete opposition on this issue, but this has not prevented me from voting in favour of what is a very positive report.
This has made a major contribution to the present crisis.
Whilst I vote in favour today, I wonder whether there is an urgent need in future to examine in more detail what appears to be the inability of the EU side of these partnerships to exercise proper financial control.
Perhaps an 'I'm running unladen' flag would be of interest here.
Worker mobility within the EU is the key to economic recovery and the Single Market's development.
The Commission therefore urges the Chinese Government to permit expressions of all forms of opinion.
Some countries are embarking on the path of reform, and are reinforcing or creating the pillar of private pension funds, while others are attempting to turn back time instead.
Mr President, is there a timetable for all this, for the mechanism to combat speculation?
I would like to thank the President for his very comprehensive reply.
I therefore agree with my compatriot, the rapporteur, on everything he has said on this issue, and fully endorse his report, and I congratulate him on this.
So, although the recovery plan was welcome and indeed necessary, we must not now cut important lines under Heading 1 to fund the GBP 1.98 billion required.
Especially at a time when the economic crisis has hit small businesses hard, it is our duty to endeavour to provide them with all the facilities which might help them recover and offer support again to the European economy.
Furthermore, in political terms, we must urgently continue the unremitting pursuit of dialogue on security policy, in order to develop ever stronger relations between the countries in question.
Now more immigrants are arriving, but they are using fewer boats.
I believe that the European Union is a sufficiently strong financial market for a general residual tax on all transactions to be created without capital flight.
This agreement on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation is essential as a stimulus to relations between Georgia, its neighbouring countries and the European Union, as well as to the fight against illegal immigration.
Retaining the so-called Television Without Frontiers Directive in its current form would aggravate the unjustified differences in the regulatory treatment of different methods of distributing similar or identical media content. The current provisions regarding television should remain in force for linear services.
I wish the Council had been listening, for then it would have seen that - thank God! - all, or at least nearly all the parliamentary groups stand united here.
You even covered the ILO recommendation.
On this basis, I support the rapporteur's suggestions that the European Commission should observe closely the adoption and implementation of EU consumer rights in the Member States and help them with this in every way.
I think it is very timely.
These results, however, must not blind us to the increasing difficulty the European Union has in playing its role as bridge builder, in a UN environment that is more polarised, where countries act together in blocs.
We agree that the Commission should carry out an updated analysis of the implementation and impact of the current 'ground handling' Directive before we put any new liberalisation on the agenda.
More importantly, it is directly accessible to the public on the Europa server.
In that regard I want in particular to draw attention to the potentially enormous social pressure that could come from raising public awareness of women's basic rights, which could in the final analysis improve the situation of women in the regions concerned.
I hope everyone will support this resolution.
I welcome the progress made in last week's negotiations on the free trade agreement with the Republic of Korea, where I understand we are close to reaching an agreement which, again, will benefit both sides.
For example, in a resolution that it adopted in November last year, Parliament urged the Commission to draw up a general directive on measures to prevent and combat all forms of gender violence.
I am not fundamentally opposed to the idea, but I strongly believe some questions remain to be answered.
I am positively encouraged, however, by a number of indications that, during the present year, 2007, there is a much greater willingness to take up the opportunities offered by my inquiries to resolve complaints.
Therefore, it should be no surprise that the third party, in this case this House, is not prepared to go along with this.
A very important thing for a patient is to be close to his relatives and not to face a language barrier.
A concerted approach to the challenges posed by mental health is very important and should be tackled with the same seriousness as physical health.
Omitting the topic of segregation when creating the Horizontal Directive is an unforgivable crime.
The highlight has been the extremely successful CIVITAS programme that started in 2000.
(There is a need for further theoretical work in connection with this, so that the results can be assessed more accurately.)
It is, therefore, a positive thing that the European Parliament is, this evening, approving a number of reports setting out Parliament's position regarding the implementation of the Treaty.
She is very emaciated.
That is my idea of a balanced food and agriculture policy, anyway.
Some have said EUR 4 billion, others have said EUR 2 billion, and so on.
We want you to help us, and we will work with you, to ensure that we support a dialogue between stakeholders on what measures are necessary to bring mutual practical benefits for business and consumers alike.
I would also like to say to Mr Dimas that I appreciate very much what he said today.
In conclusion, it is my firm belief that if the Union wishes to remain relevant, then modernisation of its laws and policies must always be voted in favour of.
in writing. - (LT) I agreed with this document, because the agreement gives reciprocal access to short-stay, visa-free travel for all EU and Brazilian citizens holding a diplomatic, service or official passport.
We need to think seriously about developing safe nuclear energy.
Four death sentences in particular are mentioned in the motion for a resolution before us.
People are dying in droves, the death penalty is widely applied and those whose existence is viewed as awkward by certain groups are being secretly murdered.
Christian settlements and schools are being set on fire.
From the perspective of future developments, I personally consider it vital firstly to align the role of local authorities correctly in managing European funds and secondly, to target European funds at supporting the use of modern technologies.
First of all, the status quo was able to continue for decades because the Western powers also wanted to maintain this situation after the Second World War.
We in Europe are currently up to our necks in water.
in writing. - (SV) I am voting for this report because it will make life easier for people relocating and travelling between Member States, without any powers being transferred to the EU.
The report I am in charge of urges the Commission to ensure that the process is an efficient one and that we do everything in our power to ensure that, firstly, the new system will improve the internal market's effectiveness; secondly, that this new system reduces the burdens on the business sector; and thirdly, that it combats fraud as effectively as possible.
It will focus on the opportunities that exist in the Barents Sea, and I will be present in order to discuss with some Swedish ministers and some experts whether those opportunities are economically viable or not, and whether they are viable from an environmental point of view - another area where we need to see whether it is right and appropriate to carry out investigations.
As a result, one of the most effective measures would be to increase pay through a fair distribution of income.
On legal certainty, there are so many questions that the Commission should and could be helping sporting organisations with now.
I voted for the resolution on the implementation of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region because it satisfies the need to improve mobility, energy security, environmental protection, social and economic development, cultural exchanges, security and civil protection in the region.
If this brings full security, it will be accepted, but citizens question how this is being handled - improvements are probably possible.
By adopting this second phase of the 'asylum package', Brussels is facilitating and encouraging global immigration to Europe.
It should, however, be admitted that the new Commission did receive the overwhelming majority of the votes.
It plunged Europe into the most serious crisis of its history.
Moreover, answers were given in Irish to the questions addressed to the Commission by citizens or by legal entities.
We do not, however, share the view on the contribution of nuclear power and believe that the report is unclear on tax matters.
We need structural reforms in Europe, including in the labour sector.
Among the various faults in the transposition of the directive, I would emphasise the fact that the legislation of various Member States does not make specific reference to gender discrimination.
I think that Member States must penalise the imposition of obstacles to trade union participation and also offer low threshold advisory services for women who cannot receive support from a works council, such as women employed in private households and in agriculture.
Within the framework of the current troika between France, the Czech Republic and now Sweden, we discussed at an early stage the importance of including Alzheimer's as a joint priority issue in the context of the work relating to public health.
The proposal that the energy production industry will have to purchase all its CO2 emission allowances by auction as from 2013 will cause a massive increase in energy prices that will be particularly painfully felt by the domestic economies.
Secondly, the time horizon for a future work programme - here Mr Verheugen wants to set a very long-term perspective, but this has to be weighed against the mandate of this Commission and we need to have some short-term results.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is found in breast milk, where it contributes to normal visual development in children aged up to 12 months.
Nevertheless, I think that we must take steps now, even though it may be difficult.
The text often mentions the need to move swiftly towards the building of trans-European infrastructures, which are crucial for the continent's development, but it says little about how to finance those networks.
I regret, however, that in the final compromise, we did not manage to ensure equal status for all parties and to maintain a level playing field both for public and for private entities.
Moreover, this total will increase year on year, so where does the President suppose the money will come from?
Initial experiences with the function of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, and the general expectation that she should be active and present in different places, demand that we think about appointing deputies, or involving other Commissioners in areas of her work to a greater degree, since we have so many of them.
I am not drawing any conclusions from this development at the moment.
However, it is of the utmost importance that all citizens in the European Union be guaranteed the same level of health and protection. That is the issue in this respect.
I regret the Commission's tacit acceptance of the collective irresponsibility of the majority of the Member States concerning financial management of the EU.
The independent distribution sector will be in a position to put a larger spectrum of parts on offer, including parts from original equipment suppliers, as well as the normally cheaper parts from independent producers.
I believe, in fact, that we can find a fundamental line of agreement on this.
The decision to make financing in this matter dependent, not on income per resident, but on the pollution limit, is a decision which hits the economies of the new countries of the EU, including my country, Poland.
Our common foreign policy must be based on cultural diplomacy as Europe's position in the world can be strengthened through culture, as an integral part of its economic, development and security policies.
In our opinion, all these conflicts must, therefore, be dealt with.
You have proven already not to be capable of doing this job.
So far the Troika has met separately with the parties on 10 and 11 August in Belgrade and Pristina, on 30 August in Vienna, and on 18 and 19 September in London.
I expect the Member States to respect that.
The current application to mobilise the Fund for the benefit of workers from Polish companies in the Podkarpackie region is the first application this year.
I think that, in this situation, the European Parliament, and I speak as a member of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, must insist very strongly that the European Commission adopt principles for the legal protection of passengers and clients, and that also means financial protection.
Therefore, I call on the Commission to develop a new strategy for world trade.
We must provide legal immigrants with a clear and common status.
The EU will cooperate in fulfilling the obligations entered into in Annapolis and Paris.
The economic crisis has now reached Europe.
Written declarations included in the register (Rule 123): see Minutes

The Republic of Moldova has international obligations and commitments, which mean that it has assumed the responsibility to respect democracy, the rule of law and human rights.
Madam President, Mr Lewandowski, ladies and gentlemen, I have listened with great interest to your speeches, and would like, most of all, to say I am very pleased that the priority related to the main change to the budget for 2010, the priority related to youth, which I proposed and which the Committee on Budgets adopted, has also met with your support and interest.
(ES) Mr President, the meeting of the Council of Ministers on 18 February will not go down in the history of the EU as a particularly glorious date.
The Commission has assessed that three countries - Serbia, Montenegro and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - by and large already meet the conditions for visa liberalisation.
Yesterday the BBC announced that next week, on 12 May, the Appeal Court will hear Roxana Saberi's appeal, but that this would again take place in a closed-door session.
Although the Lisbon Agreement was signed in 1990, it never entered into effect, due to a territorial dispute between Spain and Morocco.
We know, too, that the Swedish Government has both experience and a record of success in this area.
We must face the facts.
Does it intend to step up coordination on horizontal issues in the context of existing partnerships, this being necessary to achieve food security in Africa?
I am sure that this weekend's European Council, which is the same European Council that met on 11 February, will strengthen and preserve that stability.
Now I feel that we actually need to see some concrete action.
However, the Russian report bears all the marks of a political game which aims to absolve the Russians of any blame.
We do indeed - hence I know about the weekly reports.
Even though the text is not ideal, representing the result of complex negotiations, as far as the new position is concerned my understanding is that it is important to continue discussion of the new document and of often disputed issues such as racial discrimination, xenophobia, stigmatisation and stereotyping of people based on their religion or belief.
However, I look forward to constructive cooperation on these matters and I would like to thank the Commission for the initiative.
Canada is one of our oldest and closest trading partners, currently the 11th biggest, and the potential benefits from deregulating bilateral trade are obvious, including from the study carried out by the Commission and the Canadian Government in October 2008.
I would like to draw the commissioner's attention to the need to coordinate politics with economic issues and with Mr Almunia once again.
It is time to show the Commission that food safety and health are major concerns for the European Parliament.
A suspected terrorist who is known to the United States' intelligence services is not necessarily known to their European counterparts, as the Commission's answer to one of my questions shows.
I have the power as President under Rule 155(2) to decide on the order of vote.
President-in-Office, you said that regular talks were being held with the United States.
1.
The solutions are also well known, but I regret that the statements of good intentions are rarely translated into action.
Here we must and shall fulfil our obligations.
The activities of both employed and self-employed drivers are equally relevant to their own and to other people's safety.
This report denounces the misuse by the Member States of the European funds that should be devoted to Roma inclusion projects, but it is my hope that the Commission will go further by forcing the Member States to account publicly for their use of these funds.
In this House, we are not quite all of one mind as to how far we should enforce international demands with sanctions.
That would be a good way of solving at least one of our questions.
The second aspect concerns the scope of the directive.
The banks ruthlessly pocket enormous profits from high interest rates on loans and low interest rates on deposits, unlawful and irregular deductions and charges, misleading advertising, etc., leading to workers going ever further into the red.
In general, the most threatened species are those that are higher up the food chain, have a low population density, live longer, reproduce slowly and live within a limited geographical area.
Many of them do not end up in the final documents but people - and this is right and proper - spend time thinking about the different positions.
The problem is to do with the fact that, at world level, European competition policy forces the shipbuilding industry to fight mainly against the heavily subsidised shipyards of the Middle East, and today we have, in fact, closed down the shipbuilding industry in Europe through this competition policy, because we force them to compete against subsidised industries.
We are aware of the need for a balance between respect for individual privacy and the need to safeguard collective security, but the phenomenon of terrorism, with which many Europeans live every day, necessitates extraordinary measures.
In major urban areas, traffic and pollution constitute a problem for 66% of European citizens, and 70% of the citizens expect the Union to show active involvement in dealing with these problems.
10 million people in Europe suffer from dementia; half of them are Alzheimer's patients.
Burma's military regime has no moral or legal justification for their activities of any type.
We do not want to prescribe to any Member State how security charges should be financed; we only want to ensure that whoever pays ultimately knows what he has paid.
Mr Leterme, as I only have one minute, I will comment only briefly on the next Belgian Presidency, which will possibly hold office in 2025 or thereabouts.
As the rapporteur mentioned, this could mean including fresh produce, in most cases produced locally.
In order to ensure a more effective fight against bluetongue and reduce the burden it poses on the agricultural sector, the current rules on vaccination need to be updated.
I also agree with the remark that we should do our utmost to be better prepared.
(ET) European social models face many problems at the moment, for instance demographic changes and globalisation, which also influence the models under discussion.
Ms Ernst
The actions of EU leaders, albeit they have not always been sufficiently swift or convincing, have enabled the euro to be defended.
Here, we believe that it is important to convert the objectives stated in the strategy into laws, actions and measures which improve the position of small and medium-sized enterprises, but, of course, the Member States must also do their own homework.
When people talk about deforestation in developing countries, this too is a responsibility of our countries, of the European Union.
Hence there must also be a strategy for childcare.
In the first six years of the EUSF, the Commission received 62 requests for financial support from 21 different countries.
We must act urgently with the Roma communities to make them aware of their fundamental rights and to facilitate their access to public services.
Despite the new legal framework, there has been little progress in creating better funding conditions for sporting ventures in Europe.
I would like to welcome today the record financial support amounting to USD 2.6 billion which has been granted to Moldova for the 2011-2013 period.
According to the statistics on the complaints received by SOLVIT in 2007, 20% of them concerned the recognition of professional qualifications required to pursue a regulated profession.
The majority of my colleagues from those Member States of the European Union where the procedure for ratifying the Lisbon Reform Treaty has not been completed have told the Council in this debate that this will happen in the coming months.
The hotline itself is the least part of the problem.
To the Commissioner I would simply like to say that I am very pleased to see that you and I seem to agree on all of the points that are key for me in this work.
Or how do you want to feed this back again so that our trade policy is imbued with a uniform European policy in such a way that all partners can understand this too?
All of this is a means of saying that, when the Committee on Regional Development asks you to observe the condition not only of the integrated approach but also of the travel plans, it is establishing a general principle that we very much hope you will take into account in your action plan.
Re-establishing stability within the financial system should not stand in the way of the tasks of the financial system: promoting the growth of Europe's businesses.
(RO) The compromise reached for the third maritime package will improve passenger safety, as well as help protect the environment and reinforce control systems.
Multi-country responses can be very effective but can result in divergence rather than the cohesion which we wish for under the European idea.
The knowledge base of workers must likewise be raised.
I would say to you that if the Czech Presidency, or its successors, is not capable of doing the job, then it shows that we really do need Lisbon: we really do need somebody on a more permanent basis to give leadership to the European Union.
It is true that accounts are very important: it is very important to know what the costs are, but we also need to know the benefits, the cost of preventing accidents at work, but also the costs of failure to prevent accidents at work. We need to know the costs of training, but also the costs of failing to train or failing to anticipate the changes that our workers and industries need to make.
The vote will take place at 11 a.m.
Second, the announcement of a joint work programme on triangular cooperation with developing countries.
In addition, this voting method will strengthen separatist movements, which is surely not what we wish for contemporary Europe.
We must hope that the EU's new flagship project that is the Strategy for the Danube Region will subsequently be given some observable and tangible content.
For this reason I expect the Czech presidency to take fresh steps towards securing financial support for the Nabucco gas pipeline and a more vigorous energy policy in Central Asia.
Only two are in euroland.
This is why I am suggesting that we get involved in research into increasing the safety of nuclear energy, because this type of energy is clean and cheap as well.
I therefore welcome the fact that Parliament takes such a great interest in this file - and has from the very beginning, by the way - which is evidenced by the resolution which Parliament has put on the table.
This demonstrates the Commission's lack of concern about the EU's long-term economic interests.
draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality. - (EL) Madam President, the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality regrets the fact that both in the communication on the draft strategy for legal migration and in the text which we are asked to vote on today very little reference has been made to the problem of the equality of women.
Although I have enjoyed myself in the IGC and previously in the Convention, I think I can speak for us all in saying that we share the opinion that we should settle some of these quarrelsome problems for a substantial time.
That will help us to secure people's support, and the support of my Dutch citizens.
Having talked to Swedish consumer advisers, I understand that this is a very important tool and that it is used on a routine basis.
The law in question that was adopted by the Lithuanian Parliament in July and the proposed amendment of the Criminal Code and administrative law that is being discussed are a cause of great concern for the Swedish Presidency.
Although VAT is sometimes complex, its effects across borders may cause specific problems which this report helps to identify and clear up.
I would like to say in all sincerity that this action by the Commission is necessary and that it is an extremely valuable contribution.
However, because I believe that in complicated diplomatic cases of this kind, discretion is the best way of solving the problem, I would ask my fellow Members to use the necessary discretion to ensure that this lady is saved.
I want to make one point in this respect: in addition to what we have received - and it is only right and proper to be grateful - we have contributed certain elements.
Now, however, we are talking about people travelling.
Lithuania has already experienced this.
Member of the Commission. - I will perhaps start with the second point.
The distinction between those countries that have capital punishment and use it, and those that retain the power but do not actually carry out the death penalty, is not as dramatic as one would first assume.
It is appropriate for the Commission to provide more resources for the protection of external borders, but at the same time the European Refugee Fund and the financial assets serving integration should also be increased.
In the draft resolution on the European Social Fund, much is being said about the fight against poverty, support for the social model, etc.
I have timed their contributions, and Mr Dimas, together with his colleagues, has not used even half of that.

I voted in favour of the resolution, which promotes the integration of Montenegro into the European system, because we have all witnessed that this country has made notable progress towards adopting proper processes and instruments.
'I don't take the European position all that seriously.
You even write in your document, I quote: 'The signs of recovery are clear'.
This is an issue of management, due to a government that allowed revenue to drop or did nothing when revenue was dropping and allowed expenditure to increase or pushed expenditure up because the elections were approaching.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, as you know, the conciliation procedure relating to the Working Time Directive has failed.
Let me stress again: this is totally unacceptable.
Individual Member States have already announced that they intend to recognise Kosovo on a unilateral basis.
the oral question to the Commission by Renate Weber, Nathalie Griesbeck, Sophia in 't Veld, Sonia Alfano, Cecilia Wikström, Louis Michel, Sarah Ludford, Gianni Vattimo, Leonidas Donskis, Alexander Alvaro, Niccolò Rinaldi, Ramon Tremosa i Balcells, Metin Kazak and Marielle De Sarnez, on behalf of the ALDE Group, on databases relating to racial and ethnic origin in the EU - B7-0556/2010), and
I have been a Member of Parliament since 1990.
The debate is closed.
It is simply due to the fact that the Member States are largely opposed to it.
There is an ongoing dialogue in cooperation with the United Nations and the ILO.
Mr Schnellhardt said that we should act promptly and Mr Arsenis asked particularly, with regard to the timetable: when will this end?
As you will remember, in the Resolution adopted by Parliament in April 2005 we asked the Commission to adopt an action plan containing clear recommendations for the Member States and candidate countries relating to the economic, social and political integration of the Roma.
I cannot understand the concerns of the board of the European Medicines Agency that the new tasks being allocated to it are not sufficiently funded.
Although the reform process should be given a boost and eight negotiating chapters are still blocked, the Commission has welcomed in particular Turkey's recent diplomatic activity and its role in promoting stability in the region.
(The sitting was opened at 9.05 a.m.)
Is the Commission already planning which countries could possibly become members in future?
- Before the vote:
The actions and the activity of volunteers speak for themselves.
I remember well, a year and a half ago when we talked about the Africa summit, no one really believed we could pull it off.
On the contrary, one gets the feeling that bureaucratic paperwork seems to grow by the year.
Is it acceptable on the part of a country seeking EU membership?
The biggest obstacle to the introduction of an EU copyright, Mrs Geringer de Oedenberg, is that it would absolutely have to take precedence over national copyright in order to be effective.
I also believe that research and technological development must become more accessible to ordinary Europeans.
A substantial share of the Member States' health budgets has to be allocated to combating the problems raised by overweight.
An integral approach requires a change in our European heads, because until now, we have only been preoccupied with development, or primarily with the development of a low carbon society.
Do we take the same attitude in the European Union?
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (EL) Madam President, the report on the European Ombudsman's activities affords us an opportunity to ascertain how citizens view the workings of the institutions of the European Union and gives us practical ideas and examples as to how the institutions of the European Union can improve how they operate and how they serve the citizens.
I know that one of my main tasks is to coordinate this effort in the Commission, and your vigilance will be most welcome and comforting.
But we know very well that there are divergences in the approaches of the Member States.
By not being open and honest, we are strengthening Kostunica who can then say: if we take a hard line we can force the European Union to make concessions.
In addition, the relationship between the incomes of citizens - measured, for example, as GDP per capita - has a very loose relation to the minimum wage.
At present, President Obama is allocating 10 times more venture capital to green technologies than Europe is.
Parliament's almost unanimous opinion is that Neighbourhood Policy has not produced the expected results.
I abstained because Parliament regrets the deficiencies in staff selection procedures, which put at risk the transparency of these procedures.
The inclusion of the human rights clause, along with the application of social and environmental standards in trade negotiations, are complex problems that divide the international community.
However, these rules are not interpreted or applied uniformly by the Member States.
We all need clarity regarding who exactly will provide this funding, how much each developed country will provide, and how and when it will be provided.
We need to take immediate steps to free ourselves of our raw material dependence on Russia, which may subsequently become a political dependence.
Regarding security issues, the internal security strategy was adopted in the March European Council.
It is a great trading nation, it is an exporter of people, not least to this continent, and it is a vital ally in the fight against terrorism.
I would really like to know whether the Commissioner agrees that we could go for lower targets or whether we should stick to the current ones.
These have not been accepted by the Council.
What the Council has done, however, in virtually reversing the ruling of the Court of Justice and even ignoring the improvements that the Commission's proposal had made to some aspects of the previous legal position is unacceptable.
(FR) Mr President, one second more to thank you, Mr Coelho, and tell you that it is a great pleasure to work with you as you always show great skill, you have a true capacity for listening and analysis and it is due to you that we have achieved this result.
What we need is global consensus, and for this we must have something to offer, above all to developing countries.
Only thus can we develop this system effectively from the standpoint of legal principles.
This is precisely the role of the European Parliament.
A directive intended to encourage recycling has ended up encouraging fly-tipping.
Since the new protocol has solved the technical problems and opened up a more secure procedure for settling technical differences between the parties, that will surely lead to a greater number of vessels wanting to access this fishing ground, which is becoming safer by the day, and therefore offering more guarantees, than in the previous protocol.
Mr President, thank you for your words of condolence on behalf of our British soldiers who lost their lives on Saturday evening.
I asked if he was 65 and he said 'No, if I waited till next year, I would have to go.
Taiwan is a prosperous democracy with a top-quality public health system.
In the report we also emphasise the fact that the recovery plan will have important consequences for the fishing industry as well as the economic and social development of local communities, and this is why the Commission should reconsider the fishing effort system once cod stocks have significantly improved.
Mr President, for form's sake, I should like to notify my fellow Members on this occasion that I shall also be putting forward a motion - not now, but tomorrow - that the vote on the report on FYROM, or Macedonia, likewise be postponed until the Strasbourg sitting.
The withdrawal period should be set at one year, which will increase consumer protection in most Member States.
Mr Cornillet's report also raises a very relevant question regarding the institutional framework for debating humanitarian policy.
That, then, is the appeal that I am making here.
This remains a topical issue in our debates and we will continue to remind our partners, the Council and the Commission, of it.
As far as I am concerned, it is a question of robbing Peter to pay Paul.
A more effective EU policy for the South Caucasus - A Black Sea Regional Policy Approach (debate)
Despite this, I believe that the rapporteurs have succeeded in strengthening the continuity of legal protection and guaranteeing maximum protection for victims, while ensuring legal certainty.
The challenges we face are very substantial.
It is true that in this regard we are very much at the forefront, but we still have a lot to do.
Parliament should monitor the processes of democratic transition in the Southern Mediterranean countries and, along with the other European institutions, support this transition as swiftly and peacefully as possible, providing important support through the instruments at its disposal, which are aimed at promoting political, economic and social reforms.
Many in Europe were attracted to this change and the spirit of change.
Mr President, I would echo what has been said by a large number of colleagues here this afternoon: a democratic Mauritania represents a pole of stability in the subregion.
The Roma question is an insurmountable problem, given that this 'solidarity' is represented by camps - as shown on yesterday's Porta a porta [Italian current affairs programme] - which are theoretically legal, but where there is continuous child abuse and the sanitation conditions are absolutely appalling.
If the European Commission is the custodian of the EU Treaties, then the European Parliament is the custodian of the values and I believe that together we shall be able to withstand a rising wave familiar from the recent past. And that we shall stop it, without violating fundamental rights like the right of free expression, the right of assocation, the freedom of the media.
Nonetheless, almost a year after the Plan was launched, we still have no tangible proposals from the Council or the Swedish Presidency concerning where the money is to come from.
The funds required to perform tasks should be increased.
Voting time
It stresses the importance of collective bargaining in the fight to abolish discrimination against women, in particular with regard to access to employment, wages, working conditions, careers and professional training.
I would also like to inform you that we shall shortly - before the end of April - present a road map of this kind for visa-free travel for Serbia where, likewise, ordinary citizens value this extremely highly.
That is why, Commissioner, anyone wishing to help Turkey should ultimately listen to what is being said by the Turkish Cypriots, who are currently protesting, not for direct trade or for its translation, as we heard today in the decision dated 26 April, but for Cyprus to be released from the occupation and for them personally to be released and rescued.
What I hope will happen as a result of this is that we will ensure that airlines do not hold on to slots unnecessarily.
Do you not think that electric cars can be introduced in Europe much sooner than other forms of clean propulsion?
I am not in favour of the EU passing laws on behalf of Member States at all.
As a Christian, I would like to focus once again on the situation of the Pakistani Christians, who are subjected to severe persecution.
Every single time, I have heard the EPP say that this should not be party politics and that we should not single out Member States.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - Madam President, I also would like to thank the rapporteur, Mr Díaz de Mera García Consuegra, for his great work.
We are equally responsible for both large and small farms.
I do agree that the way forward is to support small business and provide long-term sustainable jobs, high-quality jobs, and I do hope that the proposal for a small business act will help to achieve this in the long term.
However, my personal opinion is - and I think that this opinion should be respected, because it is respectable - that it is not by humiliating China that we will make progress on the issue of human rights, but through a frank and direct dialogue.
The EU's cohesion policy is intended, through its four separate programmes, to help make Europe and its regions more competitive, for example through innovation, the development of the knowledge society, and strengthening economic competitiveness.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, on 21 April 2009, the European Ombudsman submitted his annual report on his activities in 2008 to the outgoing President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Poettering.
Talks at the Council meeting led to an agreement to formulate strategies on the basis of the principles discussed by the finance ministers at their informal meeting in Gothenburg.
This is why we allocated more money than proposed by the Commission to budget lines which promoted the social dimension by creating more and better jobs and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.
I imagine a reconnaissance mission coming from the planet Mars.
Secondly, early retirement and its financial incentives must be eliminated throughout Europe.
The Commission adopted a two-tier approach to tackle these problems: infringement procedures to address incorrect implementation of the rules, and changes to the rules when they were not clear or precise enough.
On the one hand, it is just as Udo Bullmann says.
We should not wait until emerging diseases reach a crisis state; we must amend our veterinary medicine legislation swiftly as the consequences and cost of a major outbreak of a high-impact disease in the EU would far exceed the cost of action now to develop appropriate and adequately available...
While I have heard the message, I am not sure I believe it.
It must be a simpler, fairer and more sustainable model, which ensures that finance serves the real economy, which develops new forms of solidarity among Europeans, which takes account of the social and environmental challenges in international trade, and which radically reforms our relations with the world's poorest countries, and here I am thinking specifically of Africa.
Allow me now to reiterate briefly what I said in my opening statement.
There must be no obligation to install solar panels when building a house, carrying out reroofing works, building an extension or replacing a heating system, such as is the case in the Marburg model.
Globalisation has given rise to fierce competition between countries which, in turn, has led to unacceptable practices by many multinationals in developing countries: failure to respect core labour standards, human rights violations and environmental damage.
The failure in Copenhagen must not be repeated.
The aim of the report is to mobilise EUR 11.8 million in commitment and payment appropriations from the EU Solidarity Fund relating to the effects of the floods which hit Romania in July 2008.
We must concentrate more on vocational training and retraining.
The Mexican Government is trying to bring the situation under control by means of a massive military and police operation.
(PL) Mr President, Commissioner, I would like to echo the previous speakers who congratulated the rapporteur on her well-prepared report.
We also have commitments under the international obligation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control - all these will be brought together to decide what the next steps should be.
The great unknown is always too easy a threat, and it is easy to join that particular chorus.
Nevertheless, you are right: this is an issue that has not been handled in a reasonable manner - I understand this - by the Parliamentary Bureau.
That is why the Members representing the Portuguese Social Democratic Party (PSD) are supporting this report, which is, as a matter of fact, coherent with the measures proposed in Portugal by the leader of the PSD, Dr Manuela Ferreira Leite.
It should not only apply to the CAP.
(Applause)
Yet, in this context, it is important to remember that today's critical situation in North Kivu, while exacerbated by the fighting taking place in the second half of 2007, is a result of years of war in the region.
My officials tell me that you have produced a highly factual and competent report.
The child had been raped by three men.
The strategic importance of the Black Sea region has now been recognised since 2007: with the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the EU, the Black Sea began to have a direct impact on the Union's internal affairs, which is why there needs to be greater EU involvement in the area.
I am very glad we managed to reach a consensus in committee too, thanks to the preparatory work and the very fair cooperation with the rapporteur.
The re-hashed SWIFT agreement does very little to change this situation.
For this reason, we must increase the mandatory joint financing by the regions and the project promoters and we must offer more loan-based programmes.
I am speaking on behalf of one of the four motors of the European economy, Lombardy.
Mr Klepsch spent most of his professional life working towards a united Europe.
The economic crisis magnifies these disparities, placing additional pressures on the governments in these countries, which have to deal with stringent macroeconomic conditions, the social repercussions of the crisis, while also having to resolve problems arising from the vulnerability of the financial system and the sustainability of the public health care and social insurance systems.
We have to help the fishing community who, at the moment, are in a severe economic crisis, particularly with the 30% increase in marine fuel prices.
In the next funding period, it is also important that the establishment and implementation of structural programmes be directed above all at people, to simplify the procedures for using the funds.
There are other countries as well, as we all know.
Secondly, I think this will be catastrophic for over half a million families, especially in my country, where most are poor, small-scale tobacco farmers who will abandon their farms and move to the large towns, which is extremely dangerous for the environment and the countryside.
I agree with you, Mr Madlener, that human traffickers should be arrested and that Turkey really should set up a decent asylum system, a system that recognises political refugees who do not come from the European Union, but from elsewhere.

Ladies and gentlemen, we must make use of all the means available to us to work, together with the UN, to help the victims of Cyclone Nargis.
In that case, we would have a greater administrative burden.
If you look at Ireland's history, what we have been able to do with investment in infrastructure, largely from the European Union - to which we are now about to become, thank God, a net contributor - is an indication of what can be done when you give people the tools with which to do the job.
This is what many economic sectors in our countries are asking of us.
in writing. - I voted for the report on the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) Agreement Area.
These people are generally economically disadvantaged due to their peripheral status, but if their jobs were to disappear, this would have a negative impact on them.
(FR) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I wish to sound the alarm bell regarding the low rate of planning and payment of the ERDF, ESF and Cohesion Fund appropriations.
I wish to highlight from the work programme for 2011 the importance of the legislative initiatives in the following areas: personal data protection, improvement of information and network security based on public procurement standards and recommendations, electronic signatures and reciprocal recognition of electronic identification and authentication mechanisms.
It is necessary to find an additional label to the already existing one, which would introduce mandatory inspections and drastic penalties for those abusing the EC mark.
We want to see a final effort being made to put the fundamental freedoms in place in the internal market.
It paid scant regard to the interests of creditors, employees, consumers and small suppliers.
Libyan citizens do not enjoy many political and civil rights, such as freedom of expression, assembly and association.
Iceland's membership of the EU, however, may not be a matter of course.
We have already introduced private storage earlier than we normally do.
I have received five motions for resolution tabled in accordance with Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure.
There are areas where bus drivers are in great demand and areas where there is a shortage of qualified doctors.
Access to institutions of higher education must also be made easier for adults with practical vocational experience.
Speaking as a pilot myself: can the Commission please explain why the pilots' associations were not consulted in this matter, and could it also confirm that the concerns of pilots and other people working in this industry will be fully taken into account?
We have four funds.
The impact study procedure, also established by the Commission, aims to improve the cohesion of Community policies and includes an assessment of all the environmental parameters of our proposals.
It is very important to ensure better implementation of agreements on simpler visa procedures and an EU-Ukraine free trade area.
I hope that what you have announced will be implemented.
This is despite the fact that upon this chess-board our energy future and our security future is decided.
Internal threats, such as drugs, poverty in society, and Internet crime, must not be forgotten either.
We cannot but endorse the intentions behind this report: to guarantee the quality of European food products, the competitiveness of producers, simple but comprehensive information for consumers regarding the origin of products, compliance with designations of origin and quality labels, a better definition of traditional or organic products, and so on.
We are asking for the Commission to proceed with the White Paper on adapting to and protecting forests from climate change, we are asking for a new regulation to replace the old regulation on the prevention of forest fires, we are asking for a new regulation to replace the old regulation on information on the state of forests and, finally, we are asking for an increase in funding for forests under the second pillar of the common agricultural policy.
Two equally important issues should be stressed at this point, which are more important than the construction of new houses and new roads.
I would love to see a kind of enhanced competition which does not encourage 'discounting for discounting's sake' but which serves to ensure greater consumer satisfaction.
I also join the rapporteur in welcoming the changes proposed by the Commission, particularly that relating to the planned reduction in fees and less frequent reporting for SMEs, for which participation in this system would be more onerous but no less important.
Now, I have no choice but to repeat my question, because the new document does not say a word as to why this failure happened.
Complementary, of course, to Doha, it will drive Europe's recovery and growth and the European Parliament will be instrumental in determining the future of global trade policy.
I call on the European Commission to link the application for Community financing with the repeal of this scandalous decision, which reminds us that there are still nationalists in the Balkans.
I am convinced that in just taking such a step, we will totally harmonise standards in the European Union's internal market and move toward the so far most extensive elimination of the threat from transmission of these diseases.
It fills me with dismay to note that, after Tibet and Kosovo, we have now arrived on European Union soil.
With regard to the revision of the technical measures covered in the legislation, it is vital to extend the use of trammel nets along the coast to depths of between 200 m and 600 m until 31 December 2012, which will allow ships to continue to capture stocks of great economic importance to Portuguese national fisheries, such as anglerfish, in a sustainable manner.
During the plenary yesterday, Ingrid Betancourt of Latin America and France said that she dreams of a Latin America that could cooperate and be as united as the European Union.
Suggestions for improving healthcare in Europe through health education, access to treatment, knowledge of data and the use of mechanisms to measure, monitor, evaluate and communicate information provide an important contribution to the development of policies that are effective for reducing health inequalities.
The purpose behind its inclusion is starting to become clear.
In the context of reduced EU structural monies and funds, regional development monies must be better targeted - as many speakers have said - at local areas and local authorities, which must be the key deliverers of those funds.
If Europe is borderless, so is the internet; if languages are difficult, technological tools now offer us the possibility of instant translation.
Noam Shalit, who is with us here today, is placing his hope and confidence in you, as well as in the God of Israel, to obtain the release of his precious son.
These projects must also contribute to the ecological transformation of our economies, paving the way for the zero carbon economy.
Ensure that the energy market is both transparent and capable of being monitored.
The list of areas of cooperation is a long one.
Last month, on a visit to Bulgaria, I saw a truly inspiring example of this.
The statements were very different.
In addition to consolidating the rule of law, important measures will be taken to combat terrorism and terrorist financing and to prevent the use of weapons of mass destruction.
The euro cannot simply act as a safety anchor, but must also be an engine that can drive growth.
Toughness must be combined with efficiency and substance.
Mr President, I am speaking on behalf of the European Free Alliance members in the Greens/EFA Group.
I am therefore promoting the creation of a code of ethics for retailers and producers of video games.
With inflation in the euro area at 4%, the latest interest rate hike by the European Central Bank means that the real interest rate is 0.25%.
The draft report criticises the fact that the funding for these ambitious plans is inadequate. The plans should be properly financed from the Union's budget.
Being equally thirsty for anti-democratic global domination, the commercial and political elite which constitutes the European Union hastens to implement these instructions, just as they did to implement REACH.
As a result, the 2011 budget year will be extremely important from the perspective of financial planning for subsequent years.
Human rights in Vietnam (vote)
On this point, I fully agree with your report, as I believe that, in the Stockholm Programme, the training of judges and the exchange of judges among Member States will be the key to the future of this European area of law that we so want.
It is precisely in this area that we need a well-considered and well-prepared European policy.
They know what visa liberalisation means, they know that, by abolishing their visas in the European Union, we will not be giving away jobs or rights to asylum or citizenship or suchlike.
Amongst these areas, we could mention transport, the priority of which should be the creation of a sustainable and safe transport system and the development of trans-European networks.
Women have always made the choice to be full-time mothers.
A good way of providing the aid that Latin America needs is by strengthening the trading relationship between the two blocs, which, upon completion, will be one of the largest in the world.
There are not four alternatives, but in fact only two, namely the Lamassoure/Severin report or Nice.
At a time when the Constitutional Treaty is dead and buried, following the 'no' vote from a strange coalition of political forces not only in France but in the Netherlands too, and when the indigestible piece of legislation known as the 'mini' Treaty of Lisbon is being blocked in Ireland and possibly in the Czech Republic as well, we should prove that Europe is still functioning by relying on the huge area of enhanced cooperation.
This five-year programme will need to guarantee a coordinated, consistent approach to information sharing, and should incorporate a European Union strategy on information management.
The two-year restriction period on the labour market imposed on the new Member States expires at the end of this year.
Furthermore, we affirm this Parliament's resolution in January this year on combating the phenomenon of street children by 2015.
I hope this will happen as soon as possible.
As a young member of parliament, in 1957 I voted against the Treaty of Rome, the first stage of a process which, according its promoters, Monnet and Coudenhove-Kalergi among others, was to lead to the United States of Europe: this Tower of Babel that can only be built on the ruins of the nations, and first of all of my homeland, France.
That needs to be changed as well, please!
Despite our repeated requests, the EU refused then, and refuses still, to deal with this event.
Although South Sudan has reserves of natural resources such as oil, copper and iron, as well as forest and fertile land, the vast majority of its population live in poverty, with one of the highest infant mortality rates and the lowest education indicators in the world.
Four points must be dealt with as soon as possible; none should present a serious political problem.
For that, we have to bake our bread before we distribute it, as we say in Finland.
Proportionally speaking, this has the same impact as 120 000 arriving in France in just one day.
The Council has therefore asked the Commission to put forward a general guideline document in this respect.
The fifth freedom, for example, Prime Minister Janša, is part of social policy.
Madam President, many thanks for this truly important debate, and in particular my sincere thanks once more to the rapporteur.
With regard to the fight against direct or indirect discrimination on the basis of gender, that policy has proved a complete success in the European Union.
We know that it is not just a question of one million signatures on any issue.
There again, I think that that was being honest.
Every EU state should nominate a body to cooperate with OLAF on a day-to-day basis.
Everywhere, there was devastation and death.
I abstained in the vote on the resolution on smoking.
in writing. - (DE) Internet advertising adapts itself to users' behaviour.
However, it is equally obvious that, the initial ambitious statements notwithstanding, instead of the probability of global agreement increasing, it is constantly shrinking.
However, I will bow to the superior wisdom and experience of Doris Pack in saying that this may be the way forward.
As Mr Obiols pointed out, negotiation is an unquestionable weapon for moving forward in that process and for advancing internal reforms in Turkey.
Mme Sudre, I see your report as helping to build a bridge between the present and future strategies for the outermost regions and that is a very important role of this report.
(DE) Mr President, European environmental economic accounts will provide us with important data to enable us to bring environmental aspects into all kinds of political decisions and, as a result, to have these aspects taken into consideration in a whole range of issues.
The vote will take place tomorrow.
I believe that the European Union must use every means to support any move indicating democratic transition.
I also recall that the Treaty of Lisbon has introduced changes to trade policy which touch upon some of the proposals presented in this report.
(NL) Madam President, Commissioner, I support the soil strategy elaborated in the Prodi report, but oppose the Directive on soil.
The first signal that this report makes is that some of the Commission's proposals do not quite go far enough.
In Lebanon, for example, the Israeli army launched more than a million cluster bombs on villages and homes in the last few hours before it withdrew.
As companies frequently challenge the validity of the Commission decisions imposing fines, a large part of the amount mentioned above is not final, so to speak.
This seems like a reasonable solution to me, so I voted in favour.
Today, the Lisbon Treaty is not really your Treaty.
on behalf of the ECR Group. - Mr President, first of all, I would also like to congratulate the rapporteur for a very good job of work.
We are therefore asking for a 'colegislative' role and for Parliament to be regularly informed of any initiatives in this field.
Others are more political, related to the period after 2013, but I am sure that you would find the proposals extremely interesting.
As Ms Beer said, if 7 000 candidates can run for 290 seats, too many candidates have already been rejected.
The question is, why not?
Of course, we also need to incorporate the banking system in terms of the risks involved, which should not only be undertaken by the European people.
The solution is national responsibility and the obligation of individual Member States to cut their coats according to their cloth.
Familiar as we are with the EU structures, we have ceased to see how anomalous, how outrageous, it is that we have supreme executive and legislative power in the hands of an unaccountable and unelected bureaucracy.
In this respect, the trial with joint sittings by two committees is a new attempt to devise something better.
We Europeans have a responsibility in that regard, but I nonetheless believe that the questions that have been raised here are justified.
Even Commissioner Verheugen believes that the current CE marking may be a little confusing.
This aims to remove the current physical, administrative and regulatory obstacles and alleviate the 'border effect' between territories and regions, permitting them to address their shared challenges together, whether these be territorial, global, economic or societal.
(FI) Mr President, I supported the report, but I wonder if the European Union has the ability to work to promote peace and stability in our neighbouring countries, by which I now mainly mean Syria, Libya and Egypt.
(SK) All Member States ratified the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; however, the Convention does not include any sanctioning mechanism.
Some amendments adopted in the Privacy Directive, however, are really causing problems and we shall make sure that they are deleted.

We said that biofuels were the answer but no one realised at the time that the massive use of arable land for the cultivation of energy crops could lead to a shortage of farmland for the cultivation of foods.
That is why we are working on joint multiannual programming based on strategies to combat poverty, which give us a better picture of how funds are targeted and according to what objectives, and which also enable us to control this allocation better.
There are no adjustments for persons with movement disabilities.
It is a very serious problem at a time when we are reforming agricultural policy, threatening to cut the budget for agriculture and not looking at the imperfections in this marketplace.
It is particularly important for the new Member States, which really do need the financial resources of the Community.
The Black Sea areas has always been linked to the Mediterranean and thus both should be comparable and put on equal footing today.
We must really try to draw a distinction here from everything that instead concerns public services which, of course, must be the responsibility of the national state.
On a global scale, the EU's competitors are investing in the research and development of new technologies for reducing carbon emissions and are launching programmes supporting the transition to green road transport.
It also seeks to promote the development of filtering systems and to encourage the labelling of Internet sites deemed safe for children.

This means that the actions that the Commission can take to support them in that - for example, the use of the UNHCR, and the idea of the Asylum Support Office - become very important, providing they are adequately resourced.
We are, naturally, prepared also to go along this difficult route of announcing these decisions.
That brings me to this question of tar sands and oil shale.
This is important because what we are specifically calling for at this time is a guarantee of healthy growth, without coercion or negative stereotypes or criminalisation of childhood.
However, as the rapporteur Mr Díaz de Mera García Consuegra has amply demonstrated, I do not believe that the series of countries listed should be included on the positive list since, unlike Taiwan, these do not have the same standards and requirements.
That is how Europe developed its food production base - that is how we fed ourselves - and we need to acknowledge, as has been done in this House today, that we have underinvested in agricultural research, in development and in the advisory service.
in writing. - (FR) I voted in favour of discharge for the Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in respect of the implementation of its budget for the Financial year 2006 on the basis of the report by my Austrian colleague Mr Hans-Peter Martin, which recommends to Parliament to give discharge.
But we must retain a sense of collective engagement as we continue to improve ties with what was, until quite recently, a diplomatically isolated and largely overlooked region, particularly by the European Union.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: Qimonda/Portugal (
Despite this changing context, President Barroso clings to the existing integrated guidelines as though they were engraved in Portuguese marble.
I can assure you, Mr Posselt, that religious freedom forms an integral part of those criteria.
I am, of course, referring to the second referendum.
In other words, it must be guaranteed that letters will be delivered as efficiently as ever and at reasonable prices.
The European Union, which these countries wish to join as soon as possible, is based on common values and standards, one of the most important of which is the rule of law.
An effectively working internal market is essential for the creation of a stable and innovative economic environment.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - Mr President, I welcome the Commissioner's remarks, particularly as commitment to better regulation involves clear team work of regulators and those people affected working together to develop a piece of legislation.
The Commission's Green Paper on this issue has laid down procedures for dealing with the problem, which arises when the enforcement of court judgments is avoided because of the operation or transfer of bank accounts outside national borders.
But leaving that political difference aside, I - happily - am not a Conservative, therefore I do not have to vote blindly for complete nonsense.
In addition, the disparities in methods used by the Member States to record the causes of accidents makes statistical comparison and production a difficult exercise, lacking in precision.
If we are talking, today, about the fact that we want to conduct a review of this policy, then it is crucial to say that we want to see that these countries, in a variety of ways and at different speeds, are going to move towards our values - towards what the European Union offers them.
In my opinion, there are two things that are immensely important, both of which could be subsumed under the heading of 'fairness'.
The first stage involves collecting the fingerprints within 48 hours of submitting the application for asylum, while in the second stage, Member States send the data obtained in this way to the Eurodac central system within 24 hours.
Insurance and reinsurance (Solvency II) (recast) (
author. - (IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Antonio Santoro, prison officer, Lino Sabadin, butcher, Perluigi Torregiani, jeweller, and Andrea Campagna, state police officer: these are the names of four citizens who, together with many others, lost their lives between 6 June 1978 and 19 April 1979, killed by the insane homicide of terrorist organisations that attempted to overthrow the democratic order in Italy.
Let me be blunt: it is mainly the major Western industrialised countries which produce and equip their armies with fragmentation bombs and deploy cluster bombs in wars.
We need to carry out a long-term review of the European Parliament budget and determine the money that can be saved in the future, in order to reduce costs and find the funds to enable Parliament to operate efficiently as one of the legislative bodies.
Secondly, I would like to argue in favour of the newly founded Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators receiving and utilising definitive powers and applying best practice from the Member States.
I am therefore very grateful to Mr von Wogau for moving matters ahead decisively on military and security policy and I am very grateful to Mr Dess for doing the same in the humanitarian sector.
That is unfortunate, but surely the answer is not to break the law.
Also, the concept of 'sustainability' has still not been defined.
However, we must put much more emphasis on looking at transposition and evaluating how legislation has been implemented and if it has achieved what we have set out to achieve.
(CS) Allow me to elaborate a little on the debate held here a few minutes ago.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (SL) The word heard - and read - most frequently in this Chamber today has been 'respect'.
I also have many reservations about the possibility of using enhanced cooperation in this case.
For the same reasons, I would like to say in conclusion, Mr President, that we also support the proposals tabled by our Irish and Scottish fellow Members in relation to this same report.
According to our calculations, by 2020 this could mean an increase in cereal prices of between 3 and 6%, rapeseed by about 8-10% and sunseed 15% as compared to the 2006 prices, assuming a share of 30% coming from the second generation of biofuels.
This report includes measures - such as super-credits for non-polluting or low emission vehicles, fines if limits are exceeded and eco-innovation incentives to help manufacturers develop new, more environmentally friendly technologies - which will benefit the competitiveness of the EU and create employment opportunities.
Operatives in this field are confused.
In this connection, I attach special importance to the forthcoming EU-Africa summit which will take place during the Portuguese Presidency.
Discussions on the Black Sea Synergy began in 2007.
That would be completely unacceptable.
First of all, I would like to begin by thanking Mr Rack for his hard work.
When I first raised this two years ago there was no support in the Parliament - in fact the Commission was taking Denmark to court and there was nothing happening.
Commissioner, one thing is clear, and you hinted at it: we appear to be unable to learn from recent past mistakes.
External factors, such as the consequences of the present financial crisis, will tend to make people vulnerable to these problems.
However, when I visited Zagreb some time ago at the head of the delegation from the Committee on Foreign Affairs, I took note of the determination of the Croatian authorities to do away with those problems and achieve membership of the Union.
We voted against the two separate votes (paragraphs 19 and 20), and both were adopted; we voted against at the final vote, but the text was adopted.
However, the seat of Parliament - of this Chamber - is Strasbourg, and it must remain so.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (DA) Mr President, one consequence which the Patient Directive in its current form might have for the healthcare sector is to make it very difficult to control public spending.
We are not asking those who have made their profits from such speculation to dip into their pockets, and that means we are not going far enough.
I would stress the need for effective monitoring both of recipients, and of altruistic and voluntary donors, to whom the public cannot fail to owe a debt of gratitude.
I call on Commissioner Kallas to confirm the Commission's position hitherto in a statement to the press and to state loud and clear that the underground station in Stuttgart will not be cofinanced by the European Union.
We need more combat forces there; we need greater flexibility; we need greater support for the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.
Lastly, the report emphasises the importance of using the resources provided by new information technologies and the Internet as channels for modern teaching geared to contemporary practice when introducing the artistic dimension into school curricula, and recommends that a European portal for artistic and cultural education be developed jointly in order to safeguard the development and promotion of the European cultural model.
The report calls for the creation of an ecolabel for fisheries products.
Since the Regulation entered into force, complaints have been pouring in about the application of this Regulation - 'unclear' and 'unreasonable' are words often heard.
It seems the liberals have forgotten the principle of the separation of the church from public life, of which they often used to remind us.
Obviously, our political group would have placed greater emphasis on certain aspects.
In light of the situation, the Commission is reviewing the results of the consultation with the interested parties and with the Member States in order to determine the content of a new legislative proposal on this matter.
It is therefore necessary to clarify and harmonise criteria and definitions that enable comparable data to be obtained.
(FI) Mr President, firstly, I would like to thank Mrs Stihler for this excellent report.
A highly regarded position in the international community does not come free.
The progress of certain projects of vital interest to the European Union's development also depends on energy security.
And it is a question, in particular, of children, not child soldiers - some children have thrown stones and so on, it is true, but children.
The report also emphasises that women's involvement in industry cannot be limited to work in sectors that do not require qualifications, where women are the first to suffer when restructuring takes place.
We wish to stress that the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon has radically changed the face of European Union law.
It is a lethal combination leading to unrest in a number of developing countries; it is a combination leading to starvation.
We want, as far as products are concerned, regulations that are very clear for businesses, whereby their teams who work on products can get on with the job of producing brilliant designs and high-quality and safe products.
I hope that we will cooperate closely and I hope to see you again in the autumn.
No doubt we must also use the national systems and make the recipients of the aid more aware of their responsibilities.
For these groups of refugees, resettlement can be the only solution.

I also agree with the pragmatic and rational approach to immigration policy.
In my opinion, however, you are here as the President-in-Office of the European Council, which is why I fail to understand your comment about obstruction by the social democrats.
(NL) Mr President, terrorism was not invented on 11 September 2001; it had always been there.
The future of the Balkans will not be decided in Washington or Moscow, or even in New York: it will be decided here in Europe, among the peoples who are directly affected and their European neighbours, friends and partners.
The Agency Workers' Directive is yet another ill-thought-out and inappropriate EU directive which has yet again disproportionately and adversely affected the UK, which has a third of all EU agency workers.

It is just not tenable that the Commission can sit here and say that we will ban the use of substances in Europe but that those outside the European Union can continue to send us food using those substances.
From an economic perspective, the country has achieved a certain level of macro-economic stability, and has also advanced successfully in the sense of fulfilling the political criteria set out at the Copenhagen Summit, or the Copenhagen sitting of the Council.
The one-minute speeches come in, we get allocated time but it is pathetic.
He hugged me, kissed me and said: "Please, mama, go!”
Addressing the challenge of the oil price increase (vote)
This is what is being prepared for in political terms in this report.
I hope that this strategy can be revised.
Where do we stand in the European Union?
Furthermore, the European Parliament intends to intensify efforts in research and development in the use and application of renewable energy sources; to improve the working conditions of seafarers (the Maritime Erasmus programme); and, lastly, to ensure better links between peripheral maritime regions.
Supporting the victims of this reprehensible business, and of their families, is also an important matter.
During the first year of my term in office, I promoted the Road to Inclusion to mobilise the Portuguese people and alert them to the urgent need to address the indicators of persistent poverty, unequal distribution of income and exclusion that still affect thousands of citizens.
To conclude, I should like to thank the shadow rapporteurs for their work on this matter.
This may sound paradoxical, but it is possible.
The rapporteur also observes that the Posting of Workers Directive must be complied with and stresses the value of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.
For this reason, Commissioner, I would be very grateful if you could ask the CEN or the industry concerned as soon as possible to look for ways to formulate the standards relating to the various tests on children's books and the resistance of the cardboard in children's books in such a way that the existing stock of children's books can also be retained in the future.
There is one aspect of the Electricity Directive which has caused a great deal of division within the Parliament.
It is time for this guardian to do its duty and not give in to Member States, but instead to ensure compliance with the laws that we have jointly adopted.
I hope that the actions identified in the Action Plan will be carried forward within the planned timeframe considering their importance for improving the lives of European citizens.
I am convinced that we, as Members of this House and politicians, must lead by example when it comes to energy efficiency.
Compared to people's enthusiasm at that time, today's strengthening of internal borders looks like a complete negation of the Schengen ideal.
This has an especially stifling effect on investments in the grid and the introduction of new capacity.
We Greens, however, will continue to take a discerning look at the flexicurity sector until social protection is guaranteed.

I agree with the motion for a resolution, but it says nothing about what is to follow.
It is young people who, today, will create the growth and innovation of tomorrow.
At First Reading we chose flexibility mechanisms based on specific circumstances; for example, inspections missed because bad weather prevents inspections from being carried out, or where safety conditions are not met.
I hope that we in this Parliament and, of course, the Commission will be increasingly vigilant so as to ensure that all safety issues, including non-proliferation, remain in the foreground, otherwise we shall be failing in our responsibility for mankind and for peace in the world.
So now it is the right time; maybe it is too limited and too late, but at least something is also now being done in the Council.
We have therefore increased payments: we could not close the gap completely, but we have halved it, to leave a gaping hole of 8%.
To those sceptics who, in spite of all these accomplishments, continue to question the state of transatlantic relationships or my country's attitude toward a United Europe, my answer is this: even if the United States and the nations all of you represent were not united by shared values and common heritage of many millions of our citizens, myself included, our global interests alone would inexorably bind us together.
There has been no further progress since that time.
5.
There are other cost groups, however, where achieving an accuracy of within 2% can be difficult.
Does anyone want to speak against the proposal?
I have just received eleven requests for the floor, which therefore cannot be granted.
Both of the Directives on non-discrimination are fundamental European laws.
I trust that when the right circumstances on the ground materialise we will be able to proceed on the basis of a common EU determination to further trade relationship objectives in relation to the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Because let us never forget that our Union is founded on values: respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
We want the EU and the 27 Member States to commit themselves to closing the gaps and to concentrate on the common goals in those four areas with targeted actions and sufficient funds to deliver them.
A forum of universities and businesses, whatever format it takes, will always concentrate in particular on 'practically useful' graduates.
This is very important.
We have about 25 000 Tunisians coming to Europe.
I very much welcome the second edition of the Consumer Markets Scoreboard.
The European Parliament also argues in favour of more development support and an extension of the Commission's delegation in Kabul to carry out the necessary verifications, audits and inspections.
It should be said that the rapporteur is herself part of this minority, which proves that it is not as oppressed as all that.
Mr Cohn-Bendit has stated precisely what we are all thinking.
The report also contains a number of issues which are matters of individual conscience, for example, the implicit recommendation on euthanasia and the decriminalisation of hard drugs.
I am also grateful to Mrs Gill for her comments, since her contribution makes this an extremely practical report.
On the country, intimidation of Chinese citizens and restrictions on representatives of the media appear to be even more prevalent in the run-up to the Olympics.
Mr President, my contribution addresses the need for a unified approach to the recognition of Kosovo.
The report that we have before us is, as has already been said, a set of recommendations.
Anyone who shuts this window of opportunity for nuclear disarmament will not be in a position to say when another one will open.
In return, that would also require a commitment to respect carbon deposits such as the equatorial forests.
In your answer, you told me that within reasonable time, about two months, we would have the names or the results of your research.
The approach you have proposed seems interesting, but we should not leave ourselves open to the accusation that the Union is claiming competence for all global matters.
However, the author of the amendment has added 'self-determination of the people who live there'.
The main points I have already mentioned in my written statement, and I do not want to repeat these things.
I believe that we have found a good balance between respect for freedom of contract - which is all important - and providing small companies with the necessary tools to avoid being held hostage by bigger companies or public administration.
Part of the issue here is that, in many cases, we find that toy manufacturers are faced with difficulties about getting some consistent standards against which to test, and I know that is something that you will address.
What was really needed, though, was a policy to support production, particularly in the textile sector, to prevent further company closures and further redundancies.
Secondly, we should name the amounts we are willing to contribute to financing long-term adjustment to the climate changes that we know are coming.
Mr President, as my fellow Member said, the situation of the Roma population in Europe is one which does not only concern a limited number of countries.
This is the message President Barroso conveyed during our recent visit to Turkey.
An estimated 1.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, including more than 730 000 internally displaced persons, of whom one-third are estimated to be at extreme risk.
This is fortune telling and not research, and certainly not policy making.
The issue of the very negative impact of export restrictions should be raised at the relevant forthcoming meetings of the WTO and in other relevant international fora.
Education plays a vital role in young people's lives.
There is a real risk of a global food crisis.
When I see the amendments on the table, I start to wonder about that.
Mr President, may I congratulate colleagues Albertini and Danjean on their comprehensive and creative reports on foreign and security policy.
In my view, we are in the position to encourage a responsible pre-accession process and a mainly balanced debate in this country about the European Union.
A year ago, the Commission brought non-compliant Member States to the European Court of Justice, and the Court of Justice issued six favourable judgments condemning the lack of transposition by the Member States concerned.
Secondly, I am against the situation that taxpayers' money can be given to a private pension fund where the list of participants and beneficiaries is kept secret and is not published.
Finally, my congratulations to the rapporteurs László Surján and Vladimír Maňka.
First, it should demand an end to the violence, persevere in its condemnation and sanctions imposed on those responsible, support those who are fighting for our common values and seek to show solidarity, as well as follow more closely and better understand the aspirations, wishes and tendencies of the movements which yearn for change.
Apart from the multilateral talks, an important way to overcome these barriers is through the leverage available to us in free trade agreement negotiations.
They do not want to buy refrigerators or milking machines now, this is not the time for further investment.
I would definitely like to call on you, Mrs Fischer Boel, to reiterate what you have done.
Clearly, this split is due not to ideology, but to the differing internal situations and starting points of the various Member States; it arises from corresponding splits among the Member States in the Council.
What is important is that the High Representative has the instruments to execute his or her tasks in the most efficient way.
How can anyone understand that?
Ports do not have to be state-run, but the public sector must take responsibility for them.
So let us participate and look at which of the proposals Michel Barnier put on the table could be the most important ones and which proposals should have higher priority.
The creation of an Erasmus programme for local elected representatives would contribute towards the exchange of tried and tested approaches in the area of the administration of public affairs within an EU framework.
In France, we were told, during the electoral campaign, that, on the banks, look to Mr Sarkozy, on climate change, look to Mr Sarkozy, on change in Europe, look to Mr Sarkozy.
I would like to say that this is an initial discussion.
In fact it adds another level of bureaucracy to existing supervision.
However, the principle of subsidiarity and constitutional issues in each Member State cannot be called into question in the name of 'the primacy of Community law, direct effect, consistency of interpretation and state liability for breaches of Community law', as intended by the Commission and the majority of the European Parliament.
The structural funds, for example, which require public co-finance to bring initiatives to completion.
We are in favour of this text, for various reasons.
The drama of Serbia and Kosovo should caution us against taking hasty decisions.
We have been trying to mobilise all the EU institutions and resources for several months in order to alleviate the effects of the growing crisis.
I voted in favour of this directive because increasing efforts to combat human trafficking is a fundamental element of it.
We have absolutely no regard for family life or working hours.
Overall, this is a very good compromise and I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone involved.
They become more reliable for analyses and more useful as an aid to decision-making.
Tragedies such as the one which has befallen Cuban dissident Orlando Zapata Tamayo, 'guilty' of a crime of conscience, must never be repeated.
Therefore, the issue of own resources must be reopened; no doubt about it.
However, Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, rather than resort to penalties, I would prefer to see contractors working efficiently and keeping to our timetable.
The amendments adopted by the European Parliament also ensure that information on prescribed medicine is only given to the public through specific communication channels, including specialised and certified websites safeguarding patients' interests and aiming to limit advertisement opportunities for the pharmaceutical companies.
Awareness of all aspects of this in society should now be increased.
People expect concrete results from the EU more than ever during economically difficult times.
On arrival you again passed through immigration control, waited in the queue and were then quizzed: why have you come, what are you going to do, how long are you staying?
We should bear in mind the following: the significant energy savings and reduction in heating costs paid by citizens which could be achieved by renovating the heating systems in these buildings, as well as the limited opportunities to use structural and cohesions funds to invest in this area.
We are dealing with the fact that neither this House nor the other institutions are taking discharge seriously in any form.
We can raise resources by using instruments such as project bonds and Eurobonds, which must, however, be managed with the utmost rigour so as not to risk the creation of further debt, which would be dangerous.
Mr President, it is rare for me to agree with the President of Parliament and the President of the Commission.
I am profoundly convinced that the budget of the European Parliament should be significantly increased.
I also requested that the Commission should present a report to Parliament and the Council, no later than five years after this regulation enters into force, on the situation regarding re-examination of existing bilateral agreements, relating in particular to the number of bilateral agreements that the different Member States may have renegotiated.
As we have heard, the European Commission is currently working on a communication on its policy regarding the Arctic area.
(ES) Mr President, today we have heard illegal fishing being confused with mafias, and I also want to speak out in favour of a sector that has demonstrated on many occasions that it is responsible.
I agree with the rapporteur that this omission may affect a large proportion of the Ombudsman's staff, as the majority of posts granted are temporary.
However, one cannot deny the opening-up of China in a Chinese evolution convergent with some of our values.
This includes, for example, the call to create a European charter of women's rights and the reference to the report on maternity leave, which, as we know, the Member States have not accepted.
With regard to these two reports, I would firstly like to congratulate and publicly mention, as I did at the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, the remarkable work carried out by my colleagues, Mr Lehne, Mr Swoboda, Mrs Roth-Behrendt, Mrs Wallis and Mrs Harms, who made up the team of Members of this House that negotiated this framework agreement with the Commission.
In fact, it should never be forgotten that a small number of complaints can mean either that people do not notice many irregularities or that they have little confidence in a possible legal solution to their problems.
I hope that the Council will soon formally adopt these instruments and, just as important, that the Member States will take the necessary steps to fully implement the decisions in their national legal systems.
By no means are we offering a defence speech here.
(The President cut off the speaker)
Now the EU must take decisions and measures to ensure that in future there is no repeat of this crisis with its impact on the Member States.
The geostrategic importance of the region, particularly with regard to the supply and transport of raw materials between the East and West, must be an important factor in establishing future agreements between the EU and these countries.
Thank you for your attention.
In general, Norway has raised its voice against the laissez-faire policy which the EU pursues within the WTO.
It is important that the European Parliament stays the course with its relations with Burma.
For a number of years our respective countries have adopted a restrictive policy towards immigration, yet this policy has not stopped migrants arriving.
China's policy and its effects on Africa (
The whole world is voicing its hope that Europe will adopt a clearer approach and take more effective action.
I see in Obama's election an important opportunity for a new policy of global commitment, a turning point in the history of the United States and also for the whole world.
The dissent that the pension reform caused in France can emotionally be understood, but when considering the demographic situation in Europe, it must be noted that the proposal of the French Government and the ultimate decision of the parliament is the only appropriate response in order to avoid destitute futures for both the working and retired people of France.
The resolution which we are proposing equally emphasises the results which will be achieved through coordinating research activities and the extent to which they will help improve the current situation.
in writing. - (DE) In today's vote I voted in favour of the report by my colleague Edit Bauer.
Unfortunately, it is based on a neo-liberal idea that plays off workers against each other.
We cannot end up with a situation in which funds from the state budget are used by mines to achieve profitability.
If we want to achieve a 20% cut in emissions of these unwanted effects of our civilisation by 2020, we shall perhaps have to take more intensive action and pay more attention to other sectors as well which, as you are aware, lead the field in CO2 emissions, rather than just focusing on transport.
This directive harmonises the calendar of the application of summer time in the EU.
In view of the specific nature and genuine interests of the countries of Latin America we believe that it is possible to build strategic and long-term relations only in this manner and with those countries with which we can share the same fundamental values and principles.
Despite the decree issued by the President in March of this year in which he officially authorised a longer stay in Guantánamo for some prisoners, the Union hopes - no, in fact, expects - the government of the United States to continue to discuss this subject in Congress and to work towards closing the detention camp as quickly as possible.
I understand that the title has changed and that the Liberals have changed their position, but the substance is still very complicated and we still want this to be discussed first in the Committee on Employment, because it is a very important and complicated discussion.
2009 discharge: European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy (
I also welcome the reference to the need, when negotiating and applying the new agreements, to take into due account the protection and defence of democratic bodies and human rights.
Parliament should also initiate an investigation in this connection.
That is why I voted as I did.
In any case, I have said that, if necessary, we can look at revising the directive.
On this matter, we can but learn the lessons from the past, as opening the gates to international adoptions in Romania led to the creation of unprecedented child trafficking networks and cases involving children being abducted and sold to the West, in cooperation with European and international organisations.
There is concern in relation to the consequences of liberalisation for fragile sectors of ACP economies, which will have to face competition from European businesses.
Why did the Right wage such a lengthy struggle against social rights in the Services Directive if they are portraying themselves today as true advocates of social justice?
It is directly on the ground that the measure proposed in this report will contribute effectively to the achievement of the Europe 2020 strategy objectives.
Once more the majority of the European Parliament is rejecting a change of policy and expressing its full support for and involvement in the policies followed to date: deregulation of markets and labour relations, liberalisation of goods and essential services (postal service, transport, telecommunications, energy, etc.) and handing them over to private operators, to the detriment of taxpayers, workers and the people.
The CAP post-2014, as outlined in this report, has clear aims and priorities, on which European farmers can and will deliver - but they need the support of a credible budget behind them.
We cannot, of course, compare that situation to the totalitarian dictatorship in Iran, but the memory should serve to teach us Europeans a certain degree of humility.
That includes Portugal, Spain, the UK, Hungary and Latvia.
Good cooperation with partner countries and detailed knowledge of the situation on the ground in terms of labour needs, skilled shortages and capacity-building requirements are essential to this effort.
The role of legislators in this relationship will be important.
It resulted in a significant fall in the prices of calls offered by competing operators.
Secondly, I would like to call for support for last week's public address by the 18 Russian human rights activists, including Sakharov Prize winner Kovalev, who are extremely worried about a further clampdown on independent satellite information in the Russian language, which the Kremlin has achieved through applying pressure.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (PL) Mr President, one month ago the Global Peace Index rankings were published.
Secondly, having established the facts, we need an education programme for young people, parents and educators, and, thirdly, legislation which will apply to all countries.
25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, as instituted by the UN 11 years ago.
However, adequate services should, of course, be provided in any case.
If we follow this line of reasoning, then we shall finish up with a situation where 'intelligent cars' will be driven by technically efficient drivers.
This is a signal to the next generation that their active participation is very welcome.
We need an estimated EUR 1 trillion worth of investment in the markets to stop the lights from going out in future.
The proposal will be accompanied by a detailed report that will also include the outcome of our ex-post impact assessment relating to the IMO decision, as well as possible measures that the Commission could take to mitigate undesired impacts on the sector.
In its report, the European Parliament, specifically its Committee on Fisheries, defended the extension of deadlines for state aid for the renewal and registration of vessels, both in relation to the Regulation currently in force and in relation to the proposal presented by the European Commission, according to which the deadline should be extended only by one year, in other words until 31 December 2009.
The classic European solution is institutional competition - not central control.

What I have tried to do to reconcile the two is to say that yes, of course, they should work closely together and, at the end of the day, the Petitions Committee must listen to the views of the subject committee.
There is also a strong competitive angle: women often must perform higher than men in order to become successful.
As a matter of fact, the 1 000 metres may well have been lifted from the discussions relating to the Mediterranean, yet we are not dealing with the same area, in fact we are talking about completely different areas!
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction has arisen as a serious challenge in recent years, and the international community must be ready to face those challenges with conviction and to tackle them resolutely.
Therefore, the level of payment allocations, as proposed by the European Commission, should be maintained, whilst taking into account that all programmes should proceed quickly.
I consider it essential to introduce mechanisms that promote the boosting of prices paid at the production stage, whilst keeping prices paid at the final consumption stage as low as possible.
It is unfortunate that in the case of Mr Taseer's assassination, there has been widespread public support for the murderer.
The Small Business Act is a good proposal for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The content of the recommendations adopted by the GFCM and the obligations pertaining thereto are frequently entirely or partially covered by EU legislation adopted previously, with only the aspects that differ needing to be transposed.
There must be a regular flow of funds that allows payments to be made to beneficiaries as programmes are implemented.
On the one hand, the Croatian Government took significant steps towards judicial reform, making decisive moves against organised crime and showing results in the fight against corruption.
Madam President, we have had an interesting debate on Parliament's own budget for this year and next year.
Therefore, the EU must be vigilant and ensure that standards are adhered to and, if not, then action must be taken.
This Forum will focus specifically on child labour.
'The Council considers that transparency should guide relations with interest representatives and that the Register provides a useful basis on which to build and interact with them in an open, inclusive and consistent fashion.
Romania is the European champion when it comes to delivered prescriptions, hospital admissions and surgical interventions but it is also the country with the shortest life expectancy in the EU.
At the moment, the EU youth unemployment rate has reached 20%, while the average EU school dropout rate is 16%, and in some countries, like Portugal, it has reached 40%.
I would also like to know why the European Council, the Belgian Presidency, said that it is in favour of this, but why the European Council at its last three summits merely said that it recommended a feasibility study at global level but not at European level.
Thank you, Mr Pittella, not least for the enthusiasm with which you made your statement.
Second lesson: the 27 must concentrate on their budgetary policies very early on in proceedings.
Questions have been raised here regarding the anti-discrimination directive, the Barcelona Targets, and the low emphasis placed on social questions.
I would like to remind you all of the principle of the social market economy as laid down in the Treaty of Lisbon.
Ms Fouré said that these cannot be tolerated and Ms Ayala Sender spoke of people getting away with it.
Thank you.
First of all, the euro's success has exceeded expectations, not only of all its opponents, of course, but even of all its supporters.
That would not contravene competition law and, if it did, it would, in any case, be a much smaller contravention than the concentration of chain stores we have seen over the last few years.
The report by Mrs Frassoni is aimed at strengthening what I would call the backbone of the Commission, so that the Commission is aware of the importance of this task, and so that, even if we want a prior phase of negotiation with governments on the difficulties that may arise, at the moment of truth the Commission acts as the citizens expect, with strength and vigour, and applying Community law.
Moreover, it will encourage Georgia to implement the reforms needed in the area of freedom, security and justice.
The development of the Mediterranean countries with which we want to create a partnership depends on our ability to offer them firm commitments on policies and sectors of common interest.
Fourth, improving education levels, in particular by aiming to reduce school dropout rates, and by increasing the share of the population having completed tertiary or equivalent education;
Thank you very much, Mrs Berès, for your initiative, and thanks to all of those who have said that they want to attempt to make progress on behalf of people who, as we all know, deserve protection.
On the contrary, we must begin to redevelop our own source of plant protein in Europe.
That is to no avail: workers and employees should not be made to suffer.
One such common value is the freedom of religion.
If we have a shortage of workers in many areas, we should investigate the causes of this and respond by adapting the training accordingly, but also by providing opportunities for reskilling.
In order to be successful, we must supplement the words of the resolution with actions.
Is it better to maintain a fixed or flexible exchange rate during a recession?
I have a concern that this report, as in the past, will be used to beat up on the EU - to say bad things about it - rather than in the way it should be used, which is to say: look, we have made progress and we are pointing to areas where we need to make further improvements, so that we spend European money in a way which is good for the European citizen, and avoid making that overcomplicated.
From now on, things will be better.
It is beyond doubt that the sphere of intellectual property rights, and particularly industrial property rights, deserves special care and attention.
I declare the session of the European Parliament adjourned.
I am pleased that we have been speaking the same language to such a great extent and that we share the same objectives.
Mr President, I would like at the outset to congratulate both rapporteurs, Ms McAvan and Mr Tatarella, on the EMAS and Ecolabel reports respectively.
These arise, in particular, from debt, high food and fuel prices and climate change.
This is sometimes true.
For example, how is it that a medicinal product that is considered to be potentially harmful, even fatal, and that has been withdrawn from the market in some Member States, can continue to circulate freely within the European Union?
They should pay the huge costs that illegal immigration is creating at the moment.
If you have enough support in the Council, you can go for it; you can do exactly what Greece did.
In analysing the European response, there is one fact which stands out.
It will not be possible to finance the extension of basic welfare provision to the same level as countries such as Austria and Germany.
The directive states that retained data can only be accessible to the competent national authorities.
The report proposes ways of resolving this and I ask Parliament to support these in this form.
The text is only supported by one political party and it is opposed by major constitutional experts.
President of the Commission. - First of all, I think that the fact that this Parliament voted again for a mandate for myself is a signal that there is support for the action we have been taking.
She was elected by the world's leading Muslim women democracy activists in May 2007 to be the first chairwoman of this new organisation.
The lack of participation by the banks and investors, who made healthy profits in recent years, shows how much influence these groups actually wield over the political elite in Europe.
The Treaty of Lisbon grants the EU new prerogatives, confirms the development of its international capacity and puts new tools in place.
I warmly congratulate the Hungarian team, as well as silver medallists Great Britain and bronze medallists Greece.
I welcome the fundamental guidelines that the communication presents on how to organise the logic of intervention between the public and private sectors and between Community, national and regional financing.
People in this age group bring added value to the world of work, and therefore preparatory measures should be taken to involve them more.
Furthermore, owing to the European Union's high degree of dependency on imports from third countries (60%), producers have very little or even no influence on the price levels of fisheries products.
The European Court of Justice rules in accordance with the Treaties.
I follow carefully implementation of the Services Directive in individual countries, as I do also in my own country of Poland, where work on suitable implementation of the directive's provisions is still under way.
It is important that the consumers and producers of our main trading partners be subject to the same legislation as our consumers and producers.
I believe that as MEPs we cannot accept this state of affairs, this deplorable absence of the Council, and we can only protest and in particular approve the suggestion made by the chairman of the Committee on Budgetary Control, namely to postpone this discharge, because, otherwise, Parliament would make a fool of itself by validating accounts that it does not know about and has not had the opportunity to inspect.
I believe that the pilot projects proposed by Mr. Paasilinna are necessary and I hope to have such a pilot project in Romania as well.
The Croatian Government and Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor deserve credit for tackling corruption and crime in a determined way.
I trust you, of all people, implicitly to actually get rid of this protectionism across Europe.
Twenty thousand jobs a year are lost in the agricultural sector, production is falling, agricultural income fell by 20% between 2000 and 2008 and 75% of farms have annual gross profits of between EUR 1 200 and EUR 9 600.
Secondly, I would like to join those in Parliament who have expressed regret and rejection regarding the measures adopted by the United States authorities to introduce administrative fees under the Travel Promotion Act which therefore increase the costs of travel and, consequently, the movement of people, through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation.
Many thanks for that.
Their closure would lead, however, to thousands of job losses, in particular at Greece's borders.
A clear distinction must be made here: these were further training measures for McDonald's workers in order to make them better qualified on the jobs market and in the world of work.
(DE) Mr President, I said what I had to say during the explanations of vote, in order to save time during the voting.
That is very important for me.
In addition, all market support aids have been massively reduced and, at the moment, there are no export refunds and no disposal aid at all - zero for both of them.
We ought to support the Chinese in solving their problems.
If we can trust the statistics that exist on this subject, women drive with greater foresight and care and more safely.
- (SK) In October last year I made a written declaration warning about the emergence of an extreme right-wing organisation called the Hungarian Guard.
Firstly, it is not a matter of lowering our sights merely to the creation of a transatlantic free trade area, but of making sure the development of our trade serves other more laudable objectives, which promote social and environmental standards.
They remind us of the value of any human life, and also the fact that we cannot control nature.
This provides very gloomy evidence of yet another failure on the part of a major section of our political elite.
It has decreased significantly as a result of the global economic crisis, but half of the remaining deficit, and in fact, the entire trade deficit recorded for the first half of 2009 is equivalent to our current trade deficit with China.
One of the main challenges facing the EU fisheries sector remains, in many cases, the structural imbalance between fleet capacity and the resources available.
With that in mind, I would like to thank you for your diverse and intelligent contributions and your report.
This accident - if that is what it was - too, must be reconstructed and it must be investigated whether this type of combustion and the smoke which it passes through the meat really can cause so much dioxin to end up in the meat.
42.
That would make it possible substantially to reduce irregularities, especially on the part of small beneficiaries, many of whom lack the facilities required to carry out the necessary procedures.
Well, we are telling you now, we want the Guidelines to take greater account of coordinating economic policies, climate change and the supervision of the financial markets.
The EU issued further declarations on Nigeria in February and March; they conducted a diplomatic démarche with the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to convey condemnation of the most recent outbreaks of violence.
This position may change as the world moves over more to IFRS.
The 25 million people across the EU who will find themselves out of work by the end of the year should be the focus of our work in this House to get the economy moving again and help people back into work.
For the most part, the key points of the report from two years ago have been incorporated and built upon.
Let us remember that, when Galileo declared in the 17th century that the earth revolved around the sun, he was threatened with torture by the Catholic Church for daring to contradict the accepted fact that the earth was at the centre of the universe.
I think it is important to show that Europe can proceed at a different speed and it is also important that we start to consider this possibility for the future development of European integration.
As yet, no cure has been found for Alzheimer's disease.
Human rights, the rights of minorities and international law remain concepts that are foreign to Turkey.
Or have our principles and values been the same as those of the Bush administration?
We do not have to fear war, but yet we see attacks such as this crisis.
I believe that the EU does not have competence in this area; nor should it have.
Both parties to the agreement are striving to ensure continual cooperation (in particular implementing such activities, in which third parties must participate, pursuant to the cooperation agreement).
In view of the Member States' differing legal regulations and frequently limited influence in terms of enforcing the provisions of international law with regard to the fight against violence, the need for clear and binding regulations at EU level in respect of the problem is becoming ever more apparent.
I believe that it is a crucial mechanism that serves a very real purpose, and we can usefully benefit from its further development and strengthening.
For example, exports of road vehicles and cars have fallen by 51.3% and 59.4%, respectively.
However, in November 2010, Germany published its national investment assessment, which includes provision for positive development on the northern access route between Munich and the Austrian border.
The work that this Parliament has done over the decades together with the ACP countries is something that we as an institution can regard with some satisfaction.
If we want to do what is expected of us as the European Union, in the first instance, we must agree on a common approach to the Sahel region in particular and to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in general.
First of all, the author of the report is right to note that the most important issue, also in terms of the future of energy generated from conventional fuels, is for the countries of the European Union to work together in this area.
The mediation in the gas war between Russia and Ukraine will give the EU a good opportunity to demand that both parties follow rules that are compatible with a common energy market within the Union.
I firmly believe that it is the vitality of the economy and that alone that will enable us to conduct the true social policy that we need.
I therefore welcome the opportunity to present the views of the Council and the Hungarian Presidency during this debate.
This response acknowledges the legitimate concerns of those who are facing change, however, since it must not be forgotten that some people may be adversely affected by it, and we must also have a response for them.
You know it, and I can prove that you know it, because you used to support referendums until it became clear that you would lose them.
If you fulfil the conditions, you are allowed to proceed with accession and eventually join the European Union.
In its report, the Commission has demonstrated that it is aware of the problems and that it is concerned about them.
I am not accusing anyone in particular, but mechanisms have been created and honed for committing this type of fraud which are absolutely outrageous.
That is why I also think that we should try to move forward with the ratification process, to be critical but also to affirm that this European Union has so far brought us the happiest period of peace, freedom and prosperity in the history of this continent.
They intend to retain the death penalty for the worst criminal offenders.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I voted for the report by Mrs Prets on media literacy in a digital world.
We should support such measures and, in particular, earmark more funding for them.
(PL) Mr President, I support the Commission's proposal.
Wage discrimination also occurs in science: the committees that make decisions about research projects comprise fewer than 20% women.
We all know that there is no such thing as an ideal model for pension systems.
Also, the economic crisis was a factor, but the key one was that the 'yes' campaign got mobilised this time and it did not last time.
The IASB is working on IFRS standards for small and medium enterprises.
(The sitting was suspended at 11.55 and resumed at 12.00)
Under no circumstances should food additives endanger the health of consumers or mislead them, because it is absolutely essential that we guarantee consumer protection and food safety while at the same time maintaining the innovativeness and competitiveness of the food industry.
We cannot be satisfied simply by providing aid selectively, otherwise we will not be solving the problems, we will merely be forever postponing them.
I had, in fact, expected the Council to react to the proposals being put forward by Parliament in the current debate.
Mr President, you are staying so much in line that I think that, for these one-minute speeches, at least today on International Women's Day, Parliament should have made a gesture of generosity to women.
After years of inaction, the Commission seems intent on acting, and that is necessary: the survival of our companies and jobs depends on it.
So I believe that with the Safer Internet programme we have to empower the children themselves, beyond empowering the parents and the educators.
In this context, I would also like to see the rights of Parliament respected.
I am very happy that the report takes into account the fact that the Presidency-in-office, Kazakhstan, must be asked to respect the fundamental values and human rights of the OSCE in advance of the Astana summit.
The conflict also had a negative impact on social relations in Lebanon.
Here in this Parliament we cannot so obviously turn our backs on this reality.
Apart from the country in a situation of fragility itself, the international community is an important protagonist in the development of nation building.
And though Member States hold diffuse views about Russia, your presidency was quick to negotiate its six-point plan and for that credit is due.
Overall, this is a step in the right direction towards fulfilling these two requirements.
Unfortunately, we lost all amendments which referred sceptically to the recently concluded free trade agreements and the association agreements under negotiation, and which warn against the risks of weakening the existing fragile regional integration efforts.
- Report: Elles
As liberals, we proposed this, so this is music to my ears.
I cannot understand what 'obligatory' means: it cannot mean that all companies, all enterprises or all citizens must be entered in this register.
The professional users of chemicals and worldwide consumers can benefit from global harmonisation.
That was my first point.
Today's debate bears witness to this.
Yes, that is right, in Yemen, where President Ali Abdullah Saleh has been in power for no fewer than 33 years.
There are other groups of scientists who offer different positions on climate change and its causes.
Then you look at the anti-terror legislation with profiling and you see it creates insecurity and it creates problems for people living their daily lives.
Firstly, I would like to thank the rapporteur Mr Paasilinna.
I believe that we need to increase the percentage rate of the European Community's financial participation in order to provide additional support for the projects selected by Member States.
However, cohesion policy is not only needed by those in our society who are supposedly weaker.
I remind you that a regulation is directly applicable and will take less time than overall revision of the directive.
Yet there are also older Member States - Greece was mentioned in this context - which are similarly waiting for a change in US visa policy.
Unfortunately that was not the case, but that is not what lies at the heart of this debate.
The European Commission and the Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship intend to carry on supporting industrial policy and small and medium-sized enterprises, partly so as to provide answers to our citizens on the issue of the quality of the products made by our businesses.
The Commission also shares responsibility for ensuring that Opel does not now become the sacrificial pawn of a free-market clean-up of the crisis.
The safety features should enable the verification of every pack of medicine that is supplied, regardless of the method of supply used, including those available via distance-selling channels.
The Commission has presented draft legislation on hedge funds and private equity, on securitisation and remuneration in the banking sector.
What I must tell you is that I believe that the Council and the European institutions are doing a good job.
Would it not have been nice if this Parliament had discussed the treaty this morning at the same time as the Czech Senate and had made it clear to the citizens of the European Union that the treaty was the work of the European Parliament, starting with the Convention and continuing right through to the present day, that this reform had not been imposed by an EU of elites, but that it was a major piece of work resulting from a collaborative effort?
(FR) Mr President, to a president to whom history has not been kind - I am referring to Chairman Mao, not President Sarkozy - one can offer the following maxim: 'as long as you are still falling, you have not yet reached the bottom'.
Freedom of expression is the foundation of democracy.
The European Union urgently needs to put an end to this madness, and finally to set up Community protection and preference.
When that crisis occurred, we saw that some countries that were not affected by it could not help the countries that were affected, because the interconnections did not exist.
It is vital that we open up the debate on how to achieve the goal of reducing fishing pressure on vulnerable species, and this report by Ms Fraga Estévez is an important part of that process.
I think that three things are needed.
The work programme involved is demanding and Parliament is ready to carry it through.
On 25 May 1948 the Communists murdered Captain Witold Pilecki. The Captain was the only person to go to a concentration camp voluntarily, in order to organise resistance inside the latter and gather information on the mass murders taking place.
For certain towed gear, the minimum mesh size will be set as: either a square-meshed net with a 40 mm mesh at the cod end or, at the duly justified request of the ship owner, a 50 mm diamond mesh net with acknowledged size selectivity equivalent to or higher than that of the 40 mm square-meshed nets.
Any person who commits a criminal act should be punished, including those who employ the third-country nationals, illegally and under poor conditions.
It may well be that the Scottish Government were panicking slightly and that the huge fines and draconian penalties that have been put in place in the last three or four months are the response to worries that all might not be well when the auditors arrived in Scotland and carried out their inspection.
Perhaps we have not been clear enough.
That is no easy task.
These are acts of war, implemented by NATO, which could perhaps solve a problem in Libya only to give rise to a number of problems throughout the wider region.
You cannot make responsible policy on such a basis.
This policy is now being continued by Commissioner Samecki, to whom I also extend my heartfelt congratulations.
Community legal framework for a European Research Infrastructure (ERI) (
Complaints also targeted the administration of Parliament (11%), the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) (9%), the Council (4%) and the European Court of Justice (3%).
Ladies and gentlemen, the freedom of the service market operates, with very few exceptions, within the provisions of legislation.
Our group has no problem in supporting the wish for an Arctic treaty, but more in the light of a quest for a new mode of governance.
author. - (DE) Mr President, we have often discussed the conflict in Kashmir here, and I must add that there was a time of hope, of rapprochement between Pakistan and India.
What will be left then, on average?
In this respect I do not believe we have done any great favours to the European consumers and citizens who have had to watch this backstage wrangling among the Member States, but if this final outcome provides greater transparency for consumers who wish to buy a car, for example, enabling them to make an informed choice between a hire-purchase agreement and a personal loan, I believe it will be useful.
I should like to point out the support offered by Parliament to the Commission with regard to the development of a new instrument for financing cross-border infrastructure projects, stemming from, among other things, the SESAR programme.
I therefore believe that it would be better if we channelled the available funds, if can find them, into the existing top scientific teams through research grants.
It is precisely because the matter is so serious and urgent that we have to set matters in motion so that that final outcome can be swiftly achieved.
As Amnesty suggested, however, it is vital to link these with the TDIP report and with the follow-up that the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) has agreed to take up in a new own-initiative report.
That was the reason why a Services Directive was possible in the first place.
Consequently, it is important not to introduce any potentially confusing changes to the labelling of fruit wines.
It is time to box clever, to do our part but to ensure that the rest of the world does the same.
It is not the only one, as is also highlighted in the OECD-FAO report 'Agricultural Outlook 2011-2020'.
To my mind, this is indispensable since, although the whole sector is being affected, rising energy bills will have a greater impact on traditional fishing than on industrial fishing.
Parliament has the power to deliver for citizens and the Internal Market Committee was determined to go for a strong ban whilst securing exemption for traditional Inuit hunting.
To move on to a different subject, I cannot help noticing that there is often a big difference between the statements that are made publicly and the commitment to these in practice.
author of the draft opinion of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality. - (PL) Mr President, raising the quality of life of the citizens of EU Member States lies at the heart of European integration.
(The President cut off the speaker)
That pesticides which are hugely harmful to health can finally be banned is progress, although there is still far too little research here.
The European Union considers - as we will say once again later - that this report is a reliable analysis, and the European Union stressed the importance of conducting adequate, reliable research into the possible violations of international human rights legislation and international humanitarian law.
The whole euro area and the European Union may suffer a crisis if decisions are delayed.
In particular, extending this partnership agreement contributes to the sustainability of the EU's tuna fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean by setting down a stable legal framework.
Commission Question Time
In areas such as communication policy, this cost-benefit analysis is important to ensure better results and resource management.
We want to control our own borders and decide who lives, works and settles in our country.
This initiative and report send a very welcome signal about the commitment of the European Parliament to support the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
South Africa and Namibia will decide on their participation in the next day.
I would have been disgusted to see an increasing number of criminals threatening the peaceful life of my compatriots.
For us Social Democrats, there are two issues here.
Here, I would like to state with clear emphasis the word 'technically', for the European Social Fund will not be reduced in any way at the end of the accounting period.
It was necessary to link the individual sections of the directive with the IMO requirements and other documents from the third maritime package and, at the same time, to use the provisions of other binding documents that are in force in the European Union, e.g. in the area of the confidentiality of personal data.
Mr President, I should like to summarise the reasons why I voted against the resolution.
We must dare to ask whether the current agricultural policy is adapted to the development of the (world) market and to the needs of the EU27.
They say that they want to work their land and feed and care for their animals rather than spend the whole day keeping books and records about what they are doing.
People live in a freer society, girls can get education, and medical services are more accessible than under the Taliban regime.
To Mr Schmidt, I would like to say that I really do share your enormous concern and frustration that this situation is continuing year after year and that there is no possibility of getting through to the Eritrean authorities.
Firstly, an energy market is not relevant.
6.
The problem areas relating to transparency aspects may be summarised as follows: establishing unified standards for information disclosed by companies introducing their shares onto the stock market and company law and corporate governance in relation to the question of the collective responsibility of agencies for information contained in company reports, reinforcing the role of independent council members, standards in the area of setting up committees as part of councils, disclosure of information on council and board members' reimbursements, and also increasing investor protection.
in writing. - (PT) This resolution is opposed to adopting the draft regulation proposed by the Commission on 'on the authorisation and refusal of authorisation of certain health claims made on foods and referring to children's development and health', as it is not compatible with the objectives and content of the Regulation on nutrition and health claims made on foods.
We should, of course, recollect that at least 200 000 people have died in Darfur during the four-year conflict, and more than two million people have been forced from their homes.
Vice-President of the Commission. - (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I do not think anyone in this House can have any doubt that these actions are unlawful.
Water supplies for irrigation purposes were suspended during the summer and farmers suffered 80% crop losses as a result.
I do have an additional question relating to the European market, the realisation of the single market.
In this context, an informal meeting was held on 18 September, organised by the French Presidency, involving ministers responsible for the family.
In view of its ambitious target of a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, the European Union needs to move much faster than it is at the moment.
in writing. - (PT) The globalisation of the economy is a question for which Europe has not yet found a clear and convincing answer.
Commissioner, it is not possible to have such a degree of uncertainty with a technical system that its development time doubles.
Occasionally, proposals to make savings such as these can end up costing more, simply because there is no flexibility with them.
More efforts should also be made to improve administrative cooperation between the Member States.
in writing. - I wish to support the endeavours of those in this House who have brought to our attention the crucial problems particularly facing those in the Gaza Strip and in the State of Israel and Palestinian areas.
That is why we must now find solutions based on solidarity, but also act responsibly.
We should therefore preserve it and reject the Americans' many unreasonable demands regarding our winemaking processes.
German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel has done the same, clearly and impressively.
Therefore, they must objectively and rigorously account for how the public funds made available to them have been used.
I think everybody would be far better off doing it like that than having pages and pages of small type that no one ever reads.
I believe that, under the leadership of Jutta Haug, we have quite successfully resolved these difficulties.
Such a European policy, however well meaning, cannot succeed without the support of the inhabitants of Somalia.
Dialogue between countries of origin and transit and European states receiving immigrants must be institutionalised in order to provide a cornerstone for a genuine association based on development.
I wish you success in the vote tomorrow.
Public procurement policy should ensure that public money is used as efficiently as possible, and should keep public procurement markets open, thereby contributing to the relaunch of the EU economy, to job creation and to welfare.
As a result, following the request made by the European Council in June 2009, the Commission drew up the strategy for the Danube region.
To be open and frank with you - as I always am - I was disappointed with this decision.
Existing EU laws on discrimination continue to prove difficult to implement in practice.
Anyone who has patients treated abroad must provide good information and be sure that the quality is what it should be.
I should like to congratulate you on that, because naturally it is important to protect citizens and small and medium-sized enterprises so that, when they provide services, they can also recover their income accordingly.
(PT) Madam President, this debate on the difficulty of accessing commodities, such as rare earth elements, is intrinsically linked to the current state of development of the world economy and the systemic crisis in which we are immersed.
On the other hand, in discussions about the options given the scientific facts, here we are clearly in the area of political choice.
What sort of European solidarity can we tell our citizens about if their social and economic situation ends up even further behind the European average than it was before they joined the European Union?
We cannot consider any of these strategies unless, first of all, it is integrated within a broader mobility strategy that goes beyond the automotive sector and includes other modes of transport.
The Swedish Presidency must continue the efforts of the French and Czech Presidencies, whose priorities were to provide all workers in the EU with complete access to the Community's labour market, a freedom which is most symbolic of European citizenship.
Could the Council please comment on a possible timetable for ratification by the Czech Republic of the Lisbon Treaty?
In addition, one of the most significant obstacles to the full harmonisation of the internal market in defence equipment is precisely the large number of export rules in the EU.
It is now the time for putting offers on the table.
Every day, 12 of them die.
We therefore consider it essential that Parliament should be able to send three specialised representatives to serve on the Board, and it goes without saying that they must have the same voting rights as all the other Board members.
The issue of multilingualism is vitally important in the European context.
Economic governance has advanced.
A great many proposals have been made, measures have been incorporated into the report, in the field of migration, and I can only reiterate that the European Pact on Asylum and Immigration indicates that the European Council solemnly states that migration policies and asylum must comply with the rules of international law and, in particular, with those relating to human rights, human dignity and refugees.
Their ideology is diametrically opposed to conventional democracies and their aim is to create a caliphate.
Our forthcoming decision will relate to each individual operator.
At the same time, it is one of the world's most corrupt countries.
Practice has shown that, unfortunately, visas are not always the most effective method of stopping illegal immigration and organised crime.
This may enable us to make the quantum leap to economic and social union in Europe.
In economic, trade and political terms, respect for rights and freedoms should be, at the same time, conditions and objectives of our cooperation.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - Mr President, with your permission, I would like to start my speech in Irish.
The sickening crimes she suffered are made all the more shocking by the bizarre details of this case: the crowd of one thousand people; the venue of a stadium, as though it was some kind of spectator sport; the truckload of stones ordered specially for the purpose; the gunmen who fired at people trying, to their credit, to save this poor girl's life.
With regard to the matters that the Committee is responsible for, economic and monetary affairs, the field of enterprise, competition, taxation and customs union, the fight against tax fraud and general fraud in European statistics and, in particular, the chapter on statistics, we do of course welcome the budgetary advances, the budgetary approach, but of course we have also, found inadequacies.
However, we still need to work within the framework of the Treaty.
In my opinion, we need to do three things in the European Union following Copenhagen.
That is why the Commission is considering raising this matter with the Member States and it is also exploring the possibility of financing the Court and its outreach activities through other financial instruments.
President-in-Office of the Council. - I would like to thank Mrs Ţicău for her question, which is also timely.
After accession to the European Union, the Latvian government lapsed into a sense of a 'job well done'; it had achieved its goal.
Mr President, first of all I would like to congratulate both rapporteurs.
There is even a saying in Yemen that 'if you are old enough to use a knife, you are old enough to fight for your tribe'.
It is in this context that we welcome this report on specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions.
Thank you, Mr Rack.
Has any impact analysis been done by the Commission on winners and losers, and by that, I mean winners and losers in financial terms, under whatever formula you have already come up with?
As usual, paragraphs are included where the EU seeks to act with a single voice in foreign policy.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank Mrs McAvan for taking the initiative in this case and Mrs Hedegaard for addressing the problem.
I would particularly like to concentrate on what Mr De Gucht said, because it needs to be noted that the US has changed since 2 November.
A completely untouched forest is good from the point of view of biodiversity, but a rotting forest emits large volumes of methane gas.
Russia is obviously our extremely important economic and strategic partner.
We are calling for more funding at a European level to allow us to combat climate change, to switch more quickly to renewable energy sources and to support education and research.
This is what lies behind the decision to replace it with a newer and more effective instrument, the European Qualifications Framework, which increases transparency, supports the transfer of qualifications and makes it easier to assess the results of study.
This agreement allows us to step up a gear and the Commission will work closely with Finance Ministers to iron out details of the permanent Stability Mechanism before the Spring European Council.
I therefore voted in favour of this report, which approves the extension of the regulation in question and amends the elements required for respecting the new powers acquired by Parliament in the light of the Treaty of Lisbon, in particular guaranteeing new powers with regard to delegated acts.
Order of business
(DE) Mr President, this report sends an important signal to a country that is playing a stabilising role, has exemplary legislation on minorities, has a broad government majority in which all nationalities are represented and has taken a clear European course under the leadership of Prime Minister Gruevski.
Vaccines are the cheapest and most effective public health measure for protecting Europeans from infectious diseases, but it is also important for healthcare to reach developing countries, so as to contribute to increasing life expectancy and to combating poverty.
The prospect of a referendum on Scottish independence is now not a matter of 'if', but rather of 'when'.
While the 1% annual increases proposed by the Commission are preferable to no increase, we still consider this to be too timid a step.
The comprehensive institution-building programme envisaged by the Eastern Partnership is a case in point, as it specifically targets institutions within the Ukrainian Government which need strengthening in order to deliver on reform.
Both cases are interconnected, and success on either depends on success on both.
Two additional healthy years of life - that will be understood by everyone and it is something we should do.
I am truly appalled at the behaviour of Members of the Italian left.
However, although the harmonisation of national legislation with that of the Community is essential, it is not enough if we are to reach our desired objectives.
The Union for the Mediterranean was launched in 2008, but remains a façade.
I believe that the package of interventions contained in the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council may be effective in preventing macroeconomic imbalances, especially in the euro area.
I am well aware, in our view, that companies take these compliance programmes seriously and that can help prevention which, in fact, Mr Gauzès, is still cheaper than compensation or punishment.
With independence and determination, it laid the foundations for a lasting climate of confidence.
As a result of its important role in global trade matters and its commitment to protecting human rights, the European Union has a responsibility to combat human trafficking, and child labour in particular.
However, security measures that diminish the guarantees of freedom are measures that remove certainty from the law, and are thus the source of insecurity and barbarities.
I think this is important to say because it is the truth, at least in my experience.
In turn, that regime displays an astonishing immunity to pressure from the international community, ignores the appeals, just does not do anything about them.
Insufficient aid is guaranteed not to produce results.
I also welcome the firm stand taken by the rapporteur and the Commission to prevent discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation.
Mr President, on this basis I have to say that the observation made by a number of esteemed analysts, such as Mario Vargas Llosa, is in any case highly significant: the most conspicuous defenders of the deposed President Zelaya - who, by the way, has won support from all the various political parties, including his own, and the Supreme Court of Justice against the National Congress of the Republic - have in fact been representatives of regimes characterised by a systematic violation of human rights and by a progressive decline in individual freedoms, as this Parliament recognised in the last report on the human rights situation in the world.
Before the outbreak of hostilities in South Ossetia on the night of 7 to 8 August 2008, which claimed many civilian lives, we had been witnesses to months of provocation from all sides.
I should like to know - and do not brand me anti-Italian - what would have happened if any of the candidate countries, from Croatia to Turkey, had announced measures along the lines of those being planned by the Italian government as regards the waste decree or the security decree, where between turning illegal immigration into an offence and soldiers in the streets, the aim is to bring about the suspension of all proceedings which have the misfortune to have timescales and features similar to those against Prime Minister Berlusconi.
It is more sporadic than global.
To my mind, it is not.
As I said a week ago in Brussels - a new year, a new treaty, and a new era for the European Union.
Through this regulation, Europe's 70 million bus and coach passengers will also enjoy a range of rights that until now were much reduced or almost non-existent in comparison with other means of transport.
This invaluable support for building enterprise, the spirit of enterprise in Europe, is sanctioned by the principle introduced by the Commission: Think Small First.
Given the commitment of the author and the content of this report, I am sure the contribution it makes will assist the European institutions in making laws which will achieve its purpose, helping those for whom it is intended, the poor.
We need a strong EU strategy to ensure that this fundamental right is upheld and that workers throughout the EU are adequately protected.
We therefore call on the Commission, the Member States and the various groupings of the Council with responsibilities in this area to step up their efforts.
This raw material is available to us here in the European Union, so we should include this in our discussions.
But this is a Union of friends - friends, equals and partners.
It has an objective interest in frozen conflicts and in criticism of the Charter of Paris through recognition of Abkhasia and South Ossetia.
Brazil is the first country from Latin America to cooperate in our research programme and, via this experience and bridge, I think we can gradually do more in other countries.
Hungary recently went through a very difficult financial crisis, as a result of its economic policy.
The European Parliament must be given the chance to curb this data protection rights fiasco on behalf of the citizens of Europe.
in writing. - I voted for the resolution on Tunisia to express my solidarity with the wish of Tunisian people to achieve freedom of expression and restore free elections.
That is why we voted in favour.
The European Union must help and encourage Ukraine to bind its future not to Russia but to the European Union.
I agree that the EU Member States should help adult education by adopting active measures, motivating citizens to educate themselves and employers to provide suitable conditions for education.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I have listened carefully to the views expressed by Members of this House.
However, this report by Mrs Keller sometimes has a tendency to be either excessive or vague in its wording.
So, in contrast to my previous visit here, I have the same face but one organ is now missing!
Moderate and polite pressure or maximum pressure?
In these gloomy times, let us continue in the hope of the poet's ray of light, which will vanquish the darkness, the darkness of that time and for always.
I count on your sense of realism to get Europe at the table and not on it, and I wish you good luck in your second term.
Once that trend is established, the race for resources will give rise to pressure and shortages which are likely to pose a challenge to many generations of managers and will certainly have implications for the governance of the modern world.
Negotiations have been deadlocked for six years, and it is clear that they have been reopened within the framework of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean, with the support also of Parliament.
Between mid-May and noon yesterday, 1 733 people were infected, while 23 patients died a torturous death.
The purpose of this treaty is to widen the energy market already existing in the European Community to include the countries of that region, i.e. to the countries of the western Balkans.
We cannot have a two- or three-speed cohesion policy.
Thus, to their shame, they have conspired to rush through ratification elsewhere and then try arrogantly to bounce the Irish into a second referendum.
The instruments that currently exist, such as the JESSICA Fund, are one of the few financial engineering instruments that a region or municipality can use to finance urban development projects.
I am Vice-Chair of the Committee on Budgetary Control, and I was among the MEPs who attended the informal negotiations with the Council.
The report by Mrs Ayala Sender also, rightly, highlights the simplification of administrative procedures, infrastructure investment needs and the problems posed by logistics in urban areas.
If we do not take this pioneering step, we cannot easily expect to convince the World Bank and others that we should be focusing investment on renewable energy.
Moreover, they have to comply with the strictest standards in the world, increasing their production prices, with the disadvantage that this gives them in comparison with third countries.
I believe that an ever stronger degree of cooperation between Member States is also of vital importance to the operation of the effective market supervision system and, as such, for the purpose of coherence, it is imperative to create a uniform interpretation and presence amongst market supervision authorities.
Our fellow citizens want more security, but also respect for public freedoms.
The EU Emissions Trading Scheme is in a state of chaos.
These questions, too, must be answered if one is to lapse into grandiloquent lyricism; otherwise, one pulls the wool over citizens' eyes.
Austria and Italy confirmed an agreement on the total cost of the Brenner Base Tunnel project at EUR 8 billion.
I too believe that body scanners cannot be commissioned without a clear scientific and medical evaluation of the possible effects of the use of the technology in question on the health of the users.
There arises the question of prices, reliability and also of whether we integrate renewable energies properly into the network, and for this we unfortunately need considerable investment.
The proposal includes a number of measures relating to access to repair information for new cars, so as to ensure effective competition in the repair market, so that small businesses will not suffer as a result of the report.
When we give Croatia the green light for the last round of negotiations and for its last push on the way to full membership, we should point out that this report is addressed to all the countries of south-eastern Europe which have the same expectations.
(EL) On the agenda for discussion, we have the report given by Csaba Öry on behalf of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, concerning the application of social security schemes to wage-earners, non-earners and members of their families moving within the Community - C6-0104/2007 -.
It is not extensive and there are probably reasons in general to improve information.
There is a clear difference between EU and US policy on the extent to which cereal production is being diverted to biofuels.
I think that needs a positive step forward.
Emphasising the significance of this event will make it easier to perceive the part played by all the outstanding European musicians - Mozart, Liszt, Handel, Haydn, Schumann, Verdi, Grieg, Berlioz, Paganini and many others - in the creation of European civilisation and in its contribution to world culture.
If we do want to spend many millions, then they could be spent on the border protection agency FRONTEX, rather than the money pit that is the Schengen Information System.
Despite already being the object of resolutions of this Parliament, the last of which was in 2010, the old request that the country of origin be marked and that information be made available about the origin of various goods has been postponed, which we regret.
When that happens - as it has done today - we should rethink this practice.
Why is this important?
Finally, the Green Climate Fund must ensure that USD 100 billion is made available to developing countries by 2020.
We should acknowledge that in this House and push to ensure that they are passed on to farmers.
I voted in favour of this measure because I believe that setting up an ad hoc fund to reduce energy dependency and use renewable and local energy (even if it amounts to only EUR 146 million) represents an important indication for my Parliamentary group on the method to be followed in terms of a shrewder application of the European Union budget.
In the European Union, our economy is addicted, and this addiction is fuelled by imported oil and gas.
The next item is the vote.
However, in this Estrela report - one need only listen to the speeches that have been made today - every possible issue has been covered.
We are therefore very concerned about the amendments introduced by the rapporteur, because Amendment 3 would signify a definite dilution of this strong report by our committee.
The first took place between the 10th and 13th centuries in al-Andalus, in the great cultural movement initiated by the Umayyads in Spain.
the incentive effect of public investments co-financed by the Structural Funds under the cohesion policy, which attract private investment and the possibility of using Community funding to finance private investment where there is no public investment strategy.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, I would very much like to thank my fellow Member, Mr Tarabella, for his report.
The human rights activists to whom we awarded the Sakharov Prize last year are a force to be reckoned with in Memorial, which has a significant role in the North Caucasus.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
The Commission recently asked each Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks to reconsider its opinion on the basis of the most recent data and reports.
I have also taken note of the proposal to extend the scope of the Data Retention Directive in order to retain data about searches made by users for child pornography material and child sex abuse content uploaded on the Internet or messages used to groom children online.
Let us not, motivated by the need to respond to urgent challenges, now create issues which could bring up more significant problems for us in the future.
Displays of aggressive nationalism, racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism or neo-fascism do not have, and must not have, a place in democratic Europe.
We need to identify the cause of these uprisings; is it poverty, religion, injustice, corruption or the lack of democracy and freedom?
I wish to draw attention to a situation I have seen for myself, namely the high numbers of children orphaned in the area as a result of the conflict.
It is 'all hands on deck', as it were; the input of this fund, however small, contributes to the technological revolution necessary to keep the steel sector competitive and to make coal a clean fuel, a clean raw material: 'clean coal'.
We must not, however, give up any responsibility.
If populism means that we are listening closely to what people are saying, that we are representing them and offering really watertight arguments about extracting ourselves from the economic crisis, which the EU has also forced upon us, then I shall be happy to wear that title with pride.
Finally, Amendment 12 would significantly limit the scope of the areas to be dealt with by the Agency as laid down in Article 2 of our proposal.
Fukushima has stirred up this debate and, as a result, many people have changed their views dramatically.
I would like to finish by saying to Commissioner Kroes that we expect transparency from the Commission.
Mr President, I would like to welcome the Transatlantic Economic Council on 15 December, and especially its discussion of innovation, the digital agenda and energy technologies.
The Commission fully shares the view that climate change now needs to be addressed globally and it is important that others follow our example also.
Thank you once again Mr President, and thank you honourable Members for the commitment and cooperation you have shown.
The correct modification to the remarks is contained in Amendment 1133, which is annexed to the voting list.
I would therefore like to thank the rapporteur sincerely for his work.
Naturally, we believe that crime must be prevented.
What part do our genes play in the disease?
Closure of sitting
The larger the lorry, the more competitive it is compared with the rail and waterway transport, and the more the Commission policy on railways, waterways and motorways of the sea will be undermined.
I can only support what has been said here.
The mandate will continue to be the same, however.
The global economic, financial and social crisis is causing women to suffer a 'double blow'.
It hands decision-making in the EU to the big Member States, notably Germany, at the expense of the small countries.
I can safely say that this approach has met with the broad support of two committees, the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, which is my parent committee.
I have been known to do so myself.
In particular, I agree that the future EU strategy should recognise the important role of the family as the basic institution in society for the survival, protection and development of the child.
No one, for instance, disputes any more that Robert Mugabe is a criminal who has brought his country to its knees and who terrorises his own population.
(Applause)
And the Commission is indeed of the opinion that the conditions for extending macro-financial assistance to these countries are fully met.
Therefore, the only realistic way out of this situation, the only way to prevent the collapse of the currency market is stop-gap help for Greece as well as long-term, planned action to stabilise the position of the euro.
Research needs funding; innovative businesses need funding; world class-innovation needs world-class funding.
in writing. - I voted against the Gauzès report on the AIFM Directive because it disadvantages an important part of the United Kingdom's most important industry - financial services.
This is the hypocrisy of the 'special' class, that people say 'it is dreadful to mention a scandal explicitly in an official Parliamentary paper' but then make critical comments publicly.
However, we shall be publishing a policy document in order to structure future discussions on this question.
Consequently, I am asking the MEPs from the PPE and UEN to subscribe to the serious attitude we need to adopt on this matter and with regard to the Uzbek people, and support our motion for a resolution, which says nothing more than the truth about the human rights situation in Uzbekistan.
We brought a report out at that stage that there should be no further building of new houses in flood plains.
I am afraid that life is not like that any more, and when I hear people talk about the emancipation of women, I am sorry, but as an Englishman, that happened a very long time ago.
You falsely equate violence and terrorism with the legitimate reaction of Europe's people against the destruction of their identity.
The request made by the Commission for Member States to use the Structural Funds to invest in constructing energy-efficient public buildings certainly provides part of the solution.
On the German side, works will not start before 2012 and will take an estimated three years.
In this way, we pay due regard to the principle of subsidiarity.
I believe that is the challenge: to have economies that are growing so that we can then spend money on enlightened social policies.
I watched in close-up -
That would result in a real Europe of energy based on cooperation and the general interest.
The result of the Irish referendum testifies that the success of Europe is being sacrificed to an overdose of doubtful public opinion.
Firstly, poverty plays a big role, but we should not believe that the situation of the Roma as a category is identical with that of poor people in general, because poverty and unemployment are much higher among the Roma than in mainstream society.
(NL) Mr President, I am speaking here on behalf of my colleague Mr Blokland.
This new budget line will therefore be included using a token entry (p.m.).
Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (AFSJ) 2007 (motions for resolutions tabled): see Minutes
When the Commission was first informed of the crisis in the refuse collection and disposal system in Campania, in the spring of 2007, proceedings were initiated against Italy for contravention of Community legislation on refuse.
The Heads of Government committed themselves at that summit to the following: 'To launch a framework that lays out the policies and the way we act together to generate strong, sustainable and balanced global growth.
For the first time, Article 174 of the treaty recognises the specific role of mountain regions, which represent 40% of our territory and over 90 million European citizens.
Well, neither do they lead to Paris, and this is not the start of the French Presidency.
I think that the situation is evolving in the right direction, but at too slow a rate.
Such negative situations would certainly affect population groups less well-equipped for survival, particularly non-EU families who often have to make do with sharing small and therefore low cost accommodation with one another.
My colleagues and I want a solution to be found to the problems which are at the root of the rising food prices: buyers abusing their dominant position, unfair practices in negotiating prices, lack of information on price formation, the distribution of profit along the food chain and speculation on the commodity markets.
The European Council will also adopt the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region.
We also worked together with the Council, which had discussed more or less the same proposals in 2003.
Therefore, both of the forthcoming Competitiveness Councils under the Czech Presidency - one will take place very soon in early March, as well as the informal one which will take place in Prague - will tackle the question of reducing the administrative burden, since we believe that better regulation is an important factor for improving competitiveness, in particular for SMEs, and it plays an even more important role in times of economic crisis.
Sustainable forestry exploitation will make it possible to produce energy using wood residues.
In my opinion, this dossier is far from ready; the European Parliament would first like to hear why this programme is necessary.
The European Union expressed concern that further detention of protesters who had peacefully expressed their will might cause renewed tension between the Tibetans and the Han, that is to say the Chinese community in Tibet.
Let us be under no illusion: if we make exemption rules for European industry in emissions trading the focal point of the Council at this time, then we must assume from the outset that the Council has failed.
41.
It is also necessary to produce educational tools designed to inform Internet users (e.g. technologies for managing 'traces' left on the web and resources for protecting privacy).
This is particular true of rare genetic diseases that are hereditary.
I consider the motto 'United in Diversity' to be the perfect definition of the essence of the European project.
(ES) Mr President, as indicated in the Middle East Quartet Statement made in Munich, we would all like to see the end of negotiations between Israel and Palestine in September 2011 in the form of an agreed solution for the two states that will bring peace and security.
Present-day relatives of the victims are seeking closure and should, therefore, have the right to access such information in order to come to an understanding of the greatest catastrophe in Ukraine's modern history.
We have also included a provision concerning revision, requiring the Commission to ensure that both the definition of nanomaterial and the safety procedures are satisfactory.
When we talk about political parties, we must take two problems into consideration.
(ES) Mr President, I would like to begin by expressing my solidarity with the Chilean people, and that solidarity has also been expressed to the people of Haiti, Turkey and Peru, who have also suffered recent natural disasters.
Secondly, the public domain, and more specifically the European Union and its Member States, as well as nuclear industry operators, must adopt a behavioural ethic of total transparency in relation to nuclear activities.
Mr President, we want a Europe that is competitive, environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
In view of all the above, I support the Commission's proposal to repeal obsolete acts in the field of the common agricultural policy.
Our problem is that, in my opinion, we want to bring too many matters into the discussion.
One of the main challenges is education, that is to say, investment in human capital, which brings great benefits. Africa has also entered into certain commitments too, however.
Something else that I might add as I near the end of this long narrative that has been arranged for me is that I met the UN-Habitat Executive Director and had a lengthy conversation with her.
We are in favour of this, as it should introduce more predictability into what remains a dramatic situation and do so in the interests, in particular, of the security to which children, who are too often the victims of the separation of their parents, are entitled.
Whether or not we are facing an immigration influx of biblical proportions, we cannot tell.
The vote on these three topics will take place at the end of today's sitting.
The dialogue between the European Commission, the Council and Parliament was still fruitless at the end of last week, as the rapporteur had prohibitive objections to a compromise proposal concerning early repayment that all the other parties were prepared to accept.
A lot has also been said, and quite rightly so, about 2009 being a year of crisis in Europe, the US and, in fact, the whole world, and then we ask ourselves: what should we do?
Our long fight against smoking has not been unsuccessful.
The European Union should be secure in its own food security.
Dictatorships and dictators get very special treatment.
This should be helped by the establishment of modern care and education facilities for children and by high quality training for people who are looking for work.
The number of couples for whom fertilisation by this method is their only chance of having offspring is growing year on year.
Obviously these economic, social and cultural rights are important.
Our strategy towards the region is to assist in stabilising the countries of the Western Balkans and helping them realise their EU perspective.
However, with their taxes, our constituents cannot afford your generosity.
What funding does the Commission provide to human rights NGOs working in Iran?
What steps has the European Union taken with regard to the persecution of Christians in a State with which we have close links?
The money set aside in this fund has so far been used in 33 serious natural disasters.
I would finally like to stress how important it is for us to consider the protection of those consumers who are especially vulnerable and the dangers of gambling addiction and compulsive behaviour, and to make a real effort to fight against organised crime, which tries to profit by it.
on behalf of the PPE Group. - Mr President, may I join with the Commissioner in expressing my sympathy to the people of Nigeria on the death of President Umaru Yar'Adua.
(DE) Mr President, I would just like to interrupt the debate very briefly to inform you and my fellow Members that last night, three terrorists stormed the Chechen Parliament, killing several security officers and taking hostages.
There may be problems with that, but I would suggest to you - and I would like you to look at the evidence which was placed before us in our hearing - that dealers and consumers do have serious concerns about bringing automotive distribution straight away into the general block exemption.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - Mr President, poor Mr Frattini is still lost in the Hampton Court maze as we see the EU moving ever further from democracy.
In my region, where more than one million people live, over 80% are Catholics.
You also highlighted the importance of the continuity of European politics, and demonstrated the importance of unity between our countries with regard to our relationships with our main partners, during the European - US Summit in Prague with Barack Obama.
This House should demand that Council end the Strasbourg circus and save annual costs of over EUR 200 million.
We need to improve the Union's credibility, which is why I am saying that we do not need any new requirements to improve energy efficiency.
If this report makes even a modest contribution to progress along those lines, then I think we can be satisfied.
How do we say 'abstention'?
It is simply not right that small local companies providing very local or regional services should have these burdens put upon them.
It seems to me a real possibility that it will depart from it.
We shall give some more thought to this matter.
- Before the vote on paragraph 19
Therefore, as you can see, ladies and gentlemen, the spirit is one of agreement and proactiveness.
On the other, the Presidency has signalled its intention to deepen the debate on how Europe responds to globalisation.
Advise Mrs Tymoshenko in the same way as we did Mr Yanukovych.
The same principles should be applied to relations with Russia, where the rule of law and human rights situation is worse than in most ENP countries.
Of course, it is also to be expected that closer monitoring of the national political decisions of the Member States will not proceed without discussions and sources of friction.
In any case, it seems that we have managed to avoid the serious temptation of protectionism which occurred during the crisis of the 1930s, and it seems that the trend for the emergence of new restrictive measures disappeared at the end of last year.
I would rather concentrate on bare facts backed up by statistics where appropriate - as statistics is after all my life-long profession and possibly even my passion - or on what Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first President of the Czechoslovak Republic, called the small everyday tasks.
The Community's institutions and the Member States have taken concrete measures within their areas of competence to counteract these effects.
Obviously this would cause a system which relies, as the French law arguably does, on the computerisation and massification of accusations and penalties, to implode.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Mr President, the Commission welcomes the Court's annual report for 2008.
Therefore, we must have clear conditions relating to the Council's assurance, in order to be able to decide tomorrow about a possible postponement.
We have therefore introduced the following elements into the report, which are new features compared with the previous situation: firstly, a relatively wide-ranging definition of what lobbying means, or what it is, namely 'activities carried out with the objective of influencing the policy formulation and decision-making processes of the EU institutions'.
Secondly, Member States should, on a compulsory basis, present the progress made on the implementation of the 'Think Small First' principle in the annual reports on the Lisbon process national reform programmes.
Is it the other commissioners?
As early as 1995, the European Commission proposed an emissions requirement of 120 g per kilometre for European cars.
This is essential to protect the privacy of our citizens, to ensure a common approach to all data-processing activities within the European Union, and Parliament will, of course, be fully involved in the reform of the current legal framework since the codecision procedure also applies to the former third-pillar areas.
So that is a completely new situation.
What we need is a new treaty for a new era.
- (FR) Madam President, as Mr Parish has had to leave, he has asked me to state our position on the amendments which reached us at the last minute.
I agree with the emphasis that the report places on combating counterfeiting through better identification of products in respect of consumer safety through the use of new technologies.
Europe has reacted in a relatively swift and united manner, although there is an awareness, which is hopefully shared by all those who support nuclear technology, that radioactivity knows no national borders and that nature does not recognise safety standards, however high they may be set.
in writing. - Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risks present a new dimension of possible terrorist attacks, accidents, natural disasters and/or pandemics due to their transnational character and mass-scale victimisation.
It also welcomes the collective commitment made by the Commission and the Member States at the International Donors' Conference for the reconstruction of Haiti to donate a total of EUR 1.2 billion, including EUR 460 million in non-humanitarian aid from the Commission.
Additional patrol aircraft have been deployed in the Seychelles, and I can announce that Swedish maritime patrol aircraft will join the force in the Seychelles as well.
I know that his father has been in this House this week and I understand that he is at this very moment sitting here with us.
We must also ask whether this problem should be addressed at European level or continue to be the concern of each Member State individually.
Social tourism statistics would enable the Commission and Member States to identify the specific needs of different social groups and devise suitable programmes.
I believe that fundamental change must be about much more than simply reducing the number of targets.
In what way have the Commission and OLAF intervened in this important case to demand transparency?
Madam President, 'there are no winners,' says the worthwhile report by the commission of investigation on the armed conflict in Georgia in the summer of 2008.
By this I do not mean primarily presenting new measures for approval, but answering the questions that have now been raised so often.
The blue card proposal must be developed.
When the EU presidency was last held by a country bordering on that region, namely Greece, the foundations for the integration of the countries of the Western Balkans were laid down in the Thessaloniki Agenda.
The starting point for any debate on this issue must now be to recognise that the situation on the ground has improved significantly, though it is still very serious.
We do need, as I said here, the attitude on both sides to go forward, which is what I said in my speech if you will recall.
I very much welcome the possible use of accompanying safety officials, the 'sky-marshals', particularly based on the current threat from international terrorism on potentially vulnerable flight paths.
Businesses and households need to make decisions according to market conditions.
These Members will support you tomorrow.
It is indeed possible that this economic sector still has growth potential for the European Union.
Is there not too much of it going on administration?
In my opinion, God's Ten Commandments, communicated to the world by Moses a long time ago, must hold good in the area of human rights.
(Applause)
It also highlights the fact that new investments promoted by the EU must be viable and environmentally friendly and must encourage a high standard of working conditions.
Secondly, our priorities should be more focused on the fight against poverty and on sustainable growth.
The difference between those who believe that disorder and imbalances in public finances are at the root of the crisis and those who think that the underlying problem has to do instead with the lack of rules and transparency in the markets, economic and trade imbalances and social inequality.
Finally, I support the idea of clarifying the term 'plant protection products' by replacing it with the term 'pesticides' in the Regulation and explaining clearly what it means.
The G20 labour and social welfare ministers should ask for the support granted to companies in difficulty, as a result of the economic crisis, to be extended until when the unemployment rate starts to fall again.
I must remind you that at the same time as we are importers of meat from third countries - and at this point we import from Brazil only 5% of our requirements for beef in the European Union - we are also big exporters to third countries: to Russia and elsewhere.
At that time they were in deep trouble.
Britain needs even stricter controls, not more lax ones imposed by the European Union.
Agrofuels may possibly reduce CO2 emissions in the EU a little, but result in deforestation and land grabbing in developing countries, thereby leading to more climate change - which is precisely what we wanted to avoid, not to mention the displacement of indigenous populations and the loss of biodiversity and farm land for growing food.
Secondly - but this is rich - you say: 'why postpone further?'
First of all, as emerged from the recent review of the budget, we will use our right of initiative to present formal proposals on own resources before the end of June.
This is also a fundamental element of the negotiations on an association agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan that have been taking place since July 2010.
I voted against this resolution.
I think it is extremely important, with her knowledge and expertise, that she is able to participate there.
in writing. - (HU) It is absolutely vital to take into account the facts of climate change based on the scientific evidence when making decisions in this regard. After all, the risk of taking the wrong decisions based on mistaken conclusions is at least as great as the risk of inaction.
This report by Parliament is the first examination of the application of this new instrument and has a twofold objective:
The Commission also supports social dialogue at a European level, as the social partners have a decisive role to play in managing the crisis.
Our aims and goals in this respect are clear.
It represents a significant challenge to the present single currency system.
We need, and we demand today, appropriate and concrete steps to make the EU's principles in its action within and outside the Union a real tool of human rights promotion, with a specific focus on women's rights.
The war is costing human lives both amongst the soldiers and the population and it only serves to strengthen the Taliban.
The consequences of this have become all the more apparent and serious in this time of severe economic and financial crisis, as the budgets of the Member States have been particularly weakened and strained by the need for public investment and expenditure on social policy.
Then we will also have a discussion on the 2050 low carbon strategy that we will present by March - including, as I said, the 2030 target because, if we know where we are going to be by 2050, it is also very clear that there are some trade-offs involved.
There is no instruction manual on how to create the perfect monetary union, and nor can any absolute value be put on the knowledge acquired until now, since the socio-economic peculiarities of the euro area are liable to make any comparisons meaningless.
Fourthly, I should like to underline that one of the secrets to the success of this project is being able to duly combine security and freedom, freedom of movement, much more freedom of movement, with appropriate data protection.
Therefore I will not expand on what other colleagues have said.
I do not need to repeat everything it contains, but it is also very ambitious.
It would be extremely important for this Parliament and therefore also for European citizens to be informed of the results of these tests.
We need to be open to everything we have to do in face of a crisis that will have, specifically, more impact on social matters.
It was also said in the debate that some of the terms were too open.
The Irish said that they needed Europe in the crisis and this needs to be heavily emphasised, because they are asking Europe to protect them and that is important.
The mandate of the Committee on Climate Change is extremely clear: it has to analyze the present situation, to make a list of possibilities for combating climate change and formulate concrete proposals regarding the European Union policy in this field, at all decision levels.
We need the more united democratic effective Union offered by Lisbon to face the many problems, any one of which can plunge our world into conflict: energy security, climate change, the economic and financial crisis, and the many wars in many regions.
The Committee on Social Affairs has adopted a set of common indicators for the process of social protection and integration, which will ensure comparability of data.
An immigrant will only have the right to stay in the territory of a Member State of the EU if he works to swell the coffers of the plutocracy.
We award the Sakharov Prize, we support humanitarian measures and we strive to attain rights and privileges not only for the people of Europe, but of the whole world.
The Heads of State or Government of the European Union have responded to the economic crisis with austerity measures and public spending cuts.
The European satellite navigation programmes, Galileo and the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), will enable Europe to establish autonomy and strategic independence from other economic blocs, which is very important, and will contribute to improving the lives of the European public, as well as bringing direct and indirect benefits to the European economy.
It has a minor border dispute with Croatia, which it will resolve peacefully before the International Court of Justice.
In the only prison in Lahore, 4 651 prisoners were held in 2009, while the prison has a capacity of only 1 050 prisoners.
However, we cannot get around the fact that this type of extraction and production always carries risks.
However, as a matter of principle I am against the procedure of waiving immunity.
We hope for new dynamics in the negotiation process with Turkey including opening of the energy chapter.
Yes, we can see unity advanced by officials meeting officials across frontiers.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting: see Minutes
We do not need free allocation up to 100% in the industry affected by carbon leakage, we need 100% allocation, and we need ex ante benchmarks.
You referred to existing overseas départements.
Therefore, a common space of justice, freedom and security characterised by transparency, accountability and openness is needed.
The next item is the oral questions to the Council and Commission regarding the second European Roma Summit.
This should, however, relate to every form of expression of life and not just to economic problems.
In addition, the free trade agreement will contribute to an increase in transparency on the question of intellectual property protection and public procurement.
Yes, I think that arsonists who want to seize a piece of land by destroying the natural environment are nothing but primitive criminals.
Or is the Commission prepared to revise the draft and to negotiate a balanced agreement?
Once again, regional policy appears to be the lynchpin of the entire Hungarian strategy, capable of providing integrated responses to the economic crisis and regional imbalances.
A legislative proposal where Parliament can hardly change anything is not the appropriate framework for codecision.
It is particularly important for the newly formulated principle of climate justice to be taken into account at Cancún.
The scope of the directive is broader than that.
If we confined ourselves to the idea of making sure that a worker in one State can move to another Member State and take their pension with them, that might be a valid idea to pursue.
We must not succumb to pesticide hysteria unleashed in the European Parliament.
One hundred and fifty years ago, Bulgarian farmers were able to feed the most densely populated regions of the Ottoman Empire in Asia Minor using 19th century technology.
It is about the world testing us.
Energy security is a vital element in the context of overall EU security and should therefore be treated with utmost care especially in the face of a growing dependency on energy imports, expected to reach 65% by 2030.
On Amendment 11, I can reconsider the base line for the calculation of kilowatt days.
Infrastructure projects that receive support at EU level should first and foremost contribute to the real diversification of sources and routes of supplies to the Member States and to the EU as a whole.
To that end we must introduce assisted return programmes, promote circular migration, regulate recruitment practices and support capacity-building.
I would like, at this point, to offer my sincere thanks to the other shadow rapporteurs, in particular, Mr Turmes, Mr Hegyi and Mr Blokland, who were reliable partners in negotiation despite differences in substance.
I really do not think so because I consider both elements of representative and participatory democracy as mutually reinforcing, and both help to create real European political and public space.
At the same time, proceedings are ongoing which could result in the closure of two of the remaining independent newspapers - Nasha Niva and Narodnaya Volya - and the harassment of the political opposition, civil society and the independent media continues.
Alarm bells are ringing and they cannot be ignored.
in writing. - (NL) The adoption of the Medina report is a sure sign that legislation is set to improve.
In my opinion, the aim of media governance is not to guarantee proper and adequate information.
For instance, the International Energy Agency maintains that reducing carbon emissions by 50% will have cost the world approximately USD 45 billion by the year 2050, and that this amount of money will reduce temperatures, and I quote, 'by 0.02 degrees', that is, by less than the statistical error, which can have no effect on the progress of cyclical climate change.
For this reason, I hope that tomorrow's vote will show that the compromise that has been sought is supported by Parliament.
It does not make sense to apply Chinese law or the law of some remote Pacific state, for example, in such a delicate matter as matrimonial relations, when the pressing need is instead to unite the 27 countries of the Union.
I voted in favour of the report on migration flows arising from instability: scope and role of EU foreign policy.
I also expressed puzzlement about the low utilisation rate for payment appropriations for anti-polluting measures at sea, despite Parliament's continuing support for these measures.
I would also like to hear where we stand on the human rights paragraph.
On the one hand, Russia has again significantly cut the amount of gas it supplies to Ukraine, thereby seriously endangering Europe's energy security.

Last, but not least, I personally know some of the already-elected future colleagues, and the sooner they can start working the better.
Obviously it is very slow.
Why?
(The sitting was suspended at 7 p.m. and resumed at 9 p.m.)
Yesterday's announcement of over EUR 420 million in European Union humanitarian aid for Haiti shows leadership and commitment, but its delivery must be coordinated and effective.
(SK) Thank you, Mr President.
This is a very serious problem relating to the monopoly on the extraction of these raw materials.
Regarding finance, for instance, enlargement calls for sufficient financial resources to ensure that essential community policies such as the common agricultural policy or cohesion policy are not put at risk.
The French Presidency has not had an easy time of it; far from it.
The agreement must not in any way be viewed as a possible stepping stone to an EU military presence in the area in question.
I am also disappointed that, for reasons of time, the proper consultation process was not followed and I hope the Council will back the aforementioned proposals.

It is true that one of the problems for public opinion in Europe is, on the one hand, that the volume of development aid remains high.
I thank Marc Otte for his contribution.
Thijs Berman's report goes some way towards helping achieve that goal.
On the contrary, the ΕU is shifting the burden of responsibility to the workers, as it does with all consumer products.
I quote from the programme which it has just agreed: 'We must step back from the edge of national insolvency (...) the EU-IMF Programme of Support has - to date - failed to restore confidence in the Irish economy (...) this reflects uncertainty over the affordability of the rescue package'.
Let me conclude. Commissioner, I do think that the past five years have indeed been a success.
in writing. - I voted, of course, in favour of such an important resolution, and I supported very much the oral amendment proposed by my colleague Kiil-Nielsen to call on the Nigerian authorities to repeal the recent move by some Nigerian state governors to execute death row inmates.
The Greek Communist Party opposed the Commission proposal from the very beginning, voting against it both in the competent committee of the European Parliament and in plenary.
It also means planning our investments, today, in order to safeguard jobs, tomorrow, and that is why we must secure the support of the citizens.
Secondly, unfortunately in quite a few Member States, including my home country, those holding extremist positions are increasingly gaining ground.
In the EU 2020 strategy, we would like to introduce a three-interlocking-pillar system based on a smart, greener and inclusive economy and we would like to build upon these pillars flexible initiatives which would be aimed at the bottlenecks, at the problems which are slowing the European economy, which are blocking it from using its full potential.
His seat in the Sudanese Parliament now enables him to bring their cause to the attention of the international community, though sometimes at great personal sacrifice.
I would like to join the call for OLAF, in accordance with the request raised in last year's report on protecting the financial interests of the Community, to provide a detailed analysis in its next annual report of the strategies and measures introduced by each Member State in the fight against fraud and the prevention and detection of irregularities in the use of European funding, including cases where these resulted from corruption.
This is outrageous, scandalous and shameful.
Tomorrow, his collaborative method will be crowned with success.
My group has no hesitation in helping you.
But a global statement, like the signing of the Child Soldier Accountability Act this month in America, reminds us all that help can be offered to such countries and authorities in bringing violators of human rights to justice.
Mr Reul, you and others will simply have to go along with this.
Secondly, we also need a continued guarantee of funding for our banks until such time as they are functional again.
You were right, Mrs Roithová, to draw attention to the problem of 100% scanning, and thank you, Commissioner, for the resolve you have shown in defending us.
This really is a new quality.
Rainfall, serious rainfall, floods, rising sea levels, etc. are going to become more and more prevalent.
But before you get too excited, let me remind you that in those opening remarks you stated that there were millions of workers who were worried about the Working Time Directive.
Overly strict and complex customs regulations impede access to international trade for small and medium-sized enterprises in particular.
Second, offers in terms of financing.
This means a partnership that goes beyond the Commission's offices with companies which have a close relationship with us, but which must demonstrate that they can do more than just manage public money.
That is 18 months without having committed any crime!
There is a responsibility associated with this which we ought to fulfil, and this report points us in the right direction. It is the direction towards fair trade and, in particular, fairness towards the people and the environment.
in writing. - (IT) Madam President, my decision to vote against the motion for a resolution was based on the fact that it reiterates the same ideas that my group opposed in the final vote of the temporary committee on the alleged use of European countries by the CIA for the transport and illegal detention of prisoners (TDIP).
First, we must manage to formulate a uniform European interpretation of war and the reasons for war, that is to say a common European memory.
A total ban on smoking in businesses is planned for 2012 and this gives very little consideration to those businesses that will suffer most, in other words, those in the catering industry.
For example, the restrictive framework that the European Union's economic and social policies must fit into: an open market economy with free competition, the issue of credit by the European Central Bank, the orientations of the Stability Pact, strict respect for freedom of movement of capital, the gradual removal of everything investors consider a barrier to trade, and the concentration of key powers in the institutions, which are inaccessible to citizens, national parliaments and even governments themselves, particularly in smaller countries, and indeed the dimensions assumed by military aspects in the European Union's foreign policy.
The efficient use of traditional agricultural varieties that are characteristic to certain regions also requires greater support and public interest.
In order to achieve this, we should give people who have applied for asylum access to the job market, because this is the best way to enable the asylum seeker to be selfsufficient.
(FR) Mr President, first of all, it is true that the sudden emergence and the depth of the Greek crisis have created a great deal of fear amongst our fellow citizens, fear which I think is legitimate.
I should also like to remind you that, obviously, these two agreements go hand in hand, as, on the basis of the common approach, in principle, an agreement on facilitation of the issuance of visas can only be concluded if a readmission agreement exists.
We very much want to eliminate bureaucracy as well as to achieve greater efficiency in the statistics.
How must the application of cross-compliance be redefined so as to ensure the legitimate payment of uniform decoupled aid to farmers affected?
The Council also recognises the key role played by independent patients' organisations in developing and implementing national policies in the area of rare diseases.
Madam President, my country, Ireland, is a small open economy with a heavy concentration on foreign direct investment.
At the same time, the GCC member states have become the economic powerhouse of the whole Middle East-North Africa region and are now the main investors in the EU's southern Mediterranean neighbourhood area.
If we succeed in improving the quality of health care and people's access to health care close to home, that will surely be a marvellous achievement, and no one need shop around anymore.
This scheme must incorporate Community preference, in other words priority for national and local production, and its financing must come from the Community to ensure greater social cohesion.
Taking Russia seriously means developing a sensible relationship and a pragmatic economic relationship with Russia, but it does not mean that we should not be critical of political developments within Russia, particularly with regard to human rights issues.
In fact, these are proposals previously adopted by the European Parliament itself which reiterated, in 2005, the need for future support for the renewal and modernisation of the fishing fleets, in the interests of the profitability and competitiveness of the sector in these regions.
You designed five byzantine tests that prevented British entry these past 10 years.
Common system for taxing financial transactions (
The presidency must therefore devote itself to the realisation of the European Economic Recovery Plan, with emphasis on its incorporation into the Lisbon Strategy framework: after short-term tools for strengthening our economies, the tools for medium- and long-term structural reforms will come into play.
The Ministers of the Interior wanted to 'clear the decks' before regulating legal immigration to the European Union in a unified manner.
(IT) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, as we well know in this House, compromises must be analysed by separating the pros and the cons and reaching an overall judgment that takes on board the constraints and the legislative and political context.
It has solved the border dispute with Kosovo and has cooperated successfully on regional initiatives, such as CEFTA and the South-East European Cooperation Process.
Therefore, the first thing we must do is to differentiate.
(NL) President Barroso has spoken about inflation.
This obviously conveys the message that the first language is more important, while the second is subordinate and second-class.
Tanker accidents are, unfortunately, more common than we would like, so it is important to review safety standards in this area too, so as to reduce the likelihood of such disasters.
We must look forward in order to create the conditions for all women and men to become involved in inter-generational solidarity regardless of their social standing.
For 15 years the EU has been tightening control of the export of dual-use goods, relying on preventive measures such as the imposition of export licensing requirements and customs registration procedures.
Too many uncertain factors, differing expectations and intangible attractions, such as specific weather conditions, have turned tourism forecasts into a game of chance.
The European Council - as far as I can judge from my brief experience in this House - has demonstrated what Europe is making: a step-change.
The debate is closed.
We cannot accept this situation.
(RO) Burma is not a democracy, even though it is going to organise elections, because, as we are aware, the authorities in this country show deep contempt for any democratic principle.
This is the area that this afternoon's discussion concentrated on almost exclusively - the big, far-reaching issues, sometimes involving global politics, that have been mentioned here.
Monitoring is being carried out and information on precautionary and sanitary measures is being provided to the population.
Protein is one of the most important components of our daily diet, and a lack of protein can lead to serious health problems.
For this reason, I thank you for supporting the amendment regarding the significant increase of the budget in this field for the next year.
It is not even about the national parliaments being sidelined.
For too long we have closed our eyes to what was going on in Kenya.
In fact, the European Commission's proposal to split the European Statistical System Committee into two parts seems controversial to me and the rapporteur's position of not separating functions seems more acceptable and worth supporting.
What happened in Cologne was not about banning speeches against fundamentalism or speeches by democrats, but the imminent threat to citizens.
However, taking back illegal immigrants must become an obligation at last.
I do not think there has been a chairs' text in the history of chairs' texts in the Doha Round that has attracted less support from right across the membership of the WTO than the current chairs' text on rules.
For the strategy to succeed, the stakeholders, namely the EU institutions, the Member States, non-governmental organisations and Roma communities, need to make long-term, determined joint efforts.
The new rules will also help regulate the telecommunications market and ease the arrival of new services onto the market.
Furthermore, I would like to stress the need for educational programmes in schools to avoid the legacy of stereotypes associated with women.
The European Union must support all those who risk their lives and freedom in this country for the values which we share.

Mr President, the weakness of the Stability Pact has been one factor in this deepening economic crisis, which has grown into a credibility crisis.
The problem in question should be a fundamental challenge for the Member States.
However, we need to know the direction in which energy efficiency, energy saving and renewable energies are going.
The measure is proportional to the additional costs borne by the sector as a result of the handicaps associated with outermost region status, particularly remoteness, the small market and the difficult topography, which explains the high price of sugar cane.
A Committee on Constitutional Affairs item at ten to eleven at night?
The Council here today is a Council of silence and a Council of illusions.
I welcome the introduction of a financial mechanism to help manage this waste, so as to stop it being dangerous, and the adoption of regulators that are more demanding and prevent the violation of this directive.
The Commission and Parliament are, according to their resolutions, of one mind concerning the objectives of this legislative initiative.
Someone today uttered the fine statement: 'Without freedom there is no solidarity and without solidarity there is no strong, effective European Union.'
All of us here are the representatives of people who hated one another, who sought to destroy one another, and some who waged war on one another for centuries.
It is important that President Viktor Yanukovich does not forget the promises he made on the day he assumed his mandate.
Construction of dams and irrigation systems would allow industrial-scale growth of fruit and vegetables.
In addition, I would like to know the opinion regarding the significant increase in staff in the Committee of the Regions between 2009 and 2010.
There is also the desire for freedom.
The European Commission has provided a proposal.
Since 2006, in the East Atlantic and the Mediterranean, fishing of bluefin tuna has been reduced by 30 000 tonnes to 13 500 tonnes.
We must place more emphasis on the need to implement the European action plan to combat people-trafficking, with particular reference to children, in addition to women, for as the two weakest categories they are often the victims of international people-trafficking.
The European Union and its Member States must put a stop to the poverty and social exclusion of women in Europe, in particular, by ensuring they have access to quality education and jobs, by helping them find a balance between their family life and work life, and by helping to combat the violence to which they, sadly, all too often, fall victim.
This report is therefore not intended to tackle the substance of the regulation and it does not comment on whether GSP+ beneficiaries do in fact continue to qualify for these trade preferences on the basis of good governance, sustainable development and ratification and implementation of UN conventions in the field of social, environmental and human rights.
It is simply a matter of political will and coordination.
Another important element is the reform of the Security Council with a view to improving its legitimacy by reviewing regional representation.
While ensuring consumer's protection the real challenge is to actually regain consumers' confidence and ensure a quality food production for their benefit.
Is it necessary to plough money into celebrations whilst Europe is in the midst of a deep economic crisis?
I was unaware that there was a 'point of information' procedure.
I also strongly support the rapporteur's suggestion of using the European Fisheries Fund for the long-term funding of measures within the framework of ICZM, since it supports actions which contribute to the sustainable development of fishing regions in a transversal approach to all maritime activities taking place in those regions.
- I shall take responsibility for raising this matter again in the Bureau, even though you know that some regulatory powers are taken away from the Bureau and exercised via coordination of the group chairmen, but whoever's job it is to decide, if it is ridiculous, it will remain ridiculous, it will certainly not change.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have read a considerable amount about tuna in recent days, and I would like to raise a few issues here in the short time I have left.
One of the most important aspects of Mr Toubon's excellent work is the way that he has taken a very all-embracing and very comprehensive view of the single market, as he identified in his speech.
In this spirit, the amendments have been drawn up, including the technical changes made by the Council.
You are forced to say 'yes' or 'no' and that can stay for a long time in the hearts and minds of the Irish as well.
The Commission welcomes Parliament's response to this report.
Let me turn to our common security and defence policy and say that I agree with the broad thrust of the Danjean report about how important our missions are.
At some point, the European Parliament will have to choose to assert its institutional position firmly.
Recently, the Ombudsman has continued his efforts to improve the quality of information provided to citizens and potential complainants concerning their rights, especially through the European Network of Ombudsmen.
Lack of jobs could conceivably generate an exodus of young people from Europe, but the vast majority of young people who change countries to find work will probably choose to move to another Member State.
How proud the Hungarian people would be if the Hungarian Presidency treated the resolution of this issue, that of food speculation, as a priority.
We have once again created a reserve for this.
Moreover, there has already been positive feedback on what has already been achieved by way of visa facilitation.
Of course, there are always things that you do not get, but in truth we knew, for instance, that the second commitment period could not be for Cancún, so we just wanted to save the prospect of having it and continuing to build on what we have.
It transpires from the Commission's analysis that:
I agree very much with the questioner that one of the areas where we can do so much more in Europe would be within the field of energy efficiency and buildings.
Discussions concerning implementation, dates and scope are still in progress and will continue for some time yet.
A woman from a small village out in the sticks, living on a family farm, is virtually deprived of any opportunity for occupational, social, political or cultural advancement.
Equality between men and women constitutes one of the fundamental principles of EU law.
Patient long-term efforts will be needed to achieve that goal.
The left wing simply has to accept that this decision cannot be changed either in Brussels, or in Strasbourg.
in writing. - Whilst I believe that the EU's Member States should retain control over their own taxation systems, it is clear that there must be cooperation across the EU and indeed with third countries in order to counter tax evasion.
It is for that reason that we have had to react, obviously in a spirit of solidarity with all the Member States, including those aspiring to enter the visa waiver programme.
In terms of the Roma, on 2 July, the Commission submitted a report within the context of its communication.
It is more than two and a half years since the collapse of Lehmann Brothers and where are we now?
This constitutes a real test of maturity and it is fully supported by the EU.
There was also further investment in the Common Foreign and Security Policy.
The result that we have achieved is a great success for the environment and for European shipping.
The keyword is expansion to the east, where emissions are lower in absolute figures, leaving a reduction target of 12% compared with 1990.
We have a package of measures to tackle that, and of course we have the measures we have heard about today from the Commissioner: food aid and farming support for the poorest countries.
I think he put a very good point forward there.
(RO) I would like to begin by mentioning the implementation of the European Union general budget for the financial year 2008, Section III - Commission and executive agencies.
However, we are lacking such transparency.
The debate is closed.
I am therefore asking the following questions. Does the Commission apply efficiency and performance criteria to these agencies?
Thirdly, we should try to spark a new dialogue on strategic aspects relating to global issues, such as combating poverty, food and energy security, combating climate change, etc.
The Commission supports the Community approach.
(SK) Dear colleagues, it saddens me very much that the situation concerning democracy, human rights and the rule of law has not been improving in Belarus.
in writing. - Whilst aquaculture is an important source of both jobs and food, it is important that the wider environment is protected from potential threats.
Nonetheless, we need clear rules in order to provide a common framework for this essential task.
When it comes to development aid, the EU presses hard on a rights agenda, including promotion of abortion, even where it offends the local culture - as in Kenya, where EU-funded NGOs use the money for funding abortions in breach of local custom and law.
However, this biological diversity is under threat.
It is better for us to do a couple of things well than to half-do everything.
That is why, Prime Minister Orbán, your law today is not a law that reflects the values of the European Union.
There is talk of playgrounds, an aqua park and a conference centre but nothing about a mega-casino.
The comments were clearly made in his capacity as a Member of the European Parliament, which means that under EU rules he is covered by parliamentary immunity.
She suggests a moratorium, and I will pass on this suggestion.
Let me finish by thanking the Commission, the Commissioner, the rapporteur and my fellow shadows for their extraordinarily good cooperation; without it, this level of ambition would not have been possible.
It is too little for the Palestinians to be able to live, but it is ten times, a hundred times too much, because if all the international obligations, the fourth Geneva Convention and human rights were being respected, it would not be necessary.
It is no wonder, and actually not unexpected, that this has happened.
The highest possible level of transparency and maximum rights are needed in order for it to be possible to make objective purchasing decisions.
It is necessary to keep pointing out, to young people in particular, that even regular consumption of beer leads to alcohol addiction that is no less serious than the alcohol addiction caused by wine or spirits.
The Häusling report on the protein deficit in Europe and the search for solutions introduces some positive elements such as aid to farmers that contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gases emissions.
For this reason, the European Union needs integrated action on a large number of levels.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I will simply ask the question: what is the situation with regard to anti-discrimination and the equal treatment of Roma in Europe?
The only means we have of preventing conflict is to ensure here that these countries are not only offered the European bonding agent but help to develop it too.
This proposal aims to ensure a high level of protection against the risks that such priority substances (and a few other pollutants) pose to the aquatic environment and it therefore lays down some environmental quality standards.
That should please all of us.
Thank you for your attention and I hope that we - including the Commission - will continue to show solidarity in our work together with this country, which is so close to us as Europeans.
It was with this in mind that we successfully managed on both sides to come to some agreement on the issue of labelling hazardous substances, so that the report was in line with REACH but also helps those who work with products which, in the past, have led to chronic conditions and death - conditions such as asbestos-related mesotheliomia and, to an extent, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by working conditions and by inhaling dust.
Since the public authorities have an obligation to compensate for the loss of revenue involved, an increase in fraud translates into greater fiscal pressure on companies which abide by tax rules.
in writing.- (DE) What questions do young people nowadays ask themselves when deciding on a career?
Through the measures undertaken, the European Union must follow this electoral process, as you have said, but also be more ambitious in the development of relations with Iraq.
In response to this situation, we can think about coordinating their work better.
It is far too simplistic to argue that it is a Pakistani internal issue in itself.
Worldwide agricultural practice and, in particular, European agricultural policy, are of major importance for food and development policy.
This is very important as we often talk about innovations, new initiatives and modernisation.
Voting time
(Applause)
The same applies to young people and women.
Those other regions were developing their cap-and-trade systems and I look forward to the new US Administration's proposal based on President-elect Obama's election manifesto early in the New Year.
We believe that all men and women are equal and not that some are more equal than others.
For the programme to achieve its aims, Marco Polo II must be made more attractive.
If he and his party were ever to be in government in the United Kingdom, the British would really come to value the freedom of establishment in the European Union, because huge numbers of them would move to France, Germany, Spain and Italy and to Portugal, Mr Barroso.
Pressure on global food stocks are also coming from relatively new sources such as the move towards increased use of bio-fuels.
In the south, there is the South Stream project.
A number of amendments to the report were also tabled, the spirit of which we support, but we do not believe that this report warrants this type of amendment.
In 2007 the UN General Assembly for the first time adopted a resolution calling on states to establish a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty; a further resolution in 2008 reaffirmed this call.
This summit, Mrs Ashton, comes at a very remarkable time in the calendar for the European Union and Latin America.
We should remember everything that happened in Auschwitz and the other concentration camps, as well as the murders committed in Katyń and other places during those terrible five or six years, so that such events are never repeated.
That is the difference: in our Europe, all the nations are equal, and that is what you are trying to destroy, Mr Farage, with your British imperialist notions!
After the decisive result of the Irish referendum, we all hope that the Czech ratification can finally follow very soon.
Chronic overfishing has resulted in smaller and smaller catches for European fisheries and lost jobs.
Since the changes introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon imply that the common policy on visas with third countries is now the exclusive remit of the EU, all the Member States will benefit from the visa waiver with Brazil.
(PL) Mr President, the decision on the Schengen issue was mission impossible, as Mr Magalhães stated.
I am the rapporteur for a report that is still to be drawn up on this subject, and I would very much like to work closely with all those involved.
Jean Ziegler, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, said that mass production of biofuels was a crime against humanity because of its impact on global food prices.
Secondly, greater emphasis must be placed on geographical differences and different infrastructure when it comes to electronic services.
Today, we are in a position in which - whether we are for or against liberalisation in this area - we have to assess this liberalisation and we are faced with the problem that it has largely not been transposed.
I therefore voted in favour of the report on consumer protection today.
Meanwhile, tomorrow, we will hold another debate on the freedom of Christians in Pakistan.
It sends out a clear message from the European Parliament in support of the idea of establishing a European digital library. I am pleased to be able to remind the House that Poland was involved in promoting this idea.
So the report should say much more about that.
Secondly, the fact that Europe must, as a result, keep a watchful eye on this part of the world, and encourage its integration into world trade and the international economic system by supporting the candidacy of those countries in the area that are not yet members of the WTO.
6.
Public health continues to be our greatest asset and should be regarded as an absolute priority by governments.
The report approved today aims to improve the level of harmonisation of the regulations in the sector in an attempt to close the gaps and eliminate the disparities that exist today with regard to safeguarding the right to health.
Directive 2000/78/EC, which prohibits discrimination in the field of employment and occupation, covers all citizens, including those suffering from 'dys'-related problems.
On the one hand, our households, our businesses and our public services will continue to pay absurd costs and, on the other, we risk losing the lead in the green economy in Europe.
That is why we voted against.
Let us be honest.
1.
Individual European Union countries should not only understand this, they also need to respond to these changes in a practical manner.
This is to give a chance to the Iranian opposition movement by ending its political suppression by EU governments.
We have a duty to set a good example, but today we are setting a bad one.
The import of cheap textiles from China to Europe is a problem which has grown recently as a result of the gradual liberalisation in world trade.
5.
However, it is equally important to implement a whole series of public health policies and programmes which have nutrition as one of their priorities, including campaigns on health education and information and on the promotion of healthy lifestyles and diets.
in writing. - I wish to stress the importance of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
Captain Camara and the coup leaders need to understand that the EU expects certain basic standards of governance in return for a trade-and-aid relationship.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
I would like once again to thank the rapporteur Ilda Figueiredo for the work she has done and to thank all MEPs for the support they have shown for this proposal.
About 15 000 are living in refugee camps under police protection.
Finally, I would like you to consider the fact that kidnapping and other crimes are a business in which many people are involved in a confusing array of organisations.
We must conduct a single common policy of solidarity if we want our negotiations to prove successful.
After all, in recent years many new Member States have seen an incredible reduction in milk production and in the number of cattle of more than 50%.
Solving female poverty involves more than just forcible intervention in the family environment.
The creation of a United Nations parliamentary assembly within the framework of the United Nations system is an interesting proposal that is worth studying and debating.
It is the duty of the Union to investigate these activities in detail and to give strong expression to its opposition.
The report acknowledges the key role of SMEs in the transition to an economy characterised by resource efficiency and it is also essential to acknowledge the role of young entrepreneurs.
Another important step for many countries, including Poland, was entry into the Schengen zone.
You will have it unconditionally!
I feel that is the intention of the Commission's proposal, and that is the precise intention of the amendments unanimously adopted by the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.
I believe that this new law will boost the development of these vehicles, while ensuring they are reliable and safe.
This releases future military intervention from democratic control.
Community law does not envisage the possibility of disregarding existing laws and judgments on the grounds that new rules are being considered and may be introduced.
This means that they themselves decide where, when and how they participate and provide assistance.
We have just managed to deal with the new members' accession to the Schengen Area.
The European Parliament must not be placed in a situation where we can only say 'yes' or 'no' to the medium-term financial perspectives.
On Monday, the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) adopted this comprehensive, global approach in the fight against gender violence; in other words, 'zero tolerance'.
As for the professional training of the police force, I agree with the objectives of focusing not just on increasing the number of police officers and soldiers, but mainly on training, on organisation, and on the relations of police forces with parallel judicial institutions.
The money goes from consumers to often very rich recipients.
When we talk about migratory flows, security, safety and justice in the world, we cannot just say that we do not care about it.
With a year gone by, it was appropriate to reassess the situation on the ground, not least because Haiti no longer dominates the headlines in the mass media.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to be here with you on the occasion of the debate on the resolution concerning the European Central Bank annual report for 2008.
After relaxing visa requirements, we need to abolish them altogether so that ordinary Serbs are able to enter Europe whenever they wish.
At the same time, the EU is pleased to see a few positive developments, notably the release of political prisoners.
Therefore, when translations are available in other languages, we will make use of them.
When we are discussing the costs of regulations, we must also concern ourselves with the compliance costs, which are ignored at the moment.
Informing consumers about energy efficiency and resources should become a key element in manufacturers' decisions.
The yardstick by which we, as Europeans, must be gauging our own performance is our human rights dimension, including in our dealings with China.
Different people could speak, but they had to convey the same message.
Countless women die giving birth every year.
on behalf of the S&D Group. - Mr President, the European Union is now negotiating a new framework agreement with China, which will set a further path for the development of economic relations with the country.
In this vein, I have tried, in my role as shadow rapporteur, to support the report with my amendments.
Are we working together with Commissioner Kovács to develop a proposal which will allow researchers to pay no tax on their earnings and which will ensure that donations to research organisations are also tax-free or can be regarded as operating expenses?
Climate change conference in Durban (
Neither employers' organisations nor the trade unions and the public sector have enough women in high-level positions.
The third Meeting of the Parties to the Convention, to be held in June, in Riga, will be an opportunity for the Parties to review the progress achieved in the Convention's implementation and to reflect on and plan for the challenges that lie ahead.
I am now afraid, after the decision at the European summit, which I welcome, that this will once again be postponed, because we are not all starting at the same time.
Thank you, Mrs Pagano.
(DE) Madam President, I voted against the Davies report because, in my view, we have taken what is, in essence, an unacceptable and unrealistic decision by envisaging uniform CO2 efficiency categories for cars.
Parliament notes that, in the course of preparation of the Annual Report concerning the financial year 2009, the Court of Auditors performed an in-depth assessment of supervisory and control systems in the Court of Justice, the European Ombudsman and the European Data Protection Supervisor, which included the examination of an additional sample of transactions involving payments relating to human resources and to other administrative expenditure.
As I see it, new medicinal products represent an opportunity to treat and cure health conditions, and the risk is proportionate.
The EU must be better prepared to respond to new developments and to live up to international responsibilities.
In our opinion, this control should fulfil the highest democratic requirements, as is the case in each Member State.
We need to take a sensible approach in order to identify a common position.
This topic, like that of Kenya, is one that will continue to occupy us in the months ahead.
What is it that we are doing, then?
On that basis, I am far from convinced about the rush to wind energy through unachievable targets.
With this commitment I think we did send a very strong message to the negotiators at their ongoing conference and strengthened our credibility.
Market forces are already moving in this direction.
the report by Hans-Peter Martin on behalf of the Committee on Budgetary Control on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union for the financial year 2006 (C6-0389/2007 -,
I consider that the safety valve of adopting a single fee and of maintaining the parallel facility to publish in the printed media, in conjunction with the introduction of an electronic register, as formulated in the consensus reached and voted by all - I repeat all - wings of the Committee on Legal Affairs, is the balanced and rational solution needed.
A point of order was raised by a group chair and the President agreed to a vote on it.
As you know, 2010 is the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, in order to raise awareness about social problems.
2009 is also the year of European Parliament elections, and the Eurobarometer does not look promising.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (FR) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I have drawn a great deal of encouragement from your speeches.
One very important aspect of the strategy is the governance method.
If it is not effective, we will abolish it; if it is only partially effective and appropriate, it will have to be modified accordingly.
There are clear benefits in terms of environmental protection, although we should be mindful of the fact that trade in legally harvested timber is not necessarily sensitive to the needs of indigenous people.
Speaking as you have done, Mr Meijer, of an ethnic cause, is extremely dangerous guesswork.
Not only are biofuels driving up the price of agricultural commodities; they are also contributing to faster devastation of the rainforests.
In a distinct way, despite the desperate situation, he has a unique opportunity even now to deliver power to the people of Pakistan, the true custodians of that power.
(SK) I support the view that the introduction of the euro, the gradual enlargement of the euro area and the application of consistent economic policies combined with the cautious approach of the European Central Bank have led to the present relatively stable economic development in the European Union countries.
We will of course hold further consultations and talks aimed at finalising ratification within the shortest possible period of time.
The European Commission must continue to focus, in particular, on planned energy projects in this region.
Mr Nassauer, thank you for your support.
No European citizen will be worse off if the Economic Partnership Agreements are a failure.
It is not fair - as the coastal states have been saying for a long time - that this problem should only affect the countries that have a Mediterranean sea border with North African countries.
Nabucco may be a symbol not only of the common energy policy that is taking shape but also of Black Sea cooperation.
NGOs have actually played a crucial role in the implementation of the programme and they will also remain a key player in the future.
That is certainly what we intend to do.
Increasing road transport is not a valid solution.
However, Parliament's report shows that progress on Member States submitting their national energy efficiency plans is still lamentably slow and I would ask the Commission to continue to put pressure on them.
To date the Treaty has been ratified by 19 national parliaments.
In this day and age, they do it in the name of the fight against terrorism.
Today, when we are discussing social security, the Presidency bench has remained hopelessly empty.
Despite lending my support to all the requests to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund presented by the Netherlands concerning the severe wave of redundancies which has plagued two areas of the graphics sector - printing and reproduction of recorded media and publishing - I believe that the Dutch authorities could provide more details about the scope of the measures and their accuracy, so as to allow these measures to be assessed more effectively.
As rapporteur on the Framework Decision on combating terrorism, I made a commitment to cooperate in a close and structured manner with the national parliaments.
One argument is that you cannot have a single currency without further homogenisation to iron out differences between Member States and levels of wealth.
Quotas must be abolished completely, and the distortions in the market must be eliminated.
For this purpose, steps need to be taken both on the economic front and in the social and political arenas.
This resolution forms part of a package of five resolutions, adopted today by the majority in Parliament, which shows the clearest possible contempt for the democratically and sovereignly expressed will of the French, Dutch and Irish peoples, who rejected the European Constitution and its twin brother, the so-called Treaty of Lisbon, in referendums.
But allow me conclude in a positive way.
We need to find a solution which satisfies our expectations but also takes into account the specific situation of India.
Hamas, we know, without any consideration for the life of the Palestinians, uses the population as human shields against the attacks by Israel and their deaths as weapons of propaganda.
In some cases there will be differences at the level of the decision-making procedure, either because the scope of the ordinary legislative procedure has been significantly extended, or because a new approval procedure applies in respect of the conclusion of international agreements.
As a result, I am voting against.
In addition to this, and in order to prevent these kinds of incidents, we need to declare a ruthless war on the drugs trade, which is a destabilising force in many poor countries in Africa, Asia and South America, supports terrorism and, through drug addiction, destroys the lives of hundreds of millions of people throughout the world.
(RO) Madam President, the forthcoming EU-Africa Summit provides a good opportunity for devising a realistic cooperation strategy.
Unfortunately, I cannot see any willingness on the part of either Kiev or Moscow to come to an agreement.
After all, the EUR 25 billion available so far could comfortably cover the cost of the urgent assistance given to Romania.
Consent by the European Parliament - for the first time on a trade agreement under the Lisbon Treaty - has important political significance because this is a trade agreement with a long-term development focus and because of the momentum it will provide to ongoing negotiations on the comprehensive EPA with the Pacific region.
That, however, is not a solution to VW's problems or those of other car factories.
There have been errors which are statistically normal in a vote of this length.
That is that the achievement on the security front is the primary responsibility of the Iraqis, supported by the internationals of course, but it is the responsibility of the Iraqis.
Membership of committees and delegations: see Minutes
That reduction is the equivalent of less than one year's growth in air travel.
The Commission therefore initiated a negotiation process seeking to replace the 17 bilateral agreements on air services that are in force between Member States and Vietnam.
This money needs to be found from the already cash-strapped national budgets.
The drama that we are once again seeing unfold before our eyes is becoming painfully repetitive and revealing of the essence of this European Union: of who makes the rules in the end, and on behalf of which interest groups.
In 2009 alone, European Union countries earned EUR 343 million from arms sales to Colonel Gaddafi, while the initial amount they made available for receiving refugees from the Arab revolutions was EUR 3 million: one hundred times less.
It was easier for the countries of the euro area to overcome the difficulties, as the European Central Bank ensured the provision of liquidity to these.
Had I not decided to boycott the sitting after the lamentable episode of Social-Eurocratic totalitarianism that we have just experienced, I would have voted in favour of the joint motion for a resolution of the left-wing groups on the counterfeiting agreement.
It is not appropriate to achieve that by overburdening household budgets and reducing the effective obligations of the State.
Neither do we believe that the Commission's plans for information and awareness campaigns regarding the benefits of language learning will have any effect on the real world.
Applying such principles at the level of individuals via a system of personal carbon trading could be an extremely effective way of influencing consumer behaviour.
Yet the subject of today's discussions is discrimination.
Some may say these ideas are elementary. They must nonetheless be repeated time and again because nobody listens to them.
The Commission proposes, but what it gives us as proposals is not always the best for all Member States.
The eight star cases are included in the report as models of good administrative behaviour for all institutions and bodies.
This also means that we can get away from the current state of affairs with continual ad hoc efforts to revise the budget plan.
Now is not the time to say anything other than words of sympathy to their families.
(RO) In the Accession Treaty to the European Union, Romania undertook to organise elections for the European Parliament by the end of this year.
It will generate immediate, substantial savings in several economic sectors.
As many fellow Members have pointed out, the principles of solidarity and the fair sharing of responsibilities, as laid down in the Treaties, must be applied in practice.
Apart from this legal approach, the Commission is promoting a set of measures for the safer use of the Internet.
It is inhumane that they are left in the dark because, as things stand, the courts are having to decide time after time on the application of European law.
However, I very much doubt whether the proposition to regulate scores of airports throughout the EU is going to produce the utopia in airport charges that the airlines and the Commission want.
Such information will also feed into the Commission assessment to be carried out in the first semester of next year on post-visa liberalisation monitoring.
I therefore agree with the opinion that all materials used in cosmetic products which have a carcinogenic effect should be banned.
We should honour those who fought against totalitarianism, and we should honour the memory of the victims.
I welcome the fact that one of the last remaining differences of treatment between citizens of the old and the new Union will disappear on 21 December of this year.
I think it even improves the text.
So you have done them no favours.
A result-oriented outlook would highlight all the actions taken by the EU in the area of protection of human rights and would underline the insignificance.
The debate on the EU 2020 economic strategy is naturally already on the agenda.
You simply have to face this fact.
(PT) Mr President, the noticeably lower expectations that we saw before the Cancún conference should not justify excessively optimistic discussions with regard to its results, and it should be regarded as a success even less so.
In future, this labelling will also be applied to energy consuming products intended for industrial and commercial use, which was not possible until now.
Mr President, it is good that we have the euro.
(FR) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we can summarise in figures the situation regarding misleading business directories that are supposed to be free.
The Italian government must answer before the European Union.
With regard to the continuation of the policy and its achievements, we want to see adequate resources, or at least no less money made available for the cohesion policy than we have at the present time.
It is obvious that people who are well informed when they arrive in another country are in a much stronger position than those who lack that information.
This initiative is not workable in small Member States.
However, the pay differential is still 17.5% throughout Europe and as high as 23% in Germany.
The report drawn up by the German Member, Mr Lambsdorff, is a very comprehensive and competent presentation of the different areas of responsibility and future objectives of the United Nations from the perspective of the European Union.
That is very important because, parallel with this opening of the transatlantic market, it is, of course, essential that the regulations are gradually harmonised and aligned with one another at a high level.
We now continue with the vote.
Another instance which may be recalled is the temporary tariff on drugs that Russia has imposed on EU exporters.
It disregards environmentalists' comments on the looting that is taking place in this region, which is vital to mankind's survival.
Just as serious, ladies and gentlemen, is the proposal regarding refugee funds: while we are investing more in Frontex, these funds are being cut back.
The report provides for a simplified CAP structured around two pillars: the first pillar being fully financed by the EU budget and the second pillar providing for multiannual programming and a cofinancing approach.
It is particularly important for programmes promoting the consumption of fruit and milk to be implemented in educational institutions, since learning the right eating habits will have a positive impact on the health of young Europeans, thus reducing health and social spending in the future.
Those of us who come from the Party of European Socialists reiterated the support for establishing a European civil protection force, inviting the Commission to make a proposal for this purpose.
Madam President, I am sorry, I was not listening.
For this commitment I thank you.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Mr President, last year I spoke to Parliament about what the Commission saw as the motor of progress in today's European Union and we outlined the so-called 'twin-track' approach - an activist policy agenda and an ambitious approach to the Treaty reform were goals that supported each other.
(PL) Madam President, the matter of Tibet and of the Tibetans continues, unfortunately, to be an important problem.
The fact is that renewable energy sources will not be able to grow as quickly as we would wish.
The allocated assets were aimed for Srebrenica recovery including construction, reconstruction, infrastructure development, business promotion, improvement of public services, projects with sustainable return and education.
The geopolitical significance of these countries is linked to their strategic position in relation to energy resources in Central Asia.
As regards the first draft of the Council budget, I would like to mention that the Commission, when it presented its version, referred to the forecasts of the Member States using our analysis.
Back then, 80 years ago, Chamberlain, Daladier, Mussolini and Hitler carved up Czechoslovakia; today it is again Britain, France, Italy and Germany who recognise the carving-up of Serbia.
Slovakia's small and medium-sized enterprises consequently have no access to the significant financial support available for the effective development of new products, techniques and services.
Finally come practical steps to reform the rules of the European financial system, at last, after the banking and finance system has been allowed to plunder and squeeze public assets and private individuals.
Only when all those conditions are met can we be confident that our decisions are up to the challenge.
The situation there regarding missing persons and the dead or wounded is very unclear.
I would like to mention one other aspect from the point of view of our group which has not been a factor in this up to now, but which I think is also an important consideration.
I believe that we should say emphatically that we have chosen an authoritarian distortion of the rule of law instead of choosing to safeguard the rule of law in order to combat terrorism.
However, it is also clear, as stated by the Council in 2004, that the isolation of Northern Cyprus must come to an end.
We prepared ourselves to be present, to be here, to be able to answer questions, and we thank you for that very good cooperation.
They still receive very little money for their products, below the viability threshold.
The Danish delegation of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament has voted against the resolution concerning the situation in the beekeeping sector.
This clearly gives the US access to information about data-sharing between WikiLeaks and third entities.
Parliament's 2010 draft budget found resources of EUR 25 million, which will enable it to launch the programme at the very start of 2010, and it was able to find these resources without touching the Progress programme in 2010.
I am glad that competition is coming to international rail transport from 2010, according to Mr Jarzembowski's report, but even though a further step has been taken on internal transport, and there is at least a clear procedure under which the Commission must carry out analysis, this decision was not adopted with any deadline.
in writing. - Today, Parliament voted on its calendar for 2012 and 2013.
The increase in commitment appropriations therefore amounts to 2.8% compared to 2008 and, as a result, the EU's overall commitment capabilities are maintained.
I therefore make no apology, from my perspective, of saying that Israel does have the right, indeed the necessity, to defend itself and to act against those who, beyond reason and argument, will not even make the most basic concession of accepting the right of Israel to exist.
To answer the specific point on security, the EU Home Affairs informal meeting is taking place in Spain this weekend.
You are absolutely right.
More flexible regulations on advertising have been introduced, but I believe that maintaining a maximum of 12 minutes per hour is the right thing to do.
How would that benefit our economy, our innovation, our growth?
I think we will have support to delete that.
He also promised to come back with a regulation for resolving the problems as soon as possible.
The man responsible for this is Mr Putin.
First of all, I should like to say to the defenders of tolerance in Pakistan and to the defenders of religious freedom in Pakistan that they are not alone.
On the basis of the above considerations, the Committee on Legal Affairs recommends that the European Parliament should not defend the parliamentary immunity of Mr Tomczak.
Also, as distances in Malta are small, it is feasible to use gas for the propulsion of private and commercial vehicles.
Similarly, measures are taken in the name of combating terrorism that are not compatible with human rights.
Therefore I voted against the report.
I support this.
Let me make it clear: a right-thinking Member State such as the Netherlands will never be able to agree with this report.
The only fairly specific information came from statements about the closure of more areas of air space.
Before the vote:
We believe that this is important and useful, but that it must ensure, on the one hand, that those who actually have the right to asylum are granted it more quickly, and, on the other hand, that those who do not have the necessary rights and try to abuse this system are firmly dealt with, because it is clear that not all those who have the right to asylum are granted it.
(Applause)
We are also concerned about action taken to remove national border controls in Member States in favour of pan-European EU border services.
We must do everything we can to ensure that at least the remaining wilderness, this 1%, is preserved for the sake of future generations.
If the European Union means anything, it is this; that yes, the Member States should open up their economies and markets to competition, but at the same time they are not alone, and the European Union is there to facilitate challenges, to help us exploit them and to reduce the negative impact that may result from them.
May their hopes be fulfilled quickly and without bloodshed.
We have deliberately done this in such a way that the costs of the system remain at a reasonable level for everyone involved and that the system is not excessive.
(SK) The European Union has extensive legislation on migration policy.
That is the extent of the clinical tests that were requested.
This affects not just Croatia, ladies and gentlemen, but, more fundamentally, the credibility of the enlargement process.
For example, on the border crossing of Rusovce - Kittsee, which is a highway crossing between Slovakia and Austria, the Austrians are imposing a tough speed limit of 30 km/h.
If we continue to oppress the intergroups by refusing to give them meeting rooms, there will be more demonstrations.
If the convictions of religious leaders or politicians mean that they are not exactly ecstatic about homosexuality - as the politically correct mainstream dictates - they should not be condemned or persecuted for these convictions.
Last but not least, at a global level, in October 2010, the Financial Stability Board issued a number of principles aimed at reducing the dependency of financial institutions on credit ratings.
Secondly, I would like to stress the desirability of the new wording for point 'h' of Article 3 in relation to any conduct which causes 'the significant deterioration of a habitat within a protected site'.
Our comments must be businesslike.
May you make the right decision, and may we all see it.
The summit made a right analysis and agreed on a process.
It is a very serious matter.
I therefore consider that Turkey has a long way to go to accession to the European Union.
We also need to make an effort to raise the level of democratic political culture, especially in post-communist countries.
I think it is vital that the EU-China strategic partnership continues to be developed in a steady way, one which also takes into consideration the concerns that exist.
(IT) Mr President, colleagues, my great thanks go to the rapporteur, Mr Florenz, because he has worked hard and has assessed several months' work by the Temporary Committee on Climate Change under the expert chairmanship of Guido Sacconi.
I have always believed that the European Union must help to promote serious reforms in the Mediterranean region, with the aim of making it an area of freedom and prosperity.
The aim of the package presented by the Commission is to give fresh impetus to policies to combat poverty, exclusion and discrimination affecting the most vulnerable groups, and, from this point of view, the proposals that were made by the Commission and that take stock of the existing instruments, which help ensure the greater inclusion of the Roma population, truly are a very good contribution.
The introduction of biometric passports in 2008 is one of the constructive measures implemented so far.
For example, Parliament's recent restrictions on seal hunting infuriated the indigenous population.
If I can give you one example: I dealt with refugee cases for many years as an asylum lawyer, and I know that the enemy of good asylum procedure - fair, just, effective asylum procedure accepted by most Members States - is the lack of front-loading of asylum cases.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, in her speech this morning, Mrs Harms posed the question of why the spark is no longer being passed from the summits to the people and why new courage and new confidence is not emanating from the summit discussions.
If States collapse as a result of neoliberal economic policy, they will constitute a security problem.
My question in relation to this concerns another issue - should individual police forces not create databases of convicted paedophiles, under the aegis of the European Union, since the police forces of other Member States could make use of these databases created in each individual Member State?
I believe that was not a point of order, but a matter of courtesy.
National ministers responsible to their national parliaments: that is the correct line of responsibility.
For this reason, notwithstanding my unwavering desire to fight every disease, I am opposed to a text whose worthy parts stand in contrast to the seriously negative content of Article 4, as it would be amended by Amendment 15.
rapporteur for the opinion of the Committee on Development. - Mr President, as rapporteur for the opinion of the Committee on Development on the Interim EPA with Côte d'Ivoire, I would like to thank our colleague Erika Mann for having taking into consideration some of the concerns raised in that committee, such as the urgent need for a democratically-elected government in Côte d'Ivoire and the necessity for that country to receive an appropriate share of EU trade-related assistance.
Some find themselves abandoned in Europe, having sacrificed their family's entire savings to pursue their dreams.
That was not, of course, the intention of those who drew up and decided on the Regulation in 2002 but that is what experience has taught us in recent years.
In addition to the generally positive assessment, the report draws the Commission's attention to many aspects of the programme's implementation and provides specific proposals as to how they might be improved.
I would like to see more emphasis placed on youth unemployment.
Therefore I think that we are going to apply it to all of them, so all of us will feel more comfortable.
This would replace the third part and clarify matters, as the third part proposed by Mr Bono is ambiguous as regards the exception.
We have limited the countries to which people can be removed.
Finally, I am a staunch advocate of the subsidiarity principle and believe that many of the subjects analysed in this report, while important and relevant, must remain under the Member States' jurisdiction.
Would it not have been possible to inform us, through better coordination of the exchange of information on and during decision-making, so that we could have spared ourselves this whole evening debate, which is a debate in name only?
It is well-known that education and training are essential priorities for the European Union, in order to achieve the Lisbon objectives.
Yes, farmers are entitled to maximum information on compound contents, but within the confines of preserving the viability and the future of the mills from which they buy.
In fact, this difference in protection will eventually tend to encourage the recruitment of a poorly qualified and weakly protected labour force at the expense of European workers.
Protection of the soil is essential for the maintenance of our natural heritage and raw materials.
Where operations have been carried out, lives have been saved and illegal immigration substantially reduced.
I would like to refute completely Mr Allister's claim that the company showed wanton disregard.
Because order reigns in Beijing.
It should be noted that, while the Palestinian side, although criticised in the report, accepts international law and calls for its application, Israel, on the other hand, refuses.
As Greens, we have supported budgets of this kind in Germany time and time again.
Dear colleagues, in today's multilateral, multipolar world, Europe and America can and should work together in a partnership for global stability and the enlightened values in which we believe.
on behalf of the ECR Group. - Madam President, the frozen conflict over Western Sahara is destabilising the surrounding region.
I am also very happy that we managed to delete the very ridiculous provision that ordered public authorities which pay one day late to pay a flat penalty of 5% of the full amount owed in addition to the standard rate of interest for delayed payment.
Turkey fails to make the progress that we want, the Cyprus problem remains intractable, France and Germany are implacably opposed to Turkish membership, and there is clearly a great prejudice against Turkey inside this Parliament.
Let us at least have the presence of mind to recognise that, since the bombing of Gaza and with the continuing colonisation of Palestinian territories, the Union for the Mediterranean has been painted into a corner.
The proposals contained in the mini-package are sensible and deserve support.
Secondly, the recent criminal case of a 13-year-old girl, in which the authorities did not know where to send her; she was sent first to prison, and then to a mental institution.
Those who are ready or willing to follow the same approach follow not to the detriment of the others, but for the gradual achievement which is important for all regions and for international trade as a whole.
It is also a very important consideration that the directive will enable us to make better use of natural conditions.
Frontex is an important element in the EU's integrated border management strategy.
You must tell the absent President-in-Office of the Council this.
The three EU institutions have made clear their collective desire to improve maternal health in the developing countries, particularly through the signature on 20 December 2005 of the European Consensus on Development, which puts maternal health among the priorities for the EU's development policy.
We shall try to prove equal to the task with which you are entrusting us.
This must, therefore, be opened up to better scrutiny.
Each Member State can decide when a new audiovisual service actually merits being tested.
(FR) Mr President, I am somewhat more reserved on this issue than the Members who have just spoken.
If we are not there, then we will count for nothing, and will carry no influence.
Riches are of value only when they enrich not just some communities, but all.
Haiti will only be able to achieve the political, economic and social stability it needs if its country's freedom is protected from foreign interference.
Our intelligence service is constantly involved in preventing violent attacks against Danes and Danish social institutions, not from Danes but from foreigners.
For this we - the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council - have no other choice but to work hand in hand and to convert those lessons into the wise, smart and truly European policies that citizens need.
The right of asylum is a precious right as it is a right inherent to the human being.
We remember the 20th century - the First World War, the Second World War, the Iron Curtain - we were fighting side by side, achieving victory together, as democracies.
(SK) Transfer of citizens' personal data is always a sensitive issue, be it from the civil perspective or the human rights perspective.
I am convinced that this is a key issue for the future of European cohesion, also in its territorial dimension.
I voted in favour of the report on the safeguard clause that accompanies the Free Trade Agreement with Korea, even though it seems inadequate and its implementation uncertain.
There are just as many of us who believe that your personal qualities naturally predispose you to play the role of a President who actively and passionately defends the interests of Europe and its citizens.
In fact, the European Parliament has been calling for the adoption of a new directive in this area for some time already.
However, I would like to see such cooperation and agreements speeded up and extended.
Sometimes we can choose the issues, others are chosen for us, and I think that, even if some people say that they had warned of the financial crisis, nobody knew exactly when it would occur or the full consequences of this financial crisis.
- Report: Thierry Cornillet
This did not work in the past and will not work in the future.
Bearing in mind that this critical state of affairs is a one-off occurrence which we could not have forecast 2 or 3 years ago, may we expect a new intervention by the Commission in this particular situation, in addition to what you have told us?
That is why the report gives attention to the importance of monitoring human resources.
Secondly, I would like to ask Mr President to allow me the two minutes at the end of the debate regardless of when my machine is switched off.
So we had better have a plan 'B' next time.
The textile industry is especially such a sector, along with, for example, agriculture, machine production or tourism.
If there is reason to believe that organised crime groups are behind more and more crimes on the Internet, the same investigative measures applied in the detection and prosecution of offline organised crime should be applied, coupled of course with an improved coordination mechanism.
The Electricity Directive, for which I was rapporteur, is part of a package of five measures which seeks improvements in the way the electricity and gas markets work across the continent, to ensure that the markets are better integrated and operate in a fairer and less discriminatory way.
We have sunshine; we have the potential of biofuels; and in some places we have wind.
I am in favour of 'naming and shaming exercises'.
I will vote with complete conviction for the real right to free movement for European citizens from Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bulgaria and Romania are fully prepared to join the area of free travel in 2011.
The report calls for closer and deeper cooperation between the EU and the US and ΝΑΤΟ, following the election in question.
While I can understand that public spending needs to be diversified in order for Europe to fulfil its 2020 vision, I also believe that this spending needs to form part of national fiscal policy.
(For results and other details of the vote: see Minutes)
To conclude, I would like to reiterate the Commission's strong commitment to combating homophobia and discrimination based on sexual orientation, to the full extent of the powers conferred by the treaties.
What kind of solutions are we looking for if it comes to the marginalised communities?
Moreover, the funding mechanisms also need to be improved.
Secondly, we need Community-wide provisions in order to establish a smooth-functioning, non-discriminatory, transparent and comprehensive procedure for calculating these charges.
There is an immense need for this support, as the market does not recognise apicultural products in a manner that ensures the survival of the apiculture sector, even though apiculturists provide a great many services to agriculture and the preservation of biodiversity through pollination.
Segmentation is inevitable in our diverse world.
This proposal arises from the will to consolidate Community law, referred to - inappropriately, in my opinion - as codification.
In other words, if the theme can be made to look attractive, the money will surely be found.
Expectations are very high.
Thank you for your speech, Mr Farage.
Mr President, yesterday I asked Mrs Wallström, the Vice-President of the Commission, whether the Lisbon Treaty was essentially the same as the Constitutional Treaty that it replaced.
In essence, this means that everything has become much more interactive.
Will the Commission investigate the failure of this scheme to deliver the promise of Minister Dodds, when he launched it, of efficiency savings and enhanced competition to help minimise the wholesale cost of electricity, with the vast bulk of the benefits, he said, going to the consumer?
If that troubles you, you should just leave!
They disappear completely, which leads us to wonder whether these children are used for certain purposes such as, for example, trade in organs, and whether mafia organisations with possible international connections are operating within the European Union.
(PT) Mr Rübig, I must tell you - Mr President, with your permission - I must tell you that the European Institute of Technology, its effective launch and its effective entry into operation are a priority for the Portuguese Presidency.
We hope that Parliament will eventually support our amendments on that today.
In addition to their own food production, agricultural businesses also offer innovative products and services.
We also believe that priority should be given to so-called positive incentive measures.
Today, there are already middle-of-the-range cars available that are below the European standard of 2012.
The adoption of common standards, through a European ITS Committee, applies to four specific areas: firstly, optimal use of road, traffic and travel data, secondly, continuity of ITS services on transport corridors and in conurbations, thirdly, road safety and security and, fourthly, integration of the vehicle into the transport infrastructure.
It will take even longer to convince societies, which have been brainwashed by aggressive environmental propaganda, of this truth.
Personally, and I am sure the same goes for most of us, I find I have a painful sense of déjà vu when I see the pictures on the television.
All of this comes in a framework where Member States and their control authorities play and should continue to play a key role in the steering and implementation of control measures within their waters.
Moreover, we still have not decided who will pay.
With regard to raw materials - a topic that has arisen in several debates - I am absolutely convinced that we must continue along the road taken.
We have also to keep in mind that, at the same time, cohesion policy will have to continue to cope with regional disparities resulting from the most recent, and forthcoming, enlargements.
The EP, together with the Council, of course, will have all the authority to influence the SWIFT Agreement which we believe is very important, which deserves to be debated in this Parliament, thoroughly, seriously and without haste or pressure, to use an expression that you, yourselves, have already used.
Yes, there will be populist and thorny issues, but that is why it will be so important to have the registration process for an initiative before any signatures are collected.
Moreover, I am of the opinion that the opposition you encountered in the different Councils in fact resembles the opposition we encounter in the Belgian debate: solidarity, transfers, all these issues relating to withdrawal or contribution are things that we are very familiar with in Belgium and that you encountered in the Council.
My appeal to Commissioner Rehn and Mr Trichet tonight is that they ensure that the timeframe for aid and the targets for deficits and debt are such that the social objectives of Europe are taken into account, as well as the need to ensure that Ireland's capacity to grow its economy and create jobs is not undermined.
I find it regrettable that all too often, cohesion policy resources are used for projects with a regional or sometimes national dimension, but rarely with a European one.
My heartfelt thanks go out to you for that reason too.
The present report also makes it clear how quickly new products can appear on the market and force the legislative authorities to act.
It makes sense, then, that all the work that has gone into establishing those systems does not go to waste and that we do not create unnecessary extra administrative burdens; that is far from being our intention.
The 2010 supplementary and amending budget cuts the payment appropriations by more than EUR 3.4 billion.
The decision on the EUR 25 billion for increasing the limit in order to assist EU countries that are experiencing problems is also highly important.
There will be confusion about who is responsible for what.
The imperialists' real objective is the oil, the natural gas and the wealth-producing resources of Libya, North Africa and the region in general.
They give me a real sense of the direction that we need to move in.
It even goes into the infrastructure for connections to airports.
It seems that the depositing of industrial or mining waste in dumps is not a good solution for society or for the environment.
The same applies if you want to download a film legally on the Internet.
In parallel with our actions in the criminal justice area, we will work for the empowerment of women, awareness-raising and the collection and analysis of statistics on violence against women.
Our common goal is to ensure the quality, safety and wide accessibility of health care for all those who need it.
This is not a case of completely killing off the idea.
Parliament will have the right to repeal the delegation of powers to the Commission if we feel that is necessary.
(LT) I would also like to thank my colleagues for five excellent years of cooperation, although I have to say that there are still unsolved questions for the next legislative term.
Our high quality and safety standards in Germany must not be compromised.
At the same time, the Commission's proposal on cross-border health care is leading to class-based health segregation: the rich and educated are being given the option of shopping around for health care wherever it is in their best interests.
Obviously, this does not mean that the legislation is as good as it could possibly be.
This agreement is appropriate because Switzerland is committed to complying with the conditions and provisions laid down by the European Commission.
However, it is important to emphasise the need for the European Parliament and the United States Congress to maintain dialogue on issues not covered by this Agreement.
The value of information collected in this way is undeniable in terms of assessing the situation in the labour market in the European Union, as well as for the functioning of the European Central Bank.
The United States once again proved during the last elections that they have the capacity for renewal and rejuvenation in this process based on values and democracy.
Last week a Chechen woman and her three young daughters died on the border between Ukraine and Poland. They were fleeing from the tragedy that has befallen their homeland.
During the current global economic crisis, with fluctuating fuel prices and a tougher competitive environment, airline operators, particularly low-cost airlines, are going through very difficult times.
Nearly 10 years ago we discovered that the printer manufacturers had hit upon a new means of advancing that war by using electronics to stop the printer cartridges being recycled: you fill them with ink and they stop working.
I never forgot, even when I was young, the suffering that people were experiencing under Communist dictatorship.
Mr President, I would like to start my speech by expressing my very sincere thanks to everyone who helped in the preparation of this report: the European Commission, all the shadow rapporteurs and the members of the Committee on Fisheries, for their support in drawing up this report.
We can help, and that way we can establish together a real European democracy.
I am referring in particular to those people who have abandoned their studies, immigrants and those who speak only one language or who are linguistically less competent.
Secondly, checks and balances are the basis of any democratic system.
Another example of an expense that my constituents have is that we contribute towards child benefit for people in Eastern Europe.
Cases such as these are a feature of everyday life in Venezuela, where persecution of the opposition with the aim of excluding them from political life and of suppressing dissidents has become part of normal life.
Growth and jobs
That process is ongoing.
The European Parliament expects to be duly consulted in the framework of the European quest for peace in the Middle East.
Mr President, you can, of course, tell that I am a sceptic because I do not dress like a scarecrow.
This issue of humanity cannot be and is never forgotten by the presidency.
Asian countries are encouraged to do the same and to use their economic leverage in the process.
Normally, I do not like to make this distinction, but there are some differences, the main one, incidentally, being the fact that the debt of the euro area is much less than that of the United Kingdom.
Poverty line, insecurity, inadequate pay, sexual discrimination in the workplace: these are, unfortunately, recurrent expressions which, not only today but every day, we would prefer not to hear and see associated with women.
The third reason is that the measures within the directive are disproportionate and inadequately balanced.
It is difficult to avoid the impression that, once again, we are faced with an example of the cynical use of a terrible social problem to boost the EU's position at the expense of the independence of the Member States.
But I would like to tell you that we are now discussing a clear example of the situation.
Farmers, in fact, have gradually lost interest in protein crops, resulting in the loss, at a European level, of practical experience related to these crops.
President-in-Office of the Council. - I should mention from the outset that on 6 November last year, the European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, appointed a Special Envoy for Burma/Myanmar to highlight the importance which the European Union attaches to democratic change, reconciliation, improvement of human rights and development of the country.
We agreed to reject the commercial campaign mounted by the pharmaceutical companies.
We must not hide the fact that this phenomenon also involves individuals, be they European citizens or people from third countries, who are working and residing normally, but who fall outside the scope of this directive, as it forms part of the framework of the fight against illegal immigration.
It is an appointment that I very much supported and approved during the European Council.
(FI) Mr President, I supported the report because youth unemployment is a challenge facing the whole of Europe, and one that is troubling all of society.
1.
If the EU takes its own principles of respect for human rights and international law seriously, it must increase the pressure on both sides, including in the context of its bilateral relations, and insist that the investigation that has been called for into possible violations of international and humanitarian law is carried out according to the principles of the rule of law.
in writing. - I voted for this report.
National parliaments, on the other hand, must be closely involved in European legislative processes to be aware of proposed measures in time, and improve cooperation between national, regional and local authorities.
Up till now, Rajoelina has reneged on all earlier possible attempts at agreement.
For precisely this reason, this issue must not be used to foment opposition or for party political attacks.
The internal market has the potential to become the world's largest retail market.
The proposals we put forward one year ago to strengthen Schengen, through an evaluation mechanism and intensified coordination of border surveillance, will help create a sense of Union-wide discipline and shared guidance in the system.
This report, despite mentioning these facts, does not put forward proposals that would make it possible to enhance user protection and the quality of the service provided, based on the use of a service as imminently public as communications.
We want the commitments in this Charter on human rights and democracy to become a reality, especially in Burma and also in other countries in the region.
However, that means we have to connect with the people who elected us.
(DE) Mr President, Commission, Madam President-in-Office of the Council, the speech by Mr Borghezio was typical - these eurosceptics cannot distinguish between the Council of Europe and the European Union - as the ruling on crucifixes was given by the European Court of Human Rights, which comes under the Council of Europe.
I am sure that you will complete the negotiation process of the European Union with Croatia before the end of the year.
The industry is not willing to participate and the Commission cannot think why the social partners' mechanism functions so poorly.
Given this, I believe it is absolutely vital for the EU to safeguard sufficient financial and technical resources for decommissioning Units 1 to 4 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Plant in Bulgaria, as advocated by Parliament in this resolution.
In order to be helpful, apart from the other things, we now have concrete support ongoing for 29 projects, worth over EUR 50 million, which is a huge amount of money for these people, that support governance, security and civil society, that support the reconciliation process and institution-building.
They will not be approved, but the attempt is there.
The European Union is at the vanguard in promoting social policies at global level and calls on developing countries to respect WTO contracts.
Please do not get me wrong.
'The European Parliament and the Council are mindful of the importance of providing accurate information to consumers, in particular, when products are marketed with an indication of origin so as to protect them against fraudulent, inaccurate or misleading claims.
We believe that we will find this soul in our oldest units - the regions - where people communicate with one another with their particular accent, a specific dialect or even a regional language, where the local cuisine has its own specific taste, where truly local fruit and vegetables are sold at markets, where particular folk songs still reside, where particular tales and myths originate: in short, where people feel they belong, where they feel at home.
in writing. - The resolution of the EP on maternal mortality carries a great significance in the light of the Millennium Development Goals and conveys our message that we are aware of the current situation and that we call for action to help millions of women in developing countries.
Moreover, I, like many of my colleagues, am concerned about fairness.
We must therefore stick to 'treating the symptoms' as long as some of the players on the world stage are not prepared to make the necessary efforts.
Secondly, we need to focus our aid instruments, support civil society, support private initiative and strengthen the role of the European Parliament and of the Pan-African Parliament.
I very much commend the work of the rapporteurs, which was very much appreciated from our side.
As regards research and development, you agreed that this is precisely where Europe's future lies.
(The speaker added in French and German: 'We share a destiny in common.')
Obviously there are the votes, but believe me, the whole industry has understood the message.
I would like to point out that the international economic and financial crisis has engendered a social crisis throughout the world, and this has merely increased the need for stringent rules to ensure that the world economy is more effectively supervised and that it does not develop to the detriment of our societies.
EU producers belong to the outermost regions, which have enormous problems producing bananas - or excellent-quality ones, anyway - and whose banana production is nothing like that in third countries in any respect, including in terms of cost, workforce, the environment or of plant protection safeguards.
It is important that this commitment continues, both politically and in terms of development.
If he should raise the argument of national sovereignty, I can only say that there is something which is far more important than any national sovereignty and that is fundamental and universal human rights.
In my view, the natural candidate for these strategic competences is the High Representative, drawing on the competences and expertise of the European External Action Service.
You must adopt the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum - though we must still search for schemes to seek skilled newcomers and manage migration - and you should discuss progress in combating climate change.
Of course not.
Just look at the Council of Europe and the OSCE, which for the past two decades have had offices fully dedicated to Roma issues.
However, from a more detailed perspective, all the areas designated as pistes must be included.
As the rapporteur emphasises, Europe needs an extra 700 000 researchers if the Strategy's principles are to be put into effect.
Every concession is punished.
In the Canary Islands Regional Parliament there are no Green members; in the 88 councils in the Canary Islands there are no Green councillors; of the 29 councillors on Las Palmas City Council there are no Green councillors; the Greens are barely present on a couple of councils in the Canary Islands, where they are definitely in a coalition with the People's Party.
The existing directive has one disadvantage: the financial guarantee provided for does not cover all the repercussions in the event of an accident, especially after the installations in question have shut down.
At the most difficult times, ladies and gentlemen, the European Parliament has always proved to be a defence against pessimism and a courageous and tireless champion of European integration.
Most of all, however, I would like to thank Commissioner Špidla for having spoken German, and I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to Commissioner Kroes.
Well, discrimination of this kind is unacceptable to me and extending this programme is therefore altogether wrong.
The Security Council has to have an investigation opened into the crimes of the regime.
However, I do not believe that excluding specialised and recognised production sectors with a long history and tradition, such as the optical industry, is in keeping with EU policy.
The energy performance of buildings is an area with strong potential for the European Union.
In the very difficult times under Communism, women in Poland had access to science and political rights significantly earlier than in many countries of the old EU.
We now hope that, during this plenary sitting, Parliament will follow the Committee's lead and vote in favour of this improvement.
Our group, the PPE-DE Group, has supported this idea from the very beginning.
It penalises the users of tools such as botnets for committing the offences, and introduces a higher level of sanctions for committing the offences.
Comprehensive investment support is required here to boost health care and in particular mother and child care, but we know that child mortality too is very high.
The current crisis in the automotive industry in Europe was caused by the automotive industry itself.
(Applause)
If I may specifically address our fellow Members from the extreme right, I would like to say that your arguments are really far too rudimentary and simplistic - if not primitive.
Given that the Commission is broadly in agreement with the Parliament's proposals, I call on this House to make their voice heard in ensuring that the European Council also supports this report's environmental proposals.
It is the sovereign right of Member States to decide, in accordance with their constitutional rules, how they wish to consult their people directly.
These exceptions should remain exceptions, for I cannot emphasise strongly enough that reintroducing border controls is not a desirable development for Europe, neither in the current circumstances nor in relation to the future challenges that we will face sooner or later.
The voluntary work done by our citizens helps solve social problems and promotes the acquisition of skills and social awareness.
I hope that after the Transport Council meeting on 9 October, President-in-Office, we will find a solution that everyone supports, without letting anything fall by the wayside.
Europe works.
8.
At the same time, we must be completely firm on human rights, freedom of information and political freedoms, which are certainly not the norm in Russia.

I am particularly pleased that all three countries have paid particular attention to developing relations with their neighbours.
Indeed, it is free trade that causes these problems.
Therefore, European farmers must be compensated for the higher production costs inherent to higher animal welfare standards.
I think that at such a time of crisis, the principle of solidarity is also gaining a new political dimension.
Codification is an effective means of consolidating the rules governing a certain area in a single legislative act.
It should be simple, understandable and easily accessible.
(RO) Mr President, in the period prior to Romania's accession to the European Union, the European Commission closely monitored the situation regarding international adoptions and recommended a halt to these activities following the disclosure of abusive adoption practices.
Let us hope that the G20 ministers, who will meet in Paris in June, come up with solutions to combat food price volatility.
I therefore specifically want to emphasise the fact that we can be optimistic about Lisbon.
(SK) I voted for the report on the common agricultural policy and global food security because it deals with issues that I have consistently been raising in the European Parliament as matters of priority.
It is crucial that adequate bank lending is returned to normal levels as soon as possible.
In this context it is natural that average public expenditure on pensions and expenditure related to ageing will increase, and it will become ever more difficult to provide adequate pensions.
We need to develop a common European framework that includes targets and shared values, as well as shared entitlements and structures.
If we are to resolve the major climate and energy challenges that we are facing, it would be irresponsible of us to rule out controlling fiscal instruments.
Let us examine the external causes, population density, natural disasters, the loss of human life through HIV and AIDS and, more importantly, the links between poor governance and the humanitarian consequences.
I think we have done the best we could have done in a hundred days.
I call on President Van Rompuy to heed this message.
For these reasons, taking into account that there is much in the report we can support, the British Conservative delegation abstained.
We all know that the Mediterranean basin is a point at which many cultures meet; at the same time, however, it is a nerve centre and a 'boiler' which has been bubbling for many years now.
A similar situation to the one in Japan could happen anywhere in Europe.

Some of the work is finished.
Concerning legal migration, the Commission has initiated legal measures by submitting to Parliament the draft legislation on conditions for entry and residence for highly skilled workers and the single permit procedure for third-country nationals.
Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, for years, the European Parliament has consistently called for the protection of pregnant employees and the updating of existing legislation relating to maternity leave.
In this respect, the ECRIS system, which will allow the networking of criminal records, will be very valuable.
The majority of our group, including the German and Netherlands delegations, take the view that the Piecyk report has nothing to do with those issues.
The real work, then, is only just starting.
The EU must listen to the children: they are the foundations of tomorrow's society.
The Council, which has the say on this, must define a clear framework with clear timetables related to border control so that Romania and Bulgaria can see a way forward.
Secondly, as Commissioner Barrot has pointed out, without the European Parliament there would have been no Galileo.
So in our politics, we need perhaps to rise above some of those issues because when you are at the referendum stage, as we were, it involves explaining to people on the streets and in shops and in schools about what Europe is, how it works, what I do, what the Commission does, and that is a great exercise.
However, the Commission has presented here today a series of proposals and initiatives, some of which have already been implemented and others which will be implemented and which naturally will merit the Council's full attention and effort.
We have announced the names of some of those countries and should do more at European level to make sure their exposure leads to real change.
Regardless of the viewpoint of each person with respect to the choices of the Cuban people, those choices and their sovereign right to decide their destiny and the form of political organisation of their state must be respected.
(FR) Mr President, the principles, actions and tools of a European immigration policy: that is the vast subject-matter of Mr Busuttil's report.
This is why urgent action is needed.
in writing. - (HU) In terms of employment, a comparison of urban and rural areas reveals that a widening abyss is developing.
As you said, the other presidents before Mr Pöttering have all made a major contribution to this outcome: just now I thanked Mrs Fontaine when I met her on the stairs.
In this spirit, we should also look at ways to make our institutions and the way they operate more understandable to citizens.
The Committee on Transport and Tourism, which appointed me as rapporteur for this matter, wished to produce an own-initiative report, which, having been debated and agreed by the various groups is now being put before the plenary sitting of the European Parliament.
In general it is clear that we have completely different concepts of security here and on the other side of the Atlantic.
The Commission has, for many years, including one of my predecessors, put forward the idea of Eurobonds.
Mr President, this report makes good sense in saying that there should be an overall EU approach as regards the need for extra airport capacity.
They deserve all the procedures and all the improvements this country needs.
in writing. - (FR) The enlargement of the European Union calls for our solidarity with the population of the 431 000 km2 around the Black Sea.
Also, another issue that we had debated at length with the Commission was the 'pilot project': this is a project whereby, when a citizen complains to the Commission, the complaint is forwarded to the Member State so that it can give some sort of response.
Secondly, it is worrying that we are seeing a constant process of retraction in the Portuguese State in terms of guaranteeing equal access to basic services throughout its territory.
If we want to improve cooperation we need to determine which forms of interinstitutional cooperation can enhance the effectiveness of our joint efforts.
By including air transport in the EU emission allowance trading scheme, we are assuming this leading role, but we are at the same time stressing that we are open to discussion with our partners, which we hope will lead to a worldwide system.
Obviously the Commission has systematically supported all efforts to reach a humanitarian agreement on the release of all hostages.
This report highlights some of the problems involved with nuclear power and the decommissioning of nuclear reactors, which is why I have voted in favour of it.
However, the situation is still worrying.
The original Montreal Protocol focused on the protection of the ozone layer, mainly by restricting CFCs, and that goal was quickly tightened up almost to zero.

It would be a long road but the only sensible one for Iran.
Does the Commission plan to take any action to counteract this price hike?
As regards the forthcoming legislative elections, we have mobilised a EUR 2 million electoral assistance package (which has already been quoted), with a view to ensuring the conditions for a fairer and more transparent electoral process.
Therefore the Committee on International Trade recommends that Member States not be allowed to take into consideration, when fulfilling the objectives regarding biofuels, those imported biofuels which are linked - directly or indirectly - to deforestation, or which are imported from countries that receive international food aid or which impose export duties or other export restrictions on agricultural products.
Venezuela almost did not accede.
It is immensely important for a woman who has had a baby to be provided with support that gives her and her child the necessary security and ensures that she is not prevented from returning to professional or social life.
I will conclude: esteemed President Zapatero, my dear friend José Luis, I wish you every success for the good of this strong, federal Europe in which we both believe.
I have just voted in favour of the Commission Work Programme for 2011, but with reservations.
This is in contradiction of the Indian Government's responsibilities under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The proposal also incorporates international rules for the transport of dangerous goods into Community law and extends their application to national transport.
on behalf of the S&D Group. - (DE) Mr Barroso, you are a very clever man, however you have not answered my question.
You mentioned the inclusion of certain data appearing in this decision.
Collaboration and coordination between Member States are crucial, as crises of this type have repercussions not only for the countries in which they are built, but also on a more widespread level.
However, the statistics tell a different story.
I honestly cannot understand how we can possibly have such a good instrument and yet not implement it.
Such help, however, should consist in providing a fishing rod and angling skills rather than putting fish on the plate.
On 17 November last year, the Commission adopted the Communication entitled 'Dial 116 000: The European hotline for missing children'.
It is now a question of transferring power over the Swedish labour market, not to those elected by the Swedish people, but to Brussels.
Mr President, it is with extreme urgency that I call on Parliament to see that the EUR 14.8 million promised to the workers in the mid-west of Ireland in areas like Limerick, Kerry and Tipperary who worked for Dell Computers and its suppliers is allocated as soon as possible.
It will have to include a baseline, which we currently, finally, have.
In future, the opt-out would not be a temporary one-off exception but a permanent general rule and, what is more, it would be sanctioned in the name of freedom and social progress.
This is exactly what we have discussed today in the meeting that I mentioned in the first speech.
In addition to the call for full pay, the proposed directive is also suggesting that maternity leave should count towards service in employment when pensions are being calculated.
It will listen to the proposals and will form an opinion.
So save yourselves the trouble and admit that the Treaty is dead, with no prospect of resurrection.
The compromise submitted does, however, somewhat simplify this bureaucratically overloaded system.
It has been like this because some data 10 years ago indicated that this was the official production level.
For this reason, over and above initiatives geared to improving the conduct of road users and the level of vehicle safety, infrastructure ought to be the third pillar in any road safety programme based on the principle of an integrated approach.
- Mr President, I think it is appalling that a country with such massive oil reserves as Nigeria should be involved in such mass atrocities, but at the same time, taking our cue from the Vice President of the United States, the solution has to be in dialogue, dialogue, dialogue, allied with education, education, education, so that peace can be brought to the country.
The timid, vague proposals in the text are neither sufficient nor wholly satisfactory, but at least they exist.
It is the people's perception that the aid is not reaching the places where it is needed.
You cannot say 'We want to finance the EU budget with 0.8% of Gross Domestic Product' and then demand compensation when our own farmers are hit by the EHEC crisis, as the Dutch Government has done.
This has just been said: millions of people, and primarily children, die each year in these countries from a whole host of diseases, as was mentioned in particular by my fellow Member, Mr Mitchell, earlier.
These efforts must be encouraged.
(PL) At a time of economic crisis, when we are all still feeling its painful effects, many countries have decided to approach a variety of financial institutions with a request for financial assistance.
Do you want your comment that I am the best vice-president to be recorded in the Minutes?
The argument that the Commission has made too little progress in the last few years for the Member States concerned sounds all very well, but it is disproportionate when it comes to the behaviour that has been demonstrated.
We too must act in a coherent and consistent way and should not simply sacrifice our values on the altar of good economic relations.
This is reason enough for us to be able to assert ourselves, in the best sense of that word, on the global stage on this issue.
I would like to cite the example of Peru, where acts of violence committed in Bagua are a terrible illustration of the way in which the government collaborates with multinationals by confiscating land from the indigenous populations for financial purposes.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - Mr President, I would like to thank all those colleagues who have reminded me that thinking on human rights can only be based on a non-discriminatory treatment of all violations of human rights, wherever they happen.
It also begins, with reference to Hamas - and I say this with the utmost firmness - with putting a definitive end to the firing of rockets into Israel from Gaza.
Commissioner, are you aware that, in addition to strangling the EU sector, thanks to your policy, Papua New Guinea is entering a phase of very low-quality job creation and zero sustainable development?
We are resolutely hostile to this, since the enfeoffment of national rights and legal specificities will surely lead to enfeoffment of the Member States themselves in a Europeist and federalist project.
(RO) Mr President, the Services Directive establishes a general legal framework for Member States, public administrations and local authorities aimed at simplifying procedures and harmonising provisions concerning the right to establish and provide services.
That is not a recovery plan.
Trying to find non-chemical alternatives in sensitive areas, such as habitats of rare flora and fauna, is also an approach that should be supported unreservedly.
This is what the Swedish State can look at and that is indeed what we are doing.
We cannot just go ahead and put our ideas on paper.
They will enable us to support research and innovation and to help our businesses and our economy get through this transition period of a sustainable industrial revolution as painlessly as possible.
Thanks to strong pressure from users and citizens, user safeguards have been gained, but they remain inadequate in the opinion of the left.
This can be activated when there is a mass influx of people who are unable to return.
Thirdly, there is the concern with combating protectionist tendencies, which is amply demonstrated by the agreement relating to third countries.
The European Union has taken on a long-term commitment towards the entire African region of the Great Lakes, part of which lies within the Democratic Republic of Congo.
I wish to register a strong protest against this.
Also, the recasting procedure limits Parliament's role.
This is something that we cannot remain silent on.
in writing. - (HU) In central, eastern and south-eastern Europe those of us who were born in this less fortunate region of Europe have learned from experience that spoken words and paper promises have little credence.
Côte d'Ivoire must be made aware of this.
The world of computers is, unfortunately, precisely the place in which parents have been unable to act as guides for their children.
(The sitting was suspended at 09.55 a.m. and resumed at 10.10 a.m.)
We must tackle the situation head on and maintain the balance of the state, of the European Union and of the world.
The possibility of a yearly revision of humanitarian aid provisions is also mentioned in the text, a very important item that allows for a humanitarian response based on funding adequate to the needs.
I voted in favour of the report by Mrs in 't Veld, which welcomes the Commission's 2008 report on competition policy.
Mr President, I would like to associate my comments with the latter part of Mr Kamall's statement because I truly believe that liberalisation in the postal services market is the way forward for innovation and consumer choice.
This applies to you too.
It concerns promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, covering the following sectors: electricity, heating and cooling, and transport.
For Europe, it is a matter of returning to the basic values of the European model, which requires combining entrepreneurial initiatives, respect for productive work and striving for solidarity.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, a year ago, the plenary agreed and mandated a special committee to draft the position of the European Parliament in relation to the next financial perspective.
One way of achieving the latter is to ensure good forest management.
For example, insufficient numbers of fire-fighting teams and the inability to solve and prevent crimes that might result in fires are behind the tragedies this summer.
Therefore, I appeal for: increased subsidies, especially for prophylactic programmes in the area of regional policy and the European Social Fund; more effective use of resources available in the Seventh Framework Programme, for example for better coordination of scientific research; and increased resources to be planned in the new Financial Perspective.
In fact, it legalises the production of cells based on tellurides of cadmium.
We put in place a framework of regulation to ensure that consumers can engage with that, to give them the right to know about those services, to empower them to take advantage of that - that is crucial.
This cooperation between the Commission and civil society has grown, covering a wide variety of issues from policy dialogue to project management, both within the EU and in our partner countries.
Lastly, I welcome the requirements as regards the information to be supplied to monitoring authorities with the aim of guaranteeing greater transparency.
But when we exert economic pressure on women who would like to stay at home with a young baby to work rather than care for the child and push them into the workforce, we register a very high rate of employment and assume that this means a healthier social reality.
I would also like to thank the draftsmen of the opinions, the shadow rapporteurs, the president and the members of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection for the excellent cooperation that made it possible to approve my report unanimously on 6 November.
Let me say something else about financing.
We have been requesting the sharing of the burden, with little or no response.
The dissemination of European cultural heritage is beneficial for several sectors, particularly education, science, research and tourism, among others.
In 2009 the Joint Undertaking's utilisation rates for commitment and payment appropriations were 81% and 20% respectively.
In particular, I would like to reinforce what you have said, Commissioner, about General Motors.
Europe has to face two problems - the high unemployment rate among the young generation and uncertainty over the capacities to finance retirement funds.
When will the EU take vigorous action against the Sudanese regime which is preventing the hybrid force mandated by the UN Security Council from protecting the civilian population in Darfur?
If we can maintain this solidarity - including when it comes to the 2008 discharge - then in 2008, we will be able to move a step further, beyond what we achieved in 2007.
The current long deadlines for the submission of tax returns also provide room for the commission of such tax frauds.
These measures and small-scale production need to be supported and the creation of beekeeping cooperatives and ecological recovery zones needs to be encouraged.
What we do know is that already many children, not only in Sweden, are now taken to casualty every year because they have swallowed household chemicals which are acutely toxic, despite the fact that the chemicals today bear a warning label which says that this is the case.
We should not forget that Turkey is a traditionally secular country; it is powerful and has a wealth of human resources.
It is a basic requirement.
Thank you.
The Dalai Lama is a respected religious leader and, amongst other things, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
National budgets cannot secure a decent old age.
The trialogue phase was long and hard, and the agreement we reached - sadly not a full one - was due to the Hungarian Presidency, represented by Minister Kármán, the Commission, represented by Commissioner Rehn, and all our partners.
EU Member States which are especially exposed to an influx of asylum seekers should be provided with assistance.
The 27 Member States of the Union, which are collectively less indebted than the United States, should make a similar effort in order to pull Europe and the world out of a financial crisis that threatens to bring distress to everyone.
The European Union's interests must reflect the indigenous peoples' interests to protect and develop the Arctic region.
Finally, I would like to say that it is important in future for the Court of Auditors not only to check that payments are being made legally, but also to ensure that they are cost-effective and efficient.
I sat here and heard him say that everyone wants a stronger European Union and a stronger CFSP.
The fact that the Public Prosecutor has not even quantified the precise amount of tax owed - also by way of non-payment of interest - makes the case for fumus persecutionis even stronger.
Do they think for one moment that the rest of the European Union would accept that one single Member State opts out of the obligations that we have jointly developed at European level to govern our market?
Today, throughout France, desperate fishermen are blockading ports because they no longer believe they have a future.
I merely reminded him of one thing - and I did so without joining in the debate with Mr Tusk, the Prime Minister - that is, that it was in my office, at three o'clock in the morning, in July 2007, under the German Presidency, with Mr Zapatero, Tony Blair and Mr Juncker, that we obtained the signature of the Polish President on what was to become the Treaty of Lisbon, while he was in conversation with his twin brother, the Prime Minister at the time, in Warsaw.
What specific measures does it intend to adopt to improve monitoring by Member States in accordance with Directive 2001/95/EC on general product safety and cooperation with customs services?
(FR) We do not use taxpayers' money; we use the funds that we raise every day on the world's financial markets.
The version currently in force was adopted just four years ago.
For all the above reasons, which are clearly explained in the report, I voted in favour.
It has been highly controversial here in the European Parliament, but also in Sweden, which I represent.
We do not support these objectives.
in writing. - The legal framework within the EU relative to equal pay for men and women is widespread.
This is particularly the case as we know that the confidence that you have in the French Government has been more than shown to be, at the very least, debatable.
Like all colleagues, I am, of course, in favour of intergovernmental cooperation in police, intelligence and security matters, particularly when we face growing problems from international organised crime, international terrorism etc.
As a consequence, security, good governance, energy, transport, environmental, socio-economic and human development should be considered as priority actions.
The situation in many countries of the Middle East, from where traditional Christian minorities are forced to flee, is alarming.
Finally, I would like to ask, through your good self, for Commissioner Reding to explain the allegations which have appeared in the Romanian and international media concerning the European Agency for Monitoring International Adoptions, a proposal which also seems to feature in the study commissioned by the European Commission.
Events push us towards making some decisions in this House.
This is especially important for the European Parliament, because often the issues faced by MEPs are very complex and technical and we almost always need to find a balance between businesses and countries with divergent interests.
Religion can never be a credible or acceptable reason to use violence or to breach human rights.
Turkey has an Islamic identity that is very different from the Judaeo-Christian identity of most EU countries.
Control of the acquisition and possession of weapons (debate)
Firstly, there were the passengers.
Respect for human rights and democratic standards in Tunisia must be a condition for further cooperation with that country.
We would also see an increase in trade, especially in the services sector where the future growth in trade is estimated at 70%, and in the agricultural sector where, just at the moment, European Union exports to Korea have an annual value of EUR 1 billion.
Other positive points include making ecological sustainability the basic premise of the CFP and the recognition that EU fleets must no longer overfish in the waters of developing countries.
I wish a very warm welcome to you all.
I hope not.
They therefore have no opportunity to discuss, debate or influence the decision makers.
Secondly, it is also vital, of course, that the European Court of Auditors analyse these exercises in detail and provide the necessary documentation.
This certainly also applies to the urgent disarmament of Hezbollah; after all, the spectre of renewed civil war is looming.
I will, today, find a solution to this for the future.
I would like to begin by stating my admiration for everyone who worked on the budget.
Fifteen years later Milošević unilaterally removed that status and then attempted to carry out ethnic cleansing which was only stopped by the international community.
I am certain that the new provisions will help to improve the application of the priorities of cohesion policy.
In order to be able to ensure, in future, that we produce more targeted legislation, we also propose in the report that the mandatory production of accident statistics be introduced at EU level so that we can find out in a more targeted way where there is a need for legislation based on what kind of accidents occur with products on the internal market.
I am delighted that we have a balanced report here which takes account of the demands of an information society and I would be delighted if both my and other groups gave this report the broadest possible support tomorrow, so that we can develop an Internet in the interests of society.
in writing. - I voted in favour of this report in response to the many constituency concerns that have been raised with me over misleading companies.
This should be prevented, so that the younger generation can deal more practically with the issue of gender equality.
This Charter is proof that, when we laid the foundations of the European Union, we had learned the most important lesson from European history, and today we continue to regard respect for the dignity of each and every human being, preservation of the freedom that has been won and of peace and democracy and application of the rule of law as the driving forces of European unification.
Tolerance and peace are intimately linked, and I shall, as always, support the European Union's actions to ensure respect for and the promotion of our values, freedoms and rights throughout the world.
Perhaps other technologies will enable the production process to be upgraded, while rising energy prices will increase its economic effectiveness.
It has instilled fear in people.
At the same time, Moscow has not exactly shown itself to be an indispensable partner in the bloody fight against Islamic terrorism, for example on the Afghan front, either.
Some of the most serious social challenges faced by Europe, such as the ageing population, require radical innovation that cuts across several sectors.
secondly, to reaffirm international maritime law, which makes it mandatory to provide assistance to anyone in distress, while the seven Tunisian fishermen are still on trial;
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, I would like to thank you for a very lively and substantive debate on EU enlargement and our strategy - now, next year and in the near future.
Administrative cooperation between EU Member States in tax matters, which is my remit, is an ambitious project.
Modification of concessions in the schedules of Bulgaria and Romania in the course of their accession to the European Union (EU-Argentina agreement) (
Innovative rural businesses of all kinds, which focus, for example, on services and farm tourism, have significantly revived the rural economic structure.
SMEs have, up to now, faced quite a lot of difficulty in accessing the European funds granted through the Marco Polo programme.
A military junta placed the party's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, under house arrest.
The second paragraph of this amendment seeks a financial participation of 70% from the European Community for measures to promote fruit and vegetables specifically for children in schools.
Some actions will build on the result of the good work done so far.
Greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation have doubled since 1990 and account for between 5% and 12% of carbon dioxide emissions in the EU as a whole.
However, we need to point out that the elements of economic governance are not to be confused in any way with the Euro Plus Pact, which is an intergovernmental agreement at its current stage.
The Treaty of Lisbon, which provides a legal basis in this matter, allows for negotiations to be started.
I hope that Slovakia, through moderate, correct, structure-oriented policies, will make its contribution to being able to chalk this entry up as a success at the end of the day.
I think that we need a common energy policy.
Mr Sarkozy no more speaks for Europe on Turkey than he does on his Union for the Mediterranean.
This will be harmonised, but not at a level of 100 cars per 1 000 citizens in Germany, but at 400 to 500 cars per 1 000 citizens in Europe.
The debate is closed.
Many sectors and types of production have ceased to exist in Europe due to unfair competition from producers in South-West Asia and South America.
(SV) What does the Commissioner think about this?
We will not suffer armed police coming in at the behest of EUROPOL.
The problem of the Gaza conflict has political dimensions.
You in particular, in the Swedish Presidency, could be a shining example of this and actually tell us what is going on in the horse trading for the top posts that is completely unworthy of the European Project and also - Mr Barroso could lead the way on this - with regard to the appointment of the commissioners.
The fact, too, that urban and rural areas are now to benefit equally from the support is very much to be welcomed.
If Mr Désir is saying that the suggestion is that we do nothing, that is not the impression I got, and I sincerely hope that you did not get that impression from my opening remarks either.
If people maintain basic rules of hygiene, and if they maintain their personal hygiene as well as washing or heat-treating their food, that will be enough to protect them from this infection.
I am afraid it is not yet fit for purpose.
Let us support it. It is practical and it is right.
That is what I can tell Parliament this morning.
I should also like to thank all the members of the European Parliament Delegation, of which I had the honour of chairing, for their cooperation at all stages and especially at critical moments.
However, there are also provisions which put the citizens from the countries which recently joined the European Union at a disadvantage.
My team has just been meeting with a group of MEPs to talk further about what more we should do on this.
Hard times lay ahead for the Swedish people, but, Mr Hoang Ngoc, we learnt one thing, and that was to keep our finances in order.
We need promotion so that the investment will not only reduce the import of fossil fuels and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but so that the household will realise the reduction in energy costs to them also.
the formation of three civil protection units for aerial forest firefighting.
I welcome and support the International Labour Organisation (ILO) initiative to adopt a convention supplemented by a recommendation on decent work for domestic workers.
There must be accountability in international law where such warfare principles as proportionality and non-discrimination are not respected.
Secondly, a fellow Member recently referred to women as being weak.
(FR) 'Persons with a directly binding contract of employment, governed by private law, with the European institutions'.
Looking at a more structured intervention, we should also explore the possibilities of better targeting EU assistance by promoting projects that are able to support income- and job-generating activities in the different regions of Tunisia, and I refer particularly to the southern parts of the country.
These countries now sit round the table in the G20 talks.
Therefore, it is logical for us to reject all attempts to renationalise the structural policy.
the oral question to the Commission by Mr Markov and Mr Fjellner, on behalf of the Committee on International Trade, on the stepping-stone Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Community, of the one part, and Ghana, of the other part - B6-0206/2009),
Because illegal mass immigration is a vital issue in relation to the survival of Europe as an historical entity, the EU would be well advised to take a differentiated view of its relations with Tripoli and to include Libya in its strategies for controlling the flow of migration.
The EHEC pathogen was on the Spanish cucumbers and it should not have been there.
Thus, for example, the allocation of external costs became voluntary, rather than compulsory.
Russia has placed itself in the category of unstable, unpredictable states.
That the European Union institutions need to work together to deliver on our citizens' expectations.
We do that best by actually knowing what were their concerns, by finding the solutions together and allowing the other Member States also to have their say.
I want to condemn the attempts to misuse specific moments of difficulty and present them as a bad attitude on the part of the government in principle, and, above all, doing so in the European Parliament.
I would also like to underline the new principles of employment and payment, which will be transparent and meet the needs announced earlier of assistants and the end of the pension fund in its previous form.
Hella Ranner has submitted her resignation as a Member of the European Parliament with effect from 1 April 2011.
I condemn Minister Gildernew's indifference and call not just for short-term aid but a long-term fuel strategy for our fishing sector.
They are among our biggest assets.
in writing. - I welcome the progress that has been made in the talks between Parliament and Council over the last few days and late into the night last night.
In the absence of progress, the Commission would consider other options in order to bring about a situation whereby CO2 emissions are effectively reduced.
I voted in favour of the report on the participation of Croatia in the work of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) as I believe that this is a positive step, given that Croatia is expected to accede to the EU shortly, bur mainly because the consumption and trafficking of illicit drugs are global phenomena with severe socio-economic and health repercussions.
The European Union's young citizens will be able to participate in all projects alongside Switzerland's young people.
The Economist admits that the Baltic pipe was conceived in secret.
Until now, some areas of the capital were not affected by the conflict, but that has changed.
The Member States should consider drafting a plan to combat gender-based violence.
It is through this strengthening of civil society, too, that we will respond best to the argument that we often hear concerning China: 'Why should we meet the criteria for strong cooperation with Europe - social, democratic and environmental criteria - when China makes a mockery of them in terms of corruption and pillaging?'
I am very committed to this, and we must strive to achieve it together.
A debate in this case is obligatory!
Instead of imposing new burdens on our economies and our citizens, let us invest in the technologies of the future.
We should set ourselves a target of at least or up to 0.5%.
At a European level, we - and this includes both the Commission and Parliament - have always regretted the fact that the rail companies do not give higher priority to safety and to interoperability between the different systems in Europe.
Secondly, the indexation of meat prices paid to farmers to fodder prices.
The truth is that this will have two harmful consequences: one within the European Union, especially for the southern countries, and for their textile and clothing industries, which are now seriously weakened because of an economic, social and financial crisis unparalleled since they joined the Union; and, secondly, at international level, during World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations, where this opening of the largest trade bloc in the world - the European Union - to these potential exports from Pakistan could completely unbalance the negotiations.
Thank you, Mrs Trüpel.
That is why I also applauded the decision of the Court of Justice in relation to the Turco case, in which it concluded that there exists, in principle, an obligation to disclose the opinions of the Council's Legal Service relating to a legislative process; those opinions could be crucial to understanding the direction that the decision-making process took.
We have a newly elected government in the UK which has made promises in this area.
In democratic countries, the citizens elect the governing authorities.
Finally, we agree that there is concern that efficient national debit card schemes may be replaced by more expensive alternatives.
I agree with colour coding to label foods because, rather than clear and easily understandable labelling, what Europeans need are signs that they can interpret in order to make healthy choices.
Improving access to EIB financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), increasing the transparency of its operations, and introducing greater flexibility in terms of risk-capital investment are other new measures proposed by Parliament.
Colleagues, we now come to the catch-the-eye procedure.
This will be possible, even if difficult on the basis of national criteria, provided that ICAO standards are met.
That is regrettable, but hardly surprising.
Since January of this year, Televisión Española, TV3 and Canal Sur have not been allowed permission to broadcast due to the coverage that they have been giving to the conflict, and recently the correspondent for Cadena COPE has been threatened with expulsion, along with Cadena SER and the newspaper La Vanguardia.
(CS) Ladies and gentlemen, one of the key common values of the European Union is its linguistic and cultural diversity.
Situation in Côte d'Ivoire (
Regardless of the fact that the solution of mental health problems falls within the competence of the Member States, it is important that the volume of financial assistance and knowledge-based assistance provided to Member States by the EU be further increased, in order to help them develop and improve the necessary health, social, care and educational services and preventive measures.
That freedom is also a path to peace, as Pope Benedict XVI said in his message on 1 January.
Members of the Roma community face racist attacks, unequal access to public services and social provisions and huge living and educational segregation.
You only need think in this context of the latest incidents during the confiscation of a refrigerated lorry in Austria, which was found to contain 64 illegal Kurdish immigrants being smuggled from Turkey, via Hungary and Austria, to Germany.
I hope that Mr Rehn, who represents him, will rectify this in his second statement.
As regards sound management principles, the institutions should submit cost-reduction plans, and when presenting expenditure, it should be clearly specified and justified.
This additional money will help local and regional public authorities improve financing for sustainable energy projects and implement innovative financial incentive schemes, such as guarantees and soft loans.
(BG) Mr. President, colleagues, I think that the motion in the report of Mr. Corbett deserves attention and, in my opinion, comes just on time, since actually with its adoption we do not threaten any of the currently existing groups in the European Parliament.
in writing. - (IT) As part of the work of the Delegation for Relations with Central Asia, of which I am a member, I have had the opportunity to visit the countries of the area covered by the report.
Inside Libya, our activities include the evacuation by sea of about 2000 civilians from Misrata, the provision of food, water, sanitation and medical supplies in Misrata and other areas of Libya, and provisional materials for food, as we expect the food situation to worsen in the next four to six weeks.
Therefore, we will vote against this report.
Our trade with this region has been on a constant rise and in 2009 it amounted to EUR 79.7 billion.
What is positive is that the Baltic States finally got NATO contingency plans for their defence, as exposed also by WikiLeaks.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Mr President, the situation in Gaza is, first and foremost, a humanitarian disaster.
Taken together with the proposal for a directive providing for criminal sanctions against employers of illegal immigrants that the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs is currently working on, they represent a sound legal basis for the Union's immigration policy.
We are definitely cooperating with all these investigations.
(FR) Madam President, President-in-Office of the Council, let me say what a pity it is that the minister responsible for the Ecofin Council is not here.
Mr President, I have seen that the entire western world, with the United States at the forefront, is demanding an earlier election in Pakistan.
There are the issues of social diversity, which we have spoken about, but there is also the integration of these houses and of the people who live in them into their neighbourhood, into their town, sometimes in town centres, sometimes on the outskirts.
This is a perfectly ordinary totalitarian regime which simply exploits Islam for its own ends.
in writing. - I support this report because in the current global financial crisis it is more important than ever to meet our commitments with developing countries.
Written statements (Rule 116): see Minutes
Mr President, sport should, of course, be run by the sporting authorities themselves but, to the extent that it is also an economic activity, it unavoidably falls under employment law, competition law, copyright law, media rights and so on.
In contrast to the belief expressed in paragraph 2, my view is that not only the professionals but ordinary citizens too understand and support the need for extreme measures, provided they offer demonstrable benefits for the future.
We see the pressure from outside; we see the social tensions and, indeed, the racism from inside the EU.
It will build itself up, and I think that these subjects need to pervade the French Presidency.
In addition to the usual legislative work, the Swedish Presidency will have other kinds of highly political challenges to deal with, and no one better to tackle these challenges than Prime Minister Reinfeldt and the Swedish Presidency team.
Otherwise, they could be placed in a less favourable position than their Korean counterparts.
Immigration has more than one name, because my esteemed fellow Members have spoken today about immigration from Africa, which mainly affects the countries of the Mediterranean Basin, and what they said is, in a certain sense, justified.
in writing. - (FR) Today, I voted in favour of the Corbett report on the amendment of Rule 29 of the European Parliament's Rules of Procedure regarding the formation of political groups, namely the requirement that a political group's members represent at least one quarter of Member States (instead of the current requirement of one fifth) and that the minimum number of members is 25 (instead of 20), and I did this for several reasons.
In these circumstances I would ask that when you check the results, you give us the precise results, how many were in favour, how many against, and how many abstained.
In particular, I am referring to the problems associated with illegal immigration, terrorism and smuggling, which occur along the full 320 000 kilometres of European coastline.
Added to this there is the dumped ammunition from past wars.
The mandates are hereby ratified.
Of course, we could have allocated more money to the dairy sector, as representatives of the Social Democrat Party proposed, but it is good that at least some of the funds in this draft have been set aside for this.
After the scandalous Tillack affair, where the actions of the OLAF leadership warrant sharp criticism, this reform is absolutely necessary.
Hiding behind words without resolving the matter directly can no longer be an option when admission to the Schengen area has never been a political problem, but a technical one.
May I remind you that Turkey is still not complying with the EU's request to extend the Ankara Protocol.
Finally, I should like to highlight the need for more intense dialogue between the European Parliament and the national parliaments, given that all the matters covered by the common commercial policy will come under the Union's sole jurisdiction.
It is even more important because, in times of high oil prices, it becomes particularly profitable to develop poorly accessible oilfields and to extract under the most adverse conditions, such as from deeper and deeper depths.
According to the data in the motion for a resolution, 1.5 billion people are currently without access to electricity, four out of five of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, and nearly 2.4 billion people still use traditional biomass fuels for cooking and heating, which is an unsustainable use of natural resources.
The adoption of this report is a significant step forward in protecting the rights of third-country workers in the EU by granting them a single permit for residence and work.
I agree with the rapporteur that the role of third countries should not be overlooked in relation to these activities. I fully support authorising the Commission as appropriate, so it can provide technical aid and training to liaison officials from third countries and from European and international agencies and organisations.
(DE) Madam President, I have the following request.
Madam President, as regards the approval of the trade agreements in the banana sector, the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance will vote against.
We wanted, in this way, to underline the importance we place on the fight against intolerance based on belief or religion.
Europe must be bold enough to take a metahistorical perspective on these fundamental questions, and resume its role as a cradle and centre, including in spiritual terms.
The 'Customs 2013' Programme also represents an important tool in that respect.
I trust that the Commission's proposal will be more adventurous.
This public-private partnership is essentially aimed at supporting the cofinancing of research initiatives at European level, as well as improving cooperation between the various operators in the sector.
Mr Jouyet, it will not surprise you to learn that the Commission is disappointed with the rather limited scope of the framework decision.
This proposal will provide consumers with standardised information on fuel efficiency.
Investment in youth means thinking today about the Europe of tomorrow.
It is the third most lucrative illicit trade in the world, after arms and drugs trafficking.
What is more, in order to modernise its mining industry, Poland needs the whole of Europe.
I voted for this report because this proposal for a directive aims to give all patients the right and opportunity to obtain essential healthcare services in other Member States as quickly as possible.
The Convention is entering its second decade and needs to adapt itself in order to respond to new challenges and take advantage of new opportunities.
As honourable Members know, Iran's nuclear programme remains a serious concern for the European Union and for the international community as a whole.
(FR) Mr President, I would also like to welcome the establishment of the European External Action Service as a step in the right direction, representing progress in making Europe more consistent and effective on the international stage.
This proves how efficient this institution is.
To quote Sakharov Prize winner, Sergei Kovalev, there is no doubt that in modern terminology, these acts were crimes against humanity.
One of the priorities of the Swedish Presidency was, of course, the management of the economic and financial crisis.
Even if the European Parliament votes in favour, I shall take my fight to the Federal Government with a view to ensuring that the Federal Republic of Germany challenges this directive before the European Court of Justice.
At the same time, it would be expedient to take countercyclical measures and create economic surpluses.
This concerns Chinese and Korean producers in particular.
Financial institutions around the world bought up these products without, it seems, doing any serious risk assessment of their own.
Currently, only 8% have cross-border activities, and their share of public tender participation is 42%.
That is not to say anything against the personal qualities of Mr Van Rompuy and Baroness Ashton.
They are specific to the Union and often at odds with national interests.
(DA) Mr President, I would also like to begin by thanking the Court of Auditors for an excellent report and a good presentation here today.
It covers all major areas of social life that have a bearing on the dramatic increase in climate change.
The importance of culture is taken into consideration in different ways at Community level.
It has even been agreed that if a specific farming sector is at risk of running into difficulty, a separate plan may be drawn up to give that sector more time.
We will do that.
It is therefore necessary to give a clear signal that we know the solution.
Europe backed stability and development aid in the Mediterranean.
In addition, Copenhagen will only be a success story if it ensures sustainable development, if it also includes a social dimension and, in particular, if we, the developed part of the world, succeed in financing developing countries.
But this presidency has been a success for Europe, and you, President-in-Office, deserve the credit.
The vote will take place on Thursday.
That is an obstacle to development and prosperity.
These sometimes arise due to a need to update them, but this hinders and diminishes the quality of life of the individual.
Secondly, we think your words about a crisis exit strategy are premature.
Therefore, the barriers to green trade must be removed.
In 2030, the number of ships will have increased from 4 000 to 9 000, and there will be a proportionate increase in the probability of environmental incidents.
I want to draw attention to two passages.
In any event, 14 states have received these reasoned opinions.
Disgruntled people say that it is not enough and that it is too late.
For many of these areas, no commercial solutions are yet available, or if they are, further research and development action is required.
The misery continues.
(HU) Madam President, Baroness Ashton, first of all, let me congratulate my colleague, Mrs Laima Andrikienė, on her excellent work.
But I think that we can justify the fact that our rural development policy is financially overstretched.
We will of course consult with you: it is essential to have discussions with the European Parliament.
To be honest with you, this has been a somewhat uneventful debate, but also one that we can take pride in, and so I happily join my fellow Members' chorus of praise for the Belgian Presidency.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Mr President, I would like to thank all the honourable Members for their positive and kind words concerning the Commission's work programme.
In some countries, it is even touching 21%. That is double the average unemployment rate for adults.
However, I want to remind you that it was not so long ago, after the clear rejection of the European Constitution in the Netherlands and France at the time, that the provisions on the use of symbols were very carefully removed and they were no longer to be included in the Treaty of Lisbon because it was realised that the public did not want them.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, we have heard today a clear message that we have a very serious challenge - that of the ageing of society.
This matter has not been discussed thoroughly enough and no account has been taken of the poor people whose livelihood this will take away without offering them anything else in its place.
On that basis I felt it appropriate to abstain on this report.
Mr President, there are many good reasons for discussing the Arctic.
The Commission welcomed that ruling as a contribution to fair competition and as an important foundation for strengthening media pluralism.
I would like to say that this text seems fairly balanced to me.
Outcome of the summit of 7 May 2010 and the ECOFIN meeting - What is the political relevance of the EU 2020 strategy in the context of the current financial and economic crisis? - Consequences of the financial and economic crisis on the EU 2020 strategy and its governance - What is the relevance of the EU 2020 strategy in the framework of the current financial and economic crisis? (debate)
We must not have preconceived ideas when looking for ways to improve fish farming standards, but we must be rigorous in the control and application of regulations which are as precise as possible, in order to avoid the risk of altering the environmental balance.
At the same time, I would suggest that before 2012 an analysis be made of the operation of the postal services market in those countries that have already adopted the new rules, with a view to identifying and preventing any irregularities in the remaining countries.
It provides greater opportunities for citizens to scrutinise the decision-makers.
The first concerns how the Charter will be incorporated into your ideas for a small business act, which I consider to be a very important and exciting new development.
The compromise proposed is satisfactory.
The intention and the aim, however, must be to bring about long-term changes and to put preventative measures in place.
The first one is, clearly, transparency.
Of course, I was very pleased to see that other colleagues were also calling for binding annexes.
I would like to ask all colleagues not to vote in favour.
Agreement between the EC and Bosnia and Herzegovina on readmission (vote)
I call on you, Mr President, to take a major political initiative in order to put a stop to these systematic human rights violations in Tunisia.
Well, there was no clear line from the European Parliament.
Subject: Fragmented digital markets and consequences for the educational system and investments in geographically isolated regions
(The oral amendment was not accepted)
I have every reason to believe that we will find the necessary compromise.
The reason that matters is because, although of course I want to see a much bigger solution for Gaza, it is important that we offer our support to enable things to happen quickly that can help to alleviate that situation.
To help the people of Myanmar, and specifically the most vulnerable parts of the population, the Commission is increasing its assistance programmes in quantitative and in qualitative terms.
We must never lower our guard in the fight against terrorism and therefore every suspicion, even if we cannot make a priori judgments, must be carefully assessed and we must take all appropriate steps to prevent terrorism from benefiting from the assistance and organisational and economic support of criminal organisations.
Their policy does not reflect the essence of the EU, and our role today is to go beyond the differences that pit us against each other - Mr Daul is right on this point - and to save the European Union and the Community method.
New international organisations and fora have emerged - an example is the summit diplomacy of the G20, G8, G7, etc. - and there are proposals to reform the traditional international organisations.
This report by Swedish MEP, Mrs Svensson, of our Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left, has enabled us to take a broadly positive stance on how marketing and advertising affect equality between women and men.
A second is political utilisation of access to raw materials and the rise in their prices, including the rise in food prices.
Therefore, we must not only ensure that Slovakia maintains a durable inflation rate, but also see how the inflation rate can be reduced as much as possible in all the countries already in the euro area.
We want to accompany Serbia on the road to joining the European Union.
Madam President, no sensible person wants to make life easy for criminals, but we do have to guard against justice in Europe being reduced to the lowest common denominator.
- Resolution:
I would like us to guard against this kind of legal jiggery-pokery and nonsense for three reasons.
Discharge 2010: European Police College (CEPOL) (
This states that the IGC decision of 19th October 2007 incorporating children's rights as one of the objectives of the EU in the Treaty of Lisbon provides a new legal basis for children's rights.
It is almost certain that the new negotiators of the US, the Commission, India, will not be going back to the same old quick fixes of July 2008 that did not work even then.
We needed to stick to an extremely ambitious timetable if we wanted to ensure that we could actually succeed in revising the UCITS Directive, which has been in place since 1985 in its initial form, by the end of this parliamentary term.
What is the Commission doing to implement those reforms?
I tabled an amendment to this report demanding a gender analysis of all abortions performed in the world, and guess what happened?
But the city of Strasbourg provides a first-class tram system, with a tram stop outside this very building, so why are MEPs here in Strasbourg not leading by example?
It goes without saying that we should lay down clear environmental requirements in these free trade agreements.
They informed me of the ongoing problem of defending religious freedom.
(FR) Madam President, I wonder if the demagogues of Rome and Paris and their cohorts here in the European Parliament realise what their request to reinstate internal border controls actually implies.
Cancer is one of the main areas of Community action in the field of public health, since every year 3.2 million Europeans are diagnosed with cancer, which represents the second most frequent cause of death after heart disease.
(HU) According to the official discourse generated by the global economic crisis, confidence in the international financial system needs urgently to be rebuilt.
The Council has followed the approach adopted by the Legal Affairs Committee here.
The Commission has made an effort in its SEPA roadmap of September 2009.
I would mention in particular two countries with which Portugal has strong ties of history and affection, namely Brazil and Angola, two important global players in South America and Africa, respectively, which the EU must increasingly regard as partners.
Therefore, transitional periods should be established, as well as supervisory institutions in order to safeguard against the negative impact on the Ukrainian economy and society.
I therefore supported the release of funds on the basis of the option provided under Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 for such exceptional situations.
What was the communications strategy of the Commission and its members during the run-up to the referendum in Ireland?
It is renewable forms of energy that Africa needs at the present time.
We hope that the forthcoming elections will be held freely and that the opposition parties and anyone who wishes to stand for election can exercise this fundamental right.
They are also asking why it was not possible to get to Krakow by road or rail on Sunday, but it was possible to get to Strasbourg by these means on Monday.
This becomes clear when one looks at the past year and a half of its activities.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I have listened to your responses and I must confess that I am perplexed, because on the one hand, the Commission says that if we want more information, we must go and knock on the door of the Member States.
However, I would expect more light to be thrown on the particular questions I have asked, because the questions are specific, and the answer was given in general outline.
The idea of 'going local', working with people in their own environment to gain their support for a European future, is crucial.
According to the World Bank's estimates, in 2050, the deficit produced by pensions expenditure would have reached approximately 12% of GDP under the old system.
I supported this report, just as I support the economic governance package as a whole.
As the texts suggest, the negotiated conditions should help to establish some stability in this area.
What I do find sensible, however, is that Member States should share information about their pension systems with each other and that they should make efforts to address specific problems by that means.
It is hurting the reputation of the country, its citizens and their ambitions for a European future.
That is why we want to find a solution that will enable us to guarantee the security of European visas while respecting the fundamental rights of third-country nationals who apply for them, particularly with regard to the protection of personal data.
So, we have come a long way and in a positive direction.
I for one will not vote to ratify any new commission that fails to have the issue within its work programme for its first 12 months.
According to the Court of Auditors, there is a risk when it comes to quality and financial information.
The only difference is that the European monsters do not have to worry about capital punishment.
I should like to emphasise that maintaining that balance is a sine qua non for us.
(Parliament adopted the motion.)
I would like to hear you describe how you intend to ensure that human rights and aspirations for equality are mainstreamed into this forthcoming External Action Service.
Mr Czarnecki, I ask you to take the floor on a point of order.
The Road Map that we will present to you as a rough draft next spring will provide this.
At a time of savage economic and financial crisis, in which there is little aid available to sustain companies and jobs, I welcome the proposal made in this resolution by my colleagues from the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) to support EU fishers by increasing the ceiling for de minimis aid from EUR 30 000 to EUR 60 000 per company for a three-year period.
The report does not tackle the core issue regarding the causes of environmental abuse, which is the predatory nature of capitalism.
The next item is the report by Mr Százjer, on behalf of the Committee on Legal Affairs, on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission's exercise of implementing powers - C7-0073/2010-.
Mr President, I voted against this report.
This is also a chance to combat the relativisation of past crimes.
Why is Switzerland doing so well?
Following the outline of her approach on EPAs to Parliament in October last year and to the Council in November, there was a strengthening of contacts with our political counterparts in the various ACP regions.
The scenes of people fleeing are proof that this is just as much a South-South issue as it is a North-South one.
Its most severe effects are particularly evident among the population in rural areas, who are dependent on making a living from agriculture.
We know about it in this House, and it is public knowledge.
I voted in favour because of the main thrust of the report, specifically: strengthening the 'territorial cooperation' objective through territorial cohesion programming at all planning stages and in coordination with the Europe 2020 strategy; adopting a territorial approach to other EU policies; encouraging the establishment of European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs); simplifying the implementation of this policy; and committing to making it visible across Europe are the reasons behind my vote in favour.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - Madam President, here is a concrete example of what a one-size-fits-all integrated European judicial system leads to.
There are even a large number of children who cannot be registered in such educational institutions due to an insufficient number of places.
(Applause)
All arms exports are wrong.
in writing. - (FI) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to bid Kosovo a heartfelt welcome as one of the countries of Europe.
I call on Member States to eliminate barriers hampering the mobility of workers from new Member States, bearing in mind the positive impact of worker mobility in the context of the financial and economic crisis.
Of particular importance regarding transparency in 2008 was the Commission's proposal to reform Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 on public access to documents.
We therefore need to be more political, and we also need to reflect the multiannual challenge of initiatives of the scale we intend.
Mr President, I would like to tell the Commissioner that I too favour 'may' and not 'shall'.
This baggage could reduce the effectiveness of the measures prepared in these documents.
I voted against the resolution because it contains too much wishful thinking.
The first is about the Treaty of Lisbon: following the 'yes' vote in Ireland and the signing by the President of Poland, it is expected that the Constitutional Tribunal of the Czech Republic will deliver its opinion and President Klaus will do what he should, and sign the Treaty.
If we want to further the growth of our European film industry and promote the idea of Europe, we not only need better quality, which is already very good but could be even better, but we must also give our creative artists financial assistance.
In terms of funding adaptation and mitigation in developing countries, the severe constraints that weigh on these countries continue to be ignored, such as the massive, unfair foreign debt carried by the least developed countries.
The debate is closed.
So perhaps it is appropriate to ask for a cessation of the fighting, whilst aid agencies can get access and whilst civilians are allowed to leave the disputed areas.
The human rights of women and of the girl-child are still far from being an unalienable, integral and indivisible part of universal human rights, called for in the United Nations Vienna Declaration of 1993.
(Applause)
This is a genuine and ongoing concern of EU citizens.
The European Parliament henceforth has powers of codecision in relation to both trade policy and fisheries policy, and it fully intends to make its voice heard and to ensure that its point of view is respected in these matters.
We are working closely with Member States, both in Zimbabwe and here in Europe, to coordinate action at the level of the European Union.
I hope Parliament will not devalue the compromise put forward, which will allow Europe to become a leader in the fight against climate change.
The EUR 5 billion that was initially announced is now set at EUR 7.5 billion each year for a four-year period.
Stepping-stone Agreement towards an Economic Partnership Agreement between the EC and Côte d'Ivoire (
You have children and you know how it is.
However, the risk that the initiative could be exploited by certain non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or by a given sector of industry should not be ignored.
If one of these preconditions is lacking, though, you will not get Europeans to give up more sovereignty to these institutions that we currently find ourselves in.
I do not disagree but I do not want the European Union to be the only banker in this round.
I firmly believe that if the EU wants to be the largest exporter of cars and at the same time wants to be a global leader in the fight against climate change then it must help its car industry, which is the largest private investor in research and development.
I therefore voted in favour of this motion for a resolution.
I would like to pick up on a couple of points that have been raised.
Some speakers have said 'yes, but we must have free movement'.
If you had a school report on your first 100 days, it would say 'you must do better', but the reality is that if you were in the office for 100 years, you would still be a failure.
The overall statistics - the averages - are very bad; they are really alarming.
I think that is a reasonable agreement; now a decision has to be made.
There is also discussion about a donor conference.
With regard to this course of action, the European Union should play its part by giving thought, at the appropriate time and in the appropriate form, to possible technical measures to complement the UN sanctions and, at the same time, by confirming its readiness for debate and dialogue, which should never be lost, even at difficult times.
The debate is closed.
I wish to stress that it is vital for the Copenhagen criteria to be implemented properly, robustly and scrupulously for the whole region, which means Serbia as well, because they alone guarantee respect for European values, the rule of law and viable democracies.
If Europe wants to realise its ambition to be a true player in world politics, it should eliminate such differences between its members, thus trying to motivate them equally around true common economic interests.
Without Europe, there would have been massacres.
After all, his EU pension might depend on him not attacking EU policies.
The national contact points proposed in this document are thus one of the key innovations and will play a huge role in helping and facilitating patient mobility.
We support the call for the human rights dimension to be clearly reflected in the work of FRONTEX, especially the right of a person to leave his or her country, the ban on refoulement and the right to seek asylum.
Why?
in writing. - One of the top security measures that have been agreed to is the issue of biometrics in passport and travel documents.
That much was also clear back during the debate on the accession of Bulgaria and Romania.
This is the responsibility of Vice-President Kallas who is Transport Commissioner.
It is significant that the possibility is being raised of mobilising the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to alleviate the impact of this agreement.
I have come across a file of a detainee who died during interrogation because of waterboarding in boiling water'.
Far from being a shortcoming of the instrument, the Commission sees such variety as proof of the dynamism and potential of the dialogue instrument and an asset that should be preserved.
The debate is closed.
The second thing is as I said earlier.
We will also monitor the use of EU funding to ensure that the projects to be financed are consistent with the objectives and requirements defined in our waste legislation.
For Europe, trade policy must be consistent with all the Union's objectives, particularly those of its foreign policy. It is, in fact, one of the levers of foreign policy intended to help regulate globalisation.
We also believe in women playing a full role in politics.
You are well aware that this provision has not gone unnoticed among some of our external partners, whose names I have mentioned.
Traders must be open and up-front about the main characteristics of the service provided.
It is also important, however, that social legislation be applied in order to protect both drivers and the public at large.
I attach great importance to these comments, and I shall gladly pass them on in Luxembourg.
Negotiations at the NPT Review Conference in 2005 were a disaster.
The reason is that, following a voluntary agreement concluded between the Commission and the car industry more than ten years ago, the latter has knowingly and wilfully failed to meet its targets.
Anyway, I know that the French Presidency is working on it and I hope it will succeed.
Finally, on a European code for the integration of legal immigrants, Europe should shoulder its responsibilities, it should be authoritative and credible, it should become a Europe of rights and rules that are complied with.
Improved coordination on economic policy is without doubt a good idea for Europe's long-term growth.
Turkey is controlling the situation politically, and it is time it realised that it has to abandon this policy.
The Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats), the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, the European Conservatives and Reformists and the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament propose backing and even speeding up this policy and this glaring denial of democracy.
I also support the involvement of the European Commission in organizing public debates together with the relevant European non-governmental organizations, in order to identify the best solutions, both as regards the communication campaign and the turning to account of the Member States' experience and good practice.
Because the problem is worldwide: China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Peru fish.
Only a united front by other members and the observers on the Arctic Council, working through the EU's Northern Dimension policy, will keep the Kremlin in check.
The regulations we will adopt based upon the concept of flexicurity should primarily eliminate such situations.
Thus, with a proper impact assessment and by spelling out the different legal alternatives, along with a clear definition of the objectives and financing for European infrastructure, the long-term strategic projects for building a stronger EU will be easier to achieve.
In order to ensure equal treatment between Member States, the interest-bearing deposit and the fine should be identical for all Member States whose currency is the euro and equal to 0.1% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the Member State concerned in the preceding year.
The fourth point is that we would like the Commission to provide the resources to enable us to hold an interinstitutional conference with the aim of obtaining a positive statement of assurance from the European Court of Auditors.
I will remind you of some facts: Turkey has 90 million inhabitants, strong demographic growth and above all we must not forget the fact that the Turkish speaking countries of Central Asia are demanding Turkish citizenship and the Turkish State seems intent on giving it to them.
Use of information technology for customs purposes (
As you added today, America needs Europe.
I therefore call on the Commission to promote the fundamental principles of public health protection and access to medicines when negotiating the technical particulars of the anti-counterfeiting trade agreement.
Secondly, monetary union.
Rising budget deficits in Member States combined with growing debt are the primary macro-economic consequences of the crisis.
In this case we have to assist President Karzai and the Government of Afghanistan in revisiting this law and making sure that it is in line with international commitments and the constitution.
Starting from the Union's motto of ”Unity in diversity”, I welcome the Parliament's decision to ask the Commission to draw up an integrated strategy for the sustainable development and use of mountain resources, thus giving equal opportunities to European citizens who choose to live in the more difficult conditions of mountain areas.
The next item is one-minute speeches on matters of political importance.
It is my opinion that, due to the differences in opinion we have, there is a distortion already.
I am sure all of us want good relations with Turkey and many of us, probably the majority, wish to see Turkey one day as a member of the European Union, a different European Union to what is being developed today.
It was with great sadness that I learnt of the deaths in Greece; it is very sad.
However, 74 directives still have not been transposed in one or more European Union Member States, and this means that barriers, very harmful barriers, continue to affect citizens and entrepreneurs in the internal market.
The energy market is a global market.
We are currently working on what is referred to as the Washington Statement, which will describe the situation with regard to legal and domestic policy issues and the cooperation in this area between the EU and the US.
Today, the authorities in Niger are not allowing serious studies to be carried out on the situation regarding radioactivity among these people, but we know that they are in an alarming situation.
The FTT provides an opportunity to redress the balance and the damage caused by the austerity measures, the deficit and the measures adopted to repay it.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, speaking in this House today, President Sarkozy gave an honest account of the nature of the compromise on the climate package.
The European Union has been struggling to combat illegal logging, while seeking to conserve forest resources and promote their sustainable use globally.
Both the UN and the Commission undertook to apply specific guidelines and to monitor their application closely.
Finally, it is worth emphasising that 2006 is the last year of the Berlin Agenda (2000-2006 financial perspective), so this should be a budget year that features a good take-up of EU money.
A global financial system needs transparency.
I say this very simply but genuinely, even before the Presidency: we really need the European Parliament in order to gain acceptance for this asylum policy.
Hitherto Moldova has fully exhausted the quota it was allocated, therefore an increase in duty free tariff quotas will enable Moldova to increase sales of its production in the EU, without damaging the EU's wine industry.
For the benefit of the youngest member of the French delegation, I hope that the young people of this Parliament will support this movement.
And finally the permanent crisis mechanism has been described as a tool to strengthen the eurozone.
In answer to Mr Zwiefka's question, we will certainly talk to the banks.
in writing. - The report from Ms Badia i Cutchet on improving the quality of teacher education today touches on some important issues.
The guide must provide for traffic control within the blocks, coordinated with adjacent blocks so that there are no overlapping areas.
We therefore need coordination at EU level and, of course, we must ensure that both recipient and donor receive the best possible treatment.
The regions are equally important in promoting and ensuring more efficient ways of funding research, in accordance with the commitments made in the Operational Programmes.
Where are these?
(DE) Mr President, I have a question for you, Mr Farage.
As soon as Israel withdraws from all occupied territories, 57 Arab and Muslim countries will be willing to normalise their relationships with Israel.
(DE) Mr President, the Lisbon Strategy did not have any sustainable success.
The new Member States would have been forced to adopt the policy as part of the acquis communautaire and hence would have been compelled to start as new Member States under unreasonable conditions.
In fact, I do not see how agriculture could be competitive in the medium and long term without careful management of natural resources.
The international community tolerated their being postponed year after year by the regime of Laurent Gbagbo.
We obviously recognise the need for mechanisms allowing the reciprocal transmission of information extracted from criminal records between the Member States, but this must be assessed on a case-by-case basis and within a framework of cooperation.
The use of renewable energies will then play an important role for the developing countries.
We also succeeded in striking a small blow against the global Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda (FDLR).
The changes made to the common agricultural policy will therefore not be merely qualitative - improving the targeting of our objectives - they will also aim to distribute payments among the Member States - both within the Member States themselves and among the various categories of farms - precisely in order to make better use of the available resources in terms of the objectives that have been set.
Transfers of appropriations: see Minutes
In other words, today we are presenting in plenary something that took two and a half years to discuss, debate and decide.
And, with the ongoing review of this acquis, the Commission will elaborate if there is further need to address the obligations of service providers and the rights of consumers in these areas.
The proposed EUR 309 million in funding from a reserve budgetary source blocks other parliamentary initiatives such as the strategically important Galileo project.
Until this happens, it will be impossible to sue for damages in cases of manufacturers and importers who misuse the European conformity mark symbolising the safety of the product to gain unfair advantage and deceive customers both in Europe and abroad.
Opportunities to work with the Obama Administration should not be spoilt by a transatlantic war of words.
The entire package, as it now stands, is exceptionally well balanced.
Do we realise what we are discussing?
My kids are not going to school; I do not have a passport; we are stuck in a refugee camp; why are you talking about a minor institutional problem when you could have done something to help our problem?'
The second part of my question was in relation to humanitarian aid.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I believe it is now important to unite our voices in thanking Mr Barnier for his work and also for the outstanding work of Mr Harbour.
Interim economic partnership agreements are the most savage form of agreement which the EU has required of developing countries to date.
The Lisbon Treaty was a very difficult compromise for all parties involved.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I would like to once again thank the rapporteur and the plenary for their support for putting Taiwan on the positive list.
This, I am sure, will give all students, whether they are poor or rich, the possibility of taking advantage of these excellent mobility grants.
What is needed are clear guidelines for bilateral discussions about travel to the United States without visas, but there are issues that are in the EU's power.
We will note that in the minutes, although I would prefer not to comment on it.
Food prices are increasing simultaneously in all countries without there being any increase in raw material prices.
The Ecofin Council will review compliance with the programme for the first quarter at its meeting on 17 May, next Tuesday.
Children, women, innocent civilians.
(RO) More than one year after Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU and almost nine years after the beginning of the Bologna process, eight European countries do not acknowledge the university degrees and other qualifications obtained in these two Member States.
If you think you have a mandate for that, you are a disgrace and a scoundrel.
That maxim also applies to this latest reform of the common organisation of the market in wine.
When we eliminate the barriers that prevent us tapping our full economic potential, then we can do a great deal more to achieve our political, social and ecological goals.
This is precisely the sense of the text being tabled, which calls, in practical terms, for the individual abuses of power to be concealed behind collective guilt.
According to the priorities of the Czech Presidency, the high number of people killed on European roads requires an enhancement of Europe-wide effort to improve road safety.
I believe the efforts submitted by the rapporteurs and the Council should be appreciated and the directive should be approved in the form presented at this first reading.
These people are receiving non-personalised services instead of real assistance, while they could hold their own in the labour market and would be capable of working.
The question is whether we can count on your cooperation.
c.
It is a question of the protection of our children.
One of the Union's international commitments is indeed to promote democracy and human rights around the world.
Of course, the review of the Working Time Directive is a compromise and, as with all compromises, we have had to leave out some of our initial objectives.
That is the EU-wide package that has now been prepared on top of all the contributions that are already being made and will be made by the Member States.
We can only make social progress if growth plays a part.
However, the Commission recognised in its guidelines for national regional aid that situations might arise where adjustments are necessary and, in accordance with point 104 of the guidelines, Member States were therefore offered the possibility to proceed to a mid-term review of the regional aid maps regarding regions designated under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Guy Verhofstadt spoke just now about casino games.
The uncertainty, impatience, helplessness and loss of confidence are palpable, as are the gaps in the regulation of financial markets.
In February 2008, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations about Swiss participation in the two programmes.
These included: the need to duly consider the accessibility handicap affecting regions with specific natural or geographical characteristics, such as the outermost regions; the need for the renewed EU tourism policy to make European tourism sustainable in economic, social, territorial, environmental and cultural terms; the promotion of Europe as a tourist destination or a collection of attractive tourist destinations; the need to coordinate the policies with a direct or indirect impact on tourism; closer cooperation among the stakeholders in the sector - the European Commission and the Member States, the regions, local authorities and tourism services - and better use of existing European financial instruments.
The report calls on the Commission to set up a special system, according to which the EU, through various aspects of international trade, would, in future, be able to help countries that have suffered natural disasters.
Furthermore, it is very important that there should be political commitment and unambiguous support behind every undertaking.
In order to obtain this 'European passport' from the competent EU supervisory authorities, alternative fund managers will therefore have to accept clear rules, limits to speculation and greater transparency
Stricter sanctions should be imposed on the direct offenders, including legal persons, as well as the users of services provided by the victims.
Under this arrangement contracts can be awarded without respecting the appropriate European regulations, which creates a vicious circle of illegality and inefficiency.
She survives, but has to live with this for the rest of her life.
There is still a worrying grey area in relation to definitions, such as prior authorisation and the concept of hospital care.
(DA) Mr President, a large majority in Parliament has once again decided that we here in this House are to support a financial transaction tax.
in writing. - (LT) I endorsed this report, because the Committee on Legal Affairs believes that in giving the interview in question, Mr Luigi de Magistris was acting in performance of his duties as a Member of the European Parliament and carrying out political activities by expressing his opinion on a matter of public interest to his constituents.
In fact, most migration happens outside Europe, within countries or regions on other continents.
Secondly, I regret that a slightly artificial opposition has emerged on the issue of a tax on financial transactions and that there are two very similar amendments.
However, I should point out that many Member States call for European resources in order to conceal the fact that they are taking inadequate measures themselves.
On the Piecyk report on an integrated maritime policy, the two speakers from our group were the Greek Member Pafilis and the Portuguese Member Guerreiro.
I sense, though, that you are competent and capable and dangerous, and I have no doubt that it is your intention to be the quiet assassin of European democracy and of the European nation states.
It is quite clear that this is a case in which a project was subdivided into smaller parts for the purposes of circumvention.
It is not enough to offer the local language and perhaps English.
That is why we cannot allow promotion and information action to be sidelined. On the contrary, we should accept them as a European Union priority.
Let us remember the initial positions of some Members of this Parliament in the face of increasing concern in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, in the face of demonstrations against the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), in the face of warning signals from NGOs from the North as well as the South, when we were demanding that the priority in these agreements should be development, something that seems obvious today, as the Commission is constantly repeating it.
Environmental issues add to the complexity and scale of the problem.
The people are suffering not only from the effects of the civil war, but also from the consequences of the tsunami and other natural disasters.
Thank you for the very good reply.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I would just like to repeat that, although the results are not fully satisfactory from the Commission's perspective, we would not like to delay or put at risk the compromise that provides some improvements for savers.
(SV) Mr President, Mr Rehn, the work you are doing is absolutely excellent.
The Commission has in the past tolerated both significant budget deficits and, especially, a level of public debt exceeding 60% of GDP, and it appears to be tolerating these still.
My second point concerns the policies, and firstly the common agricultural policy (CAP).
A resolution on matters of history is always an acknowledgment of values, while the lack of position is also, in itself, a position.
Two years ago we in Parliament came up with the idea of strengthening the parliamentary dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy East; our proposal intends to set up a joint parliamentary assembly comprising members of the European Parliament and deputies of the parliaments of the six countries.
Firstly, there is political dialogue.
One thing that was missing - it is referred to in only one place - was the vision of the Council and the Commission in this respect.
in writing. - I supported the De Keyser/Salafranca Sanchez-Neyra report, which deals with important issues.
Written statements (Rule 149)
In addition, the Globalisation Fund suffers from a lack of flexibility, and if you are a worker who is made redundant and is unfortunate enough to come from a company that is not on the list, you will simply not be eligible for support.
However, we need to make it clear that we want to use all of the instruments to help to stem speculation and that, above all and in order to prevent a new crisis, resources are available to help those banks that, in spite of this, still get into difficulty.
I trust that the Commission and the Council will support innovators' ideas and that the use of new water paradigm will get the support it deserves in Europe too.
The Montenegrin authorities are working speedily to bring themselves into line with European standards.
I agree with the call for the Commission to ensure that banks reimburse the exorbitant levels of State aid they received, thereby ensuring fair competition within the internal market.
However, this is our national problem and does not concern the Presidency so much; nevertheless, I felt I owed you an explanation.
President Klaus now has no excuse and has to respect democracy and the parliament which elected him, and which has already approved the Treaty of Lisbon.
Of course, as with many other texts, we could have gone further but can we take the risk of threatening the compromise position when this text will already allow major advances in protecting workers and their dignity?
Written statements (Rule 149)
This response must take into account three factors.
If the greater energy security of the Union is to be more than just an empty slogan, we cannot manage without stable and competitive coal mines and a coal industry.
Knowledge cannot, by definition, be a static concept, so it can only exist through a dynamic, structured process of research and new discoveries.
The Agency will be indispensable in the immediate future in view of the appalling fact that 88% of fish stocks in the EU are being overfished.
Unfortunately, we are among the last to adopt a common position.
That is why we have a strategy with two aspects to it, one of which is the military aspect involving security and stability on the ground.
The economic area exists, the single currency exists, the single European sky exists, but the single political area has yet to be created.
It was important not to contribute to a European legal framework which would impede the development of the technology and restrict the democratic, social and professional scope and potential of the Internet.
The livelihoods of many Irish farmers, and indeed the reputation of Irish food products abroad suffered because we had to have such a disproportionate response, when only six to seven per cent of our pig farms were contaminated, since the Irish system of identification and traceability failed at the point of the slaughter-house.
However, I would draw attention to the important role played by health professionals, who are there to identify chronic health risks linked to obesity, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease and of course the consequences that such ailments have for overweight people.
I would point out that only in China do such things happen.
I would therefore like to speak not so much about mercury, as about the specific example of a region whose fundamental activity is undergoing massive change.
The situation is critical in the area of pork production, where feed accounts for 60% of production costs, but rising costs may gradually threaten all branches of livestock production in the EU.
However, the balance and coordination between Member States has been thrown out of kilter by enlargement.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question under Rule 149(8))
Up to 80% of the toys on the EU market are imported, and it has to be said that during 2007 millions of toys produced in China were withdrawn from the market because they did not conform to European standards.
As Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, I would like to highlight the significance of the tourism sector for Europe's economic, social and cultural development.
The new proposal was necessary, because a few shortcomings emerged in the application of the 2002 regulation which led to problems in practice.
I can only recommend you to follow the same principle in respect of the Hungarian media law, which has been in force for weeks now.
Too often we lack sufficient data, statistics, which are indispensable as a basis for our work in better monitoring, better understanding and, of course, better combating child abuse.
This is why, in addition to the highest safety standards in the EU, we also need an exit scenario from a risky technology, which we cannot justify using on the densely populated continent of Europe.
They simply want to be allowed to withdraw from the market with dignity, because they have done their sums and the only way to survive is to reduce the volumes produced.
The increase in prices of motor and heating fuels for households between April 2007 and April 2008 exceeded by far the overall growth of consumer prices.
Regional airports are my particular concern.
This Treaty is an attempt to pave the way for neo-liberal policies which run counter to social rights and advances gained, serving the interests of the large multinationals.
In my opinion, in a true dialogue one of the options should also be that the interlocutors ultimately may agree to disagree, obviously while still respecting each other's views and approaches.
The costs are also considerable: I hear that it will cost EUR 100 million just to build a suitable runway and headquarters.
I think that one of the lessons from this crisis is that it actually shows that the European Central Bank will need to have a supervisory role.
The British courts cannot now protect British citizens from unjust arrest and imprisonment by foreign courts.
author. - (IT) Madam President, I would first of all like to thank the Commissioner because I found that the answers he gave were very persuasive.
We hope very much that Singapore will go along with our strong wish to respect basic rights.
The UNHRC should therefore be better equipped to address both chronic and emergency situations, through the expansion of the human rights toolbox, by using panels not just during but also in-between sessions.
in writing. - (RO) I voted in favour of this report because, through this new legislative proposal, the Regulation on waste statistics is adapted to comitology, that is to regulation by control.
The lives of United Nations staff there are not safe.
I am glad that we are putting this to bed as I personally feel that I wish to resign from being 'Mrs VIS' after this.
First, legislation alone will not solve this problem.
(The House rose and observed a minute's silence)
Best-practice exchange, for instance, among the regulators is something that we always encourage.
The question of expanding the framework of this directive should form the topic of further negotiations in the Council.
We are also going to seek a compromise that allows us to retain a genuine and effective safety net.
And so, as intense as today's debate may have been, there have been common points on which, I believe, we are all in agreement: there should be a common European framework, we should do everything at every level to ensure the highest possible level of safety, and we should do all this in a transparent manner, ensuring maximum publicity.
I take it that you can hear the difference between being able to say, in Cancún, on behalf of the European Union: 'We have delivered', and saying: 'We have almost delivered'.
However, I note that at present the 'globally-harmonised' system is not very global.
The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety has debated this issue in detail and will table a proposal for a recommendation in plenary tomorrow, and we would be very pleased if the Council and the Commission were able to endorse these recommendations.
In any case, while I support the citizens of the European Union, I do not understand why part of Europe is excluded from this directive.
Madam President, 'biodiversity' is a word I often hear bandied about by Eurocrats, MEPs and lobbyists out here in Brussels.
First and foremost, the economic operators, that is to say manufacturers, importers and traders, are under obligation.
The label is a powerful tool that should primarily promote European identity through cultural diversity.
He is right, but in the end we had the trilogue, we had several meetings, and at the end of those meetings we signalled our agreement.
in writing. - (DE) The report by Mrs Gomes on the European Union's role in Iraq unfortunately sidesteps the two main issues of relevance to the situation in Iraq.
In addition, the report claims that European solidarity and economic development will be threatened by a reduction of the budget.
(The sitting was closed at 11.45 p.m.)
(HU) Thank you, Mr President.
in writing. - Health service structures vary greatly across the EU, and I support this directive that outlines a coherent approach to funding cross-border healthcare.
In the Plan for Achieving Gender Equality, the European Commission undertook to support the efforts being made by Member States in this area.
Unfortunately, it sees every crisis as an opportunity to extend its own powers and rarely asks whether its actions in one area are having a detrimental effect in another.
Therefore, in order to safeguard the future of the European car industry, it is extremely important for us to ensure that it can be based on realistic and sensible business plans and have responsible ownership.
I got a pilot project on that in the budget in 2004.
I agree that the World Heath Organisation should revise the definition of a pandemic, not basing this solely on the spread of the virus, but also including the possible severity of a disease to allow for more adequate responses and protect EU citizens from real dangers.
That, Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, is how the Belgian Presidency's intention to put social issues at the top of the European agenda has been put into practice.
It should be noted, however, that the time frame and budgetary arrangements for ARTEMIS and the other joint undertakings (2008-2013) are not in line with standard financial arrangements laid down in the seven-year financial perspective 2007-2013. This could give rise to certain problems in the future.
More than 30 years after the introduction of equal pay legislation, women in the EU earn 15% less than men and progress has been slow in closing the gender pay gap with men.
And it is incumbent on us to do what we can to address the concerns that were expressed by the 'no' vote.
I also think it would be good for the Commission to report to Parliament on this subject in 2012.
This is very important and if we are talking about solidarity, honest competition and the common market, then we must behave accordingly.
Today in the EU, the heating of buildings accounts for the highest amount of energy used and the most CO2 emitted - about 40% of all CO2 emitted.
However, this report completely fails to mention the role of Islam.
This assessment had broadly positive results, with the exception of observations concerning a contract concluded for the provision of services.
This is a very retrograde step and will be used as a pretext to return to violence by extremists.
Such a fight would be both futile and ridiculous.
Blocking, reducing or watering down the European budget is paradoxically contrary to the interests of the 27 Member States and 500 million Europeans.
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland and the Schengen acquis (
This is the oral amendment as agreed: 'Notes the announcement of new presidential elections by the junta, but deplores the failure - contrary to the position of the 2005-2007 junta - of a commitment to neutrality; calls on the military in power to commit themselves forthwith to a timetable for the restoration of the democratic institutions, in cooperation with the political forces'.
I think that this decision should serve as a catalyst in the process of harmonisation and redrafting, in particular, when it comes to the Dublin regulation.
In accordance with Article 151 of the treaty, the Community's actions must help encourage cooperation between Member States in order to contribute to the flourishing of Member States' cultures, while respecting at the same time their diversity at national and regional level and focusing on our common cultural heritage.
This requires harmonisation of national legislation to encourage the free movement of people, goods, services and capital.
These are primarily immigrants from the east.
There should be no doubt about that.
We must learn from this chaotic ratification process and also, obviously, from this commitment to hold negotiations on the organisation of a second referendum in Ireland, as if it were normal to make a population that has taken a sovereign decision vote again, and as if it were normal for agreement to a treaty to be used as a bargaining chip.
All measures, ranging from assistance for farmers to intervention measures, are necessary - in fact, absolutely necessary.
I would also agree with Mr Caspary on time limits.
The European Protection Order aims to ensure that the protection offered to an individual in one Member State will be maintained and continued in any other Member State to which the person relocates or has been relocated, regardless of the crime they have suffered.
But I am confident it is working as well as we could expect at this point.
Written explanations of vote
The report supports the main points identified by the Ministerial Declaration on the Digital Agenda approved at the Informal Meeting of Telecommunications Ministers in Granada on 18 and 19 April.
However, consumers are entitled to expect those quality products and expect us to have the testing procedures to ensure that the products on the market have been through those sorts of approval procedures.
Iceland is a member of EFTA, most of EU-Iceland economic relations fall under the EEA, Iceland is an associate member of the Schengen agreement and has many other trade, economic and social ties to the EU.
We experienced all sorts of things that people in African countries are now experiencing.
In the current climate of severe economic and social crisis, this situation requires a different approach.
One third of the Czech energy mix comprises power obtained from reliable nuclear plants.
Indeed, this is a very good report.
The third point I want to raise concerns document formats, because the PPE-DE Group has also requested a split vote on paragraph 7, concerning this point.
- (CS) Mr President, I would like to put a question to the Commissioner as I have rather a different opinion.
For Mrs Chanhthava of Sepone District in Laos, who lost a leg and damaged her sight after she accidentally struck a cluster bomb while working to gather food for her family in the rice fields.
Since it sounds to me that the CAP is very unhealthy, is it not time to turn off the life-support machine and let European farmers make their own way?
I would therefore appeal for a subtle shift in the CAP to make it more relevant and able to guarantee our food self-sufficiency, the vitality of our agricultural sector and the preservation of our rural areas.
Another major problem relates to the collection of data and information.
We are completely opposed to the EU's intention to facilitate the appropriation by transnational companies of the region's accumulated wealth, natural resources and biodiversity, which will exploit workers, promote unemployment, ruin millions of small farmers, destroy the environment, block progress and deny the rights and sovereignty of peoples.
In truth, the lives of our disabled vary incredibly from country to country.
However, public property in Greece is not all the same: commercial property, such as buildings which do not serve any public function, is one thing, and a radical change in the use of land at the expense of the environment is quite another, as it puts at risk free spaces, such as the old Athens airport, which are intended to compensate for the lack of green spaces in cities which have less than 3 square metres of green space per inhabitant, at a time when the European average is 10 square metres of green space per inhabitant.
This is an extremely dangerous message.
Once the recast version of the MID has been adopted, the remaining directives will be repealed.
We also have questions surrounding Article 3(c) about where people should be returned to, and feel that, if the reference to 'other arrangements' includes the metaphorical handshakes that we have seen in the past between Mr Berlusconi and Gadafi, this is unacceptable as such accords are made outside of written public agreements.
We hope that Parliament and the Council will approve it in the coming fortnight.
I took part in the G20 business summit as well, where I highlighted the importance of companies' social responsibility.
The second type of action is strategic in nature and amounts to making an offer to states that were formerly part of the Soviet Union.
On a political and military level now, a reminder of the need for a no-fly zone is certainly necessary, if not just politically, then also militarily.
I believe the plan we are discussing today has three plus points that allow us to talk of a good start.
A key emphasis for Parliament and the Committee is that 20% of the funds have to be used for basic health care and basic and further education, so as to establish a foundation for the future.
This is our intention.
in writing. - In keeping with past practice, the Committee on Foreign Affairs draws up Parliament recommendations to the Council for the session of the United Nations General Assembly.
We would like to congratulate Parliament on the very important work done.
Children are most at risk from human trafficking, and there must be help and protection available for all victims of trafficking, especially children.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, many of you will have read 'The Trial' by Kafka: it is a fictional work but it is what is happening today in my country, a country of great democratic traditions, with a government elected by the sovereign people, but in which an attempt is being made to undermine the democratic vote with an historically unprecedented attack by the media and the courts.
Social inclusion and social protection are basic values of the European Union and fundamental rights for all individuals.
First, we must reinforce both the preventive and corrective arms of the Stability and Growth Pact.
The success of our policy depends on adequate and innovative methods of funding being mobilised to limit as much as possible the impact on people, ecological balance and economic activities.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the European Union is committed to combating all forms of terrorism.
In Chernobyl the cause was human error, while in Fukushima it was the natural elements.
In particular: the idea of an EU Defence White Paper that would 'explicitly identify opportunities for the pooling of defence resources at EU level'; the demand for increases in staff to man duplicative EU military structures; the establishment of a permanent EU 'operational HQ, responsible for the operational planning and conduct of EU military operations'; and the idea of a vanguard group of nations to take forward defence integration using the Treaty of Lisbon's mechanism of 'Permanent Structured Cooperation'.
What the rapporteur said in her foreword is perfectly true, in the sense that priorities are not defined clearly enough and good intentions are often limited by lack of financial resources.
We must not make it harder for them to use wood, which is a fantastic natural material.
But it goes without saying that State aid on this scale created distortions of competition.
Ukraine must - and here I agree entirely with Mr Zaleski - have a European perspective, a prospect of accession to the EU.
The Interim Partnership Agreement between the European Community, of the one part, and two of the ACP countries, namely Papua New Guinea and Fiji, of the other part, should be regarded as a step towards a comprehensive agreement.
On the other hand, urgent measures must be taken to combat cyber crime and, on this subject, I would like to emphasise the importance of devising a global strategy.
His reputation for integrity and his technical qualities, revealed throughout a demanding selection process, promise an attentive and active mandate in the supervisory authority over which he will now preside.
It could be compared to establishing four common spaces between the EU and Russia, but the main element of this relationship will be reciprocity and conditionality.
These various provisions are in keeping with the European Parliament's new responsibilities granted by the Treaty of Lisbon: henceforth, as colegislators with ministers of the Member States on almost all European competences, MEPs must be able to benefit from in-depth technical expertise on legislative matters, but also to inform citizens of their work, in particular, by receiving them in Parliament in Strasbourg or Brussels.
That, I would stress, is what really scares me.
(NL) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I agree with what other speakers have already said and I would add that the Single European Sky needs to be completed as a matter of urgency.
5.
Mr President, I intend to verify carefully whether this scheme can be used in this case and you will certainly understand that I cannot take a position at this stage since the deal is not yet finalised and, by the way, a number of aspects are still being negotiated.
We do not simply allow other hazardous waste to leave the EU without guarantees with regard to the way in which it is going to be processed, and so there is no reason why we should do so with ships for scrapping.
The Copenhagen agreement, which provides neither ambitious objectives nor commitments, is an unsatisfactory result.
Written statements (Rule 149)
In this respect, I am of the opinion that this should not be made a political issue in this way, where the left are seemingly against the right, or whatever the situation is: the same standards must apply to everyone in this matter.
Russia is very sensitive about issues of its international standing and prestige: for instance, considerations of G7 versus G8.
It is the crisis that has changed many attitudes.
The new rules will make sure both that there are sufficient incentives for further innovation and that the traditional benefits from standardisations are passed on to consumers.
It is in this spirit that we go to Copenhagen not only to achieve the most ambitious agreement but also to have a real global agreement.
In both cases, the execution was halted - after EU intervention - to allow for presentation of evidence of age.
It is an unfortunate situation and we should all do our best to unblock the situation.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I am grateful to Mrs Martens, especially for the way in which we were able to work together in committee, for her attentiveness and also for the divergences that emerged, the differences between us; but I think the outcome, apart from a few points, is a very significant one.
Mr Klute, thank you for your comments.
That is what we have all agreed, but, of course, we have reason to believe that it is feasible because our impact assessment has already demonstrated this.
These are important votes and it is a very full agenda and I have every sympathy with you.
I venture to believe that the world's finest film-makers and writers live in Europe, yet the world's cinemas are dominated by Hollywood and the bookshops are full of entertainment in paperback form from America.
'Member States will prepare, ahead of the publication of the results, specific and ambitious strategies for the restructuring of vulnerable institutions, including private sector solutions ... but also a solid framework in line with State aid rules for the provision of government support in case of need.'
As we all know, the global economic crisis which started in 2007 broke out when, one by one, the investment banks in the United States hit liquidity problems.
They are not respected and, indeed, even within the Cotonou Agreement there is a question as to whether there should be respect for the rights of LGBT people.
They made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we often take for granted today, and their lives should never be forgotten.
I therefore think it is the task of this Parliament to organise hearings with the relevant committee as quickly as possible, so that we can hear all the parties concerned on this matter and find out exactly what is happening in the case of Greece.
On the substance of the report, my main point is that I agree with the rapporteur that Annexes I, II and III should be binding.
State of play of SIS II (debate)
in writing. - (DE) In today's vote on the text of the directive on consumer rights, some members of the German Free Democratic Party (FDP) in the European Parliament abstained.
The Commission has proposed some practical actions to overcome the pay gap between men and women.
In order to achieve this, it must combine every possible European Union cooperation instrument in the area of social and economic development, thereby having a direct influence on the causes of instability in the countries where the migration flows originate.
We are living in a period of economic uncertainty.
Furthermore, marginalisation must always be fought bilaterally - on the one hand, by the public authorities but, on the other, also by the groups affected, who should also play an active part in their own integration.
To this end, the various proposals that we have made include the creation of a European programme for employment and sustainable development, affecting 1% of EU gross domestic product, with additional capital from the Member States.
Refusing Member States this practical opportunity deprives them of the most effective means of disseminating our high European requirements.
I ask again, Commissioner; while everyone knows that most of these procurements were cofinanced works, only your services - and unfortunately your reply confirms as much - pretend that they do not know this, taking refuge in my view in arbitrary terms of Community provisions.
We hope that the European Commission will soon put forward brief proposals in this respect that go beyond just repressive logic.
More importantly, it is hardly the most positive signal to send to Podgorica, or indeed to countries elsewhere in the region, such as Macedonia, working hard to obtain candidate status.
There can be no doubt that some of the tasks performed by the EU would not be carried out by any other body.
The rule of law also requires a reform of the security sector and real progress in economic governance terms.
The release of the Burmese opposition leader, Mrs San Suu Kyi, is also a great challenge for us.
Perhaps Parliament made somewhat of a mistake, here, in what it expected of the negotiations - we wanted to take care of too many matters at the same time.
It is not our current Parliament that will carry it out.
People are also asking for a social Europe.
(RO) Mr President, before we proceed to the vote, I would like to request on behalf of my group that when we vote on the situation of Eritrean refugees, we abandon the roll call vote for a joint resolution and request a roll call vote for the resolution proposed by the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats).
The restructuring of the European car industry needs strong initiatives from the Commission, but also from the relevant national governments.
Sweden intends to use its Presidency to draw up a coherent, comprehensive strategy for the area based on proposals from the Commission.
Unfortunately the French presidency is unwilling to come to these meetings.
This was not demonstrated as originally designed, as facilitating compromise and decision making, but I hope that we can draw conclusions from the experience and, anticipating the vote in Parliament, we have already started the preparations for the 2012 budget.
(DE) Mr President, I think that what the Chinese are doing here is a deliberate political provocation, or to put it another way, a political test.
Will you live up to your treaty, or is it just empty words?
This report clearly shows that the milk production quota, which was supposed to have been exceeded, thus forming the legal basis for the fines levied on Italian dairy farmers, was not in fact exceeded.
Freedom of the media is an inviolable element of democracy.
As I see it, it is pure cynicism - I say this with the Council in mind - to put the retention of the opt-out across as a social achievement merely because a 60-hour ceiling is also being introduced for the average working week.
It recognises the significant successes of the Afghan people and identifies the political shortcomings of the Afghan and other international governments.
(NL) The Republic of Turkey is disqualifying itself from membership of the European Union.
However, this must be a temporary solution, since in the longer term we must adopt a common consolidated basis for taxation of companies that constitutes a global solution and eliminates the tax obstacles involved in cross-border compensation of losses and profits.
There are no public services in Kosovo, and the Commission only needs to go there to see as much.
Perhaps another wording would be possible, but the wording we are proposing is:
Well, not in the sense that this should become the norm, that in such major undertakings, working together should be the norm, not just a voluntary thing, but something that would really bind all Member States into working together effectively.
In my opinion, if the Ombudsman's work is to be done effectively and if we are to ensure the best possible result in the inquest into objective truth, which is primarily in the public interest, European institutions should have the obligation to provide access to any type of information.
The advances, in particular, could be paid out in full at the start of May.
If, as the European Union, we want to be strong and to have new products that will hopefully also be sustainable, new production methods that are environmentally responsible, energy generation that is genuinely based on renewable energy sources, which was once again established as a goal in Cancún, then for this we also need appropriate resources and we need the European budget, which reflects our common interests.
You spoke just now - and I am pleased about this - of a requirement to segregate the production of industrial oils and oils intended for food.
In my view, tax competition is in no way an obstacle to the completion of the Single Market; on the contrary, it encourages economic operators to defend their freedoms in regard to free movement within the Single Market.
I am thinking, for example, of the centre for migration management and information in Mali, a pilot project we will soon be starting up.
That is why a fundamental revision of the Procedures Directive is important, so as to provide an accessible, fair and effective procedure.
In particular in the area of renewable energies, photovoltaic modules, which consist in part of cadmium telluride compounds, are not covered by this directive.
author. - Mr President, I should like to emphasise that the Greens are very aware that the consequences of a totally liberalised textile and apparel market for EU-based producers is still a very pressing issue, particularly for certain production zones within the EU in which the industry is highly concentrated.
The Catalan language was banned and persecuted during the Franco dictatorship; now Spanish democracy is demonstrating its low quality by not permitting the official use of Catalan in this Parliament.
(LT) In August, Marijus Ivanilovas, a 35-year-old Lithuanian national and director of the printing house of the daily newspaper 'Respublika', i.e. a person with a permanent job and income, was detained in Belarus, not far from Minsk, and has already been held for two months without trial or proof of his guilt in a prison in the Belarusian city of Zhodin.
It will result, they tell me, in smaller crops and in higher prices, and it will open the way for importers who do not have the same criteria imposed upon them.
In order to achieve these objectives, which are facilitated by the Treaty of Lisbon, which introduces this competence over energy, which did not exist before, it is fundamental and essential to establish a strategic relationship with Russia on energy and other matters.
Today, in a solemn sitting of the European Parliament, we are proclaiming the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and I should like to state clearly to you that this day - 12 December - will now be a fundamental date in the history of European integration.
It does not seem to us that this has happened, and this is bad for international competition, which is still far from fair, and still far from having the same rules for everyone.
Based on the text at the beginning of the Treaty of Lisbon, freedom of expression, freedom of the press and freedom of religion are European freedoms that are to be respected everywhere in the Union without exception.
Romania is contributing to these international efforts in Afghanistan with 721 soldiers as part of the ISAF mission (under the auspices of NATO) and 57 soldiers involved in the Enduring Freedom operation (coalition type mission).
author. - Madam President, the treatment and discrimination of the Rohingya people appals us all.
In general, we have insisted that children receive special attention.
During our Presidency of the European Council Slovenia has devoted a great deal of attention to strengthening transatlantic relations, in particular the strategic dimension to them.
They are doing so legally and must be protected.
Mr President, as we meet here in Strasbourg, half the population of the city of Cork, in my constituency of Munster, is without water in their homes - and this is 2009!
Russia needs to fully experience what self-isolation is like.
While I have the opportunity, I will press the point, because it does seem to me that if answers to questions that we think we are not going to reach can be provided in advance then there is no reason why the questions that we are going to reach should not have the answers in advance, so that we can have - as we just had now - a better and more helpful exchange.
Has the Commission any generalised, statistical information on the countries in which this has occurred, and do you not think this is a matter of criminal law?
Even so, proper cooperation between the Commission and Member States must be maintained throughout this process, so that there is absolutely no loss of legal certainty for investors and contracting parties.
As regards advertisements for pharmaceutical products, I would like to see the toughest possible restrictions.
In addition to the China factor to be taken into account in many of these countries, consideration must be given to the effects of changes in the agricultural and food markets, climate change and the new approach of the United States towards Africa.
The first point is on the role of parliaments.
A strong and modern Europe needs a future- and growth-oriented budget while, at the same time, the economic situation demands reflection and restraint.
It could cause enormous human unhappiness.
The second generation of the SIS represents a Community approach to the need to step up security at the external borders and share important innovations such as biometric data and the interlinking of alerts.
This directive really does apply to existing power plants because it increases the importance and the independence of national regulators - which is crucial - and it paves the way for us to secure higher and higher requirements in order to have, as it were, a 'race to the top' regarding safety.
In Romania only, a new Member State, there are over 60 organizations accredited for the exchange of volunteers and over 5,000 applications for this training course.
The motion under discussion is the second in succession which intends to authorise the marketing of poultrymeat for human consumption where it has received anti-microbe treatment.
I am voting in favour of this report as several recommendations adopted by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), and which are already in place in the GFCM contracting states, need to be transposed into a single EU legislative instrument.
They should, in my opinion, possess a great deal of expensive, cutting-edge equipment, and be staffed by a team of scientists.
author. - Mr President, I welcome the opportunity that this oral question gives us to revisit the problems experienced by travellers and the wider aviation industry during last year's Icelandic volcano crisis.
It is, therefore, vital that the EU Member States being reviewed lead the way with frank critiques of their human rights records.
This year is the fifth anniversary of the historically largest EU expansion, in 2004, which was the symbolic and practical culmination of the successful process of reunifying a previously divided continent; and this year Europe celebrates 20 years since the fall of the Iron Curtain, which enabled the countries of the former Soviet bloc to return to freedom and democracy.
Italy has seen a fall of over 18% in October alone, which is the worst figure in over ten years in the sector.
It is essential that the Commission keep in mind that at the moment, Europeans are looking to Europe and expect responses from the European authorities: they need to feel like the European authorities are close by.
This year, the exact same thing is happening with the European freight corridors.
I hope that we will see each other more often here in plenary.
As a result, Iran has been under a constant threat of war, while criticism of the lack of human rights is not expressed.
The Union for the Mediterranean must contribute to promoting democracy and resolving the conflicts that are still destabilising the Middle East and the Western Sahara, with assistance from the Euromed Parliamentary Assembly, which must be fully involved.
They also prove that so far Turkey has neglected to address and implement these fundamental constitutional reforms.
What people do care about here is time.
The Commission trusts that Parliament will now be in a position to promptly mandate its representatives to the interinstitutional working group.
They should be a commonplace reality both within the European Union and in our relations with other countries - third countries.
I have met people during the six years that we have worked on this subject who have suffered needle-stick injuries, and I would really emphasise that trauma.
You cannot deprive the citizens of Europe of one of their fundamental freedoms in such a way.'
You understand the importance of free peoples and free markets, and so do our voters.
These clouds will overshadow our economic landscape in the coming years.
The adoption of this directive, which establishes a single application procedure for third-country nationals who wish to be admitted to the territory of a Member State in order to reside and work there, and grants them a common set of rights in areas linked to the work market, will address these concerns head-on, and so it deserves my vote.
This form of cynicism cannot go unchallenged here.
What is the response of the leaders of the Council and the Commission?
It is clear he is trying to explore all possible avenues of how to help and improve the situation in this theatre.
The work carried out by my colleague Mrs Klass and fellow Member Mrs Breyer, in conjunction with shadow rapporteurs, is a step in the right direction, and I wish to express my full appreciation for that.
Furthermore, even though there are a great many differences in the conditions for confiscating a driving licence among the Member States, and the systems for the scale of offences and fines in the field of road safety vary from one country to another, Europe wants to establish an electronic system for Member States to exchange information relating to offences committed on their territory, and in order to penalise motorists even more.
It is unacceptable, in the 21st century, for a civilian population to be treated as the scapegoat for terrorist acts by Hamas.
The problem is that you provide no alternative, and we all know that there are very limited financial resources in the Biodiversity Convention - and there are not likely to be any in the future either.
But let us be absolutely clear and honest with each other: the key work still needs to be carried out over the coming weeks.
We must ensure that the charges resulting from CO2 emissions are paid by the consumer and not by the producers because otherwise, international competition will be distorted.
We must therefore find solutions at the European level to meet the needs of the labour market, and economic migration is one of the solutions that we must explore.
Yet at this level, it is not a case of simply waving a magic wand.
This can help people avoid being excluded from the labour market at some time during their career.
In principle, exports to third countries are not in the interests of Europe.
Mr Rehn, I put the following question to you: what is your reaction to this outrageous attitude on the part of Turkey?
Bosnia and Herzegovina has made great progress recently and will soon have fulfilled most of the remaining requirements in the roadmap.
The Commission is performing an assessment of regulatory aspects in relation to health, safety and environmental aspects of nanotechnology-based products.
We must emphasise the significant impact of the presence and involvement of women on quality of life and the rural economy.
Much is also being made by the GM industry of DG Agriculture's report on the potential impact of the EU's GM regime on the availability and price of animal feed.
However, these must be based on the interests of these peoples, on respect for international law, and on the independence and sovereignty of these countries.
(IT) Madam President, I voted in favour of the joint text on improving safety for those who choose to travel by sea.
The news industry should be more aware of the consequences that an unbalanced use of its power and influence can have on the life and liberty of citizens.
In the light of these considerations we should give the report our unqualified support.
However, it is crucial for a sustainable future that we protect as many natural interests as possible.
Postponing a decision would be to accept that Europe is irrelevant in a more global world.
I would like to thank you, Commissioner, for the detailed position that you have presented.
... under house arrest in Burma/Myanmar.
Another thematic area of particular interest is the right to food, which is consistent with the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, as well as the human rights of internally displaced persons who, unlike refugees, are not adequately protected by international conventions, and we will press on in connection with this point.
This motion for a resolution is inappropriate in both timing and form, as everyone knows that following the initial criticism made about media law in Hungary and the recommendations made by the Commission, the Hungarian Government has revised its position and altered everything about the law that was the target of criticism by the Commission.
Improving a household's energy efficiency status can often be achieved by taking some relatively simple and inexpensive steps, such as fitting thermostatic valves onto radiators or using more energy efficient household appliances.
The matter is absolutely clear.
Our communication of 8 March was an attempt to answer some of those questions - to be absolutely frank with you, the easy questions - because we have actually answered only those that related to the emerging democracies.
Finally, it bans all uses of methyl bromide except in specific instances in order to deal with emergencies.
In many ways, the Capoulas Santos report improves the Commission proposal, particularly by giving greater flexibility to Member States in terms of setting minimum thresholds for payments.
(ES) Mr President, the time has come to assess how the 2007-2013 Multiannual Financial Framework has functioned so far and what changes might need to be made in the almost four years left of its life.
Confusion has been caused by the statements of some politicians, who talk of a Black Sea synergy or of a democratic buffer zone.
It sees falsification of medicinal products as an organised criminal activity and imposes strict penalties on the offenders.
Another very important question is the reduction of poverty among women. Iit is estimated that 17% of women live in poverty, and that most of these are lone mothers and immigrants.
CARS 21 stands for Competitive Automotive Regulatory System for the 21st Century.
That is not the relationship we should have with a very important trading partner.
All the national governments in the Member States of the euro area and the EU are being called upon to step up the adoption and application of even more savage, barbaric and anti-labour and anti-grassroots measures coordinated by the EU, the ECB and the IMF.
I expect that we will now see these procedures being brought to completion in many other countries.
It is true that we could have submitted an amendment, you are right.
Therefore the Government must guarantee that the election campaign will ensure freedom of expression to all the candidates.
Second, in order to control the financial crisis, the European Union and its Member States have implemented a large number of exceptional measures, which is very positive.
We can do a little better than we have done this time in terms of the process and the transparency that could be applied with respect to Parliament.
I would like to inform you that Mr Claudiu Ciprian Tănăsescu joined the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament with effect from 15 November 2010.
There always will be two views and Mr Susta is absolutely right: there is always a split between the protectionist and the free marketeer.
Ending aid for the closure of uncompetitive coal mines in 2014 - the date proposed by the Commission - would have serious socio-economic consequences in certain regions of the EU where mining continues to be a significant source of employment.
I do not believe that this is the right course.
In the event of a mishap, is it the airline that is responsible?
There is, however, one domain, Mr Barroso, in which your Commission has been particularly unsuccessful in that respect, namely the authorisation procedures for genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The latter has made a vital contribution to major improvements in air and water quality, as well as to the protection and maintenance of Europe's natural resources.
This is why I have suggested its replacement with the compulsory use of biometric passports by third country citizens not requiring a visa when entering the EU.
In the border area between Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria, for example, prostitution involving women and increasingly children increased enormously after the opening of the borders.
We have respected that wish; we have dealt solely with what we can deal with within the confines of Europe's internal market: the circulation of goods in the market that arise from the commercial hunt.
The Commission will promote the development of a port network and ensure the development of good supporting investments.
I see in the Treaty of Lisbon an extension of this process that is bringing Europe together.
On top of federal public deficits, there are enormous private deficits.
Mr President, of course I understand and support your decision, but we do not want - and I think we have perhaps seen signs of this already - an unseemly wrangle on the floor of the House on Wednesday, when we come to vote on this important step forward for Parliament's Rules.
One such area concerns the free movement of persons, with the goal being to combat discrimination based on nationality in all sports.
Mr President, the difference between the external actions of the EU and other international actors is respect for international legality and UN decisions.
I support the intentions expressed in the report of safeguarding the European Parliament and Council's effective participation in selecting the sites and content presented, so as to ensure that the initiative is very transparent and democratic.
Moreover, the request to extend reversed qualified majority voting is further evidence of this Parliament's desire to take action and respond to the crisis.
So far, approximately half of the survivors reached, that is, one million, are still in desperate need.
The directive on the protection order against gender violence is also being drawn up.
However, it is a problem which will export the fight against international terrorism into the neighbouring countries and regions for as long as fighting in Afghanistan continues.
Let us stick to this title.
Food additives other than colours and sweeteners (bovine and/or porcine thrombin) (
in writing. - (FR) Mass imports, the perverse role played by a strong euro against a deliberately undervalued foreign currency, social and environmental dumping, counterfeits, piracy, dangerous products, and the existence of non-tariff barriers that hit European manufacturing: in the textiles sector as in others, every report and resolution by this Parliament on trade relations with China looks the same.
The most recent statistical framework shows a steady increase in requests received from Member States in favour of a fund that operates with a different degree of flexibility.
The main reason for this is a huge drop in milk product sales.
(SK) There are several areas in the action plan of the Stockholm Programme I would like to talk about, and as we have to move on, I will name these problem areas.
I think this very unfortunate.
I was pleased to hear the Swedish Presidency point that out.
I voted for this resolution, as I advocate some flexibility for those who have already started this adaptation process but who have been unable to complete it because of the current crisis.
The resolution rightly calls for greater efforts in respect of mediation, compromises and peaceful solutions.
The Myanmar junta announced that a pro-military constitution has won overwhelming support in the referendum which was held despite widespread criticism and the needs of a national tragedy.
(Applause)
Mr President, I would like to express my deep respect for the European Police Office, which I certainly support.
Effective consumer enforcement policy is central to the functioning of the single market.
This explains the continuing importance of innovation and development in the shipbuilding industry in the Member States in order to improve ships and make them less environmentally damaging.
It was and is always a pleasure to work with you and with your colleagues in the Commission.
The inhabitants of Santorini, for example, who have protested about the wreck of the Sea Diamond cruise ship, which is still in the island's waters, are sick of the replies given by the EU and the New Democracy government - the same replies given by PASOK in the case of the Express Samina car ferry and others - that apparently wrecks do not cause pollution.
The aim is to find a solution to the border issue and allow for the continuation of Croatia's EU accession negotiations.
This money would be put to better, more sustainable use if it were invested in research into the more efficient use of renewable energies.
I support the recommendation.
We must at last admit that the problems of these communities cannot be resolved purely by means of universal human rights or anti-discrimination regulations.
They did not ask for an extension of the voluntary growth levels under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) when it ended in 2008, nor have they been asking for a continuation of the surveillance system into 2009 - though I appreciate that some Member States would have preferred us to do so.
The Scoreboard brings together evidence to identify markets that risk not delivering well for consumers and therefore need further attention.
Bringing perpetrators of human rights violations to justice is crucial for a stable future in any country, and that includes Iraq.
The aim of this report is that cotton should continue to be grown in Europe: the EU as a whole accounts for only 2% of world production.
That is indeed the position of this House.
The priorities for the first half of 2008 are to a large extent evidence that the work of Slovenia's predecessors is being continued, primarily in the sphere of revival of the Lisbon Agenda, ratification of the new Treaty and action to prevent global warming.
A policy to which we devote some 45% of the EU budget.
The movement of bees has the potential to import the varroa mite, as has happened in Ireland.
I can also tell you that tomorrow, the Commission is appointing a new Special Envoy for SMEs, Daniel Calleja Crespo, Deputy Director General for Enterprise and Industry, who will be responsible for closely monitoring the implementation of the Small Business Act and acting as a contact point for SMEs.
This involves not turning a blind eye when illegal toxic waste exports or illegal fishing damages Somalia's interests.
The Commission will have to provide Parliament with a document outlining the negotiations and all the positions under discussion.
The anchoring of social objectives and rights is pointing the way to the next task: the creation and construction of a European social union.
It is possible that we will have to act in the same way in the case of other substances if the health risks are equally obvious and if we cannot wait until the very comprehensive and demanding REACH procedure has been completed.
In this case, too, the answer is that we need more involvement from Europe, not less.
I think investing in youth is crucial, and so I would like to express my thanks, and also the thanks of the Committee on Culture and Education, for all efforts whose objective is to support measures relating to investment in young people.
The fact that joint meetings can take place only if the matter in question is one of major importance ensures that there will be no unfairly extensive application of a procedure that is, by its very nature, exceptional.
We must prevent them from being subjected to these fraudulent practices, which they do not have the financial or human resources to resist.
The report encourages reflection on industrial organisation to reduce the geographic scale of production chains - producing in closer proximity to the end user - and makes a number of proposals in relation to trade in environmental commodities.
Only a few weeks ago we had a meeting with the Interinstitutional Committee on public access to documents which was chaired by Vice-President Wallis, and I want to thank her for taking this matter about public access to documents forward in a very constructive way.
The report also covers data protection in relation to those producers, something that also promotes innovation in the field of food safety.
We have not compromised on achieving the targets.
It must be acknowledged that it has withstood a lot of market turbulence.
I would add that it is also in our security interests if these countries benefit from better social conditions, more democracy and the rule of law.
I believe that Mr Cashman should also be supported in his attempt to put forward proposals that go above and beyond those made by the Commission.
The Council's draft recommendation regarding the establishment of a protocol which stipulates fishing quotas and financial contribution as set out by the partnership with the fisheries sector of the Union of the Comoros is intended to outline the role that the European Parliament should play in the procedure of reviewing this agreement.
During this meeting, which took place in Brussels, Mr Solana expressed his full support for the work of the EU Special Representative and his efforts to find a compromise on police reform with the political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In fact, there is a legal principle whose import is being completely destroyed, and that is the principle of citizenship.
in writing. - We decided we would vote in favour or abstain depending on the result of the third part of Amendment 31, which ensures that pharmaceutical companies can only provide information material to health professionals for their own use, not for patients via healthcare professionals.
You can certainly talk to Mr Špidla once again about the other issue.
If the European institutions continue in this direction, the crisis of legitimacy affecting the WTO and the IMF today will inevitably affect them tomorrow.
As we know there are several players and participants in this sector.
Not only are we unwilling to risk upsetting a good business market for the sake of bringing injustice in Gaza to an end, but we are also unwilling so far to dissolve or even just suspend the EU-Israel agreement.
For the moment, therefore, we reserve our position on all aspects.
Since the events of late December and the fraudulent presidential elections, Kenya and its political problems have suddenly been on everyone's lips.
I think that freedom of the press, freedom of expression and respect for human rights and the rule of law are principles which we all abide by, promote and defend.
In spite of this fact, protection for autochthonous minorities in Europe is not seen as a priority.
It is in contact with the social partners, the experts in the Member States, so that the regulation can gradually be harmonised in accordance with the need for interpretation.
It is the job of the Member States, with the support of the European Commission, to protect and develop our forests for future generations so that they can continue making a contribution in future to our natural habitats, our society and our economy.
Undertakings should only be made, announced and entered into on aspects that are achievable.
It is a success because we managed to set a minimum and maximum rate of excise duty to meet anti-inflationary objectives but ignored the idea of abolishing regulation in its entirety.
Therefore, it is essential to increase expenditure in order to develop the democratic structures of these countries.
This is why the Commission has launched a joint programming initiative on combating neurodegenerative diseases, in particular, Alzheimer's.
I think - as Mr Lehne said - that we need this operational sign.
I call upon all Members to determine that, if this House cannot provide the safeguards which should rightly accompany this measure, then it should not adopt this measure at all.
If there has to be an extraordinary meeting of the committee because of this or if there are other unnecessary delays we lose time and money.
Thank you very much.
(EL) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I want to ask you if you consider the fact that I am talking to you sitting down back here and have not risen like all my other fellow members an insult to this House.
Today, I voted in favour of the motion for a resolution on the progress report on Turkey.
The combined efforts of the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England have contributed extensively to keeping the financial system afloat, but they have not resolved the crisis.
So we need technology to give us a broader opportunity.
(DE) Madam President, first of all I should like to thank the rapporteur, Mr Méndez de Vigo.
I would like to highlight the efficient management of tasks by the European Commission and the Belgian Presidency.
Our activities have effects on the local population.
The intention is for children to learn that the EU is good and that fruit from the EU is even better.
There are still hurdles to be overcome, no doubt about that.
Knowledge must become the fifth freedom.
Although we have a single set of provisions, their practical implementation varies widely from one airport to another, and this creates problems and annoyance.
What I said at the last European Council was that the Commission is now making impact assessments of different options for the financial sector and will soon come forward with proposals.
(CS) I would like to make a few comments.
(FR) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, respecting the environment and competitiveness should not be separated.
(DE) Mr President-in-Office, as we all know, certificates were introduced in order to achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions, and this is what my question is about.
It would be surprising if I felt otherwise, because I believe I am the only Italian MEP who has tried to make public a list of attendances and the number of questions raised here in our Parliament by the Italian delegation.
What is the current state of affairs?
I feel that the remarks made by fellow Members urging the European Investment Bank to pay more attention to the Member States most affected by the crisis are important.
I hope that this additional time will allow the impact of the measures in force to be assessed.
I am confident that in the second half of next year we shall be able to present appropriate proposals on a new and advanced form of association.
(ES) Madam President, I have one minute to stress how important it is that we complete the makeup of the European Union with Serbia's membership, which I hope can be confirmed this year on the basis of the significant progress the country has made.
I have just seen Simeon Sakskoburggotski, the former Prime Minister of Bulgaria, in the gallery.
Subject: Gender equality in the fight against climate change
Do you happen to know any European constitution that was preceded by consultations on such a wide scale?
These measures should have the following objectives: providing non-discriminatory access to education enabling young people to acquire the skills they need to find a job which will provide them with a decent living, offering accessible child care services to facilitate the work-life balance and giving support to facilitate young people's entry into the labour market and to provide social housing for young people.
Draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality. - Madam President, the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality stresses in its opinion that the most significant health problems presented by women and caused by their working conditions are musculoskeletal disorders and psychological problems, on the one hand.
We can note a marked improvement in the situation of SMEs, but progress still needs to be made.
Pesticides and other substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction have no business, no business at all in foodstuffs.
However, these must not erode the fundamental rights of citizens laid down in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The impact has been truly remarkable given that, in all our Member States, our equality policies are no longer confined to targeted actions, but are, from now on, integrated into all relevant policies.
We cannot accept laws to combat terrorism which are at variance with the Swedish Constitution.
We are fully in line with Parliament in saying that, without a systematic improvement of the human rights situation in Iran, our relations with Iran cannot develop properly.
- (DA) Mr President, I would like to say something regarding the large subsidies that are paid to undertakings that may not survive.
In fact, in the global market within which we operate, regulations for obligatory origin marking exist in the United States, China, Australia, Mexico, Japan and many other countries.
It is a compromise, but it is something that we have been able to agree upon.
I believe that the Commission could present either a proposal, for example, in the framework of consumer protection - consumer in this instance meaning citizen - or an initiative, which could also come from Parliament.
The 25% reduction is absolutely achievable.
I congratulate the European Commission for this timely initiative.
Every Member State, according to its possibilities, should get involved in the policies for cooperating with developing countries.
Or - a different question - how will Parliament's stance be taken into account in that case?
I find this completely incomprehensible, certainly from Germany.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, in recent years, we have witnessed considerable attempts by Community institutions to ensure that the production, use and disposal of electronic products better protect the environment and human health.
(ES) I would like to tell you most sincerely, Prime Minister, that you have given a magnificent presentation of what form the Spanish Presidency will take.
Sometimes this is because they are of insufficient economic value.
The Irish 'no' must be respected.
What we can be sure of is that over the coming months and years there will be yet more refugees and asylum-seekers.
As the European Parliament, we must strengthen these reforms, because it is not only the government but, above all else, society that must make this proper European choice.
The European Union regularly calls for freedom of expression to be respected in various third counties, but also needs to practise what it preaches.
The introduction of these systems needs to be completed.
I can only invite the Daily Telegraph to forward these documents to the Committee on Budgets and to let us see from it some of the transparency that the press demands from the Members of this House.
Responsibilities need to be kept clear.
It is thus important to contribute to the funding of this Court.
Obviously, the same argument applies to businesses; those that abide by the rules pay the price for this situation.
Question Time (Council)
We consider that the common agricultural policy should be abolished.
Thank you.
The longer this period is, the better, so that we can introduce the clean combustion and storage technologies that already exist in the European Union.
The crisis we are going through is therefore definitely a systemic crisis, to which we must respond with a new development model.
We have seen a decline in the bee population in many regions of Europe.
We need to be fair and consistent.
The reason is that experience of this type of agreement is highly dubious.
However, he has no progress and no democratisation to offer.
In my view, the Israelis are the more powerful because they have a state, to which they of course have an absolute right, and I support this. They therefore enjoy all the attributes of a state.
I thank you for your attention.
The proposal for microfinancing is an initiative that Parliament has been pushing for.
in writing. - The three main objectives - security of supply and solidarity between Member States; combating climate change: recalling the 'three times 20' objective for 2020 and the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by between 50% and 80% by 2050; and the economic growth of the EU: obtaining the best prices while avoiding price volatility - are of utmost importance when we discuss the European energy policy.
You have a maximum of three minutes please.
Above all we would like to express our satisfaction that the 'For Freedom' movement led by Aleksander Milinkievich has been legalised, and that the independent newspapers Narodnaya Volya and Nasha Niva have been legalised and allowed into the state distribution system.
in writing. - UKIP condemns all forms of human trafficking as a modern-day version of slavery, and calls for the toughest penalties within the UK on such activity.
Debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
I do not agree that the EU does not have an impact on international negotiations.
In 1962, the United Nations International Court of Justice, acting in accordance with French historical maps, recognised Cambodia's rights over the temple of Preah Vihear and the land adjacent to it.
And those that would point the finger and say 'Europe is wrong' or 'Europe is bad', and 'look at the kind of things it is going to do', totally ignore the evidence on the ground: social development, economic development, cultural development.
Brussels is in no position to do anything about it.
The fact that progress has been made on one of the documents in the climate and energy package is a very positive sign, and evidence that there is a real desire to move forward on these texts, which I welcome.
One way of reading that, Commissioner, is that it is referring to what has come to be termed the Monti II regulation.
I also welcome a review of the RAPEX system.
That is what I term a dysfunctional price-chain mechanism.
Therefore, now we really must release the economic potential of European seafaring to stimulate economic growth and social and environmental stability.
We would remind you that this is an industry that has been struggling through serious difficulties in Portugal too, particularly in municipalities where it has an especially large presence, such as Paredes and Paços de Ferreira.
The common agricultural policy (CAP) is one of the European Union's most important policies, and following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, the reform of the CAP, like any new legislation on agriculture, cannot be approved without Parliament's consent.
It is in the interests of airlines and consumers, as well as governments, to maintain a high level of healthy competition in the aircraft sector.
Furthermore, the EU institutions should increase cooperation with international organisations in the area of the protection of human rights.
I am a member of the Law and Justice Party, the largest opposition party.
Why is it in the interest of Europe to weaken the intellectual firepower of the Commission precisely in times of crisis?
On a personal note, may I say that whenever I have met the Dalai Lama, the impression that I have always gained is of a person with a profound commitment to peace, reconciliation and human rights.
However, the report is spineless.
We are agreed, too, that the internal market is Europe's key asset in the process of globalisation.
Asia Bibi's life is at risk, not only through the application of Pakistani law, but also at the hands of fanatics.
With regard to ongoing infringement procedure, the main problem continues to be the unduly long time taken to consider complaints. The average is 20.5 months, which is excessive.
The proposed changes will cost the UK up to GBP 2 billion at a time when public and private sector workers are being made redundant in order to save far smaller sums.
The new Agreement keeps the most important areas (infrastructures, IT and telecommunications as well as translation, including the production of documents) within the Joint Services' remit, while a limited number of services are de-coupled (internal services, socio-medical service, the library and prepress).
Even if there are important reasons linked to environmental and regional policy, we do not believe that some agricultural production should be sustained by subsidies 'at all costs'.
We cannot reach an agreement with the Council, however, because in our view, this is, in fact, a new task which is not included in the preliminary draft budget, and we invented an instrument called the flexibility instrument for precisely this type of situation.
In order to achieve these goals I feel that the budget must be at least maintained, and I want to thank the rapporteur for a very good report and his cooperation.
The Commission should make it unmistakably clear that infringing minority rights represents an infringement against the values of the EU.
What démarches?
RoHS has been a successful piece of legislation since it was adopted in 2003.
Mr President, I voted against both the Matera reports on the mobilisation of the Globalisation Adjustment Fund, for the Czech Republic and for Poland, not because I feel any ill will against those countries - far from it.
I have five observations to make.
Our voice must always express our values and we must always take action to protect these resources and achieve a low carbon economy.
In light of this and in accordance with paragraph 43 and the provisions contained in Appendix 2 of the report, we should welcome the joint declaration made on the policy on buildings.
I should once again like to express my gratitude to the rapporteurs, Mr Surján and Mr Gualtieri.
This must stop.
I therefore welcome the fact that the French Presidency has said that it is willing to try and produce a result by the end of the year.
In view of the current economic crisis, the European Commission should act as quickly as possible in conjunction with the Member States to alleviate the socioeconomic effects of this restructuring.
In this respect, if we accept what could be defined as cultural genocide in Tibet, we will have to be prepared to accept many more episodes of this kind in the future.
The safety, including from the point of view of health, of agricultural products really must be a top priority.
I voted in favour of this report because it is important that consumers be fully informed when buying textiles.
We must provide rules.

(FR) Mr President, Commissioners, ladies and gentlemen, in the summer, Mattel recalled 20 million toys from China, thereby reopening the debate on the value of CE marking and sanctions against operators who do not meet European standards.
For a self-employed person, for example, it is impossible without reimbursement to just drop their work in order to participate in an expert group in Brussels.
The winemaking profession as practised in France has an extremely positive image, which is not necessarily the case for wines produced in other parts of the world.
Unfortunately, these efforts have reached a plateau and have slowed down.
European Council Regulation No 3/2008, which combines in a single text regulations 2702/1999 and 2826/2000, has accommodated the European Commission's new political approaches on simplifying legislation, while also achieving the objective of facilitating administrative procedures within the European institutions.
I do not see this as particularly strange.
But the Treaty of Lisbon was drafted and agreed before the economic crisis, and is based on policies that helped to ignite the crisis.
These penalties reduce direct aid and cut specific rural development measures, especially payments for the Natura 2000 regions as well as agri-environmental payments.
Poland, a very European country, is on the point of deciding on two nuclear power plants.
However, in the desirable process of expanding its external action capabilities, the EU must not confine itself to the military dimension alone: it must undertake to develop, in parallel, civil crisis management mechanisms involving action by the police, civil administrators, the judiciary, civil protection officers and so on.
While democracy was representative when universal suffrage was brought in, making all persons equal - one person, one vote - in the communications market we are not all equal, because we do not all have equal access to radio discussion shows, television debates, columns in the press or editorial comment in the communication media.
We want the mandate to continue unchanged.
I should like to speak occasionally in the Piedmont language, but in our Parliament's library there are no cultural documents, magazines and so on relating to languages of cultural identity or local languages.
These include green growth, renewable energies and combating world hunger.
It is worth recalling the rapid assistance provided to Haiti by countries such as Cuba, which promptly sent 400 doctors, saving lives and preventing epidemics, building medical infrastructure and distributing basic necessities, or Venezuela, which offered debt relief and supplied fuel.
It is a shame that Environment Minister Borloo did not give Mr Dimas strong support against the diehard reactionary Heads of State from Germany and especially Italy.
In any case, the fact that she is Hungarian is already an undeniable asset.
As Maurice Allais and clear-headed economists show, the total liberalisation of trade causes competition that pits everyone against everyone else as well as relocations, giving rise to pay restrictions, mass unemployment, and thus a crisis in our economies.
In my opinion, this intensive farming with the use of antibiotics should be greatly restricted in the European Union, and perhaps even stopped, and the damage which has been done should be repaired by those who caused it.
Many good and very detailed suggestions were put forward by Members.
I think that the report covers the main topics of interest on strengthening security and fundamental human rights on the Internet, referring to the protection of the rights stipulated by the specific regulations in force, including their digital aspects, and to the acknowledgement and development of new principles for controlling the Internet.
The Commission says that a European PNR system is to be introduced, but has there yet been an evaluation of the results of the American PNR programme?
The liberalisations and deepening of the Internal Market that the EU has been carrying out demonstrate that it is big business that benefits above all.
We have to take this very, very seriously, taking into account, of course this desire for positive cooperation in this new fight against terrorism, which will include compliance with the fundamental values which unite us and which have to unite the world community.
As I said, I tell citizens that I believe that they are protected, but I cannot guarantee it.
The Commission is concentrating mainly on reducing the size of fleets while, at the same time, failing to curb mass imports to the European market from the Far East, such as of the highly damaging panga.
I also hope that the amendment regarding the establishment of an EU-wide early warning system will be adopted.
We keep hearing about the 500 million citizens in this Chamber, but this Chamber separates itself from them as much as possible.
Tolerance, dialogue, mutual respect and understanding are, for some, parts of their faith.
Mr President, Mr Griffin was wrong when he said that this has been a cold winter across the globe.
(DE) Madam President, the EU has now adopted a post-Lisbon Strategy in which it has been careful not to commit itself to any testable goals at all.
And, we need real action on the things that are going to make real differences to jobs out there now and in the future.
There are other basic issues.
Commissioner, these problems are of colossal dimensions and the oil in Iraq will be of little help as there are people who have no access to this oil.
I await the reactions to this before my second turn.
In order to ensure better financial management of Community expenditure, along with the relevant transparency with regard to the management of the funds, I believe that it is particularly important for Member States to have efficient monitoring systems.
We must not ignore the fact that partners have the necessary abilities and resources which may boost the programme's effectiveness by making the process for selecting projects more efficient.
In institutional terms, the entire concept was wrong from the start.
These are fundamental rights, and a simple cost-benefit analysis is inappropriate where these are concerned.
The loving care of the Church of Constantinople exceeds any linguistic, cultural, ethnic and even religious definition, as she seeks to serve all peoples.
All of the data presented for this option, and on which my decision was based, indicates that the criteria laid down within Article 51(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010 were met, and so I am happy with the appointment of Mrs Ross.
I believe that we should aim to improve the situation in Eritrea itself and in other countries in the Horn of Africa, since improving the situation in African countries may reduce migratory pressure.
I therefore support this approach.
It is essential that we come back to this issue in September.
Such people include those belonging to the entirely non-violent PMOI organisation.
Doing both of these things at the same time will place too high a burden on our fishermen.
We must clearly say that the events in Ukraine were genocide.
I voted in favour of this resolution, because I feel that there is a need to enhance policy on protecting children's rights.
I shall repeat what numerous members have said.
Then we would move towards a retrial, if that is necessary.
It will not be a silver bullet solving all the problems caused by the recession, and we should not hold this tiny measure up as a huge achievement on our part.
I can unequivocally declare here that Tomas Garrigue Masaryk has said that 'democracy is discussion'.
The process has always been complicated, but always constructive and very professional.
Thank you, Commissioner, and thank you for dealing with that last question.
We are pleased that we are to receive a response from the European Commission in this House today.
Allow me, as the rapporteur for the Committee on Industry, to highlight three thoughts in this vein from the opinion prepared by our Committee.
The rules governing the political and legal recognition of parties and their necessary funding must facilitate their action, so that they can freely create alternative policies, which is the very essence of democracy.
As has already been mentioned, the Council has not yet had a discussion at the highest level and has not made a comprehensive assessment of the effects of the expansion of the Schengen area on individual countries.
The EU must care for those who need help most: the disabled, the unemployed and people of retirement age.
We need to make some changes along the lines of the Feio report to be voted on today.
For these penalties, used in the case of Member States which are already in a difficult financial situation, could have the opposite effect, an adverse effect on the economies of these countries ...
It is therefore important to deal not only with the past but also with the future.
I fully support the proposal drafted by the European Parliament and the Council concerning the waiving of the requirement for short-term visas for citizens of Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina when crossing external borders.
That is a major contribution to consumer protection.
It is also reminiscent of the sudden, unnatural death of entire herds after the animals had eaten genetically modified feedstuffs.
The new instrument will be an international agreement.
Questions which have not been answered for lack of time will be answered in writing (see Annex).
People who sing the praises of nuclear energy have no right to go on disregarding that disgrace.
Mr Papandreou, the Prime Minister, has done everything in his power to get out of this difficult situation.
Mr President, I also want to say a few words about this excellent report.
To have understood would have meant finally taking each large block, subjecting it to sober analysis - there are consultants and economic research institutes for this purpose - and reviewing it against the objectives set.
The court procedure against the AK Party and the mysterious Ergenekon proceedings present a picture of a deeply divided society that is neither willing nor able to meet the challenges presented by the European Union.
Thus, we should not skimp on resources for communication and cooperation.
As the extraordinary measure it is, the EGAF should be financed autonomously, and it is a very serious mistake for the EGAF, a short-term measure, to be funded at the expense of the ESF or any other structural fund.
author. - (PT) As underlined in our Group's motion for a resolution, it is currently vital to express our solidarity with the East Timorese people and to condemn the attacks on the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister of East Timor.
What will be the basis for it?
Reformulating the recovery plan for hake and lobster is another fundamental point which should be considered.
I would remind you that it has been greatly improved, that it is now fairly clear and that we can use it to create jobs and growth, which the citizens are waiting for.
Just imagine that a foul has been committed.
But, as others have said, I do not think it is enough to try and develop people's confidence in the electoral system and its outcome.
The previous debate was very interesting, but we have exceeded our allocated time, so I ask all those who are about to speak to stick closely to the time allocated.
(SK) Allow me to express my grief and say a few words in remembrance of the recent tragic crash involving a Slovak bus that took place near the Croatian town of Gospič.
This report deals with the Commission Green Paper on forest protection and information in the EU: preparing forests for climate change.
The European Parliament, like the Commission, is trying to contain the centrifugal trends and the logic of 'every man for himself' by calling for even greater dedication to completing the internal market, harmonising taxes and strengthening competition and the rules of the market.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (NL) This directive is about patients.
The Commission still considers this Convention to be a key part of the fight against poverty and desertification; the Convention is still a unique forum, with the necessary competence and experience to learn lessons and design new approaches to tackling soil deterioration, and has achieved a great deal but, as we are all aware, there is still much to be done.
The EGF's rules on the allocation of funds were simplified, taking into account the complex situation in the labour market and the growing number of unemployed.
Mr President, the Lisbon Treaty provides for an intensification of the neoliberal economic agenda that has caused economic disaster throughout Europe with 21 million unemployed, an intensification of militarisation and the armaments industry, and more pressure for privatisation.
We have, after all, achieved a great deal together.
In order to resolve this situation, we need a three-pronged approach, involving close cooperation between the Council of Europe, together with the European Court of Human Rights, the European Parliament as the driving force behind the European Union and the human rights organisations in the region, which are attempting to protect it from the might of Russia.
With regard to technical support for the least developed countries, the Council believes that the development and transfer of best practices and technologies is essential in the fight against biodiversity loss, climate change and desertification.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, please convey to President Sarkozy that Carlo Fatuzzo is 100% in favour of what the French Presidency has done over the last six months.
We are therefore able to continue this feasibility study into an alternative solution.
The proposal aimed at increasing the transparency of recruitment procedures, competitions for managerial positions and the award of grants for scientific research does seem appropriate, though.
What is to be done?
Europe needs to be more effective in strategic cooperation, internally and with its allies, in order to defeat terrorism but also in order to defeat it through political ideas and through law.
Farmers in Europe will be banned from using particular substances.
In a crisis situation, Member States must focus greater attention when setting their priorities.
The EU's future aid to Eritrea must be linked to clear demands for the release of Dawit Isaak and the other journalists.
This term, which depends on the patient's state of health and on the anticipated length of stay, was defined by the Administrative Commission on Social Security for Migrant Workers in 2004.
A common European strategy is obviously needed, but the European Union will not get anywhere if it is acting alone.
It was a pleasure to work with the Commission and with the Council.
A low sulphur content out at sea is not deemed to be an environmental problem, because the main aim has been to reduce urban pollution.
(SK) In August this year an extreme right-wing group known as the 'Hungarian Guard' was formed in the Republic of Hungary.
There is an inherent risk on the market, not only on account of the economic aspect, but also due to the lack of democratic rights and human rights and the involvement of companies that lack good business concepts.
I support Armenia in its efforts to gain recognition of the genocide carried out by the Ottoman Empire.
It is therefore clear that this event does not make a symbolic contribution but a legal contribution.
in writing. - A new Bretton Woods has to be well prepared.
Debts from the takeover are affecting the workforce, they are affecting the enterprise.
The European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea region and the role of macro-regions in the future cohesion policy (
We also have Member States, such as Sweden, that have set objectives with a timeframe.
Mr President, I must take exception to the two points of order just made.
I wanted to take part in the Geneva Process, but it seems that was difficult for the Government of Sri Lanka.
It would be desirable for the proposal to be consistent with REACH as regards both timeframes and a tonnage-based approach, and where the annexes are concerned, not least Annex VI.
Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of our President, Mr Pöttering, I must sadly inform you of the death of the former European Commissioner George Thomson, who later became Lord Thomson of Monifieth.
Ladies and gentlemen, as you will have understood, the changes implied by the Treaty of Lisbon are important.
We will identify areas for further work, to examine, and address clearly, evidenced shortcomings in existing regulatory protections.
I will now set out what we were trying to achieve.
I think the one reservation which we would draw to your attention, which is contained in the resolution on which we will vote tomorrow, concerns the issues about the availability of information.
It is only the ideology of a United States of Europe that emerges, which we do not support, since sovereign countries, the Member States, have already signed up to the convention.
The actions undertaken by a coalition of European, Arab and North American countries implementing the UN resolution have helped protect the civilian population of Libya.
We will establish cooperation with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean with the aim of achieving sustainable development and combating climate change and poverty.
The European Union should increase its logistic action and offer proper support to make it easier for these entrepreneurs to be active on third country markets.
Radio frequencies serve the public interest in a wide range of areas in the Member States.
Directives on stable energy sources, fuel quality and the environmentally friendliness of vehicles must be implemented more strictly and with more attention to quality.
This report does not form part of the legislative procedures and represents nothing more than the opinion of the European Parliament's federalist majority that the EU should increase its interference in the cultural sphere still further.
We would also have liked to see the report cogently address the issues raised by the European Court of Auditors related to such funding, which it singularly fails to do.
Mr President, first of all I have to apologise to the House; as shadow rapporteur, I was unable to be here yesterday evening because my flight was not on time.
If I have understood matters correctly, Mr McCreevy submitted initial measures concerning the banks to the Commission last week.
(The sitting was closed at 4.45 p.m.)
They wholeheartedly believe in this European project because what else can be more important than European decisions adopted by a government which has not been forced to make these decisions by legal requirements or requirements stipulated by the rules of this political game.
Just to conclude, I would like to say that this is one of the most difficult discussions that we have had, and it has been conducted very properly and with respect for all parties.
I would like to thank everyone who has collaborated on this package.
on agriculture: honouring the July 2008 commitments; concluding the negotiations on procedures; guaranteeing, in particular, special and differential treatment, respect for special products, and safeguard mechanisms; developing agricultural support in accordance with sustainable agriculture and food security;
(ES) Madam President, Mr Saryusz-Wolski should be congratulated because his report clearly states the essential points that the Union should take into account in order to establish a genuine common foreign policy on energy: reciprocity with exporting countries, the need to better coordinate our energy diplomacy at European level, and the importance of establishing an integrated and competitive market.
1.
In view of their expertise and the important role these associations and organisations also play in guaranteeing and controlling quality, it is absolutely paramount that they are consulted.
The above actions quite obviously put an end to discussions on the creation of an EU-Ukraine free trade area.
I voted in favour of drawing up a development strategy for the Danube, which will allow us to ask the Commission to draft this document as soon as possible, taking into account specific consultations with experts in the field and in the relevant regions, while identifying the financial resources available and including non-EU countries.
Contractual relations in the milk and milk products sector (
Many economists like to make economics more complicated than it is, but the explanation is quite simple: the markets have simply lost their belief that Europe's debt-ridden countries can compete and live up to their own responsibilities - that is the reason for all this.
In the current economic crisis, the EU must commit itself politically and financially in the key areas of maintaining and developing 'clean' technologies for combating climate change, supporting cross-border adaptation measures, boosting energy efficiency and providing assistance in the event of disasters, according to the EU's principle of solidarity.
Do not comb through the acquis until the end of 2009, but send out a signal before the election next year.
The Commission negotiates and signs the agreements.
Since the issue does, however - ladies and gentlemen of the left, and I am sorry to say it - touch on Italian political matters in a very provincial way, taking on an artificially European, and now domestic, dimension, it must be pointed out that, as long as the Italian left, which was once so much more powerful and substantial, allows itself to be led politically by comedians and demagogues, it will become increasingly distanced from power.
Promoting the free movement of people, in particular students and researchers, is a goal which is being pursued among other things by simplifying the procedure for the issue of short-stay visas in respect of which specific agreements were signed last September with the European Union; the final goal is fully to liberalise visas in order to make freedom of movement effective, another major point of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, and to open up channels fostering growth and education.
According to the Court of Justice, the traditional designation clauses in the existing bilateral agreements infringe EU law, as they constitute discrimination against EU carriers established in a Member State but owned and controlled by nationals of other Member States.
Secondly, price: this in turn should mean that the price of airline tickets, kept artificially high by the present system, could go down by as much as 10% as a result, according to the Commission's research.
We have an EU-wide school drop-out rate of over 14%.
We must not deviate from the initial reasoning proposed by the European Commission.
They did so with courage but also prudence, and without resorting to violence. Consequently, that approach, which did not involve the use of violence - an instrument of terror - may serve as a guide for us in the twenty-first century.
With each birth, with each period of maternity leave, women first reduce their professional responsibilities - unless the initiative comes from the company or the public sector.
There is not even anything really new from the Council and the new President of the European Council.
This had to be admitted, albeit reluctantly, even by the advocates of the old European Constitution.
In certain cases, they need temporary working credit and temporary assistance.
The extension of marketing authorisations under other names has been expressly simplified.
Thank you.
It is no exaggeration to say that the rules of the market economy are not applied at present in the Russian energy industry.
The claim that the Commission has changed its approach towards the assessment of Community interest in some recent cases is simply not true.
We hope that this text, which should be adopted by the next JHA Council and then submitted to the December European Council, will be an ambitious and balanced text and obviously one that reflects the new institutional balance.
In the past, vaccination against bluetongue was carried out using live attenuated vaccines, which called for a series of restrictions on vaccination so as to avoid the spread of the virus to unvaccinated animals.
(PL) Mr President, respect for human rights is a fundamental task of the European Community.
They also need a lot of storage on their farms for waste.
Therefore, I will briefly outline the three stages of this new dimension of European law.
But whenever there has been a 'no' result, it has been impossible to override it without coming back and addressing the concerns that were expressed and asking the country in question whether or not it wished to reconsider; whether or not it wished to change its mind.
Had referenda taken place in countries other than Ireland, the Irish 'no' would surely not have been the only one.
I voted for this report as it contains specific provisions for improving consumer interests.
What do we mean by this governance?
One of the things that we ask from the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection is for this Parliament to take an initiative in getting other national parliamentarians together in this House to talk in the framework of CARS 21 about how they, as national and local politicians, are going to contribute to these overall goals of achieving a competitive car industry with the highest possible technology and preserving and developing jobs and employment, while achieving the goals that we all want to meet in terms of science, safety and environmental improvements.
I do this in order to protect the interests of British citizens, such as exemplified by the case of Andrew Symeou, a 19-year-old London man who faces extradition to Greece on 30 September on a manslaughter charge.
In the 1950s and 1960s we had Chinese products: pens and various products for schools; and now the Chinese have appeared as a powerful economic and political force.
In this regard, I hope that the Vice-President/High Representative will raise the issue of Georgia, parts of whose territory remain annexed and occupied illegally by Russian soldiers, and help also to put pressure on Russia to solve the Transnistria question in Moldova.
I have looked for a compromise that I could live with, and I did offer the idea of limiting the term extension to recordings published before 1975, as appears in ALDE Amendments 80 and 81, which are compatible with the main package.
I say that very frankly.
We therefore call for this situation to be tackled using an effective and impartial mechanism enabling emergency measures at EU level.
Please do not pick rows with Irish farmers or any section in Ireland this year above all years, and let them have the monies they are entitled to have, in the way they have been paid for over 14 years now.
Moreover, I would not have split the report into two sections, one on European neighbours and the other on Mediterranean neighbours.
To conclude, I should like to thank the rapporteurs for the balanced and highly professional report assessing the ECB annual report.
If we do not manage to provide consistent protection for consumers, then we will have totally failed in this respect.

I can say that like everyone else, I do not agree that payment rates should depend on gender.
Reducing the number of inadmissible complaints has been a long-standing request of Parliament.
Genuine concerns need to be addressed and any loopholes for the unscrupulous to exploit must be closed off in European and legislative initiatives by European and national parliaments.
I am pleased that the European Parliament has finally reached this debate on the European Union's strategy for children's rights because a policy which encourages children's rights will form the bedrock of tomorrow's society.
The majority will continue to remain with the economic liberals and federalists in Parliament.
One such film was shown here in Parliament and we saw the situation.
The main advantage of RAPEX is that it allows information on dangerous consumer products found in one Member State to be rapidly communicated to the other Member States and the Commission to prevent other consumers from buying them.
Let us merge where we are strong; let us in Europe bring together the spirit of research, Einstein and Steve Jobs.
The war crimes court for the former Yugoslavia, which is soon to try Radovan Karadzić, shows that these principles are as important today as ever.
We urgently need to find the resources required to avert the problems which our citizens are going to be faced with, such as unemployment.
The general issue at stake here is disaster response.
At the same time, it advocates the introduction of binding and minimum standards at EU level for starting a real policy of integration.
Natalia Estemirova, who was a candidate for the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize, was kidnapped this morning in Grozny and is being held by unknown kidnappers.
At this juncture, I believe that it is worth saying that certain Member States need to be firmer and, above all, more consistent in advocating human rights.
Can the Council state when the exact timing for the overall deployment of EU peacekeeping troops to Chad will take place and what the make-up of this troop deployment will be?
The debate is closed.
I would therefore like to know: what boat was it and what information is available?
- (PL) Mr President, Robert Gwiazdowski, an expert at the Adam Smith Institute, is on record as having written that Monty Kaczyński's Flying Circus had flown back from Brussels but that it was not at all clear why it had flown there in the first place.
It will be a comprehensive programme of technical assistance focused on growth and jobs, but with an emergency character because - I repeat - Greece is living in an emergency situation.
I trust that you will find it a solid and balanced proposal which takes into account Parliament's recommendations and concerns.
It is not clear yet what the specific results will be following this visit.
The report also sounds an alarm bell concerning the poor application of the existing framework decision, along with the relevant international instruments, particularly the Council of Europe's Convention for the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, to which Romania has been a party since 2007, while also requesting the incorporation of new sexual offences.
The more that those on the right oppose what has been said, the more it becomes clear from your speech, Mr Brown, that we are on the right path.
It is a regional war which does not just concern eastern Congo.
We also need to minimise the costs of adaptation for European industry and to address the challenges faced by energy intensive industries.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, yes, the proposal for a directive on the internal transport of dangerous goods is an important issue, because around 110 billion tonnes/km of dangerous goods are transported in the EU every year: 58% by road, 25% by rail and, up to now, 17% by inland waterway.
You have an obligation to vote to choose one of the three films in the competition.
If railways are included in the emissions trading and have to pay, I can no longer see why aviation and maritime transport should have such special privileges.
The European Union has also said that we are willing to enter into a closer cooperation with Cuba, including trade, depending on their progress on human rights.
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is a good reflection of this, as it is an integral part of the Euro-Atlantic and Euro-Asian security architecture, which is characterised by a global conception of security that includes political and military, economic and environmental, and human dimensions.
We do not protect trees and we have no respect for timber.
However, I do want to convey to you my answers to these questions as to why we have rejected some wording or other in the report on Parliament's discharge.
This is an amendment that could not be foreseen at the beginning.
Coming again to the matter of regulation versus voluntary codes, many of the voluntary codes are only just getting under way, and for the main part these should be given time to operate.
I should like to make three proposals for the package of two reports that we have discussed today.
It is necessary to ensure that the substances for which a claim is made have been shown to have a beneficial nutritional or physiological effect.
I would have expected us to discuss the European Union's cooperation with China in reforming the global financial system, bearing in mind China's balanced and constructive position, especially now, before the G20 summit in London.
Given that the Netherlands has requested assistance in respect of 821 redundancies in 70 companies operating in the NACE Revision 2 Division 18 (printing and reproduction of recorded media) in the two contiguous NUTS II regions of Nord Brabant and Zuid Holland, I voted in favour of the resolution because I agree with the Commission's proposal and with the amendments to it tabled by Parliament.
That is wonderful!
Thus, in fact, we might say that he hurried ahead of the decision by our fellow Member.
But do they want a solution?
But we need also to agree on a second element, colleagues, which is flexibility.
Because of the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, I welcome the fact that the European Union now has competence in the area of sport with a support budget.

We can use public procurement to drive forward areas like small and medium-sized enterprises, Commissioner, and opportunities for innovation and green products and services - and, indeed, for supporting the whole of the innovation agenda.
If Member States work together, they can ensure a more secure, cheaper and more efficient supply of energy resources to citizens and companies.
Mr Schulz, obviously I believe that all democratic parties have a place in democratic countries.
The report published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) notes that, in the management of the virus, the EU has been unable to adapt quickly to the medical measures necessary to limit infection.
If we remember that, we will not go far wrong.
Moreover, a further step will be taken towards the implementation of one of the European Union's objectives - territorial cohesion.
We have supported this resolution with the clear aim of sending the message that the European Parliament and Labour MEPs stand side-by-side with the people of Haiti in the long-term work of rebuilding the infrastructure, communities and lives which have been torn apart.
The Commission proposal introduces important innovations which I hope you can support.
At the same time, this may also alleviate the imbalance within the dairy market.
I support the need for a correlation between the retirement age and demographic trends.
However, that demands that we use the community method and involve the European Parliament and national parliaments.
We want an inclusive Europe, and I give as an example the inclusion in the budget of the pilot project designed to facilitate the integration of the Roma people.
The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) was set up with the purpose of supporting the reintegration into the labour market of workers made redundant due to the current process of world market globalisation.
We wonder if these cuts were really necessary and what was the rationale behind them, especially since the fishery sector is currently experiencing great difficulties due to the crisis over fuel prices and the cuts in fishing opportunities.
Mr President, thank you for your understanding.
You correctly point out that Community legislation is the way to achieve the goals of the EU treaties, as its byword is the interest of European citizens, who have the right to demand the implementation of this law.
I also agree that the Commission's proposal, in its explanatory statement, should include clear and detailed information on the application, analysing the eligibility criteria and explaining the reasons that led to its approval, in accordance with the requests made by Parliament.
I am also talking about developing cooperation with the Council of Europe on training mediators from the Roma community.
On that basis, Baltic Gay Pride was held on 8 May 2010: that was the event to which a previous speaker referred.
For society as a whole, the costs of poor health and safety at work have been put at an astronomical 3.8% of gross national product.
The Commission can wholeheartedly support the text as it stands.
For the people of Haiti it is, of course, important that the infrastructure and the institutions of the state are rebuilt in the long term.
(FR) Madam President, I wish briefly to say three things.
I am aware, for example, that one Italian MEP, a member of the EFD Group, has been prosecuted for taking part in a vigilante raid in which he set fire to the belongings of an immigrant.
We believe that these will institutionalise inefficiencies in the farming sector.
It is a way of combining conditionality with our various means of exerting pressure within the framework of a legally binding agreement.
The only way in which we will be able to bring these figures back in line with public opinion is when we restore budgetary responsibility to national parliaments and to national parliamentarians who have to justify themselves to their constituents, who are also their taxpayers.
Allow me one last sentence, Mr President - Barack Obama only became President by the will of the nation, a nation which is worth working with, a nation which protects values that are also important to us.
I would call for decisive measures to be taken at the level of both the EU and all the Member States to combat pay-related discrimination and to ensure access to attractive job offers.
6.
Here, what is important is not to cast doubt upon the Lamassoure-Severin report; it is probably well constructed, albeit built upon a foundation of sand.
However - I am exaggerating here, but only slightly - the communication posts have largely been budgeted for, and we have been told, since the elections: 'we have to improve communication, we have to enhance it so as to increase our fellow citizens' awareness'.
One or both parents often never return and they can be indifferent to the fate of their children, whose best hope is to be cared for by close relatives.
If Europe really intends to implement the policies laid down in the European Treaties, including the most recent policies, it must have the financial resources it needs to fulfil these ambitions.
Indeed, will you monitor it, and what action will you take if distortion results?
3.
Welcome
After all, only then can we truly make this leading role a reality.
Need I point this out?
Please, what are you afraid of?
I voted for this resolution because I believe that any agreement between the EU and the United States in this area must also include strict safeguards on implementation and supervision, to be monitored by an appropriate EU-appointed authority.
In addition, the objection about the political bias of the composition of the Media Council under this law is totally unfair.
That is, in my view, the path we need to follow.
The debate is closed.
I think human life deserves better.
There is a human rights instrument that is indeed very important, known as the European Convention on Human Rights.
This afternoon I had a meeting with the officials in my Directorate-General with a view to enhancing and redoubling the Commission's efforts in the field of road safety.
The second step is to combat child trafficking and prostitution. The third step is for us not to forget, for the children's sake, that priority must be given to adoptions by family members and national adoptions.
In addition to those answers, I would now like to respond to some of the comments made.
The campaign is being run by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the European Union institutions and the World Health Organization.
I do not believe that this is in any way acceptable.
Genital mutilation is a social problem that concerns us all.
We would rather see these sort of arrangements set within a proper framework - and within something that is not going to delay for five years much of the progress that we want to see happen.
The text is, admittedly, a first step in the right direction since hedge funds were not previously obliged to be transparent.
There were two glimmers of light when the Treaty of Lisbon entered into force.
The European agricultural sector produces high-quality food, protects vital rural areas and many jobs, maintains and promotes our cultural landscape and biodiversity and can make a contribution to conserving fossil fuels through the production of renewable raw materials and energy.
My colleague, Stephen Hughes, has already referred to the fact that the first Barroso Commission has failed to deliver much of what you had already promised.
Of course, what it cannot ultimately safeguard is the interest on the part of the Member States in making use of this tool to promote their culture.
The Commission refers specifically and clearly to the difficulties; it defines them and suggests what the difficulties are and where there is a margin for us to implement the targets we have set.
The Union also enters 2009 secure in the strength of its international reputation.
This Union is an Orwellian creation where words mean the opposite of what is said.
Its goal is to facilitate intra-European arms exports, which also, of course, affects arms exports outside the EU.
There must be strict compliance with the port State obligations contained in the International Labour Organization's Maritime Labour Convention, the 'polluter pays' principle must hold and all the rules must also apply at night.
For 2009, they were 30%, and in 2010, they were 40%.
Much effort is dedicated to addressing safety issues.
European investment in Niger's uranium mines or in the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline must be accompanied by transfers of technology for clean energy production based on microprojects.
Come here for 90 minutes, not 60.
Can we have some monitoring by the Commission?
However, we are equally concerned about and sympathetic towards the unfortunate position which the Palestinians find themselves in with regard to everything referred to in this statement and, in particular, the 1967 borders, the difficult situation in Jerusalem and the settlement activities.
The innocent people living in the south of Slovakia have, in this way, become hostages to these nationalists and their dreams of a politically reunited Hungarian nation.
(NL) Mr President, the Dutch guarantee of many billions of euros prompted the former Minister of Finance, Mr Ruding, to say 'The road to budgetary hell is paved with guarantees'.
The recently adopted Lisbon Treaty gives more authority to European institutions in a political sense, and it seems to me that a particular kind of divide is opening between political integration, which is making progress, and economic integration.
This framework decision must be seen as a first step in the process of getting to grips with racism and xenophobia at European level and maximum harmonisation in this field.
The Commission is therefore called upon to review the Agency's fee structure to bring costs and revenue for certification activities into balance.
However, it is lacking one critical and, above all, self-critical analysis.
This country is going through a process of increasing authoritarianism in which freedoms are being restricted, the opposition is being harassed and fear is being created among the people who even suspect that their vote is no longer secret.
As far as working hours are concerned, we have been successful today.
I accept the work done by the rapporteur, and certainly she has taken out a great many of the concerns we would have, but it does leave me wondering why we need this at all.
I agree with the statement that investment in the production of biogas from different sources should be encouraged, drawing on EU funds allocated to regional and rural development for that purpose.
In addition, more must be done in future to cater to the specific needs of women in the agricultural sector in order to attract the younger generations to the industry.
The European Commission, which has been criticised on several occasions with regard to agricultural policy, is condemned by the European Parliament in this report for arriving too often at conclusions that are unsustainable for European agricultural policy.
If we do not succeed in avoiding this, I will then take up the fight against it.
I have since then been discussing the terms of such facilitation with both foreign ministers - most recently in a trilateral meeting yesterday evening - following the decisions of both governments on our initiative.
There are many people over there also in denial.
Finally, I would urge the Council, too, to follow Parliament's recommendations.
This image somehow also reflects an image of China: able to show itself as sumptuous, rich, developed, and capable of presenting itself to the world, as in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.
Once again, it should be stressed that as a result of the crisis and economic instability, CFP will no longer function and will leave the fishermen to their fate.
Today, the problem is in Lampedusa.
We cannot allow ourselves to fall prey to fear and make hasty choices today: we need a general agreement on making existing nuclear plants safe and screening those that are under construction.
The first concerns the impact assessment.
But the reality is that others have to match our level of ambition.
I feel that this report is actually - and I say this with deep conviction - one of the most controversial documents adopted by Parliament in recent times.
Her outrageous sentence of 11 years' imprisonment for doing her job is an insult to humanity.
Today we understand each other better.
Firstly, energy, its supply and sufficiency, raises and lowers the position of societies in the global competitive environment.
As things stand at present, only half the Member States of the Union have ratified the Partnership Agreement with the ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) countries due to enter into force on 1 January 2008.
Universities must be able to count on significant and foreseeable public and private funding.
Finally, I want to underline the fact that the provisions of this directive, which represents a new regulatory frame, should only apply to the structured financial instruments, credit rating agencies themselves being an important part of structured finance.
I appeal for sensitivity to the situation of millions of citizens of Ukraine and hundreds of young Ukrainians.
Next week is the European SME week.
Second, we need more consistent application of the VAT rules on financial services and a more level playing field in the internal market.
However, as I also indicated last night during our discussions, laws and regulations are as good as we make them, and we therefore have to remain vigilant and see to it that Member States, feed dealers and, indeed, the Commission, ensure that everybody sticks to their obligations in ensuring that laws really are enforced and that they are good laws.
There is no lender.
Biogas and other biofuels, along with solar and wind energy, can significantly reduce the reliance on conventional energy sources.
It is, therefore, essential to ensure that outsourcing, which should in any case only be allowed under the most stringent conditions, is permitted only on premises that enjoy diplomatic protection.
There is a long chain of terrorist acts ranging from indoctrinating and arousing fanaticism in a child to murder.
(PT) Madam President, Mr Chastel, on 6 July this year, the European Parliament adopted, by a large majority, a specific directive on bio-waste.
I voted in favour of this resolution because, while recognising the principle of subsidiarity and the competence of the Member States in this area, I think the European Union should make its own contribution by encouraging dialogue among the various actors on solidarity between generations.
In my view, Mr Baco's vote is more of a misunderstanding.
What should be pointed out, however, is that this work has not been completed, because it also involves Parliament remaining vigilant against the temptation of populism, which looks for scapegoats for the problems of social exclusion rather than solutions or responses.
Parliament will investigate carefully the information you have provided and will act on it in the coming months.
If we keep speaking only about symptoms and perpetrators, remaining silent or passive when it is about the causes and facilitators, we are going to jeopardise our values.
(BG) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I am taking the floor so that I can draw your attention to a complex problem which unfortunately affects every single Bulgarian citizen, namely, the daily racketeering which the banks engage in against consumers.
I would like to mention just two examples.
Only weak governments go to such lengths to preserve their artificially obtained corrupt power and wealth.
It is good that the European Union has decided on a common peace mission to Chad with the aim of protecting its citizens and guaranteeing humanitarian aid.
To end, I must say to you, Madam Vice-President, that you already know that you can count on the support of this Parliament.
It is primarily Europe's soot emissions that are responsible for the significantly faster melting of the ice in the Arctic - they are borne there by the wind.
This would give a real industrial boost to the economic recovery.
Within the framework of action 2, funds will be targeted and used in accordance with the objectives of the development and external relations instruments.
To conclude, Commissioner, since you have spoken of respect - yes, it is entirely appropriate that the majority society should harbour the greatest respect for its minorities, but I think the minorities in a healthily functioning society should have equal respect for that society.
Agriculture continues to be an important economic sector.
In the case of Slovakia, the 17% revaluation of its currency, albeit planned and in line with the Treaty criteria, gives food for thought.
Madam President, I do not propose to go over all the issues raised here, especially since there is going to be a vote tomorrow, but I would nonetheless like to highlight certain points that have been made repeatedly in the speeches.
Unfortunately, we have been unable to obtain an assurance in this report that the European Commission will finally take note of Article 14 of the Treaty of Lisbon and present a proposal for a directive on public services.
Its purpose is to attract qualified foreign students to Europe.
Mrs Rühle, as regards compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, these substances can be found in various consumer goods and not just in toys.
In which areas does the Council feel there has been most progress?
In other words, they are not delivering a solution to the question that you have in mind.
Looking to changes ahead, the preparations for the reform of the common agricultural policy in 2013 will be an issue during this Presidency.
We must avoid creating bureaucratic obstacles which serve to muzzle dynamism and entrepreneurship to the point of suffocating them.
The European Union has to take this into account when we want to develop even stronger cooperation for the benefit of the Arctic, its inhabitants and its wildlife.
All procurements in connection with the European Football Championship have been excluded from the scope of this law.
It is in fact the wrong response as, if we had voted for the Membership Action Plan (MAP) in Bucharest, strictly speaking this would not have made any difference because I believe that no one was ready to make war on behalf of Georgia.
Particular attention must be focused on the objectives set in the Europe 2020 strategy.
Under no circumstances must occupational pensions be transferred to a compulsory European system.
The second question is whether or not we should be considering developing the GSP+ system further into a GSP++.
I can do without your applause.
Of special importance to the consumer is also the establishment of the right to withdraw from a contract within a 14-day period without giving a reason and the related right to obtain reimbursement of all payments which have been made.
We have made it slightly more flexible.
I think it is a positive sign that the summit is to be held in the capital of Khanty-Mansi.
This will continue to be the case.
Needless to say, I completely disagree with extending the application of the 'blue card' system.
For this reason, I would like to repeat that I was very grateful that all of this has been made clear today.
I am very much in favour of asking the Commission to take steps to facilitate an independent study of the performance of innovative communication means, including labelling, as a way of reducing hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption.
We have been able to, and should, approach Mr Soini's speeches with a sense of humour, but, as in recent times he has gained a certain amount of support, they obviously need to start to be taken seriously.
This system threatens to permanently weaken liberal democracy in Russia itself. It is also fanning the flames of neo-imperialism in Russian foreign policy.
My second question: what action can be taken quickly to make the European economy less dependent, especially on imported oil and gas and their prices?
As I have said, using a battering ram against the social security system would definitely be the worst thing that the European Union could do at this point.
Nobody mentions that our actions have only increased the number and the intensity of terrorist acts.
But, of course, it is in Turkey's interest to strengthen every aspect of her democracy.
This is an important area of macroregional cooperation.
Mr President, on behalf of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, I want to express our total condemnation of the murders being committed in this region of Somalia in the name of God.
I believe we ought to be discussing this.
Simply because most of them want it that way.
If we want the port to remain competitive we need to modernise its current infrastructure and remove red tape.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (DE) Mr President, Mrs Harms mentioned something important yesterday.
The amendments to the Structural Funds Regulation to take account of cohesion policy will enable us to provide a new impetus for investment and help restore confidence in the economies.
Gender-based violence covers sexual abuse, human trafficking, forced marriage and genital mutilation, and such violent crimes have an extraordinary impact on and do irreparable damage to a woman's physical and mental health.
in writing. - (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I voted against the report by Mr Catania on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union (2004-2008).
That is the current situation of the Roma in France.
Ms Gomes has visited Iraq twice since December in order to get the clearest possible picture of what is and what is not happening in the country.
This is the reason why this issue should be approached realistically, with responsibility, and specialists from various fields of expertise should take part in the related debates.
For countries like mine, Romania, offset is, at least for the time being, an important mechanism to ensure the survival of our national industry.
Indeed, it will no longer be necessary to submit 27 applications within the Member States.
Pursuant to Article 15 of the Treaty on European Union, I would like to know when the President of the European Council will come and give an account of the European Council of 4 February to the European Parliament, because I do not believe he is coming to this part-session.
What strategy, then, will the Commission adopt in relation to the African Union, as we are talking about the African continent?
We are very satisfied by the very positive response that Parliament and the Council have given to the proposal.
I am really glad to be able to speak about this topic with you this evening.
Let me say something else on the same subject that Mr Romeva i Rueda and Mrs Gomes: surely the weapons used in these countries, including Somalia, are produced in and exported from so-called democratic countries, countries that are economically developed.
When you arrive in those countries instability starts again.
They should include a monetised indicator, such as adjusted net disbursements, and a physical indicator, such as an ecological or carbon footprint, for the environmental dimension, and social indicators which incorporate the social dimension, such as an inequality evaluation (for example, the Gini coefficient) and a social integration and human prosperity index, such as the Human Poverty Index.
It is the sector which the European Commission itself describes as the one with the greatest potential for reducing CO2.
The amendments are constructive; I hope they will be successful and that colleagues will support them tomorrow.
The announcement that the priorities established in the 2008 budget will continue in connection with interpreting and with the analytical service of the library is also pleasing.
We also favour implementing all practical measures which can reinforce concrete cooperation between the EU and NATO and ensure, in particular, cooperation when both are deployed in the same theatre.
With regard to the existing landfills, the Commission has started an investigation and asked the Italian authorities to report on the functioning of the Terziano and Cicciano landfills.
in writing. - There is no doubt that, despite current legislation to reduce pesticides, excessive amounts of pesticides exist in our air, water and food supply, affecting our health and the environment.
We need to protect our citizens from terrorist threats, and we also need to safeguard their private lives and privacy.
Thirdly, I would like to emphasise once again that the Council must give a clear signal after Copenhagen that a binding climate change agreement is needed.
Rest assured that we will hold talks on this matter and decide on the next steps to be taken in this regard.
These principles are as follows: increase efficiency in production and distribution of goods and services, mainly by reducing red tape; improve the existing rules and adapt them to the current circumstances, notably to facilitate risk-based monitoring procedures for national administrations; simplify procedures and increase transparency for intra-Community trade, by increasing legal certainty and fair rules; finally, the system for the collection and reimbursement of duty should not give rise to discriminatory criteria, and should avoid double taxation.
There is also the amendment to deal with the odd system we have that our opening session is chaired by the oldest Member instead of, for instance, the outgoing President, which happens in some parliaments - or an outgoing Vice-President, even, if the President were not re-elected, perhaps.
Commissioner, in our view, the aim is not to infringe employees' rights in any way but to create jobs.
in writing. - (NL) The transmissible diseases that threaten Europe, such as SARS and bird flu, show that far-reaching European measures are necessary to prevent a possible pandemic in Europe.
The Council believes that we have achieved the most important goal, that is, the consolidation of the case-law of the European Court of Justice relating to the free movement of goods and services in the area of healthcare.
Mr van Rompuy makes his statement - that is also excellent.
And yet, we still have no common strategy, and there is no coordination of measures taken by the various institutions and the Member States, which should not resist harmonisation of their legislation, even though this is not anchored in the treaties.
Given these factors, I believe that the EU must devise an effective policy so that workers can remain in the labour market and not be subjected to age discrimination.
I voted against setting the legally binding target of achieving minimum energy savings of 20% by 2020 as this element of compulsion at EU level could have an adverse impact on the single market.
(Applause)
We can see that the groundwater has been contaminated by the chemicals that have permeated this hydraulic fracturing.
The Joint Undertaking is in a start-up phase and had not yet fully established its internal control and financial reporting systems by the end of 2009.
A very warm welcome to you all!
The consumer must be able to identify what proportion of the price goes to the state and how much goes into the pockets of the airline and airport.
in writing. - I voted for this report, which stresses that the main objective pursued by the EU and the Member States in the EU strategy for the Black Sea region should be to establish an area of peace, democracy, prosperity and stability, founded on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and providing for EU energy security, and considers that good governance, the rule of law, promotion of respect of human rights, migration management, energy, transport, the environment, and economic and social development should constitute priority actions.
I would like to add, Mr Farage, that I respect the Polish, but you were not in my office negotiating the Lisbon Treaty with a number of colleagues.
Equally, experience shows that non-lethal methods for disturbing cormorants on rivers are inefficient.
On the contrary, supporting the Treaty of Lisbon and 'free trade', implementing palliative controls on the environmental degradation caused by the liberalisation of trade, will only exacerbate the environmental degradation that is increasingly threatening our planet and its people.
in writing. - As usually in this type of reports, the EP:
We would also stress the fact that this proposal for a directive includes aspects that will end up restricting the right to asylum and applying conditions to it, above all, limiting each Member State's sovereign right to make its own choices and decide on its own asylum procedures.
This choice must not contribute to creating extra burdens on the weakest companies, thus handicapping their activity.
We should not forget that even today in the European Union there is a 28.4% difference in employment rates between men and women, that we are a long way off the Lisbon target of achieving 60% female employment by 2010 and that, in addition, women earn on average 15% less than men.
This is primarily through NATO and the UN.
This will certainly lead to problems in the area of jurisdiction and the autonomy of the Court of Justice.
My second point concerns market monitoring.
We know who they are.
However, it was only awarded seven licences for tuna fishing.
We know that 0.3% of the planet's deserts could supply the entire world with energy.
Who is responsible if, in a Member State of the EU, further to an agreement with an international organisation which has nothing to do with the European Union, the employment situation deteriorates drastically, including in respect of aid for the employment of people with disabilities?
Mr President, like my colleague Mrs Ask, I would like to finish by saying that you are more than welcome to send your opinions to us by e-mail if you did not have an opportunity to present them here today.
Although I do not endorse those who would seek to impose demands on regions from above as regards the earmarking programme, the impetus stemming from this report and from the proposals made are nevertheless heading in the right direction and will contribute to the creation of green jobs.
At present, 10 Member States have lines with ERTMS and there are ongoing projects in almost all Member States.
However, this must - and this is my appeal to the Commission, to Baroness Ashton - this must be the slogan, the main slogan of our diplomacy in the world.
That calls to mind a quote from the classics: the message well I hear, my faith alone is weak.
There was talk of welfare tourism and countless other problems.
Mr President, the next European Union-Russia summit will take place between a Russian Federation on the rise - be it only provisionally - and an EU not only affected by the Irish 'no' on the Lisbon Treaty but, moreover, by the lack of a clear vision on how to get out of this crisis.
The second 'bird' is Europe's heavy dependence on imported energy.
This impact is very clear, particularly for corn gluten feed and the waste from using maize to produce alcohol.
They will be equal in every sense.
2.
Firstly, I would like to point out that more than 15 days after the first cases had been reported and more than a month after the first instances of contamination had occurred, the European early warning and response units have still been unable to identify the real cause of the contamination.
The countries that are among the new EU Member States often have enormous deficits to make up, especially as regards the quality and health of the foodstuffs produced.
I believe that no one should go unemployed for months without the offer of training, a job or help to obtain a job, and that no school-leaver should be out of school and out of work for long without being offered the chance to get the skills they need for the future.
2. bus and coach routes which are making marginal or no profit, having no room for increased ticket prices, will be cut entirely and there will be no service.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (NL) Mr President, like Mr Salafranca, I should like to pick up on what President Sarkozy stated this morning: we have to try to solve the problems with Russia via dialogue rather than confrontation.
We need a responsible and ambitious policy at this level from all political players.
For this reason, I believe that it is extremely important to guarantee a high level of protection for all consumers without, however, hampering the operation of mobile telephony networks and the development of new wireless technologies.
How can we reform European agriculture fairly if we ignore 95% of all farms?
In addition to the November summit of the EU and the US, the December meeting of the Transatlantic Economic Council also provides a platform for responsible and pragmatic policies.
That is the process we would like to see taking place, so that we may look forward to all countries of the Western Balkans becoming fully-fledged members of the European Union one day, which will be the foundation of ensuring peace, security and cooperation - in that part of Europe, too.
I welcome the resolve and intent of the Chinese, the Indians and so many other countries in the industrialised and less-developed parts of the world to achieve the target of a serious reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, as opposed to business as usual.
Women represent 42% of agricultural workers in all countries of the European Union.
If we continue now and always to extract raw materials, we will never see the end of things.
Crash tests have shown that these belts, which are the devices most commonly used by European airlines, may actually endanger children and cause serious injuries.
They have no right to healthcare or pensions and they live in constant fear of being caught and sent back to their home country.
People accept what they know, but anything that is beyond their horizon arouses concern.
I am referring here, above all, to young people.
in writing. - (FR) I voted in favour of the report.
We, the European Parliament, shall pay particular attention to whether democratic rules of play are observed.
Their arrival is a direct consequence of the occupation of Latvia implemented by the Soviet Union.
It is a fact that Europe can no longer sustain these migratory movements via Tajikistan and from Afghanistan and other countries, a fact which primarily the Mediterranean countries, such as Malta, Cyprus, Greece and Italy, are paying for now, but which it is certain, with mathematical precision, will be paid for at a later date by all the countries of northern Europe.
I regret that the Swedish Minister was not here, because we had very good cooperation.
In situ research into mycorhizal symbiosis should be actively encouraged.
Let me start with the negatives - the limitations.
I once again repeat my thanks to the Commission and to Parliament, which, I am sure, will deal with this matter meticulously, thoroughly and swiftly.
In view of the budgetary situation of most EU Member States, this is unacceptable.
In order to prevent similar dangerous situations in the future, pre-prepared support plans must exist, and there must be an appropriate reaction both before and after the problem.
I should also mention Agora, Parliament's forum with civil society, which is making history and is a really important instrument.
We must facilitate access to funding for private individuals and for entrepreneurs who are unable to obtain loans from the traditional banking sector.
The agreement reinforces bilateral cooperation between the European Union and Mauritania, and must guarantee sustainable fishing.
If necessary, they should also make significant increases to public financing for the development of low-carbon technologies.
Therefore, there is no doubt that the constant increase in food prices as a result of increased commodity prices is an increasingly pressing concern for the EU.
On the first point, I will refer to the President of the Italian Republic, who I already quoted yesterday and who voiced his opinion last week: 'The European Parliament' - I quote - 'cannot be a sounding board for the political conflicts and controversies that are a matter of course within the Member States and their national parliaments.'
The Committee on Transport and Tourism realises that around 90% of Union exports and imports are made by sea.
Such an approach might well be counterproductive and would cancel out the benefits of dealing with the Roma problem across the board in all the European Union's policies.
One thing is clear to all of us.
In the finance sector, the numbers are even less positive: women represent only 10% of board members of the major European listed companies and 3% of the chairpersons of those boards.
It is all this that our healthcare systems must be able to respond to, with everyone having guaranteed access to healthcare services.
This is our commitment and yet we win in some areas and we lose in others.
- Before the vote:
As food is the most important collective asset of the agricultural sector, food production must be ensured, especially with a view to food security over the coming decades.
Our citizens expect those rules of play to be adhered to.
I therefore believe that we have to break this vicious circle through the balance which Mr Mate spoke of.
For 180 pills, the price in Malta is EUR 178.97 as compared to EUR 135.13 in Brussels.
Sustainable, productive and competitive European agriculture enables the challenges of security of supply in the food and energy sectors, of climate change, of the environment and biodiversity, of health, and of demographic change in the EU to be met.
That is also why businesses now have a big chance to make it unnecessary for me to intervene, because if they do things right, we do not need to intervene.
The office of High Representative, while it still lasts, has been undermined and the authority of the international community weakened.
One of the Knowledge and Innovation Communities I have proposed will concentrate on information and communications technology.
I agree with Mr Kacin and Mr Pinior that we should not wait for any subsequent reports, but rather seize the first suitable opportunity to start negotiations with Macedonia.
Mr President, as Mr Vondra, the deputy Prime Minister has said, the Commission must ensure that the rules are applied.
The objective of the motion is not to cut Europe off from the rest of the world or to override the rules of the market.
Women with temporary and outsourcing contracts often fill posts in sectors where the need is great during good economic times but where the position is often very fragile during an economic downturn.
What happened really could take us almost to the edge of the abyss, the precipice, and so the unanimous call that came from Parliament is the only one that can guide us at this difficult time.
If the United States and South-East Asia do not participate on the same terms as the EU in the carbon dioxide emissions programme that has been developed, the huge financial and economic effort by the EU will serve no purpose.
For the future, we must make efforts to ensure that our Parliament - like our counterparts in the US Congress who, one could argue, have arrogated various rights to themselves over recent centuries - has more opportunities to exert influence on the substance of this agreement.
The key issue of course is prevention and I am therefore pushing for a Europe-wide ban on gambling advertisements which are targeted at young people, just as we have for alcohol and tobacco.
The European authorities must be open to dialogue and cooperation with the citizens and with organisations from civil society.
It remains up to the EU and Canada to decide what commitments it is willing or not to undertake in each sector, including with regard to public services or other services where future policy flexibility is important.
However, IAs can in no way be a substitute for political debate and the legislator's democratic and legitimate decision-making process.
Up till now, the United States has not said anything about how prepared it is to support emission reduction targets in the developing countries.
Welcome to the European Parliament!
The new Commission will have the difficult task of encouraging sustainable growth through the full implementation of the European economic model; that is, the model of the social market economy.
The numerous investment agreements signed by the EU, whether bilateral or multilateral, must guarantee the protection of investors in all the appropriate sectors.
(PT) Mr President, Mr Medina Ortega, we are obviously not waiting for Rome, Lisbon, London or Paris to suffer natural disasters before we look at this issue in more detail.
We must make our position very clear to the rest of the world.
For instance, the attack on human rights activist Lev Ponomarev last night is the latest reminder of how difficult the situation for human rights defenders is in Russia.
The next item is the statements from the Council and the Commission concerning the situation in Kenya.
If the European Union is to effectively support us through the economic crisis, lead the way as it must in fighting climate change, protect public services, defend human rights and contribute to international peace and disarmament, then it needs the input of all of us, and that includes Wales, Scotland, Catalonia, Corsica, Flanders and many others.
It gives the enlarged Europe the rules it needs to function effectively and democratically.
Minister Vondra, you promised that you would keep this Parliament fully briefed.
Whether this actually comes about largely depends on the Russian side.
The integration of the west Balkans with the general European framework of stability is probably our greatest challenge since the Union began.
I disagree strongly with the minister who left, who said that we can in effect do very little.
I would also highlight the salutary and technologically oriented competition that this system will bring to the tyre market, meaning that technological developments in the various brands can be compared - and understood - by consumers in a clear and objective manner.
I would therefore ask the European Commission to keep a close eye on the interests of inland shipping when it drafts new legislation on urban mobility.
In these circumstances, the rapid provision of accurate information to passengers was an absolute must.
It is time to take significant steps towards improving the lives of the majority of women, including in the area of sexual and reproductive health, and putting an end to the hypocrisy that still surrounds the issue of abortion.
Unscrupulous employers benefit from these illegal workers who are prepared to work for very poor rates and in dangerous conditions.
On 5 September 2007 the Commission proposed amending the working methods used to date. The proposal aimed to ensure more effective management of proceedings, and received the support of the majority of Members of this House.
That is how you make policy, and it is how you gain the support of our citizens.
We need assurances from President Putin that he understands our guiding principles.
The process for evaluating these countries and their accession must be completed according to the same criteria with which it started.
2.
Two people came, having announced their visit.
We must help to strengthen the cautious movement towards greater openness.
Furthermore, crops which grow in the vicinity of heavily used roads would be much less exposed to pollution from exhaust fumes.
But, also on the European summit, I would say: renewable energy and energy saving - I think there is huge opportunity for governments to slip there, not to deliver on the goods, to find it politically difficult to bring about the institutional changes necessary, and I think the Commission needs to put as much pressure as possible to name and shame, to find new mechanisms, to ensure that Member States deliver on the goals they have now agreed.
It is therefore more Europe and a better Europe that we need.
Unfortunately, we must acknowledge that minor positive results have been achieved and that the objective of gender equality is still far off.
Situations such as those faced by Iraqi society, and other parts of the world today, for example, teach us that the deeper the damage to the fabric of society the more painful, costly and difficult in human terms it is to repair it.
Thank you, Commissioner.
In my constituency a wonderful project in relation to this subject was supported by Interreg.
We really have to look into this matter.
We will be voting against this text.
What is happening in the euro area and in the whole of the European Union is that although it did not cause the crisis and it is not where the crisis began - we know that it began in the United States - we have suffered its effects just as much as the country where it began.
Free markets are not synonymous with deregulated markets.
These people are fighting for their work, for their existence and for their children, and it is precisely this fear and worry which creates such fertile ground for the growth of far-right extremism in the EU and in the Member States.
I would like to try again to show that there are a variety of dimensions here.
I am very pleased to hear that the substance of this Regulation has met with widespread agreement.
A good example is the European Ecumenical Assembly taking place these days in Sibiu, Romania.
Where are we now?
Therefore, I welcome the outcome of this vote.
It is also a great pleasure for me to welcome the winners of the first Charlemagne Youth Prize to the European Parliament today.
The economic crisis must not deflect any of us from meeting the long-term challenge of climate change.
In view of the present developments, how should one read the reiteration of the EU's readiness to recognise an independent Palestinian state when appropriate?
Faced with the ever-worsening crisis, unemployment and living conditions for millions of people, all of us are thus once again aware what the much-vaunted European solidarity really means for some.
I do not complain about being accused of being unduly ambitious - that is the benchmark for what I do and how I set about my job.
We consider the mobilisation of this support to be important and necessary, and we therefore voted in favour of the report.
Law applicable to contractual obligations (Rome I) (vote)
Therefore, do not have any expectations that the Commission will move in that direction.
We want a special session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva to be held as quickly as possible.
President-in-Office of the Council. - As I said, we have asked the Commission to come up with alternative proposals on how this particular Social Fund can be used in this situation where, as you say, lots of people all around Europe are without work, and we hope that the Commission will present such a proposal without undue delay.
Both Syria and Lebanon have an important role to play.
Parliament has also passed Resolution on the proposal for a Council regulation on the conservation of fishery resources through technical measures in the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea.
Parliament voted today on a report on the impact of the Treaty of Lisbon on the development of the institutional balance of the European Union.
(RO) Mr President, cohesion policy is, without a doubt, fundamental to the European Union's development.
in writing. - (PT) I voted against this resolution.
All the problems of the first period arose because we did not have those things, so they are extremely welcome now.
Within the framework of the 18-month programme of the German, Portuguese and Slovenian Presidencies, the Council has made intensive preparations to make this important meeting successful in terms of better protection and sustainable utilisation of biodiversity at the global level.
I would like to emphasise that Serbia has undertaken, in accordance with Article 5 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, to respect human rights and protect ethnic and religious minorities.
The budget framework is inflexible - we are not simply moving unspent money from the agriculture budget framework over to other parts of the budget, and recently the Commission has almost made a habit of challenging this flexibility - challenging this rigidity.
I have to say that the irony of this is not lost on me.
2008 discharge: European Medicines Agency
This is because approximately one in six young people in the European Union drops out of school early and one in four does not complete secondary education.
(SV) Mr President, the map of Europe has changed through armed attack and war.
Without them, our commitments are only words and the legislation is useless.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, let me thank you on behalf of the Commission for the chance to discuss the outcome of the Copenhagen conference on climate change and the follow-up to the Copenhagen Accord.
This is not merely a technical procedure.
We are talking of quality food!
It could also serve to legitimise the dictatorships in Tunisia, Libya and Syria, and to a lesser extent Algeria and Egypt.
They give the impression of dissension and inconsistency.
(DE) Madam President, we are going to be dealing with - though unfortunately not debating - the report by Mrs Kósáné Kovács concerning the Roma issue.
A separate article was introduced, along with several recitals and provisions concerning funding-related aspects.
Contracts entered into between people in different places, and particularly the difficult issue of the tentative offer, or pollicitation, and acceptance, the procedures, timings and proof can all be unified without necessarily having to unify the substantive rules of our different legislations.
The High Representative again met with the UN Secretary General in Lisbon last Saturday.
There should be a creative tension between us and the executive - that is, the Commission.
I am taking advantage of this explanation of vote to criticise the delay in the codification of European law.
I have endeavoured to ensure that key MEPs were kept informed by my services about the evolution of this debate.
We must find a balance between providing funding for all the requirements and maintaining budgetary discipline, even if it means restricting expenditure, in order to comply with the Multiannual Financial Framework.
Its implementation is well established.
Enforcing payment in such circumstances is virtually impossible.
The Commission will also consider this in the light of the changes made in this area by the Treaty of Lisbon, which I hope will enter into force as soon as possible.
The rapporteur has produced a balanced proposal.
I would like all EU legislation to be on this basis.
The European Union must also contribute to the observance of human rights by its major trading partners.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, let us be honest.
This is a worrying fact, and it requires that we give thought to whether the causes lie deeper, and whether administrative rules and regulations - hard law - are sufficient in this instance, or whether it is necessary to alter people's awareness and culture in general.
We are launching a clear and precise initiative so that the two Member States involved in this matter can resolve this lack of coordination as soon as possible.
I would very much welcome if one of those top jobs could go to a woman.
- Report: Herczog
I would also like to object strongly to the use of corn, cereals and other primary agricultural food products for energy production.
These programmes are creating very positive experiences and we should extend them for that reason.
(PL) I endorsed this report.
Budget support must always be accompanied by actions to develop the receiving country's parliamentary control and audit capacities and to increase transparency and public access to information, and civil society should be involved in monitoring budget support.
However, apart from this measure, all the information has disappeared.
(HU) Mr President, beginning with January, Hungary will be the third new Member State to take over the rotating Presidency of the EU.
in writing. - (SV) This own-initiative report focuses on potentially improving and increasing the protection provided for asylum seekers, but I distance myself from the statement in the report that a common asylum system would resolve this problem.
This measure will make the market competitive and is therefore in the interests of consumers, who will benefit from the new rules of a more healthy, free and transparent energy market.
Forgive me for not having said it during my initial speech, but defining an energy policy - notwithstanding our differences on nuclear power, notwithstanding those differences - will be a priority for the French Presidency.
1.
They know the true value of their resource and with this agreement, so will we.
What has been included, though, is a long-term goal of 95 g/km by 2020, which I am pleased about, but it depends on the interpretation to what extent this has been included effectively in the current text.
The Commission has also established an EU reference laboratory for mollusc diseases, which receives annual financial support, to ensure coordination of national laboratories in the Member States and provide scientific support to the Commission.
It is right that we see EU action on this and - dare I say - this does constitute a pretty coherent plan B, where plan A, the common European agricultural policy, has failed Europe's bees.
Obviously they will be given the floor after it has been given to Members speaking for the first time.
Mr President, I would like to welcome President Sarkozy again to Strasbourg and to congratulate him on engaging with Parliament, for being real with regard to ideas, even though he knew there would not be general agreement across the House with regard to those ideas.
There are contradictory scientific statements, and many people are afraid of the possible dangers and risks.
I can even understand, if not actually approve of, the fact that we are voting for an opt-out here.
National governments cannot turn a blind eye due to the strategic importance of banks in oiling the wheels of the real economy.
To meet the external challenges we must, firstly, strengthen our own single market by investing more in research and development and, secondly, ensure better coordination of research and innovation among the Member States.
This was not and is still not an easy task since, and this is deplorable, the majority of European Union Member States have not been able so far to fulfil their obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.
The Commission will also continue to assess how Member States have transposed Directive 2004/38/EC of 29 April 2004 into their national law and how they are applying it in practice.
The way forward has been mapped out.
Let us not lapse into an emotional debate!
I welcome the adoption of the directive aiming to introduce new rules governing cross-border healthcare.
Creative industries are an important part of economic policy.
Equally, I am pleased to see that Parliament shares the view that market-based instruments cannot be seen and used in isolation and should be combined with regulatory instruments.
At least 60 million people live in France, and the French Government has 38 ministers.
We must not intervene in the markets every time the prices change in an attempt to combat natural fluctuations.
Therefore, we absolutely cannot guarantee what you are saying, Mr Barrot, namely, that this is a joint operation for people who, following individual assessments, have been found to be irregular migrants.
I think there is still a long way to go before we can ensure that a possible general agreement on agricultural products with Morocco receives consensus approval.
Since the health of children is at stake, we want to act fast and we are now discussing how to do that.
But I have to say this: they can never succeed - they cannot win - because it is the democratic process in Northern Ireland that has spoken, and that must win.
In the light of the successfully concluded negotiations with Liechtenstein and the amended legal basis, I voted for consent to be given.
I think that the United States' request is unacceptable and is a threat to the freedoms and rights of European citizens.
It contains an action plan rather than a legislative proposal, an action plan that currently contains 50 proposals that we are putting forward for discussion, all of which are designed to improve the way the single market works in order to benefit small and medium-sized enterprises, growth and citizens.
Of course we do not know how many jobs are created: economies are simply much more complex than if there were a causal relation between how much money you put in one programme and how much you supported.
No ambassador of communications can determine whether a directive or a Single Market is suited to the social and productive fabric that needs to embrace it.
You should have admitted this and then I would have been able to take you more seriously.
Mr Schulz may not like what I have to say.
I voted for the resolution in the conviction that, during the period that immediately follows, the specific measures aimed at improving the situation of the Roma population will be put into practice rather than remain fine statements.
We must take into account the fact that the Baltic Sea is among the most precious marine ecosystems in the world, and that the Baltic Sea region has been classified as a 'particularly sensitive sea area' (PSSA).
But the body is beginning to stink and, the longer it is unburied, the worse the stench is going to get.
I would like to thank Mrs Kallenbach as well for her report and I especially welcome the emphasis placed on strengthening the role of local urban authorities in order to make access to public services available to every citizen.
It should invest in the region financially and tangibly.
The reduced VAT rate for some sectors will help to boost SME activity, while encouraging the establishment of an economy that is more environmentally friendly.
Among the positive measures, the following stand out: the simplification of the structure of this convention, the modernisation of contributions to the budget in line with the 'user pays' principle in relation to the contracting parties, a new definition of obligations and a review of the decision-making process and the resolution of disputes with respect to the latter.
In particular for small, neutral countries like Austria, strengthening the strategic partnership between NATO and the European Union is of decisive importance.
We all agree on the need to combat terrorism.
But I have a problem with the frenzy against aviation permeating this debate as if it were the greatest environmental villain and the best thing would be if we stopped flying completely.
There has also been an increasing number of public executions, as Mr Romeva i Rueda said, including in one case through stoning, despite assurances by the Iranian side that stoning was forbidden under existing decrees.
in writing. - (PT) I voted in favour of the Peterle report on the health strategy for 2008-2013 because I believe that ensuring a high level of lifelong human health protection must be an EU priority.
Certainly, the people of Somaliland would be justified in asking why we here in the EU were so reluctant to recognise their de facto country, but were so quick to recognise the independence of Kosovo.
There will always be some risk which must be taken into account, and such a risk must be part of planning our activities.
The only response that we can give is that our vision is to develop a Europe which is totally based on renewable energy.
The fight against corruption is fundamental.
We will nevertheless vote in favour of the whole text, but I think that we will need further initiatives to give more weight to the European commitment.
We could have acted differently before.
The higher that is, the more grain will also be used as fuel, unless we intervene.
On the one hand, there are actual figures: a maximum of 750 MEPs, a ceiling of 96 and a minimum of 6 seats per Member State.
No other issue is more crucial to security in the 21st century.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Mrs Krehl, thank you very much for your report.
This is our collective responsibility.
Pesticides, especially pesticides used in agriculture, have an important impact on the health of humans and the environment and there should therefore be significant further reductions in their use.
You need to exercise that right.
(Sustained applause from the right)
Then we can start demanding a budgetary contribution.
The reality was that what actually happened here was a misrepresentation under the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act or the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, as Mr Harbour was talking about.
This is a historic coming to terms with the past, and the genocides of the Armenians, Pontic Greeks and Assyrians are being recognised.
Another explanation, however, might be that the European Commission auditors were due to come and inspect Scotland both in October and last week in November.
We have a rather nice situation today, because, at USD 80 per barrel of oil, we have an exchange rate going up to EUR 1.4.
There has been a unity of purpose and conviction from the beginning of my involvement - and I know that that goes back many years before I joined this Parliament last summer.
They want generous aid, and it is not always used appropriately: we have just had the example of the United Kingdom.
It is therefore of particular concern that Russia seeks to close the offices of the British Council in St Petersburg and Yekaterinburg.
The European Commission should prepare a pan-European awareness-raising campaign, providing information on preventive measures, early detection and diagnosis of cancer and its treatment.
Should we take this report on faith?
This particularly concerns matters of governance and human rights.
We want 100% of the money back.
They are, from bottom up, practically all included in our activities and we are trying to find a proper way of having this coordinated.
Full reciprocity in market liberalisation and protection of investments must be safeguarded.
The family, both her widower and her son, as well as the Pakistan People's Party and Mrs Bhutto herself before she died, in a communication that she had with the UK Foreign Secretary, expressed their desire for this investigation to be conducted by the United Nations.
This is a positive move towards greater transparency in the aviation sector and consumer protection.
On the other hand, over-caution and excessively stringent regulation do not give us a cornucopia of foods which meet exemplary hygiene standards.
Closure of the sitting
Topical as it is, this issue has taken on a particular complexion in Romania.
Noura al Hashlamoun is a 36-year-old housewife and the mother of six children.
We are supposed to support a Reform Treaty which is in reality the European Constitution, the renamed European Constitution, which the voters in France and the Netherlands rejected in referendums, and a number of other countries failed to ratify within the prescribed time.
It is not an isolated case.
Foreign hauliers work in the UK on fuel brought with them in 1 000-litre tanks.
A debate was held in the European Parliament today on the volcanic ash crisis.
In fact quite the reverse: what Europe needs is a proper family and demographic policy, sovereign cooperation between nations and frontiers, not Frontex.
On this topic, I would like to say that, even if we do not have an agreement with Syria, we should now make use of the entire arsenal of sanctions available to us, if necessary, to end this violence.
Finally, I should like to offer my sincere thanks to those who brought this matter to my attention and say that I stand shoulder to shoulder with them.
Mr President, unfortunately my country is back in the news.
Firstly, no one has proved that it is CO2 emissions which are the cause of climate change.
in writing. - (EL) Eight years after NATO's war in Yugoslavia, the Kosovo problem not only remains unsolved, but also has become more intractable.
Were the European banks more gullible?
I can see little benefit in being able to tag passengers' movement around airport terminals and would also call into question how much it would cost for airports to implement such measures.
The Treaty of Lisbon has laid the foundation for the new European citizens' initiative, which had so far been lacking in the European Union's decision-making process.
in writing. - (PL) The issue of the European Union's energy security has been raised many times in this Parliament, especially by representatives of the new Member States.
The Fisheries Partnership Agreement amounts to 80% of the overall revenues from the fisheries sector within the state budget.
My question for the Commissioner is about the possibility of having a peacekeeping force present in the area, given the statement made by the UN yesterday, acknowledging the failure of its forces, which have been passive in response to the recent tensions.
I would like to inform you that during this part-session additional camera operators with special equipment will be present in the Chamber.
Fingerprints can only be taken and stored in a database within a legal framework in strict observance of Community regulations and basic rights.
Europe itself is to blame for the continuing and exponential problem of immigration by having signed-up to the criminal Schengen agreements.
(FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, firstly, many thanks to our two fellow Members from the Committee on Budgets - Mr Lewandowski and, of course, Mrs Haug - who have overseen our work passionately and effectively.
Mr President, I am delighted to agree with Mr Portas and the Communist Group on this issue.
2.
The reduction of expenditure through budget allocations and the launch of education system reform as a priority are other measures which can be added to this.
At the time, the European Parliament had adopted a relevant report by Mr Katiforis - I was the shadow rapporteur - on the issue of credit rating agencies.
So we can draw on those experiences and explain to Member States - and even Members of this Parliament - who are reluctant what the benefits are and how effective they can be.
With the Lisbon Treaty in force, the EU needs, more than ever, efficient common foreign security and energy policies which are based on solidarity.
the statements by the Council and the Commission on a facility providing medium-term financial assistance for Member States' balance of payments.
(The President cut off the speaker.)
(ES) Madam President, Mr Orbán, on behalf of the Spanish Socialists, I would like to greet the Hungarian Presidency, the third Presidency in the first trio of presidencies under the new dynamic established in the Treaty of Lisbon.
Mr Lambsdorff's report makes an important contribution to the European Union's involvement in the UN's business and transformation.
(CS) Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased that today, after six years of discussions, we have provided Europe with
In conclusion, I hope that, through this debate here in this House and around Europe, we will be able to dispel some of the myths that abound in connection with flexicurity.
This Green Paper is in no way business as usual, but a call for better governance and territorial cohesion that also criticises developments where some regions fly high and there is progress in big-city areas, while other regions are left behind.
This must be brought to an end, and conditions of this sort must be imposed on recipient countries.
Allow me also to make a couple of final remarks in that introductory statement.
In this context I would like to ask the Commission and Council representatives what we are going to do, what our position will be?
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, I am very pleased to be part of this positive movement and this very interesting discussion.
The problem is not the Turkish Cypriots, as some people have been saying.
The objective of this assistance is to improve the living conditions of beneficiary populations by recommending and providing all those instruments that will ensure that these countries embark on a path towards growth and accountability.
It is to this that I should like an answer.
Firstly, there is Russia's membership of the World Trade Organisation.
We could almost have predicted its intentions: initially to extend the application of this system, although only to part of the fleet, in a large number of Member States, and then, subsequently, to create a single EU market in fishing rights, possibly with their transaction on a stock exchange.
Secondly, the report proposes that the improved standards should apply not only to producers within the European Union, but also to importers of meat products to Europe.
The only conclusion that was made at the time was that no matter what the citizens want, they live with what is imposed on them.
Mr President, I should like to say thank you and welcome to the Commissioner.
in writing. - (EL) The MEPs of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) have voted against the report.
I am not in favour of protectionism by stealth, but we do need to prevent unfair competition.
He is absolutely right.
(ES) Mr President, Mrs Jedrzejewska, Mrs Trüpel, Mr Lamassoure, Mr Lewandowski and Mr Böge are the names behind a 2011 budget that I believe has ultimately proved to be moderate and realistic.
I wish to state that I voted in favour of this interpretation and I want to say that Mr Hannan's comparison, while pretending not to make it, of our vote with Hitler's Ermächtigungsgesetz of 1933 was an absolutely disgraceful comparison.
Order of business: see Minutes
Security standards must be harmonised in ascending order.
In total, the Union for the Mediterranean can now benefit from financial support worth EUR 60 million in the 2008-2009 budget, particularly via regional programmes.
A fundamental reason for the European Union's existence is to give its citizens a sense of security.
I voted for this report because it highlights the importance of restricting dependency on imported protein, especially as this dependency poses major risks for the European Union's livestock sector.
National parliamentarians claim far too often that they cannot help it, that it is Brussels that is imposing them upon them.
The Tunisian authorities must respect the will of the people and proceed without delay to a process of democratisation, with accountability in cases of corruption or repression by the cronies of Ben Ali.
To respond to Mr Tannock, but also to some extent to Mr Cappato, we should not underestimate the value of the suspensive clause where human rights are concerned.
The internal market is everywhere - it must be everywhere - but, Mr Harbour, the 2020 text is not designed to talk about everything.
The atmosphere within the Coordination Body for Southern Serbia has since improved.
The very thorny issue of 'Icesave remains open, and on Saturday there will be a referendum which will bring Icelanders to the polls.
Counterfeiting is a serious attack on European industry and on the European economy and on European innovation, because we are an innovation-based economy.
Let me just say this: there is talk of plants and CO2; there is deforestation and desertification.
We must look at how other EU countries deal with these issues and learn from them.
As European socialists, we shall, in any case, continue to defend workers because, now more than ever, Europe needs a social model that meets the needs of the most vulnerable citizens and especially of those most affected by the consequences of the economic and financial crisis.
However, the facts that procedures are being ignored and savings are being sought at the cost of safety mean that catastrophes similar to the one in the Gulf of Mexico might happen in the future in Europe, too.
Finally, we have seen the value of increased European coordination when it comes to responding to the ash cloud crisis.
Only an hour ago, I was speaking to a representative of the chemical industry who said that there is so much potential for technical development that it could be possible to achieve much better results in this area.
It is therefore vital to ensure that there is enough time for the discussions that form part of the legislative reform process of the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA) to be carried out thoroughly, so I voted in favour of the extension of the Agency's mandate until 13 September 2013.
However, at this stage the Commission's views are clear.
On the one hand, we are happy and, on the other hand, not so happy, but every step forward takes us forward too and this is where we should be going.
I am addressing this Parliament without being able to do so in my own language, Catalan, which is spoken by over 10 million European citizens.
There is an official Turkish policy of threatening Greece with war, known as the casus belli, and it is not simply a paper threat; Turkey is in the habit of violating the airspace of and overflying even inhabited Greek islands in the Eastern Aegean.
This will also make it easier for us in Parliament to successfully complete the treatment of this topic.
In addition, the current economic crisis highlights even more the need to promote the full exercising of the right to free movement.
This shows that the Council has begun to accept that the European Parliament must also have more influence in this area.
That situation would not, of course, be perfect and there would be obstacles to circumvent.
Yes, the high-profile performers came and lent their support to the cause, because the ordinary performers thought that it would be better to have some of the big names in this particular area as well, but the ordinary performers - the session musicians, who most people have never heard of - were the biggest lobbyists here.
In other words, given the projections made, what we should be discussing today are the consequences for demographic development resulting from unemployment, increased job insecurity, deregulation of working time, a monetary policy focused on moderation and devaluation of wages.
I am voting in favour of the rejection of this report and in favour of the report being referred back to the committee since it has further weakened the reforms put forward by the Commission, which were already too small in scale and too slow.
We must ensure that we do not place them under excessive strain and, particularly in times of crisis, do not attempt to use them as a source of capital in areas where other sources of capital may already be drying up.
This strong link, however, must exist.
(PL) Madam President, the debates being held in certain EU Member States regarding pension systems, and the public emotions accompanying these debates, show how important and, at the same time, how difficult this subject is.
Their medium-term results will help the EU to introduce this technology in a more economically and environmentally effective manner.
For these people, the implementation of the most up-to-date IT systems in the field of justice might have a decisive impact, as it could make legal proceedings more efficient, simpler and shorter.
However, with this non-committal pie-in-the-sky approach, we will not make any headway in Europe.
Mr President, I think we all know that this year's budget and trilogue are going to be difficult.
Furthermore, in my opinion, the instruments set out in the agreement help neither the authorities nor the local private sector to participate, meaning they will not be sufficiently involved in the process of development in their regions.
This is why the Commission firmly believes that a vibrant and strong parliamentary dimension reinforces the democratic legitimacy of the partnership.
The countries that have already removed protection have not observed any obvious progress.
(PL) Mr President, may I take the liberty of thanking Mr Ortuondo Larrea for his report.
This being the case, the amendment which states that the information obtained should be used solely for estimating yields and not for control purposes is fitting.
That would be very welcome news, both to citizens and to the industry itself.
First of all, on the issue of Kaesong, I think that Mr Ford's formulation - that we should not automatically exclude Kaesong - is the right approach to take.
We know who the troublemakers are.
(ES) Mr President, in the last few weeks we have been moved by the repeated demonstrations of heroism and the bravery of the people of Iran, who have confronted the machine guns and truncheons of their tyrants with their bare hands.
I do not know if our initiative relating to the Danube Region, the subject of our current negotiations, will be successful or not.
I have been relatively gentle with you all tonight because we have had a reasonable amount of time, but it is meant to be 30 seconds.
We therefore need the Small Business Act to be implemented in the Member States.
Those of you who have followed this closely will also know that the Swedish Presidency has devoted a lot of time to Georgia.
Commissioner, it is your first day at work.
In the past, an American Marshall Plan saved the economy of Europe.
in writing. - (IT) The terrible fires which struck Greece and southern Italy in particular this summer, leaving victims in their wake and destroying thousands of hectares of woodland and agricultural land, again highlight the urgent need for better coordination of rapid reaction measures by Member States' civil protection forces.
I would therefore like to draw particular attention to the role of the EUFOR TCHAD/RCA operation.
Therefore, I strongly call upon the Commission and the Council to react with determination, unity and strength.
Finally, it recognises that liberalisation of services connected to the Internet, such as telecoms, has led to a boom in infrastructure investment, so I believe we should be cautious about applying further regulation on such industries, as the Commission seems intent on doing at the moment.
Let us hope, therefore, that the question of flexibility and the financing of the ITER fusion energy project will also fall into place soon.
We need to ensure that we can have more international trade and competition without distortions.
Each year many thousands of people try to get into the EU, which is building higher and higher walls around its territory.
We need the rapid development of a specific EU position covering key aspects such as preventing religious fundamentalism, combating poverty and corruption, building civil society, the defence of human rights and democratisation.
Development aid must favour...
Pakistan's constitution, although nominally upholding religious freedom, still allows for laws such as the blasphemy laws, which are discriminatory towards non-Muslims, and the persecution of Shia and Ahmadiyya minorities is a common feature.
We must, of course, condemn this violence.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - Madam President, we, too, have a concern about the variable labour market that we already have across 27 Member States and within those 27 Member States, but our concern is how we move away from this towards something which is more comprehensive and stronger.
We live in a democratic age and under a democratic system.
Please remember that this was a European Parliament initiative; it was our idea.
(PL) Mr President, the main aim of the Lisbon Strategy is to increase the competitiveness of national economies.
Mr President, the core issue in the current crisis in Tibet is not only about oppression, it is also about secession.
If this is not the case, I fear there can be no solution or positive results, especially for those whose immediate release we are calling for today, but also for groups of people who are now clearly under threat and in danger due to a large number of factors, not only the guerrilla factions, but other elements, too.
in writing. - As the Lisbon Treaty is about to enter into force, the rapid progress in the transatlantic relationship between the two biggest democratic and economic entities will have an increased importance.
This must be very clear - we as the European Union must help Serbia on the way to Europe, but Serbia must also play its part in creating a peaceful, good and neighbourly atmosphere.
I believe that we should continue to use this method because it has become clear that the Member States and the companies involved react to it.
The Internal Market Scoreboard and the Consumer Panel have a crucial role in improving the functioning of the internal market.
I welcome the emphasis given to the next stage in the Lisbon Strategy.
Apart from that, we are about to create vast amounts of new bureaucracy and expense for administrative bodies and businesses.
rapporteur. - (HU) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we are reaching the end of a long process, a long and successful process through which we have been able to move small and medium-sized enterprises from the periphery to the centre.
The arguments put forward by these people have a common denominator: concerns about the impact of a massive loss of Member State sovereignty on the everyday life of citizens of EU Member States.
The policy is not working.
It is the fact that in Slovakia now, in 2007, the Italian ENEL company is planning to complete a nuclear plant that was developed in the Soviet Union before Chernobyl.
These special regulations that are repeatedly approved for some countries are burdens for citizens.
Nonetheless, I voted against the report.
The differences between the new and the old EU Member States in the survival rates for cancer patients are so large that we can speak of an "iron curtain in the health sector”.
We hope it is a proof of its political relevance.
Depleted uranium is a by-product of the nuclear industry, resulting from the enrichment of uranium or the production of nuclear weapons.
That, too, explains the drawing up of the free trade agreement with South Korea.
Now, moreover, - and I take advantage of the fact that Mr Kallas is here - the Commission is placing in doubt the future central crossing of the Pyrenees in the future core network.
The context is as follows: the climate constraint is going to get tougher, the European Union's security of supply is being threatened by ever more serious and frequent crises, and its competitiveness may be harmed.
Including in Appendix I, which concerns species that are genuinely endangered, a species that still numbers - thank God - millions of living specimens would set a very dangerous precedent.
35.
My first point is about the idea that people's attitude in the new Member States towards development cooperation and humanitarian aid is lukewarm.
I therefore believe that the Commission's proposal is a typical case of a certain hyperactivity that is totally unnecessary and will only serve to generate confusion as to the nature of the European Union's real competences.
We support many of the wordings in this report, but, for the reasons stated above, we have chosen to vote against the report as a whole.
in writing. - (PL) Mr President, the justification for the Commission's proposal to the European Parliament is a new comitology procedure that significantly increases the powers of the European Parliament.
My group tabled an amendment today for that to be withdrawn, but it just failed to go through.
Significant increases in some categories - such as for example dresses, trousers and pullovers - have been balanced by drops in textile imports from suppliers in other countries.
The Innovation Union Scoreboard shows that the EU is losing ground to the United States and Japan, while Brazil and China are closing the gap with the EU.
(FR) Mr President, an administrator's post in the European Parliament information office in Luxembourg has been vacant for more than two years.
Blaming Europe for everything that doesn't work properly is one of the methods they use.
You will all have heard of the wave of attacks that took place only yesterday in Cantabria.
What is stopping us calling on the European Central Bank to account transparently and in detail for its actions as was done in the United States for the Fed?
Concerning the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bernd Posselt, among others, said that we should support the effort of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and I think he is right.
Interventions should target low-income households, as defined by the national legislation in force.
What we will be voting on tomorrow is not a perfect agreement, but if we vote against it we will at the same time be voting in favour of doing nothing.
Mr President, our policies on maternal health in the developing world are failing.
Finally I would add, even though we are not discussing Kosovo, that the Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic, who visited the European Parliament several weeks ago, reaffirmed to us that whatever happened about Kosovo his country had no intention of resorting to arms.
I do not wish to comment on that at this juncture.
I would like to draw the attention of fellow Members to the fact that decisions on matters related to abortion lie within the competence of the governments of individual Member States.
In particular, we scaled back the number, frequency and maturity of longer-term refinancing operations.
There are indeed matters that need to remain national.
Just yesterday, new clashes took place among ethnic Kyrgyz, Russians and Turks.
The amendment basically relates to the ban on imports of exotic birds from the wild to the Union.
Moreover, the Lisbon Treaty enhances Union's commitment to continue its external action according to its founding principles.
What does that mean?
I must, however, tell you that I received the report favourably, as I understood that it was limited mainly to detection, on the one hand, and to suppression, on the other.
Lastly, what actions do you intend to take to improve the supervision established by the Member States?
While Eurobonds may be regarded as a clever idea which can deliver funds to governments, there seems no legal base on which this can be achieved, so it looks unlikely that this option can be exercised.
Written Statements (Rule 149)
The Commission's communication goes in the right direction and Parliament wishes to support the initiatives it sets out, aimed at improving access to foreign markets.
Like most of my colleagues, however, I voted against Amendment 29 on Article 16, and I am pleased it was rejected.
What was new was that in April, Parliament put a stop to it.
The problem of violence arises not only inside but also outside of the stadium.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, first of all, I would like to apologise for not being present at the beginning of the debate, but I was only just arriving from Brussels by plane and you were - how shall I put it? - in advance of the schedule, which is very laudable, but which resulted in my being a little bit late.
The first concerns the Internet: Parliament intends to make consumers aware of the risks of buying drugs online while also pushing for the proposal of ad hoc legislation on this selling method.
I welcome this report on behalf of all the Members of our group.
The Commission has supported joint implementation projects under the Kyoto Protocol and is ready to do more, because we think this is a most important issue.
I firmly believe that there are numerous examples showing effective management of soil and water and the use of resistant crops which can regenerate the soil.
Ultimately, we have to tackle the root of the problem and impose strict regulations on the financial markets, prevent speculative practices and quickly introduce a tax on financial transactions.
I believe that it is pointless to keep reiterating that this is what solves or attempts to solve the problems of the most needy citizens, which makes them more confident and more hopeful with regard to entrepreneurship and with regard to the future, so I believe that here we are not thinking of the damage caused by this perfect storm of crises and we are hearing much talk of the exit strategy, of how to get out of this crisis.
For this reason, I have voted in favour of the Scheele report.
They had never been matters requiring a military response, but rather a civil one through the international police sphere and the judicial sphere.
This also applies to the 22 285 children in foster care.
The availability of credit and loan guarantee schemes are crucial to exploiting the growth and job potential offered by SMEs.
We are awaiting a detailed proposal from the Commissioner which means not just going along with the various lobbies, from England, from the United Kingdom and Ireland, I think, but addressing an adverse situation.
Ladies and gentlemen, the judgments handed down recently by the Court of Justice in the case of Viking, Laval and Rüffert has ignited a broad debate at EU level concerning the protection of workers' rights in relation to increased levels of globalisation and labour mobility.
I am aware, however, that this question currently takes a back seat behind the major political question, namely what we can do to resolve the current situation.
(RO) In the three reports which we have debated today, I have come across some relevant, useful points for defining the European Union's future policies as a global player.
Ms Shirin Ebadi, who has denounced these abuses at great personal risk, and who won the Nobel Peace Prize as a result, continues to do so on behalf of all ethnic groups and all religious communities.
I can see merit in the recommendation to extend the scope of UCITS to invest in open-ended real estate funds and funds of hedge funds, but this should be dealt with, in my opinion, in a separate directive or legislative instrument.
The current activities will at least have served as a wake-up call for Member States.
The 58 reactors in France or those in the United Kingdom or those in many other countries do not mean that the French or others may be more stupid or less intelligent, or that the future of their children does not worry them, or that they have never thought about nuclear safety.
A review of the EU's Lisbon strategy could contribute to a necessary reform agenda.
The textile industry safeguards that we have will indeed make sure that we retain European jobs.
It is essential that this aid be able to move freely, without restriction, and that the checkpoints be opened.
Last week, I came back from Korea.
Explanations, suggested informally, that the principle of subsidiarity prevents measures being taken against defaulting States will not be accepted: if they were, the Member States could delay or refuse to implement any Community legislation which they viewed as inappropriate or subject to challenge.
Added to this, we are now hearing talk of criminals and mafia.
Could we have a better delivery?
Unfortunately, the EU seems to be operating otherwise where it concerns the accounting rules for forest carbon sinks.
I commend the work done by the rapporteur.
We voted in favour of the report on a Single Market for enterprises and growth.
To say that is a great opportunity for the new Commissioner, Mr Füle.
(PT) Mr President, the attacks of financial speculators on the euro area's most vulnerable and dependent economies are getting worse.
Of course, Greece has the main responsibility.
Just by way of explanation, this is the third in a triad of reports on the use of pesticides.
We are including this in the resolution, which is a sensible thing to do.
Or is it because we have a number of politicians in the individual countries, in other words, in countries such as Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Greece, who have not actually done their job?
The report states that the annual cost of this violence is EUR 33 billion.
They are committing themselves to a further reduction in emissions, in line with their historical responsibilities, and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.
Above all, I do not regard it as a democratic development.
Which Member States support the improved Treaty, and which reject it?
In that respect we have long since passed the first stage of 25% and already reached the second stage of 49% ownership of each other's air services market.
(DE) Mr President, this particular piece of nonsense you just referred to was adopted by the majority of this House in spite of our voting against it.
As Baroness Ashton said today, the EU needs a coherent strategy that makes use of all available instruments, including those aimed at reforming the security sectors of the countries in the region and at democratic and institutional capacity building.
Not for the European Union Member States, not for Slovakia or Romania, countries that have an emancipated and modern legislation regarding minorities, but it creates a dangerous precedent for Abkhazia, for South Ossetia and, especially, for Transnistria, where there are frozen conflicts since the time of the Kosovo conflict.
On 15 July, the Commission proposed the abolition of short-term visas for citizens of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.
Voting time
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (DE) Mr President, Commissioner, Mr Sacconi, ladies and gentlemen, my Group supports the motion for a resolution.
Aid agencies report that some 30 000 people have been displaced by the fighting, so it is hardly surprising in such circumstances that innocent civilians have been killed, although both sides contest the actual numbers.
It has a budget of around EUR 400 million for that period.
in writing. - Solidarity is one of the most precious values for Europe today.
This will take stock of all the action taken and draw lessons from it for the future.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I would like to thank the honourable Members for their comments and the views they expressed during the debate.
I may be Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, but it was Members before me who made this rule and adopted it in plenary with an absolute majority.
Emergency measures are one thing, but I have also noticed that some operations amount to the common-or-garden nationalisation of banks.
The Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament form a regulatory nexus based on the long-term validity of individual provisions.
These include training for judges and lawyers, technical support for the courts, infrastructure and improved information for citizens.
The EU should also end its complicity with the continuing oppression of the Palestinian people.
Female circumcision, approval for public executions, torture and strict interpretation of Islamic law are widespread.
Do you really think you could have carried on?
I hope that it will continue to be superfluous because patients will not need to make use of it.
Of course, we must also spend much more on research into sustainability, new materials and new products.
Today being the centenary of International Women's Day, I voted against the nomination of Mr Harald Wögerbauer because there are not enough women at the European Court of Auditors.
However, if this is not solved, it will result in unemployment and the failure of a sector, with extremely serious consequences for the Autonomous Region of the Azores.
We speak a lot about lasting peace between the State of Israel and the Palestinians, but that is a bit like talking about a house and starting with the roof.
I would add that this is not happening against a backdrop of European solidarity because one Member State - Germany - is promising additional aid to Opel and is allowing the Anvers plant to close.
Perhaps a bit more openness and a bit more reflection will give us a chance to be more effective in this matter.
During the debate, Commissioner Vassiliou said that she would be prepared to review the legal base if she felt there were reasons to do so, which would depend on the amendment of the directive.
So we are now working on this - my services are working with the Cabinet and the services of the Trade Commissioner, Mr de Gucht - and we are going to launch a legislative proposal for a legal weapon to use in such cases.
Scientific experts should declare publicly that they have no financial or other interests in the pharmaceutical industry.
Admittedly, some efforts have been made, but corruption is a genuine blight and the Cyprus issue remains unresolved, not to mention the fact that there is a lot of work to do in relations with the Armenians.
However, these calls for more active involvement in resolving Georgia's problems fell on deaf ears.
This gives me the opportunity to welcome to the Chamber Mr Tashi Wangdi, the representative of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.
The Commission is only one voice on the Board.
The alternative is that impatient, young Tibetans will turn to violence and terrorism.
Besides the pressure to liberalise services in the area in question (air transport) the GUE/NGL group is particularly critical of the prioritisation of operating profitability over safety in the reports.
On behalf of the Union for Europe of the Nations Group, I would like to express appreciation of this creative approach to provisions, enabling Union resources to be used in the most rational manner possible.
It must be stated, firstly, that the duty to provide assistance is not legally binding, secondly, that the use of military means is not necessarily required and, thirdly, that the individual Member States retain the freedom to decide what the assistance they provide actually comprises.
I also think that we have learned a lot from what happened last year.
With regard to Commissioner Mandelson, I wish him well in the WTO Doha Agreement and I hope that we can move agriculture forward with the US and the European Union to ensure we get a settlement, building on things like Euromed, which are very important to the European Union.
The fourth is from the United States.
Although that closure is taking longer than planned, we can still be glad that it is under way, because it could have also been stopped.
(The sitting was suspended at 11.50 and resumed at 12.05)
In this case, the management of the enterprise would be obliged to create a uniform system of participation, as part of an agreement negotiated with employee representatives.
However, the EPLP does not agree that an EU-wide transaction tax is a necessary vehicle to achieve some of the Lisbon Strategy objectives and did not support this measure.
Implementation of the decision should bring considerable benefits to the Member States.
I would like to thank everyone one more time and I hope for a positive result tomorrow.
I am, of course, grateful to the draftsmen of the opinions, both from the Committee on Legal Affairs and the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, for their close collaboration.
Furthermore it might even produce at least a proportionate increase in those talented and creative people who are so necessary for economic and cultural development.
If I were a capitalist, everybody would know it!
This budget needs to change direction.
Its objective must be to reduce the existing economic and social disparities, but in different regions of Europe.
I believe that at times, we have to be pragmatic in order to overcome the difficulty.
821 redundancies in 70 companies in the graphics sector in the Nord Brabant and Zuid Holland regions of the Netherlands show that the global economic and financial crisis does not spare sectors which, at first glance, appear to be more sheltered from its effects.
Subject: Safeguarding the rights of disabled people
We wish to ascertain whether these sectoral problems are being resolved in order to ensure that both sides really are opening up and Korea is not the unilateral beneficiary, and that - even when we think of our pharmaceutical industry, the car industry, of the many industrial sectors - reciprocity is guaranteed.
There can be no doubt that tangible results will only be achieved if integrated measures are taken at various levels - political, social, legal and educational.
They exist everywhere in the European Union.
Members of the European Parliament who are involved in this extra pension fund must accept a reduction in these luxury pensions, just as low-earners have been forced to accept a reduction in their pensions.
What penalties or rewards await those Member States which, respectively, do or do not comply with the objectives imposed by the strategy?
A visit by EU counter-terrorism coordinator Gilles de Kerchove, together with the Commission, is scheduled for January next.
It must carry authority as the core of EU external policy, the place where policy is developed and coordinated.
Finally, the interim agreement is only an interim agreement.
Lastly, the countries of the third bloc, although they have no major concerns or concerns of such importance within the context of this process, are paying a great deal of attention to the cost of our required solidarity and to the use of revenues arising from the various auctions and, in particular, to the choice or otherwise of post-allocation.
However, we must oppose these moves towards harmonisation.
By voting in favour of this text, I am joining with the majority of Parliament to urge the European Commission and the Member States to make a crucial final effort.
Written statements (Article 142)
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - Mr President, the Committee on Foreign Affairs has delivered a good and balanced report on the progress of Macedonia, and we as Greens will gladly support it.
I mean, how could he talk about growth and jobs without acknowledging that this wonderful, fabled Lisbon Strategy has been a total disaster?
For instance, they will be able to change supplier if the services are of poor quality, if the electricity supply is disrupted or if prices are too high.
All the omens are clear: there is a need for action and we have something to do here.
That would certainly be achievable for your Presidency, unlike the major projects that will have to be passed on to someone else in any case at the end of your six-month term.
The amendments on the EU strategy on Afghanistan also contributed to improving the structure of the report.
We have a so-called work of art - which has given offence to everybody, but particularly the Bulgarians - and the first statement on the Gaza crisis had to be withdrawn several hours later.
Due to the 2005 introduction of the single tax rate by the right-wing government, an excessive polarization of society has occurred, as well as an increase in poverty.
Obviously, we also have to admit that the civilian population is a victim in this kind of conflict, and the UN panel has shown clearly that there are responsibilities on both sides: mainly that of the government but also that of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, and both need to be investigated.
I look forward to a continued dialogue with you on these plans.
What else should it be?
That was our mission.
This includes, in particular, the case where the privatisation process of a company is ongoing.
It will be applied only for the transitional period up until the introduction of electronic or satellite road tolls, expected to be introduced in 2009, firstly for goods vehicles and then for private vehicles.
Electronic commerce is also excluded from the scope of the revision.
We are creating a stability mechanism, a permanent aid fund, which will have to be paid for by the ordinary people, by the people who will not be getting any free gifts.
The EU's Heads of State or Government decided nearly two years ago that the EU should take the lead in order to secure a global climate agreement in Copenhagen.
Today, under the single electricity market in Ireland, they are paying 76% more than the average UK price.
in writing. - (PL) I abstained in the final vote on the report concerning EU-Turkey relations. This was because, despite negotiations lasting several months, the resolution makes no reference to the issue of Turkish responsibility for the massacre of Armenians in 1915.
(PL) Madam President, there is at least one country of the former Soviet Union where the results of elections are not known in advance.
A responsible and flexible attitude is required of both the Council and Parliament, and I firmly believe that in today's situation, the agreement would send a remarkably positive message to the markets as well.
Good things, such as accession to the European Union, will be self-evident.
We must give EU citizens the feeling that they are 'at the heart' of the Union's activities.
In particular, in accordance with Article 299(2) of the EC Treaty and as stated by Commissioner Hübner, accessibility problems form one of the main obstacles to development.
Without these assurances, a listing in Appendix II remains the least worst solution, if not, in fact, the best solution.
Use of sexual violence in conflicts in North Africa and the Middle East (
What is needed is balanced, mutual, beneficial economic cooperation without political and economic blackmail.
Even when some ad-hoc measures that were rejected only a few months ago are accepted, such as the nationalisations of banks that have gone bankrupt due to poor management on the part of their administrators and some of their main shareholders, who have pocketed the substantial profits and gains and left the general public to deal with the damage, this is always done in defence of big business, without really taking into account the interests of workers and the least well-off.
I regret that the Council, while accepting Parliament's positions, rejected the amendments aimed at giving Parliament the possibility of blocking Commission decisions on implementation of the programme, notably when annual priorities are chosen.
rapporteur. - Mr President, this report is a response to the Global Climate Change Alliance, which was launched by the European Commission towards the end of last year.
I am voting in favour of Kurt Lechner's report on the recommendation for second reading on the Council common position for adopting a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on credit agreements for consumers and repealing Council Directive 87/102/EEC.
rapporteur. - (DE) Mr President, with this resolution we are paving the way for the solemn proclamation of the Charter of Fundamental rights by all three institutions in Strasbourg on 12 December.
It is important that we recognise that a rapporteur when appointed is not just appointed as rapporteur for the committee but appointed for Parliament as a whole.
Overall, therefore, I fear that we will not succeed in eliminating the root cause of the problem.
I am also very happy to note that we now have some definitions of what such breaches consist of.
The idea formulated with regard to implementation, according to which the local and regional authorities must also be involved in policy making, also deserves support.
I think that, with your experience in Sweden during the 1990s, you are the right man in the right place to do what we have not done so far: devise a single strategy in the European Union to combat this economic and financial crisis.
I think we are entitled to an answer to this question.
Thank you very much, congratulations on the results but let us change in the future.
All European organisations are today grappling with the recession, the financial crisis, the onset of high unemployment and the possible consequences of these.
I should like to reassure Mrs Pack that the Chair's acknowledgements are a proper and institutional token of respect for rapporteurs and the opinions that they express, even when we are completely at odds with their content.
Voting time
Mr President, on a point of order, can I ask for an urgent action by the President of Parliament to call for the protection of a delegation from Colombia which visited our Parliament on 27 and 28 June, and whose members this week received a public death threat because they had spoken out here in favour of the proposal for a humanitarian exchange of prisoners in the Colombian conflict?
We support the concept of a CFSP EU sanctions regime which is applied on a unanimous basis to target the most egregious abusers of human rights in the world, provided the UK can always exercise a veto in this respect.
(Applause)
I welcome Mr Niels Busk's report and thank him and the Commissioner for the work they have done.
(PL) Madam President, I would like to inform you that a Polish trade union delegation is seated in the gallery.
I therefore support the terms of the agreement reached between the Commission and the Swiss Government, so I am voting for the report by Mrs Pack.
As history tells us, people will deny the possibility of failure right up to the last moment.
I think that also applies to EU-Israel relations, but how can we get their attention to express the level of revulsion felt here at the scale of what is happening?
We know that you will be present at every emergency.
The discharge report contains a number of points of criticism which require a tightening up of the current procedures and practices.
That, surely, is the right way to proceed.
I am pleased to see that the opinions of Parliament and the Commission coincide to a great extent.
Maintaining competitiveness, increasing economic growth and fighting unemployment will be the greatest challenges faced by the EU.
(FI) Mr President, I wish to thank the Commission and the Swedish Government for the very active role they have played, and I believe that the Baltic Sea Strategy is a good and important one.
What is at risk is democracy, freedom and the right of individuals to live in peace and freedom.
In the report we make a few suggestions.
The European Union is an area of solidarity, and the EU Solidarity Fund is a part of that.
We have the southern areas of Europe, of course, and also the Alpine belt, where the effects are very different and very significant.
This permanent dialogue, as highlighted once again in this Chamber, between Mr Trichet, Mr Almunia, Mr Juncker and Mr Barroso, is, strictly speaking, contrary to the Maastricht Treaty itself.
Documents received: see Minutes
We also question the claim that Israel's assault was initiated as a response to rocket fire from Hamas.
We have drawn up the report on the basis of the current situation and together with our fellow Members from the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, we have reached an agreement with Mr Rasmussen, which encompasses the entire financial system.
(DE) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the recast version of the directive should help improve protection for the consumer and environment alike.
That is where industry comes in.
I consider this to be a democratic deficit which this Parliament must address.
Following the enlargement of the Schengen area in the end of last year, the conditions under which Ukrainian citizens are granted visas for EU countries have become stricter; the fees and waiting time have increased.
An earthquake reaching just 5 on the Richter scale can be dangerous in that it causes loose objects to fall, roofing to cave in, buildings to be negatively affected and gas and water services to be damaged.
This will be the only derogation.
Our energy policy for Europe highlights the urgent need to promote an improvement in energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, and we are working towards that goal.
Therefore, the EU should take concrete action to end impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence against women and children.
· The scope of the export ban.
The budget will have to be accurately balanced to ensure the successful realisation of the goals set out in the Treaty of Lisbon, like the creation of a common internal energy market for example.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question under Rule 149(8))
However, as you said that you would be tabling your own proposal in March, I should like to ask for this proposal to be in keeping with numerous policies of the European Union and not move in just one direction.
It is the Council's and the Commission's job to build the road leading here and generate the resources for this.
The new rules certainly make advertising more flexible.
I hope that this message struck home with the Commission too.
The existence of efficient, transparent and equitable tax systems is crucial for the advancement of developing countries, in that they contribute to the financing of their public assets, the sustainability of their institutions, their reduced dependency on external aid and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
This is certainly not the right time for this type of reform, but no one here would have anticipated that the reform would fail so miserably.
The debate is closed.
They provide a guarantee for control of production and continued quality.
I voted in favour of the resolution.
Madam President, I would first of all like to thank the Commissioner and everyone who took part in this debate.
It is, in fact, high time that this text was adopted; it is high time that freedom of movement for third-country nationals was established within the EU, and I am glad we have reached the point at which we lay another brick in the construction of a Europe of freedoms, in an area that we want to be made increasingly secure.
Attempts to prevent Members of Parliament from expressing their opinions on matters of legitimate public interest and concern, and from criticising their political opponents, by bringing legal proceedings are unacceptable in a democratic society and represent a breach of Article 8 of the Protocol, which is intended to protect Members' freedom of expression when performing their duties in the interests of Parliament as an institution of the European Union.
Therefore our present dominant economic model has a systemic fault.
I have to be fair.
Therefore, it seems to me imperative that the Commission develop a set of best practices which would help Member States in further work on points of single contact.
That is the road to chaos and conflict.
In other words, Croatia has seen the adoption of the report on its 'progress' towards accession to the EU - with it even being explicitly stated that the negotiations shall (!) be concluded before the 2009 elections - whereas the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) has seen the vote on its progress report postponed.
The second point relates to the application of the principle of proportionality in regulating the sector.
Well, the fact that we had few or no instruments explains why we are not in the 'too little, too late' situation, but in the 'step by step' situation.
However, I would like to emphasise a problem we addressed in July 2007 in the form of the resolution adopted on the poorest regions in the EU.
We have at least made a start.
I believe that the oral amendment is well worded and allows us a great deal of free scope and I therefore ask you to support it.
The forthcoming visitors' centre in Brussels is part of this, but I fear that certain amendments adopted in committee will delay its highly anticipated opening.
Hence, the Commission's proposal to fund a recall mechanism using the vegetable producers organisations' budget is unacceptable.
There is no threat to any existing group - nor is the rule change an attempt to squash Eurosceptics, who have more than the new minimum number.
The actions stipulated in this plan complement the European legal framework set out in the Commission's proposal for a directive on organ donation and transplantation.
Thus we have a new Treaty.
I regret, nonetheless, that the common position does not allow the directive to be implemented through voluntary agreements between the parties, even though it is true that the rules of the Member States on legal proceedings cannot always be amended by agreements between the parties.
(DE) Madam Commissioner, as you have heard, you have rightly been praised, and citizens applaud you, for the fact that telecoms in Europe have become cheaper, with prices likely to fall even further in future.
The rapporteur, Mr Mikolášik, referred to the question of transparency when allocating funds, as a basic prerequisite for achieving the overall objectives of cohesion policy.
in writing. - (PL) Food security is a key challenge for agriculture, not only in the European Union but throughout the world, particularly in developing countries.
This creates a good breeding ground not only for the development and dissemination of extremism, but also for political manifestations naming particular ethnic groups as threats to security and connecting minorities and migrants with crime.
But I am very concerned by imbalances in our economic relationship.
The four Nordic Member States have written to the committee about this regulation, stating that it increases citizens' trust in the EU and that it provides the greatest possible degree of transparency.
The recent difficulties in the financial markets have shown that many of the strategies deployed by managers of alternative investment funds are vulnerable to some or even many risks affecting investors, other market players and the markets themselves.
Thirdly, at a time when liberal is becoming social democrat and social democrat is tending to become liberal, the EU budget must be effective and even contracyclical.
In my speeches I have repeatedly stressed the necessity of promoting the 'Made in Europe' brand in third-country markets.
Where the report is untenable, however, is in its call to the Commission to draw up a specific road map for nuclear investments.
(EL) Mr President, the Annapolis Conference on the Middle East ended with mixed results for the European Union.
We also had the problem that many of those people were told that compensation, or even refunds, would not be possible as they had not purchased their ticket with a credit card or booked through a travel agent.
I also welcome the boost given to the independence of competences and duties of the potential operators of the transmission networks.
The H1N1 influenza was extremely instructive.
The alarm was sounded after a patient died in hospital due to an infection and other patients are facing the same danger.
Let us, however, not overdramatise the situation.
Gays and lesbians are usually doubly persecuted, because they are activists, in many cases, but also because they are gays and lesbians.
In view of the billions given to aid the banks, Ingeborg Schäuble, the outgoing chairwoman of Welthungerhilfe, has called for a rescue package against world hunger.
The European Union has always produced the best results by an alliance of the Parliament and the Commission, so I count on your support in this regard.
The Commission is pleased to see that the quality of this evaluation work is acknowledged by Parliament.
What do you have to say, Commissioner, to the unemployed, to workers in flexible, temporary, insecure work who, for over 4-5 years, have worked in the public and private sector, on much-vaunted internships, and have already been given notice of dismissal?
As rapporteur for Parliament's 24th Annual Report on this subject, I can say that there has been a slight drop in the number of cases of infringement proceedings initiated by the Commission. Nonetheless, the number of cases continues to exceed 2,500.
(The sitting was closed at 12.50 p.m.)
It was not by chance that, back in 2005 and 2006, the top priorities for European cohesion policy were: the Lisbon strategy, innovation and competitiveness, climate change, energy security and efficiency, water efficiency, investment in new skills, attractiveness of territories for young people, and quality of life.
Quality standards will remain a Member State competence, while safety standards a European-wide one.
(DA) Mr President, we are discussing a 1 200 km gas pipeline beneath the Baltic from Vyborg in Russia to Greifswald in Germany through an ecologically sensitive inland sea where there is a large difference in sea bed levels, through an area where undetonated explosives from two world wars, as well as poisonous chemicals from the paper industry, are constantly being found.
While numerous positive steps have been made, we also note that the enforcement of readmission agreements has also raised numerous problems.
I refer, of course, to the selection of the next President of the Council and the role he will take.
I think that could be an excellent form of cooperation with private industry.
But now we hear that some manufacturers - led, I understand, by Ford and General Motors - are trying to exploit loopholes to get out of that obligation.
The Commission's initial proposal contained far more stringent penalties for public authorities, a position which our group felt was unacceptable as, unlike private undertakings, public sector bodies are not focused primarily on profit but rather operate in the general interest.
I am sure that after President Obama's speech there will be nothing to change concerning the committee's results.
When will the federalist majority in the European Parliament realise that the desire to create a United States of Europe does not have the support of the voters?
We already know that the reinforcement of workers' rights will depend on the development of the class struggle.
A large number of SMEs are leaving the market because their access to finance has been severely restricted in the times of crisis.
I think that this proposal would not only reveal constitutional inconsistencies but also create delays and complexity, which is definitely not what Europe needs at the moment.
Instead, we are now seeing a continuation of such inappropriate behaviour.
So I look to the Commission, which ought not to take sides, but to establish a political alliance with the European Parliament so that the alliance of the peoples ensures that we can dream of what we desire for this European Union, the Union of peoples.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Mr President, I rise on a point of order under Rule 166, and with reference to Rules 45, 77, 89, 113 and 155.
This is something that has to be done right away, in other words the Member States need to develop financial mechanisms whereby the factor of rising prices can be deleted from company budgets and from household budgets too.
I have here the letter of 3 September from the three European Prime Ministers.
Ever more women are in need, and up to 17% of women live below the poverty line, according to the latest surveys.
(CS) Mr President, the aim of the compromise draft directive, following two years of discussion, is mainly to provide legal certainty for patients in cross-border healthcare situations.
It is, however, all the more important that, if they can afford a proper holiday during the crisis, our citizens can also return from this holiday satisfied.
The debate is closed.
(SK) The changing lifestyle of the younger generation is such that after completion of studies, everyone wants to spend some years travelling and then building their career.
on behalf of the PPE Group. - Mr President, during a visit of young Israeli and Palestinian leaders to the European Parliament, a thorough discussion was held which outlined a peace settlement for their future - a secure and recognised two-state solution, on the basis of the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital for both; demilitarisation of the Palestinian state; the reiteration of the 2007 Arab peace initiative; NATO guarantees; and the refugee issue to be arranged in a way that does not alter the demographic character of the Hebrew state.
Even the strictest internal controls cannot prevent that.
The Roma, who live in very poor circumstances in certain areas?
That, in fact, is our hope: it is not enough to talk or write about equal pay, we want to make it a reality.
(PL) Despite the several billion euros allocated to Africa, poverty is getting worse in that continent, as the sound report prepared by Mrs Martens indicates.
It plays a prominent role in the fight against climate change.
I think it is extremely important for us to utilise this expertise appropriately in our legislative work, for the fact is that Members cannot be specialists in every area.
You find out the reasons.
Imperialist organisations and associations are worried by the uprising of the hungry; they are calling for measures hardly different from those causing millions to starve to death.
Regarding protection of the environment and climate change, at EU level the Commission is now working with the Member States to achieve good environmental status in its marine waters by 2020.
I believe this is progress in terms of nuclear safety.
In the vote in the House of Commons, two of those parties then reneged on those promises and refused people a referendum, so it is a matter of basic trust and accountability in politics.
This agreement is heading in the right direction: it is still not enough but the report clearly points out these shortcomings, yet offers us some hope for the future.
The EU must assume its responsibility as one of the world's largest timber importers.
The European Union is a community based on solidarity.
I welcome the resolution on innovative financial instruments which represents Parliament's contribution to the debate on how to generate new revenue, ensure a fair tax policy and maximise income recovery capabilities.
Already today, ongoing and planned technical and financial cooperation with Ukraine is in the region of EUR 435 million, without counting possible macrofinancial assistance.
It is a massive problem for the ordinary taxpayers of the EU that at least 11% of the total approved amount should not have been paid out.
Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy - Eastern Dimension - Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy - Southern Dimension
author. - Madam President, after this joint motion for a resolution was agreed and submitted, the news came of yet another disgracefully brutal case of stoning to death of a citizen in Iran.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (NL) Madam President, Mr President of the Commission, Mr President of the Council, ladies and gentlemen, today is an historic day.
This is the information that is collected by carriers to operate their reservation systems.
Collectively, it must be possible for us to be protected against toxicity.
It would indeed be tragic if, through our approach to Kosovo, we have irreparably damaged Georgia and precipitated armed conflict in a country whose territorial integrity we should be defending very strongly.
The European Union's citizens expect high quality, healthy products manufactured using innovative technology which takes account of the environmental impact of the production process.
There can never be either political or cultural reasons to compromise when it comes to fundamental rights.
How are we to measure the targets that the Commissioner mentioned?
2) There is practically no strategic planning or control mechanism in the sphere of development cooperation policy.
This is adequately expressed by the EU-US Transatlantic Partnership Agreement, in which also includes the aspect of economic relations.
It is very important to establish appropriate organisational and operational regulations.
Member of the Commission. - This is certainly a difficult and complex area.
Therefore, my group believes that it is crucial to get the balance right: the balance between, on the one hand, resourcing Frontex - as many colleagues have mentioned - and, on the other hand, ensuring that Frontex has a stronger appreciation of the humanitarian aspects of its work.
in writing. - As a result of judgments by the Court of Justice in the Open Skies cases, the Commission allowed for the replacement of bilateral agreements that had been entered into between some Member States and third countries with Community agreements.
Greater importance must be attached to regional provision and seasonal availability, as well as strict labelling of the origin of foods.
It is 10 years since the adoption of UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) on women, peace and security, and UNSC resolution 1888 (2009) on sexual violence against women and children in situations of armed conflict.
We need new instruments, and if we analyse the legislation that has been introduced, the Member States have been given a great deal of latitude here.
The vote will take place on Wednesday 17 December.
We also want an evaluation report, which is provided for in the Treaty of Lisbon.
The Presidency has taken note to act accordingly.
Both the clan structure and lack of the right to intervene on the part of the authorities prevent this vicious circle from ever being broken.
in writing. - (DE) I have voted in favour of this report.
In that case, everyone will be equal before the law and we will be able to make savings.
Therefore, this argument also does not hold water.
We are also taking firm action with a view to drawing up a code of conduct for interest groups and lobbyists, as well as for Members of the European Parliament.
The ultimate goal is to ensure that States draw their laws closer to one another in accordance with the commitments made under the Treaty of Stockholm, simplifying and speeding up the procedures.
Intensive cooperation at parliamentary level is also necessary, for example, with organisations such as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation and the WTO, and with the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank.
At least 17 people were injured, most of them civilians.
In Copenhagen, from 7 to 18 December, nearly 200 nations will negotiate a new international treaty to combat climate change, a post-Kyoto treaty that will enter into force from 2013 ...
I have raised this issue on a number of occasions.
It was one of the greatest speeches ever made here in this House.
I should like to touch on three more issues.
I would like to announce that, unfortunately, several hours ago, another breach of human rights was perpetrated in Belarus.
We also need to have proper sanctions in place that really reflect the seriousness of this crime and that really hurt those who are making money out of trafficking in human beings.
These Members are sitting over there.
While it is important to authorise existing investment agreements, it is also important to foresee the possibility of taking action in a cooperative manner to address important issues that could arise with regard to the content of the agreements and their interaction with EU investment policy.
Many treasures are yet to be unearthed.
I protest.
Under heading 4 - the Commissioner mentioned this as well - there is an increase in appropriations for Palestine and Kosovo, and half of the reduction in appropriations entered in the draft budget relates to the emergency reserve that can be financed, as has been the case so far, through the redeployment of resources.
Industry in the EU is challenged by excessive regulation and bureaucracy.
For these reasons, we voted in favour.
Mrs Senyszyn accused the Catholic Church of oppressing women.
The Hungarian minister's body language is also saying yes.
Firstly, it is in many respects a very ancient tribal society, which we cannot catapult into the 21st century in one fell swoop.
As I have stated before, I can understand why it is necessary for a law society to register, but I find it harder to understand why public bodies which have never been active on a party-political level, and never will be, are also required to register.
Another important date will be 2010, which is when we will be in a position to judge the outcome of this strategy.
The Council states consolidation should be frontloaded in Member States with large deficits.
The Member States are capable themselves of dealing with matters relating to population and housing censuses and this is an area in which the EU does not need to interfere.
This is the way we are moving, very cautiously, towards this direction.
This is in line with the political cohesion of existing political groups and with the possibility of achieving consensus among the non-attached Members, provided there are enough to form a political group.
While we agree with the main guidelines of the European Parliament resolution on the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh - and having endorsed it for that reason - the Luxembourg delegation of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) wishes to express some reservations about elements of this resolution that are unsatisfactory.
We are very process-oriented.
Nor indeed a Burma.
A more open and accessible Council, increased and more integrated inter-institutional cooperation, better use of new media as a means to connect with citizens and providing assistance to civil society institutions will help bring Europe closer together.
We expect all the Member States of the European Union to sign the convention on 3 December, in particular those European states which are still in doubt, that is Greece, Latvia, Poland, Romania and the Republic of Cyprus.
Emphasis is also placed on more training of health workers in the area of patient safety and the creation of common definitions and terminology as well as comparable indicators which will allow easier identification of problems.
It makes a positive recommendation by calling on the Member States to appoint national SME Envoys to coordinate SME policies and control the implementation of the SBA across the various administrations.
It is in principle also reasonable for businesses to offset losses across frontiers within a company or between companies in a consortium.
Thank you.
It turns out in practice that some are more equal than others, and that double standards are being employed.
Unlike in Hong Kong, we were involved in the negotiations, were pro-active and were prepared to make compromises.
As shadow rapporteur for the Hirsch report on European cooperation in vocational education and training, I would like to explain why I voted in favour of adopting this report.
This was also mentioned in the European Commission's latest report from July 2008, which unfortunately led to a partial freezing of European funds for Bulgaria.
Only policies of this kind, and only development in these areas and institutions, can shape Haiti into a more stable country than it has been to date.
in writing. - (FR) With our vote today, we have reminded the Council that the Erika III package forms a whole and should be examined as such.
It is a very good thing that the EU now has, in the person of Mr Dacian Cioloş, an agriculture commissioner who has understood and supports the importance of local markets, since this is the only way we can preserve local flavours, regional flavours, and the diversity of food in Europe, and it is also clear that a key role is played in this regard by food quality policy, the place and designation of origin.
Please could you tell us which language versions have been published in the Official Journal, when this was done and why these versions have not yet been made available to Parliament.
For example: how many accounts outside the budget did the Council have in 2007?
To close, I should like to say that we hope that the Greek crisis will be the only price the European Union has to pay for the hasty establishment of the economic governance which we should have established ten years ago.
Our approach definitely encourages countries to change their approach to aviation safety, and that is only one example.
- (FR) Mr President, Europe has been a pioneer before, and it wants to continue to act as a bridgehead in Copenhagen.
It also annoys me when projects are funded with EU money which are not absolutely necessary.
Foreign investment is a major economic issue for emerging and developing countries.
I am voting against this motion for a resolution and its antisocial injunctions.
Mr President, honourable Members, when I travel around Sweden and talk about EU cooperation, I get few questions about the institutions of the EU.
In this resolution, the European Parliament advocates the long-term management of risks and profits, as well as some rules which are adapted to the size of banks - so that the most important ones do not feel that they are let off - and argues that they should not pass on the costs of adapting to the new legislation to private individuals.
Today, we voted on the resettlement of asylum seekers from third countries in Europe, but the Commission programme refuses to promote a similar provision for the settlement of asylum seekers from one country of Europe to another or for money.
And then, there is prevention.
Now that we are going to have to work together, I hope to be able to show you that the Commission often does things that are reasonable, useful and concrete, and I still hope to convince you to support the efforts of the Commission more resolutely and more often.
In particular, the problem of expanding the scope of the directive has emerged.
When children put them in their mouths, chips are a dangerous item.
Member States, together with the European Commission, should find a solution as quickly as possible to the problem of the substantial group of women assisting with farming and in small and medium-sized enterprises who, in many Member States, suffer from a lack of legal status.
It is worth remembering, as you already know, that every year, millions of small farmers are forced to move into shanty towns.
I want to underline it because I sometimes hear only part of the story, but it is the whole story on investment which has to be applied in practice.
I really hope that tomorrow we will all live up to the expectations of European citizens and show that we are safeguarding the protection of human rights and the values of the European Union.
No doubt should be cast on the Ukrainian people's achievements either by external or internal factors.
They went there believing they were going to serve in a good cause, and, as we are hearing here, Iraq is, today, on the way to building a democracy.
The Presidency has contacted the resident Commissioner of Indian-administered Kashmir in New Delhi and has expressed the EU's concerns over the situation.
I do not see significant progress being made by Russia, but we shall persevere.
The report contains many sound proposals and guidelines for the European Commission and provides a fine summary of the various points of view.
Investing in prevention is important.
We are not opposed to this agreement in principle provided that Morocco agrees to end all human rights abuses in the illegally occupied territory of Western Sahara, that Morocco agrees to a free and fair referendum for the people of Western Sahara and that the fisheries partnership agreement is reviewed and the Saharawi population of Western Sahara are allowed to live as equal citizens of their Moroccan counterparts.
I hope that the EU will be able to convince its partner, the USA, to continue to make progress towards the common goals mentioned.
At the moment, in the transport area, you must remember that transport is exempt from the Services Directive.
Fourthly, failure to include bitumen shales in the Research Fund for Coal and Steel programme - and the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance also put forward a proposal of this nature for these amendments - would have been injurious to Estonia, whose power generation is chiefly based on this fuel.
A very clear distinction needs to be maintained between the remits of military and humanitarian bodies, and a dialogue between military and humanitarian bodies is necessary in order to encourage mutual understanding.
For every car that we export to South Korea from Europe, 15 come the other way.
Most of the proposals in this report are of course deserving of support, but I have a couple of concerns.
During the current financial crisis, it is going to be increasingly difficult for us to cover losses triggered by floods and drought using the state budget.
The debate is closed.
The Portuguese Government is following this maxim and is, for the record, allocating about EUR 8.2 million for the decommissioning of 27 vessels in 2008.
(PT) Cohesion policies are not just another instrument of European integration but can be seen as a real embodiment and dynamic proof of the European project itself, in the sense of a community of citizens sharing values of social justice and solidarity.
What we also need now is a bold message from the High Representative on what is happening in these countries; we should not wait until a number of things have happened.
In fact, the funding of this type of project, which is completely in line with the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, makes a key contribution towards the development of a sustainable economy, combating climate change and promoting employment, while also constituting a particularly suitable method given the economic and financial crisis that we are experiencing at present.
I firmly believe that Romania's maritime border, for instance, is incomparably better protected than similar borders for other Schengen Member States.
(DE) Madam President, the reason I am asking for the floor again is not because I have not spoken enough today but because I believe we really are dealing with an important issue, on which Members have also asked pertinent questions.
The Commission has played its role to the full.
There was then official doubt on our part.
President of the Commission. - First of all, to know the result of the test we must make the test before.
As has already been said, the food crisis is a major problem, and so we must seek solutions via the budget, both for the short and medium term and for the long term. For the short term, there is food aid.
The political and economic stabilisation of that country and the strengthening of cooperation between Ukraine and the EU in the field of energy are prerequisites for the recognition of Ukraine's European aspirations.
Maybe I could tell you why we are actually in favour and we are even co-financing some of the landfill, even if we do believe that this is on the lowest level of the preferred options in the waste hierarchy.
Following the Treaty of Lisbon, the Council is now one institution and the President of the Council is one institution.
Therefore, Member States should make every effort to combat gambling and the associated problems with maximum force.
However, and it is important to underline this, we need to maintain some qualifying points in the debate and vote that will be held tomorrow.
I am also glad to see that there is no longer a reference to the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD).
The EU and the Member States should increase their efforts to encourage youth employment and reduce their unemployment rate, in particular, through improving the match between the training systems and the needs of the labour market.
Through these directives we are in a way addressing subjects and establishing links with various recognised pathologies such as cancer, which has already been referred to by Mrs Belohorská.
Even one contamination of animal feed is unacceptable.
The next item is the Commission statement on freedom of information in Italy.
Users and merchants will be clamouring for more choice.
The rapporteur, Mr Chatzimarkakis, whom I would like to congratulate, put it very well in saying that the European Union does not have a good image in the eyes of European citizens, and they have most often made European agriculture a scapegoat.
However, I do agree with you that it is important.
I hope that I will soon be able to speak to you in more depth.
Given the present gas crisis in Europe, it must be underlined that Belarus has proved a particularly stable partner as regards the transit of gas supplies to the European Union.
So I must confess that it has surprised me how difficult it is to convince elected politicians and public opinion that budget management in the European Union is much better than what is reflected in this sentence.
The human family is arranged as in a staircase: we, the privileged ones, are at the top, and there are four billion people below us who, literally, want to come into the daylight, because two billion people do not even have electricity.
However, under no circumstances will I approve of the use of genetically modified materials, their import to consumers and other activities, or the authorisation of production methods brought to bear in third countries, because there is no data that would lead us to reasonably believe that these do not harm people's health or the environment.
Maybe such a referendum ought to be carried out at EU level.
I would like to express my respect for all their positions.
If, however, democracies cannot, in fact, combat terrorism by denying their own values, then they cannot allow themselves to give the impression of being lax or weak, either.
The culture of hatred, as demonstrated by that photomontage of the Prime Minister behind bars at the street demonstration on press freedom, where red flags and insults of all kinds prevailed.
However, I think that we should also consider how to safeguard jobs, and prevent them from being lost.
Rules of war prevail, but even in wartime the Geneva Convention applies, and it does not, of course, allow banks that have been recapitalised by the state to use this aid to buy up other banks.
We have, off the coast of Somalia, ships which have been extremely successful this weekend, by the way, with the French navy in capturing pirates who were determined to create havoc in that part of the sea.
Not having any debate at all would be doing ourselves a disservice.
President-in-Office, thank you for your diplomacy.
Is this risky solution acceptable, today, to Israel?
Overall, it is a good structure precisely because it makes it possible in certain situations to act without the consent of the government concerned.
Attention must also be paid to reconciling work and family life.
Of course we support the principle of equal treatment, but we perceived the danger that this slogan would be used to attempt to prevent the implementation of one of the fundamental freedoms of the European Union - the free movement of labour.
For years, the socialists have fought and campaigned to obtain framework directives protecting services of general interest, and there is no question of us abandoning this commitment.
It outlines human rights, data protection and non-discrimination standards in an attempt to uphold two basic principles for any profiling exercise to meet: that repressive consequences should be based on individual behaviour, and that the principle of equality under the law should be upheld.
The importance of information and of the diversity of European culture and education was noted.
Mr President, the European Union has no jurisdiction as far as the status of national minorities in the Member States is concerned.
It is for the people of each country to decide upon the use of their resources and of the wealth created.
The success of innovation policy depends on the existence of a simple, efficient, unbureaucratic system for science and higher education.
First, because Member States do not keep their word, which means that all the work carried out by European institutions ends up being worthless.
One point that I should like to raise once again, as I did in the previous debate, is the issue of the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.
I am pleased to see the proposal for amendments to the Commission's conclusions, but at the same time I would like to appeal for efficient and harmonised actions that offer everyone protection against terrorist propaganda and agitation, especially our children and young people.
For the national context, therefore, it is a good thing that there are borders to protect it, that Member States are necessary and that sovereignties allow rapid and effective action.
Meanwhile, the report also represents a good compromise between the need to provide information for statistical purposes and the need to ensure that enterprises, mainly small and medium-sized ones, are not overburdened with unnecessary bureaucratic procedures.
I would like to inform Members that the Speroni report on the request for waiver of the immunity of MEP Tamás Deutsch will be presented during voting time.
In future proceedings within REACH and as we approach the next deadline, how will the European Chemicals Agency cope when decisions are required from it?
This, in my view, shows how wide ranging Europol's enforcement operations are and is proof of the overall strengthening of the European Union's enforcement framework and mechanisms.
We bleat about human rights, and then we funnel money to Hamas.
We have ensured that the heavy energy consumption by buildings will be restricted and we have ensured that producers of wind turbines and solar cells will have a guarantee that Europe will invest in renewable energy.
The US is acting but Europe not.
We are midway through the Lisbon Strategy and are only now making progress in growth and jobs.
By preventing gas from reaching the EU, Ukraine involved us in its problem.
An increasing number of companies are relocating, taking advantage of reduced labour costs in a number of countries, particularly China and India, with a damaging effect on countries that respect workers' rights.
We have chosen to vote in favour of this report because the European Parliament needs to prepare itself to be able to implement the changes that will occur in connection with its work if the Treaty of Lisbon enters into force.
There may come a time when Israelis and Palestinians not only remember each other's victims together, but join forces to build a lasting peace and future.
(Applause)
The Canadian authorities have established an office in Prague - that is one condition that we imposed on them - and they are also establishing a roadmap towards restoring visa freedom again.
It is a life and death issue for the peripheral areas, but I know it is not a life and death issue for those coming from the middle.
(PL) Madam President, my nation has been hit by a great tragedy.
Firstly, accreditation has not hitherto been regulated on a European scale, although it is practised in most Member States and significantly affects the performance of market-surveillance authorities.
Emphasis must be placed on the implementation of freedom of expression and media freedom.
The involvement of brokers is undoubtedly a positive step.
in writing. - (LT) One of the things that the crisis in Greece shows us is the urgent need for fiscal responsibility.
It is our duty to set an example in this area, including going as far as ensuring the systematic use of this idea of a 'legislative footprint', which I think would be extremely beneficial.
I consider the commitment of the European Parliament to preserve the openness of the European Union very commendable.
Firstly, innovation.
I would like to congratulate the rapporteur.
I think that no one here wishes to see this budget reduced.
Secondly, the need to give serious treatment to the matter of copyright, because copyright represents a great hope and opportunity for the development of a creative market, and this aspect of the market should be regulated jointly.
We are proud of the position that will be demonstrated tomorrow in the vote in Parliament and on a report such as this, which defends quality and which commits to the development and enhancement of rural areas, not only as mere evidence of a traditional European culture, but as true wealth- and job-creation agents.
A year ago, Pakistan's new democratically elected government appointed the first Minister for Minorities, who himself represents the Christian minority.
Mr Janez Lenarčič will speak on behalf of the Council.
We need to coordinate the complex phenomena that are factors in migration, including people migrating for economic reasons only, but also those who cross the border illegally.
This hurricane caused more than 200 deaths and missing persons, destroyed infrastructures and essential equipment, particularly in the areas of health, education, water and sanitation, exacerbating poverty in the country.
It provides for harmonisation within the respective fields and also promotes consistency between the three areas.
Its aim is to put in place fair market conditions for the European livestock industry, which will help to ensure food security for more than 500 million people in future.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is undertaking a major study.
I would like not to be disturbed by colleagues on the extreme right, please.
Fellow members of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats, do not muddy this debate with empty excuses, because a vote against this report is clear evidence of an ideological viewpoint.
These organisations should, first and foremost, pursue the sort of measures and the sort of policies in the Balkans that will not force people to leave this sorely tested region.
Would it not be possible to carry out a comparative study so that we can also provide incentives in this area?
It is part of the day-to-day reality in the European Union and is gaining increasing significance in the relationships between the Member States, in the way in which our multicultural societies live together and in the common policy measures taken by the European Union.
There is relatively substantial agreement that there should be health protection for mothers-to-be and new mothers.
11.
In general, we agree with the positions contained in the resolution, stressing the important role of Member States in ensuring that ships on their national registers conform to international standards and in preventing maritime accidents and combating the consequences of such accidents.
He says that the path taken by the US has been historically discredited.
The adoption of this regulation will formalise the current 'gentlemen's agreement' and guarantee the continuity of data collection as well as the quality and comparability of data.
Allow me to express a few thoughts I have on this subject.
Mr President, very briefly, I am trying to be helpful, but am getting hungry.
Mr President, on a point of order, you very rightly say that we are here late, and I thank the interpreters for staying behind.
The role of credit-rating agencies needs to be clearer: what they do and what they do not do, the extent to which they can be relied up and the extent to which they cannot.
In fact, this also applies to this dossier.
I will end with a warning.
This resolution is, of course, an expression of that obligation.
in writing. - After the defeat of the joint motion for a resolution, I voted in favour of this text which, while not perfect, struck a good balance between nuclear safety and a pragmatic approach to the issue.
However, the government's stated intention of making democratic changes is belied by the facts.
I think the MEP is not well-informed; I would encourage her to go to the national central banks of the two countries and it will be demonstrated to her that the ECB has a very intimate cooperation with those two central banks to the benefit of all of us.
Written statements (Rule 142)
Nor shall we be able to wait until the environmental pollution from bicycles has been calculated too.
If they fail to produce such a certificate, their chances of obtaining work vanish.
Therefore your vote tomorrow will be a great opportunity to achieve a historic milestone of complementing the monetary union finally with a true and genuinely functioning economic union - which we definitely need - and thus enabling the European Union to come out of the current serious crisis with lessons learnt, hopefully also stronger for the future and, in any case, with new appropriate policy tools for sustainable growth, employment and for our citizens' benefit.
We have already encountered problems in the funding of the Galileo programme, and now the next set of problems are beginning to appear, on a much larger scale.
Research into biomarkers, into early diagnosis methods based on a multidisciplinary approach, the compilation of vast databases, and the search for curative medicines and appropriate treatment and service models would appear crucial.
The second point regards the mediator.
The EU is still a very limited global actor; its role in the UN system and in all multilateral organisations does not match its democratic, economic and cultural weight.
I fully agree with the contents of the resolution which, with the implementation of the Action Plan, will establish conditions for liberalising short-stay visas in the EU and reinforce the Union's position with regard to the country's democratic development after the recent local elections.
They have condemned the deportation of as an intolerable violation of press freedom.
On the basis of the previous Tampere and Hague Programmes, significant progress has been made by the EU in the area of freedom, security and justice.
That is our responsibility.
Let yesterday's event set an example throughout the European Union.
on behalf of the ITS Group. - (IT) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to start by thanking Mr Frattini for being here again, for his commitment and for making himself available to us.
Once again, I am grateful to Mr Markov.
It is important to reiterate the need to protect consumers, but also to emphasise the need to protect farmers, who should receive compensation for the losses they suffer following an accident.
It takes the view in this regard that the development of IMP must harmoniously incorporate efforts to attain economic development, a high level of employment - particularly by making the sector more attractive for young people through training actions and the launch of a 'Maritime Erasmus' - and environmental protection.
A reformed CAP must be in line with global food security and development policy objectives, abolishing once and for all export refunds that undermine the ability of developing countries to build up their agricultural production.
That is what Russian democrats ask of us.
Some have even decided to close hospitals in smaller towns or to carry out a small number of surgical operations.
In addition, the Dutch People's Party for Freedom and Democracy delegation is of the opinion that too much emphasis is still being placed on channelling funds to UN organisations and the World Bank.
In 1990, in his book Bound to Lead, the eminent American professor, Joseph Nye, invented the concept of 'soft power'.
This is achieved through constant monitoring of the performance of operators; hence, at this stage, a more stringent control framework is not deemed to be required by the Commission.
We have to demonstrate two things: firstly, that we are going to take concerted action and that we will be able to profit from it and, secondly, that we are capable of maintaining the strategic priorities which we have set over the past few years: that is, priorities facilitating a shift towards a knowledge-based society and an innovative society with low greenhouse gas emission levels.
The Energy Efficiency Action Plan therefore has far-reaching implications.
These doubts cannot simply remain confined to the newspapers.
Some further steps to simplify the bureaucracy are also envisaged.
(DE) Madam President, first of all, we would observe that the markets in Europe that have been less subject to collapse have a clear regulatory environment in respect of legislation on the taxation of CO2 and a clear regulatory environment in respect of what is expected of car makers.
Ultimately, Frontex can only be as good as Member States permit.
Setting up the European Institute of Innovation and Technology is an important step to keep on with this ancient tradition of our continent.
(The President cut off the speaker)
I think that as a matter of honour Russian President Dmitry Medvedev should ensure that everything is done to fully investigate the kidnapping and murder cases involving human rights defenders, and to bring those who are guilty to justice.
This, in our view, is a major problem relating to soft law.
Having said this, I just would like also to come back to the question of the visa fees.
We can do that with confidence, and we must do it with untiring commitment - and no one will stop us.
I can tell you that we are launching the call for tenders for the European Immigration Portal.
Mr President, this debate is about the safety of our people and the preservation of our way of life, our liberal democracy, the rule of law and the defence of freedom.
The question of the extent to which we adapt the directives legislatively is certainly an important aspect.
I have a supplementary question about the Seventh Framework Programme for Research, which has a package of EUR 54 million.
The drafting of the report was particularly difficult in part due to the absence in the background documents analysing possible solutions, relevant case studies and vital data.
South Africa and other African countries must intensify the pressure against Robert Mugabe.
Firstly, third-country nationals must not be sent back to their country if they are at risk of serious attacks.
The lowering of the threshold for mobilising the Fund and the provision of a rapid payment based on a preliminary assessment are extremely important measures included in the revised form of the regulation.
Although we recognise there is a fair case for increasing the number of Members required to form a group, any increase in the requirement of the number of Member States would unfairly and unnecessarily disadvantage smaller groups and delegations.
To that end it is reasonable for research to be carried out in areas where nuclear energy's weaknesses are more apparent such as safety or treatment of waste, but we should note that the report clearly endorses the idea that the nuclear option falls within the exclusive competence of the Member States, as Mr Reul noted at the outset.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Madam President, the Commission makes the following declaration.
I voted in favour of the present report since the SOLVIT network has shown itself to be of huge importance to the resolution of all sorts of problems, from the member of the public who is searching for another Member State in which to study, work or be reunited with a partner, etc., through to firms who have encountered problems with the public authorities, problems with VAT refunds or other issues.
The Greek Communist Party supports the united, anti-imperialist fight of the peoples of the Balkans and opposition to the US/NATO/EU policy.
All approved plants in the Community list of establishments from which imports of heat-treated poultry meat is authorised are located in Shandong Province.
My guess is, if my recollection is correct, that Amendment 1 will be rejected and then the original text will be adopted, but I will do it.
Texts of agreements forwarded by the Council: see Minutes
Secondly, strong support is needed, especially for new Member States, in order to bring about an increase in the employment rates in those countries.
(LT) I would like to congratulate France for presiding so splendidly in the last six months.
Twenty years after the collapse of the Iron Curtain, after putting an end to the division of Europe, the Danube is once again a symbol of unification.
Member States must harmonise their budgetary policies and share these with each other.
In their desperate efforts to cut back production costs, multinationals are ignoring the cost being imposed on public health.
Like everyone else, I believe that we should remember the context in which this report is set, and that, of course, is the youth crisis that we are experiencing in Europe.
I am very sorry for all the questioners, but the best I can do is to get through as many questions as possible and let questioners have their moment.
I am glad to see that the criteria for eligibility have been widened and will not be limited to low-income housing.
This new regulation will put an end to that practice.
The recognition of Kosovo is a matter for the Member States, as Mr Rupel and Commissioner Rehn also emphasised.
Regrettably, Europeans often profit from these disasters.
That is why we called for further scientific studies, within the framework of a multilateral agreement to be completed, to inform international understanding and decision making for the Arctic ecosystem before any further major development goes ahead.
Common threats require common responses, so common tools should be effectively used by all Member States, public authorities and private organisations.
You have been informed of them.
Member of the Commission. - First of all, with respect to the GSP and GSP+, we have nothing in principle against these being included in the Cotonou Agreement, but we should realise that GSP and GSP+ are unilateral and Cotonou is contractual.
I would like to raise the issue of what data is being collected on our citizens and how it is stored and accessed.
These blasphemy laws in a society in which freedom of expression is repressed in the name of religion pose another risk; last Wednesday, a court in Pakistan banned the social networking site Facebook in the country.
The rivalry of the imperialist centres combined with the opposition of the poorer countries has resulted in the failure of the latest WTO negotiations.
That is what you fought for together, whether blue or orange.
Fourth point: regarding the scope of the draft directive, I know from talking to MEPs on the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection when they were in Paris last May that many of you regret the decision to confine this text solely to patient mobility and not to address the question of the mobility of health professionals.
Unlike passenger cars, there is less scope to modify either their shape or their weight in a bid to reduce emissions.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, we voted against Mr Coelho's report.
Unfortunately, we do not have many opportunities to discuss things together and I would be delighted if you would take this opportunity to make it clear to us for once who it is in the Council that is actually fighting against the necessary transparency.
We must help Nicaragua establish robust democracy, strong, honest economics and effective education and health systems, and help them to care for their families, their women and children, rather than destroy them with legalised abortion.
Democratic forces must give an example, especially to the right wing, and the democratic right wing has great responsibility for distancing itself from the extreme right-wing phenomena that are running riot in Europe.
We believe that the consultation and the decision on the test criteria will be completed by the middle of May at the meeting of ENSREG, the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group.
Of course, I reaffirm my commitment to work closely with you to ensure that the mechanism underlying the CE mark operates properly and that the Member States comply with the obligations aimed at making our products more competitive.
A significant step forward has therefore been taken to ensure that this functions in the future, but even so, Commissioner, I have made a public commitment here that if, in the future, it does not function adequately and we are prevented from fulfilling our obligations, Parliament will be prepared to revise the procedure.
As regards openness between the Member States, I think it important to stress that those who are against openness are also against free movement for people and freedom of opportunity.
Approximately 25% of unemployed people in the European Union were in some way involved in ESF projects in 2007.
Approval has also been given, however, for EUR 3 306 750 to support 1 720 workers dismissed from 30 textile companies in Cataluña, Spain.
At the same time, I was glad that Parliament was almost unanimously happy to keep the budget at least at the same level as it is now.
Thanks to this common position, existing EU legislation on air services has been brought in line with current practice.
Finally, Kazakhstan is a member of the European Neighbourhood Policy.
I think the recent signals from the American Government show that it has become clear that the European Parliament is, today, fully responsible for legislation.
2.
We urgently need to act as pioneers and set a real example.
The fact that Agustin Díaz de Mera's report was adopted by a large majority highlights the benefit of the decision to remove visa requirements for Taiwan.
This is still far from meaning that industry, which we believe will be freed, is really going to be freed by the Commission.
Commissioner, it is true that we now have to take stock of one or two things, but that does not detract from the fact that we now have to proceed fairly rapidly.
However, there are some cases where the impact of the crisis has been limited on women participating in the labour market.
It can make an important contribution to counteracting negative health trends like obesity.
For this reason Hezbollah should be added to the European list of terrorist organisations as a matter of urgency.
This proposal, in its depiction of the handling of personal data, seems to pave the way for the creation of a truly limitless database which could even be made available to third parties that have not yet been specified by Parliament.
That is why it is in the interests of both the consumer and producer to continue with milk quotas.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would ask you to call for silence in the House because we have received news from Kabul of a very serious attack against the international peacekeeping force, and the sketchy information that we have so far talks of six deaths in the Italian contingent, among the Folgore paratroopers.
We must examine them without fear and debate them without any taboos.
I would like to take the opportunity to welcome the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Mr Jan Fischer.
As the Commissioner said, there are four omnibus packages.
Or India?
Europe is facing considerable challenges.
The elimination of weaker and poorer undertakings will obviously benefit large corporations, and these are mainly German.
With regard to specific results, the renewal of the agreement will allow the continued exchange of information on science and technology policies between the EU and Ukraine.
The power of the Internet is supremely important, but is even more important over the regular media.
Car dealers, in my country as in others, are worried about the glaring discrepancy between their scope for action and that of manufacturers.
With these three reports, the European Parliament is sending out a clear signal that we are serious about reforming the internal market.
A focus on individuals that must be guaranteed across the board, including as regards the growing phenomenon of immigration and asylum, albeit in strict compliance with the rules on civil harmony, including security.
This is a disgrace!
This motion for a resolution, which was drawn up under the guidance of the Vice-President, takes - and was indeed carried by a broad majority in Parliament - a very progressive position on the role of the OSCE.
(EL) Madam President, I thank the Commissioner for her detailed reply.
In relation to freight traffic by rail, there was, indeed, an initial proposal for a regulation on compensation for failure to meet commitments on service quality in this sector.
We are also in favour of greater judicial control; and so I consider the proposal of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe to be extremely sensible, and shall give it my support.
I must finish by saying that the right to education and Internet access, as well as the security and the protection of the rights of those who use Internet services must be guaranteed.
Another cause for concern is the continuing rise in outstanding budget commitments still to be paid, especially in respect of the old Member States.
This needs to be elaborated and an appropriate proposal tabled.
I would also stress that we must look at the whole spectrum of the question of space and its links to European security and defence policy, while respecting the provisions of the Treaties - the Commission would never touch them and has said quite clearly that we cannot finance any European defence measures or measures of a military nature out of the EU budget.
However, it should apply to all the nations in the Western Balkans and avoid creating new dividing lines in the area.
We have a responsibility with regard to technology transfer.
The freedom of choice will enable consumers to become actively involved in the battle against climate change, as they will be able to choose suppliers which offer renewable energy with low carbon emissions.
We also need to stop talking nonsense about the political responsibility of Europe.
The upcoming elections will constitute an important test of the robustness of its institutions and its democratic culture.
This does not appear to be the case to me.
Let us ask the Afghan women who have emerged from hell and have just rediscovered some freedom.
We have to decide whether there is a need for further changes, including in the area of selective distribution.
We have no remit in this area, but it is a growing concern and we need to address it in some way.
In this sense, ACTA will have no impact on European citizens, since it will not create new obligations for the EU and no need for implementing legislation.
But for sheep farmers, receiving such small rewards for hard work, as has been outlined by Mr Parish, makes this is a very difficult job.
This therefore also includes those products that do not consume energy directly when used, but which influence energy consumption indirectly.
Together with the United Nations and the African Union, this situation calls for Europe's common foreign policy, and it is also that policy's chance to prove itself.
Of course we call that a coup d'état.
Mrs Merkel and Mr Sarkozy have already directly mentioned the centralisation of pensions in their plans for a single, centrally-ruled Europe.
This is not always provided at the moment.
However, this should not cause us to forget the medium term.
(RO) Together we decided that the European energy policy would aim at decreasing the EU's energy dependence, guaranteeing the security of supply and the transparency of prices.
The former produces more CO2 than the biofuels save, while the latter is causing food shortages, especially in the less-developed countries.
The same is true for the Christian minority in the plain of Nineveh.
The country has made important progress in putting in place its legal and institutional framework.
3.
This gender-specific violence, which also has a strong negative impact on children, and tends to worsen during periods of economic and social crisis, can no longer be accepted.
On the other hand, and this was also highlighted in the debate, we have not reached any perfect or definitive situation and it is necessary to continue to develop EURES further.
Madagascar has been suspended from the African Union and the Southern Africa Development Community.
They were very clear on the advantages of EPAs for the long-term economic future of Africa and, obviously, for the people of Africa.
If and when this EID scheme is introduced it should take place on a voluntary rather than a compulsory basis.
How do we protect a participant in an investment fund from the shareholder's decision to invest in business types the participant does not agree with?
It is not because we have been bound by industry, but it was the best way to consolidate both approaches.
Conservatives and liberals in the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs wanted to declare even this low-level participation in the business risk unnecessary through the submission of a guarantee by the financial institutions.
In the EU, there is much talk about the environment and animal welfare and my thought was that this report should be more than just words: we should have action too.
Our motion for a resolution points out the efforts that must be made to detect and diagnose the disease more quickly and effectively.
The Commission's proposal is quite simply not enough.
If we get the change to the treaty, this will be rectified retrospectively. However, the decision made in Deauville was clearly a mistake.
This is not directed against Elisabeth Jeggle, but against the increase in quotas.
The speed of the implementation of the ICCAT recovery plan is an absolute must, both for conservation reasons and to safeguard the common fisheries policy's credibility and the credibility of the EU fishermen themselves.
All standards and the country will benefit.
This requires a shift in the approach: rather than just cofinancing projects, steering and enabling the deployment of a joint effort through joint programming is truly needed.
I know that this Parliament will remain intimately involved in following the progress of the Lisbon Strategy at both EU and national level.
45.
More than EUR 20 billion will be allocated to the new Member States specifically in 2008.
This very morning we have heard another set of results from the USA.
in writing. - (FR) I voted in favour of the report by my excellent Polish colleague Janusz Lewandowski on the 2009 budget guidelines for the 'other sections', namely the European Parliament, but also the Council, the Court of Justice, the Court of Auditors, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions, the European Ombudsman and the European Data Protection Supervisor.
(DE) Mr President-in-Office, I would like to pick up on this question.
I hope that the Commissioner, and indeed the College, will pick up on this and that this Parliament will show it is right behind this solution.
The cross-border activities of micro-entities would be hampered.
That is why in June 2008 I announced that the Commission would take regulatory action in this area and on 12 November 2008 the College adopted the proposal covering regulatory activity of credit rating agencies with the agreement of this Parliament and of the Council.
Mr President, Mrs Győri, Mr Barroso, ladies and gentlemen, what will the European public take away from the meeting of its leaders this Friday in Brussels?
The theatre has always faced financial difficulties because the Italian authorities do not provide regular funding.
The legitimacy of both claimants to the presidency is in dispute.
If that is the case, and I believe it to be the case, then why have you come forward with nothing but a blank sheet for us today?
I am therefore in favour of the finance ministers implementing the three-point plan proposed by Mr Almunia on 22 December 2004 for strengthening Eurostat as quickly as possible.
This needs to change.
The global trade in services reveals a growing trend and already accounts for a quarter of services.
The Commission insists very much on the Member States publishing this information, as, under shared management, they are the contact for the farming community and are therefore in a much better position than the Commission to validate the information to be published.
We need to be better informed about the origin marking of the products we purchase.
It is fully in line with the Treaty, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, with the competences of the Member States for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care.
Those are the farmers who voted to join the EU, having been promised equal treatment from 2013.
(PL) Madam President, one of the key conclusions drawn in the report we have voted through on evaluation of the management of H1N1 influenza is the lack of an independent evaluation carried out by national and European healthcare bodies.
Since it is apparent that peer pressure in the Council does not work, we need binding targets and new transparent means to scrutinise the reports about each Member State.
What we need is the political will to achieve it.
Our colleagues have not sent any official information, but we are expecting some at any moment.
I myself put a question to the Commission and the Council, basing it on Mr Van Orden's report on the application by the Republic of Bulgaria to become a member of the European Union, and its paragraph 33.
Now is no longer the time for meaningless rhetoric.
It would be wrong for us to limit action to counter climate change and reduce energy consumption to our area only.
I, too, support the establishment of a common Monetary Fund for the purpose of effective control of European economic governance.
This, in itself, distorts competition on the internal market.
Madam President, this is very good news indeed.
This prices issue underlines the fundamentals of EU energy policy and the EU energy situation - the three pillars, namely: the essential need for truly competitive markets - markets which will deliver the lowest prices and the most efficient services; the security of supply issues in our dependence on imported fuels; and the convergence of sustainability objectives with the other two elements of our policy.
We shall continue our efforts to have those improvements approved by the Council.
The basic objective is for the countries of the EU to secure a greater market share, which is of course connected - as the resolution indirectly admits - with the unimpeded and continuing overall plundering of the rich mineral wealth of the country.
That is a failure of the Member States, often supported by sections of the railway industry and, frankly, Parliament's patience is beginning to run out.
Of course, we are working closely with that authority and we, like the European Central Bank, have helped prepare this new round of tests with the EBA, but it is the EBA that is mainly responsible for this.
I tried, back then, to obtain more scientific opinions from Germany and I have since received these.
The opponents of the Iranian Government are also against the imposition of more stringent sanctions, because their main impact would be on the people of the country.
And it is why we must make it work for patients and for health services.
I do hope, however, that the Council will give its assent to the European Commission proposals by the end of the year.
The aim of the strategy is to improve the environment in the Baltic Sea area and to increase integration and competitiveness in the area.
We succeeded in mobilising world public opinion and the Western political elite was forced to move away from its traditional pragmatism.
I do not think that the food industry should be an exception.
This is a sound document, and the reference to the principle that prevention is better than cure is very apt indeed. The strategy identifies a number of important issues.
This is clearly another area where very close coordination with Russia is needed.
In this context I propose to hold a second joint seminar on election observation in the autumn, building on our successful meeting last year which pointed to the essential issue of follow-up as well as of sustaining the quality of the observation work.
After 20 years, even Mr Medvedev had to admit that one cannot ignore the terrible and criminal heritage of Russian power.
Thank you.
At the eurozone level, we need agreements by which Member States will guarantee that the reform of their pension systems will translate into sustainable public finances.
It is very important to strengthen the status of the Arctic Council, and for that reason, we must now have a greater influence on Canada and Russia in particular, so that the European Union can have a stronger role to play.
author. - (NL) Mr President, Zimbabwe's President Mugabe was once the hero of the liberation struggle.
Of course it does.
On that note, however, I am happy that Parliament chose to support my Amendment 42 which urges the Commission to make sure that money goes only to Member States who meet the criteria of the UN Convention when it comes to deinstitutionalisation.
(EL) Europe still faces a multi-dimensional crisis today, which is hitting employment and low incomes particularly hard.
The funds in the expired Community were accumulated from the coal and steel industries, and so it is only fair that any money left over should go on research in these sectors and not be used to cover research in the oil industry.
He was killed most brutally but he remained immortal with his ideas of free and independent Bulgaria on the way to construction and integration into Europe.
Bitterness: codecision in budgetary matters is a losing battle.
This means that the sector will have a new legal framework, which will also have a big impact on economic development in the European Union.
It falls again to the European Union to show leadership and to keep up the momentum.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to begin my speech my emphasising the importance of this initiative in the area of micro-financing.
They should do anything that can be seen if they want people to believe in them.
Our first step was to note the great disparities that still exist between Member States in terms of access to healthcare.
The EU must set high standards for itself and try to raise the standards in international agreements.
He and his kind should be executed.
The resolution is along these lines and, as such, it is worthy of our vote.
In adopting a 2020 strategy, we need to create a framework favourable to stable economic growth and job creation.
Naturally, we can also contribute to this by facilitating the cross-border activities of SMEs.
This summer, at the instigation of the French Presidency, the European social partners, employers and trade union organisations agreed on a joint position in which they accepted the Commission's proposal as the basis for discussions.
I am therefore in favour of postponing the closure of accounts for the financial year 2009 so that further management checks can be carried out.
Without these common development efforts in the countries involved, working alongside their people and social structures, it will not be possible to contribute effectively to instability reduction.
Let me take this opportunity of wishing Piia-Noora Kauppi well for the future.
The regional characteristics will require a special focus on humanitarian and military capacity in order to provide security and stability.
For that to happen, all the Member States must also do their homework.
People in various EU states have experienced the fall-out from the crisis in different ways.
Finally, I should like to reply to Mr Clark - though I think he has left - who asked whether or not there is global warming.
Europe, despite the rapid changes which are taking place, remains a continent of great differences and even contrasts.
We all agree that the bilateral problem of the name must be resolved.
However, there is one thing we should also bear in mind: we should remember that Belarus is an important neighbour for the European Union in the East and should be treated as such.
Everyone has to play their part.
On that occasion it related to a matter that was also of concern to him personally, namely the Treaty of Lisbon.
We really must insist that a country's democratic development should get properly under way when we conclude more cooperation agreements on the basis of Cotonou.
Srebrenica, July 1995.
(HU) As a lawyer working with human rights issues, I cannot understand what the added value would be for the protection of the human rights of Europe's citizens if the European Union joined the same human rights convention that every single European country has already joined.
Are you aware that the serious consequences of these decrees are still valid?
Among other things, these rules provide for the use of the digital tachograph, an extremely reliable monitoring device, and a specific implementing directive.
It would also be more frank in view of the fact that, as I fear, an accession agreement would not be approved in a future referendum anyhow.
The Health Check will now confirm the validity of this twofold objective.
I do not think that this is the case.
That is my proposal, because the competence for accession does not lie with Europe.
- Joint motion for a resolution
So I join my colleague, Mrs Jiménez-Becerril Barrio, in saying, 'stop violence against women, stop it immediately!'
We are, therefore, pleased that the oral amendment to this paragraph has been adopted.
The sense of unity being displayed by Council and Commission, and by the diplomatic representatives in Oslo, concerning the ceremony which may take place on 10 December, is encouraging.
As news of this spreads, I am receiving requests for the Treaty every day.
However, it does not avoid or reduce CO2 production, as would be the case with renewable energies for example.
I would like to ask whether the Hungarian Parliament translates all laws into minority languages and whether there are any translations into the Slovak language?
We all know that it is necessary to overcome the impasse in order to channel our energies towards promoting economic development, creating jobs and combating climate change.
I think we should ask whether Mr Weber would like to say a few words to comment on or react to the appeal made by the rapporteur for this debate, Mrs Ayala.
Should we not already be putting an obligation on producers to develop systems which warn that a vehicle is approaching and to install them as standard?
We also agree that the scale and cost of data collection should not be disproportionate to the expected benefits.
As far as the proposed increase of excise duty is concerned, it will not generate inflation.
Mr Rasmussen got the election campaign under way here, but he has forgotten that the German Finance Minister is Mr Steinbrück, a socialist.
Tourism is undoubtedly one of the economic sectors with the greatest potential for development.
But after the grief and destruction comes the time for practical proposals and reconstruction, the time to restore a future for the Abruzzo region.
It will most definitely have been noticed in Minsk and in other countries that Russia considers as its sphere of influence.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (HU) Thank you for giving me the floor, Mr President.
We have to take it, and together I am sure we will get a solid partnership out of that.
Mr President, let me first of all congratulate Mr Gauzès for a responsible and listening leadership in this difficult process.
We would also like to highlight the Commission's proposal to evaluate the Small Business Act by the end of 2010, so as to make life easier for these companies, especially by simplifying bureaucratic and tax matters, and placing greater emphasis on social responsibility.
Commissioner, the European Union must seriously consider what measures to take in order to help the ordinary people in Belarus.
It may cover about a third of total demand for electricity, but that only comes to 6% of the total demand for energy.
Crime prevention cannot be reduced to the exchange of best practices.
The debate is closed.
If the EU had not existed, we would have had to invent it at the latest as a result of the financial crisis.
Member of the Commission. - (FR) Mr President, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Mrs Descamps and the other members of the Committee on Culture and Education for having produced this report, because it is a very important one indeed.
In addition to the identically tailored IMF-EU programmes that they want to implement in Ireland and now Portugal, they are preparing to reinforce the attack on Greece, squeezing its people even further.
The current crisis must not, therefore, force us to take backward steps but, on the contrary, must make us move forward towards active policies on female employment.
The responsibility of the few must now become the responsibility of all.
We need to strictly observe the commitments we have undertaken.
in writing. - (LT) I voted in favour of this report.
It is also important to take action to ensure that vehicles are in a better state and of better quality.
Economy and society, in general, largely depend on the efficiency of road transport since 44% of the goods are carried by trucks and 85% of the people travel by car, bus or coach.
Finally, let me say that it is important to emphasise that the Ombudsman also has competence within intergovernmental areas under the third pillar.
In Italy, we have seen a witch-hunt culture emerge towards Romanian and Roma citizens, with many punitive expeditions: even children in schools have been the subject of scorn and mistreatment.
Effective soil protection must, therefore, be carried out at the most suitable levels - at the regional or local level.
Petitions: see Minutes
We live today in peace, freedom and democracy.
Fortunately, Mr Balz's report is very clear on that point.
In this way, we could re-establish a balance so as to make relocations to third countries less attractive for our companies.
Of course, we would also like to have the final legislative process concluded with the European Parliament at the beginning of next year.
We have discovered fake medicines at different stages of the supply chain.
Europe's demography requires immigration.
Accordingly, I await the results and final declaration of the Fifth European Union-Latin America and Caribbean Summit with great interest.
During the Communist period, it was not freedom of speech that was the problem.
It was initially foreseen that the Council would also make progress on this point; it is now waiting for the White Paper due in September.
I am told that the same thing happens at the WTO.
This applies especially to the whole area of energy policy.
We are doing our utmost to modernise our internal IT systems but, as you know, unfortunately these things do not happen overnight.
In the next few months we shall be working intensively on climate change and many ambitious measures are on the agenda.
Therefore, I will also state, for the benefit of the speakers who have registered, that explanations of vote may refer only to the European Strategy for the Danube Region.
My political group, the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats, welcomes the result of today's vote on the Catherine Neris report on harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products.
The key question is: what are you, the European Commission, going to do to ensure that farmers who are complying properly with the rules and who have invested in alternatives are not penalised in favour of their colleagues who are lagging behind.
But for the first time we are offering citizens an innovative way of expressing their wishes, interacting with the institutions and shaping the agenda of the European Union.
How many times have we stood here impotently railing against the way in which Mugabe oppresses his people?
We should commit to a series of measures that give visibility to the body of economic measures, which include a system of Eurobonds, a highly liquid public bond market, lower interest rates, and the creation of a European financial transactions tax to curb speculation.
But is it really?
Other worrying matters, already mentioned, loom over this drama: the strength of hydroelectric facilities such as the concrete dam at Zipingpu makes us fear the worst for the 600 000 people living downstream.
Do you not agree that the Commission should be looking to promote social dialogue and collective bargaining rather than undermining it?
It is no longer enough to set objectives; we need to define instruments.
I wish you every success with this too.
This is a step towards the gradual phasing-out of nuclear power, which we advocate.
Yet the only things currently served by the EU budget are vested interests: vested interests in agriculture, in fisheries, in the cohesion aspect, and also in 'old' industry, if I may call it that.
No surprise there.
This industry, worth more than EUR 2 billion a year and employing 200 000 people, is a major driver of the internal market within the framework of the Lisbon Strategy, particularly as forecasts indicate rapid growth for this kind of service.
We in Europe can definitely learn from Canada about carbon capture and storage projects and other developments in this sector.
(DE) Mr President, I have a supplementary question for the Commission, that is, Mrs Malmström: Am I correct in my understanding, Mrs Malmström, that, in your capacity as Commissioner, you support the postponement of the vote of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)?
I must also just comment, however, on the critical voices - and there have been some of these - that have made themselves heard.
By the end of next month, all the strategic initiatives will have been adopted, with just one exception.
In the light of the legal framework, it will reassess the need to bring forward proposals for additional legislation.
Agreement between the European Community and Brazil on certain aspects of air services (
Mr President, in a country with a high crime rate, one could put forward the theory that the deaths of human rights activists are a coincidence.
If Member States cannot manage to make progress on the truly vital question of air safety, air efficiency, the impact of air transport on the climate, then we expect that in 2008 the Commission will not just present a report saying that the Member States are improving in terms of creating airspace blocks, but that it will threaten the Member States.
We need dialogue in the field of environmental protection in order to conserve natural resources and nature.
In spite of growing social awareness, a huge disproportion is noticeable between Member States in terms of donation and transplantology.
What we wish, the aim of the Presidency is clear: there are targets and there is consistency in the package proposed by the Commission.
That is what this Parliament expects.
During the compilation of this report and its amendment, it was clear that the biggest deficit in MiFID implementation has been the lack of a market version of a European consolidated tape.
Which measures are most important to the Commission candidate?
We do not want to reduce our emissions by less than the old Member States; we want to make the same reduction, but the particular situation in our case was different.
We should not simply talk about a time limit.
His final report will be submitted in the second half of this year.
We cannot keep silent and we are calling for a return to constitutional order.
I appeal to the European Parliament to defend Poles in Lithuania, in accordance with European standards of human rights and the rights of minorities.
Any such offer is made ex gratia, or in other words without admission of legal liability and without creating a legal precedent.
A considerably speedier disbursement of the Structural Funds in the new Member States is essential under the new conditions, and the Commission's intention in this respect is more than welcome.
Concerning the powers of the Commission: Amendment 71 imposes the presence of an official of a Member State during inspections carried out by the Commission, and in the same vein, Amendment 108 limits the possibility for the Commission to carry out inquiries and inspections only in cases where a Member State has been previously informed.
'The United Nations will do its part to support and complement your efforts, both in and beyond Europe.
In so doing, we have closed numerous loopholes that unfortunately existed in the old directive.
If the Danube Strategy is underpinned by strong political commitment, it could then contribute to overcoming past divisions in Europe, thus taking a further step towards the true integration of Europeans.
There have been 125 such applications in total, though.
This is the right initiative at the right time.
We are fulfilling the mandate we received for negotiating on behalf of the Member States with Turkey and with other candidate countries.
Time and time again we duck the issue, and public opinion is rightly worried.
Deadline for tabling amendments: see Minutes
In other words, the post-Soviet countries are imposing an agenda that is unrepresentative of Russian-EU relations, which is in turn hindering strategic cooperation.
However, we are working on this and we hope that it will be implemented soon.
At the domestic level, this role arises from the traditions and experience connected with the involvement of the social partners in defining and implementing policies for the labour market.
It failed to respond to the need to protect the climate or to the demands of the energy crisis and we are again passing up an opportunity to ensure there is constructive pressure here until well into the next decade.
Madam President, Mr President-in-Office of the Council, Commissioner, what should the budget for the European Union for the year 2009 look like, and what could it look like?
In conclusion, I wish to stress that, in the current economic crisis, the post-2013 financial framework must have solidarity as its main foundation and also still aim to achieve high standards of territorial and social cohesion.
The use of headscarves in Turkish universities has provoked a large constitutional crisis and that crisis was completely predictable.
Much of what came out of these discussions has been incorporated into the report, although not everything, which is unfortunate, at least from my point of view, as the report emphasises in some places that the completion of the internal market for services in the European Union is trailing far behind the internal market for goods.
It is a simple exercise.
I voted in favour of the report on the estimates of revenue and expenditure of Parliament for the financial year 2012 - Section I - Parliament.
I am afraid that you have failed.
The European Commission and the Member States must be ready to ensure that these guidelines are implemented together with social partners and regional and local institutions, which must participate in drawing up and implementing national reform programmes.
That is why they should have the same privileges as women working outside agriculture.
I therefore commend the rapporteur on the very important work carried out.
The legislation to follow needs to be clearer regarding minimum age warnings and the dangers arising from inappropriate use.
We have fulfilled our duty today.
Women's rights issues must be included in all areas of European Union policy and fine ideas and initiatives should not simply remain on paper, but must be implemented in all European Union Member States.
We have therefore taken the firm decision to use every instrument available to us, such as legislation, structural funds and information and awareness-raising campaigns, in order to improve this situation.
It is 'yes' to debate, it is 'yes' to cooperation, but it is 'no' to comitology.
Rape is accompanied by barbaric torture such as beating with clubs and mutilation with knives.
I think the first priority in terms of prevention should be to list these sites in Europe.
To this end, the solidarity mechanims must be strengthened in terms of redistribution of asylum seekers, organised mobility and new partnerships with third countries.
Its continued existence is a problem for the EU, because six Member States have opted for military neutrality.
Well, I could point out that my country is not specifically covered by this recovery plan, so it is good that there were a lot of questions on this.
That is why the time has come to supplement the Stability and Growth Pact with a solidarity pact, as has already been said here, in plenary.
In what ways is the Commission working to prevent the growth of protectionist tendencies in its international trade negotiations?
On top of that we have had the gas crisis, which clearly showed that in some cases missing physical infrastructure has a huge impact as regards gas supply disruption.
Member of the Commission. - (CS) Ladies and gentlemen, as we all know, the global economy is increasingly shaped by technological innovation.
(DE) Mr President, as a member of the Committee on Budgetary Control, I am concerned about the way in which the Commission and the Council are excluding the European Parliament when it comes to the question of the External Action Service.
With regard to the proposal from the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance to establish a Directorate-General for peace-building, I would say that, in contrast to my fellow Members who sit at the left-most edge of this Chamber, I believe the entire EU project, and specifically also our foreign policy, is a unique peace-building project.
As Mr Chastel said just now, from July 2011, this amendment to the 2009 regulation will give ESMA, the new Securities and Markets Authority, the direct power to supervise credit rating agencies at European level.
This unacceptable situation is proof that the pressure applied to date has been inadequate.
We cannot achieve the Europe we need if we do not believe in ourselves.
An increasing number of citizens will have to cope with social exclusion, unemployment and other socially undesirable phenomena that are harmful to themselves as well as to the economy and society.
During the course of the Czech Presidency we will be focusing on EPAs at the May meeting of the Council for General Affairs and External Relations within the format of ministers for development cooperation.
However, these workers do deserve special protection.
8.
Today we voted in plenary on the European citizens' initiative.
The basic issue - as we all know - is that the area around the Straits is one of the busiest areas in Europe for maritime traffic with more than 100 000 vessels per annum, 30 000 of which anchor in the area between the Bay of Algeciras and Gibraltar.
Vítor Constâncio is taking up the post of Vice-President of the ECB at a difficult time for the euro area.
Currently, Member States may use labelling to inform consumers about the potential negative effects of consuming alcohol, and this is something that the Irish government should certainly consider.
It is their constructive proposals and their willingness to compromise that has helped us to reach agreement and hopefully adopt this report with considerable support in plenary.
Ladies and gentlemen, let us remain calm.
I voted in favour of this resolution not only because it asks the Commission to clarify whether the financing agreement provides for an increase in the current amount for development, but in particular because it gives special attention to European producers in this agricultural sector, which is located in the outermost regions of Europe.
I would like you to understand that we have asked for a commitment from the Council.
(DE) Mr President, not only is Croatia culturally and historically anchored in Central Europe, but also it already meets all the accession criteria.
If Europe is not ambitious here, I am very much afraid that we will lose the growing markets of this century to our competitors.
(HU) Thank you for the floor, Mr President.
Lady Ashton, I regret that one of the few points in your presentation where you said 'no' was to this idea of Mr Barnier's, whereas on most topics, you seem to be at the same place as everybody else.
The purpose of our voting strategy was instead to send a clear signal that certain trends in the package for introducing austerity measures that are far too extensive ought to be exchanged for a more balanced approach in the final negotiating rounds.
But the core question is: who is responsible?
The Commission is prepared to act along these lines.
The title of the article, which I feel is sufficient to be able to understand what it is about, was: 'Mr Barroso, Take Down Small Business Walls'.
(DE) Mr President, one particularly positive feature of the Small Business Act is the provision which makes it easier to establish companies in terms of both time and cost.
Above all, this Parliament, always quick to condemn violations of human rights around the world or to demand 'human rights' clauses in international cooperation agreements, has achieved the master stroke of voting for a report on the Balkans without once mentioning the dramatic and inadmissible situation of the Serb populations in Kosovo, who have become pariahs in the historical land of their fathers.
The international financial crisis did not start on the islands.
Above all, we should do this by dismantling the machinery of repression -let us not forget that the dictatorship continues even though the dictator may have stepped down-, lifting the state of emergency and helping pro-democracy forces so that Europe can make a genuine contribution to this process, so that democracy can become truly consolidated and a new partnership can be established.
I therefore appreciate the chance to do so today.
For my part, as rapporteur in this Parliament, I would say that this has been a very difficult file, a very difficult journey.
We hope and trust that the problems caused by the legal basis will be resolved.
Moreover, the adopted text does not help those Member States, such as Italy, that suffer geographical barriers, making it more costly for them to transport goods for import and export.
You should know that on this side of the House, we cannot accept a strategy that is devoid of social content.
Our group fully supports this compromise, because it is very important and obvious that the economic and social development of the EU's outermost regions is greatly determined by their periphery, difficult climate and geography and economic dependence on a short range of goods and services.
For 14 years in a row, the Court of Auditors have declared that they cannot verify the correctness of the underlying transactions, and therefore unfortunately for the 29th year in a row I must again vote against approval.
A former liberator of the country, he is now its torturer.
That, my friends, is a recipe for fanning an uncontrollable forest fire.
We cannot, and we must not, say to the citizens that the big common policies, like the external and defence policy, will lie outside the democratic control of our Parliament.
Partly for this reason, I believe that equality between men and women in employment should no longer be merely a goal to pursue, but must become a reality.
The old Commission very often drafted too many green papers and white papers without any decisions being taken.
So we are, once again, beginning to be concerned that we will again be more dependent on Russia in the future.
(ES) Mr President, Commissioner, we are not here tonight to talk about technical measures relating to transport nor about whether one machine is more efficient or cheaper than another in terms of security checks.
(EL) Mr President, I thank the Commissioner for her truly detailed reply.
Petitions: see Minutes
in writing. - (DE) Despite financial crises, the EU has indulged, and continues to do so, in the creation of additional authorities - for every issue and every problem a new agency is set up.
That is a sixth of the world's population, 20% more than in 2005 and 105 million more than in 2008.
We must enforce the general and complete embargo on the supply of weapons to Somalia and ensure that the delivery of humanitarian aid and access to that aid and its distribution in Somalia are guaranteed.
Financial stability is about how well capitalised the banks are and how much resilience they have.
It is a good thing that we are increasing funding to support agricultural development in developing countries which experience food shortages. However, we should remember that, in the European Union, nearly 80 million people are threatened by poverty and 43 million citizens are at risk of suffering from malnutrition.
I think that Parliament and the national parliaments can carry out the task of scrutinising, but also of providing political incentives for the European and international economic agenda, making sure that we have proper implementation between one summit and the next and that the G20 increasingly becomes a process rather than merely a series of meetings.
Tibet - plans to make Chinese the main language of instruction
I also believe that the older Member States of the European Union - and I would like the Commission to take note of this - will do away with the nonsensical restrictions on the employment of citizens from the new Member States.
So, yes, we must be more ambitious and we await the results.
This plays down in an incredibly cynical manner the brutality which has taken place in Libya during the last three weeks.
In view of this I would like to ask the Commission to pay special attention to the specific problems faced by island territories, for which maritime transport is of particular importance.
The focus for my group is on the fact that solidarity between the regions is not negotiable.
The European Commission poured in millions of pounds of taxpayers' money - well, pounds or euros, it doesn't matter, though it does in our case because we have still got the pound, thank God! - you poured in millions.
I therefore decided to support this report.
In Germany, as has already been said, we are unfortunately third from bottom, with a shameful pay gap of 23%.
It is also obvious that today some Member States do not want political unification for Europe, and do not want our predecessors' vision to be realised.
The European Parliament congratulates the agency on adopting a multiannual work programme for the period 2011-2015 and underlines the importance of such a document for the Agency to adopt efficient organisational arrangements with a view to implementing its strategy and achieving its goals.
While the Franco-Belgian interconnection will be the seventh, joining the existing six, this kind of infrastructure is very often lacking in the new Member States.
7.
'too-big-to-fail' financial institutions should be able to draw upon countercyclical capital that is proportionate to the size and level of business risk;
We now urgently need to consider how we can put a new policy in place, how we can set new benchmarks and how we can bring the state, in other words, the European Union, back into the game, to give us clearer rules for the market.
Do you really believe the voter turnout will increase when you continue merely to state how marvellously current policy is working and that we must therefore simply continue to pursue the existing concepts?
Since this is my last speech to this House, I would like to thank you, all colleagues and staff for their cooperation.
An increase in VAT rates from 5-6% to 20-25% would certainly result in the bankruptcy of thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises and in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs at a time of serious economic crisis.
When will priority be given to these poor workers, to these middle classes crushed by taxes, to these unemployed, and to these families who are simply European and form the vast majority of the inhabitants of the European Union and are the citizens for whom we are responsible and who you only think about on the eve of elections?
The United Kingdom can bring much more than it believes it can to Europe.
I noted your reservations, I am aware of them and I will try to respond to them, not with words but with facts.
For this reason, the administration cannot achieve this on its own.
Now, suddenly, they would be left completely unable to resist competition at this level.
Drawing up a budget is politics expressed in figures.
Many amendments proposed by Parliament already conform to the text of the general orientation agreed in the ECOFIN meeting of 4 November 2008, or go in the same direction.
Thus, changes in the management of future cases of pandemics are needed in order to avoid generalised panic among people as well as unnecessary costs.
We should stand for a common framework for all workers, as it would unify the legislation in working places by avoiding fragmenting the workers' situation with the risk of jeopardising the integration of migrants and the cohesion in the EU.
(SV) I should like to ask the following question: this young man has, as we know, disappeared.
Mr President, as I am sure everyone is aware, we now have a new government in the United Kingdom, which we can call the Lib-Dem/Con coalition.
I voted in favour of this report and also the two following reports concerning the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.
The next item is the Council and Commission statements on the situation in Japan, including the nuclear power plant alerts.
Employers have reduced employment or have employed temporary workers, offering them inferior financial terms.
I have a small problem because I have more than 25 requests and we have only five minutes for that, so obviously not everybody will get the floor.
It will then pay to carry out research and development in the field.
The invitation to declare dementias one of the priority areas of healthcare is right.
In each case the Kremlin has innocently claimed that the incident was an isolated one.
It is a truism that the most prosperous societies are the freest and the freest societies are the most prosperous, and in that we should recognise the role that free trade plays.
As a result of the Japanese experience, several countries will probably re-think their nuclear energy strategies.
I would recommend that colleagues read the report.
In this regard, I would also like to state that we, as European governments, should also take these facts into account.
It is important that we now acknowledge this fact once again.
Besides that, I hope that the latest technological developments will enable us to amend the total ban on liquids on board aircraft by the beginning of next year.
We have made the right choice in opting for the combination of innovation and creativity as the key dimension of the European Year 2009.
The French Presidency did try to mediate, but on 9 December we had to face the fact that, despite an agreement on the overall strategy to reduce the number of deaths, many Member States were insistent on the question of the third pillar.
Is it not possible to move beyond this impasse by reforming the WTO?
How will you do the 'we will pay more': based on what criteria and verified by whom?
For this reason, we must first diversify and modernise our transport routes, so that they meet the latest technical requirements.
However, in political terms, it is the job of the Commission to resolve this problem in the Member States.
The livestock sector presents a number of problems for European farmers, including the rising cost of inputs, competition from third country imports, major fluctuations in feed costs and relatively low prices for meat.
Equality is not about laws: it is about behaviour.
in writing. - (IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I voted in favour of Mr Gyürk's report on follow-up of the energy efficiency national action plans.
You therefore have a unique opportunity now to make progress relatively quickly in the railway sector and really take the internal market forward, and with it all European citizens, too.
Within the Council, we are therefore clearly expecting those Member States that have not yet done so to ratify this convention.
Through our action and through our debate this evening, we hope not only that the European Union's initiative will be acted upon at EU level, but also that, at Member State level, we are heard and that they too make a clear effort to simplify.
How we deal with this waste naturally has a major impact on the environment.
We can also report that tests on humans for the sole purpose of this regulation are banned, and that the UN's GHS is a dynamic process; a mechanism has been found to enable changes to the UN GHS to be taken into account by the European GHS.
It is incomprehensible that Prime Minister Netanyahu has refused appeals from all of Israel's allies to stop the settlements.
It is true that Parliament, like other EU bodies, adopted the Ahtisaari plan, but not as a blank cheque, rather on the understanding that the plan would have the approval of the United Nations Security Council.
Women will suffer from the present crisis in the long run, and will be hit in the second wave of redundancy.
My group has suggested abstaining with regard to Amendments 7 and 8.
The Greens are also really happy with the attention paid to the effects of the crisis on women: women's unemployment differs, and the effects on women of cuts in public spending differ.
The second aspect is linked to the long-term effects that this catastrophe will trigger.
Second: I could mention a lot of details, but I just want to have an answer from Commission President Barroso - please commit yourself to living up to this Parliament's proposals on regulating the market.
Not all these matters were raised in the Green paper on consumer protection but they are in this report.
We should call on the Afghan authorities to take a look at the law, to revise it and make sure that it is entirely in line with the international commitments of that country, as well as its constitution.
Now to the second part of your question: how will the Commission take into account Parliament's suggestions in its work on the post-2013 CAP?
Instead of taking the third step before the first step, we should begin at the beginning.
In the US state of Pennsylvania alone, around 200 000 people have found work extracting and processing non-conventional gas, and the local economy gains over USD 8 billion every year from taxes, orders placed by extraction companies and concession fees.
If necessary there will be fact-finding visits in situ to establish facts or indeed to seek a solution.
We urge you to pull out the EUFOR troops!
At the informal meeting of EU Heads of State or Government on the Europe 2020 strategy on 11 February, the very important matter of governance was raised.
The aim here is not to establish whether the merits of this energy source should be called into question, and neither is it to succumb to the idealistic, obscurantist values of those who would like to ban it.
The problem is that budget ceilings apply to the whole budget, but of course they also apply to each individual budget category.
In Britain a campaign group has just undertaken an independently monitored postal ballot in 10 Westminster constituencies.
This is not only a coincidence of time and place; a clear link has been established in the debate between the budgetary review and the annual budget for 2011, or even banana accompanying measures.
You also asked me about the leaks that occurred from the Palestinian side.
It must be obvious by now that the European Parliament is more concerned with protecting rights of every hue, and with doing what is politically correct, than it is with the security of European Union citizens.
Apart from European regulations on dangerous products which people are trying to bring on to the internal market, apart from joint measures taken against terrorism, apart from joint initiatives to guarantee peace in Europe, the European Union is involved in the dismantling of nuclear power plants constructed during the Soviet era which might put our health in danger at any time.
North Caucasus, in particular the case of Oleg Orlov (
But does this require new European powers in respect of housing policy and spatial planning?
Mr President, the previous speaker has already mentioned some of the details of this resolution.
(EL) Mr President, the signing of an agreement with the USA and a single country over the Visa Waver Program (VWP) will prove to be fraught with danger.
Military operations in Africa are all very well, but there is a danger of Africa becoming a testing ground for that type of mission.
Unfortunately, the word 'extensive' has been used in the translations.
It is obvious that fine words alone are not enough.
I therefore call on the Commission to do everything in its power to solve the disputes as quickly as possible and to take into account the courses of action proposed in this report.
For example, the restriction currently in force for the Structural Funds, that only 3% of resources from the relevant operational programme may be channelled towards energy efficiency measures, prohibits new Member States from reviewing their priorities for obtaining Structural Funds in accordance with the new priorities on Europe's energy strategy and climate change.
In a further communication due to be adopted in the next few weeks the Commission will also present new measures to support the active inclusion of people with disabilities.
It is a question worth asking, hence the third reason for the unease felt after this day of jubilation in Kosovo.
I am a supporter of care for the environment and of action to protect nature. However, when human life is involved, we must not squander it so heartlessly.
I firmly believe that extremism can be prevented solely by citizens' everyday acts, publicly declared opposition by the political elite, open and comprehensive interpretation in particular of 20th century history, and most of all the police and courts, which must not close their eyes to racists, xenophobes and neo-Nazis, but act without delay to punish such behaviour.
This is both good and positive.
I think that the Slovenian Presidency, which will be here today, will come back to this request.
We must also remember that with Turkey in the European Union, we will have countries such as Iraq, Iran and Syria on our borders.
The Red Cross has issued a warning call.
And who knows?
The problem of the Polish shipyards poses a fundamental question - do we serve the economy or does the economy serve us?
Their work was launched by three Commissioners: Vice-President for the Digital Agenda Nelly Kroes, the Commissioner for Research,Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, and by the undersigned as responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship.
Indeed, concluding the negotiations on the readmission agreement will result in better management of migration.
In my homeland, Sweden, the last filling station on a drive to the north is in Uppsala, which is in the middle of the country.
Finally, I also deplore the lack of flexibility for 'journeys' in cross-border areas, as this impedes Europeans' mobility.
Of course, Lithuania, like other EU Member States, must devote somewhat more attention to the problem of under-age smoking.
Ladies and gentlemen of the right, what you do not like is the system.
Together with the consequences of the energy crisis and socio-economic consequences, there exists a great political risk that individual European countries will face gas supply problems.
I welcome that the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union has included in its six-monthly programme support for the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area as a real achievement of European integration for the Union's citizens.
The ongoing violation of the International Convention on Human Rights is a topic on which Europe must be neither silent nor absent, least of all with regard to a country such as Yemen, with which we maintain economic relations.
It must also be ensured that overall the development of biomass has a positive effect on the climate and energy.
Risk management is a modern control tool.
They cannot be asked for things that would bring them to their knees, when they already have huge problems.
This is far more than the annual contribution of Slovakia to the EU budget.
However, the European institutions cannot ignore this decision.
People need to be able to see us in the flesh and say to themselves that Europe is not just an institutional monster made up of no one knows who, but individuals with their weaknesses.
If people tell us something that does not suit us, we say they are lying.
Our rapporteur, whom I wish to congratulate on his excellent work, has already explained how we interpret the transition to an industrial policy that is smart, resource-efficient, and sustainable from an environmental and social viewpoint.
I agree that the Agency should consider making a Gantt diagram part of the programming for each of its operational activities, with a view to indicating in a concise form the amount of time spent by each staff member on a project and encouraging an approach geared towards achieving results.
At any rate, that is the impression you can get when you listen to the thoughts of the Left on free trade.
'Cannot stress enough the fundamental principle that all Members should be equally provided with full and quality services allowing them to work and express themselves and to receive documents in their native language ...';
No religion can ever, under any circumstances, be a reason, an excuse, or cover for carrying out any kind of discrimination.
Mrs Ashton has given us, here, a positive assessment, but I want to say that, in my opinion, it is an assessment which is greatly exaggerated.
I voted in favour of adopting strong measures from Member States to counter the grey or black economy maintained by an 'undeclared' workforce, the victims of which are women in most cases, which is more than adversely affecting the EU labour market, rather than just promoting measures aiming to protect their own workers.
This raises the question of how we expect the aspects relating to the transport policy applicable in the European Union's Member States to be correlated with this strategy, which naturally also takes into account non-EU states present in the Danube Region.
It has already become widely accepted that climate change is taking place and is being caused by human activity.
However, just a few months ago, in November last year, the Council of Ministers of Justice rejected the inclusion of a mechanism to suspend the transfer of asylum seekers to the revised Dublin II Regulation, as proposed by the Commission since 2008, considering that Dublin II is fine and that there is no problem.
The extension of the total possible credit line to EUR 50 billion will provide a large buffer to cater for further possible needs for financial support.
(CS) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the Lisbon Strategy leaves us in no doubt that the quality of education, research and innovation is a pre-condition for economic success and that support must be given to improving this quality.
I am talking about cabotage, right of establishment for European airlines, rules relating to control and ownership, and all manner of other restrictions that are still in place.
I am pleased that those points were also made clear in the report by Mrs Gurmai.
in writing. - (PT) Access to quality information relating to medicinal products that are subject to medical prescription will contribute to achieving better results in terms of patient health, in that the better informed they are, the more likely they will be to better understand decisions related to their treatment.
The EU is persuading nations across the world to spend billions of taxpayers' money, at the very time when the world is facing dire financial problems, on something that might not only be totally unnecessary, but could well prove to be counter-productive if the latest evidence of global cooling proves to be correct.
I also anticipate a similar commitment to finding timely common solutions on the part of the Commission.
That is proof of our joint intention to work and proceed in a unified fashion, which is obviously more efficient.
A debate on the effects of the weaponry containing depleted uranium has recently been held in the United Nations, where, at the end of last year, the UN First Committee adopted a resolution entitled 'Effects of the use of armaments and ammunitions containing depleted uranium'.
We believe that the European Parliament must never turn into a sounding board for national diatribes, especially on such sensitive questions and dramatic issues.
I believe that we can all be very proud of the quality and dedication of our staff.
The common maritime policy needs to provide for measures to minimize risks and establish navigation arrangements which will reduce accidents.
I understand that the figure that has been put on the amount of illicit trade coming into the European Union by way of cigarettes is EUR 9.5 billion, and 97% of it goes undetected.
Finally we are looking forward to further discussions with you on the future scheme of generalised preferences further to the proposal for a new regulation which will come your way in May.
The creation of the EEAS is intended to ensure coherence in European external action and the conducting of a Common Foreign and Security Policy.
It is a lesson on how committees can use their power of political initiative by working together to take that movement forward, because if it were not for Parliament, we would not be here today.
That is how a year of precious work has been wasted.
(NL) Mr President, the Dutch Party for Freedom (PVV) is in this House to represent the Dutch people.
Your culture of tolerance and your global outlook represent an opportunity in today's world.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, the Commission urges Parliament to give its consent to the approval of amendments to the Convention on Future Multilateral Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, known collectively as the Amendment to the NAFO Convention.
Let us preserve it and let us work together so that we can share it.
In addition, the system of payment which takes into consideration years of service in determining pay levels is unfavourable for women, who often have to interrupt their careers for family reasons.
There are countless crucial questions that must be clarified in the coming period in the course of the negotiations; these include the relationship between the Strasbourg and the Luxembourg courts, since there will be no change in the system of jurisdiction in either of these courts.
I am convinced that even the most difficult problems can be resolved through negotiation, by seeking compromise and being guided by the principles of goodwill.
rapporteur. - Mr President, we have been talking about European contract law for over a decade; now is the time for action, and if ever there was a time when the Internal Market needed a boost in terms of additional transactions, it is now.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting: see Minutes
While there remains much to be done, particularly in sectoral areas, it is clear that Croatia has done enough to deserve a place alongside the Member States, and I hope that it can join the EU sooner rather than later.
The reports do accept that this must be done on a non-discriminatory and principled basis, paying due regard to proportionality.
Traffic calmed zones, city centre driving bans and similar measures have not yet been sufficiently researched and therefore should not be implemented on a large scale.
Draft amending budget No 10/2008 (
It focused, in particular, on ways to combat VAT fraud in connection with goods and services that were prone to this sort of abuse.
rapporteur. - (ES) Mr President, Commissioner, in 2005 a freelance interpreter, discovering that he was no longer hired by the European Commission when he reached the age of 65, lodged a complaint with the European Ombudsman for alleged age discrimination in violation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The European public have also been outraged by the suffering of the people in Gaza and the Israeli blockade for far too long.
The Commission is currently considering a complaint received from the Andalusian Regional Government regarding a possible failure to comply with Community legislation.
Welcome
A few years ago, we were all very enthusiastic when we said that, in reducing CO2 emissions, we wanted to move away from oil and towards renewable resources.
The method of agriculture deployed in the millennium we have just entered requires human effort which needs to satisfy major demands: ensuring food security and safety for the world's population (expected to grow to 9 billion by 2050), harmonising measures supporting the quantitative and qualitative rise in agricultural production aimed at producing food with the development demands imposed by the production of biofuels, along with protecting ecosystems and breaking the link between economic growth and environmental degradation.
Sport-related projects have recently received support, for example, from the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Lifelong Learning Programme, the Public Health Programme, and the Youth in Action as well as the Europe for Citizens Programmes.
We, as the European Union, have a duty to ensure the viability of the sector within our borders, and to guarantee protection for our businesses against unfair competition and illegal trade.
The first is to show Europeans that Europe can protect them.
Social exclusion is caused by a wide range of factors, and it would be a great pity not to use this report for follow-up work.
The systematic, long-standing plundering of the wealth of this specific country and of Africa in general by European colonialists in the past and imperialists today and the fomentation or exploitation of civil conflicts in order to impose their interests, have resulted in a situation where Africa is the richest continent in the world with the most hungry, poor and downtrodden inhabitants.
It is regrettable that, during this vote, an amendment calling for an investigation procedure to be carried out in Colombia concerning the numerous killings of trade unionists and the mass graves containing the bodies of hundreds of people killed in the region of La Macarena was not passed because of opposition from the right.
The creation of such a fund must serve two purposes: it must support the refugees who arrive in our countries, frequently on our coasts, searching for help, as well as support the states which receive the greatest numbers of these desperate individuals due to their geographic location.
As we restate in this resolution, he must not be able to stand in new elections - that must be made clear.
Finns can get cheap spirits in Estonia, less than 100 kilometres away, and that is stopping Finland from adopting what has been found to be the best approach, which is to impose a fairly high tax on alcohol for the sake of the health of its citizens.
The Sri Lankan Government and their military stand accused of a string of human rights abuses of their own people, from bombing of hospitals, the use of illegal weapons to denying humanitarian and medical...
This proposal is the only way to restore the confidence of small savers and to stabilise the market for banking services.
Such measures as increasing energy efficiency, using energy from renewable sources and improving the EU's energy security feature among the Swedish Presidency's priorities.
It should be recognised that there is no such thing as a perfect pension system.
in writing. - (SV) The European Parliament has today voted in favour of including sports and recreational fisheries in the common fisheries policy.
Sadly, perceived equality also exists in science.
Mr Hannan, you are due to speak on the Feio report, but you are also next and the only one on the list for the Goulard report, so I give you two minutes to use as you wish on both.
The Commission supports and supplements Parliament's campaign to put in place information measures to increase public awareness of these elections and to call on citizens to exercise their electoral rights.
Thus, there have been no tangible results so far, which I greatly regret.
At the same time - and Olli Rehn will have the opportunity to address you later this afternoon - we will make a strong appeal to you and to the Council to see if it is possible to come to a final agreement.
Thirdly, you referred to pharmacovigilance.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (PL) Madam President, on behalf of my group and as a member of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, may I express my full support for the questions. I share Members' concerns expressed in these questions.
As well as the textiles industry, I am thinking here, above all, about the field of bio-ethanol.
At that point, in fact, the Union will have concluded free trade agreements with all of our Mediterranean neighbours, even though Libya is not covered by the European neighbourhood policy.
I believe strongly that the European Union and the other international partners should think hard about the issue and make the decision to continue with this worthwhile and effective programme.
As a university professor in the USA, he spoke very favourably of European integration and promoted it on the American continent.
Therefore, I would now like you to tell us, following the debate and before the vote in a few hours' time, what the procedure you are going to adopt for the next two years consists of, since a review is due to take place in 2013, thus allowing us without delay, as our group rapporteur Mr Groote wanted, to take this fight further in order to reduce pollution by these light commercial vehicles.
We shall discuss this in the future, but it is important too.
Regarding the points made by Mr Geier: fraud has no specific national borders.
Its administration, however, needs to be efficient.
So we are very clear in our messages.
As well as evaluating the current situation, Mrs Giannakou has decided to formulate a number of proposals for improving the current legal environment.
This will boost political stability and respect for human rights and will generate sustainable growth and prosperity in the region.
As a result of the economic crisis, most Mediterranean countries will be unable to use de minimis aid.
Of course, José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra is right to say that FARC must release the hostages.
Why carry out reforms when it is possible to send the bill for not doing so to the citizens of other countries?
Finally, I wish to stress the importance of a credit rating agency being registered by a competent authority and its validity throughout the whole EU.
As discussed in Lisbon, this is one of the European Union's objectives and we have often said, and many Councils have said, that there must be a significant reduction in poverty by 2010, but there is unfortunately not much sign of that happening.
When it comes to modern technology, the only working hydrogen-powered cars in the world are to be found in Europe.
We have capacity overload in the inner cities, primarily associated with individual private transport resulting in very high emissions, particulates, noise and also safety problems.
In the new Rule 36, we must 'fully respect' those rights as laid down in the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Mr Almunia, there is a great deal of legal uncertainty in this area which must be removed and we are expecting a proposal from the Commission.
I am very sorry, but in this document, as well as in the Commission's proposal, the portfolios and interests of a retail investor and an institutional, professional investor appear to be slightly jumbled.
(For outcome of the vote and other information on the vote: see Minutes)
Likewise, the security of women, within the meaning of UN resolution 1325, is safeguarded by permanent jobs to prevent conflicts using civilian and peaceful means, not by military intervention.
The Commission of course is very keen to ensure proper implementation of this Directive in all Member States and we believe that those two initiatives are very far-reaching because we can, from both of those initiatives, expect a real change in the consumer internal market for services once the implementation of the Services Directive is complete and the review of the consumer acquis delivers its results.
My intention, by replying, is to reassure Parliament of the Commission's will and determination to apply the rules that we are approving with the support of the Agency.
That means an end to the production of cluster bombs, and of course no use of fragmentation bombs as occurred in the Gulf War, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon.
I hope that this step can be initiated in Bali.
According to the Commission's assessment, this application meets all of the legally defined eligibility criteria.
Questions which have not been answered for lack of time will receive written answers (see Annex).
This report further underlines the need to retain this flexibility and decentralised structure.
As far as the differences are concerned, there will be time in conciliation, and we will make every effort to reach compromises; I have no doubt that we will reach them.
Madam President, my thanks to the Members who have taken part in the debate and to the Commissioner.
Last time we looked at this report we dealt with the testing on animals for scientific purposes.
It is for that reason that I have abstained from voting.
However, there will more on this in the near future.
To make the interpreters' lives easier - as I am speaking off text - I will, as an exception, do this in English.
The voting list follows the rule introduced in formulae by Thomas von der Vring, according to which the amendments adopted by the Committee on Budgets shall be put to the vote first in plenary, and if these are adopted, all other amendments to the same budget line fall.
Responses need to be provided to the crisis through new instruments that can put a brake on speculation, restore the role of the financial sector, ensure an equitable distribution of the burdens, and create new, additional resources for facing global challenges, such as climate change, development goals and intelligent, sustainable, inclusive growth within the framework of the Europe 2020 strategy.
Finally, albeit late in the day, we have realised that we are all in the same boat and there is no point dealing with individual situations, especially in an improvised way.
I commend Prime Minister Sanader for his leadership and I also thank Commission President Barroso for his personal involvement in settling the issue.
Double-hull or equivalent design requirements for single-hull oil tankers (vote)
'Welcomes as a positive step towards reform of the criminal justice system in Uzbekistan the approval by the Uzbek Parliament of the laws on the abolition of the death penalty and the authorisation of courts to issue arrest warrants.
The remaining sums should not be diverted from research and used for other programmes or instruments that do not come within the research and innovation sector or the objectives and scope of FP7.
The Commission has recently closed its public consultation on funding for grassroots sports.
It is not a foregone conclusion that a Community agency such as this will provide real added value compared to classic intergovernmental cooperation, judging, to look at another area, from the differences between Europol and Interpol in terms of their effectiveness and usefulness.
Yes!
(PL) Mr President, on 26 April, a quarter of a century will have passed since the Chernobyl disaster, the worst nuclear accident in history.
So, when we ask the citizens of Europe to choose their new parliamentarians in just four weeks' time, we do so on the basis of uncertainty and we run the risk of that vacuum being filled by the opportunism of Europe's opponents.
in writing. - (LT) Before the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, Member States mostly maintained bilateral agreements with third countries relating to investment.
Mrs Malmström, you may soon no longer be involved, but we are going to continue pushing for transparency.
Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. - Mr President, this is an opportunity to debate the European Union's approach to Iran, which has been the subject of an own-initiative report with Mr Belder as rapporteur.
SSGI is treated very seriously in the upcoming European Platform against Poverty which will be published at the end of the year.
The interaction between the civilian and military aspects of the Common Foreign and Security Policy must be used to improve our Union's capabilities and effectiveness.
- Before the vote:
It is essential for us to find out what conditions make sanctions effective and the aim of this report is actually to examine them from all angles.
The fact that Yevgeny Zhovtis, a well-known civil rights activist, is involved in this case has brought it to the attention of the world and has prompted the response, as a result of which we are discussing this here today.
The amendments it proposes clarify and, in some cases, develop various aspects of the Commission's proposal, including some useful additions on force majeure subsidies and sanctions.
For this reason, I believe that there needs to be a better correlation between spatial development plans, town plans and traffic management, especially in urban and peri-urban areas where congestion causes the most problems.
Europe needs an open, effective financial market that also leaves scope for self-regulation and internal remedial measures.
I question, however, the legal aspects of this decision.
I am proud to announce to you today that Jacques de Larosière, former Managing Director of the IMF, Governor of the Banque de France and President of the EBRD, has accepted my invitation to chair this group, which will be independent and will consist of high-level experts in the subject matter.
It has often been pointed out in this House that the economic crisis has highlighted the lack of regulation and supervision of the global financial system.
Furthermore, a lot of debris of all kinds has been deposited in rivers, streams and other watercourses.
In this respect, the Eastern European states with highly developed agricultural sectors can benefit fully from the development of the biofuels industry, thereby contributing to the growth of incomes in rural areas and the creation of 'green' jobs (for example, it is envisaged that 750 000 jobs relating to renewable energy sources will be created in the agricultural sector by 2020).
If we really want to prevent future crises; if we want to create a cohesive and responsible economic Union; if we want to be guided by a perspective of prevention and correction; if we want to commit to sustainable growth then, for this package to be complete, this directive was essential.
This is the route to a new way forward!
The world's anti-narcotic agencies are growing in size, number and expertise, and they are doing their job more effectively.
Firstly, I think the start date needs to be looked at.
We must ensure that we help those small companies, because they will help to create the jobs and reduce unemployment.
1.
Madam President, a human being takes about one third of his or her life to get ready for mature life through education.
Information must be made more available.
We believe that the European Parliament should have full scrutiny in matters dealing with GMOs.
In particular, we must protect children and educate and inform parents and teachers about the new potential dangers of the web.
These considerations are illustrative of the deeper meaning and significance of EU enlargement processes which, in the specific case of Turkey, is the imposition of the wishes of the EU powers and the interest that they serve.
Let us help Ukraine conduct normal elections.
I have a few comments about the amendments which have been tabled and which are going to be discussed.
I hope that these priorities will stand up for themselves in the stern mirror of the European Commission, along with the whole of our budget strategy.
The preliminary results of this study will be discussed at a workshop in the first quarter of 2009, when all the interested parties should attend, including Member States, legal experts, intra-state bodies concerned with gender equality, social partners and civil society.
The government in Beijing is, in reality, attempting to dismiss human rights as 'Western values' rather than integrating them into its policies.
It is often maintained that, as a result, we could also make energy cheaper.
The official figures on violence against women are much lower compared to the sad reality in each Member State.
What do I mean by that?
We should therefore not start too high.
In the coming years, climate change will lead to an enormous number of refugees fleeing the poorest areas of the Earth and it is our duty to begin to take note of these potential migratory flows so that we can establish appropriate policies that will enable respect for the dignity of these people to be guaranteed.
The way I see it, in a socially oriented market economy, the worker interests that can also ensure calm and stability on that labour market must be capable of functioning as well as possible.
The zero-rate tax on exports of goods is being abused by fraudsters and criminal groups that, for example, create fictitious transactions and fraudulently drain billions of euros from state budgets.
These amendments aim at extending the initial applicability of the regulation to the aircrafts used in the Community airspace as well, obviously within the limits imposed by the Chicago Convention.

Therefore we cannot leave everyday foodstuffs to self-regulation.
Resumption of the session
In such cases, we have to do what is necessary.
In the first place, it is unacceptable because it is aligned with neo-liberal policies that exacerbate the current economic and social crisis, especially in agriculture and fishing, but this fact becomes particularly serious when these policies are promoted through an agreement with a country that is violating international law and the most basic rights of the Palestinian people; a country which does not respect its obligations as agreed in the roadmap for peace, keeping Gaza under siege, building more settlements, continuing to build the wall and expelling Palestinians from Jerusalem.
For this reason, I do not think that the quota system ought to be frozen in all Member States, but each state ought to decide how to set their own quotas.
It is an important development.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (NL) Madam President, I have asked to speak because I am concerned.
The taxpayer must always have accurate and proper knowledge of what their money is being spent on.
I am not in the habit of interrupting my fellow Members and I do not tolerate being interrupted!
Petitions: see Minutes
This caused over EUR 80 million worth of damage and affected around one thousand farmers, who lost their crops and have been left with no way of resuming production in the coming months.
Maladministration, corruption and failed projects have unfortunately been common.
We would have questions about the implications of singling out one group for EP hearings in this way.
We can now help those people and prevent them from becoming sick in future, and this is an opportunity that we must take.
But it must be emphasised that the fight against TB must walk hand in hand with the fight against poverty and social exclusion.
I am also of the view that given the present situation, in which democratically-minded candidates were not allowed to participate in the elections or express their views on the situation in the street with people after the elections, it is important to express my own view.
The Commission should therefore evaluate the possibility of merging agencies with overlapping or complementary activities.
This is also an issue of governance.
Everybody has a right to a dignified life. Roma children, to a predominant degree, do not have that.
Regarding the Marshall Plan, I think what General George Marshall did with the initial USD 13 billion that he got from Congress in 1948 is an extremely good model.
In the eurozone, perhaps the ECB should have an oversight of accumulative debt issuance and advise Member States on responsible management.
The regions that were at the time much less developed were far from the sea and were given very little international attention.
A fully harmonised directive on unfair business-to-consumer practices was already a very ambitious proposal that would have failed had its scope been extended to unfair business-to-business competitive practices.
In order to make the most of the industry's unique selling point - the high quality of its output - we need further promotion as pointed out in the Scottà report.
I do not want Schengen to apply in my country, nor would I wish it on others.
In 2006, thanks to the rapid exchange of information between the Member States, the system received 221 warnings about toys out of a total 924 warnings.
Let me name but a few: trans-European transport networks, the European Institute of Technology, the fight to combat climate change.
That is the purpose of the work we are doing here.
We have to stop fearing nuclear power.
Mr President, on a point of order, under Rules 173, 19(1), 161 and 171, the decision by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs which you cited a moment ago represents, I am sorry to say, the moment at which this Parliament departs from any pretence of legality or the rule of law.
Europe must be in the lead in this process of change, creating the best opportunities for a competitive European knowledge economy characterised by vitality, change and innovations.
This pro-European reference of course means being liable for and subject to the dogma that pertains in Brussels.
I am convinced that a positive development in economic relations between the EU and the Western Balkans will be of benefit to all countries on the continent of Europe and I await the implementation of our proposals with anticipation.
All States can cut expenditure at the same time, although separately, without needing any European coordination.
This change is made as an oral amendment, so if there is someone who objects to this, I can understand that, but we have agreed between the groups that Amendment 4 should also be accepted and should be voted on.
I did not receive a precise answer to my question of how many of these trade union employees presently work for the Commission in total in all the trade unions represented?
My second point is that, since the various EU financial funds are, and will be, increasingly under pressure, it is very important to compare the results of the various Member States and to opt for the best practices, thereby achieving a certain degree of harmonisation where everyone gains.
I think we have with us in the Chamber a fellow Member from Liège, Mathieu Grosch.
We have introduced clear and more effective warnings on toys.
It is important to prevent the historic fortress being replaced by modern apartment blocks.
These are fundamental pillars of the Europe 2020 strategy, which will contribute greatly to making the Single Market more competitive and stimulating its growth.
I sincerely believe that it is through openness, through dialogue, through the search for a triangular partnership, in this case, that we will make a difference.
rapporteur. - (NL) Madam President, I am pleased that today speakers have discussed not only unbundling but also consumer rights.
We would also have liked an emissions performance standard.
This legislation will stabilise the market, especially the business and science market, provide certainty for investors, and promote wind energy, solar energy, hydroelectric power, and biofuels.
A huge amount could be achieved in this area, and I would propose that we embark on a new initiative in this connection.
The over-centralised, inflexible CFP has failed miserably and we must accept that.
The EU undertook to fund the closure and decommissioning, and it is delivering the financial framework.
Subject: Environmental aspect of gas pipelines
How ridiculous!
I supported this report.
This blow to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, their political communities, and civilised life in general, isolated these nations and countries for five decades.
Europe seeks to propagate the values of an open society, chiefly freedom of expression, all round the world whilst gagging advocates of the same European values in its own official capital.
We need to combat its exploitation, too, including such deliberate confusion with other markings such as China Export.
This situation is heavily influenced by the general agricultural situation and women are suffering the consequences of unfair measures in the CAP (common agricultural policy), which have led to the increasing abandonment of small and medium-sized holdings and family-based agriculture.
The Council has asked the Commission to use Community instruments to promote economic and political development and to propose measures to advance in that direction.
Today, we know that there are lots of differences, which is, of course, very hard to understand in the same European Union with the same international conventions and the same European values.
The Agreement represents an important step forward in terms of establishing international standards for civil aviation safety and should serve as a starting point for future negotiations with other significant producers of aircraft and equipment.
All of these aspirations require high-quality, constant and detailed monitoring of the progress of our energy situation, as energy consumption is responsible for more than 80% of our greenhouse gas emissions.
Following the adoption of the new framework for Commission expert groups, the Commission drew up a new version of the register in December 2010.
I may sound a bit harsh, but I want to know what is going on.
(SK) First, I would like to express my sincere sympathy to our Hungarian friends, and solidarity with the families of the survivors, as well as my concern for the 150 who suffered injuries.
I firmly believe that mutual cooperation in the fight against climate change, seeking common approaches in the areas of science, research and innovation, will prove beneficial to both sides.
Of course, Parliament will be watching to see that these substances are monitored.
We should never forget that the only weapon that innocent victims have against terrorism is their word and the recognition of society.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (PL) Mr President, caution alone is quite sufficient reason to work towards the effective elimination of weapons using depleted uranium.
According to information provided by the Court of Auditors, Eurojust's annual accounts for the financial year 2009 are reliable and the underlying transactions are legal and regular.
A further problem is the service charge involved in outsourcing.
Better to warn people now than face a whole lot of damage claims in ten years' time.
In my country we have had very positive experiences in this respect.
Naturally this possibility does not seem so coherent.
Uncertainty is the opposite of trust.
To be precise, deforestation now affects 13 million hectares worldwide and is the third biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions.
We want to stress how important it is that the EU find other, longer-term and more sustainable ways of supporting Guinea-Bissau, since the fisheries agreement with the EU currently accounts for 30% of the country's GNP.
However, given the rapid evolution of the internet, as well as the necessity of ensuring legal translations first and foremost, according to Regulation 1, the Commission must always be on the lookout for the right balance between providing relevant and up-to-date information to the stakeholders within the EU, and ensuring the fully multilingual character of all of the Commission's websites.
I have in mind Turkey.
To my mind there are clear political reasons for this.
You promised to sign the Treaty of Lisbon, which your parliament ratified, and you must keep this promise.'
(GA) Mr President, like other speakers I want to congratulate the rapporteur, Mrs Sârbu, for her good work on this subject.
Those responsible are motivated by fundamentalist and extremist Islamist ideology.
Morocco, at the moment, has signed a free trade agreement with the United States.
I raised this problem, along with other issues, two years ago in a question to the European Commission, but the situation has not yet been resolved satisfactorily.
The European Commission should support this initiative and cooperate with this network with a view to exchanging information and good practice.
Clear and decisive joined-up leadership is essential and we need the European Aviation Safety Agency to ensure that EU Member States adapt their current procedures to guarantee that airline operators will take responsibility and be supported in making such decisions in future.
It is crucial that we tackle this kind of crime.
As a Member from Ireland, I would like to remind the House that political irony is a trait much appreciated in Ireland.
I would like to thank the rapporteur very much and to express my strong support for this report once again.
We need that kind of initiative in those six county areas.
What concerns me is that, firstly, fishing opportunities should - and we hope will - be allocated to Community vessels on the basis of transparent scientific opinions and, secondly, that part of the financial contribution by the Community set out in the so-called sectoral support agreements should be used to develop the fisheries sector of the partner coastal state, so as to establish responsible and sustainable fisheries.
The political impasse, which has already involved 27 postponements of the convening of Parliament to elect the President of the Republic, could deteriorate, making Lebanon fertile ground once again for inter-Arab conflict and a for now latent source of tension between Iran and Hezbollah and Israel.
The EU population is growing old and in order to ensure the sustainability of the social welfare schemes increasing work productivity is necessary.
One final comment: all this will only work if the European Union is a stronger and more creditable partner, if it has something like the Treaty of Lisbon and acquires freedom of action in foreign policy.
The Commission is also in the process of considering whether an EU initiative on consumer collective redress is necessary and, if so, what type of initiative that should be.
In addition we must take into account the role to be played by the many national, regional and local authorities and ensure that instructions exist for effective protection of essential infrastructure, such as access to telecommunications infrastructure, power networks, hospitals, bridges, ports, airports and so on.
From what I was told I suspect they were not good.
The financial and banking systems may be organised differently around the world, but we need this financial transaction tax to gain global acceptance.
Fourthly, how can we envisage a future Europe with a common foreign and security policy when we lack such a fundamental element in the form of a common position?
With this resolution, Parliament as a whole finally acknowledges that the right to food is a basic human right, that it is unacceptable that the hunger of some is exploited for the benefit of others, that regulation is indispensable in ensuring price stability, and that trade agreements must preserve small family farms and the right to food.
For us, that was one of the most important points.
It is because implementation of these new programmes in all the regions, in all the Member States, has now been under way since 2007.
Apart from these specific objections, I believe that overall this is an excellent law that does justice to the political and constitutional importance of this new mechanism for participatory democracy within the EU.
I very much hope that the proposals by the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe to revive the economy and to improve the financial situation will receive very concrete attention and a response from the Commission.
The collection of data will provide the opportunity to compare carriage by transport mode and will create the possibility to combine various modes of transport within the same transport chain and to modernise freight transport logistics.
It included an action plan with a number of practical actions to gradually build up more integrated coordination between the various instruments for disaster response.
Parliament, however, rejected financing by these funds for polluting lignite power plants.
HIV/AIDS reduction strategies must be worked out in each Member State and these must focus on vulnerable groups and groups known to be at high risk.
It is evidence also of a strategy, a useful strategy of development in a context of crisis and which prepares European society for the digital age.
(NL) Mr President, the situation in which Greece and the euro area have deservedly found themselves is regrettable.
The European Investment Bank will have to devise development and environment impact parameters and report on their completion.
(FR) Commissioner, forgive me, but I was very deeply shocked by your introduction to this debate.
It will also be able to impose fines if safety is not properly implemented.
If we do, it will be ordinary people who will pay the price for our failure, just as they are paying the price today for failure on the banking crisis.
We must care for the environment when producing and processing food.
Where are the European policies?
Her participation has truly enabled us to find common ground on a communications policy and on the schedule of priorities for the European Commission and the European Parliament, within the framework of an interinstitutional agreement, which we have consolidated and shall be presenting.
Can ACTA be ratified by the United States?
It is hard to resist the impression that European taxpayers' money is being given over to yet another agenda for strengthening the authorities in Brussels and the emerging Eurostate.
The first is the growth in global demand, especially among the main emerging economies.
(IT) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, first the epicentre of a terrible earthquake, in precisely the poorest and worst-governed area in the American hemisphere, and now cholera in the country which receives one of the highest amounts of per capita international aid.
May God, the Almighty and the merciful, bless us all.
So I hope to be able to come back to you soon on developments on this.
Chapter 23 has throughout been the subject of the special attention of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE).
We need to prioritise and we need to act which, in this case, means changing strategies, mobilising resources, increasing them and optimising the preventive policies.
(RO) Madam President, the decision made by the Council to initiate the procedure for ratifying the Stabilisation and Association Agreement will encourage Serbia to continue its reforms in order to comply with the Copenhagen criteria.
Therefore, we also need clear and effective principles for the protection of intellectual property rights which will not interfere with innovation and competition, will not place an unjustified burden on legally conducted trade and will protect our privacy and fundamental rights, such as freedom of speech.
Question Time (Commission)
Thirteen million hectares per year or one football pitch per second - that is the area of forest which is disappearing from the world each year.
Unfortunately, large amounts of EU funds are still wrongly spent and therefore the Commission must take appropriate action with a view to ensuring prompt recovery of those funds.
We did not recognise that we were only at the beginning and not at the end of the process.
Serbia is showing serious lapses in the field of respect for human rights.
Will the Member States present a united front?
We appeal to Russia and to Georgia for stability, peace and security in this region.
To date, the Commission has still not given clear responses to Parliament's requests.
On the name issue, the report does not criticise either of the two sides.
I refer to the worrying McKinsey analysis of the matter.
I do not believe that this is the right course.
We have developed an affirmative action programme in all spheres, from higher education to law enforcement bodies.
in writing. - (FR) I should like to begin by congratulating the European Commission on its Community strategy on health and safety at work 2007-2012, and on the work achieved by our Parliamentary Committee.
With regard to farm prices in Europe, in 1961 I received 26 cents for 1 kilo of grain.
Indeed, anyone who takes the time to listen to the people working in the sector will know that the general working conditions are extremely tough, both physically and often also mentally.
(PL) I should like to congratulate the rapporteur on his report, which highlights many problems consumers encounter on the internal market.
It is particularly annoying that we have not managed to ban the crafty increase of volume in advertising either, even though our electorate throughout Europe deplores this practice.
We have established the internal market, which has brought us much prosperity, together.
At the same time, our common agricultural policy must guarantee the sustainable development of agriculture.
This does not mean that one day this will not happen, but it will take time and several generations, I believe.
Following the financial crisis, it has become evident that the European financial markets are currently unable to provide SMEs with adequate finance mechanisms.
It was important for everyone to be able to give their opinion on what is probably one of the most difficult subjects we have had to deal with, since it involves a radical change to a number of aspects of our economic and social policies, so great a factor is energy in all of this, with its moral, ethical and nature-related dimensions, this respect for nature and, obviously, climate change.
Our Ombudsman has carried out his job of examining and processing the complaints in an active and balanced way.
The problem for the European Union is that many European states have been committed to Mr Bush's former policy of repaying crime with crime and torture with torture.
I would like to focus on just a couple of points.
It is time now that we returned, and used every influence we have to return, to the traditional bank manager, who can make calculated risk based on character, ability and track record.
There is still plenty of work to do, and many reforms need to be stepped up by Croatia.
We debated that very vigorously last night in this Parliament and I was glad to hear that improvements will be made.
Under these circumstances, migration seems to remain the main population growth factor in the Union.
We would like the Commission to issue a statement about immediate measures on the part of the European Union to support Italy and other affected States in dealing with the current influx of refugees.
Furthermore, the tardiness of the Member States and industry in conforming to the new legal framework represents a further barrier to interoperability.
Some people felt compelled to ask the eternal question about Mr Kissinger and the telephone number.
If we let slip this opportunity, we could find ourselves in a fragmented market for many years; not only would this be negative for consumers and European businesses, it would also be unwise given the numerous competing international initiatives.
However, two important preconditions of a more rapid progress are freedom and independence of the media and putting an end to media manipulation.
However, I will respond again in writing to the questions that I have now answered orally so that they receive the attention they deserve.
I would like to take this opportunity, however, to express our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives.
The proposal to review the multiannual financial framework is no bad thing and offers additional resources for growth allocated in 2009-2010.
The work on a new test cycle is now finalised.
The fear felt by our fellow citizens is out of sync with what is being done, and done well, by the European Central Bank.
Volunteering is a unique activity in many ways: it is open to all and is freely given; it contributes to social cohesion and to economic cohesion; it puts one of the most important European values - that of solidarity - into action.
For instance, when designing buildings and getting them ready for use, clearly visible signs should be used, along with tactile floor markings to help the visually impaired find their way.
Like everyone, the members of the PPE Group also nurture dreams, but the difference between us and others is that we are striving to turn those dreams into a reality.
Through this proposal for a directive, the European Union is aiming to attack the entire supply chain of an inhumane trade that tramples on its principles and founding values.
However, I shall also refer at the end to the difficulties or obstacles which I believe we have to overcome.
The trial took place without any right of defence.
What influence do we want for our works and our creation?
in writing. - (IT) I am voting in favour of the report put forward by our colleague Mathieu Grosch on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for access to the market for coach and bus services.
I appreciate that our Spanish and Portuguese colleagues may have concerns, and I have included those concerns in Amendment 7 in the draft report.
Science can tell us in which direction fisheries should move in order to improve yields and decrease costs.
However, it would seem to be necessary to make clear that the proposed mechanism will be applicable not only to sectoral agreements determined by the limited scope of this proposal, but also to other agreements such as bilateral understandings and regional agreements between a limited number of Member States and neighbouring third countries - of course only in very limited cases, concerning specific matters, and with the intention of resolving local problems.
The honourable Members have made a number of important points and I will try in the short time I have to capture and address as many of them as possible.
That is having a major impact on the economy and on trade relations with this country.
Member States and the enterprises concerned must be urged, therefore, on the one hand, to incorporate into their crisis-handling strategies the consideration of gender equality and, on the other, to refrain from financial restrictions detrimental to equal opportunities for men and women.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, I am pleased that the report on specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions of the Union has been so amicably discussed in the House.
Moreover, those Member States, having accepted the jurisdiction, may limit it to the highest national courts or tribunals.
Concerted action is required as the non-involvement of a single riparian state may result in the whole process being blocked.
All these considerations make coordination and collaboration between Member States necessary, without the above meaning that asylum should become an alternative means of gaining entry to immigration, or, even less so, a means of getting round the illegality of certain migratory flows.
The Presidency has already responded to the points made as regards the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, Mr Karras, if I have understood Morgan Stanley correctly in the last few days, they are less fearful of Mr Schulz's stranglehold than of hedge funds.
Let us not forget that, in many European countries, assisting spouses still do not have a status in their own right, that their work is not recognised, and that they are not covered by social security for self-employed workers.
The Presidency needed the help of the European Parliament in tackling the challenges we were facing.
We have already debated this in this House, in September last year, and, because some questions remained unanswered then, we and other members of Parliament sent a letter requesting clarification.
Then he refers to the very document - now known as the 'Reform Treaty' - which has precipitated this crisis, by saying patronisingly that involving national parliaments will help them better understand the advantages of a single market.
We believe that it is vital that women are not subjected to violence or the sex trade.
The objective of this directive is to ensure the rapid exchange of adequate, good-quality information.
Actually, the Coptic Christians are still a considerable minority.
A strategic partnership, however, can only be built on the basis of a symmetrical dialogue between equals.
Migration has a fundamental role to play in the context of globalisation by helping to increase growth potential and facilitate adjustments.
In fact, these agreements are very different in terms of their signatories, content, scope and organisation.
However, what can our observers do to defend civilians against the daily violence?
Finally, it challenges Parliament's committees to increase the use of IAs so as to improve the quality of its law making.
· fourthly, illegal building on burnt land should be strictly prohibited;
Member States want those powers back.
Under these guidelines, the European Union implements a wide range of actions, ranging from public declarations or diplomatic démarches to trial observations.
Great!
(PL) Mr President, I would like to draw attention to three issues in this debate.
As you already know, the Council approved the joint text at its meeting on 31 January 2011.
It is worth noting that there will be a shift towards industrial and technological development and a corresponding shift away from low-skilled labour.
We should realise how such hypocrisy and double standards are helpful for various neo-Nazis etc.
I want us to progress constructively and confidently.
I believe that this is good for Parliament's credibility, but also for the transparency of what is happening in the Western Sahara.
I would have thought that this time - unlike in all the preceding years - we actually would have had a chance of reaching agreement if only the negotiations had gone on longer.
On Libya, I strongly support the no-fly zone and the pressing need for regime change.
Their modest participation is negatively perceived, and has a negative impact on the sustainable development of the Union, as well as on its cohesion.
Approval of Minutes of previous sitting: see Minutes
We call for specific measures to preserve the culture, language and customs of these peoples, something which requires a regular dialogue between their representatives and the EU institutions.
Mr President, Mr Šemeta, Mr Caldeira, I would like to thank the Court of Auditors for this report.
In her resolution, Mrs Svensson has touched many open wounds.
These are significant results, and prove that a European perspective acts as a driving force for the preparations of a country.
I am not very happy with the recasting system.
Emergency cooperation in recovering missing children (written declaration): see Minutes
Yes, there will be European taxes, indeed there will, but the austerity measures you are currently introducing at national level will be disastrous for you anyway, because we have known for years that austerity kills economic momentum and ultimately achieves nothing.
The independence of Kosovo is a concrete application in Europe of the principle of self-determination for the people sanctioned by the UN Charter.
Our international partners have acted in line with us.
I have voted in favour of Mr Rapkay's report because the plan to phase out coal mining subsidies by 2018 is, fortunately, supported by a broad majority across all the groups.
I would therefore like to stress that we need to ensure that there are the right resources in place so that our citizens do not have to wait years for a decision.
Quite apart from the discussion about all kinds of technical instruments, it is, to my mind, impossible to explain to the European citizen that we have paid EUR 340 million in superlevy, while we all remain nearly 1% under the European quota.
I consider this an important step towards a common energy policy.
Firstly, it is unfortunate that Europe is at a standstill and thus unable to compete globally, but that also applies to American and Asian airlines, which are unable to land in the EU.
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for a very intensive debate which, although short, has helped to enrich the concept of flexicurity.
Do we really need a common working time directive?
Efforts to combat criminal networks must necessarily be transnational.
The Commission helps Member States to achieve these targets through financial support, in particular the European Social Fund, policy coordination and policy guidance at EU level under the European semester.
Today, with advances in technology, when residents have the opportunity to choose electrical appliances according to their energy efficiency, the labelling that we agreed on will also help consumers make a conscious choice and contribute to energy saving (hence, citizens would choose more economical devices) and the preservation of the environment.
Given its rather poor performance, Europe must contribute more to the effort to resettle refugees whose existence is threatened in the countries that have received them.
As far as my side is concerned, I am disappointed that the whole of the universal service aspect is coming later.
The report also calls on the European Parliament itself and its committees to carry out impact assessments of draft legislation more often and to scrutinise more closely the impact assessments carried out by the Commission, which frequently serve to justify a legislative proposal rather than to permit an objective consideration of the facts.
In addition, we need to ensure that this premium is accompanied by a business plan so as not to curb the innovative spirit of young farmers.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, I would also like first to thank Parliament, and in particular the rapporteur, Mr Florenz, and his team, the shadows and the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, for their hard work.
Today's resolution is intended as a practical response to the alarming phenomenon of Community fraud.
The first is that the design and manufacture of products must satisfy current requirements.
I am pleased that the Treaty of Lisbon places a great deal of importance on transparency, public scrutiny and democracy.
I cannot, therefore, agree with you on this point.
(DE) Mr President, in the Committee on Regional Development, we also had great expectations of the budget review.
You have a great deal of work ahead of you Prime Minister, and we, together with our President, will be monitoring you closely to guarantee that this work is carried out.
Today, 120 illegal immigrants are going back to Tunisia from Lampedusa, something not done by previous governments because the immigrants had to be taken back - thus drawing the teeth of the exploitative Mafia criminals who cause these journeys to be made and then exploit them for criminal trafficking.
In 2010, agricultural produce generated the biggest gains on the stock exchanges.
The government and the parliament of Scotland have adopted the world's most ambitious climate change act, with emission reduction targets of 42% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.
Although the text is not perfect and does not meet with all of our initial ambitions, the Commission unreservedly supports the compromise.
People considering themselves Bulgarian, whom I will refer to as a 'Bulgarian ethnic group' to make it easier, even though this is not an accurate definition, are still the only ethnic group in Macedonia without a registered political party.
There is, nevertheless, room for improvement.
Finally, I should like to underline the importance of the new Europe 2020 Strategy for growth and employment, which plays an important role in getting us out of the crisis.
The compulsory introduction of bilingual instruction is understood unequivocally by the Poles who have lived in Lithuania for over seven centuries as discrimination which should be brought to an end.
It will open your eyes time and again.
I think that this debate shows that we need many more discussions on culture in the EU.
We need to have corrective mechanisms implemented at the right time.
6.
That is a significant change, but I believe it is a fundamental improvement of the scheme.
I have respect for the Chinese people, who also fought for national freedom against the Japanese occupation, and for freedom and civil liberties inside China itself - an example of this being the Boxer Rebellion in the 19th century.
For this reason, we have drawn up Amendment 47, and I would ask for your support for this amendment in the interests of the developing countries.
We have heard today the extraordinary plea made by Václav Havel.
on behalf of UEN Group. - (PL) Mr President, the European Union is attempting to establish a facility which will enable it to offer rapid assistance to poor and non-developing countries, to ensure that their populations survive if food prices rise.
My vote is also intended to support the presence of small quantities of genetically modified organisms in products entering the EU.
Forty-two per cent of European citizens have confidence in EU institutions.
The EU did hold the reins in the global approach to the climate crisis, but you are rapidly throwing them away.
At present, enlargement is focusing on the western Balkans, Turkey and Iceland.
For me, there are three.
(DE) Mr President, Baroness Ashton, our hopes that Belarus would move closer to democracy after the presidential elections have been bitterly disappointed.
Cooperation to strengthen its tax system and the fight against tax havens that facilitate illegal leaks of capital must underpin these processes.
Thank you, Mr President.
Unfortunately, we have totally ignored this wish.
Incidentally, I deeply regret the abstention in the parliamentary committee, on such an important report, by the Socialist Group in the European Parliament.
They ran riot again on 23 October.
I support the improvements offered by the rapporteur, particularly the transfer of new powers to ESMA which the Commission intended to keep for itself in particular with regard to penalties.
Many of us collaborated on the Small Business Act.
On account of the situation in Tibet, I believe that bilingualism, in other words, learning Tibetan and Chinese, is the appropriate solution.
At least 40 fled into the bush.
We have a precedent.
Conversely, mental ill-health detracts from the quality of life of people and their families and has implications for the health, economic, educational, social security, penal and legal sectors.
I look forward to contributions from other colleagues, but also I enjoy working with you, not the least in relation to access to documents, but also as Vice-Chair of the Committee on Petitions.
In other words, from now on, as the result of a long struggle and battle which has been fought here for many years, and which continues to be fought by the Members of the European Parliament, we are guaranteed that the decisions taken by the European Commission which do not fall within its own jurisdiction but are adopted through delegated legislative powers are overseen by Parliament.
I also note the Court of Auditors' finding that in 2008 Eurojust had a problem as regards carrying forward appropriations, although the amount was lower than in the previous year, and action is needed to prevent this situation from recurring in future.
The European Union absolutely must pursue the policy begun in 2005 after the blind and totally unpunished repression at Andijan, which according to the OSCE and Human Rights Watch left between 500 and 1000 people dead.
It turned out that thousands of sovietologists had dismissed in their analyses the latent powerful force which finally disabled the Soviet dictatorship - the will of the enslaved people for freedom.
It is important that Member States continue to engage in bilateral communications and negotiations with third countries in order to achieve their Union frequency targets.
Mr President, you have presented a work programme for the rest of the term of this Parliament and of your Commission, and I would like to say that the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats will be happy to follow the main principles of this programme.
I think Parliament has constrained itself too tightly, and we should more properly reflect the interinstitutional agreement of 2001 in our procedures to permit committees to talk about substantive changes to parts of directives or regulations that the Commission is seeking to recast, but in a very restricted form.
We must not be indifferent to and, more importantly, we must not underestimate the harrowing screams of our young people.
So far that has proved to be - hardly surprising, one might say - a somewhat difficult enterprise.
The result, therefore, is that although training and different ways of improving one's qualifications are important, they are not enough to reduce discrimination.
We have also worked hard to clarify the fact that healthcare is the responsibility of the Member States and not something that EU bureaucrats should take decisions on.
There is no other region in the world with which we are working as closely as Latin America at a multilateral level.
in writing. - (ET) Territorial cohesion strengthens economic and social cohesion and is one of the essential components for the achievement of the objectives of the EU cohesion policy, as it helps effectively balance development differences both between and within Member States and regions.
in writing. - I am glad the report was adopted by an overwhelming majority but overall, because the attempt by ALDE to weaken the paragraph on the financial transaction tax failed and the text based on our amendment, calling for the introduction of an FTT at EU level as a first step, passed.
Therefore, our group will be voting against a dual legal base, both for these original amendments, and indeed the recital.
However, on behalf of Mr Cohn-Bendit, Mr Bisky and myself, I would like to explain that we did not vote in favour of your proposal to postpone the vote this morning in the Conference of Presidents, because we believe that we should and, in fact, can vote today.
The third course of action is to reduce imports, or even stop them completely, which would be the ideal solution.
As a matter of urgency, Europe should develop comprehensive solutions to improve the use of pre-commercial procurement, not only by national authorities, but also by local and regional ones.
The agreement we reached in Copenhagen has produced some significant results, one of them definitely being the decision that we must take action to limit the global increase in temperature to below 2 degrees Celsius.
Given that this represents a simplification of procedures - putting an end to annual regulations - and that these recommendations are already in operation within countries that are members of the GFCM, I applaud this initiative, with which I am fully in agreement, and I look forward to the satisfactory implementation of this regulation.
As you know, the European social partners have already demonstrated that they understand what is at stake by presenting, at the end of the summer, eight joint proposals on the basis of which they are prepared - they have said they are prepared - to accept the Commission's proposal, my dear Vladimir.
The Council started the ratification process for the agreement on 14 June 2010.
All the best!
The solution is so easy if they would just talk to each other.
The damage was estimated at almost EUR 900 million, which is nearly 0.7% of Romania's GDP.
It is in the joint declaration that we carry the strong political message in support of speeding up the granting of free visas to all the people of the Western Balkans.
Due to this process, every sixth Hungarian - about a million people - lost his or her job.
I would like to thank once again Mr López Garrido, who is representing the Spanish Presidency, and the entire Spanish delegation, for being here in the Chamber during our proceedings and debate.
The Commission has powers to verify the measures and the decisions taken by the Member States in relation to the application of European law.
It is time to congratulate the Commission and its President, who has always been very concerned about tackling the crisis, and to highlight that Parliament itself has shown great readiness to discuss this issue by setting up a special committee.
(PL) Mr President, the imposition of uniform emission limits after 2015 for all fossil-fuel power plants is a mistake.
It expresses many laudable objectives, such as an increase in labour participation and achievement of tertiary education diplomas by 40% of EU citizens, and also increased expenditure on innovation.
But political clauses in all political agreements, and in trade and sectoral agreements of different kinds, are there and they have to be there.
However, while disrespect for the rights and legitimate freedoms of minorities is the main cause of conflict, the causes are wider than that and include those of an economic nature, primarily energy and geopolitics.
The European Union, therefore, needs to change its policies and resolve these contradictions.
The Commission wants, together with Parliament and the Council, to examine a strategy that will enable our European industry, our European entrepreneurial system, to evolve, because, as the Treaty of Lisbon states and as we are all convinced, a strong market is the best vehicle for creating sound social policy.
We have laid the basis for a solid compromise which, I hope, will receive - together with the reports by Mr Harbour and Mrs Pleguezuelos Aguilar - your full support in tomorrow's vote.
This is completely short-sighted.
Moreover, appropriate legal proceedings have been initiated in order to obtain a refund for the costs incurred following the disaster.
The functioning of the revised pact is well documented in the Commission reports on public finances in the EMU of 2006, 2007 and 2008 and in the accompanying communication.
It cannot mean that we say 'we are sourcing energy; nothing else is of interest to us'.
Let us hope that the Portuguese electorate appreciates your leadership as we do and, indeed, that you may be re-elected to your seat.
The decision prohibits anti-competitive practices by European collecting societies which limit their ability to offer their services to authors and online operators.

How will the Commission go about redressing the imbalance between security and freedom?
Time is the only resource which is not renewable.
Therefore, it is necessary to correct its scope by making a structural change.
Mr President, the crass proposal by the Commission, in its original proposition, that they should control recreational fishing and require returns and licensing and everything else that goes with such bureaucracy, was one of the those proposals which, quite rightly, stirred huge opposition, not just in that sector, but amongst those who take an interest in matters pertaining to fishing and to EU bureaucracy.
I therefore voted against the motion for a resolution.
(The sitting was opened at 9 a.m.)
Research is the key, and in this area the European Union deserves great credit because, while we are behind the US and Japan in terms of research in general, we are the leaders in this field, with 60% of research taking place in the EU, and with Danish authorities and scientists in particular having developed the vaccine.
In certain parts, the final text bears the mark of the text passed by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.
Secondly, will you be supporting greater funding for the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights in the next budget?
I could not agree more, and I deplore the use of such tactics by the European left, particularly the Socialists.
However, the little that is being given may help to ease their pain. This does not make the rationale of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund any less intolerable.
Perhaps it will be some two years before the country that is the homeland of the yoghurt, the homeland of Lactobacillus bulgaricum, remains without a single living cow thanks to the EU.
I wish to express my respect for Parliament, which a few years ago gave its clear backing to the permanent use of nuclear power in the European energy mix, but which has doubtless begun to reconsider this position .
One demolishes the other.
In the name of the European Union, I can say that everything that has followed the Kenyan elections has represented a great disappointment and that the situation is still worrying.
Europe has no alternative to transatlantic relations.
Where is Javier Solana?
Our point of view has not changed on this matter.
I also hope that Jordan can withstand the instability affecting the region and remain the moderate and responsible partner that it has been during the reigns of King Hussein and King Abdullah II.
His name is Mr Cor Disselkoen.
These gangs could be combated through transnational cooperation between the EU, which is the destination, and these countries, which are the starting point for these gangs.
During my speech, I said that the application of the new rules by all those concerned was a priority for the Commission.
The post-dated promises and threats have done nothing to change the fundamentals of the Treaty.
The rule of law needs to be adhered to.
Fishing bosses no longer want to invest in their boats so the fleet is ageing.
Will the Council support the directive and thereby help to clean up our river - our rivers?
Tuberculosis is a good example of the contrast between us and our neighbours in the developing world.
Another timely point raised in the report is the need for the Commission Action Plan, mentioned earlier, to provide measures to fight organised crime in international freight transport and ensure the security of freight transport loadings against theft, robbery and hijacking.
The management of this transition has been underpinned by public intervention designed to ensure income stability for companies and to exclude food prices from the pressures of competition.
Within this mandate we could negotiate.
There are currently no common definitions of energy poverty, nor are there any proper political initiatives in place to reduce it.
I think that the new provisions on the common security and defence policy introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon offer a strong political statement of the Union's intention to act as a force for stability in the world.
The first is evaluating the opportunities of grouping together the administrative functions of a majority of the smaller agencies, and so releasing resources and expertise in complying with the complicated regulatory framework surrounding the agencies.
Our towns also play a crucial role in the context of climate change.
Only multidisciplinary, coordinated action between the Commission, the Council and Member States can bring positive results for the Roma population.
The Czech presidency will definitely continue its efforts to provide secure, competitive and sustainable energy for Europe.
Sometimes we should give Russia, our important partner, credit for that and not allow ourselves to be carried away solely by the emotions aroused by our own history.
It is directives such as these which prove their worth in the eyes of the public.
I voted for this report because I advocate the addition of a further 718 pharmaceutical and chemical products to the list of products benefiting from bound duty-free treatment upon importation into the EU.
It is our duty to remind him of his promise, and to give more support to the independent media, civil society and the victims of human rights violations.
To conclude this first part of the debate, I think that, in spite of their negative effects, crises always have one virtue.
At the same time, farmers must be kept well informed and be given more assistance by the authorities.
Summonses to police stations are increasing, as are disappearances, incidents of intimidation and unexplained deaths.
Male violence against women is, in my view, a clear indication of the unequal power relationship between men and women.
In line with the undertaking which the Commission accepted before the European Parliament in 2007, a report on the implementation of the Barcelona objectives was presented in October 2008.
They must also ensure adherence at home to the principle of respect for human rights and the rule of law which President Medvedev himself proclaimed at the start of his term of office.
I do not call him President because what recently went on in Zimbabwe cannot be called an election.
Must every Member State implement this service correctly and in its entirety?
Therefore, as before, and especially today, I would like to show solidarity with all Belarusians throughout the world, and above all with the Belarusians who have gathered in one of Minsk's squares, those who hold dear the spirit of independence and freedom.
Neither do we want an additional burden for the beneficiaries.
The situation in Zimbabwe is a matter for the whole of the international community and the community of African states and it is absolutely imperative that we recognise Mugabe's tyranny.
We condemn the Iranian Revolutionary Court's unfounded decision on Roxana Saberi.
In the current economic climate, we must give the EU the necessary tools to help us weather the storm.
I therefore voted against this report.
Τhe next item is voting time.
So, to start with the Reform Treaty: we now have a text in front of us and this is a major achievement.
The discharge procedure should be simplified and streamlined for the decentralised agencies, which are growing in number (from 8 in 2000, to 20 in 2006) and represent a total budget of around EUR 1 billion.
I believe that the lack of democratic control over this fund is detrimental to the transparency of development policy.
The Spanish Presidency should cope with the two main contradictions of the European Union: the contradiction between pan-European needs and European national egoists, and the contradiction between the level of development in the western territories of the Union and that in the eastern territories, with their consequences in terms of political sensitivity.
Once again, effective controls and sanctions to separate the wheat from the chaff will make or break this legislation.
Mr President, that was not a point of order and most of it was rubbish.
Finally, I believe that it is crucial for the Commission and the Member States to integrate the environmental element into their relations with third countries, with the emphasis on the importance of pursuing an integrated approach and 'green diplomacy'.
This is something our group is very keen on.
It is made all the worse by the fact that the European Parliament will have nothing to say on these matters and that it was possible to fall back on Article 136 of the Treaty of Lisbon.
If the European Parliament's amendments restore the draft budget and thereby increase the appropriations, this could give rise to issues about absorption of these various appropriations.
In all Member States, responsibility for financing care must be taken away from social security systems and become a community responsibility.
I believe that young farmers are particularly important to the development of a dynamic agricultural sector in order to achieve the Lisbon Strategy objectives.
Order of business
They are from another age and can be rightly termed barbaric.
Small and medium-sized enterprises are the vital heart of Europe's economy, both in terms of growth and innovation, and in terms of employment.
I therefore supported the resolution on the Fourth United Nations conference on LDCs with full conviction and awareness of its importance.
The only way that we can make progress in fighting climate change is responsible reports such as this one which hold those accountable who cause the most pollution and which is why I was able to support it.
The vote will take place at 12 p.m.
At that time, I was in the Soviet occupation zone and I saw the Hungarian refugees of 1956, the refugees from the Prague Spring in 1968, such as my fellow Member, Libor Rouček.
But CCS cannot be used as an excuse to carry on building more dirty coal plants, which will produce more CO2.
There is a tendency at EU level to wax enthusiastic about SMEs' potential and performance.
I would also like to touch upon some of the other important proposals which Parliament has also clearly identified.
This is why the Commission put forward a Communication on Alzheimer's and other dementias in 2009 with action to improve prevention and diagnosis, research and best practice exchange.
Normally the Commission is the guardian of EU law and for citizens, in many cases, it is the only guarantee that they have that the law (because Community law is law) will be applied correctly.
It contents itself with castigating illegal advertising which supposedly obstructs our sacrosanct freedom of competition and proclaims the advantages of advertising for citizens, whom it refers to as consumers, and for the media.
Today, however, it is not enough to welcome President Obama's decision.
Developed countries are not going to do it and developing countries are even less likely to do so.
My warmest congratulations!
Let me say that the Commission is prepared to comply with the vast majority of the proposals contained in Parliament's report.
No one believes that we have emerged from this crisis yet, with many Member States still facing the reality of recession.
It is therefore no surprise to see all the SME organisations, European organisations - and Belgian ones too in my case: the Union of the Middle Classes and the Federation for Enterprises in Belgium - overwhelmingly oppose this proposal.
It is therefore throttling the Greek private sector, which is the only sector that can repay the massive debts.
Clearly this is not enough; I have already instructed our delegations to send country strategy papers to members of national parliaments and I am also personally committed to raising awareness in our partner countries so that they can involve their national parliaments in monitoring Community cooperation.
I would like to wish both the Hungarian Presidency and the Polish Presidency, which will begin in the second half of 2011, the same success.
As there is no prospect in the near future of reaching a multilateral climate agreement, it is important to work at European level on devising a mechanism for restricting carbon dioxide emissions.
Finally, we should probably also carry out a political appraisal.
The umbrella organisation of IHH, Union of Good, supports the activity of extremist radicals through selling weapons to them.
In order to avoid undue delay in approving this measure, which the Committee on Budgets intends to adopt as soon as possible, it should be noted that the Committee on Regional Development has no objection to the mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund to provide the sum of EUR 182 388 893 to the countries concerned as proposed by the Commission, and in accordance with the rules laid down in the interinstitutional agreement of 17 May 2006 and in Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002.
- (ET) I am certain that no one in this hall - not even those who have something better to do at the moment - would condone what took place 60 years ago in the Baltic States, when nearly 100 000 people, mostly women and children, were deported to Siberia. This is made all the more regrettable by the fact that in the context of the already ongoing election struggle, some are pointing their fingers at the social democrats, claiming that we do not understand the criminality of these events.
For example, trade unions have suggested that construction companies that fail to respect workers' rights or fail to meet the requirement to provide monthly information with a full list of workers on their payroll, including those who have relocated, or that fail to fulfil their obligations, should have their licence revoked.
When I stopped my taxi in the Sinai desert to have a coffee, we only saw Khaled Meshaal on the huge screens.
In so doing he is also jeopardising the EU2020 goals - in other words, his own goals.
in writing. - (FR) I want to express my support for the Rübig report, which seeks to increase the number of SMEs that are eligible for support for their R&D projects under the Eurostars research and development programme implemented by several Member States and associate countries.
Obviously, they are coming here because of our social services and because they will be able to get money from the government here.
When I first came to this Parliament, I was a strong supporter and advocate of something called privatisation - Mr Allister mentioned this a while back - that is to say, removing ownership of these enterprises from the state and allowing private enterprise to run them more efficiently than a state monopoly does.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is only through joint efforts at a European level that we will manage to meet the greatest challenges of the 21st century: climate change, the risks and cost of raw materials and energy, economic globalisation and threats to our security.
Confronted with the crisis, an increasing number of EU citizens are thinking more about survival than about halting climate change, but if we are able to give up our wasteful way of life and become thriftier, not only will we save the environment and stop the planet from overheating, we will replenish our pockets.
in writing. - (DE) There is a constant stream of fake banknotes of excellent quality from Eastern Europe.
Therefore, I believe that additional funding is needed for intercultural education, cultural and artistic activities, sports events, "second-chance” education, healthcare education etc. leading to Roma integration in all European societies.
But, thankfully, a number of Gulf Cooperation states have engaged with the Commission by applying for security recognition under Regulation (EC) No 915/2007.
I wanted to say just one thing: the number of these schools is increasing.
We owe our parents and grandparents a firm parliamentary message, and that is what we have produced today.
So far, impact studies have not shown any significant reduction in the consumer price of these parts in the Member States where the system has already been liberalised.
Any Member State leaving the euro - which is what Mrs Le Pen wants for France - would see its new currency dramatically devalued.
I would like to place on record, on behalf of the three of us, our thanks to the French Presidency for bringing us a common position in November which has enabled us to bring this improved package to you today in the last session of this mandate, because it is vital for European consumers and the European economy that we give this a ringing endorsement in our vote tomorrow.
There is a lot we can learn from that.
This wide scope is essential, as all flag states under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea are responsible for the vessels flying their flags.
Indeed, it is that Convention method that was used in preparing the Charter of Fundamental Rights and, above all, the Constitutional Treaty.
This strategy needs actions to be coordinated - but how could this coordination exist without the proper involvement of all countries?
In fact, I do not want to help obstruct such anti-productivist ideas as the desire to introduce 'ecological footprint' labelling and to relocate part of agricultural production.
- Report: Wallis
Abu Sayyaf hit squads want to separate the southern part of the islands from the rest of the Philippines.
The declared objective is to come down on 'terrorist propaganda' on the Internet.
Secondly, many colleagues and fellow Members have said to me that we need to shoulder our responsibilities towards Afghanistan when it comes to dealing with terrorism, opium growing, corruption and so on.
It was then that rulers and opposition sat down to talks, and to reflect together on the solution to Poland's problems, both problems of an economic and social nature, and also the most important problems of our political system.
We therefore have to distinguish between legitimate mail order or Internet pharmacies and the illegal distribution chain, which includes uncontrolled Internet purchases.
Naturally, I think that rather than escaping from the crisis of capitalism we need to escape from capitalism in crisis; in other words, we need to start to think about a new future which provides for a genuine transition to an economy which is described in social and ecological terms, an economic democracy based on equity and cooperation rather than on inequality and war.
12.
The serious railway accident in Buizingen, Belgium, on 15 February 2010, is being blamed on the absence of an electronic safety system which automatically applies trains' brakes if they pass a red light.
Commissioner, please tell us more about the timing and implementation of these project bonds.
Furthermore, it can be misleading in the sense that remedial measures following certain incidents such as accidents and natural disasters are treated as a benefit instead of a cost.
(Loud, sustained applause)
Let us trust them with this; this is their task.
Since Yugoslavia fell apart in 1992, attempts have been made to make a united state out of Bosnia-Herzegovina, but to no avail.
Could I ask the Commissioner, in relation to his reply, what would constitute the medium term?
This objective was prized more highly in the eyes of the rulers of the time than preserving human life.
in writing. - As a rule, once the Constitution is changed and a new form of governance has been created, the country needs democratic and fair elections.
From the perspective of regional development, ports represent one of the essential elements of cohesion in Europe, both due to the development of tourism capacity and the creation of over half a million jobs, which both dynamize and develop ultraperipheral regions.
I do not know whether we can achieve this at any point, but it is an obvious problem in the European Union: we have an imperfect system of ratification on which there has never been any in-depth debate.
This principle has been waived in practice by some states where crimes that are particularly intolerable and deeply damaging to the dignity of humanity itself can be prosecuted even outside the territory in which they are committed.
Dispute settlement mechanism under the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the EC and Jordan (
Today, and for 20 years now, for which I praise God, we do not have a Ministry of Internal Trade in Poland and we do have internal trade.
The final matter relates to own resources.
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, we have been told that only a small percentage of Union funding is being made available for the northern part of Cyprus.
Conditions in Russian prisons are also appalling.
This is because, obviously, these things do not exist in national parliaments or at national level, so people do not understand why an agreement has to be reached between the Commission and Parliament in order to implement what the treaties say.
The extremist opposition party BJP is trying to use the forthcoming elections to mobilise Hindus against the Christians and Muslims and to force the Dalits to resign themselves to always being poor and having no rights.
Both sides therefore seriously contravened human rights and international laws in a war situation.
However, I have reservations about particular elements of this report:
We will never create a new dynamism without the right climate also for our SMEs.
I supported this resolution. I was particularly struck by Paragraph 15, in which the European Parliament 'calls on the Commission to strengthen the structural funds' potential through simplification, flexibility and improvement of procedures ... with the aims of helping Member States to optimise the output of social and employment policies and creating sustainable growth'.
Mr President, I want to get straight to the point.
Incidentally, this solution is not any kind of guarantee that the sustainability of fish stocks will be protected, since the reduction and concentration of rights among a handful of operators does not necessarily mean a reduction in fishing effort, but simply the concentration of the exploitation of resources.
The most important point which has been made several times in this debate is something which I fully endorse: all this can only be successful if it is a community project.
Is it essential that these negotiations take place under the aegis of the UN?
And finally there is no clear answer to the questions on the current agenda: what will be the environmental consequences of the Nord Stream project?
On behalf of my successors to the Presidency of the Council, and in view of recent negotiations, I am furthermore confident that we will make progress on this subject, but perhaps also on others in the future.
The lesson we learnt from the Second World War was that our nations should work together and stop tearing each other apart.
It is bad and it is putting people out of work.
(DE) Mr President, Angela Merkel received the Dalai Lama at the Chancellery yesterday.
It also broaches the important issue of the standardisation of clauses in contracts covering transactions conducted via the internet.
I am pleased to be able to highlight, in this respect, the progress which has been made in this area in Romania over recent years, as indicated by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights.
The forthcoming Commission proposal will be moderate, sound and balanced, but also determined and clear wherever determination is called for.
That is just as true of the first pillar of the agricultural policy as it is of the second.
I support the committee's initiative to increase the funding for the microfinance facility by 50%, compared with the Commission's proposal, to EUR 150 million.
Written statements (tabling): see Minutes
We ourselves help to create demand too, and shortly, when we are driven home by the car service, we shall be using those very cars that do not meet the targets to which the car makers committed themselves.
Please forward it to Mr Buzek.
Romania represents the eastern outpost of the European Union and is the state in charge of the management of one of the widest external land borders of the Union.
Member State subsidiarity and less bureaucracy are the slogans of the moment, which we keep repeating when we speak with members of the public.
in writing. - (SV) This resolution contains many deserving exhortations.
However, this measure does not resolve the fundamental issue of the need to increase the production and supply of each Member State and employment in rural areas.
Finally, implementation of the common communication priorities will provide excellent platforms for European, national and regional politicians to debate with citizens on EU issues before the European elections.
In other words, the person authenticating the act must in some way be a public official, a position that does not exist in some EU countries, which therefore do not have this ability.
It is a good thing that, in its resolution, Parliament has voted in favour of the solutions based on market mechanisms and supports a review of the clean development mechanism in a future agreement.
I think that the obligation to label products with a freephone number placed on small and medium-sized producers of feedstuffs for domestic pets is unnecessary.
Yes, Europe should be synonymous with progress and practical achievements, and we see this with these proposals concerning consumers.
The proposal for a directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment, in the form submitted by the Commission to the European Parliament, is unclear.
We were told recently by the IPCC that 2 500 scientists were all in agreement that CO2 was responsible for global warming and that we humans were the culprits.
That will be because of electricity's pricing mechanism, as Mr Turmes showed.
I have great respect for everything that has been said.
The social benefit, holiday and pension systems in small companies also need to be developed in line with other sectors.
We support the objective of removing the unnecessary administrative burdens. Certain administrative burdens may, however, be socially very necessary, even if they may be felt to impede companies' growth and innovation.
Madam President, Mr Barroso has left already but as he said, confidence is the basis of everything.
After all, it is the free market that has caused this climate problem.
The problem is that people are still waiting for this help to arrive.
This is disproportionate and therefore not sensible.
It means giving substance to the provisions of the Treaty that affect the democratic life of the Union.
We will submit these proposals to the Council on your behalf.
I think that this is extremely important for the support and development of the cultural and creative industries because, as they are not quite commercial activities, they need soft financing, which banks cannot provide nowadays in the normal way for other industries.
Once the epicentre of the post-Soviet mafia, Georgia made more progress against corruption than any other country in the world from 2004 to 2009, according to the EBRD and Transparency International.
I therefore believe that I can speak for the entire House in welcoming the 18, plus the other seven Members from Bulgaria, thus completing the coverage of this Europe of ours.
I do hope this proposal will be reconsidered and that the budget will instead be increased, subject to monitoring and a fully responsible attitude to expenditure.
The horrendous expenditure for the different sites can hardly be justified to EU citizens and taxpayers, particularly during the economic crisis.
For this reason, Malaysia would do well to remain in this body, but also to uphold the principles represented there.
Bilateral fisheries agreements between the European Union and third countries are of significant economic benefit to the EU.
The British people have not been given a vote on this whole shebang of European Union, and neither has anybody else.
The Government has made it clear that, in addition to greater trade and cooperation, it is willing to implement measures to improve social welfare, health, education, tackle corruption and improve human rights.
Schengen visas have been introduced, but they cost a great deal. For these visas, people in those countries have to pay roughly as much as they earn per month.
They can even pick up and deliver loads within a Member State other than their country of origin.
I voted in favour as I believe it is essential to guarantee patients access to information on prescription-only medicinal products.
The vote will take place today at 12 noon.
Thus, the banning of girls from taking part in some tuition and sports such as swimming, and all the traditional practices that are barbaric and damaging for young girls of the Muslim religion, are condemned.
Ladies and gentlemen, when dealing with our international partners on such important challenges, we cannot allow ourselves to get caught up in unproductive divisions any longer.
We have yet to see a proposal for the other institutions, but there is cause to keep a watchful eye on the growing buildings expenditure of those, too.
They can develop this further since they will benefit from the combination of elimination of tariffs - EUR 2 000 saved on a car worth EUR 25 000 - and the removal of technical obstacles.
Let us then begin to speak clearly about the death penalty with China, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Yemen, Bangladesh, and so on, forcing these countries to honour the undertakings they have assumed in terms of respect for human dignity.
Millions of people have lived for years in this dangerous situation without there being any substantial change.
The Commission can partially accept Amendments 2 and 3, relating to additional illustrations of fishing gears, if needed, and to certain specific market provisions, particularly on the minimum size of species, with the aim of harmonising measures.
This political will also relates to the resolution of difficult relations with its neighbours.
3.
On the railways, there is no limit.
It was intended that this would supersede the Framework Decision of 2002.
We have come up against several difficulties, which explains why it has taken some time to reach this Agreement - several years in fact.
The energy systems of the EU Member States are neither sufficiently compatible nor sufficiently interlinked.
This was followed up in March 2010 by a thematic forum which explored the possibility of expanding the forum's sphere of action to cooperation between schools and business.
Despite the fact that the European Court of Justice established the mutual recognition principle in the Cassis de Dijon ruling nearly 30 years ago, the reality does not always reflect this: hence the importance of this legislation and the need for it.
(RO) The strengthening of the European Union's role as an actor on the international scene is impossible without continuous adjustment to the 21st century global context.
Cultural and creative industries are currently also important drivers of economic and social innovation in many other sectors.
No.
This is a commitment that has been made by the European Union and by its Member States.
The second, in specific terms, reaffirms the principle that outstanding commitments - which are particularly high in the cohesion sector - ought to be carried out and not, as the Council suggests, simply cut out.
In one way or another, we must keep saying to ourselves that the important issue is to replace division with participation in our country and in Europe.
Mr President, may I congratulate Mr Bildt on a very balanced speech just now.
We should not, however, forget that many problems are emerging because there is a lack of trust in Member States towards the education and training systems in other Member States.
I am convinced that we need this common action plan.
It is undoubtedly a space which reflects social trends just as much as real life does, and I do not believe that we should be focusing all our efforts on quelling it once and for all.
Legislative proposals as important as this must evolve in the course of a well-ordered procedure with several readings.
However, the report includes a number of contradictions because it is founded on neoliberal ideas, defending the Internal Market and advocating EU patents, with which we disagree.
This would help make the sector more sustainable.
It can therefore be said that the portion reserved for external relations and development was cut in the preliminary draft budget.
in writing. - As expected, we the Greens lost our last chance to amend the Harms report during the plenary vote on Community financial assistance with respect to the decommissioning of four units of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant in Bulgaria.
The few changes made by the Committee on Transport and Tourism are consistent with this objective, and I regard them as appropriate and useful for presenting a coherent and accurate final text.
That is right, but I am going to allow Mr Chountis a supplementary on this question.
Today, among other things, they will be able to demand compensation for delays or damage to luggage, while persons of reduced mobility will receive a special escort.
The issues are similar.
Politicians like Mr Livingstone who endorse leaders like President Chávez undermine genuine democracy and reveal a great deal about themselves.
I voted in favour of this document.
My first point is that we need to demand the full cooperation of the Latin American countries, in particular, of Brazil, as rotating members of the Security Council, in all international attempts to bring the conflict with Iran over nuclear arms to a peaceful resolution.
He criticised Hungary and the Commission for recommending to Hungary that it should have a fixed exchange rate, whereas the situation is exactly the opposite.
But a 'one-size-fits-all' immigration policy will not work for Britain.
She is still imprisoned and, as we have seen, the economy continues to deteriorate.
Yesterday evening, an extraordinary meeting of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development was held to discuss this, with Mrs Fischer Boel attending.
These repeated tragedies will not stop until the European Union has the power and the will to negotiate real partnership agreements with the countries of origin and transit that include at least three elements: reliable border controls, but also, and above all, a significant supply of legal immigration and a substantial co-development section.
After the 'velvet divorce' from Serbia, Montenegro has been given the opportunity to demonstrate the unlimited potential of a small, proud country.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (NL) Madam President, over the last few months the credit crisis in the USA has shown that a purely capitalist system is unsustainable.
Having got my concerns off my chest, I should now like to provide a brief outline of what happened at the PPE-DE Group's hearing last Thursday, where the Commission's attitude was very positive.
The title of the report is too wide-ranging to focus with proper emphasis on the position of children.
(RO) The agricultural product quality policy may provide a solution for many farmers.
However, this will not create new barriers to trade since there are international standards that already fully regulate these old instruments and most of the more advanced substitute products as well.
Mr President, on 15 July 2008 the European Commission adopted a communication to the Council and Parliament recommending that a strategic partnership be established between the European Union and Mexico.
For the above reasons, on behalf of the PPE Group, I suggest we have the proposal for macro-financial assistance to these countries adopted now.
The EU's position is, among other things, that an agreed two-state solution must be based on the 1967 borders and that the settlements are illegal.
At its meeting on 9 March 2009, the Council directed an invitation to those Member States that were still applying transitional rules restricting free movement.
This will yield us EUR 500 million.
There is pressure on us to spend money, there is too much money floating around and we are not able to spend all that money.
28.
I would even go one step further and suggest there be a new Directive dealing with the education of the children of migrants.
Those who did not see the crisis coming are now full of brilliant solutions.
Let me reiterate my thanks to everyone, but with an eye to the Rules of Procedure, I would like to draw your attention to one last point.
These legal regulations will make a significant contribution towards reducing breaches of economic competition rules and improving compliance with legal regulations in the social area as well as road transport safety regulations on the part of road transport operators.
amendments 12, 16, 19, 24, 32, 39 (on the recitals)
This is a really serious matter.
We have had two of the worst summers that I have ever seen in the last two years in northern Europe.
Lobbyists are important actors who can provide useful expertise.
The Commissioner tried to reassure us yesterday evening.
the oral question on the Council's strategy for the Bali Conference on Climate Change (COP 13 and COP/MOP 3), by Guido Sacconi, on behalf of the Temporary Committee on Climate Change to the Council - B6-0379/2007), and
We have to agree that development of the EU has gone hand in hand with enlargement.
As regards the conclusions, I should like to thank the rapporteurs from the political groups and all of the speakers, especially the Committee on Budgetary Control.
Let me say it clearly: the German authorities are fully engaged in dealing with this contamination and are doing their best to deal with it urgently and decisively.
It is hoped that legislating against employers employing illegal migrants from third countries will be an instrument for reducing the 'pool-factor' of illegal migration.
Although the Gulf Cooperation Council disputes the legitimacy of Colonel Gaddafi and supports the idea of a no-fly zone, demonstrators have been fired on in Saudi Arabia, which is also a member state, and in Bahrain demonstrators have also been subjected to violent treatment.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (DE) Mr President, on behalf of the PPE-DE Group I would like to introduce a motion.
I am thinking in particular of a very difficult matter: namely the problems for our firms, on which we are rightly going to impose rules to maintain the balance of the planet.
The man who claims to have saved the world is about to come here in a couple of hours' time but, leaving that aside, it is to the national governments - in Paris or London or Washington or Rome - that the citizens of those countries (who also happen to be told that they are citizens of Europe) look to save them, not this larger entity called the EU.
It has become apparent in recent years that significant advances for rural societies generally result from support for women and women's projects.
Why?
It is unacceptable that journalists are carrying out their work under the threat of arrests and body searches.
In Europe today, we are seeking economically strategic issues that are of relevance to our fellow citizens.
on behalf of the ECR Group. - Madam President, we cannot afford to let the NATO-ISAF military mission in Afghanistan fail.
Particular attention must also be focused on socially disadvantaged groups, who need to have fair access to vocational education and training.
In this new context the link between energy prices and foreign policy, and hence the increased political clout of producer countries, is obvious.
And the second part of the deal is exemptions for small-volume producers.
I also believe that some of the amendments really strengthen the proposal we presented.
We support the compromise that is currently on the table.
The text of the amendment proposed by the rapporteur is the outcome of conciliation between the PPE-DE Group and the Socialist Group in the European Parliament.
It may be unorthodox, but I should like to commend his work also.
Such slaughter is, rather, a custom of savage and primitive tribes, and we should not agree to it.
We need to give negotiations a new chance, a new impetus, because stalemate should not be an option.
Some of the victims of the Soviet totalitarian regime are still alive, but the European Union's position does not offer them any satisfaction - in fact, worse than that, it continues to humiliate them.
I do not believe that any another region in the world has the same experience as we have of establishing an internal market, common rules, common institutions, and indeed a single currency and solidarity and cohesion policies.
The banks are now using the state rescue packages to speculate against the national budgets.
However, we in the European Parliament, together with the High Representative, need to ask a quite different question.
As a representative of Hungary - and part of the Spanish-Belgian-Hungarian Trio Presidency - I welcome the Spanish Presidency.
In order to be effective, this strategy must be comprehensive and cover shipbuilding, ship repair, ports, employment and worker training, as well as safety.
Therefore, intention and manifest danger are essential requirements in order for something to be described as an offence.
This report particularly emphasises the need to maintain the predominant status of the cross-border pillar and to develop incentives to spur on large cross-border and transnational projects, such as the trans-European transport networks (TEN-T).
One of these advantages, relatively cheaper labour, will only last only a few years.
Therefore, they must objectively and rigorously account for how the public funds made available to them have been used.
Therefore I welcome the Commission proposal for strengthening the ENP by offering our partners new incentives for reforms.
The Blue Card: the name refers to the blue in the European flag, but it seems to be mainly concerned with the stars.
There will be another test later this morning on aviation emissions and I hope that we will have a strong package.
Sensible compromise should allow us to finalise work on the rules relating to civil aviation in the Union and the safety of air transport.
It is a tool for assisting development but, first and foremost, it provides assistance to those who cannot help themselves.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, this is only one step on the long road to the reform of the common fisheries policy.
I should also like a clear answer from the Commission as to whether countries that have already opened their cabotage markets pursuant to Article 306 of the Treaty will be prevented from continuing to do so under this regulation.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (CS) Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for the discussion.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Madam President, the Commission is doing its utmost to develop the digital field in our society.
You rightly pointed out what the European Union has done and has done rather well in humanitarian terms and in terms of the evacuation of European citizens.
While the fight against counterfeiting is indeed legitimate and necessary, the ACTA Treaty would make authors' rights and copyright more powerful.
Today, I think that the African 'Spring of Nations' puts an additional strain on the political debt of President Mugabe.
There are then those that affect the internal market.
At the same time, the currencies of our neighbouring countries are falling.
This return will result in France taking on heavy obligations.
As spokesperson for the Socialist Group in the European Parliament I wish to make two more comments on the reports.
A protective law is also worthless unless it can actually be used by those it is designed to protect.
At long last, the directive imposing sanctions on employers of illegal immigrants has been advanced to the stage of final approval.
However, we should not be content with this.
I highly value the process that has led us to the approval of the new Treaty.
We even risk being outflanked by the United States.
I see it, however, as an important contribution to the debate on common European aims and values in pre-school education.
We in the European Parliament have been working very hard to achieve these goals over the past months.
If a plant ceases to operate, the ΙPPC requires the operator to take measures to prevent any risk of pollution and to take measures to rehabilitate the area.
When the European Parliament submits a proposal for a legislative initiative by Mr Rasmussen, which was voted for by the vast majority of this plenary, you work it so that the proposal in question is put on the table just when the European Parliament will no longer be able to debate it.
Scientists are forecasting that a similar scenario could occur in the European Union.
We have to be careful that this is not a slippery slope, or perceived to be a slippery slope, to dictatorship, rather than a diversity of views.
Welcome to the club.
In this regard, we would like to see a wording that includes all 27 Member States.
After all, the Chinese could do so much for the Africans.
This is a sign of concrete solidarity.
For this reason, ad hoc situations, which may change at any moment and indeed may change back to the previous status quo, should not result each time in the adoption of new regulations.
Reciprocal access to both sides' procurement markets would not only mean savings for public budgets but also provide huge business opportunities.
With these reservations, I am pleased to support the report.
In my opinion, this is the greatest problem to arise in the media in our time, and we must make changes here in the future.
Current wasteful ways of using energy have come to the end of the road, as fossil reserves are meagre and they are becoming scarcer, with fewer and fewer controlling them.
It will take place in Bonn in Germany in May 2008, i.e. during the Slovenian Presidency.
According to its own benchmark, however, it is only permitted to have 87.
There was a lot of discussion, Mr Cohn-Bendit, about whether President Assad should be on and there were lots of different views.
This is a longstanding issue and we have had many debates in this House on how to control and monitor the proper transposition of EU law into national legal systems.
After all, industry needs to be encouraged to produce better, more efficient appliances.
the report by Mr Szájer, on behalf of the Committee on Legal Affairs, on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council adapting a number of instruments subject to the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty to Council Decision 1999/468/EC, as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC, with regard to the regulatory procedure with scrutiny - Part Three - C6-0474/2007 - 2007/0282 (COD)).
(NL) Mr President, I emphatically voted in favour of this report.
So let us avoid being hypocritical, let us make it plain ...
It is essential to shore up the future of OLAF, the European Anti-Fraud Office, to enable it to play its role within the EU even better and more efficiently.
The Solidarity Fund is an instrument of paramount importance to the EU.
Mr President, this is a very good report, and the first one after the Treaty of Lisbon.
The result would be the submission of a more balanced, single report to plenary.
The new regulation will not do away with this dependency at a stroke, but nonetheless it will create more transparent relations.
This morning, at the hearing of Commissioner-designate Mrs Malmström, we also saw a positive response to our proposal for an EU anti-trafficking coordinator.
Any alcohol intake impairs driving capability.
As my colleague, Mr Schmidt, mentioned earlier, we tried it in Sweden, where it was called the 'puppy' tax.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, on this point, according to Mr Cohn-Bendit, the Committee decided by a very clear majority, yet the Chamber has laboured against this decision in a way that borders on obstructionism.
You only have to pick up the newspapers or reports and you will always come across those words.
We have a positive view of the report's focus on the common challenges that we are facing: climate and environmental issues, the fight for democracy, peace and freedom at a global level and the urgent need for research, innovation and infrastructure.
I found this sycophancy absurd, as my values of democracy, human rights and gender equality are alien to Saudi tradition.
It is apparent to those of us who are from rural constituencies, and those who sit on the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, that the current position that many livestock farmers find themselves in is simply unsustainable.
The second concerns the economic and humanitarian front, where we are working very closely indeed.
Finally, thirdly, the ITS has a go at Turkey in a tirade against the party of Messrs Erdogan and Gül that singularly lacks any basis.
(BG) Allow me, first and foremost, to congratulate the rapporteur Mr Reul on his objective and balanced report.
The next item is the report by Mrs Vălean, on behalf of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 717/2007 on roaming on public mobile telephone networks within the Community and Directive 2002/21/EC on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services - C6-0333/2008 -.
(FI) Mr President, we should not hit out at globalisation because of the harm it does, but take practical steps.
My second point is that I agree with the call for assistance for farmers to purchase new electronic ID equipment, and I look forward to that being possible under the rural development programme.
Mrs Ford, we do indeed need to protect taxpayers.
The EU, Council, and Commission have introduced several motions into the agreement, which are causing concern amongst some Members, who are trying primarily to guarantee that security is not at the expense of human rights and fundamental freedoms; and rightly so.
I have a different view from that of the rapporteur as to how the defined target can be achieved.
(For results and other details of the votes: see Minutes)
I, too, wish to congratulate the rapporteur.
I believe that we are also agreed that we now need to put our good intentions into practice and really improve the educational opportunities of migrant children.
This highly important area can be the key to a successful and sustainable Europe and, in my opinion, has been seriously neglected in recent months.
The aim of this initiative is for Cyprus and the two countries that joined the EU in 2007 - Romania and Bulgaria - to be able to introduce a simplified regime for the control of persons at the external borders, based on the unilateral equivalence of visas and residence permits.
Instead, we must set ourselves ambitious goals on behalf of the citizens of Europe.
ICCAT has now adopted a strict regulation in order to ensure the sustainable development of farming activities for bluefin tuna.
5.
Respect for human rights and democratic principles must be a fundamental element of EU trade policy.
However, let us not be naïve.
I can inform you that yesterday the President of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Minister Iztok Jarc, met with some fellow ministers in Venice, in order to discuss this issue.
We must stop thinking that we have to defend the European social model at all costs and get ready instead to reorganise it.
The remaining operators should benefit from more attractive returns.
We have also launched a reflection on whether further measures may be needed to ensure the appropriate rating of sovereign debt in particular.
As I have said, many of these measures are recent and they will all need to be properly assessed.
This reminds me of another individual who is governing his country in a similarly totalitarian manner and takes no notice of those who call for democratic reforms to be implemented.
I have considerably less understanding, though, for the delay and procrastination in establishing a no-fly zone over Libya.
I also hope that Member States reach agreement on devising a coordinated strategy for withdrawing the incentive measures when the right moment arrives for this.
This must not happen in future.
These, amongst others, are some of the reasons behind our abstention.
The Polish Government was late in submitting changes to the electoral statute for the European Parliament, however. One of these changes concerns reducing the number of Polish MEPs.
For us, that means that we have to focus our subsidy options on this in a more targeted way in the area of cohesion, in the regions and also in the development of rural areas.
It is the source of almost 50% of the world's catches, as well as a variety of mineral deposits such as metals, oil and gas.
Now, despite the fact that some of our points have been included in the Moreno Sánchez report, I want to underline these criticisms because I am fairly confident of the fact that this Parliament can change its opinion quickly about Frontex.
I was not isolated.
I will therefore repeat in my own language what I tried to say in Polish: I congratulate Mr Buzek most sincerely on his convincing election and wish him all the best in the wonderful job that he is about to take over, and I would ask him to take his place here in the President's chair.
I do support, like others, a strong outwards-looking EU that is capable of acting shoulder to shoulder, as an equal partner, with the US.
Basically, the Global Climate Change Alliance is a very good initiative.
On 2 July 2007, Mordechai Vanunu - a former nuclear technician and a pacifist for over 20 years - was sentenced by the Jerusalem Magistrates' Court to six months in prison for (according to the Israeli authorities) breaching the terms of an administrative order restricting his freedom of speech and freedom of movement.
In other words these measures must not lead to any dramatic long-term threat to the stability of public finances.
Is it an effective way of working for every country to pay into a system that then grants subsidies to the remotest elements in the individual countries, including the fact that these are paid by the very richest?
The service is independent, and is also independent of the government, and the investigation is being monitored by the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights.
The purpose of this regulation is to improve legal certainty for the couples concerned, and at the same time, to guarantee the predictability and flexibility of the proceedings.
This makes the situation for European competitors and, in particular, for the employees in the industry, very difficult.
Ladies and gentlemen, a look at the situation of European Union maritime transport can lead to ambivalent conclusions.
- Report: Herczog
Ladies and gentlemen, unfortunately I cannot give the floor to any more speakers as the Rules of Procedure do not permit this.
18.
In these regions, in these distant islands, the price of an airline ticket is the price of the distance to freedom and that is something we must understand.
We do crisis management in a European way with a comprehensive approach in support of international law and agreements and in close cooperation with our key partners.
In these circumstances, through adequately coordinated action we can enhance the standing of European Union institutions and calm the situation in the markets.
Mr Bielan has supported the idea of indicators on the application of the rules included in Mrs Thun Und Hohenstein's report.
The current generalised system of preferences (GSP) will soon be coming to an end.
Combating this phenomenon therefore requires political and social mobilisation.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you very much, Prime Minister.
We did this because we know that a humanitarian crisis can erupt at any time.
Things were not helped when, in spite of the ongoing negotiations to set its rules, the process continued unabated and, as a consequence, only some countries have seen their representatives getting the positions they were seeking.
This is the real challenge for the Treaty of Lisbon and this is certainly one of the provisions that will make the biggest contribution to meeting that challenge.
(SK) Madam President, the Marinescu report talks about the effectiveness and efficiency of EU funding spent on decommissioning Soviet-style nuclear reactors.
No state that is in so much debt as to be on the brink of insolvency can get out of the debt trap if it has to continue to finance this debt by borrowing at high interest rates.
We need new instruments and we need new financial resources.
I now appeal to the Commission, to each individual Commissioner, to state clearly that they are in favour of a clear horizontal directive and putting paid to a hierarchic arrangement of human rights in the European Union.
Self-criticism and constructive criticism are the guarantee for the safety of the national structure.
Next, regarding possible future joint programming of research activities, can the Council confirm its opinion that these initiatives should, in principle, be adopted using the same legal basis?
I am very grateful for the efforts which have been made in Croatia itself, in particular, with regard to judicial reform.
- (ES) Mr President, we ought to shout out 'good news!
For me, these are the subjects at the heart of the debate and I am satisfied with another thing which the Treaty of Lisbon gives us and that is that Parliament will have enhanced powers and, in the political debate, I think that it has an essential role to play and that is to show that there are various options and to debate those options.
in writing. - (DE) When we here in Europe invest in the latest environmentally friendly technology and in renewable energy, at however great an expense, while a country like China has a new coal-fired power station coming on stream every week, our best efforts here can only be a drop in the ocean.
We cannot allow terrorism to develop and we must find a firm and appropriate solution to it.
I welcome the Commission's initiative concerning the creation of a publicly accessible database of national measures adopted in transposition of these directives.
We are trusting partners in this dialogue.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the external strand of the common fisheries policy (CFP) has taken on particular importance, as it is no longer possible to guarantee that our fisheries-product needs can be met on the basis of our fish resources alone.
In order to do this, we should require, or perhaps encourage Member States to support the state's maritime sector or guarantee that ships appearing on the register of that state observe the convention that has been ratified, as well as international requirements.
See how hypocrisy has been elevated into a governing principle!
I voted for this report, but I am giving this explanation of vote to stress that, in paragraph 44 on the management of the market, I voted against the first part of the paragraph proposed by the rapporteur and for the second part of it, which finally sets Parliament's decision out as favourable to Portugal's strategic interests.
That means lifting martial law and involving all democratic forces in the steps that are now being taken.
It must not merely be a financial tool for investment.
What possible excuses have we Europeans to continue to do business with Israel while it callously continues to slaughter innocent people?
I voted, along with my other fellow MEPs, to support such a plan which will facilitate cooperation between Member States as well as combat illegal organ trafficking.
The 3% R&D intensity target has a crucial contribution to make in meeting this challenge.
The Commission has already acted to increase investment in remote areas and regions within the framework of the EU Cohesion Policy with the programming of about EUR 2.3 billion in the period 2007-2013.
However, I would like to add this: given that tobacco producers are poor, small-scale farmers, could you, in order to prevent them from vanishing, at least please carry out a study to help us see what these people could grow, now that tobacco is effectively eliminated under these measures?
They also make economic sense, create jobs and save consumers money on their energy bills.
I am giving my last speech after 15 years.
In addition, the Community's participation could reach 70% in the case of organic farming and programmes relating to action following crisis situations such as avian influenza and BSE, for example.
Yes, we do, but we have different practices and this axis of values vis-à-vis interest is also present, and the best example is how to deliver it in Central Asia: it was present in the debate on the Central Asia strategy.
It is important for everyone's future to prevent the illegal manufacture of, and the trade in, firearms.
I am not sure whether the official Chinese bodies are today capable of accepting the philosophy that the current Chinese state is built not only on the traditions and history of the Chinese empire, but also on the traditions and histories of other peoples.
However, we disagreed with some of its aspects, specifically, the conditions imposed by the EU and, in particular, the demand for full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, which continues to be a prerequisite for Serbia's future accession to the EU.
In a word, our Group is not convinced of the need to implement changes in a great hurry now, without a thorough evaluation.
Thirdly, the name of the enzyme and its animal origin must be mentioned in the list of ingredients.
(DE) Mr President, I voted for this resolution but there is one point that I should like to highlight - the reference to the creation of a European protection force.
It is important for the Commission and the Member States to supply this information now, because a transition period of eight years really is a very, very long time.
This has, in that case, been created by the European Union itself, of course.
Oral explanations of vote
Very often their qualifications are not recognised by employers or institutions.
I welcome the important work done by my French colleague Jean-Paul Gauzès, who by the wisdom and strength of his convictions has made a substantial contribution to this important compromise, which is so valuable for economic growth, consumer protection and credit institutions.
We are in fact facing serious demographic challenges.
Together, these factors point to a need for a strategic approach based on lesser dependency and, as a result, greater diversity (either of suppliers or of energy consumed); greater efficiency; a sustained research effort into alternative energy; greater integration; and, at the same time, the development of production capacities at a local level - specifically, those using alternative energy sources.
What should our next step be?
I would also like to speak once again of the thousands of tonnes of outdated pesticides that are systematically poisoning our water and have already reached depths of 1 000 metres.
I have discovered a tendency to escalate this situation unjustifiably, also fueled by political and xenophobic statements uttered by certain politicians.
The automatic exemption clause encourages employers to abolish fixed and regulated working times, while the twelve month averaging clause adds an additional blow to the permanency of work.
The retention period for data has also been mentioned.
France bears particular responsibility for encouraging Morocco to continue with the occupation.
With regard to the question from the honourable Member about British citizens that have moved to Spain and invested some of their savings there, I must say that I am obviously not here representing Spain as a country in its judicial relations with citizens who are there, but rather I am representing the Council of the Union.
The main objective of this is to rule out any discrimination on the grounds of sex, to guarantee equal opportunities for both spouses, and to give central priority to the welfare of the children.
I think we need to be very careful here not to throw the baby out with the bathwater, so that in our concern for a good future life for children, we do not cause a situation in which we take a short cut and open the door to hasty adoptions and, in fact, allow children to be taken away from their parents.
rapporteur. - Mr President, I do not want to steal my colleagues' time, but as we did not have a plenary debate and we have reached the first reading discussion, I would like to inform you about the basic elements of the new legislation on GMOs.
in writing. - (FR) I abstained from voting on the Safety of Toys Directive to protest against this undemocratic procedure of confronting the European Parliament with reports negotiated during informal trialogues and thereby preventing it from carrying out its work in the usual fashion.
As I mentioned earlier, the Commission proposals are now being studied in much more detail.
So perhaps what Mr Bloom, or his speech-writer, is suggesting is that Marmite or Branston Pickle should not move freely, or Rolls Royce, or Church's shoes, or Burberry clothing - I do not know how much good that would do for the UK economy.
Codified, consolidated versions of directives and regulations should enable them to gain a good understanding of what they are expected to do with respect to animals.
Besides caring and providing for the injured, it is therefore essential to repair and remedy the damage as swiftly as possible.
For the Socialists, there are still red lines in terms of the current state of the resolution, which is different from the assent vote.
(EL) Mr President, the General Affairs Council is meeting today.
I believe that this situation is absolutely ridiculous - we have asked them to intervene on this, but have gained no result at all.
How is it therefore possible to understand the unacceptable pressure that the European Commission is putting on the Portuguese Government to change labour legislation and render it even easier to make people redundant?
There is a need for a deep, comprehensive analysis and diagnosis of the situation of LDCs and concrete proposals for solutions aimed at improving the living conditions of the citizens of these countries in the short term, and at leaving the group in the long term.
Conclusion of the Statute of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) (
Thirdly, we propose imposing a requirement whereby the Member States that currently impose the highest excise duty rates on fuel would undertake not to raise them before 2015, thus facilitating the process of harmonising excise duty rates.
On this basis, the more promising instruments will be identified which the Commission will assess in further detail.
However, we should not go round in sackcloth and ashes, either, but join with those in the world who want to make progress in protecting the climate.
This comes only a few weeks after the Renewable Energy Directive, of which all of us here were very proud, entered into force.
We had better unite next time, and that means one voice.
An amendment to the Equality Bill to protect the religious liberty of churches was voted down in the House of Commons two weeks ago, amid accusations of interference from the EU Commission.
- (PL) Madam President, millions of people are staying in Europe illegally, and they are tolerated because they are a source of cheap labour, they do not acquire rights to a pension or to health care, and they cannot voluntarily pursue their rights through the courts.
(The President cut off the speaker)
It is, to some extent, dubious.
Finally, thanks to the 'enhanced cooperation' procedure, which allows several Member States to cooperate in a particular area when a legislative initiative is being blocked, we have been able to take a step in this direction.
I am pleased that the EU is sending a clear signal through the 'Union of Innovation' programme regarding the importance of innovation for maintaining the economic position of Europe in global competition.
(SK) Madam President, on behalf of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, I would like to declare unambiguously that we recognise the right of all EU Member States to make their own laws, and thus we do not want to criticise either Hungary or, in particular, the citizens of Hungary.
Regarding a pause in financial services liberalisation, there is a difference between the financial crisis, seen globally, and bad lending and bad debts.
That is why I am convinced that the Member States have a fundamental role to play; indeed, a toy that enters the internal market in Rotterdam or in Constanţa, Romania, today, may wind up in Bologna, Lisbon or Helsinki tomorrow, without any border controls.
I voted in favour of discharge since the deficiencies listed mainly concerned procurement and staff selection procedures, while the European Court of Auditors gave a positive verdict on the annual accounts for 2009.
As far as the measures to stimulate the economy are concerned, these should form part of a coordinated approach by the Member States.
(CS) Mr President, I am truly delighted that you, a citizen of high moral standing and a Silesian to boot, are taking the baton from the hand of Hans-Gert Pöttering and that, like him, you are emphasising the potential of a united European Union in terms of values such as human rights and solidarity between nations.
For these reasons, it is a good idea to allow ERDF finances to be used for housing in all EU countries.
(IT) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I think this debate we are having on one of the most critical sectors in the European economy is timely.
Never before has the Commission been so weak in terms of proposals on human rights and democracy throughout the world, as demonstrated, for example, by the refusal to deploy the democracy clause that Parliament voted on two years ago.
We have already said, in the Lisbon Agenda, that without the small and medium-sized enterprise sector and without regional cooperation it will not be possible to develop cohesion.
Those limits that are in the Constitution of my country, Italy: limits of public decency, security and law and order.
The future regulation should be stimulating and enhancing the industry instead of limiting it.
Mr Claeys, this is not a point of order on the Fjellner report and I am not going to allow you to carry on.
Fourthly, we must improve productivity and increase the ability to innovate, because in Europe we are reliant on our human capital.
With regard to the strong criticism that has been directed at the Commission proposal on the Soil Protection Directive, prior discussion about the topic would undoubtedly have been helpful, including to calm tempers all round.
Thank you very much.
Despite the current deadlock in the negotiations, the situation should not be overdramatized.
This is reflected in a greater effort to work more constructively within the framework of the EU's Central Asian strategy.
With this aim in mind, we must devise a strategy which sets out concrete objectives for actively promoting equal opportunities and in relation to gender mainstreaming.
The next item is the report by Mr Lehtinen, on behalf of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, on the social responsibility of subcontracting undertakings in production chains.
It is for these reasons that we initially submitted a proposal to reject these texts, thereby requiring the Commission to revise its proposals.
We were indeed shocked after 19 December, as many of us had already hoped that there would be a gradual opening-up of Belarus towards the European Union.
However, the European Commission has consistently sidelined energy efficiency as a flagship policy in favour of hammering the motor industry.
2.
Legal certainty for citizens in areas such as marriage and divorce, which often involve highly emotional issues, is increasingly important in areas of policy.
It goes without saying that we expect a transparent and independent investigation of the events that took place and the partial lifting of the state of emergency which was imposed after the event.
But they will at least get a decent standard and basic protection to protect themselves from hazardous chemicals.
To vote in favour of a resolution which regrets that the fate of minorities practicing this or that sexual deviance is not a central preoccupation, which advocates intensive propaganda to reverse negative opinion polls, which encourages the same economic errors as those committed in our countries, was really not possible.
On the other hand, we must ensure that those companies providing the energy are monitored and that true competition is created.
What about protecting the climate?
For instance, I cannot understand that many people in Turkey have no problem with the fact that the governing party, which won 47% of the votes in the last elections, is in danger of being banned by the Constitutional Court.
As you wished, a portion of these directives has been transferred to the new interoperability directive.
But I am also concerned about the Hague Convention.
Moreover, the close ties between Iran, Syria, Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as the religious tensions between the Sunnis and Alawites in Syria, should make us exercise caution because there is a huge risk that the escalation in violence will also push Syria towards civil war, with outside interference.
When in February the European Council condemned the attacks by the Chad rebels on the Chad government, on the one hand it appealed for a political dialogue among the government, the opposition and the rebels, and on the other hand it emphasised the urgent need for a political dialogue between the governments of Chad and Sudan.
TEC has seven priorities which should move forward and make sure that they cut through the rhetoric.
For the transport sector, it calls for greenhouse gas trading, which has failed to reduce CO2 emissions but has proved to be a profitable stock-exchange mechanism for capital.
Mr President, just as the right to life has a very special place among human rights, the death penalty has no place in democratic societies.
It is in the regions that the presence of the EU needs to make itself felt and it is precisely at such times, when solidarity is more necessary than ever, that it is most important that it makes itself felt.
Can I thank everyone else for signing it.
We all know that there are vulnerable people, for example children, who are a special target for advertising campaigns.
This is the only way to ensure that the details of the performance characteristics are also accurate and reliable and that the safety of buildings is also ensured throughout Europe.
We should not disregard this severe breach from the ideals of democratic elections.
Safety, security and the interests of the EU citizens in this country are still endangered.
Nor have the world's financial supervisory authorities been able to strengthen their cooperation and competence sufficiently.
National energy policies have led Europe to a dead end with an extreme dependence on expensive imported fossil fuels.
Secondly, we have seen in recent years that viruses that occur in living animals can rapidly mutate.
The fact that natural resources are continually dwindling is nothing new to scientists working in the area of energy supply.
In 2001, a train crash occurred in Pécrot that was similar to last week's in Buizingen.
The first is to emerge from the crisis through research, innovation and competitiveness so as to ensure a true economic recovery that will enable us to achieve this social recovery.
I would like to remind you that, despite generally accepted opinions, counterfeit goods do not affect just exclusive and expensive products, but also car parts and everyday products such as foodstuffs and medicines.
(SK) The legal environment in the Member States in the area of debt recovery varies.
Needless to say, the recovery of so much oil will have a dramatic impact on the Arctic and may cause ecological disasters on a global scale, so I think we have to ask ourselves whether it is wise to embark on such a project at a time of determined efforts to sever our dependency on fossil fuels and to aim ultimately for a CO2-free society.
Libyans enjoy free education and healthcare and subsidised housing, benefiting from some degree of social distribution of the oil income.
Indeed, this inclusion in the budget follows on from the specific proposals in my report on governance, which was adopted last October, and by a very large majority in this House.
In my opinion, the ECI brings European institutions closer to the citizens and it thus fulfils the principle of subsidiarity as a basic principle of the decision-making mechanisms of the European Union.
This regulation defines enhanced cooperation between certain Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Spain).
We have to make sure that the new EU 2020 programme does not repeat the mistakes of the Lisbon Strategy.
Mr President, can I use my speech tonight to appeal to all EU countries to follow the practice in Britain for hotlines to be given notice and take-down powers, namely that when online images of child sexual abuse are discovered and reported, the hotline can immediately order the content to be removed by the service provider or host company.
We must find a way back to growth and jobs by finding resources for investments, and for that we need these joint actions.
Approximately 100 million Christians every day suffer violence because of their religion.
However, that is not taking responsibility; that is populism.
This includes the mainstreaming on the gender dimension in all the cooperation programmes.
I decided to vote for this report because we need to send out a strong signal of Europe's desire to work with local, and particularly regional, administrations.
(DE) Mr President, if we want a European Union that is accepted by its citizens, then it is crucial that citizens also know what is being done with the money they pay in taxes.
This means that the European Union is not authorised to set minimum wages, nor is it authorised to adjust minimum wages between the Member States.
The road taken by humankind must be one of disarmament and not the relaunch of the arms race, as encouraged by this proposal for a directive.
I voted for this report because the current financial crisis that has affected the economic and financial sectors has caused a general economic and social crisis in which European citizens continue to live in poverty, social inequalities are becoming even more pronounced, and the number of poor workers is also increasing.
We support the proposals of the rapporteur, Mrs Jeggle, on better representation for women in all political, economic and social bodies in the agricultural sector, and on support for social protection initiatives for women working as small farmers, farm workers and seasonal animal rearers.
Eleven Member States, including Luxembourg, have signed a joint letter to Commissioner Cioloş expressing their opposition to the end of the system of planting rights for vineyards in 2015.
The EU is a leader in the area of climate protection and this long-term pre-eminence should not be squandered but rather transformed into another quality.
As a general rule, I particularly appreciate the fact that the European Union is composed of States with diverse and varied national cultures and traditions, but when it comes to violence, I am appalled to see the differences in treatment that exist.
It is only by combining solidarity, integration and respect for regulations that we can find the right strategy for resolving these problems.
Another fundamental challenge is improving accessibility and, for that reason, it is important that the outermost regions receive differential treatment with regard to transport.
Monopolies and quasi-monopolies are slowly and increasingly becoming service industries more or less subject to competition.
That is extremely important.
The Danube has, for a long time, served not only as a natural border between states and regions, but also as a prospective source of energy and a little used means of transport.
It is very much needed, however, in times of difficulty and hardship.
The EFSA report also points out an increased proportion of pregnancy failure and disorders in surrogate dams of cloned embryos.
That is why a policy as fundamental and permanent as the common agricultural policy (CAP) must be understood by its main beneficiaries; in this case, European farmers.
It is, in fact, a cornerstone in building a common asylum system and it will be an important instrument in supporting Member States, in helping develop practices and common standards, and in supporting Member States under particular pressure.
If a blue card spawns brain drain, then this is bad news for Europe and the rest of the world.
I therefore propose that a large part of the EUR 1 billion should be used to assist European farmers who are facing a great many problems.
The communications that the Commissioner has presented to us, the last of which was on 1 December this year, make quite a fuss about the damage that tax evasion causes.
We must thus ensure that we aim to achieve energy efficiency in general and that we keep this objective in mind without pursuing ideological smear campaigns that ultimately lead to the citizens losing their positive impression of the EU.
I would call on Baroness Ashton to do the same and to keep us regularly informed of the situation of these Christians.
Increasing numbers are throwing in the towel, however, which has already led to a dependence on imports in the field of fruit, vegetables and feeding-stuff production.
This is not easy.
Energy efficiency has the benefit that it will also reduce the size of consumers' bills at a time when the economic crisis is having an increasingly adverse impact on them.
The next item is the Council statement on the presentation of the programme of the French Presidency.
Why do we need this Treaty?
I should also like to thank her in advance for all the information that she will shortly give us on an extremely important and topical issue.
(FR) Mr President, our fellow citizens have expectations of us, they have expectations of Europe on the issue of world governance.
Our goal must be to increase the dialogue in Europe between the citizens and the politicians.
My third belief is one that has been mentioned by several speakers, including Mr Schulz.
Finally, I cannot get over the fact that in 2007 Official Development Assistance from the whole of the EU fell for the first time since 2000.
Tax competition forces Member States within the Union to moderate their fiscal demands and to be more efficient in the management of public spending, and this can only be of benefit to the taxpayer.
in writing. - (PL) In the course of the roll-call vote and in connection with Amendment 48, I voted against infringement of equal rights for competing entities by singling out three European Union countries and granting them a privileged position on the market.
At the same time, the headquarters of the European Technological Institute have been decided.
Over the years, the only progress achieved by the Commission, Parliament and the Council is the shifting of responsibility to Member States.
What we need, and what the population of Zimbabwe are waiting for, is practical aid.
How, then, could the EU executive at the same time plan to ask for these oil activities to be suspended and for them to voluntarily place themselves in a position of weakness from an energy and economic point of view?
Our regulations, European laws and the agreements that we have signed and initialled set that out.
The Commission's final objectives in these negotiations are to definitively prevent activation of the 'Carousel' sanctions and to have the retaliatory measures currently in place revoked.
After the conclusion of an agreement between the Greek Government and the European Commission, affected farmers and stockbreeders (the latter, I hasten to add, having lost more than 73 000 head of cattle in the fires) are receiving advance payments to compensate for the loss of their crops, livestock capital and equipment.
Each of us will remember the heroic example of those volunteers - mostly retired firemen - who offered their lives to help put out the fires in the reactors at Fukushima.
Yes - we need the European Union precisely for such matters.
Violence, rape, torture and sexual assaults are weapons that are used against women and children in these situations.
In Europe too, it is also necessary to have a specific, strong policy relating to soil, as for water and air.
I have abstained today, because I was not able to support the compromise that has been negotiated.
I would just like to say in advance that on almost all points - and I would like to thank my fellow Member - there is a unanimous perception that the report could bring more transparency.
One of the largest groups of internet users is children and adolescents.
It is a threat to the credit recession: there is a danger that the debt and bank crisis will become an all-embracing economic crisis, manifesting itself in hunger, unemployment and poor social health.
We would appeal to our Lithuanian colleagues to reflect further on this matter and to make sure that whatever legislation they pass will not discriminate against LGBT people.
Kosovo must not be abandoned to its own devices.

They are too embarrassed or they are worried or they are shy.
It is an industry driven by lobbyists and especially NGOs.
Both sides have deployed cluster bombs in this conflict as well, which is unacceptable.
In the longer term, we should aim at the introduction of a visa-free travel regime.
It was clearer for me on the first vote than it was on the subsequent ones.
Moreover, there is no guarantee that the EEAS will not be linked to military and intelligence structures.
Mr President, taxation is absolutely vital for the running of countries - I think most citizens would agree with that.
The 'made in' labelling would enable consumers not only to obtain additional information about product characteristics, but would also help strengthen the economy by developing new products for many sectors, promoting employment and supporting the fight against counterfeiting as far as products from third countries are concerned.
This surely results from the fact that the problem concerns only 2% of Europeans, whereas it concerns 27% of people in Africa.
This has a direct impact on the quality of life of the European Union's inhabitants and on increasing inflation.
I was originally an engineer and I find this kind of practical application of principled technology to promote our well-being very exciting.
I think this is an excellent report.
You pointed out that we have slightly dimmed the lighting in the Chamber.
So, what did we achieve?
I also welcome the annual publication of declarations of the financial interests of the institution's elected members, with relevant information on remunerated tasks and activities, or professional activities that are subject to declaration.
'However, the position followed by the Commission in this file shall not be considered as a precedent.
Africa, as a region with the largest number of developing countries, has little experience of protecting its own biological resources.
For those of you interested in our plans, just before the summer break, we adopted policy guidelines which are the next action plan for road safety and we have the same aim - to reduce casualties by half.
Many of my colleagues have already dealt in detail with the action that is required.
I now gather that Japanese school textbooks have been adapted; but I then hear from the Japanese embassy that the tale has to be told very cautiously, as pupils do not yet know much about sexuality and could incur psychological damage.
I cannot just move on to the agenda without mentioning the crisis.
For these reasons, I abstained from voting on the resolution of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats), and voted against the joint resolution put forward by the other parties.
However, there are still elements of competition in the EU that need to be strengthened and clarified.
In relation to the debate itself and the human rights issues that have, in a sense, dominated our debate: I am trying to look at what more we can do.
This is not just about better prices and more choice.
Although things started well, we soon began to see a slowdown in the progress made, which ended up stagnating last year (when around 43 000 people were killed on all the roads in the 27 Member States).
Why is a tolerance of, for instance, 0.8% or 0.9% not possible?
I supported this report, since I believe that we must improve the quality of education and training in the EU.
Mr Pittella is right: a dab of powder, a touch of rouge, perhaps a little wool pulled over the eyes, but nothing more than an empty shell.
Naturally, we need to establish our common values, namely democracy and the rule of law, along with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
And what are we doing today about this famous directive?
However, economic governance should above all aim for the best possible future, in other words aim for greater economic growth.
The most important aspect in political terms is that of banning, dealt with in Amendments 31 and 32.
We will not waver in our support, as was said, for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia.
Mercosur was almost dissolved at the 2007 Summit.
However, if one looks at Greece, then I would say that we may be deluding ourselves if we believe we have the crisis under control.
Do you intend to take the matter to the European Court of Justice?
Information and communications technology (ICT) is important in all innovative activity.
Well, that is not how to build our future.
I have one final point, and it is one that is also clearly expressed in the resolution that we have produced together with the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe and the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats.
We must ensure that we provide better targeted assistance, particularly aimed at civil society and local communities, in keeping with the bottom-up approach.
We have worked hard and I would like to think that our work will not be in vain.
Just a couple of days ago, the French Prime Minister and the German Chancellor even agreed to change the treaty to bring in tougher sanctions against countries that threaten the euro's stability.
I think that Iceland is capable of assuming the obligations which derive from being an EU Member State.
The defence of freedom lies at the heart of Europe.
Lastly, because this topic is close to my heart, I should like to emphasise the importance of introducing a public hearing for representatives of a citizens' initiative, which will be organised by the Commission together with the European Parliament.
In this respect, it is important for us to consider the best way of ensuring that comprehensive information is made available before the act is signed.
The application of parliamentary immunity to such a situation is considered to constitute an undue extension of those rules, which are intended to avoid any interference with the functioning and independence of Parliament.
There is the danger that these important activities could come to a halt in Slovakia because of delayed re-financing of implemented activities.
With regard more specifically to environmental protection, the EU already has quite an advanced legislatory framework.
Today we do not have these options available.
Documents received: see Minutes
And those principles will be my guidance in my assessment in the Opel case.
Opening of the sitting
Given the profound injustice today existing between countries, producers and products, the advocated redistribution of CAP funds cannot be dissociated from the guarantee of minimising losses by the major beneficiaries...
The family and the protection of family life are, in fact, children's rights, and these are realised when a family is managing well.
It is unfortunate that the Czech presidency began not as previously planned, but with the imposed resolution of the Russian-Ukrainian gas conflict, in the same way that the previous presidency had to begin by seeking an end to the Russian-Georgian War.
In some Member States, particularly my own, the use of such machines is now mandatory with no alternative such as a 'pat-down' available - the so-called 'no scan, no fly' tactic.
- Report: Galeote
The Declaration will make it clear that, in view of the global challenges that confront us, the European Union has both an opportunity and a responsibility to act.
(The sitting was suspended at 12.45 p.m. and resumed at 3.00 p.m.)
However, I feel obliged to raise the cohesion policy for discussion and express my dissatisfaction that the path towards implementing the Lisbon Strategy seems to have changed tack.
Promoting and applying successful models in the knowledge triangle is vital, as is ensuring the sustainable development of regional strategic research frameworks for innovation, in conjunction with businesses, research centres, universities and public authorities.
For instance in Germany in the year 2005 the loss was approximately EUR 17 billion and in the United Kingdom in the 2005-2006 tax year it was over EUR 18 billion.
This being the case, we are in favour of a genuine European debate on the press and the problematic mergers that can exist in this area.
I am of the opinion that the Commission and the European Union have failed to learn much from the outbreaks of infectious animal diseases which have occurred in the past.
The Directive applies to all citizens admitted to the territory for work and those who were initially admitted for other reasons and who have subsequently obtained a work permit in accordance with the provisions of national or EU law.
My public health department mobilised the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the ECDC has activated its crisis mode in order to make scientific assessments as rapidly as possible.
By international law I mean, for example, the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages of the Council of Europe, which provides a global framework in this area, as well as the recommendations from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which the European Union has resorted to on different occasions.
On the other hand, we need to ensure a high level of protection for European consumers.
In addition, smaller operators or new operators who have joined the market have shown that they are often subject to discriminatory prices from large pan-European operators.
We do not support this focus, and can only conclude that the neoliberal face of the EU once more has been articulated.
This will ensure consistency between the methodologies applied by the banks as well as a convergence - an appropriate one, I think - of the ways in which the macroeconomic scenarios are retranscribed into parameters of respective risks.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (FR) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would firstly like to thank our colleague Mr Cornillet for his work on this report and for the debates he led in our Committee on Development.
I therefore believe that it is right to strive to find ways and means that allow us to act in such situations in a coordinated manner at EU level.
I agree that the use of legislative delegation should make it possible to adopt simple and accessible legislation, thus contributing to legal certainty, the efficacy of the delegate and control by the delegator.
However, we need common, effective and transparent action, and a common list of priorities for the benefit of our citizens.
What do we plan to do if civil war breaks out?
Tuna stocks are collapsing.
So three areas: firstly, making sure the structures are right and the people know and understand the core work they need to do; secondly, ensuring that we cover everyone in the work we do on human rights; and thirdly, ways in which we can make a difference.
Mr President, I did not particularly wish to revisit the past, but I am hearing some surprising speeches.
The debate is closed.
in writing. - (DE) I voted in favour of this report.
In addition, granting advanced status to Morocco would be going against the United Nations mission to organise a referendum on self-determination in Western Sahara.
I would like to remind you, Baroness Ashton, of Joseph Daul's advice: do not be afraid, and you will have the support of this Parliament.
Guyana, which is an outermost region of the European Union, deserves to be recognised for its past and future contribution to this strategic policy.
This serves as an obstacle to a full resolution of the conflict.
(FR) Mr President, as you are aware, an agreement between the Belgian State and GDF Suez was reached in October 2009.
Children have the right to receive help and services from Member States and from the Union.
The European Parliament, recognising the pressing need to meet the food requirements of the most deprived, has urged the Commission and the Council to put the European food aid programme on a permanent footing.
It is obvious that the response in Europe was unsatisfactory from the point of view of the citizens.
They pretend they do not understand, and demand explanations from the Commission and that Parliament adopt an official position.
As a result of the lack of capital in this sector, limited bank credit and the crisis in general, it is imperative and urgent to acknowledge that the adaptation of many companies has been delayed.
That should be one of the main priorities.
I am sorry, it is not good enough: well, we might look at misleading advertising and we will think about it.
By its legislative proposal, the Commission intends to set up a transparent and non-discriminatory framework for levying aviation security charges in Europe.
Mr President, I support the environmental goals for 2020, but I have some serious doubts about some methods.
The commitment to help more than 1 500 Spanish and Danish employees via this fund is therefore very good news.
It shows gross contempt for the verdict of the peoples of France, the Netherlands and Ireland, and for the obvious inclinations of all the other European peoples, who are not moved by the policies, institutions, values, visions and symbols of the European plutocracy so typical of the anti-popular character of the EU.
Mr President, the ash cloud has caused stress and trauma for many thousands of travellers and financial loss to many businesses.
Sometimes we took up problems and sometimes we took up personal issues and so forth.
The soil is a finite and non-renewable natural resource.
Remember though, Commissioner: Parliament beat you on SWIFT and it will beat you on ACTA if need be.
I underlined that Bosnia and Herzegovina now needs to put EU-related reforms at the top of its political agenda and address the priorities of the European partnership, including state- and institution-building.
To be fair, it is not alone.
Now that petrol prices are reaching record highs, we must waste no opportunity in setting ambitious targets for the reduction of CO2 emissions in the European car industry.
In this connection we cannot progress unless we discuss biotechnology and confront the campaign of fear concerning genetically modified food with objective information.
We were also concerned that, by dividing the responsibilities between different commissioners, consumer protection would ultimately receive insufficient attention.
You should know that, without compulsory cooperation from the drug agencies in these countries, it will be impossible to check the 3 000 pharmaceutical factories in India and the 12 000 factories in China.
Following pressure from various countries that wanted to host the Institute, this became virtual, a type of gateway for consulting scientific communities in different areas.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I wish to thank this House for putting the issue of European agencies on the agenda.
A new agreement is currently being negotiated between the EU and the Solomon Islands.
All national standards bodies must therefore be able to provide a robust platform of consensus-building.
1.
It is a bitter experience, when one makes reform proposals, to find that others are constantly blocking them with reference to something else.
Now, above all, we need to act as 27 Member States - not separately - and act in conjunction with our allies, including the United States.
The text proposed to us is not only extremely dogmatic, it also shows contempt for the peoples, in particular, for the Greek people.
Portugal needs fishing and, therefore, needs the sea to remain able to provide us with fish and species to remain able to reproduce.
You said that social impact assessments are important to you.
Mr President, Mr Tajani, Mr Costa, this is going to be my final contribution to a debate at the European Parliament, after a fifteen-year stint.
In the long run, surface democracy - democracy that floats on the top with people casting their votes freely on election day and choosing their government - will not survive if deep democracy fails to take root.
After the elections there will be more persecution.
Of course, banks can only take netting agreements into account in risk assessment if these agreements are enforceable in law.
The wine market needs a strong budget in the first pillar in order to strengthen the measures directly for the vine-growers, who will be called on to improve quality and to monitor their production, and also to strengthen the policy of promoting all wines, inside and outside Europe, thus boosting their commercial distribution on the markets.
The reason is that, in a large number of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the economy, media and politics are still in the hands today of those who systematically ruined this region over the last 40 years.
That too is immensely important.
The previous debate, regarding the framework agreement on data protection, was another illustration of this.
I consider the practice to be discriminatory against these women and girls.
Indeed, we have many aspirations for the second pillar: on territorial balance, environmental issues, young farmers, small farms, local markets and rural development.
In many European countries - for example Italy, France, the Scandinavian countries and also my own country - smoking was banished from the shop floor and from restaurants long ago; and a good thing, too.
Just 5 of the 22 members of this research council are women.
The issue of non-discrimination ...
I should like to thank, here in this House, everyone who implemented the changes and carried out the assessment programme in recent months.
in writing. - First of all, I would like to congratulate our rapporteur, Mrs Patrizia Toia, for the quality of the report she presents today.
The European Union's farmers should be able to spend more time in the field again, rather than behind a desk.
We also need to put our international service into action immediately, and establish a delegation in Southern Sudan.
These enquiries often relate to the recognition of professional qualifications.
I shall conclude by drawing attention to Article 1(2) of the proposal, in which the time limits of notification are discussed.
The directive does not establish detention as the rule.
Mr President, the European Union prefers to import yet more migrant labour rather than try to deal with the problem of those Europeans already unemployed in Member States.
That is even more of an anomaly given that Brazil is the major regional power in South America.
In this respect, it is important for the European Union to promote the creation of mechanisms at Human Rights Council level specifically designed to respond to crises such as those, if we take current examples, in Afghanistan, Guinea Conakry, Iran, Yemen or Iraq.
I would like to draw attention to just one aspect of these negotiations, one that we were unaware of four years ago.
But NATO is threatened by the savage cuts being imposed on European armed forces.
This is not to mention the supply chain, where large numbers of jobs will also be lost.
Commissioner, I am relying on the pragmatic man that you are to turn this Single Market Act into something more than a catalogue of good intentions.
The house arrest that Mrs Liu Xia and many human rights activists in China have been under since 8 October worries us as much as it disappoints us, and we condemn it.
Greater energy efficiency and the widespread use of renewables are the key to leaving the economic crisis behind.
This is why I hope that urgent measures will be taken on approving this package during the period ahead.
That brings me to the third question: what about the price of the communications?
When the crisis erupted, and particularly when the crisis worsened in 2008, this investment came to a halt, and left these economies in need of funding in order to finance their growth, which they were unable to substitute using their savings and internal resources.
The total size of the three shipyards in Poland - Gdynia, Gdańsk and Szczecin - is comparable to the size of the German shipyards prior to their restructuring, and the aid already granted to the Polish shipyards in the period 2002-2008 is also comparable to the aid granted by Germany to its shipyards - around EUR 3 billion.
We are calling on the Commission to provide factual evidence that the collection, storage and processing of PNR data is necessary for each of the stated purposes and to carry out an adequate investigation into possible alternatives.
However, as much as I would like to see Turkey joining the EU in the near future, the progress report unfortunately indicates something quite the opposite.
In this situation, the EU and Member States must adopt measures to ensure the sustainability of their pension systems.
The decision was taken that for the first list, no, but we will look at it again this week.
The government is primarily responsible for the provision of the necessary material and technical conditions at these homes amd for the support of the children.
Moldova's development has so far been negatively influenced by its internal political instability.
I also want to highlight countries such as Egypt and Libya in terms of gas supplies.
If all the Member States were a little more aware of this, we would have made more progress with our existing regulations.
Furthermore, we would have preferred to wait for the decision of the Court of Justice, which we are expecting on 8 March.
in writing. - UKIP voted in favour of this report because EUR 4.9 billion of unspent appropriations will be returned to the national governments.
We would mention the problematic issue of exchanging personal passenger data between the EU and the US, and therefore the relationship between international security and the privacy of citizens.
This position is based solely on the blindness and partisanship of the most prominent politicians, and it undermines and subverts what actually happened in Copenhagen.
Finally, the setting-up of an EU implementation task force comprising members of the European Commission, the presidency and the Council.
The debate is closed.
It also means taking a more hard-headed approach to modern trade barriers, and especially non-tariff barriers which operate not at the border, but behind the border.
It introduces greater personal responsibility for the proper handling of animals, and also introduces a requirement to appoint a special officer responsible for animal protection in facilities which carry out slaughter.
Obviously, we will also have to draw on the upcoming United Nations and World Bank meetings, in order to develop and deepen activities aimed at boosting food production in the affected developing countries.
It is not acceptable that the Law be used to persecute religious minorities and sentence dozens of people to death every year.
But we must not lose sight of the fact either that a third, and arguably even more, of the members of today's European Union came into their own as independent political entities out of the ruins of the First World War.
Therefore, it seems important to me for the Solidarity Fund and the measures that we are taking to be targeted at these long-term consequences of natural destruction.
It is the only language they understand.
He will probably have to spend quite some time in negotiating with representatives of both the parties but I think it is important that he has our support as well as the support of the other American states for these particular efforts.
It is a large region, with a high population, which is promising and must be helped towards economic growth.
(Sustained applause)
The next item is the statements from the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and from the Commission on the role of the European Union in the Middle East.
That is a brief outline of the goals of this proposal, for which Mr Stockmann is the rapporteur.
If we want to change our consumption behaviour, we need to know exactly which products produce high levels of greenhouse gases and we may have to adapt our consumption patterns accordingly.
Again, it is necessary to consider future policy in this area.
However, the Council's lack of availability has meant that the European Firearms Pass will not be the only document required for the carriage of firearms, and in my opinion this is a missed opportunity.
We had come to the conclusion that these measures were appropriate but also sufficient to address the issues that currently are being discussed.
In doing so the Commission takes into account the specificity of sport.
The European Council will also review the progress on the preparation of the plans for capacity development to manage migration flows and refugee flows.
This is not an isolated incident, but rather the culmination of persecutions of and attacks on Christians in majority Muslim countries.
Europeana, by combining the resources of Europe's national digital libraries, has become a digital access point to the cultural and scientific heritage of humanity.
Pressure needs to be exerted to make Turkey keep its promises and honour its commitments, especially the Ankara Protocol on the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus, whose rights under international law it is challenging.
In the WTO we should be endeavouring to ensure that third countries too comply with our high standards of animal health and welfare.
10 October also marks the day when the King of Portugal mandated Bartolomeu Dias to seek a trade route leading to Asia, and in the United States Columbus's discovery of the New World is celebrated today.
We have to examine the reasons and the drive that bring these people into Europe.
Of course clean production can bring in a lot of profit and employment and it is also good that this way we shall end our reliance on oil and enter the world of sustainable energy.
Unfortunately we cannot hope that the President-in-Office of the Council will take advantage of this debate and this discussion to help advance the position of the European Union.
The single market review will gear up the single market as a strong, innovative and competitive market, bringing direct benefits to consumers and entrepreneurs and positioning Europe to shape globalisation to best effect.
Although we integrate them and they learn our languages, they are still there with their own separate identities.
The GMO issue should be the subject of a debate in its own right, which the European bodies refuse to conduct.
I start from the belief that alcohol can be good for you in regular and limited quantities, particularly at the years of discretion which you and I have reached.
Furthermore, Zimbabwe must scrupulously adhere to the commitments it made on diamond production in the context of the Kimberley Process, so as to escape the vicious circle of financing armed conflict.
The most important element of the compromise reached relates to the effective separation - and I stress the word 'effective' - of production and supply activities, on the one hand, from network operations, on the other.
The removal of the anthem and the flag from the Treaty - the background to which I of course am fully aware of - is and remains an essentially barbaric act against European unity, for which those who called for this step ultimately bear responsibility.
There are many areas where the EU seeks competence but has no legal basis, and that has been the subject of much criticism and scrutiny over the years, but are you not concerned that, with the 'passerelle clause', the EU can gain new competences without the need to consult national parliaments?
I welcome the proposed amendments to the Rules of Procedure on account of the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon.
This means that the principle of equal treatment must apply to everyone without restrictions, in the case of employees' rights, access to education and access to social security systems.
I particularly welcome the fact that you have succeeded in including information on geographical origin - such as champagne, Scotch whisky, Parma ham, etc. - I would like to congratulate you on this.
I therefore hope that we will all roll up our sleeves and start to actually do something very soon.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the unprecedented humanitarian disaster in Haiti affects us deeply and the European Union has a duty to contribute as best it can to the efforts by the international community, using all the tools at its disposal.
In many cases, there is a reason for separate treatment or positive discrimination if you like, in order to eliminate disadvantages.
The European Union cannot continue to stand idly by in this situation.
Recreational walking and cycling is also growing in importance.
We have done this.
This is probably not the most appropriate point in history to issue regulations of this complexity.
I have no doubt that we will be able to use this infinite power for the good of everyone, both Europeans and Americans, and that side by side we will follow the star of a tomorrow of greater justice and freedom.
Secondly, with regard to the upcoming presidential elections, the European Union needs to make all its election observation experience available to Honduras and should prepare to send an EU election observation mission.
I think this language speaks for itself.
The debate is closed.
We will complete our first reading before the summer.
Rather, the principle of subsidiarity should be extended to allow minorities to make decisions with regard to their own affairs.
Andrew has been in prison in Greece for six months awaiting trial on a manslaughter charge which seems to be based on mistaken identity and, I am afraid to say, police brutality to witnesses, and I believe the European Arrest Warrant has been misused.
We need to help that country to remain what it has always been: one of the oldest democracies in the world.
But it must also be said that we cannot ignore the fact that the budgetary deterioration in 2009 was largely due to the working of the automatic stabilisers in the face of an unprecedented decline in economic activity caused by a financial crisis not originating in Europe.
A comprehensive economic crisis management package has also been prepared.
Fishing is the only viable economic activity in many regions and is important in terms of maintaining the number of jobs.
We cannot rule out the possibility of more sexual violence being committed by all sides in the conflicts in North Africa and the Middle East.
The creation of facts on the ground undermines the chances for a negotiated settlement of the conflict.
The fact is, when we create policy, our duty is to be courageous and responsible, and to tell the truth.
The debate is closed.
Dealers' obligations should be confined to specific checks.
I agree that effective enforcement of maintenance obligations will improve the living conditions and education of many children who are first-line maintenance creditors.
This can only be achieved by sufficient levels of investment in each Member State.
Today's debate has shown that we have broad cross-party support for the compromise we have negotiated here.
I would endorse the sentiments of Poul Rasmussen that we have not yet done enough.
Thank you very much to Mr Coelho, Mr Tavares and Mr Alvaro for your work on these two very important dossiers.
As it has been said, we began negotiations in October 2008, during the French Presidency.
It is much warmer.
Small and medium-sized enterprises, together with entrepreneurs, play a significant role in all our economies and are key generators of employment and income and drivers of innovation and growth.
the oral question to the Commission on implementation of the EU strategy for the Danube region by Silvia-Adriana Ţicău, Constanze Angela Krehl, Hannes Swoboda, Adrian Severin, Ivailo Kalfin, Karin Kadenbach, Olga Sehnalová, Rovana Plumb, Csaba Sándor Tabajdi, Evgeni Kirilov, Katarína Neveďalová, Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă, Daciana Octavia Sârbu, Ioan Mircea Paşcu, George Sabin Cutaş, Britta Thomsen, Corina Creţu, Claudiu Ciprian Tănăsescu, Ioan Enciu, Cătălin Sorin Ivan, Mario Pirillo, Kinga Göncz, Marc Tarabella, Françoise Castex, Victor Boştinaru, Inés Ayala Sender, Bogusław Liberadzki, Jo Leinen, Michael Cashman, Brian Simpson, Saïd El Khadraoui, Thijs Berman, Eider Gardiazábal Rubial, Ismail Ertug, Edit Herczog, on behalf of the S&D Group; Michael Theurer, Vladko Todorov Panayotov, Renate Weber, Sophia in 't Veld, Jan Mulder, Gesine Meissner, Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, Catherine Bearder, Viktor Uspaskich, Wolf Klinz, Nadja Hirsch, Cristian Silviu Buşoi, Giommaria Uggias, Ramona Nicole Mănescu, Adina-Ioana Vălean, Hannu Takkula, Jürgen Creutzmann, Alexander Alvaro, Holger Krahmer, on behalf of the ALDE Group; Reinhard Bütikofer, Michael Cramer, Eva Lichtenberger, Barbara Lochbihler, Heide Rühle, Elisabeth Schroedter, Isabelle Durant, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group; Peter van Dalen, Oldřich Vlasák, on behalf of the ECR Group - B7-0013/2011);
A couple of procedures aimed at combating distortion of competition and price fixing will not be enough to resolve this problem.
The European Union Solidarity Fund is being mobilised to repair the damage caused by the floods in Ireland in 2009 (to the agricultural sector, housing, businesses, the road network and other infrastructure).
On the other hand, the model in the West has given rise to diseases such as obesity, various types of cancer and diabetes: diseases which we estimate will be responsible for 72% of deaths by 2020.
Some countries have closed their borders for exports of agricultural commodities and this has also contributed.
People do not come to Spain, Malta or Italy: they come to Europe.
In particular, it is the employer's duty to introduce these measures, and it is the worker's duty to comply with them.
Why a closer relationship with Brazil?
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Mr President, the atrocious fighting in the east of the Congo is not simply a case of a civil war, it is also a regional conflict involving many neighbouring countries.
Most of my colleagues agreed with everything in the report, as can be seen from the fact that not too many amendments were introduced.
Finally, I should like to remind the House that the provisions of the Citizens' Initiative did not fall from the sky.
Does he envisage any possibility that the mission might end next March?
This situation is even more severe in domestic work and work carried out by female migrant workers.
Article l of the Convention states that each Party to the Convention shall guarantee the rights of access to information and public participation in decision-making.
The same applies, of course, to adverts about men.
This law states that not only is sign language our mother tongue, but that our cultural minority rights are protected by it.
On a few of the specific concerns that have been raised, the question of Kaesong raises complex technical and political questions.
That MEP happened to be me.
Therefore, much work needs to be done in order to further simplify the rules.
I believe that a coherent response should increase the sector's capacity for structural adjustment and, at the same time, help its most vulnerable members, particularly small and medium-sized producers.
It is absolutely crucial that a signal be sent from this debate today that we are making improvements not because we want to play off one population group against the other but because we want the relations between Slovaks and Hungarians within Slovakia, and of course, also between the two countries, to improve.
(PT) Mr President, I have of course noted the observations and comments made by Mrs Figueiredo but I have nothing further to add to my previous answer.
There are also issues that required more immediate reactions, such as reducing the risk of humanitarian crisis and the negative impact.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, we know that the Commission and the Spanish Presidency are very much stepping up the pace of negotiations with certain Central and South American countries in order to conclude association agreements before the May summit between the European Union and Latin America.
The Commissioner is aware of Parliament's interest in national champions: the 'level playing field'.
It must also quickly find a solution in order to normalise relations between the European Union and Cuba.
(NL) Mr President, we are having this debate today because citizens and governments are worried about the construction of this pipeline.
Indeed, the EU's involvement in this process may provide the support needed for this dialogue to be carried out in ideal conditions.
The renewed proceedings were opened on 31 March 2010 and suspended the same day because of Mrs Hankiss's parliamentary immunity.
Although I am very much in favour of this partnership, which must be a strategic partnership, I am very surprised by the pressure that Russia is now exerting, in particular, in Ukraine.
This would erode the fiscal sovereignty and general sovereignty of the Member States.
Understanding the market dynamics and equipping regulators with instruments plus information/data is vital.
The presence of such important and skilled individuals in the region already provides ample illustration of the ability of Taiwanese people to integrate into our society.
It provides a framework of debate, open dialogue and free exchange of views.
I was very pleased to hear the Commissioner's comment with regard to generic drugs that there will be no danger of a negative effect on the patients.
As the number of beekeepers is constantly falling, we also need to invest more in education and training.
To attain these goals, we believe it is essential for education and vocational training to continue to be treated as a long-term common political priority, which can be translated into reality only with the participation and commitment of all stakeholders, the EU institutions and those involved at local and regional level.
To underscore this need, the Commission published Recommendation No 207/425/EC of 13 July 2007, identifying a set of actions for the enforcement of Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein.
We can do so in the General Vertical Block Exemption Regulation and we shall be able to do so with the specific regulation on vehicles.
However, there needs to be further progress along these lines.
Last week, Quartet envoys met in Brussels, under the chairmanship of Helga Schmid, the Political Director and Deputy Secretary-General of the EAS, with, for the first time, the Palestinian negotiators.
Documents received: see Minutes
This multilingual portal should be designed to help citizens and businesses seeking legal assistance and initial legal advice about cross-border legal problems.
While, as the Presidency has said, the evolution of Iran's politics and policies are chiefly a matter for the citizens of Iran, there can be no doubt of the broader significance, and it is right that we should follow these developments closely.
Does this mean that the Commission is more or less giving up on precarious employment relations?
Mr President, my dear Mr Pöttering, ladies and gentlemen, this Parliament is the voice of 500 million Europeans and they are not sufficiently aware of this.
However, we should bear in mind some misgivings among countries affected by the cohesion policy, which are looking for some certainty about the policy and do not yet know exactly how reducing this period will affect this predictability in obtaining Structural Funds.
No indulgence can be tolerated in this area.
We must learn from our experience with Bulgaria and Romania.
In view of this, I believe that it is crucial to strengthen the parliamentary dimension of cooperation work, recognising that the establishment of the African Union and the growing power of the JPA are, without doubt, a challenge to ACP-EU cooperation and, consequently, to the ACP-EU JPA.
Community-financed education programmes such as e-learning or life-long learning must also be designed with 'dys' people in mind.
I very much welcome this resolution, which includes, as do many of the resolutions that we pass in this House, lots of very sensible, clever and well set out words.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (DE) Mr President, Commissioner, Mr President-in-Office of the Council, we on the INTA Committee requested this debate because we are very concerned as we see that we are concluding more and more agreements of different kinds which affect all our work in the external economic sector and which also, of course, always have a foreign policy component.
Bearing in mind that the three regulations on radiation amended by the report in question were adopted in the wake of Chernobyl about 20 years ago, I consider that the Belet report, as it now stands after the vote, is a first attempt to improve the approach to and update the problem of radioactive contamination of foodstuffs and the soil.
It has been noted that currently major differences exist between individual countries and different social groups regarding access to healthcare.
Two further draft resolutions pertain to Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 and its annexes.
During the crisis of the past few months, the authorisation of the State aid justified by recent events has been fundamental for the recovery of the economy.
I hope that the Commission will soon present us with a legislative text that enables the cross-border credit market to continue to function.
The results of the elections in Belarus speak for themselves.
In the resolution, it is taken for granted that the elections that brought victory to President Ahmadinejad were fraudulent.
We are entitled to disagree, and we will defend that right, although some continually question the simple fact that voters in Europe have elected European Conservatives and Reformists, and I promise that they will elect still more of them.
The next item is the debate on
At Mr Sterckx's instigation a majority of the House has markedly shifted the emphasis elsewhere.
Last summer, in response to Iceland's intransigent stance on this matter, we were told that the Commission was considering suspending negotiations about Iceland's accession to the EU, yet little seems to have happened on this front.
We also reviewed the status of the Structural Funds where, unfortunately, there is a low level of use of resources in some countries.
Now we need some kind of common approach, for which the Commission is very happy to provide proposals.
in writing. - (DE) The planned measures do not provide for obligatory participation by the banks.
The consumer needs to be sure that revenue obtained from security fees is used exclusively for covering security expenses.
First and foremost, the danger - it is not the intention, but there is a danger - of agreeing such a framework is that it is seen as providing a framework for large-scale exploitation of our forests, leading to the opposite of the purpose of the agreement, namely, further degradation and further deforestation, thus contributing to the very destruction of the global environment we are trying to avoid.
It is hard to believe that we have not had the same thing for medicines.
We will be monitoring very closely how the new government, still to be formed, will take reforms forward.
The follow-up measures must be undertaken by various entities of the public sector (for example, municipalities) and civil society, as well as NGOs, charities, schools and social services; it is essential to promote cooperation between entities.
Let us be clear: the suggestion of a 5% increase is completely unacceptable and the idea of so-called own resources is equally unacceptable - it is just a power-grab by the EU.
Some of you mentioned the situation of the Roma families in the Trebca mines.
- (DE) Madam President, may I take this opportunity not only to explain that I voted in favour, but also to raise an issue which is of great concern to me, namely the problem of taxation of aviation fuel.
The actions identified in the plan are very important for improving the guarantees of European citizens in respect of the law, but it is necessary to adopt a more strategic and less fragmentary approach based on the real needs of citizens and enterprises in the exercising of their rights.
Based on the considerations mentioned, I support the motion for a resolution tabled by the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) as an alternative to the current option put forward in the report so that we can help create a valuable portal, which is relevant in terms of the information the public will find there.
History demands it of us.
Mr President, the macro-regional strategies are, first and foremost, a political instrument representing one of the possible forms of regional cooperation.
This framework provides good protection for consumers, promotes their rights and also provides security for investors.
However, Egypt and Tunisia need support now, this very year, and on a scale way beyond what is being discussed at the moment.
Romania has made major financial and human efforts.
She has repeated that today and I, for one, am delighted to hear her words.
Are you sure about that?
The Council and the Commission will look into these issues very carefully, and I am prepared to report any further developments to you.
Open trade has to be fair.
Raising this threshold would mean a substantial reduction in the funds.
(SK) I would like to begin by applauding the work of the rapporteur, Mr Kirilov.
It is good to see Commissioner Andor here this morning, but it is a pity, in a way, that Commissioner Špidla is not here.
First, it clarifies and reaffirms the common principles of all EU health systems: universality, equity, access to good-quality health care, and solidarity.
It will create new markets and enable Europe to become a global competitor in the field of technology.
I also believe that it is because of the complex nature of the matter and its dynamic developments.
A less restrictive exchange of experiences between oncology centres is needed so that the knowledge gained most recently on the subject can be applied extensively.
Farmers, both arable and livestock, are now 'anonymous' persons for consumers.
There are major challenges involved in regulating the import of fishery and aquaculture products into the EU.
The second point I want to mention is the need for society in Croatia to build on tolerance.
In fact, Israel has not stopped the movement of such goods as food, electricity or water into Gaza and is actually acting with restraint and moderation, even though Hamas has been attacking Israel militarily.
The Second European Roma Summit represents a commitment to dialogue about cultural diversity and what that represents in terms of human wealth.
This is something we all wish for, especially we Greeks, because Greek shipping is being hard hit by piracy in the area.
I say 'no' to exemptions for certain special countries, because these are European problems that we should solve together.
Madam President, Minister, Commissioner, the start of negotiations for what will become the new Kyoto Agreement in Bali in December is, of course, extremely important.
Which Community initiatives could be used for this purpose?
2009 discharge: Community Fisheries Control Agency (
This militant xenophilia and anti-patriotism are very wearing.
At the same time, it should be stressed that effective action must rely on those instruments that are most suitable to address each issue.
Voting time
Finally, in a year in which elections for the European Parliament will be held, we are urged and called on to strengthen EU propaganda and the mystification of its policies.
(EL) Madam President, according to recent statements by officials and articles in the press, it would appear that the most likely 'rescue' scenario for the Greek economy will be a joint effort between the Member States of the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.
A common decision on this matter is right as the Baltic gas pipeline will have a negative environmental impact on the Baltic.
I would therefore like to congratulate the rapporteur on the result that has just been achieved due to an effort at finding a compromise between all the groups in an ambitious and encouraging report.
The argument that only the new Member States of the European Union have been especially severely affected by the crisis is not true.
The Member States have until May 2011 to transpose these provisions into national law.
A majority in this House decided that the European Union must pump a substantial amount of money into its automotive industry.
It would be unacceptable for the efforts of the most ambitious countries to be compromised by carbon leakage resulting quite simply from the non-existent or insufficient action of some.
It views the national insurance and pension system as a system of occupational rather than social insurance.
In principle, we therefore agree with reducing this inconvenience for passengers while, at the same time, maintaining a high level of checks and security.
(ES) Madam President, President-in-Office of the Council, President of the Commission, ladies and gentlemen, I offer the Czech Presidency the same friendly welcome that I gave in 1991 when, as President of the European Parliament, I addressed the Senate of the then Czechoslovakia to invite them to join us.
Reforming the regulations must be instrumental in guaranteeing greater transparency in the eyes of European citizens and taxpayers, as well as in helping set out feasible conditions for Member States.
Credit is also given to Commissioner Kallas for the definite improvement which can be noted over the last few years in terms of the European Commission's financial management activities.
It would not be appropriate if Parliament waded into the discussion like a bull in a china shop.
Offering airlines State aid in compensation for the losses has a precedent in the bail out offered to American Airlines after 9/11.
It is also not acceptable for us to tinker with the Progress programme to such an extent that could really jeopardise it.
To invite Mugabe to Lisbon is an affront to our principles and is a direct contradiction of the EU's own stated positions.
We want to see a strong Israel - economically, politically, all of those things - as we wish to see a strong Palestinian state, but we cannot make progress until we see progress in the Middle East peace process.
This House is always making rhetorical declarations on human rights and emphasising that human rights are the most important objective of foreign policy - yet now it is going to sign an agreement with a country that violates these very human rights on a massive scale.
However, this directive is a directive, not a symbolic resolution in which something like that can be stated.
Government legislation has severely curtailed the freedoms of expression, assembly, movement and association.
I would really like to endorse the MEPs and, at the same time, express my concern that particularly at the time of the crisis, various allowances to both MEPs and employees in their teams are being increased.
I agree with the resolution's call for the Member States and the regions to use the Structural Funds intended for the period 2007 to 2013, in order to ensure as much support as possible for the implementation of this strategy, particularly by promoting the creation of new jobs and economic growth in the areas worst affected by the economic crisis.
We are talking about a sensitive area and a topic that concerns the protection of minorities, which is why I ask my fellow Members to approve this proposal.
Given that, under EU legislation, all animals are regarded as sentient beings, we must tighten animal welfare checks and adhere to animal protection standards.
The alcohol industry must act as a matter of urgency.
At the start, however there was no debate to be had.
This is why we must work alongside countries of origin and transit towards true mobility for a workforce with rights and obligations, not a workforce of slaves.
Such a strategy will promote economic and social cohesion in those regions and promote territorial cohesion without jeopardising any of them.
If we find that many municipalities are now including fair trade as an important criterion in public procurement decisions - whether when buying coffee or for other products - then I think it is important to bolster this.
Common rules and standards for ship inspection and survey organisations and for the relevant activities of maritime administrations (recast) (
I look forward to more work.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting: see Minutes
It is an unfair attack on the way Parliament operates, and especially the way proceedings are conducted in Strasburg.
We simply cannot accept the continuing scandal of 80 million people at risk of poverty in the European Union.
Such a strategy testifies to a lack of understanding of the need to have a coherent fuel and energy policy which prefers economic effectiveness and competitiveness. It also testifies to the lack of a unified energy policy guaranteeing security of energy supply and a lack of regulations based on uniform criteria for the entire common market, which would lead to fair competition while retaining minimum social costs.
First of all, it was of crucial importance to the whole of your region, to the Caucasus, both the southern Caucasus and the northern Caucasus.
As a result, concern was rising about the widening gap between Chinese and European public opinions and perceptions of each other.
We do want to resolve this matter, but, as you know, the Non-attached Group did not propose a candidate, and this is why it is not involved in some work.
Madam President, Commissioner, Mr López Garrido, I think this is an important day.
The first is the high-level meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations on climate change, which actually took place in New York on 24 September.
I would also like to say specifically on behalf of my Italian fellow Members that the debate taking place in Italy is an Italian and not a European debate and that, like us, my fellow Members will defend diversity and plurality.
Then we would be stronger and in a better position to help others.
I believe, however, that he has learnt from his mistakes and that, in future, he will make great efforts both for Europe as a whole and for the small countries.
Even if some workers do know their rights, all too often they find it impossible to take action individually without any back-up.
Why?
What we have to face now is the difficulties on the financial markets.
A point that has been missed in this debate, as Mr Landsbergis has just reminded us and as Mr van Dalen reminded us earlier, is that this is a proposal.
In the crisis too, it was not just the Presidency alone that assumed its responsibilities, it was all those large countries that assumed theirs.
Here the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development has called for an increase from EUR 16.11 to EUR 18.11 per 100 kg.
Does that mean that we should give up on negotiating?
The rapporteurs have put forward a proposal that is very interesting and certainly must have required a great deal of work, both analytical and conceptual.
Written explanations of vote
The truth - as many economists have stressed and continue to do so - is that it would be difficult to sustain the sort of public debt levels that we see in the United States, and that it is the countries with the most debt that are the largest consumers, whereas those with larger reserves consume the least.
Nevertheless, very many people around the world are still dying of tuberculosis today, particularly the young and the poor.
Mr President, I have the honour to be the European Parliament's Vice-President responsible for democracy and human rights.
on behalf of the PPE Group. - Mr President, there is an alarming trend in today's Latin America to consolidate populist regimes by extending the mandate of current presidents - preferably for eternity.
I am also convinced that, ultimately, the Member States will benefit from this, but so will the asylum seekers, who will have the chance, in future, to receive a ruling directly at the first instance in a fair and nevertheless rapid application procedure if this is implemented in the way that we envisage it.
Some of the national horse trading you engaged in made it look like comedy descending into farce: deciding that Austrian universities can break the law for another five years while the policemen look the other way, or creating two classes of European citizen: those with fundamental rights and those without.
Since their accession to the EU, in 2007, both Bulgaria and Romania have had a legitimate expectation that their citizens would become fully fledged EU citizens and that they would be able to enjoy the same rights as other EU citizens, including freedom of movement within the Schengen area.
That is a job we need to do and he should take the first steps, together with the Slovenian Presidency, at the end of this week.
With regard to access to finance, which is the subject of Mr Zwiefka's question, the Commission, together with the European Investment Bank (EIB), has announced specific measures to improve the situation.
These catastrophic floods have affected around 500 000 people in various ways and have caused hundreds of millions of euro of damage.
However, this unequal and discriminatory approach is also apparent in other areas and particularly in agriculture.
The instruments that have been developed, such as the partnership for mobility, should continue to be developed and consolidated in a strategic way.
Mr President, it is somewhat paradoxical that nuclear weapons contributed significantly to the fact that the Cold War did not end in the Third World War.
Why have we begun these performance tests for each service to see the positive or negative interactions between certain European texts?
A legitimate government is required which will respect rights and fundamental freedoms, in other words, show respect for human beings.
Human Rights violations in China, notably the case of Liu Xiaobo
For the past few weeks, he has encouraged his Ministers to talk up prospects of an election in the UK and then, when the political going got rough, he backed down.
Naturally, such a document cannot be credible, because it actually concerns a dispute between the two countries which will have to be resolved elsewhere.
Mrs Descamps has prepared a well-balanced report. I believe it deserves our support.
In the light of this, would you now agree that the economic recovery plan agreed last December was not enough in itself?
I believe that something similar happened to the Barcelona Process: it was not finished, but it was abandoned - in part at least.
I should like to express my firm belief that the crisis calls for a reform of the European institutions.
We now need the action.
The Union for the Mediterranean Secretariat is best placed to act as a catalyst and bring together states, international and financial institutions and private companies to work on such economic projects.
I voted in support of his recommendations, because I have had literally hundreds of constituents from across the East Midlands, from Nottingham to Daventry, Glossop to Lincoln, who have been caught out by one of the directories that he is trying to get rid of: the European City Guide.
The adoption of the climate package also marks a shift to a new economic thinking that will reduce the European Union's dependence on imported energy and the economic and political risks linked to uncertainty of supply.
They open up a new path for the creation of a single European law without the involvement of the Member States (through interpretation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights by the European Court of Justice).
You have been quite clear, so there has been no doubt about what is at stake - no doubt about what every party in this House thinks on this question.
I would also like to thank the Commission, the Committee on Regional Development and all the relevant employees for their cooperation.
Vice-President of the Commission. - (FR) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I would first of all like to get back to the main topic of this debate, Frontex, and clarify a few points.
There is a great deal more to do.
There are still numerous disparities between men and women in terms of potential jobs, quality of work, income and remuneration.
It enables people, as part of a non-contractual relationship, to entrust a recognised authority with the task of certifying the commitments it wishes to make and of dealing with the full consequences of this in advance by making this act enforceable.
Instead, it will take the money of the British taxpayer to cover the cost of making our decisions on our behalf.
That is the type of society that I want to live in and work to enable us to have.
In the course of several days of carnage following the fall of Srebrenica, more than 8 000 men and boys lost their lives.
First, the urgent issues: we recently debated the results of the European Council.
rapporteur. - Mr President, the potential for carbon capture and storage technology to achieve vast reductions and abatement in CO2 emissions into the atmosphere is something we simply must grasp.
We are all aware of what the effects of the crisis are in each of our countries, ranging from a fall in economic growth and job prospects to a rise in the budget deficit and recession.
I therefore invite Parliament to support the amending budget already approved by the Council.
In fact, quite the opposite is the case.
I have already mentioned the Eastern Partnership.
Gambling addiction leads to serious social problems, such as broken homes, money problems and crime.
Beyond the above-mentioned aims, I am convinced that we will not succeed if we try to protect children exclusively by trying to shut out pornographic or illegal content from their surroundings.
MONUC plays a vital role, but its mandate and rules of engagement must be implemented with determination and on a permanent basis in order to guarantee the population's security more effectively.
For eight years now we have known that Kosovan independence must come sooner or later.
So we have suggested three approaches: restoring confidence, reducing burdens and, finally, placing our internal market policy in an international context.
While ensuring stability in the region, the Communication meets the needs of applicant States which are seeking both a Euro-Atlantic anchoring and a framework of enhanced cooperation.
This is a matter of our credibility, something we are going to need badly in our fight against climate change.
In terms of environmental standards, the Trade Committee has highlighted in many of its recent reports - for example the Lipietz report on climate change or my own report on Korea - that international trade should facilitate the diffusion of environmentally-friendly technologies, and I again acknowledge the fact that Commissioner Mandelson has on many occasions shown his commitment to reducing tariffs on environmentally-friendly technologies, and I hope the Commissioner can therefore take on board the rapporteur's suggestion to agree to this being part of the ASEAN negotiations.
So I support all my colleagues who have called - and I call myself - for a new impetus to a peaceful solution of the Israel-Palestinian conflict, which, of course, must be based on the two-state solution.
I voted in favour of the motion for a resolution on the progress made by Croatia, which confirms the efforts made by the latter with regard to its forthcoming accession to the European Union.
The pharmaceutical industry's goal will never be one of philanthropy.
Nevertheless, in the rural world, not only do they carry the work inside and outside the home, but at the same time they also care for dependents and, on top of this, these women do this under much worse conditions than in the urban world.
Through its participation in the International Contact Group on Guinea, the Commission approved the conclusions reached at the meeting on 12 October, envisaging the adoption of various measures supporting the observance of human rights.
The primary objective of the Cotonou Agreement is the reduction and, eventually, the eradication of poverty in a way consistent with the objectives of sustainable development and the gradual integration of the ACP countries into the world economy.
As you all know, the 19 December elections in Belarus were followed by a wave of arrests.
Article 14 is a bulwark that we can rely on to prevent the transfer to third countries, without our consent, of personal data we have transmitted to another Member State.
The development of information and communication technologies is currently imposing greater demands upon the teaching profession since the educational environment is becoming more and more complex and varied.
Indeed, we are not talking about halting oil exploration as a whole, but simply about monitoring the situation and determining what further measures should be taken to prevent an accident and disaster like that in the Gulf of Mexico from being repeated.
Soon, it will be the polluter who pays.
We called for President Musharraf on that day to end the state of emergency, to reinstate the constitution, to reinstate the Supreme Court and move towards free and fair elections.
This chiefly concerns high-risk substances.
If the interim agreement is adopted before 1 December and the legal basis is changed, it will avoid a security gap and a serious blow to European Union-United States relations in this area.
(PL) Mr President, this gas crisis shows how important it is for the European Union to speak in one voice on the matter of gas supplies, particularly gas supplies from Russia, which is not a reliable partner and supplier.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Mr President, this own-initiative report is important because the situation of women in prison needs to be put under the spotlight at last and problems identified.
Mr Djinnit of the United Nations calls it 'a reversal situation' and both are saying that today we have to be creative.
Would you be kind enough to explain what guarantees we have that the resources we will receive from this agreement will be used for the benefit of the people of Western Sahara, and not just for meeting the needs of European fishermen.
Reaching an agreement on aspects such as policies for forest protection, technology transfer to developing countries and funding is vital.
An overwhelming majority of Members in this House agree with the humanitarian NGOs on the ground, with the refugees in the region who are living in miserable conditions and in a climate of permanent fear, and with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
However, the workers' struggle that is continuing and intensifying across Europe demonstrates that this backtracking of civilisation is not inevitable, and that another way is possible and necessary.
The situation is different, however, in the countries of the Western Balkans, which have had a clear prospect of accession for some time.
In Alsace, and in all border regions, the question of cross-border healthcare is crucial, when, for example, healthcare provided abroad is closer to home than that provided in the Member State of residence.
Animal health conditions on intra-Community trade in and imports of poultry and eggs (codified version) (
In June 2007 we should have been hearing even more alarm bells ringing, at least when two hedge funds managed by the New York investment bank Bear Stearns went astray because they were involved on a grand scale in bonds secured by real estate.
I suppose that on this issue of the discharge of the Council, the points of controversy between us and the Council are of such a sensitive nature that it makes sense to hold further talks.
I am glad, ladies and gentlemen, that today I have something positive to report, a success story, a story that demonstrates how the cooperation between the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Member States can ensure the resolution of problems.
Let me thank all those who worked so hard to make this agreement possible, especially the rapporteur of the lead committee, Ms Matias, as well as the rapporteurs of the committees giving opinions, Ms Sartori and Ms Bastos.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (DE) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, let me start by making it clear that the distribution of food to deprived people is, for me, not at issue in the forthcoming vote on the report by Mr Siekierski, particularly in these difficult economic times.
I strongly believe that we, the EU, should benefit from the potential of the Black Sea region and not others.
We can now to some extent take the wind out of the sails of the euro sceptics by saying that the accounts have been approved for the first time.
We are supporting - and the Council's conclusions are very clear on that - the resolution of the Arab League of Sunday as far as the borders are concerned, and that was proved on Monday.
I would advise the Commission to read the recommendations made in that report as well as the recommendations made in this report.
We already have excellent police cooperation in Europe and we do not need CEPOL here.
It is therefore imperative that something is done to improve our diagnosis, treatment and prevention and social research into the welfare of patients and their families, particularly families who act as carers.
I understand the concerns about corruption and organised crime.
There are, in fact, already some measures under way.
Let us give ourselves time and not do this during the crisis.
Our resolution rightfully raises the issue of the charges against the leaders of the political opposition, charges that look ever more selective in nature, and insists on a guarantee of the transparency of the investigations and of the judicial process.
This means that, in many situations, GDP can increase while the majority of a country's citizens become poorer, because GDP does not take into consideration the level of inequality in a society.
The next item is the Commission statement on Commission fines in antitrust cases.
That cannot be right.
(FI) I just wish to remind everyone that paragraph 48 in the motion for a resolution concerns Article 29 of the Statute for Members of the European Parliament.
As I said before, however, we do not know who the Nobel prizewinners will be in five or ten years' time.
I voted against Mr Kirilov's report on Cohesion Policy: Investing in the real economy.
We hope that this will be operational by autumn 2009.
Currently, it costs 10 times more to obtain a European patent that is valid in just half of the Member States than it does in the USA.
I think it will be to Europe's shame next month if President Sarkozy and a line of EU Heads of Governments and Presidents and princes stand there and shake hands with the Chinese leaders, thereby giving them credibility when they do not deserve it and giving them the green light to carry on in the same vein as they have been doing.
Parliament's role is quite significant, and I believe that we should have this function too.
In this respect, especially in the field of science and technology, there is still a long way to go, because work has been done in other fields such as health, education, etc., but there has not been a great deal of work done in the field of science and technology.
This is a request that Parliament should be proud to support.
Therefore: 'delete the word "special"'.
Together with the strengthening of national budgetary frameworks and rules, and the implementation of reforms curbing the rise in age-related expenditure, this will ensure that sustainable positions are restored.
If a Member State's military force is found guilty of a war crime during an EU operation, is it possible to suspend that Member State from EU operations for a lengthy period in order to defend the good name and reputation of military forces from the EU Member States?
(NL) To my mind, the Oomen-Ruijten report is yet another missed opportunity to get down to business on the potential accession by Turkey to the European Union.
Article 12 of Regulation (EC) 2004/2003 stipulates that the European Parliament shall publish by 15 February 2011 a report on the application of this regulation and the activities funded.
Work towards convergence as agreed in the IFRS can bring increasing benefits for companies working on an international basis.
The EU financial support will alleviate the hardships Lithuanian workers are facing.
That is where we will need an exchange of data and internal links between the police forces in the European Union.
Given the importance the Presidency attaches to road safety, it will examine any other proposals on these issues that the Commission may present shortly, provided the limited time available until the end of June allows it.
I hope that Europe will take this problem seriously and deal forcefully with speculators.
When opting for a career in science, women face a greater challenge than men do.
You have to play the game of the European institutions.
In this framework, I can give you some more precise answers on the Anglo Irish Bank restructuring plan presented by the Irish Government that will be considered by my services pending a decision.
Mr President, I do not really share your enthusiasm about Frontex.
Finally, I request that the process be speeded up, because the terrorists are constantly revealing where our security is lacking - just as recently in the case of freight transport.
I thank all those who have been involved in the work.
Hangings in Iran (vote)
We must also work alongside local non-governmental organisations.
No.
Over and above the views of economists to the contrary and the numerous views of fellow Members in this Chamber, it must be made clear that Greece cannot leave the euro for legal reasons.
Today, Europe faces further pivotal decisions.
The European Parliament has shown its commitment to this amendment by including in the compromise the key elements of Amendment 46: defence of freedoms, right to a judgment and recourse to a court - the expression most in line with that of judicial authority - and has introduced two additional provisions for Internet users: the confirmation of the Internet's vital role in the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms, with specific reference made to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
(PT) Madam President, four years before the deadline for achieving the Millennium Development Goals, tuberculosis ends 2 million lives every year.
EU parties already cost the taxpayers over EUR 10 million in the 2007 EU budget, and it looks as though the political foundations will get as much again in financial contributions.
Being rather persistent, I want to repeat that there are opportunities here for the EU to make specific investments to help people in developing countries, in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
For years, there has been talk about the need to prepare the car industry for the 21st century, which ultimately did not happen.
I was pleased to hear the Commissioner's response.
We would like to see a major reduction in fishing vessels, and fishing quotas which are set on the basis of biologically safe and scientific grounds.
I also hope that entrepreneurship, particularly as it concerns SMEs, will not just be the subject of our debates during the crisis.
Let us remember that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
Consequently, the Commission should allocate larger sums through the Fund for Rural Development to environmental protection projects in the European agricultural sector, with a clear aim of financing wilderness conservation activities.
in writing. - In favour.
I support the final compromise and congratulate Mr Lamassoure.
This is a mistake and I want to be very clear on this.
The current common agricultural policy (CAP) provides assistance to a delocalised and speculative industrial system of production, which benefits large agricultural operations and not small producers.
In this regard, should such a similar incident - or just a grave deterioration - occur, the Council could take similar measures or even consider a suspension, and the Commission would certainly consider all available options, including suspension.
We should do so most emphatically.
We must treat them all equally.
Accordingly, alternative means should be introduced to enable the Central Bank to become independent.
Parliament has always opposed the hierarchy of grounds for discrimination that has arisen.
The Commission's reports on the ENP not only depict the real benefits of the policy of good neighbourliness, but also its challenges.
It is now time, however, to move from declarations to actions, coinciding with the VI International Congress on Victims of Terrorism, due to be held in Salamanca on 11th, 12th and 13th of this month.
Modesty in that you are absolutely not presumptuous in the role of President of the European Council, and ambition in that you say your role mainly consists in developing a long-term strategy and rolling that out over the coming years.
I am talking here about greater and easier availability of information; of course, this does not mean that groups would no longer be able to hold meetings behind closed doors.
I voted in favour of the conclusion of this fisheries partnership agreement as I believe that it essentially serves the interests of both parties, on the one hand, by allowing the EU access to 4 000 tonnes of tuna per year, a fairly substantial quantity for the EU industry and market and, on the other, by providing the Solomon Islands with substantial financial resources to be partly channelled into the implementation of its own sectoral fisheries policy.
I also support the 'polluter pays' principle.
In its conclusions, the Council encourages the Commission to continue its impact assessment with a view to preparing, if appropriate, an EU legislative proposal on biodegradable waste by 2010.
The next item is the vote.
in writing. - (NL) This proposal is an attempt to take earlier decisions seriously through better controls, better information, secured parking places on motorways and the abolition from 23 March 2009 of exemptions for self-employed workers.
I understand the call for an EU logo but, unless it means something to consumers and adds value for farmers, in my view, it is a pointless exercise.
It will thus also help to create more and better jobs.
As Members will know, falsified medicines are different from counterfeit products.
Nevertheless, this report emphasises that the region includes one of the Union's most vulnerable external borders in terms of illegal immigration.
What is your proposal?
It needs our support and I believe that the information and technical facilities which it has not only help shipping and maritime transport in the Union, but can also help in the other sectors referred to a moment ago, especially as regards, for example, information which can also be evaluated and used by Frontex.
I would point out that paragraph 22 relates to global governance and, in particular, to the composition of the G20, which, unusually, does not include in its ranks any representatives from the least developed countries.
I think that this is a discussion that we need to have.
Madam President, this goes to the core of this whole European Union.
Ultimately, then, we are also dealing with the Kimberley Process itself.
This report will thus allow initiatives to be proposed that will guarantee a European approach to the rules protecting minors when they cross external borders of the Member States.
Irrespective of how colleagues judge this issue, if we want to be good advisers, we must give FYROM friendly, flexible advice.
Last but not least, the European Union must invest in research and in the sustainable development of European industry.
Europe's historical responsibility and opportunity also means assuming a pioneering role in this third industrial revolution.
Our package should be the proof of our leadership in the battle against global warming.
If this statement is true, then it is likely that revenue and employment indicators for sport will be similar in the statistics for individual Member States.
It is an EU that values democracy in its participatory aspects, not reducing it to the formal representational sphere.
I call on you, in this trilogue, to finally live up to a promise you make in this debate about innovation in the motor industry.
I would like to ask Commissioner Dimas: do you agree with Rajendra Pachauri that we should eat less meat?
Responsibility cannot be delegated to industry; responsibility for clear legislation lies with us!
Despite this, I do think it is important for the European Union to seek the application of the International Labour Organisation's rules and agreements in international treaties with third countries, because it seems to me, as we learn more about the labour market and working conditions in Asia, Africa and other corners of the world, that we must strive to ensure that significant improvements are made in the status of workers in these regions and areas too.
First of all, we need to cut off supply.
As Mrs Pack and many others have said, however, both countries - Greece and Macedonia - have to make a move: and this within the next few days.
If Mrs Lulling had done us the honour of staying with us, I could have told her that the question of civil liberties does indeed arise when we are talking about the exchange of sensitive data, but that, in my view, there is a major difference between the data that we can exchange between Member States of the European Union - in other words in the framework of the internal market, and in the service of the internal market - and the data that we exchange with other countries, even friendly countries such as the United States.
But we also know that direct activities on human rights in Burma are hardly possible.
However, I can nevertheless confirm publicly, here and now, that implementation of the Lisbon Treaty would not impose on any Member State any requirements with regard to issues such as abortion, euthanasia and same-sex marriages.
For the sake of transparency, they should disclose certain information, but having said that we need to keep a sharp eye on costs and confidentiality.
Member of the Commission. - Dear members of the Parliament, according to the Treaty the competence for addressing these issues lies with the Member States.
We believe that discussions must also focus on Russia's obligations, and include wider international disarmament efforts, as explicitly recommended in the successful Socialist Group amendment to the European Security and Defence Policy report, also voted today.
Because we believe that these important Fisheries Committee proposals must be reflected in the resolution to be approved tomorrow in the plenary, we are re-tabling a set of eight amendments for which we seek your support.
in writing. - A well-functioning single market would also mean safe products and consumer confidence.
The main task of the EIB as a public institution in developing countries should not only be to invest in heavy infrastructure; another and equally important task is providing capital in times of scarcity, supporting markets where private banks are reluctant.
To force the EU member countries to choose the less attractive option for the sake of a false solidarity, which is not respected by many EU member countries with regard to other, much important matters - like energy for instance - is at least morally wrong, all the more so since half of European citizens are already exempted from visa requirements through earlier bilateral negotations with the US.
Her presence and her ambition must embody that of the Union, the world's biggest economy in terms of GDP, the world's biggest market, the biggest contributor to international aid.
While it is true that the debt burden is often too high, through restrictive economic policies, we will sooner find that there is no return to growth and that the actual debt burden has increased further.
The institutional decision to set up a Council group to focus on humanitarian policy is of course down to the Member States, but I agree entirely with Mr Cornillet that it is vital to establish an appropriate body to tackle systematically humanitarian issues on an equal footing with the Union's other external policies.
As a founder member of SMUG, Sexual Minorities Uganda, he was condemned by a magazine called Rolling Stone, and won his case against them.
European Code of Conduct on Arms Exports (vote)
Its position is quite the contrary, in fact.
(EL) Madam President, Minister, I should like to reiterate once again my appreciation of your honest efforts to answer our questions, but may I say that, from what you have said, you are obviously aware of this incident.
Mr Lukashenko plays in his own narrow field, ignoring the fact that moderate-sized countries cannot behave like that since supranational capital will not allow it.
Written statements (Rule 142)
For all these reasons, we have cause to be satisfied.
There has been nothing of this kind available in the past.
It is also pleasing that citizens of the new Member States are making use of the possibility to lodge a complaint, which is testified by the relatively high number of complaints recorded in previous years.
The reason for imposing political and diplomatic sanctions against Cuba has still not gone away, since 55 of the original 75 dissidents still remain in prison.
The work that was carried out in the Committee on Legal Affairs and the committees issuing opinions that collaborated with it, with the agreement of the Council, under the expert management of the rapporteur, Mrs Rühle, was highly positive.
What about the use of other antimicrobials?
Moreover, we call for the European Parliament to be kept duly informed and receive all available information at every stage and at the end of the process.
What steps will Frontex take to facilitate the development of the agreements concluded by Member States such as Spain?
The problem is that these subsidiaries are separate legal entities.
The right to report cases of maladministration to the Ombudsman, exercised by 3 406 European citizens in 2008, demonstrates an increasing level of dissatisfaction, given that in 2007, the figure was 3 211.
We would ask you to agree to our request to remember this very committed journalist and pioneering fighter for freedom and human rights in Chechnya by observing a minute's silence.
An assessment of the agreement shows that it is relevant in that it helps to maintain the presence of EU fleets in the region while contributing to local job creation.
Now they have collapsed.
However, serious problems, in the resolution of which there has been no progress, still remain.
As in all other areas, when it comes to toys, we abide by the principle that the manufacturer must take full responsibility for a product being in compliance with the law in force.
It is particularly important that any rejection of a visa application must be justified in future, and that all applicants will have the right to appeal against the rejection of their application.
The case-law of the European Court of Justice is only a stopgap measure because we do not have a directive on the transfer of company seats; but, in the form currently envisaged, this European private company would basically reinforce this disintegration - enshrining it in Community law once and for all.
That is purely and simply what we are doing here.
This is where the Commission's work programme for 2009 comes in.
It is thanks to direct universal suffrage that we can rightfully speak on behalf of all Europeans.
This abuse of the right to asylum, contrary to the Geneva Convention, is not mentioned at any point in the report, and with good reason: it is convenient to make the 'white man' feel guilty by reminding him that he was a terrible colonialist and that he now needs to pay for that in every sense of the word.
The prime reason for all this may be that, while prices of other foods have risen, meat prices have not so far followed suit, with the result that consumers are meeting their protein requirements by consuming meat rather than increasingly expensive dairy products.
It would also be extremely useful if the Commission experts tasked with dealing with this issue also include experts of Roma origin.
Later, though, this Directive came to be regarded as very helpful, practical and effective.
This is certainly not the philosophy that we supported when we supported the implementation of the Globalisation Adjustment Fund.
However, bearing in mind the urgency of the situation, we must implement this strategy.
Article 10 of the Treaty of Lisbon states that 'Every citizen shall have the right to participate in the democratic life of the Union.
28% of female researchers in industry and only 34% of women in industry have more than one child.
It comes from the United Nations Human Rights Council, whose members include countries such as Iran, Nicaragua, Somalia and Libya.
My last point is that I believe we have to revisit the problem issue of our identity, our cultural and geopolitical identity, in order to know exactly what the limits of our enlargement are.
This reluctance certainly sets limits on our ambitions, as we need unanimity in the Council.
We would stand accused of political instrumentalisation, and we would be undermining the trust of citizens in our own institution.
In Paris, some young Tunisians who had an Italian residency permit heard the French police say to them: 'This is what we are going to do with your permits', before tearing them up in front of them.
This is a direct result of our traditions and European legal order.
Partial decommissioning aid would be granted to operators who replace larger old vessels with smaller, more energy-efficient ones.
Mutual evaluation process of the Services Directive (
Russia plays a leading role on the international stage.
This explains our position in favour of a consolidated tax base for taxation on companies and the automatic exchange of data between Member States, which has already been discussed.
Fundamental rights are the issue that has been at stake: there is no doubt about that.
Burning off tropical forests to produce biofuels also tilts the climate balance in the wrong direction.
It will advocate economic governance as a goal for the growth of all 27 Member States of the European Union and better coordination between them, with greater economic and monetary union.
A century and a half ago New Zealand had 1 million head of sheep; today it has 40 million.
Therefore, I urge everyone to support this particular paragraph in the report and to support the report in general.
It is time to stop arguing about recent differences and to concentrate on the EU's proactive engagement there.
in writing. - (IT) The strategic attempt to revive European competitiveness, proposed in the Lisbon strategy and reiterated recently at the Competitiveness Council of November 2007, has led the EU to intensify its efforts to enhance European potential for innovation and growth in the face of world competition.
It leads to the traffic moving from the railways to the roads rather than, as your fine grandiose speeches often indicate, from the roads to the railways.
This is why I have proposed that the regions located at the EU border, which have borders with at least two non-EU states, should be regarded as 'platform' regions and supported accordingly.
Are we also going to agree to that?
I am optimistic, however, that this fact will not get in the way of implementing key objectives for the year.
Along with your fellow Members I was able to applaud your good speech, Mr Cashman, because it contains the starting point for what is required now: to open up, to create access.
Madam President, as regards the world financial crisis and the Commission legislative work programme, in a sense, the latter should be our response to the former.
In particular, it will not change the fact that this policy is based on national competence, which the Member States retain in the domain of national security and defence.
The biggest economic benefit would be achieved by having to include external costs as award criteria in all procurement decisions.
I believe that the European Union can play a catalytic role in the democratisation of Turkey by demanding full application of the European acquis without derogations, without self-seeking calculations and without applying a policy of double standards.
We have also participated in the negotiations on the common European asylum system.
If Member States are simply given an additional power to prosecute exporters on a cross-border basis, the Member States will have little incentive to bring an improvement to administrative cooperation.
- On paragraph 4 part 2
He is also threatening moderate Islam in the West and spreading negative stereotypes about it.
We should also support the German pilots' union, Cockpit, which has behaved more responsibly than the management of the airlines by refusing to fly under visual flight rules in European airspace, because it believes that this would be irresponsible.
I have the impression, even though only three Member States do not have an embassy in New Delhi and that only seven do not maintain a consulate in Mumbai, that it was still very difficult - and I will express this very carefully - for affected European citizens to obtain adequate protection.
I have one more question: under what legal provision has the European Union sent the EULEX mission to Kosovo?
Furthermore, the Sepa Direct Debit will only be launched later this year.
I welcome the fact that we are now committed to a target of a 20% share of renewable energy in the EU overall energy mix.
I share the rapporteur's view that the Commission should draw up a detailed report relating to such problems as the additional costs borne by farmers in respect of observance of Community norms in the sphere of environmental protection, animal welfare and food security.
It has repeatedly voted against the integration of the FYROM and other countries into the EU for the same reasons that it is opposed to the integration of Greece.
(PL) Madam President, President-in-Office, it is paradoxical that this multiple crisis that has afflicted the world, including Europe, can also be a great ally, as those who have got used to telling everyone how to run their business bear the brunt of the responsibility for this crisis.
I would, however, make the point that no policy instrument is effective simply because it carries the label 'market-based'.
It undermines borders between states.
in writing. - (LT) I welcomed this document, because the aim of the directive is to achieve a high level of consumer protection and contribute to the proper functioning of the internal market by approximating certain aspects of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning contracts between consumers and traders.
The coalition government in the United Kingdom has promised a referendum in the event of any further transfer of power to the European Union.
The protocol regulating the fishing partnership between the EU and São Tomé and Príncipe expired on 31 May 2010; a new agreement was signed on 13 May and the request for consent was submitted to the European Parliament by the Council on the same day.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, I believe we must see this through so that consumers and banks know what will and will not apply to them in future.
That will not work.
We agreed that this indicator would initially measure linguistic competence in the five most widespread languages in the EU's educational systems: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
All of us come into daily contact with his work, since the Committee on Petitions is the body which Parliament has made responsible for relations with the Ombudsman.
The Commission is assisted by the Member States during the process of revising the lists. Putting a third country on either the positive list or the negative list is their responsibility.
This is a question of providing support for enterprises in the machinery and equipment manufacturing sector in the mid-level region of Nordjylland.
Restitution, that is, the return of confiscated property and the protection of private property, is one element of this.
As the author is not present, Question No 9 lapses.
Given that, over time, all kinds of deposits are going to run out, I believe that we need to invest in scientific projects capable of discovering alternative sources of energy, thereby also guaranteeing the development of future generations.
Everything and more has been chucked into one big melting pot and our citizens are expected to digest this gunge.
The current emergency requires the adoption of a common asylum system, with shared responsibilities including a temporary protection mechanism and much more resettlement on offer.
In addition to the need for new funding, better coordination is also required between the European Union, Member States and regions on research, development and innovation (RDI).
The next item is the report by Mr Guerreiro, on behalf of the Committee on Fisheries, on the proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 639/2004 on the management of fishing fleets registered in the Community's outermost regions - C6-0298/2008 -
Our concern does not, of course, relate only to the European Community, but also to the whole world.
(SK) In my speech I would like to applaud the Commission's initiative relating to the European Citizens Consultation 2009 project.
The President of the Commission will correct me, if necessary.
The fact that those very Member States want to block European agreements by referring to international IMO regulations who have not yet transposed these into national law themselves is sheer lunacy.
A politically integrated Europe including Turkey as a member is not possible.
This is all the more striking if we recall the results of the presidential elections which gave Yanukovych a small majority and demonstrated that he had strong support in the south and east of the country only.
I think that certainly includes the issue of language tests, which are not an obstacle but must be a protective measure for patients.
Even with the amendments that have been included in it, its adoption and the very high costs that it could involve would have grave consequences for some countries, not least Portugal and its National Health Service.
The report also proposes the development of tools to strengthen partnership and new governance.
What can the international community do when the foreign minister in Sudan refuses to provide such help and also declares that the Court has no right to judge any Sudanese citizen and that the Sudanese government will not allow any Sudanese citizen to be tried and sentenced outside of its national courts?
I have duly noted the EP's request to the Commission and Council to adopt a framework decision on minimum standards for the protection of the rights of prisoners and to create a European prison charter.
After the European Council, I am happy to say that we had a very good, substantive debate in which the European Council not only confirmed that it remained fully committed to the targets it had set for energy and climate change, but also backed them up with agreement on precise deadlines.
We fund a large number of projects linked not only to official languages but to numerous regional and minority languages as well.
Madam President, supporters of the common fisheries policy often point out that fish do not recognise national borders.
We must take immediate, concerted action to support the victims.
(PL) Mr President, I would like to give an explanation of vote on the question of combating tobacco smoking, if possible. A very short statement.
Documents received: see Minutes
In the proposed resolution we are concentrating chiefly on product safety, the product being a toy.
In the meantime, I have been informed that an opt-out is evidently included in the directive to simplify the transfer of defence-related products within the EU, so evidently the desire is to have loopholes in the legally binding nature of arms exports.
IAs can thus make a significant contribution to better law making.
Trade policy cannot be immune to this goal.
Let me say it quite clearly: no UNHCR, no agreement.
We could stay here for hours, as the subject is certainly worthy of a great deal of discussion and the thoughts they have shared have been fascinating.
The Commission has actually implemented a considerable number of reforms - it has been shown that 37 very specific points will now be implemented.
Drawing on the experience we gained during the years of the INTERREG Programmes we can conclude that the absence of an initiative-taking structure with its own legal personality has hindered its effectiveness, and we welcome the Commission proposal to establish European groupings of territorial cooperation as instruments with their own legal personality.
Who are the people who are outside the box, and how can we catch them and put them out of business?
Therefore, it is vital that we support farmers in the production of sufficient safe food of the very highest quality.
We also call for recognition of the authorities of the Union of Poles in Belarus and its Chairwoman, Angelika Borys, who were elected on 15 March 2009.
The GDP yardstick does not work as well in this particular area because it is too narrow.
As such, the stands being taken at this time in connection with the creation of European institutions and structures to address such problems, such as, for example, a European monetary fund, are very important.
It is also essential to be able to continue to work effectively to support the Member States and the allies to develop critical military capabilities, building on the successful work we have launched already.
They are linked to economic and social conditions and can be exacerbated because of gender or culture.
The resolution is a basis to create real opportunities for individual and corporate service users from countries such as mine, the Republic of Bulgaria, which are not located centrally within the territory of the EU, to have access to pan-European mobile satellite services, including access to broadband Internet, mobile multimedia applications, services related to civil protection in the case of natural and industrial disasters and, of course, this facilitates improvement in the competitiveness of countries lying in the periphery of the European Union.
They are doing that.
The subject of safety tests for nuclear power stations will play a central role in our discussions with our partners in Russia over the next few weeks.
However, to receive my support, Morocco must first respect human rights and stop oppressing the people of Western Sahara.
I hope that we can hold that course, as these rules will harmonise the environmental requirements for industrial installations across the EU.
The Copenhagen conference on climate change did not produce a solution and did not manage to agree any final resolutions or decisions concerning the scope and scale of restrictions on emissions or the financial means which will be used for this purpose. However, I do not think it was a defeat, although it certainly did not meet the EU's expectations.
In the end, this own-initiative report will do nothing to change the real situation.
Madam President, as one of the co-authors of the motion for a resolution of the European Parliament on the commemoration of the Holodor, theartificial famine of 1932-1933 in Ukraine, allow me, as a member of the PPE-DE Group, to begin by expressing my thanks to all of my parliamentary colleagues who voted in favour of the motion for a resolution.
Mr President, Mrs Malmström, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we are approaching the time when the Treaty of Lisbon will finally be ratified and we are now beginning to consider how the treaty should be implemented.
It should be noted that when the transport sector grows, carbon dioxide emissions also rise rapidly.
(The President cut off the speaker)
The European Union must also consider in which direction it needs to move in order to meet the new challenges and enhance competitiveness, and whether it will be able to harmonise the interests of Member States more successfully and thereby strengthen internal cohesion.
I therefore support the European Youth Guarantee initiative proposed by the rapporteur, according to which all young people in the EU would be offered a job, an apprenticeship or additional training following a period of six months' unemployment.
I voted in favour of this report, which represents an important contribution to the European added value of cross-financing between the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF) in terms of increased flexibility for social inclusion projects and integrated urban development programmes.
There are still other relevant issues between the EU and Canada, such as Union aid, in particular to Haiti, questions relating to fisheries, and environmental concerns.
That is why we say it is important to defend the social clause in all these processes.
I would like to wish him every success in performing the duties which are entrusted to him.
But any legislation is only as good as its enforcement.
Mr President, Commissioner, Mr Savary, ladies and gentlemen, we are here in a parliamentary assembly that is made for voting on texts, Commissioner, and we are above all in a parliamentary assembly so that texts are implemented.
With regard to MEPs' concerns that the issue is sensitive and should be seen in the context of national needs and national legislation, the Commission would like to underline that the Romanian law on international adoptions is the sole responsibility of the Romanian Government.
European consumers shun genetically modified food, and plant-derived genetically modified food that has to be labelled is hardly found in the shops at all.
It is part of a long-hours culture, where you express your commitment to your work by being present, not necessarily by being productive.
Regarding prior authorisation for hospital care, the proposed provisions are based on two kinds of consideration.
In recent times, 173 individuals have been arrested on suspicion of killing or injuring albinos. This indicates the scale of the problem.
Enlargement is one of the great successes of the modern European Union.
Moreover, I'm afraid that the credibility of the whole euro area may suffer if the IMF is to intervene, not to mention the fact that apparently the Greek government has stepped back on IMF intervention since the IMF conditions could lead to social and political unrest in the country.
In spite of already overburdening employment legislation, usually drafted by people with little or no business experience, pay differentials continue for one simple reason: employment is about demand and supply; it is about lifestyle choices; it is often based on priorities, early retirement goals, a desire to live in certain parts of a country or town, pressure of hobbies or sport, or one of those offspring.
(FR) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, all the speakers have rightly emphasised the terrible situation in which the Congolese people, and especially Congolese women, are living in the east of that country.
In some public debate, rights-based management is equated with the employment of individual transferable quotas.
To conclude, it is evident that the protection of human rights and the international conventions must be respected in every phase of foreign policy security and defence operations, from planning to the implementation phase, and this must be achieved, especially, by continuous training for the teams in this sphere.
I would like to congratulate you on that because it shows that you have done very important work.
On this matter my group is divided and it will probably vote two ways.
I should like to state that I endorse the positions taken by Mr Milana earlier and to say that we need to bear in mind that including bluefin tuna in Appendix I will have numerous social and economic consequences, such as bankruptcies and the closure of numerous undertakings, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, job losses and a loss of competitiveness for Europe.
On trade more generally, the summit should send a clear signal that the EU and Canada reject protectionism, recalling our commitment to reaching an ambitious, comprehensive and balanced conclusion of the Doha Development Round.
Finally, during the autumn we will publish a report on the measures, especially those relating to trafficking, taken by the Union to combat child labour.
Furthermore, in the context of an ageing rural population, I believe it is very important to guarantee access to land and credit for young farmers and to maintain reasonable food prices and a sufficient income for farmers.
Decisions concerning certain documents: see Minutes
That date - 35 years after the Helsinki Final Act, 20 years after the Charter of Paris, and 11 years after the Istanbul summit - and the chosen location of Kazakhstan testify to the importance of the event.
In the future, the CAP should to a greater degree respond to social needs, such as job creation and the position of women and young people in agriculture.
They are systemic victims of the extremists.
We express our solidarity with the peaceful Muslims in the Arab world.
However, austerity - especially mindless austerity - and single-minded expenditure cuts are not inevitable.
(PL) Madam President, every debate on the discharge takes place in a certain context.
To do this, we need increased monitoring of the existing law.
It is a country which is a driving force of world growth.
I have received support from everybody, from all the members of the group, including the European Union - there is no doubt about that - but also the other members of the Security Council who are not members of the European Union.
To give a bit of background to the report, the guidelines give direction to the development of the Trans-European transport network.
Personally, I find that this measure is harmful to the priorities of Parliament and is against the spirit of the Treaty of Lisbon.
All of these air agreements are beneficial and necessary for the European Union, our airlines and our citizens.
Now, the overriding issue is for the Council and the Member States to assume their responsibility to make sure that these rules are properly enforced.
The Commission shares the view that these measures have to take account of the need to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
I therefore welcome the forward-looking tone of the report and look forward to discussing its content tonight and in the future as well.
I would like to ask you to welcome our friends from Poland.
We must therefore fight to prevent such acts using all available means.
We have heard a great deal here today, but I would like to draw your attention to a few aspects in particular.
I am saying this because, in my view, these changes became possible precisely because the West initiated a policy of cooperation with the Soviet Union.
We consider it necessary, in fact, to conduct a determined fight against tax havens in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, but in no way limit the further measures taken, in particular, by paying attention to tax treaties.
Lastly, at present, we are worried about the real budgetary threats.
This is a complex and extremely sensitive matter but, generally speaking, it is regulated under the European Directives and the Commission can judge whether or not individual Member States are implementing the legislation correctly or breaching the principle of non-discrimination.
Health claims should only be authorised for use in the Community after a scientific assessment of the highest possible standard, and nutrition and health claims must not be misleading.
The Commission is aiming above all to promote job creation and development in Europe; to make the EU come to grips with the problem of climate change; to bring about a common policy on migration; to give pride of place to EU citizens; and to ensure that the EU acts as a force for good all over the world.
I met the Belarusian Ambassador in London, who reassured me that this time it would all be different, that it would be up to international standards, and that the OSCE would be able to say that it was fair and free.
Disparities in taxation produce distortions that, without exception, run counter to the competitiveness of European companies.
Last week, the Fundamental Rights Agency said that many Member States were failing to properly enforce race discrimination legislation, so I hope that toughness goes on because we really need it.
The rapporteur has called for a ban on trade in eggs which do not comply with the legislation.
Most are prevented from receiving visits from their family.
It is still possible for Member States to have additional requirements, but these should be covered by the single fee proposed for the new electronic platform.
Mr President, reference was made to me earlier by Mr Matsakis and I wanted to respond to it.
I want to see a globalisation that is open, free-trading and flexible, but which is also reforming, inclusive and sustainable.
I would emphasise the need for an EU-level approach to prevent and detect attacks and/or accidents because the threat of CBRN attacks is 'global', and the focus given to the need to strengthen CBRN security if we are to prevent terrorist attacks.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question under Rule 149(8))
Please address the House and explain.
We have been telling them that European space policy can be better accomplished at EU level, and we have been telling them that energy research and the fight against climate change can be better accomplished in the European Union than it could be at Member State level.
Non-democratic regimes remain in perpetual fear, which is why they persecute journalists, imprison and torture them, and even kill them.
The decision concerning the so-called transparency register is not ambitious enough.
To get to that point, we had to be persuasive, and we had to find areas for compromise.
We need to prepare new instruments capable of curbing speculation and restoring the role of the financial sector.
Commissioner, you said that these efforts should continue, and I believe that Parliament which, in a financial crisis, has complied with and, sometimes, anticipated what the Commission proposed, will live up to its responsibility.
Welcome!
(CS) It is true that the lack of a functioning competitive environment in the telecommunications sector makes the adoption of a new regulatory framework a desirable, even a necessary, step.
(EL) Mr President, the EU's budget is the main way to achieve political priorities.
This must therefore be done in dialogue with the Commission and with the Council.
There are still many obstacles to public procurement and trade services, due to legitimate national regulation, and the report proposes removing such obstacles by making efforts to understand the methods of mutual adjustment systems.
We do not know whether or not, under Article 287 of the treaty, we have a positive opinion on the underlying transactions.
I was delighted, Commissioner, with your statement that advances will probably start to be paid at the beginning of May and I therefore assume that these amendments will be published in the Official Journal within a reasonable period of time of two, three or four weeks from tomorrow, so that they can be applied as you said.
The geopolitical dimension of energy security has been so far neglected and it is high time to fill the gap.
Madam Minister, you said that we want to show the world that we can tackle climate change, that we do not just talk the talk at European summits, but that we walk the walk in legislation in the European Union.
Because one thing is for sure - and the Chinese should take note of this - Ai Weiwei will be remembered and renowned long after those who were responsible for his arrest are forgotten.
We really have to take action about that.
No one is talking about a new EU competence here, only a better application of a competence.
in writing. - (NL) Soil protection is very necessary in order to prevent the destruction of natural soil systems, erosion, contamination and desiccation.
In my view, the social status of posted third-country nationals is, and was, adequately described in that directive.
We have a responsibility to adopt a resolution, at least so that we may know this House's position on the case of Aminatou Haidar.
This approach, which looks at the specific nature and purpose of each area where the western stock of Atlantic horse mackerel lives, is the only one that can truly protect all the aims of the CFP.
I believe that experience shows us that open economies are the economies which grow the most and that increased competition always translates into benefits for consumers in the quality and price of goods and services competing on or appearing in the market.
Finally, I would like to refer to the commitment we recently assumed in relation to the Black Sea and countries in that region.
I should therefore like to invite the representatives of this House to attend the commemoration, which will be held on 21 and 22 November.
Europe must think strategically about this important area, in the same way as Washington, Beijing and Moscow do.
Recent developments have shown that, even in those cases where in the last couple of years governments started to show more openness on how public money and resources were spent, they have gone back to a less transparent administration.
The Commission would have us approve a new agreement with Morocco.
Can we obtain an assessment of this?
In order to be competitive in world markets, we have to be innovative, but the redistribution of the main part of our budgetary resources exclusively to that end will de facto discriminate against many countries in Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland.
Its action programme has successfully combined political determination, pragmatism and tactful diplomacy, which are absolutely essential to be able to overcome the crises which have occurred.
This report helps to draw attention to the factors which are crucial in meeting the requirements of the future of research in Europe, in particular, in the context of the objectives assigned by the Europe 2020 strategy.
This Treaty improves the decision-making process, specifically by extending qualified-majority voting to the area of freedom, security and justice;
Mobilisation of Globalisation Adjustment Fund: AT/Steiermark and Niederösterreich from Austria (
It is clear that the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD), which was approved more than 10 years ago, now needs to be reviewed.
16.
The most important issue is the reliability and completeness of statistical data at the level of the European Union, of the Member States, and also, and this I would like to emphasise, of the regions.
Lastly, I support the mechanism implemented, which protects the interests and health of European consumers.
A further project is the planned Green Paper on Agricultural Product Quality.
It had a difficult birth, but was then approved and applied and, while it has had some success in recent years, there have been practical gaps and inadequacies.
It calls for a stimulating entrepreneurial climate, which the Lisbon Strategy can help provide if it is implemented very deliberately.
The appropriate course of action, therefore, would be to put a complete stop to the outsourcing of risk management to private, profit-oriented actors and to create a European public rating agency to give an independent opinion on the quality of the various securities.
A hand of cooperation extended by Europe to Moldova and a greater rapprochement between Chişinău and Brussels will instil greater confidence in the investors in this country.
It is worth pointing out that the Commission's role is to ensure solidarity between Member States and to respect the various interests that exist, not to be divisive by playing consumers against workers, or importers against producers.
Problems and prospects concerning European citizenship (short presentation)
This is a very serious situation for those countries in crisis, but it is just as serious for Germany, Austria and Finland, because taxpayers in these countries have suffered budget cuts and been through serious crises.
That is why I and many others will welcome this vote today on patients' rights in cross-border healthcare.
Parliament has respected the authorised procedures in all their forms: respect for the Financial Perspective, the call for flexibility under the EUR 530 million ceiling and the call for an emergency aid reserve that features in the financial perspective.
I would like to make two comments by way of conclusion.
At the informal January session the Council debated asylum issues and practical cooperation among the Member States.
Madam President, I think when we introduced decoupling, few of us realised the implications of making cross compliance part of the package which farmers now need to comply with.
The EU cannot treat governments that have been part of a coup d'état in the same way as elected governments.
I would therefore like to take the opportunity of asking the Commission whether you can clarify this once and for all.
The first is the Risk-Sharing Finance Facility, which still has some money in it.
(EL) Madam President, the Black Sea is very important to the energy security of Europe.
I will have the opportunity of meeting the Turkish negotiator tomorrow in Prague.
It is inconceivable that the possibility of acknowledging polygamous marriage was mentioned, even only in passing, in a European Union document, particularly a document voted on by the European Parliament.
Mr Saryusz-Wolski has produced a sound report, and it is one that we will support.
Against this background, I think that aid will need to be channelled more towards covering the social and environmental impact.
I am pleased to announce that the Commission plans to launch an EU platform for action on cancer next year to help Member States exchange knowledge and good practice in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
I say this even though I know that the retail market is and will remain more of a local business than a global business.
These are then illegally transported across the border to China.
They are exposed to all manner of hardship and acts of violence, with women and children usually suffering the most.
Therefore, when implementing the budget for the coming year, special attention should be paid to the simplification of those rules and regulations, the improvement of the mechanism for recovering incorrectly paid funds and the introduction of more effective systems for supervision and control.
In so doing, they must strive for consistency with other Community provisions.
It was very important to actually talk to people about such organisations.
The package is also an example of solidarity within the European Union.
It was more than simply a meeting between the Finance Ministers of interested countries. On behalf of the European Parliament, I hereby undertake that we will draw conclusions from this experience for future meetings of this nature in 2008.
It was excessively long and duplicative, but it deals with an important subject.
These were girls from the so-called Polish Service organisation. We saw them shouldering pickaxes and spades and marching joyfully off to work.
Anyway, the last thing the EU should be doing is scoring points against other regions in trade wars at a time of global hunger and financial crisis.
However, I am also certain that, without the rocket attacks on Israel, there would have been no military response.
We urge European economic operators and citizens to save energy while, for the past three days, but this is also true at every plenary sitting, we can see, if the cameras show it, the waste of energy in lighting a chamber the size of a stadium where no more than 40 people are present except at voting time.
(PL) Madam President, the activities of the European Ombudsman give EU citizens the feeling that they have some protection against inappropriate actions taken by EU institutions.
Well, we certainly know it: there is nothing right now.
It has hitherto always been stated that the process of negotiation with Turkey would take place in parallel with the progress of Turkish reforms.
The Polish contractor was prosecuted; they responded by taking the case to court, and the ECJ recently voted in favour of the Polish subcontractor.
This is not the first time that a Member State has impeded European citizens' rights and freedoms regarding sexual orientation under the pretext of non-interference, thus, in effect, encouraging discrimination.
We can see that action is being taken and that things are being done at our request - such as the intervention in the voluntary pension fund - that were absolutely necessary in order to avert the immediate insolvency of this fund in 2009.
Moreover, I object to the reversal of the burden of proof, applauded in this report (paragraph 20), which does not befit any country under the rule of law, while total omnipotence is granted to organisations that are asked to carry out this directive (paragraph 19).
I am not overly surprised that your Commission, Mr Barroso, which has in some ways sidelined the European social agenda during its term of office, which has created an opt-out in relation to the European Union's social and employment priorities and which has yielded by obeying that order given just now by a member of your majority, the conservative European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats, but I do believe that it is truly disgraceful and that, when it comes to coordinating not only recovery policies but also employment policies, it is the workers who are ultimately going to pay the price for this non-Europe.
(LT) Mr President, since the beginning of the term of office, I have been analysing the results of the work of the EU agencies on behalf of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.
Eighty million Europeans are insufficiently qualified and have increasingly fewer opportunities in the labour market.
We must demand that the events be investigated in full by a genuine international commission of inquiry, and that the crimes that have been committed do not go unpunished.
Turkey's accession would prove that constructive, conciliatory, innovative and creative dialogue is possible between East and West.
Since then, the de facto government has adopted repressive measures against the grassroots movement that has been demonstrating in the streets and has introduced a regime of media blackout, restriction of freedoms, persecution, illegal detentions, disappearances and even murders of members of the organised resistance to the coup.
Failure in Copenhagen would be an environmental, political and moral disaster!
On the eve of the 40th anniversary of the Customs Union, I am asking for your political support for the Commission's initiative for a strategy on the evolution of the Customs Union.
The same applies to cooperation with authorities in third countries.
Compliance with rules for driving, working time and rest periods are basic requirements for ensuring road safety and the health and safety of drivers and passengers.
At the same time, we have to respect the right of any democracy, as long as it respects human rights and the non-discrimination principle, to discuss, modify and adopt national laws, without interfering in the debates of national parliaments, without infringing the principle of subsidiarity and without acting or condemning a Member State prematurely.
(Applause)
The adoption of drastic measures to stop practices that are in truth social or environmental dumping, but which would also lead to the destruction of an economic sector in a third country and would therefore cause even greater misery for an extremely vulnerable part of the population is not in line with what we defend.
The implementation of the Nabucco project, the construction of liquefied gas terminals in European ports, investments in safer nuclear power stations, boosting energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy must feature among the joint priority actions aimed at increasing the EU's energy security.
Today we are dealing with two new measures: the change in the management of the quotas and the measure on Article 186, measures which we agree to process urgently, as you have requested.
On this subject, it should be said that all the European Union institutions are working towards this.
in writing. - (PL) I am sorry it has not proved possible to find a new and permanent solution for the distribution of seats in the European Parliament between the various Member States of the Union.
Policy, however, is made up of decisions and choices, and these remain fully in the hands of politicians.
Without their assistance and contribution, I could not have achieved a satisfactory compromise with the Council.
However, perhaps I will have the chance to take the floor under the catch-the-eye procedure and I would like to thank you in advance for this.
My special thanks go to Mrs Creţu who drafted the opinion on behalf of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality.
The second objective relates to CO2 emissions.
Environmental protection and the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies are now global issues that affect the whole of society.
I hope that my fellow Members will tomorrow lend their support in large numbers to an amendment that I have tabled along with a number of other Members.
On the other hand, I see no reason to force this on all Member States.
Like a Tibetan prayer wheel, the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament has been trying very hard for years to make hedge funds, private equity funds and all of the other financial vehicles subject to European regulation.
No less alarming is the fact that the selection and training of recruits for the Afghan police force does not even meet the minimum standards: 90% of the police force is made up of illiterate citizens; and one-fifth are drug users.
Secondly, the Council underlines the importance of moving forward in close cooperation with the Afghan Government towards a single vision within the international community of how to achieve common objectives, ensuring in particular that the actions carried out are coherent in terms of their military and civil dimensions.
May I say that these are two different issues.
I am convinced that when celebrating the next round anniversary of this European house of democracy, we will again be able to celebrate visible progress in Europe.
At the same time, however, several Members have made the point that technological progress is needed, because the new Members States and poorer Member States in particular perceive the use of solar power, wind power or - in the case of my country, where thermal springs abound - geothermal energy, to be extremely expensive.
As a result, all the items on the summit's agenda should be, must be and I hope will be agreed by the Heads of State or Government and implemented following the meeting next week.
But I have talked with the latter, and they politely reject this.
This issue must also be visible at the forthcoming summit.
The cooperation between the two regions and its consolidation represents an objective both for the European Union and for the countries of Central Asia and the Black Sea region.
It is a pipeline; it is oil that passes through it.
We will continue the discussion.
In this context, the recent bilateral agreement between Turkey and Iraq on the fight against terrorism is a welcome step.
It is a little bit too late to note it today.
One thing is clear.
I hope Ministers have used the waiting time constructively.
The aid offered to the countries of the South, to which we owe a climate debt, is not enough.
rapporteur. - (EL) Mr President, I am most grateful to my fellow Members for their comments, to the Council for its comments and to Commissioner Vassiliou for her speech.
With today's vote on the joint motion for a resolution on the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, we wish to give a tangible sign of our commitment as MEPs but, above all, as European citizens.
In the context of the free movement of European Union citizens, adjustment to the market requirements involves knowledge of foreign languages.
The reason why it is better than minimum harmonisation, as some of you proposed to discuss even today, is that we think that it is necessary to lower market-entry barriers for financial services providers, and this is one of the main reasons why this proposal for a directive is going ahead.
They are never born out of an attempt to acquire new competences.
Bring back President Sarkozy, or somebody like Sarkozy, and let us get the Commission properly led, to give people hope and let us start talking about that recovery.
Citizens spoke out against an oppressive regime which has used bullets and killed its youth.
Voting time
The second reason is this: the fact that you pushed SWIFT through the Council just hours before the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon demonstrates a clear disregard for the European Parliament and hence a lack of respect for the citizens.
Many say that nowadays, the most important comparative advantage of these countries is no longer cheap labour but cheap energy.
(IT) Madam President, a new season of rights is upon us, but these rights could have been more widespread.
I very much trust that the Council will give it the highest priority in the coming months.
I will introduce this proposal again during further discussions on this subject.
It is not a matter of revenge, but justice must be done.
The EIB has also played an important pivotal role in the core programme on competitiveness in Europe under which, via the JASPERS and JEREMIE initiatives, the EIB has promoted instruments to give even more essential support to innovation.
As I have said previously, the European Union will benefit if it remains united even in adversity and if it is able to mobilise resources such as the Solidarity Fund as well as systems and methods to avert the causes and mitigate the consequences of these scourges and to provide a flexible, prompt and suitable response to them.
If you have not seen it with your own eyes you cannot imagine how much the people of Gaza are suffering and how urgent it is to reach a peaceful, definitive solution to the conflict.
It will be good for you; it will be good for us, the national parliaments and citizens.
It was a technically complex proposal, and the discussion sometimes became quite heated on the question of what exactly was best for the environment.
Every year since 2007, the EU has spent over EUR 6 billion funding research and development on the continent.
This is due to reduced competition.
We have to recognise that; if we do not, we fail to recognise reality.
The directive will apply to all vehicles purchased by government departments, local authorities and state bodies, with of course the exception of emergency vehicles, rescue and military vehicles.
Thank you
I would also like to highlight the contribution made by the Spanish Presidency and by Dr Matesanz, the Director of the Spanish National Transplant Organisation, because Spain is currently the world leader in terms of donations, with 34.4 for every million inhabitants.
The central role given to consumer policy is reflected in a number of portfolios.
The report also calls for Russia to enter into firm commitments not to use force against its neighbours.
I think that we need to distinguish - as practically all the speeches have done - between coal as a primary energy source and the regulation to govern public aid for uncompetitive coal mines, which is a different thing.
This is why it is justified to vary the budgetary incentives according to the level of blame of the Member States.
The development of different aspects of crime prevention is extremely important at EU level, as is supporting the prevention of, and fight against, instances of national and local crime.
What is more, there has been an alarming increase in frequent and systematic violence against women both during and after conflicts.
Mr President, Mrs Vassiliou, Mr Andor, we had great expectations of the agenda for new skills and jobs.
In the end, although this report is nominally about Russia, in reality it concerns us too.
As you know, there is now a network of political foundations covering five political groupings, and it is unfortunately our experience that these groups are effectively locked out of the implementation of our policies and of support for democracy.
Not only is the pipeline the source of serious environmental concern, but - even more urgently - it is a project that has been overtaken by time.
A set of recommendations is expected by the end of 2011.
13.
Also, there are arguments that the existence of a European fire-fighting force would give a false sense of security to many national authorities, which might neglect the necessary investment required in human resources, in fire-fighting resources and, more importantly, in the prevention of fires and other natural disasters.
The only response to this problem must be economic in nature.
I also insist that we need to demand the freedom of all the political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, in Cuba and the rest of the world, but I nevertheless advise against taking action that has already proved to be a failure for Cuba's progression towards democracy and liberalisation, such as the embargo and the blockade.
The Swedish Presidency is also characterised by the creation of the Stockholm Programme and the decisions taken during the financial crisis, which are truly important, pivotal points in further developments in this endeavour.
Besides, women's salaries are of crucial importance in the family.
Optional and temporary application of the reverse charge mechanism in relation to supplies of certain goods and services susceptible to fraud (amendment of Directive 2006/112/EC) (
However, the report proposes that networks of independent experts should be set up to assess these sanctions, as Mrs Flautre described in her speech.
In order to combat pain, we cannot refuse science the instruments that it needs, including the use of guinea pigs.
The European Union, as the only continent that has seen its CO2 emissions fall since 1990, and as the only continent that has made precise, binding and ambitious commitments for the future, cannot assume the burden of the task on its own.
It is therefore important to ensure that this pact delivers real added value and does not take us away from the essential goals of growth and employment.
Thousands of civilians - EU citizens - living in these areas are subjected to...
The report said that innovation is not only a product, process or service, but also a movement.
Documents received: see Minutes
Showing solidarity with Tibet and the Tibetan people is not anti-Chinese.
(GA) Mr President, I would also like to thank the Commissioner for her comprehensive answer.
The revolutions will only be able to succeed if these two problems are resolved in tandem.
Infrastructure such as new, secure pipelines and additional LNG terminals will remain important.
This is important, because the current crisis conditions expose businesses to an increased risk of restructuring and, under these circumstances, European workers expect us to provide them with additional guarantees, guarantees that will reassure them with regard to their future.
The deployment of EUFOR last year in Congo made it clear how important credible impartiality and independence can be for the success of an operation.
It would show that the EU was willing to ignore major, continual and persistent violations of human rights and of international law.
Ladies and gentlemen, without cooperating with the countries of origin, we will not be able to manage the migratory flows effectively.
This does not make him any less of a hero for many Ukrainians, who rightly feel humiliated by the majority of this House.
Would it not be more effective for the extra money which we want to give Frontex to be allocated to the countries which have the greatest problem with illegal immigration, and also to EU Member States whose borders are part of the EU's external borders?
(SK) If we actually want to overtake the US, Japan and other world leaders in science and technology and if we want Europe to set the tone, then the necessary preconditions must be created.
Tuberculosis comes from poverty and homelessness, and in Member States with lower standards of living this disease is common today.
All measures which separate individual policies, split up funds and divide roles will end in the same failure as the last strategy.
I would urge you all, if you have not read it yet, to read Mrs Badia i Cutchet's splendid report.
Subject: Retaining the economically active population in mountain, difficult-to-access and island areas
Finally, I would like to remind everyone that in the Union there are Member States that are not in NATO and which have their own reasons for that.
There is something that amazes me about you: today you understand everything about what happened, about what was going on in Tunisia three weeks ago.
We also need to carry out sound impact assessments and - this is extremely important - establish a liability system that acts as a deterrent, so that it is in operators' economic interests to guarantee safety.
They need to provide a real insight into the actual scope of irregularities and fraud.
I ask that you kindly provide a single example that shows what new contribution this accession will make to the citizens of Europe in terms of protecting their human rights.
The initiatives will only be able to be implemented, however, if they meets certain procedural requirements or requirements on compliance with the European Union's fundamental values, in order to prevent the instrument from being used for non-democratic purposes.
We must therefore strive to ensure that we create a strong and sustainable CAP that matches the changing nature of the agricultural industry in all Member States.
That concern, Commissioner, has never been greater than when witnessing Commissioner Mandelson's reckless push for a WTO deal at any price, with scant regard for the future of our indigenous agrifood industry.
What you have done is disgraceful!
Mr President, I should like to make one last quick point about the 200 000 displaced Zimbabweans.
I am pleased that the car manufacturers have finally accepted the fact that you cannot re-regulate a market.
in writing. - I voted in favour of this resolution because ensuring that young citizens can travel and work throughout the EU is essential in order to boost competitiveness.
I worked on this resolution when it was with the working group and Parliament's Committee on Regional Development.
Is the Council aware of the financial impact on the European budget?
(HU) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, first of all, thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Hungarian delegation of the European People's Party.
Combating deforestation is the best way of reducing CO2.
Azerbaijan also has made a commitment not to flout human rights and not to impinge on individual freedoms and to safeguard the principles of democracy in its country by participating in the implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership initiative.
Using information provided by infrastructure managers, each Member State would define the rush hour period for the individual country, bearing in mind regional and long-distance freight traffic.
Usually gall bladder removal takes 15 to 20 minutes, but in my case it took three hours because of complications.
In my opinion, we should not start our discussions with sanctions on the Member States, because that would be putting the cart before the horse.
The draft report and the final result were OK from our point of view. Positive because adopted: reduce the gender pay gap to 0.5% by 2020; Member States to implement the principle of equal pay for equal work properly (para.
A lot depends on the approach and the behaviour of the operative field in our industry.
Although the internal market presently works relatively well, it is also true that, on occasion, errors or problems of interpretation arise with respect to the rights of members of the public and firms who attempt to make the most of the advantages that the internal market provides.
If we get the new fisheries policy off the ground, for example, then we will have a great deal of catching up to do as regards species that need protecting.
Let us suppose that a competition for European Union staff discriminates against Hungarian lawyers, for example, for some technical reason or any reason at all.
The changes to the categorisation during the next period will highlight this fact.
We are today at the preliminary stage of this mechanism: we must therefore remain alert and prudent.
The economic partnership agreements being negotiated at the moment could be a good instrument for this, provided - and I stress this point - they have sustainable development at their core and provided they are more than just European trade agreements.
When the project is complete, we will assess the outcome.
I would carry this idea further, when talking about the creation of the European Systemic Risk Board that we are all working on now.
First of all, Qimonda is capable of ensuring a crucial technological advance for the European Union in terms of semiconductor technology and nanotechnology.
Employment and the whole of the social dimension were main topics of a number of discussions.
Once again, we are witnessing the sort of practical wisdom that results from experience.
Pursuant to Article 325(5), the Commission, in cooperation with Member States, each year submits to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the measures taken for the implementation of that article.
It will also promote a new sustainable city, desirable for all, a model that meets the environmental, energetic and socio-demographic challenges, but one which places the living environment and the well-being of its inhabitants at the heart of our concerns.
President-in-Office of the Council. - Well, as you said, it is important to evaluate this properly and see what is being done; what the results have been.
They will, in particular, be looking to reinforce further the controls at their borders and to improve cross-border police cooperation as well as their systems for the issuing of visas.
That is why it is a disappointment.
They are applying for asylum and Lithuania is demanding their extradition.
This, Mr President, is certain: the message of the anthem of Madeira has been mentioned here, but I have also drawn a lesson from the anthem of Portugal, which proclaims, 'heroes of the sea, noble people, brave nation'.
The figures relating to their economic growth are really very negative.
A typical example is the insistence on full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the pseudo-court that was set up by the American and European imperialist bullies to try the victims of their wars and crimes in the area, and that was used to destroy the former President, Slobodan Milošević.
I call on Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia to ratify the Convention on Cluster Munitions without delay and help bring an end to the use of cluster bombs.
Furthermore, there should be no way to avoid the requirement to notify government authorities in the event of an accident.
We must explain this to the countries which are obviously the subject of today's debate.
On 26 October, the European Union took part in a debate at the Security Council to mark the 10th anniversary of resolution 1325.
(PL) Mr President, as a member of last year's parliamentary delegation to Turkey, I had the opportunity to see for myself the progress Turkey is making in the process of integration with the European Union.
(EL) Mr President, with all due respect to you, I hereby request that you provide us tomorrow with a list of all those who asked to speak for one minute based on two criteria: firstly, that they did not speak during the previous plenary and, secondly, the time at which they filed their request.
Our committee was able to witness in Antwerp how only one half of one percent of containers are checked each day.
Do we want to go back to Nice?
Tractors placed on the market under the flexibility scheme (
We are peripheral nations.
This absence of information is a cause for concern.
How much of that procurement is actually spent on investigating, researching and encouraging the development of new solutions to the big challenges that public authorities and indeed society face every day: a better health service, a better transport solution, dealing with climate change, more energy efficient buildings?
This will raise a question mark over food supply security in Europe.
I agree with the previous speaker who said that the Commission needs to be appointed.
The citizens, above all, must receive assurances that the European Union will help them, so they feel protected, both directly and indirectly.
We will also continue to promote the health and safety at work of workers and the reconciliation of work and family life.
We endorse this report because it clearly sets out the challenges facing the EU's maritime policy, namely a significant increase in maritime traffic, both inside and outside the Union, without sacrificing the environment or social issues.
I voted against it because it clearly professes faith in neoliberal economic policy.
I hope that it will be done during this European Parliament term, before the 2009 elections.
Regardless of the differences existing between individual Member States, the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy has improved the growth potential of the European Union as a whole.
The EU has been dismayingly ambiguous regarding Bahrain, in particular.
The common budget, which is usually important, is nowadays a crucial source of funding for stopping the accumulation of adverse effects.
If we want to achieve a strong preventive effect, the Member States must make it a criminal offence for anyone to knowingly use the services of victims of trafficking.
Deposit-guarantee schemes have therefore been of crucial importance in protecting investors from the worst of the financial crisis currently assailing the world economy.
Women in rural areas, especially young or middle-aged ones, could develop independent economic activities if they had access to bank loans and I believe we should discuss the opportunity of establishing a bank that would grant micro-loans in rural areas.
Can we have some people actually at airports looking at what the airlines do?
You can see the consequences in the Directorate General for Agriculture's recently published report - which you can find on the internet - where there are three different scenarios.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, four out of every hundred citizens in Europe go abroad for treatment; in my view, however, health tourism is symptomatic of local shortcomings and a lack of services.
Above all, it tells us that we need to organise a rapid exit from nuclear power and to focus our attention on renewable, alternative power sources.
But it is when it comes to Ireland that I really get interested.
The recommendation calls on the Member States in particular to 'recognise the individual's basic right to resources and social assistance sufficient to lead a life that is compatible with human dignity as part of a comprehensive, consistent drive to combat social exclusion'.
As far as national initiatives are concerned, it is true that certain Member States have already taken some or plan to do so.
I will give you 30 seconds, but I warn you that it will be 30 seconds only, as a gesture of goodwill, because these really are the last few moments of the parliamentary term.
Mr President, I rise to make a statement about the plight of hundreds of thousands of airline passengers in Europe in the 10 days before Christmas and the chaos in the arrangements for transporting them and their baggage to their intended destinations.
The Greens insisted on the promotion of 'cultural cooperation' instead.
It is important for the European Union to offer its full support to the panel of 'eminent African personalities' appointed by the African Union and headed by Kofi Annan.
How is the European Union involved?
One evening when I was watching television, a quarter of all the advertisements were for over-the-counter pharmaceutical products.
However, in order to ensure that aircraft operators with varying initial positions and growth trends, are treated equally, we ought to reserve part of the quotas for aircraft operators with rapidly growing capacity.
I have similar comments and I share the quandary of most of you who have spoken, today.
I agree with the rapporteur that small enterprises are an essential source of growth, employment, entrepreneurial skills, innovation and cohesion in the EU.
On the issue of developing countries, we are committed to addressing this issue effectively, as I said in my opening remarks.
And I think it will be wise, since we have the European Council on 4 February, to address these issues there.
I am convinced that informed, attentive consumers can influence very much the production of prepared food in the European Union.
I hope this message will be passed on to Mrs Dati, who unfortunately is absent from this priority debate, which we are very disappointed about.
We did not build Europe for competition alone; we are together for values, we have a project for society, we have a model of society - economic, social, sustainable, human - and that model deserves to be taken up, carried forward and defended.
One of the greatest difficulties we have is time - how much time to spend - and I want to make sure that we are using the best possible time in discussions with you.
We must not forget that the most important partnership of all is the partnership between the European Union and its citizens.
The existence of general legislation on motor vehicles covering general aspects would probably suffice, without the need to reproduce directives relating to each of these areas, as happens now, examples of which are: the suppression of radio interference produced by agricultural or forestry tractors (electromagnetic compatibility); driver-perceived noise level of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors; rear registration plate lamps for motor vehicles and their trailers.
We are very pleased - we have emphasised this and hope that it comes across in this report - that the Court of Justice has annulled the article of the Asylum Procedure Directive concerning the creation of the concept of 'safe third countries' and a common list of safe third countries.
Obviously, both of these elements were agreed in the framework of the 2 °C target, which was included as the starting point in the outcome of the climate conference.
However, all that is due not to Rule 51 itself, but rather to the very short deadlines that we gave ourselves in order to have a document that we could submit to the Council summit taking place on 10 December.
I am particularly happy to see long-awaited progress towards a free trade area.
I agree with the Members who have said that we are poorly prepared for natural disasters.
They lack social protection, their risk of poverty is high, and in the event of a divorce they become complete outlaws from the point of view of social protection.
The Hungarian Presidency will withstand every effort to the contrary.
I am asking the Commission to look into the possibility of managing the European funds committed to Iraq for as long as Iraqi Christians remain targets of violence, kidnapping, murder and bomb attacks.
In the meantime, ship dismantling could reach maximum levels in the next ten years, precisely because of the new rules banning single-hull vessels.
In 2005, the Republic of Croatia asked to participate in the activities of the EMCDDA.
This instrument must respond with financial aid to situations of extreme drought, fire and flooding, not forgetting under any circumstances the victims who need immediate help and assistance.
After all, I am not demanding a large amount of left-wing criticism or self-criticism, but what we are demanding, time and again, as Martin Schulz recently made very clear, is the strengthening of the social dimension and scrutiny of all Commission projects in terms of their social impacts.
Does my friend, Nick Griffin, a true British patriot, take offence at the fact that, for us, Joan of Arc is a national heroine?
Many arguments put forward by fellow Members - be it Mr Kasoulides, Mr Brok, Mr Zaleski or others - are thoroughly worthy arguments.
Mr President, your recent joint statement after the EU-US summit was the first statement in a long time where the Commission exhibited gravitas, optimism, power and solidarity, and also coherence.
What is to be particularly welcomed in this connection is the fact that the Member States are to be given more flexibility in transposing the proposal.
I think that we must develop relevant indicators to enable us to introduce minimum income schemes in Member States, thereby ensuring an adequate standard of living fostering social integration and promoting social and economic cohesion throughout the entire European Union.
Violence has been used in the past to settle differences and has once again triumphed over dialogue.
What we are putting to the test right now is the inefficiency of not having binding targets and, using the step-by-step method, we are putting off making a change until the future.
Ireland said 'yes' to the Treaty 16 months after its resounding 'no' which generated equal concern among all the governments in Europe.
I agree with what Mr Lamberts said: right now, the Members of the Council are not giving us a great European perspective on financial supervision.
There is no room for these in the regulation.
And yet we persist in putting sticking plaster on deep wounds.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, at my stage in life, I do not get very surprised too often, so I am not the least bit surprised at what goes on here in the European Parliament and the views of some people.
It is necessary to check whether Union funds are being well used, whether these institutions are meeting the objectives outlined for them, and whether any resources are being wasted.
Finally, I recommend that everyone becomes more familiar with national legislations.
Finally, is the Council satisfied that existing safeguards in the financial services arena provide adequate protection to consumers, particularly those who have purchased financial products outside their 'home' Member State?
Many have criticised you for making this package too ambitious, and others for its complete lack of ambition.
What measures will be taken to safeguard these sectors, doing more than mitigating the effects of getting rid of jobs?
Adjournment of the session
I am convinced that cooperation on energy policy matters cannot be turned into a foreign policy weapon.
I am glad that we will have the possibility to come back to this debate, because there are no simple answers.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
For this reason, I completely support the Parliament's demands that victim assistance should be unconditional and that more forceful methods and more severe penalties should be adopted, as Mr Barrot has just told us.
The specific problem that Erika Mann asked me about on bananas is included in the interim EPA - a guarantee of duty-free, quota-free access in that case.
I am much more afraid at home, in Prague, where I see tourists barely managing to dodge the cars, and I prefer not to cycle at home anymore.
Many people in the European Union enjoy online gambling.
It also does - and I agree with the Commissioner - contain group supervision.
It is the case that, in waiting for the implementation of a genuine common diplomacy and a genuine European defence policy, European soft power and its cultural diplomacy are some of the few means of influence at our disposal.
Our basic rule book in the European Union, the treaties signed and ratified by Member States, can only ever be modified by the unanimous agreement of each and every single one of those Member States.
Therefore, account needs to be taken and due consideration given to this right now.
I would like to express my compliments, in particular, to the shadow rapporteurs and members of Parliament, as without their support I would not have been able to achieve this result.
Parliament's annual report on human rights - this year in relation to 2009 - is a point of reference for all those interested in the issue.
I, like a number of others, am referring to the 60-tonners or gigaliners or whatever we call them.
author. - Madam President, I shall be fairly brief.
Secondly, I would like to draw your attention to the national parliaments.
It is certainly not prudery on my part, moreover, if I say to you today that I have reservations about this aspect, as an image of a naked body is a very private matter, and I want people to have the opportunity to decide whether or not people are to see them naked.
I suspected it to be the last, and the Hadley Centre, the UK's leading authority on this subject, confirmed that it is the last graph.
The imperatives of climate change, the realities of migration, and the risk of worldwide poverty: all these are clear challenges.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, this debate confirms the broad common understanding between Parliament and the Commission on the way forward and on the need to improve our policies and programmes, bringing added value to EU citizens.
We think this creates a whole host of problems.
If I understand rightly, according to the Treaty, or what used to be called the Constitution, we ourselves do not have the right of initiative in the area of legislation.
My specific request to the Commission today, and to the Council, is to accept that we need a dynamic process for making progress with regard to services of general interest, particularly social services of general interest.
Secondly, I believe that the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania and Kosovo also deserve visa-free travel as soon as possible.
This report, like those concerning the rules applied to tractors, is aimed at undertaking the codification of Directive 80/720/EEC of 24 June 1980, which concerns the harmonisation of Member State legislation on the operating space, access to the driving position and the doors and windows of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors.
To this end, the main aim of broadening the scope of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund and streamlining the European Social Fund is to respond to the many situations of social and economic emergency that require support.
This is merely a first step.
Perhaps this is also the time to ask: what are the toxic assets and what are the obstacles to our peacemaking, our raison d'être?
I would like to ask the Council and Commission Representatives here whether they are prepared to take measures against those who violate human rights, in the manner indicated in Parliament's resolution of 16 December 2010, which called for an asset freeze and visa bans on those 60 officials implicated in the case of Mr Magnitsky, who unfortunately died in prison in Russia.
Fortunately, the Lefrançois report is here to restore the self-evident values of a democratic society to this crazy framework decision.
The first is that an overwhelming majority of this Parliament wants to bring about a quick ceasefire.
Firstly, measures to introduce higher standards of animal protection at the time of killing should obtain financial support from the European Union.
I know that the problem of multiple discrimination is fundamental to you.
An isolated debate could lead to the decline of the business location and an increase in the number of people out of work.
Rights are regulated by public bodies; specifically in the European arena we have institutions, namely the Commission, the Council and Parliament: the Commission with its power of initiative, the Council and Parliament through the codecision procedure.
It is exactly from the perspective of differentiation that we must view quality policy, which is capable of offering a product and of placing on the market a product that differs from that of the competition, a product that can also be sold without precise and specific reference to a price that is lower by comparison to the competition.
Together with other institutes like the Maritime Institute we will be able to promote the necessary research throughout Europe so that the blue revolution we speak so much about can come to fruition and support our plan.
Now, all that remains before us is the last home stretch, the final 10% of the problems referred to by several honourable Members during these debates.
This is good progress.
We need to assist these people.
To conclude, the rapporteur would like to thank her colleagues for their support and cooperation, in particular Mrs Westlund and Mrs Drčar Murko and all the shadow rapporteurs, as well as the Slovenian Presidency, for their hard work.
in writing. - (LT) I voted in favour of this report.
My view is that we would have achieved a first-reading agreement even if we had not gone through this particular process.
However, I would like to expressly state that I disagree with and I am not bound by and therefore voted against Amendment 9 to paragraph 40 of the text, which was tabled initially by the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance and supplemented by the rapporteur.
In light of this, I ask you: has the Commission studied the repercussions of these austerity policies, which you push for and pressure countries into following in order to get out of the crisis?
I would like to address you quite personally, Commissioner Dalli, for you will recall that we invited you along to meet with the Committee on Petitions and discuss the matter.
On the contrary, optimism is based on acknowledging reality.
New ambitious commitments have been undertaken to drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions and to use renewable energy sources by 2020.
It has an economic dimension but it is also a vehicle for conveying meaning and substance.
in writing. - (FR) For once we were tempted to vote in favour of a report on VAT by this Parliament.
From a political point of view, though, this change is of the utmost significance.
It was from this point of view that, in order to formalise our intentions, we tabled an amendment specifically to ensure that sustainable development criteria are taken out of the LIFE programme but included in all the other areas.
I believe that the European Parliament and its President and of course the Portuguese Presidency should take a stand on this issue, bearing in mind that refusing to allow a visit by one of the Members of this House, in this case myself, is a violation of human rights and also demonstrates a lack of respect for this House.
However, as the resolution points out, it is worrying that there is new legislation seeking to retain it for adultery.
On 22 October, the Committee on Constitutional Affairs adopted a report expressing willingness to compromise with the Council to pave the way for the rapid adoption of the proposed regulation.
Mr Lax has done a great job.
European political parties, which play an important role in shaping democracy in the EU, should be given a common and uniform legal statute.
I think we have to say that such a long lead time makes it unlikely that this can have had an impact on the price level that we see today.
Moreover, the ambition of the CFSP, in this case in Georgia, will be judged against our courage finally to send peacekeeping forces to stabilise a region that we have included in our neighbourhood policy.
In countries that place economic interests first, of course it is convenient to secure essential labour by adapting the laws, and hence the regularisation measures occasionally adopted en masse by national governments, without worrying too much about the concern that this causes, while the other Member States attempt to control migratory flows.
For the reasons mentioned, I support the proposed report.
The Commission has been active in helping the Moldovan Government achieve as much as it can of its ambitious reform programme over the last year.
(RO) Mr President, the international community is looking almost helplessly on as the human rights situation deteriorates in Iran.
Questions which have not been answered for lack of time will be answered in writing (see Annex).
Can you guarantee that the free trade agreement will not be put into force until Parliament has approved this procedure and only after Parliament has exercised its rights and adopted the safeguard clauses?
That is not the priority for employees; what they seek and demand is respect for their fundamental rights.
The problem showed itself in fact when the new countries gained accession.
The European Parliament has a duty to protect the personal rights and privacy of European citizens if these are infringed.
But I can tell you that, from what I know of the discussion in the Council, the various fears about going for complete unbundling were simply motivated by strategic concerns in some countries.
We will not permit this under any circumstances.
In a letter dated 29 April 2009, the two co-chairmen of the Conciliation Committee informed Parliament and the Council of Ministers that it was not possible to come to an agreement on a joint text within the deadline specified in Article 251(5) of the EC Treaty.
What is the state of play as regards the impact assessment which is to be concluded in 2008?
When a country chairs the Council of the European Union, we believe that it should not implement its own priorities, its own goals simply as a country during that Presidency, but must go further and must be capable of representing Europe's goals.
We deleted the name 'Macedonia' in order to avoid trampling on some people's sensibilities, including those, I believe, of the President.
I would firstly mention the controversy about works of art, a controversy which was favourable to artists, but not to the Presidency.
However, we know we are responsible to our citizens.
If you ask me about the general mood regarding any type of admission into the Schengen area, then we all know that it would be difficult to say that the European Union is currently in a particularly welcoming mood.
While a vast number of people, regardless of their religion or belief, adhere to universal values, there have always been individuals who try to prove that their culture, their religion, their language or their history is superior to that of their neighbours.
Instead of concerning ourselves with quotas, we ought really to be focusing on women who are oppressed and discriminated against.
I would even dare say that when most of these problems are resolved, it will mean that a large number of the problems we are faced with now as a European society will be resolved.
I see very significant possibilities for the new technologies, in the sense that they enable the decentralised production of hydrogen to take place; also, if solar technology is involved, it is actually possible to disperse production of, and reduce dependency on, the currently known energy sources.
Time is running away.
In the UK, a state body has been pursuing a civil action against our own party, with the express purpose of closing us down.
The debate is closed.
I voted for the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) in favour of Germany because I consider that instrument to be a valuable resource for the support of workers in difficulties on account of the economic crisis.
Therefore we cannot vote in favour of the regulation at this time.
Once again we all agree: something must be done.
(ES) Madam President, I should like firstly to congratulate Mr Siekierski on what I consider to be an excellent report, which has garnered a lot of support within the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.
Allow me now to say a few words about the proposal by the USA related to the prohibition of the international trade in polar bears.
Firstly, a central element of the 2011 budget is the focus on young people.
But, over the last two years, it has taken a number of significant steps to open up to the outside world.
Therefore, I would recommend that, if you want to be a credible EU opponent, at least read the papers on which you are going to make comments.
There is the risk that the EU funds managed by NGOs will not produce concrete results.
2008 discharge: EU general budget, European Parliament
We have tabled two or three amendments.
Nature's goods is our most precious commodity, and something that is very difficult to regain once it is lost.
These issues must be taken care of by the respective Member State.
Hospital patients and farmers are at particular risk of exposure to resistant bacteria.
Can international humanitarian law be said to exist, when the Israeli army forcibly moves Palestinians to a house which it shells intensely the next day?
Our grounds for this are that we strongly distance ourselves from all forms of registration and processing of data on racial and ethnic origin.
Parliament has therefore spoken out in favour of greater justice and greater efficiency in the processing of asylum procedures.
Based on my personal experience with the totalitarian regime in Slovakia, I do not believe that a totalitarian leader is capable of transforming himself into a democrat in heart and mind.
Dozens of young people who were using Internet forums to express their opinions were investigated and threatened with criminal records in 2008.
The field of printing and reproduction of recorded media, which forms part of the graphics sector, has been particularly eroded in the Netherlands, as shown by the various applications to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF).
We are right to go for an ambitious trade agreement.
It is no coincidence that the European Parliament has already spoken out on more than one occasion - most recently in the resolution on toy safety of September 2007 - in favour of tougher market surveillance.
The report does not demonise moderate consumption of wine (except in the specific case of pregnant women), which is part of our culture and traditions, but addresses alcohol abuse.
During the Falklands crisis, Mrs Thatcher successfully reprieved the Ark's sister ship, HMS Invincible.
The autonomous region in the north of Iraq - Kurdistan - should have its own development.
We must call for a serious debate on the various forms of expulsions and the supposed reasons for them.
Mr President, the presentation of this report on the activities carried out by the European Investment Bank is part of an annual democratic exercise which comes under the responsibility the Bank has to the European Parliament.
This case was about responding to a request for assistance from Germany for redundancies in the telecommunications sector, especially among Nokia GmbH workers, which fulfilled the eligibility criteria set out in the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund regulation.
I therefore call on the new High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Ashton, on behalf of the EU, to apply a great deal of pressure to both parties to the conflict and ask them to review the crimes.
I too should like to congratulate the rapporteur on his very good and substantial report and to ask the European Commission not to waste any time or effort in preparing the action plan.
In other words, by applying the reverse charge VAT system, there will not be a negative balance, as no one will apply for a VAT refund and I feel that it will be very easy to administer this scheme, as state tax inspectorates will very easily be able to reveal the difference in the prices of goods.
I would like to end with the following thoughts.
Again it is very difficult to decide between multilateralism and bilateralism.
Questions which have not been answered for lack of time will receive written answers (see Annex).
That is why the sole and decisive criteria for Turkey's accession to the European Union must be its compliance with the principles of the rule of law, legislative confirmation of civil and minority rights, and respect for all the Member States of the European Union.
(DA) Commissioner Rehn, in my headphones, you were translated as saying that the journey is just as important as the destination.
We can do nothing more and nothing less than that.
There is also the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, which plays a key role in assisting the Commission to enforce its task; and there is a Council of Europe Charter for Regional and Minority Languages and the framework convention for the protection of national minorities.
However, to date we lack a precise set of criteria to which we can refer.
It will provide, for the first time, a clear statement of EU policy regarding humanitarian aid.
Under any rules of good practice, if a toy is not demonstrably safe or is actually dangerous, such labelling is not only abusive but downright fraudulent.
If EIB loans went towards new energy and environmental technology, that would meet the world's real needs at the present time more successfully.
I would just like to say that I still have one more very important issue to cover, which is the role of civil society and national parliaments.
(ES) Mr President, I shall begin by congratulating Mrs Járóka on defending the Roma population within European Union institutions.
I voted in favour of the Parliament resolution as I agree that it is vital that the EU is able to use all of its external instruments within a coherent structure, and that the provision of budgetary resources in 2010 in order to establish this structure, in its initial phase, is the political purpose of this report.
First of all, we need vigilance for the immediate resolution of the crisis in Greece and elsewhere in Europe.
International criminality is growing ever stronger.
(SL) Thank you, Mr Medina Ortega, for your supplementary question.
This Agreement is therefore an important step towards opening up the market to airlines from the EU and Canada without any discrimination.
Controlled fishing is always better than uncontrolled fishing.
In any event, ladies and gentlemen, I am convinced that there is a solid basis for a final agreement, and that together we will find a sound solution for all the people of Europe.
I believe that we must ensure that we provide consumers with correct information about the origin of products in order to support European agriculture.
From our point of view, an urban agenda should prioritise better distribution of the population in the territory of certain countries, particularly in Portugal, relieving the cities by valuing rural areas and properly remunerated farming; spreading productive activity across the country; valuing quality public services in rural and urban areas; combating unemployment; defending jobs with rights; valuing salaries and pensions; and combating poverty.
(FR) Madam President, like many of my fellow Members, I fully support the report by Mr Coelho, who I sincerely thank for the excellent work he has accomplished.
This means we need flexibility.
It is my view that it is the application of the original legislation and not the legislation itself that is the problem.
My colleague, Geoffrey Van Orden, has written to Mr Barroso and Mr Van Rompuy about this matter.
The United States, China, India and ... the United Kingdom?
Madam President, I congratulate my colleague Ms Ana Gomes for her work and her comprehensive and realistic assessments.
However, I have some comments on the amendments that have been tabled to this specific and limited proposal.
I voted against granting discharge in respect of the 2009 general budget of the Council because the Council has refused to respond to questions from Parliament on this topic and has failed to provide the essential documents that Parliament has requested.
The choice in itself is important since the Tunisian PM wanted to give a clear message of the path he wishes his country to take.
I call on everyone in this Chamber to recognise that.
In spite of that, the dismal human rights situation still persists.
Eurobonds need to be issued and the euro area must be protected in a sustainable way through European, not intergovernmental, systems.
I should like to register my strong protest against this state of affairs, and also mention a situation that is gaining notoriety in the United States.
What is going on here is the dictatorship of the new proletariat taking shape in the new Union.
I welcome your announcement of the package of documents to be launched during the mandate of this Commission but, as you have only two years left, I wonder, is this more in hope than expectation that the entire list of the concrete actions will actually be implemented by you?
For people over 50, which also concerns me, such a policy creates a wider range of opportunities to react to changes in the labour market and adapt to the situation without major repercussions.
This is why I cannot agree with Mrs Ashton that the world will hear one, clear voice from the EU.
That is the thinking.
Also, the Black Sea Synergy carries strategic importance.
I also agree with the Commission's proposal of an alternative to unused European Social Fund resources as a source of payment appropriations for mobilising the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), following Parliament's frequent reminders that the EGF was created separately as a specific instrument, with its own objectives and deadlines, and that it is therefore necessary to identify appropriate budget headings for transfers.
Action taken on Parliament's resolutions: see Minutes
Others are fretting about not being able to benefit more from the protective shield provided by the euro.
We are all aware of the added value of the policy which, above all, represents an opportunity to combine military and civilian capabilities, although in practice, as highlighted by the report, much remains to be done.
This anti-discrimination, fundamental rights, access to justice component is not included as a specific component in its own right.
We cannot allow financial speculation to continue causing uncontrolled price rises and global food market volatility.
My group calls on you to ensure that Parliament is fully involved in all of this and we expect you take seriously your promise to support small and medium-sized businesses and to improve environmental protection, the sustainable use of resources and food security.
No significant changes were made to these protocols against the previous period, with the concessions for Iceland remaining unchanged and those for Norway only increasing slightly.
I believe that it is vital for concern about climate change not to be a one-off commitment, but for us to take into account the importance of preventive action in all the measures adopted by the EU, especially those linked to development aid.
The next item is the report by Bárbara Dührkop Dührkop, on behalf of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, on the initiative of the Federal Republic of Germany with a view to the adoption of a Council Decision on the implementation of Decision 2007/.../JHA on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime (11563/2007 - C6-0409/2007 -.
We should not now lapse once again into a debate on this very serious topic, a debate that divides us more than it unites us.
The public-private partnerships proposed by the Commission are therefore an excellent solution. They represent a new option for the pharmaceutical research sector.
I would like to say something more about this.
in writing. ? (PL) Caring for the environment is a duty incumbent on us all.
Talking about political parties at European level without talking about funding would be pointless.
That is why we transport politicians are urgently interested in a solution, because our stated target, namely that Marco Polo should help to displace 60% of the increase in road freight traffic, is now a long way away.
The right to live in peace and with a sense of security is an EU priority.
This also holds up payment of contributions from the Fund, to the detriment of the workers, because some Member States are reluctant to advance payments for training, job-search assistance and other measures.
My political group has been calling for months for the adoption of urgent measures to try to save thousands of farmers threatened with ruin.
They can introduce solutions which will make the goals of cohesion at subnational level achievable.
Climate policy cannot stand alone, but needs to be incorporated into all of our legislation.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the regulation on European private companies that we are about to adopt completes the framework of the types of companies that are to be regulated at European level.
Thank you, Commissioner, for that comprehensive answer.
(The President cut off the speaker)
I am rather worried about one matter concerning the report, although I did vote in favour of it.
The next item is voting time.
One of the recitals now states that this is possible, and I hope, of course, that the Commission will bring forward a new proposal at a later date, as I believe this is necessary.
I would like to try and answer some specific questions.
Earlier this year, the Commission presented a draft recast Financial Regulation.
The ban on abortion does not reduce the number of such procedures carried out.
They require the next step to be taken towards integration.
Mr President, Mr Dess, honourable Members, this report has come at a pivotal time, just as the Commission is drafting detailed legislative proposals that it plans to present to Parliament and the Council in October.
This outcome fills every European citizen with concern.
The European Commission has stated that Spain has made good progress in implementing its national reform programme, has reached a level of employment 66% higher than the European average three years ahead of schedule, increased investment in research and development (R&D) and has recorded surpluses in all budget years.
Fiscal sovereignty must remain the responsibility of the Member States.
A European Parliament delegation was even banned from entering.
Unfortunately, the immunity system has turned into a party political issue.
The overblown fantasies of NATO as the world's police force have been discarded and that certainly represents a certain amount of progress.
Parliament's negotiations with the Council have to be realistic and pragmatic, and also ambitious, if the future law, when it comes into force, is to really fulfil and promote the values of the proposal that was voted upon in plenary this week.
The European Parliament resolution calls on the UN and the International Criminal Court to investigate whether the Sudanese President's latest decision constitutes a war crime under international law.
I am concerned, however, that conditions are presently being created for accepting a medium-sized country with a significantly industrial infrastructure and that later on, when the larger countries want to join, this will lead to rebates that we will no longer be able to justify.
The European Union cannot be absent from and left out of new concepts such as macro supervision, systemic risks, global financial stability, and the need to participate in global economic governance.
The Court also found some weaknesses in the Commission's conformity clearance in agriculture.
The African Union condemned the events and decided to prepare a report on possible measures to be taken.
I am also delighted that we have managed to guarantee confirmation of the Galileo budget.
According to the statistics, by the year 2025 there could be nearly 4 million extra flights per year and, as a result, more than 60 European airports will be at full capacity.
Last week the General Affairs and External Relations Council adopted the updated Guidelines on Torture.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (DE) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, my group would first of all like to thank the rapporteur, Mr Piecyk.
Secondly, I think the point made by Mr Salatto is valid, that we do need to have quicker and more accessible routes in and out of Strasbourg for the benefit of Members and others.
It is about peak oil and what that will do to developing countries' opportunities; it is about meeting the Millennium Development Goals.
We cannot abandon the European citizens who are in this situation; we must help them.
People in my region do not want to see that occurring.
We must protect their human rights pending examination of the question of whether they are asylum seekers or not.
I am pleased that operators will also have to comply with sustainability criteria and laws on indigenous peoples.
Social and economic concerns have a bearing on people's lives and in terms of the food shortages the world is facing.
Although the situation in Zimbabwe has prompted concern for a while now, the fallout of these elections and evidence of brutal state-sponsored violence against supporters of Tsvangirai's opposition MDC party have brought the crisis to another level.
Fortunately the report was redrafted on these points before the proposal came before the plenary.
All we would be doing is telling the car designers to sit down in front of their computers and start building and designing the cars of the future.
These issues are dealt with in the six negotiating chapters which are being handled under the auspices of the UN.
He was a true friend to the people of Germany.
I voted in favour of the report on the proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
Current efforts are concentrated on regulatory testing, which accounts for only 10% of animal use.
I would like to see a market-driven solution supported by Member States, a solution where the industry self-regulates with a code of practice, taking the lead in environmental agendas.
I would like to ask the Minister - since this is clearly of grave concern to the international community and to the European Union - the following question.
Today, on 17 September, I have to remind you all of a sad anniversary, namely the 70th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Poland.
We will continue these forms of cooperation during the Hungarian Presidency too, as I have already established with the Prime Minister, Mr Orbán.
The negotiations must act as an opportunity to boost the development of new technologies, to enable significant funds to be invested in research and development.
Misunderstandings and disagreements could be avoided ahead of events by means of coordination, transparency and the exchange of information.
In cases which concern human rights, we will always intervene, in particular with regard to a partner as important as Ukraine.
on behalf of the PPE Group. - Mr President, High Representative, Commissioner, I would like to welcome first of all Commissioner Piebalgs' detailed and positive statement on the situation and his conclusions that the financial instruments are working well.
We must not forget however about another necessity: to save energy.
I have no doubt that you wish to appear - to paraphrase Dominique de Villepin - in this 'temple' of the European Parliament - as a 'guardian of an ideal and a guardian of a conscience'.
We were able to witness all that during the recent visit of a delegation from the Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left to Honduras and Nicaragua, where we met the legitimate president of the country, Manuel Zelaya.
It is about whether old frontiers should be used as a barrier to people seeking healthcare or whether the openness of today's Europe should be used as a means for people throughout Europe to get the best healthcare they can.
Written explanations of vote:
I voted for this resolution because great attention must be paid to women's security when deploying peacekeeping missions and during armed conflicts.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - Madam President, these reports bring the usual wish list of incompatible objectives: security of energy supply, an efficient energy market, reduction of CO2, harmonised rules for all countries and cheap energy for pensioners.
the report by Mr Szájer, on behalf of the Committee on Legal Affairs, on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council adapting a number of instruments subject to the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty to Council Decision 1999/468/EC, as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC, with regard to the regulatory procedure with scrutiny - Part One - C6-0432/2007 -; and
It is time to bring an end to the Stability Pact and give the European Central Bank other functions, impose effective controls on the financial sector, and prioritise a true pact for progress and social development.
Established in 2000 by the United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone, this was the first international court to be funded by voluntary contributions, the first to be established in a country where the alleged crimes took place, and the first to indict a sitting African head of state for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
We need a financing instrument which is exclusively targeted at the objectives of poverty eradication as defined in the Lisbon Treaty and which only covers developing countries.
The next most important aspect is the time it takes for it to be transmitted, the strength with which it is transmitted in order also to enable coexistence here, and, finally, the priorities that are established by means of the software.
Consideration will be given to this matter in the drawing-up of the strategy.
I would like now to refer to the proposal by the Committee on Regional Development to insert a specific recital on comitology into the text.
In Greece the risks of old-age poverty are significantly higher than the average: 26% in 2005 for persons over 65 years of age, compared with 19% for persons aged 64.
Although repealing these regulations might appear to be a positive and welcome step from the standpoint of legislative simplification, it would, on the other hand, mean depriving our textile industry of still valid forms of defence against unfair competition from countries like China.
It must, however, remove all the barriers to regional and national measures, enable effective coordination of these measures, improve cross-border payment of charges and provide professional drivers with better information on what measures to expect outside the area where they live.
So could I ask if her services could support some of these community projects by giving some clear guidelines about State aid criteria to help those public/private partnerships which would, I agree, be crucial to achieving universal broadband.
It was indeed a very exciting experience.
However, it is one thing to give Brazil the treatment it deserves as the great country that it is, and another for the European Union not to continue with its commitment to the work that it has been doing to conclude the Agreement between the European Union and Mercosur.
The question now is whether we strengthen it at this stage or send it back to the drawing board.
I would also ask the Portuguese Presidency whether unanimity could be used for areas of consensus concerning the rules on which the Union is founded.
Let us raise the overall level of education, yes, but chiefly we must mould training to the needs of the labour market and production.
(LT) Thank you for your answer, Commissioner.
Because having these tests at the national level helps to avoid Commission intervention.
The cheap, fast, easily accessible and globally available internet is often misused by terrorists to disseminate terrorist information and to recruit new members and sympathisers.
As a country which has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, it is running into sharp conflict with the world.
This, however, presupposes that the various groups exercise their minority rights properly and do not abuse them.
You know how important symbols are in politics as well.
Evacuations to the mainland region followed, but after the destination regions refused to accommodate the camps, repatriation got under way.
I would just like to refer briefly to the situation in Palestine and Israel.
I am voting against it.
The regional fisheries organisations are extraordinarily important institutions for good management worldwide.
It is precisely agriculture, of course, which can help in the fight against global warming, especially through new methods of tillage aimed at conserving soil and reducing storage of CO2, through support for forestry and agro forestry and through support for organic farming.
I find it regrettable that we are not permitting any impact assessment of the agreement now reached.
The Commission is currently examining the need for additional initiatives, including improved legislative requirements, in order to further and strengthen the inspections and controls of waste shipments.
Finally, I would draw attention to one small, unfortunately administrative shortcoming.
The situation in the Palestinian Territories is in no way simple.
This is the work we have done, increasing the budget and improving local activities and EU-wide activities for the benefit of the associations.
For instance, the greenhouse crops campaign has been irretrievably destroyed for 2010, and 90% of the infrastructure cannot be repaired.
We must now answer these questions and continue on our current path, both from a domestic and an international perspective.
Not only on a personal note, but also on behalf of the Romanian Social Democrat MEPs, I call for László Tőkés to be dismissed from his position as Vice-President.
We must stop saying the first thing that comes into our minds on this question.
The Galileo project ranks among the European Union's biggest and most complex projects.
Within the Council all the Member States voted to keep a threshold of 5%.
The agency, which is based in Lisbon, fittingly, has important competences in this area and deserves to be supported in its demanding work.
With the prospect of several million more jobs being lost in the EU, it is important to have incentives that people who are made redundant can access in an attempt to make a new life for themselves, thereby avoiding social crises and reducing Member States' spending on social support measures.
That stumbling block has now been overcome.
We are strengthening the cooperation between Member States, including the promotion of creative industries.
I believe that during the forthcoming period the Bank's activities must be focused on the countries hit hard by the crisis, which are failing to kick-start their economies, in order to support cohesion and prevent the continuing economic and social decline.
But, be that as it may, I think the Rasmussen and the Leinen reports as they have come before us are a genuine attempt to look at all of these particular areas in a balanced way.
Globalisation itself is the result of our march towards the future.
(ES) I would like to put a few very simple questions to Mr Almunia, without the difficulties of translation.
8.
This is why I am taking the opportunity in this debate to make an appeal.
The third idea comes from Mr Gaubert, to whom I am particularly grateful for emphasising the humanitarian dimension of this major debate.
We have looked into it.
I would like to finish by saying to the Commission that we most definitely believe that there is a need for a revision of the General Product Safety Directive.
Of course there were points that were unsatisfactory at the start.
This does indeed seem very important to me, and the Council shares Parliament's concern to be able to take these sanctions decisions, and to update them, on the basis of the best possible information.
The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) was established to provide additional support to workers who are suffering the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns.
But, if, true to form, the EU nonetheless decides to meddle in this national issue, then one initiative it could consider is to introduce a payment to farmers in return for providing carbon sequestration in soil management and farming practices.
The new Member States, including Hungary, have significantly reduced their greenhouse gas emissions since the end of the 1980s.
The facts are damning: EUR 1 288 million of aid to production, making a total of EUR 2.9 billion of subsidies for the coal industry between 2003 and 2008, has done nothing to limit the loss of market share, nor has it ensured that the industry's 100 000 workers receive useful support to help them retrain.
There was an immediate reaction from the Member States and the central banks in order to prevent the financial system from collapsing, and there was also a reaction in relation to the real economy.
In this case, ladies and gentlemen, the rules are perfectly clear.
Gas will continue to flow out until the fault has been repaired, because if water got inside, it would cripple the pipeline completely.
I hope that the Council will also do the same next week and that we can take advantage of the French Presidency, which is propelling this reform, to implement it in full.
Madam President, I think there is something else further down the line and I think Mr Tannock should tell us about that as well before we vote.
Strict rules and sufficient enforcement mechanisms are needed for the financial sector, the public budgets and the debt, and also for the correction of macro-economic imbalances.
Finally, I would stress the rapporteur's idea that the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) should ensure adequate levels of funding for GNSS research and development, as well as for its implementation.
Europe has a strategy for its counter-terrorism policy.
The Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats has insisted on the usefulness of this broader approach, but has not been heeded.
Today, I voted for the report under discussion concerning emissions standards for new light commercial vehicles.
In addition, the Commission can certainly not be alone in communicating with the citizens on the issue of Europe.
This report, drafted by Mr Mitchell, concerns Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation: lessons learned and perspectives for the future.
We also ought to urge Russia to take a more active part in international negotiations, as it is the eve of the Copenhagen conference.
All of these facts suggest that the new criterion of permanently sustainable inflation will not be an insurmountable problem for Slovakia in the future either.
Parliament and the Council must, among other things, have sufficient time available to exercise the right to object to planned regulations.
SMEs are the sector which can create more jobs in the European Union and we will be doing them, and their workers, a good service if we reduce administrative burdens and apply a better and smart regulation approach.
The agreement covers rules of origin in relation to fisheries, textiles and agriculture, leading to investment and employment opportunities.
That democratic will was clearly shown by the Parliament of the Czech Republic, so I hope that no artificial obstacles and no artificial delays will now cause more difficulties before full ratification.
We insist once again - and I think that this is important - that the ship's crew be treated fairly in case of an accident and not erroneously regarded as criminals.
Europe should consider making a specific proposal to include Ukraine in European structures.
We really crept together on this one, as it were.
The agreement which you proposed, in the form of a two-step approach, must also guarantee that no one is left out, so that ultimately, we are genuinely moving in the right direction, which is still not guaranteed today.
Of course, no set of regulations can offer a 100% guarantee.
However, on the other hand, it is always better to develop our cooperation with Russia, in particular, when we are calling on Russia to respect human rights or to improve environmental rights, if only because of its size.
This is particularly important in cases of complicated or rare health problems.
We shall remain vigilant and if something goes wrong, we shall try to put it right.
This report is in principle about the implementation of Regulation 1049/2001 and, therefore, let me start by recalling one of the positive elements in the implementation of the regulation because, as the quantitative data show and as the Parliament report acknowledges, the EU institutions have granted access to a higher number of documents while registering a decrease in the number and rate of refusals.
I believe that only an optional instrument to be adopted by means of a regulation can adequately fulfil the objectives of the whole reform of European contract law.
Initially, I have to say I had some reservations about the impact on postal workers, but Member States still have the authority to regulate employment conditions and collective bargaining in the sector, where this does not lead to unfair competition.
I live in a region where terrorism exists.
However, I am not convinced that there is space for them within the framework of the Transparency Regulation.
The EU strategy has formed a basis for a series of multilateral and bilateral discussions.
Nevertheless, our ports are facing major challenges, including the increase in international demand for transport, which is increasing even faster than the rate of global economic growth.
Parliament's position regretting the severe shortcomings of the Commission in implementing programmes on competitiveness and innovation, particularly during an economic crisis which heightens the need for such support.
Such exchange will be useful both to the experts and the public in general, and I assume that it will be useful to the Greens as well.
Europe must strongly reprimand the States to be responsible, stable and serve the future generations.
The debate on the selection process of a new Managing Director for the International Monetary Fund and external representation of the euro area will take place directly after Mr Leinen's report on European environmental economic accounts.
Unfortunately, victims all too often fear for their family's reputation and, justifiably, their safety and economic dependence, and so they do not go to the law enforcement authorities.
These, however, are precisely the things for which the European Union makes no provision.
We also need to make progress on the necessary means to support developing countries and boost technology transfer.
Performing that role requires a more strategic external action and a single foreign policy uniting all the Member States.
This will save valuable taxpayers' money.
(PL) Mr President, the energy crisis has revealed a weakness in the European Union.
What we have learned is that Europe stands or falls together.
In future, it will therefore be necessary for Parliament and international and European trade unions to work together and add their positive and urgent recommendations to the initiative voted on here today.
What has changed in the political reality is the fact that we do not believe that we can compel people to comply with our wishes, but that we must accept the challenge of achieving all our goals at the same time: we need a high standard in environmental protection, a clamp-down on climate change, a sustainable fisheries policy, secure shipping route development and acceptable development for local communities.
Even before the vote in committee, when Mr Vanhecke was not allowed to learn the content of the report, it was discussed on Flemish public television.
The vote will take place tomorrow at 11 a.m.
We should sit down together here to put together, quickly and efficiently, a package that really reaches our small- and medium-sized enterprises.
The development and implementation of a regulatory framework for the media should respect the democratic standards for the organisation and governance of communication systems.
We think that existing legal restrictions on ownership of Canadian airlines should be removed and, at the same time, new traffic rights and cooperation on a range of issues - including passenger safety, respect for the environment, air traffic management and security - ought to be introduced.
In fact, the national airborne resources, be they Greek, Portuguese or Italian, and those that came from other countries, were joined by the purely Community fire-fighting aircraft, which fly under the flag of the European Union, not under the flag of a Member State.
They are a signal that we cannot continue as we are and that, thanks to borrowing that has been too cheap and imports that have been too cheap, we have all been living above our means and we cannot go on consuming at the same rate.
The Commission and the European Parliament must stand shoulder to shoulder to bring about the Single European Sky, as five times more environmental gain is to be achieved from that.
Many people have mentioned the quota system.
We therefore support the extension of the scope of the agreements to the extent deemed beneficial to the APC countries themselves.
We have a surplus in goods trade with the rest of the world and, where we are allowed to compete freely, we are a match for anyone.
The advances that have been made in the areas of energy, the environment and transport are the result of that work.
(FR) The oral amendment would be a first point, worded as follows:
However, in the end, I voted against this report, as I come from a country that has established a particular combination of maternity protection and waged/unwaged parental leave.
This means that food prices and energy prices always correspond and this has something to do with the fact that we do have an Electricity Feed Act - in Germany in any case, but also in some other countries - by which better recycling of plant products can be achieved in the energy sector than in the food sector.
The first part of this initiative, namely the communication of 30 September 2005, was based on three main aspects: digitisation, online access and preservation of digital content.
Above all, turning now to the issue that brings us here, I would like to congratulate the Council for starting negotiations on a major trade agreement, which is also political and relates to cooperation, between the European Union and Mercosur, which was decided upon at the Madrid Summit on 18 May of this year.
EU aid programmes are a classic case of giving with one hand and taking back with the other.
I believe that the agreed text is a balanced compromise that incorporates many of the amendments presented by Parliament and leaves room for further developments in the near future, which - as Mrs Győri pointed out during her speech - is very important.
I did so because I approve of the line it takes, but also because the rapporteur and the Committee on Civil Liberties have given us a report which aims to protect freedom of thought, research and expression.
I am aware, of course, that he is about to face a number of very busy months, as the problems of the world are going to be resting, more than anywhere, on his big, broad shoulders.
The EU and the US are the world's most integrated economies; we are each other's largest trade and investment partners; we share common values and responsibilities for tackling global challenges on a variety of issues, be it innovation or environmental challenges, energy security or access to raw materials.
Despite this figure, I believe it essential that the principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness be applied.
For this reason, I have always supported severe measures to combat this situation, as a way of closing down a trade that represents EUR 45 billion of profit to some criminal networks.
The Reconciliation Commission established by the government does not meet basic requirements for independence.
We believe that this report places too much emphasis on protecting EU agricultural markets from outside competition and not enough emphasis on exporting production standards.
It is also impossible to discuss this issue looking solely at the interests of science or using a logic of obtaining results at the lowest possible cost.
On Wednesday, a working lunch will be held on the subject at 1 p.m. in Room C 2.1.
If we are to achieve these objectives, however, we need adequate funding for research and development, which has been scarce until now.
Its main target is to contribute to the integration, a balanced and sustainable development as well as an economic and social cohesion of the EU Member States.
I voted in favour of this report.
The objectives set by the European Commission are not new but, to date, Europe has not managed to achieve them.
Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing poses a major threat to the sustainability of fishing in Lithuania.
We must analyse whether the money that was spent yielded the benefit we were expecting and whether we achieved the objective we set ourselves.
We know that there is an ongoing investigation to determine whether the Sri Lankan authorities are doing their part to incorporate human rights legislation into national legislation.
I believe that it concerns a Council regulation.
I want to refer, however, to the proposed compulsory electronic identification of sheep, which commences in January 2010, and which the Commission is determined to press ahead with despite the opposition of the Agricultural Committee members and the farming organisations.
It is widely recognised that breast-feeding has positive effects on both the child's health and on that of the mother, reducing the risk of breast cancer.
Despite having a few doubts about the excessive reach of the text - which falls within the ambit of the Europe 2020 strategy - I think the objectives of the resolution are most welcome.
The opening of new negotiating chapters will result precisely in the kind of new dynamism, as regards progress on human rights and justice, that we want to see.
It remains for us to work hard to ensure that our citizens can tangibly feel that they are benefiting from the results of this solidarity.
in writing. - I welcome the Commission's presentation of its work programme for 2008.
In my opinion, however, they are not insurmountable.
Since the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA) entered into force in 1994, the EEA/European Free Trade Association states - currently Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway - have contributed towards reducing economic and social disparities in the EEA.
Reacting to what is happening in Iran today is one of the greatest tests of the effectiveness of our western world.
Nowadays, almost half of the EU's energy is dependent on imports, with the forecasts indicating to us that imports will account for 70% of the natural gas supply and 100% of the oil supply by 2030.
(PL) Mr President, it is worth considering where the emphasis lies in the report on illegal immigration.
During the vote on trade relations between the EU and Japan, I decided to vote for the resolution tabled by the political group which I belong to.
(RO) Madam President, I would like to begin by congratulating the rapporteur, Mr Ungureanu, for the particularly fine job he has done on this report, which is extremely important both from a geopolitical and economic perspective.
I therefore reject the transfer of highly personal data on principle and thus also voted against the motion for a resolution.
They were protesting against a mistaken and unsocial policy towards the crisis.
In the case of the other institutions, it is worth noting that the Court of Auditors' increased need for funding is due to the downpayments on its new headquarters (in the final analysis, this method for funding the new headquarters will be cost-effective for European taxpayers) and, in the case of the European Court of Justice, it will need funding for its new urgency procedure, which requires funding in order to employ additional staff.
Instead of questioning the European practice of export subsidies, which have a massive impact on the ability of some African states to survive, we keep coming up with more empty words.
However, we must ensure that similar errors are not repeated in future, especially not in Europe.
I am calling on the Council and the Commission to examine the voting result on this report closely and deliver on their promises of respecting the geographical balance principle while recruiting the future staff of the EEAS.
There is, of course, no point in scaring consumers.
This House has said very clearly today that it rejects any blockade due to the name issue and that bilateral issues should not be an obstacle to accession.
It is no secret that in the smaller EU states the power of regulators to adopt such exceptional measures against large companies will be very limited, and so I am not convinced that in this case Parliament is making progress in terms of strengthening the single European market compared with the European Commission's proposal.
It undermines the foundations of the EU and, moreover, it is always the smaller countries who have to suffer, as this case has proven once again.
I am pleased that the European Parliament has debated and adopted a resolution condemning the recent attacks on Christians.
The directive allows producers of electrical equipment to provide buyers who are purchasing equipment with information on the costs for collecting, processing and disposing of the waste in an environmentally-friendly way.
These measures would also leave sufficient time to prepare the negotiations on creating an expanded, comprehensive free trade area, which is an objective shared by the EU and the Republic of Moldova.
The accession of Croatia to the European Union would have enormous regional consequences and would help to test the scope of the obligations taken on by the EU for the Western Balkans.
The euro is the opportunity for their economies to be permanently integrated into the good, reforming and advanced practices of the countries of Central Europe.
Competitiveness is gained by investing in qualifications, research, excellence and major infrastructure.
The issue is not the advisability of a directive that creates a joint, shared system.
We had various discussions about it.
The financial ministers have shown initiative.
The major share of the money is actually spent on facilitating access for small and medium-sized enterprises to funding instruments that are designed to improve their capacity to innovate.
In fact, this is also the reason why many Member States insist that the market should be deregulated.
Let us not forget, the Roma were the first to move between different countries of Europe, well before we had set up our common area.
I have voted in favour of Mr Parish's report on the proposal for a Council decision correcting Directive 2008/73/EC simplifying procedures of listing and publishing information in the veterinary and zootechnical fields.
This is an extremely serious and difficult subject, especially as the EU is concerned with urban policy.
That is the outcome of the vote.
The registration fee will be abolished by next year, but some of the other measures, such as the translation of the registrations into English and the possibility to register online, have not yet materialised.
I am pleased that, after many requests from the Council and the European Parliament, the Commission has prepared an assessment of the situation of Roma and of the practices relating to them.
However, we have achieved not only strict protection for workers using them professionally, but also a commitment to control and inspection by the Member States.
Carrying out codification in order to maintain clarity after a certain number of amendments certainly makes things easier.
As Mr Liese pointed out just now, human beings clearly come before economic issues, which can be dealt with at any time.
rapporteur. - (DE) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to start by thanking all the shadow rapporteurs for the good and constructive cooperation.
The Party for Freedom warns of the consequences of Islamification.
This is because the current rules allow the possibility for abuse, namely, to mark as honey of European origin honey which contains only a very minimal amount of European honey, and, in fact, contains mostly honey imported from a third country, which may even be of poorer quality.
I still see major obstacles ahead, to be sure, but we shall make it.
Waste storage such as this - lakes of waste - really must not recur.
So if we say that we have 143 simplification initiatives, this means that several thousand acts are affected.
The European Union is neither the first, nor the second or third, to request that its citizens be informed about the origin of a product they purchase for their needs or consumption.
At the same time, I have to say that I understand the vigilance of the Members of the European Parliament and the vigilance of the agricultural sector on these very pertinent issues.
It should be noted that the disasters occurred in May and June 2010.
What does it say?
At present, two thirds of energy resources are imported from countries outside the EU, mainly Russia.
I, like the Presidency, am therefore paying close attention to what is being said about agriculture in order to preserve the European Union's agricultural and regional food model, which has supported the common agricultural policy for 50 years, but keeping a clear and empathetic perspective on what is happening in other parts of the world.
I think that the EU should be prepared to face any attack or accident which jeopardises Europeans' security and health.
The situation in Libya is another example of this, to add to those of Afghanistan and Iraq.
This is the point that we have reached!
I was interrupted unnecessarily, Mr President.
The Council rejected all substantive amendments proposed by Parliament at first reading, as it believes that these would not be compatible with the intended simplification.
Although little consolation, it does confirm the need for an effective European Solidarity Fund.
I should also like to extend my special thanks to Commissioner Kallas for the work he has done in recent years.
I am pleased that the report by Mr Florenz recognises this problem and that we were able to introduce some pleasing improvements in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety which had the support of all the groups.
I think that the Union should do more to increase the maritime transport safety in the region.
At the same time, I would like to say that Honduras is only a one-hour flight away from Cuba, from Havana.
But in this context it is particularly appropriate, given that Burma is a member of ASEAN.
People or entities suspected of having links with Osama bin Laden, the al-Qaeda network or the Taliban can be placed on this list, which results in a travel ban and the freezing of their financial assets.
I am referring, of course, to the message she mentioned on the complete and immediate freezing of settlement, on the need for progress on the peace process with the Palestinian Authority, on lifting the restrictions on the people of Gaza and the West Bank, and on the vital need to improve the lot of the people of Gaza affected by the blockade, as the European Parliament's delegation saw recently.
So it is a very happy day today that a proposal taken on by my predecessor as coordinator in my group, Martine Roure, is now the subject of an agreement.
The changes proposed by the rapporteur are primarily the introduction of new provisions concerning fund mergers (so that they will be treated as domestic mergers and will retain tax-neutrality), the introduction of a document which provides key investor information (replacing the simplified prospectus) and simplification of the existing notification procedure by using direct regulator-to-regulator information exchange.
We call for a thorough investigation, within the constitutional and legal framework of East Timor, to identify and try the main perpetrators of these attacks.
Because, obviously, the world will not wait for us.
The oral question that we are debating expresses grave reservations about funding petrol or coal-related projects.
So there is no change in strategy vis à vis those countries, but greater attention will be paid to the way in which the accession criteria are applied and managed during the negotiation process.
For this reason, I support the contents and the proposals of the report by Mr Lange.
They, their families and their carers will welcome a proactive approach to tackling this disease, which can be so devastating to both sufferers and families.
This suggests that the investors have what can at best be described as dubious intentions.
- (SK) Mr President, I welcome the report of Mrs Svensson, because it advances the discussion on women's rights.
Recently the EU voted against an amendment placed before the Committee on Budgets that sought to divert EU funding that goes into institutions towards community- and family-based services.
The existing directive has proven to be flexible and allows Member States to increase coverage according to their own economic situation.
I do not understand what the Soviet Union has to do with it: everyone is free to say what he or she wants; I do not feel nostalgic about the Soviet Union.
Towards the end of the 1980s, Slobodan Milošević deprived Kosovo of its autonomy and in 1999 occupied it by military force, thereby causing a tragedy of global proportions.
It is not the business of a national or European body to monitor, in an intrusive way, the use people make of the internet.
In the case of Belarus these conditions are not met.
Given the increasing number and severity of natural disasters caused by climate change, I agree with the position put forward that it is important, not just to provide one-off aid, but also to provide support for communities' own disaster-preparedness capabilities: the Hyogo action plan needs to be strengthened.
The Commission's economic forecast in autumn 2009 predicted average budget deficits across the eurozone of 6.4% and average government debts of 78.2%, figures which, in turn, are both expected to increase in 2010.
Nevertheless, the need for a minimum margin has prevented us from exceeding EUR 300 million for the milk fund.
I would draw your attention to the fact that, at the end of 2004, the Commission - my Commission - made a recommendation on excessive remuneration, not only in banks, but also in the economic system in general.
There is a common thread running through this proposal and the PNR proposal, with the indiscriminate handling of air passenger data, and the regulation on liquids, which was put in place after an alleged attack two years ago, but it was then discovered, after the regulation had come into force, that all those who had been suspected of terrorism had been acquitted.
Several speakers have referred today to the need to make the situation simpler, but we must do this by putting in place standardised rules for the different funds, as far as this is feasible and possible.
This goal of achieving a common European asylum system is not a goal that Parliament set; we all remember in 1999, in Tampere, that it was the Council that set these goals; they reset these goals at The Hague and at Stockholm, so let us revise our history and understand that we depend on the Council to unblock the system and we will work cooperatively with the Hungarian Presidency to try and maintain the momentum of the Belgian Presidency.
(EL) Mr President, we do not agree with the political approach of this budget, because it increases military spending and because it slowly but surely merges its policy with NATO policy.
I must protest.
The second network is INSAFE, which coordinates awareness centres in 23 European countries and also organises the Safer Internet Day every year - this year it was on 12 February.
In other areas, it would also strictly mean a monetisation of health, or a monetary evaluation of health.
This is probably just as important.
It is intended to bring about a significant improvement in the joint institutional framework of the EU and the Republic of Moldova, to allow closer relationships to develop in all areas and to strengthen the political association and the economic integration, while introducing mutual rights and duties.
The newly admitted Member States, which are often less developed and have a specific demographic structure, with large numbers of young people, require completely different tax policies to the old EU Member States.
That is why I abstained from the final vote on this report.
10.
Croatia: progress report 2008 - Turkey: progress report 2008 - Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: progress report 2008 (debate)
The procedure is always the same: the young man has to climb onto a stool, the noose is placed around his neck, and when the executioner kicks away the stool, the noose pulls tight.
The EU is talking about spreading democracy across the EU, and my colleague Mr Hannan has already given many details of such hypocrisy.
If, however, as in the recent notorious Polish case, an entity obtains funding from one government only to have it taken away by another, a number of concerns emerge.
Sixty-seven per cent of the Irish population: what we saw on Friday is a clear message to the Eurosceptics.
Good neighbourly relations are essential during the process of transition to EU Member State status.
We are very privileged to have very professional and committed people working for Parliament, the Council and the Commission, but the reality of it is that within this Parliament, we do not have a grasp of exactly what a lot of these staff do.
They are afraid that patients will travel to countries where they will not have to wait months or years for an operation like they do at home.
We regret the previous position of the Liberal Government in Bucharest and the ALDE group in the European Parliament, which refused the mandate extension for the European Commissioner appointed by Romania for minority issues in Europe, including issues related to the Roma population.
For this reason I have every confidence that this agreement will lead to closer coordination of positions on crisis situations and issues of world importance, on the basis of shared interests and concerns.
Educating the children of migrants is not segregated from the EU's overall immigration policy, a policy characterised by harsh measures against those who are not required by big business and which qualifies as illegal immigration the selective legalisation and integration into work, of course on much less favourable terms, of immigrants who meet the needs of the monopolies.
Here we have the paradox of not finding common ground on the budget.
As a member of the ACP-EU (African, Caribbean and Pacific-European Union) Joint Parliamentary Assembly, I voted resolutely in favour of this report on the work carried out by the assembly in 2009.
I will not be supporting most of the amendments tabled by some of my colleagues.
This is a necessary and essential condition for the budget of the European Union to actually fulfil its economic recovery function.
We also need to provide much more encouragement and reward for intelligent and sustainable behaviour and practices.
Those who rely on copyright for their income would beg to differ.
A true energy efficiency policy should also mean an opportunity to sell electricity at a lower price to railways, metros and trams, as happened in France before the European directives on the single energy market prohibited it.
in writing. - (IT) I welcome the report by Manolis Mavrommatis on the White Paper on Sport.
A forward-looking drugs policy must be based on effective smashing of drug rings, instant deportation of foreign drug dealers and the adoption of targeted priority actions, along with the provision of better treatment services for drug users.
To what has already been said I would like to add only that between 2001 and 2007, 20 000 children disappeared, 500 of whom were found.
I will believe that when I see it.
I am very pleased that the European Parliament has today decided to support numerous people who have been adversely affected by globalisation.
I think, therefore, that this debate ought to be useful in highlighting the lessons of 2010, so that we can draw conclusions for 2011.
It is in the interests of all citizens, particularly given the difficult economic and financial situation we face at present, to be able to count on efficient EU agencies that are able to use the budgets granted to them in a transparent and responsible fashion.
I find that it is not our business to foretell the possible developments in those countries.
Jamie is having problems finding a donor to save him from a condition known as Fanconi anaemia because in Malta we do not currently have a register of bone marrow donors.
To reinforce those fundamental rights for each single citizen can only be an advancement of what we think as being the real values of our Europe.
As a bridgehead for the South American drug smugglers, Guinea-Bissau has become a country of transit for drugs which are destined for Europe, where we represent the biggest consumer.
Nevertheless, as we all know, immigration is a vital element for the economies of European countries and favourable for economic growth.
Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (debate)
I voted today in favour of the proposal for a directive adopting a standard mechanism to facilitate and strengthen protection granted to victims of crimes who move between Member States in exercise of their right of freedom of movement.
Secondly, given the regime under which poultry producers operate, it is unreasonable to have two different standards, both from the perspective of the producers and more importantly from that of the consumers.
First of all, the European parties are, as you know, recognised as important entities by the Treaty that was ratified unanimously by our Member States.
In the first part of this communication, the Commission proposes a number of actions to have stronger, sustainable and equitable growth for business.
This is something which I felt people had touched upon in this debate, but I would urge you, if you are interested in the issue of kinship carers, to look at the work of Mentor UK and the help that is given to kinship carers in different countries.
The legislation which has applied to date is not very transparent and therefore we are now integrating the procedure for all Member States in this area, thereby simplifying the approval and placing of novel foods onto the market.
We cannot have our cake and eat it: we cannot make cuts and, at the same time, invest in infrastructure.
It is about the procedures of the European Arrest Warrant and whether it is being misused for political purposes.
It is a shame that the President-in-Office cannot be present for the whole time.
Asylum seekers' right to legal aid applies at different levels.
A special focus is also needed on health prevention and information, in coordination with organisations from civil society.
Specifically regarding Amendment 14, whilst I commend the efforts of Scottish fishermen, who have taken a lead in voluntarily reducing the catch of immature fish, I cannot support the implementation of a compensation scheme that is administered by the EU institutions.
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, you said today that products with a designation of origin are a spearhead for our industry.
The report notes the abolition of the death penalty in several countries, the progress made on violence against women, the protection of children, the fight against torture, protection for human rights activists, the promotion of democracy and religious freedom, and so on.
But negotiations on our common steps at expert level are, to date, not finished.
Traditional jobs in these areas have declined in number.
Its aim is to gradually connect up the energy markets in the region, overcoming deficiencies in interconnections and creating common market mechanisms.
Neatly, we see how the American's place is always in the wrong in this House.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, with today's vote, we have given a further boost to the - how should I put it - definitive solution to this problem, but we have not adopted the best possible solution.
3.
Yes, that policy has yet to yield all the positive results expected, but to return to the past would really be wrong.
There is a need for greater flexibility when delineating the territories in which cohesion policy programmes are designed and implemented.
I am offering to provide, in an organised manner, those Members of Parliament who so wish with a complete briefing on the technical measures that we can take at European level.
First of all, their status should be identified, and it should be established whether they can all be released without risk.
by Mr Fjellner, on behalf of the Committee on Budgetary Control, on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European GNSS Supervisory Authority for the financial year 2007 (C6-0446/2008 -,
The country was the last in Europe to grant women the right to vote in federal elections, in the 1970s, and for a long time, women have constituted a social group which finds it difficult not only to participate fully in civil society, but also to access education and professional self-fulfilment.
Mr President, I would like to ask a question of Mr Posselt, for whom I have enormous respect.
Approval of the Minutes of the previous sitting: see Minutes
I am very glad to say that, this year, the mobile phone industry came up with very concrete actions to inform parents and children about the difficulties and to block programmes which are dangerous for children in the third generation of mobile phones.
Mr President, I should like to say to Mr Moraes that the proposal for a directive on the conditions for entry and residence of third-country nationals for highly qualified employment - the 'Blue Card' Directive - was presented by the Commission to the Council in October 2007, as he is moreover aware.
Winners of the Nobel Peace Prize - Liu Xiaobo - and the Sakharov Prize - Guillermo Fariñas - were not able to receive their awards, because they did not receive permission from the regimes where they live to leave their country.
Europe has a unique opportunity to show leadership and set an example to the world for a free and open internet.
For example, Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council harmonises the rules for non-commercial movements of pet animals between Member States or after their entry or re-entry into the Community from third countries.
I therefore congratulate Mr Frattini on this initiative, which shows that the required willingness exists to make this an EU priority and to create a general EU strategy to effectively promote and protect children's rights in internal and external policies.
This debate has the purpose of confirming that there is no room for ethnic profiling in Europe: so much so that the Government seems to be doing an about-turn on this issue and we welcome that if it is the case.
Few citizens believe in it.
Finally, lifelong education and training.
It is precisely this part, that is, the issue of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, that makes up the most important section of this document.
It is opposed to pacifist ideals and provokes threats of war.
I hope that you can confirm this again today.
A genuine process of negotiation must be begun.
That raises the question of how we deal with offshore installations in the Baltic Sea.
(Applause)
I think the greatest fears arise from the possibility of collisions between freight trains and passenger trains.
Sport is a means of improving physical condition, but obviously it also influences the human psyche.
I would like an answer to that.
It will clearly give a boost to their citizens, giving them the same rights and privileges as their neighbours.
With regard to the long term, I cannot see any progress or movement in the field of development assistance, which can be understood in the sense of security policy.
Considering these issues should not be, and must not be, a mere exercise or excuse for claiming legal sovereignty over matters that are currently the responsibility of individual nations.
As things stand currently, the maximum compensation amounts depend on the size of the vessel and the number of victims, and this is unacceptable.
There comes a time when surrealism verges on madness.
That is because every day this gang remains in power is a reflection of our powerlessness and of the fact that the international community does not have the muscle to keep this oppressor in check.
I would say to both of those countries that the accession procedure is an opportunity to bring your laws into line and to explain to your citizens the need to do so, and that once you join this club you, do not join a club which is based on an à la carte menu.
I therefore welcome this initiative by the Commission.
I call on the Commission to speed up its impact assessment and to prioritise the drafting of a regulation on these measures so that it may be adopted as soon as possible: before 2013, if possible.
But what is being done in Gaza is not justice: it is slaughter.
A shared vision of the future and effective political dialogue between the political forces will be crucial to ensuring progress.
One specific example of this is the non-recognition of Romanian and Bulgarian citizens' education diplomas after both countries' accession to the EU, while the directive on this matter was enforcing something different.
Could I just finally pick up one of my favourite items.
I also entirely agree that everything he considers important Parliament also considers important, such as education and research.
I think that creating a long-term expectation of integration is not positive either for the EU or for Turkey.
If we only depend upon imported low-carbon technologies, we will fail our security of supply and competitiveness objectives.
Parliament is not responsible for this matter: the salary of Members - which stands at 38.5% of the salary of a judge in court - is set by the Council, and the value of the other grants is set by the Bureau and not by Parliament, and cannot exceed the level of inflation published by Eurostat.
Today, however, we are concerned with the fate of children detached from society for reasons that are not fully understood.
Their petition resulted in a public hearing and in a European Parliament report, which highlighted the need to include other countries, and the EU in particular, in the decision-making process.
The Commission agrees with the honourable Member on the importance of reporting on the concrete benefits of the European Social Fund.
This is also the reason why we will remain active.
That being the case, I have no problem telling Mrs Trautmann that I do not agree with her view that we should exclude completely any reference to intellectual property rights.
I would like to summarise the content of this report based on three main ideas.
Finally, Commissioner, I would like you to bear in mind that in the European Union no two legal systems in the different regions and countries are the same; each one is different.
What are the Council and Commission doing to resolve this unhelpful situation?
At the same time, experts' networks and professional cooperation should be strengthened.
I think that in the future it will show that protecting those who create was the right choice, and that increasing efficiency of rights management infrastructures will prove wrong those who claim that better protection will lead to a less thriving online culture.
There is no excuse for this, nor is the argument that Israel has a right to its own security enough.
It is such a pity that this is a summit that is not well prepared - Mr Van Rompuy is partly responsible for that, as is Mr Oettinger.
(The sitting was opened at 9 a.m.)
It is essential that the global commitment to addressing the specific needs of the LDCs, as regards the sustainability of development in all of its economic, social and environmental aspects, and to supporting them in their efforts to eradicate poverty, be reaffirmed during this conference.
The next question is: should we also introduce it at a European level?
(DE) Many thanks, Commissioner, for your reply.
(The President interrupted the speaker to explain that the debate was on another subject, but then invited him to continue ...)
We must determine who was responsible and these people must be named and shamed.
I fully agree with the report where it states that Member States must coordinate the acquisition of vaccines, exchange information and create better transparency.
(DE) Mr President, we have talked about various different things as regards what would be the right way to go about talking to China and putting it under pressure, because clearly, very little makes much of an impression on this country.
Three thousand five hundred Iranian men and women, members of the democratic opposition to the fundamentalist regime in Iran, live there completely defenceless.
You yourself mentioned demographic changes.
Alas, subsequent developments cancel this unsteady step forward.
I completely reject assertions that we are doing little in the way of more profound measures.
I think that France has come up with a good solution of varying the bonus awarded to purchasers according to the emissions level of the car purchased.
It is horrifying that in the 21st century there are 215 million children in the world who are being forced to work, including around 115 million who have to perform hard slave labour.
This is because there must not be even a small chance that anyone is sent back and then comes across the trafficker again.
In that opinion we acknowledge that we still have to increase the coverage of our public registers and we confirm our commitment to further develop our public registers in the interests of enhanced transparency.
The following shall be established:
A solution to this issue of children rights is needed urgently.
This does not have to be the case.
If the countless mistakes made by the international community are not called into question, we are in danger of completely losing the confidence and support of the Afghan population, for the benefit of the Taliban.
I also believe that we must jointly come up with a widely shared political solution that will form the subject of a report acceptable to all of humanity or, if not, to a large majority of parliamentary groups.
Our European supervisors in the US will be able to verify what happens to any European bank details on a daily basis.
Subject: Credit rating agencies
Moreover, it acknowledges that people with disabilities face even more barriers to mobility than those who are not disabled and additional mechanisms should be put in place to ensure they are provided with the same opportunities as anyone else.
Moreover, I note that this solution seems to have been chosen for the proposal on passports, on which the European Parliament has to make a decision.
In other words, they are administrators who do not work directly in these small businesses.
A similarly very, very important question is that the countries and regions of the Danube region, the people living here, were affected severely by the crisis, the economic and financial crisis, so the strategy for the Danube region must be a strategy of recovery from the crisis which must have increasing employment at its centre in any event.
Statements of the kind that we have heard here are often expressed by various ministers in the Italian Government.
It is important that we encourage all Europeans to play their part in protecting the environment.
Finally, Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I think that I am going to listen to all of you and also to the Commission, and I will conclude.
Like Mr Muscat, I am conscious that cross-border consolidation in the finance industry increasingly results in VAT revenue accruing to the Member State where the service is created, rather than where the consumer of the service is established.
The anti-Strasbourg group is becoming organised and flexing its muscles more and more, in an attempt to make people believe that Parliament is unanimously against Strasbourg.
The focus is, of course, very much on the filling of the new posts.
The performance and sustainability of the European aviation system (
(EL) Commissioner, as rapporteur on the European Indicator of Language Competence, I should like to point out that the duty of the indicator in question is to assess at regular intervals the overall competence in modern languages of all the Member States.
On the other hand, Member States will be able to concentrate their limited resources on transactions that actually do pose a risk.
Nelson Mandela's name will forever be linked to the fight for freedom, justice and democracy.
With its further enlargement, EU funding now has to be divided among 27 Member States.
Equality between men and women is a fundamental right and a democratic necessity.
It says nothing about the responsibility capitalists have assumed in over-exploiting natural resources.
This measure means that the world fishing quota of blue fin tuna will reduce from 22 000 tonnes currently to 13 500 tonnes in 2010.
The signing of the Nabucco agreement, mentioned here by Mr Barroso, was also the result of work done by the Czech Presidency.
It is simply to delete the word 'Communist' before 'insurgents', and to replace '120 000 lives' with '40 000 lives'.
They conducted investigations on what happened in Gaza and came up with conclusions that are disturbing to say the least.
The EU framework comes at a moment when the situation of Roma has become a real focus of attention in Europe.
Production quotas and enormous fines for exceeding them.
The false accusations caused enormous financial losses to Spanish farmers, and not only them but probably the entire agricultural sector as well.
We have the European Parliament, we have the Commission, we have the European Council and, in the end, the institutions are responsible - not wise men or, as we would prefer maybe to say, 'the bright kids' - and what they could bring as a stimulus to our debate.
We are living in a world which has seen a sharp increase in the number and frequency of new crises.
I am pleased that the report fleshes out the Commission's recommendation, and for this I reiterate my congratulations to the rapporteur.
We have to consider this.
The system will ensure immunity of course, in order to encourage reporting.
This is good for the environment as well as for the economy.
What is the definition of wine?
Governments very often seek to influence the media, but when they resort to violence and the use of force they must be opposed with exceptional determination. And when there are fatal victims, the situation is exceptionally difficult.
Ireland is a completely different case, because it concerns the second level of the banking crisis and not a structural problem, as in other countries.
I can state that the directive does not propose any fixed or concrete matters but speaks about reasonable conformity and I can state again that that if reasonable conformity is applied from the outset there will not for the most part be any excessively high costs.
My support for the European arrest warrant is qualified by my dismay and indeed anger at some miscarriages of justice and the way it currently operates such as in the cases of Gary Mann and Andrew Symeou that I am involved in.
In this day and age, however, Big Brother will not appear, Mr President, because some dictatorship puts him there.
The problem is that the acquis communautaire does not protect consumers who purchase services as well as consumers who purchase goods.
The debate today has shown that there are also differing views within the groups.
Therefore, angry on behalf of those people who want rescuing, let us coordinate with the Americans.
We therefore need to ask whether the internal monitoring systems in all the Member States are strong enough.
Another is the buildings reserve, another is the posts which have now been put into reserve and another is the second tranche of EUR 1 500 per Member per month for the assistants' allowance.
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of his death, I would like briefly to honour and recognise his legacy and his life's work in the cause of European integration at the start of this plenary sitting of the European Parliament.
This stipulation of the Rules of Procedure is certainly imperative for the European Parliament, but not for a properly appointed commissioner.
With today's vote, we have confirmed our desire to ensure that, from farm to table, food in the European Union is as safe as possible for consumers.
On behalf of the Conference of Presidents I call on the Council to overturn at ministerial level the decision of the Permanent Representatives.
But we also need better regulation and principles for future EU legislation when it comes to motor vehicles.
It is not possible to contribute less but receive more.
Therefore, bacause of the time constraint, I would like to highlight those aspects that need further development on the basis of the report by the champion and highly respected athlete and politician Pál Schmitt.
We are also dealing with over-regulation, with a view to simplifying the regulatory regime that is in place.
Let us not forget either that not all uses are necessarily commercial in nature and therefore do not necessarily yield a profit - I am thinking of the use of the spectrum for cultural or public service purposes, for instance.
Fine Gael and Labour are part of the PPE and S&D groups respectively in this Parliament.
When we demand that children too should have their biometric data in passports from a certain age, it is not due to mass hysteria, which I really do not share, but because we want to afford our children better protection.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I too would like to congratulate the French Presidency, or rather the few survivors from the Council after our long debate, as well as our Commissioner, who has shown greater stamina.
They are slowly discovering ecosystems which are extraordinary in nature, often hosting species found nowhere else on the planet.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (EL) Commissioner, you are absolutely right: the rule of law is the foundation of the EU.
Consider a girl who attends a French, Italian or Belgian school and suddenly, after having socialised with her peers, finds herself snatched from normality and forced to suffer a tragedy that will mark her for life.
Alas, the domestic political crises in both nations have brought a renewed hardening and we, the European Parliament, are working very hard to get the situation moving again.
As we know, some of the new EU Member States are encountering a 'brain drain' problem, for example, teachers who, having completed higher education in one country, leave for another country, where they do not work according to their profession, but receive a larger salary.
President of the Commission. - Mr President, it is indeed a very good and timely opportunity for us to meet today - one day before the important Spring European Council.
In my opinion, however, the draft is simply not good enough.
What can we do, then, to prevent further violence, and how can we help the people of Guinea in their legitimate desire for democracy, the rule of law, peace and development?
It is intended, among other things, to help students choose from the rich educational assortment on offer.
The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights has of course identified a few positive developments, but the election process did not satisfy OSCE requirements for democratic elections.
It was a tragedy in which tens of thousands of people lost their lives, hundreds of thousands lost their homes, and the infrastructure in the most densely populated areas of the country was destroyed.
I believe that increasing competitiveness and growth, and trying to reach the 3%, is absolutely vital if we are to see Europe grow in the way that we want it to.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I believe it is right that our Parliament should send the family of Mrs Reggiani a message of condolence.
Another of the Commission's responsibilities is the combating of environmental contamination.
The consequences of this catastrophe can still be seen in a generation that had not even been conceived at the time.
All the fears that governed the transitional arrangements put in place with the 2004 enlargement are now starting to dissipate.
Furthermore, no policy can truly function without cross-sectoral implementation.
He is right to refer to truly shared political and social values.
We must find a way to make transposition of EU legislation accessible.
The second point on the European Council agenda is climate change.
The Spanish Government must do all it can to bring justice to those people affected.
Going on to my speech as I wish to give it, I would like to take the time to commend the late David Kato for his brave work in Uganda, for defending not just his rights, but also the rights of other LGBT people in Uganda, and indeed of those in Africa.
Before the vote I need to inform Parliament about some technical adjustments.
The fact that wine producers in Lithuania and some other countries with no vineyards are not receiving any support is unacceptable.
Furthermore, if the European Union could arbitrate between Turkey and Cyprus, I believe we would save Greece 2% of its GDP.
This will shortly be followed up with a proposal for a regulation.
These are tasks we wish to pursue and we are confident that the Conference of Donor Nations, scheduled for December in Paris, will provide an opportunity for the international community to express its support, in a practical way we hope, for the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine people in general.
I will start with the euro, which we must protect and strengthen while, at the same time, asking ourselves some fundamental questions.
In order to break the deadlock of the negotiations, the Hungarian Government needs to achieve compromises at the highest possible level.
It takes away the compensation payments which have been promised to farmers, without providing the rural development programmes with reliable funding.

In 2008, that was not a problem.
I would also like to make a request to the Council for us to be able to finalise these budgets as soon as possible, so that both institutions can carry out their responsibilities in a responsible and efficient manner in the new or expanded areas introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon.
It is important to promote family farming, which creates jobs, and equal access to public services as also the provision of public services in order to respond to the needs of disadvantaged families, communities and groups.
However, let us take this urgency session in which we are discussing breaches of human rights and democracy a lot more seriously, because, if we do not we are going to lose all the credibility that we currently have, and this is clearly difficult to regain at international level.
Moreover, human rights are universal and indivisible, or they mean nothing; so the Union should have the confidence to defend our values within our borders and outwith them.
- (LT) The discussion on the common energy policy and energy security started in 2006 in the wake of the Russian-Ukrainian gas crisis, the consequences of which had an unfavourable impact on Europe.
So we must continue to focus on both institutional and economic reforms to be undertaken by Ukraine in parallel.
- Madam President, can I remind you that this would not have happened to Mr Schulz.
In Europe, airborne fine particles due to energy consumption now kill around 300 000 people each year.
As a result of some of the policies in the common fisheries policy, thousands of tonnes of edible fish are dumped dead over the sides of fishing boats around our coasts.
Indeed, one of the key issues was to ensure the rapid entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, which is crucial if we want to be able to confront the challenges that lie ahead together.
As the Commissioner has said, China is now Africa's third most important trading partner.
Situation in Kyrgyzstan (
My very warm thanks to you.
This is why the texts that we are discussing today are so important.

At present, the Commission is carrying out an impact assessment on a possible legal solution for orphan works at European level and we are discussing what could be done, but if you do not mind, I will come back to that when we talk of the digital agenda, for that is one of the issues that we have to touch upon.
It should also be stressed that research funding problems primarily affect small and medium-sized enterprises.
What does the Commission plan to do in order to get the Member States to finance mentoring and training programmes, and also to ensure that interest payments are subsidised from European Social Fund resources, as agreed?
Yet - and this is the striking feature of Ukrainian politics currently - there has been a steady movement in the direction of marginalising alternative centres of power.
Those regions which are totally or heavily dependent for their development on tourism are seeing their businesses threatened and are facing the future with uncertainty, particularly as tourism is not currently one of the competences of the European Union.
To date, there has been a widespread feeling of impunity, as in most cases any sanctions end up not having any effect.
I voted in favour of Mr Karim's reports.
Bulgaria's present government is under attack from the old status quo, the remnants of the communist regime in the structures of power and those who illegally enriched themselves during the period of transition.
2.
Mrs Ţicău mentioned the Paris Memorandum of Understanding.
Firstly, I must express some concern about the creation of a legal framework for a cost-sharing scheme with regard to major disease.
We advocate the definition of clear guidelines on the best way of collaborating to promote political stability, fight climate change, manage migratory flows and prevent natural disasters.
(DE) My question also relates to the Strategy for the Danube Region.
I would like to stress that the completion of this process will ensure a consistently high quality of universal service for all European citizens and for the business community.
However, I have been watching television all day, keeping up with all the news, and it seems to me that Ouattara is still in the process of winning the war.
It is an intelligent proposal.
The European economy very much needs vocational qualifications in the next decade.
One hundred and thirty grams will be delivered through passenger car technology and ten additional grams will be provided through complementary measures, including fuel efficiency targets for light commercial vehicles and an increased use of biofuels.
The aim of a civilised society is surely such a demanding one that we simply cannot move towards one based on the sort of content we have at the moment.
I will direct my question to Mr Swoboda - since Mrs Lunacek has already criticised our Chancellor, Mr Faymann, and his party colleagues.
Mr President, I should also like to point out the important part you have played in promoting the EU's policy on climate change.
Within our sphere of influence are those states with which we trade.
Madam President, the violence in the Republic of Moldova was not a revolution but a mutiny, which took place within a revolutionary atmosphere in a divided society.
(ES) Mr President, the members of the Spanish delegation of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament are going to vote in favour of the mandate of the Commission that has been christened Barroso II.
This amounts, on average, to about EUR 3 a week for each European citizen.
Because of the reasons set out and because I believe that the European Union is going through a period that requires more effort in terms of making Europe stronger and more competitive, while retaining the need to strengthen inter-institutional dialogue, I am voting in favour of this draft presented by Parliament.
Standards in the compromise version have been ratcheted up, and a high level set for our region.
The Greek Government has repeatedly proven that it wishes to close this chapter once and for all, by increasing bilateral contacts at prime ministerial level.
I can only repeat what the Commission President has already told you, that this will be handed over to the new Commission.
One of the main problems which we have to tackle here is, of course, dual taxation.
At the same time, we Europeans have opened all the back doors in order to avoid a reduction policy at home.
At its June meeting the European Council summarised the many steps forward we have made.
Two major projects are currently being developed: South Stream and Nabucco.
3.
Europe, however, refuses to accept the opinion of the people and wants to ram the Constitution down the throats of Europeans through the backdoor, pretending that everything in the garden is rosy and talking of a so-called 'dialogue with the citizen in the framework of the Treaty of Lisbon' with the greatest cynicism.
We are conscious of the competition issues that have arisen but we think that a better agreement could have been reached.
These are substantial targets that require substantial investment.
Unfortunately, Spain, Portugal and Italy also have high budget deficits.
With regard to the economic recovery and reflationary plan discussed by the Ecofin Council yesterday, the Ministers agreed with the Commission's view that, given the economic situation and the recession affecting the United States, Japan, the euro area and some major EU economies outside the euro area, a fiscal stimulus is essential.
These questions are in large measure answered by the report, which still does not resolve many fundamental problems connected, for example, with legislation, ritual slaughter and forming the conscience of society.
We have already heard from Sweden about the problem of pieces of cake being served in the back of the church.
I repeat: the treaty clearly states that a Member State cannot be forced to take on debts.
The current policy framework also allows money to already be spent on projects in 2009.
It is increasingly recognised that drinking is extremely harmful to children and young people.
In Austria, 47% of unemployed single parents live in chronic poverty.

It is dictated more by emotion than by real need, and could bring the economies of the world's leading industrialised nations to their knees.
Farmers have made investments based on those figures.
In my view, this agency's activities will inevitably extend beyond the thematic areas for which it was established.

For that reason, there can be no common consolidated corporate tax base, and the principle of fair tax competition must remain.
The aim of the approved resolution is to call on the Commission, after the fruitless attempts at mediation with the Council, to reiterate the proposal in the light of the new responsibilities that Parliament has acquired with the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon.
We have now managed to arrive at a balanced result, that is both consumer-friendly and business-friendly.
Secondly, I believe that the European Union needs to commit itself more wholeheartedly to this project.
This can be seen from their attempts to place the opposition in exile on a list of terrorist organisations, as well as their attempts to close the Ashraf refugee camp in Iraq.
(PL) Mr President, the Polish shipyard industry is under threat of total closure because the European Commission is demanding the return of sums provided from public aid.
It is the story of the first wine drinkers.
(PL) I would like to express my satisfaction that today's debate on the matters related to bloody totalitarian systems has been possible. It is regrettable that the debate is so short and perfunctory.
Are these reports true?
The Portuguese Presidency of the Council has stated that it will seek to promote EU cooperation with the Mediterranean countries.
I shall repeat, once again this year, that the budget is inadequate and the multiannual financial framework is unsuitable.
To all my fellow Members who are standing for re-election and who are re-elected, I should like to say that I hope that we, provided of course that I am re-elected, will continue our good work.
Follow the example of the US population, which is starting a second major revolution: the conservative people's revolution!
Why did this happen?
We also need to consider - and that would be a task for your successor, whether that is you or someone else - how we in Europe, on the one hand, can be in favour of a number of large projects, such as Nabucco and Desertec, while at the same time advocating the decentralisation of some of our electricity and energy production.
The world does not have to bow down to one language and one culture.
It is on this other ground that we shall be urging it on, but we must achieve a European patent.
There have been many bankruptcies and traffic has been shut down.
It increases the range of relevant information for decision making and provides knowledge of legitimate interests which are worthy of consideration.
It seems absurd to me that during border controls, technical equipment containing audio and video recordings for personal use may be confiscated.
There is no margin for error, for reasons we know all too well.
in writing. - In Kyösti Virrankoski's report 'Amending budget No1/2008' regarding the Solidarity Fund, we can see that the EU is prepared to put fresh money into the mobilisation of the Solidarity Fund in the UK.
In recent years, Serbia has made major progress in moving towards Europe.
As a result, ordinary people in Belarus regard EU policy towards them as a policy of empty words!
This cooperation is key in dealing in the best possible way with the mutual impact that the environment and health have on each other.
The European Parliament must be kept informed of how the situation develops, especially regarding the implementation of a waste management plan, pursuant to the 4 March 2010 judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union and to EU legislation.
The infringement of democratic principles during the election was followed by protests, brutal repression of a demonstration and the arrest of demonstrators.
Texts of agreements forwarded by the Council: see Minutes
Spain's experience is like the bull in the corrida: proud and strong to start with, but bleeding to death in the sand by the end.
I would like to emphasise that it is also vital to find out what conditions are like in the countries that people are fleeing from.
The situation in the European Union must change, because we are living in an internal market.
In the context of regulating the supervisory bodies and the discussion about hedge funds, we have proposed that we should take appropriate measures on a European level and we will make the same resolution on derivatives, if you, Mr Langen, do what you are always saying.
We will not move forward through an obsession with the state and with the market.
We need to intensify our work towards effective global convergence policies on crisis management and systemically important financial institutions.
Far from being our shield and protection, EU directives have frequently stolen a march on the WTO.
(DE) Madam President, one of the accomplishments of the European Parliament that has attracted the most attention is the amendment of the 'Bolkestein Directive' by replacing the country of origin principle with the principle of freedom to provide services.
Now more than ever, we need to build a new Europe that will at last provide economic protection for our regions and our nations through an active policy of reassuming control of our internal market.
Of course, we pay cereal growers to stop growing crops: we call it 'restructuring aid', like the set-aside payment or the grubbing-up premium.
So it is reasonable to support the negotiated package so that the Foundation can function as soon as possible on solid bases.
Once the Directive on the promotion of clean and energy efficient road transport vehicles comes into force, around March, we will initiate the development of an internet site to facilitate joint clean vehicle procurement.
I want to add the word 'initial' between 'the government's' and 'decision', so the wording will be 'Regrets the government's initial decision not to attend the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony in Oslo on 10 December; welcomes, on the other hand, the Ombudsman's initiative to attend the ceremony as a responsible and praiseworthy decision'.
I should like to thank the Commissioner.
At the same time, we must give the impression this morning of a Europe that is working for everyone.
Urban areas have the task, today, of making transport sustainable in environmental (CO2, air pollution, noise), competition (congestion) and social (demographic changes, inclusion, health) terms.
In case these two safety measures fail us, we need to do more to protect our planes and avoid in-flight incidents.
In 2009 alone, the Commission provided a total of EUR 950 million to approximately 115 million people in more than 70 countries.
In order to overcome the demographic challenges of the future, a consistent family friendly policy is needed.
In December the European Council specifically asked you and the Commission to look deeper into this issue.
This is a chance to give fresh impetus to the accession process in several key areas.
In my opinion, this is the problem which does most harm to the development prospects of the African continent.
The Commission must manage the interconnection of these systems and expand their functionality in order to streamline costs.
Most of these were technical amendments aimed at aligning the text with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Mr Schulz said that poverty has increased.
Europe's largest inland sea can and must be saved.
We propose to cooperate unconditionally with you if you wish to make progress on a European tax system.
But when they look at how it is organised and constituted today, they are not impressed with its organisation or its disposition.
(Applause)
I reaffirm the need to adopt specific measures which will facilitate economic governance, based on in-depth, transparent knowledge, and open debate about any domestic measures adopted in Member States which may produce an impact at EU level.
The debate is closed.
The Paris Conference has clearly shown that our focus has to be very strong on rural development.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, today we are called upon to vote on a package of aid for Holland, which has requested the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for an overall sum of EUR 10.5 million.
The response of the European Central Bank to the crisis was effective, although it was guilty at times of acting late or with a lack of assertiveness, in particular, the policy of reducing interest rates, which was more radical and effective in the United Kingdom and the US Federal Reserve.
Member States have a sovereign competence for establishing their own national constitutions, and in this case, we should respect the right of the Hungarian people to determine their own constitution adopted by their democratically-elected national parliament.
The committee realises that since this will be the first ever evaluation table for consumer markets, some of these indicators will have to be replaced with new ones in the future.
On the one hand, demographic change means that people fortunately have longer life expectancies and remain physically and mentally active for longer.
As rapporteur for the Agreement between the European Community and the United Mexican States with regard to certain aspects of air services, I want to stress the importance of this agreement.
It is a cornerstone of EU foreign policy, founded on the values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights and international law, which is something that unites us.
We must welcome this given the extreme situation faced by regulators.
We must be realistic on this matter.
Trade in goods and services accounts for approximately 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The Agreement between the EC and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau for the period from June 2007 to June 2011, provides for the granting of 37 fishing licences, four of them for Portugal.
This is the best way to counteract asymmetric market opening.
I also believe that we need to rethink our approach and come up with a new one which goes into greater depth and is far more fundamental.
The light-touch regulation of the financial markets was always a road to rip-off and corruption.
This much watered-down alcohol strategy for Europe proved that the alcohol industry won and the EU citizens lost.
For me, there is a whiff of superiority here, with Europe saying: 'We have got rid of child labour, but you Indians are still using it'.
This is also closely connected to the question of prosperity.
Each side was convinced we could do better.
in writing. - (IT) Foreign trade is one of the most powerful political tools we have available in our dealings with third countries.
In the least developed countries, only 28 in 100 women giving birth are attended by trained personnel. The objective of MDG 5 is to reduce the ratio of women dying in childbirth by three quarters between 1990 and 2015.
The bottom-up decision-making process, with the involvement of the regions concerned, ensures support for development by harnessing specific regional aspects.
Other considerations aside, we must promote quality and excellence, both among students and among teaching staff, and this can only be done with constant support, both in terms of politics and of investment, for mobility within the education system; this support should be both national and European.
In exercising its eventual role in the monitoring board, the Commission must also represent the other European institutions, in particular this House.
The basis for doing so is guaranteed by the new Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Treaty of Lisbon, a recently elected Parliament and the new Commission now being formed.
It is, however, entirely up to the Member States which strategy to choose, based on their specific circumstances.
I ask the leaders of the European Parliament to offer assistance to the victims, should this become necessary.
You know that we are currently negotiating a free trade agreement with India, where the whole matter of sustainability also has to be addressed.
However, this regulation has indicated right from first reading a number of disagreements between the Council and Parliament on the following aspects: fingerprinting of children up to the age of six with the risk of ignoring details of the costs and inconvenience which parents would face every time their children's fingerprints change; new challenges on how to organise the collection of biometric data; and last but not least, the lack of experience which Member States have with regard to managing the storage of personal data and technical errors.
If we want a well-balanced, informative media environment, we must support independent public broadcasters as the counterparts of private broadcasters.
EU-Latin America and Caribbean Summit (vote)
Falling behind schedule is one thing, not making up the lost time is another, just when we are also committed to adopting the energy and climate change package, which is one of the great challenges the European Union has to face.
Passenger safety must be our overriding concern.
This is why I welcome the announcement by President Lee Myung-bak that the South Korean Government intends to avoid escalation of the worrying situation.
Finally, I would say to Mrs Bobošíková that it was the Cossacks who wrote to the Sultan, not the other way around.
Thank you very much and apologies again for being late.
Given the huge salary that Mr Barroso is on, can he not spend another 30 minutes with us on a regular basis, to make this an hour and a half?
Long-term security is important, but we would ideally like a well-functioning instrument with a vision until 2020.
Secondly, the importance of presenting proposals and working hypotheses in order to make it easier to implement measures in the Member States, with administrative procedures and management strategies that give priority to the quality of the projects and to their impact on the living and working conditions of European citizens.
Nevertheless, I cannot fail to underline that it must take into account the competences of the European institutions, so an institutional framework separate from these must not be created.
Terrible pressure is put on members of staff, who work for hours on end or, in any case, for longer periods of time and without rest.
The barriers in question are described in the communication adopted by the Commission in September.
in writing. - I and my British Conservative colleagues are supportive of factual information being available to the public on EU policies and institutions and improving transparency.
If we now look at the funds transfers that are being discussed in this regard, it is a key point that they should be very well monitored and be tied to conditions, because otherwise all we are doing is opening a second route to development aid.
It will then become more attractive to combine several modes, for instance with part of the journey being done by rail and the freight then continuing by boat.
In the case of Vilnius, in particular, we have a very good opportunity to show how strong cooperation can actually be.
In three years 48 305 immigrants arrived in the Canary Islands.
For this reason, I agree with the rapporteurs' call for the Commission to present a report on its implementation every three years and, if relevant, to propose a revision of the regulation.
I congratulate you: you can improve the situation in Belgium.
These are two elements which I think we need to develop in the coming months.
I believe that we have reached a good compromise, especially as it represents significant progress compared with the current situation, although, as in any compromise, we have all had to make concessions and be flexible, in what has been an especially complex task, as the Commission proposal arrived before the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon.
So I very much hope that the European Parliament will soon join the position taken by these states.
He wants to see the huge numbers of foreigners already here being integrated, assimilated and absorbed into the employment process.
I am glad to note that the strategy proposed by the Commission in its communication of 23 October was endorsed by the Council last week.
The answer will be given by the citizens, by rewarding those who are calling for legislation and punishing those who wanted to persuade us that self-regulation is the panacea for all the evils we are experiencing today.
This important milestone will serve as an encouragement for Serbia, as it has renewed its efforts to promote reconciliation in the region.
attracting more people into employment and retaining more people in employment so as to increase the labour supply and to make social protection systems workable;
What we need is research and data: we need an EU-wide data bank where we can actually share best practice and make things better for somebody who is trying to lead a normal life but cannot drive a car, cannot ride a motorcycle and cannot get on with their ordinary life, and yet is perfectly intelligent.
What exactly does the European Union want, though?
The second reason is interinstitutional equilibrium.
Mr President, I voted against Amendments 17D and 19, which attacked NATO and called for the removal of NATO bases here in the European Union.
Claude mentioned 15 years.
Europe, its institutions and its policies will one day be adopted and applied by governments on the left and the right - that is the law of alternation.
Particular attention must be paid to the economic, social and ecological consequences of an increase or abolition of quotas, particularly in mountainous regions.
We would like to thank you for your visit to the European Parliament.
On 15 December, Mr Barrot undertook to promote a European Charter on the rights of victims of terrorism.
It exports the sick social model of the rich European countries to the countries of Africa and Asia.
We wish you, President Abbas, every success in all your efforts to bring about peace.
Making the European Union the scapegoat for every problem instead of facing up to their responsibility, and then asking citizens, two weeks before a referendum, to give their endorsement is dishonest, irresponsible and disingenuous.
I approve of the fact that in this period of crisis, the activities of the European Investment Bank should be focused on helping small and medium-sized enterprises, which are the backbone of our society.
The common agricultural policy is and remains a key area of Community policy and of the EU budget.
author. - Madam President, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is anything but democratic as it has one of the worst records on human rights violations in the world.

However, despite also demanding more detailed information on the staff, budget and work carried out by these agencies, the Commission's proposal agrees to give these agencies greater room for manoeuvre in terms of transfers of appropriations which must be duly monitored.
We will be vigilant regarding the deadlines for applying these conventions while, of course, respecting the principle of subsidiarity.
However, child labour, which is widespread, especially in China, is covered by the standards I have already mentioned, which trading partners are required to observe.
It is not just European warming, it is global warming.
Furthermore, when it comes to the European arrest warrant, frankly my doubts turn into outright opposition.
Instead of being imposed, the European Development Fund's priorities must be revised, taking into account the opinion, the priorities and the real needs of developing countries.
The results of the vote in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety were on the whole positive.
Just like the annual report, it is thorough, complete and user-friendly.
The present report makes an important contribution to achieving that goal.
We also commend the Southern parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement for their leadership, and the Sudanese Referendum Authorities for the remarkable job they did in organising the referendum despite the enormous challenges they faced.
Nor, for that matter, is there much advantage in having in Europe a bloc of similar industrialised economies, where we have cut ourselves off from the growing markets of the rest of the world.
Favouring some countries in Central Asia over others risks creating a discord and division in the region.
In Finland peat has been defined as slowly renewing biomass fuel.
Naturally, there are still many more steps to be taken and in this vein, I would express my concern over the numerous arrests of journalists.
Now that we are halfway through the Belgian Presidency, can the Council state what action it intends to take before the end of the Presidency with a view to implementing the measure called for by Parliament?
A complete transformation of maritime policy is essential.
We have more flexibility, we can provide our budgets earlier, and we can invest more in energy-efficient buildings and housing, for example.
Not all regions are the same; even within an individual Member State, the regions differ.
(DE) Madam President, I have a specific question for Commissioner Dimas.
Is it not understandable, Commissioner, that the European Union should have difficulty finding EUR 3.4 billion to finance as strategic a project from an industrial, scientific and military point of view as Galileo, under these circumstances?
This is why I believe that it is important for European institutions to exert tighter control, which will prevent the recurrence of such a situation at European level in the future.
Operation Atalanta was conceived as a political opportunity to add a maritime dimension to ESDP during the French Presidency.
We still need an evaluation.
(ES) Mr President, I congratulate and support Carlos Coelho, and I would like to point out that this report was adopted unanimously in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.
It is the EU country with the highest number of tuberculosis patients and it is in the penultimate place when it comes to the quality of diabetes treatment although diabetes is the disease with the highest predisposition.
With regard to training, we need to adjust work skills to the demands of the new economy and to do so in a way that is economically accessible for workers and businesses.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I too, like all my colleagues, would like to congratulate the rapporteur, Mr Ferber, on his work.
What should be discussed at the summit on Friday is Portugal.
Turning agricultural, domestic and industrial waste into energy has always seemed to me to be the most sensible of all the renewable options.
Mrs De Sarnez, you are right, there is still much to be done.
This priority means a lot to me and to my services; it means a lot to our businesses in Europe and for the employment they are able to create for our workers, flowing from increased market access and from the strengthening of world trade that is at the heart of our trade policy strategy for a global Europe.
In Poland's case, thermal modernisation, alongside cogeneration, can bring economic, social and ecological benefits.
We can read about it in the Galvin report and elsewhere, but attempts are being made to sweep this under the carpet.
She is also going to use the opportunity of attending the forthcoming investiture of Mr Yanukovich in Kiev, which it is presumed will be attended by Mr Lukashenko, to tackle this issue, which will continue to be discussed in future by the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council, because it is a very important matter.
It is a perfect illustration of what we can achieve if we can establish our health priorities in good time.
Thanks to political correctness, the indigenous peoples of Europe are all too easily labelled right-wing extremist or even racist for insisting on their basic culture, whilst migrants seldom face this problem.
The global economic crisis burdens us all, yet we must not forget or ignore the fact that the least developed countries are also the most vulnerable now.
The fate of the Lithuanian textile and clothing sector is closely linked to the EU, as 84% of Lithuanian textiles are exported to the EU.
in writing. - The case is identical to the previous one (see, but here the request for the waiver of immunity was forwarded by the French authorities.
What are we doing?
It is an indictment of Europe that the foreign ministers of the Member States in the Council cannot manage to respond to this.
The recast technique does not tie the hands of the legislator more than the traditional way of amending legislation.

(MT) I believe that it is a worthwhile matter to talk about how we can create more jobs in the European Union.
The report includes the importance of public services in meeting the basic needs of citizens and we feel we need to emphasise this within the new framework established by the Treaty of Lisbon.
The current situation leads to negative competition between the systems. That is not a good thing for businesses or for their employees.
Not least because the Czech President does not share the mainstream EU view of the Russia-Georgia conflict.
Documents received: see Minutes
On the other hand, this is such an important matter that we cannot neglect it.
in writing. - I voted in favour of the Berès report because of my support for the vast majority of its contents.
However, we have objections to paragraph 19, which calls for a military ESDP mission in Georgia - although we would see nothing controversial in an EU civilian observer presence.
There is no point in insisting as I will not give you the floor.
However, aid is also important, for restoration, for re-establishing production potential and for compensating for the social costs and job losses.
We must protect intellectual property more effectively, we must press harder for global rules and standards, we must strengthen the WTO, and we must practise transatlantic partnership.
Who is speaking in favour of the motion?
While I believe that Serbia's entry into the EU is a considerable step forward for both the EU and the Republic of Serbia, I voted in favour of the motion for a resolution because I believe that the country will very soon manage to overcome all the limitations which have created such a wide gap between the two for so long.
That is exactly what I have said I will do and that is exactly what I am going to do - a stronger Europe for freedom and solidarity.
What fine words can we use in our anniversary toasts?
Mr President, Azerbaijan has appeared once again on the agenda of the European Parliament.
You also said that in 1998 and 1999, the working party chose neither to authorise nor propose the withdrawal of this product. Yet we know that the medicinal product was withdrawn in the United States in 1997.
The macro-financial assistance for Ukraine is the first case to be decided under the new procedure.
That is good.
There was one of my questions he did not answer, which related to the reasoned opinion sent to Belgium by the Commission back in 2008.
Let us not think that nothing can be done about these tragedies.
This will, of course, involve acting consistently with the other political objectives of the Union.
I wish our Mexican colleagues and friends a successful stay in Strasbourg.
Therefore, we must do our utmost to increase the number of devotees of the Mediterranean diet in Europe and beyond, and its inclusion on the World Heritage List is an important step in this regard.
That is why the Copenhagen meeting is important.
5.
Effective climate protection regulation will continue to require flexibility mechanisms.
The European Parliament expresses its satisfaction that the Court of Auditors has stated that the transactions underlying the Centre's annual accounts for the 2009 financial year are legal and regular.
Face up to your responsibility to examine critically how countries deal with this legislation and whether they apply it effectively.
While there has been full cooperation between the Irish security authorities and our European counterparts in the whole area of police matters, the full benefits of the EU are not being shared by Irish citizens.
I am disappointed that my proposal for regulation of postal and telecommunications pricing between the national territories and the ORs was not upheld.
It is planned that approximately 70% of EU funds for entrepreneurs will be disbursed using the loan funds.
Ultimately, however, Parliament gave way, with the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) regrettably also voting in favour, Mr Pieper, and laid down only five years in the Structural Funds Regulation, which is clearly nothing like adequate given the scale of the subsidies.
I share this belief, but this cannot justify all the means that were used then.
A third issue to be addressed is the whole system of comanagement.
I hope we can come back to this subject within six to twelve months to see if the system is functioning.
It was therefore up to him to come and present the conclusions of the European Council of 10 and 11 December 2009.
Many people in the region I come from work in Luxembourg, Belgium or France.
In terms of reaping what we sow, our capitalist intentions will lead, for the vast majority of humanity, to price increases, unemployment, poverty, hunger and so on.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, it is still not clear whether Amendment 1 is compatible with Amendment 51.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, as Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, I am deeply disappointed for several reasons with the contents of Mr Szájer's report, which is being voted on tomorrow.
In this respect, I think that it is appropriate to have measures in place in the European Union's outermost regions which are aimed at boosting the agricultural sector's competitiveness and promoting diversification.
Even if this is proposed to accommodate the problems mentioned above, it is missing one key element, which has brought about modest success for the recommendation.
So we should not include any conflicting statements in the recitals, but should remain consistent with the wording 'adequate resources for a balanced cohesion policy'.

The issue raises societal problems, which advise us strongly to ban animal cloning for food, as well as the import of cloned animals and their offspring.
I think we must find ways of attracting highly skilled labour, but at the same time we must also prevent the 'brain drain' from developing countries.
In reply specifically to Mr Daerden, a round table has been organised today in Brussels.
All the Member States have to submit their austerity plans up to April.
As we all know, Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure allows for one-minute speeches.
In view of this, I agree with the rapporteur on the proposal for Parliament to adopt this report and the request for the Council to finalise this procedure without undue delay.
How much life will actually be breathed into this project will certainly depend, amongst other things, on how the tension between the objectives of environmental protection and drawing the Danube region together are resolved and whether the Danube will suffice as the common denominator for the implementation of this mammoth project.
1.
Faced with these new commercial challenges, the European farmer's main asset is quality.
I am in favour of giving priority to creating and boosting employment at this time of crisis and also of pressing ahead with the realisation of the flexicurity principle.
I abstained from voting on this particular report.
Against this background, a European strategy of zero tolerance that aims to protect the rights of children is of very great importance.
(Applause)
It has one very serious fault, however.
The people of Europe are seeing more and more every day that all of their powers are trickling through their fingers, that their freedoms are being taken away, whether it be purchasing power, an expensive euro, GMOs, tax, fisheries, a lack of trade protection, immigration, or even football, which you yourself mentioned a few moments ago.
Could I address specifically Kathy Sinnott who campaigned, in my view, with some rather horrendous arguments for a 'no' vote?
In addition, as regards the unscrupulous and unethical practice of exporting substances known to be harmful to third world countries, I would quote a popular proverb from Poland: 'Do as you would be done by'.
We are in regular contact with Quartet colleagues.
On the contrary, in principle we are in favour.
This is one factor among very many, but it is an important one.
Echoing the conclusions of the September 2009 G20 summit in Pittsburgh, this report aims to ensure that 'all standardised OTC derivative contracts [are] traded on exchanges or electronic trading platforms'.
The global market is reacting to the need to meet the demands of the model of consumption which has already been formed in highly developed and developing societies.
Impact assessments are a valuable legislative instrument, serving as a knowledge-based preparation for political decisions, and thus contributing to better law making.
The Member States can no longer act as though these two areas are restricted and untouchable competences, beyond the scope of common action.
Vice-President of the Commission. - (FR) Mr President, I have listened carefully to all the contributions.
The situation should not be unsettled by changing the rules during the game, stepping up the Eurosceptic rhetoric and bringing up a separate issue relating to the need to control illegal immigration.
Thank you for your attention.
However, the resolution contains several provisions which should not be included.
Therefore, relying on what science is telling us, we have to act.
I want to see us, as Europeans, take a clear stand for compliance with the human rights enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, irrespective of the political situation.
Member of the Commission. - (ES) Thank you very much, Mr President.
Let us take research and infrastructure as an example.
All EU citizens are equal and must be treated that way, only then can the European Union live up to its motto.
A higher degree of consistency requires transparency in relation to data and payments.
Future European legislation will have to review the level of sanctions against traffickers so that they are commensurate with the severity of the offence.
However, the state must not sink to the level of the terrorists.
The problems are largely of internal origin because they stem from a lack of structural reforms.
(The President cut off the speaker)
Not only is the unemployment rate higher among young workers than among the rest of the population, but young workers are often to be found in insecure temporary jobs with lower pay and weaker legal protection.
Out of the total amount of official aid for development, the funds allocated to agriculture have fallen as a proportion from 17% in 1980 to 3.8% in 2006.
I would remind you that non-refoulement is a principle which knows no geographical boundaries and which cannot be haggled over or negotiated under any circumstances.
The number of states which have retained the death penalty and still make use of it has fallen to 58.
I am personally going to attend its inauguration; I have been invited to it and I fully intend to be there.
(FR) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, as draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, I want to congratulate the rapporteur Mr Ford, firstly for his ... (text inaudible) on two aspects that I think should be emphasised.
We will have also a banking sector with a lot of uncertainties when it resumes normal funding activities and, of course, we will have a European budget that will remain, as usual, too small to be efficient and to solve our problems.
On the finance that has already been announced for African agriculture, I am delighted to hear Louis Michel, if I have understood him correctly, say that it will go to smaller producers and therefore to help subsistence farming, which contributes to overcoming the crisis particularly for the poorest, and not to multinationals dedicated to exporting, which would actually make countries even poorer and more dependent on imports.
In the whole system, it is vital for the rules to include the principle of transparency, supervision and control.
Ladies and gentlemen, today and yesterday, the EuroMedScola completed its programme here in Strasbourg.
We have been discussing this treaty for many years, and I am always surprised to find that I then get questions on how quickly we can stop living after that constitution, because I must base my work on the treaties.
In conclusion, I would like to point out that the EU has a crucial role to play in advancing these objectives to achieve an equitable and lasting solution.
Lists of operations and amounts are published on the DG Environment website.
Further to the strategic association which the European Commission has initiated with Brazil and Mexico, this process could perhaps also form the approach to be taken in the negotiations on the Mercosur agreement, which have been stalled for too long.
That was absolutely not what was intended.
They are only taken into account in the minutes but not for the purposes of the vote count.
The external dimension of social policy includes EU activities and initiatives aimed at promoting labour and social standards in third countries.
The EPP Group is still very much open to cooperating with the Council, and most importantly with other groups here in Parliament, to try and reach a compromise that is acceptable for all.
(DE) Mr President, Mr Rehn, ladies and gentlemen, the Europe 2020 strategy presents us with a specific challenge.
In fact, Article 182 of the Treaty of Lisbon ensures a suitable legal basis for future developments in this area.
In all these initiatives, small and medium-sized enterprises will play a very important role.
Vice-President of the Council/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. - Mr President, I will try to deal with as many of the issues that were raised as possible but, as always, when we debate the Middle East peace process, there is a real sense of urgency and a strong desire in this House to see us make progress.
This new institution would, as I see it, cause uncertainty of roles, a divide-and-conquer situation, and it takes completely the opposite approach to our cornerstones in our energy policy.
It contains some good and some bad news.
Even though in some areas there are more young fish in the sea than in past years, this is still an opportunity rather than a recovery.
I hope that that will not actually come to pass.
The fact remains, however, that more and more jobs fit the description of menial jobs, in other words unskilled, badly-paid work.
Paragraph 20, line 3 should read: 'reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation'.
Everyone must act against the nationalist and extremist tendencies emerging in their own country.
It affects our capacity to defend a certain vision of the European commitment to our major projects and our industries.
I welcome an eastern partnership as ambitious as the one proposed in this report, all the more so as it is aimed at more effective cooperation and supporting the reconstruction of Georgia, while also suggesting for the future setting up a free trade area and lifting visa requirements for the European Union.
I am afraid that the European Parliament is less than happy about the course the European Council is sailing.
By reducing our environmental footprint in ways such as turning the lights off, smart metering, sensor lights, and less paper use, the European Parliament works to be environmentally sound.
Homophobia, compulsory religious education and restrictions of freedom of the press must equally be fought in the current Member States.
The background to the events of the last few days have been the aggressive actions of the Kremlin, which aims to extend its domination in the region of South-Eastern Europe.
Otherwise the principles of international order will de facto be dictated by Korea, Iran or the terrorists of Hamas.
Some of that could have been avoided, but some of it is, frankly, intrinsic in the nature of the agreements.
Commission President, I would also like to extend a very warm welcome to the many members of the Commission who are present for this debate today.
We fully realised that globalisation is a reality and that we need to use it to our advantage.
(EL) Mr President, the G20 summit in November did not, in my opinion, have substantial results.
I am therefore certain that this report represents Parliament's opinion as to how we can help forests, how we can help our communities to adapt to climate change.
I took an extremely critical approach when drafting this report because it is very frequently the case that hypocritical positions are adopted during negotiations with countries which are not EU Member States.
We do not have enough nurses any more in my town.
Finally, I would like to say that there are many of us women who have survived as a result of the efforts of society and through the work of shelters for women and women's organisations.
Some of them have been scientifically proven to be implicated in allergies and to undermine the immune system.
Mr President, Secretary of State, Commissioner, we can surely agree that when drawing up the European Parliament's budget, we must focus on our core mission, which is legislative work.
This epicentre of authoritarianism is making its presence felt ever more strongly in the world, at the expense of Europe itself and of the United States.
I view this assessment as an expression of the care that the Community takes of the safety and health of European citizens.
I voted in favour of this resolution as violence against women is still a problem which is all too prevalent in Romania and worldwide, making it necessary to adopt urgent measures to combat this scourge.
I think I can state with some satisfaction that the Commission has so far made use of all the possibilities open to it under the treaty and has made use of them even in ways that were not entirely conventional.
There is no such thing as a British citizen if you are not Irish from Northern Ireland, Scottish, Welsh or English.
The government has not shown any discernible will to take decisive steps to counter this development.
The debate that we are holding here concerns the last dictatorship left in Europe.
This is because, ladies and gentlemen, the capacity to enter the sector swiftly with quality, standardised products will determine the future leaders in a highly competitive market.
The memorandum for genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people, now rejected by China as a working document, shows that the Tibetan people have already made a genuine effort and given up an enormous amount of what, I emphasise, are their legitimate aspirations.
We clearly wished to make our first approval of the budget under the terms of the Treaty of Lisbon a significant event.
It would be useful if this French regulator were given a say in the activities of the regulators in the other 26 countries.
in writing. - (FI) Mr President, constructing the gas pipeline as a project buried in the ground would be a cheaper, safer option than sinking it in the sea.
This problem quite simply represents a serious distortion of the internal market.
On the one hand, I feel it is important that from the standpoint of the internal market there should be no danger that a parent company and a subsidiary are at a disadvantage simply because they are operating in two different Member States, compared with companies operating in only one Member State.
We must protect our citizens from these potential dangers, notably by means of a differentiated, risk-based approach.
Only in this way will confidence be restored, and confidence is key.
The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, released in Spain in November 2007, represents the most complete and the most credible scientific assessment of climate change so far.
After Madeira, Europe has once again been affected.
This represents half of Iceland's exports, accounting for 10% of its GDP.
The negotiations allowed us to include a reference to the horizontal social clause which was established by the Treaty of Lisbon and which now has to be transposed concretely into legislation.
An EU-inspired crisis will shortly hit the UK egg industry.
In second place the responsibility lies with the municipalities and in third place with the State.
We need to ensure that the few do not taint the many and that our work benefits from outside inputs rather than being distorted by it.
Unfortunately, many international agreements are ending with the lowest common denominators.
We know that migration is a fact of life, we know it is a force for development and we know that many EU nationals also follow a path where they want to earn, learn or yearn for something better, just as those coming from sub-Saharan Africa do.
They agreed that the EU has sufficient oil and gas stocks.
in writing. - The report advocates a 'common European foreign policy on energy'.
I am glad that the Brok report and today's debate essentially endorse the renewed consensus on EU enlargement, which was achieved in December 2006 - not least because of the events in 2005.
Commissioner, this is, without doubt, the top priority at the stress test stage; however, I would also point out that, in the second stage, full and fundamental preventive supervision will need to include appropriate mechanisms to address what, to date, has been a particularly shadowy banking sector.
What mark does she propose for those eggs in the EU that are not allowed to carry a legal mark after 1 January 2012?
Member of the Commission. - (CS) Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for the discussion.
Therefore, I will focus my speech on the serious problems it is facing: the increase in the cost of animal feed, which represents 60% of production costs, and is therefore crucially important in terms of profitability for producers.
Second: the approval by the Ethiopian Parliament of the so-called NGO Act, which, in practice, criminalises all the work of independent NGOs.
We all know what that means.
In cases involving several Member States they have to satisfy the eligibility criteria for authorised economic operator status.
By removing some of these days off we could create around a thousand jobs.
This House will never unite around a common position if we seek to apportion blame precisely, but fault can be found on both sides, violence denounced, and an immediate ceasefire sought.
To those manufacturers and producers who are writing to us now asking us not to support one or other amendment that aims to close these loopholes, I would say: let them come up with their suggestions.
It is for precisely this reason that it is so important that the European Parliament will shortly be giving its blessing to a legislative package that will help to ensure that the electricity market functions more effectively.
Similarly, urban transport initiatives and the Civitas and the Intelligent Energy-Europe programmes must be continued.
The devastating earthquake has been at the forefront of our minds since 12 January, and efforts began straight away to provide all the assistance we can.
What is important is actually changing social relations and inhuman traditions.
The fact that we are only a few days after the elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina makes this issue particularly relevant.
However, they were recorded and the list compiled included 94 overflights and 17 stopovers specifically by US civilian and military aircraft between January 2002 and the end of June 2006.
(Applause)
That was the first and last time that I embraced my beloved son.
The next step will really be how the Council will deal with the rewording of Article 47.
The pricing for loans by the IMF was considered an appropriate benchmark for setting euro area Member States' bilateral loan conditions, albeit with some adjustments which were agreed on 11 April.
on behalf of the EFD Group. - (DA) Mr President, this is an ambitious strategy document.
Buddhist monks have long been the target of a special kind of persecution.
In addition, the package will contain a report on evaluation of the implementation by the Member States of the Framework Decision on terrorism.
In that context I was delighted to read the recent remarks of the Commission President in the Financial Times, in which he raised the ugly spectre of growing protectionism in Europe.
I refer, in particular, also to Amendment 16.
With such an example, and by setting this example for the Cypriots, we are putting them in an unclear and ambiguous situation in which they will be unable to fight for the unity of their island.
We need binding energy efficiency targets as soon as possible, and this is important for a whole host of reasons: economic reasons and reasons relating to competition, jobs, the environment and the climate.
He said that the Commission is influenced by it being made up of deputy leaders of European parties.
No economic and regional integration will come to fruition if the Union does not have the courage to tackle existing conflicts and to do this based on international law.
Africa is a continent with a wealth of talented people.
The magic word in all these measures is inclusion - the inclusion of civil society, social dialogue and the active application of the horizontal social clause in accordance with the principles of the social market economy.
For that reason, what we have done here with the International Criminal Court represents a major step forwards in that all such people will know, in future, that there is a judge beyond national law and that, for the rest of their lives, they will have to live with the fact that they will be held to account.
I therefore voted in favour.
A further reservation concerns the use of studies into the energy consumption of buildings.
I therefore support this decision, which allows the mobilisation of EUR 2 405 671 under the general EU budget for 2010 in order to provide financial assistance in response to the Portuguese request.
Now the benchmark will qualify as a criterion once it has been through the Council.
According to the FRONTEX Annual Report for 2006, the apprehension figures at Schengen's current external borders (mainly Austria and Germany) are still far higher than those at the EU's external borders, so it is highly doubtful whether the expansion should be approved.
I would like to draw your attention, at this point, to what strikes me as a disturbing piece of news, namely that 40% of Germans now believe that the introduction of the euro was a mistake.
Furthermore, wars against Muslim countries only provoke terrorist outrages.
ERI is a response to a real need on the part of European researchers and will undoubtedly help boost competitiveness in European science.
Clearly, the international and regional organisations, the countries themselves, the States and the decentralised authorities, the NGOs, as well as the agencies of the Member States.
At the same time Europe must secure our energy supply and become self-sufficient.
Let us support the bees.
We note that no member of the opposition will have a parliamentary seat.
Various amendments were proposed by myself or by other colleagues, resulting in numerous compromise amendments and a firm consensus between Members of the PSE, PPE, ALDE, Verts/ALE and UEN Groups, such that there were only two votes against this report.
However, we have moved from '3x20' to the legitimacy of the '4x4' economy.
There will be many challenges for Egypt in the coming months and years.
Politically we need to make proposals that are focused firstly on this policy and then on a progressive de-materialisation of our lifestyle, since otherwise it will not be sustainable.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the negotiation that I led by myself for the first year and then, during conciliation - the first conciliation procedure after the Treaty of Lisbon, I would note - with the guidance of Mrs Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou and the support of the Chair of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, Mr Simpson, has been more arduous and difficult than expected.
The people certainly know that the EU is not the Soviet Union.
Agriculture ministers are discussing this - in fact they may even still be discussing it today - at the informal meeting in Annecy and will report back to the 'Agriculture' Council on 17 and 18 November.
The first concerns the Copenhagen Summit.
The rich European states must show solidarity with Eastern Europe, and the aid fund granted to countries in this area must be increased.
This is the reason why men and women are being exposed to hidden forms of discrimination.
(Applause)
President Ilves, it is a great joy to be able to welcome you here to the European Parliament, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary tomorrow.
The initial form of the resolution on the Cancún climate change conference has been changed quite a lot and its content has been watered down considerably by incorporating the amendments tabled by the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats).
It is approximately half of the annual global aid outlay.
Any change to the academic training system which helps modernise training programmes and, above all, brings graduates and the world of employment closer together, should be welcomed and strongly encouraged.
I am in favour of both the Commission proposal and the Tatarella report because it is absolutely vital to support a sector in serious difficulty.
The school in Parma, which is approved by the Board of Governors of the European Schools, will be the first school of its kind to award a European baccalaureate in June 2009.
Let us not forget where the present crisis has its roots: poor-quality lending, compounded by securitisation of these loans in off-balance sheet vehicles, the risks associated with which few understood.
But he did come to our group meeting, the ECR Group meeting, and explain that he was in favour of smart regulation.
We need innovations, an exchange of good experiences and additional funding.
These two debates must be rolled into one if we want to fight climate change and mitigate its effects.
Under these circumstances the pressure to improve the human rights situation in China is dwindling.
As other Members have already confirmed, Italy is the only country in which the Head of Government has a monopoly on public, and now also private, television channels and in which, unfortunately, a law is being passed that will, in fact, prevent journalists from publishing even judicial reports.
The financial crisis has shown us that we cannot continue to accept the oligopolistic structure, nor the lack of transparency and accountability of current credit rating agencies.
The exact form of this review has yet to be defined, but we are concerned about some of the objectives already indicated for the review.
I think that this aspect of sport, too, deserves maximum support.
Our voters and we ourselves would like to live in a Europe where everyone is successful, no one is poor and there is no shortage of jobs.
I should like to make one observation in this connection, however.
That is not the way I look at things.
(DE) Mr President, Mr Rehn, Mr López Garrido, we are talking today about common European economic governance.
We are showing that we are a leader in this battle.
It is absolutely necessary for both the common agricultural policy and the cohesion policy to support the European strategy for employment and economic growth.
I too would like to welcome Mrs Cecilia Malmström and Commissioner Barrot.
The US has dragged us into several wars, into several conflicts - I am thinking of Serbia, Iraq and Afghanistan - at the heart of which lay interests that were certainly not European.
To Russia, power is to be concentrated in the belief that, through such concentration, power will be more effective.
He has a special association treaty with us.
It is not necessary to agree with every word in this report, but it is important to vote in favour of it in order to send a strong signal to the Commission that we need a directive.
If those requests are not met by the Ugandan authorities, then we should call on the Council and Commission to reconsider their engagement with Uganda, should the bill pass into law and breaches of international human rights law take place.
I am delighted that two pilot projects, at least, were possible: EuroGlobe, a mobile theatre like those from Shakespeare's era, set up to tour European capital cities so as to really involve citizens, and a culture project on the theme of artist mobility, to enable Europe's young artists to come together, work together and shape Europe's future.
Monitoring is certainly crucial to ensuring that the policy pursued in support of the projects is transparent, but this is on condition that the administrative burden placed on small and medium-sized enterprises - the driving force behind the EU economy - is reduced to a minimum.
I entirely agree that in the longer term, the legacy of the ICTY must be preserved.
Concerning Mr Zver's Youth on the Move initiative, it is very probably true that this mobility programme has proven to be a success story, and his report, to its credit, goes a lot deeper into the matter.
They have lived peacefully alongside other religions in the areas where they are settled and are the subject of indiscriminate violence simply because they believe in Christ.
That would amount to considered action and leadership on our part.
I believe that the new technology is wonderful for children, but it also has dangers, and we have to fight these.
I would also take advantage of my presence in front of the European Parliament to lay out what I have already mentioned at the hearing before the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs on Monday.
In order to support the further development of the EGNOS system and to ensure that the system does not suffer from a lack of European funding, I voted in favour of this proposal.
Member of the Commission. - (FR) Madam President, first of all I think I can speak on behalf of Commissioner Mandelson when I say that we are grateful for your unanimous support for the vigorous and just defence of the European interests in this matter.
In the face of the financial crisis, the policy of guaranteeing bank deposits, of recapitalising institutions at risk and of injecting cash to boost credit, all in a coordinated manner, has allowed us to avoid chain reactions and the loss of thousands of jobs in Europe.
Currently, however, there is a problem with the provisional agreement, and it must be rectified.
We ask for measures to be taken immediately to protect economic migrants.
2.
The higher taxes are, the more taxpayers will look for ways to circumvent their tax obligations.
That regulation was necessary because the old one was not longer adequate and there was scope for simplifying the coordination procedures.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
All of these states were affected last year by powerful floods, as a result of torrential rain which caused landslides and substantial loss of human life, as well as damage to residential buildings, businesses, farming areas, the road and rail networks and other infrastructure.
(RO) Mister President, I would like to thank Commissioner Verheugen for having introduced on the agenda of the EU-USA summit the visa issue that my country's citizens are concerned with, and I represent them here in the European Parliament.
Well, the chickens have come home to roost.
Let me say this very clearly on behalf of my Group.
Such is our hypocritical and cynical European democracy.
Last, but of course not least, I would very much like to thank the Parliament delegation.
The right to legal assistance, a guarantee of personal interview, limitations on the use of accelerated procedures; all of these safeguards are essential to a fair and effective asylum system.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue card question under Rule 149(8))
The recently adopted climate and energy package demands decisive action on our part to meet its targets.
This powerful European influence has not led to the development of European standards of democracy and human rights in these countries.
That would be against our own interests.
It is indeed 20 years ago that the Berlin Wall collapsed, putting an end to Soviet Communist dictatorship.
Then we will have to see where we stand.
In my own country, Poland, development aid has increased significantly in recent years.
More proposals are on their way this year to improve depositor and investor protection, to strengthen measures against market abuse, to further improve the quality and quantity of bank capital and discourage excessive leverage.
On behalf of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, I would like to thank Mrs Jędrzejewska for her expert management of the vote on the budget.
I therefore voted for this motion for a resolution.
As Europeans we have a lot to learn from one another.
I voted in favour of the proposal, as I believe that it covers the fundamental issues which should be considered.
People's well-being cannot simply be expressed as an index or a curve.
Mr Florenz, it is a political project you are presenting, because it is a complete reorientation of European policies, in terms of agriculture, fishing and transport.
For the rest, Parliament is sovereign.
It aims to simplify and improve the existing regulatory framework for the labelling of textile products, encourage innovation in the clothing and textile sector, and the development and uptake of new fibres.
Yes, it is true that we have an interest in a strategic partnership with China on account of climate policy and general foreign policy matters.
In order to find out how to best address the challenges arising from the development of the Internet and new technologies, the Commission has consulted widely on the existing legal framework for data protection throughout 2009 and 2010.
It is fair that extra assistance is provided to those countries that have reduced CO2 emissions by more than 20% in the period since 1990.
Unfortunately, Finland has already approved the project, but on behalf of Timo Soini, as well as for myself, I would now like to establish the whereabouts of the information relating to the project which the citizens of all the countries on the Baltic need before building work takes place.
Europe is becoming more democratic, Europe is becoming more transparent and the institutions are becoming more effective.
The Afghan War will soon have lasted nine years and there is still no sign of any improvement in the security situation.
My country, Latvia, has already done so, just as many other states have also done, through statements by their parliaments.
Among the product categories covered, there are products for which information about origin is particularly important: those that are destined for the final consumer.
It will have a positive employment effect and is expected to offer significant new business opportunities for EU airlines as well as benefits to the travelling public.
I am delighted to see that this week in the German media Mr Habermas has again stressed that increasing democratic legitimacy is a vital necessity.
One scenario, in other words, one option with all the resulting consequences, will definitely involve setting the target for the proportion of renewable energy used in electricity generation as high as possible, even at 100%, which will have an impact on power grids, storage facilities, research, efficiency and a number of other factors.
It is a precondition for our ability to speak with one voice.
It is very important and the content of the communication is very convincing.
It is very important that we do not forget, when setting out new objectives, about our previous policy, the Cohesion policy, the common agricultural policy or, if I look at Commissioner Andor, about renewing the European social model.
Portugal, Spain, Hungary, you name it.
With no prior impact assessment, these will almost certainly appear and, therefore, the review requirement in Article 34 is of vital importance.
- (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, on 11 September in Brussels many democratic movements with a Catholic and Christian basis organised a major demonstration against Islamic terrorism and in memory of the victims of 11 September, but the socialist Mayor of Brussels banned it on contemptible grounds related to internal politics.
I would like to say a few words about visa liberalisation in the countries of the Western Balkans, mainly about the problems that have arisen in connection with Serbia and Macedonia.
Naturally, when speaking of the development of air transport, we must not forget problems related to the natural environment.
I respect those conversations very much, but I tell you the European Union is respected in both countries and I intend to keep it that way because that is about a two-state solution.
Thus, to end my speech, I fervently express my wish for a strong, majority-endorsed message to be sent from this House to the Council.
I think we should support the idea that in future, the scoreboard should incorporate information on the implementation of internal market legislation in Member States that are still found wanting.
I am pleased that the Spanish Presidency intends to address this issue.
I think that to put these paragraphs into this otherwise good report does a disservice to this Parliament and to our producers across the European Union, who are struggling.
It is also a reflection on the fact that the United States is carrying a disproportionate share of the burden for the global war on terror.
Mr President, with respect to this year's budget discharge procedure, we should be pleased with the progress made by the Commission towards more efficient utilisation of EU funds, especially in the area of the common agricultural policy.
The simplification of procedures and the allocation of resources from the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund in a manner which is accessible to all interested parties is essential.
Hence, our vote against.
At that time I came to ask for the strength of this continent to help in the quest for peace in Central America, where five nations were fighting for their lives in the midst of civil war.
In any case, I would like to conclude by thanking you for the work you have done.
We would not have lucerne, which is used in cattle feed.
We have started working on the communication activities, the delegation network, the balance and the category structure of the Commission's establishment plan.
Such a solution is possible, for example, by building the Nabucco gas pipeline to connect the huge gas deposits in the region of Central Asia with customers in Europe and by developing transmission networks and building new interconnectors in Central and Eastern Europe.
Progress annual plan of work for 2010 and list of activities by policy section (vote)
As has been said, it is important to remember that pirates feed not just on poverty, but also on the faults and gaps in a system that does not work.
The EU should also ensure resources are put at Sri Lanka's disposal to support post-conflict development.
However, compassion is not enough.
The State is the main, decisive body involved in judging and redistributing, and in pursuing intergenerational solidarity through tax and social legislation.
Today we need family SMEs - small businesses - more than ever because they have the type of commitment and sticking power to get us through this crisis.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Mr President, the Council representative said that there is considerable controversy in the Council on this issue, and that exists in the European Parliament as well.
Once there is initialling, you have the translation, you have the check by the lawyer-linguists, and then it comes to the Council for signature and to Parliament for ratification.
They are already there.
The chance of a woman dying when giving birth in Sweden is 1 to 17 000; in Afghanistan the ratio is 1 to 8.
Although the legal grounds for effective protection of minorities exist, the political will to assert these is often insufficient.
The trafficking in children does exist.
So, if Iraq is a sovereign country, they should respect and implement the European Parliament resolution of 24 April 2009 on Ashraf, which calls on Iraq to stop any forcible displacement of Ashraf residents within Iraq.
The chairs, in producing their negotiation proposal, have done an honest job.
The Commission is especially pleased that Mrs Lévai's report urges the Council and Parliament to undertake systematic impact assessments of proposed amendments having potential significant impacts.
The reactions and the grassroots protest are blatant proof of the need for justice and for political control of the market and of the price of commodities which will allow each state to perform the social role which its citizens allocate to it without the dogmatic limitations of the Stability Pact.
We must therefore make it clear that it is not a budget for bureaucracy and bureaucrats.
However, I think that trend needs to be accelerated and we need to continue much more rapidly in that direction of shifting resources to where they can make a real difference.
We aim to continue in this direction in the future because it is quite clear that hereditary poverty, which is passed down from parent to child, is one of the serious sociological problems linked to poverty.
How much do airline mergers contribute to addressing the crisis, without creating monopolies and reducing competition?
The first bilateral fisheries agreement was signed by the European Union and Seychelles in 1987, while the Partnership Agreement came into force in 2006.
For farmers in places like Africa there is now less land available for growing food because many people are growing fuel instead.
Corporate governance in financial institutions (
(BG) As my fellow Members have already mentioned, the European Union's 2011 budget is being approved using a new procedure on which the European Parliament and Council must find a common consensus.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that the main producer countries of wheat and maize have lost more than 80% of their original varieties, and these figures are just the tip of the iceberg, for we know that to date, only around 1.7 million of the world's estimated 13 million living species have been identified and described.
(IT) Mr President, the report on the labelling of textile products which we endorsed today marks an important step towards simplifying legislation for the benefit of consumers and all the European manufacturers working in the industry.
Secondly, this fund should be allocated primarily to those milk producers and processors who, as a result of the increasing market liberalisation, have to carry out restructuring at their farms or companies, and also to promote the consumption of milk and milk products, and, particularly, to increase financial support for supplying milk and milk products to schools.
This is why we call on the Commission and Member States to take the necessary measures by 2015 to ensure that at least 50% of public procurement transactions are carried out electronically, in keeping with the commitment made by Member State governments in Manchester in 2005.
At the same time, the natural disaster also caused an extremely serious nuclear accident, which has affected the Fukushima nuclear plant in particular.
It will be impossible to create an effective protective umbrella against this hazard unless Europe and the US cooperate to this end.
According to surveys, in Belarus around 30% of residents are in favour of better relations with the European Union.
Formal sitting - 2008, European Year of Intercultural Dialogue
If we do not support a democratic and stable Russia, but we do we support a secret service regime instead, then we are our own worst enemies.
In view of the above, we should speed up the reform of CFP considerably and act in order to protect the environment and ensure appropriate protection for fishermen.
The World Health Organisation urgently needs to reassess its definition of a pandemic, taking into account not only its geographical spread, but also its severity.
If you believe that Europe operates like a football team, this means that you have your own individual view on this.
In the case of children's passports and fingerprints, obviously children need their own passports with biometric identifiers in an effort to prevent abductions, child pornography and trafficking in children.
I am sure that, if we respected them better, we would not be in this situation.
It was with some determination that I voted today to condemn violence against Christian communities and religious minorities.
The employment situation is such that we all need to do more at European, but also at national, level.
Newcomers are currently demanding ever increasing rights, and the traditional peoples of Europe have to consent to all of it along with the destruction of traditions that go back many centuries.
The UK and the US readily share information because of their history of cooperation in fighting terrorism.
This is being done in collaboration with the European Investment Fund.
In my opinion, we must continually exert pressure on the Council to grant access to its accounts such as to allow Parliament to properly control this kind of ... (speaker moved away from the microphone) too.
The Swedish evidence gave contradictory accounts and the French investigation came to the conclusion that no abuses had occurred, but the incident does raise a number of issues for the future.
I have nothing against Nord Stream, or against South Stream, but I do not want to be dependent on anyone, not on any one country, for our gas supply.
(ES) Madam President, I want to start by congratulating Mrs Gräßle and in particular thanking her for her openness to suggestions and proposals.
As I said, this text is fully integrated into the new European supervision framework, strengthening the role that ESMA will play in regulating alternative fund managers.
This displays a lack of integrated thinking, where policymaking is uncoordinated across government agencies.
They will be obliged however to invest the same amount in infrastructures and in policies for supporting those experiencing social hardship and the production system.
Therefore, we need an international regime for the sustainability of biofuels, and this is what we are doing: promoting a new generation of biofuels.
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you once again; I shall not keep you any longer.
As you seem intent on using symbols from the 19th century, I would like to tell you what the German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, said to the German people in the 19th century.
The basic principle is to kill animals after they have been stunned and rendered unconscious, but an exception is allowed for religious reasons - killing without prior stunning, if this is required for religious reasons.
Schengen was supposed to promote freedom of movement for workers and students but has in actual fact created a kind of green card for the free movement of criminals.
But I was lobbied fairly intensively by ordinary performers.
in writing. - (FR) As Jean Lambert's report advocated, to my mind, it is essential that non-EU nationals and their families who are legally resident within the European Union have the same rights and benefits as European citizens concerning access to social security.
Our businesses must be able to plan and invest in new technologies without any delay.
Finally the Presidency would like to recall that the initiative of the current Presidency, an Employment Summit, will be organised on 7 May in Prague.
In 1995 the International Monetary Fund forced that country to reduce its rice tariffs.
I would therefore argue that a general review of the operation of the system of own resources, which needs to take place, should take account of the active involvement of the European Parliament in proposing appropriate measures aimed at achieving greater transparency.
(DE) Madam President, I would like to thank the rapporteur for the report, and I know that in Commissioner Barrot we have a champion of sustainable transport policy.
The Commission is convinced that cohesion policy needs to underpin more strongly the policy priorities and reform agenda of Europe 2020.
Our aim as MEPs is to help reduce these numbers as much as possible.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (PL) Mr President, Joseph Conrad referred to Congo as the heart of darkness.
However, this is partly due to policies created here in the European Parliament, so I think the Commissioner should look carefully at the actions we are going to be setting out.
I should like to ask you if this still applies today, or not, which would mean that the Member States are better prepared.
In this context, the EU's remit should not go beyond questions relating to the common fisheries policy.
Madam President, there are two points I would like to put to the High Representative or her substitute in relation to the current situation in Sudan.
I see an opportunity in enlarging the EU embassies on the ground at this point - and it is, of course, actually settled that there are also to be responsibilities, and staff on hand, in each local EU embassy to speak up for human rights and democracy - in these civil servants - who I will now refer to as human rights agents - intensively engaging in taking on precisely this role as a mediator and this remit to provide information and communications, and also in getting through to local initiatives that perhaps do not have the ability to communicate in English, French, Spanish or another EU language.
I should invite the Council to pay very serious attention to achieving this political agreement, but nevertheless also to stress the goal of economic cohesion.
There may be very high costs associated with the necessary training, the replacement of standard contract forms and possible court proceedings.
Decoupling in many ways is like farmers' early retirement aid.
Following the adoption of this agreement, all EU citizens - including citizens of Estonia, Latvia, Malta and Cyprus, for whom Brazil continued to require a visa - will be able to enter the country without a visa for tourism and business purposes, just as Brazilian citizens can already travel to all EU Member States without a visa.
(ES) Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank Mr Schlyter for his work and I am particularly glad that several of the amendments I put forward have been incorporated into the text of the report we are debating today.
Secondly, the ratification process started in Hungary.
Written statements (Rule 149)
I urge the High Representative, as she continues to explore how to coordinate policy in this area, to be mindful of this particular issue.
This package needs to be adopted pretty quickly, but it would be a bad thing if speed came first and deliberation second.
For that, political will, decisiveness and courage must not fail us; on the contrary.
A business strategy highly focused on pursuing the dynamics of global markets would end up sacrificing the ability of the European agricultural sector to compete.
Hopefully, we will have good results.
Let us not forget that cotton represents only 0.15% of the EU's agricultural production.
Mr President, I should like to thank the Presidents of the Council and the Commission for their statements on this fundamental issue for the future of Europe.
Since we are discussing a field falling under Community competence, namely trade in audiovisual services, I believe fines to be enforced by the European Commission to producers promoting discriminatory imagines through publicity should be introduced.
(SV) Madam President, when it comes to State aid for the coal industry, my view is that we should do everything we can to make the European economy as competitive as possible, and we should do this in many different areas.
I think that this shows how ambitious we are.
These goals coincide with the fundamental principle of the Lisbon Strategy, the concept of creating a knowledge-based society with the improvement of competitiveness, economic growth and the creation of jobs at the centre.
We see this, for example, in the recognition and legitimacy granted by the governments of the Baltic countries to the local fascist groups, who were collaborators with the SS and the Nazis who were based in those countries during the Second World War.
It is crucial for the future of Kosovo and the rest of us that those who fear that such a bold step will create a precedent choose the wise path of constructive abstention and do not seek to block the self-determination of Kosovans.
We are also asking if the European Union can help to deliver desperately needed food and medicines.
This is the only way that we will be able to maintain the competitiveness of our industry, promote economic growth and create jobs.
Let us hope that these pledges will be fulfilled.
In the words of the previous rapporteur, this can reasonably be described as 'as good as it gets'.
In addition, why is oil being forgotten completely?
The European Union is always against the death penalty.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (PT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, this lively debate was very useful to the Presidency.
I would like to thank Commissioner Verheugen and Minister Rupel for raising this issue.
This week, at the initiative of the French Head of State, Nicolas Sarkozy, who showed his great sense of community, a proposal was made for an extraordinary European Council meeting to be held this Friday.
These ways should never affect the population or humanitarian aid, but we must seek an intelligent way of putting pressure on the regime of President Mugabe which would mean that situations such as that of Farai Maguwu will never happen again.
We, Members of the European Parliament, once again stressed our main objective of a strong and decisive Parliament in foreign policy, particularly now having in mind the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty.
Therefore, I say to the Commission: Take a look at subsidy policy.
The policy for promoting agriculture and rural areas must consistently aim at a clear decentralisation of the food production and marketing structures.
Terrorism has not been defeated.

You have been competent, independent and consistent.
Such a programme requires respect between Member States.
This year, it is GBP 6 billion. Next year, it will be GBP 8 billion.
All this is what we could call economic union, internal economic cohesion in the Union.
We should not, however, forget that the European Commission plays a central role through monitoring, reporting and also supporting Member States in their efforts to achieve this objective.
Then you change the statute of the High Representative: he becomes Vice-President of the Commission.
Up until today, however - though this may change - the Council has refused to answer openly and publicly.
Ladies and gentlemen, fellow Members, as I understand it, the four political groups are not withdrawing their declaration.
This is one of the issues that it is important for the EU to focus on if we are to balance justice with the internal market, and we must insist on market morality.
This is exactly the kind of thing that we need to get off the ground and I hope that this very topic will be included on the transport ministers' agenda when we convene for the meeting on the 29th.
The Europe-wide cultural sector must be taken into consideration in the legal framework for international trade, certainly in the European dimension and in cultural diplomacy, in the internal market, in mobility ...
The Commission takes note of the European Parliament's opposition to the introduction of direct producers' liability.
The Commission set itself three goals in this revision: firstly, to include cross-border direct debits within the regulation's scope; secondly, to establish procedures for the out-of-court handling of problems that might arise from the application of the regulation; and, thirdly, to ease the balance-of-payments statistical reporting obligations.
The relevant request for the waiver of that immunity was made by the Court on 6 July 2010.
Alongside the Moldovan government, we have actively engaged with the population living in the Transnistrian region via small-scale projects, mostly in the social area.
Finally, concerning the transparency and independence issues raised, we consider these to be very important and I really think we have to do something here.
Prime Minister Orbán has just said he is a politician.
Furthermore, and of greatest importance to our citizens, it will ensure high safety levels for products in the European Union market.
If I succeed in helping one person, I will be helping the greatest possible unit: one person's entire world.
Of course currency devaluation remains on our agenda.
What are the main reasons for this phenomenon and what are its implications for the EU?
The statistics showing that female employment has increased in recent years to a level of 57.2% sound good, but, as the report states, a whole range of problems remain.
The aim of the programme is not, of course, to criminalise the Internet in a catastrophic vision of new technologies; quite the contrary.
It is alarming to learn that implementation of the Small Business Act is coming up against many obstacles in the Member States, although the examples of several countries show that following these principles yields good results.
Fundamentally, however, Portugal is capable of participating in the European project; of participating and of helping to resolve whatever challenges there will be in the future.
We need to evaluate existing good practices, as well as the negative effects of existing policies for the Roma population.
These are the reasons why I voted in favour of this report.
It happens all too often that we give aid with one hand and take back even more than we have given with the other.
the report by Mrs Trüpel, on behalf of the Committee on Budgets, on the estimates of revenue and expenditure of Parliament for the financial year 2011.
in writing. - There are many issues in this resolution which I support.
Where there are any differences in interpretation or implementation, the Commission should consult the Member States in question and clarify the rules.
I think not.
The payment appropriations should be adjusted in line with actual requirements and, in particular, we should draw lessons from the previous budget outturn so as to be able to determine our real ability to implement sectoral policies.
Here we have to be particularly careful and ensure that the Directive is applied in a humane way.
All that in the media has led to consumers being undermined and everyone agreeing again that 'Europe is doing everything wrong' and 'Europe is against rather than for the citizens'.
Mr Marty failed to respond to repeated invitations from the Polish authorities.
I wish you every success for your term of office.
Unfortunately, in the past years, the Single Market has not managed to convince our citizens that it represents their interests and aspirations.
(IT) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to address myself to the Commissioner regarding the misguided use of the Structural Funds, which regrettably is a growing phenomenon in the European Union.
However, I would like to know whether, in your opinion, the Member States hold sufficient data for the fight against violence towards women to really become a priority.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, as both the rapporteur and the Commissioner have observed, this proposal for a directive does indeed follow a vote in Parliament.
Is it worthy of this post?
(EL) Mr President, a French Prime Minister, Édouard Balladur, issued a statement to the effect that complete freedom in the market was tantamount to the law of the jungle.
We should also recognise that soldiers from the international forces are involved in this trade, along with Americans based in the country.
We are working with the securities regulator to get consensus on the technical standards for business data and as a result of this dialogue the Commission may take further measures aiming at interoperability of regulatory information systems.
(CS) Madam President, I welcome this report with just two reservations.
(EL) Mr President, I would like to address the President-in-Office of the Council to say: I was looking forward to your speech today with particular interest.
Of course, the first step required in the fight against social exclusion is integration into the labour market.
rapporteur. - Madam President, you caught me slightly unawares as I had not seen the complete change of the timetable today, but I am very grateful for the chance to address the Chamber about a very important issue of the financial services industry, that is, the insurance and reinsurance industry, what we have done with the Solvency II report and how we have finally brought this now to Parliament in order to be able to establish what I think will be a very concrete basis for regulation across the European Union.
However user-friendly the citizens' initiative is, if it is overused it will become devalued.
An online petition has already been launched to use the popular initiative to make it possible to change the seat of Parliament so that there is only one.
I am very cautious when we talk about implementation of Natura 2000.
This is important because delivering the innovation economy is the key deep structural change.
In this respect, I also welcome the second meeting of the European Platform for Roma Inclusion devoted exclusively to the issue of Roma education in Europe.
According to the case-law of the Court of Justice on this matter, the Member States should maintain their autonomy and legitimacy in regulating the activity of providers of online gambling and gambling games.
Following the difficult debates on the European External Action Service held in recent weeks within the competent parliamentary committees and the various political groups, I would like to thank our colleague Mr Brok for his strong involvement in this matter.
I sincerely believe that this is unacceptable and that it needs to be reconsidered or qualified.
Subject: European Commission action concerning terrorist groups in Pakistan
Although the time taken to set up a company has dropped in recent months, an analysis carried out by the European Commission has showed that over half of Member States still do not meet the requirement for it to be possible to do so in three days.
I would also like to thank Commissioner Mandelson and his services for the good cooperation I have had from the Commission in producing this report, and also the Korean Ambassador, whose assistance enabled me to get an insight into the Korean position on these negotiations.
(MT) It is important that the European Parliament is aware of the situation in my country regarding water and electricity prices and the effect of today's decision, that is, regarding this case.
This also applies to protection against counterfeit medicines.
Certainly in the case of Turkey, it is a disgrace that a candidate country should fail to meet its obligations in such a blatant manner.
Internal market in natural gas (
However, so-called reproductive rights, which is just another name for the right to abortion, are a priority component of the European human rights agenda.
I believe that this directive substantially improves the rights of irregularly-staying immigrants in many European Union countries.
This is why we really need to be able to express all these points of view, but while strengthening the pro-Europe camp during this particularly difficult time.
While globalisation must contribute to prosperity, it must also be fair - and it must be subject to ethical rules, for example to prohibit the exploitation of children.
I am deeply concerned that, in the light of the political developments underway, Mrs Saberi could be used as a bargaining chip, and I would like to condemn in the strongest possible terms a move that is so clearly politically motivated.
This ought to be the first step forward.
So there is hope in Washington.
This agreement was awaiting validation and was put to the vote in the European legislative assembly.
That mechanism is not in fact helping Greece, but punishing it at the moment.
Fifthly, abolish or declare a moratorium on the death penalty.
When cloning occurs over several generations, Commissioner, there is a cumulative depletion of the genetic diversity on which species depend for their survival because it enables them to adapt to changes in their natural surroundings.
We will all need flexibility to be able to take this forward and to find solutions.
Of course, we focused a lot of our efforts initially on the evacuation of European citizens and we have to show solidarity with Tunisia, which is bearing the brunt of the evacuation of so many people, especially Egyptians who are ending up on the Tunisian border and need to be brought to Egypt.
How much will each developed country give?
Fortunately, my amendment on the use of regions and cities has been adopted.
I would also say that you are entirely mistaken if you think that better translation rights are any sort of cure at all for this flawed piece of legislation which is ruining people's lives.
It acknowledges the Member States' prime responsibility for designing and implementing Roma integration strategies.
If the European Union refuses to prepare the act requested, it will have to justify its decision in detail.
(DE) I would be interested to hear how, in future, you intend regional products offered for sale on site to be labelled and placed on the market with the corresponding freshness and high quality?
The European Parliament has called in its motion for a resolution on services for the EU and the bourgeois governments in the Member States to speed up capitalist restructurings, so that the directive on the 'liberalisation' of services can be implemented in full, based on the Commission's recent communication entitled 'Towards a Single Market Act' in 2011, the aim being to make further drastic cuts to the workforce and to enable the monopolies to penetrate new, profitable sectors for capital.
One final comment: with regard to questions, I think the course we are taking is quite correct.
Unfortunately, the openness of research in the Arctic is being increasingly restricted by the states which have access to the Arctic Ocean.
Ladies and gentlemen, developing our relations with this neighbour located at the heart of Europe requires us to take the time to reflect on a response, including in the longer term, to the progress made by Belarus.
I would say, however, that I can make a positive comment because the European Union has finally, after a lot of searching - which was far from easy - discovered Article 119 and the legal basis on which it can provide such assistance.
The Commission is now congratulating itself on the work it has done over recent months.
At the same time, we have to look to the broader issue.
Virtually nothing was spent on people.
To be brief, what we are doing is simply responding to a report by the Commission, which is a report on the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1206/2001 of 28 May 2001 on cooperation between the courts of the Member States in the taking of evidence in civil or commercial matters.
There are real concerns about the reopening of the negotiations with Mercosur.
We are awaiting further offers and will be taking delivery of and distributing aid consignments in Japan in the coming days: on Thursday - in other words, tomorrow - and on Friday.
The Commission is continuing to look into this matter.
Europe cannot, therefore, afford to have Commissioners who are only now going to learn their portfolios.
There will therefore be no political stance here on the conflict between Morocco and Sahara.
Please tell us.
By doing this, a more protective and global approach will emerge for the Community's workers.
The debate is closed.
I must also express my gratitude to Mr Tajani for his willingness to speed up the work in the Commission aimed at finding a solution on this highly important matter.
Policy coherence is not just about recording any negative impact that EU policies may have on the development goals. It is also about combining our efforts with those of our partners in order to come up with winning solutions that will refocus EU policies on development goals.
Although I am in favour of the change to the legal basis and of strengthening the role of the European Parliament, in order to achieve greater transparency in legislation and broader protection for citizens, I consider the report to be inadequate and several steps behind what would be a substantive approach to the problem.
The EGF has already been used in the past by other EU countries, particularly Portugal and Spain, so we should now grant this aid to Germany.
We have worked hard, together with the former German and the future Slovenian Presidencies, to support our Portuguese colleagues, and we have succeeded.
My second point is that I believe that we must also warn against disproportionate alarmism.
The Greek rural areas in which people working with tobacco live are the poorest in Greece; I fear that they are also the poorest in Europe in absolute terms.
Framework decision on combating racism and xenophobia (vote)
Both the standards and criteria for the stress tests must be drawn up by the specialists from the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group.
We believe that childhood and youth must be protected and that children and young people must be brought up by their families and society as a whole.
Neither the Council nor the Commission is adopting this proposal and even the Spanish Government did not put forward such a request in the Council.
The way in which 20th century European history was dealt with and retold differed greatly, especially in the individual Member States.
Firstly, the importance of health and safety in the workplace.
Moreover, I believe that in the Council, the rules of the game have been changed, but my government will deal with that.
If we really want to continue the work that we began in April during the conference on the crimes committed by totalitarian regimes in Europe - a conference that I myself opened - then it goes without saying that historians absolutely must have access to the archives.
Furthermore, the Agreement will help to strengthen the protection of employee rights within the sector, step up cooperation on air travel safety and also, thanks to the compatibility requirement, strengthen cooperation on environmental matters.
However, I personally believe that it would be even more so if it signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
I welcome the proposed measures to promote creativity and a capacity for innovation in all stages of lifelong learning through working life to retirement.
The third point is about measuring the benefits of your action.
in writing. - (HU) The events of the past years have demonstrated that it is time to address seriously the economic, cultural and health situation of Roma living in the European Union.
Written statements (Rule 149)
The survival of milk producers is now seriously under threat.
I agree with what Mr Schulz said.
While there will be a review this year, is it true that the State aid map review only allows a form of 'exchange' as opposed to redesignating regions to reflect new economic realities following the financial crisis?
Although investigations into the magnitude of VAT evasion and fraud have not been carried out in all Member States, the International VAT Association estimates that VAT losses range from EUR 60 billion to EUR 100 billion per year across the European Union.
Making the European institutions more transparent is a first step towards a new Europe, a Europe of the peoples and a Europe of the sovereign nations.
The rate of unemployment among young people in the EU has exceeded 20%, which is twice as high as the rate for adults, and in some Member States, it has reached 40%.
Catherine Trautmann's report on electronic communications networks and services aims to encourage the development of the next generation of telecommunications networks in Europe. I believe this to be a positive contribution to the advancement of telecoms regulation that will promote investment in new communications infrastructure and strengthen consumer rights.
Despite reference being made to various countries within the report, a majority in Parliament rejected two proposed amendments which considered that:
Is discharge an interinstitutional game, as has been said in the past?
Today when we are discussing the future of the common agricultural policy and the opportunity for adequate support, it is very important for us to say that hundreds of millions of European citizens live in the rural areas which cover a large percentage of the Community's territory.
That fact clearly shows the discrimination of Polish Members of the European Parliament in comparison to members of national parliaments.
If we should see civil wars, atrocities and the destruction of the economies of these countries, we might give good advice and our populations might send aid, but I hope that we do not regard it as our job to send our troops there to be killed.
I already envisage six extra chairs in this Parliament and an extra booth for interpreters.
Commissioner Barrot, I hope that once your new cabinet is formed we Roma, too, will be able to enjoy the security provided by European Union democracy, and that the definition of EU citizenship will apply to me and my children as well as to my non-Roma fellow citizens.
This agreement is a stable framework that gives legal certainty to our vehicle manufacturers.
Therefore, it is clear that the triangle Bulgaria-Romania-Greece is one of the most sensitive regions from the point of view of illegal migration and that requires Bulgaria to prepare additional measures to resist migration pressure.
Of course, one can talk of respect for cultural identity, and of the fact that we Europeans should be particularly sensitive when it comes to imposing our models on other continents.
To this end, in the 1970s, the European Commission put forward a proposal to create a legal framework for a European company.
The answer is clear: the Bible is signalling in the most dramatic way, in a broken sentence, how the conversation broke down.
Do you wish to pose your supplementary question Mrs Doyle?
I would say to Mr Gklavakis that we have had lots of discussions, and I always enjoy discussing this with him.
The current response to the instability of the finance system must not be allowed to restrict innovation in the financial sector.
The Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats wishes to make its position here today clear.
Now, countries with easily accessible external borders are swamped, but the majority of asylum seekers nevertheless are landing in the countries with the most generous social security systems.
If we are honest, we must recognise our historical responsibility for climate change and that our emissions per capita are still many times greater than those of China or India, for example.
This is being followed by strategies, plans and measures, even in countries in which environmental protection was, even recently, not a priority.
I know that the Commissioner is familiar with this famous quotation.
Therefore, we invite others to do the same and not to support the amendments that have been tabled in order to send out a strong, clear message at first reading.
Education is undoubtedly a complex, long-term process, the quality and, in particular, the results of which consequently influence the future careers of young people.
If we want regional economic cycles, we need to focus on quality and not on degrees of curvature.
I would like to call for the measures aimed at simplifying the procedures for accessing the funds to be speeded up in order to facilitate job creation in Europe's regions.
secondly, to avoid the mistakes of the past, such as those belatedly identified in the application of the PHARE, SAPARD and ISPA programmes in Bulgaria and Romania.
I should stress the important role played by the EGF in reintegrating redundant workers into the labour market.
What I can describe to you already, however, are the most important elements, the foundations.
Nevertheless, hope must never be given up and the Union for the Mediterranean can only be of help in keeping such hope alive.
The stability of the current coalition is remarkable despite the difficulties.
(FR) Mr President, given the exceptional constraints we face this year, the agreement that has been reached on the draft budget for 2011 is the best compromise possible.
How is it possible that Parliament is not making stronger demands for the chairs of delegations only to be granted observer status when they represent it in international conferences?
These forests, which are so different for each individual in Europe, for each area, face a common threat: climate change.
With regard to the external borders of the EU, I would also like to stress that the recent past in Europe has clearly shown that political and social problems cannot be solved through police or routine measures.
By making the Court of Auditors one of its fundamental institutions, the Union demonstrated the importance it attached to transparency and the need to improve its work.
It is a grievous and unnecessary self-inflicted wound.
rapporteur. - Madam President, this has been an extremely interesting and lively debate.
Finally, let us not forget that it is a matter of minimum standards (every State is free to increase sanctions against employers and protection for illegal immigrants) and that there is a clause for revision every three years enabling us to adjust our aim based on experience.
I am all the more alarmed by the attempt to establish new discriminatory conditions.
Victims, however, may move from one Member State to another for many reasons, not least to escape crime.
Should the ECB see the value of its assets fall by just 4.25%, its entire capital base will be wiped out.
The closure of two slipways would destroy that gain and that achievement.
Madam President, I can ask the honourable Member if he can give way to me.
Nowadays, it is not only a matter of giving flowers to women we know.
The European Ombudsman acts in order to tackle cases of poor administration by Community institutions and bodies, either on his own initiative, or by following up a complaint.
- Motion for a resolution
The debate is closed.
At this moment in time, I think that time has clearly shown that it was not quite the best decision, but it is a decision which was within the discretionary options open to the Commission.
Questions which have not been answered for lack of time will be answered in writing (see Annex).
In most cases, these referendums are dominated by purely domestic issues.
We are currently talking about 51 regions.
Nevertheless, as Mr Lamassoure has already observed, the citizens' initiative can, according to the treaty, be a major instrument for creating a European public space that we very much need.
This is a test of how we, having over the last 60 years created a Europe which has social protection as well as economic progress, can help shape a world where we have economic progress, environmental care and social justice at the same time.
Secondly, Gazprom must pay our countries penalties because at the moment Bulgaria, which is the most seriously affected country in Europe and is totally dependent on the gas energy supplies in Russia, must claim its rights and must claim them against the supplier, which is Russia in this case.
Thank you for reminding me.
As Mr Davies said, we have really provided a good example of what European legislation can achieve.
I would like to mention two points.
We will be seeking to play a constructive and very attentive role in it.
The role of the European Union as a human rights defender is a fundamental characteristic which the institutions must not relinquish and which must be maintained as a priority of diplomatic work.
Our agricultural and industrial activities and transport plans have drastically affected the quality of our soil.
In many respects it was a humanist speech which I am willing to accept as an ideal for the Europe of the future.
The Commission and the national competition authorities are vigilant to any infringement of the European Union's competition law.
Thank you very much for your point, which of course concerns us all on what is the day of European languages.
(RO) Madam President, in a Europe without borders, and with an ongoing globalisation process, innovation can and must play an important role in enhancing social cohesion by improving the quality of services provided, no matter which sector they are from.
If, in the next months, we do not create the framework for Europe being the lead market for all these technologies, we will lose out on one of the few sectors where we are still leading the world economy.
in writing. - (NL) Health and safety at work have an extremely important part to play on the European agenda and in the Lisbon Strategy.
One of them has already evoked the threat of its 'financial nuclear weapon'.
We have to stay within the limits of rationality, as befits the powers we have under the EU.
The European Union already has effective regulations regarding the organisation of working time.
As you know, it was during the Slovenian Presidency that we were able to reach a positive outcome.
It is important that we continue to support that.
Written statements (Rule 142)
I took note of your points and I will try to respond to some of your concerns and policy positions on the basis of the briefings I have asked for during this debate.
(Applause)
Mr Cohn-Bendit has doubts about this, so we shall check it out.
in writing. - The tragic situation in Burma demands urgent attention.
(PL) Madam President, a year ago, there was a terrible disaster in Haiti, a huge earthquake which caused the deaths of 200 000 people and resulted in 1 300 000 people losing their homes.
Jens Rohde is right.
Even though both the Treaty of Lisbon and the Europe 2020 strategy attributed an unprecedented level of importance to social policy, the issues of competitiveness and economic factors continue to take priority over social issues.
You let the speculators run riot, you brought the International Monetary Fund into the euro area and now you are asking for harsh austerity programmes.
Constructing the EU budget during a financial crisis, with a very narrow budget margin and new areas of work relating to the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, is not easy.
In economic terms, the postal sector is very important, and it also impacts on other sectors of the economy.
I specifically call on the authorities to release unconditionally Mr Mansour Ossanlou and Mr Emadedin Baghi and to end the harassment, intimidation and political persecution of human rights defenders.
Let us be clear: these discussions are not about whether or not to combat discrimination but rather about how to do it in the most effective manner.
We cannot disadvantage our airports, our airlines and employees in this area.
It is difficult to get such a project off the ground but it is worth the attempt because it is important for our knowledge and research on animal welfare during transport to also be reflected in legislation and in practice.
author. - (FR) Madam President, the resumption of fighting between rebel and government forces in Chad has left hundreds dead and wounded and caused renewed tensions in the border region of Sudan and the Central African Republic.
In brief, there are a number of areas where the European institutions involved could be further extended in democratic terms.
in writing. - ECR Group MEPs supported this report as we believed that the legal basis of this legislation should be changed from 'Article 31 EAEC' to 'Article 168 TFEU'.
In the context of these talks, we will also offer assistance in the form of our cooperation in order, for example, to implement the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, to strengthen the national institutions in charge of matters of gender equality or indeed to support changes in legislation that provides for discrimination against women.
Well, his friend, Mr Barrot, the Justice Commissioner, is proposing to extend it to all the countries of the Union that do not have it and even to triple the accompanying sanctions and prison sentences.
There is only one way for Serbia to gain support for its claims in the sphere of cultural and social rights, and that is through constructive cooperation in the region.
Maybe what we need is just an evaluation of the whole gamut of parliamentary positions.
We are stumbling around in the dark.
This resolution proposes an EU-level reduction of up to 30% in greenhouse gas emissions.
However, so as to prevent this dream from becoming a nightmare, we have to play our part and ensure that these peoples not only rid themselves of their dictators, but eradicate dictatorships too.
He replied, 'In England, because there everything happens 100 years later'.
Reports of the House of Lords, that we all talk about, are reports of House of Lords' committees: they are not voted on and rewritten by the chamber of the House of Lords, they stand on their own merits - often very good, deep, analytical reports.
A unilateral commitment is a positive sign, however, and is therefore desirable, but it is not enough.
At the same time, the EU and many nation-states have forgotten that natural disasters can also be prevented.
According to the current Schengen acquis, third-country nationals who hold a residence permit can travel freely within the Schengen Area because the residence permit is equivalent to a visa.
If we provide high levels of consumer protection but we discourage companies from entering those markets, then we are not doing consumers a favour.
Let me give you an example: it makes a difference whether I heat a house or just one room.
Transatlantic relations have always been a crucial part of European foreign policy.
A set of proposals along these lines would be balanced.
Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would also like to congratulate my friends here in the House, and whom I have met with.
We are talking about a new digital agenda for the next five years, which means that Member States need to use information technology to improve administrative cooperation in fiscal matters as well.
As regards this last aspect, I would remind you that geographical indications are not just a trade policy matter; they are also part of Europe's identity.
However, this is not to say that the improvements made have had no effect on the current directive, and, in fact, it is to be welcomed that no upfront payments have to be made until the end of the cooling-off period.
Russia has joined in the election campaign that is underway there.
All must tread carefully here.
We hope that the upcoming elections will strengthen democracy in Venezuela and that the results will reflect the views of the whole of Venezuelan society.
There are those, including LTTE apologists, who want to deliver a further blow to the Sri Lankan people by undermining the GSP+ preferential trade arrangements with the EU.
The Framework Directive is also an attack on freedom of expression.
It is always argued that the objective is growth and employment, but, as they have forgotten policies of solidarity, and of economic and social cohesion, committing only to monetarist and neoliberal policies in the interests of guaranteeing greater profits for large companies and financial institutions, what we will have is more social inequality, more unemployment and more poverty, as the cases of Greece, Ireland and Portugal have already shown.
I sincerely hope that it will.
We need to build high-voltage DC electricity distribution capacity through a smart grid - some EUR 50 billion of investment, but creating many jobs - and we need oil and gas storage facilities and, even more, a storage policy to reduce our dangerous dependence on Russia.
The political goal of 3x20 by 2020 does not therefore relate merely to limiting energy use by 20% gross, for example, as a result of price increases, as this would only cause a fall in living standards, but rather by means of rationalisation, which would allow 20% more useful work to be obtained from the same amount of primary energy.
12.
The East Timorese Government has submitted a comprehensive Governance Action Plan, which will be the subject of political dialogue between the delegation and the Government, supported by the Commission.
Concerning the Mediterranean, we have objected to a reductionist approximation that only talks about security.
In short, Commissioner, you have been rather hasty.
The secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change further estimates that in 2030 the cost of adaptation in the developing countries would be in the range of EUR 23 to 54 billion a year.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - Mr President, I am glad to have the opportunity to speak on this joint motion for a resolution on press freedom in Kenya.
Justice is now the area in which hard-hitting reform is still required.
As said by Mrs Starkevičiūtė, working together produces results like these which are positive for everyone.
When we talk about the social dimension of Europe, to us this means that we must adopt an integral approach.
We need to change policies.
Europe must not give in to pressure by India to leave non-trade issues out of the new trade agreement.
The Chinese Communist Party must come to acknowledge the fact that the citizens of China are culturally diverse, and they must also have a right to cultural autonomy.
We must encourage cooperation between Member States to put an end to this type of crime and actively combat child pornography and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation of children.
We stand here to restate that there cannot and will not be impunity for those guilty of committing crimes against humanity, and we will continue to stand with the Iranian people as they exercise their right to free speech and peaceful protest for freedom and democracy.
Regrettably, no progress has yet been made on this issue.
Shortly after the first signs of a crisis, the approval of the elegant 'SISone4ALL' solution proposed by the Portuguese offered a glimmer of hope that the long-awaited enlargement of the Schengen area might be achieved.
Multinational companies have turned our cities into a common marketplace so that sometimes we do not know whether we are in Paris or in Prague.
It will certainly not suffice for our purposes, however.
They will tell me about things they do not like.
I would like to raise three issues regarding the tax on financial transactions.
We also obtained the opinions of expert committees on employment and social welfare and also the Committee of the Regions.
I also know the sensitivity in other Member States.
You are proposing that the retirement age should be raised, that the amount paid in unemployment allowance should be reduced, that wage levels and the mechanisms for calculating these should be modified, and that shops should be allowed to open on Sundays.
in writing. - The Conservative Party has recently published "Fair Play on Women's Pay: A six-point plan to overcome the gender pay gap".
There is no longer such a thing as a Greek currency.
on behalf of the EFD Group. - Madam President, I read the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs' report on the European Central Bank's annual report with great interest.
This therefore gives us an opportunity.
Lastly, I should like to say how sorry I am that, due to extremists on all sides, Parliament has been unable to approve at this time an immediate increase in the safety of nuclear power plants, even though we in our group reached a consensus demanding the most serious, transparent and independent checks possible.
We must achieve this.
Whilst it is useful to the big corporations, it is dislocating public transport and is responsible for the declining state of the network and of safety.
How much of the funding is being allocated for the promotion of the 'Education and Training 2010' programme, however?
I also believe that a directive on maritime spatial planning would be an unnecessary luxury which would not, in my view, add value to the current process of cooperation between Member States.
I am pleased that both texts refer to the need to implement anti-discrimination laws in the workplace so that jobs are open for all.
Without our technological assistance, Russia would certainly not in reality be able to benefit from its resources.
As a result, they would be subject to the new rules for accessing the Google system.
That is the work we do and we need to have the means to do it.
I am pleased to note that the ambitious goals set by the Commission proposal have been kept.
This is true despite the five EU Member States that have not yet recognised it, that do not want to see the reality.
We are German, British, Swedish, Hungarian and Spanish, and we are aware of and are experiencing the effects of the extremely serious economic and financial crisis in our own countries.
The report covers the period from early October 2009 to October 2010 and progress is measured on the basis of decisions taken, legislation adopted and measures implemented.
Violence against women knows no geographical boundaries, no age limit, no class or race or cultural distinctions, but it is still invisible and the victims are silenced.
(RO) Mr President, the free trade agreement with India will become the most substantial agreement of this kind if the negotiations are concluded satisfactorily for both sides. The European Union is India's biggest trade partner and the Generalised System of Preferences is one of the instruments used by the European Union to encourage this country's economic development.
I do not think so.
Using tactics like those of bully-boys and racketeers, they dangle promises in front of unsuspecting people, but I think the message has got to be that if an offer seems to be too good to be true, then most probably it is.
That being so, I consider it incomprehensible - and we need to say this loud and clear - that some Member States - and they are also primarily those who do not want to punish traffic offences from other Member States - are hiding behind the legal question and the conflict of competence.
We have to build this Europe on facts.
Harmonisation of the law in this field will allow us to ensure a high level of awareness among European patients and will help to even out differences in the health situation in all Member States.
We have said that we want to work without limitation to specific technologies and we are again having an ideological debate about nuclear power, which is a discussion that can be held, but which ultimately makes no sense in the context of the SET plan.
I would like to say that the amending budget that we have just approved, to the sum of EUR 13 400 000, with effect only from 1 May, thus covering half a year, is very unwise.
For example, the seven Baha'i leaders are still imprisoned only on the basis of their religious convictions.
Secondly, a political point.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would not like to judge the positive and negative aspects of the Treaty of Lisbon here.
We must finally introduce uniform criteria in this directive, because these have been lacking until now.
Of course, we may protest, arguing that helpless people cannot be treated like cattle, that they cannot be driven out of their homes with no rhyme or reason, and be left without any help.
They are going to listen to our debate. The delegation includes representatives of the Gdańsk, Gdynia and Szczecin shipyards.
It needs to be understood that under no circumstances can we paralyse initiatives because there are technical difficulties that we have not been able to resolve before.
We will need to do a great deal more than these half-hearted measures taking two steps forward and one step back to stem the illegal flow.
The President of the Parliament participated in this debate, as did the President of the Commission and the heads of numerous other European institutions, and hundreds of young people, as well as representatives of older generations from all over the European Union.
In 2008 and 2009, more than 70% of all investments on the market in Europe were already in renewables: wind, solar, biomass.
(PT) Mr President, Commissioner, it is true that cohesion policy is important as a contributor to growth and prosperity, as well as to promoting development that is balanced between regions.
This is a good report, which takes most of the concerns of the industry and environmental protection concerns into account in a balanced manner.
Ms Moghaddam is a leader of the One Million Signatures petition campaign, which lobbies to change Iranian laws which contradict the principles of gender equality and human rights.
I am referring to Amendment 31, which calls for a report evaluating the reform and, if necessary, proposals to extend this aid fund by one year during the 2010-2011 marketing year.
Promoting a strong contribution to development goals is already an important part of the EU's trade policy.
Even the European Union's activities involving foreign policy, policing, security outside our borders and international cooperation are subject to the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The vote will take place on Tuesday 16 December 2008.
Particularly after a 15-year membership of this European Union, we Austrians feel reassured by the fact that it was we who introduced our European Community to a great many of these concerns, and that this has led to Europe taking on these concerns.
Fishing in the Mediterranean and the future of stocks depends on what all the Mediterranean countries, both inside and outside the European Union, do for this common resource and, if we do not act in common, this resource will be at immediate risk.
During the Cultural Revolution in China many square kilometres of forest were cut down.
If we fail - and I say we and I really mean us all - they will simply say that 'Europe' has failed.
Since the start of Annapolis, the European Union has lost its touch.
On the issue of safety, can I ask the Commissioner whether it is appropriate to use the words 'stress tests', because when it comes to banking, the words 'stress tests' have certainly failed us.
We are conscious of the scarcity of water in developing countries.
The second idea is providing the European public with a new law and a new court: the right of Europeans to apply to this new court in order to guarantee fulfilment of the rights established by the convention in relation to the European Union or the Member States when they are implementing Union law.
This policy aims to improve the legal framework for cross-border services whilst also simplifying procedures, which will increase competition. It will also improve access to services and raise their standard whilst reducing costs, thus benefiting European consumers.
These agreements will strengthen our efforts in fighting crime in today's globalised world.
We in Latvia have not grasped all the opportunities; we have not always wisely implemented cohesion policy or made use of the financial opportunities we have been offered.
Better regulation and protection of intellectual property, the reduction of the social and environmental impact from our Asian partner's dramatic economic growth and the reduction in the counterfeiting and piracy of goods are areas for action where Beijing has already made notable progress.
It is a familiar system, and manufacturers, importers and retailers have all welcomed it.
It is positive because it is important to reiterate the need for EU banana producers to be protected, including those in the Canaries.
I also appeal to the goodwill of the European Commission to negotiate the reallocation of the Structural Fund resources with the competent authorities on the basis of the Community framework, taking this disaster into account.
(ES) According to a United Nations report, in 2009, some 270 000 people were victims of human trafficking within the European Union.
The EU's 'green diplomacy' was largely instrumental in achieving this positive result.
The need for clear definitions across the European Union on energy poverty is also important.
Meanwhile, the proposed financial support mechanism for Greece was finally put in place on 11 April.
Congo is a good example.
We need to know how to take preventive action.
For now, it is a case of providing urgent solutions to the populations rocked by these disasters.
The nature of such a tax, its rate and setting the tax base are some of the very few instruments that still remain within the remit of the Member States and can be used to accelerate the economic development of less developed countries.
In its 'Pierre de Coubertin' action plan, the White Paper therefore seeks to promote volunteering in sport and non-profit sport organisations through specific actions, including a study on volunteering and exchange of good practices within the informal EU 'non-profit sport organisation' working group.
No, Commissioner, that would really be pulling the wool over their eyes.
It must never happen again that - as in the present case - the Commission does not fulfil its mandate and allows time to elapse without acting.
For me, it goes without saying that the toys I buy in Sweden, Brussels or Strasbourg are safe.
The Commission must commit itself fully, in accordance with the level of confidentiality.
We have given the banking industry an opportunity to self-regulate in this particular area.
We will study what happened, and undertake closer investigations and analyses.
My final point concerns the 12-day rule.
The Russian constitution provides a basis for a multi-party system, but de facto it has become a one-party system with a marginalised parliament.
This is because these negotiations are not exactly characterised by ambition, but by precisely that outdated industrial policy that nobody here wants to hear anything about, or so we are told.
Two points that did not make it into the report were the possibility of applying attachment to joint accounts and the investigation of optional domestic use of the cross-border provision.
I want to make it clear, here and now, that when coming forward with this proposal both the Council and the Commission should take heed of Parliament's strong and united position on the issue.
I therefore agree with the Commission's view that the position of the ombudsman must be strengthened.
Well it will not be well.
This sounds like an extract from a UK Independence Party report on the European Constitution - sorry, I mean the Lisbon Treaty.
(NL) Mr President, I would like to thank the Commissioner for being here, but I would rather he was somewhere else, such as on a plane to Russia, for example, in order to make the case at the highest possible level that the ban that Russia has now introduced should be withdrawn because it is completely over-the-top.
Young people with amputations; children who had terrible burns who were being treated; teams out there to support them.
I would like to urge you for us to counter those activist organisations adopting impartial measures in order to oppose this issue; most of all because they do not offer any alternative.
What can be done about this?
I would like to thank the Legal Affairs Committee secretariat and to praise the excellent support they have given me on this report.
Moreover, we believe that the TACs need to be adjusted to each of these different fishing areas so as to ensure that the stock is managed sensibly.
Should not ecological and social dumping be equated with direct dumping?
The ratification and implementation of the updated ILO conventions (debate)
Indeed, it seems that the most important and most sensitive issue concerns where we stand on Eurojust.
I am thus happy to respond in any format decided by the Chair.
The EU must support the democratically elected government and should condemn attempts to undermine it.
Why vote for an imperfect report?
The plan provides for full completion of all legal proceedings by the end of 2011, with a possible extension into 2012.
The scope of activities covered by the term human trafficking should be revised and extended.
Every religion has its own form of fundamentalism and the first victims of such fundamentalism are often the religious moderates of those same religions.
I myself spoke about the need for Europe to keep its commitments so that we could be credible.
The negotiations were very difficult and the Member States did everything they could to try and wriggle out of their earlier promises.
The European Parliament has already done a lot of work in this area.
Mr President, I want to propose the following oral amendment to paragraph 10: I wish to add the name of Mr Sergiu Mocanu.
We have chosen to vote for this report.
Hunger in the midst of plenty is, and has always been, a scandal, and, in this report, we are trying to improve schemes to address it more effectively.
I am approaching the Commission to seek its help as guardian of the Treaties and I appeal to its conscience to reject the measures and to apply the environmental impact directive scrupulously in that capacity.
(HU) Thank you, Mr President.
(PT) Mr President, the creation of a European patent is stimulating innovation and scientific and technological development in the EU.
the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament
The audiovisual cooperation programme MEDIA Mundus, as adopted today by the European Parliament, and which I support, comes under this objective.
Unfortunately, the huge incidence of violent acts is not only typical of countries in conflict.
It is a problem with a strong multilateral component, because the sale and transit of gas can constitute a commercial activity only if the necessary conditions are met.
This new instrument, in order to be a serious tool, will have to produce legal effects of a certain importance.
As the Council did not do its part in what we should be calling 'a co-indecision procedure', those people are in the Sinai desert, who knows for how long?
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, this week, we should have approved the European Union General Budget for 2011.
I would like to say three things.
I find it impossible to disassociate developments in Pakistan and Kashmir from those in Afghanistan.
I wish to make a couple more comments; to raise a few points about social and economic governance in the short term.
According to the respected NGO War on Want, that would threaten a further 7.5 million workers with losing their jobs, including in the poorest countries.
It is only in Kosovo that we have seen things happening at lightning speed.
This confusion could lead to problems in some national legislation.
Too often, we have gazed into crystal balls and seen a series of marvellous plans, but each is impenetrable to the next.
We look for improvement in rules of origin; in the harmonisation of standards, of product safety, child protection and animal welfare; in their bureaucratic procedures; in transparency of state aids and non-tariff barriers, and the elimination of discriminatory taxes.
One of them is the dialogue between the social partners - which was unfairly relegated to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union - and another important matter that we believe we are helping with through our support for resolution of confidence problems is to provide security through a declaration, like the Ioannina Compromise, which already exists, but should not go any further.
The opinion that, with reduced taxes, the situation would not improve or would even decline is not a valid argument.
For us, it is not about making transport more expensive, as has just been claimed.
In numerous cases, including in Greece, attention on the part of the institutions and the State decreased as publicity in the issue decreased.
I wholeheartedly understand Parliament saying that what we are doing for energy or innovation is not enough.
Roosevelt heavily attacked the oligopolies, the big companies in the US, and reregulated the economy.
On the subject of fundamental rights, I believe that we may have certain disagreements, but that there are no fundamental disagreements with some of the Members who raised this issue.
Therefore, Mr Graf Lambsdorff surely has nothing to answer.
This disaster also underlines the challenges and the improvements that we must make to this structure, since the solidarity movement of our continent aside, the US reaction raises questions about our mobilisation capacity.
We must provide for labour relations that promote employment and ensure the possibility of life-long learning.
There is not, however, any South American state as such that is a member of the European Union - I am being very cautious here for perhaps I did not understand all the nuances of the question.
However, I also have to admit that I am disappointed with certain proposed amendments to the Directive on Deposit Guarantee Schemes, especially on pay-out delays.
It may not have been the best decision.
Would we not be sending out a very positive signal if we could make progress on these free trade agreements now?
The austerity packages proposed for exiting the crisis should not result in measures which could jeopardise economic recovery.
The plan was adopted at the conference on rail safety organised - as I said earlier - by the Commission on 8 September 2009.
The European Union was created on the basis of peace and stability, and we can promote these globally, in particular, by means of humanitarian aid, development cooperation, crisis management and international trade.
I believe that the key words should be 'coordination' and 'clarity'.
That seems to me to be very important.
Requests for oral amendments are also governed by different rules, not rules at the disposal of the president of the sitting, but rules already formally included in our Rules of Procedure.
At present, the EU livestock sector is experiencing difficulties caused by a range of factors, including rising production costs, competition from imports from third countries, and, of course, various issues which contribute to the rising cost of feed.
You have tabled no less than eight sets of draft resolutions and oral questions reflecting, in my view, the strength of parliamentary involvement and opinion on EPAs.
This is a real contribution to the preparations for the next financial perspective, but it is also truly European.
What stage have we reached?
US anti-missile defence system (debate)
According to French estimates, the 0.005% tax will remove more than EUR 20 billion from the coffers of French banks.
A better description of the spirit of the times, however, would be the world 'flexinsecurity'.
It is, however, time that we also change practices in this area.
In view of this, the liberalisation of visas to Taiwan boosts bilateral EU-Taiwan relations, strengthens partnerships in various areas and encourages a reciprocal increase in tourism.
Some sectors of the population are especially vulnerable and need protection from poverty, because it is very difficult for people to escape poverty once they become poor.
Therefore, concluding the Doha Round with a balanced and comprehensive outcome would be a major step ahead.
I remember something that one of these founding fathers, Mr Jean Monnet, said when the very first step towards the Single Market was taken and coal and steel were first brought together in 1950.
Yet this does not mean that there is anything wrong with parliamentary ratification.
Some people may feel a sense of satisfaction at the sight of bankers falling from grace and losing their jobs.
In that respect, it is a natural reaction for Parliament to reject these proposals.
The Americans have achieved the PTC pipeline for oil.
Mr President, honourable Members, the Commission welcomes your proposal for 20 weeks of maternity leave.
Many countries have problems with the introduction of civil rights and democracy.
This is particularly significant given that Japan is one of the main donors of aid in post-war times.
We should consider the Solidarity Fund, which since its establishment has already been mobilised in at least 20 or 30 cases.
The Slovenian Presidency has placed this issue among its highest priorities.
There will be no geographical quotas - you could sometimes get the impression that this is the most important issue here, but it most definitely is not.
I am neither against nor for.
This will still make a very significant impact on the Stability and Growth Pact and a very significant impact on public debt and on how matters are settled in the 'day after' period, in other words after the crisis has passed, to put it in simple terms.
Accession to the EU clearly also means an obligation under the Treaty to accept the achievements of the acquis communautaire.
Although some considerations may be well-intentioned, let us not forget that too much protection destroys all protection.
Workers are not aware of their rights, and Member States do not monitor whether the provisions of the Directive are being correctly applied.
The Member States acted collectively, both in the Council and in NATO, and so we must also account for our actions collectively as the Council; you cannot hide behind the argument of powers and subsidiarity; it is not a matter of making two particular Member States into scapegoats.
on behalf of the EFD Group. - Madam President, the 2.3% increase in the budget requested by this Parliament calls into question its sense of responsibility.
I need hardly say that neither power plant will be using CCS.
This points to a spectrum of political views within the European Union.
The continued existence of economic and cultural inequalities on a global level has resulted in the development of new forms of slavery, no longer necessarily linked to the realm of sexual exploitation, but also to that of economic exploitation.
Unfortunately, there are still many cases in Europe where women are affected by attacks by their male companions or former companions.
Here we should also state our opinion that civil society must be an active participant as an alternative to the Summit of Heads of State and Government in Lima.
If it were the other way around, and a male walked in on females, the chances of their being killed would be far less.
With full respect for subsidiarity in that matter, some Member States have it and some do not.
We need to improve our approach to the implementation of innovative solutions in all areas, including technical and organisational, legal and financial.
In addition, the Commission provides significant humanitarian assistance - roughly EUR 40 million per year - to the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially to Uturi and the Kivus.
It does not, however, go far enough.
For this reason, I voted in favour of this report.
I will be making the best possible use of the transition periods and of the room for manoeuvre that the Basel Agreement gives us, plus you will be making your own contribution.

I hope that you can make your voice heard there and have more 'Europe' in that institution also.
It gives us more social rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
As you know, my pet subject is water.
It must be made clear once and for all that, according to the World Health Organisation definition, this concept includes abortion as a method of family planning.
To conclude, I would say that import controls absolutely must be harmonised, since we cannot demand a number of things from our farmers and then continue to bring products into the European Union that do not comply with our legislation.
I think this is an agenda where we also have to do something in Europe.
Consequently, Parliament's founded concerns about this issue which were voiced in the course of the conciliation procedure for the 2002 Working Time Directive were properly allayed.
But once again you could not accept a democratic result, oh no - the Irish have to vote again!
Madam President, today, we are discussing a European strategy for the Roma minority, which is an important step towards integrating the largest minority in the European Union.
According to the EC Treaty, the Community and the Member States are responsible for adopting measures to combat fraud and protect the Community's financial interests.
Is there not something dubious about Europeans promoting and funding contraception and abortion outside Europe?
However, we must understand that no progress has been made in one decisive area, because the necessary cooperation, which needs to be organised much more effectively, has been vetoed by NATO's partner Turkey.
Secondly, we have seen, for several years, the redirecting by various means of money in the first pillar, from direct payment to farmers to the rural development projects in pillar 2.
Such behaviour will no longer be tolerated.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, this House is preparing to vote on the first budget of the Lisbon era.
(The agenda was therefore adopted.)
It is widely recognised that small and medium-sized enterprises are the key to reducing unemployment in Europe, yet they face a disproportionate regulatory burden when compared to larger companies due to economies of scale.
It all boils down to business and politics, and I think a great number of mistakes are being made in those domains.
the oral question to the Commission (B7-0238/2009) by Mario Borghezio, on behalf of the Europe of Freedom and Democracy Group, on defence of the principle of subsidiarity;
I would also like to extend my thanks to the Commission, which tabled a sound initial proposal that was gratifying to develop further.
Furthermore, publication of current data and effectively informing citizens and business people about their rights and the situation in the market will help improve the market's function and will improve transparency of its principles, ensuring equal conditions for competition.
The OFT does not have jurisdiction to tackle any scams from elsewhere, including from other Member States, so the problem continues and I continue to receive my share of complaints.
I believe that cooperation with the Inter-Institutional Working Group on multilingualism will enable us to make better use of free capacity in this area.
In both cases, we hear talk of accidents that took place, but these accidents have never been proven.
The aim of our proposal is to ensure that these deadlines are respected once and for all.
Others, however, remain imprisoned, such as Netsanet Demissie and Daniel Bekele.
Specific protection must be given to individuals, children and women especially.
The regions or farmers which wish not to cultivate GMOs or to adopt a GM-free status, can certainly benefit from the research findings from the research framework programmes.
Support Southern Sudan wherever possible.
And you were always gentlemanlike.
Whilst we have economic uncertainty, our ability to face any of our other challenges is obviously diminished.
in writing. - (PT) The harmonisation and reliability of data and information collected on marine activities is of critical importance for the fisheries sector and all efforts undertaken to improve their quality should be supported.
The terrible disaster that struck Haiti a year ago shocked us all and led to a global current of good will, making logistical, human, financial and humanitarian resources available immediately and on a large scale.
I would ask you not to raise a blue card if you want to be on the catch-the-eye list, because that is a quite different thing.
When there are mistakes, which sometimes happens, then we try to correct them.
As the Commissioner said, I believe that we need to continue working to build the strategic association with Russia, but the climate will depend more on Russia's temperature than that of the European Union: to some extent in the light of what the Commissioner was saying, above all in the light of the new role that Russia wants to play on the international stage, and, in particular, as far as the security of energy supply is concerned.
That is one of the comments that I would like to make.
The third thing he mentioned is that financial supervision is being conducted on too national a basis.
Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
For your information, Lithuania is home to around 200 000 Lithuanian citizens of Polish descent, and there are 62 schools where teaching is only carried out in Polish and 34 schools with Polish classes.
I have been very actively engaged with Member States and allies and the NATO Secretary-General in order to reinforce EU-NATO relations.
This draft protocol contains a Framework Agreement on the general principles for the Republic of Moldova's participation in a number of Community programmes and agencies in areas such as transport, food security, customs, air safety and others.
At a time when debate about CO2 emissions has become unavoidable because it is central to discussion of climate change, and when the volatility of fuel prices has made the continuation of the current dependence on petroleum and its derivatives unsustainable, at least in the long term, it is important to find alternatives.
There has been some discussion regarding whether it was right or wrong to prepare a first-reading agreement.
The Presidency of the Council hopes, of course, that the Council and this House will be able to clarify these matters, so as to ensure that Europe has an industrial base that is its own and is competitive and that we know as soon as possible what mechanisms will be applicable, before 2011.
I would particularly like to mention table wines.
Those Council Members who are responsible should at least admit it!
in writing. - (PL) Madam President, ARTEMIS is the first of four proposed joint undertakings with a joint aim and justification.
I should point out that we are going to vote first on the amendments.
It was made up of finance ministers who were threatened with a downgrading of their sovereign debt.
The difficult task was the Parliament budget, where it was unfortunately not possible to bring the expenses down to this year's level plus inflation.
It has taken much longer than people expected to bring this into operation, and that of itself raises concerns about the complexity of the instrument itself.
Although I believe that there is still a lot to be done in terms of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and of consumer rights, this report is a first step in facilitating cross-border trade between SMEs.
Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union provides that any European State which respects the principles of the rule of law, freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms may apply to become a member of the Union.
However, you must be sure that these amendments will not create difficulties in the application of the directive by all Member States.
Structure and rates of excise duty applied on manufactured tobacco (
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (PL) Mr President, in the European Union we have recently seen a significant rise in the price of basic foodstuffs, particularly in the new Member States.
However, when we are preparing the implementation report in 2010, we can propose changes to the Directive if necessary.
The European Commission has disregarded these developments.
In voting for Amendments 99 and 100 supported by the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, Parliament will be addressing the issues raised through possibly setting up an impact assessment and suitable mediating measures to ensure that the outermost regions are included in the emissions trading scheme in the future - a necessary step that must be done in an appropriate way and guarantee environmental and economic sustainability and mobility in those regions, which are totally dependent on air transport due to their geographical situation.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - Madam President, I have a number of points to make in relation to this issue and of course I would disagree slightly with Mrs McGuinness in relation to 'this is not about Ireland'.
I would like to state very clearly my support for the delegation that would have gone to Iran from this Parliament.
It was no ordinary match.
Europe needs a competitive and innovative economy in order to be successful.
On the other, however, there is a certain resistance amongst Member States to sacrificing their legal solutions, which is hardly surprising given that these have developed over centuries and that they are widely known by their respective populations.
Otherwise, our reaction will simply be unbalanced.
The debate is closed.
In practice, this would very often mean making the most vulnerable people pay, and that does not seem to me to be reasonable or socially just.
We must also pay particular attention to the needs of mountain areas, as we plan and implement structural measures.
European patents currently cost 15 times more than US patents, hence the reason why we must develop the European patent more quickly and reduce its cost.
I would like to underline the meeting which will be held in Prague in the presence of the Czech Prime Minister, the President of the Commission and the social partners, as well as the two upcoming Presidencies - Sweden and Spain - to discuss measures and recommendations.
(Applause)
Mr President, it is important that decisions be taken in June on an ambitious package of legislation aimed at strengthening economic governance in Europe in order to win back the confidence of the markets and also in order to ensure growth and jobs on behalf of all our citizens and to increase the cohesion of our economies.
We must give not just the production sites, but also the future technologies, a chance so that Europe can remain a good place to produce cars.'
They will only become so if they lead to genuine changes within the Russian Federation.
In order to achieve this objective, which is still a long way off, we have much ground to cover and many barriers to remove.
Let me state that the Commission reaffirms its commitment to reaching an agreement on the soil protection directive, and will do its utmost to achieve that aim.
As a first point, I would like to thank the Commission, in the person of Commissioner Verheugen, for reading out the declaration on the implementing measures here in the House today.
We clearly need to demonstrate our resolve.
Different rules will sustain a different culture. Consequently, for the spoiled foreign cyclists and pedestrians (and I consider myself to be one of them), the roads in the new Member States present a huge risk.
Finally, we must not allow the tragic Greek situation to lead to the conclusion that we should not continue to strengthen the euro area and should not continue expansion towards the Western Balkans.
Particular attention must be focused on the problem of migrants and refugees, both those extradited by Libya to their countries of origin where their lives are exposed to serious threats, and those returned by Italy to Libya where they are likely to face harsh reprisals.
When they explode, uranium projectiles irradiate fine, contaminating dust; they contaminate the air, land and water, penetrate the respiratory system, and increase the likelihood of tumours, leukaemias and malformations.
The proposal for a directive on patients' rights in cross-border health care, which received relatively less publicity, will have a tangible impact on the ordinary lives of many Europeans.
European citizens woke up on Monday, 10 May to a new Europe.
The current system of mutual recognition means we are open to chains breaking at their weakest link.
Vertebrates and primates enjoy special protection.
The provisions of the relevant factors to be considered indicate that determining the incidence of special circumstances should be based on an overall assessment of such factors.
Therefore I say: do work together to be a much stronger body in the whole food chain.
Nevertheless, I abstained because in my opinion, the text does not go far enough.
That is why I would reply to Dagmar Roth-Behrendt that the question is not of patients' right of movement within the European Union, which is a self-evident, fundamental right.
I therefore thank the European Parliament for the work it has done and the vote it is to hold on this plan.
With regard to visa facilitation, we have begun talks in the Council.
So I am prepared to do this, I am prepared for a political dialogue with the Council and with Parliament to identify those things we can offer our citizens as an immediate response from among the 2008 and 2009 priorities, and those that deserve to be looked into in more detail.
This sort of cooperation should strengthen and promote social and cultural exchanges and help to shape common policies and actions to protect the environment and combat climate change.
What would happen if Vietnam were doing all this?
What usually happens is that a business registers with a directory to have the name of the business listed in it, believing that no fee is involved.
In addition, in view of the huge influence of the People's Republic of China on policy in Pyongyang, the European Commission should raise these matters as part of the European Union's dialogue with China.
I voted in favour of both of Mr De Castro's reports because immediate, urgent intervention is required.
As a result of public pressure and the fear of a boycott of the Olympic Games, the Chinese Government began talks with the representatives of the Dalai Lama. However, these talks were held at a gallingly low level and, moreover, the dialogue was akin to communication between two televisions, set to different channels.
Information should be provided on the basis of accessibility, consistency and absolute transparency, because we believe that many regions expect the Commission to show greater energy in relation to the objective expressed here.
Women must have control over their reproductive lives: it is so preferable to the alternative of unsafe abortion.
Thirdly, I am against the minimum thresholds for granting direct aid proposed by the Commission, whereby the Commission says that anyone receiving less than EUR 250 a year or cultivating less than one hectare a year should not be financed.
Therefore I think the Lambert report is unacceptable on that basis.
I also think that we need to realise that we cannot just carelessly give up on coal - an energy source that we have in our country and in many other places in Europe - and say 'coal produces CO2, so it is not an option'.
Other factors which have an equally significant impact on the health of the citizens include occupational status and the resultant material situation, access to education, advanced age or disability, belonging to a minority group and many more.
An integrated strategy against trafficking for labour exploitation is needed which comprises prevention, prosecution, protection and assistance to victims.
He has done a fantastic job on this regulation.
It was not a collective failure, though, because there was agreement on practically everything, even though it failed miserably giving people the impression that big business and trade rules prevail over the European citizenry, whom we are here to represent and defend.
Although the draft report was amended during its passage through committee, it still contains much that is unnecessary and harmful.
This paragraph refers to the creation of a European Consumer Ombudsman in the European Ombudsman's office.
Gaddafi wants to launch a jihad against Switzerland.
I should like to make a couple of brief remarks.
What could be more social than making a profit to re-invest to create jobs for your population?
I also feel, however, that we ought to avail ourselves of the political opportunity at this time, as Mrs Trautmann said, to reflect on the new Telecommunications Package, and in that sense I think that both the Commission and Parliament must make every effort not just to offer the people of Europe access to the best digital services, but also to spearhead the extension of the information society as a social commodity to countries that are in need of European cooperation and leadership.
Many of these jobs are quality jobs.
During such severe crises, non-governmental organisations and, in fact, major institutional networks will definitely have an important role to play.
There is no cure for this condition which often holds hostage both patient and carer regardless of age.
The increase in the employment rate is closely linked to the EU's industrial policy.
(FR) Madam President, in Mr Lewandowski's very comprehensive report, I was particularly interested in the Parliament budget for this election year, which has consequences for the institution's communications policy.
I welcome the audit strategy of the Court of Auditors for the period 2009-2012 and support its priority goals - maximising the overall impact from its audits and increasing efficiency by making best use of resources.
Croatia is ready for accession to the European Union now.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I just wanted to ask how many more minutes' silence we will have to observe before we get a common European policy on immigration.
It seems, however, an interesting contribution to the current debate about the euro area.
Once we have done that - and it will not be easy - then the emissions trading scheme must be developed further.
All of these steps are actions that we are taking now with an almost immediate impact on the markets, but we also need to do something about steps for the medium and longer term.
And, in general, those who fear that the Commission will get a blank cheque and do whatever they want should keep in mind that Article 186 is normally by nature a very positive scheme where it is possible to try to help people who are in difficulties by reacting very fast.
Cultural diversity is not just an ideal; it is also a significant economic factor.
During the second half of 2010, the wholesale prices of agricultural produce increased by 32%.
Commissioner, I should like to thank you once again for your understanding and would ask you to convey my thanks to your team.
Therefore, I think that it is high time that the European Parliament was given more powers in the field of nuclear energy and we ought to reach an inter-institutional agreement so that we can have codecision powers.
I voted against.
in writing. - (DE) By supporting the motion for a resolution on the 2010 progress report on Croatia I would like to express my support for the swift acceptance of this country into the EU.
I believe that, if we truly want to abide by the goals we have set for our foreign policy in the Treaties, we still have a long way to go before we can send migrants staying illegally in the EU back to Libya.
We should really decide on priorities.
A certain group of Member States does have a ready source: the former socialist countries have by far exceeded their Kyoto commitments.
Therefore, as you know, President Barroso has set up a high-level group to address this question, and I think that you should see with the Commission what stage the work of this group has reached.
On gender balance, I am committed to this and my Commission has a record number of women.
At all events, I am much obliged to Mr Demetriou for his cooperation with me; it has been very constructive.
How do we ensure that people are able to work and thus play a part in society and what can we do to counter discrimination more effectively?
By way of conclusion, I should like to relay a disturbing quote from a Kosovo police officer: 'Serbs and Albanians have managed to come to terms with each other at criminal level.
NATO stands for insecurity!
Women, like children, are particularly fragile members of our society in some contexts.
(ES) Madam President, the strengthening of relations between the European Union and the United States is key in the transatlantic context and in an increasingly multipolar world.
It is that the latest economic forecasts offer no hope of a return, by 2020, to the strong, sustainable and inclusive growth that the European Union set itself as an objective.
We are, of course, talking here about asylum seekers.
Agenda for next sitting: see Minutes
My personal impression was that the technical problems connected with the use of hydrogen in vehicles have basically been solved.
Finally, Europe cannot shirk from examining the results of full implementation of the Schengen Agreement, which are in front of our eyes.
That is an agreeable situation for nearly everyone but the citizen.
It must also be the case that citizens' rights and security issues be dealt with on equal terms, as Parliament ultimately impressively demanded in relation to the SWIFT Agreement.
the report by Klaus-Heiner Lehne, on behalf of the Committee on Legal Affairs, including recommendations to the Commission on transparency of institutional investors.
It will include participants who have never taken part in such events before, and it is also a step on the way to the European Council.
Richard Wilkinson, the British researcher who has written the book 'The Spirit Level' and who visited the European Parliament in Brussels last week, has described it very well: we need equality and we need small gaps in order for us to have societies where security and confidence reign.
All those guilty of crimes will be brought to justice.
(ES) Mr President, last December, the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco entered into an agreement to liberalise trade in agricultural products.
Unfortunately, the alcohol lobby has succeeded once again.
I will protect it to the very best of my ability.
Ladies and gentlemen, this blatant provocation is, in my view, all the more unfortunate for the fact that this celebration of a military war criminal included a speech from the Hungarian consul - a diplomat of the country now holding the Presidency and speaking in many forums on behalf of all of us, and also on behalf of the entire EU.
In every case, the result was satisfactory.
This unilateral decision by Croatia presented problems for fishermen, for example, because it reduced their fishing territory and the port of Koper lost its access to international waters.
Flexibility mechanisms, primarily the quota trading systems, are likely to remain important instruments for the European Union's climate protection efforts in the future.
rapporteur. - (FR) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I must tell you that I had an enormous amount of pleasure in applying, myself, the principles of governance during the preparation of this report with the various stakeholders.
I would like it to be recorded in the Minutes at least then that I also wanted to speak about this report on air transport.
To begin with, I would like to inform you briefly of four matters.
(GA) Madam President, an overwhelming number of people voted against the Treaty of Lisbon last year, because it was believed that a better Europe could be achieved: a Europe that is democratic and responsible; a Europe that promotes the rights of workers, that defends public services and that seeks a positive role in the world.
The tough policy we are applying to budgets - starting with those of Member States - should, in the medium-term, also make us consider the desirability of retaining three seats of Parliament, an admittedly complex issue, but one which we cannot fail to address.
The Commission has actually already launched the boat and expects to change the rules in the coming weeks.
Reopening negotiations with the Mercosur countries without consulting the Member States was very dirty play.
It sells well abroad.
Finally, the most important thing is that the high-level talks between the Dalai Lama's representatives and the Chinese Government really can continue.
I should really like to say that working with the rapporteur and the other shadow rapporteurs has been a truly excellent experience.
(Applause)
There are six main points to my report.
Finally, I would like to thank the Member States for their will to put aside differences and start compromising - with the best for Europe at heart - to find solutions that are not only of benefit to them, but to Europe as a whole.
Finally, we must not forget that ordinary Zimbabweans are in desperate straits and need basic aid now just to keep going.
Will the Commission adopt new maritime policy objectives as part of the new Euro-Mediterranean strategy?
This is a precondition for restoring and reinforcing confidence in the European economy, improving banks' robustness, and ensuring that we safeguard economic growth through credit supply.
To deny such differences is not to fight for equal rights but rather to fight for the conformity and sameness of both sexes.
The pillorying of the accused by the media to boost ratings, or even by governments and officials for the sake of short-lived political gains, flagrantly violates this principle.

At present European Schools are perceived as elite schools that often exclude children whose parents are not EU officials.
This makes it clear that the enforcement process is not working.
A major problem, which required lengthy negotiations, was the situation with regard to employee participation.
I think that we need continuous dialogue between the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council in order to make progress in promoting human rights and freedoms, as well as those of minorities, and in the battle against every form of discrimination, including discrimination based on gender or religion.
There are reports of ongoing investigations to find the group of refugees, and we hope that things will be clearer in the next few days.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - Madam President, I am very happy to speak on this issue here tonight.
We want to bring about a coming together of the experts - at hearings, in the working groups and also for the development of studies.
Finally, on behalf of producers, processors and all of us, I hope that this reform achieves more of the objectives set for it than the last one.
That is the least we must do.
This approach is particularly unacceptable and reflective of hypocrisy when we, as nationals of the new Member States are still - to this day and for who knows how much longer - discriminated against in numerous old Member States when it comes to access to the labour market.
This joint motion for a resolution on the Democratic Republic of Congo reflects the complicated situation in this African country.
(SK) I agree with the Members who spoke before me that the European Parliament must adopt an uncompromising attitude towards a country in which the totalitarian arrogance of power knows no boundaries.
Toy safety is of utmost importance now and at all times of the year, for our children's health and safety is at stake.
It is more of a shot in the arm than a therapy.
The suggestion of reaching an agreement on a transitional administration in the country is worth investigating as a way of getting out of the current democratic impasse Zimbabwe currently finds itself in.
We also ask for new labelling technologies, such as microchips and Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), to be used in order to combat product counterfeiting.
The majority of those who voted 'no' in 2008 understandably felt that official Europe would never heed their verdict if it did not suit the EU.
each country's position, that is, their foreign policies should be linked to a binding political platform established by the EU;
Our call for a seven-year financial perspective which is expressed in a structure that reflects the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, while, at the same time, respecting all the policies for the European Union and avoiding increasing the European budget to unrealistic levels, must be seen to be reasonable.
In November, several hundred young people from all the countries that are building the Union for the Mediterranean will meet here, in the Chamber of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, and engage in a dialogue of civilisations - a dialogue of cultures.
The Commission will look into the possibilities of extending the scope of the directive to cover a wider range of travel arrangements including the 'dynamic packages'.
I was aware of what was going on, admittedly from the better side of that border.
Consumers have the right to know where products come from.
On 28 November 1989, Parliament adopted a very important resolution affirming, and I quote: 'All European peoples, including the Polish people, have, in accordance with the Helsinki Final Act, the right to live within secure borders as currently defined.'
We use resources quicker than they are able to replenish themselves.
The report states that 'fishing right management mechanisms should be adopted at Community level', when the reality shows that Community management of fisheries has been an unmitigated disaster.
(ES) Commissioner, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the communication that you have presented to us.
That means they miss out on the possibility of utilising the Internal Market.
Higher food prices affect both producers and consumers.
That is my criticism, and that is why I abstained.
Mrs Jaakonsaari is well aware that we in Finland have a saying that translates roughly as 'Help a man when he is in trouble, not when he is not': this also applies just as well to women, of course.
(The sitting was suspended at 12.35 a.m. and resumed at 3.00 p.m.)
A deduction at source on all financial transactions would be a far more effective method.
Civil crisis management, peacekeeping and the protection of human rights are the cornerstones of the CFSP.
Information is the only way to lay the foundations for a healthy diet.
The regulation will bring about an ever greater restriction of harmful active substances circulating in the market, particularly through comparative assessment and adherence to the principle of substitution.
It may even stand the test of time and be accorded similar historical importance to the Bretton Woods Conference of 1944, which determined the shape of global economic cooperation for a quarter of a century and continues to influence it even after 60 years.
Then we can vote on everything else on the basis of the Treaty of Lisbon.
It is fundamentally a case of ensuring that the movement of any kind of substance throughout the whole customs system should manage effectively to protect the financial interests of the European Union and of all the Member States and, from that point of view, I think there is still a lot to be done.
In reality, unemployment is completely unacceptable.
Anybody who is in the Chamber and has a question down will receive a written reply.
I think we are talking about secret prisons.
It is the only soil we have and we must look after it.
Rule of law is at the heart of any democratic process and the functioning democratic system cannot be sustained without an independent judiciary.
I draw a rough line for every Member of this House.
If we are looking at growth, we are still talking as if the quantity is what matters, not the quality and not what is actually growing within our societies.
I am in favour of this report as I believe that the government of Iran should respect the legitimate requests of its people for fundamental freedoms and the improvement of economic and social conditions, along with the desire for cooperation on the part of Iran with the international community.
I therefore declare my vote against the abovementioned report.
And, in particular, can we put as much pressure as possible on the European Investment Bank to keep within the allocation it has been given in the draft decision?
Each year half a million women there pay for their desire to have offspring with their lives.
In addition, irrespective of any resolution or decision, in my personal view, domestic adoptions must take precedence in any legal system, present or future.
That is why a well-functioning, properly resourced Committee on Petitions, working in good cooperation with the Commission and the Council, is core to supporting and validating the rights of EU citizens.
The Larosière report is, in fact, a very important guide that we must follow.
In the long term, an increase in the birth rate and preventive health care will be of significance for the balance in public finances.
This means that Iceland should adopt the euro only after accession to the EU, after fulfilling the conditions set out by the Treaty.
Just at the beginning of this month in Hungary, two Roma people were shot like animals when they were trying to escape from their burning house.
Fully functional regional cooperation based on common values, such as democracy, the rule of law and the defence of human rights, for example, will require targeted improvement of the current mechanisms of the bi-regional partnership.
Unfortunately, the sad statistics in my state show that in eight out of ten international cases currently being investigated, State institutions or courts are found to have acted improperly.
Europe is financing its ambitions by indulging in words.
I think that a waiver of immunity should be applied only to an MEP who has committed a homicide.
This encourages illegal immigration, resulting in the tragedies that we have been experiencing.
(Interjection by Marios Matsakis)
I think it is unfortunate if you devalue that, because it robs us of an opportunity.
In particular, we should draw lessons from previous budget outturns so as to be able to determine our real ability to implement sectoral policies.
This implies responsibility, we ourselves have a responsibility for the stability of the small country and Euro-Atlantic integration.
Even though traffic management can allow premium high-quality services to develop and can help ensure secure communications, the same techniques may also be used to degrade the quality of communications or other services to unacceptably low levels.
We believe that this sort of purely European solution cannot be countenanced.
in writing. - (RO) I voted in favour of the European Parliament legislative resolution on the proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 3/2008 on information provision and promotion measures for agricultural products on the internal market and in third countries - C6-0313/2008 -, because I consider that the population needs to be properly informed about the agricultural products which they are consuming.
(ES) Mr President, at a time of major social tension, we can only warmly welcome the major social dialogue agreement in Spain between the government, the unions and employers.
I think more of us should speak about issues of concern in other Member States that we know of, so that there is a sense in which there is greater solidarity among Members of this House regarding the concerns of their citizens.
The latest information provocation is that Georgia kidnapped a Russian soldier.
We are given too little time to assess such complex issues.
The marketing parameters must not be revised downward so that the only possibility left is to make fishmeal from such excellent stocks.
I would like to thank Mrs Thyssen, my colleagues, the Council and the Commission for their extremely constructive cooperation.
Secondly, I want to loudly, clearly and firmly condemn the irresponsible and provocative manner in which the Gdaim Izyk camp was dismantled.
Until now, it had continually stressed that the existing legislation was sufficient to guarantee the safety of nanomaterials.
The call for new laws as formulated in the Bauer report should be rejected.
I could not vote in favour of the Conservative Party amendment to freeze the budget at 2011 levels because I firmly believe it is a reduction that is needed, and their stand represents a weak starting point for negotiations.
in writing. - (FR) I would like to use this vote to underline the permanent discrepancy that exists between the words and actions of the European Union in certain areas.
Even though European legislation prohibits the export of hazardous waste for recycling, studies have shown that more than two thirds of European electronic waste is exported.
This is a priority for the Commission in 2008.
Mr President, I would again like to draw your attention to the practice of illegal adoption.
The quality of the professional services and the qualifications of those working in the sector need to be improved.
We need to be very vigilant and disciplined.
In too many cases, such equipment is being declared as used but functional and, on that basis, is being exported beyond the Union.
Finally, the internal report on the management of expenditure for assistants: I believe it was wrong to keep it confidential, because this has led to a whole series of articles in the press that are damaging transparency and the proper functioning of Parliament.
This dialogue between the Commission and Parliament is important.
Last but not least, I suggest that you remain committed to the EU's common position on Cuba until real changes there can be confirmed.
New negotiations on current sanitary regulations could improve this situation.
I am convinced that these three areas will provide an important foundation for competitiveness and innovation for many years to come.
I believe that the empowerment of the authority of Parliament will help make this instrument more flexible, comply with the new requirements stipulated in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and better face the challenges involved in the protection of human rights and democracy worldwide.
I am well aware of the effort that he put into this subject and the difficulties he underwent so that it would be possible to reach a consensus.
I attach great importance to the expertise and information that we derive from our exchange of experience and dialogue about possible solutions with citizens, interest groups, lawyers and lobbyists.
My question to you is, does this also mean that the text which this House approved in April enjoys the full support of the Czech Presidency, and what practical steps have you, as President-in-Office, taken in order to ensure that this directive is also adopted as soon as possible by the Member States and the Council?
We express our solidarity with the people of Burma and demand that the arrested protesters be released immediately and that http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1991 be allowed to live a rewarding life and have freedom of action.
I myself was born in the Balkans and I know what protracted and unresolved conflicts can mean, not just for the security situation in a whole region but also for its economic potential and for the normalisation of life for the people who live there.
Many of these complaints come from passengers whose flights have been cancelled due to the airlines or tour operators going bankrupt.
But we are doing that to make the lives of our citizens better.
Madam President, after my speech at the start of this debate, I actually only have two more comments to make.
Anyone who votes in favour of Mr Gauzès's proposal will be ensuring that the Commission does what it wants to do anyway - namely, proposes no financial transaction tax.
In view of this breaking story, which is not an isolated event but happening all over Europe, I call on you, ladies and gentlemen, to petition the Commission.
I hope that this Parliament will find the right time as well as the correct formula for adopting this subject.
However, it is not only the humanitarian situation that at risk, but the stability of the whole region.
(IT) Mr President, Commissioner, rapporteur, ladies and gentlemen, like many other Members, I, too, recall the great effort required of all of us to overcome the numerous obstacles before we could finally approve the Services Directive.
We urge the Commission to drive and coordinate the European solidarity effort.
GDP is an indicator of market economic activity that has become the standard point of reference at the service of the world's decision makers.
This money has been and is being paid mainly to the industry, in the form of a massive amount of compensation to the tune of EUR 730 per tonne, while at the same time just around 10%, at best 20%, of this cash goes on changing the industrial structure and tearing down factories.
Europe should therefore forcefully voice its concerns because a military, nuclear power could jeopardise the continent's security and have significant political consequences for all the countries in the region.
The first principle is that this pact must be carried out under the conditions laid down in the Treaty and within the existing system of economic governance.
I have visited women's shelters.
Mercosur's competitiveness in agricultural markets has been strengthened and has increased in recent years, so there needs to be an impact study on the consequences of an agreement for European agricultural activity, which is in no condition to suffer more shocks at present.
They are responsible for this situation.
The European Parliament was able to agree fairly quickly that it would finance the beginning of the Galileo project with European money, by using the 'Community method'.
All our agencies need to be able to fulfil the tasks that we currently pile on them.
That is why the European Union is supporting the efforts of Egypt, Turkey and others to achieve this.
It is a fact, nonetheless, that we have serious problems within our own borders: problems affecting individuals, in particular, and problems affecting groups.
Now, therefore, we await the legislative phase of the Commissioner's actions on research and innovation.
This also proves that Europe really is about diversity, tolerance and equal opportunities.
However, it is not even going to be possible to safeguard these procedural rights, which we have already debated and which we are going to discuss as part of the package of procedural rights.
I also want to ask you, Commissioner, to send people from our delegation in Beijing to Tibet as quickly as possible, to submit a request to send a delegation of people there, today if possible.
I share the concern expressed in this discussion by Members such as Mrs Pack, Mr Swoboda and Mr Maaten regarding the political development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
I assure you that in the months leading up summer I will be delighted, if you invite me, to come here more often, and certainly after each meeting of the European Council.
Coming from Ireland, I can confirm tragically that threats to children come traditionally from within institutions where they are supposed to be safe, within certain families and within certain areas of the Catholic Church.
Yet we must also be honest with our citizens.
I see no value in re-writing or re-interpreting it in any selective way.
(PL) Madam President, I do not have to remind the people who are gathered here, and who are participating in this debate, of the dangers of counterfeit goods.
With the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, increased powers have been conferred on Parliament regarding Fisheries Partnership Agreements: under Article 218(6)(a) TFEU, the EP now has to give its prior consent to conclusion of an agreement, a requirement that replaces the earlier ordinary consultation procedure.
Europe and the rest of the world are still wrestling with racial, sexual, cultural and national discrimination.
In this resolution, the European Parliament makes clear its disgust at the most brutal forms of carrying out this type of punishment, such as stoning.
The role of carers in society, as Marian Harkin rightly pointed out, is totally undervalued and that needs to change.
However, we in Lega Nord shall fight until the end to preserve and develop this valuable resource for our territories.
Hence, on the one hand, there is a duty to provide and, on the other, a duty to assist.
This will make a very important contribution to ensuring growth.
We think that the regions are the effective authorising bodies of European public expenditure.
Women from the working and grassroots classes, young people, immigrants and refugees have nothing to gain from the show being put on for them, or from the wish lists and lies being trotted out by the plutocracy, in order keep a grip on the capitalist system of exploitation and cheap labour and increase the profit of capital.

That is why, before considering a proposal to re-evaluate the current security architecture of the continent, we should try to have definite answers as to the continuation of US involvement, the future of NATO and the role expected of the EU after the Lisbon Treaty comes into force.
Having common standards for these cross-border payments, credit transfers and direct debits is an important part of the health and growth of the single market.
These questions on cluster bombs look to the future and to what Europe must do to eliminate these weapons which make no distinction between civilians and military personnel and which destroy so many human lives.
One of the things we agreed in the committee was that active inclusion should not be replacing social inclusion, that wider field of feeling that you have a role to play in society.
I deeply regret this, as it means that important consumer information will be lost.
However, I question the European Union's financial standing as regards all of your projects.
I know from personal experience, having attended the 10th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 10) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Nagoya, that the European Union can indeed do this, and also that this is the only right way to achieve a good outcome.
Have no doubt about it: this is our sole objective and our task here today.
I will relay your highly unanimous and general proposal for convening a special session of the UN Human Rights Council to the High Representative.
Add to this enormous devaluation of the value of a child: for example, what percentage of the cost of one or two cars can an entrepreneur write off as tax annually and how much of the cost of a child can a parent write off?
The core element of the above action plan was the conclusion of voluntary partnership agreements with third-country timber producers.
The Council and the Commission must inform the European Parliament comprehensively and directly.
We talked earlier about electromobility.
Over the past few years, there have been so many hearings and consultations about the European Private Company that I cannot understand why we need to have a third, a fourth, a fifth and perhaps even a sixth or however many more.
I wish the very best of luck to the President of the European Commission and his team.
Since the workers' struggles in Greece, Ireland and Portugal have been in vain, as we know, it is time to do a U-turn and to stop insisting on benefiting only economic and financial business groups, above all in the major European powers.
It has to be said that this amounts to a dramatic failure for those who promoted such a policy.
Madam President, farmers are not unreasonable people, nor, as a rule, are they dishonest, yet cross-compliance often treats them unfairly, with disproportionate penalties for minor offences and no-notice inspections.
This is the way we can work together.
Increasingly, though, it is finding that its decision-making power seems to be migrating to the Commission.
If it can be completed, Doha will deliver a good outcome not only for Europe, but also for the whole world economy.
I welcome the dozens of measures contained in the report.
You are more no-nonsense than I am, but sometimes that is necessary!
This will bring new jobs, create new services and attract new investment to Europe.
Everyone should therefore be delighted with this situation.
The euro area has faced an economic crisis of great magnitude during the last two years.
I also congratulate the European Parliament and all citizens of the European Union as well as the rapporteur for taking such decisions today that should advance more specific and targeted actions not only to cure those suffering from cancer, but also to ensure the prevention of cancer.
Its tasks are shared between the European, national, regional and local levels of governance, and I believe that we can re-energise Europe by taking seriously its multi-level governance system to provide EU 2020 delivery mechanisms.
The major obstacle to an agreement in Copenhagen is the question of funding.
Europe 2020 is a community Union, not a nationalist or obstructive Europe.
We are also not convinced that the Directive would improve the existing situation under national law and the jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice in this area.
However, what I am against is these victims being misused in the name of some ideological fight against the use of nuclear energy.
Growing concerns over unemployment and the rising prices of essential goods and fuel throughout the continent are a serious reason for confronting the problem of poverty and social exclusion, which affects around 16% of the population.
It is appropriate that the EU should make use of the current, albeit meagre, opportunities.
- Report: Inés Ayala Sender
(NL) My heartfelt thanks for the ambitious plans that you have laid out for the coming six months.
There is no need to repeat much of what my fellow Members have said as I am in complete agreement with them.
Consequently, I ask the Commission to inform us on the existence of such programmes and the implementation thereof, but especially on wether it intends to consider this issue when drawing up further European policies on Roma.
The turmoil has taken everyone by surprise and it does not seem that any contingency plan was made for such an eventuality, which is not localised but widespread.
We need to do everything we can to help the Japanese people.
Important decisions were also made with respect to the external aspects of the common energy policy.
I therefore find it regrettable that the report by the Committee on Budgetary Control ended up being less critical than it had been in the Chair's original version.
I had dialogue with members of Congress last week and gave them the same answer, so am pleased that you have confirmed it.
We are bringing EU legislation into international disrepute and undermining its credibility by this growing lack of scientific rigour and lack of good science.
The other two agreements are related to fisheries concessions for Iceland and Norway between 2009 and 2014, and provide for their renewal.
It would be good if you could help to create a better balance.
In an environment of disrespect for the French, Dutch and Irish votes - and of people not allowed to vote - this respect was very welcome.
These concerns are clearly reflected in Mr Cornillet's report and I naturally support the key elements that the European Parliament wishes to underline and defend in the preparation of a European humanitarian consensus.
This Commission has argued all along that institutional reform is important, but that we also need delivery of results, side-by-side. As the Commission said in 2005 and 2006, that twin-track approach was the way out of the institutional stalemate.
If this could be done, I believe we would finally start to see changes in the Burmese situation.
The elections will be the acid test.
This vast amount of literature cannot be concentrated in one place without the help of computer technology.
This included the flights and overnight stays in Brussels for him and his staff, and I could not accommodate this.
The number of cases of contamination with salmonella or campylobacter has not gone down.
In the North Sea and Baltic Sea we have dozens of old munitions from past wars.
In fact I believe that it is an honour for our country to have an illustrious representative at the head of a strategic institution such as the European Central Bank (ECB).
On the contrary, we recognised that in the climate of an economic recession where national budgets are under the constant pressure of restrictions, the European Union's budget must set an example on this.
The other funds too (European Regional Development Fund, European Fisheries Fund, Cohesion Fund) now all contain publication rules.
There is no time to lose.
Not one of you can do that either.
When we discussed Parliament's resolution on 1 February 2007 in Brussels, I undertook to answer Parliament in detail and I have every intention of living up to that commitment.
Thank you very much.
This is precisely why the authorities are losing the war.
It will be yet another step towards the sovereign state being the European Union, and Member States simply being powerless appendices to it.
The idea is a good one.
Action has been taken and clear and precise rules introduced in this field, too.
In line with that rationale, and based on the view that information campaigns will continue to be of value, the amendments would seem to be appropriate.
It has not yet been finalised formally - we hope to do that by the end of this year - but the messages from individual businesses or business organisations have been more and more concrete and positive, in the sense of possibly deeper involvement in the future.
I very much count on Parliament's support to bring about a real change to create both adequate and sustainable pensions for the future.
I am very pleased that the essential message of the reports is one of support for the Commission's initiatives.
In recent months, the European Union has strengthened its external policy on women's rights.
(FR) Madame President, I trust my tone will be as measured as your own was agitated.
Written statements (Rule 149)
The same applies to the listing of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption: both must be clear to the consumer.
Just as I agree with the Ombudsman's call for a service culture, I agree with Ms Sbarbati's call for the necessary budgetary and human resources.
As we used to talk about inflation moderation in the past decade, so we should strive to achieve moderation of price and wage dynamics in the period to come.
The problem can be partially solved by benchmarking.
In this history, we behold the grievous consequences of the alienation of human persons from one another.
(SK) Mr President, a number of EU Member States agreed to create and use one common currency.
Under Regulation (EC) No 546/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 on establishing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, the scope of the EGF was temporarily widened: intervention was envisaged in situations like this where, as a direct result of the global financial and economic crisis, there are 'at least 500 redundancies over a period of four months in an enterprise in a Member State, including workers made redundant within its suppliers or downstream producers'.
I also have high hopes of the European financial coalition against commercial images of child pornography.
I am afraid I have a deep distrust of politicians.
There is an incredible enthusiasm here that must be channelled - bundled, if you will - in order to create the corresponding added value.
It will not be possible to take legal action to discover the whereabouts of the data or to claim damages for its illegal use by third countries.
This is a meeting point for many cultures, including Member States and various other countries.
I would then ask the plenary session to support this report.
We will continue to fight for these things, and let us hope that they will be included in the next package on victims.
Member States admittedly need to improve the controls which they apply to transport in transit.
The priorities of the Hungarian Presidency include raising awareness of the role of families in the context of responding to social, economic and demographic problems.
I would like to tell you all that I, too, have experienced that responsibility, and that I have experienced it from both sides. I was a member of a trade union and an activist, and was very active for many years.
May I offer them my warmest greetings.
This is nothing new, but this year the Commission gave us a new challenge: in view of the enormous global increases in food prices, in July it proposed what it called a food aid facility for the less developed countries, with a budget of EUR 1 billion for 2008 and 2009.
The first certainty, or the first common element, is that there is now a major convergence of opinion that emissions need to be reduced and that clean energy sources need to be developed.
Continuing to support imported poverty is not the solution.
Similarly, it is essential that the levels of permitted radiation are set in a way that means food is safe to be consumed by people of all ages.
It is not the Lisbon plan for the next three years.
The regulation covers both the supervision of credit rating agencies by the European Securities and Markets Authority and supervision of the use of credit ratings by individual entities supervised at national level.
As far as the financial crisis is concerned, I am delighted that your original plan that everybody should club their money together in the middle fell to pieces.
Civilian democratic control over the military in line with practice in EU Member States is still to be ensured.
We need strong SMEs in Europe, because they employ two thirds of the workforce, produce 50% of the gross national product and pay 80% of the taxes.
On the subject of standardisation, we should take a break from introducing new regulations and standards and, first of all, make sure that we are applying the existing regulations in a uniform way within the European Union.
The aforementioned directive also provides for membership and participation in employees' and employers' organisations, meaning that it is a specific measure adopted by the Council with a view to ensuring that persons with disabilities are actually able to participate in decision making.
Also, referring to the UK VAT rate, he said that 'all this will do is raise Britain's debt to a level that will take a whole generation to work off'.
It was like this in former times in my own country too.
Very recently, 45% of Turks supported this objective.
President of the Commission. - I am sorry, I did not follow the statements by the Chairman of Deutsche Bank, and I cannot comment on something I am not aware of.
Personally I am delighted with the change in the emissions trading system from a national to a sectoral approach, though it seems to me that its compatibility with European competitiveness must be enhanced before 2009 as a matter of urgency.
It is a weather vane that, one minute, is saying something true and, the next minute, is saying something false, and looking back on it now, I will take everything that is true and leave everything that did not work to spin on the weather vane, because there is a difference between us.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Treaty of Lisbon has an impact on the work of several European institutions.
Europe has been using nuclear technology for more than 60 years and still there is no policy on management and disposal of nuclear waste.
While the sums pledged were not on a par with the efforts made by the Germans, the European contributions clearly indicated East Germany's status as a fully fledged participant in the European adventure, the increased human and technical exchanges and the regular dialogue between the European Commission and the leaders of the new Länder.
rapporteur for the opinion of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. - Mr President, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs very much welcomes the increase in the area of freedom, security and justice but also believes that, before taking up new measures and programmes, the existing ones should be properly evaluated and that those evaluations should be taken as a base for drawing up the new programmes.
As a result, we have a duty not to force airlines to operate flights at significant economic and environmental cost simply to retain their slots.
The new system of contracting now proposed for parliamentary assistants, which involves a special arrangement whereby these assistants will in future be employed by way of direct contracts with the European Parliament, is essential to ensure respect for the principles of equality, non-discrimination and transparency in contracts, and also the legal certainty of these workers.
The industry has reported that 8% fewer cars were sold in the Union last year than in the previous year, to compare 2008 with 2007.
European legislation on this matter must be rigorously applied, as Mrs Paulsen's report recommends.
(PL) Mr President, after today's vote I found out - perhaps it was only I who found this out - that the Identity, Tradition and Sovereignty Group ceased to exist at the time that the President of the Parliament announced this information.
(NL) Madam President, I voted against this report, but not because I oppose the exchange of information between national authorities on criminal proceedings.
Secondly, Kosovo's energy dependence is a particular problem.
Mr President, I have three quick points to make.
In this European Year for Combating Poverty and at this time of economic crisis, we hope that there will be consolidated policies for the most vulnerable in society.
At this point, I should like to say that it is my hope and wish that we shall continue the constructive dialogue, and that the European Parliament will achieve a consensus as soon as possible.
I appreciate that a world agreement would be ideal and I appreciate that we need to involve the IMO, but the IMO has got to be one of the slowest international organisations the world has ever come across.
I thank the Commission for its very open and differentiated approach.
I think it is very important to add that more should be spent on the professionalism of all seamen responsible for navigation - from the captain, to the chief engineer, to the boatswain, to the master-at-arms, to the helmsman and to all seamen - because the lives and safety of men at sea depends on them.
There are three issues that I should like to emphasise in the report that they have presented to us.
Child-labour-free does not only mean that there is no child labour being used in the parent company or even by its immediate suppliers: a company at the top of the supply chain must have the responsibility to ensure that all steps of, and conduits to, the supply chain are child-labour-free.
I believe that this Presidency has not taken sufficient action against illegal immigration, and that the action it has taken has been extremely ineffective.
Although we acknowledge the proposal for a Nuclear Weapons Convention, Britain is concerned that we do not risk at this time diverting attention from, or undermining, the NPT and so warmly welcome the European Parliament resolution to restate our backing as a Parliament to this Treaty.
Hence, I am calling for the de minimis aid threshold to be increased from EUR 30 000 to EUR 60 000 per firm.
Precisely for this reason, I believe that what is truly at stake is, paradoxically, a strengthening of the federal dimension as well as the subsidiary dimension of the European Union.
(DE) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, those who proclaim their commitment to a fairer world have no qualms about blaming globalisation for the difficulties in their own economies.
(PL) Madam President, I do not want to repeat the same old banal statements about the benefits of globalisation.
How can we check whether the Member States are doing what they promise to do within the cycle of reforms?
I was at the Holocaust Memorial Day service in Liverpool on Sunday, and I was conscious of just how is Europe, how are our people, how are our politicians going to react as billions of people across the world find themselves in positions of acute water scarcity, with ever more movement, ever more migration across the planet?
Member States have a heritage.
One thing is certain, and that is that this Treaty, which the EU establishment is now pushing through at any price, is ill-fated for the simple reason that it despises everything that it is possible to despise about democratic politics.
I firmly believe that the excellent relations between the two sides at both an economic and political level will be backed up by equally good cooperation on judicial matters, so that Cesare Battisti, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for four murders and other crimes, will serve his sentence under the law which governs him.
(HU) I was shocked when, during a food conference, I saw a sign in the hand of the African delegation saying: Do not feed Africa.
I believe that this too could free up considerable resources.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I fully support the motion for a resolution on the impact of advertising on consumer behaviour tabled by Mr Juvin.
As you know, all Member States agree that it is necessary to exempt research infrastructures set up by several countries from taxes in the host country.
Other questions relate to how we can reduce unemployment among young people and how we can effectively increase the participation of women in the labour market by widening their involvement in every business sector.
To my mind, it is indeed now high time in the EMU to fill the 'E' with life, and that is what the legislative package on reinforcing economic governance in the end is about.
I support without any reserve the Commission's proposal to launch a programme for implementing cooperative driving systems, as well as ensuring the availability of the related radio frequencies, whose benefits are visible in experimental phases in various countries and, with all costs involved, will produce long-term results.
There is almost no policy in the European Union that does not have some impact on climate action: from agriculture to research, from enterprise and industry to maritime affairs.
Assumptions and false assertions, however, cannot serve as a basis for the development of any rational, effective, affordable and socially acceptable measures.
The European economy is dealing relatively well with these difficulties.
(FI) Mr President, Commissioner, first of all, I wish to congratulate Mr Leinen for the excellent and important work that he has done with respect to this report.
For years, this approach has led to our manufacturing in all economic sectors, even where it was of a very high standard, being relocated to other countries throughout the world: to North Africa and especially to Asia.
Is that true or not?
We proposed to limit the number of vehicles administered by an external manager to 50, and the number of companies to 4.
The presence of the European Union in the region strengthens trade policy, contributing to the development of targeted and effective information on the EU in the Gulf countries.
We are glad to see that the Commission has, in Parliament, a valuable partner working towards the same goal, which is an integrated and efficient European fund market delivering for both industry and investors alike.
Businesses are no longer only geared towards profit.
Indeed, the EU must enhance its role as a global actor and act as a global decision maker.
(Applause)
We should train public officials and make them more aware of the situation of children in families from which children may be trafficked.
The report emphasises the importance of an integrated approach to tackling conflict situations.
The European Union is certainly very concerned about the deterioration of the situation in Belarus, especially with regard to human rights.
But I imagine that this result can also be achieved without making the action taken on interest rates follow the inflation index; sometimes there needs to be more flexibility and anticipation of the action taken.
I was, frankly, surprised that the other Member States conceded so quickly on the size of the Commission, reverting to one Commissioner per country.
(ES) As I only have a minute to speak, I will concentrate on citizens' rights.
After August 1968 in my homeland we witnessed another 20 years of various forms of communist violence and terror from this organised machinery of evil.
I would like to say to the Council and the Member States that violence that comes from other cultures also requires a legal instrument.
Surely, as a number of Members have already said this evening, poverty cannot be a sufficient reason for taking a child away from the family and allowing an international adoption.
Allow me to focus on one issue for which I feel a particular paternity, and that is the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.
Rail freight is also a very important factor in the various areas of operation of transport.
in writing. - (PL) The report that has been adopted on a European Charter on the Rights of Energy Consumers significantly increases the rights of energy consumers.
The report calls for the establishment of mandatory risk committees at board level, for financial institutions to be required to disclose recovery planning and supervisory reports, for an annual report to be drafted on the adequacy and effectiveness of their internal control systems, and for a similar assessment to be included in the annual report drawn up by external auditors.
It is very important to understand that all our decisions have to be taken in the framework of the current treaties.
Every effort must be made to ensure that commitments in this area are implemented internationally and every person has access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.
We will use this as a yardstick to gauge your performance.
Indeed, it is wrong that the European Union, the region in the world that is most open to foreign investment, cannot operate on the markets of its industrialised partners under fair conditions.
It would also be useful to support and implement programmes to promote Ukraine in the European Union as well as the European Union in Ukraine, and also programmes to promote the development of science and education, which is an issue raised by Professor Buzek.
Older people should be able to make use of medications which have been tested for effectiveness and safety on people of the same age.
I would also have liked to hear you say something about the crisis in the financial markets.
It is assumed that someone else will pay the costs of basic research and when it is all completed, it is available to us all.
It will definitely not be possible to achieve a breakthrough in this area without efforts and funding from the European Union and Member States.
In fact the resistance sometimes comes from the national administrations with, for instance, gold-plating of directives and so on.
In the fight against the pillaging of biodiversity, destruction of the forest is an absolutely crucial issue.
Furthermore, there are experts who are worried about maintaining requirements which do not completely eliminate the use of substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (known as 'CMR substances'), although new restrictions are imposed.
This is just the sort of work that the European Parliament needs to do to preserve the faith of the public in this system.
The suggestion was made repeatedly concerning the setting-up of an interinstitutional task force to fight cancer.
I voted in favour of the report on human rights and social and environmental standards in international trade agreements because it is vital that the European Union's trade policy be consistent with its political aims.
It concerns the appointment, by the national parliaments, of MEPs who, under the 1976 Act, must be elected by direct universal suffrage.
In addition, the GHS introduces standardised definitions, such as LD50 (lethal dose 50), that clearly indicate the hazard associated with the substance.
Recently, destructive flooding has become a yearly, seasonal phenomenon.
The currency markets have an annual turnover of USD 360 trillion.
Enterprises need equity, venture capital, guarantees, loans and the technical assistance proposed by JEREMIE.
Another is that the directive recognises the special character of agricultural land use.
Both sides to the conflict were guilty of breaches of international humanitarian law, which has also been confirmed by the report and by various organisations, such as Human Rights Watch.
Those of you who had the opportunity to meet with those nurses and other healthcare workers could not have failed to have been moved by their plight, and in 2006 we passed a Parliament resolution on protecting European healthcare workers from blood-borne infections due to needle-stick injuries.
What is needed, as far as vocational education and training are concerned, is to take practical steps at EU level and in the Member States.
The Commission needs to ensure legal security in information and communication technologies so as to protect consumers and innovative creators.
We are going to regulate this situation once and for all.
Unemployment is on the increase wherever we look, and we are just weeks away from a crucial global summit on climate change.
rapporteur. - (PT) I would first like to express my thanks for the references to my work, to the report and to colleagues on the committee of which I am a member, to Mr Frattini and the other Members who expressed their support for the report and for Austria's initiative and the decision by the Council and the Portuguese Presidency to continue it.
From my point of view, this is yet another of the Commission's mechanisms designed to interfere freely in the internal affairs of third countries under the pretext of seeking the political stability of those countries that are considered unstable at the Commission's discretion.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament supports the resolution tabled.
Nobody underestimates consumers' rights to press their claims.
They have been disappointed in their hope that openness would result from China's staging the Olympic Games, and the sense of disappointment is bitter.
It is the least effective manner for finding a solution to the problems that affect an entire region because, if the element that provokes the violence between the Christian minority and the Muslims is not only religious fundamentalism, but a lack of economic development, which gives rise to resentment and tension between the various ethnic groups, then what the European Union, together with the African Union and the entire international community must make the federal government in Nigeria (which is responsible for many facets of this situation) understand, is that favouring the civilised and peaceful coexistence between the various ethnicities and groups in the country is an advantageous factor for everyone and for the entire population.
In connection with the consultations which are currently under way on the future strategy, I would like to draw attention to two aspects: improvement of the education system in Europe and equality of the sexes in the labour market.
Further, any deal needs a waiver from the World Trade Organisation, which they haven't approved as some member countries (notably India) are worried about the effect that duty-free Pakistani textiles would have on their own markets.
It is not what is intended by Basel III.
In our view that strategy had two important shortcomings.
Madam President, climate change, security of supply, price increases, incidents such as blackouts in parts of Europe, and the Ukraine Gazprom wake-up call have all increased the awareness of the European citizen and policymakers to the complexity of our energy situation, which urgently requires the availability of accurate, timely and complete statistical data.
The promotion of language learning and linguistic diversity is also one of the general objectives of the lifelong learning programme.
As stated in the report, we believe that implementation of this strategy must not impinge on the responsibilities of regional and local government, being based instead on cooperation between the countries and areas within this region.
This is why one of the proposals suggested by this report is for the SOLVIT portal to forward such cases to the website of the European Parliament's Committee on Petitions, as well as to the specialist committees in the national parliaments.
It will also help demonstrate to national fishing industries that the respect of the CFP rules by their national administrations is also in their interest, and they can be expected to exert a positive pressure on their national administrations to that effect.
We want a Europe of values.
We support the other political messages of this report.
(HU) Peter Mandelson is leaving the sinking ship and giving up his captain's bridge.
We must engage our citizens in Europe.
With the entry into force of that language law, not only are the fundamental rights of the EU and the provisions of the European human rights conventions infringed, but one of the greatest achievements of European integration, the functioning of a unified internal market, is also in danger.
In fact, only six Member States responded to last November's request from the Commission for a report on the recovery of irregular payments.
The sore point in question consists, above all, of the differences in banking and economic structures between Europe and the United States.
Madam President, Greece, a long-standing Member of the EU, and its 11 million citizens, do consider that they have a serious and legitimate problem with the name of their neighbour, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and we have to respect that concern.
However this will also allow the EU to boast of greater transparency when in fact it will in reality do little to enhance democracy, because the European Parliament cannot initiate legislation and can be ignored by the European Commission.
Madam President, a vote was defeated because there was an equal number of votes just a couple of moments ago.
The chairs of the political groups will outline their respective positions on this issue.
We assume that the environmental, social and financial policy structure of your Commission will correspond with what the social democrats are asking from you, preferably under the leadership of social democratic commissioners, and then all will be well.
However, the reset button of which Mr Biden spoke in Munich should also be pressed as an attempt, as an offer to Russia to start a new relationship.
It is yet another - I would say positive - step in the further development of mutual trust between Member States during their cooperation on criminal matters.
The effective application of EU law is one of the cornerstones of the EU, as a well as a key component of smart regulation.
I hope that the President of the United States, Barack Obama, will show that he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize, because combating climate change will contribute to peace and happiness for all nations!
That makes no sense.
To Mr Arlacchi, I would say that we agree that the efforts made to date have not been sufficiently coordinated.
This really is the best of what we have.
Politics is about symbols and gestures, and this would be a fitting gesture for European politicians, presidents and prime ministers.
Finally, trafficking operators deserve exemplary punishment - organised crime in this area must be a priority target for organisations such as EUROJUST, EUROPOL and FRONTEX.
We set to work, acting on this order from the Council, and I think I can say that we have in fact fulfilled our commitments, since in 2009 the volume of our loans went from 58 billion to 79 billion, that is, an increase of 37% of the volume of our loans in the European Union.
For these reasons, I believe that energy efficiency represents a priority for the future of the EU, in both economic and environmental terms, and I hope that the Commission will immediately take the necessary measures to implement the binding objectives that Parliament established today.
However, no guarantee has been given to us concerning the ecological and hygienic standards that will be applied during the approval process for these patents, in particular, concerning genetically modified organisms.
In addition, red-tape at national level should be reduced, thus removing impediments to the internal market.
The additions to it will be demanded of us little by little over the year.
The truth is that a fair amount of time has passed since then and the development of the European Strategy for the Danube Region is still a work in progress, with very little known yet about its current status.
Cambodia remains a very poor country.
(NL) Mr President, exceptional times call for exceptional measures.
I want to highlight three particular issues.
There are many constructive suggestions in this resolution.
(IT) Mr President, I voted in favour of this resolution because I believe that it makes useful and interesting proposals for facing future demographic challenges.
The traditional patterns of conflict are no longer what they once were.
This is another challenge for when the Council has a president: finding a solution.
Cutting funds for culture and education at times of crisis - as my country is doing, on the grounds that culture is not essential to survival - means failing to invest in the future and in smart, inclusive growth; it means failing to understand that culture is essential for life.
As you might have noticed, I personally consider this a very good idea.
It will convene for the first time next week - 23 and 24 January 2007 - in Cairo, and will be a constructive way for Egypt to demonstrate commitment to shared values.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, a large potential for new exporting opportunities lies in the Asian markets that have high growth rates but also, of course, high barriers to entry.
I am therefore voting for the new EU policy framework to fight violence against women, as I believe it represents progress in the fight against the violation of fundamental rights and freedoms, such as the right to security and human dignity.
When the French and Dutch duly voted 'no', we were told that actually most countries want it to continue, so we should continue.
However, using flowery language will not be enough.
The White Paper on climate change is a step forward towards standardising the actions aimed at cutting carbon emissions at European level.
I am sure that we will again be able to find a decent compromise on this issue.
What is more, the fishermen will no longer accept being treated like delinquents of the sea by a Commission that is covering up for the real rogues that are the flags of convenience and the fishing industry cartels.
A rapid adoption by Parliament and the Council would indeed send a strong signal to the SME community that a continued investment in research and innovation activities is crucial to maintain and enhance their competitiveness.
However, your response gave the impression that there was no complete recognition of the fact that events are snowballing.
Of course, we still have our political affinities and our personal friendship.
Implementing this tax solely in Europe would help deflate the bubble.
Certainly that is regretted by others as well as myself.
All of this will be in the 2012 budget and the next financial perspective.
The high standards of sustainability for sourcing and manufacture, written into the European Union's biofuels proposals, effectively insure Europe against non-sustainable use.
When I talk about exchange, I am thinking of Europol, I am thinking of Eurojust, I am thinking of COSI, which has been mentioned here by some Members, and, lastly, I am thinking of the exchange of information and how to make it more effective.
Mr President, climate change is a challenge to us all.
I therefore voted in favour of this resolution, and I hope that the mobilisation of the EGF will contribute to the successful integration of these workers into the labour market.
This tax would have many benefits: not only would it discourage financial speculation; it would also fund aid to developing countries and their adaptation to climate change, while contributing to the European Union's budget.
Documents received: see Minutes
(DE) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Turkey is, of course, an emotional topic, that is quite clear.
Mr Buzek started by giving an explanation of the situation in Poland, and he rightly mentioned that we should be prepared to offer a positive solution to maintain business activities.
The fact that rural areas have a deficient infrastructure - a shortage of roads, post offices, medical services, fire services and emergency doctors - has been well known for a long time.
The most important thing, however, is to protect the water from pollution, while the nuclear waste in the Russian Arctic is also a key issue.
Nevertheless, this is not enough.
It is very important to examine the real background to this conflict.
This, in short, is the objective of the Flautre report.
In legislation, in the formulation of directives, in everything, we need to work on the assumption that we should increase transparency, and there is also room for improvement in voting procedures.
Firstly, we should send people who know the local language.
It is also important for Germany that the European Union continues to develop in a harmonious way, because this brings benefits for Germany.
This directive, which is aimed at updating the existing provisions, is all the more creditable in these difficult times because it also merges four Directives into one piece of legislation.
Adjournment of the session
It was in May 1999, following the entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam, that work on the creation of a common European asylum system (CEAS) started, on the basis of the principles approved by the Tampere European Council.
My colleagues and I believe that our first priority is to evaluate what this proposal will do for consumers and business in real practical terms.
I believe that this vote is extremely important and I applaud the position expressed by Parliament, which really makes use of the new prerogatives.
Therefore, Mr President, a decision has been made that means giving a European perspective and a coordinated European approach to what is happening, based on safety and the need to be as effective and precise as possible when making a decision on flights, while protecting citizens' rights.
Despite these reservations, I welcome the micro-credit service in Poland with open arms.
I know that the consequences for the sector will be hard, I fully realise that, but let us learn from this experience: when the sea is empty, things really will be over for the sector.
I believe that animal welfare standards in Europe are absolutely paramount to the fact that we produce high-quality meat.
Xenophobic violence is not characteristic of our people, let alone the people of Campania or Naples.
in writing. - (SK) The Council decision submitted to the European Parliament within the framework of the consent procedure represents a legal instrument for the conclusion of a Protocol between the European Union and the Principality of Andorra, extending the scope of the agreement to customs security measures.
The European Energy Programme for Recovery, which is now being proposed, should be welcomed.
There is much ground to be covered.
Local elections will be taking place in Turkey next year.
The so-called 'ratchet clause', for example, would allow further national vetoes to be abolished.
having regard to Article 286(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C7-0103/2011), having regard to the fact that at its meeting of 24 May 2011 the Committee on Budgetary Control heard the Council's nominee for membership of the Court of Auditors, having regard to Rule 108 of its Rules of Procedure, having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgetary Control,
This week, it is imperative that a European solution is found to this crisis, and it must be a Community-based solution - I repeat, a Community-based solution - which must be envisaged in accordance with European rules and within the framework of European financial aid mechanisms.
I give the floor to our best speaker today, and that is Mrs McGuinness.
Thanks to our joint efforts, we are living in a Union of 27 countries, in which the mobility of persons and goods is no longer a pipe dream but an everyday, physical reality.
- (LT) I would like to draw attention to an unpleasant fact which is hiding behind fine words.
I have the greatest admiration for all defenders of human rights.
It outlines measures for dealing with the serious deficiencies in the regulatory and supervisory framework for the world financial system revealed by the global economic and financial crisis of 2007-2009.
This calls for a much more extensive audit than in the Year of Intercultural Dialogue, when funding was clear-cut and guaranteed in the annual budget of the European Communities.
7.
It touches upon the conference itself but it is, of course, something that goes much further.
Ultimately, these costs must be used as a procurement criterion.
As a result of this, hundreds of Scottish boats have had to be scrapped and fishing communities have suffered.
Our market will not be common and our competition will not be fair until uniform rules are established that apply to everybody.
We want healthy food to be produced in Europe and to be available at reasonable prices.
Not only that, but married couples of the same sex should be able to move freely around Europe and have their partnership legally recognised wherever they are.
It is also well known that he has failed in the functions of supervision of the banking system that had been assigned to him.
We are now seeing the same thing happening in Egypt.
We are being fair, however, which is why we jointly ensured that if a person who was trained in one railway undertaking voluntarily moves to another one, the training undertaking is entitled to compensation for the training costs.
Certainly, maintaining the second pillar structure is crucial and will prove to be central to the long-term success of the CAP.
This is a very complex area and views are very different between Member States.
Disintegration for Kosovo or Bosnia would endanger our security more than any technical details.
I can to some extent understand why this may seem like an attractive option, as WTO discussions do not progress with any speed, but I really do believe that this has the potential to destroy the WTO.
In this debate, which was crowned by the adoption by the Economic and Social Council of a globally harmonised system of chemical classification and labelling, all Member States, and not just the UN, played a very active and significant part, particularly the European Union, and also the Commission.
The rockets are not going to stop in the current situation, and if Israel is to be secure we therefore have to say to it, 'The blockade is making life impossible for the Palestinians and that is endangering the security of Israel'.
I therefore consider it our duty to adopt measures that make up for the shortcomings in the previous Directive 2000/35/EC, seeking in this way to discourage the phenomenon of late payment by adopting measures that induce debtors not to pay late and other measures that allow creditors to exercise their rights fully and effectively in the event of late payment.
(NL) Mr President, like my fellow Member, Mr Claeys, I voted against this report.
I have just one supplementary question.
We welcome that.
12.
We have these systems and we are going to encourage our Member States around the Mediterranean to participate in these systems, to detect possible pollution from ships.
The strikes in Danzig in 1980 and the founding of the first free trade union in the Eastern bloc made it clear that a process had been started that could no longer be stopped.
I would seek for us to prioritise the completion of the single market for services and goods and to take an ambitious approach in creating a single market for innovative research.
The Russian Federation and the European Union have developed a close partnership, and the common fight against international terrorism stands as one of the many examples of this.
There have been four committees which have made decisions, the assumptions of which have not been brought into the trialogue.
My colleague, Mr Almunia, the Commissioner responsible for competition, is, for his part, working on updating the Monti-Kroes package.
In its opinion, the Committee on Budgetary Control delivered a clear position, and now there is unbelievable lobbying by the Turkish side.
I voted for this resolution because the European Parliament supports the aim to maintain strong and vibrant independent public service broadcasting, whilst adapting it to the requirements of the digital age and making it easier for consumers to switch from analogue to digital television.
I agree with the grounds on which it is based and I share the view expressed by the rapporteur when he acknowledged that the Commission's latest decision, claiming to update the implementing regulation on own resources in line with the Council decision of 7 June 2007, would, in its current wording, further complicate the procedure, providing for continual exceptions and special conditions for certain Member States.
The consequences for this sector are not substantially different from those for others: it is the monopolistic concentration that always ends up being imposed in these cases.
It is over EUR 2.5 billion, which you specifically state is taxpayers' money that should not have been spent.
I am pleased that today's compromise formulates the same sort of payment conditions that some of us were advocating for the Services Directive seven years ago.
Community support for the audiovisual sector takes account of the fact that the European Union and its Member States promote cooperation with third countries and the competent international organisations in the cultural sector, because it underlines the importance of respect for different cultural dimensions, so as to promote diversity and, finally, because the distribution sector determines the diversity of audiovisual works and consumer choices.
Firstly, that of Mr Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra.
Finally, Ms Sargentini, I really wanted to find an inventive way of saying that correlation tables were extremely important.
President-in-Office of the Council. - In response to Mr Medina Ortega's question, which relates to the WTO, I think it is an important issue.
Let me add right away that negotiations cannot be conducted without the involvement of the two peoples involved, the Abkhazians and South Ossetians.
The Commission has already made proposals in this regard.
I believe Parliament needs to take a strong stand and, by means of a majority vote, put pressure on the Commission to find solutions that echo the will of the citizens.
Innovative SMEs in particular need broader access to informal funding and to funding based on venture capital holdings as well, which is the main source of funding for new businesses.
I am therefore voting for this report.
I think this case should be seen and solved exclusively as a human tragedy.
In the same spirit, the European Union has just adopted, under the French Presidency, new European Union guidelines on the fight against violence and discrimination against women.
I agree with the comment by Mr Nassauer on that point.
We have spoken out against protectionism and established the internal market as one of Europe's important achievements, and one which also needs to be preserved at a time of crisis.
The European Heritage Label will also help to increase cultural tourism and will bring physical and financial benefits.
I would therefore like to ask you whether you are prepared to act, regardless of whether or not this is a case of dominant position, and when you are going to take the initiative, if at all.
I agree totally with Mr Wiersma and I too regret that the EU Member States have not been treated fairly and equally when it comes to the matter of visas.
What is most important with regard to what we are doing now, of course, is the fact that those of us who really do believe in the European Union also want to ensure that we take responsibility towards taxpayers and carry out a proper review of the administration in the EU.
I hope that the measures will be presented in a user friendly way.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (NL) Mr President, the European Union has made two cardinal errors in its relations with Turkey.
The two entities have not been able to develop a shared vision, as a result of which progress has ground to a halt.
Many transport firms are also global players.
Thirdly, the programmes in both Greece and Ireland are still in the relatively early stages.
Thirdly, we do have to hear from you what the Commission intends to do to try and compensate farmers who, through no fault of their own, have seen their markets destroyed and are unable to sell their produce.
However, simply postponing matters will not help, because the postponement process is not governed by any conditions.
New eligibility criteria, penalties in the event of infringements and provisions regarding reporting are also proposed.
The EU-Andorra Agreement has been in place since 1990.
I am curious to know how this gentleman would feel if an MEP called on the German people to change their Chancellor, because there are organisations legally acting to spread Nazi thinking and to undermine the borders between European states.
I believe that increasing women's professional activity is an important issue.
I therefore feel that the dismantling of milk quotas through Regulation (EC) No 248/2008 should not have been started and that this dismantling should not continue as proposed by the Commission and accepted by the rapporteur.
If the next Presidency does the same, I will be happy.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have chosen to speak in the language of the country in which this terrible occurrence took place.
This partnership is indeed the precondition, especially in the current global financial and economic crisis, for meeting global challenges.
I therefore urge you, as the European Commission, to intervene in this matter where the Member States are concerned and to make it clear to the Council Presidency that these negotiations must be halted and that, above all, the legal basis that applies post Treaty of Lisbon must be clarified.
Before I give the floor to the speakers, I am going to allow myself a certain degree of licence that I think may be granted to someone chairing the sitting at this stage of our term of office and this stage of the night, for it is true that these late-night sittings have an advantage.
What, then, could have been more reasonable than to have seized the initiative, moved forwards and said, 'OK then.
This is why I believe that it is useful for us to carry out a review, especially in the light of the new Treaty of Lisbon.
This is very sad because we had a chance to make a difference and we missed it.
We insist in the Copenhagen Agreement that a country wishing to join the EU must have at least a minimally acceptable level of respect for everyone within its borders.
I would be very grateful, Mr Dimas, if you, as a staunch conservative, could finally clear up this mess of Messrs Seeber and Florenz and others, who are once again bowing down before the old industries.
In this attempt to achieve bolder and more ambitious results, I also believe that in the final phase of the COP 16 negotiations, the European Union should give its chief negotiator some flexibility to react to developments thrown up by the negotiations.
I am surprised by the absence of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy from the scene of the natural disaster in Haiti.
It is stated on page 2 that a reduction of current expenditure in 2011 of just over EUR 2 billion will be implemented, including social protection expenditure reductions, a reduction of public service employment numbers, a reduction of existing public service pensions on a progressive basis, other expenditure savings of over EUR 1 billion, and a reduction of close to EUR 2 billion in public capital expenditure against existing plans for 2011.
Thank you, Mr President of the Commission.
The fact that the EU has a Commissioner for Multilingualism makes it clear that reform of the Commission is urgently needed and that there must be fewer Commissioners than there are Member States.
Mr van Nistelrooij's report responds to the Green Paper on territorial cohesion published by the Commission.
Mr President, after having voted in favour of the motion for a resolution on the EU-Russia Summit, I still regret that the amendment I proposed as a new recital was rejected by the rapporteur.
This suspension will help to strengthen the competitiveness of local economic operators and will contribute to creating and maintaining jobs in the outermost regions, acting as a counterbalance to the economic disadvantages arising from their geographical location, without affecting the consolidation of the internal market or the principle of free competition within the EU.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - Mr President, I would like to thank our chair, Paolo Costa, not only for producing this report but also for his work as chair of the committee over the past parliamentary period.
I think, too, that the procedures concerning initiatives should be harmonised in the Member States, because too much variety will make it difficult for us to gain broad support for these initiatives.
Furthermore, account was taken of the brain drain from regions of the world such as Africa where there is an acute demand for human resources in the health sector.
Therefore, I think we should expect Turkey to make a greater effort in this area.
It is still far too early for that.
This could also be a good opportunity for the legal definition and enhanced protection of wilderness.
That is why we have voted against.
Mr President, as chair of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection with responsibility for customs policy, I certainly welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate to mark 40 years of the Customs Union.
From my side, I would also mention something that is very important: the G20 very clearly took development policy objectives into its agenda.
That is our basic view.
Three points concern work to be done by the national governments: first, fiscal responsibility; second, stimulating growth; and third, the two countries with support programmes are forcefully implementing the necessary measures and we all welcome the efforts of those two governments, of Greece and Ireland, and their populations.
As some speakers have already said, an open market is a positive thing and can be a very good thing for all of us if it is well regulated.
We should not be denied the possibility of criticising Islam.
It is therefore on the Commission's conscience if smoking increases on the Åland Islands.
However, it would be unfair to single out just Libya.
DDT was found in their fat, and we all know very well that that is not a substance that is used on the ice floes.
Any surplus revenue could be used to provide grants for insulating homes.
Consequently, Commissioner, Mrs Mathieu, the principle of equal treatment is the cornerstone of an economic immigration policy that is both intelligent and fair.
Do they really think that sort of unfair competition, by lowering health and safety standards and weakening the rights of workers, would be acceptable?
I would like to mention two things ahead of the European Council summit.
Which programmes would have priority here, for you, High Representative?
The only thing that Romanians and Bulgarians expect is fair treatment in relation to the other countries and an objective assessment based on the same criteria.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I think this discussion on the ENPI has in fact already pre-empted the next Commission communication on the Eastern Partnership.
Although the conditions necessary in order to go ahead with the migration have not all been met, nor is a time foreseeable when that will be the case, the mandate that was granted to the Commission to develop the SIS II will expire again on 30 June 2010.
I welcome the fact that the MEPs have adopted the amendment by the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament on the prohibition of the mass export of waste to third countries, unless they are exported for recycling and then reimported back into the EU.
This proposal is a disgrace.
It is imposing the incorporation in visas of biometric data (prints of all ten fingers) even for children as young as 12 years old.
I think this is a very positive development.
It is thanks to the support of the European Parliament that EUR 154 million have been allocated to combat pollution for the period 2007-2013.
This brings me to my third point: the economic crisis.
In its evaluation report for the two years after this directive entered into effect, the Commission should have been much more courageous and should have proposed a unified and binding method for calculating security charges throughout the EU.
The last time I looked, the bond spread between Greece and Germany was over 150 basis points.
The final drafting of the document is being completed.
We were then debating an assessment of the area of freedom, security and justice.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
Otherwise, as several of my colleagues have stated, capital will leave the whole of the EU.
A third important point concerns the external aspects of the CFP and the partnership agreements with third countries.
Mr Barroso, there are very many experienced parliamentarians here in Parliament that you could adorn yourself with.
In Europe, there are trade agreements with Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and Liechtenstein.
We achieved much more than last time, one month ago.
- (NL) Mr President, the longer we go on the more the European mandarins behave like a breed of political autistics, completely closed off from the real world, from the citizens, whom they nevertheless still claim to serve.
None of these arguments holds water.
The current UN-authorised EU mission in Chad, in which Ireland is playing a leading role, is a prime example of the EU's activities in this area.
I welcome this, and it means we can also be happy with the result.
The Commission's innovation strategy is clear, but this question remains open.
This is, then, a quite exemplary piece of legislation and, moreover, one that fits into the framework of the IMO at international level.
But what is particularly of concern to me is the effect on natural democracy in these countries.
It is important for account to be taken of the Turco judgment in the current review of the so-called public access regulation.
It must ensure that the results from the progress made in the battle against cancer in the European Union's various countries are made available to the whole of Europe.
Mr President, in the European Parliament, we have, in fact, evaluated Mr Diamandouros' work as Ombudsman every year when we debated the annual reports he submitted, and they have always received top marks.
Madam President, the EU Eastern Neighbourhood could prove to be the best test for EU foreign policy.
The other aspect is energy poverty, and that is why we consider this a most excellent report by Parliament and hope that it goes through.
And, as shown in other countries, for example in Norway, we can see how POs can work efficiently to assist the catching sector.
Cities are an important driving force behind development in Europe.
It must therefore be an integral element of governments' information and communications policy.
There is the risk that if Europe advances too rapidly, if it causes a crisis in industry, if it only implements policies - I should say 'metapolicies' - from the top down, it will not work.
I regret that I am unfortunately not speaking as a finance minister, Mr Böge, but, well, in this Presidency, that is how it is, in fact, and I can simply assure this House that we wish to reach an agreement within the scope of this procedure.
(CS) Ladies and gentlemen, last year Serbia went through some significant changes which I am convinced were also successfully negotiated.
Some of these countries (such as Brazil, Russia, Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Qatar) are currently the strongest economically.
Giving you more power will only work if you actually use the power you already have.
In the Year of Intercultural Dialogue it is worth pointing out that the European Union should, in putting into practice the values of intercultural dialogue, be open to other cultures.
We have made considerable progress in those 100 years, but much remains to be done.
This legislation must work well for the EU, but it must also work as a strong offer on the table of the global negotiations.
It certainly has not been proved to such an extent as to allow us, with a clear conscience, to draft law resulting in the imposition of specific behaviour in Member States of the European Union.
I also believe that the Czech Republic must benefit again from the visa waiver.
These are the main aims to which the resources which the Union is planning to devote to combating climate change in Europe should really be assigned.
Whilst we should certainly respect the rights of women, the recurrent practice of interrupting pregnancies should not be the main factor in the birth rate.
We must strengthen our commitment to working with Russia to respond to shared challenges in key areas, such as combating terrorism, energy policy and world economic governance.
There are still loopholes, still opportunities for discrimination to rear its head.
I would therefore suggest that an inquiry be carried out and that you and we sit down to determine the research question, that we have an enquiry carried out and that we then discuss this at length.
There is some support amongst stakeholders for a European Private Company.
(Applause)
This should not, however, lead to closures of existing power plants where there are no safety concerns or prevent the opening of new nuclear installations to replace out-of-date plants.
Meanwhile globalisation continues apace and with it the insecurity that it generates, which we saw a lot of evidence of in the Irish referendum.
We can only speculate on the goals of the whole crisis - perhaps only a short-term price increase, maybe much greater pressure to build the Nord Stream, the alternative northern route, or perhaps the aim really is to inhibit Ukraine's European inclinations.
I am also sorry that the European Commission is ignoring the views of ACP MPs within the JPA and that it prefers a bulldozer approach by which it refuses to consider any renegotiation or reorientation of the EPAs.
(NL) I should like to thank Mr Grosch and Mrs Ţicău for the work they have done, and I think that Mrs Ţicău is right to be strict about access to the market in her report.
The choice of 3 December is not fortuitous.
Given that the government owned only 28% of OTE before the agreement, does the Commission consider that OTE was a government enterprise?
This is clearly the case here too.
Decisions concerning certain documents: see Minutes
in writing. - UKIP opposes any EU management of our industries, as it should be up to national elected governments to decide on the future and any potential subsidy of coal mines.
The restrictions on Belarus imposed by the EU are therefore fully justified and should even be stepped up.
There are two options open to us: we can go and divide this House into those on the Right and those on the Left.
Neither is it in the interests of the United States for the freely given commitment of many European countries to coalition to be usurped by a differently minded European Union.
In its absence, it is in the name of the Europe of workers, of social Europe, of a humanist Europe, that all of us together in this Parliament, whatever our opinions, reject this directive.
As already happens to some extent, Moscow can supply us with mineral and energy resources as well as collaborate on military security and the fight against terrorism and organised crime Europe can contribute with financial resources, scientific and technological capabilities and our long-standing experience in the field of democracy and human rights.
Therefore, in the report concerning the table of results for the internal market, I propose the initiative of organising a forum for the internal market, which would bring together representatives of European institutions, Member States and other interested groups with the aim of achieving a more explicit commitment to transposition, so that we will be able to apply and execute legislation on the internal market, including this extremely important directive.
European farmers are obliged to comply with the highest quality standards, which is reflected in the quality of the food which Europeans eat and in our global competitiveness.
Lastly, we need to reshape and relaunch social dialogue as a force for cohesion and for curbing the dangers of long-term unemployment with which we have to come to terms.
All stakeholders must benefit from the valuable results obtained by one of the parties, whether in the civil sector or in the military sector with an application for the civil sector, because safety and security are the prime concern of the world's citizens nowadays, and sharing this success is not only proof of mutual trust and partnership, but is also a guarantee that these results will not be used for anything other than the benefit of mankind.
in writing. - I voted against.
GDP does not reflect current environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, social inclusion or social progress in general.
Let us therefore be cautious and take a look at what our own tasks are.
You may lament this but that is the truth of the matter.
We must therefore do the hardest thing of all, which is to attain high international standards, not only tighten regulations within European borders.
Only a few Member States could identify the full cost of asylum procedures.
It makes sense for these rules to be mandatory for maritime transport, as they are already mandatory for road transport, rail transport and inland waterway transport.
We all know that the European Social Fund 'was set up to reduce differences in prosperity and living standards across EU Member States and regions, and therefore promoting economic and social cohesion'.
Over and above this debate about Russian gas, Europeans collectively must answer the question as to what relationship they actually want to have with Russia in future.
A few days ago General D. Leakey assured Members that, regardless of funding problems and the difficulties in anticipating all possible threats and risks that could arise during the operation, in military terms the European Union was capable of carrying out this operation no worse than in Bosnia, and from a military viewpoint the operation would be less intense.
The Energy Charter may resolve this contradiction.
Therefore I welcome most of the compromises reached, which leave the possibility for Member States to apply stricter rules if they so wish, while guaranteeing a high minimum level for all consumers in the Union.
With regard to the specific question by Mr Van Orden, I will convey his concern and question to Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner, who do doubt will provide you with an answer.
It is essential for the directive to be discussed again calmly with the Council.
I very much doubt that the ECHR will always pass neutral and appropriate judgments.
Frankly, you deserve to have been given a nobler ambition.
Perhaps there was a mistake in planning or not enough control ...
The question is how to do it, and that is why we are in dialogue with the Council and the Commission at the moment.
I would like to answer telegraphically some of those questions.
The EU must make EUR 7.2 billion available and undertake to use it for countries which are the most underdeveloped and most under threat from climate change.
The Union has always fought for the environment and has made great efforts to protect it through preventive measures.
This sphere is, in fact, not a Community one, but an intergovernmental one, in which the Council - through the regulation - has tried to encourage cooperation between the courts.
I agree fully that, for the sake of parliamentary scrutiny and financial control, the service ought to be attached to the Commission, for administrative and budgetary purposes.
- Report: Jeggle
It is important for the issue of visa-free travel to be the number one priority.
(ES) Madam President, the Spanish delegation from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament voted in favour, like the rest of our group, but I would not be happy to leave here without making clear my concern regarding the issue of organ transplants being included in this directive.
However, it is clearly more than Nice!
I consider the estimate we voted on today to be balanced, and I therefore supported it.
What we are not agreed on is, for example, the fact that the Commission regards new economic migration on a huge scale as one of the most important means of achieving the Lisbon objectives.
The European Union has the means and experience to contribute to the creation of a more tolerant atmosphere in the South Caucasus.
the report by Mrs Lucas, on behalf of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the obligations of operators who place timber and timber products on the market - C6-0373/2008 -.
I just wish some of the sceptics would not take such delight in putting forward proposals to delay action, proposals which might end up costing the lives of millions.
Europe needs a new approach to industrial policy and the funding of programmes related to it.
In particular, the amendments that we as the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety have highlighted are those on encouraging the promotion of health literacy programmes, continuing to promote action to combat violence against women, fighting the denial of medical treatment on the grounds of old age, but above all - and I come back to this issue - promoting equal access to quality services in all Member States.
In practice all border controls in the EU have been abolished.
In my view, we should try to arrive at a fully operational agreement, based on real political commitments, that comes rapidly into force, and which brings all the major players on board for both emission reductions and finance.
Vice-President of the Commission. - (FR) Madam President, first of all, of course, I have listened very carefully to all the contributions.
I endorse the reasoning underlying the report and believe that this competition agreement is a more vital instrument than ever in today's climate, where trade, in particular with Asian countries, is increasing in quantity and importance.
(DE) Mr President, when it comes to enlargement policy, we need something along the lines of a regulatory framework.
Let us think about it, let us take our time, let us assess ...'.
With the phase-out period that we have now decided on, these countries will receive support to explore other production options.
Multilateral action, the most effective type of action owing to the number of countries involved but also the most difficult, therefore needs to be accompanied by agreements identifying and resolving the inconsistencies connected with the existence of unwarranted obstacles in third countries.
Yet it is clear that we did not create it ourselves.
Mr President, the report by Mr Kirilov speaks about the need for an EU strategy for the South Caucasus.
The population growth that is forecast, particularly in emerging economies, and the growing rise in global poverty and hunger demonstrate that at least a 70% increase in food production is needed to satisfy the population's needs.
Because we should remember that many of these sectors, such as sheep and suckler cows, are in environmentally sensitive areas, they are in mountainous regions and areas where there is no alternative, and I think we need to have another look at how we are supporting those parts of the industry.
It is now time to go a step further and equip ourselves with new instruments so that issues in the field of taxation are dealt with alongside market integration and liberalisation.
The proposal for a Council directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation would extend the protection against discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation to areas beyond employment.
We are also actively integrating human rights and human security into all the relevant issues and policies.
We saw this in the judgments on Laval, Rüffert and others.
There are, however, a series of new elements that I would like our guests to give their opinion about.
This is an aspect which you, as politicians, can help to bolster more than anyone else.
Better coordination and a greater level of flexibility are necessary in order to make full use of this limited resource.
The Council Directive aims to fundamentally revise the functioning of mutual assistance for the recovery of claims relating to taxes, duties and other measures.
Third and finally, human rights should be visibly at the centre of EU external action.
That there is the drama, the tragedy that is currently taking place in that region.
Future budgets must be instruments at the service of economic and social cohesion, rather than mere padding in the treaties.
(BG) Mr President, the escalation in the use of special eavesdropping devices in Bulgaria is a fact, which is why the public is so excited and concerned.
The regulations for the application of the CAP 'health check' are a decisive step in the control of agricultural production by monopoly business groups, in the aim of increasing their profits.
the recommendation by Francesca Balzani on behalf of the Committee on International Trade on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of a Geneva Agreement on Trade in Bananas between the European Union and Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru and Venezuela and of an Agreement on Trade in Bananas between the European Union and the United States of America [07782/2010 - C7-0148/2010 - 2010/0057(NLE)],
It is of course our duty to work in the interests of the European Union and we will do this openly and transparently, by talking face to face as we must always do with partners who we regard as strategic.
There is a worrying increase in the number of mentally ill persons.
The European Union needs skilled human resources.
It opens up our market to the poorest countries in the world for all types of goods except arms.
What is Europe now?
Ladies and gentlemen, I am confident that the new rules on credit rating agencies about which I have just been speaking will definitely improve the independence and integrity of the rating process, will make credit-rating activities more transparent, and will improve the quality of such ratings, including those relating to the sovereign debt of the Member States - the countries of the European Union - and of the EU's financial institutions.
This money is not going to improve the economy of those Member States, nor is it going to provide jobs for those who are losing them, but if kept in Britain, it would avoid the need to increase the tuition fees, for example.
Furthermore, I support the Commission's request to monitor and audit the implementation of all the projects which will be run using this grant: research/innovation aimed at introducing technologies based on renewable energy sources in order to meet the requirement to realise a further reduction of 18 000 kt CO2-eq produced from decommissioning.
Fifthly, the mechanisms of repression are being strengthened under the pretext of combating terrorism.
The resolution that Parliament adopted in early December was a timely and strongly welcomed initiative.
We have some fences we need to mend and we need to try to re-establish confidence in what it is that we want to establish in the Arctic.
The vote will take place tomorrow at 11.30 a.m.
(DE) Mr President, in itself, the Internet is a very positive invention, but it is increasingly being used by criminals, and this has led to an exponential increase in one of the most abominable crimes of all, the trade in child pornography.
(ES) Mr President, I voted for this report because it helps to combat the invisibility which until now has characterised the work of and role played by women in rural areas.
We have regular and ever closer cooperation in connection with crisis management, which found expression, for example, in the US's participation in a civil CSDP task, the Eulex mission in Kosovo.
I endorsed adoption of the directive.
Consideration must be given to the sharp rise in business-to-business indebtedness, non-payment of national and local public contract organisations, etc.
What this Parliament wants - and this is what distinguishes it from the Council - is to put an end to this joyous camaraderie between governments, and replace a biased referee with an impartial one.
Prisoners often suffer torture, corporal punishment such as flogging, beating, electric shocks and the deliberate withholding of medical assistance.
One of these conditions is the freedom of expression, and this means that all media that have been forcibly closed down during the recent developments, like Imedi TV, and Kafkasya TV, should resume their normal activities.
Ladies and gentlemen, the recast proposal will restore the smooth operation of the internal market, improve animal welfare standards and promote research.
It is founded on shared values, it is founded on tolerance, it is founded on openness, it is founded on dialogue, it is founded on feedback, it is founded on mutual respect.
I think after the very comprehensive and good report by Mrs Győri, representing the Hungarian Presidency, I will not now elaborate on the issues regarding Libya and the southern Mediterranean.
This important issue is the subject of our discussions today.
This will be followed by a conference in September under the Swedish Presidency on 'Healthy and dignified ageing', including a workshop on coordination of care for persons suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
The debate is closed.
I may seem too conservative to you, but I think that we also need to address this balance.
So hopefully, an ambitious deal can be struck.
Moreover, this issue gives rise to huge curiosity and undoubted interest.
Due to economic policies, rural regions are more prone to changes today.
These agencies are a clear expression of the financialisation of the economy - that do not translate or correspond to actual increases in productive activity - and they constitute a central part of neoliberalism's development strategy, which is always seeking levels of profit that real production cannot ensure, because of the well-known trend towards decreasing profits.
There is certainly a great deal still to do, but when the naming issue continually hangs over everything like the Sword of Damocles it is difficult to move on in other areas of policy.
I believe that, in a country as oil-rich as Nigeria, equal access to resources and income redistribution are necessary for the peaceful resolution of these conflicts.
However, to be able to this, they need the information and knowledge which media literacy offers.
It is a miracle that a mass disaster of huge proportions did not occur.
All together, this could certainly give a boost to the resettlement programme, something that I think is very positive.
The citizens of Lampedusa have become aware of this, Mrs Muscardini.
Turning to the roles I mentioned, I believe that monitoring internal markets in gas and electricity, participating in the development of network codes, contributing to the implementation of the guidelines on trans-European energy networks, monitoring progress on implementation of projects to create new interconnector capacity, having the power to decide on exemptions from requirements for investments in infrastructure, monitoring implementation of the 10-year network investment plans and having powers to issue opinions and recommendations to TSOs - along with other aspects that I do not have the time to enumerate - will all give the Agency ample opportunities to bring about change.
(HU) Madam President, in the last few weeks the founders of Szeklerland's Representative Office in Brussels, and the Hungarian community in Romania in general, have had to endure a long chain of attacks and a hostile hysteria campaign from the Romanian political elite.
What is your main conclusion from this event, and from the mistakes which we are all talking about here?
They must not be stigmatised or written-off, but given the opportunity to reintegrate fully into social life and to continue their professional careers.
The EU would not suffer if the citizens of Belarus covered only the cost of the visa, which is not more than EUR 5.
It was with American aid that a shattered Europe was able to reconstruct and develop in the post war years.
There has been some very good collaboration between the rapporteur, Mr La Russa, and the various shadow rapporteurs.
I believe the current legislative proposal on ETS, on non-ETS and on renewables will definitely make the Member States put more emphasis on energy efficiency.
I am thinking above all about efforts to encourage training and retraining, to invest more heavily in innovation, interconnectivity and in transforming Europe into a low carbon economy.
Firstly, I am keen to remind you of the professionalism and the efforts made by the other regulatory agencies to comply with standards of good administration.
The objective is to ensure that in Copenhagen in 2009, an ambitious, global and integrated climate change agreement is reached for the period following the year 2012, which will be in line with the European Union's objectives, that the global temperature should not increase by more than two degrees.
That is not the leadership that is needed in the run-up to Copenhagen.
To ensure that the Europol decision applies from 1 January 2010, it was necessary, in good time, to amend Council Regulation (Euratom, ECSC, EEC) No 549/69 specifying that immunity from legal proceedings does not apply to Europol staff taking part in joint investigation teams set up by at least two Member States at their own initiative.
In answer to some questions that have been raised by Members, I would like to assure them that we are going to help the organisers.
We are told that we need the Treaty of Lisbon because it has been long years in the making.
Mr President, new incidents, apparently minor, took place on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning on the border between Thailand and Cambodia.
It has a human and political urgency because, in spite of warning signals from all around the world, cluster bombs are still being actively used.
At times they may have seemed slow, too slow, but steps forward have been taken, in any case, in a secure, determined manner, which will culminate on Friday in the meeting of the European Union Heads of State or Government.
In this context the Commission welcomes the use of openness specifications that may prevent the unfair transmission of dominant positions between neighbouring markets.
3.
Solidarity on the part of the international community is the best response to such evasiveness, which is why, in our resolution, we welcome the agreement reached in Berlin on 22 January on the drafting of a new UN Security Council resolution.
The improvements noted in the Croatian economy and the reforms in the environmental protection sector are further achievements of the Croatian Government that facilitate the accession process.
This is an opportunity for the Union to forge a common foreign policy and defend those values for which it stands as a matter of routine.
The social aspect and work conditions enjoyed by seafarers in the European Union are closely linked to the European fleet's competitiveness.
Finally, I have heard it mentioned that some Members of the European Parliament may be going to Cancún to protest; they are quite entitled to do so but I hope they do so in a private and personal capacity and not as accredited delegates.
Of course we must ensure and insist that talks take place and that peace can be allowed to flourish, but that requires us to take brave moves within Europe as well.
More than ever, in this pivotal period, Parliament intends to reaffirm its complete support for the peace process and to appeal to the Sudanese and South Sudanese, as well as the international community, to remain committed to implementing the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
I therefore call on all my fellow Members to reject Amendment 54, so that the dialogue remains open and we can help workers who are being exploited and who claim to be 'false' self-employed persons.
Our citizens are exposed to pollution in various forms, more often than not as a combination of different factors, and this applies whether you live in town or in the countryside, by the sea or in the mountains.
Nearly a year has passed since this Chamber gave its opinion and I therefore consider that everything must be done to reverse this situation.
(FR) Mr President, you did indicate earlier that you were not all-powerful: nonetheless, I am sure you are powerful enough to implement decisions by the Conference of Presidents.
There are too many barriers to the free flow of the four freedoms, and they limit the market's potential, while the protectionist policies of Member States are inconsistent with the principles of the internal market.
- Report: Nikolaos Vakalis
Wonderful people, wonderful achievements - an important partner for the EU.
Some amendments also aim to provide more flexibility for the Member States by introducing certain grounds for accelerated procedures.
To put it simply, the first human right is to be born.
The EU has set itself the target of a 20% reduction below 1990 levels.
We cannot have a situation where Parliament actually has to beg for it.
There are 4 000 companies in EMAS and 35 000 in ISO 14001.
Regrettably, Zimbabwe still has a long way to go before we can say that its people live in freedom and democracy and under a respected rule of law.
In the view of many Europeans, and in my opinion too, that agreement already lets the United States access too much information on European air passengers.
The necessary restructuring of large-scale private industry will cause some jobs to be lost, and the only way we can bolster employment is by supporting the development of the small and medium-sized enterprises that represent the backbone of our European economy.
They are the ones who most often do not obtain permanent work and are forced to accept temporary work which has an inferior level of social insurance and lacks prospects for development.
I would like to say that this action is used by the authorities in Tiraspol to intimidate Chişinău at a time when the new government which took office after last year's elections would like to move closer to the European Union and also resolve the Transnistrian conflict.
In the last local elections in 2006 Sverigedemokraterna (the Sweden Democrats) won seats in two thirds of municipalities.
(FR) Commissioner, beyond its technique on envelopes, premiums or plantings, this project - the third in 15 years - boils down to three ideas focused on a single objective.
Why do we not get our citizens on board in tackling these tasks, which we all have to play a part in resolving?
Allow me to go into some further detail about the position of the European motor industry at this time.
My goodness me, you showed that this afternoon, Prime Minister.
The entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon increased the democratic legitimacy of the Ombudsman thanks to his election by the European Parliament and extends his remit to include the common foreign and security policy and the activities of the European Council.
(SK) Mr President, the idea that Europeans must create more employment, or more jobs, is fundamental for us.
She is cured, to the extent that you can ever say you are cured of cancer.
Models once held up such as the much lauded working-time accounts, which are used up in a matter of weeks, demonstrate the limits of flexible working hours.
If we achieve that, we can perhaps do the same for agriculture.
Perhaps it will be cereals, or something else.
Today this means we have to deal with worldwide supply chains.
Does this project make sense?
I should like to stress one or two points on which I feel that the EIB could do even better, even though progress has been made in recent months.
Its creation accords with the budgetary procedure agreed for this year.
Firstly, it will aim to increase awareness of this problem, which is a big one.
The new Treaty still bears a strong resemblance to the Constitution.
The thing that it is worth doing at the moment is perhaps to thank yet again the Commission for its initiative and the Commissioner for the conscientious way he has followed through the actions of Parliament - and also to vindicate the part played by Parliament without allowing ourselves to become overly self-righteous.
I would like to thank the rapporteur, Commissioner Dimas and the French Presidency, because this is undeniably another success for its term of office.
First and foremost, they expect a clear and immediate undertaking that the Commission wants to retain the current sites of the European semiconductor technology and nanotechnology industry, that this head start for the future is not to be allowed to be thrown away and that the statements made about future research spending, in particular, in relation to the Eighth Research Framework Programme, are true.
We need to have some straight talking here.
Finally, if an asylum seeker is apprehended, what role does Frontex play in relation to the coordination of the asylum application?
Does all this mean that we are helpless, that all we can do is sit and watch?
I voted in favour of the fine own-initiative report on achieving real territorial, social and economic cohesion within the European Union by my excellent Romanian colleague, Petru Constantin Luhan.
Am I to understand, perhaps, that this is a vicious way of returning to Nice and restoring 99 seats to Germany?
I believe that approval of this regulation is in keeping with the environmental sustainability policies of the European Union and, at the same time, safeguards manufacturers, most of which are small and medium-sized enterprises, and users, and also promotes innovation in the sector.
The Council conclusions as far back as 5 December 2006 pointed out, in response to the Message from Paris on biodiversity, that biodiversity and the sustenance of ecosystem services were to be included in policy dialogue with partner countries and regions.
(Applause)
The European Parliament cannot justify using millions of euros of taxpayers' money to fund groupings of parties, especially fascists, who come together for nothing other than financial gain.
Mr Dehaene's report sets out a lot of important detail, and the Commission very widely shares the interpretations it makes of the Treaty.
I fully support Mr Karas' and Mr Pitella's reports in respect of their efforts to ensure that the operation of the banking sector is more effective and accessible to individual customers and small enterprises.
I have done so with the INTA Committee and I am ready to go back to the INTA Committee.
The report before us offers a balanced solution, favouring neither the airlines nor the airports.
The adoption of the Treaty of Lisbon has increased the number of cases in which Parliament's approval is needed to conclude an international agreement.
The first message is to Ales Mikhalevich, but also to Anatoli Labiedzka and Mikhail Statkievich, who are in prison: we admire your courage; we are with you and we will not desert you.
in writing. - (RO) I voted for the Jørgensen report promoting the use of green vehicles for public transport.
I give my commitment that the European Commission will work tirelessly with you to make this possible.
Sound agriculture can help to preserve biodiversity and halt the extinction of species.
I would also emphasise that the regulation envisages expanding the list of organisations eligible for financial aid and updating the list of advisory bodies.
I repeat: that is not a criticism; that is what they are trained to do.
The European Union should support such countries with even greater commitment, and so a strengthening of cooperation with the Republic of Moldova is most definitely justified.
When I pointed this out at the first conciliation meeting and remarked that Member States should not be forced into a strait jacket, a fellow MEP actually queried whether I should have been invited to the meeting.
In 2009, we were supposed to be moving towards complete freedom, according to both the Commission and the Council.
I call on the European Commission, in keeping with the spirit of Europe's environmental protection policy, to send an inspection body to Romania to ensure in the long term that appropriate EU-level regulations are applied to mining operations.
Considering that the territorial cooperation has proved its effectiveness in promoting the harmonious development of the Union as a whole, it's now fundamental to increase its budget from the actual 2.5% to at least the 7% of the overall cohesion policy resources for the next programming period.
First of all, Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, free-flowing towns and cities.
If we really want to make savings when it comes to languages, then we should demand that this system apply equally to everyone.
The myth of borders still makes its presence felt at the table when we are making decisions. Also seated around it are post-colonial nostalgias and current interests.
It is therefore important that leaders in the G20 Seoul Summit last week very clearly and strongly committed themselves to abstain from competitive devaluations of their currencies.
We respect that.
Mr President, I would like to express my great thanks to the Commissioner, who is answering this question on behalf of her colleague, Mrs Malmström.
For this reason, it is essential, in my opinion, to have a mechanism for monitoring macroeconomic imbalances and, if necessary, to ensure that adequate corrective measures are adopted for them.
Nevertheless, I think there were two proposals which cropped up repeatedly from various sides and which were discussed from a number of different perspectives.
When she started out on this work, nobody was suggesting there could be such progress, and yet we have got progress.
(EL) Mr President, Commissioner, let me touch on an issue connected with climate change.
Madam President, the Chinese Government has termed the anniversary of the occupation of Tibet the 'liberation of serfs'.
We have laid the foundation of a lasting dialogue, which must also direct, inspire and commit us in the future.
As you can appreciate, I have been quite flexible about the timing, partly because all the speeches have been very agreeable as well as very powerful - the IMF, casinos and cholesterol - all great fuel for this discussion.
This Agreement is therefore an important step towards opening up the market to airlines from the EU and the US without any discrimination.
Madam President, Mr Mavrommatis is always very active and always involved in issues regarding transport.
If we ban it as a food additive, can we continue to exist or do we have to gradually dispose of ourselves as hazardous waste?
One of the greatest ironies of the climate problem is that it is those who pollute the least that are most affected.
Firstly, I am disturbed that Europe is increasingly taking a scatter-gun approach to development policy and that more and more resolutions and requests are encouraging this approach.
The competitiveness goal has been more propaganda than concrete action.
We need to see which projects have been beneficial for integration before we can set a proper strategy, thereby ensuring that the money is well spent.
We know why really: one of the main reasons is that early years are so important.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - Mr President, Parliament's working group on reform has been in Washington to study the US Congress.
What is our relationship to be?
The Commission should also present an initiative, aimed at encouraging and supporting the development by Member States of integrated national or regional strategies to reduce health inequalities.
In addition, Bulgaria plans, in its transport operational programme for 2007-2013, to develop part of the Vidin-Sofia line.
Currently, Europe is facing increasing unemployment and almost 17% of Europe's inhabitants are living below the poverty line.
This was a major issue of sensitivity during the Irish referendum campaign on the Lisbon Treaty.
(ES) Mr President, it is no coincidence that Spain, Italy, Greece, Ireland, Portugal and other countries are all reluctant to accept the so-called Eurovignette.
Ladies and gentlemen, I must say that, when you speak at the speed of the last speaker, there is no interpretation because, of course, the interpreters cannot keep up with the speeches.
They had not succeeded in guaranteeing the quality and continuity of the service.
I would stress that the use of the phrase 'sexual and reproductive health' cannot be turned into a way of persuading parliaments to promote abortion.
To this end, we have launched a series of high-level bilateral visits to Member States with significant Roma populations.
- Motion for a resolution
It is for these reasons that I argue passionately against the proposal made by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, which would impose this very requirement, and I also advocate rejection of the Commission's proposed public information clause at this point, for if we have safe plant protection products we have no need for these bureaucratic procedures.
(PL) Mr President, Commissioner, I would like to thank you for this information.
Our sympathies therefore naturally lie with Georgia, a small country being put under pressure by a very large neighbour.
Parliament will therefore ensure that both the Commission and any forthcoming Presidencies adhere to these commitments.
But in this week when we are talking about women's inequality, one statistic stands out.
A minority is only in a position to highlight its problems in a credible manner if, in a particular institution, such as a parliament or a government, it makes up at least 30% of the total numbers.
It is the European Commission's duty to take urgent action in the wake of the resolution adopted last year by Parliament, calling for a ban on the use of cyanide-based technologies in mining as they pose huge cross-border threats to ecosystems.
Among others, I would like to thank Mr Cashman for having expressed this principle.
The more help and political support we give to Ukraine, the more we will be entitled to expect reforms in the Ukrainian economy in favour of a free market.
However, we all know that it will not be sufficient to accelerate concrete and sustainable progress on the spot.
in writing. - (PT) Atul Khare, the UN Under-Secretary General responsible for peacekeeping operations, informed the United Nations Security Council that from 30 July to 4 August, over 500 people were victims of gang rape perpetrated in the North Kivu province by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu rebel group, and by the Mai Mai militia.
It will be necessary to record not only all work undertaken for businesses or for international companies, but also all paid lobbying for interest groups, such as professional organisations and trade unions.
However, a start has been made and we will see how the exercise works out in practice, and how Member States tackle this issue.
I have to say that I simply do not understand that remark.
Moreover, there is no guarantee whatsoever that the projects that are invested in abroad are of high quality.
We would like to thank you for your replies to the oral questions.
Discrimination is not just a problem in the labour market but also in housing, education, public and private services and even in religious matters.
Moreover, ambitious disciplines have been established on industrial technical barriers to trade, notably for cars, electronics and pharmaceuticals based on the regulatory model of Europe and they respond to longstanding demands by European business in these sectors.
In both cases significant financial aid aimed at protecting jobs was granted by both the government and the EU, with the condition of creating more positions.
EU energy policy is very pertinent if we are to succeed in using mostly renewable energy in the near future.
The message conveyed by the European Union on all these issues was absolutely unequivocal.
These countries are a significant sales market for the European Union and they export a range of important products to our market.
I am quoting here from the draft discharge report by Mr Jørgensen.
We want the first of these to be realised during the Spanish Presidency: the Digital Agenda, which will be covered in the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council in May, after a communication that the Commission has undertaken to publish on 18 May.
This includes, for example: OLAF concluding independent cooperation agreements; OLAF's independent appearance before the European Court of Justice; or the European Parliament and the Council deciding on OLAF directorate-general appointments.
It should be recalled that Parliament has warned the Commission that the VAT system, as currently devised and implemented by the Member States, has weak points that are exploited by fraudsters, resulting in tax losses of billions of euro.
The financial resources provided by the European Union will be wasted if the European Union does not protect the local population.
The best way we can do that is to allow those citizens access into Europe not at rates which will frighten or prohibit entry by most citizens.
This is the reason why this allocation is not only justified and well founded but practically a duty.
Finally, the specific situation of small and medium-sized enterprises is also taken into consideration, with the result that the compromise before you today is a balanced yet ambitious package of measures.
What role does the Commission see in preventing unsafe nuclear development at the EU's external borders?
I was pleased that there was movement from the Council on that.
Now, however, we have a second chance.
We will investigate this much more closely, you can be sure of that!
The provisions relating to information on prescription-only medicinal products therefore need to be updated and new rules need to be adopted, promoting greater health literacy and involving the health industry to a greater extent in carrying out a fundamental role to improve public health.
I agree that the Commission should play a more active role in the evaluation mechanism which Mr Barrot just talked about.
On the other hand hundreds of thousands, even millions of people from developing countries, anxious to enter either legally or illegally, are knocking on the southern and eastern gates of the Union.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (CS) Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, rare diseases are dangerous and very complex diseases that threaten life or cause chronic invalidity.
(PL) Madam President, the review of the common agricultural policy clearly highlights hazards in various branches of agriculture.
I know that you had concerns with the fact that the negotiations were conducted behind closed doors and that the negotiating texts were not made public.
5.
The next item is the joint debate on:
I will permit myself, here, to mention several of these, in particular, those which are expensive, namely the new fields of competence in the areas of policy for combating climate change and energy policy. It also opens up new fields of competence for the European Union on the global stage, so we are talking, here, about the establishment of Union diplomacy, and there are new competences in terms of space research and in terms of sport and tourism.
Let me also inform the honourable Members that the Commission intends to adopt a communication early next year - probably in March - in which we will take stock of developments since Thessaloniki, and Salzburg last year, and give pointers towards the future.
As you know, the CE mark was not created at the time as a source of consumer information.
The internal market is one of the indispensable levers of growth, and hence the EU 2020 strategy must focus on long-term investments and employment.
To this end, the presidency will organise the Southern Corridor Summit in May 2009, expecting tangible results as regards the diversification of resources and supply routes and as regards closer cooperation with the countries of the Southern Caucasus and Central Asia.
On Monday, before coming to Strasbourg, I went to sign the book of condolence at the Representation to the EU in Brussels, on behalf of the Delegation for Relations with China and I assume also on behalf of Parliament as a whole.
We are also calling on the Commission to make it clear what role the European Union, the Member States and the sector itself need to play in financing the prevention of animal disease, certainly now that this subject is actually part of the debate on the common agricultural policy health check.
Some comments on some main amendments.
For various reasons, this process has been slower for Kosovo, and its citizens are still unable to travel to EU countries without a visa.
That is why we have to act on many fronts.
Such reforms are welcomed both by the EU and by the citizens of Turkey.
I remain hopeful, however, that this does not apply to all members on the left of this House.
(DE) Mr President, the military dictatorship in Burma features regularly on the European Parliament's agenda for its grave and most severe human rights violations.
We must look at new and innovative solutions at the very source where migrants start their journey.
(NL) Mr President, Mr Seeber said that the public does not understand the climate debate.
The 'ever more' refrain of a number of my fellow Members is too glib a response.
As shadow rapporteur for the PSE Group, I am committed to this objective and therefore urge Members to vote in favour of this report tomorrow.
The other point is that the conditions in which European industries compete will change very rapidly.
The Czech media are nonetheless seething with doubts.
Madam President, I am anxious to say here that I will definitely inform Parliament of any developments that may have an impact on the budget, or indeed on the launch date for these systems.
Indeed, this text does not promote creation.
But what we really need - and I can only support the conclusions of my colleague Mr Verhofstadt - is real economic governance and real automatic sanctions - sanctions that bite.
Given this need for certainty, we cannot decide to liberalise planting rights as of now, before seeing whether - and above all how well - the new system functions.
Let us also be clear that this initiative is not about harmonising health-care systems.
The fact that, following the invasion by the US Army, the Iraqi state has been totally disrupted marks, together with the partial liquidation of the infrastructure of its social, health care, and educational systems, a giant step backwards.
The Committee on Budgetary Control has therefore adopted an amendment tabled by the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.
I hope that in this united role, we will be able to provoke rapid processes which will restore the normal functions of democracy.
Another problem is the multitude of unexploded cluster bombs that lie in the former conflict areas.
Corporal Simon Hornby, Liverpool; Warrant Officer David Markland, Lancashire; Kingsman Sean Dawson, Stalybridge; Corporal Harvey Holmes, Hyde; Corporal Terry Webster, Chester; Lance Corporal Andrew Breeze, Manchester; Marine Steven Birdsall, Warrington; Marine Paul Warren, Preston; Sergeant Steven Darbyshire, Wigan; Private Alex Isaac, Wirral; Private Douglas Halliday, Wallasey; Colour Sergeant Martyn Horton, Runcorn; Private Thomas Sephton, Warrington; Sergeant David Monkhouse, Cumbria; Sapper Darren Foster, Carlisle; Lance Corporal Jordan Bancroft, Burnley; Kingsman Darren Deady, Bolton; Guardsman Christopher Davies, St Helens.
In light of the increased demand for officially supported export credits, it is of the utmost importance that the newest OECD regulation of this instrument is introduced in Member States as soon as possible.
The reasons for this are that, on the one hand, they account for the majority of the agricultural workforce in many countries while, on the other, they do not enjoy access to the same opportunities as men for earning an income.
People are living well below the poverty line.
We do not speak about new minorities there.
She has made her mark on the history of European agriculture.
Wherever human rights are violated, we in the European Parliament must object to such violations and bring charges in every case.
Our cities are already groaning under the problems of mass, uncontrolled immigration.
Those strategies failed to respect the basic rules of economic life.
Therefore, action should be taken to disseminate good practice and raise awareness among local decision makers of the benefits that ICTs have to offer.
I would also emphasise the complementary nature of the five reports and remark that they do, indeed, form a unitary whole setting out Parliament's position.
Like the great majority of my fellow Members, I support the proposal to strengthen the European Court of Auditors' audit capacity with the creation of 20 posts.
Soil protection is important.
Subsequently, under Article 174 of the Treaty, 'territorial cohesion' has become one of the three components of cohesion policy alongside economic and social cohesion, and, in fact, constitutes one of the EU's main priorities.
I will listen to the debate and would at the same time like to take the opportunity to thank everyone involved, for example the shadow rapporteur, for the constructive cooperation we have had.
If the past can teach us one thing, it is that we must not think that we - Europe - can solve Africa's problems.
Labelling will also help to improve public health in general and the environment.
Do not your non-EU friends include the Armenians?
My second point is that the return of the refugees, which Mr Boştinaru has just mentioned, has, in my opinion, been handled in an exemplary way.
I was particularly interested to read my colleague's report.
Let us think through what the implications of that might be.
(The sitting was suspended at 12.50 p.m. and resumed at 3.05 p.m.)
Obviously, I join in the feeling of pain and grief that has befallen the families of the 42 victims we now know have died, to whom I offer my condolences and respect for their loss.
As I said earlier, and as I repeat once again, the High Representative, Baroness Ashton, has made this a personal priority.
The Court has ruled that documents relating to an ongoing investigation are manifestly covered by an exception to the right of access and, therefore, that those files are currently not acceptable and this does not constitute additional restriction of the right of access.
- Before the vote:
This principle should make it possible to offer greater protection against crimes such as child trafficking and child abduction, because every child should receive his or her own passport with a chip containing his or her biometric data.
The Member States must at all events reasonably ensure that their competent bodies comply with the appropriate EU regulations and national data protection regulations when supplying and processing personal data.
We are now going to conciliation and, President-in-Office, both the Council and Parliament have the task of ensuring that this conciliation is successful.
Member of the Commission. - Concerning Nagoya and how we are getting on, things are developing pretty well with regard to the ABS, so there is no problem.
Indeed only after the GM business plan is known, and our Member States might be willing to provide State aid, can the Commission assess whether competition rules are being respected.
It is not the FYROM that I am opposing by voting against this progress report.
I would like to thank Portugal for its support, which was also passed on to me by the President of the Republic, Professor Cavaco Silva.
India has 1.1 billion inhabitants, China 1.3 billion, both these countries together representing one third of the world's population.
One should welcome the initiatives allowing European cities to plan efficient public transportation systems, which meet the environmental protection requirements and are accessible to everyone, as well as the integration into the urban planning of alternative means of transport valid for short distances or varying according to the time of the day.
In that regard, there remains a great deal of work to be done.
Of course there are problems to resolve and the honourable Members have been quite clear on this.
In this report, I have proposed a number of solutions so that you - fellow Members - can engage your electorate effectively and well in the process of European integration and, in this case, by actually strengthening the common market, increase their share in the common market, that great success of the European Union.
It is high time we called on Mr Obama to close down this disgrace and spare us the reproach of such hypocrisy.
What we should do, though, is make sure that it is introduced in equal measure throughout the Member States.
(HU) Mr President, on 13 February Australia's Labour Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology on behalf of the Australian government for the indignities inflicted on the indigenous Aboriginal population over two centuries.
It is not a question, as Mr Wurtz was saying, of applying the country of origin rule, but rather, in accordance with the rules that we adopted in the Committee on Legal Affairs - and I would recommend that Mr Wurtz read the amendments we adopted - there is a set of restrictions preventing the country of origin rules from applying to those companies in which there is a higher level of workers' participation than normal.
These are not protectionist measures but, instead, provisions to safeguard the health and freedom of our consumers, as well as the EU's strategic production sectors.
Bulgaria is the only country in the EU which does not have alternative sources, suppliers and reserves of gas.
How does the information which you have just given us fit together with what is obviously already in preparation on this site?
Is it reasonable to want to do away with the obligation for carriers to train staff who are in contact with persons with reduced mobility?
Similarly, because we cannot consider on-call time as rest time, we have enabled it to be counted as working time.
Particular emphasis should be placed on the reversibility principle and the export requirements.
You may be for Prime Minister Gyurcsány or you may be against him.
Inhabitants of EU States, even if they only joined recently, must be given priority over those from outside the EU.
Development, however, must not mean merely aiding those European regions that already perform above average.
Cooperation will be focused on programmes and activities that guarantee that the aid reaches the beneficiaries - the Nicaraguan people - directly, without going through the government.
Parliament itself must take some of the blame.
Realisation of such an exceptionally ambitious plan of action as the Euro-Mediterranean partnership will require great effort and many compromises from the states which participate in the process.
The weaknesses are perfectly identified, as Commissioner Reding has also said, not only in the Commission's report of April 2011, but also in its reports of 2005 and 2006.
I have also tabled some amendments to water down what I think are some very prescriptive requirements on advertisers, which Mr Davies has included in his report.
Once again we have a situation where - and I am not alone in thinking this - anti-European sentiment is being fanned by the fact that we are again allowing the wrong policies to be pursued, in this case by imposing this massive package on Ireland.
The project was coordinated by the Danish Centre for Bioethics and Risk Assessment and aimed to promote public debate on the issue of biotechnology.
Each year always heralds enormous increases in the operating costs of this institution, this time camouflaged as it were as a necessary consequence of the Treaty of Lisbon, which to my knowledge has not even been adopted yet.
Mr President, I voted in favour of Mrs Herczog's report on the Small Business Act.
Do we need to cooperate more?
I remember, too, a very famous Spanish Socialist Member of this House, elected in 1989, who was particularly engaging and informative on the whole question of Roma culture.
(LT) I would hope that in the 21st century, the death penalty will die out and that the instruments of the death penalty will only be found in a museum.
The second point I would like to make is that, whenever we speak out against non-transparent transactions by foreign entities within the European market, we ask the Commission to take immediate action.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I believe that today, with this motion for a resolution, we are taking an important step, because this Parliament must always condemn acts and events that endanger the lives of men and women on the grounds of their faith, religious beliefs or political opinion.
Last but not least, the consistent use of the three working languages - German, English and French - would make it genuinely possible to reach a majority of the population.
The financial impact was serious, with tour operators and shops losing many good customers.
Thus, if the law is implemented, the former status quo may be restored, and Hungarians will be able to use Hungarian place names once again.
(The sitting was opened at 9.00 a.m.)
There is no justification for the didactic tone adopted by Union officials. All that achieves is an irritated sneer in Moscow.
The issue of the burden on small businesses has already been addressed.
If not, the vulnerable will pay the price for a mess that they are not responsible for.
In our estimates this represents EUR 62.6 billion, which is equal to 43.5% of the total draft budget.
I believe that we should try a little pragmatism for the sake of the companies and the women concerned.
Irish farmers do an excellent job of ensuring that their goods and the production processes used are of top quality, and equivalent standards are required to ensure a level playing field, proper competition and the sustainability of the European agricultural sector.
We regret that the draft budget does not include a special fund for rehabilitation and reconstruction in countries affected by hurricanes and typhoons in the Caribbean and Asia.
In particular, I would like to mention the strong spirit, indeed the will, that prevailed, including on the part of the Commission and the Council in the end, to arrive at a really constructive solution.
However, European companies will only be competitive on these markets if they are motivated by the European regulatory environment to pursue continuous innovation and development.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (FR) Madam President, the conclusion of a free trade agreement between the European Community and the Gulf Cooperation Council has been the subject of negotiations since 1988 and it would seem that they will soon be concluded for once and for all.
It is a critical, difficult time, a very challenging task.
in writing. - (PT) I think that the threat to the security of air transport is a real one and that the risks involved are enormous.
So I think that we can tell something in the future.
However, on balance I think a lot of improvement is being made from the original proposal and I am inclined to support it.
We have all achieved this by spending every last penny of the resources received through the multiannual financial framework.
This is not the right kind of language to use for the situation in Ukraine.
Some measures have already been introduced at European level.
Permit me to take a look across the big pond at the US in this regard.
For these reasons, we have decided to vote against this report.
I would like to thank Commissioner Dalli, in particular, for his attention and for announcing more rapid action, because cancer has its own dynamic and so we, too, need to act dynamically.
Alongside the current forms of security, full body scanners have been brought into use.
I too, like the rapporteur herself, believe that the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund must support workers made redundant as a result of structural changes in global trade patterns.
We need to encourage our Parliament to look at these issues in technical detail in the future so that we have equality and solidarity between the sexes.
There are too few of them, they are too powerful and too lacking in transparency, and their structure and importance is an example of how badly things have gone awry with our global financial system.
I visited him afterwards to say that we needed to lift the sights of this Economic Council to look at the long range strategic technological issues that we are both working on, and particularly to work around the basis of standards which my committee has been doing a lot of work on over the last few months.
Unfortunately, that is all I can say.
I am a little surprised at the debate that we are having here.
These services are appropriate and crucial for this section of the population: people with exceptionally low income, areas with very high unemployment levels and people in difficult social situations, not to mention those affected by social exclusion.
I think that on no account should we do this, because if we did, then we would devalue ourselves completely, as well as the European Union as a whole.
In connection with this a common political vision is necessary, which is based on past achievements and also has reference to the future.
The aim, then, is not to reduce direct subsidies but to find a balance between such subsidies and rural development, so that the system is rendered simpler and fairer, without the rules of competition being called into question.
It should be noted, however, that their popularity is also a function of the size of the budget available to each of these research areas of FP7 and, also, the number and type of signed grant agreements present in the databases at the time of such assessment.
I should therefore like to encourage all of us to try to ensure that we are able to include the defining of roles, responsibilities and clear and quantifiable objectives in these social issues, specifically in terms of employment policy.
A Europe of 6, of 9, of 12, of 15 or even of 25 would have been smaller in every single respect - in ambition, in standing, in possibilities, in respect across the globe.
That is a logical and conclusive procedure.
That is why the European Parliament absolutely must be involved in taking, implementing and monitoring these decisions, since history shows that it was the European Parliament that made the reform of the Council regulation possible.
In conclusion, is there not a danger, after all, of giving with one hand and taking away with the other?
So, for example, such people as Jacek Sobala, Anita Gargas, Jacek Karnowski and Wojciech Leszczyński have lost their jobs.
I find the Commission proposal good.
Meanwhile, the dialogue initiated at that time by Prime Minister Olmert and myself between companies from the EU and Israel has got off to a good start and is producing results.
The directory companies play on that uncertainty.
It is worth remembering, though, that, just as 'no man is an island', no institution is an island, and the Commission is working with both Parliament and the Council on these issues.
Hygiene of foodstuffs (
Of course cars are a significant source of greenhouse gases, but it is also true that the industry, in conjunction with its support industries, is responsible for 10% of European GDP and provides 12 million jobs representing 6% of employment in the Union.
I fully support the efforts made to bring us to our agreed destination with the Lisbon strategy and give this report the support it deserves.
Our opposition to this mechanism and its implications is all the more justified because it results from the conclusion of an agreement between the EU, whose legitimacy resulting from the Treaty of Lisbon is questionable (and in any case deplorable), and the regime of King Abdullah, which continues to violently repress the emerging, peaceful youth movement demanding reforms and democratic freedoms.
The economic result - as with the reduction in social security contributions, which has failed to end the imbalance in production costs between Asia and Europe - will be illusory.
The experience of the 2011 procedure was very instructive.
(Parliament adopted the motion.)
It is a shame that so many trees, recognised carbon reservoirs that they are, were sacrificed to print this text.
Social Business Initiative (
We have seen this throughout history.
By the same token, they give the green light to those who are included in their tight circle of corruption.
Knowledge - whether protected or in the public domain - is becoming increasingly widely accessible.
I want to say this to you because, in view of the obvious impetus which will be provided by the Treaty of Lisbon, we have our first opportunity to reduce this rift between the European people and the European institutions.
On a visit to Slovakia last week, Viktor Orban, head of the leading Hungarian political party Fidesz, called on the Hungarian minority to undertake autonomy-related initiatives.
When all is said and done, a policy of repression will not solve the problems of the Roma, nor the problems and tensions to which they sometimes give rise in our society.
I believe that it is important to add that some very intense work went into this report, on the part of both the European Commission - a communication and a recommendation preceded this report - and the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and others.
Since the start of the financial crisis, it has presented a large number of documents aimed at reforming the global financial architecture.
I would like to thank the rapporteur for an excellent report.
With conservative trends threatening the unity of the European Union, and we heard some of them this morning, the mobility of young people can be used as an important instrument for strengthening European cohesion.
Parliament's position was clear as far back as September.
This vote, having received a large majority, will allow 27 MEPs to assert their position loud and clear to the 27 Ministers in the Conciliation Committee.
Mr President, Mrs Malmström, Commissioner, as you have both said, the situation in the Kivu region is extremely worrying, despite the presence of almost 20 000 MONUC troops.
There is no clear political strategy, and I do not know what the death of our soldiers is supposed to achieve.
That is why I will support the Commission's proposals.
There have been some important achievements as a result of the negotiations with the Council.
But if you want to develop European business, business needs consumers, and we cannot deny that consumers need the same tackling of bottlenecks, so that they can feel comfortable everywhere, as a Swede living in Brussels, for example - we need to have the same rights, we need to have the same rights when we are shopping and enjoying e-commerce and other distance selling.
You said that counterfeiting continues to endanger our health, our safety and our economy.
Madam President, the present time, marked by the crisis, should leave little room for tried and tested methods and for what has been heard before.
I believe that, despite repeated requests, the Commission and Council have failed to provide credible substantive evidence supporting the proposals to start fingerprinting children from the age of six.
To be able to use people's capabilities to the full and to take full advantage of ideas such as the EIT, what is needed is not just a well-developed infrastructure to encourage people's creativity, but also a support system that ensures there are proper working conditions, making it possible to continue personal development.
At the end of this debate, I would first of all like to thank the interpreters, who chose to stay even though they were not required to.
It proposes a strict division of tasks between the Commission, the supervisory authority and the European Space Agency, with the Commission being assigned the role of owner and the European Space Agency the role of manager.
If we now look at this heartening agreement from a global perspective then I have one eye on the Doha negotiations.
Despite this, the claims persist.
(NL) Mr President, I voted against the Starkevičiūtreport, as the passage about immigration shows the typical short-sightedness that has already cost us dearly.
I think that this, among many other substances, poses a high risk.
I therefore invite you, and the Council, to give it serious consideration.
The answer has to be yes, in view of the dramatic increase in aircraft movements over Europe and the need to coordinate connections whilst retaining maximum safety levels.
in writing. - The proposal for a directive on the European Protection Order, submitted by 12 Member States, is an initiative aimed at preventing crime.
This proposal is simply about merging two regulations; it is not about policy discussions or more money, so the right moment to have this discussion would be when we consider the future of our common agricultural policy, where our priorities should be well reflected in our budget allocation.
We must also look at the good news.
I voted in favour.
Unfortunately, there seem to be rather a lot of people here in the Chamber competing for first prize.
Both passengers and airline companies criticise the lack of transparency and sometimes also the excessively high airport taxes which add to the cost of travel to an unjustifiable extent.
For poor African states, any aid is important, just as water is important, and also the fight against diseases, education, the construction of infrastructure and peace.
The State and the citizens are to make savings, while the financial markets - the banks - are to evaluate whether enough savings have been made.
The Council resolved to put an end to the isolation of that community and to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community.
Zviad Gamsakhurdia, who became the first http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_Georgia" \o "President of Georgia" of the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_(country)" \o "Georgia (country)" and has now become very fashionable again, described the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ossetians" \o "Ossetians" as 'trash that has to be swept out through the Rokihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roki_tunnel" \o "Roki tunnel" tunnel'.
I had the opportunity of seeing the astonishing diligence of cheap labour.
Inflation remains stable.
There are municipalities with textile mills where unemployment is over 20%!
It was allowed by the President, whereas Mr Martin was cut off.
I am constantly working on this matter, and am in contact with both the President of the European Commission and the Prime Minister, who represents the Swedish Presidency.
(RO) Madam President, Commissioner, the visa waiver for some of the countries which belong to the Western Balkans region marks an initial confirmation of the European Union's commitment to continuing the European process of integration.
It is regrettable, therefore, that the man who devoted a large part of his career to this matter must now himself be absent for health reasons, and I wholeheartedly join in expressing good wishes for John's speedy recovery.
Of course, the European Parliament will have fewer seats and fewer powers than with the Treaty of Lisbon, but the European Commission will also have fewer Commissioners than Member States.
The blame game will not do anyone any good.
It is a state that will have to cope with huge geographical and infrastructural limitations, without an outlet to the sea and with a practically non-existent transport network connecting it to northern Sudan, where the oil treatment and transit plant is located.
Recently, an infringement case was closed for reasons of political expediency - I am referring to the MoSE project.
Now comes the moment of truth.
in writing. - EU principles of rendering assistance to developing countries which are not covered by the Cotonou Agreement or by the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument are very important.
We are funding and supporting that, and will do so more in the future, because we believe that in the world of globalisation the challenges which lie ahead of us - be it food, health, drinking water, climate change, security or energy - are global and it is for us all to deal with them in the proper way.
The Commission has stressed that ACTA is not a disguised means to circumvent their domestic legislative process and to devise their current laws and so has Parliament.
Therefore, after in-depth reflection and broad consultation, the Commission adopted, on 2 July last year, its proposal for a directive.
Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the rapporteur has already pointed out both the aspects worthy of criticism and the positive aspects of the result achieved on Solvency II.
in writing. - I would like to welcome this report which draws attention to the necessity of broadening the system of vocational training in the EU since equal access to quality lifelong learning means better chances in the labour market and thereby contributes to fulfilment of the goals of the EU's 2020 strategy.
Many of these are small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up the majority of Europe's businesses.
However, this may of course mean 30% in some countries and 10% in others.
Oral explanations of vote
I am not talking about quotas for researchers, but it is very clear that one of the most important barriers to employing and utilising the female talent base lies in the composition of recruitment committees.
I agree with Mrs Lichtenberger that accidents on rivers are, of course, particularly dangerous.
Let us not forget that either.
Malta would not have to undertake the capital expenditure needed to construct a power station.
(DE) Mr President, in the old Rhodesia there used to be a tourism poster urging people to 'Come to Rhodesia and see the ruins of Zimbabwe'.
This legitimises social dumping and attacks on collective negotiation and bargaining in the EU and encourages 'competition' between workers, in practice imposing the prevalence of the 'country of origin' principle, that is to say, paying lower salaries and downgrading protection of workers' rights in contractual relations with employers.
Precisely because we have insufficient cooperation, it was hardly possible to take appropriate compensatory measures on the ground.
I would like to make an urgent request for clarification in this regard, because this is an unfair way of going about things.
In the medium term, it will not be enough to have a network of regulators monitoring the financial markets.
I also think that living conditions need to be improved in rural areas.
They are internationalists.
As a member of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, I fully support the report by Mrs Sbarbati proposing acceptance of the Commission's proposal and the general agreement reached in the Council on the subject.
This system makes provision, among other things, for measures suspected of constituting such violations to be suspended while the accelerated procedure for determining whether they are contrary to fundamental rights is carried out.
The third reason is the respect and the preparation for the Lisbon Treaty.
Written statements (Rule 149)
Abominations such as child pornography and paedophilia, as well as Internet fraud, must be stopped.
I did not vote for the general revision of Parliament's Rules of Procedure because, in seeking to avoid having an oldest Member by the name of Le Pen in the chair, an inelegant, indeed counter-productive solution has been found, despite there being a solution that would have been acceptable to all those here who are in favour of the policy of gender mainstreaming.
Subject: Waste management in Greece
The problem of illegal migration to Europe must not be disregarded either.
The United States are amongst these, having recently included a number of countries into its visa waiver programme but left others out.
We all know too about the increase in the cost of living that has ruined middle- and low-income groups.
All sanctions against a country must be accompanied by visible, and therefore political, but also concrete support for human rights defenders in the country.
There is, of course, a balance to be found, but there is also a sense that today's generation knows that there is a challenge which cannot be avoided.
I think it fits perfectly with our long-term goal, which is to legislate and to regulate better, so I can only recommend all of you to support this repeal.
I believe that you are entitled to this information halfway through my term of office.
The EU forests are now facing more pressure than ever before, not necessarily because of climate change, but rather because of some of the decisions made in the EU to combat it.
The rapporteur's oral amendment reflected these positive trends in Russia.
(FR) Madam President, first of all I would like to say that I have enormous respect for Mrs Haug, who was passionate in her presentation of a comprehensive, demanding and, at the same time, very brave budgetary report, which was voted through unanimously in the Committee on Budgets and which aims to clarify Parliament's need for transparency and clarity in preparation for the 2009 budget.
I believe that this report will enable the European Parliament to give the necessary guidelines and recommendations to the other institutions, but also to the civil organisations because, without their cooperation and participation, we will be unable to achieve the objective that we have set ourselves.
It should transform the body from a temporary foundation into a permanent one; above all, this must be accompanied by a simultaneous increase in staff and an updating of the extremely important Articles 2 and 3 in its Rules of Procedure.
Energy policy is, today, increasingly related to the foreign policy of the European Union.
The Beijing platform contains a number of areas that are incredibly important if we are to make progress.
As for imports, we must guarantee that the European market in fishery and aquaculture products does not suffer unfair competition as a result of less strict health and social conditions and ludicrously low tariffs.
Well, never two without three, Mr Poignant: Jouyet, Kouchner ...
One Member State on its own does not have those resources.
Complex measures are required, such as legal advice, psychological support, support to the children concerned, and it is very important to listen to the victims, who are, I am sorry to say, the greatest experts in terms of what they need.
Please answer my question about how much local legislation affects European schools.
It must therefore be respectful of the principle of subsidiarity.
Unfortunately, we are also seeing an increase in carelessness, according to inspectors, notably in the declaration of goods.
The debate on the location of the European Parliament's seat resurfaces all the time, and this is a fresh attack today on the European Parliament's seat in Strasbourg.
The XVIII International AIDS Conference in Vienna on 18-23 July this year will stress the necessity of intensifying the information campaign addressed to women and young people.
Obviously in that situation people cannot understand any increase whatsoever, even if it is less than inflation.
Commissioner, I think that for the benefit of all concerned, this situation should be rectified as soon as possible.
If Parliament and the Commission prevail, however, the biggest innovation in the content of the text in the mid-term review will be the explicit expansion of the remit to include small arms and light weapons (SALWs).
Because we have no luxury of time and, instead, I urge everyone to take decisions as soon as possible, so that we can make Europe 2020 a success and create real foundations for sustainable growth and job creation in Europe.
I am referring specifically to the energy projects approved as part of the programme to aid economic recovery implemented during the Czech Presidency last year.
From this point of view, the last G20 Summit in London, which has been mentioned, ended in what were, to say the least, partial proposals, but, above all, the words have not been turned into deeds, and the financial drift is there once again.
Τhe next item is the joint debate on the following:
I have taken note of the interventions about the victims.
The issue of how to install this joint service is not merely a technical one.
These matters are especially important to me, and I have demonstrated this many times, for example at meetings of what is known as the Rehabilitation Parliament of the Voivodeship of Sub-Carpathia - there have been 18 of them.
In Washington, the G20 countries established the foundations, laid down the principles and defined the agenda for subjecting the financial markets to stricter and more effective regulation and supervision, leaving no areas, products or financial players outside the control of the regulatory and supervisory authorities.
I deplore the fact that the shameful and unrestrained use of neurotoxins has been hypocritically supported in agreement with the large industrial chemical giants.
This comes on the back of reports which claim that the British Airports Authority is to fingerprint and photograph all passengers checking in for domestic flights at Heathrow and several other airports.
Culture plays a role in bilateral agreements on development and trade, and through measures such as the European instruments for Development Cooperation, for Stability, for Democracy and Human Rights and for Pre-Accession, the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), the Eastern Partnership, the Union for the Mediterranean and the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), which mostly allocate resources to various cultural programmes.
It is probably no accident that some countries, such as for instance France, will sell their CO2 emission allowances to others.
(RO) I would like to mention the fact that 2009 is the European Year of Creativity and Innovation.
Let me add that with your participation, Mr Figeľ, it is proving to be a great success.
This has become a priority for the European Union, and hence also for the EIB.
This will take place in October.
The disquiet with such procedures is very much in evidence.
It is therefore abundantly clear that investing in health systems is essential in the fight against poverty.
Protect your nationalities and minorities, for instance the Roma, with strong, collective rights, just as the new Hungarian constitution does, uniquely in Europe.
This year we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 10 December 1948.
So when I see reports that are predicated on the fusion of practice for fusion's sake, I must be concerned.
In order to safeguard and protect agricultural or forestry tractor operators, machinery should have EC type-approval.
The internet poses numerous threats, which children need to be shielded against more effectively than is the case now.
The maritime economy provides work for five million people, whilst 5% of the EU's GDP comes from industries and services with a direct connection to this sector.
- Before the vote on Amendment 14
However, I am not convinced that this forum, which is for discussing resolutions on violations of human rights throughout the world, is the right one.
This painful observation should make the pro-Europeans think about the radical reforms needed at Member State level to limit as much as possible the disastrous consequences of the economic and financial crisis, a crisis which originated in the ultra-liberalism and globalisation that are so dear to Brussels.
This opportunity, and the passage that refers to it, opens up new ways for Europe to translate the rhetoric usually associated with these issues into reality.
The authorities in the Vilnius region were ordered to remove the signs in the Polish language within a month. The issue is particularly curious because ethnic Poles account for as much as 70% of the population in the Vilnius region, and street signs in Polish are to be found almost everywhere.
Only six have shorter detention periods than those provided for in this Directive.
The report is inspired by a keen perception of the extremely heterogeneous cultural aspects between different Roma communities in Europe.
We have a new round of negotiations before us.
That had to be done in a very short space of time.
I get the impression that our officials at Commission level are holding the hands of and assisting the Brazilians to meet the standards.
In other words, in some peripheral regions of Europe, there is talent, there is history, and there are cities that could play a major role in relaunching the European economy, but they cannot get there without aid, whether at Union level or at Member State level.
Disabled people, who still suffer from discrimination in their social, professional and cultural lives, are another priority.
Let me give you just a few examples: demographic change, climate protection, regional depopulation, and also, indeed, a modern European urban policy.
Customers should be able to purchase a vehicle at competitive prices and choose the supplier they want to carry out the repair and maintenance services, no matter which distribution system is chosen by the supplier.
I am in favour of cooperation between independent states.
The draft EU budget for 2009 had already made provision for an amount of payment appropriations 3% lower than this year and, in addition, the European Commission has come forward with a proposal to reduce the amount of payment appropriations still further - by EUR 3.5 billion this year and by EUR 1.1 billion next year.
Therefore, they must objectively and rigorously account for how the public funds made available to them have been used.
There are some really wonderful countries that are receiving these EIB funds, such as the Palestinian territories, Gaza, Libya, Cuba, Venezuela, Turkmenistan and the Maldives.
I endorsed this document because the Commission's proposal to repeal Council Regulation (EC) No 1541/98 and to amend Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 is driven by the European Union's policy commitment to simplify the legislation in force with a view to creating a better and clearer legislative environment for businesses, mainly with respect to the simplification of customs formalities carried out by importers of certain textile products released for free circulation in the Community, which fall within Section XI of the Combined Nomenclature.
Let us be honest, there is a disconnect between policymakers and citizens.
What is important for the protection of Cameroon's tropical forests is, above all, that corruption is combated, both at the level of the officials and also where the private tenant farmers are concerned, that effective criminal prosecutions continue to be carried out and, of course, that sustainable forestry is practised.
Thank you.
We therefore ask you to adopt the same measure with regard to the amendments to our resolution tabled by the PPE Group, which make explicit reference to the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano.
The real problem of this debate is a problem we have here.
A resolution is only a weak substitute for what we should do to redeem ourselves from the guilt borne by several members for the current state of affairs in this area.
in writing. - (PT) Among other aspects, the profound changes which need to be made to the common agricultural policy (CAP) should include establishing the principle of the right to food and food sovereignty; prioritising food self-sufficiency and the ability of countries and regions to develop production to meet their national or regional food needs; and supporting activities which promote local production and respect the local environment, protect water and soil, increase the production of GMO-free food and promote the biodiversity of seeds for farmers and the diversity of species for domestic cattle.
Just like France, the United Kingdom cannot manage alone.
Very few of these ideas were realised.
The Commission has many ways of ensuring that consumers and European citizens are protected against a possible food crisis.
On the contrary, it is a call to act and shape our future.
This is the MFF now serving as a benchmark for the debate on the financial perspectives 2013-2020, with the proposal being, essentially, to maintain it.
The energy relationship is extremely important and we also think that the starting point has to be reciprocity, but we do have to realise that we are dealing with a form of mutual independence here that we should try to manage better together.
But let us be frank.
The proposals to channel considerable amounts to the second pillar via modulation do not receive my support.
Commissioner, a system has emerged here that continues to benefit those who already ensure that large concerns pay less and less tax and who are now apparently giving up paying tax.
Commissioner, Mrs Berès, it is precisely the principle of solidarity that makes Europe more than an economic association and enables it to display the features of a strong political community.
The outcome of a European initiative in the area of micro-credits should be modern, paying most attention to those purposive groups, which until now have not received sufficient attention.
Nevertheless, it is estimated, on the other hand, that the indirect benefits could be worth as much as EUR 60 billion per annum.
All businesses engaging in economic activity contribute to GDP and their local units, as well as the corresponding legal units, will henceforth have to be registered on a compulsory basis.
With this report, we are adding another element to the European strategy on youth policy.
Within the EU there are traditional ethnic minorities which are unable to study or use their mother tongue freely, and which lack cultural or territorial autonomy.
So my question is: will this agenda for new jobs and growth not apply to Ireland or Greece or, indeed, any country that is implementing these severe austerity measures?
There are many European instruments which can be used to assist the car industry and its workers in particular.
The Commission's priorities for the third Meeting of the Parties may be summarised as follows:
We have worked together on air traffic for several years.
What is stopping you from reacting, from acting, from rising to this challenge before it is too late?
In my constituency, there is a very successful business, called Austria Email AG, which manufactures electric boilers.
The best thing would be for the Libyan people to be able to resolve this problem themselves and for them to then do so.
The Commission, the experts, will come up with the proper scientific basis for endocrine disruptors in four years.
Has the Commission been able to establish whether the implementing measures of the memorandum of understanding are in line with the EU-US agreement and, if not, can we then assume that the agreement has become invalid?
That is not the spirit of the treaty.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (PL) Madam President, the proposal for a directive on legal protection of industrial designs concerns liberalisation of the market in spare parts for the automotive industry. It is estimated that, within the Union, the value of the latter is EUR 10 billion.
However, Frontex has also been able to reduce the flow of illegal immigrants in the areas it patrols.
However, I would now like to draw attention to an area in which only EUR 2.7 billion was spent last year, but which causes significant problems.
We have fallen quite far behind, and there could have been two or three contributions during the time that we have spent on this issue.
We are creating an area of security and justice by enlarging and expanding the Schengen area.
How are things at the moment?
A lot of work has been done, and the effort led to the new revision of the AGRI and NAMA texts.
on behalf of the PSE group. - (RO) I would like to congratulate Mrs. Cizelj and thank her for the openness she has shown in the process of making this report.
This will present a challenge to the European Union, bearing in mind the increased costs from the capital investment in capture and storage equipment, which will, however, fall as this equipment will be used on a large scale.
I would like to call on Commissioner Füle, and on Commissioner Oettinger, to provide the European Parliament with information regarding the progress of the talks and the outcome of this group's negotiations.
The third issue that I should like to raise is that it would be useful if we could find a vaccine for the new influenza.
Therefore, we have, for the first time, selected in advance the Members who will be granted speaking time using clear criteria, namely that those who requested speaking time in another debate with one-minute speeches but did not get chance to speak will now be granted speaking time where possible, whereas those who have already spoken in other debates will not be granted any speaking time.
Europe should play a leading role in resolving conflicts, supporting development and promoting human rights.
The Commission is aware that a significant number of public authorities and stakeholders consider the EU rules applicable to social services as an obstacle to the organisation and financing of such services.
The EU has remained silent.
At last, someone has given some thought to what is referred to as regional policy.
We need some movement there. We cannot go naked into the conference chamber.
The question is: is that what we really want?
(FR) Mr President, I wish to take the floor to call on our Parliament to declare itself clearly in favour of financial and technical sanctions against Iran.
The Presidency does not always have the time to do this.
Forsmark is a good example of this, Paks is another, as is the Brunsbüttel nuclear power plant in Germany.
This is to enable criminal law measures to be implemented in the event of pollution.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, these measures from the Commission appear to be sound, more or less.
Galvus 50 mg (diabetic pills)
(GA) Mr President, I commend the Slovenian Presidency for the emphasis it is placing on road safety.
The Tanzanian Government is taking measures, including a register of all albinos, with a view to being able to protect them. Without changing attitudes on the position of albinos, this register could be misused in future to track down these people and exterminate them.
I think that this is how you will play your role as catalyst.
I know that there has been a break as a result of the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, but it is even more damaging for us if the Council and Commission do not keep us informed of these processes.
It will subsequently be judged, however, on the determination, personal commitment and European-mindedness with which these are implemented, and on the success rate.
The abduction and arrest of journalists must end.
My question to you is: how do you feel about the expansion of that fund?
Neither is it clear how entrusting control of the network to a single operator that is not the electricity supplier can guarantee an appropriate and adequate level of investment, non-abuse of a key position or better congestion management.
(SK) First and foremost, I would like to express my support to the rapporteurs, Mr Lamassoure and Mr Severin, for their report.
The other three amendments by my Group concern periods, for all of which we consider six months sufficient.
They swept you from power, threw you on to the political scrapheap, and no iniquity that you may dream up will change this fact.
Defining a European approach to the management of legal immigration means organising it with obvious attention to the needs and hosting capacities of each Member State.
The present appraisal reminds us that there is currently no forum in which this matter is being discussed and in which these common European security interests are being defined.
That is the task.
Madam President, following the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, Liu Xiaobo is now the only Nobel laureate who is incarcerated, in prison.
If it were to be limited or censored, the very foundations of the European Union would collapse.
This report confirms the importance of fisheries management based on up-to-date, accurate scientific knowledge of stock status.
(Parliament rejected the request)
I am addressing my remarks particularly to the Czech Republic, which will shortly be taking over the Presidency of the Union and should be setting an example.
Good examples certainly serve to encourage others to follow them.
It is in our common interests to make the EEAS operational in 2011.
I would like to make one more important comment on the Irish referendum.
During this period, let us support the movement of solidarity with the Kurdish cause.
Let us return to this issue in 10 years, when the situation in the Member States may be quite different.
Moreover, through the Spanish Presidency, it has raised the prospect of joint discussion and elaboration of a proper discharge procedure, thereby meeting the second main condition.
When and where the rights of the minority are observed, the society will for the most part be just and tolerant.
in writing. - I voted in favour of the report.
Follow-up of the energy efficiency national action plans: a first assessment (short presentation)
The latter will have to be confirmed as a priority of cohesion policy after 2013.
An economy that provides rising living standards but which does not cost the earth.
I would remind you that, in the context of this action plan, there are also those who say that we should call on all the resources available to maintain activity; in this action plan you have very practical financial regulation measures that I listed just recently, which I do not intend to repeat, and whose rapid implementation we are awaiting at European Union level.
We expressly call for the European Commission, too, to now carry out an evaluation, which must provide the answers to several very specific questions.
This Treaty and the case for more democracy in Europe were supported not only by you, Mr Barroso, but also by those in power in the Member States.
Anyone who believes that the very best solutions for growth are not here must also admit that they do not know of any country that fails to grow if its public accounts are in order.
In addition, a Green Paper on Agricultural Product Quality was presented last year.
I hope that Mr Diamandouros continues to succeed in his good and important work and that he will manage to introduce improvements wherever possible.
With reference to WTO negotiations, we are paying particular attention to the ongoing discussions on subsidies.
We will continue to support such processes.
in writing. - I congratulate my colleague Marianne Mikko on her report.
OLAF is making something out of nothing and making an accusation against me on the basis of its own investigations.
The Commission has, of course, carefully examined all reactions to the Green Paper, of which there are many hundreds.
When looking at burden sharing, all the pressures and all the contributions need to be taken into account, and this is the very spirit of the European Union: the management of crisis by solidarity and responsibility.
We have witnessed how many MEPs have used this report to promote their party agendas by requesting autonomy.
Parliament supports the French Presidency at the summit next week in finally obtaining clarity regarding ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon.
Therefore, improving the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises is a priority for the Council as well.
It must be an approach combining balance, solidarity and - as recalled by Mrs Gruber - an absence of taboos.

Thirdly, the social dimension of the Lisbon programme is a very skinny beast.
The last aspect to be mentioned is the comitology procedure.
One such piece of evidence is the fact that the European Union average in terms of women employed in industry is a mere 14%.
The report also introduces a series of proposals and suggestions for improving conditions for female prisoners, in particular single mothers and young prisoners.
I have already informed Mr Bloom of my decision.
That is why I have said on several occasions that I think a flat-rate system - that is to say, a uniform amount per hectare for all these categories - is not an appropriate solution.
It should be based on a bottom-up approach, taking into account the diversity of the administrative systems currently operating in Member States.
My conclusion in that situation is that all three countries are moving in the right direction, slowly and sometimes with setbacks, but I hold on to the fact that the situation is better than it was a couple of years ago.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - Mr President, I thank the Commissioner and Mr Vondra, for the Council, for their explanation, but I am certain they felt that there is still some hesitation on our part in giving them our full support.
I also wish to emphasise the importance of the 'ICT and tourism' platform proposed by the Commission.
Firstly, how does the Commission intend to promote and support migration to the SEPA payment instruments?
I am alarmed to read that a woman who for many months knew the suspected terrorists currently on trial for terrorist offences in Glasgow and who apparently did not report his activities is now employed as an immigration ...
Either we move towards a common destiny, or we must resign ourselves to succumbing to the negative dynamic of national selfishness and destructive competition between ourselves.
This will probably mean that we will find it very difficult to continue drinking our groundwater untreated as we do today.
The European Parliament has not remained silent.
A simplistic drawing of conclusions may cause us to abandon policies which are absolutely essential in the new situation.
In line with the spirit of these preparations, the implementation of the treaty must not lead to a strengthening of the intergovernmental approach with the result that the community method, which is democratically controllable, more successful and more transparent, is suppressed.
Setting ambitious targets for the automotive industry is therefore essential in ensuring that the car industry holds true to its voluntary target, which it has failed to meet in the past.
Given the EIB's capital base, no more money can be forthcoming.
Both must, therefore, react as a legislator to reassert our intentions by legislating to close the loopholes identified by the European Court of Justice.
The debate is closed.
The future viability of the EU should not be measured in terms of decimal places.
In our report, we call for an annual review by the Commission of public and private investment needs and for the introduction of performance indicators that will actually enable us to have a long-term investment strategy for the benefit of jobs, and hence, for the benefit of European citizens.
That is precisely the attitude of those parties to the elections and to European affairs - a total lack of involvement.
After all, they are the ones who have had to bail out the banks.
Concerning specifically the financial impacts, the Commission fully understands the importance attached to the cost-related elements of this proposal, and will continue to be attentive to the cost aspects during the next stages of the negotiations.
We believe that, too often, it has deliberately chosen to give way to the Council, so as not to upset anyone.
Any solution sets a precedent.
These measures must include the whole world, because in some countries there are organisations which question the penalising of sexual contact with children.
Is that not a fair question, given the time we have been negotiating?
This is a very important aspect of this issue.
Madam President, only last week in my constituency of Northern Ireland, dissident Republican terrorists left two viable bombs in the Antrim Road area of North Belfast.
We who affirm the need to control immigration and external borders, continue to beg Europe - as Mr Cohn-Bendit has rightly done - to spread what might become 50 000 or 100 000 refugees across its territory, because the people who flee Libya are not criminals.
Almost 50 % of this increased amount will be available for needs prioritised by the ACP countries themselves, including needs arising from the operation of the EPAs.
What are you doing in the interim?
I am convinced that setting up the European Qualifications Framework will facilitate access to the European labour market.
In view of this, ensuring that those who are vulnerable in our society receive a minimum income for living and are given immediate responses to enable them to get out of this situation is not only a necessity, but also a requirement that we should endorse, and one that must be achieved within a framework of responsibility and exigency.
For almost 10 days we watched in horror as the fires destroyed life, property and the environment in Greece, and our minds returned to similar catastrophes in Portugal, Italy, Spain and elsewhere in Europe in previous years.
It makes much more sense to call on the competent committee to appoint a rapporteur to deal with the process and also the technical background of the approval procedure.
Revising the mechanisms for applying the Schengen acquis must not be seen as an excuse to limit at will the right to free movement, but rather as a stimulus for new opportunities.
European public opinion was shocked by last summer's disaster.
One of these is, of course, the Commission, which is the main actor responsible for implementing the budget.
Bearing in mind the next Lima Summit, the attitude of President Chávez represents a serious challenge which must be carefully considered by the European Union and its Member States.
The only thing that can prevent the influx into Europe of the least educated and most needy migrants looking for their place in the world is a well thought-out and coherent migration policy, as previous speakers have mentioned, such as those operated by Canada and New Zealand.
If new regulation is justified - and it may be - it must be the right regulation and it must not turn out to be an impediment to recovery and prevent or delay that recovery.
In committee, however, we maintained a balance, to which Mr Verheugen referred and to which I also attach great importance, although it has sometimes been overlooked in this debate.
The text maintains a good balance between the protection of the freedom of expression and of privacy and the need to continue the fight against cybercrime, also highlighting the major problem of excessive monitoring of Internet activity, which can degenerate into a new form of censorship.
The time has come for the proposal made in 2006 by Michel Barnier about creating a European civil protection force to be put into practice.
However, that is a wish that will probably not be fulfilled.
Most Member States essentially supported the compromise decision under which three cabotage trips are permissible within seven days after unloading in the host Member State.
Regarding the priorities in external affairs, I would particularly like to stress a continuing, reprehensible lack of attention to the issue of human rights, starting, of course, with China.
Likewise, we cannot support the thinking behind, inter alia, recitals F and G. The calls for 'zero tolerance' mentioned in the report are too vague and could lead to bad legislation if followed through.
We share his criticism and that of the other groups.
Good use of all the opportunities must be made to ensure that attention to the issue does not wane, both at European level and, more importantly, at international level.
(SK) I highly value the fact that all three reports require the personnel involved in all phases of pesticide handling to be highly qualified.
Women and science (
Secondly, even though the ruling of the Court of Justice in the matter of on-call time and supplementary time for rest will remain unchanged, I am afraid that in many cases this will not lead to better protection for workers in practice.
The horizontal aspect that characterises integrated maritime transport will be guaranteed - I hope with the forthcoming funding package - by the EU budget and not by the fisheries resources, which are used for specific actions.
The status quo here is clearly not acceptable.
More recent analysis conducted in 2010 shows that the costs of meeting the 20% greenhouse gas reduction target have fallen by at least one third compared to the analysis made in 2008.
Mr President, first of all, I would like to thank Commissioner Hedegaard for her very good and committed work on these climate matters within the EU and at global level.
Problems and prospects concerning European citizenship (
But, besides the positive products of this accession, the EU must be up to the challenge of managing the possible threats that might result from such a vast administrative unit.
Europe is our home.
Let me give you three examples of this.
We are not talking about something in the past.
I think we must then operate along two lines.
May I thank the Commission for his thoughtful opening remarks and say how much we look forward to the Commission response in due course.
In this report - and this has been accepted by the Council - we requested the Commission to further examine the impact on Member States' levels.
on behalf of the PPE-DE group. - (RO) The European Union enlargement strategy should be based upon the experience gathered so far and the current political and economic situation.
The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs wants to expand the legal basis for the directive on disposal to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
(PT) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, quality assurance for vocational education and training is essential, not only for certifying the lifelong learning process of each European worker, but also for facilitating mobility throughout the Union.
Over many years, countries with significant national minorities have developed standards for avoiding conflicts of a nationalistic nature.
(DE) Madam President, I would like to ask whether you realise that, in Article 6, the word 'central' before the word state needs to be deleted to make the wording consistent with the other texts.
This package of proposals will help encourage Member States to apply a prudent budgetary policy and, if appropriate, to adopt corrective measures in good time to restrict penalties from being imposed.
- Report: Pervenche Berès
The debate on coordinating economic policies in the euro area is now unquestionably more relevant and more topical.
Let us go on.
The fact that no one from the Council is present here is absurd and illustrative of how out of touch they are.

The first is that we must, in my view, give thought to enlarging the euro zone and to integrating new members.
It is not a simple issue but a huge challenge - a common challenge which we must cope with jointly.
Therefore, abandoning coal without having a viable alternative would not be appropriate.
Their implementation and control are of special significance, particularly for some new Member States like Bulgaria, where higher export levels determine the existence of trade deficit.
However, it is necessary to recognise that the EU has still not achieved a comprehensive post-Lisbon approach, able to overcome traditional procedural and institutional obstacles.
Moreover, most Members set off for their constituencies on Thursday afternoons, and many have to travel for several hours before they reach home.
Once again, we are the guardians of the treaty and we will, of course, ensure that we follow the treaty to the letter.
I agree with some, but not all, of the points highlighted in the report and for this reason I have decided not to vote for the report as it stands.
There were a good 50 on that side of the Chamber who stood up.
Parliament is looking at an action plan on implementing energy policy for Europe.
Therefore, what sort of trust can we have in action of this kind?
I believe that the vote on this report will enable Parliament to give the Council and Commission a clear, unambiguous signal regarding our position as representatives of Europe's citizens.
Only this will guarantee the efficiency and transparency and, finally, the credibility of the new diplomatic service.
Free nanoparticles of various materials may cause carcinogenic chemical reactions if they enter living cells, but this has not been confirmed.
Millions of my fellow countrymen were of a similar view, but the majority were deceived into thinking that the EU would help Poland to reach the levels of development of the 'old' EU.
However, events in the regions are also very important and I therefore have two short supplementary questions.
I voted in favour of this report because I believe that, within the European Union, individual Member States still deliver early education very differently from one another.
What the Afghans are waiting for is real investment in their country's development, in support for good governance, in the creation of a judicial system.
in writing. - (LV) I fully supported this proposal for a resolution.
However at the same time, I said, very clearly in fact, that this might not be enough.
(DE) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, of course we all know that smoking is bad for our health.
After Parmalat and Enron, we asked the Commission and Council in 2003-2006 to speak out on rating agencies.
in writing. - This is a period for critical decisions in the EU and Belarus relationship.
The next item is the vote.
The role of the EIB is becoming more and more important, not only within the framework of the cohesion objectives, but also in the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy.
The Commission is therefore setting an example from this perspective, but it is clear that the appointment of commissioners is in the hands of Member States and if the Member States do not put forward female candidates, then that will naturally be reflected in the make-up of the Commission.
Parliament has stirred; it has provided every kind of alternative to solve real problems, but this is an ideological problem.
Of course, the IMF and the Financial Stability Forum have a role to play in this.
Today, we have a sound EU policy on women, peace and security, covering all aspects of the Union's external relations, from crisis management up to and including humanitarian aid and development cooperation.
An internal market should not only be about cheap goods - it is just as important to ensure high social standards for workers.
The liability systems in the individual Member States - and this is my fourth point - are still highly diverse.
Moscow needs to know that whatever it decides - whether to consider us partners or adversaries - the future and independence of Ukraine, Georgia and other neighbouring countries are not subject to power deals.
The GALILEO programme is one of the priority projects for European research in view of its potential use for managing traffic, monitoring the effects of climate change and for intervening in situations involving emergencies and natural disasters.
Firstly, I am fundamentally opposed to increasing the EU's own resources.
It will thus make it quicker and simpler to fill gaps or to regulate or update more detailed aspects in a legislative act, avoiding excessively complicated and prolonged legislative procedures, which used to have negative consequences for the public.
Cooperation between the European Union and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has therefore become a key item on our agenda.
This increase, which must be oriented towards flexibility, imagination, solidarity and good sense, must be accompanied by rigorous monitoring by the donors in terms of how the aid is used and by effective tracking of the sums made available to the beneficiary countries, from their transfer to their final destination.
Under the pretext of facilitating business opportunities within international air transport, this promotes the interests of multinationals within the sector at the expense of national companies and their respective strategic interests, including those that, as is the case in Portugal with TAP, are publicly owned.
In addition, we should make a clear call for the Afghan Ministry of Justice to abolish all other laws which discriminate against women.
With regard to the Lisbon Treaty, there is not enough diplomatic encouragement for ratification.
My third point, Mr Barroso, is that the question of the Transatlantic Economic Council and the economic relationship with the USA, and not only its economic significance but also its strategic importance, seem to me not to be covered in sufficient detail in the Commission's paper.
Another key point, of course, is public health and safety, and I am pleased that the planned stress tests, both in the EU and, as has been said here, also in Belarus, and in the future Ukraine and Russia, should be such as to make people in the EU safe.
Then, very quickly, the European Commission - which I congratulate - adopted a proposal to establish the MEDIA Mundus programme.
We need to support a balanced view of the migration issue and recognise that immigration for work is more than necessary and will become increasingly so in the future given the demographic forecasts.
Again it clarifies the scope and maintains the rights people already have.
If the state authorities use brute force and uncontrolled repression against the citizens of their own country, this deserves condemnation.
Direct contact between people is worth more than any declaration.
In West Africa, I see an emerging regional market access position many thought impossible, and in East Africa I see an emerging customs union that did not exist when negotiations started and is now building an EPA around their own integration plans.
Mr President, I should like to make clear from the outset that we can endorse the use of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) for these three applications.
Simply put, this opposition is clear.
The President of the European Parliament recently sent a formal request for cooperation to the presidents of the national parliaments and a hearing will be held shortly.
The question of our standards has got to be acknowledged and recognised.
They are now finalising a number of common proposals which they will announce in due course.
I am also going to leave to one side the environmental issues relating to electric cars, in order to talk about employment problems: you, together with Mr Tajani, refer to the fact that, if Europe wants to protect itself from the emerging countries and if it wants to become the point of reference at international level, then it cannot overlook research and innovation.
We also wish to emphasise the need to develop entrepreneurship, which must overcome the obstacles and dangers, address the dangers and continue, so that we have a Europe which is strong in development and in protecting its citizens.
What about if the price of oil kept rising to reach the 100 dollar mark, which is where it is now?
In 2006 the European Parliament proposed to the Turkmen authorities that they take undertake a number of measures so that Parliament could finally approve the Interim Trade Agreement.
We also heard very sad stories about how sizeable areas, island areas of some of these countries, are already disappearing.
There is no easy finance available, especially for SMEs, given that it is only the people's banks which will lend to SMEs; they should be supported rather than obstructed.
I note with regret that my fellow Members failed to pick up on this aspect and have allowed themselves to be influenced by reasoning that goes against the principles of European solidarity.
I do not understand the kind of people who ignore their nation's misfortune and keep Burma completely isolated, although it is clear that the country cannot cope on its own.
(EL) Mr President, allow me to start by congratulating the two rapporteurs on the excellent work they have done at a particularly difficult juncture.
There are, however, problems to which we must not turn a blind eye.
Mr President, Commissioner, I would like to begin by thanking my colleague from the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, Mr Klinz, for his excellent work.
The creation of this Office perfectly illustrates the need to put in place a common European asylum system.
The first is to really tackle tax havens, so much money that is missing from the States' coffers.
Finally, to Chris Davies, yes you are right.
Unfortunately, I have about 18 names on my list, so not everybody will get the floor because we do not have enough time.
That will be okay with us.
In the report we also state that the Member States themselves determine this area.
This balance was not always easy to achieve on individual points, but I believe that, in the end, we did find a very sound middle ground solution that satisfies all the interests.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (HU) Mr President, my party and I are among those who have supported the creation of a Parliament with stronger cohesion in the event that we raise the threshold that has been a condition for forming a group up to now and at present.
To point out that there is some discrimination against women is to get things slightly out of proportion.
It can already be concluded that synergies could have been created between the three projects to make the EU action more efficient and effective.
I am also worried that secular, democratic Bangladesh, also a country prone to flooding, will suffer as a consequence in terms of unfair competition, and it, too, is heavily dependent on textiles.
A new government team may have taken office in Chişinău on 25 September with a promising name and programme - the Alliance for European Integration - but the Communist Party remains strong and is already preparing its return to power by forcing new elections, as expected.
Precisely because of the provisions contained in the Treaty of Lisbon, the European Commission must be prepared to ensure that when the portfolios are created, appropriate emphasis is placed on the issues of human rights and freedoms inside the European Union.
I would like to remind everyone that right now many governments shun their duty of solidarity by not taking part in Frontex.
It is a democratic state, and a democratic country.
The directive relating to human trafficking is an important step forward, because human trafficking is a reality, even in Europe.
How did the subprime problem start?
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (ES) Mr President, firstly, I agree with Mr Borg that it is a pity that we have had to work in this way, on the basis of unofficial documents which have not yet been translated into all the languages, when for some considerable time this Parliament has been requesting measures and sounding the alert about the serious crisis threatening the fishing industry.
Instead there will be a Troika summit, which is far less ambitious. Those at the top of the EU have thus chosen not to send out clear a signal ahead of the elections to the European Parliament.
Again, it is people who have not been democratically elected, it is judges who sit at a nice comfortable distance from reality.
(SL) I was delighted to see this report, because it has all the necessary elements for a speedy resolution of this issue.
However, all adults should ultimately be responsible for making their own decisions about the extent to which they are prepared to accept the resulting damage to their health.
I agree completely with the author of the report, and would like once again to recall that in the decided majority of Member States new Members of Parliament have already been appointed in accordance with current regulations.
Given that a two-fold evaluation mechanism is involved in this case, it must be implemented, as we are talking about evaluating and verifying the application of the Schengen Community acquis to ensure that it is implemented in a transparent, effective and consistent manner.
However, the extent to which this is actually feasible in practice is not absolutely clear in my view.
Public procurement accounts for approximately 18% of Community GDP, and therefore has a key role to play in relaunching the economy and employment.
32.
The Commission recognises this in its strategy, but the proposals for measures are vague.
This is linked to my call to reinforce the supply from southern Europe.
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, this is the second report today on statistics and I should like to remind the Commission that we have actually set ourselves the aim of reducing administrative expenses by 25%, since, in connection with statistics, there continues to be an outcry from those concerned not to allow excessive expenses and costs to accrue here.
Member States will align policies with the resources to back them, and I hope to merge the EU Special Representative and the Head of the EU Delegation into a single post as soon as possible.
It is the duty of each state and not of anybody else to choose the most appropriate outcomes for its children.
Now, continuing on the broader issues, trade defence instruments are there for good reasons.
I was sceptical as to the need to set the 'sunset clause' at 31 December 2014, if, according to the proposed regulation, the European Commission has to present a report on the application of the resolution by 1 January 2014.
As regards the current discharge procedure, with respect, in particular, to the other institutions, which is my field, I should like to express my agreement with the steps that have been taken since last year's Spanish Presidency decided, when applying the Treaty of Lisbon, that it was time to bring the necessary transparency and control of the Council's accounts up-to-date too.
The regulation also provides for compensation and assistance in the event of an accident, passengers' rights in the event of cancellation or delay, and the rights of people with disabilities and/or reduced mobility.
I support energy labelling, it is a necessary standard, and I think reproaches about who belongs or does not belong to a particular industrial lobby should be set aside.
Without this amendment, the period would have expired on 31 December 2010.
We agree with some aspects of this report such as: the need to make greater progress on dealing with the pay gap between women and men; the promotion of entrepreneurship among women; the importance of policies at national level that seeks to promote an improving work-life balance.
- Before the vote on Amendment 996
Finally, Europe has to be a leader as regards both regulations and the construction of storage facilities.
In the first place we had the experience of the previous periods and secondly there was the relatively challenging effort to simplify the system without disrupting its overall equilibrium.
I think this is important in order to bring this dialogue further.
The Strategic Partnership executive document currently under negotiation foresees the establishment of a formal EU-Mexico policy dialogue on security issues, as well as increased cooperation with relevant EU agencies such as CEPOL, Europol, Eurojust and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).
I think that two funds should be set up: one for the needs of the EU and one for other countries in order to avoid a situation where there are no funds left for assistance to poor countries.
There are already European Union observers there, available, so that as soon as the frontier is opened at Rafah, we will be ready to deploy.
Was he suggesting that we should refrain from supporting this resolution, or was he expressing the opposite, namely, wholehearted Socialist support for adopting it right now?
I am not taking the same attitude as others here who believe that countries like Greece, Ireland and Portugal did everything right: that they made no mistakes and did not go too far; that they did everything right and it was only the international crisis that caused problems.
However, we are all citizens of Europe.
Green energy, for example, is far more jobs-rich than investment in business as usual, yet the package agreed by the G20 will actually lock the world into a high-carbon economy at exactly the time that we should be shifting to a very different low-carbon sustainable economy.

Co Ltd.
In addition to its religious function, Mor Gabriel is the cultural and economic centre of the Assyrian Christian minority in the region.
What a denial of national sovereignty and what contempt for the citizens and governments of our countries.
It cannot be a relationship where either party feels entitled to lecture or hector the other.
This is not the case at Prague Castle.
The Ombudsman is a figure in the European institutional system whose purpose is to defend the rights of European citizens and to counter maladministration.
However, freight transport needs a good transport infrastructure and that is why we hope that the budgets relating to the Community and national transport projects will become a priority in the future.
It is important for Turkey to retain this understanding.
Surely not.
But of course, that is the whole point, because the court is not allowed to look at the evidence; they have no right.
For this reason, I voted in favour of Mr Ferreira's report.
It is true that the coming months will be difficult, but we do need to celebrate this turning point.
Given that some regions possess clear geographical and natural disadvantages such as depopulation, among other things, I believe that this measure is fundamental if we are to make cohesion policy more effective.
Every child has a right to education.
These are some of the detailed matters:
It undermines the whole strategy.
This Treaty will be officially signed in Lisbon on 13 December.
It is essential for European policies on development to be coherent.
I congratulate them on the quality of the accounts, which were audited with a favourable opinion by an external firm and by the internal auditor.
We aim to create a better, clearer legislative environment for businesses.
However, although many people have Internet access these days, not everyone does.
In particular, workers have the right to establish associations and to negotiate working conditions collectively.
Since the very raison d'être for these machines has now been compromised by this legal advice - and I address this directly to Commissioner Barrot - is it not now time that the Commission ruled that the use of these types of scanner in the EU should not be allowed, since my constituents travelling anywhere in the Union should not be subject to this indecent and degrading treatment?
For example, a call to ban all government officials and representatives of the justice system from entering the EU will not achieve the intended objective.
It reflects previously adopted objectives and assumptions and, in this respect, it fulfils the necessary criteria.
(The President cut off the speaker)
We will now achieve a real internal market, uniform competitive conditions and a great deal of progress towards health protection.
Therefore, women working in what is known as precarious employment deserve special protection.
This is very serious.
The report significantly improves safety and reliability in the internal market.
I am told that the EU is importing from the rest of the world an amount of food that would take about 35 million hectares of land to grow.
The challenges of the future are changing constantly, and regional policy must be able to adapt to this change, as is evident from the discussions here.
In former socialist countries, the situation seems even more dramatic since the previous gender policy led to the development of a significant segment of women who were active in the field of science.
Mr Marinescu, I have praised the excellent work of the Portuguese Presidency, which has allowed new Member States to join the system.
How far we go at the June European Council as regards the EU's own internal arrangements will very much depend on how far our international partners, including the US, have gone and on the status of negotiations in the multilateral framework.
I would warn Members against calling for legislative measures in this report or possibly interpreting the text as including such measures after the event.
We have therefore actually asked the Commission what it intends to do first to change the rules and practices as a result of this court decision, so that openness, transparency and democracy might be implemented, and what the Council has planned to do to implement openness and democracy and also to make national opinion visible after a decision.
I therefore feel that this report is very important.
The Communist Party of Greece votes against both the report and the Commission's proposal for a directive.
Within the common fisheries policy too much attention has been paid to the recent report of the Court of Auditors on control and enforcement.
A key item in an international agreement would be the question of what happens to energy-intensive enterprises.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I agree with the rapporteur over the need to simplify fishing rules with a regulation that can implement the recommendations adopted by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean.
All the Catholics and Orthodox or Protestants and Anglicans might interpret that in very different ways, but I would caution against defining the Jewish heritage out of Europe.
It is important to accelerate the development of direct contact between citizens of the South Caucasus and European Union Member States.
We must name problems very clearly and seek solutions together.
There is one point which we need to be clear about: thoroughness is more important than speed.
There have been some encouraging developments at times, but these are also accompanied by some very repressive judgments.
Thank you for your speeches.
Passengers will be entitled to refreshments in the case of short delay, a refund for over 2 hours' delay, and up to EUR 1 200 for lost or damaged luggage.
Since the report is excellent and is right to give due consideration to the principle of subsidiarity, I should like, briefly, to address the link between urban mobility and inland shipping.
It falls to Sweden to include an exemption in the Treaty of Lisbon, stating that the effects of the Laval judgment have no bearing on Sweden.
We must also abide by the provisions of the Stability and Growth Pact.
In this way, ambiguities and contradictions will be removed from a directive which is already 33 years old and which, during that time, has been amended 55 times.
Such weapons and technologies have been proliferating.
This means, on the one hand, that the instruments involved are extremely difficult and the procedures are very complicated, but, on the other, it produces a clear effect of cooperation between the European Union, Member States and local authorities.
This amount must therefore be increased.
The elections are between the democratic and Communist forces.
I appeal to you to take a clear, final decision tomorrow in order to protect consumers.
In addition, the report examines the steps taken by Member States to improve recovery of amounts not collected or wrongly paid, as well as the mechanisms under national law for recovery by offsetting.
The key aim of these measures is to revitalise the Western Balkan economies through privileged access to the EU market.
Someone is accountable and must be made accountable.
I wish to testify before this House, as one might testify in court, that it is not true that Jaime Mayor Oreja's outstretched hand was rejected.
Indeed, I wanted to stress the fact that, in the many negotiations on trade agreements currently under way with several of the EU's partners, it is essential to reach balanced agreements which are based on the principle of reciprocity.
The situation is complicated by the Government's decision to retain payments to the second pension tier.
Mr Martinez has explained his theory on inverted tariffs to us.
Due to its extraordinary growth rates and gradual market opening, India offers new business opportunities and a strong potential also for growth for European airlines, aircraft manufacturers and service providers.
At the same time, it is demanding increases in taxes on grassroots consumer products and an increase in VAT rates.
This must be a flagship initiative and not relegated in the way that it is in the EU 2020 initiative, and I hope that both of you will help us to make sure that that happens over the next few weeks.
rapporteur. - (ES) Mr President, the decision my report proposes to this Chamber is, above all, political, in the strictest sense of the word.
I welcome the focus on better research in Europe, especially as we know 85% of research today is without EU coordination.
This has to stop and this must be a strong message sent to Ankara by the European Parliament.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (FR) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, during our last debate in July on access to medicines, I concluded my comments by calling on the Council and the Commission to make clear and formal commitments that would guarantee Europe's active involvement in finding new solutions and its desire to be a front runner in the fight for access to affordable medicines for everyone.
Air transport emissions are rapidly increasing; they have almost doubled since 1990 and are expected to double once again by 2020.
In addition, we welcome what the report says on the support being given to the School Milk Scheme, and the Commission's proposal in relation to increasing the funding of this scheme and the funding of the School Fruit Scheme.
One of these signals relates directly to the subject of our debate today.
It is madness that we apply more stringent red tape and regulation to our own EU producers than we apply to our competitors outside the EU.
Competition with Google also spotlights numerous issues which will have to be resolved.
I believe that today, when we adopt this initiative, we will have signed the death warrant of the idea of a 'democratic deficit'.
This figure is also just over a quarter of the amount granted to Italy, one of the main EIB shareholders.
There is a tariff deficit, there are regulated tariffs that distort the market.
The client signs a contract that he does not always read and even if he does, he would like to suggest changes, which is not possible.
The European citizens' initiative will make a significant contribution to making the European political system more democratic, as it establishes a direct link between Member States' citizens and EU institutions.
It awakens hope for the introduction of change and for democratisation.
In the event of a delay in excess of 120 minutes or the cancellation of a connection, transport providers must offer passengers the option of continuing the journey, rerouting the journey at no additional cost to the passenger or refunding the ticket price.
There are always new timetables, more percentages, new regulations and stipulations.
I am very pleased with the result.
I have spoken with Mr Markert and he told me what he actually said.
It is that threat that has caused the emergence of new regional groupings, and we will possibly see bilateral agreements, for example with Côte d'Ivoire.
(FR) Commissioner, my first question has already been asked by Marianne Mikko: is there a problem of competition or lack of coordination among the various NGOs, and is the Commission playing its part in trying to coordinate the excellent job each of them is doing?
The text has finally been referred back to the committee.
No statues of Mr Putin have been erected in the streets of Russia as yet, but there are signs of a personality cult.
Further reforms are also necessary in order to strengthen media freedom and pluralism.
Could you please look into this and find out about the specific case that I have asked about?
Provided it is accompanied by a strict definition of the requirements with which closed aquaculture facilities will have to comply, as well as by adequate monitoring of compliance, it will not compromise the necessary protection of biodiversity and the environment.
It is putting unbearable strains on infrastructure and public services.
Challenge of energy efficiency through information and communications technologies (vote)
That is, the directive accepted by the Council incorrectly designates the base year and thus papers over the efforts hitherto made by Member States with regard to harmful emissions.
First of all, with regard to the draft framework decision on combating terrorism, combating terrorism is a challenge for the European Union that requires the pooling of all our efforts.
Misleading practices are illegal under the Misleading and Comparative Advertising Directive and the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive.
To do this, however, we should not run over the agenda.
The efforts of the European Union Special Representative will certainly continue and the efforts of the European Commission will continue and be stepped up, in particular as regards the implementation of a package of confidence-building measures - we very much appreciate Georgia's support for this package.
(RO) I would like to draw your attention during today's debate to the case of Israeli soldier Ghilad Shalit, who was kidnapped in Kerem Shalom in June 2006, aged just 19.
Then, I think, we will be able to work very effectively on those action programmes which offer advice and assistance and which are backed by the European Commission.
You mentioned this issue, Commissioner.
The procedure will also allow us to produce a draft resolution setting out our concerns on the agreement in issue - in this case, Mauritania - with the request that they be taken on board by the negotiators and ultimately become part of the final Protocol.
Beyond the rationale of cohesion policy which is, and should remain, a central pillar for achieving the new sustainable development goals, and in order to help regions to face forthcoming global challenges which will impact more and more on their development, the Commission believes we should all keep on strengthening the delivery mechanisms of cohesion policy built upon the principles of an integrated approach, partnership and multilateral governance.
This is a measurement of poverty that is carried out in terms that are absolute and purely financial, and does not take into account the diversity of the 27 Member States; its line of argument can be summarised as one of simple solvency.
It has gone over six million for the first time since the mid-19th century.
The decommissioning of old and unsafe nuclear power plants in Europe is essential for sustaining the life and health of European citizens.
This aid must be administered in a swift and responsive manner in order to have any chance of being effective.
We agree that there are other reasons for failure, but our recent Eurobarometer surveys show that contract-law related obstacles rank first out of eleven obstacles to business-to-consumer transactions.
We have to remind the European Union and the international organisation that sexual orientation is a matter falling within the remit of the individual right to privacy guaranteed by international human rights law, according to which equality and non-discrimination should be promoted, whilst freedom of expression should be guaranteed.
With the three reports under discussion today, the European Parliament is giving a very strong indication of how it means to achieve these objectives and guarantee security.
In addition, approximately 92% of manufacturers of construction materials, amounting to 65 000 enterprises, are SMEs with fewer than 250 employees As SMEs are the backbone of our economy, this proposal calls for recognition of their role and needs, as well as for a high level of health and safety for those working in this sector.
(FR) Mr President, I perfectly understand the argument stated by the rapporteur, leading us to vote firstly on Amendment 812.
I am very sorry about that: we would have preferred to have had a lot of you here.
But you are behind the times.
I very much hope, however, that we can get this support before Copenhagen; it is a matter of urgency.
I fully understand those who are fighting to retain their old privileges, but this is simply not the agenda that we politicians must pursue.
As a famous philosopher once said, 'entities must not be multiplied beyond necessity'.
Madam President, Commissioners, State Secretary, based on Mrs Járóka's report, and in conjunction with it, we are glad to progress further towards the implementation of the Roma strategy.
An EU civil protection mechanism, a team of six experts, is also now in Chile.
Before long, Africa will account for 20% of the world's population, while Europe will account for just 5%.
I would like the Member States to have equal access to this register.
Naturally, we know full well that European culture consists of the sum of the cultures of all of the countries that make it up, and we all want Europe to be not just an economic area but also, and above all, a community of values.
The CETA is by far the most ambitious bilateral FTA the EU has ever negotiated under the 2006 'Global Europe' trade strategy.
The European Central Bank already has EUR 360 billion in financial instruments on its books that are not freely tradable and holds a further EUR 480 billion in poorly secured securities.
This is why we are giving the following message to the Commission and the Council: for us the objective of achieving a five-year financial framework which runs in parallel with the term of office of the Commission is not negotiable.
And the proposed legislation - I am glad that the Commissioner has just given it his blessing - certainly must not add to the red tape.
Allow me to mention two essential elements from the debate.
We must avoid those errors that are currently looming in relation to petitions at all costs.
The reduction in hazardous substances, upstream, will also lead to a reduction in recycling costs.
The Commission has put the development of ICT and of the Information Society, which has huge potential benefits for European economy and society, at the heart of its programmes.
(FR) Madam President, I congratulate our three rapporteurs for this quite remarkable summary that they have given of the current state of our common foreign and security policy.
As always, however, it will be the taxpayer who pays for these 'efficiencies'.
It provides an important added value for both the market and consumers.
The EIB's mandate expires in October.
It will be an indication that they have arrived at statehood.
Asset management II (debate)
Having said that, just as with regard to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the EU has chosen not to take the necessary action.
Furthermore, I am concerned by the fact that the agency's staff regulations and their implementing rules have not been followed.
In June 2009, the Commission tabled the EU CBRN Action Plan, which was amended by the Council in November.
Firstly, I would like to thank the speaker for his cooperation and for keeping his ears open to various proposals.
Are there not perhaps one or two things that can yet be done in the realm of state supervision?
Before the crisis, in 2007, Portugal had economic growth of 2.4% of GDP and a deficit of 2.6%.
Therefore, the development of EU projects in this state coincides perfectly with the Union's priority to eradicate poverty.
The military is both a stability factor and an impediment to democracy.
I think that to do this - I am coming back to the question of the network of experts - it is not a matter of using technical expertise to replace sensitive political decisions, but of ensuring that the sensitive political decisions are based as far as possible on objective information.
The big Member States, such as Germany and France, are afraid of Turkey, which is a large, influential country.
Borrowing today means debts tomorrow, debts that the Member States will be obliged to repay at a future date.
I would like to make one thing clear on behalf of my group, however, which is that we do want transparency, but the methods of achieving it must continue to be up for discussion.
And I want the new green technologies of the future to be the source of British jobs in British businesses.'
(The sitting was suspended at 19.35 and resumed at 21.00)
The policy should be the polar opposite of this.
I have made a commitment to Parliament; I will not tell people what to eat.
The demographic risks involved are a priority for EU-level social policies.
What is happening today, as regards the capital transferred from the newly admitted Member States, is impossible to control and contradicts the fundamental ideological precepts of the EU.
To conclude I would like to stress that urban development must follow an integrated and well-coordinated strategy, supported at all levels by both the government and the private sector.
Subject: Creation of an Observatory on Violence Against Women

As far as this issue is concerned, as you know, the Commission takes the view that the existing tools of the carbon dioxide emissions system should be extended by introducing a sectoral credit mechanism.
It is not an easy task, as the expelled NGOs were among those very capable of working in such difficult and remote areas.
It would seem that, globally, progress has been made in this field, but the sad fact remains that totalitarian regimes still exist today.
Mr President, I believe that the Commission first published a guidance document on the implementation of the Posting of Workers Directive back in 2006, and at the time the Socialist Group - in response - led a call in Parliament for a toughening up of the Directive.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, in the current difficult economic and financial scenario, Europe must continue to support projects in the sector of energy efficiency and renewable energy for a sustainable and social competitive economy.
It is an EU mission which, in addition to being illegal in itself, is making an agreement with an illegal entity, therefore rendering it doubly illegal.
In common with the majority of the Member States, I believe that the solutions put forward by the Commission are unsatisfactory.
I voted against this report for several reasons.
Its objective is to establish 22 May as the annual European Obesity Day, raise awareness of the need for action at European level and ensure that the voices of overweight and obese patients are heard.
Our condolences and sympathy go to the people of Greece.
It targets the practices of unscrupulous employers, whilst protecting migrant workers who, most often, are the victims in such cases.
We must be careful not to replace our addiction to oil with a new addiction to subsidies.
In addition, in keeping with Mrs Roure's report on open and secure reception centres, adopted on 5 February, Parliament identified a number of problems in these centres.
8.
When they hear this, minority rights activists immediately cry segregation, even though the objective is rapid inclusion.
It is one of the many results of omnipresent consumerism.
I voted in favour of the report on key competences for a changing world: implementation of the Education and Training 2010 work programme.
This proposal updates the EU legislation transposing the scheme of control and enforcement adopted by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Commission.
At the time of voting, I did not support the amendments submitted by the GUE Group, which aimed to make Member States ban or limit work opportunities through temporary employment agencies.
Very few ships have their hazardous materials removed before they reach the breaking yards.
I also hope that the Commission completes, as quickly as possible, the process of the EU's membership of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which will provide an additional mechanism for the respect of human rights.
I hope that solidarity will develop among the Member States of the Union, in the interests of assuming an effective role in Kosovo.
I would definitely say that it is not an option to be disregarded, even if it can sometimes cause confusion.
It means that Europe will have to fight with a new vision and with sophisticated policies in order to retain its position in global economic decision-making.
Furthermore, I agree with a deferral on the obligation of electronic sheep tagging.
I would like to stress the importance of natural relations in the development of EU-Serbian cooperation.
Cohesion policy from 2013 onwards must meet the needs of the European regions, to help the EU community grow and flourish.
ECAs are therefore instruments that are well placed to contribute to EU foreign policy objectives, in particular the alleviation of poverty and climate change.
Mr President, during President Obama's recent tour of the Middle East, we heard him say that they saw their most important partnership as being that between the United States and India.
What also clearly emerges from the debate is that we need both continuity and reform in policy delivery.
Agenda of the next sitting : see Minutes
We therefore voted in favour of these proposals.
Therefore, despite the fact that no conclusion was possible by the end of 2008, the Council remains fully committed to the multilateral trade system, as well as to the conclusion of an ambitious, balanced and comprehensive outcome of the WTO Doha Round.
I hope that you will be able to do so, but do let us know.
As a supporter of a strong common market, I prefer market barriers to be removed and not created.
(ET) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen.
in writing. - (PT) We completely agree with the report when it states that 'the current economic model, which entails constant maximisation of consumption, production and trade, is unsustainable as this results in ever-increasing demand for resources and transport and a growing quantity of waste and emissions' and that the current trading system produces 'a global division of labour which is based on a very high input of transport of products', which could be produced locally in a more sustainable way.
Support for the idea of creating two e-justice Internet portals seems justified.
I therefore suggest that we postpone the vote until 29 November, at the next plenary, in Brussels.
(PL) Mr President, the allocation of funds from the various budget lines always awakens the strongest emotions and debate.
on behalf of the ECR Group. - Madam President, our resolutions on this issue address the dual challenges of eradicating hunger - which currently affects one sixth of the world's population - and securing a food supply for the future.
For the above reasons, I supported this report.
It is very important for this proportionality and equal treatment to be implemented in the foreign service.
Support for the governments of Member States is now required, so as to enable them to make use of the latest technological achievements in the field of energy.
Several of you referred to RAPEX.
Well, these reasons have been enumerated here this evening, but they are worth looking at again.
We therefore obviously call on the European Parliament to ratify this Agreement.
The Central African Republic received EUR 8 million in aid and similar amounts have been allocated for 2008.
This debate, however, is simply another example of pandering to anti-Israeli hostility and sentiments, particularly on the other side of the House.
(PL) Mr President, the debate on genetically modified organisms has come to the fore again in recent weeks.
The EU's leaders were conspicuous by their absence.
(For the results and other details on the vote: see Minutes)
Greens' recommendations were unanimously adopted in committee.
Mr President, the reason we are discussing these proposals from the Commission is that the previous regulation lapsed in 2010.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (FR) Madam President, like those who have preceded me, I clearly deplore the seriousness of the situation today, the acute political crisis and also the risk of clashes that could well break out in the hours to come.
In this context, the future strategy should pay attention to improving underground sources of drinking water and eliminating the pollution of the Danube.
I have a significant problem, though, with the definition of universal services and how that is applied to rural services.
The preferential treatment that has been given up to now to diplomats from the Member States gives us cause for concern.
The result of this was that we spent months, if not years, in reaching an agreement and were then finally able to adopt the legislative own-initiative reports on this issue in September of last year, in the form of the Rasmussen and Lehne reports.
in writing. - (FR) The Internet is an integral part of our children's everyday lives.
The rapporteur introduces positive amendments to the convention, which will bring the current regulations more in line with instruments at international and regional level.
This is just an example of an aspect that the report could and should have taken much further.
I would like to make an earnest appeal for this evidence to be given to the Polish prosecution service, because an investigation into this matter is under way in Poland.
The credit crisis is also a reflection of this course.
(Applause)
Instead, I would call upon our Lithuanian fellow Members to ensure they abide strictly by our Community legislation, in particular, Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, which prohibits all forms of discrimination.
I also warmly welcome the decision of the Spanish Presidency to speed up the debate on the future of the common agricultural policy.
For this reason, I consider it to be important to implement practices such as experience exchanges between the administrations of European cities, urban optimisation databases at European level, as well as to encourage citizens to change the way in which they approach the issue of personal transportation in the urban environment.
I could not agree more.
Ms Martens' report takes into account accountability and transparency, so I support it.
In that regard, however, I would quite simply like to make it very clear to the Member States once again that they were the ones that wanted this, not Parliament!
author. - Mr President, there are three points that I would like to make concerning the ALDE amendments to this resolution.
The mistakes that have been made can be corrected and the Union can still work for - and with - its citizens.
In particular, the Council agreed to an additional demand from Parliament of having the variable concerning the accessibility of tourist accommodation for persons with reduced mobility included in the regulation.
Mrs Bhutto was, I think for all of us, a symbol of a moderate and liberal Pakistan.
The implementation and interpretation issues that have created uncertainty are the problem.
However, it is this sort of protection that is urgently needed.
GDP growth in these countries was almost double the average in the Euro Zone, and unemployment rates were significantly lower than in the Euro Zone.
I also hope that the provisional government shows itself to be as good as its word and undertakes reforms that do not fail to take these issues into account.
We are faced with an ageing population, and if women do not have a pension, then we have a deeply sad situation on our hands.
I am therefore more than happy to summarise what is at stake.
More concerted effort needs to be made in these areas.
I have written to my colleagues in Russia and Ukraine asking how we should proceed with monitoring in the future, because in my opinion, if we trust the deal and if it is stable, then no monitoring is needed now; however, the monitors are currently there.
The facility fits in perfectly with the concept of support for entrepreneurship presented in the Charter for Small Enterprises.
rapporteur. - (FR) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, first of all I should like to express particular thanks to the shadow rapporteurs and the draftsmen of opinions for their valuable assistance.
We must also limit risk-taking and put a stop to excesses.
Taking this opportunity, I would like to give many thanks to all the coordinators of foreign affairs of the political groups, the co-rapporteurs, and also the Secretariat of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, without whose help it would not have been possible to prepare a report which today enjoys broad support, as can be seen by the very small number of amendments submitted in the plenary session. This will significantly facilitate voting tomorrow.
An exaggerated threat will trigger policy measures which lead to a skewed view of political priorities.
Different databases must be linked.
You are aware that a number of Member States remain to be convinced that setting a target against poverty is a task for our Union.
The incident referred to was a protest by Mr Bloom, in which he addressed wartime allusions to Mr Schulz.
I have therefore abstained from the vote.
It also strengthens the Union's credibility in the eyes of third countries, as the European Union has always demanded the fulfilment of human rights in its bilateral relations.
(FI) Mr President, the artist Ai Weiwei, who has achieved international recognition, is someone who has enriched Chinese culture and art.
I would emphasise that we need it to be a win-win situation.
Strong and independent consumer organisations have an important role in this.
It is a welcome development that is worthy of our support and I am very pleased that I was able to give it mine.
I must say that we Socialists have been at the forefront, right from the start, in reinforcing transparency and control and, as a result, democracy with regard to lobbyists.
Thirdly, also within this open form of coordination, the Member States have shown strong political commitment to an exchange of information and learning from each other.
Member of the Commission. - I definitely think that European farmers can be proud of their standards and the Commission favours any initiative that helps farmers, not least in the livestock sector, to communicate with consumers about the origin of products.
I hope that we will all be able to hold a more detailed debate on the White Paper, which will include the practical experience of businesses.
As a Hungarian, I am very happy that the Hungarian Presidency will hopefully not have to deal with the budget, but only to find a solution for ITER and for flexibility during the negotiations.
Against this background, I am hoping for positive developments after two tough and difficult years.
A third is burned.
The Republic of Moldova is on a positive trajectory.
Those are all questions for which we must find the answer.
This is associated with the tendency of many drivers to drive more recklessly in third countries than in their home countries as they are less fearful of criminal prosecution.
In any case I could not explain here the reasons for the 20-metre ride on the airport bus.
Therefore, the Council has not been in a position to discuss the newly adopted constitution of Hungary.
The tests do not predict airplane crashes, either over fuel ponds or over reactors.
The opinions and positions of Members of Parliament will be taken into account as far as possible.
The employment of women strengthens women's dignity.
I would like to thank the EIB, my colleague, Mr Ivailo Kalfin and all the rapporteurs for their excellent cooperation.
On the other hand, in its report, which I voted in favour of, the European Parliament sets particular store by the gradual withdrawal of the ECB emergency measures applied in 2008 as a result of the financial crisis (1% interest rate, quantitative easing and inflation below 2%).
I was applauding the previous speaker who made a very valuable conclusion to his speech.
If not, then I would like to be told that.
We need a greater focus on safety, better rules concerning information for patients and effective measures against counterfeit medicines.
A significant proportion of Roma live in disadvantaged areas throughout Europe, areas that are developed with the help of considerable support.
45% of our aid for ACP countries will be allocated out of national budgets, both as budgetary support for specific sectors and as general budgetary support.
I have heard that Spain has already produced new national legislation following our methods, and I know that the same is true of other Member States.
Otherwise, you will simply be making it impossible for our farmers to compete.
Our report calls for a system of solidarity regarding the resettlement of refugees from North Africa.
Although the EU has no overall powers in this area, it can still take measures to promote tourism.
It should be result-oriented and tied to objective and clear criteria on democratisation and the progress achieved in reforms.
The Union for Europe of the Nations Group has requested that a Commission statement on the earthquake in the Italian region of Abruzzo be inserted into the agenda.
We suggest the creation of a new post of High Official for Foreign Energy Policy after the new Treaty enters - hopefully - into force.
I would like to conclude by expressing my confidence that the compromise amendments which have been reached following negotiations will provide a happy medium benefiting everyone.
I am well aware that the increase in food prices makes things very difficult for farmers, but I would not want this measure to open the floodgates to imports of genetically modified soya and maize.
I proposed that the Commission and the Council should adopt the same visa facilitation for Georgia that is currently granted in Russia.
I am in agreement with the rapporteur in that a balance should be struck between implementing a high level of protection for consumers and the need to simplify the regulatory framework for textile products.
This complicated beginning certainly explains part of the delay, but it is certainly also true, as you have said, that payment services establishments - that is, banks - have demonstrated a certain reluctance to implement this mechanism.
In the third world, the payment of foreign debt and interest for servicing debt to rich countries represents a major drain on resources, which therefore do not go to health and education budgets, which are reduced to almost insignificance.
We wanted the Committee on International Trade to be part of this debate, because there is little point in banning IUU fishing if the European Union then opens its markets to it.
Finally, our Committee's third priority concerns the European Return Fund.
I, however, do not see any sign of discrimination.
I would like to assure you once again, Mr Barroso, that you and the European Commission have allies, here, and I speak for the majority of the European Parliament.
The average spent in Europe on such commitments is 0.4 per cent of gross domestic product.
My second point is that very few people, not even Mrs Pleštinská's visitors' group, know that the European Union is the friend of the consumer.
Well done to the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs too.
You will realise that, for us as social democrats, for whom 1 May is an important day, this was something very disturbing.
(Loud protests and cries of 'No!' from the EFD)
Thus, there are clearly problems there, too, and so I should like the Commission to carry out a much clearer analysis of whether the legislation is really satisfactory.
Therefore, with proper use of the arrest warrant, proportionality, strict application of the instrument, better exchange of information and training on European issues for magistrates, we are sure that uniform application of this important instrument can be achieved in full.
This may be particularly beneficial and useful in countries that have yet to create a sufficient infrastructure for collecting electrical waste.
Portugal is an example of this: approximately 300 000 SMEs represent more than 99% of the total number of companies, and these are directly responsible for more than 2 million jobs and have a combined turnover of some EUR 170 billion.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the explanatory statement from the rapporteur is quite correct and needs no amplification.
Today, we also need to cover costs arising from the new role of the European Parliament in connection with the Lisbon Treaty entering into force.
The criticism directed at a number of so-called reception centres is justified.
There are other measures that could perhaps be adopted without additional cost to the Community budget, such as advance authorisation of payments to certain livestock farmers of the aid they are entitled to, who are of course doubly affected not only by rising prices, but also by having to deal with livestock diseases, such as 'bluetongue', and so I think we could go a little further just now.
This strategy's objective is to gain a thorough understanding of the dynamics, characteristics and volume of tourism, but it appears to me to be excessively cumbersome, bureaucratic and costly.
Madam President, the tragedy of Burma has been only compounded by the refusal of the military junta to allow the delivery of aid and assistance.
The Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, Mrs Flautre, responded to this very intelligently.
Asking for a further high-level conference to be held will only incur expense which would be better allocated to specific measures.
That was in 1986.
We must therefore be absolutely sure that timber from Cameroon, the Republic of Congo or any other third country has been obtained, transported and placed on the market legally, respecting the needs of local communities and forest management legislation.
In a period of economic uncertainty, it is also essential for the Commission to reaffirm its commitment to support social rights far more strongly than before and I need not remind you that the main priority next year should also include completion of the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty and, of course, its implementation.
Repair and maintenance is very important for consumers: not only for reasons of safety and reliability, but also because repair bills account for 40% of the total cost of owning a car.
(FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the Commission, in defending rampant free-marketism, in orchestrating the commercial disarmament of the Union, has played to the full its servile role as an instrument serving very specific interests, which are harmful to European employees.
Undoubtedly, the European Union's attitude towards energy in relations with Turkmenistan should not be separated from any changes in the area of human rights.
I think that we really need an outside review of what has happened so far.
It therefore satisfies the requests that the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs had made in this respect.
(DE) Madam President, we have destroyed agriculture in developing countries by providing billions in export incentives and we have undermined food safety in these countries.
- I gave Ms in't Veld a little bit of extra time because she has 400 followers on Twitter.
I am thinking about the 'financial supervision' package and the hedge funds document.
In 2003 in my own country, Ireland, a Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Committee was set up to make recommendations on strategies to increase the uptake among women and girls of science subjects and higher level-mathematics at second level and to increase the number of females choosing science engineering and technology courses at third level.
Without that progress, which has been due to well-conceived policies, the current extreme world crisis would have devastated their economies.
(DE) Madam President, the Member States, Europol and Eurojust will now have to concern themselves on a regular basis with OLAF's findings.
These problems must be resolved.
Using the skills of both immigration liaison officers and Frontex, based on an exchange of information obtained from the liaison officer networks through the Information and Coordination Network for Member States' migration management services, will enable better risk analysis by Frontex, as well as more cooperation in relation to legal and illegal immigration.
Barely six months ago today I, along with Mr Le Foll and a few other colleagues, signed an amendment on this issue and on serious volatility, which aimed to reduce the 1% increase that had been decided on, in particular, for milk production, since we are, in fact, in a period of overproduction.
Because the population is getting older, new occupations best suited to the elderly will have to be created.
At this point I should like to single out a few points, naturally very briefly, which form the crux of my report, so as to inform the House of the actual situation on the ground as well as the overall thinking of the Committee on Legal Affairs as a whole.
Documents received: see Minutes
Another programme, financed from a different fund, cannot be used, even when it is striving for similar objectives.
I have just one message for you: teach Europe some of the best lessons from your history.
So where is the progression?
With this in mind, we need to offer young people new, attractive measures, consistent financial support and increased access to innovative services and infrastructures.
Commissioner, I would like to inform you that we have today voted, during the resolution on the Stockholm Programme on an amendment which requests a directive, a European action plan, on violence against women ensuring the prevention of violence, the protection of victims and the prosecution of perpetrators.
That is the right way to confront illegal employment and also dumping on the EU labour market, and not by undermining jurisdictions.
Last Friday, I presented with Commissioner Reding a Charter of Women's Rights which reaffirms the commitment of the Commission to gender equality and also reaffirms our willingness to work on and make progress in this area.
We have seen that Mr Yanukovich has been elected in Ukraine.
What is more, the right to health should above all provide for the right to receive the best treatment in one's own country, which would be subject to European quality standards, not hiding behind subsidiarity.
At the push of a button it was possible to change from one fuel type to another - irrespective of the speed of the car.
This example shows that the financing of large-scale research projects is dependent on recoveries from other areas, the amount of which is difficult to determine in advance.
I just want to say to the Vice-President of the Commission that we should look at the situation in Denmark, where they are now talking about applying for membership of the euro; in Iceland, where the country has been torn apart; and in Sweden, where clearly they are looking again at joining the euro.
Otherwise, the Czech Republic might, absurdly, become an importer of the traditional product it has been making for centuries.
Yet again, a farce is being played out between the political representatives of capital and the bourgeois governments in order to manipulate the people.
Commission fines in antitrust cases (debate)
However, things have changed now, and the money is running out.
For the Commission, the reform of the European School system is a priority issue, and this is one of the most complicated items we are dealing with.
We can resolve it for ourselves and for the refugees, because anyone who has visited refugee camps knows that there are children there losing one, two, three years of study that they could be undertaking in Europe.
There are many arguments in favour of saving the Polish shipbuilding sector.
The European Council, when adopting the European pact on immigration and asylum, welcomed the progress made in the area of asylum to date but, equally, recognised that important disparities remained between Member States concerning the grant of protection and the form that protection takes.
As publication of information and supervision are key elements in fulfilling the aims of the directive, it is important to introduce absolute transparency in respect of the supervisory bodies.
Let us be honest, however.
in writing. - The recent recall of millions of toys by US manufacturer Mattel, over safety concerns, including lead content, has raised alarm bells world-wide.
The early sessions of the UPR are likely to set the tone for the remainder.
I am not sure whether the elections will now go ahead.
This is a country where it is very easy to sentence someone to death, especially since one quarter of Nigeria's regions are governed by Sharia law, an Islamic, a Muslim law which indeed allows the amputation of hands and feet, and also uses flogging.
It is all just starting.
Use of criminal law to protect the environment (vote)
The Commission is not part of this process.
We strongly oppose this Free Trade Agreement with the Republic of Korea because it would present our Korean competitors with undue competitive advantages.
Many thanks.
Let us also keep in mind that our regulations will not provide a solution to every problem, such as the rise in oil prices, nor will they prevent a rise in energy prices linked to the introduction of CO2 emission costs, but they will significantly simplify and support our actions to the benefit of energy users.
Recent research shows that the main concern for EU citizens is 'the social dimension of the EU in the context of globalisation (in particular jobs and the fear of unemployment).' Or else: 'The global competitiveness agenda contributes to creating lasting growth and jobs at home.'
This may be a matter of their territorial location.
We must be careful because if, in the course of 21st century globalisation, in a few years' time, we no longer have our geographic indications, it will partly be because of today's mistaken choices and we shall lose an enormous piece of our identity.
In order to achieve this, it is important to analyse the relevant market.
There must not be any differences in access to electronic services between those who live in cities and regions with a strong economy and those who live in regions with a weak economy and sparsely populated areas.
(The President cut off the speaker)
They will not agree.
Ladies and gentlemen, in the seventeenth century, humans exterminated the dodo.
I regret, however, that the report is only being adopted in January: the majority of the opinions were voted on and submitted to the committee before the summer and the report could thus have been adopted earlier.
The choice of jurisdiction should be made on the basis of access by both members of the couple to comprehensive information on the most important aspects of national and Community law. They should also be informed about the procedures relating to divorce and separation.
Progress is, however, a two-way street.
But, Commissioner, all our trade agreements have a human rights clause in them.
As if women are not capable of being judged on their own merit, just like men.
in writing. - (FR) The compromise on which Parliament must give its opinion is certainly an improvement on the position of the Council, but it is still deficient on many key points concerning consumer credit contracts.
Whether in relation to cohesion, innovation or transnational funding, Europe should only be providing support where we can genuinely make a sustainable European contribution.
The decision must be taken to introduce new initiatives against tax evasion and capital flight, and to do away with tax havens, as had been promised.
What is certain is that the Iranian regime has been seriously damaged, both internally and in terms of its external image.
Has the Council taken any relevant precautions to integrate workers accordingly?
It is becoming clear here that even the nuclear powers are now prepared to reduce their arsenals, and that is what was new about President Obama's declaration.
We have, in particular, included provisions to penalise the use of tools such as malicious code that are used to create so-called botnets, which have been used by criminals.
I should stress that a decision made by the International Court of Justice in 1962 confirmed that this monument belongs to Cambodia, and the authorities must respect this decision.
They need our support in this, and therefore it is wrong for your primary representative in this country to say that no change to the strategy is necessary.
This is heavy stuff, which is what we need in Europe.
In fact, the migration to SEPA Credit Transfer will be completed by the date when the euro is adopted, while, so far, only five banks are planning to join the SEPA Direct Debit scheme in the next three years.
That is why I also voted in favour of provisions which emphasise corporate social responsibility.
We need to strengthen the role and responsibility of the Serbian Parliament and all its members.
Can he then also tell us who - if not the producer - should pay for the disposal of those products?
However, at a time of financial crisis and difficulties in many Member States, I do not think that it is appropriate for us to be spending millions of euros in this manner.
I believe that the truth lies somewhere in between and is reflected in the proposal made by Mr Verhofstadt about drafting a directive which must create a more modern and democratic system for regulating all the matters discussed today on the subject of media freedom and pluralism.
On the contrary, media reports about the existence of the Mens file in France reignite the debate about respect for the principle of non-discrimination.
I have been engaged for years now in normalising relations between us.
As such, effective measures to combat insecure jobs, falsified invoices, undeclared work and illegal work urgently need to be taken.
For example, responsibility for the success of the climate conference in Copenhagen is placed on Russia.
I believe this is the way we need to continue.
The Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament has informed me that with effect from today Mr Severin is no longer a member of the group.
The Commission Green Paper report entitled 'Forest protection and information in the EU: preparing forests for climate change' presents European Parliament's concerns on the matter.
We know how falsification networks have changed: a few years ago everybody would be talking about Viagra, but today it is impossible not to talk about drugs that combat, or attempt to combat, diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and cholesterol.
in writing. - I voted for this report and in doing so, urge the Commission to ensure that fishing activities that fall under the Fisheries Partnership Agreement meet the same sustainability criteria as fishing activities in EU waters.
I am also glad about the good cooperation between the Members of Parliament in preparing a relevant motion for a resolution.
As long as the EU is the only part of the world reducing its emissions then the target of reducing global emissions will never be achieved.
While the Working Time Directive adopted in 2002 originally applied only to employed drivers, the rules adopted in 2005 apply to all drivers, both employed and self-employed.
In our view existing treaties should not be jeopardised.
Ahead of the Roma Summit, I would like to inform this House that my colleague, Commissioner Andor, and I will publish a communication on the social inclusion of the Roma people, looking at the challenges ahead and outlining the EU's contribution to meeting this challenge.
Among other aspects, the resolution hides the fact that at the root of the current international situation and the situation in the Caucasus is the new arms race and the militarisation of international relations championed by the USA and NATO (with its offensive strategic concept and its enlargement to Russia's borders), the stationing of new US bases and missiles in Europe and the growing militarisation of this continent, the aggression against and dismembering of Yugoslavia and the recognition of the independence of the Serbian province of Kosovo outside international law, the attacks on and occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq, that is to say, imperialism (and inter-capitalist contradictions).
I know that quotas arouse conflicting feelings, and that they do not represent proper democracy, but neither does this situation that we are in now.
It is good that we are dealing with this subject, because it has been raised many times in our regions and at local authority level.
The new system should also make it possible to replace obsolete fleets through the use of reduced rates for external costs when investing in environmentally friendly vehicles.
It is laudable that the budget also intends to earmark additional funds for providing assistance to SMEs.
Military solutions alone can never lead to a sustainable solution.
This is where we are today, so we still hope that Parliament will now provide, as soon as possible, a first reading.
Less aid, less public intervention and more restrictions on production: that is a truly explosive combination.
We therefore need to have expert analyses of what happened in Fukushima if we are to find out at all the real reasons for the nuclear accident and the damage to the core.

In light of the increasing frequency and impact of natural disasters which have had serious consequences in human, economic, social and environmental terms, the European Parliament recommendation to the Council on setting up an EU rapid response capability is particularly important.
Although President Kibaki has ordered these provisions to be amended a week later, we are not aware as to what these 'amendments' envisage.
We are looking at a violation of human rights that we must all condemn, without exception, and so I am voting in favour of this resolution and adding my voice to those of my fellow Members in urging all parties to remain calm and refrain from all acts of violence.
The Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) has actually supported such a strategy for a long time and I would like to welcome, in this context, the European Commission's announcement to the effect that a strategy which will combine security and development aspects will be presented by the end of this month.
Anyway, Poland abolished the death penalty in 1988, nearly twenty years ago now.
For the next six months, you will hold the Presidency of the Council, and many challenges await you.
Like TIM, it offers full supervision and monitoring, because we naturally want to meet all the transparency criteria, and it is designed either to provide direct budgetary aid, to channel aid through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and other organisations or to fund our projects.
Companies will continue to relocate for cheaper labour forces, and we need to protect women - particularly in areas like textiles - by offering the opportunity to upskill and by giving continuous education.
Moreover, the Union has a role to play in promoting cooperation relating to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
China's determination to play a more important role in the international arena must be accompanied by new responsibilities in the field of human rights, in the social sphere and in relation to environmental protection.
This is partly due to the wanton pursuit of economic benefits regardless of the needs of the local population and the environment.
(FR) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would first of all like to pay tribute to the report by my colleague Reinhard Rack.
The Lifelong Learning programme and the Youth in Action programme are good examples.
One of the prerequisites for the functioning of democracy is participation.
This report seeks to look at the fact that we politicians should be thinking about whether and how the resources, the supply side, can be increased and what can be done in this regard.
in writing. - I strongly support this Resolution which calls for an immediate ceasefire by the Sri Lankan army and the LTTE in order to allow the civilian population to leave the combat zone.
It is very important that we make a distinction here.
This puts motor vehicle manufacturers under enormous pressure.
Fundamentally, the pipeline underlines the need, if ever we needed it underlined, for a European approach to energy supply.
Then we come to the accession process and we find that many chapters are blocked.
Demanding budgetary increases in this difficult situation is scandalous.
- (PL) Madam President, our work on a further series of tasks aimed at regulating issues important for human health within the European Union is drawing to a close.
Some of the special measures that have been taken by Member States - look at Kurzarbeit in Germany for instance - have been to increase spending, while reducing productivity to some extent, which I think, from a social point of view, was justified.
I congratulate Mr Manka on his successful negotiations in view of the very tight framework for the 2010 budget.
We can no longer ignore social and economic dumping in emerging countries, China in particular, which are winning contracts with rock-bottom prices in the countries of the Union, without regard for social rights and legislation on State aid, whereas the markets of these countries remain inaccessible to European companies.
There must be, for instance, a Commission reaction to the Laval case.
The Commission already reacted to a similar phenomenon in 2007, and in the face of this new peak, we wish to know what concrete measures - you have already given details of some of them - it intends to take.
However, it also gives rise to a degree of inflexibility in the budget.
As I said, we need to support Mediterranean food, and it is a very good idea for culture and diversity.
It is true that we need to be careful regarding certain sectors in the world's poorest countries, but we also need to be careful that these are not the only people who cannot develop their skills in the European Union.
I believe that it was agreed that there would be a commissioner responsible for this subject.
Last but not least, it must be clarified that European citizens have the right to submit a complaint where their personal data is used illegally.
We have a high level of responsibility for seafarers, for fishermen fishing off foreign coasts, in accordance with jointly agreed treaties, and we have to protect these fishermen and seafarers, and also tourists.
All the best to the Slovenian Presidency!
The cost of treatments received in another Member State is reimbursed in the country in which the patient is registered, but it is limited to the amount that would have been paid for similar treatments ...
We can ensure that they integrate all modes of transport: soft transport, public transport, water transport - Mr Blokland is right - and rail transport.
Clearly, however, that is not the final goal, but is no more than a starting point.
He seems not to understand that this is optional on Member States.
The measures which have been announced concerning the strengthening of consular protection in third countries should be implemented as soon as possible, and negotiations with third countries on the lifting of visa requirements should be continued.
I would like to ask the Commission and the Council what they think about the situation of these 50 people who are not going to be subject to the jurisdiction of the United States courts.
It is therefore important that we focus on the vehicle sector, which according to the Commission's own figures is a sector that in Europe employs 12 million people directly or indirectly and is the main private investor in research, development and innovation, investing EUR 20 billion per year.
This is the result of the European Union's wretched trade policy.
Mr President, we can be proud of the fact that the European Parliament in many ways is already at the forefront when compared to some national parliaments in terms of how we handle these issues.
I voted for this report in order to approve the EU-India Free Trade Agreement, in the belief that an FTA offers future potential for an increase in investments, trade and business opportunities arising from the FTA, with an agreement being, overall, a win-win situation for both sides.
However, tourism demand has changed in recent years.
Let us allow some time to pass, however, and just see how NATO develops.
I would ask you again to raise this matter with the Bureau.
I just feel honoured to have made a small contribution to that and I would just like to leave you with the pride that the Portuguese feel for that.
(FR) Mr President, this Free Trade Agreement is the first to have been examined since the Treaty of Lisbon came into force and that is why we MEPs believe that it really cannot come into force until we have obtained robust guarantees, guarantees that must, furthermore, act as a model for future trade agreements.
Until now, the Swedish Government has been unable to conclude an accord de siege with the ECDC, although they desperately wanted this agency, like all Member States always badly want an agency.
That is why we abstained.
Madam President, may I draw your attention to an issue which is of crucial importance for the proper functioning of our Parliament as well as for our political weight, both individually and collectively.
The Union must urge Brazil to use the new political weight of the bilateral partnership with the EU in order to display new political leadership within Mercosur and on the continent.
I nevertheless believe that the minimum income is a responsibility of individual Member States, based on the principle of subsidiarity.
Finally, opting for 100% remuneration over a long period represents a cost for social security systems (in a context in which the European institutions are calling strongly on States to reduce their budget deficits).
This special relationship has resulted, in particular, in the granting of tariff preferences.
We have just seen the end of the Olympic Games in China, where all our European democrats joined in standing side by side with a communist regime in a repeat performance of Nazi Germany in 1936.
This time, we have the opportunity to do this six months earlier, although it should be said very clearly that Parliament finally has to convince the Council, firstly, to submit documents earlier, and secondly, to submit full documentation which really does cover the reporting period in question.
I would like to thank the European Parliament and the Spanish Presidency, convinced as I am that a Europe of justice will make significant progress in 2010.
Investment in education, research and innovation has the potential to create more wealth and jobs than it costs, and investment in innovation will help us tackle the great challenges that society faces.
In Sweden, where I come from, the idea that we would have a disease like bluetongue in ruminants would have been completely unrealistic four or five years ago.
It has to be said that this is a very positive development.
I was really disappointed and saddened.
In this regard, the Commission should launch, as in the case of the other European seas, calls for proposals for developing Black Sea maritime corridors.
in writing. - Pakistan is a vital ally in the war on terror.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would argue that the Atlantic Alliance is an obsolete defence instrument and that in certain recent cases it has not in fact helped relations, for example, with Russia.
He has correctly recognised that the presence and disdainful demeanour of the Coalition is the primary reason for its absolute rejection by the local population.
Generally, I think that it is good that an increasing number of my fellow Members here in the Chamber seem to see the importance of holding back EU funds, but there is still much to be done.
Our children are finding themselves increasingly on their own as we are increasingly busy.
It is also essential to reduce inequalities in treatment.
The reports by Mr Maňka and Mr Surján represent the only opportunity that Parliament will get to express its opinion on the budget.
The victory of the Democrat candidate is further proof of the extraordinary capacity for renewal that has been evident so many times at difficult points in US history.
Mr President, honourable Members, solemnly and seriously, I have to tell you that I was truly proud to participate in the debate that we have just had on cluster munitions and, on behalf of the Presidency, I join all those who have called for the ratification of the convention.
When debating this matter we should underscore our support for women's dignity and their role in acting for the common good in society.
Much depends on the Union's budget, its size, and how it is allocated, especially in these times of serious economic crisis and in view of the looming food crisis.
After the government elections in Kiev at the beginning of the year, most people thought that it was 'the end' of Ukraine.
This agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Mauritius envisages visa-free travel where citizens of the Contracting Parties travel to the territory of the other Contracting Party for a maximum period of three months during a six-month period.
Solidarity between people in society, but also solidarity between states.
It is essential to achieve general coherence in development cooperation among the different institutions.
That has now been achieved with ECRIS, which demonstrates that the new technologies are facilitating the day-to-day operation of justice in the Union.
The proposers take over the report and insert new paragraphs over which the rapporteur has no say.
It persistently infringes the principle of subsidiarity.
Must we become a theatre for settling national political scores?
They do not care about listening to minorities in this place who believe that the EU is heading in the wrong direction, and they certainly do not care to take on board the votes across the EU that go against them in referenda.
One in ten Romanians suffers from hepatic disorders. A quarter of Romanian children have health issues.
There is no hope any more that the EU budget will ever be cleared by the auditors.
It exploits the cases of piracy in an area in which the imperialist aspirations of the ΕU, the USA, Russia and other forces clash to impose and safeguard the presence of EU military forces which, with a fistful of weapons, will promote its imperialist plans to gain geostrategic control.
The first step in solving their problems is to leave the euro; instead, Ireland has chosen to subject itself to financial governance from the European Union.
Will the Commission say whether, during this period of very great economic crisis, it is insisting on its view that all countries with deficits must reduce them within a period of two rather than three years, although the latter period would appear more reasonable according to the available data?
I would like to close by remembering the women of the world who are fighting for the most basic of rights and I would like this House to express its solidarity with the Iranian feminist associations that are today taking to the streets, inviting women to demonstrate without the hijab.
We have ended up with a number of substances that are in all likelihood extremely hazardous, yet the Commission balks at finally banning them.
The funds should not be misused and it takes time for budget support.
Thank you, Commissioner, and I am conscious that you are standing in for Commissioner Ashton.
The reason for this is quite simple.
I particularly want to mention, as Prime Minister Janša just did, the two key deadlines set by the European Council, on the internal market in energy and on the climate change and renewable energy package.
It does not make sense that Europe's police officers should have more powers as Europol officers than others do.
If we already have the infrastructure, all we clearly need is the intelligent vehicle.
We can see now, after the financial crisis, that the free market should work and does work, but we must create systems which are capable of regulating in a modern economy the mechanisms that occasionally get stuck or go beyond the usual mechanisms of economic competition, of pure free-market competition.
Employers want to save on social insurance costs and gain greater flexibility, but this has led to a situation where we have to vote under pressure from this antisocial behaviour.
Until this policy is changed, until we free food production and our reserves, then this, too, will contribute to food shortages and higher prices.
(PL) Mr President, the role of the Ombudsman is increasing, especially in the context of the solutions and challenges of the Treaty of Lisbon and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
I would like to mention that Russia is a cooperation partner that systematically refuses to agree to the involvement of NGOs in dialogues on human rights between it and the Union.
We have to develop the railway infrastructure, the maritime corridors, the ports infrastructure and co-modality.
We were also able to overcome differences of opinion in the same meeting.
Firstly, stable public finances.
Disruption of air traffic in Europe (debate)
As the first rains will not be slow in coming, further disasters threaten in the middle of winter.
Amendment 7 draws attention to the fact that some Latin American countries gained additional benefits after the WTO agreement through negotiating free trade agreements and that these agreements further weaken the position of ACP countries.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I am in favour of the Lehideux report, which is today going to the vote after a lengthy debate that has seen Parliament play a leading role in attempts to improve the final document.
Taken as a whole, the action plan is designed to ensure that the European market, too, can compete in this sector, the worldwide market value of which is forecast to further grow to EUR 230 billion by 2025.
If the use of military forces is justifiable and acceptable anywhere, then it is surely in the case of humanitarian or natural disasters.
We should, therefore, thoroughly investigate the systems which have been the most successful in other parts of the world.
I believe that soon we will also be discussing a possible common fiscal system.
- the recommendation for second reading by Paolo Costa, on behalf of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, on amending Directive 2004/49/EC on safety on the Community's railways (Railway Safety Directive) (16133/3/2007 - C6-0129/2008 -;
Mr Preda, that was a very brief question, but it was not a point of order.
Madam President, on behalf of our group and in the interests of trying to seek compromise and agreement on this, we would be willing to withdraw the subsequent amendment if the rapporteur would accept a small oral amendment, as written in the list, simply to make this less specific in terms of calling for the legally binding 'directive' and leaving it as bringing forward 'measures'.
In view of the fact that two EU Member States border the Black Sea and the region has therefore become one of the Union's direct neighbours, the European Union must engage more closely in regional dialogue in order to foster political stability in the region.
Another idea put forward by Spain was a system of financial penalties, consisting, for example, of a reduction in subsidies from the EU budget for countries which do not achieve the objectives contained in the strategy.
The financial assistance provided by the European Union and by other countries and institutions will provide an opportunity for the Lebanon to get back on course towards reform. Reform is bound to take time, but will result in the emergence of a country that is politically, socially and economically stable.
This is why investing in people and modernising labour markets remains one of the four priority areas for the new Lisbon cycle.
This situation does not allow us to have a clear picture of the impact of cohesion policy on the ground.
A report such as this, which is attentive to the needs of farmers, including the need to ensure that they are not hampered by excessive bureaucratic burdens, will certainly be a useful contribution to the process of reforming the common agricultural policy which, for obvious reasons, is bound to be a complex and very sensitive process for the future of the European economy, and for the protection of the countless varieties of traditional local produce.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (ES) Madam President, I really do not think that the document that we are considering is what it could be, and I will explain: it is a document to assess what has been done with the broad guidelines that the European Commission had proposed for the environment, and for all environmental policy.
The Belgian Presidency has highlighted its firm intention to make progress in the fight against discrimination and to promote equality.
To conclude, the Data Retention Directive is essential for making the work of the police more effective and for monitoring, detecting and investigating terrorists, while guaranteeing respect for the private life of individuals and the protection of personal data.
This, then, is a series of measures which, in my view, fall within a broader process to cut red tape which is helpful for European enterprises, especially at such a critical economic juncture.
However, the budget of EUR 950 million for this period seems modest, especially in comparison with the hundreds of billions now being spent as a result of the failures of bank managers.
However, our punishment should be to learn the lessons that the crisis has given and to use all the opportunities it has generated.
Now the rules are being tightened up, and that is only right.
The major projects must receive adequate support from European and international financial institutions and consequently, the new projects should endeavour to involve as many European partners as possible.
I am confident of the Hungarian Presidency's support on this matter.
The Commission therefore gives much consideration to these links.
Let us create an industrial policy framework with world-leading environmental standards so that employees and car makers in Europe can develop within them right here.
EU assistance planned for 2007-2010 aimed at supporting the development of democracy and good governance in Moldova amounts to more than EUR 50 million.
There has been extensive lobbying by Canada to try to prevent us doing this.
That would be an excellent way to consolidate this consensus, which must also be promoted here in the European Parliament by the drafting of a joint motion for a resolution on such an important issue.
It is a bit like the Northern Rock bank in the UK over the past few weeks.
author. - Mr President, we would like to replace the sentence in paragraph 6 which reads: 'to release all disappeared who are still in captivity'.
The vote will take place at the end of the debates.
The actions to be implemented are vague and give rise to doubts and questions rather than providing answers.
I would like to highlight the late conclusion of the negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework and this policy's legislative package, resulting in belated completion of the national strategies and operational programmes, and in the scarcity of public resources available for cofinancing in Member States.
I hope you are given chance both to carry it out thoroughly and, in the short term, to ensure that we are not soon to be presented with a fait accompli.
I believe that he made an absolutely key point when he said that there are some bottlenecks, in other words, some critical points, that we need to accept and that we need to deal with if we want to make progress, some of these being social and environmental in nature.
Though I very strongly support all protections for children I found myself unable to support this report.
I expressed support for the people of these countries, and assured them that they can count on European solidarity.
Are there players with a simple or collective dominant position?
It is also unfortunate that two political groups, the Greens and the ALDE (some, not all), managed to direct their disapproval at these Chairs for issues unrelated to the tasks they will face as Chairs.
Instead of permanent, structured cooperation between the EU and NATO, which is what the report advocates, I am in favour of all activities being conducted strictly within the framework of the United Nations Charter and international law, with strict separation between the two institutions.
Voting for Amendment 29 offers a new chance to support women and children so that they can remain in the EU or to help them return.
In this case they are also unduly liberal. Currently, the European Parliament and the European Court of Justice are giving priority to defending labour rights over defending the freedom of entrepreneurship.
Equally essential is a better climate in which to do business.
There were three separate investigations into this: one by OLAF, our Anti-Fraud Office, one by the Court of Auditors, and the Committee of the Regions itself also conducted an internal investigation.
Of course, we also need to know how to offer leadership ability.
I have already said that there is a structured dialogue and so a series of conversations take place regularly with China, on this subject.
Moreover, we should strongly support the actions of the International Criminal Court and its indisputable contribution to promoting justice and humanitarian law at an international level, as well as its activities aimed at weeding out lawlessness.
While health services were initially included in the draft proposal of the Bolkestein cross-border services proposal, it quickly became apparent that a stand-alone directive on this most important issue of health - which has ramifications for all aspects of health care in our 27 Member States - was needed.
I also notice the opposed initiative from Mrs Lulling and Mr Karas supporting, through Amendment 28, the option for these three Member States to pursue the levying of the withholding tax and to abstain from automatic information exchange on a permanent basis.
The fact there has been coordinated European action on this issue draws attention to the fact that Europe can change people's lives for the better even in the middle of crises such as the current financial situation.
Firstly, the issue of emission allowances and their subsequent trading are debatable and must be opposed because their impact on the real economy is largely unknown.
In relation to climate change, the Baltic Sea is particularly at risk of the disappearance of certain species of fish, and errors in European fisheries legislation, which imposes bans on fishing, are exacerbating this situation.
I do not wish to imply that this is a task for the Commission alone; I am also referring to Parliament and the Council.
An agenda for new skills and jobs (debate)
It is one of the few reports which not only refers to the amounts but also names the Member States where these irregularities occur.
It is a political and strategic absurdity to think of Europe as the inevitable destiny of the countries of the former Yugoslavia.
I am pleased by Mr Nicholson's support on this issue.
Sadly, such a sentiment does not resonate in the People's Republic of China, whose Communist rulers are obsessed with unity, but not much thought is given to celebrating diversity.
One could quibble about what particular number of refugees could be defined as an 'emergency'.
The people of China liken this disaster to earlier cataclysms accompanying major historical changes in that country.
Taking note of what has happened in recent weeks regarding the so-called currency war, I think the European Union has done a good job and has been able to defend a balanced position, which means that exchange rates should reflect the economic fundamentals and that we do not need to have recourse to competitive devaluation.
Therefore, it is very important that the EU tries harder to recover funds paid out incorrectly.
Secondly, on behalf of the committee, to have the chance essentially to put on record with this question our concern about the developments of online gambling, and indeed the gambling sector overall and some of the many uncertainties that are arising about the whole legislative regime for gambling within the internal market.
Only when we implement a uniform strategy of this kind will it be possible for the Roma and Sinti living in the EU to be treated as equal EU citizens.
Opening of the sitting
Mr President, taxes are, at best, a necessary evil, and should always reflect spending needs.
I should like to remind the Members that I have sent them an article from a German newspaper which makes clear from the examples given that the risk during driving is not from excessive work, but from poor use of the time which each person has at his disposal, regardless of whether he is employed or self-employed, which is, in fact, irrelevant.
What about the future?
It makes no difference what compromises I attempt to reach, as you simply object in principle to anti-discrimination legislation.
Junilistan objects to this.
in writing. - (FR) I voted in favour of the report by my German fellow Member, Mr Graefe zu Baringdorf, which proposes to modify the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning meat and livestock statistics, but in a way that should permit agreement at the first reading under the codecision procedure.
I have one final request ...
To do otherwise would not be in the spirit of the agreement.
We know that the votes are postponed and will be held in two weeks' time in Brussels.
I am convinced of the crucial role of the Petitions Committee as a resort for citizens faced with breaches of rules, as well as a bridge between them and all levels of administration and government within the EU via their elected MEPs.
The plan is designed to work with the European Social Fund and with the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund
in writing. - Against.
We set out with two key objectives, the first being to check carefully to what extent the 2003 framework decision is being implemented within the 27 Member States, and the second being to propose improvements as necessary.
I also hope that they are able to catch up on accrued delays and finish work by the end of the agreed time period.
Mr President, the EPLP welcomes the content of this joint resolution and motion regarding the financial climate and the broader economy.
Membership of committees and delegations: see Minutes
Whether we are Muslims, Jews or Christians we believe in the one house - the house of life.
Other Iranian lawyers have also met with repression.
Education, as has already been pointed out in this debate, could make a very important, if not crucial, contribution to that end.
Mr Schulz has not spoken as if he were suited to more than simply being the leader of his party, but he is right on one point and I would like to tell him so.
At present, the latter poses a serious threat to our fellow citizens.
The ball is now in the Council's court.
Opening the borders has been one of the European Union's greatest achievements.
The Commission is now gathering the input of the other institutions and of stakeholders on these initial proposals and will then present its final proposals.
Hopefully, we will be spared the experience of discovering how travel protection would function in a case of national bankruptcy.
If certain countries cannot accept reasonable compromise, our message should be this: they should start thinking about an amicable divorce from the Union and cease holding it hostage to their own vested interests, for the interests of Europe must take precedence over these.
It is not a renewal of the social agenda that is needed, but a thorough change of your perverse system.
One example is to form a local environmental expert committee for SMEs in response to the lack of know-how at enterprise level.
This exceptional remedy would be more restricted in terms of its implementation, since it would require both the prior agreement of the Commission and a favourable opinion from the Body of European Regulators in Telecommunications (BERT).
The decisions are taken in Detroit, and all Opel sites are faced with overproduction.

This codification would be a good opportunity to amend the EU Transport Regulation so that pups could be seized on a permanent basis in the case of shipments that are not in accordance with the rules, thereby closing this back door.
Mr Barroso, you may or may not wish to comment on the recently leaked budget review paper, but you will no doubt be aware that it has caused great concern in many regions across Europe.
Although none of the budgets covered by this report appear to present any major problems, I remain convinced that the European Parliament is not equipped with the resources to match the political responsibilities it has acquired by virtue of the development of the Treaties and the work of its Members, and, moreover, by virtue of its role in reducing the gap that has set in between European integration and the people, a gap that has been confirmed again and again by the various recent referendums.
We must build European innovation centres where cooperation will be actively fostered between knowledge and the needs of the market.
There is also our common European interest, and I mean here energy security and the availability of a Caucasian corridor for alternative transit of oil and gas.
in writing. - At the sitting of 8 July 2010 the President announced, under Rule 6(2) of the Rules of Procedure, that he had received a letter sent by the Hungarian judicial authorities on 9 June 2010 requesting the waiver of the parliamentary immunity of Tamás Deutsch.
First of all, in order to increase employment levels among women from rural areas, they should be encouraged to start their own businesses.
Nevertheless, the final Morgan report does contain much to commend it, and I welcome the addition of references to the proposed charter on energy consumers' rights.
We want to congratulate the Nobel Peace Prize Committee for its courage in making this award.
It - I refer here to consultation - is an exercise in relation to which there are, of course, several possibilities.
The deadlock that has been created through enhanced cooperation can, in my view, only be broken by taking the European patent forward just in English, because using three languages would create an unheard-of precedent.
The recasting of the directive on the restriction on the use of certain hazardous substances is aimed at broadening the scope of the directive and strengthening its preventative part, so that environmental damage can be corrected at the source as a priority, in line with Article 174.2 of the treaty.
Stable public finances during the current period of economic upheaval will allow the relevant governments to deal with the structural deficits in the current period.
Many times, Romanian citizens are discriminated when they wish to become employed or continue their education abroad.
(EL) Mr President, the only service the Council's common position and efforts by the French Presidency have rendered us is that we are again discussing the problem.
I agree with your appeal for greater cohesion by the Member States, but there is an encouraging sign from the Council, which has, in fact, supported the Commission's position.
I would like to stress that the Directive currently in force permits a 78 hour working week, a solution that benefits no one.
I welcome and support the requests to simplify the procedures.
It is a competence of the Member States and not of the Commission as such.
The Commission's proposal seeks to ensure equal treatment for self-employed men and women.
If France has not answered in a positive, acceptable way before 15 October, this court procedure is going to be implemented.
Fortunately, the euro is stable both internally and externally.
We need a Marshall Plan for the Middle East.
These contributions were always agreed for five-year periods, and the aim is now to renew the agreements for the 2009-2014 period.
I have therefore supported the submitted resolution, and I trust that the European Commission will find effective mechanisms for putting the recommendations from the resolution into practice.

We are fully aware that this is a very complex process, but we are at a difficult and demanding juncture where no lapse in attention can be tolerated and where adequate investment and shared governance mechanisms are needed both at interinstitutional level and in international cooperation for the regional basins, among which the Mediterranean stands out because of the complexity of its jurisdiction.
Mr President, we suggest one important and short addition to paragraph 2: 'is particularly concerned about the health of Mikalay Statkevich, who has been on hunger strike for the last 31 days'.
Air pollution would be a further 16 euro cents in the case of the most polluting lorries.
It was indeed a great pleasure to have you here with us for your maiden appearance in plenary.
It is true that a major step was taken with the appointment, under the Lisbon Treaty, of an EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs.
The first oversimplification consists in saying that eurobonds take responsibility away from the Member States.
The Commission has set out its views and presented a study which, if its recommendations were implemented, would result in a harmonisation of funding for individual Member States.
We should focus special attention on the importance of solidarity.
I recognise that it is not perfect and that there are concerns.
Now is the time to take responsibility, and responsibility also involves Europe and the Member States.
On the subjects of climate change and energy, both parties referred to the International Conference on Biofuels held on 5 and 6 July in Brussels, as a step in the right direction to allay criticisms that the use of biofuels was allegedly harmful.
Ladies and gentlemen, let us support the Tunisians.
I have no objections at all to the compromise tabled by my own group to set a maximum of 75% for those four weeks.
Any talk of deconstruction of the European project is irresponsible.

I see no contradiction here.
Under no circumstances should individual members of the UN, still less members of the Security Council, allow EU usurpation of their right to put their own view forward.
Today, the Supply Agency operates on the basis of statutes adopted nearly 50 years ago.
I call on the Commission and the Council to take a stand on this issue and to agree to present Parliament with some noise limits as soon as possible, because noise affects our children's bodies as well.
This conference tackled the issues of legal migration, such as legal migration channels and the management of migration flows, integration and the Lisbon Agenda, and migration and development.
(LT) I voted for the resolution on the situation in Moldova, because on 5 April I was one of the international observers who monitored the parliamentary elections in that country.
We can talk as much as we want, but fine words are not enough.
When I listen to some very critical speakers from Anglo-Saxon countries, I remember that it was precisely from such countries that, over the last few months, a particularly large number of cries for help came to overcome the financial crisis together.
The initial results of these consultations were presented to interested stakeholders at a conference on sustainable funding models for grass-root sport in the internal market, organised by the study contractor on 16 February in Brussels.
As consumers, we have the right to know that.
For this reason we need new instruments in the area between full membership and the neighbourhood policy, so that these countries' European perspective does not merely give them hope but is actually associated with real progress in areas such as free trade and the Schengen system.
Mr President, thank you very much for offering me the opportunity to give my explanation of vote on this particularly important issue.
It is only by achieving these goals together that we will build a strong Europe, a Europe which delivers growth and jobs, which preserves and reaffirms our values - namely, the sacred values of freedom and justice - and which positions our societies to thrive in a changing world.
Nevertheless, by going it alone, a Member State can weaken the Union as a whole and indeed seriously weaken it.
This is why I would like to congratulate the rapporteurs of the three reports.
Patient safety (debate)
This is why I agree with the rapporteur on the proposal for a coordinated action plan or management plan at European level, also bearing in mind the very considerable mobility of the cormorant as a migratory bird, provided that it by no means runs counter to the aims of the Wild Birds Directive of 1979.
This document is not just a set of guidelines for the European Commission, the Council and Member States, but also a very strong, clear message for the European Union's neighbours, partners and other countries, where human rights are not sufficiently respected and defended.
Historically-oriented policy is not, however, the only reason for Europe's involvement in development-related problems.
I believe that in this sense, the European External Action Service and the other European institutions need to impose more severe sanctions in order to ensure compliance with the international agreements to which Uganda is a signatory.
The Lisbon Treaty was agreed precisely to increase the European dimension; to reinforce the powers of the European Parliament; to make it easier to take decisions by qualified majority voting; and to reinforce the role of the Commission in economic surveillance and external affairs.
Today, thinking about neighbouring countries, it would be more appropriate to say that low fences or no fences are better.
While I approve the report, however, I think the European Ombudsman himself and the work he does should be more widely publicised, especially in the Member States where he is not immediately recognisable.
In addition, shipowners suffer serious economic damage that their insurance does not always cover, because the circumstances are extraordinary and tend not to be covered by insurance policies.
This programme has been very successful since the start, as in its first year of operation alone, over 20 000 students carried out a work placement abroad and over 15 000 enterprises have participated in this effort.
The world's religions do not encourage violent attacks.
I think that the simplest thing is the G8, which is indispensable - with the Russians, naturally - to which we should add the G5, which is also indispensable and which would allow China and India, in particular, to be involved in this essential debate.
This rhetorical question was put by the United States at the start of December.
I totally agree with finding viable solutions for enhancing our citizens' security.
Membership of political groups: see Minutes
I think that developing countries must offer assistance in the battle against poverty by generating revenue through international trade.
in writing. - Council Directive 80/720/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the States relating to the operating space, access to the driving position and the doors and windows of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors has been substantially amended.
The next item is the report by Lutz Goepel, on behalf of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, on the CAP 'Health Check'.
Finally, but without forgetting other important aspects - such as the rejection of the creation of a supranational electoral body or the fact that the fewer Members Portugal has, the less they will represent the political plurality existing in our country - we reiterate that a fair solution at institutional level must without question respect the principle of cooperation between sovereign states with equal rights.
Let me make it clear that I condemn terrorism in all its forms.
The ever more precarious nature of working life, the increasing income inequality and also growing poverty - which many speakers have talked about today - must finally be brought to an end with the EU 2020 strategy.
Seven leading figures in the Bahá'í religious community were taken into custody in May 2008.
in writing. - I voted in favour of this report relating to recovery plan changes within the framework of the North Atlantic Fisheries Organisation.
At a time of great disaster, those in power should feel not only a sense of grief, but also a sense of responsibility.
This will help drive down costs for consumers and boost business for small and medium enterprises.
in writing. - (PT) I voted in favour of Anne Ferreira's report on the Green Paper on market-based instruments for environmental and related policy purposes because I agree that the use of these instruments is essential for the pursuit of feasible and effective environmental policies.
I would like to highlight several issues.
I would therefore urge you to vote against amendments that weaken the text.
That is what I would suggest.
I would like to join my colleagues who have welcomed the progress made by Turkey so far, but also to recognise that a number of hindrances remain on Turkey's road to accession: freedom of expression and the rights of the Kurdish minority, described by colleagues, are examples.
Ecological taxation in Member States is very varied.
In practice, however, small and medium-sized enterprises find themselves unable to access capital as a result of the provisions of Basel II, and now Basel III.
Why is it, therefore, that we are still talking about the reversed qualified majority?
To enable this, a suitable legal solution will need to be found, as was the case in previous instances, for example, the 'mad cow' and dioxin affairs.
The European Parliament and the Council worked hard to achieve a rapid adoption of this citizen-friendly regulation at first reading.
It is also pleasing that Amendment 1 was rejected and the original text retained, i.e. that we should begin internalising the external costs for road traffic.
This communication was actually requested by the Environment Council in its conclusions dated 15 March this year. So, needless to say, we have had a very short time, but we think it is an important debate; afterwards, there will, of course, be a lot of details that we have to look at more closely.
As a result, I would like to take this opportunity to express my disappointment and to make my objections known.
The policy of the EU, to punish Belarus and the Belarusians for the actions of their regime, did not achieve the envisaged results.
To equate one with the other undermines the argument of the singularity of the national socialist crime of the annihilation of Jews in Europe, the recognition of which has, to date, been the subject of broad democratic consensus.
Transitionally, on the way - yes, that is right - to a full withdrawal of involvement.
We also think that the number of own-initiative inquiries should be somewhat higher.
If the situation were not so dreadful, it would be amusing to wonder how such a fruit can be obtained from such origins.
This is a recurring issue.
Topics such as the Sustainable Development Strategy, the European Immigration Pact, Europe of Defence and the reform in the Common Agricultural Policy are crucial for Europe.
I hope the European Council will confirm the Commission's decision and the call included in this resolution, and will give the green light for negotiations with FYROM in the near future without further delay.
The navigable waterway made up of the Rhine, Main Channel and the Danube shortens the distance between the Northwestern and Southeastern Europe by 4 000 km.
It should enable people undergoing training to choose their own career paths.
Furthermore, cumbersome national procedures still in force will be abolished, in order to enable transport firms to make the best use of the possibilities of cabotage.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (FR) Madam President, the European Commission has put forward a good proposal.
They have a right to organise, agitate and campaign to improve their lot at work.
How can this be achieved?
We will once again remind Russia of its commitments as a member of the Council of Europe and the OSCE, particularly regarding freedom of the press and the events unfolding in Ingushetia, for instance, as well as other human rights issues.
In this area above all others there is a need for every policy to be democratically debated, legitimised and checked.
Congratulations on your report.
When I first heard of this report, I wondered how it would work logistically.
Today, unfair competition from Asia has turned it into a ghost town, because business in Prato has been utterly devastated.
The failure of some of these murky operators would accelerate the crisis in the deregulated sector.
This is the framework in which the Commission could take steps to obtain the restoration of the visa-free travel by the third country, or if that is not achievable, to propose retaliatory measures on the temporary restoration of the visa requirement for nationals of that third country.
Naturally, I support the Swedish position on the issue - namely that the decision on abortion is ultimately a decision for the woman concerned, not a matter for the legislators.
I want to be clear that, in putting forward proposals on biofuels, we have also fully respected the other side of the mandate: the need for environmental sustainability.
This issue was also discussed earlier today.
The Chinese government has asked for the basic equipment they need during the rescue operations.
I convened and chaired a meeting of the heads of state and government of the eurozone countries and presented to them a draft statement which, after being amended, was accepted unanimously.
I believe, after this difference of opinion that we had, it is now high time to return to a joint position that signifies support for Israel, but at the same time also support for the peace process, for the Palestinians' right to exist.
The Commission will continue to have the main responsibility for matters relating to trade, aid and enlargement, even though it still remains to be established exactly where the dividing line between the Commission and the External Action Service is to go with regard to aid.
Thus, in view of the possibility that the Commission may submit amending budgets in the case of 'unavoidable, exceptional or unforeseen circumstances', which include the earthquake in Italy, I voted in favour of this report on the amendment to the European Union budget, so that the residents of the affected region will see the damage caused by the earthquake repaired more quickly, and a swift return to normal living conditions effected through the mobilisation of EUR 493.78 million from the EU Solidarity Fund.
The progress is evident.
The financial action on the part of the Union concerning implementation of the EU's common fisheries policy and the Law of the Sea gives us the economic means to implement the common fisheries policy with funding targeted at those areas in need of development and coordination regarding the Law of the Sea.
However, if her accession course is to proceed unhindered, she must do as previous accession countries have done and comply with its treaty obligations to the EU as a whole.
It is time the Commission woke up to this.
Mr President, I would like to take the opportunity to offer some friendly advice, because many Irish voters are impatient with the Treaty debate.
We must hold joint debates on this increasingly dramatic divergence.
The second and more important reason why it should be revised is that such disproportionate numbers often directly threaten the humanitarian principles and the obligation to treat people arriving at our borders in search of protection with dignity.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I have heard the Minister describe CITES as an effective instrument and the Commission describe it as an appropriate instrument.
However, as a group we regret that we had to carry out this work under massive time pressure.
The Lisbon Treaty gives Parliament a new role, and I would like the Commission to act upon it.
I am therefore now in favour of rejecting the submitted texts, as proposed by Mr Coelho, and I congratulate him on a fine report.
Resources for culture are often scattered across a host of projects.
Promoting the mobility of young people requires practical barriers to be overcome.
I think it has been a good process, as you have accepted several of our positions, although I must say that obviously, if the report were written by the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance, it would be different, but that is the way things go in Parliament.
This means improving the general conditions for getting our cultural heritage online as an integral part of the digital libraries initiatives, and the need for Member States to intensify their digitalisation efforts.
I voted on today's amendment to show solidarity with the farming community at a time of crisis.
I welcome the recognition by NATO Heads of State and Government of the important contribution the European Union brings to security and stability.
Subject: Financial crisis and the Stability Pact
My view is that we should leave it to the Member States to come up with more detailed definitions at national level and not spell everything out in Brussels, and this goes for personal data protection too.
My own experience of witnessing contractors' attempts to inject dirty water under the ground to satisfy EU rules tells me what problems lie ahead.
These are horrific statistics and it makes the issue of how we produce sufficient food and give people access to that food a key issue.
However, this does not do enough to reassure us about the worrying situation in terms of cereal stocks and the rising price of cereals on the world market.
The industry is a model, I believe, of the way a sector can transform itself, as I saw for myself on my recent visit to Jaguar Land Rover in Castle Bromwich, where I was really impressed by the forward thinking of trade unions and their partnership with management to ensure continued research and development into green vehicles.
Portugal does not have a problem regarding the sustainability of its public accounts or the insolvency of its national banks.
Secondly, we should then develop a strategy with the Roma which must, however, comprise two parts.
We have to improve public demand for culturally diverse audiovisual content, which will be very important, so we have to get the youth, the young public most of all, to see European films.
And yet, economic migration also concerns many EU Member States, especially those which acceded more recently.
Social tourism boosts the number of European tourists and helps counter the seasonal nature of tourism, reinforce the idea of European citizenship, as well as foster regional development.
This will enable the EU's specialist service, Eurostat, to compile European statistics for every mode of transport in compliance with EU standards.
The Single Market will remain competitive if all social rights are respected.
The total amount of direct payments in European Union Member States reflects their agricultural production and the average level of aid over an historical period.
Typical examples of these include cumbersome approval processes for medical equipment and certain food products, and lack of convergence with internationally recognised standards for car parts and components.
With regard to this framework programme, if we do not aim for excellence, we will lose the competitive edge that we need to have in the future.
Instead, we have opted for the path of complete inflexibility, with immediately claimable compensatory rest time, which puts employers of seasonal workers, for instance, in a completely untenable position.
I would like us also to revise our policy, which, up until now, has consisted in not recognising the efforts of the people of the Republic of Somaliland, who have built a free and democratic Muslim state in the region, but one which we treat as if it did not exist.
I would like to invite you all to cocktails on 12 January 2010, to mark the new year and the beginning of the Treaty of Lisbon, which is so important for us.
Today, Kabul is a huge entrenched camp.
This agreement provides for the return of the bodies of Hezbollah fighters and the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the return of the bodies of the Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, captured in 2006.
All of this is thanks to the fact that we are approving something that could be called a charter of fundamental rights for the railway passenger, i.e. basic passenger rights.
First of all, the litany of cutting off appropriations: in the draft budget, the Council of Ministers cuts off the appropriations in the preliminary draft budget.
(RO) I wish to welcome the conclusions of the European Council meeting held on 25 and 26 March 2010, which clearly stipulate for the first time as a European Union objective a 20% increase in energy efficiency.
We also deeply regret the fact that the important historical parity on this issue that existed between the UK, France and Italy has been abandoned.
With regard to amending budget No 6, both arms of the budgetary authority are now, I hope, in a position to approve the amending budget without amendment.
We have lost, and are still losing, or at least eroding, values such as work, discipline, self-reliance, that is to say all those values which go towards creating a good citizen when these people reach adulthood.
A visa-free regime brings about the realisation of one of the main fundamental rights in Europe - freedom of movement through all Member States.
If we really want a democratic, stable and peaceful Turkey, we should at least not close the door to membership in its face.
We have before us a week of decisions that will be crucial for Europe.
, in writing. - The 'European Cities Guide' and similar outfits are fraudulent operations which specifically target SMEs.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to reply to the fellow Member who said that there are many other urgent issues to be dealt with and so on, simply by stating the fact that, in contrast to many other issues which are quite clearly worthy of our interest, this is an urgent issue that involves not only a country outside the European Union, but one within it, and we are also referring to citizens who have been killed or disabled and who are European citizens.
I believe that in the first days of the Czech Presidency, the Czech government has been confronted with a test of unprecedented magnitude and that it has passed this test with flying colours.
What has been placed on the table so far cannot be taken seriously.
I would be more careful when using the word 'historical', because I think we depreciate the concept if we use it too often.
The absence of the Council is noted and is unfortunate.
2007 has, I believe, been an important year for the Community harmonisation of private international law in the field of civil and commercial obligations.
The efforts of all involved in this great institution need to be duly recognised and lauded.
I was also asked a question as to what will happen if the flow of refugees comes in this direction.
Today, it is Muslim public opinion, which extends far beyond the geography of the Arab states.
Cantonese and Shanghainese are also to be replaced by Mandarin throughout the education system and even on the radio, this despite the fact that the government claims that Mandarin is only spoken by half of the Chinese population.
If we are ambitious enough to say that we must accept the climate package as it is one minute and that we will bow down before the German car industry lobby the next, then we have lost, because everyone will come and say: 'do not forget about us'.
It is a long one, so I am not going to read it out.
Just look at what has happened with the Frontex budget: it has gone from EUR 6 million in 2005 to EUR 78 or 83 million in 2010.
I should like to express through this short point of order both my admiration for the great musician Beethoven and my disapproval of the fact that we are regularly subjected to a European anthem which has disappeared into ...
Even though there is a trend towards non-smoking in Europe, to exploit this trend to adopt excessive rules and to ride the wave of public approval is bad form, in my opinion.
Without your total dedication to this cause, it would not have come to this apparently happy ending.
We really have created a masterpiece at first reading.
Thirdly, there is the whole question of Cuba and Zimbabwe.
The lack of responsibility.
Communication between Member States and the Commission is a vital part of monitoring and controlling disease outbreaks.
Activists from the left-wing movement 'Kazakhstan 2012' are being harassed and jailed.
In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, it seems logical to me that, when identifying intermediate LFAs, the Member States be allowed to take into account not only biophysical criteria but also others, such as being an island or an outermost region.
Journalists were arrested and persecuted.
Then we shall need the corresponding legislative initiatives to consolidate the process.
But I think that, as long as the consumer is aware of many of the pitfalls, that is what codes of conduct or any type of consumer protection should do.
Explanations of vote
Obviously, it is the patients who must come to us.
Generally - with only a few exceptions, to judge by the audits that we have already seen - we can say that the institutions at issue are using the funds made available to them properly and meeting the objectives proposed for them.
Mr President, what Mr Rack has just proposed is an interesting idea.
In your view, is it also necessary to draw up an action programme for the Member States to deal with some of the tasks identified by the European Parliament?
However, it said that it would do this to help the US Administration, and therein lies the problem.
This is an unacceptable situation.
(FR) I shall be quite brief.
on behalf of the S&D Group. - (SV) Madam President, firstly, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mrs Balzani.
Setting the conditions for the functioning of the European citizens' initiative was a complex process of negotiation and compromise and involved many debates in the European Parliament, the Commission and the Council.
(IT) I voted in favour of the Ashworth report because I believe that simplifying and reducing bureaucratic procedures relating to the CAP, the common agricultural policy, is not only desirable, but necessary so that European farmers can take full advantage of its benefits, and not, as so often happens, encounter administrative difficulties and delays.
Member States will have some flexibility in choosing what information is required in each country, but I am glad to say that many of them are going for less data than originally planned.
I would also like to compliment Mr Toubon himself on the preparation of his report.
This report was adopted unanimously in the Committee on Fisheries.
The EU must also play a leading part in the implementation of the binding targets that it has set, with as united a front as possible.
However, I do not think that this directive will result in the development of health tourism in Europe.
Over the past months we have insisted on the importance of these elections for the country's European future. The country has responded positively to our message, thus confirming its willingness to move forward in its accession process.
Other countries may one day be forced to apply for such loans.
Hence, the importance of this resolution which insists on the need for the European Union to adopt other indicators in addition to GDP in order to take better account of, among other things, climate change, biodiversity or even social integration, these being major political challenges that are close to my heart.
With regard to market measures - a point mentioned by Mrs Fraga - I would like to state that there are various measures which we are proposing: increasing fishermen's bargaining position vis-à-vis the processing industry and distributors by joining forces with larger POs or local marketing associations; establishing a price monitoring system to better understand the factors determining market prices; improving predictability of sourcing for EU-origin products for the industry; promoting quality initiatives like labelling and better handling and processing; promoting information to consumers; health and nutrition; responsible fishing; market audit assessment; developing tools to analyse the value chain and prices; and verifying the correct implementation of the monitoring of labelling measures and IUU.
The first objective should be to equip the Union with more far-reaching and more effective economic governance, which calls for greater financial autonomy.
However, as I said, as yet, no such information has been submitted to us by the German authorities.
We need a toy TÜV - and that must be as self-evident as the TÜV we have for cars.
This would add an important new economic dimension to the east-west water transport corridor and allow for making some of the bigger Danube tributaries navigable.
The EU is expanding and is increasing in strength.
It is intended to increase the competitiveness and profits of the multinationals, to increase the exploitation of rural manpower, to concentrate land ownership even further and to control production.
Public and legal debate on documents increases the legitimacy of the institutions and bolsters public confidence in them.
Because the Belfast Agreement by law stipulates that all parties must be in government if there is to be a government.
Remember that the European Union sold the 2004/2005 intervention stocks at an enormous profit.
However, as part of the implementation of the 2012 budget too, we will want savings using the principles of good management, economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
(FR) Mr President, President of the European Investment Bank, in the EIB's 2008 report, Parliament insisted that the bank's external activities comply with the general objectives of the European Union.
This issue will be our first opportunity to show that the Council and Parliament are willing to take on their role as colegislators.
We do not want this!
This initial phase is not about expanding the list of hazardous substances.
Zimbabwe was obviously on the agenda.
We shall have to see and, no doubt, list the situations in which such a fundamental rights violation specifically requires these infringement proceedings.
These must be met by each individual Member to the best of his or her knowledge and belief.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to raise two points of order and I would like to be able to raise them one after another.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I can help you out here and even point out to the President what he himself decided.
That is the reality for tens of millions of European citizens.
I believe that we should not deal with renewable sources in isolation.
Nonetheless, any policy pursued in this area will simply be window-dressing unless it takes, as its starting point, the basic premise that these fundamental rights are indivisible.
Let us not forget that the vast majority of companies have people with that in mind and they are deeply frustrated by the fact that, in many cases, they have to redesign products or reapply for mutual recognition as it stands at the moment - that is a major step forward.
In Ghana, where illegal logging has reduced the rainforest by up to 25% of its original size in under 50 years, the agreement will help to secure the future of its timber industry - its fourth most profitable industry.
It should demonstrate clear European commitment to considering a fully fledged political and operational strategy that would, in addressing Roma issues, go beyond obvious human rights perspectives, fundamental as they are, towards real economic and social inclusion.
The European Union can help there.
In the last few years, however, new inactivated vaccines have become available.
I am glad that we heard about the continuity with 2008 since our aim is to develop, on the basis of cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, another dimension of the cultural agenda, and that is the creative industry.
Of course, US leadership on this issue is welcome.
I would like us to take this knowledge with us to the next round of negotiations next year and I would like us to avoid changing that strategy.
We must have a cease-fire immediately.
I would like to ask whether the Commission intends to use the warnings under Article 121 of the Treaty of Lisbon if a Member State does not comply or even want to comply with the ideas of the 2020 Strategy.
Sub-Saharan Africa receives more international aid than any other region in the world yet poverty levels remain stubbornly high.
A similar private storage scheme was also adopted in the Republic of Ireland.
I propose in that regard that, where some increase in payments is inevitable, it is offset by significantly lower appropriations.
These measures for ensuring prevention and detection of fraud have no implication in the delivery of vital treatment to the patient but, at the same time, understand that we need to have in place new, strengthened control mechanisms very fast, because as time passes, indefinitely holding on to payments is not the best option.
It is also forcing us to deal with social inequalities in the European Union.
I also believe that Parliament should send as many election observers as possible, despite the fact that these are local elections, because the elections could represent the beginning of a new political climate in Albania.
We can therefore say in good faith that we will not succeed in achieving the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy unless we support small and medium-sized enterprises and unless we make it easier for them to make full use of the single market.
However, at the political level, we are also discussing a more ambitious target and we know that, in this regard, the sectors covered by the Emissions Trading System (ETS), and energy in particular, would bear the brunt.
One of the issues of importance you have raised today is how we will proceed with the Green Paper, which will be adopted by the Commission in September.
However, there are still long waiting lists for transplants.
Enhanced cooperation with the countries of origin and transit is fundamental and the dialogue with third countries should be intensified in areas such as legal immigration, migration and development, capacity building and the repatriation of people who have no need of protection.
(RO) I, too, wish to welcome the Commission's intention to support the Republic of Moldova.
We are already aware of the harmful effects of certain chemical substances on groundwater and rivers.
Assisting developing countries in setting up fair and effective tax systems is another issue to be strengthened.
Pollution of the area around airports would be greatly reduced if millions of passengers used the train or metro system to reach the airport instead of cars.
I believe this is unacceptable in the age of modern technology.
In March, we discussed here the situation in Cuba.
In this respect, I believe that there are numerous challenges to be overcome, especially with regard to law enforcement, the fight against corruption and organised crime, protection for the Serbs and other minorities, reconciliation between communities and the implementation of economic and social reforms.
Indeed, the country's development problems are far from over.
This is the 21st century and women long ago stopped being satisfied with the role of housewife and child-carer.
The Commission for Petitions regrets the fact that Directive 2006/114/EC on misleading and comparative advertising, which is applicable to business-to-business transactions, seems either to fall short of providing effective counter-measures or to be insufficiently implemented by Member States.
It is, after all, unacceptable for one country to be stricter than another.
We will emphasise the need for further reforms in the Russian electricity and gas sector with a view to establishing a level playing field.
However, what I do not understand is why some people have still not opened their eyes to this topic, even after Fukushima.
My explanation is that the UK Independence Party supports the return of the grants system for the UK, and I would like to point out that it is our membership of the EU that caused it to be abolished in England and Wales in the first place.
This makes it obvious how important the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is.
The Council took note of the information, and took on board the information we obtained from colleagues from countries where the process of ratification of the Lisbon Reform Treaty had not yet been completed, in order to continue the process.
Its effects can be seen more clearly in Poland than anywhere else.
As a result of these studies, and bearing in mind the four-year revision clause, at some point the necessary changes should be introduced through a codecision procedure, without forgetting that it is important to consult the European Data Protection Supervisor, a rule which was unfortunately not taken into account when drafting this proposal.
Madam President, in the last 12 months the majority of dairy farmers in Ireland and across the European Union have been selling their milk for less than the cost of production.
I would simply like to say one thing: in our country, we are seeing a rise in extremism, and this is doubtless because one part of the political class considers mandates and posts to be at its disposal.
(DE) Madam President, there are four issues I would like to address very briefly.
3) In relation to fees review
We want people who want to come to use and develop their skills from a wide variety of countries - India, New Zealand, Ghana, China, wherever - and that is why we will not be supporting Amendment 84, nor indeed Amendment 24, which talks about granting Blue Cards only to those highly qualified migrants from countries with which we have previously concluded partnerships.
It forms a solid basis for further development.
I am responsible for new technology and I really believe that the majority of actions through new technology are positive ones.
Surely we can vote on the oral amendments?
Just as elsewhere in the region, the EU and the High Representative herself have condemned the violence in Bahrain outright and called on the authorities and all forces present to respect fully human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as international humanitarian standards.
In the field of energy policy, Commissioner Piebalgs will shortly present proposals to build a single European energy market.
Whenever we start a project, there are ex ante controls and there are ex post controls afterwards.
Yesterday, I spoke with the Kazakh Foreign Minister Saudabayev, who today is visiting Bishkek as Chair-in-Office of the OSCE, and who has literally just sent me a message to say that he has completed his tasks.
Here today, I am a bit dubious as well.
My thanks go to the Committee on Transport and Tourism, and in particular to Ms Ţicău.
As the rapporteur has spoken out in favour of increased supervision and assessment of internal market policies, I have not voted for the report.
Our priority is to set up a new global financial architecture with more stability, more supervision and, above all, more transparency.
I think that the outcomes really do stand up to scrutiny.
Conflicts and wars to gain areas still suitable to live in as well as those providing water and food should be prevented before it is too late.
He merely told us that the Commission is closely monitoring and closely following developments, and then said that hedge funds and private equity also have much positive influence, and that we should reflect on that.
The Commission will support their work as required.
That is absolutely essential to the opinion that we have delivered.
My second point is to remind you that the European Parliament insists on the importance of the European Commission supporting development and civil society projects in favour of the Tibetan population in Tibet and of Tibetan refugees in exile - in India, Nepal, Bhutan - in economic and social fields such as health and nutrition, livelihoods and education, access to jobs, gender issues, the environment and the revitalisation of settlements.
It is about benefiting citizens and businesses by simplifying and improving the regulatory environment in Europe.
Parliament later rectified this in its own version, which is a good thing.
The management policy based on TACs and quotas must leave room for effort-based management.
The report has also been successful in reducing unnecessary burdens on business that were found within the Commission's proposal.
But it would certainly serve as a very good instrument and good indicator that those who register are prepared to respect the rules and be transparent, that they have nothing to hide and - this should be the key indicator for all of us - that they should be real partners to work with us and exchange information with us and that they have trust in our future communication.
The time has come to end the Strasbourg farce, to ensure Parliament operates only in Brussels and make a real contribution to saving public money for better reasons to spend it on.
So, one of the Commission's priorities is to bring the benefits of the internal market closer to our European consumers and I am grateful for the support of the Parliament in this endeavour.
This is an abdication of responsibility and an open invitation to unscrupulous employers to constantly search for new forms of 'false' self-employment to avoid the law.
After having partially dismantled the intervention tools, we have neither the right nor the legitimacy to dismantle today the production tools that we will need in the short term.
The time has come to stop observing the poverty and the difficulties of our fellow citizens and to take concrete action instead.
Let us keep that.
We believe that there ought to be an open debate on this issue and that this Parliament should at least be informed about what is going on.
This approach is exemplary and I am pleased that we were able to agree on it.
This is a first step and I would like to think that many of our proposals will be adopted by the Commission as well.
They must know if the meat they eat has been fed on GMs.
I mention this because drawing up framework regulations containing minimum measures which are then followed by different laws for individual areas is, together with an increasing tendency to turn to comitology, one of the options the Commission is prepared to take if faced with the prospect of a codecision procedure on fisheries, as the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries itself freely admits in the Green Paper on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.
I think that a single tax should be created for micro-entities, which already exists in some states.
It will need to work in close cooperation with its main partners at EU level and, in particular, with you, the European Parliament and the FEMM Committee.
We will only be able to utilise the potential of new technologies in combating cross-border crime and make the judicial system more accessible to citizens on civil and commercial matters when these prerequisites are in place.
I would also like to condemn the repressions and acts of violence committed by the security services and directed at the demonstrators.
This is a more European solution, and one that is better for the internal market.
We want to remind the Yemeni Government of its international commitments regarding the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The compromise solution, albeit not perfect, means that EU funds for 2007 that have not been absorbed by programmes that have been slow to start up will, exceptionally, benefit from an extended deadline before being decommitted.
In practice, it will be the entire judicial and penal systems of the Member States that will disappear in the face of this forced harmonisation - downwards harmonisation, that is.
The law of scarce resources will eventually induce even the United States and China to save energy and avoid CO2 emissions.
There are at least two reasons.
It would be far more logical to adopt a directive on tractors enshrining general requirements and safeguards.
But there is another aspect that concerns me as well.
This report does not just encourage greater involvement of the EU in Iraq.
Mr President, if the European Union were a car, this Treaty would be about tuning that vehicle.
(ES) Madam President, competitiveness is important, but it cannot be the only criterion.
Following up on our commitment in the Roadmap for Gender Equality, in 2005 and 2006 we launched a consultation with social partners on reconciliation policies.
With more than 13 million poor people benefiting from the programme, with 19 Member States participating and with the scheme being a stable outlet for intervention products, this programme has certainly shown its value.
From an economic point of view, it is far better and three times cheaper to build an overland pipeline, rather than one on the seabed.
(PL) Mr President, I will say it again: 100 000 cancelled flights, 10 million passengers who did not reach their destination, EUR 2 billion of losses to the airlines.
Well, that is right, but it is not enough.
Most countries have opened up their markets; but a few continue with their decades-old protectionism policy, whilst they take over the markets of others at the same time.
Regarding consumers, I believe that I have argued in every speech I have made over the months, and in my report too, for transparency and help for consumers, naturally without forgetting operators, who also have their merits.
Innovative goods and services need to be adopted, which will target both the private and the public sector, so as to facilitate the implementation of administrative procedures, strengthen the public administration and reduce bureaucracy and the inflexibility of the public sector.
I would like to point out that the tardiness of the Commission also increases the risk that the Czech Republic will delay ratification of agreements between the Union and Canada.
So grave is the threat that it will cancel out all progress towards the goal of halving world poverty by 2015.
The first condition ensuring that the young people of today become Europe's citizens of tomorrow is for them to get to know one another.
We must also put an end to sex tourism.
The EU must realise that its smallest state cannot continue to absorb the vast number of immigrants seeking refuge and asylum.
The European Union is aware of the seriousness of the crisis in Chad and its regional dimension, which I have mentioned before.
(LT) Today the principal message the European Parliament sends to the Nigerian Federal and State governments is to immediately halt executions, to declare a moratorium on the death penalty and to abolish the death penalty altogether.
As recent cases such as Microsoft and Intel have shown, the Commission will take enforcement action to ensure that competition on the merits allows, where necessary, consumers to choose between different alternatives and therefore benefit from technical developments and innovations.
It is not just a matter of instructing Baroness Ashton to speak out against the human rights abuses in China at every opportunity.
That is why the Commission decided to present an EU framework to enable the Member States to take action commensurate with the challenge they have to overcome.
(FR) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, in many respects, it is essential that we vote in favour, tomorrow, of amending the European Refugee Fund, and it is on this subject that I will focus my speech, at the same time as congratulating Mr Coelho and Mr Tavares on their deliberations and their work.
Thank you very much.
author. - (NL) Mr President, this Parliament is rightly paying great attention to what is going on in the former Belgian colony of the Democratic Republic of Congo and in particular to the continued fighting, forcible displacement, rape and mass assassination in the east of that vast country.
This statement bears testimony to the potential for misuse of the arrest warrant by the judiciary.
As regards the Structural Funds, the situation is as follows: What is important is not only the level of resources for a particular purpose within the Structural Funds, but also the quality of application of those resources.
Mr President, this is an important amendment on which I ask for the attention of the House, because our own people and the citizens of the EU are endangered by some activities.
We all agree with the report and appreciate and value what Mr De Rossa, who has our full support, has done.
Certain smart phone and device service providers trap consumers and have organised the market in such a way that they completely control users' experience in terms of their access to software, navigating programmes and applications.
At the same time I would like to draw colleagues' attention to some important amendments which did not feature in the previous version of the report.
Otherwise, if the situation persists after 2013, it will constitute de facto tolerance of two common agricultural policies on the territory of the EU.
I should like a clarification in this regard.
The answer to this scourge must be twofold.
Unfortunately, millions of euros of aid from the EU is continuing to disappear as a result of corruption.
The agreement with Guinea is a good example of where Parliament voted against the agreement, and this points towards the route we should take in the future.
For all these reasons, we in the European Union must have a strong role in this region, as this was once a region where, for once, it was not us Europeans who were spearheading misguided developments, but others.
Do you think it is acceptable that the Union has Member States where there is no constitutional court, or where there is one, but its powers are weak?
This is the first EU budget that has been voted upon in accordance with the rules of the Treaty of Lisbon at the very first reading.
For the fourth year in a row, the government in Ankara has failed to implement the additional protocol to the association agreement, but, via its ambassadors, it is calling on the major EU Member States to resolve the Cyprus question.
I would first like to say to you that, in all conscience, I cannot allow it to be said that FRONTEX is the symbol of a fortress Europe which is closed to all those who need protection or who aspire to come to Europe.
In order to ensure consistency and fairness in resolving differences between authorities or between the different financial sectors we need to abandon unilateralism and progress towards a genuinely operational European system.
What action?
The main problem areas are the failure to comply with the scope of the directive, delays in creating points of single contact, shortcomings in administrative cooperation and differences in mutual assessment.
Are they afraid of shouldering the responsibility for creating equal opportunities for people with disabilities?
Firstly, the European Union must support and facilitate the processes of democratic change.
My group wanted to underline the importance of establishing clear conditions, achievable objectives and adequate reference parameters when the sanctions are applied.
The vote will take place shortly.
I would like the changes to the Schengen Code not to be used as a pretext for limiting the freedom of movement of citizens of the European Union's Member States.
I fully applaud initiatives such as the Black Sea Synergy and Eastern Partnership which consolidate cooperation with the countries in the region, especially the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, as well as states from the Caucasus and the Caspian Region.
I have been concerned about climate change throughout my 10year career as an MEP.
The decentralisation of government brings increased responsibility to regional and local authorities.
Thank you.
The Commission is planning to create a legal framework next year for fund mergers.
For example, if we look at many of the new Member States of the European Union, including my own country - the Czech Republic - we see continuous attacks on everything left of centre, on everything leftist.
(SK) Madam President, I fully agree with the demand for the assessment of the impact of all relevant bills on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to be performed systematically both at a national and at a European level, because these businesses are the real backbone of the European economy and, as such, provide more than 100 million jobs.
This document forms the foundation of our EU asylum regulations.
Some of you have again raised the issue of the possible excessive inflow of patients from other Member States, and of how the receiving health system would be protected.
These will be delivered by research and innovation in energy technologies.
What we are doing here is creating a first instrument that will allow the citizens to make their voices heard in Brussels.
10.
Let us talk about specific progress.
However, we have reservations about certain aspects of the proposal where the rapporteur seems to have lost a sense of proportion.
We need to find the answers.
In order to achieve this, the EU must support Egypt in tackling the economic and social difficulties that it is experiencing, with a view to a lasting democratisation process that involves all of civil society.
That is clearly the case.
The application meets all of the eligibility criteria set out in the EGF Regulation, which is why I voted in favour of the mobilisation of the fund.
If I remember correctly, both organisations were founded in 1975.
In the Committee on Budgetary Control the annual procedure is now underway - that is, we are consulting the relevant commissioners and thoroughly reviewing the documents that are now available to us.
We will only be able to find a solution through a common effort, by carrying out collective awareness raising and supporting and assisting the victims and, above all, by fighting the root causes of this phenomenon so as to help those countries involved to develop suitable legislation to combat all forms of slavery.
But migration will be manageable only when we manage the despair that leads so many to risk so much to come here.
Although some truly positive elements can be found in this text, it would be totally unacceptable for the mechanism of old-age insurance to be considered through the prism of budgetary constraints, with capital-based pensions encouraged as a result.
(Uproar)
(DE) Mr President, I would suggest that our fellow Members from the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe raise their legitimate objections during the negotiations intended for that purpose.
in writing. - (NL) Europe and pensions, now that is a sensitive issue.
Thursday
So far so good, but the reality is often quite different.
The EU Member States that would have to contribute warships to the 'EU naval force' are already contributing to the NATO response.
(Loud applause)
When does the Commission intend to organise a European Year against Violence against Women?
It is also very important to guarantee full transparency in connection with, and a strong political commitment to, the implementation of the fast-start financing.
Foreign companies have benefited from this.
What purpose does it serve?
For my part, I do not wish to comment, as that is not my job.
We are willing to work with the US Administration to find ways to deal with the practical issues which will arise when Guantánamo is closed, such as the resettlement of prisoners in third countries.
through immigration policy, as these regions are particularly vulnerable to immigration and the influx of illegal immigrants is creating economic and social problems there that are far beyond the local capacity to overcome them;
No parliament in the world would accept a reduction in influence, particularly if there were no compelling practical reasons for it.
With regard to the Stability and Growth Pact, which has real sanction mechanisms, Parliament can do its work, because the package is here and we are going to revert to the Commission's initial proposals.
The text not only reflects the findings made by the rapporteur when he visited Bulgaria and Romania, but also expresses the European Parliament's desire to remain true to the spirit of Europe.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (GA) Mr President, in October last year, the world was witness to thousands of Buddhist monks and members of the public marching through the streets of Rangoon demanding freedom and reform from Burma's unjust and violent military regime.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (DE) Madam President, I too would like to start by expressing warm thanks to Mrs Oomen-Ruijten for the good cooperation, which was just as constructive this time as it was last autumn.
My proposal is to support the positions recalling both the Convention on, and the Declaration of, the Rights of the Child, and to delete paragraph 1, which is irrelevant at the present time and therefore inappropriate for Europe's highest House.
The vote will take place on Tuesday at 12 noon.
It is also working closely with the Commission and Parliament.
The Polledo report has been a failure.
We should, however, require courage from Pakistani politicians and, in particular, from the opposition, for example, the Pakistan Muslim League, which is blocking government reform of the code.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, since the trans-European transport network policy was established 15 years ago, it has contributed significantly to the functioning of the internal market and to economic, social and territorial cohesion.
Lapsed written declarations: see Minutes
The recipe of our political group is therefore to use all available international instruments rather than to create new ones.
I believe that all the EU Member States should adopt action plans of this kind.
But it is necessary to develop and maintain a long-term strategy and vision, accompanied by a thorough cost-benefit analysis.
On the subject of subcontracting - Article 9, which was the subject of discussion between Parliament and the Council and within the Council itself - your rapporteur would have like to extend liability to the whole contracting chain, as the Commission had originally proposed.
I think that the new proposal put forward by the European Commission in May 2007, which is intended to provide incentives for the withdrawal of almost 3.8 million tonnes of sugar from the EU market, will again fail to bring about the anticipated results.
This is the case for those who worked in the 49 enterprises in the furniture manufacturing sector, where redundant workers will be paid EUR 662 088 from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, as well as for those who worked in the 45 enterprises in the wearing apparel manufacturing sector, where the sum is EUR 523 481.
I tell you straight, Commissioner: I do not find the proposals that have been stated here adequate for resolving the problem confronting us.
That is why I voted as I did.
Member of the Commission. - We know the problem and have applied new regulations and implementing rules to these questions.
I also think that the EU budget should fulfil a role as the main mechanism for boosting and restoring growth and employment.
Smart growth, sustainable growth and inclusive growth are the priorities proposed in the new strategy, and they define where the EU wants to be by 2020.
Already at that time we decided that we must examine our relations with the southern neighbourhood.
A similar pillar of the Community legal system will be our accession to the European Convention on Human Rights, a process that is currently under way, but the system of human rights guarantees enshrined in the Member States' own legal systems will remain a similar pillar.
When we had our discussions with him, given that I have met with him on two occasions, he said that - actually we should not go into that discussion because I would certainly be biased and I do not have enough information - but he said that he had been obliged to respond to the provocation.
I am glad that the Commissioner for Agriculture is here to listen to me because maybe it is at a time of crisis that Europe can actually rise to the challenge.
Rules to ensure the long-term sustainability of our way of life.
When food aid is offered but not properly thought out, it can violate the primo non nocere principle: 'do not harm'.
It allowed the extrapolation from a major species to a minor species of the same family, ruminant to ruminant, fish to fish, chicken to other poultry.
To achieve this it is sometimes necessary to surpass oneself.
We must also ensure that part of the revenue collected is actually allocated to infrastructure and trans-European transport network projects as indicated.
Mr President, we also wish to expand on the arrangements for the association agreements - in which we must have faith and believe - with the Mercosur Customs Union, with the Andean Community and with Central America, so that they can b concluded as quickly as possible, and especially within this parliamentary term, to allow the House to issue its mandatory consent.
Mr President, I admit that I am both confused and also quite sad and disappointed.
This should be all-inclusive, in the sense that it should cover domestic violence and genital mutilation, but also some more insidious forms.
A necessary component of effective enforcement is that the courts may, as an interim measure, act swiftly to order disclosure and freezing of the debtor's assets.
These are measures that involve changes, but they are also a genuine, decisive stimulus for economic growth through job creation.
(PL) Mr President, we have spent most of our time discussing the crisis in Greece, and quite rightly so, for it is an enormous problem.
This report takes us in the right direction to confirm this conviction, while clearly expressing full respect for national competence over the quantitative aspects and flows of migrants.
The proposed penalty options will initially apply only to the countries of the euro area.
The number of complaints registered in 2008, considered inadmissible, is extremely high and is on the rise compared with previous years.
The recommendations contained in Mr Van Hecke's excellent report, which I fully endorse, certainly go in the right direction.
I think that we should have a very serious debate on this at some point in the future and that we should seek a common solution in this area, because this is a question of democracy.
Some in our Group say no to all this.
All this has sown instability and decline in Europe.
The European political establishment's handling of the Treaty of Lisbon will go down to posterity as a disgrace in two respects: firstly, with regard to the political process for pushing it through and, secondly, with regard to the actual purpose of the treaty and its content.
Finally, I would like to congratulate Mrs Laperrouze for her report and I hope that it will be supported by the vast majority of our fellow Members.
(Applause)
We therefore obviously need to reduce emissions from transport.
Secondly, in the last two years, less than 4 000 people have arrived on Italy's shores, thanks to bilateral agreements with Libya and Tunisia.
(DE) Mr President, before the vote, I would like to point out a problem which affects the vote and which may need to be discussed and resolved.
This proposal aims to codify Council Directive 87/404/EEC of 25 June 1987 on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to simple pressure vessels.
Moreover, 19 December saw the entry into force of the visa-free regime, in accordance with the Schengen system, for citizens of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
You could not say it more succinctly.
It also expands the application of sanctions and payment of fines to Member States that do not meet any of the requirements imposed on them.
In no case has the result of a vote been affected, as the majorities have not changed.
It has failed to actively engage and connect with the citizens.
The honourable Members will see that strong political commitment is being shown by the EU's institutions, and particularly by the Commission, to fundamental rights and freedom of information, of expression and of the media.
Just a few weeks ago here in this House, many of us pledged our solidarity with Greece.
However, I believe greater reflection would be advisable, as hasty standardisation could lead to more disruption and legal uncertainty than benefits.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner, ladies and gentlemen, I think that what the Commissioner said, namely that a military solution is not possible, needs to be reported on the front pages in Sri Lanka.
If you think I am wrong, prove me wrong: hold the referendums you promised, put the Treaty of Lisbon to the people.
Accordingly, we in Parliament still have work to do on this dossier, and I would like to take this opportunity to emphasise that point.
Economic and social development is dynamic in today's world, therefore statistical data should be presented in a more effective manner, so that decisions can be taken more quickly.
More attention must be given to initiatives such as the Bologna Process and the Comenius, Erasmus and Leonardo da Vinci programmes, which make it possible to study abroad and emphasise the importance of professional mobility in the future.
in writing. - We agree that children should be protected from sex predators, cyber bullying and other dangers on the internet.
It is of course open to discussion as to what classes of accidents are to be compulsorily investigated in accordance with the methodology adopted and as to how precisely the organisational independence of the investigative body is to be defined.
The perpetrators belong to a local militia and some local police officers were involved.
How can new ministers, such as the ministers for transport and for regional development, who have no European experience, cope successfully with the European agenda and preside over the European Council?
It is true that, at the end of a long night of negotiations, which lasted from 19:00 to 07:00, there was huge disappointment.
We, who have involuntarily spent the greater part of our lives witnessing how the free exchange of ideas is a basic precondition for a healthy democracy, believe that this precondition will be honoured and respected in the future as well.
It is the case that a failure of the euro could be extraordinarily costly for all of us in this globalised system, and I want to spell out that my country - which sometimes depicts itself as if it had to make major sacrifices - is the main beneficiary or joint main beneficiary of the euro.
A number of potato farmers have written to me recently because they have been very badly affected by the very high levels of rainfall in recent weeks as well.
Victory for the democratic forces, currently united in the Alliance for European Integration, guarantees the continuation of the progress made during the last year - progress towards democratic government, rights and human wellbeing.
I am advised that it has been ruled on and only certain amendments have been declared admissible, as is normal in any House.
The so-called secret detention and transportation programme by the United States or the alleged CIA use of European countries to transport and illegally detain prisoners has been, without a doubt, a source of concern for many Members of this House.
While principles such as free trade are sacrosanct, the economic interests of European workers, it seems, are dispensable.
The next item is the vote.
Thirdly, ACTA provides a balanced agreement, which replies to the four main concerns expressed by Members, for the following four reasons.
We certainly did not adopt our position in the face of the principle of the inviolability of human rights underlying the resolution, which we wholeheartedly subscribe to.
As such, it is a fundamental step that had to be taken and must be taken as rapidly as possible.
And we needed to complement it with greater inclusion of citizens in this process, through this instrument of participatory democracy.
It is important for consumers to be able to make their purchases in full knowledge of the facts, and for them not to purchase leather or fur inadvertently as is the case, in particular, when fur is used as trimming on cheap clothing.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am, of course, going to tell Mr Nassauer that he is quite correct.
I am confident that, once the new rules come into force, regulation of the feed market will be significantly improved, in the interests of both feed manufacturers and users.
The climate issue is not just hype, and I also note that, fortunately, it is enshrined in the EU 2020 strategy of the new Commission.
On the basis of this, the government was encouraged to explain its own reform plan or, if need be, complete it or go into more detail; to demonstrate the relevance, ambition and credibility of these reforms on the basis of three evaluation criteria, which then allowed the level of financial incentive for each country to be determined.
Surveillance of budgetary positions and surveillance and coordination of economic policies (
Let me start with Croatia.
The powers of comprehension on the part of the Finns should not be underestimated either, not even those of the supporters of the True Finns Party.
The report is also brimming with a great many other points with which I fundamentally disagree.
The next item is a brief presentation of the report by Mr Medina Ortega, on behalf of the Committee on Legal Affairs, on better lawmaking 2006 pursuant to Article 9 of the Protocol on the application of the principles of subsididarity and proportionality..
However, in my opinion, 'throughout Europe' does not necessarily mean 'from within Europe'.
Lobbyists who behave unethically must be publicly exposed and it must be possible for them to be barred.
Mrs Bozkurt mentioned the issue of hotlines and I think it is a good idea, though it is not so easy to achieve.
This was the first time that 115 Heads of State or Government met to discuss climate change.
I was intrigued just now to hear Mr Hannan from the Conservative Party suggesting this should be a matter of national discussion and democracy.
The role of permanent President is to enhance a shared sense of direction: nothing more, nothing less.
First of all, the Commission welcomes Parliament's support for a mixed approach to the review, consisting of a combination of horizontal instrument-regulating aspects which some different directives have in common, and maintaining specific aspects in sectoral directives.
(FR) Mr President, I would like to ask my fellow Members something.
However, I think that more must be invested in modernising the infrastructure for producing and transporting electrical energy.
It is important to stress that the presence of a nearby desert has no bearing on desertification.
I admit that the leakage is fuelling speculation and causing a deterioration in the conditions for a potential recovery in Greece.
The Commission knows this.
If we just take stock of the interim situation with regard to the three 20% targets that we have been set - CO2, renewable energies in the energy mix and greater energy efficiency: with regard to CO2 and renewable energies, we are making good progress, but where energy efficiency is concerned, we are just beginning.
It should be said that the negotiations currently under way between the leaders of the two communities on the island are positive and that a better atmosphere of trust has been established.
That is why the Commission can support the amendments put forward in Mrs Angelilli's report.
The next item is the report by Pier Antonio Panzeri, on behalf of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, on stepping up the fight against undeclared work.
in writing. - We recognise the different concerns of our various allies.
The earthquake region of Sichuan must be converted into an open-air laboratory where potential solutions can be tested out and the findings used for the reconstruction of that province.
However, during the negotiations, the European executive must strive to encourage an ambitious trade agreement, which will support fair trade and contain legally binding social and environmental protection elements.
This will create jobs and it will create consumption.
(PL) Madam President, there is no end to the murder of Christians; today in Iraq, Nigeria, Egypt and Afghanistan, yesterday in Sudan, India and Indonesia, and tomorrow, if they have not already been killed, if they have not already fallen victim to pogroms, violence, rape and aggression, they will have to live like pariahs, hiding their faith even in places where their cultural, political and economic roots are much older than the appearance of Islam on their homeland.
Will any of this be taken into consideration in your impact assessments?
We say 'yes' to the ecological restructuring of our economy and society; we are completely on your side here and will translate this into action.
It is also clear today that the same applies to the Commission and its President, who has demonstrated that he is not beholden to the Council or Parliament, but is working for European interests, contrary to the claims of the socialists and Mrs Ferreira.
Several speakers have stated that skills and the quality of education and vocational training have a decisive impact on the future position of both individuals and social groups and need to be constantly improved.
It does not matter whether we choose to call it intelligent, sustainable or inclusive, we are now in the grip of a crisis in Europe that will not come to an end tomorrow.
The aim is to prevent duplication and to ensure that all those responsible for delivering EU external policy work effectively together, and the Commission will also continue to have services responsible for trade, development policy, aid implementation, humanitarian aid and enlargement.
We hope that all this does not simply end up as another propaganda campaign and that agreement can be reached in the Council to make the necessary funds available so that it can effectively applied in all countries.
It is important that all the additional Members enter Parliament at the same time, in order for our institution to avoid accusations of functioning improperly.
In this connection I have a question, which the rapporteur also referred to, concerning the extent to which it is in the interests of the states involved in the programme for other Member States to be covered by the funding of the Seventh Framework Programme, when this funding remains unchanged.
The vote will take place tomorrow.
It is essential that the Council should accept the text that leaves the Chamber in full if it is compliant with the agreed amendments.
I would like to stress that my 'yes' vote for this report is not an expression of support for the common agricultural policy itself.
Therefore we need to act, and act immediately; and I am very pleased that the Commission has acted swiftly - and well - by taking some palliative measures, reducing the set-aside for 2008 to zero.
The common market should bring us greater competition and energy security, which is what our customers are eagerly awaiting in particular.
This also means that it contravenes our Rules of Procedure, which cannot be accepted under any circumstances.
One directive that affects that is the Electromagnetic Fields Directive and I know the Commission has been looking at this.
The debate is closed.
I voted in favour of this report in particular because it contributes to two essential points: improving the information available, which facilitates a more environmentally friendly choice of tyres, and the fact that, by making such a choice, we will be contributing to greater energy efficiency, given that tyres are responsible for 20 to 30% of the total energy use of vehicles.
We do not forget that in the Europe which teaches tolerance and democracy, acts of violence will never be acceptable.
In general Members from the big Member States have understood this, at least those in my group.
This is one of the assertions Russian diplomats love to make.
The Eastern Partnership and the Euronest Assembly are a good platform for such an engagement, and I feel that there is a new wind coming from Azerbaijan, a renewed wish for political dialogue.
The measures have not yet been implemented, however, and they, too, require high levels of investment and will make vehicles more expensive.
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, in times like these when we may talk about shifting traffic from road to railway but have been presented with a directive on costs that will probably not entirely achieve that, it is good to find a report that actually aims to strengthen a transport mode we regard as important, the train, to ensure that in future it will have the same rights and the same opportunities in many respects as the heavy goods vehicle.
Combating tax evasion (
This must play a key role not only in the forthcoming programming period, but also in every phase of devising and implementing the Europe 2020 strategy.
The Armenian genocide is a historical truth.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, there is no doubt that the inviolability of human rights is the real essence of all societies, which indeed gives rise to democratic values.
in writing. - (PT) Although the European internal market is huge, the world market, opened up due to globalisation, is even larger and more dynamic.
Patients must have the right to obtain complete, correct information about medicines.
I can see the internal consistency of what you are saying as a Euro-integrationalist, which I am not.
in writing. - (NL) A strong common agricultural policy with appropriate resources is necessary to ensure food safety.
The same applies to the judiciary and the particularly important chapter concerning the judicial system that has not yet been negotiated.
I do not quite understand the premise of the question, because any examination of DG Trade's website will be able to yield the information that the Member wants about cases that are currently being initiated and investigated and on which proposals will be brought forward in the ordinary way.
in writing. - (LT) I welcome the Strategy for the Danube Region adopted by the European Commission and agree with its action plan which devotes most attention to four areas (connecting the Danube region, protecting the environment, building prosperity and strengthening the Danube region), and takes into account the need to improve movement in the Danube region, energy security, social and economic development, cultural exchanges, security and civil protection.
There are still many species in Europe that are waiting to be discovered and described.
I have read the legislation for 'Buy American'.
There is continuity, due to the election of Mr Barroso, which we opposed - although you, of course, gave him your support - and we think that this continuity is damaging to the European model.
We Hungarians are all too aware of this, as the ailments of the Hungarian economy have been caused by the very fact that we have the lowest employment rate throughout Europe, in all the European Union.
Yes, we do also encourage industry with different types of incentives, but if the public funds and European funds will not follow in accordance with our political priorities, then the plan will not be successful.
It proves too, in a way, that we are making progress on European integration.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (NL) Mr President, it says a great deal that the new bilateral strategic partnership with Brazil has been brought about under the Portuguese Presidency.
Mr President, would you trust an economic forecaster who had recently said this: 'The euro has done more to enforce budgetary discipline in the rest of Europe than any number of exhortations from the IMF or the OECD'? Or this: 'The euro has already provided great internal stability for the eurozone'?
Now the third dimension.
He identified several priorities, on which I would like to spend a few moments in my remarks.
Finally, Madam President, we cannot ignore the fact, either, that we must also be able to negotiate with the United States - particularly with regard to the price of wheat, which is fixed in Chicago - because we are dealing with a global issue and not just a European one.
A High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy would be appointed, who would not just be based in the Council but would also be a Vice-President of the Commission.
In some countries, a good structure has been set up across the whole chain, whereas in other countries, health care systems are experiencing enormous difficulties and transplants are more likely to come under the heading of 'exotic medicine'.
It has been argued that keeping quotas makes prices high so we can keep farmers in business.
on behalf of the EFD Group. - Mr President, it is not very often that I find myself agreeing with something said by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.
As a result, I was unable to vote in favour of the report either in committee or in plenary.
Finally, I support the fact that the future common immigration policy should devote special attention to the position of ORs, which are all EU external borders.
My country's new constitution is proud to guarantee a strong constitutional protection.
The debate is closed.
I am therefore particularly pleased to see that the Commission is willing to examine this case.
I also ask you to make your influence count to ensure that the auxiliary troops there can provide humanitarian assistance.
I commend the CoR for the consistently high quality of its Annual Activity Reports, and welcome the inclusion of the follow-up to the Parliament's previous discharge decisions.
Current unemployment levels, particularly among young people, are worrying and more needs to be done to ensure that young people are able to gain vital skills and qualifications.
Madam President, I would like to congratulate the rapporteur, Mr Stockmann, for his excellent work: he has described very well the content of a text, a proposal for a directive, that we are about to adopt.
There may be other reasons, but not the ones being given.
(DE) Madam President.
In total, for the period 2007-2013, EUR 9 billion from cohesion policy funds will be directly invested in sustainable energy initiatives in the EU.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, firstly I would like to thank you for your support.
In this report, the rapporteur builds on the work of the previous rapporteur by adding new elements to be regulated by the regulatory procedure with scrutiny.
Once we have adopted the Stockholm Programme, you will be involved in the important work that needs to be done in implementing and dealing with the details of the various proposals.
It reminded me that the European Union is capable of regaining the support of its citizens by leading a truly efficient campaign against global climate change.
They must be adequately protected.
Amid countless difficulties he attempted to bring democracy to the country, dismantling the old post-Soviet diplomacy and opening up to the West, NATO and the EU.
The debate is closed.
Such measures are necessary in Sweden and Germany, for example, but we also need measures at European level.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I will be really very brief, not least because I completely agree with what both Mr Tajani and Mr López Garrido said.
The pilot project used participants who are self-employed or who want to go self-employed, and they were supported for a year along the path to self-employment.
However, I am not happy that this very toxic sludge - the television reports have included images of people who have burns as a consequence of coming into contact with the sludge - is to be classified as inert waste.
The revival of fair and free world trade is something that Doha can, and indeed must, achieve.
Nevertheless, allow me a reformulation that is not a figure of speech.
The Stability and Growth Pact and the entire framework for economic governance should be compatible with the Union's strategy for growth and jobs, and should complete it.
The Charter on the Freedom of the Press initiated by the European journalist community is an important reaffirmation of the basic values enshrined in fundamental legal texts such as the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
in writing. - I welcome this report which is the sister of the report on the issuance of visas between the EU and Georgia.
Though Mrs Kroes also seems satisfied with these changes, the European Parliament considers that the Commission only focused on a few technical aspects to the detriment of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
It should be adopted by the Council of Health Ministers.
This ranges from the amendment of the Posting of Workers Directive to the Social Chapter, which in addition to the treaties, in addition to Lisbon, should also clearly set out the social dimension of this Europe.
If, however, this is merely an argument about procedure, the vote in favour of Amendment 812 did not necessarily imply that Amendment 70 had lapsed.
Unfortunately, this report deals in generalities and does not contain any effective strategies for combating these dangers.
In this context, the establishment of a new TRT channel broadcasting in the Kurdish language is a step forward.
Meanwhile, the European Union should concentrate on guaranteeing gas supplies from non-Russian sources: it should do more to promote the Nabucco pipeline from Azerbaijan, and it should invest in gas terminals and research into extracting shale gas.
There is no doubt that even more must be done, especially as regards the fight against corruption, but the fact remains that the country is making significant headway in its path to membership of the European Union.
I voted for the resolution on labelling of tyres with respect to fuel efficiency.
According to the Commission's report, the declining financial impact of irregularities in 2008 indicates that some of the legislative and institutional measures aimed at discouraging fraud were implemented successfully by Member States.
Apart from the many positive developments, efforts must continue to be made to eradicate ethnically incited violent crimes and the ever-increasing incidence of beatings against Hungarians from Vojvodina completely.
Today, our Parliament is paying special attention to the current situation by adopting a resolution only on Ashraf.
We cannot demand something that involves a level of cost and bureaucracy that cannot be assumed by the food-producing sector, nor can we demand something that we are not capable of imposing upon third parties.
For historical, political and cultural reasons, this relationship has always oscillated between trust and suspicion, between attraction and repulsion.
In the long-term perspective, it is essential to develop a new strategy for the entire region.
We can move forward, provided that the European Council later this month gives support to these proposals.
EUR 26 billion has been programmed for the first three years.
Far more than that, in the struggle between two systems, in which freedom and democracy were pitted against dictatorship and oppression of the individual, it proved to be the stronger and the more successful vision.
in writing. - (SV) As always when one votes on a budget the size of the EU's, there are details about which one has reservations.
In fact, there would be no aerospace industry without massive public intervention and support.
rapporteur. - (NL) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I think that we have indeed had a good debate tonight.
However, the creation of an information monitoring authority, whose council would be politically controlled exclusively by members of the ruling party, runs the risk of exercising a biased, centralised political control that would inevitably lead to censorship and, even worse, self-censorship.
The debate is closed.
Yet the practicalities of an agreement with a state the size of Congo create all sorts of daunting problems.
Democratic values and principles along with human rights are fundamental principles for EU Member States.
Animal testing is avoided but people gain proper information about the chemicals so that they can take the correct action to protect themselves against them.
This is why I have voted in favour of this resolution.
Naturally we condemn this fraud and endorse intergovernmental cooperation between the relevant national agencies.
I attach very great importance to the word 'priority', as that means putting things in rank order.
But the real tragedy is this: we saw not a single national leader return home flying the flag for Europe.
This is also the first building block of our asylum package - the first of six pieces of legislation - and is a first step towards our joint aim of achieving a common European asylum system by 2012.
on behalf of the ECR Group. - Mr President, as the Commissioner has said, he agrees with this resolution, and it reiterates everything that the EU-India Free Trade Agreement could encourage - investment, the elimination of tariffs, non-tariff barriers, etc.
The European Parliament must strongly condemn such actions, which reveal the ugly and oppressive face of the Turkish occupation of the northern part of Cyprus, in violation of European law and human rights and the Third Vienna agreement of 1975.
Of course, this is only a start.
One is to increase the reduction for cars, in order to compensate for the emissions from commercial vehicles.
Both of these fundamental elements - and, incidentally, fundamental promises - will be destroyed if the two reports are adopted.
in writing. - (PT) The causes of rising food prices in the European Union and developing countries vary, but we cannot ignore the contribution of the CAP and of agriculture being diverted towards biofuel production.
This meaning is the general interest of all Europeans.
Rarely had the challenges been so important and the difficulties so crucial to overcome.
(DE) Mr President, yes, there have been a number of e-mails but there has also been lobbying by the Israeli Embassy.
The second pillar relates to cooperation between the Member States, which is essential, as in many other areas.
The expansion of regional economic cooperation appears to be especially significant in this context, as also is the prospect of membership for states in the region.
The problem was not resolved, however, and following a conciliation procedure between Parliament and the Council, the Commission was invited to weigh up the pros and cons of extending working time rules to self-employed workers and thus present a proposal in 2008.
The argument that biofuels would bring only environmental benefits and offer major agricultural and industrial development to European countries has collapsed.
It is a question of certain elementary standards - I would even say human standards - and not European ones.
(PT) Madam President, Prime Minister Fischer declared that the Czech Presidency was very successful.
Across Europe, the process of modernising education and training systems is largely driven by the search for greater efficiency in terms of cost-effectiveness.
A real deepening of the Single Market benefiting citizens, business and European competitiveness must be strengthened by creating infrastructure projects that have added value for the whole of Europe, and which are funded and managed at EU level in order to ensure our energy independence and security.
However, for many people, the WTO is still something of a puzzle.
There was a wave of arrests of Democratic Society Party (DTP) members, and the threat of arrest still hangs over members of the Turkish Parliament.
You are right, Mr Grech, to warn against the fragility of the internal market: nothing is set in stone.
To face this new threat, we need to harmonise legislation, boost law enforcement and strengthen cooperation in police work.
This is really an investment, and its nature therefore probably also responds to some of the calls by those who are now demonstrating outside Parliament and the Berlaymont building.
In our view, if consumers wish to be aware of their rights and thus well informed, they need to be sent a copy of a charter enumerating their existing rights clearly and comprehensibly when concluding contracts.
The next item is the explanations of vote.
The Union has also underlined that full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), including access to documents, is essential.
I can assure you that there will be no dissenting votes tomorrow from our group and we shall all be voting in favour of it.
In the area of housing, work and industry, it is existing buildings where we have the most to do.
Finally, the Commission must work to relax financial regulation.
This is a historic and unique opportunity for China to demonstrate its willingness to improve its human rights record to the world but in my opinion we are not seeing sufficient progress in this regard.
It may be that the Commission and the Council will decide to freeze derivatives, at least to propose it at world level, and to suspend trading in these commodities.
It is absolutely vital that we do not see this Eastern Partnership as a tool to use against Russia, but rather as a strengthening of the countries which, in terms of neighbours, have the European Union on one side and Russia on the other, as - all being well - Russia should become our partner, particularly with regard to this policy.
As far as the Blue Card is concerned, I would like to change the outcome of the vote of the committee responsible tomorrow in order to open up the European labour market not only to migrants from countries with which we already have partnership agreements.
Therefore, today I would also like to put forward an amendment proposal, which I understand that the Commission is prepared to support.
This will make it easier to shoulder a problem in which we would otherwise have been held to ransom by old-school politics and would have needed to raise the spectre of Mr Berlusconi to feel absolved from our mistakes.
Immigration naturally brings us to a universal value, which some of you have mentioned: mobility among peoples.
The Belgian Presidency has been very helpful in tabling a paper to the Council, in which it promotes the use of correlation tables, emphasising that they help clarity and transparency and will make the application of EU law quicker and more effective.
If we want to implement genuine democratic reforms, then economic reforms will also be necessary, and that is not going to be easy.
The normal approach is to try to influence these processes, to prevent their negative impact.
That is why I welcome the approach taken by the Slovenian Presidency, because I too consider that closer cooperation between customs and border control authorities is required to improve the existing method of managing the Union's borders.
In parallel, we will pursue our holistic approach with a view to achieving a genuine internal market for rail.
(DE) Mr President, the contrast is striking!
In particular, in consideration of the current financial and economic crisis, we want the same supervisory regulations to apply to the EIB as to all other commercial banks, because without real supervisory control, the EIB cannot be a credible player on the credit market.
Last but not least, we must take measures to encourage the private sector's involvement in European projects.
I have now been overlooked for the second time, even though I asked for the floor in plenty of time.
We have long complained that there are too many complaints being made to that office which do not relate to its function.
If only for this reason, Mr Barroso's plan is no more than the sum of national efforts accompanied by promises of greater tolerance of budget deficits and state aid regulations.
I think that the European Union, the European Commission, must also play its part by revisiting the agreements made at the time of accession, particularly those concerning improving the situation of the Roma.
Mr President, the imminent closure of Independent Network News, a Dublin-based news agency providing a first-rate national and international news service to the majority of Ireland's local radio stations, raises serious and legitimate questions about the ownership, plurality and regulation of the media in Ireland.
Composition of committees and delegations : see Minutes
Indeed it will be sui generis as there is no model to follow.
This judgment requires the development, definition and implementation of a unitary strategy and common commitment.
Mr President, thank you for giving me the floor.
2.
These plans have naturally met with opposition from local residents in many areas (Lefkimi, Grammatiko and especially Keratea), who are forced to accept this ' least and last desirable' solution.
Does society not understand politicians?
The governments of the so-called new EU countries have pointed out that, thanks to quarterly statistics, they will have at their disposal a common system of indicators which is essential for monitoring the employment market.
I know she is going back to a very interesting position in Finland.
Mr President, we have over the holiday break seen a number of very worrying developments in Pakistan, not least, of course, the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
in writing. - (DA) We have voted in favour of the motion for a resolution on rising food prices.
We share your view that competition is essential to ensure a level playing field in the single market and to promote a sustainable exit from the crisis.
Now the Commission and the European Council are coming to us with a proposal that is more of the same: a weak agreement that makes reference to Articles 121 and 136 of the Treaty.
The second was that the Council refused to provide any comprehensive written answers.
- (SK) The Commission proposals for monitoring the health of the common agricultural policy (CAP) were formulated under conditions quite different from those under which we find ourselves today.
Also, neither party has planned for a possible cooperation in this area.
Without doubt, it will continue in great depth within the framework of the so-called common agricultural policy health check.
The European Union is still the only region in the world to have limited its emissions by law.
We have made satisfactory progress in the context of the task force and achieved convergence towards the Commission's initiatives to reinforce economic governance, notably focusing on prevention and pre-emptive action, putting an emphasis on debt sustainability, agreeing a method to address macro-economic imbalances and establish an effective enforcement mechanism.
They were badly needed.
Is it the wolves in the Pyrenees or the Alps that are eating up the shepherds, or lamb imported from New Zealand?
That is the key point: disaster management must be organised on a decentralised basis.
I will be presenting these details - the basics of what we will be proposing in the very short term - to Council on Tuesday next week in Luxembourg.
I would like to remind you that this bureau never has worked properly, particularly as the original idea for it came from the executive authorities.
(SL) Madam President, allow me to join in the chorus of praise for rapporteur Swoboda's approach and work.
That is why we have emphatically backed all the amendments and all the work done by everyone - including the Socialist Group, the GUE/NGL Group and the Liberal Group - on those amendments and texts aimed at improving the situation and enhancing transparency.
One difference certainly exists compared to the United States.
Successive appeals and resolutions have not been effective.
rapporteur. - Madam President, I fully appreciate your presence in the plenary this evening.
in writing. - I voted to oppose the removal of the Parliamentary immunity of Bruno Gollnisch because: 1.
What we need, and the euro crisis proved this, is convergence in our social and fiscal policies.
Both the Iranian Government and the opposition are supporting the voices on the streets.
Chad has also been included as a country to be followed up in view of a possible EU election observation mission in 2009, if all conditions for such a deployment are met.
I believe that improving Directive 92/85 provides a solution to a genuine, serious problem which Europe is facing.
We have had a very broad foundation process and I would like to thank the Commission - first Mrs Hübner and now Commissioner Samecki - for the work they have put in.
Women also take more career breaks, for example, when they have children and take time off to bring them up.
I have always observed the law.
Can they count on greater financial resources, which will allow them to catch up with the Member States of the old Union more quickly?
in writing. - (RO) I would like to welcome the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15 and 16 October 2008 concerning the need to redefine the European Union's policy on its eastern neighbours, in particular with regard to the Republic of Moldova.
Research infrastructures are playing an increasingly important role in the advancement of knowledge and technology by offering unique research services to users in different countries.
The universal values that the EU wants to spread throughout the world include the right of every person to a dignified life.
We approve its key message: there will be no military solution.
Hence we believe that European funds should not be released until something is done to improve the situation.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (FR) Mr President, I think I do not need to add much to what Monica Frassoni, Graham Watson and Martin Schulz have said.
We need clarity as to how this can be addressed within the WTO rules, because farmers in Europe want access to the best technologies available to them to be more productive.
If we continue to look the other way - particularly now with the highly charged events happening in Tunisia and the consequences for the entire region - we shall only aggravate the security situation in the Sahel and deliver another cornered, desperate generation to criminal and terrorist organisations like al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, which are already at large in the region.
Environmental economic accounts should contribute to policy evaluation, particularly by making available data concerning the environmental impact of economic activities.
We are saying that it was not nuclear energy, it was Japan that was not safe.
I think that it is high time to move away from these dilemmatic Manichaeisms and to make clear points concerning our wish to engage in a constructive and efficient dialogue with Russia.
This is not a true European policy.
The EU wants its own soldiers, guns, tanks, aeroplanes and bombs in order to 'fulfil its responsibilities in the world'.
(FR) Mr President, the following is an extract from a letter written by William Bourdon, Taoufik Ben Brik's lawyer, to Mr Sarkozy, President of the French Republic: 'I have had the opportunity to denounce, as all his Tunisian lawyers have done, the legal farce which has resulted in Taoufik Ben Brik being sentenced, without in-depth examination, to a staggering six months in prison.
(FI) Madam President, let us get back to the point.
In many policy areas, such as the environment and transport, there is no dispute as to what may be regarded as delegated acts.
The EU needs to improve cooperation, independence and transparency in the management of future pandemic crises.
We are faced with an example of these 'two faces', the true one and its mask, in this case the latter.
This charitable remedy (the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund) that is being proposed will not make people forget that the European Union is, in fact, directly responsible for the tragedy being suffered by the redundant employees, because of its choice of free and fair competition.
The fact that these three major topics have been ignored or systematically rejected by our partners in Chişinău will actually indicate to us that the European Union has been turned down flat by Moldova when it came to matters of fundamental importance to the future of this country.
We do not believe it is a good idea to prepare the Lisbon Strategy and to review it without careful reflection, without self-criticism and without a genuine consultation process, such as the one called for by the trade unions and the Social Platform, because the Lisbon Strategy is very important for all of us and for the perspective of the European Union.
Harmonisation of technical requirements and administrative procedures in the field of civil aviation (vote)
I will conclude by saying that the problem mainly concerns the United States of America.
I did not want to abuse the catch-the-eye system on a different debate, which was an important issue on the death penalty.
Nazism and communism are ideologies that were actually inspired by older ideologies.
While the report is welcome, certain areas remain unclear; for example, whether existing wilderness areas or potential future wilderness areas are being discussed.
In this context, it is essential to strengthen European consumer protection policy and to render it more effective and meaningful for the public.
That demonstrates a lack of responsibility with regard to European policy.
We would also say that the Roma cannot be regarded as a typical national minority, such as the Hungarians in Slovakia or the Russians in the Baltic States.
This is why I am asking President Klaus to clear the way for the treaty which has been ratified in all 27 countries.
Agreements are agreements, and cannot be impositions.
Secondly, what were the differences, if it is possible for us to identify them, which prompted the ECB not to endorse all the recommendations of the report compiled by the task force led by Mr Van Rompuy?
It is with these thoughts that we shall decide on our stand in the vote tomorrow.
A lot of people experience this area as a prison, where they have no contact with the outside world.
The Commission has closely analysed both the report and the amendments proposed for this debate with great interest, and we have taken note of the fact that the report specifically supports extending the deadline for closing uncompetitive mines to 2018.
We must condemn the detention conditions he has been subjected to, as well as the failure to respect his basic human rights during the proceedings.
It has been at 30-40% for years.
The promise of involvement in international negotiations was also in the 2005 agreement, and Parliament has been treated with disdain.
We must realise that nobody who treats Russia and the Russians like a normal society and a normal civilised western state can understand that country.
This is the first injustice.
Ladies and gentlemen, I think that this is headline news.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to raise a point of order: without wishing to interfere with the procedure, I would like to know if there is a rule by which it is compulsory each time to state, as well as the result, the number of voters, the number of abstentions and so on, or whether this is your own choice.
That is why it is particularly important to put forward ways to combat the exclusion of the Roma and to promote their genuine integration in the societies in which they live, and to take concrete measures to that end which are based on serious and detailed studies of the issue.
The new agreement refers to the need to create a European TFTP (Terrorist Finance Tracking Program).
I will finish by thanking the shadow rapporteurs for the way they worked on this report.
Investments related to environment protection are also extremely important.
The creation of an area of freedom, security and justice is inconceivable without a ban on all forms of discrimination.
The opening of the European School System is in line with the European Parliament's wish to ensure that this would be possible both in places where an EU decentralised agency is located (so-called 'type-II schools'), and in locations without a direct EU presence (so-called 'type-III schools').
In this regard, unlike in the current regulation, it would seem important for institutional talks on these subject areas to be introduced.
I hope the perpetrators of this crime will quickly be apprehended and duly punished.
It is hard to understand the lack of awareness of the need to have a single anti-discrimination law which would protect the equal treatment of all people and not just of select social groups.
Can the Commission definitely state that cloning humans, in whatever form, is not and will not be part of this strategy?
However, in this case, the impact is small because China has only 14% of the EU market.
The French authorities are currently carrying out an assessment of the damage and of its repercussions for the economy and the living conditions of the population.
Does the Council share this unequivocal position adopted by the Commission?
One could suggest that we wait and see what happens and then make the necessary adjustments, and I would agree with them if this development were not reinforced by the procedures and the unanimity.
The imposed restrictions on media, including the Internet, are unacceptable and I urge the Egyptian authorities to restore all communication networks without delay.
Well, in the experts' opinion, the disaster at Kolontár was the result of uninhibited profit making and a serious breach of technological discipline.
We need to focus on a number of areas in order to achieve a large-scale effect; we need the courage to specialise production in a region - incidentally, the principle of specialisation is an old one in the European Union - provided that good links exist for transmitting that knowledge (broadband or traditional infrastructure).
However, as we are all aware, it was in the name of the Lisbon Strategy that the European Commission presented to this House some of the worst proposals against labour and social rights, through their emphasis on flexibility and labour deregulation.
I support what my fellow members have said with regard to imposing a rigorous revision of the legislation relating to the CE marking, with liability regulations for importers and facilities for placing sanctions on those that infringe upon the regulations.
Russia is facing a serious demographic problem - it is losing around 700 000 people a year, over a territory twice the size of the United States of America.
We consider the arguments that are put forward by the companies concerned, so if a company were to put this before us then we would certainly look into the matter.
But, like the Commissioner, I am disappointed that this agreement did not achieve its ultimate objective of a complete opening of the market without restrictions on either side.
It is also important that this system should operate effectively, thus becoming a useful tool in preventing and fighting against crime, particularly that of a sexual nature.
There is the question of the biometric passports; I know that not many have yet been issued and I would sincerely call on the Commission and some of the Member States to help issue these biometric passports.
Firstly, the Commission has not only sought to simplify and ensure better implementation, it has also greatly increased the scope in certain areas.
in writing. - I voted for this resolution which notes Serbia's progress on reform and the Council's recent request to the Commission to prepare the opinion on Serbia's application for EU membership.
I welcome the fact that in addition to all the other important points she makes the rapporteur refers explicitly to the need to ensure that women have a stronger role and to promote respect for the rights of women, minorities and children if good work is to be done in Iraq.
If there could be any doubts as to their justness, it would have been enough to follow the European Commission's speeches to dispel them.
The second experience which I would like to share with you is this: it is important not to become exhausted or disenchanted, and it is important not to lose heart.
I intend to answer a few questions, Mr President, and I do apologise for not answering them all.
According to the Treaties, the churches are partners for our institutions, but they are not lobbyists.
Although the situation has now lasted several weeks, we do not know what caused the breakdown cited by the satellite operator, Eutel Communications, nor do we know when the breakdown will be put right.
(RO) The European Council we are preparing today is decisive for the future of Europe.
Both are searching for possibilities to diversify and they will not stop doing this.
When will the new realism of the people who really shape global politics creep in here, among the people who merely think they do?
For example, Bangladesh gets 80-90% of its steel from dismantled ships.
Mr President, I am trying out the new rule we have so that we can use our blue paper.
Furthermore, our institutions have cooperated with the US Federal Reserve, the Bank of England, the Japanese Central Bank and others.
The threshold that has now been set is EUR 33 000.
The people who vote for us and pay our wages expect us to take concrete decisions of precisely this kind.
I also welcome the appointment of a man who has all the qualities required to fill such a post.
The latter, far from advancing towards a just and sustainable peace, is worsening as we watch and is poisoning international relations, when it is not threatening the cohesion of our societies.
I heard one important suggestion, which was to prepare a Marshall Plan for the Middle East.
(DE) Madam President, Mr Le Hyaric, I see things in exactly the same way as you do.
Similarly, while the ECB's massive cash injections have kept many institutions from collapse, the reality is that many banks have not passed on the liquidity to customers, particularly to the detriment of the small and medium-sized businesses on whom economic recovery rests.
The unpleasant experience of the Russo-Ukrainian gas conflict in January 2009 was necessary for the question of energy security to become a matter of primary importance for the entire European Community.
Only negotiations with the full commitment of the parties can bring about a lasting solution.
Given the failings and weaknesses in the market and institutions that have been brought to light in devastating fashion over the last year, a move away from the abuses and faults of the past is only to be welcomed.
The figures speak for themselves.
There is no doubt that Frontex has an important role to play in this regard, and it is clear that the Member States want to see the agency strengthened.
(PT) Mr President, Commissioner, in the analysis of the banks carried out in 2010, it was uniformly recognised that one of the problems of these tests has been the predominant national logic, whether with regard to methodology, to diagnostics or to the choice of criteria.
I am convinced that if this provision is kept, the legislative decision on which we will take a vote within hours will make it possible to circumvent the law and even to abuse it because "national security” is an all too general notion and lends itself to various interpretations.
I commend you, I commend the rapporteur and all colleagues who have contributed to the submission and adoption of the existing proposals.
Such coordination is, however, taking place at the moment in the reviews that we are carrying out.
Mr President, I am asking you to help secure the release of 45-year-old Antonio Ramón Díaz Sánchez, who was sentenced to 27 years in jail in 2003.
Petitions: see Minutes
I hope you will help me to keep my promise, and I hope we will all meet again on the Action Day in 2012.
Mr President, let me recall our significant resolution of 2005 about the end of the Second World War in Europe, which stated that 'there cannot be reconciliation without truth and remembrance'.
The second issue is that 12% of Structural Funds, according to the Court, should not have been reimbursed.
He is quite right to say so, therefore.
The Commission must work actively to ensure that the rest of the world follows our example, and to make our technologies accessible to developing countries.
In short, Russia is an indispensable partner for the Union, not only economically but also politically.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (ES) Mr President, I would also first like to thank the rapporteur for her excellent work which has allowed us at all times to feel comfortable with her proposals.
rapporteur. - (IT) Mr President, Vice-President of the Commission, ladies and gentlemen, we are today celebrating the conclusion of a procedure that started as far back as September 2005.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - Madam President, I would like to start by thanking Mr Diamandouros and Ms Wallström for their presentations and Ms Sbarbati for her excellent report.
These include family farmers, smallholders, small business owners and government employees.
The Commission shares Parliament's view because we need to modernise vocational education and training in Europe to make it attractive, to have qualified teachers and trainers, innovative learning methods and high-quality infrastructure and facilities, and, of course, we have to have the mobility.
An important instrument, but only that: an instrument.
Moreover, we now know that the Commission also ignored the report by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), which denounced irregularities in the importing of tomatoes from Morocco, in a report acknowledging the impact of these imports on lowering tomato prices in the EU market.
There are reasons for migration flows.
There are also useful conclusions that can be drawn from Chernobyl.
I believe that this is a time when we need to show decorum, without making a great fuss or putting on displays on the subject or without exploiting the images of this unfortunate industrial accident.
The EU's intervention and financial assistance were therefore necessary, with the aim of increasing the level of protection of human health and the environment.
(DE) Madam President, firstly, I would like to say on the subject of the export ban that I fully agree with Mr Oettinger.
I have voted in favour of this report.
This technical assistance must focus on moving Iraq towards the European economic system and, to some extent, towards European business.
There is now a very heavy burden and responsibility on the shoulders of those who wish and desire an even deeper centralisation of the decision-making process here in Brussels.
Given the restrictions announced on the sale of grain, the size of harvests this year will be crucial.
In order to do that, the diplomatic convocation and activation of the Member States of the United Nations Human Rights Council must be in full swing in order to get missions, reports and resolutions so that the politicians responsible get an assurance that these acts of violence will not remain unpunished.
The application of the directive to Luxembourg Airport, with its 1.6 million passengers a year, and the fact that its provisions do not apply to either of Luxembourg's direct competitors, Frankfurt Hahn and Brussels Charleroi, which process more than three million passengers, is intolerable discrimination in a single market and is based solely on the fact that a national border lies between Luxembourg and these other airports.
Others will soon come.
Mrs Isler Béguin has a great deal of relevant experience. I believe that she is right to advocate that for our part, we should increase resources so that the European Parliament can make an effective contribution to the situation, as it has already done in the case of other countries.
As a specific stimulus for the European economy, I would highlight the European Economic Recovery Plan, which encourages, among other things, projects in the energy sector (electricity grid, natural gas grid and carbon capture and storage projects), finances measures relating to broadband Internet, extending the so-called information highways to rural communities, creates a fund for the dairy farming sector, as a new challenge of the common agricultural policy, and other Community aid programmes, such as distribution of fruit and milk in schools.
Regional convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin (
No!
However, the fact that a single offender who commits a criminal act is embedded in his judgment as part of a large group of people who, so to speak, are held collectively responsible for the acts of one individual, is nothing new in the history of humanity - it has always occurred - but it is always equally condemnable.
We call upon the leadership of the European Parliament to insist upon the resumption of these television broadcasts over Asia.
(RO) Europe can be split into nine distinct biogeographical regions according to similar climatic, topographical, geological and vegetation features.
There are other forms of financing, in addition to direct funding, which should be used as well, however, such as regional state subsidies or loans from the European Investment Fund.
Allergy sufferers in particular stand to gain from this proposal, as fur is potentially hazardous to their health and without proper labelling, they may buy a product containing these textiles without realising it.
It was high time, ladies and gentlemen, to restore the confidence of these European citizens in their European institutions.
Mr President, I find myself in a difficult position in this debate as I believe that strong fiscal rules are necessary for a strong currency and a strong economy.
While the situation in the financial sector seems to have stabilised and shows signs of improvement, although everything has not yet settled down, the challenge is, from now on, to limit the effects of this financial crisis on the real economy and businesses as far as possible.
Neither provocateurs nor the blackmailers of the Greek Government can stop this movement, and nor can the murderous acts which were committed in Athens today and which have shocked us all.
It has been a huge undertaking but he has really delivered on this very complex piece of legislation.
This figure on its own shows how important and urgent it is to take action in this area.
The Commission should prepare a study comparing the practice to date of individual Member States regarding integrated strategic planning and, on the basis of the outcome of the study, draw up specific EU guidelines for integrated urban development planning practice that promote efficient, legally regulated partnerships, including cross-border urban partnerships.
These should never be replaced by unified and homogenised outside regulation which might fundamentally damage advertising as a quite legitimate and essential sector of national economies.
Madam President, the EU is not, of course, concerned with conjugal ethics, but with guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens wherever they may be and whomever they decide to marry.
We have also made targeted reductions based on past implementation, rather than making across-the-board cuts, which have become almost a tradition.
I am thinking of the challenges associated with climate change and energy.
I should like to take this tragic opportunity, because I know that all of Europe and all the European media are watching Greece today, to ask all my fellow Members here to demonstrate responsibility, gravitas, solidarity and, most importantly, respect towards a nation going through such a difficult time.
Unfortunately, in most cases, the provisions of the regulation are not being respected.
In the autumn of last year, at the presentation from the European Court of Auditors, we were already discussing the responsibility of Member States for monitoring the overall issuing of EU funds.
I voted in favour of the resolution because the EU must not close its eyes to these atrocities either and it is only right to demand of the governments in Egypt and Libya that these cases are investigated without exception and the perpetrators held accountable, in order that the countries may continue along the path towards democracy and freedom.
Mr President of the Commission, this is our message: use your power of initiative to help the Council to adopt an ambitious programme for a social Europe.
And that means encouraging and supporting Kazakhstan's European aspirations.
This hope was born of the blood and tears of millions of men, women and children.
I know that the multi-speed Europe does exist.
Simple logic, if not the appeal to concepts such as the right of the non-smoking majority, should convince us to make this effort a priority.
The new Europe with its High Representative ought to be capable of providing its own aid to the people who are suffering.
Targeted sanctions on the junta and businesses connected to it are now urgently required.
The impact of this turbulence could go beyond what we have seen so far and it therefore demands our full attention and fully justifies today's debate.
Historically, the River Danube has connected Western and Eastern Europe and belonging to the Danube Region has evolved a sense of community among people.
(The sitting was closed at 22.50)
Then there are no material errors in the underlying transactions, although we are still finding - and therefore need to improve - a high incidence of non-quantifiable errors in both budget-support commitments and payments.
on behalf of the ECR Group. - Mr President, last week in the United Kingdom, Lord Davies delivered his speech to the government on how to increase women's participation in the boardroom.
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has made a great deal of progress, and can act as an example for the other countries of the Balkans, whilst also offering an opportunity to increase stability in the region.
I have no reason to doubt that the European Council in June will be held on time as planned and that the agenda will be professionally prepared.
in writing. - The common organisation of the market in fisheries products is intended to ensure stability in the market and security of income for those involved in the sector.
I am surprised that more people have not protested against this proposal and that it seems to have passed unnoticed.
This can be obtained from the EURES portal.
In a relatively short space of time, we have secured additional financial resources which we intend to earmark for the future development of new, cleaner technologies and for the purpose of increasing a reliable energy supply.
Thank you.
, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (FR) Mr President, on the eve of the Seventh Human Rights Council, Parliament wishes to send a message of support, vigilance and mobilisation.
Financing broadband Internet in rural areas is important for development, but of course, as I said, this budget is a compromise.
Requirements for prior authorisation may be imposed only in exceptional cases - if they are specified on the Commission's list or if there is a risk of a mass exodus of patients which would undermine the health system.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, this is the first time I have spoken before this House.
A reformed CAP must be in line both with global food security and development policy objectives, abolishing once and for all export refunds, that undermine the ability of developing countries to build up their own agricultural production, limiting market intervention mechanisms, which also serve to distort the market and promoting sustainable agricultural production to help both the agricultural sector mitigate and adapt to climate change, thereby protecting the EU's natural resource base and food production capacity.
The accession of Croatia, a European country with a European culture and a European history, should be accomplished as quickly as possible.
We also need to make up for lost time, as thousands and thousands of women die in developing countries every year because of lack of information and lack of access to sexual and reproductive health.
The experiments carried out so far under the auspices of COSAC show a great disparity between national parliaments in their approach to the subsidiarity question.
Climate change: one of the greatest threats our planet faces.
The Commission has provided some very useful elements in its Second Strategic Energy Review.
It should be said, however, that the change in attitude to Turkey's efforts is what matters most.
I have noted all her suggestions and we will act on them as far as possible.
Please allow me to say one last sentence, Madam President.
I do not see what the point would be.
We have worked very hard together to reach the compromise.
This illustrates that it is important for the Member States to introduce well sustained and scientifically based alerts into the RASFF and to trigger the RASFF when Member States are confident regarding the scientific evidence supporting the alert notification.
I have in mind here our European potential in the following areas.
Unemployment is a local, national, but also European phenomenon.
Composition of committees and delegations: see Minutes
Climate change brings its own worries about adapting our lifestyles and about fuel costs in a very different world.
Adjournment of the session
Some Member States are already much more ambitious in their national codes for energy efficiency, and I hope that this directive will encourage others to follow suit.
In fact you can see the pictures on my website.
I therefore feel that the country should continue towards achieving this goal.
author. - Mr President, this House has taken a clear and strong stance as far as the death penalty is concerned.
Let me just very briefly focus on four main challenges.
While there is still time, it is vital to defuse the tension between Chinese nationalism and the Tibetan independence movement.
What is also important, from our perspective, is absolute coherence with the provisions of Rome I, i.e. the applicable provisions in private international law.
Although different, both disasters have something in common - they both could have been avoided or could at least have been smaller in scale if environmental protection had been given more consideration.
My second question to the Commissioner, when she was here, and therefore to the Commission as well, was how this money can be distributed to Member States or whether it is possible to do so in such a way that small producers whose livelihoods are at risk will be the first to receive it.
(DE) Mr President, this is certainly not a nice reason for this debate.
This is about the internal market, harmonisation, adding value: all very important.
My request to the rapporteur is that he include in the report a statement to the effect that the European Parliament calls on the Council to put the swiftest possible end to the continuing position of the Netherlands as the largest net contributor per citizen.
In other words, I believe we should call for the protection of the interests of local communities in accordance with a general principle.
The greatest civil liberty we all have is life itself.
In view of the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, I would like to draw attention to the obligations of Member States concerning implementation of the strategy, which includes encouraging young people to participate in democratic life, paying special attention to young sportsmen and sportswomen and the legal enforcement of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
In 2006 half of all products sold in the EU that were deemed hazardous to health were manufactured in China.
I also think that one or two of Parliament's proposals on the amount of funding needed are too much.
This is the biggest massacre since Guinea's independence in 1958.
The addition to the set of available procedures of a procedure with a blocking effect can serve as an effective tool in the protection of rights against Member State measures violating fundamental rights.
Madam President, Articles 81, 101 and 102 all deal with these issues, under cartels, price fixing, predatory pricing, etc.
Nevertheless, the solutions tabled in the report are along the lines of deepening these same market mechanisms that are responsible for the current crisis of volatile prices and unequal distribution of profits throughout the production chain.
Mr President, personally I think that the time has come to make a shift in our approach to energy problems, namely by gradually shifting the emphasis from 'energy security' - that is, trying to secure our current deliveries from volatile suppliers - to 'secure energy', meaning the full exploitation of the energy sources firmly under EU control.
Ensuring that parliamentary elections are fair and monitoring the creation of a new government might provide an opportunity to stabilise the situation. At the same time, the international community should be prepared to provide financial aid to help rebuild state structures that are based on the rule of law.
The resolution on the EU strategy for the Baltic Sea region and the role of macro-regions in the future cohesion policy states that given the planned development of nuclear energy in the Baltic Sea region, the EU Member States must comply with the most stringent standards of safety and environmental protection, and the European Commission must monitor and check whether neighbouring countries on the EU's external borders follow the same approach and international conventions.
The relationship will be dealt with in the White Paper on adaptation to climate change, due to be adopted very soon.
I think that the EU still needs to develop a strategy in this regard.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Mr President, the legislative proposal on the rights of passengers travelling by bus and by coach that we are discussing today is the result of a very difficult process, including conciliation.
In 2010, as a result of the AIFM Directive, one in four hedge funds left the City of London.
I should like to hear from the Council how we might avoid this problem.
Without forgetting the importance of the European Police Office (Europol) and notwithstanding the general support which it should have, as the third pillar, this is an extremely pertinent matter for the security of the European area.
The recent tuna issue is just the beginning.
Reporting and documentation requirements in the case of merger and divisions (
(DE) Madam President, I am delighted that, in the De Vits report, we have a very good report before us and I am delighted that all our fellow Members are of one mind regarding solidarity, transparency and consumer protection.
We believe that all rights are residual in the individual.
We cooperate at all times with the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), and I would add that we are on the verge of agreeing to supervision by the new European Banking Authority.
The Summit is taking place in a very stimulating climate.
If we weaken the economy, where will the funds for combating climate change come from?
I am confident that we can soon open this chapter, provided Turkey fulfils the last remaining conditions.
The resolution I have drawn up - and I hope we shall have a near-unanimous vote on Thursday in plenary, as we did in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety - calls on the Commission to stop procrastinating, talking idly and postponing.
This is a moral imperative in the current crisis; we cannot enter into international negotiations believing that it is developing countries that must make all the running.
We hope that this latest position statement will yield more results.
Madam President, we are indeed living in extraordinary times, but Mr Barroso's response to the economic crisis lacks strength and impact and his promises on social Europe have not been kept.
We have an important figure, a Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, whose speeches are very interesting.
Also deserving attention are a series of proposals aimed at effectively combating discriminatory policies in the EU, underlining that equal opportunities are a fundamental right of every citizen, and not a privilege.
It is not surprising, then, that there should be a debate on the revision of the Barcelona objectives included in the programme of the Czech Presidency.
This secrecy has also possibly been exacerbated by an imbalance, if it is true that US industries, unlike the European public and institutions, have had access to a series of information resources on the basis of a confidentiality pact.
All too often, the exchanges of information are not of any value and sometimes the information is lost.
Studies by the US space agency NASA show that the control of climate change will call for more radical action: the gas content in the atmosphere caused by climate change must be restricted more stringently to be able to avoid these radical changes.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question under Rule 149(8))
This lays down, among other things, that a safety authority is to be established in each Member State, which must be independent from the railway undertakings and the infrastructure manager, and whose tasks include monitoring, encouraging and enforcing railway safety and developing a regulatory framework.

This is the responsibility of all three European institutions.
I do not deny, however, that you may be right in saying that the higher harvest prices do not necessarily make up entirely for the rises in costs.
This test was carried out again between 2 and 5 March, and the final assessment and validation of the second set of tests took place on 6 April.
The phased, short-term EU target is 175 g CO2/km, to be reached by 2017, and the long-term target is 147 g CO2/km, to be achieved by 2020.
Bearing in mind the six-monthly reports from Member States during this last reference period and the numerous difficulties indicated by carriers, I call on the European Commission to examine the possibility of revising Regulation No 561/2006.
We should remind the Council to keep to this mandate in its negotiations with the US.
If humanitarian law continues to be broken, specific sanctions must be imposed.
The bad news was that it was not a Liberal who was in the President's seat, but the good news was that it was a Belgian.
For this reason, I voted for the proposed amendment.
The budgetary control remit of Parliament, like that of the Internal Audit Service of the Commission and of the Court of Auditors, must also be strengthened to ensure that these agencies are monitored properly.
The commander confirmed that EUFOR would carry out its mandate in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolution, that is to say with impartiality and consistent respect for the Sudanese borders.
We are working very hard on this and I will probably be making a statement on this specific subject - namely land use planning in the developing countries - in the near future because it is an issue of real importance.
Fair competition in the internal market is a key to the competitiveness of European agriculture in the global marketplace.
To combat this type of fishing, which depletes marine biological resources and ecosystems, is a vital goal for the European Union.
We should take a break from that, because what we must do is to bring about a cease-fire.
Respect for human rights is one of the foundations of democracy and is the main value on which the idea of the European Union is based.
The EU's creative potential must be supported and boosted so as to facilitate innovation in our internal market, without, however, running the risk in the near future of facing charges related to intellectual property rights which could be claimed by non-European countries.
The agreement does not replace but supplements the existing bilateral agreements, which cover travel for purposes other than tourism or business.
Polish farmers could reduce production costs by introducing GMOs, but do not wish to do so.
In this context, I would like to talk about the political sensitivity of the issue, as there is a great possibility of abuse in this regard, particularly now, as governments are acting unilaterally in pursuing these issues, without consulting those that are affected.
The largest economies in the developing countries are also unwilling to integrate their national plans for mitigation with the global agreement and, at the moment, there is no credible financial plan.
The EU has taken steps, but only at a humanitarian level.
The relevant TFTP agreement was approved by Parliament in July 2010.
The answer to Question 58 by Mr Heaton-Harris will be given in writing.
Romania has a long tradition of good cooperation with Latin America, as our Latin heritage is a valuable asset we have in common.
I think that it is imperative that all citizens have free and equal access to treatment, in due turn and according to their need.
Part one

In economic terms, Tunisia achieved an average growth rate of 4.6% between the years 2002 and 2008.
As high energy prices are expected to prevail in the long term, it is essential that the policy measures aim at facilitating the structural shift to more sustainable patterns of production, transport and consumption.
We need to use and develop the skills of those migrant workers coming to us, and EQUAL has given us some fantastic examples there which we must not lose.
The Commission encourages the Thai Government to seek regional cooperation, involving also the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, as the Rohingya issue and the other displacement issues mentioned earlier need a comprehensive response.
What I wish to say to you is that we have in fact organised, both with the Task Force and within the Commission, extremely regular meetings with the co-contractor and the two co-contractors, especially Steria.
Current systems for covering costs relating to aviation security, regulated at a national level, are not always clear for end users, who are often not even consulted before charges are calculated or changes are made to a charging system that affects them.
What is certain is that strict application of maximum sustainable yield will, in the short term, result in a sometimes drastic reduction in fishing opportunities, and therefore in the activity, income and employment of the Community fleet.
For all these reasons, we cannot agree with this draft budget, which is over EUR 11 billion smaller than was planned in the multiannual financial framework for 2010.
It is important to maintain the appropriate nutritional values of this food and for it to be produced in an environmentally friendly way.
We need a better process in the European Parliament.
I should also like to stress the urgent need for reform in connection with the developing countries.
Therefore, unless the European Union and international community take urgent action in curbing demand and tackling illegal poaching and trafficking, and changing attitudes in China on tiger-related products, the new reserves will be too little too late.
That is important.
My second specific question is as follows: Can the Commission put in place the technical requirements to simplify management of the system, on the internet or in a portal, to allow users to access each market area separately, such as wine, milk, fruit and vegetables?
We need patient diplomatic efforts to overcome the stumbling blocks and also to make the UN negotiating process a more viable one, so that, for example, it adopts rules on voting.
The issue of profiling was raised by the Belgian Presidency as well.
We will get on with our work.
It was already in trouble in 2002 after another disaster which was not at all natural, the sinking of the Prestige, and at present the oyster-farmers of the Arcachon Basin are losing all hope of being able to get back on their feet.
The ECR Group have nevertheless voted against this resolution for two specific reasons.
I would like to emphasise that I will continue to hope for cooperation with the rapporteur which ensures that the 2012 budget being drafted by the European Parliament is a budget which is characterised by financial discipline, but also one which does not only think about the following year or the two or three years which come after it, but which is able to introduce modernising instruments which facilitate the European Parliament's work, and investments which I hope will make savings in the future.
I maintain that the migration of citizens, their successful integration, including into economic life, and their social inclusion, can provide a means of tackling demographic change.
We will not know, moreover, if gas is the cause of the war or a consequence, but in any case we will have a gas war.
Why?
Budget cuts are having a direct effect on young people's prospects and opportunities for development.
I agree that SMEs are important but I think we are also looking at talking to large corporations and also to the public sector, to government employers at national, regional and at local level, the health sector and really all those who employ people, because it is in that way that we will make sure that we get the level of graduate unemployment down and we give our young people a chance.
I would not therefore like anyone to go away with the impression that the Commission's opinion and that of the Commissioners is that we are very satisfied and nothing more needs to be done.
(PT) I, too, wish to pay tribute to Jean Monnet, but I asked for the floor in order to congratulate the President on his statement on the European Day in Memory of the Victims of Terrorism.
Children in the EU are not eating enough healthy food and healthier options need to be made available.
I believe that the revision of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement will help address the new changes that have come about in the decade since this agreement was first signed and will increase participation on the part of national parliaments, civil society and the private sector in those countries' political and economic life.
This is another example of Parliament guaranteeing the victory of the broader European cause over national self-interest and protectionism.
I urge the High Representative to take all possible steps to persuade him to grant clemency in this case.
I and my colleagues in the Committee on Regional Development shall not stop pointing to the responsibility of the Member States under the Structural Funds.
I, too, am pleased that Mr Deva has taken a seat, for now Mrs Ferrero-Waldner will be able to hear me, which is a great relief.
However, we must also take into account the current health problems which are cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and cancer.
It was the case in 2000 with Prime Minister António Guterres, and it is the case today in the third Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the Union.
The four winners would be, for example, British Airways, American Airlines and others that would benefit from such a shift in the competitive situation.
We are, indeed, at a crucial stage in our economic relations with Japan, and there are still some issues that need to be clarified.
The employment guidelines proposed by the Commission and approved by the Council present the European Union's current common priorities and Member States' objectives regarding their national employment policies.
We in UKIP will put a non-racist agenda to the British people at the European elections, saying that it is time to put British interests first.
The subject of conditionality is also something that requires detailed consideration which we do not have sufficient time to go into here.
If others think that they can do a better job of these tasks, then let them do so, but they should apply the same intensity to them in the years to come as they give the impression of wanting to do at the present time.
In the coming decades Europe's economic and social development will depend on an influx of new economic migrants.
Libya is likely to become a mass deportation destination for migrants.
Yesterday I had a meeting with Commissioner Fischer Boel.
It would be ludicrous and perverse for us to turn our back on them, having achieved them.
The region is strategic but difficult to control.
Here I would take up one key point: the office of the European Ombudsman must work harder and better on its external communications with citizens.
Mr Lucas, Mr Holm and others have said that all this falls short of the expectations of the environmental groups.
rapporteur. - Madam President, I too would like to join in thanking both Mr Beglitis, who is now a Greek MP in his national Parliament, and his successor Mr Obiols i Germà for excellent cross-party cooperation and eventual consensus as co-rapporteurs of this key report.
Secondly, we welcome the fact that the European Parliament is to be informed during the next term.
As the saying goes, 'Nothing ventured, nothing gained' and, while that is true and most certainly is part of the inspiration that propels us forward, it is prudent to note that, like the voyages of discovery of the past, today's venture will have a cost too.
In addition, you call for the development of a strategy for improved communication of the social advantages of the internal market.
Yet liberal Europe's project and activities have also run out of steam, and spectacularly so.
Finally, I should like to speak up for a community that cannot do so here for itself.
If we are talking about expense, it undoubtedly costs less to take action of this kind and to place price controls on morphine, rather than deciding to destroy crops using the existing methods which get us nowhere.
But let us be frank: progress has been slow, it has been uneven and it has not always been very effective.
Then we will have made progress.
The mechanism is, of course, a compromise mechanism, and it is one that had to be found because other mechanisms were not provided for in the Treaty of Lisbon.
We also believe that fossil fuels must be actively phased out in the long term, which is not mentioned in the report.
On agriculture, we have a text in which not everything is to our liking, but there is nothing that we cannot handle in that agriculture text or that will push us beyond our mandate.
Responsibilities and burdens should not be shifted just on to one group of European countries.
There was a new correlation between prominent players on the world stage and the proper role of multilateralism in the UN system.
The danger of targeting agriculture is that we will reduce cattle numbers and reduce emissions in Europe, but we will transfer production elsewhere and make absolutely no difference.
I hope that the same thing will happen soon in Slovenia.
As a result of the economic and financial crisis, the situation in Europe's labour market is still tense and therefore combating unemployment must be one of the most important policy priorities for both the European Union and Member States.
The victims were primarily individual users, those decorating their own homes and house decorators, since in industrial use certain safety regulations are observed.
The Commission was, from the beginning I think, a balancing factor for the medium-sized and smaller Member States of the Union towards the Council.
The subject areas touched on in it are extremely important in terms of ensuring that the Cotonou Agreement remains the basis for a solid partnership with the ACP countries, as well as a relevant instrument against the backdrop of the new challenges which these countries are facing.
Only political cooperation and the economic integration of the region can provide peace there in the long term.
I also agree that it should be ensured that the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) supports the reintegration of individual redundant workers into employment, and I would like to reiterate that assistance from the EGF must not replace measures which are the responsibility of companies by virtue of national law or collective agreements, nor should it finance the restructuring companies or sectors.
We are looking into the matter.
The proposal for a regulation that we are dealing with today contributes to this aim by ensuring that reliable and comparable data is collected in all the Member States, in order to enable harmonised risk indicators to be calculated.
However, the total lack of any strategy by the occupying forces to deal with rebuilding the country has also resulted in untold misery.
The Lisbon Strategy is also urging speed.
At that juncture, the European Court of Justice was to cease ruling on the basis of general legal principles derived from the constitutions of Member States.
The objective advocated in this report is clear: the creation of a single strategic framework for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the other Structural Funds, particularly the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Fisheries Fund (EFF), for the next financing period after 2013, along with its coordination with other instruments of the external aspects of EU policy.
It really alarms me that we have arbitrarily set aside what our Rules of Procedure plainly state.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I hope that you will accept this report and will vote for it, in general terms, in this House.
Is this the doctors' fault or the patients' fault?
Only it is important to say that whilst this directive may not necessarily embody the initial 1993 idea, which was to get rid of the opt-out, it now provides a framework and additional guarantees for today's, not yesterday's situation.
It has to be welcomed that disarmament becomes an essential element of the agreement - to be more precise - on a par with democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law.
I think they are very much in line with our group's position.
If we do not achieve progress on these two issues, there is a risk that no progress will be made in the negotiations and they will perhaps be jeopardised.
This is where we are vulnerable and endangered; when I put it that way, you will understand how important this agency is to us.
I have taken part in various seminars and conferences and listened carefully to everyone, including through the media, in my search for the best possible synthesis.
For many, the issue of wine is as close to a cultural issue as language itself.
Some in this very House and in the Iranian opposition have called for relations with the Iranian regime to be completely broken off and for the new government not to be recognised.
I want to continue with a deeper cooperation with Parliament, with yourself and with the distinguished Members of this Chamber.
It is also quite apparent that the EU is not prepared for states of emergency, larger waves of refugees, or to provide a strategic solution to the refugee situation.
Let there be no doubt about this: the absurdity of the obligation to take in asylum seekers and strict compliance with the principle of non-refoulement are not being called into question.
Europe is unfortunately no longer, as the Prime Minister claims, the leader in the climate-change negotiations.
The EU has now got real leverage to put pressure on Lukashenko's regime to make him bring about genuine improvement as a condition for further EU economic aid and cooperation.
Most of it was positive, however, and I therefore did not need to think for long before voting in favour, although not everything was good.
Women should have control over their sexual and reproductive rights.
We should we forget Ukraine, Moldova, the Southern Caucasus and North Africa.
Announcement by the President
A chicken said to a pig, 'Let us have a joint venture.
Delegated acts (Rule 87a): see Minutes
My concern regarding the after-market is particularly related to those cases where consumers are unnecessarily tied to a specific operator for repairing their car.
I regret that Parliament has not drawn any lessons from what has happened in Japan.
I would like to explain that there is, of course, a grey area relating to patient information and advertising for medical products.
The money from that policy will not be available until 2009 or 2010, but when that funding does become available I look forward to the EU assisting in the social and economic reforms in Lebanon.
- Before the vote on paragraph 30:
Strategic cooperation with third countries will be developed within the strategy, notably in information society dialogues, as a vehicle to build global consensus in this area.
On the other hand, the twice-yearly presentation by the Commission of reports relating to the development and migration of SIS I to SIS II will ensure that work on SIS II is transparent for the European Parliament.
A catalogue needs to be made of all the private quality certification systems and a legislative framework of basic principles needs to be adopted at EU level in order to ensure that these systems operate transparently.
Under the framework of FLEGT, tropical timber exporting countries have begun drawing up Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) with the EU, in order to guarantee the traceability and legality of timber.
This will also assist the interpreters.
I therefore agree that we must ask Member States to take steps to improve the situation of the children left by their parents in the country of origin and ensure their normal development in terms of education and social life.
In that, he is truly right.
This would be an important step towards making the role of education and training more tangible in an increasingly open European context.
In the context of the current economic crisis, this is the most important challenge for all of us.
The report also calls for research studies on seeds and their contribution to disease control.
Those relations or any problems that there may be are settled in the independent courts of the Spanish State.
(FR) Mr President, I would simply like to address Mr Tannock in order to denounce his attitude towards those who are demonstrating today, and also expand on what Mr Verhofstadt and Mr Cohn-Bendit have said.
I honestly believe that the best solution would be to return to a more all-round situation in which the Palestinian Authority had control of borders and there was free movement of goods and people; not only for humanitarian aid but also for economic development and trade, which are necessary in order for genuine progress to be made.
The arbitrary detention of Mr Maguwu is a message of intimidation that the Government of Zimbabwe is sending to human rights defenders and free citizens in the country, to prevent them from reporting on the realities in Marange.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (PL) Madam President, the subject of today's debate is liberalisation of the market in spare parts.
Today, one way or another, I expect democracy to win again.
Thus, we would contribute to the security of passengers who use airlines' services.
To maintain reasonable food prices and, above all, a decent income for farmers, and to ensure food security, the CAP should be maintained at the current level.
We must be aware that the planet's future is closely linked to this region's future.
in writing. - (FR) The economic and financial crisis has demonstrated the failure of euro-liberalism, the dogmatic framework of the Single Market.
However, I believe that we have to act with an eye to the future, and this means moving from words to actions.
Rapid technological progress, coupled with fierce international competition, means that it must change rapidly.
So you should not be surprised that the level of criticism is growing and that, in Austria in particular, the criticism of the EU as it currently stands - not of Europe - is reaching epidemic proportions.
Development aid must enable the populations concerned to remain in their geographical area.
In this connection I would like to say to the Commission Vice-President, Mr Kallas, that during his term there have been major improvements generally to the Union's openness and transparency and he has been extremely active in this area.
We have unfailingly demonstrated this, be it in relation to issues of the internal market, competition or non-discrimination.
After all, an internal market, and this is why I believe in Europe, can only function well on the basis of trust on the part of industry, the government and the consumer.
However, the split alone will not create stability in the country.
in writing. - While academics will argue over the best possible way to measure progress, we as European legislatures must be confident in the method we pick and ensure that it stands up to argument both today and in the future.
Without an internal market, we will not have a strong European Union.
In the last few days it is estimated that about one hundred people have been killed and about two hundred wounded.
The raising of the Commission policy voice in this area, in the light of its considerable experience in the provision of humanitarian aid and its unique role at the heart of the European Union, is positively welcomed by the Member States, Parliament and also humanitarian partners.
However, in many areas the Commission proposal was ambiguous and may have the opposite effect to that which the Commission is seeking.
Allowing those countries to develop their markets could make a real difference, supporting not just the opening of markets but how they gain access to them, ensuring that they can reach our standards, and ensuring that they have real opportunities.
In my opinion, all EU countries should make sexual relations with minors up to 18 years, where there is use of force, rape or threats, a criminal offence.
No less important is the fact that WTO membership brings in its train a series of obligations that China is inadequately honouring.
I also regret that the amendment tabled by my group to create a tax of 0.01% per annum on financial transactions in order to finance efforts to combat climate change in the poorest and most directly affected countries to the tune of EUR 20 billion per annum was not adopted.
I also refer to the fact that the review of the political problems should not simply be left to the ECJ, but that here both the EU Institutions - the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament - and the nation states bear responsibility for this through their legislation.
The first is the tight time scale allowed for Member States to adjust their fishing effort.
They will do exactly as they have previously decided.
Jenny used to drive them there but she can no longer afford to put petrol in the car for anything other than her twice-weekly trip to the cheapest supermarket in her part of Manchester.
This is a vital first step towards stopping those who are getting rich on the back of the Southern countries' misery.
We wrote to various associations of historians and others, and to my surprise they replied that they, too, thought it would be much more interesting to have a more lively record than just the printed text in translation.
I voted in favour of the Göncz report on the European Microfinance Facility.
But, colleagues, let me remind you - and I refuse to accept this sort of crowing - I am absolutely not a lobbyist for the car industry.
It pushes the Roma to the margins of society.
The Commission's proposed negotiating mandate for such an agreement is good and points us in the right direction.
I consider that Members of Parliament need further evidence before they can propose to grant or refuse discharge to this agency.
The Council, however, has not made his work easy.
Mr President, I should like to table an oral amendment to this amendment, deleting two parts of the amendment, namely the words 'by the Colombian army' and 'on Colombia'.
However, we need to do more work, we need to ensure that the transparency and integrity of the work of lobbyists at the EU level is of the highest.
I would also like to thank Mrs Giannakou for preparing this own-initiative report.
These principles follow on logically from the work that was started when the REACH Regulation on chemicals was being discussed.
We spend 50% of our lives in our homes.
We may make some small steps forward.
It is a sick joke that he has been given responsibility for the lives and security of the inhabitants of Darfur, when it was the same person who had persecuted them earlier, and that decisions concerning the largest humanitarian operation run by the UNAMID international peace mission are in his hands.
On the other hand, however, we must avoid the pitfall of making emotional and unfounded decisions about whether to keep or abandon nuclear energy.
(HU) Thank you for the opportunity to speak, Mr President.
Last month many eminent scientists and climatologists from around the world met in New York and after two days of serious discussions issued the Manhattan Declaration, which states categorically that there is no convincing evidence that CO2 emissions from modern industrial activity have in the past, are now, or will in the future cause catastrophic climate change; and that adaptation, as needed, is massively more cost-effective than any attempted mitigation.
The European Council had requested the opinion of the Commission acting on the proposal from the Spanish Government and, since the Spanish Government's proposal reflects the long-standing political agreement to bring the additional 18 MEPs into office without delay, the Commission has recommended opening an intergovernmental conference as soon as possible.
I have prepared a working paper for the meeting in Lima in which I analyse the present state of this important natural source in the European Union.
1.
(Applause)
Freedom of choice for women, allied with antenatal diagnostics, has become a tool for eliminating womankind.
Do we fund the new priorities by cutting the previous ones, as the Council and Commission want us to do, or do we do it properly?
One proposal made on these grounds is to maintain coupled aid for sheep and goats.
Indeed, the measure we are about to implement has always inspired broad consensus, so much so that in 2006 13 million people, and 15 countries in 2008, actually 19 countries, I think that from this point of view ...
This is also applicable to publicity, so that a production accepted by a national broadcasting board in a Member State must be accepted for broadcasting in all other Member States.
The opt-out method weakens the community of values.
Progress has been made with the implementation of the budget for the financial year 2008, but there still remains a high number of errors in the areas of the Structural and Cohesion Funds, rural development, scientific research, energy and transport.
I welcome this.
Ultimately, however, I believe that the slight price increase for our farmers does not in any way bring the price adjustment that would make up for the losses of recent decades.
Additional criteria for evaluating projects will increase the level of discretion in their evaluation, and thereby complicate the process of using the funds.
However, it is Europe that holds the key to Copenhagen.
Political decision makers must therefore have at their disposal data that is both reliable and as exhaustive as possible on the modern world and the environmental situation.
Now we have 27 Member States.
The key sectors include climate change, sustainable transport, nature and biodiversity, health and the environment, the use of natural resources and waste management, as well as the international dimension of sustainable development.
In other words, we absolutely must avoid the mistakes of the Lisbon Strategy.
I would like to tell the honourable Member that I hope that more Member States would follow the example of those who have already signed and ratified those important conventions.
in writing. - I and my ECR Group colleagues agree with much of this report, including improving budgetary efficiency, simplifying the application procedures for EU funds, as well as prioritising the completion of the 2020 strategy.
I would ask the French presidency and the other Member States to support this.
Perhaps we have to be bold enough to recognise that it is not realistic to achieve zero tolerance in these cost groups.
Because we care about all the above, we strongly support the Commission and Council and its Presidency for addressing, negotiating and stressing continuously each one of the issues in regular dialogue with the Chinese side.
We have to put an end to this and get out of it.
Mr President, Commissioners, ladies and gentlemen, while I have the pleasure of putting this oral question to you on behalf of the Committee on Development, sadly I do not have the pleasure of presenting you with the resolution on the same subject, adopted unanimously by this committee.
I know that Mr Verheugen has had intensive and fruitful discussions with the rapporteur, Mr Sacconi, whom I should like to thank for his excellent work - I say this on a personal level, too.
May I thank the Commissioner once again.
80% of farmers do not even receive a tenth of this.
Our committee was right, but we must go further.
The reason, of course, is because of a conflict of interests since the Danes fail to process their drinking water after it comes out of the ground.
Stress tests of nuclear power plants in EU and nuclear safety in EU neighbourhood countries (debate)
The fact that we do not know for sure even now whether the tests carried out have been successful or not only serves to raise serious doubts about how the project is being managed.
Madam President, I echo the thanks of others to the rapporteur for her work on bringing this initiative forward to Parliament.
I have in the past called for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics on the basis of human rights.
I voted in favour of this resolution because the European Parliament welcomes the changes brought about by the Treaty of Lisbon, allowing more flexibility in EIB financing, including: equity participations as a complement to the ordinary activities of the Bank; the possibility to establish subsidiaries and other entities, in order to regulate the so-called special activities and to provide wider technical assistance services; and the strengthening of the Audit Committee.
We are right next to the world's battlefield, from Gaza to Kabul.
Written statements (Rule 142)
It might go some way to help, for example, a person whom I came across in London: the only individual working in a hotel kitchen who was not on a permanent contract was the one whose job was to clean the ovens and to get inside them using heavy-duty chemicals, with no training or protective clothing, because that worker was only temporary and therefore health and safety did not matter so much.
I should therefore like to call on the Commission to open broad consultation with interested bodies on the adoption of a voluntary product labelling system in Braille and, at the same time, to call on my fellow Members here to support it by signing written statement 14.
We now have before us the task of identifying those areas where temporary guidelines are most needed.
However, the data can also be used for other purposes 'according to US law', as the agreement states.
The first round of the human rights experts' dialogues, including with the African Union, has opened up new possibilities for engaging with the African continent on human rights.
However, once we witnessed the shocking violence being carried out, we spoke out with one voice, against the violence and against the regime that is inflicting it.
(NL) Mr President, what is happening now in countries like Tunisia and Egypt is an immensely important development.
I am also pleased that an agreement has been reached on the milk fund, including in relation to production in mountain areas and disadvantaged regions.
The case was referred to the European Parliament by way of a special report from the European Ombudsman.
As provided for in Rule 145, I shall give Mr Martin the floor when the minutes of this sitting are considered for approval.
Environmental protection from radiation following the crash of a military aircraft in Greenland (vote)
Many of the targeting techniques - display, contextual and certain search-related adverts, etc. - do not involve any tracking and are not a subject of major concern.
Thanks to the EAW, the Union has managed to reduce surrender times considerably, in many cases from one or two years to only one or two months.
We are arguing that we should not automatically exclude it.
The invitation to Slovakia to join the euro zone is also important, both for the euro zone and for the Member States of Central and Eastern Europe.
We must realise the Treaty of Lisbon's objectives regarding social issues through the specific proposals included in EU 2020, for example, defining initiatives such as 'an industrial policy for the globalisation era' or 'an agenda for new skills and jobs'.
I think the signs for change here are not very good.
in writing. - (LT) I endorsed this document, because the Committee responsible decided to approve the closure of the accounts of the Joint Undertaking for the implementation of the Joint Technology Initiative on Innovative Medicines for the financial year 2009.
On the subject of cooperation programmes for democracy and human rights, the Commission would like to remind Parliament that the new instrument, the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights, foresees specific funds for projects in difficult countries such as Cuba and Burma/Myanmar, mentioned in this debate.
This document is also one of the two main means used to implement the common fisheries policy.
In this connection, we wish to highlight the need for democratic control of expenditure relating to the Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I would like to refer to what one of the honourable Members said - that the European Union should be the honest broker in these negotiations.
I do hope that the amended Regulation will be implemented appropriately in all EU Member States.
The basic condition for the Council to decide in favour of abolishing checks on internal borders with these Member States is to confirm, within the framework of the assessment procedures, whether the new Member States have fulfilled the necessary condition of applying all parts of the Schengen acquis: data protection, the Schengen Information System (SIS), air borders, land borders, sea borders, police cooperation and visas.
On a relatively modest Prime Minister's salary, he has mysteriously managed to become a multi-millionaire.
The objective of these negotiations and readmission agreements is therefore clearly to strengthen borders, which of course includes Greece's borders.
Iran is naturally an important player in the Middle East.
In particular we should stress the importance of paragraph 18 of this report, which already refuses to support the criteria proposed by the European Commission: 'emphasises that a final opinion on the basic territorial unit chosen, the criteria and the threshold values proposed by the Commission can only be given when the detailed maps drawn up by the Member States are available [...]'.
in writing. - (PT) I support Anne Ferreira's report because I believe that the use of market-based instruments such as taxation, subsidies and emissions trading, for environmental policy purposes are important tools, although not the only ones, for the promotion of sustainable development.
However, there is another aspect of the resolution with which we agree, specifically, the criticism of the lack of transparency with regard to the composition and work of the Commission's internal advisory committee on public procurement (ACPP) and the role and competences of the Advisory Committee on the Opening-Up of Public Procurement (CCO).
Deposit-guarantee schemes (vote)
The top priorities of the Stockholm Programme include stepping up the anti-communist hysteria in the EU which is already proceeding full steam ahead, culminating in the historically inaccurate and unacceptable equation of communism with national socialism.
Let us focus instead on the Marty report.
We want to retain public services.
The situation being as it is, it would be better if the EU's Iran delegation were prevented from going, as the trip would only be exploited by the Mullahs for the purposes of propaganda.
The economy of neighbouring Armenia has also been affected by the combination of the economic recession and, in particular, the rapid deterioration of the Russian economy, due to the great dependence of the Armenian economy on trade with its large neighbour to the north.
That is what I want to achieve in my time in office and I feel 100% committed to trying to achieve that.
Even in the optimistic case that all the Council members are supporters of woman's rights, I am wondering what kind of example we set for a country to which one requests measures on representation in political structures.
This should be the key focus.
We regret, however, that the amendments that we put forward for this resolution have been rejected, although they focused on the causes behind trafficking in human beings and ways of combating it, particularly the following:
However, the presence of third-country workers must be evaluated with at least two considerations in mind.
With regard to the problems encountered by the new Member States in pursuing development aid policy, I would like to point out that:
From the end of 2010 all new vehicles are to be equipped for the electronic satellite-based eCall emergency call system, so that professional help can be given within what doctors call the 'golden hour' immediately after an accident.
I am glad that the report, presented by the rapporteur in her speech, expressed support for this recommendation and also looked positively on some of the key sentiments in the recommendation.
In an area that could so easily be so beneficial, we have allowed language differences to get in the way of us reaching agreement.
For those companies that have chosen to maintain production safeguarding know-how and employment in Europe, this regulation will re-establish a level playing field with our third-country trading partners.
As Brussels will only provide the money for the ESF when the Member States take responsibility for cofinancing, this means that there will be around EUR 150 billion on the table for creating more and better jobs.
I therefore believe that it is essential for us to take action to help these two journalists: firstly, because they risk being sentenced to death, a punishment that is out of all proportion with their actions, and secondly, because Niger is considered to be a friend of ours and a country that we help a great deal.
It would also seem justified to introduce an obligation for companies to publish full information about themselves on their Internet sites and to include a link to these sites on a central electronic platform, which is shortly to be given final confirmation by the Commission.
It integrates previous EU regulations into a single piece of legislation and extends it to include transport by water.
After all, we cannot just save our way out of the problem.
In particular, regulation of sales on the Internet is notoriously difficult and can only be tackled effectively at international level.
Finally, I want to say that I support the amendment that there should be an obligation to supply free services for blind and partially-sighted persons.
the oral question to the Council on implementation of Directive 2006/123/EC, by Malcolm Harbour, Andreas Schwab, Evelyne Gebhardt, Cristian Silviu Buşoi, Heide Rühle, Adam Bielan, Kyriacos Triantaphyllides and Matteo Salvini, on behalf of the IMCO Committee - B7-0216/2009), and
Madam President, the very fact that we are discussing Tunisia - our initial topic - at a time when Egypt has reached boiling point is indicative of how far we are trailing behind reality, even if the title of our debate can be changed with ease.
We did this to show where we were aiming to take Georgia with our reforms.
It has been adapted to the new challenges, such as the effects of globalisation, climate change and demographic changes.
Cohesion policy intervention supports productive investment that is primarily targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises, as specified by the ERDF and ESF regulations.
Energy security is an issue not just for one Presidency, but for many years; it is a great challenge and a great honour for the Czech Republic to be able to make progress on this issue.
One of them is international trade.
There is also the other matter, which Mr Sacconi mentioned and I would like to point out once more: this support is not aid, or worse, relief, that maintains the status quo, but it is an incentive for the future competitiveness of the sector, in terms of innovation, environmentally-friendly manufacturing and technologies that better respect the environment and the safety of passengers and transport.
I am also pleased that existing stocks will not - as originally planned - have to be taken off the market within 12 months, but instead only 30 months after the introduction of a new standard.
One of the strategy's key points is investment in education and research.
We can no longer change that today.
in writing. - (DE) I was happy to vote in favour of this report.
This is its only chance to achieve a European perspective.
Sudan and the International Criminal Court (ICC) (vote)
In the realm of good governance, we issued a joint statement at our parliamentary pre-summit meeting which included an expression of our conviction that measures to strengthen the capacity of African parliaments would enable those institutions, which had previously been overlooked, to make an effective contribution to good governance and to scrutiny of policy implementation.
For this reason I believe that the Parliament, which in fact is acting on behalf of all European children, has a moral obligation to be actively involved in making laws for their benefit.
I consider it essential that the public service obligations and the minimum common standards resulting thereof be better consolidated in order to guarantee the fact that the gas services can be accessible to the population and small and medium-sized enterprises.
I would like us to be able to eliminate these technologies altogether in the future, in order to prevent further serious natural disasters, where various toxic materials enter our water sources.
It means that we cannot adopt ACTA if there remains a suspicion that this agreement could disrupt the supply of medicines or technologies in developing countries.
This new common framework for systematically generating European statistics on tourism must be established by the Member States collecting, compiling, processing and transmitting harmonised statistics on supply and demand.
Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to inform you that, in my capacity as President of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA), I shall now attempt to bring about a similar resolution in the EMPA Bureau, as this House has just decided.
There is a general principle at stake and I am therefore very content, as is the Committee, that you are undertaking an overall review to monitor compliance and to check whether laws are consistent as regards the national and the European question.
As Mr Lamassoure said, we are introducing a totally new layer of participatory democracy which will complement the representative democracy in which we operate in the European Union.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I already used some of the arguments in my previous answer, but it is clear that this is a very important area and I will try to highlight some other additional information in responding to this question.
Of course, many of us are deeply concerned about migration problems in relation to our nations.
In this context I should like to refer to the last colony in the world, the last colony in Africa, namely the Western Sahara, which has been occupied by Morocco for more than 30 years.
VAT reductions will help most the people who need it most - the people who earn less than others.
Mr President, we cannot wait until the agreement is on the table, because we need to hear positive noises from the Kremlin now on a number of other issues; I am very worried about certain developments: Chechnya, the TNK versus BP case and Abkhazia.
Let me say the following on some of the proposals in the Committee on Agriculture report.
It is in our strategic interests that Turkey should become part of the political body of Europe in the long term.
However, I call on the Commission to put forward some fairer criteria so that farmers can be the real beneficiaries of the CAP.
The administrators who are supposed to fill in applications and apply for money are not in the least interested in this.
The trigger was certainly the incomprehensible sentence passed against a women, known as 'the Qatif woman', who was sentenced to 200 lashes for having been found in a car talking to a man who was not part of her family.
The aim is common and the enlarged Europe can become the initiator of enhanced international cooperation on evidence-based HIV/AIDS early diagnosis and early care in the near future.
Implementing suitable border control systems would limit trans-border crime which would, in turn, contribute to increasing our internal security.
(DE) In order to master the situation, it is certainly sensible to cooperate at an international level if - and I say this very clearly - this cooperation does not need to be bought with EU financial assistance.
Lastly, I believe that, on the basis of these preconditions, the Stockholm Action Plan should be focused on fully satisfying the demand for European justice voiced by individual citizens and individual businesses when exercising their rights and freedoms.
With regard to this aspect of your work I am hopeful, and I am convinced that through you we will manage to attain that certainty that you yourself referred to.
You can count on the vote of the Portuguese Socialists.
The regulations it contains will definitely simplify the lives of the average EU citizen who benefits from the freedom of movement throughout the European Union.
I received a petition from European textile producers expressing their opposition to this, as they were afraid that Pakistan would export more to Europe, which they did not want.
I welcome the action plan on visa liberalisation which lays down practical guidelines for its swift implementation: improving the rule of law in Ukraine and implementing fundamental rights.
Likewise, I agree with the rapporteur, Mr Swoboda, when he says that we need to observe the principle of equity, which is part of international law.
I would prefer to have the support of the main pro-European political families, but some are excluding themselves from that.
Let alone that EULEX's activities would result in that country being split into north and south.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of my group of the European People's Party, I would like to add my personal endorsement of the proposal for a resolution presented today by the other groups, thus the PPE approves the wording in its entirety.
The public is used to each organisation having its logo.
The Irish people have said that in a very particular way and as a neutral Member State.
The things that happen in connection with the Clean Development Mechanism - 60% of the money goes to China - should not be permitted.
We need to release and create space for the forces that can build our economies, we need to insist on reforms and compliance with the law, and of course we need to support the most vulnerable.
A liberal law allowing children and young people to consume addictive substances, including alcohol in tubes or alcopops, at a time where there is an epidemic of psychological disorders would be both careless and reprehensible, and cannot be considered as counteracting, but rather as promoting, alcoholism and other addictions.
It is already a very enhanced and good network, and most of the Centres are very active and able to solve the issues raised by consumers.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, I should like to discuss the second report first of all, namely the Framework Decision on combating terrorism.
If we use that analysis as the starting point for our discussions, we should be able to establish the necessary common ground and move forward to determine what we should do.
Written statements (Rule 142)
Half of its content comes from sources provided by France which, for once, is leading the way with Gallica, the portal of the National Library of France, and with the INA (National Audiovisual Institute).
It is important to look at it in a wider context.
However, there is no doubt that the new proposals contained in the directive will create a significant impetus which will help many women in Europe to decide to have children.
Crucial to the EIT's fate now is the willingness of the Member States to finance it, Member States which are not investing enough.
I believe, Mrs Ayala Sender, that your report makes progress towards creating an integrated pan-European road safety policy.
It should be a day, yes, to celebrate how far women have come, but, yes, also to raise awareness about how much further we still have to travel in terms of equality.
Adjournment of session
Could it have been avoided?
There, too, there are many people missing.
European funds can and should at most provide a helping hand.
The first is Kosovo.
Ladies and gentlemen, the European Union represents in many areas of life a model for other regions of the world.
I mention this because it is also important in the context of our debate today.
It is an important instrument for giving new impetus to the negotiations.
What is the trade in credit default swaps and credit default insurance all about?
This is the option proposed by Mr Lamassoure and myself.
Some results of our Action Plan are only now starting to show their impact.
The EU's Member States considered taking action mainly at national rather than EU level when it came to economic recovery, providing assistance to companies and preserving jobs.
Therefore, the reform is most welcome.
It argues for non-violence not only as the absence of violence, as pacifism, but as an active campaign of disobedience and sabotage of authoritarian regimes and dictatorships.
I know that you are working on your opinion on the SET Plan, and am very much looking forward to hearing your views.
That is the first good answer I have received from the Council on this subject.
Airport capacity and ground handling (vote)
It must facilitate exchanges of information, analyses and experiences between them, organise training activities, and develop concrete cooperation between the administrations entrusted with analysis of asylum requests.
The new institutional structure created following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon offers the opportunity to improve the coherence, profile and credibility of the EU's actions as part of the UNHRC.
Thank you.
If an issue has an impact that goes beyond national borders, then this involves a European dimension, which also requires a European competence.
The EU was never intended to be about competition in wages and social dumping.
If we do this, we are sure to succeed.
However, it is curious that, free movement within the European Union notwithstanding, it is, at the same time, pushing for the establishment of a system which is far from meeting all the procedures for respecting human rights.
The economic results are good, and there is success in the area of legislation.
My third point is that equal treatment is a commitment to a social Europe.
That is particularly gratifying after a five-year barren spell in the communication of European competition policy on the part of the European Commission.
draftsman. - (DE) Mr President, I have an oral amendment to paragraph 22, which I have agreed with other fellow Members.
In this regard, I should like to extend my deep thanks and gratitude to you, on behalf of the people of this great poet, for hosting the activities of his commemoration.
Our group supported the consensus view of allowing for a voluntary increase in the milk quota of 2%, and we urge the Council to take the lead of Parliament and give the green light for milk producers to increase production by 2% from April.
We consider it unacceptable that the present proposal treats equally those who have considerably decreased their emissions and those who have even allowed them to rise.
I should also note that, of the 15 actions included in the Commission's action plan, nine should have an immediate application.
In this case, however, entire communities are being denied the right to live in their own country.
It grew rich by creating wealth.
(DE) Mr President, Baroness Ashton, ladies and gentlemen, the Arab world is in the grip of profound change.
I can assure you that we keep human rights issues at the centre of our political dialogue with the partner countries, and I can assure you that the fight against corruption is one of the issues we address when dealing with the partner countries.
Projects such as the Nabucco pipeline, a priority project for the European Union, along with the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline, the Pan-European Oil Pipeline, the Turkey-Greece-Italy Interconnector, or the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Romania Interconnector, emphasise both the importance of the EU's commitments in the Black Sea region and the further need to step up cooperation between the countries in the region.
They are responding to this call for increased activity by acting in those areas which we feel are a priority, as Mr Mitchell has said, such as small and medium-sized enterprises, the energy efficiency sector and other areas as well.
in writing. - (PL) In today's vote I supported the acceptance of the report on stable and secure pension systems in Europe.
They have been quite clear on the challenges we face.
The intention of this legislative package is an unprecedented attack on the rights of the national parliaments and, in Portugal, on the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic itself.
I hope that discussions about alternative energy sources to oil can be addressed with objectivity, ensuring European citizens adequate and accurate information in order to prevent easy manipulation, making us even more dependent on unstable oil-producing countries.
We have spent the afternoon proclaiming that we are the only democratic institution protecting the interests of Europeans before the other institutions, above national egotism.
So perhaps there could be a comment on that.
We are particularly in favour of the possibility for the foundations to act outside EU territory also.
Their usefulness also depends crucially on the way in which they are designed.
But if we do not take it seriously, neither will the rest of the world.
Therefore, the countries that emit the most CO2 into the atmosphere need to take part in all international agreements.
I would therefore like to ask the Commissioner a specific question - what will the increased funds for defence be used for?
It is, moreover, likely that some of us, had we had the choice, would have taken the opportunity to table amendments, emphasising, for example, the importance of certain conditions and criteria relating to the assistance in order to improve the transparency of its content and implementation.
The European Union's policy on human rights is the best developed of all its policies.
Firstly, however, I would like to make a remark about the calls from the German Chancellor, Mrs Merkel, to exclude Greece from the euro area, if necessary.
Neighbouring Greece, for example, had to deal with devastating forest fires in 2007.
(FR) Mr President, despite the obvious failure of trade liberalisation over the past 30 years, which has led to the wholesale deindustrialisation of developed countries and the impoverishment of underdeveloped countries, despite the financial and banking crisis, and now the Member States' debt crisis, which all independent economists agree was caused by financial and commercial globalisation, the Director-General of the WTO, Mr Lamy, still wants to speed up the process of full international trade liberalisation.
While the draft decision submitted by you calls our law to account for the right to information, your text is based on misrepresentation and factual errors, just like all that has been said here this afternoon.
Lastly, our support will also depend, as you know, on the new structure of the Commission.
Energy is a sphere in which EU competence is shared with the Member States.
Thank you for the floor, Mr President.
As Mr Mate said, the directive will force all Member States to pay particular attention to the rights of children.
In effect, under Regulation (EC) No 546/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 amending Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 on establishing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, the scope of the EGF was temporarily widened to include its intervention in situations like this, in which, as a direct result of the global economic and financial crisis, there are 'at least 500 redundancies over a period of nine months, particularly in small or medium-sized enterprises, in a NACE 2 division in one region or two contiguous regions at NUTS II level'.
You see, as a chemistry teacher - and I bet there are few of those in this Assembly - I know what it takes to go from hypothesis to theory to chemical law.
This method, which is commonly used in international trade, provides a better safeguard for certain sensitive sectors for the EU and should therefore be the sole method used by the Commission.
Member States must ensure that the legislation will be amended so that websites with criminal content are blocked.
After 30 years of war, with more than one and a half million people killed, the international community is duty-bound to show its full solidarity with Afghanistan.
We need concerted action; we need courage and solidarity from all twenty-seven Member States to inject confidence into our economy again.
I have followed the debate by all the MEPs with considerable interest.
Mr President, Commissioner, after all these speeches, I wish to thank my fellow Members, the shadow rapporteurs as well as the rapporteurs of the committees who produced opinions, who suggested to me many ideas and who have made it possible to improve the text that we are voting on today.
It certainly did nothing to loosen the grip on power enjoyed by Europe's last self-isolating dictator, President Alexander Lukashenko.
The result of the next eight months of climate diplomacy will write the text of our history books for generations and, as political leaders in our own communities and collectively, we cannot renege on our responsibility.
in writing. - (SV) We have voted in favour of the draft amendments by the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, as they reinforce the wordings relating to the labelling of the origin of poultrymeat.
This is not just a debate about a set of accounts, but a fundamental breakdown in trust between the institutions represented here and the people we represent back at home.
(SK) The report on the annual management of the euro area and of public finances in 2009 analyses in detail the management of the EU during the global financial and economic crisis.
Now we have a problem: there are 23 Members who have asked to speak during the 'catch the eye' session.
Thank you very much, Mr Pannella.
I agree with him.
Jihadist terrorists, for example, are suddenly no longer considered dangerous.
But I think it is interesting to see that the Opposition is, at least, coming together again.
Let us see to it, with the participation of Members of this House, that these are not just passing phenomena but days that convey positive messages to young people.
in writing. - (LT) Modern advertising has long overtaken the legal framework of this area.
This will provide effective help in modernising the area.
I believe that despite all that has happened we will not turn our backs on the countries of the former Soviet bloc, including Ukraine, which want to free themselves from Russian influence.
Mr President, allow me to conclude - if I can, in a few words - on the matter of transparency.
I hope you will clarify this issue on behalf of Commissioner Almunia.
I should point out that the debate on globalisation earlier today was replied to by Mr Barroso, so it is a mix-and-match Commission, but a very competent one.
What is required now is the firm commitment by the Government of Pakistan to crack down on terrorist networks so that further attacks can be prevented.
Indeed, thanks to this step-by-step integration of Europe, considerable progress has been made, and no one can deny that.
It is unacceptable, because it is illogical, to separate trade negotiations from monetary negotiations.
The Council must discuss this as no decision has yet been made on this matter.
Bosnia is not ready for EU membership, not by a long shot.
To reflect the Treaty's strengthened recognition of the importance of sport, would the Council be supportive of any initiative to include sport explicitly in the portfolio of one of the incoming Commissioners?
To this must be added the costs, to the most vulnerable economies within the EU, of entry into the single market, of Economic and Monetary Union and of the deregulation of international trade, aspects ignored by the report.
This report argues that political parties at European level must be the place for 'expressing the will of the citizens of the Union'.
This is true even if, as certain high-ranking security officials in Berlin claim, relations with the US Government are being soured by the work of the Munich public prosecutors, who are simply doing their job in the prescribed fashion: this speaks volumes about these people's mentality and their attitude to the rule of law.
(The oral amendment was not accepted.)
Viewed in these terms, I believe that we will increase the pressure on the US and China and others precisely by saying that we must have very specific deliverables and that very specific results must be achieved in Cancún.
To listen to Mr Färm, it would seem as though we would have no employment policy in Europe if we did not have micro-credits.
Therefore, I think it is necessary to bring in measures to harmonise the market in these products, as well as to guarantee a high level of health and safety for workers in the sector.
The report states a 5% target for renewable transport fuels by 2015, with a sub-target of 20% to promote the use of electric cars.
The entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon has institutionalised new areas in which Parliament's approval is necessary for the conclusion of international agreements.
In the area of civil aviation, the Member States must promote the development and use of EGNOS-based landing procedures, and both these and EGNOS-based services must be certified as a matter of priority for civil aviation.
Do the citizens know that their governments and parliaments are ignoring the benefits of common Europe to their disadvantage?
My colleague, Éric Besson, will deal with Mrs Toia's report on the issue of the digital dividend.
My fear is that, if we lose the opt-out, we will force more people into the grey economy and then they will not be covered by health and safety legislation, in particular the Dangerous Machinery Directive.
(Applause)
This not only exposes the absurdity of Russia's membership of the Council of Europe, but also encapsulates why the Council of Europe is, in my view, increasingly ignored internationally.
The European Union's relations with China are of strategic importance to all Members of the European Parliament and they do and will have major global repercussions.
The problem is clear: the Treaty of Lisbon entered into force on 1 December.
I therefore call upon you, ladies and gentlemen, to approve these two agreements concluded with Georgia.
I myself have the flag of my rugby club at home!
Many of you have stressed how important it is that the Mediterranean becomes an area of peace, stability and security, where democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms - including gender equality and the role of women in society - are upheld and fully respected.
Taking into account the need to improve the efficiency of consumer law on the internal market, I welcome the Commission's intention to re-evaluate the eight sectoral Directives so that they respond to the challenges of technological progress, and in particular offer precise definitions of rights and duties in an online environment.
the oral question to the Commission by Viktória Mohácsi, on behalf of the ALDE Group, on a European Roma strategy - B6-0003/2008)
Why have CMR chemical substances been only partially banned?
Mr President, allow me to conclude with a national reference.
I therefore call strongly on the Commissioner to proceed with this request by the European Parliament, which certainly speaks on behalf of citizens and consumers in Europe.
EU-Canada trade relations (debate)
How is that?
Today we must improve the contents of Europeana while ensuring respect for intellectual property.
The European Council also devoted attention to climate change, endorsing the main messages set out in the Commission's communication.
. - (HU) Mr President, today's debate is part of a process, in which important decisions remain to be taken, and hence I emphasise once again that one may safely refer to the living conditions of the largest minority in Europe as comparable to that of the developing world.
In short, we urgently need a strategy that ultimately identifies the real interests that we intend to pursue, and it is important that we involve Member States in significant objectives.
I hope that in future this European Union of ours, which has such an interest in peace in a part of the world so close to us, will be able to play a more effective mediating role than it has done in the past.
Her assessment presents a mixed picture.
It gives the view that the new, more effective and better executed rules should contribute to the development of more sustainable policies that genuinely take social and environmental concerns into account, and states that globalisation has increased competitive pressure between countries to attract foreign investors and competition between businesses.
The compromise reached establishes an excellent balance, fully protecting our initial objectives and at the same time providing an appropriate response to the legitimate concerns expressed during the adoption process.
It was quite clear to me at the very beginning that if I had my way I would have a list that was endless, because human rights are so important: they are paramount and are the very reason that the institutions were established so that we never got back to those conditions that created the Second World War and the appalling shadow that was cast across so many different peoples and so many different minorities.
I even dare believe that you will find a way to ensure that this geographical balance is adequately reflected in your service.
Our Parliament will be taken seriously in this debate only if it promotes a solution which is clear but realistic in all aspects.
I have voted in favour of the report by Mrs Niebler on the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion on behalf of the European Community of the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the European Community and the Government of New Zealand, which is the only non-European industrialised country with which the European Community has not yet drawn up an agreement on science and technology.
This Regulation is applicable to all EU Member States except for the United Kingdom and Ireland and also to Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.
in writing. - (FR) The objective of encouraging economic immigration on a huge scale, already set out on 11 January 2005 by the European Commission in its 'Green Paper on an EU approach to managing economic migration' is more topical than ever, given this report.
The initial steps which have been taken are very encouraging, but I would like to highlight three matters.
Until now, each of the four intergovernmental panels has had to review its predecessor's estimates of the speed at which climate change is taking place.
(The President cut off the speaker)
French soldiers who were part of Operation Artemis in Congo used torture.
European legislation, in the form of a directive, based on education, the effective protection of victims, cooperation with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the implementation of a European Year of Combating Violence Against Women, is an example of measures for combating this social scourge, which has harmful consequences for European society.
Ladies and gentlemen, the mission of the European Union is surely for us to live together as nations and as states of the European Union in peace, cooperation and mutual respect.
I therefore, think that all parties have learnt a useful lesson especially the FYROM.
It should refinance banks at very different interest rates depending on whether the loans benefit the sound economy I have just described or, on the contrary, are to be used as the basis of unsavoury financial operations.
The EU does not and never has advocated artificially putting up partitions, but has brought all Europeans to the same table by dismantling borders.
I conclude, along with Nadja Hirsch, that if we want to fulfil these wishes, vocational education and training need to be clearly results-orientated.
The efforts relating to the introduction of the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) must be continued and extended.
It has also been said in the House that Members are concerned about the situation in Georgia.
Few new staff will be employed - indeed, that would be hard to justify with almost 6 000 employees.
Europe is at a crossroads with regard to space policy.
Therefore, as is also mentioned in the EU 2020 strategy, we need to develop strategic areas and look outside the European Union to become more powerful.
Since April systematic and detailed checks on buses and private cars with Czech registration plates have been carried out in Germany and Austria.
If someone makes use of this right to refuse to give evidence - for example, a man who had been with a prostitute who had been endangered through human trafficking - information will be lost that could be used further to finally uncover this network of human traffickers.
Variety is the spice of life.
Although I voted in favour of the motion for a resolution by the majority of the parliamentary groups, since I agree with the constructive approach and the essence of the recommendations, in particular with regard to the need to boost investment in research, innovation and development and policies to promote knowledge, in the opening of markets and greater flexibility, with security, in labour markets, I still cannot help thinking that some of the data presented in the alternative resolution give cause for concern.
It is not just businesses that are affected.
Without them, all the funds that Europe can pour into the Member States will be pointless.
The problem areas included in the directive are of a national character and are therefore best managed at national level.
However, the real major victory of this vote is that it reaffirms the right to abortion.
In Bali, the international community clearly identified the destruction of forests as one of the main causes of climate change.
I considered Mr Graça Moura's report to be very balanced and therefore I did not vote for the alternative proposal of the PSE, ALDE and Verts/ALE group.
Other requirements include cooperation between the Member States and the drafting of a common position, inter alia, on the issue of savings and budgetary cuts.
It is also to be welcomed that the new concept highlights the need to strengthen the strategic relationship between NATO and the European Union.
We must emphasise the logical connection between animal health and the use of antimicrobials, as well as the link between animal health and human health.
My country Lithuania, battling with the economic crisis, abolished VAT reductions.
The high price of oil is making us all suffer, but the most vulnerable population groups on low incomes are certainly being badly hit.
in writing. - This grants the Director of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training discharge in respect of the implementation of the centre's budget for the 2009 financial year.
The longer we are without an agreement on the Terrorist Finance Tracking Programme, the greater the risk of a terrorist attack that could have been prevented.
As far as Commissioner Verheugen is concerned, I am sorry to say that the buck does stop somewhere, and it is all very well for the Commission to continue to pass the responsibility on to Member States, or whatever, but in actual fact you have to implement the legislation that is put in place by this Parliament.
This Europe of values with effective political substance, backed by its people, is also the Europe we need.
in writing. - (HU) Is the EU truly able to receive the intelligence data arriving from the United States?
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (FI) Mr President, a big thank you goes to Mr Sacconi for having achieved a good result from negotiations on this subject as rapporteur appointed by the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety.
Thank you.
The financial resources required to implement the common fisheries policy also include funding for projects in areas such as: international relations, governance, data collection, scientific advice, control systems and enforcement of this policy.
It is acknowledged that the energy mix and energy supply differs among Member States according to geography and other distinct factors.
In the experience of our veterinary authorities, the applicable European legislation is fairly comprehensive, but somewhat unwieldy and complicated to implement.
The mission in which the Council Presidency is to take part is a good one, as the days are gone when we could sit back and wait until things were back on an even keel.
The Committee on Budgets has adopted a number of amendments which mean that we will require the Commission to submit a proposal for a sound review of the content of the current long-term budget as early as possible.
The Southern Corridor should obviously include the Nabucco project.
I am getting the impression that the Commission has still not started to change its priorities under the Lisbon Treaty and is conducting unjustified and long-lasting rhetoric with Parliament to further its own opportunities.
The fishing possibilities accruing to the European Union under the convention are of great interest to the EU.
I would like to establish a link between this report and the needs of development policies.
(Applause)
3.
The main added value which consumers expect is the hope that it will be easier to avoid purchasing hazardous products, of which there are still very many, despite improved controls.
I must insist first that these imported products are clearly labelled and secondly, and most importantly, that we introduce with immediate effect an additional number 'four', for eggs produced using colony systems.
There will be drought on the one hand, and too much water on the other hand, with rising sea levels.
Madam President, please can you clarify this issue, because if Mr de Magistris is seeking to avoid trial ...
I do not fear that cohesion policy funding will disappear from the budget plan but I would not like to see the extent of this fund during the life of the next budget in any way reduced.
The Commissioner expressed her hope that Parliament will adopt the relevant alignments in the current year.
The new Director of the College may have presented an action plan, but it is not sufficient, nor is it as detailed as it should be.
the report by Mr Grech, on behalf of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, on delivering a single market to consumers and citizens,
The advantage of having a directive of this kind is that it opens up channels for much more effective judicial control.
1.
Mr President, I want to make a point on Ms Martens' report.
Expulsions of NGOs from Darfur (vote)
The statements in the report are presented as a clear scientific consensus.
Where José Manuel Barroso is concerned, it is important to state that he was unanimously supported in the European Council, that he was well known as a candidate and had already been introduced to the electorate prior to the election.
Indeed, Member States need to make progress in implementing this directive in order to improve and facilitate the provision of cross-border services.
I find it rather nonsensical that Parliament has so long been incapable of addressing this issue and putting pressure on the Council to put an end to this flying circus.
Expanding the financing instrument for cooperation with industrialised and other high income countries and territories will give the EU the opportunity to establish cooperation with the crucial emerging and developing economies on an equal footing.
(The oral amendment was accepted)
It is doubtful whether, as it is so eloquently put in the report, an 'energetic, growing cultural sector' represents an 'important driver of economic and social innovation'. Rather, a trend can be perceived whereby migration and migrants are being increasingly placed at the heart of support for culture while native culture and tradition are pushed to one side.
I understand it entirely, but we have a different tradition in Denmark, so I was there with my T-shirt, calling for a referendum, and I think all of us should call for a referendum.
Ratko Mladić and Goran Hadžić are still renegades from justice and must be handed in.
The report mentions, for example, forced marriages and female genital mutilation, but these phenomena, which are growing exponentially in our cities, are tackled as if they are issues related to cultural background.
The growing disease in the European Union, namely disagreement, is being treated and the Reform Treaty is a potent remedy.
This is why we are working to get the budget lines for those issues, but we have to explain better to European citizens why these projects are needed.
However, what I should like to emphasise is the issue of minority rights listed in the Copenhagen criteria.
Why are we doing this?
We will have a real effective reduction of capacity but at the same time we will also have properly addressed the fuel problems.
According to some statistics, last year alone, pirates attacked more than 60 ships, capturing 14 of them and taking hundreds of sailors as hostages.
Just yesterday, we learned of the umpteenth killing of a transgender woman in Antalya.
(PL) Mr President, what is it we are discussing today?
It mainly involves measures in the areas of public health, catering, transport, regional policy, sport, education and statistics, as well as agricultural policy.
We will consider Parliament's position on the report, and we are continuing the debates in the Council, naturally in consultation with the Belgian Presidency.
Please allow me, therefore, also to make a few comments for the last time from the point of view of budgetary control and to offer a few additional suggestions in keeping with the tone set by Mr Nassauer.
This report would meet both conditions if a proposal is accepted.
Yes, I am afraid you did have a slight tendency to accelerate.
President of the Council, the PPE-DE Group will be alongside you, supporting the achievement of your priority objectives.
Lifelong learning must generally be possible for women too.
It may be that I am thereby criticising the court judgments.
We have thus been able to create 80 million poor people and 43 million starving Europeans, a figure that includes the elderly, who may die quicker and reduce public spending as a result, meaning that the Maastricht criteria can be met more effectively.
Moreover, both the Minimum Capital Requirement and the Solvency Capital Requirement are much too low, and must be increased substantially.
(Applause)
Our resolution on the commemoration of the victims of the Holodomor in Ukraine was adopted at the 34th session of the UNESCO general conference, which was supported by Ireland among others.
I firmly believe that responsible national government authorities will negotiate a level of licence fees which can revitalise and protect the Roşia Montană area with its gold deposits.
The example of Ireland demonstrates the opposite, unfortunately.
In the name of transparency, which the public needs, and rigour, I do not consider the Council exonerated from its responsibility of publishing accounts for the funds available to it.
This is why I am pleased that the model for the proposed measures is Spain, which has achieved the best effects, both in terms of numbers of donors and numbers of transplants performed, but also in gaining huge social support for the idea of organ transplantation and donation.
Theme one is the gravity and permanence of the threat.
I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Mr Kohout for the unusually dynamic work of the representatives of the Czech Presidency, and to Commissioner Barrot for the truly perfect cooperation of the representatives of the Commission.
European industry is facing powerful competitive pressure from developing countries.
(PL) Madam President, in the context of our debate, I should like to draw attention to two issues.
By condemning old totalitarian crimes, we not only shame the criminals of the past, but also those who might think to apply the same criminal methods in the future.
That is why I voted as I did.
The second event was an Expert Conference on Alcohol and Health in Stockholm on 21-22 September aimed at supporting a sustainable, long-term and comprehensive strategy within the EU with regard to alcohol.
If the interpreters cannot follow what is being said, the people in the rest of Europe will not be able to understand your speech, because it was read too quickly.
Fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are still not respected.
This interpretation that the Council adopted under the Swedish leadership therefore seems a bit odd.
In brief, the Commission is hoping that the waste management plan for Campania is convincing.
I am thinking in particular of Mr Busuttil, who mentioned the difficult situation Malta faces in this matter.
Therefore, these numerous concessions must now be matched by progress in relation to Non-Agricultural Market Access (NAMA) and services.
International air agreements under the Treaty of Lisbon (
Thank you.
I have to say that without their work and their help, we would not have achieved this.
Horizontal cooperation agreements can bring considerable economic advantages.
The key to all of this is - and I go back to exactly what I said to Mr Davies - decisions should be made at nation-state level by politicians who are accountable to the electorate.
We expect these decisions to be taken before the end of April 2009.
3) With its own generous sources of funding and grants to the top-class European institutes already in existence, the EIT would have a prospect of success.
The resolution expresses the same concerns as those expressed by EU citizens with regard to data protection.
And a day to reflect that yet another opportunity for real change has sadly been lost.
Parliament must be ready to function under the Treaty of Lisbon and, then, we will be able to vote on Mr Barroso and the Treaty of Lisbon, Mr Cohn-Bendit.
The crisis on the financial markets, as can be seen from this example, is also an opportunity for communication on the part of the European Union and for permanent improvement to our European financial market system.
But we have also seen violence.
Only at the final stage did the European Commission decide to propose the unrealistic deadline of 2014.
For example, it considered the issue of reindeer husbandry, which is a very important source of livelihood in this region.
It is for that reason that the European Parliament considers that all seven of the proposals must be taken forward as soon as possible, before there is another environmental disaster with human losses: to harmonise types of classification, to compel states to monitor vessels flying their flags, to ensure that vessels are inspected in ports and to monitor their movements, to decide what action should be taken in the event of accidents and to monitor and manage responsibilities as regards both third parties and passengers.
I believe that for the good of its economy and of its people, Russia should pay attention to the market and to its image as a trustworthy partner.
This year, only 11% of the EUR 500 million available was requested.
Finding your way around human rights violations, tensions and conflicts based on religion or belief requires a lot of manpower and effort, as do sincere attempts at dialogue and tolerance.
At the New York preparatory meeting in May the EU will set out concrete proposals concerning a future action plan for the review conference in 2010 within the framework of all three pillars of the Treaty.
1.
After the Sterckx report was concluded in the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, in the Committee on Legal Affairs, we specifically asked what additional impact assessment should then be carried out.
I would first of all like to welcome the vote passed in favour of the Treaty of Lisbon by the Czech Senate, which brings the overall ratification process a step forward.
This included closing the military commissions set up there because they do not meet any of the standards for fair court proceedings.
Therefore we call on the Commission to come forward with a communication on the Arctic region, proposing subjects and working procedures.
That said, and although it is not directly related to this measure, I would also like to highlight the importance of maintaining the status quo in terms of the current World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, particularly as regards the world market for textiles and clothing, very specifically, the changes to the rules on importing textiles and clothing products into the EU at a time of severe economic downturn in various Member States.
I will start with the political dimension.
However, this does not imply a preliminary decision concerning the proposed part-session from 20 to 23 April.
The only long-term solution, as Mr Savary said, is both diplomatic and political.
Moreover, the habeas corpus principle was introduced, i.e. the principle that the court ascertains whether detention is lawful.
In this respect, the Union must be able to support, technically and financially, the presence of these associations and NGOs in the work of the JPA.
Unfortunately, more questions than answers have emerged in discussions over the future of cohesion policy after 2014.
It is obviously no mean feat: it is a practical tool and a reference document.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting : see Minutes
Lobbyists must not be able to request confidentiality.
He is quite right.
The arrest of political opponents in Belarus violates all these basic freedoms.
Recently, 90% of immigrants and asylum seekers in Europe have arrived via Greece.
The liberalisation of the gas market must be conducted gradually and symmetrically.
This support is essential for helping the unemployed and victims of relocations that occur in the context of globalisation.
This own-initiative report is a waste of taxpayers' money, which the European Parliament should have nothing to do with.
Secondly, I would like to mention a human rights case which the Council of Europe and Mr Hammerberg have also addressed.
As I said before, when scientific uncertainty persists it is up to the politicians to make a decision.
In this report we describe the effects of the common agricultural policy post 2013.
I support the fact that this aid is being managed and controlled by the bodies responsible for the European Social Fund (ESF) in Poland, thereby limiting monitoring costs to a mere EUR 2 000.
It may even be a matter of life or death.
The honourable Member will not suffer as he will of course have the opportunity to speak on his particular question.
I believe that it would be a good thing for Parliament, which so clearly declared its support for the infamous Bono/Cohn-Bendit Amendment, to speak out once again in support of the highest protection of citizens' rights.
The EU stands ready to consider further targeted measures in all areas of cooperation as appropriate.
rapporteur. - (FR) Mr President, since the situation in Ukraine is quite serious, I would like to make a comment on this report.
The French Presidency was a success.
I call on you to allow the nations to live in their sovereign states, which will decide for themselves how and with whom to cooperate and how and with whom to integrate.
Fair enough, you may say, this is the experimental phase and we have not yet got it right; but we certainly cannot afford much more of this expensive experimentation.
As 2010 is the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, and following the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we voted, in the European Parliament, for a resolution that calls for a European minimum income equal to 60% of average income in each Member State.
No doubt future Parliaments - and indeed future Councils - will identify and agree further reforms.
Well done on what you have done so far.
(RO) I agree with many of the ideas that have been expressed in the house, but this problem is much more complex.
It called on the Commission to present a legislative proposal to allow Member States to exclude micro-entities from the scope of the accounting directives.
This last point is vitally important if we want to protect against the counterfeiting of our high quality products.
There are enormous differences between Member States in terms of how they deal with asylum applications and the outcome of these procedures.
Robust opposition by the EU against the death penalty puts us in the forefront of this struggle.
Nevertheless, we cannot fail to admire this age-old culture.
We have not achieved that for the moment because a certain number of smaller countries consider that, if they had to do without a national regulator, it would create problems for their national sovereignty.
I should like to offer my congratulations on the excellent work carried out by Mrs Van Brempt.
I can understand that there is some resistance and some misgivings, but I would also like them to understand that they have everything to gain by investing in proper, effective procedures at first instance.
Yet the resolution of the left-wing groups, which will be put to the vote at midday, completely ignores these facts.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the effects of demographic change are very varied.
It has resulted in the indiscriminate arrival of indigent people, fuelling each day the sense of despair that exists and leading people to the inevitable short cut of breaking the law.
We are not seeing this at the moment.
In particular, we deplore the fact that a large number of international conventions and additional protocols have still not been ratified by many of them: the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families; the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture; the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance; and other instruments, such as ILO Convention 169.
Biogas produced in integrated agricultural plants is one of the most important sources of bio-energy.
Once again, Brussels has given in to non-European interests and abandoned in the middle of nowhere the principles that it claims to defend in relation to development, social and environmental clauses, support for its overseas territories, and so on.
It is therefore now up to Hamas to show that it is willing and able to join such a government.
I urge Members to approach these reports pragmatically.
Some Member States will benefit earlier than others from the European system.
Although the deadline for tabling amendments has been extended, I am afraid I have to say that this report cannot be amended, because it lacks an appropriate substantive and legal structure.
These are areas on which we can jointly concentrate, and thus facilitate the achievement of Millennium Goal 5.
author. - Madam President, Pakistan's inability to develop a strong and enduring democracy has impacted - quite severely, in my view - on religious freedom in that country.

This is a road that is urgently needed and the city and population of Galway will suffer if this development cannot go ahead.
I seriously hope that airlines also recognise that we will now have a transparent system with a detailed appeals procedure, with full consultation, to end the constant complaining about airport charges and work with the airports to deliver a cost-effective, value-for-money service for users and passengers alike.
It therefore represents a significant step forward in European integration, which is why I voted in favour of this report.
In the context of the Seventh Framework Programme, we are spending a lot of money on this, and have been for a number of years.
However, due to the reasons we already know, I cannot.
(PL) Madam President, a future with hydrogen powered cars is an exciting prospect.
(FR) Madam President, Vice-President of the Commission, ladies and gentlemen, the oral question we are debating this evening reveals, as many have said, the existence of a real legal vacuum, which leaves passengers with no guarantee should an airline go bankrupt.
We will continue our donor cooperation, the cooperation on aid and the operational cooperation in respect of Latin America and West Africa to help in the fight against the drugs trade and to be able to meet other challenges.
The intention is to bridge the gap that has existed between the Commission's and the Council's work so that the Union's policies are moving in the same direction.
As a result, their living standards, employment, pension and social rights have worsened.
An honest transatlantic dialogue about, for example, the necessary approach to tackling terrorism is an absolute must, precisely because the allies have different perspectives about the way in which they must respond when faced with this common challenge.
Like other European socialists, I am convinced that reconciling work and family life is essential for the people of Europe to flourish.
This text emphasises the need to draw up, at European level, clear and binding guidelines to ensure that accidents at sea are monitored properly.
In accordance with Rule 16 and Rule 15(2) of the Rules of Procedure, the order of precedence of the Quaestors shall be determined by the order in which they were elected.
In fact, job mobility can serve as a tool to strengthen the economic and social scope of the Lisbon Strategy.
For this reason above all, we are particularly glad to have you with us today.
It has been shown that attitudes that made workers receptive to right-wing populism include prejudice against immigrants, nationalism, authoritarianism, social dominance and political weakness, with prejudice against immigrants emerging as the most important factor among these.
We need to take urgent action: to maintain the quotas principle after 2015; to bring in an immediate reduction in these quotas in order to end the slump in the price of milk; to set prices in line with the costs actually incurred by independent producers; and to establish full transparency in the setting of prices by large distributors.
The emails also reveal that scientists sceptical of the hypothesis have been squeezed out of peer review processes to avoid flaws in research being revealed to public scrutiny.
(PL) Madam President, Commissioner, I would like to congratulate Zita Gurmai very warmly.
This would restrict circular migration which we increasingly want to see developing.
This report is of special interest because it reinforces the regulation's role as an early warning system for interconnection deficiencies.
The procedures of the Member States for handling unsafe products are now much clearer.
If not, should you not have known that?
I see the strategy's contribution to improving the consolidation of national and Union finances, innovation, and, consequently, competitiveness and growth as particularly important.
I voted for the Resolution on Roma integration, based on the view that this European minority needs specific policies which must be implemented quickly.
We know that, throughout the Union, huge discrepancies exist in Member States' legislation to combat violence against women.
Approval of Minutes of previous sitting: see Minutes
I would like to do that now, in order to leave time for the debate later.
The Paris Summit agreed to take work forward in four key areas: de-pollution of the Mediterranean; maritime and land highways; civil protection; and the development of alternative energies through, for example, the Mediterranean Solar Plan.
I would also like to reassure you that I have no intention of introducing heavy measures and rules on hobby anglers.
In the light of the rapid liberalisation of global trade, and seeing how hastily we Europeans are making room for goods from third countries, this is paradoxical behaviour.
I have always been in favour of issuing these Eurobonds, which I believe can bring added value by being issued jointly, and of a strong euro.
(Applause)
I very much regret that the PPE-DE Group has not seen fit to advocate this system with the vigour and commitment that are needed to give consumers and the public at large real confidence in the European Union and the internal market, for such confidence comes from knowing that they are properly protected when they go shopping in Europe.
Proper progress would be made if a situation was reached for coordinating at EU level the policies and strategies for the international adoption instrument, with the aim of improving the assistance provided in areas such as information services, preparation for inter-country adoption, processing of international adoption applications and post-adoption services, because the right of orphans or abandoned children to have a family and be protected must become a reality.
I believe that farmers should be partially repaid for what they do for us: they are providing food and we are grateful for that, but we should also be grateful to them for keeping up biodiversity.
As you know, we in the Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left are just as persistent, I would say, when it comes to our reservations about the issues of storage and the risks that this involves in terms of data protection.
Unfortunately, as is apparent in the Chief Prosecutor Brammertz's report, Serbia has failed to convince the international community that it is putting every effort into searching for these criminals.
The first is that it has been said that this case will not set a precedent, that it is a sui generis case, as Mr Wurtz said in his speech.
(The President cut off the speaker)
The fact that the Prime Minister controls, whether directly or indirectly, a vast empire of publishing houses, daily and weekly newspapers and three television channels is clearly incompatible with the political office occupied by Mr Berlusconi and with the requirements of a democratic state and a member of the EU.
It is unjust and it is undemocratic.
It is important to recognise this so that we can act and react to whatever we are facing.
The same argument could apply to Title 14, 'Customs Union', which also refers to perfecting the Union's external borders, which, in turn, will enable us to ensure that our single market functions correctly.
I hereby call on the institutions of the EU to ensure that provision is made in the 2009 EU budget for the resources required to cover the shortfall in posts for official translators within EU institutions; the EP calls on EU institutions to translate all legislative, political and administrative documents for this parliamentary term without delay into all the official languages of the EU in order to allow citizens to follow the political work carried out by all of the institutions.
Although motherhood is a social function indispensable to society's development, discrimination against women for being mothers and workers continues, which, well into the 21st century, is scandalous.
Subject to progress made towards democracy, human rights and the rule of law, we remain ready to deepen our relations with Belarus.
That is also why I appreciate this timely debate.
The problems caused by financial activity in recent years were due to rule books being either torn up or ignored by those whose job it was to enforce them.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - Mr President, in the debate that we are going to have - I hope - we will be asking for an independent inquiry into the mass graves, for those sites to be protected and for an end to the harassment of the people carrying out this inquiry.
I was once rapporteur for the approval of hydrogen-powered motor vehicles and I believe that we need to pay at least as much attention to cord blood stem cells.
Therefore, any action to be taken for the future will have to lead to an effectively implemented strategy focusing not only on establishing a sufficient network of waste-treatment facilities.
It is thanks to all of you that we managed to find a joint approach and a joint solution in most cases.
Gender mainstreaming involves the reorganisation, improvement, development and assessment of policies to ensure that an equal-opportunity approach is incorporated into all policies at all levels and at all stages by those normally involved in policy-making.
I look forward to the European Commission's proposals on that.
Now she has lost, let us acknowledge what is really happening and let us keep the Ukrainian authorities under careful observation, but let us not throw out the baby with the bathwater.
I believe that we now need to take the debate a step further so that we discuss the question of whether it is efficient enough, and so that we also obtain a significantly greater degree of transparency with regard to this.
We must get to grips with this.
It includes standard clauses which are intended to be applied to all European Neighbourhood Policy partnership countries with which such protocols are due to be concluded.
Thank heavens our children no longer have these problems.
The Council has informed me that in connection with the transport difficulties being experienced this week, Mr López Garrido will have to leave Strasbourg on Wednesday at 18.00, so we will not be able to have Question Time in the evening.
The Government also recognises that it needs to make substantial changes in the area of security and justice, and is implementing an ambitious reform of the justice system in order for it to be more transparent and to bring to justice those who commit crimes, while respecting human rights.
For us, achieving that consensus requires a new balance between the social and economic pillars of the internal market strategy.
That is why this has been a lengthy and wide-ranging debate, but it has also been a good debate.
Mr President, Friday will mark one month since the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
We also concur with you that smart grids and the roll-out of smart meters by Member States are key to realising this potential.
Parliament will recall that profound misgivings over the list prepared for the 2007 elections were a key factor in the postponement of the polls.
If one Member State is being blackmailed by a supplier, it should speak out.
Therefore, given the importance of artistic subjects, I am in favour of Europe-wide coordination of their teaching in educational institutions.
At the same time, we saw that it is not always sensible to tackle the problems of energy crises on an ad hoc basis, since a crisis blows up every six months or so.
So I welcome the Commission initiative and Mr Ehler's report but further work needs to be done.
Regrettably, Directive 2006/114/EC concerning misleading and comparative advertising, which applies to business-to-business transactions, fails to provide a sufficiently effective remedy or is inadequately enforced by Member States.
That is why it is our duty to voice honest criticisms.
Let us not be motivated by personal ambitions.
We agree with most of the measures proposed to address the risks arising from excessive consumption of alcohol by young people, and with the need for measures to tackle the harmful social impact of alcohol abuse, particularly domestic violence - we know that the incidence of domestic violence resulting from alcohol abuse is very high.
We are thus talking about a motion for a resolution, or a proposal for a resolution.
In the future, Galileo will ensure more effective, secure and environmentally sound transport.
Implementation should be regulated through a Commission action plan.
This is all very welcome.
The Commission has already examined very seriously Parliament's guidelines for the 2010 budget, and agrees with most of the points.
President of the Council, I wish you a successful Presidency.
Chronological order - time order.
At the same time, the European Commission refuses to listen to us when we say that the European Agency for Reconstruction has been an essential mechanism for ensuring the visibility of the European presence in the Western Balkans, ensuring European political leadership and ensuring sound and effective financial management.
(DE) Mr President, human beings do not have crumple zones.
I would just like to remind the House that the EU Financial Regulation has recently been modified to recognise explicitly this call for innovative instruments.
We must return to the issue of an EU environmental inspection force, which I fully support.
One of the disturbing features of this Parliament, which I find on so many issues, is an undercurrent and sometimes overcurrent of anti-American feeling.
These changes have been particularly dramatic for the regions and families affected.
(HU) The history of the EU up to now has been a history of continuous enlargement, and this enlargement is also one of the most obvious testaments to the success and attractiveness of the European Union.
It should be pointed out that there is a link between the shortage of organs and the illegal trade in them.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to describe the grave situation in which Italian fisherfolk find themselves because they are not allowed to fish for whitebait.
This is enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
It is hard to see why a proposal on, for example, the dairy sector should somehow attract the attention of wine policymakers.
Last but not least, I would like to thank the shadow rapporteurs, the technical staff from the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the CFSP staff from the latter committee with whom I have worked outstandingly well.
So the answer to your question is yes.
I prefer action.
We naturally hope that you will extricate us from this prickly situation.
- (DE) Madam President, I should like to say to Mr Hannan that the European Central Bank is also a good thing because we had no currency depreciation such as that regrettably experienced by the British pound over recent months.
Without even waiting to hear the opinion of the European Commission, you are already making statements, putting forward malicious accusations and making excessive and unfounded comments.
1.
Overall, this factsheet that has been published is a precursor to this directive, which starts to discuss whether we are still allowed to use 'Miss' and 'Mrs', or whether we need to get rid of all words ending in 'man', such as statesman or sportsman, because it could all be discriminatory.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner Barrot, the report now before us is a third-reading compromise and can broadly be described as a victory for the European Parliament over the Council, over the Member States that are often over-protective of their national rail authorities and shield them off.
Some think that this is not such a big advance, but how big the added value of these machines is to airport security and what the consequences are for health and privacy is not yet entirely clear today.
The European Parliament has shown that it is capable of taking operational decisions and it is therefore right that the Treaty of Lisbon should give more power to the Parliament, in other words to the elected representatives of Europe's citizens.
Every non-EU worker wishing to settle in Europe will still have to get a residence permit first.
14.
Of course, this is not the end of the story.
For example, 1 032 petitions were submitted in 2005 and 1 016 in 2006.
As the EU is an undemocratic institution itself, and one that I strongly believe should not have a foreign policy agenda, I cannot endorse any third country activity by it.
I believe the opposite to be true.
We would like to have seen more emphasis on ADR forms of redress, particularly in the on-line world which is something we, as a committee, have long supported.
I urge you to stop the manipulation, and to allow the people themselves to determine their future by putting them in possession of the truth.
I would particularly like to draw your attention to the fact that many people like to treat Central and Eastern European countries en masse, even though these countries are very diverse, with different crisis exit strategies as well.
European action can add value, and many information tools such as the EU health portal are already in place.
It should be noted that when part of a widespread and systematic practice, rape and sexual slavery are recognised under the Geneva Convention as crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Why should our garden tables be made of wood from the rainforest and why are exotic parquet floors better than floors made of EU wood?
Furthermore, these two countries, Brazil and Mexico, have a particularly important role to play in concluding the future post-Kyoto agreement, which we hope will be signed in Copenhagen in December.
A dollar that is credible among the major currencies of the advanced economies is in the interests of the United States, of Europe and of the entire international community.
To the Members of this House from the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) - who run after either the Commission or the Council - I would state that we are not here to let things through on the nod, but rather to think for ourselves.
So the additional effort needed to realise the proposals would be less than 0.5% of GDP by 2020.
Therefore, thorough assessment is indeed important in order to examine the effectiveness of the sanctions policy.
We have delivered and lived up to our formal pledges in the first period from 2008 to 2012.
The dispute over Macedonia's name would not be the first time a new Member State brought insoluble problems with it.
Thank you for your attention.
This is an area which is anything but transparent.
We support the Ombudsman's conclusions in relation to the inordinate delay, as acknowledged by the Commission this evening in this House.
Neither tightening up the Stability and Growth Pact nor the so-called strict conditionality of the future stability mechanism will therefore lead us to our goal.
In this way, these eight Member States were able to join the Visa Waiver Programme, which is why they did it.
Analyses will also be necessary.
The spectacle of the hanging of Saddam Hussein was not in any way a means of reducing this violence.
Thank you very much, the joint debate is now closed.
We have put in an amendment to paragraph 39 since, as far as I can see, there simply was no G2 leaders' agreement to work on a financial transaction or Tobin tax, so it is absurd to welcome such an agreement, even if we have already done so, erroneously, in the G20 resolution.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (FI) Madame President, first of all my sincere thanks go to Mrs Hassi for her cooperation on this resolution.
These funds should, in fact, be increased, so that everyone, regardless of their age, gender or location, has access to the same opportunities in terms of vocational education and careers.
The Basel Committee is a group of more or less intelligent central bankers and overseers, but it is certainly no infallible council of wise men and it is definitely not the law.
The Commission only makes reference to formal proceedings being opened against Member States that have not transposed EU law into their national legal systems.
But my Group is happy with the compromises reached by the rapporteur, Mr Savary, and we shall support version three in the vote.
All Zionist lies and exaggerations, was the conservative newspaper Kayhan's verdict on the purported nuclear threat.
Those costs may easily be far higher than 5% in the case of very small enterprises, while being considerably lower for very large ones.
Many thanks to all those who support my report.
(DE) Madam President, first of all I would like to congratulate the Council on its agreement on the third way for the Climate Change and Energy package.
Mr President, the greatest gift that we can give to any child is that of a happy home.
For this reason, the initiative of introducing a "legislative imprint”, even if voluntary, both for the documents drafted by the Commission and for the European Parliament reports, is welcomed.
I can assure Parliament that we would not hesitate for a moment to intervene in such a case if the Treaty or the Charter was violated or if Union law was not respected.
It also opens up prospects for the relaunch and mining of coal and calls for international cooperation, including with countries outside the EU, such as China and India.
We need a strategy for the countries of the former Soviet Union in Central Asia and Transcaucasia.
This is perfectly correct, but we must also make it easier for people to live in climate-friendly ways.
The Commission should be more forthright about its intentions on this subject coming up to the referendum on the Reform Treaty.
Economic governance and Article 9 of the Treaty of Lisbon (debate)
Even before this Greek crisis we were suggesting and proposing more coordination of economic policies.
In our view, therefore, Wednesday will be an excellent moment for a statement by the Council and the Commission and for a round of speakers from the political groups, if only to show our support for these new developments in Burma.
Many more can be.
It is particularly important, however, that we ensure that public funds are distributed in such a way that the measures we consider necessary can be financed.
The following amendments have been proposed:
Young people are, unfortunately, one of the social groups worst hit by the global financial crisis and should be given assistance to enter the labour market and to be able to shape their own future and support the economy.
As a result, there is a growing wave of indignation among millions of workers, women, young people, victims of salary cuts and precarious, poorly paid work, the unemployed, and retired people with pitiful pensions.
in writing. - I have always sustained and encouraged the European goals of the Republic of Moldova.
In some cases, consumers have had to accept outrageous bills that have not been backed up by any universally applicable calculation.
These poor people and their families are constant targets of a brutal and vicious Iranian regime.
This therefore requires political awareness and, for me, that has two goals.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we must regrettably adopt a directive tomorrow which does not meet our own criterion of better regulation.
This was the message from various leaders at the recent United Nations meeting.
However, I also said, and I reiterate this too, that as the honourable Members know well, the time limits were as they were, so that the Council and the Commission had to take action within a very short time frame.
All this would contribute to a democratic and transparent electoral process under appropriate security conditions.
Mr President, in this report we do have reference to the mobilisation of the EU solidarity fund, which we talked about slightly earlier.
We shall continue to take action in this matter.
I agree with that and also with the phrase that asks the Council to take action to ensure equal pay for equal work.
Mr President, eight years ago Jörg Haider's immigrant-hating party entered into a coalition government in Austria.
The creation of peace and stability in this country must, and shall, succeed where centuries of its history have combined to achieve this.
I think that is extremely important.
Situation in Pakistan following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto (debate)
From now on, Europe must prove its ability to react and to translate its solidarity into practical measures.
(FR) Mr President, I should like to address the commissioner in order to voice my concern.
We get the impression that this is more a case of teaching a harsh lesson, but we do not get the impression that teaching harsh lessons is what could help the European Union at the moment.
I shall of course be voting against amendments which make it possible for Member States to drag their feet over liberalisation during the transitional period.
(DE) Mr President, for the same reasons that I gave in the case of the Jeggle report, I and my CSU colleagues voted against Lutz Goepel's report.
(RO) Mr President, the European Union's energy strategy must focus on energy efficiency, reducing the consumption of primary energy and energy poverty, as well as on promoting energy from renewable sources and the Union's energy security.
This will facilitate education in the area of information technology, as well as making it easier to obtain information, especially for people who live in rural areas.
draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Budgets. - (DE) Madam President, the interest of the Committee on Budgets in the legislation on electronic communication, the so-called telecom package, is naturally focused on the part involving expenditure from the European budget.
For many years, we have given our support to despotic regimes and dictatorships in the Arab world.
I found this work interesting, useful, and full of challenges and pleasant moments.
Bavaria has a particular interest in the Danube Strategy. I am therefore grateful and pleased that we are now pressing forward with this strategy.
It would be positive if the European Union were to take this into account and play a more active role.
Combined with provisions on energy security, reduction of emissions and job creation, this report takes a holistic approach that will represent the best way for an economy to thrive in the future.
What this means is that we need to work within the framework of international private law and not within the substantive framework of family law, wherein each State will continue to have its own laws.
I was pleased that some parliamentary groups and Members of Parliament thought likewise.
Belgrade has demonstrated its commitment to EU integration, not least by implementing the interim agreement with the EU unilaterally, and I assume that the ICTY should now be satisfied with Serbia's efforts.
There are approximately 540 people dead, and the dead are still being exhumed from the ruins.
Therefore, it was also important to us Social Democrats to tie in the 2011 budget with a debate that has a more long-term perspective: about own resources, the budget ceilings for 2012 and 2013, and the financing of the new financial support mechanism.
In 2004 the Commission commissioned a study intended to shed light on whether a legal provision is reasonable for limiting particulate emissions from two-stroke engines.
Montenegro should be judged solely on merit, facts and achievements.
You have simply failed to include this in the strategy and I am wondering why.
(FI) Mr President, Baroness Ashton, this report is especially welcome because the European Union must have a clear and consistent strategy for countries like Iran.
According to the original proposal, many SMEs would be excluded from the process since they would have to contribute at least 50% towards the cost of the projects.
Nothing has changed.
(Applause)
This has been done.
We had to argue and wrestle over many important issues, but at the end of the day we came up with a workable compromise containing many elements that can generally be regarded as positive.
We have allocated EUR 7.2 million to Debate Europe, EUR 2 million of which to cofinance transnational projects and EUR 5.2 million to cofinance decentralised calls and actions supporting local projects administered by the representations.
We and the rest of the world have signed up to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Lastly, the Commission played a large part in drafting laws laying down minimum standards for harmonising applicable criminal legislation.
- (SK) The Catania report covers many human rights issues.
We will not be able to tell citizens that it is necessary to address the challenges of globalisation, that it is necessary to be more competitive and that the operation of our markets must improve, if our policies do not respond to a greater degree of social inclusion which is also provided for by more competitive and more productive economies.
It says that we need to further enhance democracy. We need to enhance access to documents.
We are far from being able to do this and the intervention which took place in Congo, and we do need to be self-critical at this point, was obviously not as successful as we would have liked.
The key point regarding the totality of these initiatives is that their purpose is to make EU peacekeeping and crisis management activities more effective.
First of all, we should investigate how to achieve the 2o C target, which is the result of Copenhagen.
The recommendations contained in the report by Mr Adamou are a step in the right direction: an exchange of best practice, increased cooperation, more organ sharing between Member States, better public awareness and the need to preserve the voluntary and non-commercial nature of organ donation.
The World Food Programme is feeding 20 to 25 million people who are at risk from malnutrition and death by the end of 2009 if we do not do this.
I very much welcome the report that you are considering today.
The European Union's operation, known as the EUFOR Chad-Central African Republic operation, will be conducted for one year from the date of declaration of the initial operational capability and will be neutral and impartial.
I believe we need the Commission's encouragement in the form of action in the region, at both country and regional levels, for this area to become truly democratic and stable.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I believe, in all seriousness, we can say that we in Europe are standing at a crossroads, and it is a crossroads where two major crises require action on our part at the same time.
The figures have improved in recent years, but the problem still calls for commitment from many partners: Member States of the European Union are numbered among the latter.
If we ignore the Romantic, almost monarchist ideas which pervade the spirit of the preamble, I would like to mention some areas we regard as being highly sensitive, in contrast to our fellow Members from Fidesz who are also Members of the European Parliament.
Congratulations to you, Mr President, and all the best to your country and your people.
Yet in my small country just weeks ago we had the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, who knows more than most about the hideous practice of terrorism, reverting to form and vehemently attacking the German Government's current application, under a European arrest warrant, for the extradition of an Irish Republican suspect for a bombing many years ago in Germany.
In this case, however, the amount spent on sport - barely half of one per cent in some countries - is out of all proportion to the significance of sport as a social phenomenon.
We have been talking about it for a long time - too long.
It has a worse reputation than it actually deserves and its position has been guaranteed.
Dreams are shattered and lives are destroyed.
She is facing deportation back to Italy where she first sought asylum and we are doing all that we can to raise Rima's case to appeal to all those that can help her.
However, these last four months of misery following the elections have shown how regrettable it is that the international community, including the European Union, has not made sufficient use of diplomatic channels for a peaceful and political solution to the crisis.
I am convinced that mountain regions require new means of protecting their territory against flooding, with an emphasis on flood prevention, whilst farmers and foresters can support anti-flooding preventive measures by means of the direct area-related payments which they receive under the common agricultural policy.
The statement that the fundamental rights of the European Union will be written into the Hungarian Constitution is also proof of Hungary's fundamental desire to be part of European culture.
It has enabled us to get where we are and to be a reference point for other countries.
However, let me also clearly state that we both expect and require that this step expresses a change of attitude on the part of the Council with respect to Parliament.
Particularly in this area, it is older employees who have a wealth of experience and can make a company innovative.
I would like to say that we send, and will continue to send, the minutes of the SIS II committee on a very regular basis.
We need to know where the emergency food supplies, the tents and the blankets are.
The Hungarian Presidency is particularly committed to the package of six economic governance laws.
If the European Court of Human Rights clearly has no respect for such human rights, I cannot see that it is possible to recognise it here as an approved and appropriate decision-making body.
(PL) Mr President, today's discussion is one of the most important and significant discussions to be held in the European Parliament.
We remember the victims of authoritarian systems, the victims in European countries, in nationalistic and militaristic regimes, in Spain, in Portugal and in Greece.
(CS) Madam President, in the debate on the CE marking yesterday I drew the attention of the Commission yet again to the fact that registration of the CE marking has still not been initiated, although it has been enshrined in European legislation for 16 years now and I asked for it in parliamentary interpellation three months ago.
I voted in favour of the text presented by Mrs Wallis.
We have experience, and I believe that Europe will be better as a result of this crisis because we will regulate better.
rapporteur. - (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank Commissioner Barrot and Mrs Yade for their words in support of my report.
There are a few reasons why I abstained in the vote, namely that in my opinion inadequate sanctions are provided for, no right of withdrawal is planned in the case of Internet auctions and, above all, the definition of doorstep selling is very vague.
The humanitarian situation today remains heart-breaking.
That is the right approach.
I shall select one such aspect: the plea in Mr Schmitt's report for extra financial support for sports clubs that actively collaborate with schools.
(FR) Mr President, Mr Van Rompuy, Mr Barroso, I should like to begin by addressing the issue of public spending at European level.
The people who initiated this debate must apologise not only to the Commissioner, but also to all European citizens, because it is precisely this kind of behaviour from Parliament which leads to a lack of interest from European citizens in its activities, disappointment and low voter turnout in European Parliament elections.
Could I ask him whether this will have any implications for equalisation?
We need to make sure that when it comes to the discharge of the 2008 budget, significantly more progress is made.
This proposal is based on the regulation in force and is intended to safeguard coastal activities by financing the sector's modernisation, not least, equipment and computerisation.
I would like to say that the 'Kozloduy Programme' must not only focus on financing the transfer of irradiated materials, increasing energy efficiency in Bulgaria and financing alternative energy sources.
In November 2008, the European Parliament also adopted a resolution on the situation in the beekeeping sector which called on the Commission to put in place specific actions and to make sure these actions were coordinated.
Obviously, we are not indifferent to the fate of Serbia's Hungarian ethnic minority, and indeed we have made an effort to keep the issue of Vojvodina on the European agenda.
I am of the opinion that we should use the document evaluating the results and shortcomings of the 2006 Action Plan as the basis for this evaluation.
That is why the Commission is concentrating its efforts on introducing a mechanism that will make it possible to develop knowledge and cooperation between Member States, consumers and businesses.
On the other hand, the ICT department should propose specific measures for replacing hard copy administrative documents with environmentally-friendly, electronic versions.
(PT) Mr President, recent Eurostat figures show that Portugal is one of the countries with the highest levels of job insecurity: 22% of workers are in precarious jobs, while the European Union average is 13.5%.
Bearing in mind that the accusations date back to 2004, which means that they were made before Mrs Hankiss became a Member of this House, I am voting in favour of waiving her parliamentary immunity.
Without this, we will have a European haystack of information with bits of straw blowing around in the wind and without any hope of finding the proverbial needle, that needle which is the key piece of information that prevents a terrorist atrocity.
The Agency will be responsible for renewing and issuing certificates and licences and for monitoring the application of uniform safety standards.
If there is something which needs to be discussed, I invite you to do so in the relevant committees.
It is possible, indeed probable, that some think that this statement is naïve; even more so given that the main European negotiator did not even believe in it sufficiently and returned to his country, leaving all the negotiations on behalf of Europe in the hands of someone who knows nothing about what is on the table, despite the future capacities that she may have.
The need for a long-term strategic vision on energy is obvious.
This is not a resolution against the Egyptian Government, which has acted to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice; rather, it is a time to reflect on a vast and concerning issue.
Turkey must immediately withdraw all Turkish troops, end the occupation and stop holding the Turkish-Cypriot community hostage, because it, not the Greek Cypriots, is responsible for the so-called isolation of Turkish Cypriots.
Finally, I am surprised at the sum of EUR 10.3 billion of 'outstanding commitments' which is 25% of the total funds committed, and it is imperative that the Commission should reduce these funds still more drastically, especially old and dormant commitments.
This is exactly why I would like to welcome the amendments which the EU 2020 strategy is introducing from this perspective.
For these reasons, the proposal should not be thrown out but I cannot give it my full support.
Major damage was caused to the entire monastery complex while the police simply sat by and watched.
Subject: Demography report
One of the strongest incentives the EU has is being part of the euro area.
We must be careful to avoid contradiction here.
Mr Audy, the national voting system is a bit more complicated in some States.
Where are the answers for the nearly 100 million people in poverty in this European Union, including more than 20 million workers on low wages and with insecure jobs, which contributes to the scandalously high profits of big business and finance?
The next item is the statements by the Council and the Commission on preparation of the European Council.
It is interesting to find that countries that are our ACP partners say one thing when they are talking to Brussels and the various capitals and then say something quite different in New York, when it comes to discussing the matter at global level.
In addition to setting a three-year frequency for these summits, sectoral ministerial and expert meetings are planned for the various areas of the action plan, together with regular contacts between the Commissions of the European Union and the African Union.
Now, in the course of 20 years, the context of the negotiations has changed profoundly.
in writing. - It is essential to define the role of the EU in the turmoil taking place in many Arab countries in general and Egypt in particular.
Do not be surprised, Commissioner, if farmers who cannot get prices for their products that will at least cover production costs simply do not sow the crop or break up their herds.
We send some two million containers from the EU, and this system, if introduced, would cover more than 700 ports all over the world, so you can imagine what kind of problems it will cause.
It has also become apparent that we are facing a serious shortcoming, namely, the general lack of cooperation between rail, road and air transport.
I welcome your commitment to opening all the chapters by the end of the year.
This is an excellent instrument which will strengthen democracy, involve people more and enable them to take the initiative.
This should also be remembered when we discuss these levels: that there are differences between the countries.
Nonetheless, I would add that I believe those in positions of political responsibility in general - Members of this House included - must always keep their discourse truthful and respectful of other involved parties, which has not always happened.
The principle of mutual recognition, the cornerstone of mutual cooperation, is very far from being satisfactorily recognised.
The way that China has used its disagreements with Taiwan to play politics with matters of public health is to be deprecated. So too is the shameful silence that so many people in Europe keep in the face of China's pressure.
It is important to pay more attention to adult learning.
That is a debate for another time.
Why is this the case?
in writing. - The idea of a Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) goes back to 1968, when tariffs were much higher in general and when they were still seen as the main barrier to trade from developing to industrialised countries.
That means specific individual numbers on reduction of emissions and a detailed finance package to help developing countries both to develop mitigation programmes and to adapt to climate change.
(PT) Once again, many thanks to Mr Coelho, our President-in-Office and Commissioner Frattini.
I particularly endorse the call by Parliament for an agreement which reflects the 2° Celsius objective.
The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety has recommended that plenary bans the sticking together of separate pieces of meat and therefore does not allow thrombin to be used as an additive.
According to information provided by the Court of Auditors, SESAR's annual accounts for the financial year 2009 are reliable and the underlying transactions are legal and regular.
There are two points to which Greece will need to pay particular attention: 1. The cohesion policy Objective 1 regions; this point has to do with convergence in terms of gross national product, which needs serious strengthening.
We seek guarantees from the Government to convene independent election commissions, compile a proper voter registration list, lift longstanding restrictions on the media, permit freedom of association, expression and assembly in Burma, and revoke new regulations that criminalise legitimate debate about the referendum.
Both have shown their weaknesses, but a genuine political commitment could rectify our mistakes.
I voted in favour of the resolution on EU cohesion and regional policy after 2013.
Generally, in the European Union there is a broad societal consensus on organ donation for the purpose of transplantation.
However, Mr President, I must point out another aspect, which is that this cooperation and its effectiveness are important not only for the two continents of Latin America and Europe but also, due to the values defended by these two groups throughout the world, for the global context.
On this point, I wish to congratulate us all, including Parliament and the Commission.
I voted in favour of the report establishing a common legal and fiscal status for the European political parties.
It is necessary to check whether Union funds are being well used, whether these institutions are meeting the objectives outlined for them, and whether any resources are being wasted.
It is a shame that the resolution does not address this specific problem, which is currently receiving a lot of attention in the media once again.
For example, the Council decisions of 13 June 2002 and 8 May 2003 established the capacity for the Member States to cooperate at national, intergovernmental level to prosecute these crimes, which fortunately - and we all remember the case of General Pinochet - are even part of the legislation in some Member States.
The CAP system is too complex in other areas as well, and it is often opaque and incomprehensible to farmers.
All that is already in hand.
We have experience.
At the same time, I would remind you that there are those who believe that the protection of privacy is important and must be adequately safeguarded.
Equally, do we put women off staying at home with children because we as a society value this less than the workplace?
This is totally unbelievable.
(LT) Today, it really is very important to reconcile work and family life better by striving for economic growth, welfare and competitiveness in the field of gender equality.
That means that we have offered the possibility for Belarus to come closer to the European Union through the European Neighbourhood Policy.
Unfortunately, the responsibility for this does not lie with Parliament.
Moreover, Serbia's potential accession, just like the visa waiver, will lead to even more emigration into Western Europe, emigration that will be of no benefit to us.
Allow to me to give you the very latest information on how the refugee situation on the borders of Libya is developing at this moment.
We wanted to provide citizens with a clear, simple and effective instrument in order to bring them closer to the institutions.
I voted in favour of the recommendation to allow Ukraine to participate in current EU programmes and those established in the future, in areas such as enterprise, energy, technologies and communications.
Equally, there is the agreement and conclusion that ratification processes will continue.
But we are also concerned that we find a status for those who currently cannot return to their countries of origin because of conflict and are therefore left destitute, often on our streets.
We, or more precisely many Members on the right, are closing our eyes to what is happening.
In our view, this is long overdue.
But then we condemned all of Africa through a failure on our part in Europe to help them to build joint and common strategies with regard to how we process development and allow Africa not just to grow economically or in trade terms but to allow them to take leadership roles to help those countries in Africa that have been successful and to give guidance and direction to other countries that need to be brought forward.
At the moment, sadly, it is not.
This is why, as the situation threatens to degenerate into a surge in social inequalities, which we are at risk of no longer being able to control, I want to emphasise the need to focus greater attention on the problems of the unemployed who are the most affected and vulnerable among us in the current crisis.
Although we are commemorating the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, much remains to be done in this area, especially with regard to violence against women, EU guidelines on the use of children in armed conflicts and combating all forms of discrimination against them.
Our third and final observation concerning Mr Brie's report is that it is essential to improve cooperation and relations between Afghanistan and its neighbours in order to ensure permanent stability in the country, especially given the multi-dimensional nature of some of the problems clearly highlighted by Mr Brie, notably drug production and trafficking.
I think that this report is an important one, given the influence of the tourism sector on the European Union's economy and the proportion of jobs it provides.
The proposal for a regulation establishes a mechanism, on the basis of which Member States will be able to renegotiate, negotiate and conclude bilateral agreements with third countries in the area of judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters.
What will we be doing today if we adopt this unacceptable text you are proposing?
The Commission further estimates that EUR 550 million will have to come from the programming of EFF operational programmes.
(DE) Madam President, the Rasmussen report is entitled 'hedge funds and private equity'.
Advertising can be intrusive, and increasingly it is so; it invades private life.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (LV) Madam President, on behalf of the Union for Europe of the Nations Group I would like to stress that we support the ESDP military mission within the largest peace-keeping mission in the world, in Chad and the Central African Republic.
Next door to Europe lie Russia and Belarus, which do not currently have the same high safety standards that we have in the European Union.
The US needs to change its domestic legislation to allow EU investors majority ownership of US airlines, generating reciprocal measures from the EU.
Some Member States are already monitoring and reporting on SBA implementation.
It is important to keep them on the path towards Europe.
It is widely known that the EU has developed and implemented many measures relating to the protection of human rights and the spread of democracy.
The arbitrary arrest and conviction of Hu Jia has caused outrage throughout the world.
Their experience of the State is its role as a regulatory power or tax authority, and we are all well aware that this is only of peripheral interest to citizens.
This is crucial to the WTO negotiations.
It is very disappointing and incomprehensible to see the PPE shirking this responsibility.
To this end, the Green Paper suggests the creation of a forum on market-based instruments, which would allow knowledge to be shared across sectoral boundaries and Member States.
(BG) We must congratulate the Lower House of the Czech Parliament for ratifying the Lisbon Treaty.
With their integrated economies, together they represent around half the global economy: this transatlantic partnership is the main engine of global economic prosperity.
It is not just about actual regression in healthcare provision; it is also about declining social standards, reduced access to education and making education more difficult.
That is to say, if we place the human factor centre stage, creating jobs certainly is the most important task, because if we can guarantee that everyone who wants to work can do so, I believe that we cannot offer more than this to our citizens.
In this situation, if we want to have influence in the post-Soviet space and consolidate the positions of democracy and human rights in this region, then we must work with Ukraine, and more actively than ever before.
If so, then my second question is: why have these requests not yet been answered?
This often does not happen in the best possible way.
We voted in favour of it because it promised a review of the discard system.
Lifestyle criticism, which Mr Verheugen mentioned, has long been an unpleasant aspect of the European climate debate.
Recently Commissioner Verheugen stated that in the past five years the Commission has taken Member States to the European Court of Justice a whole 19 times in cases where Member States have legislated to protect the environment.
I feel that it should also facilitate synergies with other EU policies such as trans-European transport networks, the common fisheries policy, climate and environment actions, the research and development framework programme, energy policy, etc.
One of the European Union's objectives, in terms of renewable energy, is the regeneration of towns in Central and Eastern Europe by increasing their energy efficiency.
For this reason, I shall be voting against the report and against the proposal.
We support a more robust common external energy security policy under the CFSP with regard to Russian oil and gas imports, but we do not see what difference the Lisbon Treaty would have made to managing this crisis.
The progress of the vote demonstrates that this match has been fixed by the forces of the European one-way street, as an alibi for their undemocratic decision.
However, this can only be achieved if we consistently and decisively condemn all human rights violations perpetrated by the Communist authorities in China.
These new measures will facilitate the reconnaissance and prosecution of trafficking cases and will encourage victims to cooperate with the authorities.
The European Union should mobilise pre-accession funds through aid across a wide front so as to promote the reform process in those countries.
We convened a Political and Security Committee meeting immediately after the Council meeting to follow up.
In the world of wine, we are a global superpower!
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (DE) Mr President, Commissioner, 2010 is just round the corner.
But their day will come, and it will be into the courtyard for all of us to the rattle of rifle bolts, and we will have richly deserved it.
That will reinforce our unity and our solidarity and produce a positive solution to this crisis.
I am sorry we are focusing here on Central America and Mexico, for there are many places all over the world where the matter of female murders has not been solved.
Since then, the violent acts committed by these military forces and by the police forces alike have increased with complete impunity.
There needs to be equal treatment, otherwise we will open up a gap that will have incalculable consequences for the future of the Union.
The EU likes to portray itself as a force for human rights and environmental protection.
Bigger companies would use the right of establishment and would be everywhere.
Millions of people of various nationalities, Ukrainians, Russians, Kazakhs, Jews, Germans, Belarussians, Tartars and many others, starved to death.
It is plain to see that international trade and the Internet are mutually beneficial.
The compromise reached here was to reduce the figure allocated for office holders down from EUR 1.2 million to EUR 400 000 and, of course, documented evidence of receipts must be provided when any claims are made.
It is never too late to learn, it says.
So this is also a democratic task and mission for all of us.
One of those is also the region which I come from, Blagoevgrad.
Specifically, I would ask if the Battisti affair can be included as an urgent matter.
Faced with the continuing economic crisis, it is very important to ensure good financial management in order to implement the principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
In this situation it would be better to show Kiev an open door to the European Union, rather than making the possibility of membership more nebulous and thus pushing the Ukrainians into orbit round Russia.
I voted to maintain this tradition and for an open market.
It is vital to improve the energy performance of buildings in order to achieve the EU 2020 strategy objectives.
Anything else would be untenable.
As regards Chinese commitments for the Olympics, it is a matter for the International Olympic Committee.
That is why we want a rapid reform of OLAF.
I am also proud to say that I am part of a European Union that is leading the climate change debate and influencing others to do the same.
- Before the vote
It is obvious that you cannot develop programmes supporting young people, innovation and research and you cannot claim to be an active player in global foreign policy without the funds designed to finance all these plans.
The geopolitical situation of Central Asia is such that cooperation with these countries must be increased, both bilaterally and at EU level.
However, this means that every single one of the institutions - the Council, the Commission and Parliament - must show the public that they are committed to their responsibilities.
In fact, the opposite is true: 'oil shales' is a broader term than 'bitumen shales'.
I would like to congratulate the Committee on Budgets on the speed and flexibility with which it has put these transitional rules before us.
There were no more of the dramatic debates within the European Parliament, no more of the international warnings and no more of the collecting of signatures so dear to champagne socialists.
It has been described wrongly as an example of direct democracy.
As a result of this attack, two people have died, including one of the staff of our Parliament, who worked for one of our fellow Members.
I welcome the focus on better research in Europe, especially as we know that 85% of research today is without EU coordination.
That is why we need tough, demanding legislation, and these agencies must weigh up all their responsibilities and must be supervised in order to do so.
The European Union played a major part in the successful conclusion of this conference, ensuring that the latest scientific recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change were given due consideration.
If this project is to be truly effective, action must be taken on two fronts.
We must be careful to avoid falling into that trap.
- Madam President, the answer is 'yes'.
(CS) Madam President, I have spoken here a number of times on energy issues, and this may be my concluding comment during this term.
It does take account of the EU-US relationship in this area as equal partners, which is, of course, the long-term goal in this regard.
Why does the Commission believe that developing countries can finance efficiency measures without upfront funding when EU Member States themselves have struggled to do so?
Such an agreement is expected to be able to generate a consumer surplus (benefits in terms of lower fares) of up to EUR 460 million.
First of all I would like to thank Mr Turmes and all the members of the trialogue for the agreement that has been reached.
In addition, the legislation finally adopted is in many ways excessive, bureaucratic and counter-productive.
Finally, in recital P and paragraph 4 we ask the Commission, together with the Council, to endorse the proposal of a consensus on democracy promotion in the neighbourhood policy, in the Copenhagen Criteria, in our regional strategies in the world.
This is not the appropriate response to the economic crisis.
I support the distribution of fruit in schools.
Therefore we cannot compromise on an auction, and to give everything away free of charge would be absolutely crazy.
The private sector, whose money the Commission and the Council are relying upon, does not see why it should finance a senseless dream of politicians and officials.
Finally, we must make a serious commitment to human rights.
On simplification, red tape, bureaucracy - I completely agree with you that we should try to ease the situation as much as possible for our farmers, and that is the reason why, in the Council meeting on Wednesday, I will present to the Council some deregulation proposals to be discussed.
They are principles on which there can be no compromise, all the more so as we are talking here about a key partner.
This is an absolutely absurd idea.
The objective is not to make decisions but to facilitate dialogue to ensure the SEPA project is properly implemented.
It has worked splendidly in collaboration with the European Parliament and its Committee on Budgets, in particular.
That balance has, I think, been found in this report.
This will need further discussions with Slovenia, Italy and Croatia and, of course, the Commission.
In addition, there are new challenges such as ageing population, climate change, rising food prices and globalisation.
It made it possible to establish a European system for registering and supervising credit rating agencies which issue ratings used in the European Union.
Do you think that the implementation or the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty would in any way affect that area in relation to taxation?
Thus, in many cases, this SME will not be able to set off any start-up losses against profits which it may continue to generate in its Member State of residence.
Commissioner, in spite of the rain, this could be a nice day.
Crucial in this matter is, as before, the protection of public health against carcinogenic substances that can bring about changes in DNA, affect fertility or upset hormones.
And the promotion on the distribution has been done, for instance, by the European Producers Club, which organised co-producing workshops in China and in India.
The Belgian Presidency takes the view that tangible, specific measures are needed to meet the expectations of the parties and also to ensure confidence in the multilateral process within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
It is important to apply political and economic sanctions at the same time, with the former intended to hit hardest at sectors that constitute a strategic source of income for governments.
If the European Union is truly interested in resolving the Palestinian problem, then it should stop tolerating these crimes, because tolerance translates into encouragement and complicity.
I believe that the European Parliament will also monitor closely in future how these resources are used.
I would not wish to underestimate the campaign of former Vice President Al Gore as I believe that this has had a significant impact on public opinion worldwide.
If we just continue to hold the same old debate about the technology, we will continue to avoid asking the real question, the serious question, namely does this actually help and is this the society we want to see?
The European Union should constantly demonstrate full support for Georgia, as has been the case in the House today. In addition, the Union should systematically strengthen cooperation and immediately introduce visa facilitation measures for Georgians, especially now that fully democratic elections have been held.
Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market and protection of intellectual property rights (
We have, however, been dealt with without even being listened to, dismissed, given no opportunity for a meeting.
In this debate, we must not forget that many of the crimes against children are committed within the family or within the family's circle of friends and it is therefore important for society to ensure that children have other adult contacts so that they have someone they can turn to for help.
It is part of the raison d'être of the European Union, part of its imperative, that we move forward.
In political, institutional and economic terms, and in terms of the practical objectives set, we are now on the right track with the Mediterranean Union.
(SK) I voted for the European Parliament's resolution on the legislative and work programme for 2009 owing to its overall competence.
One of the conditions for joining the Schengen zone is, indeed, strengthening external borders.
We know what we want to achieve; we must also seek to achieve it.
The 1990 directive fails to take into account new trends, such as buying package holidays and making payments via the Internet.
Despite all that money, the yards and the future of the workers remain vulnerable.
While we can be pleased about a net increase in employment figures in the light of these facts, it is in my view a mockery for every individual among the millions of unemployed and anyone who, despite doing honest work, has to live in poverty.
In the past, our trade relations with the ACP countries were based on a system of non-reciprocal trade preferences, which allowed most of the products made in the ACP States duty free access to the common market.
(Applause)
The next item is the report by Mrs Weiler, on behalf of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on combating late payment in commercial transactions (recast) - C7-0044/2009 -.
The amendment to paragraph 2, which should have been the one we took last time, is: 'Believes that a military victory over the LTTE, as envisaged by the Government of Sri Lanka, will not obviate the need to find a political solution in order to ensure a lasting peace'.
I have not much time but I will tell one short story.
The argument put forward by the Greens that this process is harmful to the environment is pure invention.
We should foster multidisciplinary education and allow for more exchanges between higher education institutions in this sector.
If the same dictators are still in power and the same deals are still being done, bringing many benefits to very few, then it will sadly have been an opportunity lost.
Since violence against women is a brutal violation of human rights and one of the main obstacles standing in the way of equality between women and men, the fight against this scourge should become our main objective.
We are still in favour of it.
This is an important issue and should be resolved before accession negotiations commence.
Far be it from me to thwart an agreement.
The most entrenched of these is without doubt the Irish 'no' vote, discussed here this morning.
It is, therefore, completely new, and I will show it to you right away.
This is a necessary, but not sufficient measure, as we are all aware of the ways in which dominant companies can exercise pressure.
I would argue that European coordination is required, and that it should be directed towards two areas: innovation, in relation to the climate change package and, if I may mention it again, to the Sacconi emissions regulation, and the social sphere.
They often put off this decision because of their unfavourable financial situation, problems with finding work or the need to reconcile work with family life.
Mrs Ashton, the European Union must focus particular attention on the conflict in Kyrgyzstan, provide humanitarian aid and get involved in stabilising the situation.
The Euro Plus Pact adopted by the Heads of State or Government, with the involvement of the countries in the euro area and Bulgaria, Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Romania, provides us with a real chance of achieving the objectives set out in it, or in other words supporting competitiveness, employment, the stability of public finances and financial stability in general.
The Internet cannot be a virtual space where an act that constitutes an offence in the real world is deemed permissible, and even protected simply by the effect of technology and the way in which it is used.
Given the crucial role played by research in economic development and job creation, it is important to avoid at all costs excessive bureaucracy and unjustified delays which prevent the scientific community from participating.
For their part, companies - SMEs in particular - will find it easier and less costly to conclude contracts under the umbrella of a common body of EU contract law.
We already know that agriculture is under huge pressure.
We in the western world - both Europe and the USA - therefore have a duty to do our utmost to secure peace and stability, which will be difficult enough.
Although we are talking about 2008, a word on the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.
What exactly do these people want, who are rebelling against regimes which they have voted for, as their guide and governor, for the past 30 or 40 years?
Forty percent of the European honey market depends on imports, partly as a result of the opening up of the EU market to honey from third countries, and prices are close to the limits of profitability.
We may face the same problem with Italy in the immediate or more distant future.
Therefore, international cooperation is of paramount importance to Europe.
The Commission will have a clear right to be heard at Council level because there can be no doubt that a common market requires common rules.
Written statements (Rule 142)
We see that prices are going down on carcases; we know that it is part of the cycle and we know as well that in autumn there is always pressure on pigmeat prices.
I hope that the representatives of the European institutions will listen carefully and monitor the situation in Hungary, and that they will make an uncompromising statement very soon on the undermining of the borders and the Paris Peace Treaty, and on a Hungarian constitution which enshrines support for the collective rights of Hungarian minorities and the creation of collective self-governing areas.
The reality shows us that during the 2004-2009 parliamentary term, not a single piece of legislation submitted by a committee was rejected for not including this impact study, even though its inclusion would be mandatory since the Treaty of Amsterdam.
Based on the founding values of the Union and the obligations undertaken under the Treaties to which our countries are a party, the new states are now redefining their policies on the development cooperation granted to the counties that need it, diversifying their cooperation instruments and the areas covered.
The result of the consultation and legislative process is really an example of openness, contribution, commitment and even a creative innovative approach.
The Swedish national administration has lived up to everyone's expectations.
Allow me to remind you that this agreement between Bulgaria and Russia came at a time when the European Parliament was adopting with a majority of votes the report on Black Sea cooperation.
The committee will monitor progress in implementing these programmes, the international agreements associated with the two programmes, the preparation of markets, the efficiency of the management structure, and the annual programme review.
Professionals should be able to benefit from the free movement of persons and freedom of establishment which, I would point out, constitute the main objective of this directive.
In my country, the total capacity of these resources would cover 13%, to a maximum of 20%, of essential needs.
Like the previous speaker, I want to say that it is necessary for the Commission to propose at least minimum standards for penalties, and to ensure that the rules will be followed consistently across the Union and that third-country exporters will not give preference to certain countries because of lower or no sanctions.
These include:
This time, we are talking about something on paper and not - as has happened on several occasions - just words that have been spoken but not yet turned into a tangible document.
As we all know, in January 2009 the Iraqi Government took back control of that area.
This is what we call 'skill mismatch'.
I will now raise some points which I believe we can then discuss.
We need to look at the management of our external borders and Frontex's role in that regard.
I think that that may be a point of disagreement, once again.
The European Monitoring Centre for Racism and Xenophobia was transformed into an Agency tasked with safeguarding and promoting human rights, the Agency being officially established on 1 March 2007.
It is for the Union to unite demand for space applications, to take stock of users' requirements, to establish priorities and to look after the continuity of services.
These countries had already been suffering in the years prior to the crisis, however: firstly, the food crisis, which endangered the survival of hundreds of millions of people; then, the energy crisis, which used up many of the resources of those that did not produce oil or gas; finally, the climate crisis, the effects of which on harvests and infrastructure harm the poorest countries most of all.
To offer consumers better protection, Mr Lehtinen's report proposes improving the existing legislation in the relevant areas, making it simpler and smoothing out any regional differences.
Instead, I would like to thank the Swedish Presidency of the Council for having begun the process of bringing an end to this ignoble state of affairs.
In my country's constitution, there is no mention of this issue, and so when will the European Parliament be holding a debate on the Italian constitution?
The Synergy could also be a good instrument, for example, if we are talking about supporting Georgia in the democratic and economic transformations it has been going through in recent years.
(RO) I would like to begin by congratulating Mr Cortés Lastra for his efforts in drafting his report.
And they must make all necessary efforts to ensure that energy from renewable sources is produced at accessible prices.
It is our duty to focus our attention and efforts on punishing those who are guilty of violating human rights, while also making efforts to improve women's safety and ensure that appropriate assistance is given to victims of sexual aggression, ranging from medical aid to their reintegration into their family and society.
Furthermore, the Accord sets the basis for a rather substantial financial package of USD 30 billion for the coming three years and recognises the need for USD 100 billion annually by 2020.
The EU, as one of the richest and most developed regions in the world, has a moral duty to help the weak and those in need.
It also means freezing the assets of those who have misused state funds.
As ever, though, the committees came in at this point, and the amendments that were adopted in the Committee on Culture ruined just about any good work that was done.
It is perhaps a little strange that this idea comes forward from the mouth of a British Conservative - vote Blue, go Green - but we do need this, because, otherwise, the Commission is entirely dependent on the Member States for the information that they choose to give it.
With many actors in Haiti, this is no trivial challenge, but we have consistently been a very strong voice for UN-led humanitarian coordination.
Liechtenstein has been part of the European Economic Area since 1995 and has been steadily integrating into the European trade area.
The United Nations Security Council should review the mandate of MONUC.
In this specific case, let us be absolutely clear: the Commission has given its support to this revision because we think that it aims to respond to a challenge regarding a competence which was not provided for by the Treaty.

The old structures that we have had up to now remind me somewhat of Don Quixote's beautiful horse, Rosinante, which thought it was a racehorse.
A macro-regional economic strategy could be the way forward in other ways, in other places, in Europe.
I thought that this Treaty, which was signed in December last year, had to come into force in a few months' time.
Mr President, Mr Maystadt, Commissioner, as you know, the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance is traditionally very attached to the EIB.
The main concern of the EPP Group, and I am happy that all factions share the same concern, is the deterioration of media freedom in that country.
One European socialist speaker referred to the protection of common European values, and elaborated on his position to that end.
Thank you.
As I cannot support the draft amending budget for the above reasons, I have decided to vote against the report in its entirety.
It went on: 'many small hill and moorland farmers are crumbling under the pressures of grant changes, bureaucratic costs and low prices caused by competition from other countries.
I am convinced that as part of the European finance schemes both for the area of civil justice and criminal justice there will be more funds in the future for remedying these shortcomings.
Now the time has arrived to rethink the future of this programme without losing sight of its broader picture.
He was so right to remind us all of the fundamental principle that underlines the EU.
So the European School is an admirable project, and I support it.
One of the problems they deal with is the small number of European scholarships, especially as regards the Erasmus programme.
These are two essential instruments for the surveillance of the EU's external borders, and we must increase their operational capability.
We take note of the idea put to us by the ever witty Mr Evans.
In addition, I ask the Vice-President of the Commission and High Representative that, when she launches or opens this investigation into the situation in Camp Ashraf, that she also investigate the human rights abuses being committed against the population by the Mujahedin, which have been witnessed and documented by organisations such as Human Rights Watch.
Its most pressing mission is to act to promote human rights and to make calm relations with Uzbekistan dependent on progress with fundamental freedoms.
Giving the market better information on the ECB's interest rate decisions has long been crucial to Parliament, as is also the publication of the minutes and voting outcome.
My intention in voting against the resolution is not to hinder the wide-ranging efforts to combat AIDS, but to oppose the method and the content that I mentioned.
Mr President, when this regulation came before Parliament at first reading, I opposed attempts to allow mercury to be stored, not only in salt mines but also in underground facilities adapted for waste disposal.
in writing. - The amendment of Regulation (EC) No 861/2006 establishes the second main financial instrument of the common fisheries policy after the European Fisheries Fund.
Women are at greatest risk in their own homes - domestic violence is the most common cause of injury to women, more common than traffic accidents and cancer put together.
The charter contains rights and principles, such as the right to access social security payments, housing benefits and social services.
Although I have my reservations about the idea of examining the possibility of electing some Members on transnational lists, I am happy with Annex 2 of the resolution, which requires the IGC to ask Parliament for a draft providing for the election of its Members by direct universal suffrage that provides a more accurate definition of the notion of 'citizens' in Article 9(a)(2) of the Treaty on the EU.
This Court requested the extradition - that is, the waiver of immunity - of Mr Hannes Swoboda MEP.
We do have to increase the necessary investments in knowledge, innovation, sustainability and energy, resulting in a larger budget; but the Council leaves us no choice.
I was there myself.
This indicates the sort of methods that China uses.
I therefore call on the Commission to take into account the recommendations made in the resolution signed by several political groups, including my own, because action is needed, in fact, and needed very quickly, Commissioner.
As I said, this is after all about the first Copenhagen criterion, the political criterion.
I would like to make another appeal to the Commission: perhaps you can avoid exhausting the funds for technical assistance - 0.35% - which are at your disposal in accordance with the regulation.
Over and above that statement of principle, Europe must give practical support to this initiative with directives and policies that will, in the long run, integrate all the electronic systems, nomadic or not, and make it possible to control the processes and to drive cars that are safer and cleaner, with lower CO2 and particulate emissions.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Mr President, first of all, thank you very much for this lively and interesting debate.
To the EU leaders I say: make the right choice; listen to Ireland and hear in its voice the echo of France and the Netherlands, the demand for reform, for renewal, the demand for change.
In December 2006, the European Parliament and the Council enacted Regulation (EC) No 1889/2006 on establishing a financing instrument for the promotion of democracy and human rights worldwide.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - Mr President, I speak on behalf of my friend and former colleague in this Parliament, Mr Konstantinos Hatzidakis, who, as Mr Lehtinen says, has been elevated swiftly to the position of Minister of Transport in the Greek Government.
Highly specialised healthcare has evolved asymmetrically, with the development of centres of excellence in certain countries for rare or chronic diseases which are not common in that specific place but require specialisation.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Mr President, Commission, Council, this discussion is a bit hypocritical.
The Spanish Presidency is shutting its eyes to reality, in other words, to the fact that Turkey is not part of Europe, either geographically or from a spiritual and cultural point of view.
The Europeanisation of our border controls has been done thoughtlessly, without preparation and under pressure from ideological extremists who consider the security of citizens to be less important than the great ideal of the new European Soviet Union.
in writing. - The EPP-ED Group is generally supportive of the thrust of the original report by Jean Lambert.
Sanctions need to be applied on a case-by-case basis and targeted in a way that avoids affecting innocent parties.
All Europeans would have shared that deep emotion.
However, the question of energy security and Turkey's crucial geographical location mean that it is slowly becoming indispensable for securing European interests.
(PT) Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
The main problem arose with the European Police College CEPOL.
These efforts could also be supported by creating a statistical register of enterprises in the social economy in each European Union Member State and by inputting the data into the EUROSTAT European statistics system.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (FR) Madam President, Mr Masip, as you have underlined, the Council did indeed decide, on 23 June, to resume relations with Cuba, in light of certain recent positive human rights developments.
I very much look forward to making serious and sustained progress with you over the time I am responsible for this sector.
The funds go to EU parties which are pure paper interventions of Brussels, parties which the people have never asked for, either as citizens or as taxpayers.
The EU must build up its capacity to intervene in crisis situations such as this.
Against this background, I am really rather disappointed with the responses.
Why do we not make use of the fact that we have these gender requirements to encourage the Member States to make efforts to resolve this shameful pay gap.
I thank the rapporteur for the good cooperation, thanks to which the European Parliament's Groups managed largely to agree on a joint text.
in writing. - (FR) For more than three years now the Council and the European Union have been at loggerheads over this Working Time Directive.
Now, imagine you have just made a multi-million pound investment in a new state-of-the-art factory which annually produces a high value product from a renewable and sustainable resource to the highest internationally recognised standards.
We face unfair competition from an increasing number of foreign trucks taking up more than their fair share of cross-border haulage.
We still have five months to make sure that China fulfils its commitments.
The next item is six motions for a resolution on Zimbabwe.
But it is a text that advances democracy in Europe.
- Madam President, defined external frontiers are the essential attribute of nationhood.
In rural areas in particular it may be observed that the population for this reason frequently makes recourse to traditional fuels made from biomass, such as charcoal ovens.
(NL) Congratulations to the rapporteur, Mr Van Hecke, for a good report.
I think that it is important for us to set the right priorities in the budget, but the work on monitoring the money and its use is as important as budgeting for the right purposes.
Complementarity also exists between actions supported by the cohesion policy and by the rural development policy as clearly set out in the Community Strategic Guidelines of both policies.
What hope can we offer my generation, this European generation bearing the brunt of unemployment, insecurity and exclusion, these young people who are mistrustful of Europe, who expect a lot from Europe and therefore from you?
Only this will allow us to retain territorial and social cohesion within the EU.
However, emphasis must be placed immediately on modernisation, with the possibility of mixed models.
There are enough cautionary examples of such desecration in western Europe.
If Parliament wants to be an honest broker for peace in the Middle East it should stop producing unbalanced resolutions.
Some of them are more than a thousand times more intense as global warmers than carbon dioxide.
To date, the results from our research projects do not indicate any reasons why a GM-free status would be beneficial for public health or for the environment.
We have a Communist party which is behaving in exactly the same way as the Soviet-style Communist parties which enslaved half of Europe in the 20th century.
The declaration would read: 'The Commission recognises the pressing need for the collective management of the rights of phonogram performers and phonogram producers when radio or television productions incorporating broadcasts from commercial phonograms as an integral part thereof are made available to the public in such a way that members of the public may access the radio or television productions from a place and at a time individually chosen by them.
When I was in the region recently, in Tbilisi, someone from another country in the area said that regional cooperation was a concept which had been imposed on the region by Europe.
That does indeed put him in a position to spur on the reforms.
rapporteur. - Mr President, I am really glad we had the opportunity to debate this important matter tonight, and I am proud to present this new proposal to enhance the position of European consumers.
Mr President, first of all, let me congratulate the rapporteur, Mrs Patrão Neves, for the very hard work that she has done on this report.
From that perspective, it is evident that the penal codes of Texas or China, which can allow something as extraordinarily rare as life to be ended, are a real aberration.
It needs to be stated publicly so that we can have a proper debate in Europe.
Finally, the energy chapter cannot be opened as long as Turkey prevents the Republic of Cyprus from exercising its sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone.
It is a little unfortunate that the Earl of Dartmouth did not understand that you had also allowed him this opportunity to reply.
Given that the European Union is a legal entity based on treaties and legislative acts, it is vital that these are properly implemented in a uniform way across the 27 Member States.
Investment, in particular in capital goods, remains at high levels, supporting current economic activity and anticipating future improvements in productivity.
in writing. - It is important that all aspects of the Cotonou Agreement are reviewed in the light of recent developments which are having a significant impact on ACP countries.
VAT fraud is a criminal activity which has a huge impact on budgets, with illegal refund schemes being used in all Member States, Romania being no exception (for example, carousel fraud).
Within months he had stood down, having performed his function of bringing ridicule upon the European Parliament.
Very well, I am obviously in agreement, but why not think of the euro as a currency that saves us not only from inflation but, by means of a little virtuous and guaranteed debt, also secures us greater liquidity to launch a major European investment programme by issuing Eurobonds?
Is this still a rescue operation, or is it what I would almost call a nationalisation operation?
I think that the results of such a trial will be very informative for other regions.
This is the dynamic that we applied so marvellously during the last major enlargement of the EU.
I believe that the new Parliament will not delay its response, which we expect to receive in February.
I wish to conclude on an important note: the issue of democracy and human rights.
This mechanism remains a partial response which is not sufficient to encourage growth and reduce unemployment.
draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Budgetary Control. - (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, in its report on policy strategies for 2007 the European Parliament expressed scepticism regarding the European Institute of Technology, stressing the risk of duplication of structures already in existence and fearing that it might compete with already limited funding for research.
I think that, on this issue, and on many other important issues raised today, this will truly be an opportunity to bring together the whole debate in the revision which the Commission is getting ready to propose to us.
In particular, I support the call for closer monitoring and more coordination between the Commission and the Member States so as to ensure that imported food products meet the EU's quality and food safety standards, as well as its environmental and social standards.
As a second point, I agree with Commissioner Kroes that there is a need to check carefully whether there are any non-commercial considerations.
It is the High Representative's direct duty to ensure that these structures will be integrated and operate coherently.
(DE) Mr President, the new role of Parliament after the Treaty of Lisbon will be very important, and I hope that Parliament will seize the opportunities it is given to the best of its ability.
(SV) The oral amendment concerns the deletion of a single word, and that is the word 'and'.
The Single Market accounts for 500 million people; it is an economic entity, but it is also a political entity which must afford us more influence in shaping globalisation.
The advantage of this package is indeed that it builds several checks and balances into the system, through which crises like the one of 2008 can be avoided in the future.
It is in the conclusions.
In tiny print at the bottom of the letter, it said, as Mr Busuttil said earlier, that he had to pay EUR 1 000 a year.
I am pleased that the Commissioner emphasised that the EU must insist as far as possible on a more coherent implementation of the energy objectives by all Member States.
The fact that the EU is to have a common asylum and migration policy is reasonable, but it must not mean that those countries that want to take a harder line and hunt down people in various ways should be the ones making the decisions.
In other words, the proposed elements have been introduced to improve system efficiency and to ensure the optimal protection of marine biodiversity.
Given his experience in this area, I believe I can safely endorse his evaluation, and his demands for external border security.
Originally, we entered a level of 30 000 t of butter and 109 000 t of powder, but I have indicated recently that we will be able or willing to go higher than these figures by opening a tender.
I am thankful that he took on board most of my concerns and even my criticisms.
Is there a problem with China?
We can, of course, make fine promises in Nagoya, but what are we going to do in the near future with regard to our own fisheries and agricultural policies?
in writing. - I welcome Parliament's commitment to this cause.
If existing nations within states feel at home in their countries, there will be less fear surrounding an influx of immigrants and the enlargement process as a whole will be seen in a positive light.
It is regrettable that the Frontex agency does not monitor the numbers and countries of origin of applicants for international protection.
in writing. - I voted against the resolution on energy prices.
The balance of fear therefore disappears.
Beyond these measures, I think it is important to remember the need to carry out a clear and concise investigation into who should be held accountable in this coup d'état.
Change must come slowly, so as not to arouse hostility to our own culture and expectations.
Fort example, there has been a noticeable increase in obesity.
That is why this House should adopt the report.
- (PL) Madam President, we are following the situation in the Caucasus with great concern and interest.
We have to understand that without international involvement, Mexico will not win the war.
My colleague, Mrs Georgieva, is working with Baroness Ashton on the introduction of the European Civil Protection Force, and I hope that we will not have to wait for a new disaster before we pool our responses and our relief efforts under a single European flag in disasters such as that in Haiti or the tsunami.
I believe that this is an opportunity for Portuguese traders to make closer connections in the African market as part of their business networks, but the issues of insecurity and the high levels of crime perpetrated by the Portuguese community, particularly the Madeiran Community resident in South Africa, must nevertheless be addressed.
Therefore, it is only guidelines that are being submitted to our Parliament.
He argued his case well enough to justify his appointment to the Court of Auditors, to perform his duties capably and independently.
Therefore, the Member States must take action in this area.
Your fanaticism is out in the open.
(EL) Madam President, I agree with numerous fellow Members, especially Mrs Herczog and Mr Repo, who referred to the environmental importance of this area and the importance of protecting the rights of nationals.
I would like to ask you whether you agree with me that Opel has been in serious financial difficulty for several months, that the company could produce far more cars than it is currently doing and that Opel's poor economic situation cannot be caused by a free trade agreement that has not yet come into force.
I would like to start by putting today's debate into context, because this proposal is not about paragraphs, political power or promises: it is about people.
These measures seem to be giving positive results in the beekeeping sector, both for Member States and for beekeepers.
We request an assessment of their gender impact and adequate correction measures, subject to the responsibilities and transparency of funds use undertaken before the European citizens.
Thirdly, the legal authority of producer organisations must be significantly improved.
It seems that, within the EU, if the political correctness boxes can be ticked then we should be happy, never mind the lunacy which we create.
We must ask the Commission to allocate development assistance funds to the Congo, fundamentally and as a priority as assistance for the victims: legal assistance, social assistance and medical assistance.
The European Union cannot remain indifferent to the brutal killing of human rights activists.
The activities these companies are being accused of, namely restricting competitors' access to the network and deliberately limiting investment in infrastructure projects, have never in fact been proven.
In fact, next week Vice-President Barrot is going to present a package which covers internal waters, including a ports policy and therefore going into internal ports as well.
European business is the biggest exporter in the world and we have to compete constantly against protectionist measures, even in those third countries.
This is what the Commission and Council are doing right now in a very commendable way so as to ensure that the gas supplies are back on track as quickly as possible; threatening with legal action is not a very effective course of action, of course.
Contribution of the common fisheries policy to the production of public goods (
We must therefore understand that the return on investments into pre-school education is the guarantee of future growth.
Are we heading in the right direction?
Nigerian Christians and Nigerian Muslims differ not only with respect to religion. On top of this basic division lies a historical division, because in the region where the disturbances are taking place the Christians are considered to be local people and the Muslims are thought of as strangers.
We cannot lose sight of our commitment to combating climate change.
All of this is necessary, but what our fellow citizens expect most of all - and I hope that the Commission is listening - is for us to take action in response to the crisis.
The European Week of Regions and Cities consolidated the position of the regions as a fundamental part of the solution in the European response to global challenges.
(DE) Madam President, at present, the European Union does seem to have access to unbelievable financial resources.
Consequently, this urgency is also present in the initiatives that derive from it.
What was the tragedy of European history, and what are the great hopes of a peaceful and better future?
I hope that our warning will be heeded.
We will, at least, not be the last doomed brigade left fluttering the flag of this missile defence system.
(Noise)
I would also like to say that we have achieved a result through good dialogue with the Commission.
In my opinion, this simply will not work.
I refer to a very specific matter: personally, I was not at all surprised that the referendum and its result were followed by an increase in hostilities - almost - caused by the Sudanese institutions and authorities, particularly in the Abyei region.
It should ensure that such decisions are recognised and enforced throughout the European Union in the quickest and most effective way at the lowest possible cost.
They have set an example for other states which have yet to complete the procedure.
The Lisbon Treaty includes provisions on climate change and I also appreciate here the clause of solidarity in case of natural disasters.
(BG) Mr President, the word 'blackmail' was used here, and a short time ago, my colleague, Mrs Vălean, mentioned that Bulgaria had misused the funds and had not used them prudently from the earlier tranche, which was used for the appropriate purpose as compensation.
The demographic challenges mean that in 2050 there will be 1.5 employees for every pensioner.
In 2009, the UN estimated that there were 270 000 victims and Europol recorded no decrease in the trafficking of women for sexual exploitation, noting an increase in the number trafficked for forced labour.
However, you can only ever be as effective as the Member States will allow you to be and, of course, you are reluctant to use your own powers of initiative - an approach which I fully support.
In terms of the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Europe now has to reach 30%.
Naturally, however, what he wants and is able to do is ultimately determined to some extent by what the Council makes possible.
The argument that their harmful effects have not been proven sounds totally absurd to anyone who has ever seen the consequences of their use.
Finally, how can we not celebrate the more than probable and welcome conclusion of the agreement with Central America, and the now accepted incorporation of Panama into that agreement and into those negotiations?
I was in Hungary quite often between 2002 and 2010.
We are pretty sure - I am pretty sure also, when I move among the researchers, among the SMEs, when I hear the reactions and when I hear their emotions and how well they are actually using the programme, then I am sometimes much more satisfied than when I hear that we are a bit too bureaucratic, and so on.
Is this not a fundamental violation of the principle of equal opportunities between economic players in the European Union?
codecision for future restrictions instead of comitology
(PT) Mr President, Mr Barroso, also on the matter of the G8 summit, I would like to know whether the whole issue of regulating the financial markets has been postponed once again, in particular, with the implementation of a tax on movement of capital, capital gains, the abolition of tax havens, the end of derivatives and ratings agencies, given their total lack of credibility at present and their utter lack of transparency.
What happens when a midwife without such authorisation arrives in France without additional training and has to write a medical prescription?
We can only do this effectively, as Europeans, if we give the euro our full political support and the necessary governance mechanisms so that our interests can be defended, as they deserve to be, through the exchange rate for our currency.
For this reason, I believe that research into carbon capture and storage (CCS) and demonstration projects are very important en route to another objective, which involves achieving a CO2-free energy sector in the next few decades.
It states that there has been an increase in speculation by purely financial institutions, that is, the commodity market speculation of money capital, which is causing an artificial inflation of commodity prices.
The report voted on today includes specific responses such as the establishment of binding objectives for the Member States, and sanctions for non-compliance, and the introduction of quotas (a necessary evil) to increase our aspirations to equality a little.
We have been working on the procedural rights for persons who are accused.
This applies also to Mr Grasser, the former finance minister, who is now appearing all over the place on German television, instead of facing criminal charges in Austria.
Documents received: see Minutes
The importance of these reports and this discussion can be seen by the number of parliamentary committees which have drafted opinions.
Finally - and I will close with this - Mr Sógor also asked for the Ombudsman to be able to receive complaints concerning EU law submitted at national level.
It will also be crucial to ensure that the USD 100 billion announced in Copenhagen is indeed in addition to the commitments made in the area of official development assistance.
The authority needs to have expertise, be competent to take independent decisions and be permanent in nature.
The lower salary limit should be 1.7 times the average gross annual wage.
The vote will take place on Thursday.
Mr Mitchell, you will probably agree that I cannot comment on information and data appearing in the media or elsewhere.
At the same time, biodiversity conservation, protection against natural disasters and CO2 capture from the atmosphere are crucial to improving our citizens' quality of life and to preserving the environment.
That is why I voted in favour of Mr Provera's report.
We saw this yesterday, with the situation in Kosovo.
An example of this is Darfur.
Many things that need to be done in that country have been planned, but they cannot be implemented until the refugees have returned to their homes.
We felt and still do now that this budget must play an instrumental role in the management of the crisis.
Thankfully, this amendment was not adopted but rejected by this House, which has allowed me to vote for the entire report, and I am very happy that Parliament has not allowed two categories of Member State to be created in respect of increased milk quotas.
I find the hysteria when we deal with soil protection or the wishes of the farmers' unions incomprehensible.
Today, during a period of economic crisis, it is particularly important that this dimension is not overlooked.
Cooperation with industrialised countries is of enormous importance for the EU economy.
I should really like it if Parliament and the Council could come to an agreement under the Swedish Presidency in order to make this Support Office operational in 2010, and I am very much counting on our Commission and on the Swedish Presidency.
It will also provide channels for the greater involvement of national parliaments.
I hope that, during the next parliamentary term, at second reading, we shall be able to reverse this state of affairs in order to create a real European asylum law guaranteeing real protection for these particularly vulnerable men and women.
The extra reduction in the threshold for inland shipping, in particular, can count on my support.
(PL) Mr President, I welcomed with interest the Commission's Green Paper on the Review of the Consumer Acquis.
The lack of progress in this area of cooperation is cause for concern and impacts negatively on perception of the action taken by the Serb authorities to strengthen the rule of law.
(PT) Mr President, the European Union is an experiment made up of experiments: the euro area, this very Parliament in which we find ourselves, the Schengen area and a number of other instruments are all experiments.
Clearly, some people regret that these reforms have not been as rapid or as extensive as might have been hoped, but the fact is that Turkey's people and Government are making gradual progress along the road set out by us, towards an increasingly democratic and pluralistic society which more fully respects the rule of law.
I want to thank the rapporteur for his constructive approach to this.
The solution for Britain is to leave the European Union and regain control of its borders.
Let us not make this more of a political issue than is necessary, however.
It is hitting the poorest in the world hard.
I am convinced that the Bulgarian public, the European public, should not remain uninvolved in the violation of international conventions and should not allow a second Libya case, only this time in the heart of Europe.
Thirdly, with intervention grain stocks at an alarming low and the ratio with usage being totally out of kilter, there urgently needs to be action to address that balance.
While relying on existing financial, civilian and military resources, Europe can take even more decisive actions in the event of natural and man-made disasters and be even more involved in averting and managing crises and conflicts, and in establishing a lasting peace in third countries.
The amended Lisbon Strategy promotes equal opportunities for all as a vector for social and intergenerational solidarity and the creation of a poverty-free society.
I think that the Czech Republic managed very well in resolving the gas crisis of January this year.
Basically, I have the impression that the wishes and the diplomatic activity of Mrs Ferrero-Waldner, to some extent at least, can be seen as adopting the same approach as that which the Pope sought to adopt on this issue.
I remain convinced, however, that the contents of Amendment 138 are absolutely laudable and should therefore...
They have never been so clear as in the debate on whether we should exclude users from the Internet without a hearing in court.
I rejoice in that, but I deplore the damage which you are inflicting on 27 former democracies, year by disastrous year.
And, in a European credit market worth EUR 800 billion, direct cross-border financial services make up only a tiny fraction - 1% - of all distance credit transactions.

It is also necessary to review the international legislation in this area without delay, to fill in the gaps, to prohibit ships designed for river traffic from going to sea, and to enforce effectively the 'polluter pays' principle.
The work ahead of us remains vast, but I am more than sure that consistent work on upholding fundamental rights in the EU will help us prevail.
Incidentally, Moldova is seeking an in-depth, comprehensive trade agreement with the European Union.
I believe that this is a good thing, because in this way, the Commissioner can listen to Parliament's budgetary priorities before drawing up the draft budget.
In Romania, 13 people on the transplant waiting list die every day due to the lack of donors.
I come from a country in which, whenever I go to the supermarket, I see a man riding a moped with a wooden box on the back.
It is possible that resources from the existing Progress programme will be used, a programme that was launched in 2007 and comprises actions concerning poverty reduction, anti-discrimination, social inclusion, gender and employment.
the joint debate on mechanisms for strengthening economic order,
When I take into account the criticisms of the committees (for example the LIBE Committee), in addition to the above-mentioned texts, I must say that a Directive that makes it possible to detain people for 18 months, as well as the conditions experienced by visiting Members in detention centres, only make the controversy more obvious.
You said that the path that the US is taking is historically the wrong path.
- Before the vote on Amendment 6
in writing. - (SV) It is important to bring the long drawn-out dispute regarding import tariffs for bananas within the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to an end, and therefore ratification of the 2009 Geneva Agreement concerning tariffs and trade was necessary.
We are talking about significant sums spent on the basis of regulations which leave a considerable margin of manoeuvre for the Commission.
The applications related to two German undertakings and a Finnish one, all operating in the telecommunications sector, in the manufacture of mobile phones to be precise.
8.
It also gives all citizens of the European Union a right of recourse to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.
They are also concerned about equality of healthcare, which is considerable among the Member States, as also within the countries themselves.
The Commission is also called on to ensure that support for beekeeping is maintained and strengthened in the CAP after 2013, guaranteeing the continuation of this sector.
The Commission will subsidise innovations and projects which aim to research into, develop and commercialise technologies for renewable energy, using funding from the seventh framework programme that you in this House have made available to us.
To reduce carbon emissions from vehicles is very commendable; to reduce heavy goods vehicle congestion is very commendable; and the spending of 15% of the tolls on infrastructure is very commendable.
Despite voting in line with the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats), I must express some concerns I have about the present motion for a resolution.
The Interim Agreement, which was signed in 1999, provisionally applies the trade-related parts of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, also signed in 1999, for which only three Member State ratifications remain outstanding.
EU-US air transport agreement - EU-Canada air transport agreement - EU-Vietnam air services agreement (debate)
- (NL) Mr President, once again we can congratulate ourselves that an agreement has been reached after so many attempts.
There has been a great deal of cooperation between all the rapporteurs and the shadows on this package and we would like to send a message to the Council that we intend to negotiate this as a package, not as a series of individual reports.
What happened then?
Can the Commissioner please comment?
A fall in revenue, a fall in investments, a fall in growth: they are the ones overlooked most by the international effort, to the extent that the Director-General of the FAO, Mr Diouf, was obliged to point out that only 10% of the emergency funds pledged by the major powers in June have so far been allocated.
Therefore, making all kinds of statements and spreading all kinds of rumours is very harmful to Greek taxpayers, because not only does it not help anyone, it is also to the detriment of those who have to endure a number of measures because action was not taken quickly enough in their country previously.
I note with interest the report's proposal on a European Economic Area Plus for relations with countries that are not part of the current enlargement agenda.
In the 2011 budget, considerable amounts have been allocated to the Global Fund to fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) (EUR 65 000 000 in commitment appropriations and EUR 47 608 950 in payment appropriations).
Limiting global average temperature increases is necessary not only in the developed world, but also in developing countries.
The debate is closed.
However, the Commission is keen to make sure that this initiative, if it were to be approved by the European Council, does not undermine our efforts to build on the success of the Lisbon Treaty and, most of all, does not undermine its certification.
On the issue of Frontex, I also wanted to say that I support the additional funding for Frontex - we doubled the funding for the Agency.
Then you can, of course, discuss it with him directly.
It could have been handled in various ways.
We are especially interested in promoting and analysing its link with European associations for innovation within the EU framework for innovation.
It also results in discrimination.
I also consider it essential to adopt reasonable criteria for the concept of recovering economy, since the Member States' situations are different.
It is not as if the EU did not know the exact location and did not have the satellite pictures of the vineyards in Italy that were planted secretly and are over the quota, for example.
in writing. - Education, research and innovation are windows to the future.
A player who can defend the principles and values on which its economic and social model are founded.
I am aware that all of these points have already been raised on numerous occasions in the past, but what good is that if we are still stuck at the drawing board?
Mr Fischer, I regret to say that I do not agree.
But my colleague will return to this after a discussion in the college.
This was only possible in fact thanks to the efforts and openness of our rapporteur, who was willing to listen to all parties.
in writing. - The Fine Gael delegation in the European Parliament voted against paragraph 16 of the resolution on the Commission's Legislative and Work Programme 2008 as we are vehemently opposed to any EU initiative to establish a European Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB).
Thank you very much!
Mr President, thank you for your forbearance.
I predict that, a few years from now, we will all regret that we were not more proactive today.
We therefore agree with the call made to the Member States and the competent authorities to ensure that greater stress is placed on health development in school and preschool teaching programmes by encouraging specific forms of physical activity suitable for these ages and raising awareness within clubs and associations in order to ensure that children can start physical activity at the earliest possible age, for the benefit of their development and health, and hence to guarantee physical education status in accordance with the profile of the institution and the corresponding level of study.
They have raised the issue of the independence of the EFSA in the face of the interests of biotechnology companies, an issue which Commission Dalli recognised, and have requested a moratorium on crops until reliable control mechanisms can be set up to ascertain the impact of modified organisms on human health, biodiversity and food safety.
(Applause)
Unfortunately, this has not been a good Presidency for the workers and poor of the European Union.
That is simply showing contempt for the voters, the citizens of Europe.
Instead we have struck a workable balance - between the need for industry to continue to profit in difficult economic times, the social needs of Europe, and the future of our environment.
Last time it was Mugabe's Government fighting its fight against the MDC.
There is a clear need for improvement in the way we inform and communicate with the public.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, after a year of parliamentary work, the proposal for a directive now being discussed is a significant improvement on the document that was presented in 2007.
We await the Commission's response regarding the plan presented by the Campania region.
Also, now that we have a new treaty, we need to respect the competences of each institution.
The European Commission criticises this position in an incomprehensible, short-sighted and narrow-minded manner.
We are dazzled by fabulous cars, miraculous means of communication and the results of innovative, scientific research, but what would life be worth without the beautiful works of art, statues, graphics, textiles or the creative works of music and literature that surround us?
The policy camouflages inadmissible objectives and interests under a cloak of 'good intentions', as if the constant denunciation of the military aggression and occupation of Iraq by the United States and its allies were not enough, with the hundreds of thousands of deaths that have resulted, and the pillaging of the country's enormous natural resources.
Contriving to exclude euro area members amounts to abandoning the ambition of a strong Europe in the world.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (FR) Mr President, Prime Minister, you made a fine speech.
Allow me to mention one last thing that I feel is particularly important, namely the inclusion of the major European ports in the planning of the TEN networks.
In people's everyday lives, there are no disputes and there is no nationality problem in mixed areas.
We have remained in monetary union and have not moved on to economic union.
I have no doubt that this type of major crisis situation requires a rapid response by special intervention units.
My assistant Gergely Simon, who has done much work on this and other dossiers, will leave Parliament in the near future.
However, I have a major and a minor 'but' to add to those words of praise.
Access to health care is a right of all EU citizens and providing equal access for all to high-quality medical services is a core task of the Member States' public authorities.
At a time such as this, when the economic and financial crisis demands more cautious spending, transparency and secure and innovative finance, in the face of ever scarcer resources and ever more acute social needs, to try to make more efficient use of the Structural Funds is not only an objective but also a moral duty for all administrators and, above all, for this Europe, which is perceived by its citizens as an entity that is becoming increasingly abstract and out of touch with people's real needs.
This is the aim of the Europe 2020 strategy.
I shall conclude by saying that this really is a race against the clock, for we must forestall these diseases as much as possible.
Policies and strategies that enable Europeans to adapt better and quicker to the challenges of the twenty-first century - especially in a crisis situation - must also be sought.
(FR) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, first of all, I would like to thank the rapporteur for the work she has done, and our fellow Members for their hard work in creating this new microfinance instrument.
I would also like to congratulate my colleagues, Mrs Kalniete and Mr Correia De Campos, for their good work.
This can serve as a basis for improving understanding of each other's concerns and can pave the way for finding common solutions.
We have had some estimates about the scale of the problem over the coming months - including from our own experts - and I agree very much with those who said we need to deploy expertise from the European Centre for Disaster Control in Haiti.
'What is the communication on the budget review?'
Its purpose is to increase the credit ratings of the bonds issued by companies, by attracting private investments, so as to supplement domestic investments and those made via the cohesion funds.
To end, I would point out that support for innovative projects of small and medium-sized enterprises, easier access to European funds and improved access to credit, particularly, but not only, in the current context, are vital factors for supporting SMEs.
I welcome the European Commission's proposal and the report presented by our fellow Member, József Szájer, as we will therefore have standard, simplified rules on the definition, description and presentation of aromatised wines, aromatised wine-based drinks and aromatised wine-product cocktails. These products are renowned worldwide and, thanks to the new provisions, we will successfully achieve a better position on the market for them, while supporting Community producers and distributors.
The Commission expects the industry to produce a binding agreement in the form of a memorandum by the end of April.
The connection between certain forms of trade and climate change is ever more obvious.
It is well balanced and gives an objective description of developments in Macedonia; commending what has been achieved and appealing for a little more time to be devoted to what remains to be done.
We should encourage Member States to be stricter in this area.
It is vital to take the regional dimension into account: if not, regions confronted with serious disasters could be excluded because the threshold set for the Member State as a whole has not been reached.
Let us hope that tomorrow's vote reflects what happened in the Committee on Petitions: a majority or unanimous vote in support of the Ombudsman, with Parliament making clear to the Commission that things are as they should be and that everyone knows their place.
In addition, the result achieved in relation to the establishment of buffer zones adjacent to waterways has been moderated.
In any case, I hope that the presence of a delegation from the Subcommittee on Human Rights at the next session of the Council will provide the European institutions with an opportunity to raise the urgent issue of Christianophobia.
We must remember that a condition of bringing such a concept into reality has to be that we rise above the interests of particular Member States.
Perhaps we can begin to get it right this time.
How can we achieve the same level of interest in the human rights situation in Hungary as you have in the human rights situation in Cuba?
in writing. - I voted in favour of the Varvitsiotis report, which seeks to enhance diplomatic and consular protection for EU citizens living or travelling in countries in which their home Member State does not have representation.
It has already taken some initiatives that have marked a break with the past: in Iraq, on Guantánamo, on the anti-missile shield.
Memoranda like the one the troika of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Commission drew up with Portuguese officials demanded anti-social policies, including amendments to redundancy and privatisation laws, and attacks on public and universal social security which can only lead to social regression, condemning workers and the public to unemployment, poverty, underdevelopment and extreme dependency.
I welcome the adoption of this report on the proposal for a directive on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding, and of measures aimed at helping workers to achieve a work-life balance.
The Spanish Presidency should, incidentally, be much more active in defending fundamental rights in Cuba.
Today's vote will be particularly important for disabled passengers, who will benefit as a result of today's vote.
It is of crucial importance that the Danube strategy be based on a bottom-up approach.
Italy was mentioned, the Czech Republic and Romania are familiar with examples of real pogroms, racist attacks.
Austria has been the only certificate purchaser to date, spending EUR 280 million on certificates, compared with the mere EUR 20 million it invests annually in renewables.
This framework decision gives us a toolbox for future directives, which will ensure greater legal consistency on key issues, establishing a clear and coherent position on the CE mark in particular but also on the status of importers in the trade chain.
Terrorism is a complex phenomenon.
In my capacity as rapporteur on regional cooperation in the Black Sea area, I have constantly stressed the importance and urgency of these actions.
Restoring dialogue between all sectors of Palestinian society and restarting the current negotiation process are essential.
Clearly, the measures adopted to date by the Commission have been unable to alleviate the crisis or provide a viable alternative to the quota replacement scheme planned for 2015.
Lastly, I should like to say to Mr Le Hyaric, whose criticisms I listened to carefully just now, that transport is not covered by the Services Directive, and neither is healthcare.
The next item is Question Time (B6-0001/2008).
Nevertheless, in our opinion, the report is not as ambitious as it should be.
The Eastern Partnership is focused on the development of democracy, good governance and stability, economic integration and on achieving closer relations with EU policy.
Finally, let us not forget the potential of global communications and especially the internet to promote human rights.
Greece is on its backside; Spain, your country, is in dire straits as well.
While any contamination of our food is always regrettable, what this incident shows is the very high level of food safety controls which the Irish authorities have in place to guarantee the integrity of the food chain.
The vote will take place tomorrow (Tuesday, 23 November 2010).
Special Report from the European Ombudsman to the European Parliament following the draft recommendation to the European Commission in Complaint 676/2008/RT (According to Rule 205(2), 1st part) (
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I will try to be extremely brief.
But on its own this is not enough.
One way of dealing with this problem is through education: raising awareness of the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and not abusing freedoms.
In today's vote, I supported the resolution concerning the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy with respect to both the Eastern and Southern Dimensions.
Two things are needed.
Romania also feels that a review clause is absolutely essential in 2014, without however raising a question mark over the 20% (or 10%) reduction targets, simply in order to facilitate possible adjustments to the mechanisms, based on the specific conditions during the relevant period (which cannot be predicted just now).
Member of the Commission. ? (SK) I welcome the very encouraging atmosphere during this debate, which confirms that sport and physical education certainly have an effect on health, but also on certain values held by young people and our entire society.
Mr President, we disagree on many things where the EU is concerned.
The EIT title must be desired.
We should consider whether this kind of behaviour is right.
Broadcasting is a special sector.
In order to reduce possible negative consequences at the ballot box, certain governments have suddenly changed position and decided to cancel their plans to build new plants or to prolong the useful life of existing ones.
Perhaps Mr Leinen?
As a French Member of the European Parliament and a member of the Independence and Democracy Group, I chose not to support Amendments 51 and 52 to Mr Corbett's report.
(DE) Mr President, we in the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance want to see strong European economic governance.
Commissioner, in the trialogue discussions, we also briefly discussed the fact that legislation on the transport of these consumer goods has still not been harmonised and that it would therefore be worth considering whether we should shift our focus to legislation on the transport of chemicals in the coming months.
We share the view that the existence of statistics on all forms of transport, goods and passengers will provide a framework of information that will be useful for defining a policy of interoperability and co-modality; that is, the possibility of an optimal combination of different modes of transport in the same transport chain, contributing to the modernisation and rationalisation of freight logistics and promoting their sustainability.
How many people could be awaiting judgments having appealed against denied asylum applications?
However, this circumstance does not prevent us from developing a realistic plan of action.
We must demand reciprocity and access to foreign markets for our own products.
in writing. - Contrary to our position (I voted in favour), the qualified majority was not reached, and so the resolution to reject the Commission proposal and follow the advice of Parliament's legal services has fallen.
Authorisation to fish will be granted to 28 tuna seiners and 12 surface long-liners.
Parliament and Council have adjusted the Commission's proposal on mergers, master-feeder-structures, fund notification and key investor information, but the high-level ambitions set by the Commission in its original proposal was fully respected.
In particular, I believe that within the social market economy, as recognised and made an objective by the treaty, the public system should make some adjustments aimed at accelerating and facilitating the reaching of an equilibrium, in order to avoid losses and difficulties, or to limit them to the minimum level.
There are many cases of fraud, in particular, in the eastern and southern Member States.
Europeans have a duty and a right to know the truth: that the Mediterranean strategy is not working, that the common immigration policy will continue to be a dream until European countries commit to equipping the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders (Frontex) with sufficient resources to be effective.
in writing. - I cannot support this report or Amendment 6 as I feel that it is inappropriate to include tax- or VAT-based issues in a health-based report such as this.
I will support the amended version of Rule 121, which will ensure that in such cases the President shall submit the matter to the Conference of Presidents and then to plenary.
However, I must also mention that, in spite of sustained economic growth, enormous inequalities persist.
You may remember, of course, the precedent of Commissioners appointed after recent enlargements.
I have consulted widely with colleagues from the various groups and they have assured me that they will not obstruct my proposal.
In so saying, it is time to resolve several issues that remain outstanding in this trade relationship.
The total budget required is EUR 3 934 055 and the Netherlands submitted an application on 8 April 2010 to obtain a financial contribution of EUR 2 557 135 from the EGF.

It was a dual response to the aggravated crisis, which had turned into a systemic challenge to the euro.
The anomaly of allowing imported food products using plant protection products generally, while we will not allow our farmers to use them, continues to be one of the mysteries and one of the major problems we have with legislation of this sort.
Institutional cooperation is one of the major challenges of the Treaty of Lisbon, which we always talk about rather carelessly.
Moreover, the EU supports programmes focusing on law enforcement and reinforcing the judiciary.
First and foremost, we want to lay down a definition of pay discrimination; it is not enough to look at gross hourly pay alone because that would indicate direct discrimination and such direct discrimination has in fact already been overcome.
For our common actions to be effective, it is vital, firstly, to draw up unequivocal definitions of wildernesses and to establish the precise location of the latter on the map of the Community.
The claim that nothing can be done about finance, when it brings about misery, is unconvincing.
The ALDE Group is ready to give its assent because it believes that a 'no' would send out a negative signal to the countries most in need, and would be irresponsible on the part of the European Union given that the reopening of the WTO negotiations is unrealistic.
We are also planning - and conducting a feasibility study right now - to set up a European cybercentre by 2013 to coordinate this work, to work as an alert centre and to support the different national cybercentres that already exist.
Unanimously - and I repeat unanimously - the Heads of State or Government decided to ask for a permanent crisis mechanism with the intervention of the private sector.
The diversity of political systems, cultural traditions, religions, statuses and ambitions in terms of moving closer to the European Union, the level of economic development, the availability of natural resources and, of course, the new situation which has arisen because, today, three Member States of the European Union form part of the region that we are discussing.
Origin marking should therefore be considered in that spirit.
They warned of poisonous gases by dying.
It commends Serbia on the progress achieved in the reform process, and welcomes the decision to open the ratification procedure of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Serbia taken by the Council on 14 June 2010, and the fact that 10 Member States have already ratified the agreement.
We can contribute to that ourselves.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (PL) Mr President, the Special Court for Sierra Leone is entitled to count on our particular attention, as it is rightly presented as a new and almost perfect model for the pursuit of justice.
Many, perhaps most, have very good experiences, but it is the minority - the few who have less happy experiences - that give some aspects of the tourism industry a poor name.
Such support, incidentally, need not necessarily take the form of handouts; it could also be the provision of opportunities to acquire the skills required for new jobs on offer.
But most important of all is for us to come together to give leadership to the rest of the world, in particular in the area of climate change, energy and food.
One need only think of the role of Parliament, which has been strengthened in relation to the Council, but which is also being strengthened by the Rules of Procedure where the internal relationships with institutions within Parliament itself are concerned.
Interconnectivity, the issue of common gas stores - these things are important to ensure that the supply to any individual country cannot be shut off.
The Court of Justice leaves no room for doubt.
The IPCC reports have made it clear that even with ambitious measures to reduce emissions some serious effects of climate change are probably inevitable.
The most important factor of a control system applied to 27 Member States is probably that all stakeholders should be treated equally and, in particular, that everyone along the production chain - fishermen, middlemen, buyers, people who have links to recreational fishing and others - should feel that they are not being discriminated against but also that they have their share of the responsibility on this matter.
rapporteur. - (NL) I can be very brief.
I would like to inform Parliament that the Commission recently adopted a communication on 'A partnership for democracy and shared prosperity with the Southern Mediterranean', which sets out a series of proposals to address the challenges that the region currently faces following recent developments.
However, the problem is in knowing whether it is possible to implement such complex rules as these within the intended period.
I also welcome the compromise on cohesion policy.
Some prisoners are in very bad health, according to their families, and do not have access to adequate medical care.
Written statements (Rule 149)
The Google Books Project makes books available to a far wider readership than a conventional library would.
The report acknowledges the problems and mistakes during the first decade of economic and monetary union, but does not draw the necessary conclusions, instead calling for a 'more robust' framework for surveillance of national economic policies by the Commission and Council.
(LV) Yes, I shall gladly clarify this point.
Because this has to be fundamentally understood, so that we can share the understanding of biodiversity.
My third point relates to the financial markets.
We were able to mobilise a team composed of Commission officials and industry experts in 24 hours and they were already in Russia and Ukraine last Saturday to enable the flow of gas to resume as soon as the protocol was signed.
I shall conclude simply by quoting the title of a film that has just come out, which concerns the theme of this evening and which is called: 'Demain nos enfants nous accuserons' [Tomorrow our children will accuse us].
However, will the newly appointed High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy do this?
Parliament is going to play a much greater qualitative role and have a much larger workload with the Lisbon Treaty when it comes.
Vice-President of the Commission. - These are both quite specific questions.
Madam President, there is an urgent need to protect workers from exploitation in these times of economic trauma, and the case to ensure the terms and conditions of European workers are not systematically driven down by exploitation of vulnerable migrant workers is unanswerable.
I hope that this compromise which we have reached will develop the road transport market.
As regards information policy, I welcome the agreement on funding for political parties at European level and for political foundations at European level, which should help improve communication with citizens and their participation in EU political life.
I, too, will be there, and I would like to encourage all of you to come to Strasbourg this Sunday, in four days' time.
In that respect, too, renewal of the agreement requires very careful evaluation and the agreement also needs to be redrafted.
Unfortunately, and despite all the good intentions enshrined in that directive, its practical implementation has not produced the desired results.
Child exploitation, including the sexual exploitation of children, is among society's biggest ills.
It is demanding a serious study from the Commission in order to see when in fact children can be protected using their fingerprints, and will only allow them to be collected at ages at which we know for certain that this is the case.
Request for urgent procedure: see Minutes
My second point is that we must be creators of ideas.
In my opinion, a single European migration and asylum policy is not the solution, as this matter is within the competence of Member States.
We need controls not only on the final quality of the product, but also a clear mark of origin and checks, before the distribution of Chinese products is permitted within the internal market, on the safety standards and conditions under which the products are made in their places of origin; otherwise, the institutions will remain complicit in environmental disasters, social exploitation and unfair competition by Chinese industry.
Crises, including energy crises, are overcome by innovation.
- (FI) Mr President, as we know, the background to this resolution was a very politically sensitive set of circumstances, but that ought not to prevent us from passing a clearly humanitarian resolution that is not watered down by general political remarks on the situation as a whole.
It is you we are counting on.
The Commission and the Council tend, in principle, to talk up the situation - as dramatic as it might be.
9.
However, for this reason also, a proper procedure could have been carried out.
These improvements include the introduction this year of more frequent decision-taking on infringement cases to avoid delays in the advancement of cases, and the introduction of the EU pilot project in April this year.
In conclusion, I would like to say that the Commission's position regarding the various amendments to both legislative proposals has been given to Parliament in writing, and will be attached to the minutes of the plenary session.
To start with, I would like to point out again that at the October European Council, we stressed the importance of fast-start financing in order to initiate immediate actions and to prepare for collective and efficient action in the medium and longer term with a special emphasis on these developed countries.
I appeal to the European Parliament to support our proposals as the best way to ensure that this reform achieves real influence.
Perhaps this is an opportunity to get some information referring to the new opportunities in the markets of our main trading partners that a successful WTO deal would give us.
(EL) Mr President, the question before us is: will we be able to move forward on climate change in Cancún.
Nearly two thirds of the Member States have adopted the Treaty, including Hungary, the first country to do so.
Above all, they are taking political control of the country, whilst forcing the Greeks to regress decades in social terms.
Lastly, I agree with the rapporteur when he welcomes what is being done in this respect in the context of the e-Justice programme.
I should tell you that there is also a directive, Directive 2000/43/EC, which already guarantees the application of the principle of equal treatment, with no differentiation between race or ethnic origin in the employment, social, and educational sectors and in access to and supply of goods and services, which also applies to the Roma.
This is absurd.
Ignoring the specific reality of Member States to take greater account of the interests of the large agri-industrial enterprises, multinational food distributors and negotiations to liberalise trade within the WTO has helped to change the basis of agricultural activity, leading to a fall in output.
The issue of Iran is obviously very high up on the Swedish Presidency's agenda.
I support Mr Cashman, the authors and group spokespersons.
We share your view that it is of utmost importance to ensure that the agencies can function independently, that they have capable leaders with proper authority and that the appropriate financing of the institutions is guaranteed.
In that sense, Mr President-in-Office, may I say that the conclusions that you have agreed at today's Summit are good conclusions which offer a sound basis on which to move forward, for they are a clear expression of what is realistic and sustainable.
Eurostat receives notifications from the Member States.
This is a crisis of identity.
I call on Member States to monitor actions to facilitate the transition from school to working life by developing integrated careers guidance and advice programmes, to create better training opportunities for trainers and lay the foundations for a facilitative learning partnership, particularly at regional and local level.
I believe that we must all take action to come up with a specific legal solution, not least to prevent - as Mr Simpson said - passengers who have purchased an ordinary flight ticket from an airline that subsequently goes bankrupt being treated differently from passengers who have bought their ticket as part of a more comprehensive package holiday.
In other words, I am all in favour of stamping out cyber crime, but can we make sure that internet companies are not, with police authorities and the like, too heavy-handed in dealing with the public who are using the internet for their own pleasure?
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, if we had had to cope with the correspondence that this report has generated over recent weeks using a horseback messenger, we would have exhausted a few horses - without a doubt.
The EU Communication on the European Economic Recovery Plan in December 2008 lists the areas in which the EU will be investing over the next few years in order to ensure economic growth and preserve jobs.
Then there is the number of staff we have working to ensure that this agreement delivers on its goals - just a handful of people; the profits of illegal logging are absolutely vast and perhaps greater than anything we can offer by way of compensation; and the markets for illegal wood are in countries like China, which may not be paying anything like the attention that we pay, and the respect that should be paid, to maintaining forests.
rapporteur. - (DE) Mr President, I would like to make two comments as this debate comes to a close.
It was explicitly stated that the prolongation of ENISA should not prejudice the outcome of that debate.
We can turn it into an opportunity, or we can do harm to many people by handling it wrongly.
I would stress their importance in combating deforestation and the degradation of forests, as well as the resulting carbon emissions and loss of biodiversity at global level.
For all that, I find it particularly scandalous that legitimate concerns aroused by this period of crisis should be exploited for partisan ends.
I think that what you have said is extremely important.
Draft amending budget No 8/2008 (
When Muslim nomads attacked Christian villages at the beginning of the year and at least 500 people were murdered, it is said that the army only responded hours after receiving the first report.
Its solution to the 'over-reliance' of banks on these agencies is that the banks assess the risks themselves.
We must give precedence to mechanisms which facilitate the access of citizens to the courts so that their rights and lawful interests can be enforced throughout the Union.
This is a concept that some people will support.
Some opponents of Turkish integration are guided by reasons unconnected with the substance of the matter, and others by fears that Turkey is a big country which will have a big influence on EU decisions, because, in accordance with the Treaty of Lisbon, the voting power of each Member State is dependent on the size of its population.
We, Parliament, very much need to do something about that.
How do we promote creativity and innovation?
In the interests of safety, we also need to ensure that every box of prescription medicine is traceable.
The report - as the previous speakers have said - relates entirely to the scientific facts concerning climate change, which were discussed in detail with world-renowned experts during the thematic meetings.
Croatia is about to complete its membership negotiations.
Together with the euro, free movement of persons in the EU is one of the fundamental pillars of the European project.
In fact, I hope you are all very proud of yourselves because what you have done is you have taken the littlest boy in the playground, got him into the corner and given him a good kicking.
Let us make sure that the Member States make a solid commitment.
author. - (NL) Mr President, Sierra Leone, like its neighbour Liberia, has been faced with full-scale atrocities, as a result of which many citizens lost their lives or became seriously injured, mentally or physically.
Consumers are confronted with an ever growing supply of increasingly more complex goods and services.
Written statements (Rule 149)
Drugs for Parkinson's disease in many countries cost more than drugs for cancer.
All of this protects consumers, but it also safeguards honest entrepreneurs who observe all the rules.
I regret that the declarations of financial interests of the Members of the Court that the latter submit to the President of the Court in accordance with its Code of Conduct are not made public or, at the very least, communicated to members of the Committee on Budgetary Control.
If you develop a reasonable system, we will encourage it and recognise it.'
In Spain, in my region of Aragon, we are pioneers of renewable energy sources, with almost 60% energy independence.
We are now well into the third year of discussion on this piece of legislation.
The capital market crisis is not the only pressing problem.
(CS) Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted that - in spite of the technical problem - we all joined together to vote on the report confirming that the new Member States, including the Czech Republic, will be ready to join the Schengen area as early as 2008.
In contrast, the Commission says that it wants cost-effective control and suggests that there is a tolerable risk of error, which must be taken into account from the start.
Dates of forthcoming sittings: see Minutes
Still, however, there are no reports of prison guards or police being prosecuted for abuse.
In addition, the documents necessary in order to obtain an appropriate visa will be specified.
They were already in the Constitutional Treaty, as they had been developed in the Constitutional Convention, at the signing of which some Members were present, in close cooperation with NGOs.
It also lays down the conditions for the use in the European Union of ratings issued by third-country agencies.
I was disappointed with Mr Schmidt's suggestion that capital transfer tax could not be tried out and introduced across Europe.
Political parties are being abolished purely and simply because they express the wishes of the Kurdish population.
Of course you would like our vote too, that of the second-largest Dutch party in Parliament, the Party for Freedom.
President-in-Office of the Council. - Madam President, before I start my concluding remarks I would like to inform the honourable Members of the outcome of the discussion in the Czech Senate on the Lisbon Treaty.
(Applause)
We have 3 million unemployed in the European Union.
In view of global climate changes it can be expected that catastrophes involving floods, droughts, storms and fires will become more frequent on our old continent.
The time has come to reinforce international coordination and agree on reasonable common rules.
Given the context, it is appropriate to continue to work within this sector and examine additional and innovative sources of development finance, namely, a tax on international financial transactions.
I think that the European Union also needs to have in the future adequate instruments for tackling the crises affecting the market and food supply, as well as the fluctuations in the prices and market in the agricultural sector.
(FR) Mr President, for us, Euronews is a remarkable window on the world, and it is a channel I am very keen on, but I often wonder about the content of its advertisements.
It appeared in the following six resolutions.
For this to happen, a proper, quick and effective response in the event of humanitarian emergencies is essential.
In your concluding speeches, I expect you to explain to us why you have been quick to reject proposals submitted by right-wing governments, such as that of Mr Sarkozy, and not by left-wing governments.
I am grateful for your proposed work on a Victims' Charter and I would urge that this starts off by making a very clear distinction between the victims of terrorism and the perpetrators of terrorism.
In the autumn we will be presenting to you our thoughts on the revision of the emissions trading system (ETS).
For these reasons, I feel entitled to say that this report is completely inadequate if we believe that Europe must act now, in the coming months, from today - and that is something that became clear at the security conference in Munich.
You can read it; I will send it to you.
I therefore hope that Parliament will adopt it, fulfilling the wishes of many students, academics and researchers in Europe and throughout the world.
As it is for the United States, the Arctic should be a strategic priority for the European Union.
Costs, but also emissions are growing also because of the imposition of increased vehicle safety.
Urban areas generate around 80% of GDP, consume up to 70% of the energy in the EU and are the major centres of innovation, knowledge and culture.
It increases the volume and duration of the tax arrangements currently applied to traditional rum because the situation has worsened over the last few years.
The alert was subsequently called off, but doubts persist as to the true nature of the incident and the reasons for this highly unusual alert.
The SPE statute has been significantly improved during the Council's ongoing negotiations, and I am still hoping that the final result will be good.
There is a great deal of enthusiasm because this a good fund, because the money is available, because this is about energy efficiency and renewable energy and because this gives us, as Members of the European Parliament, the opportunity to take local action, too, through this project.
The meeting of this parliamentary assembly in Strasbourg today marks the 220th anniversary of the adoption of the 3 May Constitution, the first constitution in Europe.'
(EL) Mr President, the text of the European Youth Pact also provides for measures for combining professional and family life.
In this respect, the Council welcomed the restraint shown by the Commission with regard to commitment appropriations in its draft budget.
That is inevitable.
There are many 'ifs', 'buts' and 'maybes', because there is no other way for a diverse family of nations to share power.
How can we show Muslims at this time that our hierarchy of needs is better than theirs?
I also note, as Mr Lyon said, the need to continue to ensure that the CAP is focused on the market, and this must be achieved in a measured way so as to prevent farmers from being faced with very chaotic markets.
in writing. - We in the Greens/EFA Group supported the report mainly because it includes some of our key issues such as civil society organisations.
For this reason I applaud our colleague's initiative aimed at helping citizens to become more involved and more in touch with the European project, thereby contributing to its legitimacy.
Let me give you just a few examples. This Community assistance has brought and will continue to bring specific benefits to the population.
That is why I propose - and I have consulted other political groups - to add to paragraph 4: 'as well as a review of the "restricted freedom” sentences imposed on 11 persons who participated in a demonstration which took place in January 2008;'.
State of European asylum system, after the recent decision of the European Court of Human Rights (debate)
I should like to emphasise once again that we are acting very swiftly, given the complexity of the issue.
Besides, the cost of not having Europe would be unbearable for all of us.
Now I use the word 'ask' with some care. Asking is exactly what the British Prime Minister has had to do.
This verification can be made by your optician or your dentist, but also by a professional photographer or a fire service official - no disrespect to members of these professions.
The former Commission was misguided in thinking that healthcare was just another commercial service.
I shall listen closely to your reply.
We are improving the situation in these states.
(FR) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, what has just been said demonstrates that your proposal was at the very least controversial.
The European Parliament gave its opinion in good time before the Council's opinion, and this is due to the intensive efforts made by our rapporteur, Mr Castiglione, and all the efforts of the political groups.
You can act on your own initiative.
In 2006 the countries with the lowest disparities in income were Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Slovenia and the Czech Republic, and these countries have for many years enjoyed stable annual GDP growth, which is quite different from those countries that have the highest disparities in income, such as Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal and Greece as well as, unfortunately, my own country, Poland.
on behalf of the EFD Group. - Madam President, whilst food prices are undoubtedly rising, the situation at the farm gate is very different.
For example, by reducing the consumption of imported oil, not only do you save money, and you do not pay it to the oil-producing countries, but you also reduce CO2 emissions.
This report is intended to provide the financial foundations of the EU superstate which I and my constituents (...) reject.
The promises which were made should not be forgotten as soon as the result requested by the Irish Government and by EU leaders was achieved.
I have about 30 people on the list, in the order you took your blue cards.
As regards the necessary funding available to developing countries to enable them to combat climate change and its consequences, who exactly will provide this funding to the developing countries?
Firstly, the European Union already has a Joint Research Centre, it has its own Research Council, and it is currently instigating joint technology initiatives.
We do not know.
Even though the directive can be seen as superfluous in certain Member States, we have hopes that it can bring about an improvement in the large number of Member States which currently lack functioning legislation for the protection of soil.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, first of all, we in the Commission welcome this new joint motion for a resolution by the European Parliament.
in writing. - I voted for this resolution, which underlines that the Europe 2020 actions are of crucial importance to the future prospects of all European citizens, delivering sustainable jobs, long-term economic growth, and social progress; fears that the Europe 2020 Strategy will not be able to deliver on its promises due to its weak governance structure, and strongly urges the Council, therefore, to strengthen the Community method; reiterates the importance of integrating the EU 2020 goals into the economic governance framework and calls for the European Semester to be part of the legislative governance package, while including national parliaments and social partners at an early stage in order to foster democratic accountability, ownership and legitimacy; stresses that the achievement of Europe 2020 is essential and not optional.
Among them are respect and tolerance for differences.
I have been described by members of UKIP as a 'paedophile' and a 'big fat git'.
In this conflict, we lay emphasis on the energy situation in Europe, on Russia's "imperialist” position and on Georgia's nationalism and lack of diplomacy, but we forget that people and, especially, hopes have died in this conflict.
Everything can be improved upon.
It is a pity that the Council of Member States did not bear that in mind in considering our report from the Temporary Committee on Extraordinary Rendition.
However, most of you do not know that in Prague I ride an electric bicycle.
Producers' organisations need to be promoted that are capable of positioning themselves in the market, concentrating supply.
I do thank Commissioner Reding for her staunch support as we drew solidly on the Commission proposal and Commission representatives made a full contribution, so my personal thanks to her.
Fifthly, we do not know the results of the tests of the second generation Schengen Information System, and Parliament must be informed.
While former employees of the Dutch company NXP Semiconductors will receive EUR 3 534 per capita and the Danish former employees from Nordjylland will receive EUR 7 908 each, the Portuguese former employees of Qimonda will receive only EUR 2 867 per capita from the aid granted by the fund.
The impact of a nuclear ban would be even worse because the alternative to nuclear power is not wind farms and solar panels.
We would support your motion, Mr Swoboda, if it contained 'latest' and 'should', but 'could' is only a status report, and we shall therefore keep up the pressure on the Council and Commission.
Simply put, we must do our utmost to preserve and protect coastal regions.
Children need to be prepared with appropriate knowledge so that they will be able to use a variety of tools to identify potential abusers and defend themselves against them.
In devising the EU 2020 strategy, policies that guarantee sustainable development must be given a major role.
Ladies and gentlemen, the belts being tightened throughout Europe - as a painful and severe measure - are beginning to have an impact.
Well, as the commissioner has already said, the Commission has not - not by a long shot - achieved what it had set out to achieve, namely a positive statement of assurance (DAS).
The responsibility for the failure therefore lies fairly and squarely with the Council.
Recent studies have shown that this type of fraud amounts to about 24% of all types of VAT-related fraud.
I voted for the Commission proposal to expand the original concept of the European Heritage Label from an intergovernmental action to a formal EU action as a contribution to a stronger European identity.
We have supported the latter because, then, more criminals get caught.
The increase which is now proposed will mainly benefit the large-scale producers at the expense of small producers.
We know it is taxpayers' money but I think we have to be there and work together with you for the stability of Afghanistan.
With almost 14 million jobs involved, and with sustained growth even during the crisis, it remains essential to show unfailing support for these industries, so great is their economic and cultural contribution.
Even if there are unresolved political issues between countries, it should not reflect on people-to-people contacts.
In Africa, many young women and girls are victims of war and rape.
in writing. - While I welcome the bulk of Mr Lambsdorff's report on EU priorities for the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, I have a problem with his call at this stage for a single European Union seat on the UN Security Council.
Those who do not want to work should not prevent those who want and have to work from doing so.
What headlines will the major newspapers run?
We also agree with you that some kind of reporting mechanism is necessary - without, of course, posing an exaggerated burden on small and medium-sized companies in particular.
I ask the Commissioner whether he or the Commission has any plan or any new ideas for improving matters?
The Commission seems ready to abolish both the safety clauses with regard to the total quantities of sugar importable into the Community by each partner country and the minimum price clause for imported sugar.
Insolvency proceedings in the context of EU company law (
I hope that we can improve trade relations with Japan and I look forward to further progress in these relations.
Incidentally, while we are on the subject, and in light of the new information on the use of Spanish bases for the transport of prisoners to Guantanamo, does the government intend, though the UN Security Council, to review its relations with the US?
In my view, there is no stronger catalyst for rapid social change in candidate countries or in potential candidate countries than the prospect of being able to become a member of the European Union and thus of having to meet certain standards which we in Europe have.
There is no significant scientific evidence to suggest that drastic cuts in carbon dioxide emissions will make a substantial contribution to reducing climate change. I repeat, Commissioner: there is no scientific evidence to that effect.
Volatility within markets has been detrimental to the industry across Europe, and we need to retain the safety nets to maintain stability and ensure profitability.
I voted in favour of Mrs Angelilli's report on the sexual exploitation of children because this issue concerns one of the most sordid inhumane acts, which must be punished by measures adopted by all Member States.
According to statistics provided by Russia, more than 1.5 million visas were issued to EU citizens in 2008 and the same year, Member State consulates issued 3.5 million visas to Russian citizens.
Yet only 15 years ago there seems to have been the potential for Madagascar to be so different.
Closure of the sitting
It is crucial that there is not a repeat of situations like this.
This issue has been raised ad nauseam.
The fact that vans make much wider use of diesel as a fuel also plays an important role.
Secondly, we are withdrawing from the order of business Mrs Ţicãu's report on the energy performance of buildings, because it was not adopted in committee on Monday.
Of course, Parliament has already decided that it will ignore the decision of the Irish people if they vote 'no', and, in order to encourage the Irish to vote 'yes', the EU has promised Ireland another EUR 332 million in funding.
The first is that one cannot and should not distinguish between citizens and foreigners, men and woman, whites and blacks, Christians and Jews, Muslims and non-Muslims, believers and non-believers.
Fifthly, on European citizenship: how often do we invoke the value of European citizenship during our speeches?
I agree with Mr Carlgren.
This is perhaps the most important aspect for the rural population as with the help of these developments, new jobs, new training courses and new markets may become accessible, resulting at the same time in a reduction in costs and the deployment of new innovative technologies.
I also believe it is necessary to point out the need for freedom of expression and, above all, for freedom of association in each of these countries.
The basis of the report, as it emerged from the work of the Human Rights Subcommittee, is reasonably good, and it has some elements that I believe are essential.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, since December 2009, tourism has been recognised in the Treaty and so at last has a legal basis for development and support at European level.
For instance, in 2003 we fined France Télécom and Deutsche Telekom for abusive behaviour in the broadband markets and, most recently, on 4 July 2007 the Commission fined Telefónica for having abused its dominant position by margin squeeze in the Spanish broadband market.
This will be achieved not just by introducing maximum values for more types of substances, but also by establishing much stricter limit values for unavoidable traces of lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium 6 and organic tin.
We must be ready to develop this cooperation into a Community policy.
But I think we should only do it if it is effective, in which case I shall be happy to consider it.
We expect, Commissioner, to find evidence of this intention in the programme to be unveiled to us by the Commission within the next few days.
It has shown that we are only one of many players on the world stage.
in writing. - (SV) In his report, the rapporteur writes that cohesion policy is one of the EU's most successful investments.
- Madam President, Europe has a turbulent history with regard to totalitarianism and the restriction of basic freedoms.
The first of these states that the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund does function but that there are reasons for optimising its deployment.
The purpose of the directive is to lay down minimum rules to ensure workers' health and safety by means of two instruments: rest periods and a limit on the working week.
This might cause a lot of problems in the future because they can be lost forever.
I welcome the efforts of the Croatian Government to tackle corruption in its own country, but at the same time we must insist that this problem is also rigorously pursued.
In this regard, the Member States need to make vigorous efforts and cooperate more to remove these products from the market and prevent players from placing products on the market when these contain hazardous chemicals.
In 2008, the Council of the European Union presented the Commission with its conclusions, inviting the Commission to submit a legislative proposal that would enable us, as was the case with the European Capitals of Culture initiative, to turn this intergovernmental initiative into a real European Union label.
Enough said...
In 2002 the Council of Europe decided that it should be changed.
A debate on the Eastern Partnership is also necessary due to the fact that it is not entirely clear that we all accord the same importance to this project.
I think that a more in-depth study would also be worthwhile for other issues that have been raised: the issue of tax havens, which Mr Canfin addressed.
But do not expect that it will bring us a miraculous solution like in those kinds of gas games in central and eastern Europe.
At the present time, Commissioner, only 2 800 kilometres of railway in the whole of Europe has been equipped with this new European safety system.
I repeat: all the political groups have agreed to this solution and this solution has thus been accepted.
We think it is absolutely vital that Iraq be integrated into the trade system and it goes without saying that the WTO is the right arena for that.
As a result, 17 of the 27 EU Member States were dragged into the attack and occupation of Iraq.
in writing. - We vote against the motion for a resolution 'The Commission's 2009 enlargement strategy paper concerning the Western Balkan countries, Iceland and Turkey' by Gabriele Albertini, because we believe that neither Turkey nor the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia shows any progress in meeting the Copenhagen criteria, nor do they demonstrate any political behaviour which would allow them to become EU members We hope to improve their efforts in order to meet the accession criteria, a fact that will be examined in the future.
The aim of this action is to achieve at least some of these objectives, in the conviction that small and medium-sized enterprises represent the best instrument today for emerging from the crisis and - as I said at the start of my speech - for preventing the economic and financial crisis from turning into a social crisis.
First: give us a pre-Christmas gift, President Barroso - concrete proposals on new and better regulations.
In truth, we cannot understand what benefit the possible transfer of CAP funds to other policies could bring.
Substantial investments are required in order to gradually reduce dependence on fossil fuels, as well as modernise and make more efficient existing energy production facilities.
However, in order to be persuasive, we have to make sure that this principle is properly applied in the EU Member States too.
Last but not least, we finally succeeded, with the help of the Council, and we must admit this in all honesty, in finding a compromise that allowed us to secure all the funding for the energy sector down almost to the last euro within the specified time and, as a result, to make sure that the funding was not lost.
These particular characteristics ought, therefore, to be taken into account by increasing support for the region, either from this fund or through other measures.
New permanent structures for the EU's external representation have been established under the Treaty of Lisbon, but this new dimension does not yet allow the Union to participate as a single entity in its own right in the work of many international bodies.
I wish to thank Parliament again for this very good resolution.
There is no reason why these surveys should not be updated again.
For that purpose it is vital to ensure continuity of information as well as access to it.
It makes sense that Amendment 70 should be put to the vote first.
Vice-President of the Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. - Mr President, if I might just give some comments directly on the issues and questions that have been raised.
I would like to quote just one sentence from his address.
It was not in fact the time to discuss internally how we organise ourselves, which is why I want the Treaty of Lisbon to be quickly ratified so that we can face the world stage united, standing shoulder-to-shoulder as Europeans.
If the EU wishes to contribute effectively to this, then the Member States, including the Netherlands, must fulfil their promises so that EUFOR can be fully deployed as quickly as possible.
I believe that these proposals, as detailed as they sometimes are, are based on a flawed philosophy, that is, on the assumption that the recession is over, that a recovery is taking place and that we do not need additional Community policies in order to come out of the crisis.
Madam President, I call on the Irish Government to immediately apply for natural disaster aid relief under the European Solidarity Fund.
Governments have to learn how to strive for a balance between governing citizens and protecting their lives.
We would like to see more.
Governments must learn to talk together about their economic policies.
Furthermore, they will have a substantial price tag.
Recently, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism in the UK unveiled the fact that EU regional funds are being used to prop up arms dealing companies in Eastern Europe, with some projects receiving funding amounting to millions of euro, although these are some of the richest companies.
When the political science students of the future or citizens who are interested in politics get wind of it, it will be a classic.
It is surprising, however, that it takes a report from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs according to Rule 39 for the Commission to start to tackle this topic seriously.
That is clearly what our draft resolution is all about: we are still dealing with restrictions on human rights and personal freedoms in Belarus.
I hope that, in adopting today's resolution, we will also contribute to the protection of fundamental human rights in these countries.
Secondly, we tried to tighten up all of the exceptions that existed to avoid possible loopholes for advertising - something none of us wants.
in writing. - The accuracy and reliability of information on population and housing is essential for effective policies to be implemented at EU and national level.
The Commission is committed to delivering proposals in the remaining areas by summer 2011.
However, the EU is currently suffering from a chronic shortage of organs: today 40 000 patients are waiting for a transplant and it is estimated that 10 of them die each day.
We will do everything we can to help them and to make visa liberalisation possible, and that includes in technical terms.
If there is no alternative, Council, Commission and Parliament might in the last resort look at the possibility of bilateral rather than multilateral arrangements.
It is appropriate that Canada was seen as a priority for an Air Safety Agreement to complement the Air Transport Agreement as Europe and Canada each have aircraft, engine and avionics manufacturers that are world leaders.
For this, the free movement of services is needed.
Individual groupings of territorial cooperation will be able actively to promote a rise in employment and social inclusion.
On no account must the European workforce be condemned to unemployment in favour of a wave of 'blue card' skilled labour from third countries.
It is not only the institution and the treaty that are important.
Likewise, it was not easy to decide on a reasonable course of action.
On the other hand, he was also critical of certain weaknesses found, such as those found by the European Court of Auditors relating to public procurement procedures and a wide variety of other controls.
For this reason, we all need to focus on overcoming the crisis and coming up with good proposals.
We can, however, talk about principles.
Mrs Stihler also attached a great deal of importance to this in her remarks.
It is actually rather strange that this is being said so bluntly here, because this is not how it is being done in Denmark.
One needs to look at the overall risk from all technologies.
The printed word is the primary source and must be kept for reasons of consistency, transparency and simplicity of research at a time when we are seeking to promote the study of the European Parliament.
Mr President, as we debate better regulation, we should first recall the scale of the problem.
Now, with a new Administration in the White House which is redefining US priorities, and France back into the NATO military structure, the perspective is better.
I am working on the basis that the relevant decisions will have been taken before December is out.
I would just ask the Commission - as my colleague Kader Arif has already done - to be very careful in evaluating each individual case.
Only a person absolutely unacquainted with the situation could believe that it can be improved in this way.
The Socialist Group in the European Parliament, as far as I know, has only 18 minutes to speak.
(PL) Mr President, I regret that Mr Szymański's summary of his excellent report could not, unfortunately, be heard by Mrs Ferrero-Waldner, because she continues to be occupied with other matters.
In the European Council, we have a problem in that Russia has not yet ratified Protocol 14, which would boost the effectiveness of the European Court of Human Rights.
The first is the one in which the Commission is urged to improve the working conditions of maritime workers and finally transpose into EU law the International Labour Organization (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention.
Day after day, companies are announcing restructuring measures or are relocating, often with the loss of many jobs.
Nothing would have been possible without Parliament's commitment and without the tireless work of your rapporteurs, committee chairmen and coordinators of political groups.
This is why the EU's agricultural budget should at least be maintained at the current level.
The package takes us up to 2020, but in this report we emphasise the need to start planning now what will happen after 2020.
It certainly is strange that in Europe in 2009 a new government can be formed which does not have a single woman among the 14 ministers making up the administration.
These provide information to parents about the dangers children could encounter on line - including online gambling.
That is why we must identify Jihadist terror as the key challenge and state this in the report.
I wish to congratulate OLAF for the Diablo II operation, aimed not only at protecting the European Union's financial interests but also, at the same time, at combating counterfeit products.
I also voted in favour.
I should appreciate your response to this.
It is a situation that does not apply only to you, but it is regrettable in all cases.
It is true that if Parliament had not twice voted in favour of the famous Amendment 138, we would not be where we are today.
To you, it is a budget.
It is shocking that despite the prevalence of sexual violence in Africa, governments do not include fighting it among their priorities, as we can see, for example, in the case of South Africa.
That is the message the EU must champion.
In addition, the clauses concerning the obligation to draw up a remediation strategy that includes objectives for repair measures, a financing mechanism and identification of priority areas requiring particular protection from erosion, salinisation or acidification, over a period of seven years from the introduction of the directive, is very encouraging.
Employment policy must focus on labour market flexibility where employees assume responsibility for their working life through ongoing training, adapting to change and mobility.
in writing. - (PT) The Treaty of Lisbon is the best compromise for overcoming the institutional crisis and bringing greater flexibility to the decision-making mechanisms that are essential for an enlarged European Union of 27 Members to function in today's globalised and constantly changing world.
Can the Commission make a statement confirming that the proposed CCCTB initiative will not impact upon the ability of Member States to set their individual corporation tax rate?
The EU does not have the legitimacy that they are attempting to ascribe to it: only the Member States and their peoples do.
Such religions are, of course, man-made and not God-made and therefore suffer from several weaknesses.
This project aims to provide signals guaranteed for civilian use and to ensure that European industry at all levels has an opportunity to compete in this growing strategic market.
It has been an enormous pleasure to cooperate with you and the French Presidency, because you have taken the time, to an unusual degree, to really talk through the issues in depth.
These countries should undergo a number of structural reforms if they are to fit into the model that the euro requires and aspires to.
We put out a very good image of ourselves as both cohesive and determined.
I have received six motions for resolutions, tabled in accordance with Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure.
There is no reason, except for the hunger for power and centralism of EU bureaucrats, to persist with Albania's accession to the EU; in view of the current situation within the Balkan republic, I cannot see what possible contribution its accession could make to the cause of European integration.
The European democracy will be built with you.
rapporteur. - Mr President, the food facility began as a proposal from the Commission, in the light of the rising food prices that provoked riots in some countries, to use EUR 1 billion in leftover agricultural subsidy money to relieve the situation in developing countries through agricultural inputs and emergency safety nets.
Even though we must demand a greater degree of coordination and a greater, more active presence on the ground, it would be dangerous to make judgments or comments about MONUC that could be used by certain negative forces as an excuse to demonise it.
I should be grateful for your response, Mrs Lulling.
If the costs of the umpteenth strategy will still only finance talk, I call on the European institutions to make amends to the dozens of small entrepreneurs in my region, Veneto, who have taken their lives rather than see their small businesses fail.
Our establishment of greater transparency, by means of both pre-contractual information and the information sheets, the standardised information already mentioned by several of the previous speakers, is also very important.
The premise is that freedom of religion must apply to all religions.
Petitions: see Minutes
In order that the quality of life in Europe can be maintained and improved, workers must be able continuously to update their knowledge and skills, and this is going to be all the more necessary if we take into account Europe's demographic development in these years ahead.
As the European Commission itself points out, having affected the developing countries and emerging countries, the third wave of the financial crisis damaged the poorest countries, turning this crisis, in theory an economic one, into a development, social and humanitarian crisis.
It continues to count on the Stability and Growth Pact.
I just wonder what your views on that are.
By doing so, it is indirectly showing that it can support animal cloning for food production.
I supported the author's amendment which emphasizes the importance of fair competition in terms of taxation for the European Union's economy.
Labels allow consumers to make free and informed choices.
In the final analysis, the adoption and implementation of such measures could also lessen the impact of the financial crisis in this country and reduce the need for financial assistance from the European Union.
Naturally, I also agree with the Commission that the enlargement of the European Union to 27 Member States and the financial regulation adopted for the Agency demand new, modernised and improved statutes for the Euratom Supply Agency.
The foundation has been laid for creating a common European energy market, based on rules set out in detail in the binding network codes.
A second important element in the proposal is the logical exemption of Inuit and other indigenous communities.
I know that when it comes to statistics, and particularly when there is no roll-call vote, things are a bit loose here, but could you explain the difference between those two figures?
So we will come back to these questions.
However, two conditions are absolutely essential.
This results in an atmosphere of intolerance in certain countries, as we saw the other day at Notre Dame for example, when worshippers were attacked by anti-Catholic activists.
(ES) Mr President, I would like my first words to be words of congratulation, as is only right, to Mrs Paliadeli, on the report she has presented, first of all before the Committee on Petitions and now here in plenary.
When we talk about the food crisis, as we did yesterday, and about the increasing scarcity of food and farmland for food-growing as a result of the production of biomass, and how this is a consequence of environmental policy, we should talk to the Brazilians, and to Latin American politicians. We will find a clear focus on these problems.
I wish to thank the Committee on Petitions, and especially the chair, Mrs Mazzoni and the rapporteur, Mrs Paliadeli, for their helpful and constructive report.
On the one hand, we are offering farmers support to set up artificial nests for birds, while on the other, we decree, for purposes of supporting grazing land, that the proportion of trees and shrubs may be no more than one third, and that farmers must cut out any trees in excess of that limit.
In this resolution, it called for the fate of the missing persons in Cyprus to be ascertained.
Regarding the Black Sea, I find myself in agreement with much of the report on a Black Sea regional policy approach as well.
I think that this combination of facts, this inequality and the disparities which are appearing and operating within the European Union are the problem and one of the causes of the problem.
We found it regrettable that the concept of microcredit was not mentioned in the original material.
These systems are used everywhere, today, in every form of transport.
In a medium-term perspective, such restrictions clearly send the wrong market signals, reducing the incentive for farmers to invest and to increase their production, and contributing to an imbalance on regional markets.
For this reason, too, I advocate elevating the present Subcommittee on Human Rights to the status of full committee.
As is mentioned in the relevant article, the EU will contribute to the development of quality education by encouraging cooperation between Member States and, if necessary, by supporting their actions.
- Report: Savary
in writing. - (FI) The EU has many good intentions, one of the older ones being the Lisbon Strategy we are now debating and one of the more recent ones being the latest energy package.
Mr President, Mrs Fischer Boel, ladies and gentlemen, firstly I would like to take the opportunity to say how pleased I am at the responsibility shown this morning by the House when it adopted the urgent procedure to include the dairy sector under Article 186 of the single CMO Regulation, along with many other agricultural products.
Again I would like to thank you for this debate.
The increasing complexity of the services sector, in particular, presents a huge problem, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to make an informed choice when purchasing goods or services.
That was the original text.
At the moment, nuclear energy accounts for 30% of Europe's energy mix.
I would like to remind Mr Farage that western European banks, western European companies bought out the banks and businesses of the new Member States and now, shirking solidarity, they fail to do anything to make possible a secure financial basis.
(SL) Madam President, I would like to ask the Commissioner a question on the subject of many European countries trying to offload their problems, fisheries problems, onto a country which does not, formally and legally, exist. I am referring to Western Sahara.
We also need to emphasise the possibility of a fast-track procedure, which reduces the time needed for administration, and it is also important that veterinarians thus have much more rapid access to the medicinal products.
I would like to applaud some of the positive steps over the previous year, for example, the ending of the visa regime for most of the inhabitants of the region, the progress of Montenegro, which has been awarded with a proposal for candidate country status, and the progress in the talks between the European Union and Serbia, which has been recommended for an avis.
The report by Ms Swinburne comes at an important juncture in the process of regulatory reform.
That is why calls for more troop commitments and logistical support need to be heeded by other European nations.
To begin with, a very large proportion of direct subsidies in individual countries goes not to farms but to large concerns like Smithfield, or large landholdings like the Crown Estates of Elizabeth II.
Recent experiences have shown the value and effectiveness of a pre-emptive or preventative approach.
In both cases, all the languages must be treated equally.
Last but not least, I know that sometimes there is an issue about carbon capture and storage (CCS).
Mr Lamberts, I will just mention another important point that you brought up: the payment of dividends by banks that do not put the minimum capitalisation requirements into practice.
Not all the countries for whom a road map was drawn up are eligible to receive the waiver on 1 January.
By voting today, Parliament was simply giving permission for a group of Member States to start the enhanced cooperation procedure, which was only made possible by the Treaty of Lisbon.
17.
Some Members have already mentioned the problem of how, through climate policy, we have also partly caused more problems.
I would also like to ask the Member States to what extent they have involved the stakeholders and, in particular, the trade unions and the social services, in the transposition.
We have celebrity TV chefs promoting their particular version of food production, with access to the airwaves and budgets of millions.
We could have enhanced the economic effectiveness of this package by using innovative finance instruments, like loan guarantee funds and the public banks, or the European Investment Bank.
It is supported by both government and opposition in Seoul and this House, in endorsing an earlier report by Mr Martin, signalled its agreement in principle.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting: see Minutes
Of course, we pat ourselves on the back for our considerable efforts, even though we know for a fact that we fall far short of what the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scientists are demanding.
Firstly, the real lack of interoperability, particularly in signalling; and secondly, the Railway industry itself - in particular, passenger operators and infrastructure providers who collude with each other to ensure that rail freight is placed at the bottom of the pile when it comes to pathing and timetabling.
Thank you, I wish you every success, and thanks to the rapporteur.
On the other hand, the reaction from the Gaddafi regime clearly shows us that it is not at all indifferent to the sanctions which have been adopted so far.
It deals with actual funding and at the same time introduces environmental measures, which are vital in the EU.
- (HU) Mr President, the EU is striving for partnership and cooperation with Russia, but we cannot talk about partnership unless it is based on reciprocity, international law and compliance with agreements.
Mr President, rather than trying to apportion responsibility or blame to either or both sides, the most important issue - as the Commissioner has just said - is to bring about an immediate ceasefire, as called for by UN Resolution 1860.
I therefore believe that Parliament and the European Commission need to pay particular attention to the situation in Bulgaria and seek to limit the damage that the behaviour of its government threatens to cause.
More should also be done to increase birth rates: accessible high quality childcare, education and mentoring for young children is the first step in the right direction.
The introduction of a European donor card as a supplement to existing national systems will contribute for the rapid identification of donors and thus increase the availability of necessary transplant material.
I do not need to remind you that we have been negotiating a number of packages at the same time, including the one that we have talked about today and the one on maritime transport which has really fired up all the respective negotiators.
I would like to emphasise strongly that, even in this crisis - and specifically in this crisis, in fact - European manufacturers must not slacken off when it comes to developing and bringing onto the market cars that meet the requirements of the early 21st century, and those requirements are quite clear.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to thank the rapporteur for his excellent work on a report aimed at giving strategic guidance on the role of sport in the European Union.
Given the current relevance of the Barcelona Process and the area south of the EU, we believe that an answer to these questions is extremely pertinent and timely.
Ireland will continue to make its contribution in a peacekeeping role, whether this is through the UN or the European Union.
Firstly, that we need good relations between the European Union and the Russian Federation.
Then we will be able to make some progress here too.
As the practical application of other worthy and ambitious goals and declarations has demonstrated, including here in the European Parliament, we achieve nothing by simply setting percentage quotas without taking into account the geographical, economic and other conditions that are typical of individual countries or regions.
As I also requested in the report on the amendment of Regulation No 3/2008, the European Union's cofinancing rate must be increased.
The vote will take place on Tuesday, 22 April 2008.
I hope that the Ombudsman is prepared to take on this task and as such ...
Therefore, we really must defend it.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, we have been facing the problem of international adoption in Europe for many years, and today's resolution finally attempts to bring a ray of hope to a situation that is becoming increasingly complex and difficult.
It is true that Germany needs to begin consuming again and do more as the motor for European economic growth.
The fact remains that the Commission is the guardian of the Treaties.
It is something that all sides obviously need to take into consideration, especially today when the Treaty of Lisbon was pulled down and its falling bricks may damage whatever stands in its way.
Firstly, Mr Verhofstadt, who is unfortunately no longer here, said that the Commission intervened too late.
In total, some EUR 140 million will be available each year under this instrument, and the first calls for project proposals are now open.
Mrs Malmström, it would generate a lot of confidence if you would refer to the High Representative in future as the High Representative or Vice-President of the Commission.
We have moved from physical infrastructure to knowledge-based infrastructure, to training and innovation.
Stage 1: In a market economy, the main responsibility of the owners and operators of industrial plants is undoubtedly to ensure themselves that their facilities are safe, to carry out regular safety inspections and to report the results.
However, we also always made it absolutely clear that this strategic partnership which we believe the European Union should establish with Brazil in no way excluded or limited other relations which we also wished to extend on the economic and political levels with Mercosur.
Another concrete point regarding the European supervisory authorities was raised, namely by Mr Karas and also by Ms Dati.
All citizens who commit sexual crimes against children must be punished, regardless of whether the crime is committed within or outside the EU.
I am thinking, for example, of staffing and staff quality, the integration of care and education, and active engagement with parents, who are the first educators of their children.
That is what our consciences say to us.
We are supporting you.
The vision that the Commission has just outlined, of a more socially orientated Europe in the 21st century, is conceptually flawless but bereft of any actual legislative initiative.
If the Europeans had gone to London with a policy position, who would have actually been able to stand up against them?
I think that is nothing at all.
All in all therefore, a good compromise, and I hope it will find broad support tomorrow!
All of this is highly innovative and no EU proposal has ever pushed the boat out so far in favour of performers.
Also, in the Council, the anti-discrimination directive is still blocked.
Feed manufacturers and large food companies are clearly not concerned about EU directives and national legislation when it comes to making large profits with cheap food.
He is someone who is championing the principal that EU institutions must be transparent.
It is of paramount importance, since this package really is the cornerstone of our comprehensive response to the crisis that is still ongoing.
I believe that the effective selection and implementation of projects in some areas is hampered by the lack of relevant preconditions such as simpler application procedures at national level, clear national priorities for certain areas of intervention, timely transposition of EU laws and consolidated institutional and administrative capacity, as well as by excessive red tape at national level.
I do not mean to point the finger, but rather to allow those Member States who might be overusing antibiotics to improve their animal husbandry practices.
Lastly, I applaud the fact that the scope is 'open' to include all electrical and electronic equipment.
In 2003, 80% of Roma in Slovakia did not have a registered place of work, 80% of them in Romania and Bulgaria have incomes below the national poverty threshold, and I could list ... (the President cut off the speaker) I could list more of these cases.
And certainly the evidence is there for all to see.
Here and now, the report may provide an opportunity for the social economy to manage the crisis efficiently, and with relatively little effort, to prevent job losses and guard against the loss of means of subsistence.
This leads to a question, Mr Solano, as you said nothing on the subject of international law.
Finally, I have a similar question to that raised by Mrs Harkin, concerning when cases are rejected.
- Report: Mayer
Finally, the main one, the asterisk amendment demands that Galileo and the EIT are funded beyond the ceilings of the financial perspective.
Mr Antinoro then spoke about the achievements of my country. Thank you for your remarks.
When do you expect to conclude it?
Despite my support, I do not agree with a large proportion of the resolution, as I deplore the European Union's interfering attitude and its desire to take charge of the transition towards democracy.
And then from the floor of the House today I hear warnings of an Islamic tsunami that is waiting to come and destroy us all.
I also believe that this programme can only legitimised by a paradigm shift from a purely commercial angle to the broader and more integrated one of development and the fight against poverty (goal number one of the Millennium Development Goals).
Numerous observers have suggested that, besides the increase in the price of raw materials, there have been some excessive mark-ups by distribution channels and, moreover, possible breaches of free competition.
The workforce is conscious of the particular significance of the Shipyard and is responding to threats as they did then - by means of protest.
The European institutions, specifically the European Commission and Parliament, must be an integral part of this board with the Commission as a member, not an observer.
Hence, I voted against this report.
More than that, it is vital to our liberty.
It emphasises the role that the EGF can play in the reintegration of workers made redundant into the labour market.
As part of this activity, however, particular attention must be focused on the care given to the animals used for scientific or other experimental purposes.
(Applause from the centre and left)
Some would like to ban all forms of autonomy because they claim this would fragment the EU.
The ensuing reluctance of bankers to lend - even to themselves - has resulted in a credit crisis which will have a negative impact on economic growth and on the prosperity of businesses and households alike, whether they are in Paris, Texas, or Paris, France.
We have to work on both crisis management and conflict resolution - there is no doubt about that.
Given that the lists are produced by the industry and decided on by consensus by the participants, I welcome the agreement that has been reached by all the Member States who have supported previous reviews and also supported the product coverage of this fourth review.
I believe that, for the first time, we can also agree the big changes necessary for coordinated action that will signal the beginning of the end of offshore tax havens and offshore centres.
Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and Djibouti must co-operate if they want to overcome the current stalemate.
There is no lack of projects in these sectors, but for them to see the light of day, European aid is utterly decisive.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I think the Council has really outdone itself.
Being intelligent sometimes means waiting.
However, there is a large gap when it comes to the means to be used.
However, there are other significant dates besides 2050, which might seem far off - there are also interim targets for 2025 and 2030, in other words for the period that requires investment in infrastructure and production capacities right now.
We need national measures to address national problems defined according to national circumstances and in full respect of subsidiarity, but set within a common European framework.
I must say that the political class in Albania is not able to satisfy the wishes and the ideas of the people.

If not, we will at least propose binding legislation.
May I thank the Commission for establishing such stringent substitution criteria, for pesticides need to be improved tenfold.
My thanks also go to the French Presidency (even though they have just left this Chamber), because I believe they convinced us, through their efforts and tenacity, that it was possible to make progress with this dossier.
Livelihoods are destroyed, as fishermen, farmers and others cannot trade.
With envy I often watch advertisements in our Slovak public and private media for Internet with four times the speed and its advantages.
The protection of Hungarian minorities abroad, to which Article D applies directly, also applies to people of Hungarian ethnicity living in neighbouring countries.
This is entirely a question of strategy for our European Union, again at a time when currency wars seem on the verge of breaking out.
Northern Ireland has been seriously affected by this and last year, the problem meant that replacements had to be found in the social housing programme for 500 out of 1 500 houses that were planned.
Let us be very adult in this House about what we say about other nation states, with respect.
With no sense of fondness, they can always resort to chocolate without cacao.
The Treaty of Lisbon created important conditions enabling the European Union to speak with one voice on the international stage.
At the same time, I should like to take this opportunity to emphasise the call in this report for a more transparent staff selection process.
I know this, because I was there and I was the rapporteur for Parliament in 2002.
Europe is facing neither a classic crisis of growth nor cyclical problems but profound changes; the welfare of future generations depends on our wisdom to take good decisions today.
Our analysis has shown that the impact on EU production is likely to be modest.
The External Action Service should coordinate the work of different Directorates-General and create a Directorate-General for cultural and digital diplomacy.
European Institute of Innovation and Technology (debate)
Romania, the country which I come from, is in the middle of the Global Gender Gap Index 2010 rankings, in 64th place to be precise, in terms of discrimination between women and men.
In addition, although we are aware of the difficulties experienced in recent years, we hope that the Madrid Summit can give a definitive boost to the negotiations with Mercosur.
We all know the reason for this, but it will be those countries who can afford it least that will be affected the most.
- Before the vote:
The significance of health will continue to increase in our aging society.
3.
This expenditure, which is absolutely justified, will have to be funded at the cost of other important activities, which the Union committed itself to funding much earlier.
If there is to be genuine peace, there has to be a solution to the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of two states, with the state of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable state of Palestine living side by side in peace and security.
The crisis is far from over.
Patience in all matters is a virtue, not least in foreign policy.
Companies functioning in China face these pressures from the Chinese Government.
We have to take action to ensure the political stabilisation of Nigeria and to create solid foundations for its economic and social development: we are fully aware of the general considerations; there is no shortage of them, given the wealth of natural resources in Nigeria.
Thank you.
According to Article 4(2) of the Act of Accession, 'the verification, through evaluation procedures, that the necessary conditions for the application of all parts of the Schengen acquis (data protection, the SIS, air borders, land borders, sea borders, police cooperation and visas) have been met by the new Member States is a precondition for the Council to decide on the abolition of checks at internal borders with those Member States'.
I therefore voted to approve this report.
This also relates to production standards.
The debate is closed.
I wonder whether it is the EU's weakness or indifference that prevents it from promoting the observance of human rights in this area more consistently.
On this point the Commission reminds the European Parliament that a full harmonisation directive on unfair business-to-consumer practices was already a very ambitious proposal which would have failed if its scope had been extended to business-to-business unfair competition practices.
In Europe today we are sufficiently familiar with the way the US stock exchange is supervised.
It is true that the United States distanced itself from the frontline of climate policy when it refused to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.
Let me end with a simple message - Visit Britain!
As you are aware, with our new fine level, that is indeed not sweet money anymore.
This is the case at the moment in Romania, even in the region I come from, with regard to the radioactive landfill from the Kozloduy power station.
I am happy about this clear progress and I therefore also support you as a member of the Dutch delegation when it comes to unbundling, the separation of policy and implementation between energy networks and producers.
I wish to thank and congratulate the rapporteur on his work.
This was also very visible here during the debate.
On the other hand, the tendency towards a mid-year increase in payments is reducing not only in relation to gross national product, but also in absolute mid-year terms.
Just as Germany must take on responsibility for Morocco in the Mediterranean region, so too must Spain take on responsibility for Ukraine.
The European Union is armed with certain values: respect for the protection of intellectual property, fairness in terms of investments, access to markets, the fight against non-tariff trade barriers and respect for social and environmental standards.
Given the new market surveillance circumstances, including the new legislative framework, the proposal for a regulation on harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products could be an important landmark on the way towards the updating, simplification and replacing of the directive.
However, they will cover all national or cross-border road transport services over distances in excess of 250 km.
It clearly and decidedly puts the health of patients first, and it sets the scene for health systems in different Member States to compete for improvement on a healthy basis.
This reports captures the status quo in the area of conventional energy sources and technologies, and at the same time draws attention, in a complex way, towards many aspects of their further use in the context of both securing energy supplies and the need to continuously increase emissions.
Vice-President of the European Commission, Margot Wallström, has been proactive in matters to do with equality.
I fail to understand why the Union does not enter into its accounts the EUR 37.2 billion that the Member States owe for staff pensions, since it has approximately EUR 44 billion negative own capital as a result.
In Europe, women still earn on average 18% less than men.
Europe must nevertheless succeed in applying tougher regulations to a sector that otherwise risks becoming increasingly invasive, particularly as a result of the use of new technologies It is in fact increasingly common for consumers to provide sensitive data without being aware of the results that may be derived from them.
The Iranian Government, having signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, nonetheless continues to impose capital punishment on minors.
I voted in favour of this report on the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of an agreement between the European Community and Canada on civil aviation safety.
That is not the case, however, in cities like Misrata and other areas controlled by Gaddafi.
Mr President, European legislation was set to encourage enterprises to improve their products and obtain higher standards of energy efficiency and environmental compliance.
(SV) Mr President, Russia's attack on Georgia is not an isolated incident.
Then there was the domestic political instability, which tarnished the image of the European Union or, in other words, of all of us.
It would be in order for all of us here to recognise that we are concerned about people and that is why we take the position that we take.
According to Frontex, 90% of illegal immigrants who come to Europe enter via Greece.
What do we want to commemorate, and how?
Hence, thanks to taxpayers' contributions, the budget generally provides an opportunity for our countries to help the weakest in society.
Simplifications in procurement, the combating of late payment or facilities for borrowing and setting up new companies are efficient instruments in this connection.
What is also needed here is solidarity, however. In the Franco-German proposal, I see the real danger of ending up in a situation where the stronger countries will have greater leeway, and where Greece will be unable to go beyond certain limits.
I therefore thank the rapporteur for actively seizing this opportunity.
In the years to come, new landfills and new incinerators will be required, and the associated sites will need to be identified.
However, in order to assert European solidarity and ensure that Member States can catch up successfully, it is essential that GDP remains the fundamental and exclusive indicator for the distribution of funds at EU level.
The security and safety of such services is vital for user confidence.
Now, all the prime ministers applauded their Danish colleague when he told the Summit how he had cheated the Danes on a referendum.
They are not even embarrassed about saying and doing the opposite of what they previously announced.
Let us be more serious, please!
I do not think that the question of security is very pronounced in this document and yet it is very important, because we must avoid contaminating an important principle, an important institution of such great humanitarian value, in other words, the entitlement to asylum, with the grubby interests of those who traffic in illegal immigrants and who often use asylum as a way of infiltrating people who have no rights and no relationship to those actually being persecuted.
Regardless of the developments which led to the outbreak of this conflict, it is already having adverse effects of significant proportions on the civilians in the area and on the United Nations' presence in Gaza.
Despite that, I have to say that there is a need, here, to look very closely at the interaction between the Commission and the reporting duties of the Member States.
Agenda for next sitting: see Minutes
(GA) Madam President, I would first of all like to thank both you and the rapporteurs.
This is an aberration because the European Union is based on the concept of non-discrimination, on the principle of equality, which today is being negated in that country: it is failing to recognise those people's rights and is subjecting a group to historical discrimination purely on account of its ethnic origin.
I am pleased that the European Council remains committed to action on climate change.
I welcome the adoption of this report, which will allow the Agency to become fully operational, thus enabling it to accomplish its task and safeguard the rights of EU citizens.
Now I recently published the latest addition of my periodic study, 'How Much Does the European Union Cost Britain?', which is available on my website.
Although it was unable to avoid monetary turbulence and the consequent crisis in economic growth that we are living through, it succeeded in mitigating many of the negative consequences of the current situation.
I have got to know her as a very good colleague, and I would say that she is also a convinced European.
We also have to fulfil European Union technical requirements in relation to catalytic converters through the tightened-up Euro standards Euro 4 and Euro 5.
As normal, we will maintain strong dialogue with Parliament and we will of course hope for your continued support on this issue.
There is an urgent need for better access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises.
It points out that none of the dimensions may be strengthened to the detriment of another.
The private data of the individual cannot be jeopardised by other measures.
Given all these things, Mr President, Commissioner, it is unacceptable that the Commission is now taking advantage of these regions' successes and now also wishes to use them as a threat against Member States that do not meet macro-economic criteria.
Creating a single market is a shared responsibility.
I feel that it is necessary to provide better information about products' energy efficiency.
A law adopted in 2007 is officially devoted to them.
The amendment is as follows: in annex 1 the new figure for item B 'Neighbourhood and Partnership Countries' should read 13 664 000 000, with the figure for the sub-ceiling for 'Mediterranean countries' 9 700 000 000.
I agree that we must deconstruct the unnecessary bureaucracy, mainly if the provisions make it impossible for small businesses to work.
Can human rights values depend on a majority reached one day, which may be a minority another day?
This is to do with the European Institute for Gender Equality and its funding.
Gender equality is one of the values on which we are building the European Union and in that context equality should extend to all areas.
This information should be provided no later than at the time of purchasing the ticket.
If these amendments are adopted, we can take pride in a job that may improve the situation of women and thus of the whole of Central American society.
This poses a particular challenge of us, as politicians, as we have normal technological progress which is, of course, characterised by the fact that we have more energy efficient products and modes of economic operation.
(PL) Madam President, the European citizens' initiative is to be a tool which enables the citizens to participate more fully in the life of the Union, and this, in turn, is to strengthen the clearly impaired communication between the European Union and the citizens.
We invite the Council and the Commission carefully to monitor the situation in the Black Sea and to take concrete measures to help to reduce the ecological impact of the disaster.
The proportion of precarious employment contracts (temporary work, involuntary part-time work, agency work) has risen considerably.
The Hungarian Presidency has my full support in accelerating work to ensure adoption by June.
Commissioner, the economic crisis has shown us that countries with an industrial base not only survive; they also prosper.
From you I expect that during your Presidency, you will implement the Treaty that you concluded with Prime Minister Sanader and that a solution will then be found to the disputed borders through appraisal by a third party.
The measures proposed to combat gender stereotypes and for equal representation in decision-making, elimination of every kind of gender-based violence, etc. are a move in the right direction but will remain wishful thinking as long as the root cause responsible for these conditions and maintaining them remains, namely the capitalist system, which generates and aggravates discrimination and inequality.
I am therefore delighted to see the support that this proposal enjoys and I hope that we will be able to work in the same way with Parliament on other subjects in the future.
This is a report crucial to our way of thinking.
According to the report, he was acting in performance of his duties as Member of the European Parliament and carrying out political activities by expressing his opinion on a matter of public interest to his constituents.
Combating desertification entails the prevention of hunger and, through that, the prevention of conflict.
Inflicting inhumane and degrading treatment, such as electric shocks, 'virginity tests', physical and psychological violence, rape and slavery, is an unacceptable practice to which we must say 'Enough'.
(FR) Mr President, I shall come straight to the point.
If cross-border trade increases, consumers will be offered a wider choice of products and more competitive prices.
Is the Commission satisfied with the performance to date of the European automobile industry in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption?
We still have a long way to go, because we need a common foreign and security policy in order to be a global player.
Without a swift and effective judicial investigation and with no guarantee that the safety of human rights activists will be respected, the situation may in fact become extremely worrying.
Even then, information needs to circulate.
In fact, Amnesty International recently highlighted the fact that, following the elections, the number of people convicted and then executed has multiplied significantly.
Action has to be taken, Commissioner, before it is too late.
I have, nevertheless, chosen to abstain, because the report was strongly protectionist in places.
In the case of bluetongue, we have, of course, benefited from the fact that we supported research and now have an inactivated vaccine and are able to carry out comprehensive vaccination, which was previously very dangerous and very difficult.
I hope that despite this crisis, our national governments will be able to listen to suggestions from this House and work together in a constructive manner.
Although the EU has not endorsed all the recommendations, it made it clear that it takes the Goldstone report very seriously.
Nobody ever questions the intrinsic quality of this legislation, or even the real need for or relevance of the 90 000 pages of text which represent what you call the 'acquis communautaire', or of the approximately 1 700 directives concerning the internal market.
Under the amending budget a joint executive agency, the Research Executive Agency (REA), is created, for the other programmes under the Seventh Framework Programme for research too.
We must resolve to go for more cooperation but also more harmonisation, wherever possible.
Anti-family, socio-economic policies, the promotion of family models with few children and childless marriages by the media, as well as policies conducive to family breakdown, are significant causes of the adverse demographic changes in Europe.
Mr President, I am sorry, but the motion for a resolution on Venezuela tabled mainly by the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) is a practical joke cobbled together in order to exploit the urgency debate for political purposes and to try to discredit Mr Chávez.
EU law stipulates that, where a case is withdrawn, the proceedings can be terminated unless such termination would not be in the Community interests.

As such, the mid-term review of the current framework programme is crucial so that throughout the second half of its existence, it can contribute effectively to the European economy's recovery.
I hope that the Commission has not forgotten about that and will soon produce a proposal for a directive dealing with unlawful removals prior to 1993.
Although the agricultural budget needs to take into account unforeseen situations, even in the case of a surplus, I have some objections to it perpetually being used as a cash cow to cover any unforeseen event.
I think that their idea is an innovative and good one.
The role of the European Union must be strengthened in the aftermath of this crisis.
Written statements (Rule 149)
I hope that colleagues will join me in supporting the package today.
Parliament's grievances are not ridiculous.
Fundamental rights and the prohibition of return must be respected.
We feel that, in view of the Commission's responsibility, there are two questions to be asked.
The text adopted today aims to establish cooperation so as to ensure the integrated protection of the ecosystem and the sustainable development of the Prespa Park Area, including the drawing up of integrated river basin management plans, in accordance with international and EU standards.
We must take more effective action in all areas of science, making recruitment procedures and promotion requirements more transparent.
the oral question to the Council on an international treaty to ban cluster munitions; follow-up to the Oslo Declaration, by Josep Borrell Fontelles, on behalf of the Committee on Development - B6-0319/2007);
A transfer of funding requires the consent of all the Commissioners.
It is also naturally the role of parents to ensure that all the rights of children are observed.
I would, however, remind the Commission that, as things stand, the only technology at an advanced design stage that is capable of ensuring real energy efficiency and a sustained reduction in CO2 emissions is nuclear.
In this regard, we currently have on the table Rome I, which Ms Kauppi has referred to; if we get that right, it will help.
Thirdly, as regards private enforcement of competition rules, the Commission takes note of Parliament's support for the creation of a European form of collective redress, and of its request for specific EU legislation to ensure compensation for victims of infringements of EU antitrust law.
The health of the latter depends on the quality of the produce of the former.
I therefore maintain the position of the Committee on Fisheries of asking for the exemption to be suspended in the review of the agreement that we are discussing.
I am very glad that you referred to the fight against crime as a serious problem of our European Union.
It is due to fall to 7.1% this year, but will it?
I will now give the floor to the Commissioner responsible for that policy.
My Group respects that decision just as it also respects that of the 18 Member States that have to date expressed their support for the Treaty and ratified it.
This would be a clear gesture of support to those incomparably brave Chinese democracy activists.
We did not want to go beyond the treaty in any way.
Third, I wish to congratulate Mr Solana because, without his character and creativity, the Common Foreign and Security Policy probably would not be what it is today: the legal and documentary basis, even with the advance of the 2003 strategy paper, would not have been enough to make so much progress on this Common Foreign and Security Policy in the last few years.
Even with the new Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), which entered into force in 2007, the Court is not in a position to assess the effectiveness of the funds spent.
South Africa, America, USA and Russia all need these technologies, and in Europe we fail to get these technologies off the ground.
I believe, and it is in our communication, that without cleaning the banking system, we will not see the restoration of credit flow to the real economy.
Farmers require a minimum selection of plant protection products because it is a matter of protecting the indigenous cultural landscape, producing top-quality food and protecting resources.
It puts defence of the dignity and the hard working life of fishermen at the centre of our concerns, given that it is the area with the highest percentage of fatal accidents.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (NL) Madam President, Commissioner, ports in Europe are a driving force for the economy.
But you know that our message is structural reforms; structural reforms to elevate the growth potential of Europe and the job creation capacity of Europe are absolutely essential.
We therefore expect, before talking about controls, before talking about a declaration, that things will indeed be simplified upstream for these beneficiaries - especially associations, individuals and so forth.
Can you make sure that people will actually be entitled to challenge an arrest warrant in both the Member State which has issued the warrant and the Member State which is carrying it out?
I wish to congratulate the rapporteur on his flexibility and clarity in connection with the Agency's budget, since, as a member of the Committee on Budgetary Control, I feel it is essential for this kind of Agency.
Mr Corbett is effectively looking for the steamroller approach in politics.
This is good news in the interest of a level playing field for the provision and use of telecom services across borders in Europe.
Our fellow citizens must be better informed about country of origin marking and must be able to make purchases in full knowledge of the facts.
The second issue I wish to highlight is fair competition.
I would urge Member States to expand this scheme and its associated financing, both at European and national level, so that all children, including those of pre-school age, can receive a portion of fruit every day.
Financial control on implementing the European Union budget takes place on three levels: internal control, within each institution; external control, carried out by the European Court of Auditors; and a discharge procedure carried out by Parliament.
Mr President, first of all, citizens of Arab nations have the same rights to democracy and human rights as anyone else.
Let us hope for some willingness on the part of the Member States.
The other day we were talking in the Committee on Budgets to Commissioner Kallas, who is unable at present to give us an answer as to where the appropriations will come from.
Unfortunately, some Member States - including my own - have not used the recent past to prepare a coherent energy strategy.
Affluent regions should perhaps be allowed or obliged to do more to eliminate pockets of poverty.
Within the field of research, in one of the research and innovation initiatives, the Commission - and a group of Commissioners in particular - is working on this topic so as to ensure that innovation can be boosted in the Member States to intensify health-related research, in parallel with issues concerning the ageing of the population.
On 15 February 2011, the Commission adopted a new draft decision on mobilising the EGF in favour of Poland, with the aim of supporting the reintegration into the labour market of workers made redundant as a result of the world economic and financial crisis.
We are talking about an International Criminal Court that represents a commitment to defend human rights, and therefore to prosecute crimes against humanity at universal level.
Let each of us draw his own conclusion.
People suffer in silence with their gifts and talents hidden even from themselves by these hidden disabilities.
I would like to say that many international organisations are still there, conducting their investigations into what happened.
It is well known that, being an indirect tax, VAT hits those dependent on their wages and low earners particularly hard.
External climate protection of this kind may provide a response on the part of the European Union to the growth of emissions in our products from Southern countries and we can collect the income generated and then invest it in clean technologies in the South.
rapporteur. - Mr President, could I start by thanking all my shadow rapporteurs, and indeed the French Presidency for facilitating an early second-reading agreement?
That is why we voted against this report: in defence of real measures in support of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and in defence of other policies that safeguard their role and significant contribution to production in the industrial, agricultural and fishing sectors, and to employment with rights, trade and meeting the public's basic needs.
Today, the European Union has a great responsibility to stand by the Tunisian people in their democratic transition, but without interfering in it.
in writing. - (PL) Health is one of the greatest blessings a human being can enjoy in life.
There is an armed force in each country and it is up to the country to choose whether to place its troops under the NATO banner or the European Union banner.
As the Council is not here at the moment, perhaps the Presidency could find out what it intends to do on this subject?
He has stated that the cohesion policy should not change in its essentials - which is specifically reconfirmed in the new Treaty - but that the content of the regional commitments and the programmes should change.
On the contrary, by issuing eurobonds the anti-crisis instrument could be financed through the market, drawing on foreign capital and people looking to invest.
As has already been mentioned by Mr Virrankoski, we have previously been warned that Galileo has not been allocated sufficient money; the situation that we are now facing therefore does not come as a surprise.
Therefore, Commissioner Kuneva, take a firm line in our trade relations too; involve Commissioner Mandelson, because thus far, he has unfortunately not yet shown appreciation for this topic.
I merely have to get up - to rise from this seat - and the proceedings will be suspended automatically.
Therefore, I am in favour.
Are you prepared to bring together the existing units within your service that are working on these questions to make one department which could be called the operational headquarters?
Only then should Parliament become active and make a decision.
However, are there also controls in place in the other direction?
(DE) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the debate about the euro, the debate about Greece, has defined recent days.
As I said earlier, when thanking the rapporteur, Mrs Dührkop, once again, clearly, in the Commission's view, the provisions on data protection will be supplemented by the provisions of the Framework Decision on data protection in the third pillar.
In connection with these facts the Spanish Government should be called upon to carry out a thorough review of legislation affecting the rights of individual property owners as a result of massive urbanisation, in order to bring an end to the abuse of rights and obligations enshrined in the EC Treaty.
I very much expect us in this House to be able to debate the SWIFT agreement once more.
That means that rules are needed.
For example, which would you choose if the aim of European economic competitiveness clashes with the aim of high levels of employment?
I see this happening not in the countries of the European Union, but specifically in China, which is using the issue of raw materials, and of rare earth elements (REEs) in particular, to maintain its monopoly and put other countries at a disadvantage.
Doha is the best trade policy instrument available on both those fronts.
Until now, individual Member States have had a very unequal level of involvement, and there is a significant imbalance in terms of funding, equipment and operational matters.
We must understand these contradictions of history and also these contradictions of geography, but not give satisfaction to one side or the other.
In the short time allotted to me, I would simply like to say that we must consider our fellow citizens.
All people in the Middle East have the same worth.
It is important that the Commission, the Member States and the US are aware that, in the case of PNR, Parliament has its finger on the button.
Ascribing sole responsibility for this to the removal of quotas is a way of cutting the debate short.
I will be supporting the amendments that have been put forward to reduce the degree.
I voted in favour of the motion for a resolution - Amendment 3 - (Article 157(4) of the Rules of Procedure) to replace non-legislative motion for a resolution on the role of minimum income in combating poverty and promoting an inclusive society in Europe.
But also they may face violations of their fundamental rights, even from within their communities.
The British people that I represent want trade and cooperation in Europe, but they are absolutely opposed to political union and a European army.
However, poor social and environmental legislation in these countries means that there is a danger of unreasonable working conditions, human rights violations and environmental damage.
The biggest change is in police and justice cooperation.
Increasing our support for reforms and helping our partners to align with the EU acquis will help stabilise our eastern neighbours.
The contribution of women is crucial to meeting our ambitious targets of an overall employment rate of 75% by 2020, but this cannot be done without ensuring the fundamental rights of women workers.
We as the European Union bear responsibility for it and owe it to the nations and cultures of this region.
You look out on the world and it is already yours'.
Coordination of humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Haiti (debate)
The euro has encouraged financial integration and the development of the single market; it has protected the members of the euro area from external disruption; and it has been and continues to be a pole of stability, not just for the European economy, but also for the global economy.
The crisis in the dairy industry has brought numerous farmers to the brink of bankruptcy.
That is the basic principle of a democratic society, and a democratic Azerbaijan has to be an aim just as important as...
They will involve improving the efficiency of relatively complicated, sophisticated systems securing the regulation and exchange of energy between different media in the building itself.
I voted against the report on the European External Action Service, because it is being established using obscure procedures, with confused competences and a very clearly restricted role for the European Parliament, the only elected institution of the EU, which is limited solely to budgetary aspects.
Finally, I should like to take advantage of my speaking time to call on you, Mr President, to exert your influence in obtaining satisfaction in the European Parliament of the just demands of the workers, who are taking to the streets.
It is about responding to anti-competitive conduct, and that response must be effective and firm.
The next item is the joint debate on
Voting 'no' today is the easy, headline-grabbing way out, and in this case I am convinced that it will not serve those primarily concerned, namely the migrants themselves, who have to be helped and in some cases reasoned with.
We also disagree with the exclusive concentration on air traffic managers, since the changes will affect everyone working in air traffic control.
But in Europe, we had the tragedy of 'the commons', where we said it was a common resource to which all vessels had equal access.
in writing. - I voted in favour of this report because it stresses the importance of agreeing on a systemic approach to setting up a coherent 'Beyond GDP system' to contribute to improved policy analysis.
Transfers of appropriations: see Minutes
I seem to remember that during the debate on the Regulation on measures to guarantee the security of energy supply, a European commitment on this issue was agreed.
We have already discussed this issue this morning.
The fact that activities of the Committee on Petitions are effective gives inhabitants a clear signal that their justified concerns are being investigated effectively, which creates a real link between citizens and the European Union.
Law is not soft, law is coercive.
Second, concerning the review pursuant to Article 19, the Commission intends to undertake, no later than three years after the entry into force of this directive, an impact assessment focusing on the changes in scope.
I support the rapporteur in his assertion that the current VAT system, partly due to an increase in its complexity, has not kept pace with growth in the internal market and actually places companies and small and medium-sized enterprises at a disadvantage by considerably affecting their competitiveness.
I do not intend to focus on the details of the new legislation now; you are familiar with them already and Mr Verheugen has already mentioned a number of them.
The European Commission does more to support international corporations, including those that produce genetically modified foods, than it does for local farms.
Now you need to start putting it into practice.
However, I would like to begin with the question: What causes more damage to our security?
Where should we locate these desperate people who arrive in the Member States and, at the same time, how should we eliminate that ensuing friction which we sometimes see as resentment, anger and rage, leading to rather worrying forms of antagonism?
The responsibilities have been divided up.
The best mechanism needs to be identified, and we shall, in any case, give consideration to this.
As you as aware, a report was published recently by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia.
This would therefore require a large amount of labour migration.
We want to tell the Commission and the Council firmly that the European Union, which has flown the flag for the fight against atmospheric emissions and climate change in front of the world, now has to be consistent if it does not want to lose credibility.
I do not want to belittle anything the Commission has done; I think it has made this a priority.
We should instead increase our investment in, and research into, green technology.
Its current government is providing unconvincing justifications for their former alliance with Hitler.
The protective equipment is very often left at home or just not available at all.
Let me just state some basic facts.
As you will know, and as already mentioned here today, in the meantime - I believe just yesterday - the Security Council authorised the European Union to deploy this operation.
On the one hand, the private entity, which has been setting worldwide voluntary standards since 1973 on a corporate and professional basis, now finds itself in a position of huge responsibility entailing a change in its nature, procedures and composition in order that it can become a transparent, controllable institution, with a legitimacy reflecting its new role.
In Austria, we have a simple saying: he who provides help quickly provides twice as much help.
in writing. - I support this report, which asserts that the second revision of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement must be consistent with the actual global crisis and be carried out in a way that fully respects a partnership of equals.
If it had the same values as the EU, other questions would be asked about Russia.
As far as our dialogues with the Turkish authorities are concerned, as part of the negotiations on what we call the revised Accession Partnership for Turkey, it is very clear that everything relating to fundamental freedoms, to religious freedom, and to the need to take the measures required to establish a climate of tolerance in which full respect for religious freedom can be guaranteed, has been raised and is at the heart of our dialogue with the Turkish authorities.
In the wrong hands these goods may become torture equipment or weapons of mass destruction.
The death penalty has been abolished by Rwanda and Gabon, for example.
Action taken on Parliament's positions and resolutions: see Minutes
It must be avoided at all costs that an accident investigation is politicised and the authorities seek to disclaim responsibility and influence the outcome of the investigations.
I should take this opportunity to remind you once again that SMEs are the most authentic representatives of the European economic fabric and provide numerous examples of excellence that should be encouraged and supported.
All that this European Union has done is to increase bureaucracy, create unnecessary rules - particularly in my country, the Netherlands - and bring tax increases, mass immigration, crime and a lack of security.
We have to stand up for them.
This is not an easy objective for industry, but then it is not supposed to be.
The outcome of the UN climate summit in Copenhagen was a disappointing agreement which will not be able to keep global warming below 2 °C. On top of that, it is neither global nor binding.
The first tragic consequences of this policy were seen in Evia on 12 September 2009 - just a few days ago - with the catastrophic floods which swept through fire-ravaged Evia.
It is not in Europe's interest for these reforms to fail because they will enable France to put its public finances in order and to fulfil its commitments.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, just a short response to Ms Andreasen, Mr Hartong, Mr Belder, Mr Vanhecke, Mr Fajmon, Mr Vlasák and Mr Brons - the latter being in opposition to Parliament's position on the budget and the proposal of the Commission.
This policy of non-interference, with China's lenient attitudes towards questionable regimes, such as those in Sudan, is a continued issue of concern to be addressed.
No-one talks about the psychological damage to the 'comfort women' themselves.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Mr President, the Commissioner is telling us that the Memorandum of Understanding was drawn up under Article 122, part 2.
Mr President, last Sunday, a boat carrying 260 immigrants landed on our shores.
While Europe is facing budgetary constraints absorbed at national level, the rationalisation of agencies in terms of powers, effectiveness and evaluation of their remits should be broached and Parliament must bring forward proposals.
Government-led campaigns should increasingly focus on the social costs of counterfeiting and piracy, such as health and safety.
rapporteur. - (HU) Commissioner, Madam President, thank you for this debate.
We should pass a resolution ahead of the summit, since otherwise it may be misinterpreted as meaning that the European Parliament does not oppose such negative positions.
The Court of Auditors highlighted weaknesses in the management of fees, with significant delays in issuing recovery orders (up to 21 months), as well as weaknesses in the Agency's treasury policy and failings in its management of procurement procedures.
This did not happen.
This volatility causes highly concentrated vapours to form in the ambient air which can easily be inhaled by users of paint strippers and which then have a direct toxic effect on the central nervous system.
The new Treaty also improves the powers of the European Parliament in other respects.
in writing - (PL) I voted in favour of the report by Mr Ford on trade and economic relations with ASEAN (the Association of the South East Asian Nations).
We fully support the compromise, which is the product of more than a year's work.
(PT) Mr President, I want to congratulate Mrs Moura on the report adopted today.
It is clear, though, that we do, in general, agree on the diagnosis, and as the Commission has said it is something that was started by the Council, was followed up by the Commission and is today being supported by Parliament, which of course puts a lot of responsibility on your shoulders, Commissioner, because we do have a common approach.
I would like to warn everyone that we are pushing ahead too quickly in this area.
She carried out very important work on an extremely complex subject, as Commissioner Malmström said.
As a community of values, the issue is that raised by the Commissioner - I quote, 'that interception must be used exceptionally'.
The interinstitutional cooperation worked well and produced good results.
Regarding the question from Chris Davies, we will provide a written answer on that particular question but, basically, the Commission is focused on implementation.
The Council has failed to push through its unacceptable proposals to amend the Working Time Directive, which would have jeopardised the victories hard won during over 100 years of labour struggle.
Stringent criteria must apply in the areas of training and occupational safety and thorough investigations are required.
To achieve this, Europe must know how to speak with one strong and determined voice.
It is also encouraging that I received positive reactions from Commissioner Barnier and Commissioner Dalli regarding my proposal on the top 20 frustrations as expressed by European citizens, on the creation of a collective remedy mechanism and on a communication strategy specifically targeted at every day problems experienced by our citizens.
However, to tell you the truth, Commissioner, when you compiled the list of proposals for freight services - I still remember that Neil Kinnock had already had the idea of separate rail networks for freight transport - you were once again acting on the Commission's proposal 'Towards a rail network giving priority to freight'.
In this connection, I should like to refer to Mr Lamberts' support.
Order of business
I believe that increasing European mobility implies both harmonisation of the rules of the road in the Member States and a gradual convergence of traffic offence penalties.
Are we, at our taxpayers' expense, paying for poverty relief in one of the richest oil-producing nations in the world because they have chosen to spend billions on a nuclear weapons programme?
However, flexibility does not just mean change between sectors; it means a general response.
in writing. - I welcome Alessandro Foglietta's report on the White Paper on nutrition, overweight and obesity-related health issues.
Until those are investigated, until the OSCE reports, many will simply not believe the results, whatever Moldova's courts conclude.
I welcome the equal weighting given to the three sides of this triangle.
Ninety per cent!
The progress of the internal market and further development of the regions complement each other and jointly create a powerful Europe characterised by cohesion and competitiveness.
I also support Mr Tannock's idea that 'any way out is a good way out'.
Since 08.00 on Saturday morning, my experts have been looking at the papers and I have come to the conclusion today that all the points on the basis of law which the Commission asked for from France have been answered - though, of course, not yet applied in national French law, because first they have to go to the Senate and then be introduced de facto into French law and applied in real terms.
The market was to be God; competition was to be king.
We should realise that all EU citizens will suffer from this problem, and sooner or later, everyone will require assistance.
This means that there must be recognition of the need to implement an effective Action Plan in order to ensure appropriate linkages between the approaches and initiatives of the different Member States and the EU regarding the prevention of, detection of, preparation for and response to CBRN incidents.
We are of the opinion that it is not possible to regulate this sort of visa at EU level.
Korean customers buy some EUR 25 billion worth of EU goods every year.

While the Western European governments are already thinking about drawing up their exit strategies, some countries in Central and Eastern Europe which have been worst affected by the crisis are still facing major recession in 2010 as well.
Has a comprehensive, general EU policy been applied so far to tackle this problem?
Should the use of natural gas become more widespread, it will no doubt change the policy on energy in both Malta and Gozo.
Wales also suffers high unemployment levels and will be greatly affected by forthcoming UK Government civil service cuts.
Without the Montreal Protocol and without the even more ambitious Community regulation, emissions of greenhouse gases at global level would perhaps be up to 50% higher than they are at present.
I have absolutely no qualms, then, in saying that I fully endorse the rapporteur's efforts, that he is doing democracy a good service, and that we should move forward not only towards transparency but, above all, towards ensuring that transparency is not just a fine word but means something concrete.
Bearing in mind that only 20% of medicines for human and veterinary use are authorised via Community procedures, this revision of the directive will have a considerable impact on the pharmaceuticals market in the European Union.
We need to do more - and we are not the ones asking to dilute the decision we need to take in Copenhagen - but a lot of work needs to be done to get others to move.
The first item is the report by Mr Garriga Polledo, on behalf of the Special committee on the policy challenges and budgetary resources for a sustainable European Union after 2013, on Investing in the future: a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for a competitive, sustainable and inclusive Europe.
In addition, we have carried out a revision for unused funds from 2009 so that a total of EUR 1.9 billion for energy and an additional EUR 420 million for broadband Internet in category II could be put in place.
However, organising a system that is so bureaucratic as to be inefficient stems from poor legislation.
I think that for the safety of the transport of dangerous goods a short a transition period as possible is needed in order to implement this Directive.
The Lisbon strategy has failed in its mission to eradicate poverty.
I believe a great deal more information is needed.
I wish to stress the quite specific economic interdependence of the countries in the Danube region and the importance of investments not only in ITC, but also in developing small and medium-sized enterprises and their research departments in order to ensure sustainable growth and efficiency and boost the growth of the green economy.
The Commission must stabilise the dairy market in Europe quickly.
Since states are duty bound to protect their citizens against life- or health-threatening products, some of them introduced regulations subjecting certain categories of goods to various requirements such as markings and certificates, and the relevant national authorities were made responsible for monitoring and supervision.
We should move away from short-sighted economic interests and base this policy on a human rights and democracy approach, moving from status quo policy to transition policy.
It is only Christianity that can integrate other religions into a shared European project, by acknowledging what secular ideologies cannot.
The EU has shown its commitment to combating poverty in Europe within the framework of initiatives promoted for 2010, the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, and with regard to achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
Despite the objections we have put forward above, we have voted in favour of the resolution because we believe that it is important to stress that Belarus must become democratic.
In the international arena, too, it is high time for Europe to commit itself and to pursue closer links with partners who share our vision of the world.
That is an undeniable right, and one that should be granted to all Thai people.
In the absence of an autonomous budget, the agency is de facto integrated into the Commission.
These negotiations have produced results.
When we face natural disasters, it is important that we have a farming economy that is selfsufficient.
That is the acid test.
Trade and Economic Relations with the countries of South East Asia (ASEAN) (
On the idea of extending this one-year 0% set-aside to two years, I must say that we will have the possibility of discussing the communication during the winter and the legal proposals next spring and summer, when we will have a clear idea of which direction we are moving in.
The improvement of the human rights situation in Iran is, for the Commission, essential to enhance its political dialogue and cooperation with Iran in the near future.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: Germany - redundancies (
To what extent is it prepared to engage in constructive dialogue, before and after the election in Lebanon?
(DE) Mr President, I take it for granted that the European Parliament will speak out when it is possible to save people from execution and, therefore, I support the call for a moratorium on the death penalty.
Unfortunately, even in democratic societies, these traditional means of communication often fail because of commercial interests or because their management belongs to a particular political milieu and indirectly obliges employees to practice self-censorship.
The proposal for the structure and focus of the work in the Systemic Risk Council was adopted by the EU's finance ministers at the Ecofin meeting on 20 October.
These are private companies, which are very influential with respect to the financial markets, but that, of course, is not the responsibility of the European Commission.
It is a pity, because respect for people who are different and the promotion of equal opportunities for men and women are a real social challenge.
Thank you very much.
So I think it is very important to address not only issues about oil prices but all the sectors.
It is vital that there should be a simple, effective, efficient and transparent evaluation mechanism that will enable the Schengen area to be preserved as an area of free movement whilst, at the same time, it is indispensable to adapt the intergovernmental framework for the Schengen evaluation to the EU framework.
Mr President, I know that this report is specifically in relation to Roma families and other specific groups.
The moratorium decreed by Iran's Chief Judiciary, Ayatollah Shahroudi, on youth executions is blatantly violated by his own judges.
To prevent any unnecessary and counter-productive delay with that revision, however, Parliament has clearly proposed that no extension of eligible assets should take place until legislative reform of the UCITS Directive is complete.
I would like to point out, and I do not want by any means to belittle the work of the Committee on Legal Affairs, that there are numerous unresolved points and problems when it comes to the effects of this Council regulation on our assistants.
However, having heard the Council this morning, having spoken to my Portuguese colleagues, I am convinced that there is a possibility that a successful strategic partnership agreement with Brazil can make it easier in the Doha Round if we develop understanding between ourselves and a key Doha player.
in writing. - One of the great mysteries to the population of the European Union is how we can devise a system that pays farmers for leaving land idle.
The effects of the crisis are pushing social inequalities in many countries to breaking point.
This regulation allows aircraft considered unsafe to be prevented from using Community airspace and is an effective means of improving the application of international safety standards in countries in which the Commission considers that the minimum safety rules are not being respected.
Law enforcement officials should fully apply the legislation against trafficking in the field of labour exploitation, including legislation complying with the framework decision on trafficking and the directive on residence permits for victims of trafficking.
That can only happen if we have a common basis and that basis is knowledge.
Foreign affairs and diplomacy come under national sovereignty, and that is why we voted against all the reports on this matter.
Member of the Commission. - The question raised by the honourable Member is very important for consumers, telecom service providers and content providers, and of course also for telecom regulators.
That is why our approach is right: we are requesting the Commission to put forward a coherent proposal on how we can have a European master plan and how we can introduce best practice so that we can all learn from each other and pursue this expansion effectively.
So after this report, we will come with concrete proposals and we will definitely propose a common European approach on what the standards might be and what the requirements might be if Member States opt for the introduction or use of new screening technologies.
The European citizens' legislative initiative constitutes a fundamental step in the process of building a Europe based on citizens' rights.
There were people in the old regime, in the ruling class, who took land, but when the government attempted to take back that land, millions of poor people, poor peasants and people in slums were evicted from their homes, from the last small shred of hope of survival which they had through a small piece of land.
The doubts surrounding the treaty have been eliminated, but I also believe that there was an old, historical argument involved here.
It is not an election like that for the President of France or the President of Portugal.
Colleagues, we are defenders of democracy and, therefore, should have been more active already.
I confirm that the Commission does not rule out solutions other than infringement procedures.
In addition, amounts for strengthening democracy and human rights under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) must be maintained.
Following on from these meetings, the Presidency has drawn up conclusions on the importance of raising the level of key skills in the context of European cooperation in the area of school education.
The effects of February's disaster made themselves felt straight away, and extensive and severe damage was caused to public and private infrastructure, businesses and crops.
We are, of course, hearing that there is a new threat of trouble from the United Kingdom.
She asked the Council to have the courage to be present during this debate and express their view of the Tibet question.
There are certain restrictions with regard to the documents of the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Central Bank and the European Investment Bank, but it is a significantly larger area than it was previously.
The flagship proposals in the Commission's Europe 2020 strategy are important tools to create that Europe, provided that we can make them come true.
I do not think that the upcoming rotation of the presidency and the European elections should limit the scope of the EU's ambitions in meeting challenges which definitely require more common policies.
Small and medium-sized farms have been particularly hard hit and they are having to draw on their reserves in order to survive.
I also voted in favour of the Ferreira, Haglund and Ford reports.
I have already had occasion to deplore this and other resolutions, in February 2010, when the previous urgent resolution on that country was adopted.
We must also focus on ensuring that European fisheries are not discouraged from becoming more efficient.
We in the EU do not realise what kinds of tools we have in our mosaic composition of 27 countries.
(Applause)
Humanitarian aid should be disbursed without political strings.
I shall try to keep to my speaking time.
I was very interested to read in the report that, while other committees have a heavy responsibility of legislative activity, the Committee on Petitions has shown that its role and function are also essential.
Your last statement troubles me a little, because the experience of Irish farmers, European farmers, when they are visited by inspectors from the Commission, is not one of great assistance but of inspection and checking.
There is a range of legal instruments in place already to ensure the maximum protection possible for soil, and until these pieces of legislation are fully implemented and the effects are fully analysed, I do not believe that further legislation in this area is either necessary or desirable.
Mrs Blakey told me this personally.
Of course it covers the healthcare sector, and we are very pleased that the agreement covers trainees and subcontractors.
I do not want cohesion policy to overlook the specific needs of the social groups with the most difficulties, as that is not compatible with an integrated approach or with a more strategic concept that is investing in the sectors of the future.
The more countries are developed, the more they will be able to help combat poverty.
This leads us to the question I was asked by Mr Tarabella.
This fact, combined with climate change, provides sufficient grounds for mobilising all EU Member States and making equal, consistent efforts to manage the Union's forests.
I call on the EU to revise its policy to support democracy and human rights, so as to create a mechanism for implementing the human rights clause in all agreements with third countries.
Even the Eurosceptics or those who are critical of it are of the opinion that it is because of these youth mobility programmes that a certain added value has been achieved that benefits everyone.
In the delegation's opinion it is necessary for environmental reasons, among others, to introduce 20% compulsory modulation and to strengthen the cross-compliance system.
But, to be honest, nobody cares about this.
When we said that this was not a conflict between Georgia and Abkhazia and South Ossetia, but that it was a conflict between Russia and Georgia, no one wanted to listen.
By contrast, the foreign policy of the Spanish Government has set a good example, as through constructive, exacting dialogue, a considerable number of prisoners of conscience have been released.
I strongly support the need to allow Member States to apply reduced VAT rates to renovation and repair works aimed at boosting energy saving and energy efficiency.
The tools that it needs include the stability instrument.
First, we need to put in practice an integrated approach to the territorial development in order to avoid a piecemeal approach to our territories.
Development of the trans-European transport network, provision for motorways of the sea and development of the intermodality of means of transport would lead to the creation of a European maritime transport system that is competitive and receptive to innovations.
They are mere wishes diverting attention away from the truth, because meeting the people's needs is incompatible with the supreme principle of capitalist development and the pursuit of profit.
(HU) We often hear the complaint that the EU tries to regulate everything while at the same time failing to address important questions.
Wider application of a reduced VAT rate will not only foster economic recovery, but will also contribute to the creation of new jobs and reduce the black economy.
Mr President, we have often deplored the supposed lack of information for the public in the run-up to the European elections.
in writing. - Congratulations to the South Korean Constitutional Court for upholding the death penalty.
It would be premature for me to speak today of budgetary consequences.

Global climate change is damaging to our environment, to our current way of life and to the opportunities of future generations.
Meanwhile, from the European side, we also hear serious reservations regarding the vast amount of state aid given to Boeing in the form of tax breaks provided by the states of Illinois, Kansas and Washington, as well as aid from the army and NASA within the framework of public procurement.
I voted against the proposal for a directive on the annual accounts of certain types of companies adopted on Wednesday, 10 March 2010.
There have been significant improvements recently in the European Union in that regard.
That, I think, is what the European Parliament has achieved.
These include reversing the trend in the number of patients with tuberculosis by 2015 and eliminating the disease by 2050.
Now, they wish to make recourse to the so-called 'simplified procedure' in order to hide the fact that they are, in fact, changing an important issue which is linked to constitutionalisation, with a view to its transformation into a permanent fund, of the European Financial Stability Fund, with the inadmissible conditions contained in the so-called competitiveness pact and its severe consequences upon social policies: the devaluation of salaries and pensions, and the increase in retirement age.
Europe would therefore do well not to send its own troops to that region.
This House has called for an EU strategy and the Commission is responding to this request.
Nevertheless, we would like at the same time to warn of the gravity of what is happening and of the consequences of measures that continue to promote the liberalisation and privatisation of key public sectors and services, labour deregulation, precarious and poorly-paid work and rising prices of essential goods, which is helping economic and financial groups to boost their windfall profits at the cost of increased poverty.
The aim of the Green Paper is of course said to be to strengthen the consumer's position on the EU market.
No efficiency savings as a result of the merger are in sight.
The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development expects that part of this margin could be used on a programme to distribute fruit to school pupils, thus promoting healthy eating habits.
In my country, Portugal, collecting the fingerprints of children aged six years and upwards is already a long-standing practice, which is perhaps why I have no objection to it.
(ES) Mr President, I would like to talk to you all about El Musel, the major port of my region, Asturias.
Agenda of the next sitting: see Minutes
In the light of the financial crisis, this is said to be a way of stimulating the economy.
Our determination to defend them should be no less.
The London Conference on 28 January is the next significant milestone and will raise issues of security, governance, and social, economic and regional development - very important issues.
Technological developments, in particular, so-called intelligent transport systems, will also play an important role.
Safe and complete decommissioning is a key element of nuclear safety, for which we aim at the highest standards.
Today I voted against Mr Barroso's candidacy for three essential reasons.
(PT) Next year, 2009, the new multiannual programme in the area of freedom, security and justice should be adopted.
I believe that transparency should also include talking about the failures of policy that contributed to the crisis and also of course about the bankers.
Emergency measures therefore need to be adopted that give an immediate and suitable response to the sector's socio-economic needs, such as the creation of a guarantee fund, paid for at Union level, that ensures the stability of fuel prices and the use of all financial possibilities and margins of the EU budget to finance extraordinary support measures for the sector.
It is an urgency because there are mass graves which have been discovered recently, and we need to sort this problem out.
Whilst, of course, we must find solutions to deal with the immediate consequences of these policies, and fiscal retrenchment is essential, we must equally importantly commit ourselves to economic reform: to extend labour market flexibility to create jobs, to open markets and remove barriers to trade, and to stimulate private investment so that we can fill the void left by reduced public sector spending.
They are waiting to hear from you; from the people of Europe.
Indeed, the European Union must avoid the isolation of Belarus and engage in dialogue with the leadership of the country.
Although this is work without material remuneration, a volunteer receives satisfaction of a different kind: he or she fulfils his or her motivation, realises him or herself, and shows solidarity with others.
There must be consistency between our trade and our relationship with this type of regime.
If, however, we are careless and this hammer drops on our foot, then we shall be able to walk no further.
Nevertheless, the new social agenda appears to lack ambitious goals and clarity, and has serious shortcomings.
So I think it is unfair to look to the European Union to try to solve all the problems, where we do not have the means to do so.
A prerequisite of a better assessment of control systems is closer collaboration with the Court of Auditors, which has to date been lacking.
We have therefore asked and ask the Commission now to consider greater flexibility in funding and, specifically, greater integration between the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Cohesion Fund.
So on this note of agreement across the House about the nature of this legislation and the positive direction in which Europe is going when it comes to water quality, let us also look to the Commission to say, 'You have the powers to investigate, to act and to enforce - please use them'.
Therefore, our request, which the report takes up with the internal market test, is that we bring together all of the essential elements that we value in the internal market, and that consumers like and enterprises need, and undertake a clear evaluation.
I voted in favour of this report because the European Union must continue to enhance its security strategy, uphold its values, pursue its interests, and protect its citizens, thereby contributing to the preservation of international peace and global security.
· Mandatory implementation of an alternative option, however without negative effects on the environment; ensuring safeguards in the use of atomic energy which also needs to be given a chance; I state this as well, in my capacity as a representative of Bulgaria, which has its own contribution in this process;
There is still a lot to be done in the EU in the area of respect for individual and minority rights.
It will disseminate information or refer the user to national sites. We will work very quickly on this SOLVIT.EU site with my departments in conjunction with another project relating to the Your Europe site.
I applaud the fact that the most controversial provisions have been removed from the final form of this international agreement, such as the responsibility of third parties, mandatory checks on computer memories when crossing borders and the mandatory application of the 'digital guillotine'.
We cannot stand by and watch minor offenders being hanged, people being raped and arbitrary violence wrought upon citizens by their own regime.
Europe - and I am finishing here - must not lower its guard on this front either.
It should be applied no later than 2012.
How much of this change is due to natural climatic variation and how much is due to the accumulation of climatic change gases in our atmosphere is still a matter of some dispute, among scientists and politicians.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (ES) Mr President, a community such as the Latin-Caribbean community, whose entire population on the American continent resembles our own, whom we can speak to in its own languages - Portuguese, French and Spanish, among others - merits special consideration and treatment by the European institutions.
Today I want to thank Presidents Borrell and Pöttering and Parliament's Committee on Petitions for supporting Michael's campaign for justice.
The obstacle which the petitioner faces in placing the product on the market is the decision of the German authorities (the 2005 prohibition) and not a decision of the Commission.
I am also a supporter of what is called 'brand Europe', and the development and promotion of this, in such areas as support for talent, tourism and the propagation of universal values, for example, should be based on closer collaboration between the EU's Member States.
This leads me to say that I have been surprised to hear certain comments about the European Union: firstly, that it has not reacted; secondly, that it was powerless, and thirdly, that it adopted a position of weakness.
The current regimes contain sector-specific rules that made sense at that time (in 2002) when a wave of consolidation was expected in the vehicle sector.
It is no doubt these beginnings that have given birth to some of the report's proposals, such as the suggestions that the country responsible for consideration of an asylum request should take account of the applicant's wishes, that this country should ultimately be determined by a European body, that applicants should have the same rights as long-term residents, that they should have freedom of movement within the territory of Europe, and so on.
We are not giving proper attention to the warning signals from the financial markets, or from people such as President Trichet, who indeed called the Commission proposal a good but inadequate step towards strengthening the Stability and Growth Pact.
It is not only about the future of subsequent generations being jeopardised, but also about global justice.
You are already aware that there will be no ambitious deal in Copenhagen if the concerns of the developing countries are not taken into account, not only those of emerging countries, but also very much the concerns of the most vulnerable and the poorest developing countries.
The so-called 'block exemption' regulation, introduced at European level in 2002 to increase competition in the motor vehicle sector and bring tangible benefits to consumers, is reaching its expiry date.
(SV) Mr President, the fact that fruit and vegetables are important for people is hardly news, nor is the fact that they are important foods for children.
We have been very vocal, both in public and in private, about the unacceptable closure of the Gaza crossings.
This exercise threw into stark relief the very different situations of each country; the respective needs for reform as well as the different capacities for drawing up and proposing a governance plan.
Without doubt, the increased powers granted to the European Parliament under the Treaty of Lisbon enhance the role of the European Parliament considerably and formulate tangible and effective responses to the expectations of European citizens.
You have brought the IMF back into the European fold.
Together, the United States and the European Union could be a guarantee for the world's security and stability and offer a pattern for the global order.
I think that wide-ranging consultations need to be initiated with local and regional representatives in order to set out well defined guidelines on energy efficiency and support must be provided in devising projects and ensuring access to the EUR 9 billion made available by the Commission via the cohesion policy.
On one hand, it can get us out of a difficult crisis situation and, on the other, it can make us even stronger and more influential regarding policies which are being implemented in the rest of the world.
What do you think about amending the Maastricht Treaty criteria to perhaps include a new criterion relating to the balance of payments, a maximum limit on the current account deficit and external debt?
The next item is the comments of the Council and the Commission on the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh, to be held on 24-25 September 2009.
I would like to thank the Portuguese Presidency for its tremendous determination. Thanks are also due to Mr Frattini for his favourable attitude and commitment to this splendid achievement, which is without precedent in the course of history.
It takes 12 years to build a new nuclear power station.
We already have problems in Europe when it comes to security of supply, consumer rights and environmental concerns, and we have to do something about the greenhouse effect.
The European Parliament is fully ready for this.
Therefore, it is high time to rekindle the stars.
Of course, no new surveys are needed to fulfil the new requirements of the regulation, which can be implemented using nationally available additional administrative sources and feedback from existing surveys.
Who has suffered because of them?
We are currently witnessing what is happening in Ireland but, at the same time, I am also hearing all kinds of proposals being put forward to the European Council for the abolition of wage indexation and for the maximisation of wage increases, based on increases in labour productivity, etc.
The Commission is strongly in favour of the sustainable management of fish stocks and Commissioner Borg has been very active in this matter.
We protest against the death of two Venezuelan students who protested against this shutting-down of the free media...
In this respect, I also wish to ask if we may expect further development of the energy policy that Parliament requested earlier this year.
(PL) Madam President, the shortage of healthcare staff is a global phenomenon.
I congratulate the rapporteur on bringing such a relevant and sensitive subject to the attention of Parliament.
That is a vision of the added value of Europe and that is why we need a European budget.
We propose lifting this ban on poultry imports.
Commissioner, the EU has done a great job in its farm-to-fork system, and consumers should have confidence in it but, as an ancillary point, what about protecting EU producers?
I think it is very important and necessary, mainly because our presence on the global web is almost universal. In a word, the Internet has become part of our daily life.
Today we are discussing in the European Parliament one of the most important reports being debated during this plenary session.
It is an expression of political declarations, resolutions, Council declarations, Presidency conclusions, but such provisions are not binding.
Occurrences like this can be prevented when the Commission and Parliament take adequate action, as Mr Jarzembowski has said.
Therefore we have chosen to abstain.
The bonds that were managed by the Commission were issued at 2.5% and those that were managed by the intergovernmental system were put on the market at 2.89%.
The second is that it is utterly despicable to make political capital out of something like the disaster that occurred in Hungary, and to compare it with something entirely unconnected.
The debate is closed.
That subcommittee aims to facilitate dialogue within a context of mutual understanding, and respect for the positions of both parties, on all aspects of human rights and democracy, international and regional issues, in a comprehensive and non-exclusive way.
This is a smokescreen to make it appear that Europol officials' immunity will be limited when in fact Europol's powers will be extended after 2010 and the immunity of its officials will be even more far-reaching.
To give an example, that was why I declared the need to examine the social impact in all new legislation.
Could the Council elaborate a little on this point and give practical details as to how it will improve things for SMEs which are struggling to survive?
This is the role of this agency, and let us respect it.
It is reported that there are 1 460 000 internally displaced people, most of them facing violence, and let me give a voice to those who do not have a voice, those who suffer such violence.
Firstly, we have the more rapid development of the countries outside the Euro Zone than those within it.
We have a specific motion, that we do not discuss this matter today.
Regional cooperation and interaction among network operators help channel resources towards interconnectivity and diversification of supplies.
No less important for the country is the funding earmarked for measures aimed at modernising the energy sector, reducing harmful emissions, and at improving energy efficiency and savings.
Following in the footsteps of the European Parliament's excellent five-committee report of July, the Commission's vision of an integrated maritime policy for the Union and an action plan were fully endorsed by the European Council last week.
Their value comes from the identity process that they trigger.
Member of the Commission. - Reports by the WTO and the Commission's own monitoring show that there is no imminent risk of a generalised protectionist escalation.
(The sitting was closed at 11.10 p.m.)
Firstly this is because scientists are already saying that the provisions in this regulation are not enough to guarantee the recovery of stocks.
Why are we not effective?
The Commission fully shares your concern.
We knew that Europe's economy was in crisis.
They can mainly be traced back to Belgrade's image problem.
On one hand, this means not hiding behind regulations and 'business-as-usual' excuses, and, on the other hand, carefully evaluating the political opportunity and the consequences of increased transparency on the effectiveness of the dialogue and the readiness of third countries to engage in the dialogue in the first place.
I merely wish to point out that the Committee on Legal Affairs, on examining the legal principles, considered Article 95 to be the legal basis for the first part, and Articles 95 and 175 for the second part.
As a result, a number of risks were avoided, including the greatest risk of all, namely that the suspension clause would be triggered, which would have resulted in the suspension of the agreement and the annulment of the results of both stages of negotiations.
These politicians would, of course, need to be handsomely rewarded for their efforts.
(NL) Mr President, Commissioner Wallström has just talked about reaching the citizens.
Mr President, I will begin with some encouraging news.
(EL) Commissioner, thank you once again for your commitment to the promotion of women to positions of responsibility.
(PT) The number of workers affected by unemployment in Portugal is growing exponentially.
Cameroon is the largest African exporter of hardwoods to Europe, which purchases 80% of its production.
Does the Commission agree that the Council decisions in question ignore the clear position of the European Parliament and the relevant resolution?
I completely agree with Mr Engel and Mrs Rühle that we can only accept new legislation on the proviso that it offers a clear and recognisable advantage for the internal market.
The rules of democracy depend upon dialogue and non-violence and it is up to us to facilitate such an approach.
The Commission has established an effective mode of cooperation with all local actors working in Kosovo, including EULEX and the EU's Special Representative.
Many points were raised during the discussions and we had to base our work on everyone's strong sense of compromise.
Bearing in mind the results of dialogue over human rights between the EU and Georgia, which took place this year, the fact that Georgia has ratified a number of relevant international conventions on the protection of fundamental rights, its Membership of the Council of Europe and its participation in the Eastern Partnership, which is based on commitments to the principles of international law and to fundamental values, I voted in favour of signing this agreement.
This assistance would also favour the development of promising initiatives in the energy efficiency sector at the level of local authorities which, due to the recent crisis, have suffered a drastic reduction in revenue.
His compatriot Mr Mölzer alluded to Mr Hans-Peter Martin, his past and his conduct, and therefore pursuant to Rule 151 he has the right to reply.
Today there is something else at stake.
Azerbaijan should be supported in its democratic and human rights development within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership.
Naturally, the Presidency is in complete agreement with what Mr Brok says in his report about the External Action Service in fact being key to our common work to make European foreign policy into an active and more cohesive instrument to enable European policy to be viewed in a better light around the world.
Violence against women is a violation of human rights and an obstacle to their participation in social and political life, in public life and at work, preventing them being citizens with full rights.
I hope, therefore, that the President of the European Parliament will apologise to the Italian Government on behalf of us all.
There is no doubt that Turkey is a large Muslim country of huge strategic importance.
The damage now under discussion was the result of the large-scale flooding in the United Kingdom in June and July 2007.
We, the European Parliament, would like an agreement with the Council on the procedure for June/July.
12.
The Iraqi Government expressed its eagerness to work with the European Union.
In this context I would like to support both the reports.
We need a programme...
Given the stakes, there were important divergences of opinion between the Member States up to the very beginning of the European Council, both on the short-term issue of the financial stability mechanism but also on the medium-term issue of the Europe 2020 strategy.
The Council must unblock this situation so that we can have a credible resettlement system.
At such a difficult time of crisis therefore, I believe that particular attention should also be paid to these producers.
We know that in some of our key partners, the pace of change has slowed rather than accelerated.
The bad news is the public threat which the Foreign Minister, Mr Mottaki, recently made to the United Nations Security Council, when he said that if it adopted a new resolution on sanctions against Iran before the next IAEA report on the country's nuclear programme in March, there would be an appropriate and serious response from Tehran.
I wish to highlight paragraph 8 of the Rouček report, which enjoyed broad consensus within the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The need for a balanced mass media market should be recognised and supported by the Member States, which should commit themselves, both individually and collectively, to giving European citizens the opportunity of obtaining accurate and diverse information.
I need only add that I believe that the principles and rules applicable to Community funds, particularly those managed directly by the European institutions, must also apply, mutatis mutandis, to the other public funds, namely Community funds managed by the Member States.
(FR) Mr President, Commissioner, I thank you, but, in general, I hope that the Commission considers that the time is right to re-examine the guidelines on vertical restraints that you mentioned just now, since they are in fact already about 10 years old.
We need to discuss the structure of this crisis policy and the alleged policy of solidarity.
A draft law on a common economic allocation of costs is a bad idea since, at the end of the day, it will mean that citizens will pay for something they are not responsible for.
I voted in favour of the report and regret that agreement on what one would feel are issues that normally benefit from wide consensus was not achieved.
This is not fair and is, in my view, morally wrong.
The only stumbling block in this matter remains the horizontal issue of delegated acts.
I should like to make a brief statement concerning the proposed modifications, so that we all understand their importance with regard to achieving the objectives we have set out:
As regards biofuels, the EU needs to invest in research into the second generation of biofuels ...
As part of this process, we were able to resolve several contradictory positions judiciously and satisfactorily.
We voted against plans for the division of Kosovo and against any reversion to rule by Belgrade.
Furthermore, I voted for setting up energy efficiency funds at national, regional or local level.
(FR) Mr President, the rationale behind the European Institute of Technology is a fair one: namely that research is central to any economic progress.
When you construct a circuit, you have to stick to the engineer's plan.
Women played a leading, silent, underestimated even, role in the liberation movements, and I think it was essential to pay tribute to it in this text.
In our programme, in this green booklet which all Members received in the mail yesterday, you will find on page 25 that our priorities in relation to the Justice and Home Affairs Council include the common European asylum system.
Let us not be naïve.
I welcome the adoption of the national strategy for sustainable development, but more efforts need to be made towards enforcing legislation in the environmental field, and there needs to be adequate funding set aside for this purpose.
We cannot have more Europe for such limited funding in any of the areas to which the European Union allocates financial resources.
Today, the commander of the Turkish land forces was due to go to Cyprus and his presence is expected to create more problems for the peace negotiations.
The rule of law must also be guaranteed.
Even the directors of major banks no longer understand these opaque instruments.
In general, I welcome the proposals put forward to ensure improvements in national fiscal frameworks and to encourage Member States to make better fiscal decisions in the future.
The vote will take place tomorrow at 11:30.
At this point, I would like to ask you not to view the strategy for the Danube Region only in the terms outlined by many of the previous speakers, but also as an opportunity for cultural integration.
Most of the problems, or errors, are to be found in the public procurement dossier.
in writing. - (IT) I voted for the report by Mr Ehler on supporting early demonstration of sustainable power generation from fossil fuels.
This also means improved implementation and correct spending on EU money.
I would like to start by reminding the House what this common agricultural policy actually means to the vast majority of our nearly 500 million citizens.
We believe that the definition of lobbyists contained in the report is correct, although we should like more differentiation.
Despite the initial actions of President Yanukovych and the subsequent statements by the Ukrainian authorities about Ukraine's willingness to join the EU, to adopt European models for good governance, and to respect the human rights and civil liberties of its people, some caution is inevitably needed.
Attention should be drawn to the fact that in economic terms, certain areas in Europe itself are also becoming outermost regions.
The fact that these reactors are also capable of being powered by thorium, and our stocks of this material are 10 times higher than those of uranium, is another advantage.
And they would have good reason to: because we are not capable of responding to this feeling of inequality, injustice and insecurity.
(Applause)
Thus one of my concerns is the enormous confidence we have in ourselves in Europe.
I also agree with the report's statements in relation to legislation in this sector; that is, that this legislation should be proportional to the objective and that no legislation should be brought in until an assessment is made of the legislation's impact as regards its potential financial burden.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
Alongside the obvious benefits for the environment, this sector also offers opportunities for boosting economic growth and creating jobs.
The involvement of enterprises is an important way of making progress in the areas of equality between men and women at work, the gender pay gap, training, work-life balance and career development.
Is it reasonable - and Mr Rack, who was here just now, pointed this out, and I thank him for his speech - to avoid reimbursing passengers, a practice that happens everywhere, and especially in the United States, in particular when departures have been cancelled and when no information, or alternative transport, is provided?
Now we, the stronger economies, must once more offer these countries billions in aid, but this will be a mere sticking plaster for the short term.
One in five people do not know that HIV can be transmitted through sex without a condom.
I have abstained from voting on the report about Croatia, because the time pressure referred to in the report, in order to make Croatia ready for accession in the first half of 2010 is, in my opinion, not necessary.
The massacre caused defections in the army, the government and the diplomatic service.
In view of the importance to agriculture and, consequently, the economy and employment in the Portuguese Autonomous Regions of Madeira and the Azores, of the production of rum and eaux-de-vie respectively, as well as liqueurs in both regions, it is essential that the reduced rates of excise duty on these goods should continue to apply, as this will not lead to a situation of unfair competition within the internal market.
However, we must ensure that we maintain our production potential in order to supply the population with high quality foodstuffs.
This is why the European executive has to guarantee both legal certainty for the investors due to be affected by the transition process and equivalent investment conditions for companies from all the European Union's Member States.
I am pleased to note that the European Parliament, guarantor of universal freedom and rights, has at last come out in favour of a common policy to meet the needs of Member States in the fight against illegal immigration.
I hope that this can be taken up again in the next review.
I would also like to ask your opinion about what happens now, also from the market, in the sphere of derivatives and the over-the-counter market in order to create more central counterparties and a better system of supervision there.
The directive, if adopted by the Council - where unanimity is needed - will further consolidate the rights of people with disabilities at European level, which I trust is our common goal, both in the Council and in Parliament - certainly it is in the Commission.
(IT) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I think that this measure will mean that issues related to the Mediterranean are about to embark on an even more binding phase than has been achieved through the acts implemented to date.
For more than 80 years Turkey has not fulfilled the Treaty of Ankara, according to which it owes Bulgaria USD 10 billion.
This future will most likely be organised around different patterns of production, consumption and behaviour.
It is not by chance - and I have repeated this in the written conclusions that you have read - that we want to link the budgetary discussion, effectively in its legal framework of the Stability and Growth Pact, to economic reforms.
It is very likely that ICCAT will decide to penalise the Community, and then we in turn would have to penalise those Member States that are at fault.
Parliament also reaffirms its view on the need for increased levels of funding for forest protection measures through the rural development pillar of the common agricultural policy, particularly given the new challenges entailed in climate change.
This report results from initiatives by Member States under Article 169, which is co-funded by the Commission to the tune of EUR 150 million over five years.
Thankfully, this proposal was today rejected by the majority of the Member States.
These are questions to which we still need answers, and I hope that we will get them.
Let me remind him that what we are talking about here is regional development.
For a decade, they have been systematically discriminated against and threatened with assimilation and death, and their identity is in danger.
The next day, celebrations erupted in Times Square and Piccadilly Circus; cheering crowds danced along the Champs-Elysées and the town squares throughout the allied world.
It was a plan associated with a myth.
However, at this summit we will, of course, find that other things will be discussed, and I would like to pick up on what the President of the Commission said.
This will not mean lower growth, but growth that is more sustainable in the long term.
By and large, then, this is a good regulation.
Because it is not for us to be self-righteous.
It is vital to adjust milk production to European domestic demand so as to guarantee producers a fair price.
Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that negotiations with third countries and with the World Trade Organisation pose a serious threat to the future of agricultural and livestock production in the European Union.
The first concerns a reduction target: some fellow members are saying that this is simply not possible.
I would like to say that, since 2007, the market has been developing positively, and in fact this is giving producers some respite, and even enabling them to invest in their farms, which was unthinkable until now.
Contracts belong to the market and to the state, to economics and politics, both of which are arenas of competition.
Mr President, as one of only 13 Members of this House who will have the opportunity to vote on a referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon, I am satisfied to give it my support.
We preach conservation, yet the common fisheries policy has created an ecological calamity, wiping out what ought to have been a great, renewable resource.
This crisis will only be overcome when those who have now become unemployed get their jobs back again, and when those who, as yet, have not had any work are able to work.
Accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Convention of 23 July 1990 on the elimination of double taxation in connection with the adjustment of profits of associated enterprises (
Despite already being the object of resolutions of this Parliament, the last of which was in 2010, the old request that the country of origin be marked and that information be made available about the origin of various goods has been postponed.
The term 'low-carbon economy' is now being presented as a compromise formula for this Parliament.
How would this mindset be defined?
We were the most active of all the political delegations there, and there were more European parliamentarians than any others.
I think that proves the value of European cooperation.
Secondly, and in reply to the second question, the Council would remind the honourable Member that the 'Nord Stream' project is a private project being carried out by 'Nord Stream AG' as a joint venture.
It will therefore be essential for us to avoid such controversial errors when formulating these agreements in the future, and I hope that the Commission will manage that, as we definitely cannot consider the current document to be satisfactory, particularly in the area of personal data protection.
Many viable enterprises still have difficulty accessing credit at a reasonable rate from the banks.
The next item is the debate on the oral question by Klaus-Heiner Lehne, on behalf of the Committee on Legal Affairs, to the Commission on the report on the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 2157/2001 of 8 October 2001 on the Statute for a European company (SE) - B7-0211/2009)
It is not easy to maintain the procedure we implemented last year with Mrs Haug as rapporteur and with the substantial involvement of the specialist committees.
They are also asking, if at all possible, for the injustice of 2004 to be restored and for the 50% tobacco subsidy to continue under the first pillar, but only from 2010, in order to support their income.
The Member States' declarations are a step in that direction.
Evidently, following the events in Kosovo, the voice of the international community is undoubtedly weaker and far less credible, but diplomatic efforts must be stepped up to bring about a credible and concrete solution.
We always work with the courts of auditors in the Member States and with the national auditors by cooperating with one another and trusting one another.
Ladies and gentlemen, we as politicians are increasingly called upon to address the challenge of energy problems.
Voting time (continuation)
21.
It has already been deferred once, before the elections.
It must guarantee protection of the right of asylum.
For those cases the Commission will not hesitate to launch infringement proceedings.
What will this mean for my country, for example?
What is more, the Orthodox Church, for example, is still unable to choose its Patriarch freely and irrespective of nationality, and there are ever more attempts to place restrictions on clerics as regards wearing their priestly garb in public.
As a result of the debate, the Ministers asked the Commission to push ahead with work on a report on the implementation of the Directive since it entered into force on 1 July 2005.
No, the entire European Union and this region surrounding the Black Sea and the South Caucasus must work together in terms of a partnership - as others, too, have already stated - in order to resolve the common problems that exist: the political problems, e.g. in terms of stability, migration, and of course also economic problems, and here I am simply thinking of energy transit.
The first is the need to adopt a more qualitative approach in respect of the implementation of the Internal Market Scoreboard, enabling the causes of the transposition deficit to be identified.
This figure has decreased from 2 034 in 2007, but most of the releases were due to completion of sentence.
The railways proved not to be a viable alternative.
In view of this change, the Committee on Transport and Tourism decided to draw up an own-initiative report with the aim of setting out some general principles on how air agreements should be evaluated, covering both their substance and the procedures the Committee might adopt to ensure it is well informed throughout the course of negotiations, and has an opportunity to express its priorities well before being confronted with the yes/no choice of consent.
There are still many flaws in the methods used, as the rapporteur points out.
Together, ladies and gentlemen, we can show the citizens of Europe that we are assuming responsibility and demonstrate the emergence of a modern, diverse society.
However, it seems that, perhaps especially during the last two years, some of the funds have been used by beneficiary countries to improve the current result on the budgetary side, although not for implementation in accordance with the area envisaged for financial support.
Subject: Sex offenders
(PT) Mr President, Mr Jouyet, Mr Barrot, ladies and gentlemen, unlike the previous speaker, I am clearly against Fortress Europe and therefore support active policies to admit economic migrants.
Draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2010 as modified by the Council (vote)
Removing internal borders does not guarantee freedom of movement for European citizens; rather, it creates insecurity and produces unmanageable population and migration trends within the EU, both in the countries of origin and of destination.
I believe that the problem of counterfeit medicines in Europe is a serious one and the European Parliament, by adopting the report, is sending out a clear message to the Commission that only effective cooperation and the effective enforcement of sanctions will make it possible to reduce this practice.
In short, we are expecting an additional impetus to the efforts in this area.
Mr President, the main responsibility for closure of Guantánamo Bay and the resettlement of detainees undoubtedly lies with the US Government.
Thank you very much.
Situation of Burmese refugees in Thailand
It must also be applied correctly and across sectors in tackling the effects of the crisis through creating new 'green' jobs in competitive enterprises.
It could also represent a new source of funding for cleaner forms of transport such as rail and waterways.
I would like to point out that the European Court of Human Rights has already stated that in asylum cases, no one can be sent back to Greece, for example, because the conditions in prisons there are so poor.
The report asked for reform of international aid, elimination of opium poppy cultivation, better coordination of police training, and support for the peace process.
In accordance with the Frontex Regulation, Frontex has set up a centralised record of available technical equipment, known as CRATE.
The negotiated agreement reflects by and large the structure of a conventional aviation safety agreement; it is based on mutual trust in each other's systems and on the comparison of regulatory differences.
This is a good opportunity for the legislators, the interested parties and the Commission to exchange their points of view and to debate the elements to be included in the two other proposals to come.
Today, another Georgian President is addressing you with the same message of love for European ideas and values.
The risk of state bankruptcy has not been eliminated, but despite the weekly meetings and summits of leaders and finance ministers, a clear solution has not yet been put in place.
The tobacco subsidy must not be continued, as this Parliament wishes.
I therefore think it is very positive that the EU is now incorporating a chapter on sustainable development, which will include CSR clauses, into future trade agreements.
Do you not agree that, in this case, waste should be seen, not so much as a problem, but as an opportunity?
We must absolutely stop tolerating Roma parents forcing their children to beg, taking them out of educational activities to do so.
Each and every country's situation is assessed carefully, transparently and following the provisions of the regulations.
We support moves towards supporting a lasting peace, the provision of humanitarian aid to victims and reconstruction efforts.
Regarding patients suffering from rare diseases, I understand that you are looking for the best approach in order for them to benefit from the health care they need, but sometimes the best is the enemy of the good.
The European Parliament would actually like to further reinforce that policy.
No debate was allowed before these most important votes (dealing with the fundamental rights of an MEP) were taken.
Culture also has economic value.
This will not be without consequences for the country's economic situation.
I believe it would be premature, Meglena, to say that you will have the solid backing of Parliament on this matter.
Please eliminate these dangerous attitudes from your strategy documents.
They have spoken of the millions of deaths and cases of rape and abuse against the civilian population.
(ES) Mr President, tomorrow the European Parliament will adopt a resolution on Iran which will be supported by our political Group.
Today, 25 countries have all but completed the process of ratifying the Treaty of Lisbon.
I am also concerned about the plans for Monsanto to take over the Dutch seed company De Ruiter, a firm that is amongst the top ten in the world.
The EU also aims to plunder peoples and countries, either independently or, where that is not possible, with the assistance of the USA and ΝΑΤΟ.
Furthermore, do you think that ECOWAS and the African Union have sufficient capacity to deal with this problem?'
It is no longer a question of risk groups and that the rest of us need not worry: it is an issue for the general population - young people, women.
My opinion, as the rapporteur, is that this is against the general logic of the whole regulation.
We have no opportunity to intervene in this agreement: we are simply assessing it and giving our opinion.
Special promotions for schoolchildren should include a range of healthy organic products in addition to fruit.
I understood that one of the key issues is the use of ICT by the silver generation and I do agree with that.
After months of waiting for better milk prices, the European Commission has finally taken emergency measures to save dairy producers.
The Commission is also seeking to clarify the scope of some of the measures financed and to improve the wording of certain articles.
Big challenges remain in the single market.
We have also increased the transparency initiatives for data and SMS on the package which is now on the table in the European Parliament.
Furthermore, legal certainty must be ensured for small and medium-sized enterprises, creating favourable conditions for them to invest in foreign markets.
We also expect the European Commission to play a very active role in the further development of the EU 2020 strategy.
I therefore want to say that it would be good to show the same effort and persistence, and also concern, with regard to other global problems that are fundamentally ignored or merely confined to a list of chronic concerns: elimination of curable diseases, protection of soil and habitats, exhaustion of finite resources, especially hydrocarbons, and so on.
Violence against lesbians and LGBT rights in Africa (
In this respect, I am highly appreciative of Commissioner Barnier's strong commitment to take into account citizens' concerns and aspirations.
In exchange for a EUR 78 billion loan, a country where the minimum wage is not even EUR 500 will face cuts in wages and pensions, and the closure of public services, as well as being forced to give up national companies and resources.
The approach of the need for additional airport capacities in Europe should be part of a strategy for the development of the passenger and goods air transport, not only in a European and continental context, but also an a larger scale.
But, as Ms Ferreira's report rightly makes clear, market instruments must not be seen as a replacement for other forms of environmental standards and regulation.
To do so, it is essential to introduce national and European social protection policies.
Smooth cooperation between the European Union and the Council of Europe is crucial for ensuring the success of the Agency.
(RO) I would like to add to what my fellow Member said by saying that when we talk about intelligent cities, it is important for us to invest more in energy efficiency in residential buildings.
It is much cheaper to discharge something illegally into the sea.
We need, at the heart of the proposals which you recently presented, Commissioner, to adopt rules to regulate transactions which are highly obscure and, as such, subject to increased systemic risk, such as the market in over-the-counter derivatives and naked options.
It could be that the European Commission has allowed itself to be led astray by Mr Gaddafi's pretty face, but I do not trust that man one inch.
The latest round of human rights consultations, as I said, takes place today and will certainly also provide an opportunity to clearly mention those concerns.
Who is primarily responsible for this situation?
(FR) Madam President, I did not really want to speak on this report, but just to add a point that is particularly close to my heart and which I have raised on several occasions at the ACP meetings.
Information about the condition of the soil that is accessible to the public would be one of the fruits of the new legislation, which would finally protect people and farmers instead of polluters.
The resolution goes even further - it proposes subsidising the poorest countries.
It is a project which offers benefits for everyone: consumers, because they will soon be able to go shopping all round Europe with the backing of European contract law, and companies, because with this greater legal certainty, they will be able to tap into new markets, and as there will be a uniform set of rules, they will be able to achieve substantial cost savings.
This started with the Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid.
It is therefore essential to encourage such actions, to demonstrate the benefits they will bring and to support initiatives already taken.
The attempt to introduce into Polish legislation the possibility of unrestricted access to abortion is something which is not natural, and it is obvious that this will provoke opposition.
There is justified concern - concern that the border control personnel will search everything from computers to MP3 players.
Yet again we are waving through this budget despite all the errors in it and thereby betraying those who put us here, who are our constituents and also our taxpayers, because the majority of people in this house take a 'Europe right or wrong attitude' and would rather see things being badly done by Brussels than competently done by the Member States.
If Commissioner McCreevy is not prepared to regulate all financial institutions, then he should be forced to step aside.
Furthermore, just to be perfectly clear: more cabotage can lead to more efficient road transport, which is good for both the economy and the environment, and must by all means be encouraged, therefore.
This report is a significant contribution to a truly efficient control system.
The role of the national parliaments and the European Parliament, as the only elected bodies, will be weakened and the powers of central executive bodies will be strengthened.
This response should involve creating jobs with rights, promoting work and workers, and penalising employers that cut back on prevention and protection measures for workers in order to boost their profits.
Above all, how does the Republic of Moldova acquit itself of its responsibility for these breaches of the most basic fundamental rights?
Thank you for your comments.
I think, too, that enhanced cooperation can become an instrument which opens the way to further negotiations while also giving greater guarantee of success.
We will see, but that is what he predicted.
I would like to thank them for the work they have done, and for participating in the various alliances that have done credit to our Parliament.
We will correct all the translations so that they are in harmony with the original texts.
The only solution there can be is dialogue between the parties to the conflict, with the help of international mediation.
Subject: EU measures to combat unemployment
I shall also pay special attention to the mechanisms used to establish origin, so that this does not become a competitive disadvantage for European producers against their competitors.
How should we handle this situation?
If we do not do this, it will be difficult to take seriously the European Union's ambition to be a global player.
Many decades prior to the actual founding of the World Trade Organisation, Europe called for the creation of such an organisation for trade.
in writing. - The report of Marianne Mikko reflects very well on the general tendencies in the media in the European Union, pointing out an extremely important aspect in paragraph 35, regarding public broadcasting services.
Does the Turkish Government really want to set the Republic on a new democratic foundation?
Recent political developments in Hungary (motions for resolutions tabled): see Minutes
I have already had the opportunity to debate with you several times on how to make the banks pay for the costs of the crisis.
My Irish EPP-ED colleagues and myself appeal to all Member States to maintain readily available nationwide postal services or to set up such services in countries where they are not provided at present.
I voted in favour of Mr Dess's report, which is a document of strategic importance for European agriculture.
One of the principles that comes out of the report is recognising, as a starting point for any analysis, the multiple causes and forms of this type of crime that exist.
The citizens of the contracting parties may stay in each other's territory for a maximum period of three months during a six-month period following the date of first entry.
That is real democracy.
in writing. - In 2001, the Doha Round negotiations had an objective to lower trade barriers around the world, permitting free trade between countries of varying prosperity.
I am saying what I think: this directive is also from another era, from before the crisis.
That cannot be right.
Unfortunately, we have awoken too late.
It will therefore be imperative to ensure that the proposed manual of national enforcement laws and practices is kept updated and that the information is provided in easy-to-use format and that it should be written in an accessible language.
We are looking into that, and it is a little outside this debate.
I voted in favour of the Hübner report on the proposal for a Council decision authorising Portugal to apply reduced rates of excise duty in the autonomous region of Madeira on locally produced and consumed rum and liqueurs and in the autonomous region of the Azores on locally produced and consumed liqueurs and eaux-de-vie.

I think this is the most important thing we should think about, and it is, to a great extent, our role to do so.
We also voted in favour of Article 116, but this does not mean that mandatory legal consequences would be derived from it.
That is why we are now completing the feasibility study on the basis of which we shall dare to look into the ranking of universities, the mapping of universities and the standards of universities in order to give students more informed choices.
Mr President, I have to say there are people who do, and there are people who talk.
It is undoubtedly one way of strengthening this democracy, and also the citizenship or European demos referred to by Mr Casini, who is, moreover, Chair of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Citizens' Rights, which will, for the most part, be dealing with this initiative.
Mr President, we stand at the beginning of a new era, and perhaps we should pose ourselves three questions: who, how and what?
What is happening in Libya is completely unacceptable, and the international community has to take more concrete measures that mean automatic suspensions for all types of attacks on civilians.
Let us therefore take action.
This is why I am calling for the national equality plans to be updated and for flexible rules that meet the needs of men and women to the same degree.
We hope that the Commissioner will be making some strong proposals on that point.
However, the other political priorities must not, under any circumstances, be called into question.
I shall try to answer a couple of questions that have been put to me.
Others are not.
The celebrations and salutations surrounding President Obama are making people delude themselves about the policy of imperialism.
Jeer on if you like, but have you noticed that on the bond markets this morning Greek bonds are trading 233 basis points higher than German bonds?
In my opinion, the EU is not a state - and it should not become one either.
From a moral standpoint, it is unacceptable to give an opt-out on such an issue.
It is not the case, as some people claim, that this has all been agreed in haste without any discussion - like many of the other arguments, this is patently untrue.
We are going to have to justify this to the taxpayers and voters in our home countries.
However, with increasing commercial cultivation and genetically modified crops in the EU and imports of genetically modified food and feed, adventitious presence through gene flow and admixture becomes unavoidable.
But for many years of our collaboration in the Middle East, we all know well that quick fixes do not count.
These refugees cannot return to Eritrea and cannot remain in a transit country: the only solution is resettlement.
It is time to move away from the use of historical payments.
Although Mr Horáček, who now apparently wants to solve the governmental crisis in the Czech Republic, says here that we should not prioritise the energy issue over human rights, nobody is actually doing that.
That is why, as I said to Mr Belet, I have personally listened carefully to the concerns that you have unanimously expressed and I will relay them to the Commission President and to my colleagues.
I should like to make a couple of comments, however.
It would be interesting to do a check how many actually do.
We take the warning about European talent seriously.
In fact, we are ultimately in a state of permanent schizophrenia: everywhere, companies are relocating, social rights are being called into question, environmental degradation is increasing and, at the same time, we are negotiating free trade agreements, we are negotiating within the World Trade Organisation (WTO) a whole series of measures which, unfortunately, are totally out of step with the public debate in which our citizens are trying to engage.
The police were sent after him despite the fact that his parliamentary immunity had not been rescinded.
(IT) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we are all here to assess a text that certainly contains a few gaps, since I think that - as is often said in this House - we all wanted something more ambitious.
With all the MEPs walking around it is, truly, very difficult; I have a lot of respect for Parliament, but it seems to me truly impossible to be able to speak under these circumstances.
We have no choice.
Therefore, I am calling on you once again to consider for yourself how you can draft a better media law, which is in line with the Hungarian revolution and the spirit of that revolution.
in writing. - We share the concern of the resolution about the effects of climate change on the sustainability of the communities that inhabit the Arctic area as well as the effects on the natural habitat, and we recognise the significance of the Arctic for the global climate and therefore the Arctic as a common concern.
Parliament's estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2010 (debate)
Next, we will be looking to sub-Saharan Africa and, eventually, everyone will be coming here.
Farmers must not be punished for this by shifting the funds to other areas.
To this end, it is necessary to support education so that there will not be obstacles to Roma children learning alongside other children in European schools.
Most of the poorest countries in the world are doing badly, just as badly as 40 years ago, if not worse.
To allow the new NEAFC scheme to be implemented, the proposal envisages the subsequent repeal of Council Regulation (EC) No 2791/1999 of 16 December 1999, which implemented the first scheme adopted by NEAFC in 1998.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, we know that the Single Euro Payments Area represents a genuine challenge to small and medium-sized enterprises.
In Ireland, for example, there are 50 000 listed carers to cater for Ireland's 44 000 sufferers.
In other words, I would like to express my disagreement with the method used by the Commission to transpose the recommendations of regional fisheries organisations.
The economic recovery is now in progress but it is still fragile and not self-sustaining.
Why, though, ban flights in Belgium when the cloud was in Norway?
We should indeed bear in mind that secure energy supplies are of vital interest to hundreds of millions of Europe's citizens.
It is a European punishment mechanism, with the International Monetary Fund playing bad cop.
It takes into account the rapporteur's call for a double-track approach that might lead to an EU TFTP, even if this is, of course, something that we have to discuss internally in the EU.
Apart from the impassioned debate among experts regarding variations in flavour, there is also an environmental argument.
Life has changed.
There is a growing risk of nuclear technology falling into the hands of criminal and terrorist organisations.
On account of the European Parliament elections at the beginning of June we had very little time available for preparing and discussing budget proposals, and even less time to look for compromises.
These changes, in fact, strengthen the democratic legitimacy of the Union's institutions.
The European budget has its own credibility which is all about commitments and accomplished projects paying out.
Now, the London Times reports that Baroness Ashton suddenly wants to drop the EU arms embargo against China, which was imposed because of the massacre in Tiananmen Square, saying it is 'a major impediment to developing stronger EU-China cooperation'.
If Parliament wants to take its call for respect for human rights seriously, it should take a clearer stand in favour of Christians persecuted in Iran.
Moreover, I am convinced that it is appropriate to foster a learning culture which acknowledges merit and improves the employment prospects of poorly qualified people, helps increase social inclusion and personal development.
From the point of view of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, the Reform Treaty legalizes the procedure of co-decision, which is already used in the field of maritime and air navigation and provides a legal basis for the European Parliament to be able to propose support actions for consolidating the identity of the tourism sector.
On the continent of Europe there are about one hundred million poor people in the Union, and in Hungary there are about three million people living below the poverty threshold whose difficult situation is exacerbated by the effect both of price increases for food containing fruit and of meat shortages.
As far as on-call time is concerned, I feel that it is unfair that the 'inactive period during on-call time' is not considered as working time and, by implication, is not paid.
Progress needs to be made with the process of European integration in order to overcome this event.
I agree with those of you who have said that the multilateral system is important and necessary, because of the fact that it is only within the multilateral system that we can discipline, for example, trade-distorting domestic support and all other non-trade concerns.
Very briefly I would highlight the main recommendations of the report.
I am asking whether the people and the place where the solidarity movement began - the fall of the Berlin Wall, the liberation of Europe - must fall victim to arbitrary decisions taken in Brussels in the interests of speculators who are looking to make their fortunes out of the rubble and soil of the shipyards.
It will therefore be essential - including and above all in such cases -, to ensure the provision of guarantee mechanisms for setting aside adequate financial resources required to tackle both ordinary and extraordinary requirements.
It is thus with pleasure and a strong spirit of supportiveness that I speak today in the Chamber in favour of the report by Mr Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra.
We in our generation look back at ancient régime Europe and we wonder how such a system could have existed.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I endorse the work accomplished by Mrs Lynne.
I think, sadly, the only way we will see the end to the Zanu-PF Mugabe dictatorship is when he is actually taken out in a coffin.
Documents received: see Minutes
In addition it has to be linked with policies that help poor countries to develop, through agriculture in particular.
On the security side, a rapid approach is essential.
Added to this, there is interference by the political powers that still exist in many countries, and which is a cause for concern.
In Europe, we have first-class research.
The danger is that, if it expands its activities too far into supporting commercial banks and governments - as has been suggested - then its enviable high credit rating may be downgraded, like some of our governments.
We also believe that it is crucial to introduce the mandatory adoption of environmentally friendly technologies to the largest extent possible.
It would perhaps also be a move towards the Council to create trust: trust not only with regard to the discharge, but in other areas, too, and therefore we are able to agree to this proposal.
This is what we are doing.
Respect must be guaranteed for all minorities' rights in accordance with European standards, including Russians, Poles, Tatars, Bulgarians, Greeks, Romanians, Hungarians, Jews and Roma.
We have spent everything, we have exhausted our treasuries, we have exhausted our credit, and now the House comes along and says that we need to spend more.
In any case, the Council will discuss this topic further, taking into account the report approved by the European Parliament.
There are still many unhealed wounds in Central and Eastern Europe that can be exploited for the wrong reasons.
It does not bother me personally, but what I have asked for many times in this Chamber is that there is an even application of the rules to everybody.
(EL) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, we live in a world where everyone, governments, private companies and criminals alike, seek the greatest possible access to our electronic data, in the most unrestricted way possible.
Land and sea enterprises must be strengthened so that we can at least withstand the massive influx of illegal immigrants.
We have pointed it out on numerous occasions, but have not received any satisfactory answers.
On the basis of our good experience with the SET plan, with energy research funding and with the economic recovery plan, I trust that we will produce a good proposal for infrastructure and that you will support it so that, in the next decade, sufficient European funding with added value for appropriate European measures in the areas of infrastructure and research will be provided.
It must be emphasised that we cannot impose more requirements for Romania and Bulgaria than we have done in the case of the previous Schengen accession.
Everybody knows that, and it is time to stop this game of hide-and-seek with the Government of Khartoum.
I welcome the report's proposals to adapt the Statute of the Ombudsman in order to eliminate any possible uncertainty concerning the capacity of the Ombudsman to conduct thorough and impartial inquiries in alleged cases of maladministration.
An agreement on this strategic initiative is very welcome because it sends the right signal: a signal of our determination to respond to the financial crisis, to strengthen financial supervision and to improve the standard assessing process for financial reporting and auditing.
After all, the national reform programmes are implemented at regional level, the level at which we mainly deploy our Structural and Cohesion Funds, as well as the Seventh Framework Programme.
Only through an ambitious budget will economic recovery be possible in Europe.
I now appeal to the Commission, as well as the Presidency, to ensure that the European Union speaks with one voice, and that it be made an issue of EU-Russian, rather than bilateral relations.
In the 2008 report, the focus will be on the potential of the baby boom cohorts.
We have heard our fellow Member who said that we adopted similar reports on the inequalities of women 30 years ago.
One of the outcomes to emerge from the working group on internal reform, of which I was a part, and that we originally considered positive, was the proposal to strengthen the powers and the role of the Committee on Petitions in a truly significant manner.
The money has to come, essentially, from national budgets.
Madam President, if these agreements signed between governments or parliaments do not touch the hearts and souls of the peoples and citizens of Europe, they will be exceptionally short-lived and completely unsuccessful.
The European Union stated at the last Association Council with Israel very recently its desire to set up a formal subcommittee on human rights.
Low pay, lack of accessible services such as childcare, and social exclusion are issues which are all too common within rural communities.
The political situation of that country, which is very unstable, is extremely worrying.
These are good enough reasons alone for the Social Democrats to accept the result.
You are placing a burden on the public coffers and budgets on the one hand and protecting private assets on the other.
They demand a referendum.
Last - but maybe not least - what was said about out-of-court settlements.
I look forward to your debate.
However, a democratic transition will never succeed without real opposition leaders.
Eight days after the September 11 attack, I told a group of thousands of university students in my country that they cannot allow the tragedy of 9/11 to end our way of life, because that is exactly what the terrorists sought.
Taking a hard line obviously does not mean depriving the Mauritanians of food and humanitarian aid.
I should like to point out that the scientific community feels that there is no threat of extinction to species in the family Coralliidae, given the abundance of this species in all waters in which they live.
I am worried.
It is a concrete example of mechanisms where the functioning of the European institutions becomes inscrutable for citizens.
However, the most important thing in the face of the financial crisis we have lately been observing with great anxiety and unsuccessfully trying to fight is to ensure financial stability.
This will result in a negative political outcome for the EU.
In relation to this, does the Commission agree that, despite the common EU regulations in force today, Member States are still not able to moderate the gambling of their citizens, in spite of the use of bans, for example?
I voted in favour.
It is therefore important for us to call for a definitive system of VAT rates and to clearly point out that a review of the VAT Directive should use the single market strategy as a guideline rather than the separate interests of the individual countries.
With this in mind, the EU must step up its diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflicts and encourage dialogue and reconciliation in the region.
For the European Parliament, and in the opinion of our fellow members Messrs Brok, Barón Crespo and Duff, whom I would like to thank most warmly, the assessment of the IGC is in line with expectations and the agenda set by the heads of state and government has, generally speaking, been respected.
In addition to food production, agriculture also makes a significant contribution to preserving the cultural landscape.
This is precisely the kind of Europe that we, the PPE Group, defend and promote.
(NL) Madam President, my original speaking time was unfairly cut short as it approached the two-and-a-half-minute limit, but the conclusion of my argument was that you cannot create change through foreign interventions or other forms of military violence.
The EU should support small agricultural producers in order for them to benefit from higher income from their work.
Several Member States were unwilling to seek a solution; the Portuguese representatives, however, did not hesitate.
Taking into account these conditions, I firmly support proposals 71 and 72 which recommend a 'congestion' factor should not be included in the directive.
Explanations of vote
It is also true, however, that there are 800 million Chinese and 700 million Indians who are eager to get a decent minimum income and to demand greater social justice.
(LT) I would also like to underline our rapporteur's excellent work and ability to find a suitable compromise.
Today, it has to be said that everyone recognises that Mr Mubarak was a dictator, whereas only a month ago few people, including in the European Parliament, stood up to assert that fact.
I would appeal to the Commission to comply with European law and stop interfering in labour market issues in Ireland.
On the other hand, it is apparent that the socio-economic profit from this increase in trade is very modest, perhaps 3-5 per mille of GNP, which is a one-off profit.
My second point is this.
On the external aspects of the principles of good governance in tax matters, all actions mentioned in the communication should be promoted, with special attention to those related to developing countries.
That the application of the regulation has somewhat improved, has been simplified and has speeded up cooperation between the courts on the taking of evidence in civil and commercial cases.
This makes a mockery of freedom of expression and the right of free assembly.
The package that we are voting on today includes provisions that go absolutely in the direction one would wish for the development of the telecommunications market, in an orderly fashion and for the benefit of everybody: a European regulation entrusted to a Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) with mixed financing, without a veto; a balance between competition and the need for new investment - functional separation is limited to exceptional cases; a desire to focus attention on public services in spectrum management; new services; new freedom of access; and, thanks to Mr Harbour in particular, a considerable increase in the rights of consumers.
With regard to the stability pact, I note certain contradictions in the Commission's position.
To vote on the amendments would have entailed endorsing existing EU legislation (which we don't want either) and a nit-picking exercise in order to decide which bits were worse than others.
I congratulate Bairbre de Brún on this own-initiative report, which describes the positive results and best practice gained from this EU programme.
The French company Eutelsat, which facilitates NTDTV satellite broadcasts, suddenly discontinued these television broadcasts over Asia on 16 June 2008, clearly under pressure from the Chinese Communist Party.
The construction of gas pipelines to ease greatly Europe's dependency on energy is inconceivable without the active cooperation of the states in the region.
For example, the way in which the Commission and Parliament continue to build on the Treaty of Lisbon, which has died a political and legal death since the referendum in Ireland, makes a mockery of all legal rules.
The world economy has not yet reached the bottom.
Following the victory of the left in 2006, the problem miraculously disappeared.
By hinting that it is not only cars, but also buses and railways, and so on that are produced, Commissioner Verheugen gave an important hint.
It is also important that societal stakeholders are more strongly represented.
This is 75% more than other types of bus, and represents an average of almost five accidents per day or more than five accidents per year for each 'bendy bus' in London's fleet.
We have proposed a line for the next steps, because this can only be a first step.
At the moment, we should focus our efforts on avoiding future conflicts and resolving ongoing tensions peacefully, as this is the only way to long-term prosperity and stability in the region.
Evidently, the European Union must carry out a political assessment of the sanctions.
Vice-President of the Commission. - The dangers of the Internet and the development of the Internet constitute a huge issue.
It would be a very good thing, Members of the Commission and of the Council, if tomorrow at the spring Council this binding principle could be agreed upon once and for all.
However, there is a problem with both the energy package and the climate package as it has been presented, and that is in combination with the situation of SMEs.
The reason suggested is that the Commission has already promised to start drafting proposals on it.
Dialogue between Russia and the EU should be extended to all sectors and we should move towards a strategic partnership for our common future.
I would have liked us to have reached speedy agreement on this with the Council, but that has not been possible.
I am concerned because a large number of EU leaders are already talking in favour of a return to business as usual in the EU's relations with Russia.
There is no arithmetical link.
This is very much to be welcomed, as Parliament will now be better able to do justice to its role as the representative of the EU's citizens.
Like many of my colleagues here, therefore, I am truly disappointed to see some of the amendments tabled to an otherwise good and important report.
I particularly appreciate the fact that the report deals with the demands to be made with respect to buildings.
on behalf of the EFD Group. - Mr President, Guantánamo is important, but let us put it in perspective.
We are expecting a great deal from this project, including the development of environmentally sound mobility, away from roads and onto ships, the switching of goods transport to the railways, modernisation and clustering of industrial structures in appropriate places, cooperation in environmental matters and tourism - ecotourism in particular is desired - and, of course, the prioritising of research and development, and a lot more besides.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (NL) On behalf of the PSE Group, a word of thanks to the rapporteurs, the Commission's officials and the Slovenian Presidency.
- (SK) Madam President, I would like to stress that tuberculosis is far from being eradicated, and we see here that nearly two million people a year are succumbing to this serious disease.
The Gazprom monopoly in Central Europe is being maintained at the cost of the common market, at the cost of competition and, finally, at the cost of consumers' rights.
The FAO reaches similar conclusions and the UN's special rapporteur, Mr Ziegler, describes the massive production of biofuels as a crime against humanity.
This is why I salute the recent interventions of president Sarkozy and of the French presidency as well as of other European leaders who have referred to the need to make such a reform.
I would like ask the Commission or the President-in-Office of the Council why Canada and the United States do not accept this solution?
In the long term, this situation can only upset the balance between the productive population and those who are past that stage.
While volunteering takes place in many sectors, there are structural specificities regarding the field of sport.
Moreover, it is important to mention that the number of asylum applicants depends directly on the political, economic and social situation in the countries of origin of the asylum applicants.
To my knowledge nothing like this has ever happened in the whole of the time that European Parliament has awarded the Sakharov Prize.
Consequently, the countries that do not wish to become the incinerators for the whole of Europe should do everything in their power to make sure that this provision is removed from the directive.
My question to you is as follows: can we expect to be given a mandate to negotiate a new agreement on the transfer of data records before or during the summer?
For many methods have been used there - from submerging prisoners' heads in water to depriving them of sleep for many nights.
We should not tamper with that date or the emission limit.
Aid should be allocated as a priority to those ACP countries that wish to maintain their banana sector because of the latter's impact on their country's sustainable development.
Also the report expresses our regret that parliaments (European Parliament, JPA and national parliaments of the ACP countries) were not consulted by the Member States and had no input in the decision-making process leading to the identification of the areas and articles for revision and to the establishment of the negotiating mandate.
in writing. - (SV) Past experience shows that the EU does not manage disaster assistance well.
While I am in favour of increasing the efficiency with which the mutual recognition principle is implemented, it must not affect the single market's base of further harmonisation.
Mrs Oomen-Ruijten's report is based on the Commission Green Paper submitted in July 2010 and on the issues that this Institution has raised for debate with regard to the adequacy and sustainability of European pension systems.
Serbia must therefore be an equally serious partner for us as the other stable countries of the region, in order for us, in open dialogue and through good cooperation, to help the inhabitants of the country integrate as soon as possible and as well as possible into the community of free, democratic European countries.
(CS) All levels of government, starting with local authorities, must save.
In the end, you have to decide whether you want to have European solidarity or whether you want to give in to armchair politics.
Of course, I, too, accept that some national delegations are seeking to improve their position on the league table, but it transpires that all such proposals are mutually contradictory.
Therefore, I call upon European institutions to establish consistent priorities and to give massive support to setting up public services with strong commitment from the future Haitian Government.
However, one important conclusion of the debate should be to support the responsible and safe administration of the savings of our citizens, and to eliminate all speculative and risky transactions in which the savings or future pensions of small savers disappear into the pockets of speculators.
This is now coming, finally, to fruition.
As already mentioned, the Convention promotes dignified living and working conditions for fishermen, health and safety in the workplace, adequate rest periods, crew list, repatriation, recruitment, pay, and social security.
They were confirmed in January, when Baroness Ashton failed to visit Haiti to show European solidarity or to attend the Montreal donor conference, where her presence was required in order to coordinate EU aid and the aid of the Member States.
Few women are members of the decision-making bodies of European higher education institutions, and it is therefore difficult to implement policy on gender equality in these institutions.
Is the measure effective, though?
Bearing in mind the protracted development of this issue, starting with the Commission's proposal for a regulation in 2000, its subsequent approval by Parliament in 2002, the initial results of serious difficulties with its acceptance by Member States, the conclusions of the Council in 2009, the non-transposition of its position, the insurmountable problems in the negotiation rounds in December 2010, and the subsequent commitment of a minimum number of Member States to institute enhanced cooperation in this field, despite it not being the exclusive competence of the EU, I approve the present recommendation.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (FR) Madam President, 2009 is the year of new things, and therefore of uncertainties and dangers.
All forms of violence against women - rape, prostitution, sexual violence, and so on - must be subject to criminal proceedings in all European Union countries.
The use of nanomaterials has forced us to address the issue again.
8.
The conclusions from this forum will constitute the first stage of a strategy intended to establish a plan of action to provide access to credit and capital for small and medium-sized enterprises in our Union.
However, in that respect, let me tell you something that you may not be aware of.
Much more employment created in the euro area than in the United States.
2008 is a year of transition. It is a year of transition to the Treaty of Lisbon and its ratification, with a view to its entry into force - which we would all like - in January 2009.
Last week saw our proposals on hedge funds and private equity, as well as on executive pay.
The draft directive leaves something to be desired. It could be wider in scope and cover citizens legally resident on the territory of the EU, but employed in very unfavourable conditions.
One positive step is to provide support for the protocol amending the TRIPS Agreement in order to allow access to medicines.
If doubts exist, this is all the more reason for not applying such a punishment.
Under the treaties, all EU Member States are obliged to join the euro area once they fulfil the necessary conditions.
The first improvement was made with the 2005 Council Decision on the exchange of information extracted from the criminal record, particularly with regard to shortening transmission times.
A single application to the European Medicines Agency will suffice.
Budgets linked to these policies have exploded.
There has been mention here of the concern over the plight of those who have been living in the camps.
Any non-citizen can acquire full rights, including the right to vote, by becoming a citizen.
I believe it is far too expensive at a time of financial stringency.
In particular, they failed to evaluate the abuses of purchasing power which may follow from such concentration.
It is consequently a good thing that the Eurostars programme builds on the 7th Framework Programme for transnational enterprises and finances work in the sphere of science and technology put into effect by SMEs in cooperation with higher education institutions, research entities and other companies - large ones.
He is trying to lay the blame at Ireland's door and is failing to recognise that the problem stems from the deep crisis of legitimacy of the neoliberal, militarist and federalist policies which are being pursued.
I agree that a healthy and stable macro-economic environment requires large-scale budget consolidation and an intelligent private and public investment policy that delivers forward-looking infrastructure and open's up tomorrow's markets.
This way we will get to see the success stories that result from it.
We need disclosure regulations like the USA's privacy act.
If the Commission, as in so many cases, acts as the honest middleman, we shall achieve good compromises in the end.
(DE) Mr President, border officials of European states are forbidden to turn away potential asylum seekers who arrive by sea or to escort them away, prevent them from travelling further or return them to countries which do not form part of the EU.
Consequently, if anyone wants to ask for more, they can do so by asking others to follow the European example, and not by challenging an agreement that is really an example for the rest of the world.
I can assure you that this year, as well as with the funding next year, we will put the emphasis on making sure that this question of protection is addressed and that the EU is there for people.
What is important is that citizens have the opportunity themselves to scrutinise legislators and other holders of power.
However, import control measures on textile products must be maintained.
Because, yesterday evening, on all the French television channels, a future presidential candidate made a spectacle of himself by tearing up a EUR 10 note that he had photocopied and enlarged, and showing that, by tearing up that note, he was tearing up the cause of all our ills.
Firstly, we must target the poorest countries in our cooperation programmes.
I invite you to pay us a visit at 22.00 today to discuss this.
The testimony of victims of torture is frequently the only evidence in a case.
I hope that we will talk more about these common interests and that these aspects will also assume greater importance.
That economic and social growth are still marking time, while people trafficking grows at an alarming rate, increasing the flow of illegal immigrants, above all on the coast in my local area, in southern Italy, and Sicily?
It is for this reason that I support the report's recommendations and voted accordingly.
So why not?
Even the best law will not change anything, if it is not properly interpreted and implemented.
This report and its recommendations are very timely at a moment when the Commission is about to launch a joint action with the Member States on Alzheimer's in April, the so-called ALCOVE (ALzheimer COoperative Valuation in Europe).
Accordingly, it makes sense to give the Member States 24 months rather than only 18.
They are on an investigative trip to learn from the European Parliament's experience in this area.
However, the connecting thread here is the enthusiasm over what we have achieved.
Mr President, I wish to congratulate Mr Markov not just for the quality of his report but also for his perseverance in concluding it, in spite of the obstacles put in his way, mainly by some members of the Transport Committee - perhaps inadvertently.
The G20 was united in favour of the fiscal rescue two years ago, but its unanimity was driven by fear.
This therefore means that the importance of the decision that we are going to take not only to guarantee a recovery but also for the well-being of our fellow citizens, comes down to one major condition: that the decisions taken by Parliament today, in concert with the Commission, take practical effect in the coming weeks and months.
Whilst generally applauding the direction of current reform, I hope that the discussion may trigger a more radical reappraisal of the tools we use, so as to achieve the best possible balance between improving the livelihood of those engaged in fisheries, having a sustainable marine ecology in which fish stocks are conserved and maintaining the viability of fisheries-dependent communities.
We are seeking reassurance that we will be able to get the information we need.
Malta and Gozo have one of the highest densities of private cars per capita.
I really wonder why the Council almost constantly seeks to undermine the great achievement that is the codecision role of the European Parliament.
This has been a point that I have made consistently in Israel and to the Palestinian Authority.
To protect Cameroon's tropical forests, what is essential is the combating of corruption and bribery (at the level of the officials and also of the community tenants of state-owned forests), effective criminal prosecutions, sustainable forestry, where the quantity felled is only as much as will regrow, and better training for loggers in order to prevent damage to the land during logging.
I trust, in particular, that we shall have the frank and open collaboration with the European Parliament that we had during the previous Portuguese Presidencies.
This is the key to the joint success that we owe the citizens of Europe, and I would like to pay tribute to the commitment expressed here again today by the President-in-Office so that together, the Council, Parliament and the Commission can find concrete solutions to the concrete problems that our citizens have to face each day.
Madam President, I also believe that one of the greatest successes has been to achieve the 'never again' which was at the root of the creation of European unification; I think that we can congratulate ourselves on this.
(NL) I should like to congratulate Commissioner Barnier on his appointment as Member of the Commission, and also to warmly welcome him here, as there is a great deal on the agenda.
One of the main reasons this has not been done is that the licences are national.
At the UN General Assembly, the EU has taken the approach of tabling its customary resolution on the elimination of all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief.
One part of the solution requires international support in bringing stability to Somalia.
(CS) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I am convinced that the change in the legal standing of Europol, which we are now discussing, is not a step in the right direction.
Decision on urgent procedure: see Minutes
These are obvious facts and they demand, they encourage the launching of a strategy on a worldwide scale.
To close, we consider that the instrument for pre-accession assistance is a rational and flexible mechanism for optimising financial assistance to candidate and potential candidate countries.
Our industry will be more competitive at international level: this applies particularly to small and medium-sized enterprises, which will find it easier to access this market thanks to the clearer, more predictable rules.
One of the best examples is the Commission initiative comprising a pan-European programme to supply fruit and vegetables to schools.
To abandon nuclear energy is to ensure the promotion of highly polluting coal-fired plants; it is to fall back into the hands of the oil companies, with uncertain oil prices and the huge risk of a weakened economy; and hence, it is to spell the end of our energy independence.
in writing. - Over the last 50 years, European women have made huge progress towards gender equality.
The Commission has long recognised the importance of services of general interest and we have had years of debate on this particular issue.
Although the world is getting smaller and although people come together more, there are still these significant differences.
Both original and fake medicines are thus freely available in large quantities in Turkish bazaars.
UKIP people do not write that kind of stuff, and they do not waste their pens on the kind of person that says that kind of thing.
That action contributed to the fall of the Communist regime. We cannot now allow ourselves to be dazzled by China's economic success.
With regard to my department too, namely transport, we have always made every effort in all of our initiatives in Africa to give priority to ensuring political stability and respect for human rights and the rules.
It must also be said that the Member States are responsible for funding their own programmes.
We did not move backwards; we did not stand still; we moved forward.
That is why our reaction must consist not merely of cooperation among police forces and information services, but of a political response to avert and remove the causes that lead to terrorism.
Madam President, the fact that we are discussing pensions today in the European Parliament plenary will confirm how important they are to Europe.
A computer is as vulnerable as any other electronic device which is connected to the Internet via an electronic communications network.
Finally, I would like to thank very much the Commission for setting up a DG on Human Rights.
This is not sustainable.
We are coming to an important period with regard to climate policy since, at the end of this year, we must reach an agreement in Copenhagen on new common goals for combating global warming.
Could I suggest that, if the EU really wants to help, rather than indulging in predictable rhetoric, there is something meaningful and immediate which could be done.
These are extremely alarming figures and we must keep a very close eye on fund recovery.
We, Parliament and the European Commission, must design this policy together, with maximum transparency.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I would simply like to say this: despite the gravity of these incidents, which I think everyone here recognises, there is a certain mindset and an ignorance of the situation in Italy and in Europe which frightens me.
The European Union compromises itself if it introduces a sanctions regime and then breaches it itself, as is the case regarding Robert Mugabe.
By being more targeted we could set more effective requirements.
Rarely has a debate been so topical, since you have only just come out of the meeting.
To make it possible for the public to support firm measures, we are asking for the basic scientific points to be set out in a brochure available to the public, so that everyone can be aware of the challenges we face.
However, Mr President, we also want to say 'no' here to the bombing being carried out by the international force in Libya, just as we said 'no' to the repression of the struggling peoples in every country in the region, including Libya, Bahrain and Yemen.
One-sided speeches to Members sitting in plenary, without any possibility for dialogue and questions, are not the right medium for communication and intercultural exchanges.
It would be a good idea to take a closer look at what we have done.
In this consultation with the social partners, we want to look at simplification and a better system which is harmonised all over the EU.
Will it be possible to establish, in the European Union, minimum standards for safety and quality which guarantee the reliability and transparency of information provided to these consumers?
Those of us who have watched attentively as the ideas on this have evolved will also remember that, just a few months ago, some of our national diplomatic services were absolutely unwilling to accept a kind of instant 'big bang', with all the current delegations brought under the authority of the future High Representative from the very first day.
It is made up of parties who really want a different option to the one that has been chosen by Moldova until now.
Emissions of greenhouse gases from the production of tar sand are 3-5 times greater than from conventional production of oil and natural gas.
By refusing to negotiate, the European trade unions have not just failed themselves; they have failed the workers they claim to represent.
in writing. (PL) I fully support the report on the demographic future of Europe.
The remaining votes were shared between the three opposition parties.
I am looking forward to the debate.
on behalf of the PPE Group. - Mr President, I welcome the fact that the European Parliament is going to adopt a resolution on the upcoming session of the Human Rights Council.
I will make the following comments on this issue.
The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority has selected the Spaniard Carlos Montalvo, who worked as Acting Secretary General at the forerunner to the new authority, to be its first Executive Director.
This year we are celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the first elections to Parliament by direct universal suffrage, together with the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
in writing. - Thank you Chairman!
18th report on better legislation - Application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality (2010) (
6.
We must restore confidence.
The Court of Auditors identified severe shortcomings in the administrative and financial rules governing expenditure on the organisation of courses and seminars, which accounts for a major proportion of the College's operational expenditure.
That is a matter for the Member States.
Two of these results were dealt with by Parliament and one by means of another referendum.
In Slovenia, this behaviour is viewed as a flagrant violation of Italy's obligations towards a minority, in this case the Slovene minority.
Also, the cost of supporting the weaker countries is constantly rising.
Madam President, I think Mr Barroso really does have, today, a most difficult role.
I need the European Council to propose a High Representative because the High Representative, according to the Lisbon Treaty, has to be approved by the President of the Commission as Vice-President of the Commission.
The EU will act and proceed in close coordination with all EU Member States.
I therefore think it is important to ensure greater protection to women who claim they have suffered violence.
They were encouraged and urged to leave the camp or go to Iran.
We need to concentrate on the effective protection of minorities and on improving the economic situation and combating the widespread corruption and organised crime.
Thank you, Commissioner, for your report.
That is also what the other institution wants, because we do not want political usage of our basic freedoms.
Arthur Ashe said, 'One important key to success is self-confidence.
I would like to make it clear that in two to three years, we will definitely be more knowledgeable than we are today and that we will have had some good experiences and made some mistakes.
Indeed, they are often used as scapegoats and are collectively blamed, as happened recently with the deportations from Italy.
The pressures threatening the position of Europe's maritime fleet, which stem mainly from the state aid given to the sector in third countries, must be managed within a framework to be developed in the World Trade Organisation.
However, we cannot proceed with adopting the proposal without mentioning that the final regulation has lost a great deal in terms of its ambition, compared to the Commission's original proposal.
Similarly, we must not lack the motivation for energy technology modernisation in Europe and we must ensure, through this package, progress towards a future where we base our energy use on forms of energy that are CO2-neutral.
Today the Commission presented the communication to the EU ministers of finance at the Ecofin meeting, with a view to seeking their support on the proposed approach for the last Ecofin meeting of the Czech Presidency in June 2009.
The euro was created without being imposed from outside and without any wars of conquest or political hegemonies.
I decided to visit Rome and Naples last weekend as a kind of field research and spoke personally to people living there.
I will, therefore, be waiting for the report in early 2009.
There has to be an end to impunity.
This mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund will benefit 1 429 workers in the motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers manufacturing sector in the Spanish region of Catalonia.
As an MEP who has always paid particular attention to issues relating to crime prevention, security and police cooperation, I acknowledge the fundamental importance of Europol in creating a secure European area and preventing crime throughout Europe, along with the need for it to be reinforced at various levels, including those under discussion here.
We have many possible ways of responding to people's needs and concerns.
In the past we have seen again and again that corrupt regimes contemptuous of human rights very often have the attendant symptoms of very large amounts of public money being converted as a rule into private capital and then put on hold somewhere in fabulous accounts until the respective member of the regime is able to retrieve and enjoy this money.
Thank you, Mr President, in my view, on the issue of the modernisation of social policy and assistance to the states of Central and Eastern Europe, there is a lot of rhetoric, but not much actually happening.
While I support calls for the EU to coordinate its response to humanitarian catastrophes with the wider development community, I can only support such developments when they take place within already existing mechanisms, such as the Community's civil protection mechanism.
(RO) We have a saying in Romania: a well-bred man is said to have had his 'first seven years at home'.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, firstly I would like to thank Mr Peterle for his excellent report, and also the resolution, which gives a very good analysis of the situation in Tajikistan and makes recommendations which I can support.
I would also like to ask the question: what have we actually achieved here in Parliament by keep going back to the people with new and higher percentages?
by Mr Fjellner, on behalf of the Committee on Budgetary Control, on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Railway Agency for the financial year 2007 (C6-0443/2008 -,
Another one is the dispute over the strategic north passage between Asia and America.
Today, 30% of existing homes in Europe are unhealthy and have high energy bills.
Faced with these many crises and threats, we cannot just hand over the keys to our US friends and allies or to NATO.
A strategy for the Roma who are settled, and a strategy for the Roma who travel around.
(ES) Mr President, an important part of the future of Europe is at stake in the reform of the common fisheries policy.
(LT) The question I would like to ask is, obviously, based on my meetings and discussions with the industrialists of the country I represent - Lithuania.
The EU can only be credible and effective in exerting pressure if it makes sure that minority rights are respected in all its Member States.
How events will play out after such a turbulent start will, contrary to Mr Viktor Orbán's warning, not depend on the European Parliament, but instead on whether Fidesz and its leader will be willing and able to engage in politics that respect European values both at home and on the European stage.
We were exiled by the geographical chance of an ocean, and the historical chance of a pendulum that brings us together and distances us according to circumstances.
Wednesday:
I have the feeling that many people here are looking for one person to blame for the problems which face us, instead of working on solving our common problems with new strength, new ideas, enthusiasm and vision.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, it would be very important for 2010, the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, to mark the birth of a new Community financial instrument, dedicated to microfinance, aimed at those who are disadvantaged in accessing the banking system but who have micro-enterprise plans.
I would just like to remind all of us here that we have new rules for this new period 2007-2013.
That is why I, together with my fellow authors of this resolution and members of six political groups, Mrs Essayah, Mr CohnBendit, Mr Howitt, Mr Tannock and Mr Belder, who spoke just now, am writing today to Baroness Ashton.
Perhaps there is a problem within the Commission in terms of resources: if there is, we should hear that.
The opt-out, originally devised for the UK, became an opt-out that 14 other countries progressively needed to use, and we heard from the Czech Presidency today that at least two others are now joining that group.
The point has been made that the motor industry has access to EUR 9 billion from the European Investment Bank.
The study has not yet been finalised, but is under way, and there are still a number of technical issues to be cleared up before it is totally ready for publication.
Finally, in paragraph 31, the position expressed on readmission agreements with third countries does not reflect the PPE Group's vision on this matter.
It now needs to be developed further, and I have no doubt that, if the experience you have both brought to bear here is also accepted by the Member States, we will be on the right track.
That is exactly, ladies and gentlemen, what we want to support by means of this report.
It is true that this is also not the way to dialogue, although they are not aimed towards Russia.
As demanded in the report, I also call on Spain, France and other countries to place their cards on the table, while also calling on the Commission to further strengthen its controls.
There is goodwill, as there may have been in the 19th century, as there may have been in Peking in the 1800s.
On the other hand, mobile TV is now reaching more and more people.
It must construct the 'EU regional political partnership for peace, security and development in the Horn of Africa' which the Committee on Development launched when it adopted its report in April 2007.
The result will be a more rational and risk-based approach to control actions at sea and on land, the latter being inherently more cost-effective.
However, I find it unacceptable that, for years now, 1.5 million Palestinians have been placed in the largest open-air prison in the world as hostages of a misconceived policy.
Furthermore, I support the narrowing of the gap between developed countries and undeveloped regions by granting financial and technical assistance.
If the Libyans woke up tomorrow, what conclusion would we draw from that?
This support is essential to guarantee 'the green revolution' that Africa needs for its stability and prosperity, which, as you all know, is also in Europe's direct interests.
Today I stand here to ask further details following the October Council conclusions, in which the Commission was asked to work towards a limited treaty change required to establish a permanent crisis resolution mechanism.
We will also discuss the global financial crisis and ways in which the world food situation can be addressed.
The military regime in power has not kept any of the promises it made to the international community following the uprising last year.
Registered entities will also have to declare their sources of income and interests, as well as legislative proposals submitted.
Now, at a time when the demand for milk and drinking milk products is increasing throughout the world, milk quotas are clearly proving to be an obstacle to the development of the milk industry throughout the EU.
I am talking, for example, about maximum overdraft fees and compound interest, which is interest on interest.
As the previous speaker pointed out, this body also equates the application of corporal punishment with torture.
Half the proposed aid will be supplied in the form of subsidies and the other half in the form of loans.
We can clearly see that there is at least one very important reason: to prepare for the advent of world government; and the second reason is once again to instil a sense of guilt in Europeans and in Westerners, who are considered, wrongly, as being responsible for all the world's ills.
That then extends to the right to contraception, abortion and good sexual health.
There is a high-level Chinese parliamentary delegation in Parliament today, led by Mr Wang Yingfan, an influential member of the National People's Congress.
If we fail to ensure human rights and democracy, then we risk losing far more.
Therefore I am especially glad at the idea of convening a Euronest - an assembly - which, if taken up by the Commission, will provide an instrument for democratic and parliamentary scrutiny of eastern partnership projects.
And let them not forget that it is their responsibility, first and foremost, to provide for the wellbeing of citizens and not to deny them a European future, because it is crystal clear that the political crisis hampers any and all progress.
I fully endorse the suggestions in this report to establish a child-friendly society, in which children can feel protected and actively involved.
Specifically, we cannot support the idea of setting up a European police force for sport.
I have received three draft resolutions submitted in accordance with Rule 108(5) of the Rules of Procedure.
We should also consider what we can do to prevent the transmission of diseases from people working for the UN from happening again.
Therefore, bringing together the policies on climate change, energy, transport and environment will be a priority.
Stating that the renovation costs of the Strasbourg seat following the disaster that took place in August 2008 should not be borne by European taxpayers is not enough.
Mr Balczó asks if a unified Europe really does exist to the extent that I said in my speech.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (ET) Ladies and gentlemen, it is a very positive thing that the Commission has raised awareness of problems concerning the European Works Council, concerning the need to consult and inform workers in a situation where global conditions make a degree of genuine economic restructuring inevitable.
We saw the beginning of a rather worrying streak of intolerance in that committee when Mr Buttiglione was opposed as a Commission nominee.
in writing. - Next month, the eyes of the world will be on Denmark.
Documents received: see Minutes
Let us be very open and call this by its name: it was a ping-pong game by two governments, and by Berlusconi and Sarkozy, on the back of refugees who are, in fact, in trouble.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, amongst friends one can speak frankly and tell things as they are.
Classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (amendment of Regulation (EC) No 648/2004) (
Mr President, today is an important day for all victims, because today we shall adopt the European Protection Order, which is a significant step forward in terms of their rights.
(SK) Mr President, it is quite clear from the context of what Mr Verhofstadt has been saying here that the Egyptian democratic opposition forces have failed to organise a unified body representing the revolutionary forces from the streets.
There was no need to admonish us to tell the truth.
I believe these to be a priority yet, I am sorry to say, they are non-existent in Turkey.
May we thank them all.
It is true that the centre of much of the textile industry is elsewhere than the flooded area but a lot of the support packages for the textile industry were in flooded areas, as was a lot of the textile industry.
(RO) The assessments made by experts about possible problems in the global food market and about providing the necessary amount for the entire global population is one reason for rethinking the way in which agricultural land is used in Europe, especially in the new Member States, which also includes Romania.
We are talking now about health claims.
Nonetheless, when discussing the climate plan and the aim of reducing greenhouse gases, the issue of rail transport and transport other than road transport arises.
This is the added value this card offers.
The figure is EUR 5 300 million under the financial framework, and so the Committee on Budgets has shown great discipline in drawing up this proposal for deliberation by the European Parliament.
In order to understand the challenges involved in revising this directive, I myself have met with many stakeholders representing the various opinions on this issue.
The Council appealed to the Chinese Government to lift the restrictions on access to the region, which would help in an independent evaluation of the situation.
It is clear that we have a Stability Pact, but there is also a Growth Pact, and the key word for our economies in the near future is growth.
There is a drop in State revenues, there are inflationary pressures and the country is, of course, confronted with a whole raft of consequences of past actions, for example, a major problem with environmental damage caused at the time of the NATO air attacks.
You may well ask why I hold the accession prospects of those countries so dear.
I would once again like to thank Commissioner Figel, and, in particular, that great man of sport, Mr Mavrommatis, who has done pioneering work to promote sport's new march forward in the context of European culture and society.
As Members of the European Parliament, we absolutely must not allow the entry into force of this agreement and the associated data transfer to the US, and certainly not without the approval of the European Parliament.
I think the European Council paid full attention to the concerns and positions expressed by the European Parliament in the matter of the Mediterranean Union.
The solutions deployed so far for exiting the crisis have not been targeting the causes which have put us in this situation.
A direct way of showing support for the Burmese people would be for democratic countries to stop them coming until human rights and democracy are practised in Burma.
If you have followed the course of the inquiry into this disaster in the United States, the chain of contractual relations established between several firms allows companies to pass the buck to each other, while oil continues to pour into the sea.
On the contrary: what we need is the consistent further development of cooperation between our Member States and cross-border cooperation by the police and justice authorities.
A reduction in the VAT rates for locally supplied and labour-intensive services should have a positive impact, since it will reduce the level of undeclared labour, whilst also reducing its appeal and increasing demand within the formal economy.
President Saakashvili received his initial education in Kiev. He then studied at European and American universities, and has always been associated with Strasbourg - he studied here, has received honours here and it was also here, as far as I know, that he met his future wife.
The way the situation is now, they are the ones who belong behind bars, not the dissidents in Burma!
Finally, I should like to thank the Commissioner and congratulate her on the commitment of the extra EUR 12 million.
In reality, the leading G20 powers have spared their own offshore centres, the Channel Islands, the Virgin Islands, Hong Kong and Macao, not to mention onshore centres such as Delaware.
Everybody complains about it.
If a country carries out the tasks that have been asked of it, then we must also keep the promises that were made with regard to membership.
No, sorry.
Reducing very large imbalances is, fundamentally, sound.
In 1957, Chancellor Konrad Adenauer ensured that the treaties enshrined the full membership of the East Germans in the case of reunification.
So there is no clarity on this issue but, once again, the problem for the European Parliament, for the EU in general, is that there is no consistency across Member States, and yet our citizens are accessing services outside their own country, and they want to do that.
However, we are also living on credit as far as the environment and climate are concerned.
What we need today is a more efficient eastern partnership and a strong and democratic Georgia.
You will be aware, Commissioner, that the three directives that make up the first railway package were adopted in 2001, with a deadline of March 2006 for their transposition into national law.
We have had many setbacks and some disappointments, but every time the overriding case for the Treaty has won through - the compelling case for a democratic and effective Europe.
The Commissioner said that last year there was a demand for dairy products, this year not so much - but next year there could be a greater demand again and we need the flexibility to meet it.
As a former Member of Parliament, I know that Parliament is, and always will be, the home of democracy.
In closing, I would like to say that I find it very regrettable that the Czech Presidency has not deemed it worth the effort to send a representative to Parliament for this important legislative proposal.
We need to be in the here and now, constructing a budget that will give the European economy a real boost.
We know that the Commission has no powers to impose sanctions, but it can galvanise and stimulate matters and I fully support my colleague's words, yet there is one further aspect of great importance, Commissioner, which is probably in your hands, which is to foster cooperation between police and judicial bodies.
The European Banking Authority is of course caught between a rock and a hard place: publicly admitting that the risk of a write-down exists may perpetuate the risk of it occurring, but denying that it exists at all would be downright irresponsible for a regulator.
Whatever disaster may befall Bulgaria in the future, it can never compare to the disaster called Movement for Rights and Liberties.
As for education on credit or any other type of consumption, the most important element is education in general which equips people with the tools to make daily decisions.
If targets have this effect, they also have the effect of providing the motivation for policies and projects.
The next item is the Statements by the Commission and the Council on the Social Package (First part).
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, there you have an overview of the EIB's three-pronged approach for the years to come.
This is not just about balancing Centre-Left and Centre-Right; this is about balancing the Centre, the Left and the Right.
The diagnosis has been made and the prescription is well known: the European Union must improve economic coordination, and make the European financial stabilisation fund stronger and more flexible, so that it can buy the public debt of the countries under the greatest pressure from the markets.
It must promote and increase its research and development investments so as to try to maintain its lead in the area of high technology.
It is true that he is entitled to speak on behalf of all of Africa, but he is not affected because he is an LDC and he has the 'Everything But Arms' system.
The soil situation in the Member States varies.
This package could result in a win-win situation, which would enable everyone to benefit.
It is clear to me that this agreement overall brings other benefits to the EU and to some of the EU's different industries.
Needless to say, access to third-level education in those same communities in the 21st century is still at an all-time low.
Keep in mind that EU Member States and citizens have to cut their budgets.
Not all the events of 1989 have deserved the same attention, however.
The security of the people of Afghanistan from terrorists and criminal attacks is a prerequisite for development, and this Parliament believes that the combination of peace-keeping interventions, multilateral diplomacy, domestic peace negotiations, effective poverty reduction measures, the establishment of democratic institutions and the protection of women's rights are the pillars of a new, winning strategy in Afghanistan as elsewhere.
in writing. - (DE) We need fair treatment of investors and borrowers with long periods of limitation and a shifting of the burden of proof.
I consider this document to be well-balanced and to contribute to our common goal, which is to give the citizens' initiative an important role in the practice of European democracy and enhance the capacity of European citizens to make an impact on European policies.
I therefore support the adoption of new safety principles, the application of strict and rigorous common standards and the establishment of solidarity funds to compensate victims for any damage caused.
This contradiction reveals some people's genuine need for help and the inability of others to offer the help requested.
Unfortunately, not all consumers are aware of this.
These include the amendment tabled by my group on Sodium Pentothal calling for assurances that the production and sale of this substance, which can be used to carry out death sentences, is only permitted for medical purposes.
Subject: Eurozone budget deficit limits
It is also important to progressively correct market failures and remove administrative barriers.
That means that we will face a major pressure on public budgets in future, because our pension systems are at risk of being underfunded.
In its progress report, the Commission showed how slowly the Member States are moving, even if there are some initiatives, and proposed a few ways of exerting pressure.
Discrimination against women in Saudi Arabia and almost throughout the Islamic world has its basis and justification in the Koran.
Europe needs one face, both for our fellow citizens and for our international partners.
On the other hand, we know that nurturing the particular assets of the outermost regions is the only suitable way to ensure that these regions generate their own sustainable development.
We would also like to finalise the accession treaty as far as possible, thereby paving the way to Croatia's accession to the EU which we look forward to.
This economic adjustment programme was agreed with the Commission, the IMF and the ECB.
That concludes Question Time.
Let me assure you that the Commission is committed to doing its share to address dementia.
Can I remind you that at the G20 Summit, with some resistance from some European leaders, you accepted that if there is a reason we are willing to do more to engage in having high economic growth?
On the one hand low quotas limit the development of the EU milk industry by lowering its competitiveness and export potential.
The dual system of broadcasting is an answer to Europe's media landscape which must be safeguarded on all platforms.
Although she may not have the necessary knowledge in trade matters, she has a well-informed team, and perhaps she will use the opportunity within the framework of the mandate rather differently to the way the previous Commissioner did - and we do have an opportunity!
There is a very big question mark here, to my mind.
I would like to touch upon two concrete areas covered in the report: revitalising vulnerable communities, consisting mainly of people in rural and peripheral areas, and developing the micro-regions that are lagging behind, have an irregular situation in relations to the individual countries' specific characteristics and are almost absent from the current statistics.
It was the European Union that set things in motion.
This company has, in recent years, made particular efforts to meet the requirements of the future, with high levels of investment in modern technology.
I am therefore pleased at the strong political message that Parliament has sent in this, the International Year of Forests.
For which aspects is it competent?
For example, the EU's fundamental values ask us to attach particular importance to the Responsibility to Protect principle.
Mr President, Commissioner, it is not right that the implementing agreements negotiated between certain Member States and the United States should at the moment be completely non-transparent.
- (SV) Mr President, the Berlin Wall fell almost 20 years ago.
Within the framework of Eurostat's revised European Social Survey Programme, the Commission plans to run a module on consumer empowerment through which it wants to measure consumer skills, consumer information and awareness of rights and assertiveness.
It is up to the relevant authorities of the Member States to take initiatives to concretise this opening of the European School System in their national schools.
The European summit claimed to be determined to learn lessons from the crisis and to make all those involved in the financial system act more responsibly, including with regard to pay and other inducements.
Finally, Madam President, I share the views of Commissioner Kallas and the rapporteur, Mr Alvaro, regretting the hasty manner in which the Council has tried to close this dossier before the Treaty of Lisbon enters into force.
Currently, there are military operations being conducted by NATO in Libya.
I am also pleased to see that proposals by my political family have been taken up - in particular, the creation of a European innovation fund, which will simplify access to European credits for our small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
It is essential that the public is kept informed of the potential risks in all areas related to nuclear energy and the new technologies.
The economic and financial crisis which has overrun Europe has led to a very serious human and social crisis, and this will have consequences that are impossible to assess at the moment.
(The President cut off the speaker)
I think the Commission is doing a fine job there and it makes me proud to be European.
Meanwhile, one person in six - a total of 74 million Europeans - lives below the poverty line as defined in the individual Member States.
The Internet is, of course, a cheap and simple tool to achieve this.
I am pleased that Mr Ferrari has succeeded in reaching an agreement with the Council at first reading.
But now reality has hit.
The European Union is beginning to work on, but intends to consolidate, a clear position, a clear strategy for the Union so that we can maintain an active role and a commitment to the protection of and respect for human rights.
This balancing demands the active cooperation of the major economies in America, Asia and Europe.
This article is nothing other than an appeal to the future European Commission to focus, at the heart of its actions, on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, which are very vulnerable during a crisis, and not to compromise in any way on implementing the 2008 Small Business Act.
in writing. - (SV) I think it is a good thing that the EU is taking responsibility for consumers and I therefore voted for the report.
Thirdly, there is persistent talk of a democratic deficit, although there is no popular convergence on key EU questions even when an opportunity for consultation is created.
The Commission therefore confirms that in future Community legislation progress on the common definition should be taken into account and notes that the comitology procedures contained within this proposal also allow for the updating of the definition within this proposal.
the oral question by Jean-Marie Cavada, on behalf of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, to the Council on the 2007 annual debate on the progress made in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (Articles 2 and 39 of the EU Treaty) - B6-0006/2008), and
Is it reasonable, for example, that the EU's livestock farmers should import millions of tonnes of soya from Brazil for the European meat industry, or that fish should be caught in Norway, shipped out to China for filleting and cleaning and then back to Europe for preservation?
The EU must not allow itself to be dragged into the internal affairs of states in the Middle East and that is what is threatening to happen, because the balance in Bahrain could change very rapidly.
It is there that jobs will be created and it is there that the future lies for Europe and Europe's competitiveness - not in cuts in this area.
I think and am convinced that what has become possible today owing to this unbelievably far-reaching empowerment of the President is opening the floodgates to despotism.
For the financial crisis we proposed a toolkit, a road map, harmonisation and coordination.
At the same time as giving this method a positive assessment, I would also like to state that I share the view of the rapporteur that work in this area should be financed from a special budget line, and not from the Agricultural Guarantee Fund.
This can be achieved through the implementation of corporate social and environmental responsibility in trade, so that they stop breaching the principles of social responsibility.
If, during such a process, an application is made for mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, this represents a negative example of how a socially meaningful and very responsible EU measure is exploited by international companies to wheedle out of their social responsibility.
We reject the Commission's proposal, and also the report by the Committee on Agriculture, because it introduces measures which are even worse: it allows the addition of sugars with a view to increasing the alcoholic strength with foreign matter, when we could achieve the same result with must.
Our Legal Service has stated that this is not permitted, but the socialists insisted on introducing it.
However, this is still a positive resolution which we voted for.
Unfortunately, we were unable to conclude the negotiations with the Council overnight, even if, from Parliament's side, we were aiming for an agreement and we were ready to make concessions.
This has generated competitiveness losses, reflected in persistent current account deficits and a fall in export market shares.
In fact, we have not been forced to do anything since we gained our independence from Britain in 1922.
Our presence only prolongs the war and the resulting suffering, rather than eliminating them.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the spirit of this debate enables me, Baroness Ashton, to remind you that the Union for the Mediterranean's Parliamentary Assembly concluded its meeting last week in Rome.
Today, Commissioner Kroes presented her vision for Europe's digital agenda, one of the EU 2020 flagship programmes.
We must take this diversity into account so that, in the regions where it expresses itself, these different types of agriculture can help achieve objectives not just regarding market supply, production and security of market supply, but also a move towards better recognition of the environment, the management of natural resources, and economic development capacities in rural areas.
It is a step in the right direction - not a big step, but a step nonetheless.
The Council therefore has three options to choose from: it can accept Parliament's priorities, or it can agree to a revision of the margins, or it can accept greater flexibility of the budget and in the budget, in the knowledge that Parliament will stand united in defence of its prerogatives and priorities.
The Commission accepts, in the light of the different opinions expressed, that the specific case of the Cosmetics Regulation will not be used as a precedent for the interpretation of the Interinstitutional Agreement on this point.
The directives relating to the interoperability of railway systems must also be consolidated and merged.
We therefore need to build together, within European and globally - since the response can only be global - convergence and integration strategies that explicitly recognise the fact that dynamic social and cohesion policies are the foundations for the development of our society.
This is a clear duty that we should carry out.
I am speaking under Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure.
This is another thing which renders the simplification of the CAP particularly necessary.
This means that various items can be confiscated.
The Union should look to these examples, and increase its support in the areas of research, innovation and project development.
Last March, Baroness Ashton made a commitment, on behalf of the European Union, to provide aid worth EUR 1.235 billion to help the people of Haiti to build a better future.
At least eight rounds of informal trialogues have been held to date, as well as three rounds of the negotiating process proper.
In some Member States, differently tiered and income-related social services as well as universal services funded through taxation are also part of the social security system.
The Prüm Convention will strengthen security within Europe.
The issue of tackling child poverty also remains a very important priority.
A crucial aspect of this initiative concerns a fundamental value: respect for cultural and linguistic diversity.
in writing. - (IT) Mr President, I have voted against the 2008 progress report on Turkey.
It is also worth considering how we could integrate sustainability criteria into the scheme of tariff preferences.
These principles have been clearly stated in the report in question, and I therefore voted in favour.
With our decision we want to send a clear signal that we are opposed to measures of this kind, which are also extremely controversial on medical grounds.
I hope that a Joint Parliamentary Committee will be established soon and the Icelandic Government is taking part in close talks with the Commission following the decision of the Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Union last July.
I would like to assure the honourable Member that the issue of good neighbourly relations is brought up by the EU on a systematic basis, most recently at the Association Council meeting on 19 May and at the meeting between the EU troika and Turkey's political leaders in Stockholm in July this year.
This is a result of the fact that, unlike extradition, the European Arrest Warrant is a fully judicial system.
I suspect that both the Chinese and others may come to regret the decision to host the Olympic Games in Beijing.
They are used today in the treatment of more than 80 diseases, and especially of cancers - brain cancer, blood cancer, leukaemia, lymphoma - anaemia, autoimmune diseases, certain rare diseases, and the list keeps on growing.
Firstly, there is the creation and preservation of jobs, with the emphasis not so much on social assistance issues, but chiefly on investment in infrastructure and business recovery, so that these jobs may be created.
The Irish Government that has just been elected in Ireland has a strong mandate.
(HU) As was the case in the previous major debate of this week here in the European Parliament, namely, the debate on poverty, the politicians of the European Union are once again surprised and sad to see that the situation of Europe's citizens is not improving, but rather constantly deteriorating.
Nor are we talking about criminal law here.
Therefore, in addition to the existing acoustic surveys which are carried out to determine the adult herring surplus indices, I support the pilot (MIP) network investigation in 2008 and 2009, allowing us to determine the appropriateness and effectiveness of this method, and to provide a second, independent herring surplus index in the area west of Scotland; I welcome this initiative.
Mr President, we are going through a period of global crisis, of preparation for major diplomatic events and of institutional uncertainty within the Union itself.
I would remind the House that Mr Lukashenko infringed democratic procedures in order to gain a further term of office. Journalists and leaders of independent youth organisations and independent trade unions are being intimidated.
We wish to emphasise, however, that a number of the measures proposed in the report would be better initiated and paid for by the Member States themselves.
Clearly, the primary responsibility for comprehensive cancer services lies with the Member States, but European action can make a difference.
How has it been able to continue for so long?
With the new CAP we must give - and this is what we are in fact doing - strong support to farm incomes under the first pillar and support measures for rural development, increasing investment in agriculture and food security.
I have to say that we had a number of proposals and thoughts but, bearing in mind the urgency of the matter, most of us in committee and in Parliament felt that it would not be a good idea to proceed with such amendments.
So I suggest that we take a lesson from the US and the Dodd Frank Act which requires disclosure, with a two-year time lag, of the US Fed's liquidity provision.
This is the conclusion which we must draw from recent years.
Mr President, we have a problem, because the whole House is asking the Commission to revise the legislative package on these matters, and Mr Barrot has, very charmingly as always, told us that this goes back a long way, that it has been debated a great deal and that on 1 January, it will begin to operate.
This is a challenge that the Commission has already emphasised and addressed on many occasions, in particular, with the communication 'An industrial policy for the globalisation era'.
We also maintain that Member States implementing structural reforms which contribute to job preservation or creation and to reduction of poverty should be given the opportunity to deviate from their respective medium-term budgetary objectives.
I propose a study on the consolidated accounts.
There will be some painstaking and important work to be done in order to ensure that this becomes a reality and not just words.
Naturally, this is a sensitive issue.
Moreover, in order to concentrate on the problems of the EU, it is necessary to read this carefully and discuss whether it agrees with the priorities of the Hungarian Presidency or not, instead of discussing points or issues pertaining to life within Hungary, which can be regulated as part of a normal, healthy relationship between the Commission and the Hungarian Government and Parliament, if at all.
We call in our report for a better balance between projects earmarked for meeting political criteria and projects earmarked for bringing the country into line with the Community acquis and we call for horizontal and regional programmes to be strengthened.
In this final sprint, things are more exciting but also more difficult.
This is a first step, true, but it falls far short of the requirements, all the more so since part of it comes from a restructuring exercise.
There are two basic strategies that should be taken into account in ensuring the protection of data and security systems: "Whatever is not expressly forbidden, is allowed”, and "Whatever is not expressly allowed, is forbidden”.
We have just heard the Council making a real plea about the way the Member States have to go ahead by putting this in the mainstream of their policies.
Obviously, combating corruption and organised crime remains key.
- Before the vote
It excludes military aid but it does not exclude peacekeeping.
I do not know whether that is realistic, but it makes the point that the energy and climate policy calls for a substantial amount of new funding.
These increases in prices will be reflected on consumer prices but to a lower extent.
I fully agree, and very much hope that this ambition will be confirmed.
The European Union also failed to criticise Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili for appearing in front of the EU flag in several television interviews, as if his country were a member of the European Union.
To this end, I agree with the need to encourage e-commerce able to promote cross-border trade, the coordination of fiscal policies and greater streamlining of cross-border public contract procurement, points on which the European SMEs lag behind.
The condition we stated, that all 27 Member States of the European Union should enjoy visa exemption, will become a reality this year when visa requirements are lifted for Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania, and I believe this is of great importance.
Just the day before yesterday, the European Parliament, with an outstanding majority, almost unanimously, voted in favour of the Florenz report, requesting ambitious goals, adequate funds and direct measures, but the corrupt alliance in the Council and the Commission is trying to slice through and undermine this effort.
Its role needs to be strengthened further in the light of the changing conditions on the world energy markets.
Two years ago, a Commission study recommended that a special agency should be set up for the implementation of legislation on waste.
This revised agreement introduces a number of amendments, especially regarding the development of democratic principles and cooperation on the aspects relating to disarmament and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
I can tell you that, after verification, there has been no abuse of voting rights.
There is one point, Mr Watson, on which I clearly made an error.
The stakes could not be higher.
You must be unaware of this.
However, we did not want to back this political signal in favour of nuclear power, so we abstained.
It brings the spirit of the Balkan wars to Central Europe.
Moreover, culturally, this has nothing to do with creating a potential European identity and an illusory European identity, and subsequently exporting it or selling it overseas.
The significance of this directive will be felt particularly in those countries where the scope of protection is very weak, and where support for families is very low or even non-existent, including when it comes to looking after older children.
This course of action runs counter to EU regulations on the free movement of goods and services.
Countries in the EU - and that includes us - are intervening on an unprecedented scale, with their smoking bans, in citizens' private habits.
The 'Red Card to Forced Prostitution' campaign worked excellently during the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
I call for all aid to be democratically controlled by the small farmers, workers and poor of Afghanistan.
I am convinced that such a sensitive sector as food production is in particular need of market instruments.
There are fears that he will be tortured; his family has just been allowed entry to the United States and there are fears for his life.
We must prevent the continued influx of such toys and support the widespread use of toys made from natural materials.
First of all, the point relating to conflicting interests and values, which is very important to me as well.
I am pleased that the Commission has said that it is going to work on this.
This is a modern and, at the same time, flexible framework for the application of the 'polluter pays' principle and a tool to moderate the congestion problems on major national motorways.
Through new financial mechanisms such as project bonds, as we have often repeated.
At this time when we are facing this severe crisis, one of the principal consequences of which is an increase in unemployment, the EU should use all the means at its disposal to react, particularly as regards support to be provided for those who are facing the day-to-day reality of unemployment.
This report acknowledges the existing problems with cohesion policy, beginning with the delayed conclusion of negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the legislative package, resulting in the belated implementation of the national strategies and operational programmes.
Nor would it have been possible without the excellent and constructive atmosphere that, in our opinion, characterised the whole process.
I also appeal to Member States not to add further and often unnecessary regulations to EU guidelines.
Our discussion has a very important environmental dimension, which is particularly emphasised in this report, and I would like to thank the rapporteur for that too.
The effects of inequality can be seen all too easily when you compare countries where there are major differences, such as those in Eastern and Western Europe.
The agreements were initialled on 15 March 2007 but, unfortunately, some technical problems then arose which slowed down further progress, although the end is now in sight.
I ask myself when the Commission, faced with the drastic situation with respect to unemployment, poverty and inequality, will finally understand that we cannot keep going on as before, as suggested in the work programme.
I want to say that, in relation to the future, your comments are particularly welcome.
Do not make the Greek people pay the price for the unattainable ambition of an EU superstate!
I would like to limit myself to these general statements.
We know from experience that hybrid financing creates problems, so we have to avoid creating such problems.
If the Commission were to endeavour to facilitate the cross-border transfer of company registered offices, reducing red tape, the whole proposal for the European private company would be redundant.
They are willing to take us out to show us how it works, and until such time as the technologies have been developed, we should keep a more open mind regarding these oil sands and shales.
I find it unbelievable that the European Union is still giving aid to Uganda.
I would also like to thank you for the debate and to emphasise three points.
At no time did any of the members of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs seek to hold hostage or to threaten not to help the Irish workers who are today in a critical situation due to the industrial strategy and the relocation of Dell.
We have achieved a strong text on biofuels and, crucially, indirect land-use change will now be factored in at the insistence of the Parliament.
We wish to speak the language of truth with Turkey.
They are the same people who say that our citizens cannot have their say on whether or not Turkey should join the EU.
Issues such as the ageing population, rapidly changing technologies, climate change and other environmental challenges all need to be addressed with urgency.
Given the new role of Parliament within the context of the Treaty of Lisbon and its new functions, and in view of the commitment made when the 2010 budget was approved, this increase in funds available for the running of Parliament makes sense, as it ensures that this body has all the material and human resources it needs to fulfil its new tasks in the new institutional framework with accuracy and excellence.
This is important, and naturally, the Treaty of Lisbon includes these three words and adds to them the ambition of very strong competitiveness.
It is also important to me that you have directly addressed the cowardice or, it could be said, the double standards, of many governments and members of governments in relation to their shared European responsibilities, as these double standards are one of the main causes of the lack of trust and mutual finger-pointing to which we must put a stop.
Let me stress that the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon depends on ratification by all 27 Member States.
They have lent weight to the decision that I hope will be taken by this House tomorrow, as well as to the Commission's work in the Council.
Time limits and distance when crossing the waters that separate us from the continent and from our markets cannot be the absolute.
We cannot put off this decision any longer.
If they have it, we will certainly forward it to the Member.
in writing. - (PL) I voted against Giusto Catania's report on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union (2004-2008).
1.
(Applause)
Could the Commission answer how many free trade agreements we are negotiating or have negotiated up to now?
I would like to emphasise that the provision of better coordination between individual levels of control, greater flexibility, and transparent and clear procedures, not only represent features of good administration of public affairs but, above all, should facilitate the drawing down of funds and increase the participation of potential partners in projects.
Sometimes what we do in the European Parliament is quite technical, but I am absolutely sure that this directive, this legislation, will also help Europe to go forward.
Consumers are generally unaware of what is happening and are being deceived.
We also regret that the Commission document does not contain any specific proposals for the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals prior to 2015.
On the other hand, the OSCE has informed us that they have been permitted to send observers to oversee the elections.
All too often, endangered species are portrayed as nuisances which halt or obstruct building projects.
The Commission has worked in close cooperation with the two teams in order to ensure a coherent overall EU presence in a post-status Kosovo.
I myself investigated the reception of Chechen refugees in Poland, because a number of Chechen refugees were sent back to Poland from Belgium on the basis of Dublin.
In some cases, attachment without just cause can destroy a person's livelihood.
Cooperation between all European countries and the exchange of experiences are of particular importance in this regard.

I recently read a book by an American author which describes the following scenario.
I would like to thank you and, again, Mr Castiglione for this very difficult task of bringing together all the different opinions within the European Parliament.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, terrorism is continually evolving and we must stay on top of the changing scenario.
in writing. - I and my British Conservative colleagues support the work of the UN and the UN Human Rights Council.
We owe it to our consumers and businesses to make the right decision for them and ensure that any change of law affecting their rights is properly thought through.
We cannot, however, support inter alia the references to a Common Immigration Policy or a Common Asylum Policy, any moves to reduce the freedom of the Member States to act in the area of justice and home affairs, the creation of a 'European External Action Service' or any moves towards a defence capability for the EU.
The pipeline you mentioned is an important project in these efforts, and to feed this pipeline, we need to work first and foremost on the trans-Caspian pipeline, to get the Central Asian resources to the Black Sea.
It will be even more detrimental to banana producers on the Canary Islands, Spain.
All this is due to a series of problems that have arisen over the years, which are a result of the change of economic regime and the international situation, as I pointed out when I took the floor yesterday.
This information will help make the move towards goods that reduce emissions as well as noise pollution.
There are countries where the foundations of a modern economy are, as a matter of fact, only just appearing.
Therefore, we should have the possibility of a split vote.
We need to amend the directive.
The recent gas conflict between Russia and Ukraine by no means left the European Union unscathed.
He talks about morality and lack of dignity.
You cannot impose additional monetary penalties on a country that is already heavily in debt.
It is very likely that the European Council will discuss follow-ups to these events which are crucial for the Union's interests in the long-term perspective.
(DE) Mr President, thank you Commissioner for speaking so plainly.
The situation for fruit and vegetables is likely to get even worse when the market is opened wider still to Moroccan products under the new agreement that is currently being adopted.
(DE) Madam President, allow me to extend a warm welcome to Stavros Dimas.
author. - Mr President, the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is profoundly traumatising for Congolese society.
In today's Guardian it was reported that the billionaire John Paulson was revealed yesterday as one of the hedge fund bosses who has been short-selling UK bank shares, placing a nearly GBP 1 billion bet that their shares would fall dramatically.
As you know, since our last debate on 8 October, the Council Presidency has pursued only one objective and held only one conviction: the essential unity of Europeans in the face of the global financial crisis.
Today we want to know how and when we are going to integrate the classification of the upper airspace and how are we going to jointly operate the lower airspace in the future.
Everything has a positive side too, however.
The horizontal approach is not only an important aspect on the basis of the arguments which I expounded earlier; the Commissioner personally also addressed the question of the legal basis.
I am glad to conclude that the European Parliament expressed cross-party unanimity at every stage of the examination of the issue in this House, thus shaping a single position on the need to conclude this Protocol as soon as possible and hence offer the Republic of Moldova all possible opportunities to benefit from the advantages of its relations with the EU.
There is a real danger that Madagascar, in its strategically important location, will become a failed state, like others we know of in Africa, first and foremost of which is Somalia.
The reasons for these differences are, in many cases, avoidable and unjust, because they are due to discriminatory factors such as the reduced economic capacity of individuals.
I congratulate the rapporteur, Mr Rapkay, for his report and the work he has done.
Mr President, President-in-Office, ladies and gentlemen, this I say on behalf of the PPE-DE Group, I look forward to an effective Europe in 2008, a successful Europe.
This is a serious threat to agricultural production, so it must be fought using Union instruments for this reason too.
We have no way of guaranteeing the principle of non-refoulement, even if it is writ large in your text.
In fact the Czech Presidency evidently considers a common European policy to be a barrier to the great national foreign policies of our national states.
This is the only way to create new jobs.
It therefore insists on price stability and the Stability and Growth Pact, albeit with a degree of flexibility, and on the Lisbon Strategy, which, as we know, has been used as a pretext in order to pursue privatisation and remove responsibility for social functions from the state.
Trade determines a large portion of the economic growth of some countries.
I also strongly welcome the fact that the report, in a similar way to the report produced by Mr Mavrommatis a few years ago, highlights the success of the informal procedures which you want to concentrate on more closely.
I also agree that:
However, directives also need to be based on good sense, so today in this House, I should like to make a few good-sense observations.
The growing need for available transplant organs in a context of cross-border exchange and of significant differences among the transplant systems adopted by the various Member States requires cooperation and common regulations regarding the quality and safety of the organs to be strengthened.
Illegal logging also has extremely negative consequences for indigenous peoples, for biodiversity and in terms of climate change.
The whole idea of this legislation is to bring safety to the food we eat, and, of course, what our animals eat is essential because we eat those animals.
It has delivered so far.
(The President cut off Mrs Lulling)
This is the case in Italy, where today there are around half a million Romanian citizens.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (PT) Mr President, what I have to say on this issue is as follows.
Faced with a choice between democracy and supra-nationalism, the European Union almost always opts for supra-nationalism and nowhere is this clearer than in its policy in the Western Balkans.
The Court found that the Commission had used criteria not provided for in the rules (i.e. vessels have to be at least 5 years old before being eligible to apply for safety tonnage) and that it had exceeded its power.
These are very sensitive topics and, according to the subsidiarity principle, they are a matter for the individual Member States alone.
Let us stop investing in new facilities to produce more energy, and let us plough our money and our efforts into the cleanest energy in the world, energy that we can avoid using.
Framework Financial Regulation for the bodies referred to in Article 185 of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (
The Commission and Parliament have worked together to ensure that this will change.
If we were to succeed in this and if we are able to maintain this momentum beyond this year's elections in the United States and next year's elections in the European Union, we will perhaps have created the basis for understanding that climate change, organised crime, migration and much else can only be tackled together in the interests of a better world.
It is a political tool in the advancement of an integrated Europe. It should be seen for what it is.
The position achieved by the euro in the international markets brings undoubted benefits, such as better protection from external shocks.
We will present a draft to the country shortly and, as the country is quite advanced in many respects, for instance on biometric passports, I hope that it will be able to meet the conditions of the road map rather swiftly and thus achieve the goal of visa-free travel for citizens of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia§.
Promoting innovation-led growth is not about increasing excellence in R&D infrastructure. Important as they are, it is, first and foremost, about mobilising talents and mobilising new ideas.
We must not introduce policies that violate human rights and criminalise men and women who only aspire to a job and, in many cases, to the basic right to life.
These global dialogues allow us to learn more about our partners, to advocate our values and standards and to resolve issues of bilateral interest and create new commercial opportunities for Europe's firms.
Finally, especially today, my sympathy goes to the Nigerian people on the death of their President.
The lesson we can learn from the past is that we have experienced considerable economic growth, but on the basis of speculation, which has not taken into account justice, fairness, the environment, the future or future generations.
I would like to make three points.
The figures and the documentation referred to in the French report clearly indicate that by far the highest use of this medicinal product was in France.
I believe that there is a broad consensus in this House - not a full but a broad consensus - on the selection process of the next Managing Director of the IMF.
The following questions are addressed to the Commission.
That is why I would like to underline what the Commissioner stated earlier - that, regarding the EIT, the key issue now is the financing and funding.
I understand that she will shortly be presenting herself to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and answering questions.
It is the Commission that must propose how we can achieve a sensible stabilisation within the euro area.
Without such types of programmes, adapted to the nomadic nature of the Roma lifestyle, the European Union will never be able to make a full contribution to increasing the value added at EU level.
The country remains a conflict zone with flexible borders, where, just as in the 1960s, it is about the demarcation of ethnic territories and control of mining areas.
I was pleased to co-sign Amendment 3, calling for a feasibility study.
I am convinced that during the parliamentary elections taking place this May the relevant Georgian authorities will take all the requisite steps to increase public confidence in the election process.
The fact that the new High Representative will also be a Vice-President of the Commission, responsible for coordinating all of the EU's external action, will help. The service will also be responsible for the administration of delegations, though the people inside delegations will come, as now, from different services - not just the EEAS, but also the Commission services and maybe other institutions and bodies of the European Union.
, in writing. - We welcome the ongoing efforts to further incorporate the level of consumers' awareness as the necessary basis for the effective implementation of the existing consumer protection legal framework, especially with regard to the most vulnerable groups of the population.
He could not even tell me that he was living and dying with an AIDS-related illness.
What we need is major restructuring.
I hope it does not go that far and that we can have a strong and widely-supported report to offer to the Commission and to the Member States as our contribution.
As a first step on the way to resolving this problem, the report is very useful.
Innovation should also extend to all organisations and institutions, whether public or private, profit-making or non-profit-making, and to all aspects of life; in particular it should promote social innovation and innovation in support of environmental sustainability.
Carbon storage, biomass, as well as investments in reducing the quantities of fertilisers used are just some examples of the way in which agriculture is affected by this problem.
The big question is how we want to achieve that, and that is where we come to a parting of the ways.
Our industry is the world's largest producer of cars and second largest producer of lorries, and it has good after-sales services.
In my opinion, the hypothesis that none of the fixed-term and part-time jobs is a high-quality job does not hold water.
(PL) Madam President, in the Commission communication on the future of the common agricultural policy, administrative simplifications are one of the proposals for reforming European agriculture.
In this case, the report deals with the rights of migrant and refugee women, who are treated as a select category of women compared to other female European citizens.
As Finns and Nordic people, we are worried that consumer protection might be impaired.
It is up to Ireland to choose whether or not to implement these measures.
Our climate footprint is largely the same in both cases.
At the end of last year, there were two important developments in Croatia's accession process.
Such a European strategy would be based on prevention, and would aim to raise public awareness and to persuade the public of the need for soil protection. In addition, the strategy would identify risk areas with a view to resolving this problem at European level.
The transfer of responsibility following the closure of storage sites has now been set at 20 years, which is also very positive.
It also urges the Commission and national, regional and local authorities to promote twinning programmes between towns and regions and, in addition, calls for the annual action programmes in the fields of democracy, the rule of law and human rights to be pursued more ambitiously, in line with the objectives set up in the ENP action plans, asking for more to be done to persuade the partner governments to commit themselves to action in those fields.
In any case, I am, and will continue to remain, of the opinion that it should also be possible to submit a dossier in Dutch.
Apart from this, the EU is once again applying double standards.
We consider possible accusations levelled against them to be baseless, and I can assure you that we will continue to engage with the Iranian authorities in all the ways we can until these issues are resolved in a satisfactory manner - that is, that the persons in question are released.
Countless people have used the more liberal visa conditions to travel into the European Union.
How is it possible to prove that nothing has happened to him?
Any revenue collected in this manner should be reinvested in the related infrastructures.
Brazil is now self-sufficient in food.
The Council, for all its faults, at least contains representatives of Member States.
We must learn from our mistakes, but we must keep it tight.
So, in many ways, it is a great improvement on the Nice Treaty.
Please say something about this!
Third, the European Union directives on waste, hazardous waste and landfills, which must apply throughout Europe, no matter which Member State we are talking about.
There must be effective checks when public funds are paid to individuals.
By participating in the EMCDDA and exchanging information, Croatia will be able to understand the problem and better respond to it.
Highly sensitive goods, such as agricultural and food products, require an exceptionally sound approach.
For this reason this resolution is a sensible one and has the backing of the Union for Europe of the Nations Group.
They are still waiting for Europe to offer proper support to our SMEs, to genuinely plan investments for the future and, above all, to support all those in Europe who are affected by the crisis.
I believe that preparing for the soft landing following 2015 is an important issue.
Secondly, territorial cohesion policy must, in our view, form part of the long-term future.

The US, the world's biggest economy, has failed to agree to specific greenhouse gas emission reductions for 2020, and many other developed industrialised nations are uncertain as to whether the ambitious actions required are possible.
However, current tendencies are not encouraging.
I wish you all the best!
We feel that it is right.
I am voting in favour of this recommendation.
In fact, there is not a single female EU special representative at the moment.
Mr President, it is very nice to have my name on the wall together with a Secretary of State and a Commissioner - it is a big moment!
In summary, the report lacks proposals and measures to change the CAP model in force, to begin with (but not only) as far as the distribution of aid is concerned.
It should also be said, however, that the exceptional criminal criteria applied in Spain against ETA have, on occasions, resulted in serious violations of fundamental rights.
Let me just respond here to the question of accountability.
The next item is one-minute speeches on matters of political importance.
This was, incidentally, a move in response to a specific vote taken by this Parliament during its January session, when we voted for this, that is, for this information to be made public.
the report by Maria Grazia Pagano, on behalf of Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, on development of an EU criminal justice area, with a proposal for a European Parliament recommendation to the Council on development of an EU criminal justice area.
Now more than ever, Vietnam must, on the contrary, establish mechanisms intended to allow peaceful expression of the tensions and social frustrations being felt in that country.
Policy on alternative energy is non-existent, despite the fact that in my country we have a lot of sun and wind, even with regard to cleaner energy such as gas, to the extent that the Government has still not begun to give it any consideration.
The award of the Sakharov Prize to Alexander Milinkievich, along with the strong and unequivocal condemnation of the murder of Anna Politkovskaya showed that Europe will not stand idly by, ignoring infringements of human rights beyond our Eastern border.
In other parts of the EU, the handling of the substance is not as strictly controlled.
This is primarily because all the areas in which the states can and must perform their social duties through public services have not been clearly excluded from the scope of the directive.
I also believe that, as mentioned in the common PPE-DE and UEN resolution, the efficient enforcement of the legal provisions by the Italian authorities would have prevented this situation.
Incredibly, not a single official has been held responsible for these acts.
(DE) Mr President, I would like to propose an oral amendment to the effect that, in points 5, 8 and 16, the word 'legal' should be deleted, as it gives the impression that children who are not registered, in other words involved in a current asylum procedure, could be excluded from the education programmes.
The subject of subsidiarity must also be given adequate consideration in this regard.
That is to say, if governments spend their accumulated financial reserves primarily on bank rescue packages, then crucial energy investments may suffer delays.
(Applause)
I have heard reports - which prompted me to ask my question today - that they are being put back onto the market, for sale to other children.
Can the Council set out the principal objectives regarding the development of future agreements between the EU and the Western Balkans?
(ES) Commissioner, I assume that you know that in some States there is a method for paying authors' rights that involves establishing a charge that must be paid by all those who buy equipment to record or reproduce material, or buy CDs or DVDs.
But in the whole area of financial education, the place where I have been trying to up the agenda is for Member States to include, from an early stage, some basic financial education as part of the core curriculum programme.
For decades we have been thinking about the challenge of the emergence of new economies and about Africa's new role in the world.
What we need is to be convincing about the effectiveness of European expenditure compared with national expenditure.
Programmes that work well must be publicised widely.
Under this proposal, short-term exemptions that extend working hours due to peaks in production or the height of the tourist season can be utilised the whole year round.
Therefore, what we really need is more openness and more transparency in order for us to really get to the heart of the issue.
They have a duty to act and protect the people, namely via the United Nations Organisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) which is present on the ground.
European migration policy is necessary, to my mind, not least because, by 2050, the European working population will have dwindled by 20 million people.
I would like to believe that this report gives a comprehensive overview of all the issues that are related to all the agencies and joint undertakings.
in writing. - There are many ways in which fiscal attitudes across the EU could be helpful in generating a series of better conclusions for the Lisbon Strategy.
(PL) The Gdansk Shipyard, the cradle of solidarity, the chief actor in the struggle against communism, a shipyard which suffered discrimination and which by the political decisions of the communists was brought to a poor financial condition, today awaits a positive decision from the European Commission.
It may be that this is also about Africa as one of the areas in which Europe is interested.
Indeed, making provision to evaluate the ad hoc tools adopted at national level to end the crisis is evidence of an approach that is not only highly professional, but also sensitive.
The next item is the report by Jean-Paul Gauzès, on behalf of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on Alternative investment fund managers and amending Directives 2004/39/EC and 2009/.../EC - C7-0040/2009 -.
This is wrong. The past is not dead.
The Chinese Government quite properly deployed police and military personnel to quell the violence and stop the retaliatory attacks by the Han population on the Uighurs.
This is why I voted in favour of this resolution; in considering the negative impact of the liberalisation of markets on local economies, it underlines the strategic importance of reasonable tariff protection.
The Member States, and Germany in particular, were part of the decision-making process and supported everything that was decided.
I am bound to say - and I think I also speak for the other members of the Convention - that we always felt supported by the approval of the European Parliament.
With the impetus provided by the Cohesion policy, whose aim is to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship and develop a knowledge-based economy, research and development must be approached from two directions.
I believe that the involvement and potential of women themselves will mean that they make up a high percentage of this group.
In spite of this, the 'made in' origin mark has still not been approved by some EU Member States.
Any rejection decision must be duly substantiated, transparent and objective.
There is no doubt that this development has had an impact on birth rates, which have been depressed artificially at the behest of economic forces.
I may have to go and sit over there or you may have to build me a seat equidistant, because I assure you I will be in trouble somewhere for wherever I sit.
This involves significant costs.
As regards the European Economic Recovery Plan, the EU's budget is not of such magnitude as to be able to be used for Keynesian stimulus policy, but it can be used for certain small but strategic matters, such as the Recovery Plan.
It is a necessary challenge for Europe; it is an aspect of integration and social development that we have to confront.
Turning this practice into a habit is a crime in itself.
But if this does not happen, the European Union cannot fulfil its own pledges, and this undermines its credibility.
And this is a good time to do so in view of the Roma Summit which will be held in Córdoba in the coming month.
Why are we having these draconian measures placed upon our farmers when they do not need it or want it, and when all they want to do is produce good food?
This relationship is, however, of fundamental importance and we ought to put it right by pointing out inadequacies and inefficiencies, identifying the main problems and possible approaches for solving them.
I like the name 'intelligent car', I do not have any issues with it, as I understand that it is being used figuratively.
I should like to ask the Commission, therefore, if it does not think there is a case for triggering the European emergency clause and bringing forward the discussion on financial compensation.
As far as the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) is concerned, the final declaration of the summit next week must be more than just fine words.
The European Union has followed others in succumbing to this temptation.
Already the financial institutions are resisting the regulations we need to prevent a future meltdown.
Indeed, the proposal contains a number of derogations, particularly as concerns photovoltaic panels.
The report I am presenting seeks to tackle this contradiction and suggests possible answers for the other institutions.
With this proposal, the fifth JTI will be set up in the field of fuel cells and hydrogen.
In addition, that same Union now requires the Czech Republic to contribute financially to the advertising of European surplus wine in third countries.
That is one of the risk elements.
No European country is immune from its impact.
Formal sitting - 20th anniversary of the democratic change in Central and Eastern Europe
The indicator referring to pricing levels is particularly doubtful.
(PL) Mr President, the EU economy continues to be the strongest, but this eldorado will not necessarily last forever.
Surely theirs must be the most expensive faces since that of Helen of Troy which launched a thousand ships.
For example, they can help through useful training in the best use of protein crops and in optimal feeding practices.
The opt-outs are sad.
The regulations which we draw up are so accurate and so precise that there is no question of blurring the lines between information and advertising.
This means that there should be no unnecessary obstacles, no incentives to compromise our security for the sake of procedural rules.
The new needs cannot be funded by cutting back on the current priorities.
So far, I have no doubt that this also remains the case in Hungary today under a conservative government.
We need to think about this approach in a very comprehensive way.
This will have great benefits for European consumers.
Finally, I should like to say that the package of measures on climate and energy is evidence of our determination to progress from words to deeds; it also demonstrates that this can be done in a fair and economically effective manner, allowing everyone to be a winner.
I said to him earlier that we would try to make progress with regard to rating agencies also, and I can tell him that both the Belgian Presidency and the Commission are willing to try to speed up the discussions on derivatives.
We have also had the opportunity to discuss in detail how we can better protect these people and support their work.
With this in mind, I think that lifelong learning programmes, such as Erasmus or Leonardo da Vinci, must receive more substantial financial support from the authorities in the coming years.
I agree with the rapporteur that the democratic accountability of all EU development policy and the active role which Parliament must have in the procedure for approving funds for development aid, based on Article 290 of the Treaty of Lisbon, need to be enhanced.
We are also prepared to support an Afghan-led rehabilitation process for former militants.
We are in the middle of an election campaign but things are a bit calmer for you now.
We must recognise that the new government was elected in free and democratic elections and it helped pull Ukraine out of the economic and political chaos that dominated six months ago.
Secondly, we are not discussing the GSP either.
European unification is, essentially, undisputed.
I would like to draw your attention to four key developments which have particularly marked the European Union's activities over the past year.
Before Pirbright causes another dangerous blunder, could you please ask the Commission to take this laboratory off the list of animal testing reference laboratories and replace it with a more trustworthy facility, for agriculture's sake?
Firstly, there is everything to do with the requests for aid.
The Committee on Culture and Education called for amendments and additions in three areas.
If the situation had remained unchanged, we would have been facing unequal and utterly discriminatory treatment between Croatian and EU Member State fishermen.
This is common sense, but sometimes I have the impression that too much discretion is exercised in the decisions that are taken.
Bearing in mind the importance of the trust that European citizens and consumers put in financial institutions and transactions for the stability of our financial system and, consequently, for the smooth functioning of the Internal Market, I welcome the Commission's Green Paper and the opportunity to improve corporate governance structures throughout the EU.
The third issue that I wanted to address, which was likewise mentioned by several speakers, is, of course, the issue of the protection of personal data and, more generally, issues related to content, rather than the channel used to convey content.
Its competences are now being extended for a second time.
We are not going to have broadcasts of political groups.
I myself would happily do it and would be happy to use the products myself.
The development of new types of production or services and the innovative use of resources will contribute to the rational and effective development of local, regional and national markets.
However, as all our citizens who travel are well aware, increased security leads to increased inconvenience and waiting times at borders for bona fide travellers.
I am quite concerned for the future of a large number of European manufacturers.
The crisis - like all crises - needs to be addressed with structural changes, a different modus operandi and barriers to prevent toxic products from being channelled into the economy.
That is the reason why the financing for it was sporadic and its mission statement was vague.
It is an undeniable fact that, until now, even with the Stability and Growth Pact, even with a European Central Bank, the external representation of the EU in international financial bodies has fallen far short of the actual importance of Economic and Monetary Union and what the European Union project represents.
It is also vital for states to send specialists to international forums, with real expertise in the relevant area, a fact which Mrs Andrikienė's report recommends insistently and with full justification.
I believe that, although undoubtedly acting in good faith, the international community has to some extent colluded in this withdrawal.
There is no doubt that we must all speak up for a no-fly zone.
These amendments are based on recent developments in the fisheries sector and future prospects, namely, the possibility of increasing Union cofinancing from 50% to 60%, which represents an asset for the development of the fisheries sector in Portugal, and greater importance given to aquaculture, which justifies introducing the possibility of the collection, management and use of environmental data in this area, in addition to socio-economic data.
Many efforts are ongoing in this field.
The next item is the Council and Commission statements on rising food prices.
- Before the vote:
I and a number of other colleagues recently had an opportunity to visit EMSA, which carries out important work crucial to the development of the European Union's maritime transport strategy.
In my view, this system discriminates against EU citizens from outside Slovenia.
To sum up, when reading this draft regulation it appears that the emphasis placed on 'small enterprises' is above all political window-dressing aimed at making acceptable a rehash of the sadly famous 'country of origin' principle.
The debate is closed.
This system does not need to be changed to improve the way in which we reuse raw materials.
Announcements by the President
That was the situation, for instance, in the recent Fiat case.
(FI) Mr President, the former Ukrainian Prime Minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, has had to answer several corruption charges this spring, and a ban on travel in February prevented her from coming to meet us in Brussels.
However, the Community Tobacco Fund, which presently takes up 5% of tobacco aid, serves to finance research on countering the effects of smoking, propaganda campaigns and the training of tobacco producers with a view to conversion to other production.
We might live to experience a situation whereby the people in these regions are divided not by an iron but by a green curtain.
On the other hand, the number of errors in the transactions underlying the payments is high.
The alternatives to a solution would be that highly advanced research technology moves to Asia or is sold for peanuts.
Here, too, we call on the Commission to make sure that we have the same conditions for both, not different treatment.
As it happens, the coastal communities in my constituency are finding it very difficult to survive.
(Applause)
The late payment problem is particularly keenly felt in Italy, where public authorities take 128 days on average to make payments as opposed to a European average of 67 days.
It is not satisfactory because legal uncertainty results from all these points.
The building of a competitive and innovative Europe is linked to changes in the labour market.
Independence from political power, the financial independence of the media, transparent funding of the media, safeguards for journalists' working conditions, and the quality and variety of news reporting - all must be guaranteed.
It is time to move from words to action where democracy and human rights are concerned.
In the case of public provocation, this line is more blurred.
It is true: I entirely agree with what he said in his speech, that sometimes we in Europe arrive at the paradox of defending and attacking the human rights situation anywhere in the world while overlooking unacceptable discrimination in our own countries, because sometimes we do not have the right tools to fight in such a situation.
You should make clear to citizens that you already feel that, in the matters of the gas dispute, Gaza, Slovakia's actions with regard to Bohunice and the financial crisis, the Treaty of Lisbon would strengthen your role and enable you to carry it out in better harmony with the other European institutions.
If we do not look after our water, we will never succeed in combating hunger.
Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, dear guests, tomorrow, on 11 March, we will be marking the European Day for the Victims of Terrorism for the seventh time.
Many Member States do not comply with it either, as is the case with Portugal.
When we talk about the common agricultural policy - which will soon be on your table, you will soon be discussing it - I think we should develop more the concept of the public good.
For all the rest, there was no regulation; we would have been accepting deregulation, and we cannot do that.
Economic and social cohesion must genuinely remain a separate policy area and the benefits must be available to all the regions and people in Europe.
Mr Zemke, if that is what your question is about, then you have 30 seconds.
I doubt that the five Central Asian republics are models of democracy and the rule of law, but at least when the politicians of Kyrgyzstan wanted to change the constitution, they had the decency to ask the people for their approval in a referendum.
(HU) The new Member States are rightly worried that national egoism and renationalisation is gaining strength within the European Union.
I agree with what Ewa Klamt has said: it is useful to create a common system for the admission of highly qualified workers, instead of having 27 different systems.
Mobilisation of Globalisation Adjustment Fund: technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission (
As the rapporteur makes very explicit in his explanatory statement, this change constitutes an opportunity, but it is also a larger challenge to the proper utilisation of this instrument, which could lose in consistency that which it gains in scope.
I am firmly convinced, as are many others, that it is both possible and essential for people from different cultures and religions to live together in peace, both within the European Union and in the world at large.
We must do what we think is right, and the Americans can then follow us.
While we can control emissions, we have no control over such positive feedback on the planetary system.
That is a problem.
Similarly, there is better quality information now available on financing under external actions, thanks to the rapporteurs and shadow rapporteurs.
It would be good for all of us to have procedures in place in future so that we would be ready if faced with similar exceptional situations.
Of those, 58% are transported by rail, 25% by air and 17% by inland waterways.
These are climate change, the concern that we will be threatened with mass unemployment and recession, unless we take countermeasures, and the call, in particular from small and medium-sized enterprises, for public infrastructure, so that we can make progress, create some breathing space and give ourselves a perspective on the situation.
in writing. - (HU) It is no accident that the Latin American rain forests are called the lungs of the world.
This situation suits the Lukashenka regime, since the more contacts with Western Europe are restricted, the easier it will be to control Belarusian society.
Another difficulty, which is no less important, was the lack of a legal structure.
What that summit in Lisbon represented was a giant deceit and an attempt to impose upon the peoples of Europe a constitution just by dropping that word and repackaging it, when it actually has all the same proposals.
The report offers no meaningful attempts to solve this problem.
The People's Party wants value to be generated from budgetary expenditure, so it is prepared to act in the interests of greater efficiency, in other words against poorly performing programmes, corruption or expenditure led by internal politics.
Last week I visited the Michelin tyre plant in Stoke, and again I was impressed by the research and development fund and efforts to improve the efficiencies of tyres, with a view to providing environmental and social sustainability.
As the European Parliament, we have an obligation to call for full light to be shed on this issue, to closely monitor research and to push for responsibility to be apportioned for any infringements of international humanitarian law.
The situation is critical.
Given the tragedy that has struck the region of Murcia and specifically, the town of Lorca, I should like to express, on behalf of the Presidency, our solidarity with that community and with all the victims, several of whom have been killed.
Madam President, thanks and congratulations to Mrs Doyle, but I think that tomorrow will be a sad day for democracy in the European Parliament.
The main effect of this Directive will be to provide comparable and standard information to consumers across the EU who take out loans.
Others, on the other hand, see it as the mere chairmanship of the meeting of the Heads of Government.
More specifically, one of the short-term priorities in relations between the European Union and Turkey is the adoption of legislation that is in accordance with the relevant European standards and provides a response to all the difficulties encountered by minorities and non-Muslim religious communities.
Soon we will have trials in absentia and the common recognition of fines and confiscation orders.
In 2009, the European Investment Bank granted a total amount of EUR 13 billion to financial institutions; the equivalent of a 55% increase over the previous year.
With its motion for a resolution on the 2010 progress report on Croatia, Parliament's aim was to applaud the improvements made by Croatia in several respects, which are bringing the country ever closer to the European Union.
Firstly because this arrangement, aimed at fighting terrorism, is not binding because it does not force Member States either to ask for assistance or to grant it.
The Brazilian authorities now also require that bovine animals whose meat is destined for the EU market are individually identified and registered in a database.
As a Member from one of the outermost regions, I would stress the importance of taking into account the specific characteristics of these regions, and of attempting to avoid compromising their development during future negotiations.
I think your parents would be ashamed to see you like this.
I also believe that observance of the country of origin principle for VAT on distance selling and e-commerce is the only viable basis for a coherent and transparent tax framework to allow the free movement of goods.
Will it demand the acknowledgement of Nazi crimes in the denial of events or their gross trivialisation in the Member States?
Thank you very much, Minister.
I am pleased to see that the European Parliament has decided to address the fairly wide range of social issues covered by this report, issues that need to be solved urgently.
These steps provide an incentive for moves towards democracy in Belarus, which I am confident will be well understood, on the one hand, by the government, but, on the other hand, particularly by the people.
I therefore request that we vote to postpone this vote until Strasbourg: not beyond that, only until Strasbourg.
in writing. - I voted in favour of the Lipietz report on trade and climate change.
Of these problems, we would stress the high rate of youth unemployment; the difficulty of getting into the labour market; low pay; the inadequacy of formal training from schools and universities for the demands of working life; and the difficulty of reconciling starting work, which is always difficult, with family life.
It seemed to us that the political indications were instead directed at choosing an aid policy that did not damage structural sectors for the European economy.
I am very pleased indeed that we have voted to put this emergency facility in place.
In 2007 the European Parliament voted money for advertising in the milk sector in order to protect it from increased market liberalisation.
Decisions concerning certain documents: see Minutes
In the name of transparency - which the citizens require - and thoroughness, I do not believe that the Council is free of its obligation to be publicly accountable for the funds made available to them.
I fear that this may even be a new source of serious conflicts.
We do not want to restrict the right of European citizens to individual mobility.
The compromise amendments that you suggested have certainly helped to strengthen the European dimension of the initiative by clarifying the scope as well as the roles and commitments of the Member States.
It is excellent that this Council will also be discussing these questions globally, but I think that Parliament can make a substantial contribution to this discussion.
As members of the leading party in the Irish Government, we have consistently opposed proposals put forward in the European Parliament which condemn the internal activities of individual governments and individual countries within the European Union.
So, I would just like to inform you that, as is clearly stated in the letter, there is a consultation.
(The President cut off the speaker)
When in God's name is Parliament going to understand that Islamist terror has nothing to do with discrimination or social exclusion, but flows directly from the world vision of Islam itself?
in writing. - (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I voted in favour of the excellent report by my fellow Member Mr Albertini on sustainable European transport policy, taking into account European energy and environment policies.
My 'chef de cabinet' informed him that we were prepared to have a meeting to explain it.
Freedom, the free movement of people and goods, and solidarity with everyone who is in need of solidarity, must remain priorities of the EU.
Instead of complaining about this situation, we corrected our fundamental indicators, we repaired and collected our public finances.
The South Caucasus occupies an increasingly strategic position from both a political and an economic point of view.
During interviews with Lithuanian emigrants working abroad, complaints about employers who take advantage of their lack of knowledge of local legislation and lack of language skills and fail to pay them for their work are very often heard.
The EP has voted in favour of calling on the institutions involved to make the necessary efforts to accelerate the mobilisation of the EGF.
I wanted another principals meeting in April, and we have prepared a substantial statement based on our position.
People have been handed over to torture regimes because others obviously don't want to get their hands dirty.
(DE) Mr President, I would like to thank Mr Matsakis for his fairness.
We should therefore strengthen all agri-environmental measures along these lines.
I would ask them also to reflect on the political context of energy pricing, and in particular on the career of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, currently employed by Gazprom, who quite clearly is pursuing an interest which is nuclear-free, but as Ari Vatanen has reminded us, is not free of Russian politics.
Having more Europe means, first and foremost, fully implementing the laws that already exist in relation to the internal energy market.
Let me say that I was very happy also with the nomination of Herman Van Rompuy.
I think that a credible and serious prospect of accession for these countries is the strongest possible stimulus to prompt them to really do what is necessary.
Therefore, the Council held discussions immediately, on 7 October, regarding these drafts - the method and timing of the three mandates - and decided that all three mandates should indeed have identical content, that the Council would adopt them at the same time, that they would start at the same time, and that the negotiations with the United States, Canada and Australia should start by December of this year at the latest.
Huge infrastructure projects are currently being implemented in the European Union whose safety has perhaps not been assessed comprehensively and properly.
In this respect - and let me point out that I am not known as a left-wing fanatic - I have to say that I am surprised and dismayed by the amendment tabled by our fellow Member, Mr Weber, whom I respect, and several others.
Development policy must also be coordinated with climate policy from now on.
If we look at the European Union as a living organism, the European car industry is its backbone.
The watering down of the long-term target in particular demonstrates to me that the automotive industry has not learnt from the legislation on CO2 limits for cars introduced two years ago that it will only be able to sell clean cars in the future.
In my recent statement on the operation to return Afghans to Kabul, conducted jointly by the United Kingdom and France, I indicated that the Member States had to take three precautions before returning an individual to a third country such as Afghanistan.
I would draw your attention to the misgivings of certain groups of European public opinion and suggest that you undertake a widespread publicity campaign capable of proving to European citizens that Croatia meets all the criteria for membership, because we no longer follow the course of block membership as we did after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Mr President, I congratulate my colleague Ms Uca on this excellent report and I welcome the two-track approach, endorsed by the Commission in its communication, focusing on both gender mainstreaming and specific actions to empower women.
I firmly believe that the sanctions policy will not be more effective until it is incorporated in an integrated EU human rights strategy.
If Parliament means what it says on the CFSP, we have to send a clear message that we will support a strong, comprehensive and inclusive External Action Service and, in observing our own prerogatives, we will not be part of any vested interests seeking to limit the capacity, and therefore the effectiveness, of that service.
Strengthening the EU's economic governance has become a priority, especially in the current international economic situation.
Opening of the sitting
This has been achieved by the suppression of their Islamist extremists and Communists, which is a price well worth paying.
I, for one, would be delighted if we were to devote an equal amount of attention to the monitoring of the implementation of this agreement, and we will soon have the opportunity to do just that.
Thanks to the exchange of such information as DNA profiles, dactyloscopic data and national vehicle registration data, and thanks to broader police and court cooperation, we can ensure that criminals and terrorists do not feel safe in any of the EU Member States, or indeed outside them.
Parliament's amendments will see to that.
Do elections need to be organised straight away?
But I would like to remind you that there are additional aspects to these relations, especially the political aspects, which are being examined by the Council in this development in relations between the European Union and Israel.
My personal view here is that it is absolutely fatal that that there is still no legally binding regulation banning exports of arms from the European Union to these countries.
I think we need, as we have already declared with the Lisbon Strategy, a genuine high-tech offensive for Europe, if we really want to build the path towards the knowledge-based society.
In this field, the Commission is also bound by the strategy endorsed by the 1994 international conference on population and development, further reviewed in 1999.
I am not opposed to pitching in and helping each other in crisis situations, but it must happen as and when required and in a natural way.
More commitment really is needed here.
They are agreements that lack democratic legitimacy, and increasingly so as they are almost always negotiated in the greatest secrecy, behind the public's backs, seeking to cover up their economic, social and environmental impact, avoiding informed debate and clearing things up.
In my opinion, securing sufficient earmarked funds to cover the inevitable costs for decommissioning nuclear reactors and managing the resulting radioactive waste remains an important open question.
I would also like to respond to the notion often voiced in the debate that the question of posted workers is a matter which divides the old Member States from the new ones.
I fully support the rapporteur's proposals that maladministration should henceforth be interpreted more widely, so that in addition to illegal administrative acts and breaches of binding norms and principles, it would include incidents where administrative institutions have been negligent, acted non-transparently or broken other principles of good administration.
As far as biofuels are concerned, I hope that the Commission will be able to enforce the sustainability criteria in Europe and in the rest of the world, while encouraging international trade in the cleanest and most competitive biofuels.
Subject: EU priorities for Intergovernmental Conference on Climate Change
We also had the elections to the European Parliament.
We are talking about the same directive that gives the Member States a period of some 25 years just to identify all areas in the national territory that might be considered seriously polluted, and thus compromised for various uses, both public and private, and all areas at serious risk in fact of desertification, erosion, salinisation and loss of compaction.
Secondly, we are circulating this technology even though we know that it can always be abused from a military aspect.
We all share the same idea: we have freedom of movement of judgments.
(ES) Today, at the start of 2010, we are not where we would have hoped to be in the fight against climate change.
It should be noted that this proposal does not affect the Community budget.
This super team, led by Monika Strasser, was not just competent and professional, but was also more than usually interested in its work.
Madam President, as Mr Peterle says in his excellent report, the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement is part of a greater strategy for increased regional stability in Central Asia.
I agree that the mobilisation of this fund is necessary in this case and have therefore voted in favour of this report.
Specifically, we want it to be possible for small appliances, which can easily be thrown into the dustbin, to be handed in free of charge.
We need to reduce our own emissions by 70% to 80% if we are to achieve the climate targets.
The region needs democratic measures to be put in place, intended chiefly to ensure security, stability and peace, as well as to increase prosperity.
Mr President, I share in the delight of my friend and colleague, Ms Gill, that we are closing loopholes in this directive.
It has ceased to be intergovernmental and is now a Community body, with a Community budget and under the control of the European Parliament.
The top priorities of the Swedish Presidency have been to respond to the demands of climate change and to ensure that the EU retains its leading position ahead of the negotiations in Copenhagen while, at the same time, we are responsible for continuing to address the economic and financial crisis.
Many hospitals are refusing to admit and treat them due to the risk of contamination.
However, this flexibility does have its limits when it results in exceptions and regulations being interpreted differently according to the whims of the supervisory authorities.
Moreover, if this system of mutual recognition worked perfectly, in other words if it were fully applied everywhere, the result would be a 1.8% increase in Europe's GDP, which certainly represents a significant macroeconomic impact.
I was at Roissy Airport when the plane from Mumbai landed, and I could see that all the same eleven European nationalities were represented on the chartered plane.
in writing. - (DE) Biometric data can make passports and travel documents more difficult to forge and thereby help to combat organised crime and illegal immigration.
A study commissioned by MEP Caroline Lucas shows that Parliament's monthly relocations to France have dramatic environmental consequences.
One solution is to regulate access to genetic resources in a way which, in particular, respects fully the rights of indigenous and local communities.
So this is purely a matter for clarification.
China does, of course, have the right to develop economically, but the rights of minority groups, fragile as they are, must be protected.
The EU will work towards achieving a successful result and prior to the preparatory committee meeting it will work together with key partners in order to secure a broad support for our objectives.
We need to send out clear signals in this regard.
Every region should choose three to five of the 10 sectors offered by the Commission in which to concentrate 100% of the available support.
As regards Greece, a multi-annual programme of fiscal consolidation and structural reform has been agreed by the Greek authorities.
That would surely be absurd.
in writing. - The reason we finally voted against the text was that the more specific proposals to shelter Latin America from speculative attacks and climate change phenomena, discourage aggressive export orientation, avoid environmental dumping and hedge the liberalisation of financial services, got diluted in the process of building compromises, as counterweights to stop even more grotesque Spanish wordings.
Are the Copenhagen criteria sacred obligations for all of us, or just for new members?
I am concerned about the ineptitude of our government, but the silence of the European institutions is also striking, as if they did not want to see this violation of European law by the country holding the Presidency.
The whole issue which you have raised in your own memorandum about quantity, quality and supply is a very important one and is about making sure that the people who produce and supply the fish get an adequate reward for the work that they do.
With that I wish you all a Happy Christmas!
(PT) Madam President, those who are pushing Portugal into this supposed aid do not really want to help, rather they want to make money by sinking us and sinking the euro.
Registration and disclosure of the financial interests of registered lobbyists are all very well, but what about the numerous letter-writers, experts, and our other contacts?
Europe has suffered from a lack of debate.
It is up to the Member States to provide these, because only then can the rules genuinely have the desired effect.
We tackled this issue without friction in a spirit of mutual trust and in particularly close cooperation.
Parliament can be proud of the 2010 budget.
There are numerous studies of 'Taleb distributions', as we often call them, where, if you increase the risk substantially, you can count on profits rising dramatically and everyone can be given these bonuses and other benefits, in other words these 'perks'.
It is a useful expression of solidarity that genuinely helps EU countries and citizens in moments of great need.
Therefore, this harmonisation is ongoing and under way.
Furthermore, the Council of 11 June 2010 took note of the Commission communication on future steps in bio-waste management in the European Union.
The whole scheme would fall apart if we were to go with it.
The third point is that, in the phasing-out programme for HCFCs, the percentage with respect to 1997 has been cut back to 7% for the final years.
The fact that I am yet another speaker making this point indicates the seriousness of the problem and the Commission's continued disregard of it.
On the internal market, it is not permitted, for example, in Sweden to demand that articles imported from Germany be labelled with where they come from.
However, since Article 5 provides that the choice of law is subject to the mandatory rules of the consumer's country of residence, it offers a solution that is very much in consumers' favour.
Please, Israel, my cry to you is: Set the children free!
By accepting that workers and employers have an interest in flexibility, the text approves the essence of the European Commission Communication, which seeks deregulation of the labour market, liberalises the right to dismiss workers without just cause, devalues collective agreements and weakens the trade unions and workers' struggles, although the text is critical of the Communication in some respects.
We can support a number of important points that are contained in the Cappato report.
This October the measures to increase breast cancer awareness, early detection and prevention must come from all levels of decision-making.
It is important to understand that the proposals are the ones adopted today by the College.
I think that we need to address these two issues through legislation.
The European Union can and must help lay the foundation for a post-Gaddafi Libya and for better prospects for the future for this tribal State.
Better access to non-promotional information may therefore help the public to gain a better understanding of the treatments prescribed to them and help their recovery, all naturally in the interests of their health.
The Common Fisheries Policy, while focusing on both of these ends, has led to the opposite: destruction of the marine environment, decrease of fish and impoverishment of the marine environment.
- Madam President, before we bid goodbye to Guantánamo by a combination of a resolution of this Parliament and the executive decision of the President of the United States - a wicked combination of naked power - let me just put on record two facts.
2.
Last but not least, I think it is a good thing that Pakistan's role is mentioned, because this is also vital.
(PL) Mr President, I should like to draw attention to three issues.
I am convinced that this agreement is a step forward in the relations between the European Union and Georgia, it shows the European aspirations of Georgia, and will thus represent a strong signal on the part of the European Union.
The EU-Georgia agreements on the simplification of the visa regime and readmission entered into force on 1 March 2011 and represent a welcome first step.
(The President cut off the speaker)
The association agreement is important for Central America.
The adoption of a European charter of the rights of victims of terrorism would be a big step forward that would help those fighting terrorism and would be a strong blow for those that defend it.
I ask both the European Commission and the Italian authorities to take into consideration the provisions of the common resolution of the PPE-DE and UEN Groups as well, which are not included in the text adopted today.
I believe that small businesses should be assisted to increase their ability to compete in international markets by enhancing their ability to export, disseminating information concerning programmes and initiatives facilitating international market access and penetration of SME goods and services, and ensuring that the interests of small businesses are adequately represented.
Furthermore, it institutionalises the European Semester through the need for the involvement of all the European institutions, where national reform programmes should incorporate EU objectives.
This is a challenge.
Furthermore, this false optimism is also leading to the wrong solutions.
But we seem to share the same objectives of having openness and transparency and access to documents.
This is the result of a collective effort.
Even Serbia has realised that Europe wants it to come onboard, but it needs to be reconciled with its recent past to do this.
The same applies to the appointment of the staff and the filling of important positions within the service.
These amendments, which seek to impose origin marking for textile products imported from third countries (with the exception of Turkey and the EEA Member States) or to regulate precisely the conditions of voluntary origin marking of textile products manufactured in Europe by means of this regulation, would amount to endangering the adoption, within a reasonable timescale, of this important legislation. The proposal for a regulation on origin marking put forward by the European Commission is still under discussion in the Council and is the subject of a report by the Committee on International Trade.
I am very grateful to Mrs Griesbeck for having also noted the important step forward in relations between Georgia and the EU that these two agreements represent.
We want fair trade, provided that it is not just about the law of the jungle.
You only have to listen to what the indefectible supporters of this tax have been telling us.
Secondly, it was not surprising last year that England got so little support for the awarding of the World Cup venue, despite its great infrastructure.
But, through the consumer market scoreboard, one of the main topics of our investigations will be prices and part of this basket will be about food prices.
Regarding the report's fundamental issue, as we stated during the debate - the relaxation in the introduction procedure for alien species in aquaculture, in 'closed facilities' - must go hand in hand with the most precise possible definition of the requirements with which such facilities will have to comply, in keeping with up-to-date technical and scientific information.
This is not the subject of this evening's debate.
The late President Conté himself seized power in a military coup, and now there is a sense of déjà vu.
Throughout the whole process, it is a priority for us to keep Parliament informed, as we have done over the last months.
It is inappropriate because, after the Erika, there was the Prestige; after the Prestige, there was the Tricolor; and, after the Tricolor, there were unfortunately plenty of other maritime disasters both in European waters and beyond.
So within 12 months, we could see another 20.7 million people given free access to the EU.
We cannot allow ourselves to be intimidated by these responses.
I know that Parliament has already signalled its openness to fast-tracking proposals, and I hope that we can work together on this very important and sensitive issue, because financial stability is a public good.
The fact is that Mr Rack has succeeded in clearly emphasising in the report that a safe, sustainable and effective urban mobility structure is a matter for the cities and local authorities of Europe and I think that this is where the great merit of this report lies.
The greatest support is needed by young people living in rural areas, who often do not have the financial means to begin a course of higher education and also do not have the opportunity to find work outside of agriculture in the area where they live.
The anticipated reduction in costs associated with the patent protection process is also not inconsiderable.
The ratification by Moldova in October of this year of the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court is a very positive step in this direction.
My constituent, Andrew Symeou, is just one of a growing number of people extradited without an English court having the power to consider the prima facie evidence against them and to prevent unjust extradition.
Only a referendum can cancel what another referendum has decided.
Incentives to enable low skilled workers to participate in learning programmes are recommendable.
We are able to say today that it was the right decision.
That is not up to me to say, but let us say in a very neutral way that what has been said tonight is not necessarily consistent with what has been said in the past.
Many women in rural areas have an urban lifestyle; others have a lot of poverty and hardship in their life.
The next item is the one-minute speeches on matters of political importance.
This text clarifies the relationship between health rules and environmental rules and thus contributes to the objectives of 'better regulation'.
Just a few days ago, we had the first ever regional conference of the Black Sea Synergy, which was a very first step in working on these issues in a regional dimension.
Children and young people at European schools come from different cultures and different nations.
The Commission adopted on 30 April a legally binding case definition on the basis of the EU communicable disease legislation, and this decision was published in the Official Journal on 1 May.

Moreover, it should be the EU's objective to diversify the national economies of the countries of the Western Balkans.
That is the one thing the Commission should do, but of course they will not.
Those states kept them in misery, when not in slavery, or sent them to concentration camps.
For example, as you well know, I have long been an advocate of Ukraine's EU membership, and I remain convinced that absorbing Ukraine is definitely in the EU's strategic interest.
I believe this report's conclusions are extremely clear and justify only too well action on the part of the European Commission - which should have addressed this matter a long time ago - to clarify the operation of the entry price regime, at least in relation to the tomato sector.
It is good for the industry that approvals can be dealt with more quickly, but Parliament is rightly asking that Member States should have the right to refuse products in their territory.
Nor does it make sense that there are no parliamentary controls over police cooperation.
Just over 10 years ago, the European Union passed a directive intended to protect laying hens from the appalling rearing conditions in which too many farms were keeping them.
For example, there is a lack of 1 200 classrooms for Palestinian children in the city, so we are helping to reinforce education facilities.
The aim of this proposal should be to protect those who need protection, but also to strengthen the rights of citizens to access information within the law when and where they see fit.
This means a Commission proposal for sanctions stands unless a qualified majority vote against, whereas until now a majority had to approve the sanctions.
There is nothing even-handed in equivocating over Hamas's refusal to recognise Israel and then demanding that no walls, no defensive action should be taken by the state that is not even recognised.
We know that there is a very profitable industry behind all this discussion.
As far as I am concerned, those who use them are well-trained, in my experience, and we need perhaps to step up the training in other Member States.
I welcome the decision of the European Parliament to release funds from the EU Solidarity Fund for the Central European states affected by last year's floods.
in writing. - (LT) I voted in favour of this resolution.
The empty bowl in the kitchen and the satellite dish laden with expectations constitute the best possible breeding ground for illegal immigration, which we can only control by contributing to the development of the countries of origin and preventing the real 'call effect': illegal employment.
Where can I turn to as a citizen?
The proposals in the report also enter the area of the curricula in Member States' education systems.
That is its failure.
It is one thing to have a watch or designer clothing counterfeited, but it is far more serious if it is a medicine.
This proves that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies.
Let me say once again that the political commitment of the Euro Plus Pact comes on top of all the other measures in the package to improve Member States' economic performance: the stronger Stability and Growth Pact on fiscal surveillance, the new macroeconomic surveillance and implementation of the crucial EU 2020 Strategy on structural reforms to achieve economic growth.
Mrs Patrão Neves, can I just say that when you take the floor, you seem to speak for longer than your time and you speak very fast, which has been slightly difficult for the interpreters.
That is certainly not what the Lega Nord want, nor do we intend to accept it.
If there is anything we need, it is action.
Closure of the sitting
The parliament has hardly any say in this and, what is more, there are special funds over which the parliament has no control whatsoever.
However, we must not allow the solutions adopted to harm existing plans and available funds within the Interinstitutional Agreement.
It must impose the introduction of a transparent, binding international mechanism that will place a duty on all multinational companies, especially those in the extractive industries, to automatically declare the profits they make and the taxes they pay in each of the countries in which they operate.
The next item is the Commission statement on cord blood stem cells.
(DE) Mr President, as everyone in this House knows, we have had an EC Regulation on the coordination of the European social security systems since 2004 but, unfortunately, no implementing regulation.
In this case, the Greens are adopting positions which are diametrically opposed to their views.
In fact, immediately after the approval of the Hungarian media law, a campaign was waged by the left, which used the phrase 'gagging law'.
The joint motion for a resolution, on which Parliament voted today, calls for that principle to apply also in relation to the Danube region.
The rights of family members have also been taken into account in accordance with the practice in connection with previous accessions.
However, I have the following question.
Our goal remains the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon in time for the elections to the European Parliament in June 2009.
It is clear that the totally unsupervised and unrestrained production of biofuels must have possible negative consequences for the environment, biodiversity, food prices, and so on.
This situation in Chad requires urgent attention, not only from the European Union, but also from the international community.
Mobilising Information and Communication Technologies to facilitate the transition to an energy-efficient, low-carbon economy (
Hence our final vote to abstain.
Now, people could rightly say that the Brandenburg Gate had become the gate of freedom.
If Mr Mugabe were to lose power, the country would be re-colonised, and the majority of the people would be discriminated against.
The defences are down, the press do not care and the UK is asleep, so get those unfortunate truckers taxed.
The second principle of the Constitutional Convention was transparency and the third was democracy.
Furthermore, we cannot simply focus on nuclear safety in the EU.
However, the reality is that corruption does exist in many developing countries and, while we must continue to promote good governance in these countries, we have a more pressing responsibility to help the many millions of people dying of starvation and disease in the world.
Thousands of students are demonstrating, they are taking to the streets and occupying lecture theatres.
14.
the report by Mr Caspary, on behalf of the Committee on International Trade, on the proposal for a Council and Commission decision on the conclusion of the Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters between the European Community and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and Turkmenistan, of the other part (05144/1999 - C5-0338/1999 -.
It is a disgrace that the European Parliament and the other institutions still have no idea of exactly how this service is supposed to work.
in writing. - The proposed simplifications of the regulations dealing with pharmacologically active substances in foodstuffs of animal origin are to be welcomed and, accordingly, I supported Mrs Doyle's report.
Our concept is the future recognition of security standards, of security controls, the result of security controls and also the mutual recognition of the customs trade partnership: the CT Pact on the US side and the authorised economic operator on the EU side.
A solution may, however, be on the point of being found; in any case the future ought to be guaranteed, in view of the dependence of many states, including my own, on such supplies.
Regulations and agreements to provide cross-border healthcare already exist, and these can be improved without calling into question the responsibilities and rights of Member States over the ownership and management of their national health services, which we feel must be public, universal and accessible to all.
It does a real job in connecting with our citizens in this area.
Proposals on energy and climate change (debate)
As a result, we voted against the report overall.
I can support the idea set out in Amendment 27, and therefore, when introducing new technical measures, the Commission agrees to delay their entry into force so as to allow fishermen enough time to make the necessary adaptations.
Allow me to focus on three points that are important to me.
They enjoy working extra hours.
My third and last remark is on rural development.
Now that Italy has put the issue back on the UN agenda I hope that the EU as a whole will back the proposal and we shall get a UN General Assembly resolution on this.
The European Union can do a great deal here.
Clearly there is pressure in that regard at the moment, but the fact is that Greece enjoyed major rate advantages thanks to being in the euro area.
I hope days, not weeks.
in writing. - This regulation comes before the Parliament for second reading in view of its final adoption.
I would ask that it be revisited and that the role of Members in plenary - who stand in place of the public - be defended and not sacrificed to every whim of anybody else who wants to come into this Chamber.
And the proof of this is that the respective report was approved by all the members of the Development Committee, while an overwhelming majority of the Fisheries Committee approved my report.
I therefore think that the reference to Romania and Bulgaria was used without taking into consideration the entire context.
Teacher training must develop in tandem with the demands of the modern classroom and I believe that this report recognises this fact.
I, too, would like to congratulate Mr Balz for all his efforts in compiling this report.
However, the proposed change is still not sufficient.
Even though we have seen progress in many areas, there has been far too little time to assess the full scale of the impact on health of alcohol policy and drinking habits.
At the multilateral level, we strongly endorse the commitments made in the G20 context for national export credit agencies to make available sufficient government export credit insurance capacity where this is needed, and we also support the efforts by multilateral financing organisations to make available new trade financing facilities or increase the envelopes of existing ones.
Mobility should also be a key component of teacher training and professional development.
in writing. - I believe that much can still be done in order to enhance the effectiveness of aid from the EU and its member states, and the report by Johan van Hecke encompasses important insights.
Medicinal products for paediatric use (vote)
This was during Mr Barroso's Commission.
According to official statistics, the Russian economy is growing at a rate of 4%, despite the economic climate, and this is forecast to continue for a long time.
It will have a crucially important role to play in charting our course over the next 20 or 30 years.
I also asked that the causes of the contamination should be swiftly dealt with.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (PT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I am absolutely delighted to be here today before this House, on behalf of the Presidency and the Portuguese Republic, to discuss the imminent enlargement of the Schengen area.
I will make just one comment: I have indeed taken into account all that has been said because I think that this work should continue.
(IT) Mr President, I will try to stay within my speaking time.
Of all the taxes that we could possibly adopt, the so-called Tobin tax is the most stupid of all.
We are therefore living - or at least we should be living - in a period of transition and of change, which you referred to.
Today, the European Commission has a different and more powerful role; it has a Minister for Foreign Affairs and a more powerful Parliament.
In Europe, we had the uprisings in East Germany in 1953, in Hungary in 1956, in Czechoslovakia in 1968, and then came Solidarność.
I am normally very punctual, but there are always two sides to punctuality and this question time has been delayed.
Expert opinion states that cloning does not alter genetic material and clones are merely genetic copies of animals.
I just do not understand some of this complaining.
Since it considers the current WTO system to be insufficiently regulatory and binding, it advocates the 'European governance model' for trade, whether by concluding free trade agreements or by stressing conclusion of the current round of WTO negotiations - for which it calls for synergies to be created with the EU's major trading partners (such as the USA, Canada and Japan).
I am sorry, Mr Salatto.
They have to accept cutting their economy to a level that will put them in total economic depression.
I must point out that each of the players has their line in the sand, despite which the rapporteurs have managed to draw up a compromise that is acceptable to all, and I trust the European Parliament will support it tomorrow.
More political leadership on the single market from the Presidents of the Commission and Council would go a long way towards achieving a viable single market to serve as a catalyst for economic recovery.
Mr President, the Commission communication states and I quote, 'The concept of animal health covers not only the absence of disease in animals, but also the critical relationship between the health of animals and their welfare.'
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, VAT fraud is not a mere peccadillo.
That is why we are particularly pleased to have been involved in completing this great task which is so important for all the Member States of the European Union.
The amendment reads as follows in English:
What we most want for the EU is a return to a path of rapid growth, and this is primarily what the strategy should help accomplish.
Obviously we fear that stagnation may go hand in hand with inflation here, and this is a warning bell.
We have reached the limit of trying to move markets with public money.
As Jacques Delors says: 'in every child there is a treasure, and we have to give them the chance to explore and develop this treasure'.
Making criminality ethnic is extremely dangerous, as well as the fact that politicians and the mass-media, by the media overlapping of crimes committed by Roma people, promote the idea that all criminals come from the Roma population.
(Parliament approved the request.)
As you know, at the last European Foreign Affairs Council we agreed to double the number of people deployed.
In fact, migrant workers accepting low-skilled temporary jobs on the edges of the labour market or jobs as domestic workers are exposed to multiple forms of discrimination.
(The President cut off the speaker)
Secondly, this somehow forges a link between the European Union and what is happening in Europe as a whole, and hence with the countries of the Council of Europe.
But we have every confidence that the Member States are competent to formulate adequate national strategies on health and safety at work.
I would like to congratulate the European Parliament rapporteur for Youth on the Move, Mr Zver.
It is due to this spirit of cooperation that we are able to modify the financial perspective four times in the course of a procedure, i.e. four annual procedures.
Unless we are to end up with a European space that applies non-uniform standards, however, we must obtain the results of the studies under way as soon as possible.
3.
It is not about respecting the environment and accepting relocations; it is about respecting the environment and rejecting relocations.
Illegal material involving child abuse should be removed from the Internet at source and websites should be blocked by providers.
There are a million starving people in the world, and aid will of course flow as needed, but the arguments behind the Commission's proposal have become obsolete in six months.
I can but reiterate my hope that all this will prove revitalising.
This is an excellent example of the benefits of the European Union.
5.
I request the competent Commissioners to propose a work plan in this respect urgently.
As a Greek Macedonian, I call for greater composure; what we need in the dispute over the name is for the two different self-determinations which both use the name Macedonia to coexist.
We must end this inequality once and for all.
The challenges we face with regard to the climate will require new resources and the redistribution of existing resources.
That is why I should like firstly to thank Mr Savary.
Nomination of a member of the Court of Auditors - Mr Eoin O'Shea (IE) (
Some of the cost of buying new cars, as we know, is covered by insurance policies.
(DE) Can you give an estimate as to when the service provision and the broadcasting capacity will be restored?
I congratulate the rapporteurs, I thank Commissioner Barnier for his work, and I congratulate the Hungarian Presidency.
I hope that both governments will reply, and I shall of course inform you of their replies, especially because I believe that transparency and truth demand that when one is accused of something one must have every legal means of explaining and demonstrating that the accusation is untrue, or else of entrusting the inquiry to an independent court.
The principle of freedom of movement in the Schengen area is in danger of being compromised by the North African crisis, as reflected in talks between Italy and France concerning the relocation of migrants coming chiefly from Tunisia and the reintroduction of border controls. This is also confirmed by statements issued by French officials on the need to re-examine certain provisions of the Schengen Agreement.
Streets, hospitals and a university have been named after this famous scientist.
It is evident that Parliament's increased rights and competences under the new Treaty have an impact in many ways on working relations between our institutions.
Sometimes, work is done swiftly in Parliament.
Their commitment and interest in this matter is reflected in the amendments that were adopted in committee and tabled in recent weeks.
The fight against the death penalty is the fight of civilisation against barbarity.
This report is about affirming clearly that these are our rights and we insist on them.
It was for me the greatest honour of my political life.
The land, we all agree, is the environment, and we want to protect it, but I am seriously afraid we are destroying it.
With this proposal, the European Commission is presenting a fait accompli, but they cannot say that we did not warm them that this would be a mistake and that it would not, in any way, avoid paperwork or red tape, but that it will actually create more paperwork and red tape and also more legal uncertainty, which is what is worrying producers most.
We therefore have to create a reasonable relationship between these points.
Furthermore, droughts are increasingly affected by climate change causing forest fires which are environmentally destructive.
(NL) Mr President, I abstained from the vote on the Provera report, primarily because I think that it is greatly lacking in clarity.
In view of the dramatic flooding in Poland, where a significant amount of the country is flooded and people have lost all their possessions, I would like, on behalf of the European Parliament and all of us, to convey expressions of support and solidarity with the Poles and most sincere expressions of sympathy with those who are suffering, today.
The system we are now investigating would mean that each of you, in your seat, would have a light to warn you when the interpreters cannot follow the speech, so that the President does not need to interrupt you and you would be informed of it directly instead.
The directive was an ambitious European project and, at the time, the Commission was concerned that the whole proposal would be sabotaged and that there would be no directive at all if it had insisted on extending the directive beyond the relationship between fraudsters and citizens.
In this connection, the Council is delighted with the joint statements which we approved at the conciliation meeting and which raise questions such as decentralised agencies, executive agencies, assigned revenues and recruitment in connection with the latest enlargements.
Mr President, this is a further stage in an exceptional piece of work that we have been doing in the European Parliament.
Globalisation can be presented as part of European history if it can be imbued with the ethos of European culture.
However, we obviously did want to ensure full respect for the competence of Parliament as an arm of the budgetary authority, maximum clarity and transparency as the rapporteur was proposing, and therefore correct and effective use of the funding, thus avoiding any kind of corruption, as indicated by Commissioner Verheugen in his speech.
Secondly, Mr Cercas is proposing that we amend - I would like to be able to speak, otherwise there is no point - the Socialist Group, and Mr Cercas in particular, are proposing that the Commission amend its proposal.
What I can tell you is that there is concern within the Commission on the current state of the stock and that we are working hard to find an appropriate proposal that will help properly address this problem at the international level.
You will not focus the debate on Egypt by discussing six points with Baroness Ashton.
I therefore support this proposal for a framework decision on the European supervision order in pre-trial procedures, which should allow the mutual recognition of pre-trial supervision measures, enabling suspects to return to their Member State of residence during the investigation stage.
We must be reasonable.
'Yes' to special needs in certain sectors, but 'no' to these surrogate battles that some Members of this House want to fight on the back of the developing countries.
Perhaps the rapporteur will comment in his response as to why they are sufficient.
(SV) Mr President, there has been a lot of talk about equal rights in this debate.
We therefore voted against this report in the vote.
I agree with the proposal that candidate status should only be granted to Serbia once it has begun to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
on behalf of the ITS Group. - (IT) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, when our resolutions and statements do not remain a dead letter or a feeble voice in the great ear of the Council, they are caught up in the flurry of events which certainly do not coincide with or await our plenary schedule.
Wednesday:
Coaches are used by those on a low income and the young, including students and schoolchildren.
He failed to make this statement on Monday.
We would deem it unacceptable if the Chinese Government were to use these talks to tide itself over the period of the Olympic Games, only to have them break down afterwards.
This problem is not just about Mr Berlusconi: it is about a system of the Right, Centre and Left that is infringing the civil and political rights of Italian citizens.
It is a balanced result that safeguards the interests of farmers as users of feed, feed manufacturers, and all other links in the food chain.
Amendments have been drafted.
To avoid being left behind, we need the European Council's endorsement of our strategic and integrated approach to innovation.
I hope you will take this point on board, and I believe that you need to do more, proactively, to encourage awareness.
Sport is the perfect tool for education: it teaches us about social coexistence and that if an individual is integrated into any group, he can become a useful member.
on behalf of the S&D Group. - (FR) Madam President, following on from the discussions about Tunisia, Egypt and other countries that are currently calling for freedom, I would like to say that our observation mission to Southern Sudan for the referendum was a wonderful and exemplary experience.
I believe that this directive constitutes a positive step towards bringing clarity and legal certainty both for taxable persons and for the administrations, whilst providing additional means to fight against value added tax fraud.
We proposed right from the start that work on these issues should not take place in the context of the technical report.
Why is this measure important?
Mr President, justifying the prolongation of the re-exporting of sugar using the models that are currently being proposed, with the gradual abolition of the system of milk quotas, is dangerous and unacceptable.
Mr President, Europe's future depends on securing energy.
What is needed for these smaller farms is not a reduction but rather an increase in direct support.
Today he sent out an email saying that only 184 of the 736 colleagues have signed this.
The international community and, first and foremost, we, as the European Union, have supported these negotiations through our strong commitment and we have given financial aid to create the basic conditions for establishing a Palestinian state.
We demand just one thing: that the parties in the crisis allow us to help and that they should help themselves in particular, because this is a human crisis on a huge scale.
It has done this with an accurate and precise text that incorporates into our Rules of Procedure the important changes introduced by a new treaty concerning the increased role of the European Parliament in terms of legislative procedure, of budgetary procedure and of the European Union's overall institutional balance.
The EU is now the largest donor of aid to these countries, and the EU is the second largest trading partner of Latin America and the Caribbean region.
What is the Council doing to protect this minority, whose existence is under threat?
It is to make this instrument more effective and more predictable and so the Commission has, in consultation with the Member States and other stakeholders, devised a longer-term form of budget support, which we have called the MDG contract, for countries that meet certain criteria: good past performance, reliable public finance management, appropriate sectional policy, and so on.
The final result, encompassing a specific exemption from VAT for businesses involved in cost-sharing arrangements, will increase certainty for the industry and budgetary security for the Member States, prevent competition distortions and improve competitiveness for the banks and insurers without increasing the costs to consumers.
Problems in the international financial market remain acute - you have already discussed these issues today - driven partly by developments in the financial sector itself and partly by the implications of the deteriorating economic environment.
Some of our neighbours, such as Switzerland, have postponed the planning process for new nuclear power plants.
I am glad to see that Mr Deprez is also here.
The present quota system has been agreed up to 2015.
I think the proposal the Commission has put forward is sound and should be adopted and that it is in the interests of business.
(ES) Madam President, violent Islamic fundamentalism that targets the West but also harms Islam is on the increase in the Middle East and the Maghreb.
Thus, the European Parliament calls on the Hungarian authorities to restore the independence of media governance and halt state interference with freedom of expression and balanced coverage.
They respect the law protecting the most endangered species listed in CITES.
I consider the role of local governments, entrepreneurial partnerships and educational institutions important in the development of the labour market demands of vocational education and training.
Both husband and wife have been nominated by this House for the Sakharov Prize in recognition of their activities, whilst they are repressed in their own country because of those same activities.
Which steps will they take next?
This systematic dismantling of the fundamental principles which define the specific nature of European wine-growing responds to a peculiar logic.
On 6 April, the European Commission will present its Communication on Roma inclusion.
The Energy Council, the TTE, will revisit the issue at its scheduled 19 February meeting through the conclusions it will adopt on the Commission's Communication on the Second Strategic Energy Review.
He fought for the Constitution and also for the referendum in Spain.
in writing. - While we are critical of the violations of civil liberties in third countries, we must exercise similar scrutiny in the Member States.
I would like to emphasise in this Chamber that if we do not reach a global agreement, then all of our efforts will simply amount to a burden on the European economy and a masochistic annihilation of European competitiveness.
A figure of 30% has been mentioned.
Question Time (Commission)
For example, in the Czech Republic, it is well known among professionals, but only 7% of registered entrepreneurs know anything about the service.
The key to the situation in Russia, Georgia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia lies in the EU.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, a very strong feeling has emerged from this joint debate: great satisfaction at having created, in the shape of this third package from the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, a package that is important for European citizens.
It will be a way for us to be able genuinely to exchange best practices.
We have discussed at length the practical efficacy of the state machinery of these two countries, as well as their levels of corruption; nevertheless, I believe that the application of Schengen should leave this out of consideration, given that - just as happened with the other Member States - it is sufficient to base a decision only on the efficiency of border controls and the preparation of police forces.
The European Commission, together with the IMF and in liaison with the ECB, will be responsible for monitoring compliance with the policy conditionality required by a macroeconomic adjustment programme.
The Commission acknowledges that there are certain differences in the transposition of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive between the Member States.
I would not contradict President Obama's financial adviser, Mr Volcker, who said that the euro is liable to collapse if we do not change our culture and behaviour.
In fact, some of the innovations were as a result of some debates with your group and other groups.
in writing. - According to the report voted today, the EP:
It is true that there is a limit. The limit is that already established by public policy and the non-applicability in a given state of any law providing for a type of marriage not considered to exist in that state.
It can be greatly criticised for dealing with the old type of energy and, in particular, in terms of the time factor.
I think that even the Commissioners should start protesting.
Individuals of immigrant origin who have managed to succeed must be given the opportunity to appear on television and in other media and must be held up as examples of success.
The data collected may explain the potential distortions and contribute to finding adequate measures for correcting negative situations.
The TVBI Foundation helps tuberculosis sufferers the world over, and particularly in less developed countries.
We say yes to integrated European rather than simply coordinated financial market supervision on the basis of the model of the European Central Bank.
It is necessary, also on behalf of Dutch fishing, for us at European level to maintain the recovery of cod stocks.
We must work on this and we wish to pursue this matter further in the coming months.
Countries such as Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Spain and Portugal have dealt with periods of drought, as well as with floods.
A recent summit of Latin American and Caribbean leaders saw unanimous support from all 32 countries for Argentine claims to the Falkland Islands.
In essence, it confirms many of the warnings and alerts that we made as the Treaty of Lisbon was being debated and then brought into force: an irrefutable course of EU militarisation is under way, and it is now being accelerated and intensified.
It is not greed, individual greed, which was the decisive factor.
Set up your service.
This quantum leap, this change, this new chapter must be noticeable at the first summit.
This rule was applied to AICs by the Commission, as well as Parliament, between 2000 and 2004.
A code of conduct for lobbying activities is necessary.
However, influential voices among the political groups in this Parliament are arguing for the Commission to play a much more decisive part in the service.
However, my delegation is not in agreement with the reference to the promotion of abortion in paragraph 6 of the report.
It is therefore pleasing today to see that these so-called 'honour crimes', which are simply barbaric crimes, are no longer being tolerated in Turkish society.
Despite the fact that the mass immigration over the past 20 years has had disastrous socio-economic, social and political consequences, Mr Mann wants to allow even more immigration from outside the European Union.
Until now, they had been completely left out of the process, so we have agreed, under the new agreements, to set up multi-stakeholder committees to monitor, or guide, the implementation process where indigenous people are involved.
Let me be very clear on this: infringement of Schengen rules cannot be tolerated, but one element does not exclude the other.
Have this House, my group and I, myself, not already asked many questions about the systematic suppression of Christians in these Islamic countries?
Unfortunately, this stance towards Russia was only adopted after more than a year of restrictions by Russia on Polish exports, and after Poland used its veto to hold up preparations for the EU-Russia agreement.
International demand for rosé wine is not falling but rising, and in this case the right approach is not to produce more using winemaking practices that owe more to a chemistry set than anything else, but to invest in quality, in specialisation and in the characterisation of European wines, in the marketing and promotion of real wine in general in order to extend the market and finally make it easier for young people to enter the winemaking business.
We cannot only draw attention, rightly, to Guantánamo, Abu Ghraib, the infringements in Colombia and in China, and then ignore the infringements that are occurring in our own countries.
None of the Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left can vote for a resolution formulated in this way.
(The explanation of vote was cut short pursuant to Rule 170 of the Rules of Procedure)
(IT) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I believe that we must help the Dalai Lama not only to say 'no', where he has clearly done so, but also to say 'yes' where he has done so.
Thank you.
That is undoubtedly one of the premises behind promoting free movement in this area.
I have just learned that it is Mr Böge's birthday today, and wish to offer him my sincere congratulations.
54.
It should guide the work of the European Council on 15 and 16 October more than ever.
The agricultural sector needs to improve its energy efficiency.
Let me tell you very frankly and very openly that I saw among Heads of State or Government much more awareness of the need to act together and also of the external constraints on the European economy.
With this resolution, the EP, among other things: Welcomes the prospect of having as a new EU member a country with a strong democratic tradition and civic culture; underlines that Iceland's accession to the EU will further enhance the Union's role as a world-wide promoter and defender of human rights and fundamental freedoms; commends Iceland for its good record in safeguarding human rights and ensuring a high level of cooperation with international mechanisms for the protection of human rights; supports the ongoing work to strengthen the legislative environment with regard to freedom of expression and access to information; welcomes, in this respect, the Icelandic Modern Media Initiative, enabling both Iceland and the EU to position themselves strongly as regards legal protection of the freedoms of expression and information.
Each country must agree to make an appropriate financial effort.
Madam President, my constituency of south-east England is the fastest-growing wine-producing region in Europe.
We seem to place too much emphasis on stopping people coming into the institutions.
We cannot fail to react to the brutal action which has been seen in Guinea.
Another issue raised by the report is cooperation with the UN. It highlights the UN's unwillingness or negligence in forwarding the relevant payment documents.
Fellow Members, it is now up to us alone to decide whether to exercise these rights in the future.
We in the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance are very proud of our achievement in having this fixed in the resolution, even if only cautiously.
However, we were all aware that it would be impossible to secure a global deal in Mexico and that had also been determined in advance.
There are more than 80 million adults in Europe hampered by severe deficiencies in basic skills.
Whereas in most instances a visa is required to enter a country, in Belarus one needs a visa in order to leave the country.
The controls built into the directive should also guarantee bidders adequate legal protection, promote transparency and non-discrimination in the award of contracts.
It is therefore anything but a coincidence that, according to the latest statistics put out by Eurostat, six out of every ten Europeans believe it highly or relatively likely that environmental pollution is affecting their health and also, and this is important, that the European Union is not sufficiently active in this area, which is the whole object of our debate this morning.
I am also very happy to note that Parliament will be strongly represented in the delegation that will be attending this conference.
We will not have personal comments of that nature.
Surely the application of law to such groups is both unnecessary and unhelpful.
In relation to the last three questions, the Commission does not currently intend to make any financial commitments in these areas.
In all cases, the intention is the same: to prevent countries from protecting their own companies in public procurement, so as to make things easier for the big companies of the powers that also want to use competition, which is seen as the be all and end all, to dominate the awarding of public contracts.
In the end, I emphasize the need to promote the young generation in this republic.
In the future, our researchers and businesses will finally be able to start competing effectively on innovation with the United States and Asia.
We call on Kenya's political leaders to do everything in their power to prevent further violence in the country and to ensure respect for human rights.
For the post-2013 period, the Commission will study and assess the various options for reforming the direct payment system.
(DE) I will now continue in German.
The new VAT strategy should aim to reduce administrative burdens, removing tax obstacles and improving the business environment, particularly for SMEs and labour-intensive enterprises, whilst ensuring the robustness of the system against fraud.
Could we be here if we had?
The summit will also give us the chance to assess the progress made in our work relating to the four common spaces.
There can be no doubt that mobilising information and communication technologies (ICT) can facilitate the transition to an energy-efficient economy, since this is also a way of reducing energy consumption, increasing energy security and helping to curb environmental damage, particularly greenhouse-gas emissions.
What about meeting the needs of tomorrow's increasing energy consumption?
The policy objectives are well known.
It is also worth noting that the soil's ability to absorb carbon and convert it into useful humus has not yet been fully exploited.
Since the empty seats on the right of this House also tell their own story, let me say that when Swedish Prime Minister Reinfeldt visits us, who belongs to their political family, the Socialist Group will be in attendance in the same kind of numbers as today, because I believe courtesy is a quality that you either have or you do not, and those on the right do not have it!
There is no doubt about that.'
Fish stocks in Europe have declined dramatically in recent years, and very little is being done to change this situation.
Further points are addressed: agents and brokers are important for greater competition in the financial services sector.
I know they are not covered by the scope of this proposal, but many of Northern Ireland's farmers feel let down when they work hard to meet the requirements laid down by Europe, and then have to compete with those who do not have to meet the same standards.
in writing. - (FR) Like the previous reports on Turkey, the one by Mrs Oomen-Ruijten does not question the Euro-Brussels dogma that 'Turkey must accede to the European Union'.
Clearly, though, this overarching strategy is underpinned by individual and differentiated bilateral relations that reflect the varying aspirations and orientations of the countries concerned.
Please take these two examples as proof of the fact that Parliament is much more in favour of reform than the report might suggest.
Mr Mandelson, however, at the time, scarcely dared to answer us because, for him, it was primarily a matter of stimulating trade, as if simply removing customs barriers would somehow miraculously bring about development.
At the same time, the Treaty on European Union clearly establishes an active role for EU citizens, for example, with the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI).
The vote will take place on Tuesday, 11 March 2008.
The Commission can, however, support this compromise without hesitation.
The successful execution of this important task would not be possible without the help and cooperation of my fellow shadow rapporteurs or the members of the committee, my office and the secretariat.
This report commits the European Union to close cooperation revolving around a shared vision on humanitarian aid.
It is mainly a small group of criminal networks that encourage people in remote areas to travel to the European Union under false premises in the hope that they will receive asylum.
I am quite confident that the Irish Government will come forward with a plan of how things should happen.
Why are we considering closer relations with Israel when agents of that government perform such acts of violence against the very people whose advocacy of peace and reconciliation will command the support of the vast majority of Members here?
The current crisis and the rise in unemployment it has caused are affecting weaker groups in particular.
Ireland decided the ratification by referendum, and the Irish citizens rejected the Treaty.
Although the use of human organs for transplantation has steadily increased in EU countries in recent decades, the number of people requiring a transplant is greater than the number of organs available for transplant.
The report marks an important step in the fight against this disease in the European Union and is essential for introducing a new form of cooperation between Member States, enabling coordinated measures to be taken to combat certain problems affecting the whole of Europe.
Unfortunately, the pay differential is still 17% and women are still not always represented in management and supervisory boards.
Body scanners are not infallible but they are the best technology available at present and so we need to use what tools we have to hand in order to reduce the terrorist threat.
The next item is the debate on the oral question to the Council (B6-0481/2008) on the need for the Convention on Cluster Munitions to enter into force before the end of 2008, by Mrs Beer, on behalf of the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance, Mrs Gomes, on behalf of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, Mrs Neyts-Uyttebroeck and Mrs Lynne, on behalf of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, Mr Kristovskis, on behalf of the Union for Europe of the Nations Group, Mr Pflüger and Mrs Zimmer, on behalf of the Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left, and Mr Zappalà on behalf of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats (O-0110/2008/rev. 1).
I would also like to take this opportunity to make an appeal on behalf of patients, who become the focus of our treatment and should become the focus of our care: they should have better access to new scientific knowledge and new information.
Simplifying and standardising the legislative framework of European research programmes is a choice we have to make.
For example, it makes it more difficult to send important telecommunications equipment to countries that need it.
It has not been easy.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Mr Farage is now leaving.
The position was subsequently consolidated in the so-called Eurogroup, and only then taken to the European Council.
In addition, we should not only look at 2007, but also at 2010.
In our view you must also trust the candidate and give them the authority to move the social strength to the fore.
It will continue to take place in the coming years, despite measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which I hope we will take and will be able to agree on in Copenhagen in 2009.
President of the European Commission. - Mr President, over the past few years, we have had many opportunities to discuss together the importance of partnership.
It is about ensuring Europe's place in the world as a leading knowledge-based economy.
In 2008, the Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (TBVI) was established in the form of a public-private partnership with the support of the Health Cooperation Programme within the Seventh Framework Programme for research in order to mobilise additional resources for this important area.
I agree with President Barroso's words today when he referred to the proposals that the Commission will draw up for the use of its own resources and the adaptation of the EU budget to the Treaty of Lisbon, and I hope for greater cooperation by the Council in building the Europe of the future.
So what are the prospects for Copenhagen?
If you build your house there, Martin Schulz, it will be a house built of straw.
In this connection, we are concerned that the very open wording may give rise to serious problems in interpretation.
After all, it is taxpayers' money which has to finance the system.
This was used in the UK and it is estimated that, in the UK alone - and a Dutch colleague said one per cent of their population is affected - it is something along the lines of 236 000 to 284 000 adults who have a gambling problem.
We are also saying 'no' to the criminalisation of dissent in local communities, and therefore 'yes' to legality.
However, we have invited Turkey to work constructively with us in the context of the Berlin Plus agreement and in other areas in order to forge closer links.
Does the Commission agree that payments should be reviewed if a region has been receiving structural funding for years without this resulting in it meeting the targets set?
Indeed, in the light of the Treaty of Lisbon, I agree that such monitoring should be conducted on an equal footing with the Council, which would contribute to increased sharing of responsibilities between the European institutions and to mitigating any lack of democracy in the EU's decision-making process.
At European level, we will also need to stop considering separately and systematically the immigration and labour policies.
Interest in its mineral wealth is increasing.
(Applause)
The debate is closed.
Unfortunately the EU subsidises the meat industry by huge amounts.
Publishing the names of those receiving agricultural subsidies is absolutely necessary in the interests of a transparent European policy, particularly given the enormous proportion of the EU budget represented by these subsidies.
Petitions: see Minutes
I ask the Commission to examine the necessity of certain Community regulations on the security of electronic communication services and computerised systems.
What I have to deal with is the reality of what we actually are.
This is why I wholeheartedly support this resolution that has today been voted through by this House.
In my opinion, this would offer a much greater scope for action, responsiveness, legitimacy and credibility.
However, ladies and gentlemen, we voted against the law - the decision to hold the August and October plenary sessions in one week each is illegal, as the Treaty states that there must be monthly plenary sessions.
What is more, the procedure within Parliament that led to this resolution was largely opaque and, at times, chaotic.
The rapporteur therefore proposes that some general principles should be drawn up in order to make such evaluations easier, and also better.
This mentality is clearly one of the reasons why we are debating tonight.
One food scandal follows another.
Mrs Joly has very interestingly identified that there is a flight of capital.
(IT) Mr President, making it easy for citizens to scrutinise how decisions are made, together with the processes, elements and resources that influenced them, helps both to ensure greater transparency and to close the gap between the European institutions and citizens, which is often discussed in relation to legitimacy and to the so-called democratic deficit in the European Union.
This is why creating a European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) could boost the mobility of students and workers.
(Applause)
It is short-sighted, but also unwise from the point of view of fair competition, if we use the CDM to support those industrial sectors in China which complain here about the risk of carbon leakage, for example.
All this helps strengthen the Union's cohesion.
It is also a fact that all too often, the contracts are very precarious, resulting in many people leaving the sector prematurely.
A regression towards authoritarian practices is sweeping the country.
Therefore, it is not only about money, but also about the European Union providing better and more specific support to this sector.
Mr President, President-in-Office of the Council, Vice-President of the Commission, ladies and gentlemen, the catastrophes associated with the names Estonia, Erika and Prestige have shocked Europe.
It goes without saying that a re-elected President of the Commission will have increased authority.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (DE) Madam President, the first time I dealt personally with this issue was during NATO's war of aggression against Yugoslavia, one of the wars which I opposed and which like many other wars was waged by Western countries.
The rest of Europe may look on critically when we demand vetoes on immigration policy.
The measures proposed in the report are not sufficient and are too declarative.
It seems that the EU is now faced with a dilemma.
We are bound to have the largest role to play, notwithstanding our willingness or reluctance to take it on.
A voluntary agreement recently submitted by the solar panel industry clearly fails to meet the criteria for such agreements.
It has been working on this for quite some time now, and we still have nothing concrete to show for it.
Thank you.
Does the Commission consider that these provisions are satisfactory and adequate, or does it believe that a more stringent control framework should be established for airlines?
in writing. - I supported today's report calling for a joint register of lobbyists and interest groups to be set up.
I think that it is too soon, even from my own group, to come up with very concrete proposals about how this should go.
Mr President, under the Lisbon Treaty, the rights of the child are guaranteed by Article 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The Schengen enlargement process also constitutes a challenge and hard work for us in Parliament.
If we look at all developing countries, basically all trade is based on monoculture - one particular export item with a high fluctuation rate.
Request for waiver of parliamentary immunity: see Minutes
There is a saying in Irish that "its lack of use is to its detriment”.
We cannot talk about specifically combating the trafficking of women without considering strong measures for tackling criminal activities and the networks controlling this traffic, which is extremely busy in the Balkan and Mediterranean regions.
First, we did not want to push ourselves forward.
Concluding an informal trialogue and then voting on it is fine. However, what we are doing here is to rescind normal parliamentary procedure in the case of six different legislative procedures.
We also need a long-term vision to solve the problems related to migration flows and to help create jobs in the countries of origin of these people.
Some interesting points are on IPA (paragraph 5), corruption (paragraph 8), freedom of information (paragraph 10), organised crime (paragraph 14) and anti-discrimination (paragraphs 17-22).
If the Member State feels that its companies really need to have this publication in the national gazette - and this is really something that Member States wants - they can do that, but we have not put any call to this effect into the articles.
in writing. - (NL) Mr President, Belgium has been a forerunner on waste policy for years and so, personally, I would have preferred a rather more ambitious text.
As is mentioned in this report's explanatory statement, to date, disputes arising from the Euro-Mediterranean agreements relied solely on diplomatic approaches for a resolution.
The joint debate is closed.
We must finally tackle the causes of this problem.
Among the various amendments that I support, I would highlight those directly affecting children's goods.
Agenda for next part session: see Minutes
In December 2008, an Economic Recovery Plan was agreed for Europe, providing uniform frameworks for the measures to be taken.
The share of this fund remaining at year end is repatriated to Member States as part of their 'rebate'.
It supports scientific research activity, thereby boosting employment in a sector with high added value.
It was thanks to their patriotism that Europe was not united in tyranny, that sovereignty and independence were restored and, indeed, that the European Union became possible.
Common rules for access to the international market for coach and bus services (recast) (
However, thank you once again for this excellent work.
He is the example you should follow.
I would refer to the Dutch model of dispute resolution in healthcare that was launched recently.
2009 discharge: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (
I commend the report and the ideas in it.
This has as much to do with the size of the disaster as with the bureaucracy.
Lastly, there is the promotion of a close partnership between the countries of origin, transit and destination of immigrants, for the benefit of our partners' development; this is the concept of co-development.
In any event, please be aware that, if you speak very quickly, only you and your compatriots will be able to understand as no interpreter can keep up at that speed.
Mr President, Mr President of the Eurogroup, Mr Juncker, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I shall begin by congratulating my fellow Members, Mrs Berès and Mr Langen, on the quality of their report, and by thanking them for having incorporated the amendments tabled by the Committee on International Trade.
Now I hear you trying to sound as if you have complied with this request.
Otherwise, it will continually be under the threat of collapse, and separatist movements, movements in individual island groups, religious and cultural movements that oppose each other will threaten the unity of the country.
Now, measures that would have been unthinkable a few months ago are being taken practically every day: the G7 on Saturday, the 27 Member States on Monday, the Ministers of Finance on Tuesday, the measures by the British Government today, and at the same time, a coordinated initiative by the central banks and a reduction in interest rates!
I want to raise with you a matter of very deep concern in Ireland.
Compliance with flag State requirements (
It is happening in a Slovakia where, moreover, Ján Slota says the trouble is that they have not been able to rid the country of Hungarians, and that this is the source of all their problems.
We must also remember that, as recently as 2007, the European Commission itself proposed that this agreement should be discontinued because it did not provide the desired added value for Europe that an agreement ought to provide.
I would like to ask you the following question, bearing in mind the need to invest and safeguard the European Union's economic competitiveness in the future as well: what measures do you envisage taking to facilitate the use of European Social Fund and European Globalisation Adjustment Fund resources to support the industrial sectors experiencing economic hardship?
Nowhere has this tendency been more apparent than in the preposterous discussions we have been forced to endure over whether and when to appoint the President of the Commission.
The next item is the debate on six motions for resolutions on Zimbabwe.
- (SK) Electric vehicles are considered to be one way to fulfil strict environmental protection standards, since they do not produce any emissions.
We do not have a proper view of the real problems at issue here.
However, some of Mugabe's cronies, particularly the military chiefs, have become exceedingly rich through control of expropriated farmland and mineral resources.
But where is Mr Cameron in all this?
The presence of a cross in a classroom does not, on its own, exert pressure on a person's worldview and does not violate the right of parents to raise their children in accordance with their own convictions, just as that right is not violated by wearing clothes which testify to the profession of a particular faith.
(The President cut off the speaker)
The report stresses that it is essential for the financing of the CAP to reflect its ambitious vision and policy objectives.
There have also been discussions on ways of developing the European market for mezzanine financing and I am pleased to let you know that we are making progress from this point of view.
Human lives are also being put at risk.
However, through the forum, we can develop a code of conduct to be complied with by all stakeholders.
We really would like to achieve a result where women would represent 25% of senior management positions, 30% of middle management and 43% of AD non-management posts.
We will therefore have to uphold our legitimate demands on China.
I would like to say to Commissioner Dimas and to the Commission as a whole that I find it incomprehensible that neither the EU nor you yourself, Commissioner, or the rest of the Commission, have reacted to this huge project - in terms of security policy, energy policy or environmental policy.
How do you stand on the fact that a Member State would also be liable to pay a penalty if the obligatory primary school attendance requirement is not met?
Well, I can understand his disappointment, but I am really not sure that even this Parliament would have shown any greater ability to arrive at a simple consensual view about what reform should take place than the Member States have been able to achieve.
Nevertheless, the existing inequalities and the new challenges facing the world create the risk of permanent social divisions in our societies at many levels: between children from rich and poor families, between the well and less well educated, between men and women, between immigrants and those who have been Europeans for generations, between persons of different sexual orientations, different ages or in different states of health.
It should provoke a reaction in those of us who, as is the case in the European Union and Parliament, believe in the existence of human rights and in defending them.
Thank you.
However, it is extremely frustrating that nearly 200 men remain there.
The demonstrators who wanted to celebrate the nineteenth anniversary of Belarus's brief independence and were arrested on 25 March 2008, are still under arrest.
That is a question for Hungary as a country, as a member of the European Union of some years standing, and also for the institutions of the European Union in the sense that, manifestly, at this stage, we have been unable sufficiently to develop this climate of confidence, this climate of solidarity, this climate of cooperation to allow a country like Hungary, in its current difficult situation, to consider that its first circle of solidarity, its first circle of cooperation, should be the European Union.
(HU) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Hungary is certainly in a special position when it comes to the creation and support of regions constituting transboundary economic units.
We hope Europe will be ready for that challenge.
We pay due attention to the recommendations of this House and let me just give you two examples of what we have done in this annual report for 2009 to address the request from this institution for more information.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (DE) Madam President, on our agenda today we have the Commission statement on the partnership agreements with the ACP countries and a resolution is planned for this debate.
We presented a plan of action in February 2009 and have since taken a number of measures.
He was shot twice and wounded.
(Applause)
This would provide a model of efficiency for using European public money.
The ESF is one of the key tools at our disposal in reaching the Europe 2020 headline targets, particularly those on employment, education and poverty reduction.
On 7 August 2007, a crisis began that was serious and worrying but, dare I say it, normal.
We are critical of the system's current structure and scope, but how the funds are used is nevertheless important.
The concept of human security is certainly an interesting one - including for development aid.
How should we react to this?
Claims for such payments should be enforceable in a court of law by both farmers and clients.
Let us not become confused over terminology - the report we have adopted is more about finding new labour resources than about solidarity.
We have enough exchange with Russia in the specialist areas.
And Kaliningrad is, of course, a very special case, due to its unique geographic location.
The Commission must establish an effective system in this area, which would facilitate the collection of credible data on the end use of the dual-use items exported from the Union.
in writing. - Huge consensus, today, on the vote on the situation in Côte d'Ivoire.
The transatlantic market has a trade volume of around EUR 2 billion per day.
I would like to make two further comments:
It is important that shipping, in particular, also becomes more environmentally friendly.
Companies must provide evidence of their ability to carry out demolition or asbestos removal work. Prior to the demolition or asbestos removal work, they must draw up a plan specifying the measures needed to ensure that workers are not exposed to an asbestos-in-air concentration of more than 0.1 asbestos fibres per cm3 during an average eight-hour shift.
Iran is currently a regional and global threat and a challenge to the EU Member States' ability to stand firm together on the international scene.
In the 1960s and 70s, we fought for equal rights for women - not for them to be dictated to - and we seem to be going backwards instead of forwards.
Ensuring that the price is appropriate for producers and consumers alike is indispensible for internal market mechanisms.
However, I voted against this report in the final vote, in order to show my total disagreement with the rejection of Amendment 10.
I think we will all support such a report.
Women, as well as children, are the ones suffering most from the devastating consequences of conflict situations.
Assistance must, of course, be subject to an anti-fraud mechanism for greater transparency in the administration and disbursement of funds.
Legislation is no longer the problem, but its application in the situation where many women are reluctant to report to the authorities the acts of violence they are subjected to, preferring to endure the suffering in silence.
Relations between the European Union and the United States in that area require a confident and essential partnership.
Therefore, the main task of the CAP is to preserve the agricultural production capacity of the European Union.
If we want people's trust, more - and full - transparency is the only way to go.
However, for some time I have been calling for a business-based review of the EU agencies.
This title is very apt.
This issue has remained unresolved for too long.
Firstly, investing in greener, low carbon technologies is an important instrument.
I am especially proud, and we in the European Parliament can all be proud, of the fact that the Council, in its common position, embraced the outcome of our inter-group deliberations and incorporated more than 95% of it into the foundations of the common position.
Thanks to its role in the collection, analysis and exchange of information, Europol facilitates investigations in Member States and has thus become an important tool in the fight against crime.
We have received from the Commission and from the Commissioners with specific responsibility in these areas, namely trade, external action and humanitarian aid, very committed and high-quality support and we are sure that we are all working towards a common goal of making the difference in Africa and for Africa.
The EUR 280 million works out at not quite EUR 2 per tonne of milk produced in the European Union.
My region, Stará Ľubovňa in Slovakia, has similar geothermal sources but developing them requires large financial resources.
A conspicuous example is the question of ritual slaughter.
Thank you.
in writing. - (SK) The motion for a resolution on organ donation and transplantation is a part of a world-wide debate on child safety.
Of particular importance is the EUR 300 million which will be allocated to the dairy sector following the recent crisis.
Selecting sites to be awarded the label will also help to increase the younger generation's interest in, and knowledge of, the ideas and peoples of Europe, and, in so doing, will bring Europe's inhabitants closer together.
They also run the risk of coming into serious conflict with their countries of origin, which may refuse to pay up, under the excuse that the disease which they suffer from is not rare enough.
We do not claim that by means of cooperation agreements we can, with a click of the fingers, miraculously achieve respect for democracy and human rights in Vietnam or elsewhere.
In relation to this, I would like to recall the European Court of Human Rights' finding in the case of Bosphorus Airlines vs. Ireland in 2005.
I fully agree with what you say, by the way, on the carbon market and its contribution.
However, our job today is to address the new text, which is a vast improvement on the original proposal.
I think it would be very good for us to be able to agree on the amendments before the vote on Wednesday, so that there can be full agreement across the entire House.
We must urgently set up a consistent European system for statistical recording - it has been said more than once - with particular reference to minors, trafficking, physical and sexual violence, and women in vulnerable categories, such as immigrants.
Israel stands to gain, not lose, from a strong Palestinian partner.
Although GNSS will only have a military application, it will be the taxpayers who foot the bill - twice over now as a result of the follow-up costs.
Several of you referred to the problem of correlation tables.
The elected representatives of the region, and in particular in the small municipalities, are quite rightly held in high regard by their fellow citizens.
Our stability is determined by their stability as we unfortunately found out in the 1990s.
It will also stop consumers from having to pay higher tariffs and will make it possible for consumers to make informed decisions.
What does all this mean in actual figures?
(RO) Mr President, sentencing a child to death is unacceptable in the world we live in.
It has been produced by experts and I believe that it will be approved, perhaps implemented, but mainly approved and adopted at a Member State level by Health Ministers at the Health Council.
However, we must admit that its implementation has proved much more difficult than we had thought.
However, this is no ordinary food crisis.
We share one planet and we have no future unless we work together.
We also cannot ignore the fact that ever more people of active age are looking after children and close elderly relatives at the same time, leaving them in a precarious position.
It is important to remember this, and sometimes I think the consumer side is not getting as much attention as is necessary.
Now I should like to ask the Commission and the Council what action they will take to make that moratorium more general and support a general ban.
I am in no doubt that the Ombudsman will enhance his contribution to strengthening democracy in Europe.
If the trend continues in the same way, then it is possible that the EU will call on the public to stop swearing, smoking, drinking, sunbathing, eating unhealthy food and sleeping for a long time.
It is precisely for this reason that we condemn and will condemn every form of violence, discrimination and intolerance towards the leaders or adherents of any religion.
In other cases, there is just a change in legal basis.
Mr President, Lady Ashton, you began work with the world in disarray; a world in the midst of financial, food and energy crises triggered by attempts to regulate the markets.
The summits do not solve the problems, they delineate them.
However, I think that a strong signal tomorrow from the European Parliament on the question of the scope, on the question of banking secrecy, and on the question of the list of tax havens will be a valuable help to the Council, especially if, in future, we need to negotiate new agreements with third countries.
Together with the Commission, and with Mr Barroso, whose series of measures inspired by the de Larosière report I welcome, Europe is fighting to save the banking system.
You talk about the needs of an ageing population.
Secondly, I believe that migrants' rights need to be protected.
This an important step along the way, but more work needs to be done.
We must intensify negotiations with Turkey all the more.
Our enquiries, however, have revealed that some countries, particularly in northern Europe, cannot do much with this satellite data because everything is still covered in snow there when the images are captured.
Mr President, in the Commission work programme for 2010, it was said that the European Union must face up to long-term challenges such as globalisation and must regain competitiveness.
in writing. - I support this report on the EU's accession to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), as provided by the Lisbon Treaty.
Furthermore, a knowledge-based economy will help to protect European cultural diversity and to carry us towards social cohesion and employment.
I welcome the idea of drafting a green paper on the recognition of professional qualifications and of creating a 'mobility scoreboard' for measuring this indicator within the EU.
It is to be welcomed that strong safeguard measures will allow the acceptance of the findings of the other competent authority to be suspended or the Agreement to be terminated should this become necessary.
Mr President, healthcare should be the primary concern of every Member State, but, of course, this Chamber purports to make laws for the whole of the European Union.
These plants are very similar, despite their geographical diversity.
I voted against the report by Mr van Nistelrooij on the Green Paper on territorial cohesion and the state of the debate on the future reform of cohesion policy.
We need to have all the information on the table before we can grant discharge.
- (EL) The debate is closed.
I am voting for this report, since it is in the interests of the affected regions to establish a legal basis for trade between the EU and Greenland, in this case, coming under the umbrella of the rules of the EU's internal market.
I also welcome the fact that the franchise for the modulation has been raised from EUR 5 000 to EUR 10 000 per year.
This secrecy, this lack of transparency, caused serious prejudice to our citizens who did not know what to expect.
By providing itself with a regulatory framework for rating agencies, Europe is in the forefront and showing the way, whilst the United States has still not reacted practically in this area.
I now turn to Mayotte.
The programme initiatives proposed by Ukraine will be taken into account like those proposed by EU Member States.
To speak about children is to speak about our future, the future of European citizens and of the Union itself.
I am sure that a broader survey in Europe would generate the same results.
Switzerland has expressed solidarity with, and commitment to, the enlargement of the European Union, and aims to establish firm economic and political relations with the new Member States.
That very day I also visited Unicor, which is one of the hi-tech companies that recycle electrical and electronic waste.
The resolutions are proof of the commitment of the European Parliament to the accession prospects of Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey.
However, the resolution also notes that the cholera epidemic has highlighted the near-total helplessness of the Haitian State in the face of an easily preventable and treatable disease, along with the limitations of the international aid system in a country benefiting from massive humanitarian deployment (12 000 NGOs); stresses that humanitarian agencies cannot and must not continue to make up for the weaknesses of the Haitian State or to take its place, and that urgent action must finally be taken to ensure long-term development, in particular, as regards access to healthcare and drinking water and urban renewal.
The European Union's appeals have so far been met with no response.
(For the results and other details on the vote: see Minutes)
In comparison with other candidate countries, this puts Iceland ahead of the competition.
It is one thing to go for a drive for pleasure and quite another to use your car because yon have to and in situations where it is not possible to use public transport.
You are very dangerous people indeed.
We must not allow a strategy of fear to be created to make them go home.
Without solid state finances in the individual Member States it will not be possible to set new investment priorities.
(FR) Mr President, six months after the shameful vote on the 'Return' directive that received so many jeers and criticisms internationally, I very much doubt that the Union will be able, by adopting these two texts on the Blue Card and the single permit, to redeem itself on the international stage.
These include, for example, the prohibition of all kinds of violence against children, fighting poverty and discrimination, and the right to education.
Personally, though, I think it is a good idea.
There are no structures for the specific implementation of targets.
That is no good to consumers.
The few jobs which may be on offer depend on the goodwill of the parties.
Well, thanks!
The commitments regarding a considerable reduction of greenhouse emissions do not only apply to energy and traffic.
Another reason for our unease: the thresholds required to qualify for these funds, especially in terms of the numbers of redundancies.
I believe that I am drawing the right conclusions.
Nevertheless, not all on-call time is the same.
There has been a great deal of progress on passengers' rights, and that must continue.
The first is cabotage and the date that the European Parliament deemed right to set, in other words automatic liberalisation in 2014.
The vote will take place on Wednesday.
You can take this as an expression of our determination to fight this modern form of slavery, as the previous speakers aptly described it.
Why is there a resistance to providing these clinical tests?
Trade arrangements applicable to certain goods resulting from the processing of agricultural products (
We often say that there has been good cooperation between the Commission and Parliament.
Without taxation, this is impossible.
What Council unanimity means in practice is that essential legislation is either shelved or lowered to the level of the common denominator.
Just how delicate a matter this is can be seen by the fact that Rome III is the first example in the EU's history of enhanced cooperation conducted in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Treaties.
I voted against the motion, because overall, it promotes the liberalisation of markets and a trade system which is solely to the detriment of poor and developing countries and shows no real concern for the environmental needs of the planet.
That is a crucial element of fairness for our producers and for consumer confidence in our markets, so it is very much to be welcomed.
Mr President, we have asked for the postponement of the vote on this motion, in the interests of the House.
Mr President, we had agreed with the rapporteur and the shadow rapporteurs from the other groups to submit an oral question about the status of the procedure and the next steps.
Technical and organisational issues are very important in relation to airport capacity.
When I was the lawyer in a case trying to prevent the construction of a power station in the bay I was able to prove that discharges were not all being absorbed by the atmosphere.
He also agrees that the focus for OLAF should be on the more important cases and that small-scale fraud should be handled by other bodies.
The report also brings up issues that are less frequently discussed, such as the insufficient attention given to specific requirements for the protection of women in the work place or the social problems that arise as a result of transfers of production to areas with lower production costs.
I also support the requirements for shipbuilding and steel quality.
Madam President, I was due to talk about the pressures unlimited EU migration is putting on the UK.
We listen every day to the messages, such as the need to boost and renew confidence in the functioning of the global economy.
In the longer term, the whole financial sector should be moved to the public sector in any case, as only nationalisation can ensure that this sector fulfils its public duty instead of gambling itself away in search of ever higher returns on the global financial markets.
We do not think that the European Parliament has a role to play as regards the political situation in countries which are not in the immediate vicinity of the EU, such as Iran, Kosovo or Iraq.
The Commission liaises closely with European and international travel agent associations each time the list is updated.
2.
EC/Mongolia Agreement on certain aspects of air services (
In view of this, I emphasise the need: firstly, to promote policies to inform and educate consumers (on the part of the EU and the Member States) through campaigns, information points and increasing the resources of the European Consumer Centres; secondly, to apply the rules that already exist effectively, strengthening monitoring of the market and regulatory mechanisms and applying pressure on the Member States for the correct collection of Community resources.
Complaints have come from the Netherlands about the rules that theatres and cinemas have to follow.
On the other hand, the Internet can also be a convenient communication tool for criminals and terrorists.
It demands full traceability of medicinal products and, at the same time, establishes an early warning system in all the Member States, so that medicinal products which are suspected of being dangerous can be withdrawn.
I gave an estimate for the recoveries made in 2006 and announced improvements to our own systems, so that, this year, the ABAC accounting system will include more detailed and complete data on recoveries.
This is unacceptable, Mr President, it cannot be tolerated, and it is why I, against my will, supported deferring this vote.
The negotiations are continuing, but after President Mugabe's plan to reserve the important portfolios for his party (I remind you that it lost the election, the second round of which was fraudulent), these efforts at mediation have failed.
That is why the neoliberal Zeitgeist in Europe must be driven further back.
The European Union should not give advice to third countries while in its own territory, namely in Latvia, the government treats Parliament's resolution of 11 March 2004 with scorn and derision.
This will also further the discrimination of women by making them even more costly to hire than they already are, especially for small businesses which are the backbone of the UK economy.
The national reference centres you are proposing and to which you have just referred in your speech, were they to be implemented as the Commission suggests in its proposal, would entail the creation of 17 national reference centres in Spain, and not just one national reference centre.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, honourable Members, I have listened carefully to the discussion on the future of the single market and I would like to thank all participants for their comments.
Unfortunately today it is not possible for all children to grow up in the bosom of the family, and they live in children's homes.
I entirely back Mrs Roure's proposal to drop Article 1, paragraph 1 of the Council Proposal, which practically exempts cases of national security from the effect of the present Framework Decision.
There is not, however, only a problem with the private financial system, with the productive structure, and essentially with the private sector: there is a problem with public accounts, which is also the focus of another aspect of the EU's medium and long-term measures.
The Hague Programme subsequently set new targets, particularly in connection with the 'fight against terrorism', to make progress in the communitisation of this area, which lies at the heart of the Member States' sovereignty.
One more thing - Mr López Garrido, when speaking about China, you said that there are different human rights and we should uphold them all.
What we are going to propose is somewhat unprecedented.
Why did we establish the Mediterranean Union during the French Presidency?
There is no doubt that the measures aimed at improving knowledge of the true migration (and asylum) situation in the various EU countries will be positive.
The Commission is proposing a set-aside of 0% for 2008 and at the beginning of the marketing year 2008, like I said, the market is characteristically high in price.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - Mr President, the rapporteur claims that this initiative will encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to expand their cross-border business.
However, when one co-legislates, one must be responsible.
None of these textile cases have yet been approved by the budgetary authority.
Madam President, first of all, I would like to thank both rapporteurs, who have worked very hard on these reports and have produced between them an excellent body of work and, within, a real plan for organ donation and transplantation throughout Europe.
The principle says that if the product is accepted somewhere in Europe, it cannot be denied access to another Member State unless the authorities can provide evidence that the application of a national technical rule is justified.
I would like to point out that it is now extremely important for the recovery plan to succeed.
Although it is, in principle, to be welcomed that the European Union is considering how it can support the efforts of Member States to provide adequate pensions, pensions policy is, and remains, the task of the relevant Member States, in respect of which the EU should only take action with the utmost sensitivity and with consideration for national circumstances.
Through this vote, we are calling on the Lithuanian parliamentary representatives to pull themselves together and reject this text, which signals a return to a past that, personally speaking, I condemn.
It is contrary to human nature, which logically should shine forth in a democracy, however inconvenient.
I think now we have an opportunity to do it.
That is obviously also true for the High Representative.
We regard as negative the link with the Bologna Process and the trend towards the commercialisation of education, with emphasis being placed on 'employability' and on the prospects of the labour market being linked to the Lisbon Agenda.
We need to increase the transparency of vocational qualifications and lifelong learning.
(LT) Mr President, Japan has experienced the unimaginable impact of a natural disaster and a nuclear accident.
We are obviously going to work on this in close cooperation with Parliament.
Hopefully, future Ecofin meetings would enhance better approaches regarding financial assistance.
It is intellectually and politically dishonest to suggest that the problem is with the euro.
Do not misunderstand: I know that humanitarian aid is apolitical and that humanitarian workers must not be put at risk but, in the primary objective of saving lives, sometimes it is only the military who have the equipment or people to achieve that - delivering aid at speed, putting in place the infrastructure - and that is why, should a UN request arrive, we will be ready to help.
in writing. - (LT) I voted in favour of this report and endorsed the European Parliament's decision to grant discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Food Safety Authority for the financial year 2009.
So the statistics are worrying, but we have to emphasise from the outset that we are not dealing with alcohol as a product on its own: it is the excessive consumption and the abuse of alcohol that are creating these problems.
For us, this is the culmination of a great deal of work.
This too is a question that must be considered with some care, should it arise.
Transport is a fundamental problem in urban areas.
Following successful compromise negotiations between Council and the European Parliament we have adapted ICI Plus to the challenges of the future.
In 600 cases - as Mr Maroni rightly stated - Malta, despite being funded by the European Union, has failed in its duty to take in those who travelled from the coast of North Africa and landed on their shores.
Vice-President of the Commission. - (IT) Madam President, honourable Members, I believe that first of all we need to emphasise that it is not the Commission's job to interpret Court of Justice rulings.
However, the main subject of today's debate is that we want a consolidated report on the trialogue.
I wish there was the time.
Do you hear the cries of anger rising up from our societies?
We now have two months in which to do so.
We have made something clear today: credibility engenders trust.
According to my estimates, the EU has already provided more than EUR 10 million in aid.
We are very clear in doing this that Iraq is a unitary state and that all our cooperation is with the government of all of Iraq.
The other points will now be closely monitored by us, by the 27 countries making up the European Union and by this Parliament in particular, as the document has just been accepted.
My only conclusion is that we should support those democratic, civilised Iranians and work with them to secure a decent, humanitarian, civilised government for the good people of Iran and let the murderers be condemned.
The ongoing EU study on internal market barriers to sports funding, which was announced in the White Paper and which focuses on grass-root sports funding, addresses such challenges.
Enabling a wide range of students to be covered by the programme is the best investment we could make. It will result in latent intellectual capital that Europe will always be able to rely on.
I am a great believer in dialogue, in tripartite partnership, in feedback and in a mutual understanding of problems, as well as in the search for real cooperation.
It is now up to the government to push the car manufacturers further in the right direction and to do so quickly.
I should like to take this opportunity to welcome the decision made today by the Czech Senate, which gives us high hopes of the future ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon.
I would compare this council to an elephants' graveyard from which a few 'zombies' emerge, under the remote political control of a declining dictatorship which imposes crippling financial penalties on those programmes that allow opposition parties to voice certain truths.
For all that, it seems clear that measures related to derogations on normal VAT rates may in some cases, taking into account the particular economic and social circumstances of each Member State, be able to act as a lever on locally-supplied services, including labour-intensive services.
Unfortunately, the European Union has not done much to encourage market-based incentives, though the emissions trading scheme could be given as an exception.
The EU's task is to obtain cooperation and commitments, the costs of which must be borne in the Member States after being anchored there in a democratic process.
It just disappeared from the agenda.
(Applause)
The report before us is excellent.
In the same way we will ensure that the surveillance of products entering the European Union from third countries is good and that, in future, we will avoid the presence on the European market of products that are harmful to the health of its citizens and, even worse, its children.
Is it not the case that Canada has perhaps learned a lesson from the purpose-built justification for military action in Iraq?
The political persecution of Mr Rosales and many others is regrettable and should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
On the other hand, including milk and milk derivatives in Article 186 grants certain powers to the Committee set up by the European Parliament and to the Council, although no specific indication has been given of what practical action is to be taken.
More effective cooperation between the Member States and the OSCE on combating the threats and problems caused by economic and environmental factors could make a crucial contribution to security, stability, democracy and prosperity in the region, since there are economic and environmental factors underlying the conflicts themselves.
He was absolutely right.
This voluminous bureaucratic correspondence must stop.
Secondly, we must deepen our relations with other countries, primarily with countries which produce energy, but also with countries via which energy routes run, in other words transit countries.
I would like to conclude by thanking the rapporteur once again, and especially Commissioner Vassiliou, because she has accepted all the proposals we have made within the report.
Since the current Cosmetics Directive does not contain clear requirements for a safety assessment, the Commission is now introducing 'minimum standards' for this.
We have already wasted two years improving maternity protection.
(DE) Mr President, we are currently facing an explosive mix of social decline, cultural conflicts, increasing democratic deficits, the threat of supply bottlenecks, inflation, imported security risks and a speculation bubble which could burst at any moment.
To be honest, it is clear that EU foreign policy has failed in some areas, including in the Arab world, in Afghanistan, in finding a resolution to the Palestinian problem and in the conflicts among our eastern neighbours.
I have agreed on the oral amendment with the others, including the Members submitting the proposed amendment.
This is not stifling debate.
As a result, the Council is supporting:
Progress programme funds must not, under any circumstances, be reduced during this crisis period as they are targeted at the most vulnerable groups.
The reason he had been absent, however, was that he had been arrested. Expulsion from university means that a person's education comes to an abrupt end.
At this point, I should also mention the impact of the WTO Doha Development Round on an EU-India FTA.
I think they are linked in the eyes of the voters, and they are linked in my eyes.
Here we are in the front line, heading towards a new protectorate, even though no satisfactory analysis has been produced of the reasons for the failure of the previous protectorate: Kosovo's gross domestic product is equivalent to that of Rwanda, half of its active population is unemployed, there are more than 200 000 refugees and displaced people, and violence against minorities is on the increase, despite EUR 2 billion of international aid and the presence of 17 000 NATO troops.
Risk, as we all know and accept, is part of running a business.
I think this is quintessential, and everyone agrees to this.
The idea is to make it optional for Member States whether they make it compulsory within their territory for producers to put on the label whether it is a coupage or a traditional product.
As the Commissioner said, it is very important to guarantee a level playing field.
If we continue along the lines you have proposed, we will not resolve the problem in the European Union.
Finally, in conformity with the spirit of the national debate in France on the environment, I voted in favour of a tax on pesticides to encourage our farmers to reduce their use of treatment products.
Even the proposals you make in connection with the 'use-it-or-lose-it' clause are still theoretical law.
The Council also understands that Parliament should have easier access to the classified parts of international agreements so that it can carry out its assessment in cases where it has a right of approval.
This restriction of freedom of speech, as proposed, is unbecoming for a country led by a man who came to power promising a new era of openness and transparency.
Strict measures on squatting, the expulsion of migrants without visas and higher penalties for those who commit anti-social crimes are consistent with European law.
(LV) Mr President, I would like to emphasise the fact that the European Parliament is an institution that promotes democracy both throughout Europe and also internally, within Parliament.
As you might know - and as it has been said - the strategy in question was initiated by Parliament three years ago, more precisely by the Baltic Europe Intergroup under the excellent leadership of Christopher Beazley. I would also like to express my special gratitude to Commission President Barroso.
I am pleased that the international community sent a strong and united political signal regarding the ongoing human rights violations in Libya.
The euro should be accompanied by a minimum social security indicator for social cohesion.
I am thinking of the green health apostles in my country, for example, who inveigh against tobacco, but who legalised soft drugs a few years ago.
Our governments are slaves to the market, devotees of free trade and communism, and will always be opposed by free-thinking citizens like myself who will continue to protest against injustice.
This law would also be a major obstacle to the fight against AIDS.
Mr President, my group fully supports the aim of this directive, which is to establish a Community framework to ensure and maintain the continuous improvement of safety in nuclear installations within the European Union.
(PL) Mr President, the brutal murder of David Kato, one of Uganda's best-known human rights defenders, is the result of hatred towards homosexual people.
It has also acknowledged that the ratification process is ongoing and has issued an explicit reminder that the aim of the Lisbon Treaty is to help the enlarged Union act more efficiently and more democratically.
I am confident it will include plenty of ideas to ensure that Kosovo remains firmly anchored in the European outlook it shares with the Western Balkans as a whole.
It is also important to ensure financial support to institutions which are involved in the development of technology for extracting and transporting shale gas - including the use of CO2 in the process of fracturing shales.
This should be simplified and more integrated.
We are really very committed to transparency, but we must always look for a very fine line among the different commitments that we have to respect in these very complex cases.
The citizens are asking us another question as well: 'Are you taking our concerns about this issue seriously?'
Mr President, as an MEP elected in Latvia, I welcome the fact that the first example of a strategy for a macroregion concerns the Baltic Sea area.
We want to be sure that the EU market will be supplied only with animal products which come from animals killed in the way required by EU law.
This occasion must be followed by specific measures at both EU and Member State level.
I am keen to restate here what I recently told Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development: as Commissioner, I hope to learn lessons from the specific situation that we experienced last year.
Instead of taking account of the views of the electorate, the EU is attempting to change these views via propaganda.
That is why I am pleased with the direction the Commission is indicating: regionalisation, more involvement by the sector and, in particular, compliance with the rules.
This kind of organised crime has grown with the Union's enlargement to the east.
I voted in favour of this report as it significantly improves cooperation between committees, as part of the necessary parliamentary reform.
In fact, what we are doing today is to finish a cycle which has been remarkably fast, that is to say a few months, which includes both the directive on the internal market in defence products, adopted in December, the Code of Conduct for exports, which became law at the same time and, finally, this directive reconciling Article 296 of the Treaty with the common rules on public contracts.
Projects have only had to be discontinued in a few individual cases.
Those who oppose the junta are tortured, killed or put in detention.
I have tried to do my best for the citizens of my country and all Europeans, and there have been periods during this work that have been truly special, such as the Convention.
The report focuses its recommendations on the balance between the role of Member States and the Commission; the necessity to make early school a broader service inspired by good practices in Member States where 'maternelles' and kindergartens are a right of parents; inclusion of all children, whatever their social background ('notion of public service'); caring for migrant children and their integration in early schools; the inclusion of arts and all tools to enhance the children's creativity; training of educators for better intercultural skills; gender parity while working in structures for early learning; and creation of new and well qualified jobs.
Fifthly, the measures should continue to include a mandatory fund within the framework of producer responsibility - as the European Parliament stated last year.
I also welcome the retention of the systems of registering geographical indications and traditional specialities, as these indications are significant for European agriculture not only from an economic perspective, but also from an environmental and social perspective.
Mr Solana, a few months ago, you attended Mr Polin's funeral in Bayonne.
It is therefore appropriate that the proposed wording relating to the rapid notification of technical shortcomings identified should remain part of the directive, as should specification of the ships to which the directive relates.
The procedure is important, as is the work of the Committee on Budgetary Control.
Mr Oettinger, a well-schooled disciple of Mrs Merkel, is now also opposed to nuclear power.
It should surprise no one that the Chinese Communist Party prevents him or his family representative from collecting the award.
We should also not forget that it is in the fundamental interest of aging Europe to make sure it is populated not by unfortunate people who depend on social assistance, but by well educated, working citizens, capable of paying tax, social contributions and insurance.
We are talking here about 80% of the European budget.
The Commission will therefore continue to work for a comprehensive and balanced Doha deal.
Despite propaganda that these were terrorists, in the main, they were, in fact, impoverished farmers from the north and around Bangkok, sections of the urban working class, and their families, who saw their protest as a struggle against the enormous poverty and hardship that they suffer.
Although we agree with the Communication from the Commission on an EU strategy for youth, I am concerned that, like many of the other strategies we have adopted, it may never be anything more than a set of fine declarations on paper.
Our fellow citizens are still waiting for a true European recovery plan and, for example, a substantial loan.
Our citizens can see that our economies are in crisis, that unemployment is rising, that businesses are finding it harder to generate growth, that climate change is getting worse and that other parts of the world are becoming increasingly and dramatically more competitive.
Until 2007, the rest of Europe was amazed at the economic development of Ireland, the 'Celtic Tiger', which achieved dream economic data with low corporation taxes and little regulation.
The decision to create this means was not taken lightly; it was the response to technical and legal problems faced in cooperation programmes.
May I inform you that, before Greece acceded to the European Union, the Greek Communist Party voiced its opposition and informed the Greek people of the consequences.
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, it is one of the signs of the absolute poverty of our society that we still need to discuss the issue of equality between men and women.
I really appeal to you, Madam Commissioner, to take the political leadership and make this proposal.
Subject: Reallocation of financial resources in the regional and cohesion funds
That is indeed the nature of the problem and its very root.
Even worse, it argues that any type of nationalisation or renationalisation should be abandoned.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (ES) Mr President, I am proud that in Parliament we have been able to draw up a resolution to be submitted to the next convention, which is already being held in Madrid, organised by the UN.
We must protect the different kinds of production in Europe: sheep, cattle, goat and small-scale vegetable production.
We also need to understand that culture makes a contribution; culture creates; culture is something positive, not consuming our budgets or conflicting with our needs but bringing a lot of enrichment, including jobs and growth.
That requires commitment on the part of the EU.
We need to introduce a fixed requirement for every vessel, whether new or rebuilt, to undergo a seaworthiness test.
Secondly, let us consider home-grown players.
It is a creation of the industrialised nations and not least of the European Union.
This also means bringing our energy research programmes into closer cooperation and reinforcing our dialogue on energy security - as our President has also said.
The basic purpose of these is to ensure diversification of fuel supply.
The Commission's task is to ensure that EU law is correctly implemented and enforced by the Member States by constantly monitoring their activity.
I believe that an eco-efficient economy and construction of energy-efficient buildings can help bring about economic recovery in the EU.
(Applause)
A mobility centre, along with the preservation of expertise and also of jobs where possible, is a good choice of instrument for Heijmans, therefore.
Nevertheless, some provisions proposed by the Council give reason for concern.
A 50 metre boat on the Atlantic is very different to a 50 metre boat in the Mediterranean.
We are therefore in no hurry and will take the time that is needed to reach the most consensual result possible on a subject that has in the past shown itself to be extremely complex.
Public development aid must be increased as a matter of urgency.
I would like to speak to the rapporteur, who denies that he is presenting a political project.
I voted in favour of retaining this opt-out because I am in favour of leaving the decision in the hands of the workers.
(SL) Madam President, when the revolution that is currently taking place in the streets of Cairo ends, the Egyptian people will choose a political system and their leaders.
Every Member State must now respect and apply the directive that aims to harmonise the protection of people who are fleeing and, before 2012, develop a sustainable European asylum system.
This issue will be a topic of discussion in the European Union from now on.
Last but not least, priority must be given to devising alternative methods for settling disputes.
For that reason, the emphasis must be laid more upon the quality of jobs, on opportunities to progress into permanent jobs with a reliable income.
Efficient energy legislation.
It is an enormous asset in terms of our image and, at the same time, it entails major economic and social benefits.
Just let me clarify a couple of points that have given rise to controversy.
Finally, young animals, particularly puppies, for example, are now being ferried across the whole of Europe without there being any legislation in place.
All the Member States are talking about these.
You cannot make these trite demands and then do nothing!
I therefore strongly endorse the resolution of this House that expressly calls on the Commission and the Member States to tackle the growing problem of antibiotic resistance amongst animals in a responsible way.
I am, moreover, astonished to see that, at one point, in the pharmaceutical sector, the precautionary principle was used to put pressure on the Member States and on Europe to incur expenditure which, in my view, was somewhat ill-considered.
This Parliament's mission next week must seek evidence regarding reports of 200 000 additional ballots printed, allegations that 400 000 voters registered on election day with inadequate ID, and claims that voters in Transnistria were disenfranchised en masse.
The overall outcome of the decision means a breach of the Prague Declaration and a slowdown in potentially positive developments concerning mutual cooperation.
The financial and economic crisis has seen the worst global economic decline since the 1930s.
Now that both Member States have achieved positive evaluation results in all areas of the Schengen review, there should be no more obstacles to delay inclusion further.
For a start, the debate will not just be a short presentation by the rapporteur, a reply from the Commission and that is it.
It is advisable for certain aspects of the legal and fiscal system of the Member States to be improved in this respect, as the current model in most Member States can discourage the transfer of businesses, particularly family businesses, thus increasing the risk of liquidation or closure of the company.
Then the EU brought in this legislation, following very similar principles, about five years ago, and it has proved a great success.
This is why we need to deal with this problem now.
The directive is based on patients' needs, and not on financial resources.
Vice-President of the Commission. - (FR) Madam President, on 5 November, in his first annual speech to the Federation Council, President Medvedev made explicit reference to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
Many of my fellow Members have said - and I absolutely agree with them - that we need to focus on the areas of research and development, renewable energies, energy security and educational mobility.
That begins with suppliers of production inputs, then it relates to manufacturers and, in the case of imported goods, importers too.
It is no use just saying that we took the right decisions.
In the UK, the Labour Government has broken its solemn promise of a referendum, yet in postal polls conducted by campaign groups, more than 80% of voters vote 'yes' to a referendum.
These are the amounts assumed to be for personal consumption.
And imagine my surprise, a few days later, when I saw - obviously there is a link - the European summit make provision not only for the organisation of common charter flights but also for their financing - which is a new development - out of the European budget!
Parliament's resolution stresses that the negotiations should continue, but also lays down requirements for the future.
We cannot just stand by and watch as variations - of any kind - are made to a medicinal product after its authorisation.
I am in favour of investment in quality sports facilities and appropriate measures to allow access to sports premises and sports curricula at school to all students including those with disabilities.
I would like to thank the rapporteur, Mr Seeber, for his excellent work on this report, as well as Mrs Herranz García and Mrs García Pérez from the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Regional Development for their positive and constructive contributions.
Mrs Kroes, you did not go far enough in my view.
I was pleased to learn that on 7 March, the Hungarian Parliament adopted the amendments that had been agreed between its government and the Commission, although I cannot understand why the socialists and Hungarian green party voted against it.
If we do not, at this point, ensure parliamentary control, if we accept this breach of national data protection laws and contravene the Charter of Fundamental Rights, which was so often cited in the debate about the Treaty of Lisbon, it will, I believe, be a kind of kamikaze action and completely unjustifiable.
We cannot even actually agree on what Article 20 means.
It seemed for a while that it might not happen.
It seems to me that we should aim to create a favourable environment for those who want to invest in new technologies and innovations, rather than discussing eligible costs and accounting procedures.
However, it needs to be made clear who is to issue a warning and when, who is subsequently to take over responsibility for the warnings, and when the European Commission is to get involved.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, my contribution concerns the regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the prohibition of highgrading and restrictions on fishing for flounder and turbot in the Baltic Sea, the Belts and the Sound.
Lawful interception occurs in the context of a criminal investigation which supposes the existence of a suspect.
Transparency and reliability for consumers; I hope that consumers can take a punt on medicines without gambling with their health.
It is a process that is made easier not by strict constraints that create unaffordable costs for citizens and businesses, but by real incentives; a process that is realised by means of energy infrastructure, changing urban development, products, packaging and transport.
I applauded the fact that the Commission, in October 2009, adopted a report in which it called on Canada to open a visa office in Prague and to establish a timetable for lifting the visa requirement.
What we have now is more transparency and stricter inspections.
I think the point of this report is to encourage Member States to recognise the value of volunteering in promoting social and economic cohesion.
(BG) Mr. President, Mr. Commissioner, colleagues, I welcome the efforts of European institutions to reduce road accidents and casualties.
Certainly it reflects an old Irish saying, 'well begun is half done', and it can be done at early childhood level.
We need to mobilise actors to act.
However, when a protest camp was cleared in the occupied Western Sahara, with people being killed in the process, and the town in question was declared a no-go zone, even for journalists, there was a lack of combined dynamic action from the international community.
However, Ukraine must show that it is a trustworthy partner for us.
We need to act jointly and more firmly to combat illegal economic migration, while providing more dignified conditions to asylum seekers.
I must say that I sometimes find it disturbing that there is an alliance between the Greens, who want a strong Europe and enlargement as soon as possible, and Members such as Mr van Orden, who want to bring in new countries as quickly as possible in order to weaken the European Union.
Does the second budget in the current budget perspective differ significantly from its predecessors, apart from in the size of the sums concerned?
The strengthening of nuclear safety and security regulations was essential for several reasons.
Like you, we are keen for everything to fall into place as quickly as possible, with regard to both the posts that are to be filled and the list of commissioners that is to be presented to the European Parliament for the hearing that you are to hold.
Appropriate changes must be made to trade and labelling in supermarkets, especially in the new Member States.
the oral question to the Commission by Jo Leinen, on behalf of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, on key objectives for the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Nagoya, 18-29 October 2010 - B7-0468/2010);
I think we are benefiting simply from the fact that this debate is very timely, immediately before the meeting which will take place on Thursday in Prague.
In addition, we must not only help these people, but also ensure that they understand the values which have made us strong.
It is crucial to give a clear indication of our support for these countries at this point in time.
We have committed ourselves to this, and so has Turkey.
This report will ensure wide use of structural funds to secure jobs, and to create more jobs.
I think this is something that we really should be looking at at European level because, increasingly, it is being seen as a weak link in many of the issues that we are facing.
In the European Union, sexual relations are the main channel of transmission. To be more specific:
The single legal personality of the Union will make it possible for the European Union to conclude international agreements and join international organisations.
Here too the situation calls for swift action from Brussels toward Ankara.
The underlying social tensions in the EU are best illustrated by the excessive reactions provoked by the ECJ judgments in connection with the posted workers directive.
This means that first of all, we must help with the unification of Mercosur and the Andean Community, and then the unification of the entire South American Community of Nations.
However, from the outset, this report was couched in a federalist language that sought to promote a fake or forced European demos, and the attempt to rename the scheme the European Union Heritage Label was politically based and would exclude thousands of potential locations whose history and heritage predates, and indeed overshadows, many contemporary sites.
That is the reality.
What is also worrying is the Commission's brief and pithy statement that the protection of domestic animals still falls within the jurisdiction of the Member States.
More substantial efforts are needed to consolidate democracy and the rule of law and to ensure the country's sustainable development.
It should not be inconceivable.
in writing. - (FR) I welcome the adoption today of Mr Cappato's motion for a resolution on the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World 2007 and the EU's policy on the matter.
The destruction of the world's cultural heritage must not go unpunished.
The Commission would also ask the Council and Parliament to endorse the proposal made by Mr Doorn and further adapt their working methods so that certain tasks relating to the simplification of legislation can be carried out swiftly.
We know that it is the priority of the Czech Presidency - although we do not have the pleasure of seeing the Czech Minister in the Chamber.
Recently there was a proposal to prohibit smoking in public places, when at the same time, in the centre of the capital city, you can buy thousands of packets of contraband cigarettes. In that regard Montenegro clearly has a long way to go on the road to the European Union.
Trade unions should play an important role in this field.
I would like to thank the rapporteur, Mrs Ferreira, for a relevant and timely report.
Bearing in mind that compensatory measures have been carried out in this project, that an attempt has been made to put right any wrongdoing that may have taken place, then surely the project can be rubber-stamped.
This applies in particular to texts.
We call on the workers to reject this policy.
It is timely and welcome in particular for three reasons.
The system needs further perfection, but it needs strong engagement by all nations around the globe for this to happen.
Just as a postscript - but a very important postscript - we also have to turn our attention to the education of our judiciary in our national courts to make sure that they, too, know how to implement Community law.
The subject of a new basic treaty was first discussed in 2002.
We must prevent job losses rather than simply using these European funds where jobs are lost.
(PT) Mr President, the tornado that hit Portugal last Tuesday caused enormous damage in the region of Tomar.
I would also like to express the Council's satisfaction at the agreement we reached with regard to the common foreign and security policy.
The Council is proposing the ITO model, which is in fact very similar to the third way.
in writing. - (LT) Right up until the breakthrough of the wave of democracy in the Arab countries, the European Parliament has constantly been calling on the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council to improve the situation as regards democracy, the rule of law, and human rights and freedoms.
in writing. - (FR) I voted in favour of the report proposing European Union participation in the Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) research and development programme that has been undertaken jointly by a number of Member States and third countries.
President of the Commission. - The deadline is the deadline for the consultation based on this document, but there will also be other opportunities to consult.
In particular, what we need is a redefinition of the major threats to our security after the collapse of the so-called Islamic terrorist threat and the emergence of new dangers like the financial crisis.
I have spoken in this Chamber repeatedly of the need to reinvigorate the Lisbon strategy; the European Union has, for far too long, pursued political and institutional reform with a degree of energy and determination which it has simply been unable to muster for economic reform.
Perhaps you could also tell him that, under these conditions, the European Parliament will not be an easy partner and that the economic governance package needs the Commission to pay greater attention to what emerges from this Parliament.
A review of the legislation is therefore necessary to take account of the reality and benefits of biogas.
In order to achieve these objectives, the EU should cooperate actively with international partners in the area of trade - the World Trade Organisation, the International Labour Organisation and the United Nations Organisation.
However, I, personally, will be voting in favour of it.
Some thought should be given to establishing a dedicated European Danube bank involving the countries concerned.
Hence, I would repeat a call I have made before that during the currency of this economic downturn, there should be a regulation holiday for SMEs.
What we have to bear in mind is that we are in a transitional phase with these interim agreements.
It is a fact that a year of talks within the Annapolis process has failed.
in writing. - (BG) I defend the privileges and immunity of Bruno Gollnisch and I think that the persecution he is being subjected to is of a purely political nature.
This and other environment-related questions underscore the importance of public responsibility.
The authorities in the Member States are being given far too few opportunities to prevent abuse.
Among these were 4 500 children, 12-13 year-old kids, living under the same conditions, conditions of discomfort shared also by the inhabitants of Lampedusa.
Green shipping and offshore energy are areas where Europe has extensive expertise which can be developed further.
We know by now the financial institutions that were hit.
On the request that emergency temporary cessation should not be linked to restructuring (which was also raised by Mrs Doyle), restructuring is relatively loosely defined in our package so there should be ample opportunity for vessels in trouble to adapt to new realities.
However, as I listen to this debate, two rather important questions arise.
(The sitting was closed at 16:40)
(The President cut off the speaker)
Women continue to be under-represented in most areas of science and technology and in positions of responsibility.
If this European arrest warrant is executed, its use proves that, if someone expresses themselves on the Internet in terms legal in their own country, they can be extradited to another EU country where those views are illegal.
(RO) The debate about the gas crisis has been passionate, including this evening's session.
That might be the reason why it was fairly long.
Nothing is going well!
Madam President, I would like to thank Mr Degutis for his excellent report and the work he has done over recent weeks.
It is high time that the leaders of the European Union recognised the part that they, too, played in the serious social crisis that is happening all over Europe and the world.
Now let us look to the next one.
It is even more important to develop the southern part of the corridor via the Austrian Southern Railway to Italy.
Laws must be straightforward.
We still have work to do.
(EL) Mr President, Commissioner, I have listened to your reply to my honourable friend's question, but I should like to bring your attention to the following, to what is happening on the ground.
This brutal crime prompted a closer look at what is happening at the border between Egypt and Israel, an area in which an increasing number of refugees are stranded as they try to enter Europe or Israel, but lack the necessary papers.
(PL) Mr President, Commissioner, our debate really has taken place in the shadow of dramatic events related to farmers spilling milk in protest.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I am also disappointed that the French minister has left, because he could have learned, for instance, that the information that he supplied to us is incorrect.
Parliament is still waiting for explanations from those governments.
The latter represents a solid foundation for our future efforts by ensuring a good balance between traditional development priorities - infrastructure, the Millennium Development Goals; political themes - peace and security, democratic governance and human rights, migration, mobility, jobs; and new promising spheres of cooperation, such as renewable energy, climate change, information technology and space, to mention only a few.
I had to return it full again.
If they enact different regulations for these reasons, we do not force them to revoke their environmental and health regulations.
For years we have complained that food prices are too low.
The legal basis of the economic policy conditions is Article 3(5) of Council Regulation (EU) No 407/2010 establishing a European financial stabilisation mechanism and Article 2(2) of the Council Implementing Decision 2011/77/EU on granting Union financial assistance to Ireland.
Parliament has, quite rightly, seized this opportunity, unlike the High Representative, who I will again remind, as I did this morning, that Cuba libre is not the name of a cocktail: it is a rallying cry that we carry in our hearts, because we want democracy, and we want Cuba to be free.
There are many aspects of this report which produced something of a stalemate between many of us, such as the nature of EU legislation.
This is a huge drawback because in this case what is best may not be what is right.
But there we are.
Solidarity among the Member States of the EU in connection with Kosovo must manifest itself in the Member States recognising the independence of Kosovo as soon as possible.
The real challenge we face is that of employment, whether our own employment or that of the countries around us.
Ms Kauppi, once again we thank you for your work and we wish you all the best for your future.
There, too, we saw fairly wide differences of opinion.
The volume of funds is not huge, but I believe they are going in the right direction and the public should be involved to strengthen security of supply in the European Union.
It was, of course, pleasing to hear him speak about commitment to the future of the European farming environment.
European fishermen accept having environmental, social and health restrictions imposed on them, but bitterly resent the fact that they are not applied in the same way to products imported in huge numbers from third countries.
I would like to end by thanking and congratulating you, Commissioner Reding and Commissioner Andor, once again, and now it is up to the Member States to proceed effectively with Roma inclusion on the basis of this at the national level.
Finally, I should like to stress that small and medium-sized enterprises must be at the heart of the new market access strategy.
I am thinking of the supervision agreement and the Green Paper on the governance of financial institutions.
In this regard, we ask that the international OSCE/ODIHR observers be granted unhampered access.
I congratulate Mr Schwab on bringing the implementation of these forward by a year, because they will be of major advantage in terms of safety.
Written declarations (Rule 142)

I believe that here we also showed ourselves to be quite capable of satisfying the expectations of both sides.
The Council also shares Parliament's view on the need for a swift and effective implementation of the new Eurojust and Europol decisions.
For example, in the case of Greece, or my country Spain, we have experienced great solidarity on the part of the European Union, through European funds and through the Structural Funds, which are essential elements of European solidarity policy which will continue.
Of this, around 20% has already been allocated to specific projects.
From a careful reading of the treaty it seems that the Council can, this time, set the prices and quotas unilaterally.
author. - (PL) Mr President, the Afghan journalist Perwiz Kambakhsh has been sentenced to death.
(PT) Madam President, I would like to begin by congratulating Mr Audy on his excellent report.
An American patent currently costs around EUR 1 800, whereas a European patent costs more than EUR 20 000 - 11 times as much, which is clearly unreasonable.
To others in this House, constructive criticism of Turkey is needed; we ourselves are critical friends.
Finally, in order to boost energy security the EU should strengthen the transparency mechanism and so on.
In order to achieve this, we need to increase plant cover.
Mr President, I would like to thank Mr Papastamkos for this question on a subject which, in my current capacity, I consider absolutely essential to the proper functioning of the economy and the financial markets.
in writing. - (RO) I believe the debate on the 2007 Report on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia should point out two key conclusions: the need for this country's continuous and firm progress toward integration into the European and transatlantic structures, as well as the importance of promoting the young generation in this republic.
First of all, I would like to point out that it is not only the Member States that protect human rights.
There is before this House a written declaration on this matter, including the pooling of patents.
It is necessary to use European funds and European directives to promote the integration of the Roma and to eliminate their disadvantaged position.
Likewise, we ask the Court to put Parliament and the Committee on Budgetary Control in a position to carry out their own work as productively as possible.
Many of the local Han Chinese are also envious of them.
As a matter of principle, invoices must be paid within 30 days with few exceptions, and these must be justified.
The second paragraph is as follows:
Compostable crops could be planted and, for example, the fertiliser burden could thus be reduced.
Strengthening election observation missions through greater cooperation between the EU and the OSCE, and by sending us MEPs to the areas in question, will lead to a strengthening of the Union's foreign policy.
However, I think that what is most important, Mr President, is to point out that this report on election observation, like the report that Mr Cappato has drawn up on human rights in the world, do not fulfil an abstract purpose, but rather they have a cause, and that cause is the commitment that we have in the European Union, and in Parliament in particular, to a whole set of values: democracy, freedom, the rule of law and, above all, respect for human rights.
We wish the new Members every success.
In Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Somalia and other such countries, more and more Christians and other religious minorities are becoming the subjects of oppression.
The next item is the oral question (http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=OQ&reference=O-2007-0038&language=PL" - B6-0136/2007) to the Commission by Mr Andersson, on behalf of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, on the EURES activity report 2005-2005: Towards a single European labour market.
The coordinated EU-UN-OSCE effort that started last week in Bishkek continues at the moment and will continue until the crisis and its consequences are overcome.
in writing. - I voted in favour of this joint resolution, which notes that the right of free movement is a fundamental one accorded to all EU citizens.
The report sets out principles which, if implemented, would be a step towards improving the agreement, as illustrated by the defence of food sovereignty and security for ACP countries, along with the fight against tax havens.
For the first time, a chapter will be included on energy, giving EU policy the objectives of achieving energy security, promoting energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy sources.
It is a central, global body for the protection of human rights.
It is, in fact, the first legal act since the Treaty of Lisbon and we wanted a level playing field with the Council of Ministers in the empowerment of the Commission for delegated acts.
This was a continuous problem, raised time and again with me by my constituents.
I believe that we shall achieve a rapid resolution.
The issues relating to the current turmoil are different.
The vote will take place today.
It is not about freedom of choice, because those who become sick have not chosen it at all.
We failed on that occasion.
I agree with this resolution and I urge the Commission to declare the Year for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
The European Investment Bank will match the European Union's contribution of EUR 100 million, and further contributors are expected.
Firstly, it is not a particularly quick solution: almost a year after the disaster, we have no positive sign of the waiver that the Union must obtain from the WTO before its proposal can enter into force, we have not finished our work as legislators, and we have still to hold negotiations in the Council.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I think that I can join all those who have said that this is a nice piece of collaboration in order to get a nice piece of legislation.
The legal protection offered by the bilateral investment treaties (BITs) is important in ensuring that businesses are encouraged to take the step of investing abroad, which can cost many millions.
Safety, health, public health and housing conditions are also lamentable, and it is vital to rebuild the capacity of the Haitian State in terms of democracy and good governance, which are essential for national reconstruction, and to ensure that Haitian civil society and the Haitian people are involved.
However, regardless of our position on this issue, the radioactive waste problem is a reality and we must deal with waste in the best and safest way possible.
National diplomats will be able to apply for published vacant posts.
I am delighted that MEPs are satisfied with it.
Some other issues mentioned in the consultation deserve our serious attention.
Nor is it our job, however, to be carrying on traditions.
They try to prevent a comprehensive political dialogue with the Cuban Government on the basis of the same criteria that the EU applies to all countries with which it has relations.
It is therefore right to approve the draft of the new Protocol to the Partnership Agreement in the fisheries sector between the EU and Seychelles.
I suspect, however, that we might have to go to conciliation but I also suspect that the Council will not move.
(FR) Madam President, cohesion policy must ensure harmonious and above all fair development between all territories.
The debate is closed.
This was not easy to achieve.
The fact that there are currently 15 countries using the opt-out is because the proportion of on-call time is not sufficient to meet actual needs.
The same goes for the benchmarking system.
This serves to protect workers and prevents competition being distorted in a way which benefits those enterprises that wish to grow rich on the backs of illegal workers.
In the Austrian education system, you would be given a straight fail for this report.
We are looking for speedy negotiations with the Council, so that this issue is not put on the long finger, but that a solution is found soon.
We did not need to introduce that into the second reading.
There is no duty to provide information and no data protection, as should really be the case with public bodies.
Therefore, it is important to provide opportunities, not just for universities, but for non-profit research institutes and other scientific organisations, to submit applications and participate in research programmes.
The South Stream project would only increase the EU's dependence on a single source.
(SK) The report begins with a paragraph stating that equality between women and men is a fundamental principle of the European Union, a principle which has been in place for more than 50 years.
I would nevertheless like to talk about my own region, a region of 5 million inhabitants where 500 000 people were struck by the flood, with 131 municipalities involved, 7 000 inhabitants displaced, 140 km2 flooded, three hospitals and medical facilities evacuated and two deaths.
2006 discharge (debate)
For this reason, all of us must give both sides friendly encouragement to find a long-term solution with a broad scope and a broad application.
I also believe that by setting in motion the actions detailed in the package adopted today we will be firmly setting Europe on the path to explore these opportunities in a novel way.
The resolutions by the political forces of capital conceal the causes and character of the capitalist crisis.
I am familiar with many of your speeches.
- (PL) Mr President, the European Union's intention should be to build stronger and increasingly close relations with Ukraine.
I personally was against the boycott of the conference, but I think what was even worse is that there was no European strategy.
One of the major areas supporting the EU's development and stability is completely missing, namely, the infrastructure for both transport and energy.
An attempt is now being made to limit damage by making savings.
The family knew well in advance that eviction proceedings would be taken.
However, we will support those amendments which seek to increase the number of supply routes and improve energy safety in the Union.
We need to look again very carefully.
Indeed, it would be important to review the current European legislation on this subject.
So let us be transparent, let us be clear and let us have respect for those who hold a different view to those who sit in this Parliament.
Even here in this Chamber.
in writing. - Today we are fortunate that law enforcement agencies have tools at their disposal such as DNA data, automated fingerprint identification and vehicle registration data.
They can also lead to problems and distortions.
As a result, we no longer have a problem with it.
Now is the time for political leadership and drive.
I would like to emphasise the importance of cooperation in all significant areas within this programme.
At the same time, it is essential to ensure appropriate control over the use of regulatory powers conferred on the Commission.
Therefore, it is difficult not to agree with the rapporteur that it is the Member States which are responsible for correctly implementing the directive and establishing effective control procedures for the storage and processing of waste equipment.
I should like to ask the Commission where the optimism that disarming consumer power will guarantee Greece a way out of the recession comes from.
It is we who are supposed to be putting their will into action, not the other way around.
Last week I called for a European Parliament presence on Libya's borders and I repeat that call now.
Freedom of the press is one of the most important problems that the Serbian Government needs to resolve; there should be no political pressure or other influences that obstruct the independence of Serbian journalists.
I proceeded in exactly the same way with the other count a moment ago, for the other side of the Chamber.
Someone in this House said that we have adopted a positive approach and I think that this is a trait which characterises all our work, in the agreements that we have reached and in those still to come.
I am deeply convinced that most of the farmers are conscientious and honest.
The reason why they did so was that, by the time of the vote in that Committee, the text was by far more ambitious that the final agreement reached with the Council.
There has not even been a study on the effects of equivalent bilateral agreements that are in place, and have been in place for several years in some cases, such as, for instance, that between France and Germany or France and Luxembourg.
EC-Russia Readmission Agreement (vote)
(PL) Mr President, over the many years of its activity, the International Labour Organisation has adopted and presented for ratification by EU Member States a series of international conventions and directives on matters of employment, trade union freedoms, social policy and social insurance, and also collective employment relations and conditions of work.
Granting visa-free travel also conveys to the countries concerned the message that they can overcome obstacles successfully if their preparations are supported by political agreement.
There is a major project that could be developed in Europe.
Why do we never say anything to encourage them?
We have also long cooperated on energy matters.
The capital punishment of juvenile offenders has always taken place in Yemen.
(Applause)
The vote will take place tomorrow - Thursday.
In light of this, addressing the question of a new strategy on Russia and Central Asia is unavoidable, and it must also include a political risk assessment specific to each country.
I think we have found a good compromise, at least in terms of the link to the emission trading scheme.
Temporary judges of the European Union civil service tribunal (
I voted in favour of this document because a Community action entitled European Capital of Culture has been established in order to highlight the richness and diversity of European cultures and the features they share, as well as to promote greater mutual understanding between Europeans.
All the indications are that as regards, inter alia, employment, health, education and social support, women will feel the consequences more and for longer than men will.
It is also the branch of industry that has made it possible for generation after generation to live on the island.
We therefore need to look at the issue as Europe and not leave the Member States to address it on their own.
The report outlines, of course, the achievements, but it does not shy away from the challenges being faced the Federal Republic of Iraq and the Commissioner very aptly outlined them.
When it comes to direct democracy, the European Union could learn much from Switzerland, which stands up for democratic decisions even when the rest of the politically correct mainstream world criticises it to the hilt.
As a Finn, I regret that.
I would like to point out that we also need a system capable of intercepting goods which do not conform to the European safety standard and preventing such goods from entering the EU.
It is in this context that we must view the pressure put on Russia (which also occurs with several other countries) to join the World Trade Organisation, in order to promote 'a level playing field for business communities on both sides' and 'liberalise trade in the global economy', while facilitating foreign investment and renouncing any 'protectionist measures'.
Furthermore, according to a study carried out by Confindustria, the General Confederation of Italian Industry, in Italy alone, energy efficiency could have a socio-economic impact on the entire national economy worth some EUR 238 billion and could increase the value of total production, with an associated rise in employment of around 1.6 million standard work units, in the period 2010-2020.
I especially look to Commissioner Verheugen on this.
These young men did what many young men would do: they ordered a pizza from the local pizzeria, for three hours after that they were to board an aeroplane and fly to Afghanistan.
It was established to ensure that torturers, rapists and murderers would be deterred from committing further offences by the knowledge that the appropriate sentences would be handed down to them.
This afternoon, I have the impression that we are moving away somewhat from political hypocrisy because it is not a question of criticising the constitution of a Member State of the European Union such as Hungary which, of course, is in sole charge, with its people, of its sovereignty.
There are bound to be abuses of the system, for example by providing a fictional domicile simply in order to reduce the voice of a particular country, and to engineer an impact on the outcome of the elections.
Some Member States are already leading the way on this issue.
Making up part of the EU's 2020 strategy, this report outlines 15 'cornerstones' of a strong policy which will ensure that the EU can keep up with competitors from the US, China and Japan, who invest heavily in research and development into cutting-edge technology, and countries that are able to cut costs through cheap labour and have less stringent intellectual property rules.
Apart from us, only Latvia and Malta have such outstanding indicators.
Non-proliferation and the future of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) (debate)
(The House rose and observed a moment's silence)
The second area, completely unexplored, is the migration of women within the European Union.
I believe it is wrong to invite the Council to set negative priorities, in other words, cuts.
The Iranian Government is being called on to give political answers to these unsolved questions, yet instead, we see an increase in the worst violations of human rights, such as torture and the assault of detainees, and we hear of the deaths of demonstrators, while unfair trials take place.
I do not believe that by taking such a step, we will be helping to ensure that people are not prevented from using their own language.
Parliament will have to support you, Commissioner, but how will we do this?
Work is needed within and between governments to accept this minimum.
Madam President, there is a mistake in the EPP voting list.
Well, back to the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection in the Parliament.
We insist on this, despite your disagreement, Commissioner, because we believe that it is a significant incentive for producers to move to the concept of a 10% voluntary renunciation;
Report: Guntars Krasts
It combines experience and new ideas; it reflects the broad range of approaches and sensibilities that make Europe this wonderful land of ideas.
This is what is needed because we are talking about the dignity and rights of human beings.
These aims can only be achieved if we all act together in areas such as combating structural unemployment, developing a skilled workforce, promoting job quality and improving the performance of education systems.
Indeed, the Cohesion policy is actually the best instrument for mobilising investment in growth and employment.
On the one hand, his visit was a clear signal to Minsk that the European Union is ready to begin a new stage of pragmatic relations.
The difference is in the method.
There is no room for further delay.
Next, will you condemn forthrightly and totally the passage of the Bahati bill in Uganda, which allows the execution of homosexuals?
Europe and the Member States should make these objectives their political priority and the focus of their efforts to build a future energy policy.
In that respect, I welcome the statement by US President-Elect Barack Obama on closing the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and to never again practice Rendition.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, he was the right man at the right time.
There is sometimes a concertina effect, for a particular worker or a particular engineer or architect, in the use of the Services Directive, the Professional Qualifications Directive and the E-commerce Directive.
If we take these two reports together they clearly represent a flaw in the thinking of European politicians, namely that whatever the problem appears to be, Europe is the solution.
It is very important that this programme will help highly qualified students and academics to obtain qualifications and experience inside the European Union in order to be able to satisfy the requirements of the labour market, and within the specific framework of partnership, encourage them to share their experience or qualifications upon their return to their country of origin.
We, as a Union, need to send a strong signal to the other side of the Atlantic.
The ageing of the population is another challenge facing nearly every country in the EU.
This report rightly draws attention to the lack of legal clarity and certainty regarding safety and the quality of services. It also refers to the general lack of confidence in cross-border consumption felt by European consumers.
This phenomenon brings with it deliberately misleading and confusing information, and the risk of abuse of trust, and the state must find an adequate response to this.
As you know, due to the partial collapse of the false ceiling in the plenary chamber in Strasbourg on 7 August, this first part-session of the European Parliament in September has had, exceptionally, to be held here in Brussels.
My third point is financial regulation.
We know that there is a common European driving licence coming in 2013, so I would like to ask the Commissioner whether there is any prospect that this common European driving licence could in fact be front-loaded and be brought on more quickly.
As the report says, we expect that, before the measures enter into force, Taiwan will lift the visa requirement for all 27 Member States as well.
Not isolated projects, but rather cooperation within the region with a supra-regional perspective can ensure the sustainable development of the Danube Region in the future.
Both inside and outside the European Union, children's positive rights are often violated, and there is still discriminatory treatment due to sexual inequality.
On the EU-Russia human rights consultations, Parliament's conclusion is devastating.
The Commission has tabled a proposal for four agreements to Parliament.
If I understand it correctly, the Commission is hanging onto a European solution for the time being.
The aim of this provision is to simplify regulatory restrictions in order to make it possible for euro notes and coins to circulate more easily between Member States and to ensure a high level of professionalism and security within the euro area.
To avoid the worst, Europe must urgently introduce a form of common governance of its economic and budgetary policies.
This fisheries protocol ensures fishing opportunities off São Tomé and Príncipe for various fleets from Member States until 12 May 2014.
That means the 27 countries of the European Council and also Parliament which we have got into the habit of consulting in the meantime.
A useful idea in terms of raising patient awareness is the establishment of information and guidance centres to help patients, the healthcare personnel and the entire health sector.
This critical situation calls for a concerted European response.
I feel that to say the problem is that the word 'Jihad' must disappear in one section, when it subsequently appears in three sections, and again in recital H that Jihadism is doubtless the main focus of the type of terrorism we are dealing with, is looking for excuses that do not hold water.
This directive could be a cornerstone of a modern labour market policy for the ageing society.
This may perhaps make sense in their eyes, but as members of the European Parliament, we have to serve the interests of Europeans.
The first necessity here, as we have already heard so many times, is to reinforce intergenerational solidarity through multi-faceted material and moral support of the family.
We expect all concerned parties in Moldova, the official authorities as well as the political opposition and civil society, to agree on and progress towards a solution to the current crisis that will bring about more, not less, democracy and freedom for the Moldovan people.
However, as regards rights to use spectrum, it should be noted that investment and depreciation cycles differ from one sector to the next.
In all good conscience, I have decided that we should wait for the various responses expected from the Italian Government before taking political initiatives such as the resolution adopted, which could be open to misinterpretation by European citizens.
However, that would mean that up to the age limit for which that exemption was granted only temporary passports could be issued.
Experience up to now has shown that the HACCP provisions currently in force are unjustifiably too stringent in many cases.
At this point, the often excessive bureaucratic accountability takes more time and energy than goes to the real working out of the projects.
I congratulate Mr Swoboda on all his work reflected in this report.
However, we have chosen to alter the definition of 'public provocation' so that it is legally more comprehensible in all countries.
In reality, a survey has shown that 64% of Icelanders want to remain independent, only 24% want to carry on applying for EU membership and, indeed, 60% of Icelandic businesses are against it.
I think you should take that into consideration.
One question which remains totally unanswered is how, legally, the Pakistani Government, in spite of a Supreme Court judgment permitting former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to return from exile to Pakistan, deported him immediately to Saudi Arabia.
There is the European Maritime Safety Agency, we have rescue boats, we have civil protection mechanisms, we have good coordination of assistance measures, and Commissioner Georgieva was thus able to offer European assistance for ongoing measures in the Gulf of Mexico from an early stage.
A total of 93.4% of the electorate turned out to vote in the elections.
I would say that the opposite is true, that the Czech Presidency should help to ensure that we have a socially and ecologically driven economy, that is, an economy powered by social and environmental factors.
(The sitting was suspended at 1.10 p.m. and resumed at 3 p.m.)
The two entirely reviewed methodological guidelines which have just been released, as well as the continuous support to training programmes for observers, will help us to sustain the thorough high-quality work by the chief observers and their teams on the ground.
With regard to the Olympic Games, we all hope that there will be a chance for China and the world to come closer together.
Today everyone says that Mr Mubarak was a dictator.
The response of the French Presidency was: 'That is not our top priority'.
In the report, much attention is paid to human rights and freedoms in Russia.
One of the main aims of this report is to support the role of cities in the cohesion process.
Young people are currently becoming unemployed straight from education.
(ES) Madam President, defending human rights means condemning the avoidable, cruel and unjust death of Orlando Zapata and calling for those who are still in prison to be released.
Talents and skills must be nurtured from an early age - a profitable investment in every case.
I think we have to have a solution for that, Mr Kirkhope, quite frankly because, as you know, there are cases before the Court of Justice that oblige us to find a solution.
The multiannual Hague Programme, covering the various actions that will be carried out to develop the area of justice, freedom and security, comes to an end in 2010.
Having noted, and I quote and now utter the following euphemism - 'a lack of values and ethics in the behaviour of certain actors in the financial markets and institutions' - this Parliament has set off on a pathetic crusade to inject some ethics into the sector.
There is therefore a general need for individual Member States to prioritise sport as a part of education much more than is the case today, and as part of this to ensure that the correct facilities are available and also qualified teachers, for example.
Our position is that we need to modernise our agricultural policy, and not return to a production-based policy that encouraged massive over-production and a distortion of markets, undermining the ability of other countries to produce and trade agricultural goods.
(SL) Thank you for your answer, Commissioner.
This is why we believe that the mandate of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency should also cover countries which have concluded stabilisation or association agreements, or even to countries which have concluded readmission agreements with the EU.
It is when identities are under threat, when they feel under attack that hackles rise and they become dangerous and aggressive.
Documents received: see Minutes
in writing. - (PT) I voted in favour of the joint resolution on the results of the Copenhagen conference as I broadly agree with the content of the proposed measures, and two in particular.
I wish to thank the chairman, Mr Böge, the main rapporteur, Mr Virrankoski, as well as the coordinators of all the political groups for their most successful, coordinated and positive work to achieve consensus in the Committee on Budgets at first reading.
Signing and implementing an agreement for social progress and employment would be proof of this political will.
This is indeed a good compromise.
Protocol No 6, and also Articles 3 and 4 of the EC Treaty, reinforce their dogmatic conception of unfettered competition, heedless of national interests, unbridled by borders and careless of democracy.
I am going to begin by talking about Tunisia.
(Parliament adopted the motion.
As well as that, we already have a system in place within the existing national blood banks that can regulate and control the quality of that supply.
Management of H1N1 influenza (
I consider it vital that the European Investment Bank continues to support the elimination of infrastructural inequalities within the European Union.
Today, nearly half of the people working in the world earn less than USD 2 a day.
These industries are, as we all know, global industries.
Mr Schmidt is afraid that the governments will in practice exert pressure on the president of their central bank, in other words he is afraid that politics will gain the upper hand over finance.
There are similarities with the European Galileo programme.
According to media reports, humanitarian organisations' food supplies have almost been exhausted.
The alternative proposal submitted by the Commission certainly represents a step forward, which we welcome, because at least five Member States with a GDP that has fallen by 10% since 2008 will receive a relatively large subsidy.
I therefore ask that we support the specific EU logo.
The situation in Armenia is very difficult indeed, and our representatives must pay great attention to it.
European and international systems for monitoring production and the market as an early warning system for identifying production trends;
It is necessary to begin in the family in order to protect our children from the negative effects of smoking.
Thank you for the broad support that the Commission proposal has found in this Chamber.
Many amendments aim to raise the profile of these priorities in the budget, which I welcome.
Please take heed: if you continue in this way, you will be playing into the hands of the nationalists and, indeed, the opponents of the EU.
We are ineffectual.
4 political groups (Greens, S&D, ALDE and GUE) formulated joint amendments to the draft which were, to a large degree adopted, albeit by a slight majority.
Copenhagen has made us realise that good intentions are not enough.
(LT) The crisis must force each one of us to change our behaviour and thinking.
My third question is: what are the consequences?
It is about patients' rights and how to exercise those rights.
Aside from that, I would like to emphasise the difficult issue of the directive's scope, which excludes a number of areas, such as non-economic services of general interest and some services (social services, childcare, assistance to people, and so on) carried out by providers mandated by the State.
Regardless of the validity of the arguments on either side, it is true that the realignment of market shares in favour of Airbus and the consequent loss of Boeing's competitive advantage were highly politicised.
What we call the mini milk package, made up of three documents, is only one, albeit very important, building block in the further simplification of EU legislation in agriculture, and in principle the Commission's reform and simplification measures in this connection are most welcome.
This requires national public health services that are free or mainly free, and quality, free, public education for all.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the European Union is founded on a relationship of solidarity between its Member States.
(EL) Mr President, the package of seven proposals on shipping is an important development in preventing accidents and in safeguarding an effective response in the event of an accident.
Therefore, in fact, half the work has already been done: the foundation has been developed, but the rest of the work, the second half, namely putting it into practice, still remains for us to do.
The same applies to the financial commitments pledged to the countries of the South to help them combat climate change.
Even if both the EU and the US have similar aims, namely creating the conditions for the Afghan state to take responsibility for its own affairs, the timeframe for achieving those aims is inevitably different.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (ES) Mr President, just yesterday we were talking about the inconsistency and ineffectiveness that sometimes characterises the European Union's sanctions policy.
Hence the need to strike the right balance.
Europe does not need to seek highly intensive technologies for food production.
You are also correct when you say that how this international convention is implemented is a question of subsidiarity.
The Korean market obviously offers significant opportunities for EU goods and services, but has remained until now relatively closed off due to high tariffs and costly non-tariff barriers.
The ever-increasing need for public goods, the growth in population numbers and the simultaneous shortage of natural resources make this more difficult to achieve.
(NL) The President-in-Office of the Council bears the important responsibility of launching a new cycle of the Lisbon process at the forthcoming Spring Summit.
We cannot allow ourselves to repeat it, and we cannot allow anyone else to force us to repeat it.
EU cofinancing of the Eurostars programme in favour of SMEs therefore constitutes an essential step towards ensuring that the EU Member States remain competitive in the medium and long term.
Some governments have legitimately started to test body scanners on more sensitive routes.
For example, we have already commenced a dialogue on peace, stability and sustainable development in Africa.
It is logical that the developed and developing countries' targets will differ.
In this respect I would like to highlight one of the issues that has been mentioned, which is also in the resolution, which is the issue of research.
President-in-Office of the Council. - Mr President, let me remind you that the Council has always examined the opinions and resolutions of Parliament with great interest and attention.
I am thinking, in particular, about women who have fallen victim to the sex slave trade.
Biomass is another source of renewable energy, which must be further developed because of its versatility and base load capacity.
Cherishing hopes for confidence building is not a realistic option any more, especially since Tehran has completely eroded its credibility regarding its nuclear programme.
Paradoxically, the new rules are also destabilising for employers.
This is why we are urging that Europe have not only a commissioner for minorities, but also a minority framework law which is binding on every European country.
On the other hand, however, we must also prevent the system from being abused, because that, of course, is always a problem that is discussed in great depth by people in the Member States.
The joint debate is closed.
At the preparatory talks held in Copenhagen last week, we had a crucial exchange of views with many of our international partners.
We know that there are dead bodies and 150 people are missing.
Why not use part of the privatisation programme not for fiscal consolidation but to create new investment and growth in Greece.
However, my message is also for europhiles.
Despite all the technical differences on individual issues, which are given expression in the various compromises, there is general cross-group agreement on today's signal from the European Parliament that we wish to develop the internal market in the interests of consumers and businesses.
On the other hand, I voted for the final report because we have been able to make some progress towards a solution.
For once, I am more disappointed by Parliament than by the Commission or the Council, since in this sphere, the Council and the Commission have done their work.
This motion will be presented by a representative of the Group of the Greens.
That is what we cannot accept, Commissioner.
Firstly, the inclusion of gender.
If common sense prevails, this Parliament will vote for a reduction of the EU budget for 2012.
How many members vote?
By way of conclusion, Mr President, I should like to say that we must not lose sight of the fact that the railways are still among the safest means of transport around.
In that case, the rest of the proposal and the consultations would not be bad at all.
Do you honestly believe that a reference to earthquakes at three points in a communication suffices to counterbalance the huge need which we have in Europe for a communication specifically on earthquakes?
You might have one online booking, but you are charged four times for using your credit card because you have four passengers involved.
I also deeply regret that this report fails to retain a legal basis that puts the health of patients first.
This, in fact, opens the way for a network where it is not a foregone conclusion that all users will have access to the whole network and where not all sites have the same possibility of being viewed.
- (PL) Mr President, we can talk selectively about the summit from the point of view of two time scales.
We support the activities of the Tanzania Albino Society and trust that the Commission will offer it genuine support.
The critical and aware consumer must be at the heart of a new economic model that the EU should spearhead.
It is right to think about an exit strategy, but it is even more important at the moment that we work out how we can give more solid support to the economy and improve the coordination of our economic policy.
Some of them, I think, could be examined in more depth in committee.
However, given the social impact of mine closures and the difficulties involved in redeploying miners, support must be provided during the closure process.
Mainstreaming sustainability in development cooperation policies (vote)
(PL) Madam President, we are all aware that European society is ageing, but are we all aware what consequences this will have for our economy and for our labour market?
That is why our statement calls on the Chinese government to respond to the concerns of the Tibetans in respect of the human rights.
This is a reason for accepting them, under the dictates of humanity.
Subsequently, the disruption of the parliamentary elections became an argument to wait for the presidential and local council elections that are to be held soon.
(The speaker agreed to take three blue card questions under Rule 149(8))
on behalf of the EFD Group. - Madam President, it is a shame that Mr Barroso has fled the Chamber.
I strongly oppose the extension of the mandatory levy of a minimum standard VAT rate of 15% for a further five years.
Not for road traffic, however: in stark contrast, this sector saw a rise of 26%.
It is true that, as has rightly been said, we need a very coherent approach at European level.
At the same time we must give the Eastern European Member States a feeling of security and solidarity within the European Union and NATO.
The initiative is being taken - we have now heard this more clearly in the spoken contributions than could be read in the report itself - on account of Russia's energy policy.
in writing. - (PL) Industrial policy is of considerable importance for the realisation of the objectives of the Lisbon strategy.
In the Forum for Life young people learn responsibility and generosity and gain experience in building interpersonal relationships.
It is a joint endeavour between Member States and the EU institutions and it is the first of its kind, which, if successful, can help shape the international civilian response to crises that have so far largely been defined in military terms.
This package contains very up-to-date and progressive proposals.
International advances are being made in this area, as in nearly all others, as countries find their way along different paths.
In terms of market access, transport by bus is somewhat easier.
I believe that the free movement of goods, people, capital and services needs to be defended, especially now against the backdrop of the financial crisis and economic recession.
(Parliament approved the rapporteur's proposal)
In my view, what would that common position be?
Statistics give an idea of the scale of this issue.
SMEs are a vital part of the European economy and here, as I have already said, in the Eurostars programme we are talking about SMEs which will be the 'stars' of the future.
I benefited personally from the support of Commission President José Manuel Barroso and I also received strong support at the time - if you will allow me to add a personal note here - from various Member State representatives.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, thank you to all of you that have contributed to this debate and thank you once again for supporting the prolongation of the transfer into the Tobacco Fund.
I have given some examples, and there are more in Judge Bruguière's report, which has been given to the Members.
These blocked funds are a serious signal from the European Commission, which the Bulgarian Government must understand correctly and it must put in place the urgent measures it has promised.
Mr President, this is a purely technical amendment, to take into account the date that the regulation establishing the European Securities and Markets Authority will come into effect and the fact that this regulation can only come into effect at a later date.
We, the European Parliament, have only one option: we must reject these proposals, as we want a broad public debate and we want to use our strengthened rights to support the citizens now, rather than in the near or more distant future.
I was always in favour of dialogue with Minsk, but under current conditions, it is becoming very difficult, if not impossible.
Mr President, I too welcome this proposal because it is a direct and tangible response from the EU to the current economic crisis.
In terms of positive influence, there is a stronger effect than there would be without the mechanism of budget support.
Basques and Catalans are entitled to autonomy while the Székely are not.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I thank Mrs Hieronymi for her excellent work and wish her many more years of success.
Our farmers would also be able to concentrate on their real job again, namely producing food.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2011/001 AT/Lower and Upper Austria/Austria (
The reason is that, to our regret, some countries with problematic human rights records have so far been elected.
I would like to stress that those who have worked so hard deserve our thanks and ask you to repay them by unanimously adopting this report.
What if we started with a financial transaction tax in the euro area first, for example, and said that we would collect dues from the private financial sector within the euro area in this way.
Member of the Commission. - (FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, clearly I need to begin by thanking all the speakers for the very high quality of their contributions and the relevance of the points made, which closely mirror my own concerns.
The safety of our fellow citizens must surpass every other consideration and, in these circumstances, the attitude of certain airlines in demanding the complete and immediate opening of the airspace on the strength of one or two test flights seems obscene, to say the least.
Eighty-eight per cent of fish stocks are being fished beyond the maximum sustainable yield.
Protection of minorities in Europe (debate)
- (PL) Mr President, President-in-Office of the Council, I congratulate Slovenia on its Presidency of the Union and I wish Slovenia success, especially in ratifying the new treaty.
The opposition is being partially excluded from the elections, while puppet parties are being spontaneously formed and authorised to take part in the elections by compliant local authorities.
Of course, now we are discussing fuel prices.
In the hearings, we found that one of the candidates disputed the fact that this was a European institution, but talked instead about a network of supervisory authorities, and even when asked about it he was not prepared to correct this.
It may look quite technical for many other Members of Parliament but I can assure you that these have been well thought through and well prepared by us in the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.
Many people are trapped in poverty by inflexible welfare rules.
This country should have a special status within the group of countries included in the ENP and should be given priority treatment, first and foremost because of its role in Europe's cultural heritage and its historical ties with neighbouring countries.
We will also need the full and active cooperation of all actors, including this Parliament, to be able to deliver on time.
I would like to point out to him that women in my country in the 19th century were demanding the right to vote: they could not even vote.
Secondly, it will benefit EU industry, which has a tremendous potential in this area.
As a result of this approach, the Commission started negotiating framework agreements with neighbouring countries, including Ukraine, whose documentation is complete and ready to be submitted for the European Parliament's approval, under the terms of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
One is that a good trade agreement actually benefits our citizens.
Given the aggressive investment into these countries, they have been forced desperately to adhere to their national currencies' tight and investor-friendly peg to the euro.
Nevertheless, in December 2006, the Commission - myself, actually - for the first time obtained an interim order from the European Court of Justice in the environment domain, suspending illegal hunting rules in Italy before the main legal action was heard.
It also includes precise deadlines for the implementation of individual projects, together with measurable and achievable targets.
Last month's elections indicate the possible end of tyranny.
The agreements must comply with the European Union's international environmental and sustainable development commitments.
Another aspect is liquidity support of the European Central Bank to certain banks in order to keep them alive.
However, I wish to emphasise that the future action plan should include more measures aimed at supporting EU farmers and at improving the enforcement of current regulations on animal transport in Member States.
I also conclude that it is being handled with too much restraint.
We must also make people aware that the capacity of current alternative energy sources is finite.
So the whole parameters concerning waterways and ports - even inland ports - are part of this package that will be presented next week.
So we are at this critical stage and, as the Minister said, energy is this century's main issue.
Let us not stray into glorification and apologia.
I would also like the Belgian Presidency to tell me why it has requested the withdrawal of the initiative.
However, I think that European tax money is being used and that the European Parliament should be involved in a transparent process.
Inter-state financial and economic groups, which have created added value and jobs, formed the basis of this approach.
I also congratulate the Commission and, more unusually, the Council Presidency, which dared to take up its responsibilities.
The Irish are not just 10% of the EU, they are 100% of those allowed to vote and they all know, we all know, that others would have voted 'no' given the chance.
(PT) Mr President, I believe that this Parliament would welcome a concrete and concise Stockholm Programme which is capable of really promoting a Europe of citizens.
Moreover, a competent, legitimate UN body is already working on these issues now.
As the shadow rapporteur for my group, I was given the role of arbiter.
Korea is progressing, and on ASEAN I am looking for the flexibility which Mr Ford and I have discussed before, in order to try and move forward on that, but I agree too that there is no substitute in terms of value and importance for the multilateral arrangements.
It has been negotiating since 2004.
In general, taxes should be lowered on work and raised on harmful consumption.
However, obtaining a legal judgment is only part of the process. The aim of this report is for members of the public and businesses to have the right to ensure these judgments are effectively enforced.
The administrative requirements for admitting third-country citizens to work in the EU are excessively complicated and vague.
The Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions alone have already swallowed up hundreds of millions of euros and, yet, they have had no effect on policy.
Agenda for next sitting: see Minutes
I would just like to say that, in the Barroso Commission, in which I myself serve, a third are women.
It should be possible for the Member States to apply a reduced VAT rate to locally-supplied services, for example.
I believe that the European Parliament must speak out on this.
However, this proposal also has flaws, and I am certain that the European Parliament will address these tomorrow with numerous amendments.
Those affected will therefore turn to the European Court of Justice, since two of the Union's fundamental principles are being violated: the ban on racial discrimination, and equality and freedom of competition.
This package of modifications has been conceived as a temporary response to a critical situation, although in fact it does also answer the European Parliament's call for greater simplicity and flexibility, reiterated on many different occasions.
If Denmark and the United Kingdom decide to apply for membership of the euro area, they will be subject to the same convergence assessment as any other candidate, as happened with other Member States that have already joined the euro area.
My group is fully behind it and would like to see it working well.

In my country, a church advert reciting scripture has been banned.
(DE) As we know, the European Parliament has set a reduction target of 30% by 2012 on the basis of EMAS, and we are keen to see what specific measures are adopted by the European Parliament and its decision-makers.
What we need in the area of online gambling is, of course, to find out how we can protect our citizens, investigate the social costs of gambling, and so on.
(ES) Madam President, the Lisbon Summit certainly served to modernise the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and adapt it to the new security challenges.
I realise it is part of the negotiated compromise, which we accept, but it may well put a brake on the proposed changes.
But today I will refer to the ethics of this House.
They offer the following important benefits to the economy and population: a cash flow injection into the economy, along with job creation, a reduction in heating costs, protection of the environment through cutting greenhouse gas emissions, the provision of social cohesion and support for low-income families.
This should depend on the dossier.
In this context we want to stress the importance of ensuring that research is free and that criticism and questioning are a key prerequisite for the progress and development of all research.
Moreover, consumers will receive a guarantee that named fibres meet specific characteristics, and will also benefit from the fact that new fibres will reach the market earlier.
MEPs have also shown that the Parliament will not accept to be treated like a doormat.
Of course, there is plenty that we could negotiate on, such as what form the discharge procedure should take in the future.
It can only be internationally legitimate if negotiated via the United Nations.
I am also aware that the Swedish Presidency has said that it wants to bring up the issue of the exploitation of children in connection with travel and tourism.
The need for this budget has come about as a result of the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon.
As regards monitoring the supply of aid, the Council, like the European Parliament, gets the chance to evaluate how the EU's external aid has been used each year.
Reforms that will ensure that our Member States stop taking decisions on their own, without consulting their partners - with whom they do, after all, share a currency, values and, hence, a common destiny - about their budgetary priorities, their fiscal priorities and their social priorities.
In this respect, anything that helps correct the current imbalances is of benefit to everyone and certainly contributes to creating a multilateral system based on fairer and more equitable rules.
I have grounds for concern that a similar development could also occur in future in the case of travel agencies.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, fortunately there are still patriots in Europe and obviously we shall call for a national referendum.
However, without prejudice to the overall support of the European Police Office, with the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon and its effects on police cooperation, the rapporteur, and his fellow rapporteurs in the LIBE Committee, feel that there should be no amendments to the measures implementing the Europol decision until such measures can be adopted under the new legal framework provided by the Treaty of Lisbon.
The most serious financial and economic crisis since the 1930s has hit Europe hard.
(HU) On 13 July in Ankara, at the time of signing the Nabucco agreement, Mr Barroso said that the gas pipelines were made from steel.
Evidence of this can be seen, inter alia, in the steady rise in the number of people using its publications and the Europass portal.
Ladies and gentlemen, there is clearly a need to redouble our efforts but, despite the fact that we are still far from achieving our goal, it is clear that things are beginning to move, since the first European forum on the Roma in itself marks a change.
Since Ahmadinejad stole the presidential election last year, we have seen many dissidents and brave young protestors take to the streets.
Yes indeed, I remember your speeches, I remember what you said.
I will not repeat what is written in the report.
I also wish to point out that all major European projects are designed in such a way that small and medium-sized enterprises have privileged access to them.
It seems to me that they are aiming to buy time in these negotiations and I believe that only political measures will help solve the political problem until the technical questions surrounding transit are resolved.
Human rights come first and then social rights, which are quite simply part and parcel of human rights and cannot be separated from them.
I wish to make it a priority, even though it is not entirely within the Commission's competence, as I believe that our consciences as fathers compel us to engage in a major initiative to drastically reduce the number of deaths on the roads.
(IT) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the increase in food prices requires two types of response.
But that leaves us with a fundamental question: is the European Union and are Europe and European values better off with a Turkey that is fulfilling all the requirements and has made all the reforms that are underlined in the report, or are we better off with a Turkey that will maybe lean in the future more to other parts of the world, to other values?
Visa-free travel is an important step in this.
I would consider it beneficial for consumers to be informed of these costs, as this will encourage them to behave in an environmentally responsible way.
It is therefore rank hypocrisy for the EU to continue to fund tobacco growers within Europe.
(DE) Madam President, firstly, the reason why I reacted so strongly is that I am still annoyed that we have not managed to adopt a joint resolution on safety, because it was more important for some people to take up an absolutist position rather than to find common ground.
In an atmosphere of growing conflict and war, many unscrupulous local and foreign traders exploit this situation, enriching themselves at the cost of chaos, refugees and the suffering of millions of innocent people, and even genocide, rape and the exploitation of women and children.
I must say that, if you look at the supermarket situation all over Europe, there are huge differences.
- Before the vote:
Together with other statements from foreign ministers and international organisations, it has helped to improve the situation.
(DE) Mr President, I must admit that I like this 'catch the eye' arrangement, particularly the part before the countdown starts.
In any case, now is not the time to say that the optional instrument is the last word on the matter, but instead we should look more closely at the other options, too - the toolbox that was mentioned and the contract models.
We will therefore also cooperate on how to prevent radicalism, including misuse of the Internet.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would also like to take advantage of the excellent reports by my fellow Members, Messrs Danjean and Albertini, to speak up again in support of the key role of the High Representative.
(MT) I would like to congratulate my colleague Mr Casa, who I know put a lot of work into preparing this report, and I wish him success.
The international consequences that we, as an international community, must suffer are by no means limited to the territory of the former Soviet Union, Belarus, Ukraine and Russia, because more than half of the fallout following the fire and explosion fell on the territory of the European continent.
In its negotiations with the Council, Parliament has shown its teeth.
I hope you will today.
The telecommunications satellite sector should undergo more effective standardisation.
It is the typical way in which Europe works.
I perfectly appreciate Slovenia's interest in having access to the sea.
Mr Holm referred to the possibility of being fined, for example, for singing Happy Birthday but I think he has his ideas confused here.
Mr President, I raise an issue on behalf of Mrs Marina Litvinenko, whose husband, Alexander Litvinenko, was murdered in London in December 2006.
European economic assistance, provided within the context of the neighbourhood policy, has helped to improve the average standard of living, to create employment, to train young people and to provide access for women to positions of responsibility.
This will be done during an ex post evaluation exercise foreseen by the directive.
Are you aware that the country has introduced massive reforms and made huge progress?
That was really when we began working on ESDP.
As I said, we should enter into debate and consider if we could make agreements within the European Union about how we deal with human rights violations within the EU and put a stop to the policy of not daring to call each other to account.
(SV) Mr President, critics of the euro in my country say that the situation with Greece and Ireland demonstrates that the euro does not work.
We want to encourage Member States to set targets for increasing the skill levels of adults and to speed up the process of assessing and recognising non-formal and informal learning for groups at risk.
Mr President, Commissioner, I would like to congratulate our rapporteur, Mrs Merkies, on her excellent work, because she has unpicked the content of the report and concentrated on the more relevant aspects for our group, such as social innovation - understood as innovation by workers and the public - the incentive provided by the public procurement of innovative and green products and services, and the need to improve the access to finance on the part of SMEs.
I hope that the Commission can come up with a good Roma strategy.
This underestimates the way in which it is spreading, especially in Central and Eastern Europe.
In this connection, I would ask the Commission and the Member States to step up activities to verify compliance with the democracy and human rights clauses of existing and pending agreements.
However, it is vital that Serbia's progress is reciprocated and rewarded by the EU and its Member States, for example, now by ratifying the SSA, not least because some of Serbia's neighbours, such as Croatia, are far more advanced on the road to EU accession.
We have been witnessing the latest developments in this dispute since the beginning of February this year.
However, the People's Republic of China needs to understand that it is only with the guarantee of minority rights that there will be any real chance of internal peace.
However, it contains sufficient incentives to encourage reform.
I personally would say that communism brings with it oppression as surely as clouds bring the rain.
Importantly, the revised directive also requires the EU to conduct a scientific examination.
It is primarily the result of the production-driven rationale of modern-day globalisation and is therefore still perfectly legal.
The solution - as proposed by the great majority - is more Europe, a stronger Europe; the Hungarian Presidency has been working for the last six months with this in mind.
In spite of his feudal rule, Hosni Mubarak acted as a guarantor of stability in Egypt.
(FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, EU fishermen are, as we know, confronted with three major problems: firstly, the very complex, unpopular quota system has forced them to adopt very restrictive practices.
The Haglund report is part of the legislative package for reforming economic governance, which consists of six reports resulting from months of negotiations.
In more general terms, beyond financial systems, using short-term action to target our long-term goals will pay double dividends.
Colleagues, please note that we are starting 40 minutes late.
in writing. - (FI) This report was a victory for the advocates of Finnish and European agriculture.
That is why we have gone to the Council and said: please be sure that, if this is agreed and if we can protect the data in our track - the track between the EU and the United States - then you have to do the same.
If we are to discuss Nicaragua, we should firstly talk about the fact that this is a country with the highest debt in the world and that it is one of the poorest countries in Latin America.
This does not mean that I take back what I have said on the subject in past years.
I have just one proposal as a result: peacekeepers, Russia's peacekeepers must be replaced with genuine, effective peacekeepers.
Leave it, as the Treaties demand, to the competence of elected governments like mine at Westminster and like that in Ireland.
When there were collapses in their GDP, the public sector investment in R&D went up.
I'm delighted that Mr. Borloo made mention of the meeting to be held next week which could give progress to this issue.
It is important to emphasise that the national experts in the Commission must be treated in a different way than was previously the case; in other words, they must be given equal rights.
Our role is to support and supplement the action of Member States.
I also deplore the fact that the number of political prisoners in Burma has increased from 1 300 to over 2 100 since the Saffron Revolution of September 2007.
Specific attention should be paid to women's health care and hygiene needs.
Will it undertake to study these proposals without delay and send a representative to the areas concerned to hold discussions with all the bodies affected?
With tomorrow's vote on the energy efficiency plan, the European Parliament will send a strong signal to the Commission and the Council on the need for urgent and targeted measures in this area.
With their successful experience and their technical skills behind them, the cities of the North are keen to help their counterparts in the developing world.
There we are putting a very strong emphasis indeed on trade, trade with Europe, but also trade among the countries of the Mediterranean.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, let me first of all say that we appreciate this report very much.
No progress has been made with regard to religious freedom, despite the new Law on Foundations.
We want all of the European Union's citizens, not only young people, to be able to have the means and opportunity to learn at least two foreign languages.
We have taken that time.
Subject: Frontex
But of course probably the best messages I can transfer today to you are the revised treaty proposals.
These eight guidelines give us the roadmap for the reforms that need to be tackled by 2010, and are more than sufficient for launching national reform programmes.
A minimal contamination of soil also occurred due to radioactive fallout, which contributed to a small growth in the radioactivity of forest and agricultural foodstuffs obtained from the affected areas.
By extending the benefits of EU membership to those countries that are eligible under Article 49, we hope to see develop the looser, more flexible Europe in which we believe as a group.
The VAT system created in 1993 is only transitional.
For us, technical harmonisation is also an important point.
Madam President, first of all, I would like to thank and congratulate the rapporteur, Mr Tannock, for the excellent report and very good preparation of the relevant resolution.
This is important.
The mutual proximity of the Mediterranean peoples is also seen in the economic and social cooperation within the European Economic Area and between the European Union and the Mediterranean countries.
We believe that at the very least the following must be guaranteed for Greece: no change in land use; immediate general compensation for agricultural produce and damaged agricultural capital; the rehousing of all rural residents at the State's expense, through government agencies.
Having led my group since 2002, I have a touch of what we call in English the seven-year itch.
We have expanded the list of persons and units that are to be covered by restrictive measures so as to also include the freezing of assets held by companies owned and controlled by members of the regime in Burma or by persons associated with them.
In terms of agricultural trade, attention should focus on relaxing the pressure on producers caused by the imbalance between farmgate purchase prices of agricultural produce and their retail price levels.
It should be recalled that the objective of the Fund is to repair infrastructure and act as a refinancing tool, and not to compensate private damages.
I voted in favour of the report by my German colleague, Mr Böge, on the proposal for a decision on mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to the tune of EUR 13 million in order to help Ireland, which was hit by serious floods in November 2009.
Without them this framework agreement would certainly not exist and neither would there be any kind of prevention.
I would like to highlight the JPA's concern at the repercussions of the current financial crisis, the adoption in Luanda of a resolution on the impact of the financial crisis on the ACP states, and the resolutions on its impact and on addressing the crisis in the ACP states.
Therefore, our policy must be geared towards saying: Colonel Gaddafi must lose, and the Libyans must emerge victorious against Colonel Gaddafi.
(DE) Mr President, the ending of set-aside is absolutely the right course of action for us to pursue.
That is unacceptable and Parliament actually has to be opposed to this proposal.
The review is intended not to amend some general provisions but to strengthen incentives;
It cannot be right and justified to continue making payments based on how you farmed some 10 years ago.
The current regulation is necessary, for instance, for small businessmen on a business trip who need to speak to colleagues at home to resolve a problem.
That means that while we may not agree on every single point, we are broadly in agreement and want to play our part in making headway in this matter.
This is not low carbon and this is not sustainable.
The WTO agreement on sanitary and phytosanitary measures acknowledges that, while countries may use different standards and different methods of inspecting products, this does not necessarily increase the animal and public health risks.
I wonder if you can comment, Commissioner, on that very short timetable which we are leaving ourselves to introduce legislation.
In the framework of the Single Market Review, the Commission will analyse the possible reasons for the malfunctioning of retail services, seen both from consumers' and suppliers' perspectives.
Regardless of what might be called the ideological stance - whether we are for or against nuclear technology - safety must be absolutely paramount.
I am opposed to regular preventative health check-ups for girls and women who have been granted asylum because of the threat of female genital mutilation, as I believe that it is discriminatory and represents an invasion of privacy.
The link between the ports of Rotterdam and Constanţa through the Rhine corridor, the Main Canal and River Danube cuts the distance between the North Sea and Black Sea by 4 000 kilometres.
The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is a formidable project which requires strong political involvement on the part of the European Parliament.
Greece, a Member State, must do more.
The service life of such constructions is several decades.
Henry Kissinger is said to have once asked for the telephone number to call to find out what the position of the European Union was in important matters of international policy.
In addition, we must negotiate effective agreements on deportation with the countries of origin.
As Mr Medina indicated, the main thing is to focus on the legal and legislative value of acts.
Last weekend I was in Turkey, more specifically in eastern Anatolia, and I saw the problems in Diyarbakir in the Kurdish area.
For example, albeit slowly, as we have been told, a free trade agreement and bilateral association and cooperation agreements are being negotiated.
Of course, I did not want one immediately as regards Pakistan.
If we do not finally and regularly name and shame the Member States where the majority of fraud is taking place, we will lose our credibility.
Why not apply Treaty-based enhanced cooperation within the Treaties, with a central role for the European Commission?
The European Union urgently needs coordinated, fair and efficient asylum procedures.
With the final of this year's football championships approaching, there has been enormous pressure over the past few weeks on teams and players who might be able to influence the final outcome of the championship.
I now turn to the climate crisis and I hardly need to ask green politicians to evaluate the policy in this area.
Use of this template will improve the transparency and coherence of the presentation of stakeholder consultations.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the rapporteur and, of course, to our shadow rapporteur, both of whom have done valuable work on a highly technical dossier.
Therefore, this debate is a golden opportunity to give an account of what it has achieved on a number of dossiers, in close cooperation with this House.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - Mr President, my thanks to Mr Lehtinen and to the shadow rapporteurs for the good cooperation over the last few months.
The EU and Russia must first of all find a way of consolidating their partnership and of cooperating in the area of security policies, primarily the energy security policy.
The results of this study are expected to provide valuable input for its analysis.
With this in mind, Romania has embarked on developing a port terminal in Constanţa, capable of receiving liquefied natural gas which it will then distribute to other consumers in Europe.
Today, with a population of 10 million, they are our largest minority.
Voluntary system of labelling in Braille format on the packaging of industrial products (written declaration)
Very often, settlement deadlines are put off to very distant dates, and this is one reason why the economic situation of many farms is worsening.
The package must pave the way for sustainable public finances and economic growth.
(CS) Ladies and gentlemen, the European Union has made huge progress in the last few years.
This resolution calls for coordinated action between the EU, the UN and the African Union to isolate pirates in the region and ensure aid reaches this troubled region.
Finally, I think that the proposal should not refer to Article 100 of the Treaty.
rapporteur. - (NL) I should like first of all to thank all the speakers for their appreciative words, especially Commissioner Dimas.
It is only a year and a half since we had a thorough discussion in Parliament of the Posting of Workers Directive and carried out a consultation process with social partners.
For the most part, domestic workers work under precarious conditions, frequently find themselves in legally dubious administrative situations which make their situation even less stable, and are often victims of discrimination, inequality and unfair or abusive treatment.
An EU internal market that complies with the system of global competition is ultimately the incarnation of this kind of opposition.
I would also like to thank the Commissioner for the tenaciousness he has shown over many months and the loyalty he has shown to the project.
We must promote safety at the workplace in the EU and in that respect the Willmott report is more satisfactory than the Commission proposal.
We have received strong assurances from the United States that they share our determination on this.
What is in the package?
Europe claims to be at the forefront of this battle, and in fact the targets set by the 27 Member States for reducing emissions are on the right lines.
The report 'sets the principle of legislative excellence as a priority'.
I agree with Commissioner Damanaki that we should not ask too much of our fishermen by on the one hand demanding that they make radical reforms while on the other liberalising trade.
Consumers' choice of agricultural products must also be guaranteed by preventing the contamination of traditional and organic crops by GMOs.
Moreover, we have seen an unusually high number of deaths of migrant workers, including many compatriots of mine, many Portuguese citizens, even when legally employed.
But safety of road infrastructure is not limited to the major TEN roads; 56% of road deaths occur on rural roads.
We must implement a political system in line with a viable environment-friendly economy, and this means meeting the target of a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
We are striving to overturn the EU's research policy.
I share your view that this is an important dossier, and I am here for the third time in less than a year to discuss it with you.
It is politically unacceptable and economically dangerous for these agencies, which have played such a negative role in the present crisis, to continue to have the right, granted by the EU itself, to rate not only companies, but also the economies of the Member States.
We are going to work on it, and on support measures in particular, since everyone agrees on support for sensitive regions.
I would very much like to know how you see all of this: nurseries, schools, universities, libraries, care for the elderly, hospitals, museums and theatres.
I now look forward to working together with the Member States to see this directive properly implemented and enforced throughout the EU.
We have already had an exchange of opinions in ECON consultations, among the Three and in interparliamentary meetings.
We have the political capacity for that and we have need of cooperation.
(The sitting was suspended at 7.10 p.m. and resumed at 9 p.m.)
It focused especially on hospital antibiotic programmes, the influence of health care system parameters on the occurrence of antibiotic resistance and hospital-acquired infections and also management and responsibilities in this area.
We will also continue to monitor the general situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country, with a special emphasis on the regulatory environment of NGOs and the media.
I am delighted that the Commissioner is with us because I would really like us to reject this new kind of blackmail using carbon emissions.
In the case of the EPAs, a liberalisation process of 15 years was considered acceptable by the EU and the ACP countries.
The EU-Canada Air Transport Agreement, signed on 17-18 December 2009 and which will finally establish a full Open Aviation Area between the EU and Canada, will be the subject of a separate recommendation.
One good argument against the introduction of emissions performance standards at this time is that CCS technology first needs to be tested and proven.
While we need some time to collectively reflect on the right strategic orientations for the future of the international process, we should not lower our ambition regarding commitments already made by the European Union.
What our fellow citizens want is specific actions, and pragmatic and rational solutions taken by leaders who know how to stay calm.
One of the teachers was killed whilst trying to shield a pupil with her own body.
They are about justice, and damages actions are complementary to this law enforcement.
This is a real technological achievement, illustrating what Europe can do when it decides to use new technology.
Firstly, for the third year in a row, the annual accounts have received an unqualified positive opinion.
This is an important element in our history.
The European Union has so far held strictly to these, and EADS Airbus, too, has paid back most of the subsidies or even paid back more than it received from public funds.
It is the same in all the countries, but it is difficult to monitor and I should like to see if the police authorities are up to this.
At the same time, it simplifies operations and reduces costs for medium-sized pharmaceutical firms.
We are disappointed that many other good points included by the committee have been lost during negotiations, including stronger liability and monitoring, transport and the exclusion of enhanced oil recovery.

Such a policy is fair and just and is, of course, unenforceable while Britain remains a member of the European Union.
Expenditure on food is one of the main components of family budgets, accounting for 60 to 80% in developing countries and 20 to 30% in the less developed Member States.
All this after a big gas crisis!
- Before the vote on Amendment 2:
Our obligation is to correct the deficiencies that we find - whether this is in Member States or in third countries - because our obligation is to our consumers.
I think that coherence is required among policies aimed at growth and creating sustainable jobs, with a particular focus on the development and strengthening of the internal market, fostering international trade and competitiveness and providing an effective framework for preventing and correcting excessive budgetary positions.
The responsibility for this lies with animist witch doctors and the gangs they employ. It should be noted that the police also bear a share of the blame as they tend to turn a blind eye.
The problem exists in many South Asian countries, but I mention India because it is democratic, a fact that was underlined as the most important factor in connection with human rights.
Instead, the errors should be eliminated from the system by means of far-reaching renationalisation measures, for example, in the agricultural sector.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
The social integration of Roma lags behind, being considered Utopian by many, both in the administration and in the community.
This would inevitably create instabilities in all sectors of the economy.
How would you explain this?
In the interests of protecting human health and the environment, and in view of the fact that cyanide extraction techniques can affect a number of states when accidents occur, I firmly believe that it is necessary and, indeed, essential to establish unified legislation at the European level.
I am sure that virtually everyone can see the usefulness and necessity of such a policy.
The Charter of Fundamental Rights is an important addition.
Mr President, during the summer break in Northern Ireland, the region I come from, we suffered very heavy falls of rain during the month of August.
I welcome the Republic of Moldova's involvement in certain Community programmes, helping to promote cooperation in the fields of culture, education, media, science and technology, as well as consolidate political relations through the Eastern Partnership and speed up negotiations on the new Association Agreement.
It is clear that the amounts entered in the Financial Perspective for 2007-2013 are already insufficient in themselves, in our opinion, to promote real economic and social cohesion in an enlarged European Union of 27 countries.
It was no easy task that you had and you have included something of what Professor Monti set out in his report and what Mr Grech drew up for the European Parliament.
At the end of the day, this is about the safety of our children.
The next item is the debate on six motions for resolutions on Tibet - plans to make Chinese the main language of instruction.
in writing. - (LV) At a time of economic crisis, we must carry out reforms to improve the environment for business, because that is our best opportunity to stimulate the economy by the most direct means, thereby creating new jobs.
Thank you for letting me finish this speech.
We will put questions to the Council tomorrow.
- Before the vote on Amendment 1:
When concluding BITs, the aim is to ensure that investors from developed countries have legal and financial protection.
I was also very clear that we have asked the United States - and we have sent letters and are still negotiating on this - to agree that the bilateral agreements cannot refer to PNR data.
in writing. - (PT) This regulation replaces Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92, which established the Community Customs Code.
We believe that the European Union should take on the role of director in the fields of harmonisation, standardisation, interoperability, and research and development to give new projects, including public transport projects, a better chance of success and to facilitate the dissemination of sustainable solutions throughout Europe.
This is what the treaty requires from us.
It is important for all of us to obtain goods that fulfil set criteria, especially as regards not being dangerous to our health or life.
The original Tobin Tax idea of using a financial transaction tax for development aid has also strongly resurfaced.
In the same way, this text is part of a revival of the European Security and Defence Policy, which the European Council just decided on on Friday, and, for example, we shall succeed in achieving this famous objective, 60 000 men in 60 days.
In 2009, I had the privilege in becoming the first ambassador of Rape Crisis North East based in Dundalk.
Now, whilst debt and its proper management is one issue that appears everywhere at the moment, another is that of compensation packages and conflict of interest.
It illustrates the Commission's interest and the European Parliament would be well advised to use this document.
Immediate action must be taken by all EU Member States to close down illegal sites, by means of better coordination among the police forces responsible.
We have worked hard and we have also shown ourselves to be flexible.
In this connection we must be honest and say that the developments that we are witnessing in some countries, where there is competition for lower and lower taxes, will make it very difficult to finance the security aspect of flexicurity.
Many of them have turned to me with requests regarding the need for mutual recognition of ID cards for severely disabled people.
Mr President, I wish to support this resolution on human rights violations and war crimes committed in Sri Lanka.
They do not, and the pretence that they do is a huge breach of faith with the people.
I would like to address all those fellow Members from the Committee on Budgets who have complained that this debate has become politicised.
Their work is hard, and they do not always have the opportunity to take a holiday, for example.
The family had not paid their rent for 40 years, in spite of a court order ordering them to do so.
However, freedom must always go hand in hand with responsibility.
Two important instruments have been created in this area, namely the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme and the JEREMIE programme.
I think it is a very important innovation and of course, based on the proposal that will be made by Vice-President Ashton, as High Representative, we will work on this matter together with Parliament.
It is an EU of free, sovereign states with equal rights, which supports and promotes the protection of nature, peace and cooperation among peoples.
We should therefore see his intervention in the light of his implacable hostility towards the Jewish state, which is, quite rightly in my view, the EU's ally and strong partner.
I think it strange that it should take the Council so long to come up with a common position on the seven directives that are intended to prevent maritime pollution disasters and also to reinforce preparedness for when things go wrong.
This is why I consider it important that when this House debates the quality, efficiency and equity of education and training, reference should also be made to the importance of physical education and its quality, efficiency and equity.
Solving these matters requires determination, foresight and patience.
I am saying this in front of the Development Commissioner and we know that the Development DG is helping to raise the institutional capacities of these countries.
In this respect, many can be held responsible.
Around EUR 100 million have been expended on an environmental analysis performed by the company that is to lay the pipeline, namely Nord Stream - a gas supply agreement between Gerhard Schröder and Vladimir Putin.
Nothing has changed: a common currency without common fiscal and economic policy is and remains a risky undertaking.
Many of the people who are now protesting did not bother to come to the debate last night when Commissioner Mandelson, at my request, clarified to Parliament the assurances that a formal notice will be published in the Official Journal before the entry into force of this regulation, giving a clear interpretation of the regulation from the Commission's point of view and very concrete and strict criteria (which happens on competition issues) to enforce these measures, in the interests of the consumers of Europe.
What rights did Ophir Rakhum, aged 16, have?
All asylum seekers, by contrast, were transferred from the island to the centres in Trapani, Bari and Crotone.
Therefore, we have been unable to support this proposal.
(LT) The White Paper suggests considering three factors when determining a strategy for Europe on nutrition-, overweight- and obesity-related health issues.
Thank you for the extremely relevant comments and views you have expressed about this report.
The application of criminal sanctions will have to be negotiated by the European Union's Presidency on behalf of the Member States.
Credit rating agencies from countries outside the European Union will have the opportunity to approach the European market and operate here by means of an equivalence regime involving certification - which is important for small agencies - or by means of the endorsement system - which can be used by large agencies.
Because of the financial crisis, Europeans are not sure whether their money is safe with the banks, and they do not know whether they will still have a job tomorrow.
Written statements (Rule 142)
Prince Pöttering, Emperor Barroso and the rulers of their vassal states have decided that Europe's citizens do not matter.
8.
The Malaysian Government must stop these practices.
An attempt is now being made, through the European External Action Service (EEAS), to bring the Union's external policy instruments into a coherent framework - the existing resources are being brought together and complemented by new resources.
While it is extremely important that the EU responds effectively to humanitarian catastrophes, it is equally important that we are not the only ones responding.
One final point: like others before me, I would like to thank the rapporteur, Mr Ferrari, for his excellent work.
I agree with calls for the EU to provide more funding through the ESF in order to help combat poverty and social exclusion - it is vital that women are fully integrated into the labour market.
(GA) Madam President, thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak on this topic.
The European Union faces these major challenges of direct relevance to its future.
In a situation like the present, in which Member States are asked, on the one hand, to implement severe budget policies to reduce deficits and debts and, on the other, to pay contributions to participate in the stabilisation fund, there is a real risk of collapse and a risk of States no longer being able to finance themselves.
Trade policy cannot therefore be reduced just to the immediate interests of a few economic operators.
Of course we need to do more.
rapporteur. - (NL) Three years ago, over a hundred donors and partner countries entered into a commitment in Paris to make aid to developing countries more effective, amongst other things to aim for more harmonisation, democratic control, mutual accountability and greater transparency.
Mr President, is Europe going to have to face a new gas crisis this winter?
We are applying general rules and principles and instruments to 27 very different situations, in terms not only of economic development but also of energy mix, the history of those countries and the culture of awareness of some of these problems.
One honourable Member made a reference to subsidiarity.
Another very significant matter which I would like to stress is that the judgments handed down so far by the court in Luxembourg are responses to an earlier issue.
(FR) Mr President, I am somewhat anxious because I see that in Amendment 231 we have voted for a European foundation for the improvement 'of loving and working conditions'.
In my own country, Scotland, the creative industries generate over £5 billion annually thereby contributing both to the economy and our society as a whole.
Please continue to work on this agenda and introduce the necessary improvements.
For we are now better equipped to take up three major challenges in the face of which, ladies and gentlemen, we will together be playing not only for the credibility of the European Union, but also, to repeat the word used by Mr Havel just now, for its sovereignty.
The EU is an area of solidarity, and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) is a part of that.
The last point I would like to mention quickly is of course the use of immigration.
in writing. - I am against the concept of 20 weeks at full pay and voted against that particular amendment.
In my view, food safety should not fall by the wayside because of budgetary constraints.
Experts claim that the European institutions simply disregard this serious problem.
Not only for me personally but for many Europeans this will be a test showing whether the European Union treats human rights as a transnational issue and a matter that touches us all, or whether it is going to take selective approach in the case of China.
In fact it would be enough to grub up all the illegally planted vineyards in those traditional southern countries, and one of them in particular, and the whole reform would be accomplished.
I also plead for implementing programmes similar to PEACE in Southeast Europe as well, especially in the Balkans, mainly since the events in recent years have been an alarm signal.
For my part, I applaud your personal commitment as a member of the European Parliament.
Secondly, we expect Belarus to take further irreversible steps towards democratic standards, without which our relationship cannot develop to its full potential.
Mr President, the work programme presented here shows exactly how easily official Europe bandies about the crucial term 'subsidiarity'.
Let us look at the property rights-based systems in Iceland and in New Zealand where, as the previous speaker has said, the coastal communities are looked after because they are given their rights in perpetuity which they can sell on, they can trade, or they can leave to future generations.
How will it be possible to create balance and harmony between the different priorities?
Secondly, FYROM was the first country in the region to comply with all the visa liberalisation requirements.
For European standardisation, the challenge is to achieve close cooperation between the creators of standards, innovators, academics and researchers.
Just as questionable is the issue of whether the FBI needs to know the name, address, e-mail address, credit card number and number of suitcases of people travelling to the USA and whether it should be permitted to store this data for up to 15 years.
We would then have objective information about the possible threat and might hope to avoid it.
The EU must also ensure that it obtains a restriction on the planned exemptions from visa bans and the establishment of new sanctions, economic sanctions in particular, and, of course, this whole range of retaliatory measures will be dependent on the progress made in the negotiations.
It is a substance that is particularly harmful to human health, as it is classified as a carcinogen.
As regards the instrument to which you referred, as well as the other concrete initiatives, the Commission undoubtedly cannot, ladies and gentlemen, do everything alone.
Therefore, given the decision made by the only legitimate President, I hope that Parliament, the Institutions, the Council and the Commission will support his decision as the Organization of American States is doing, as the United Nations is doing and, by the way, as the United States is doing.
(CS) Mr President, Commissioner, I too am not happy about the curious changes to the agreement, such as refunds of customs charges on imported components in the case of products for export to the Union and a reduction in the 60% threshold for determining the country of origin.
Mostly importantly, the 20% set aside is not revenue that accrues to a few superstars.
We should pass it on and, at the same time, be aware that we cannot lock up this value within our European Union.
The whole of this discussion has taken place as if the euro were of no global importance.
An important element of the strategy should be a strengthening of the free movement of people, and that of all groups: workers, business people, scientists, students and even pensioners, and that is contained in our resolution.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (PT) As you know, during its term of office the Portuguese Presidency is to organise a summit with Russia to be held in Mafra, a town not far from our capital, Lisbon.
In this discharge procedure we have to say what is going wrong, and sometimes we forget how many things are going well, how many extremely competent staff we have in the Commission and in this House, in Parliament, including the ushers, so many services, the translators, the interpreters , who provide an excellent service.
in writing. - The ECR has always worked constructively to ensure that the eurozone can formulate a lasting solution to its sovereign debt crisis.
in writing. - Our group voted in favour, given that 16 out of the 17 amendments tabled were adopted or included in the compromise amendments drafted by the rapporteur, including the one asking that the candidacy be linked to closer cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
The relevant law has already been drafted and approved, and we expect that on 6 May the Senate will vote on this law and that, once it is passed, the Treaty of Lisbon will receive parliamentary ratification.
You say that you want to understand and that you respect the concerns that Europeans have about the Union, but you put pressure on the Irish people to go back on their decision, when they were only voicing, like the French and the Dutch, what millions of other Europeans are thinking.
Tolerance is a fundamental element of respect for human rights. It is mentioned in all EU documents.
in writing. - We need to do more to help those workers who are affected by the exploitation of 'undeclared work'.
The European Union's value base is structured around a respect for the principles of human rights and equality.
For example, it would make it easier for us to cooperate effectively in general terms if Russia implemented higher data protection standards; research, education and culture also provide numerous opportunities for cooperation in the interests of our citizens, and should be taken into consideration in the new agreement.
Fish, man, cormorants and seals are competing systems in the same ecological environment.
I voted against the report not because I am against fundamental rights.
Now you do not want people to be able to seek healthcare wherever they want to in Europe.
For that to be achieved, it is essential to mainstream health in all policy areas and promote the development of new technologies and innovations.
Precisely the same thing happened when we negotiated the climate targets.
Agreement on one of the five proposals, the regulation on the CO2 emissions of cars, was reached this week.
(BG) Mr President, it is a pleasure for me to be participating in the discussion of this document, which highlights that the best basis for the future of all the countries in the region is their full integration as Member States of the European Union.
However, I reject the direct implication within this report that the European Union should replace the key Member States as the major actor in this particular process.
Equal treatment between men and women engaged in a self-employed capacity (
In short, the point that escapes you is the fact that companies are merely playing by the rules that you set.
A statement on Nasrin Sotoudeh's case was made by High Representative and Vice-President Ashton on 14 January 2011, which mentioned both Ms Sotoudeh and Ms Shiva Nazar Ahari, a lawyer and a journalist, sentenced respectively to eleven and four years in prison.
- (NL) Mr President, let us take a moment to look at the figures.
It is now an international crisis.
Do data protection authorities have adequate resources to enforce data protection rules in respect of SIS II?
We also spoke about the fact that solidarity should always be accompanied by responsibility.
Expenditure for 2009 represents 0.89% of GDP.
This discrepancy is the result of a shortage of organs for transplantation in comparison to need.
The parliamentary term is coming to an end, and 'take it or leave it' approaches would be wrong, because, President-in-Office of the Council, Parliament reacts very badly when it is not respected or feels that it is being put under too much pressure.
I believe that we have made quite a considerable effort, and I think that this is a significant step forward as a starting point.
The introduction of a ban on the trade in certain seal products in the European Union undoubtedly strengthens that protection.
Changes to data must take place individually, and I want to stress again that we cannot trample on human rights in the name of the fight with terrorism.
What can be said in any event is that both Russia and Georgia have failed.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, it has become very clear from our debate today that we have made an extremely important step forward for the transport sector with the Eurovignette Directive.
Parliament's role is to serve the European mandarins and no longer to represent the political diversity among our peoples.
Only this type of government will be in a position to ensure the required unity of the Palestinian people.
(DA) Mr President, one of the most elementary tasks of a parliament is to scrutinise the finances.
Firstly, as others before me have said, when it comes to parliamentary control and the Assembly, we should continue to hold two annual meetings and not reduce these to one.
Finally, I wish to express my gratitude for having the opportunity to take part in this very important debate.
As a doctor and frequent air traveller, I totally reject this draconian measure for health reasons, not to mention privacy and ineffectiveness reasons, and I hope that the EU refuses such mandatory measures Europe-wide.
There are many points of contact in this context.
5.
The debate is closed.
Although the 2012 budget for Parliament and the other institutions should be about consolidation, this should not create obstacles preventing investments, since investment projects ensure the smooth operation of Europe's economies.
Very good - we support you in this, too!
I know how difficult it was to extract the compromise from the Council which exempts children under the age of 12 from the obligation to provide fingerprints.
- Madam President, Mr Graefe zu Baringdorf's allegation of deliberate mixing of this contaminate into feed is contemptible and unworthy of any professional politician.
I would ask you to support the motion for a resolution by the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats).
Extended maternity leave, improved working conditions ... women have been at the heart of the debate today in the European Parliament.
I am thinking here mainly about the Eastern Partnership and also the Balkans, or, in other words, countries that are not yet formally European Union Member States.
Voting for the Fajon report means indirectly recognising the independence of Kosovo, and that is not acceptable.
The African Union, the European Union, the UN, neighbouring countries, the Contact Group and, last but not least, France, have all been called upon to play their part in ensuring that the four (at a minimum) different political movements that there are in Madagascar can find common ground, that Madagascar does not become a failing state, that it does not drift further towards catastrophe and that, instead, it finds a peaceful and negotiated solution.
This year, only 11% of the 500 million euros available has been requested.
Too often this does happen, not only through violence, but also in limiting freedom of expression such as through the abuse of blasphemy laws.
The results have started to appear but the programmes in operation require more time in order to be able to assess their efficiency.
I have voted in favour of the Berlato report, as has the Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left.
Nelson Mandela was right when he said that there was a tragic failure of leadership in Zimbabwe.
Within these national plans, major importance should be attached to crossborder transport to and from third countries, as well as to the security of cargoes.
in writing. - I fully support the report on increasing consumer protection in this area.
We would not have been able to say this in a similar debate in October 2008.
The challenge for us all is to try and bring a message of prevention into the public domain while not bringing back the stigma that sometimes comes with it.
The recent results published by the Fundamental Rights Agency on minorities and discrimination in the EU, which the Commission welcomed yesterday, show that racism and xenophobia are persistent phenomena in the European Union and that they affect the lives of our minorities.
I have voted in favour of it because it is the first directly democratic instrument in the EU.
This, I need hardly say, is clearly asking too much of consumers.
(PL) Madam President, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights in Vienna is yet another costly institution that, in addition, arrogates to itself the right to monitor and lecture the Member States on compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights and other matters.
I must particularly highlight the proposal by the Socialist Group in the European Parliament on using the subsidiarity principle when applying the European variation system to medicinal products sold exclusively on the national market, thereby protecting small and medium-sized enterprises producing herbal medicines and homeopathic products.
I agree too, however, that there should be harder-hitting measures, such as those proposed by Mr Protasiewicz or Mrs Ojuland.
Firstly, they have taught us that this crisis has affected the whole sector, not only airlines but also airports, and we congratulate the Commission on its comprehensive vision when considering the consequences and assistance.
It is thus clear that one of the priorities for agriculture must be to draw up a common plan of action, mainly through programmes aimed at preventing the deterioration of and protecting agricultural land.
What emerges as a top priority for the realisation of this project is the adoption of urgent measures to facilitate the mobility of citizens which would make the market more open to European workers and promote full employment.
The EU charter represents the opposite of the 'leaner but keener' EU which is often mentioned in solemn speeches about subsidiarity.
There will be no discrimination.
It is unethical to use environmental concerns in order to achieve political objectives and, for that reason, I will vote against it.
On the border between India and Pakistan conflicts arise that are often provoked by the Pakistani state, as we very well know.
The President of the Commission, Mr Barroso, and the Commissioner for Industry, Mr Verheugen, are, in my opinion, responsible for this.
We must never allow such a situation to be repeated; I wish to spare the European Union such a catastrophe, which is why I am against capping and also why I ultimately abstained from voting on this report.
I must underline the excellent work that we have done and that this House has done in this area.
Madam President, certain Member States have jumped the gun on stress tests.
The books must be opened up so that the workers and those affected by them can see for the first time where the money has gone and workers' control must be exercised on the operation of these agencies so that their massive resources are used for the benefit of working people, small farmers and the environment.
(ES) Mr President, we are debating a success story: the fact that, following years of conflict, Sudan has peacefully and democratically made it through to a complex secession process, in accordance with the criteria laid down in international law: the right to self-determination of any population subjected to foreign, colonial or racist domination, and that of any population that agrees secession through a resolution of the United Nations Security Council or an agreement between the parties.
This would have transformed the EUR 5 billion into EUR 50-80 billion in investment, which we need at this moment for the European economy.
It is essential that action is taken by governments across Europe to ensure that road safety is taken seriously.
The violent radicalisation of individuals and groups in recent years has shown up one of the greatest weaknesses in our legal system and represented one of the greatest onslaughts on our democratic institutions.
Very simple initiatives such as a sentence stating that women in particular are encouraged to apply have also produced good results.
Madam President, I very much welcome the fact that we are dealing with the situation in the livestock sector, because it is a serious one.
Now that advertising has assumed an even greater role, it is essential that we determine the criteria that enable consumers and patients to be fully aware of, and certain about, what sort of effects these medicines have.
The vote will take place on Tuesday.
The European Investment Bank is very active in this process.
I welcome this important discussion with the European Commission.
(SV) I have a short question to ask the Commissioner.
The future of Europe will be played out with the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon.
The assumption here is that the European citizen is some sort of backward child, and we are the well-meaning but authoritative parents: we know all and we control all.
I notice that this is very different from the current possibility that the Member States will subsidise insurance internally, with the CAP Health Check.
We should call a spade a spade.
Governments of EU countries should co-ordinate their response - but this must not be an excuse to extend the competence of the Commission into new areas.
Subject: Immigration in the wake of the EU-Africa summit
The issue of protection of children's rights has benefited from the increasing attention paid to it by European Union legislators.
That is not actually an impossible task.
These measures involve salary cuts and cuts in public health services, education and other areas, reductions in social support and tax increases on essential goods, including foodstuffs, as is now also happening in Portugal, following Greece, Ireland and other countries.
These elements are essential to ensure the specificity and quality of the label itself.
We therefore certainly need better coordination and what we are trying to do, through this report and the consultation we held, was to give incentives, to explain to the Member States, that we have every reason to proceed with the application and implementation of this programme.
Moreover, as the Commissioner said, some of us have had cause to experience this state of affairs at first hand.
So, whilst I welcome this possible compromise, I welcome a sensible and pragmatic approach to this matter.
As the resolution says, not even the renewed targeted sanctions have had the desired impact.
It is not the Council arguing with Parliament.
Fourthly, non-technological innovations, including in terms of design, services and cultural creativity, are also important factors.
In the country I know best, where we have waltzed into a 2.5% reduction in VAT across the board - with, as Mr Allister says, little or no obvious response or result economically - I would suggest that it would have been much more effective to have concentrated action in the particular areas of labour-intensive, localised industries and to have reduced the rate substantially from 17.5% down to the lower rate of 5%, or below.
Instead, I think that we who live in high-taxation countries should look at other models, such as a flatter tax.
Therefore, I voted in favour.
The release of the entire quantity of milk would force dairy farms in Austria to close down and it would have serious and unpredictable consequences, including for the cultivated landscape.
I have recently visited Roma settlements in Serbia and it is inconceivable that places like this still exist in Europe.
Indeed, in order to protect industry in the sector, Italy had asked for the level not to fall below 160g CO2/km and, in the Council, many Member States seemed to be moving towards an agreement for a minimum threshold of 155g CO2/km.
I am very supportive of Serbia making progress towards EU accession, as I am all of the Western Balkans, as a former member of the relevant European Parliament delegation.
Cooperation of this kind can bring measurable benefits in the face of human tragedy, particularly when it is necessary to react quickly and not to first have to start by collecting money.
Hence it is quite wrong now to boost the subsidies to EU parties through appropriations to create political foundations at European level.
Marketing is an extremely important factor, but this must be ensured within the Union too. I completely agree with the repeal of distillation, and this is the most positive element of the reform, but I reiterate that this money will be received by those who have produced for distillation up to now.
Others have an international dimension, such as the conflict in the Middle East, which you mentioned.
We must vote against the interim agreement and we must not postpone our vote.
It is this particular feature that justifies this specific request.
(Applause)
The support measures should be part of a more global plan, making it possible, in particular, to support the sectors most at threat, as the entire EU car industry is today.
At the same time, the OSCE and the Council of Europe have such great experience in many fields that if we were to add, for example, the weight of the European Union to the OSCE's experience in handling interethnic conflicts, humanitarian security could be strengthened powerfully in the European Union.
If as a result of these arrangements, products bearing the flower label fall within a higher price category, as is the case with organic products, then attempts to foster consumption of these products will fail.
Mr President, I will not comment on this new cosying up between the British Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives, as has been displayed by Mr Callanan and Mr Davies here tonight.
Therefore, Parliament is, by all means, prepared to free up funds for job creation or preservation, funds for providing economic momentum - in addition to the range of instruments already at the disposal of the European Union.
Having been encouraged to take out loans which they perhaps could not afford to repay, they then found themselves bearing the brunt of being unable to pay those loans.
Concentration and pluralism in the media in the European Union (
Hence the European Commission's entirely legitimate wish to adapt Community legislation to try to prevent not only actual terrorist attacks, but also the preparations for these attacks.
I would reply to them in advance that, thanks to this market economy, the average income of our fellow citizens has risen by 40% over the last 40 years.
Having said that, we must take one thing at a time.
in writing. - I voted in favour of labelling country of origin and fur and welcome this piece of legislation.
Special quality which exceeds minimum standards must be detailed on the product to improve its competitiveness by drawing attention to its additional qualities, for which the consumer must pay.
(HU) We have seen explosive growth in many areas in recent decades, but nothing compares with the growth that has taken place in global trade and, in connection with this, the transportation of goods.
Indeed, in all Member States, it should be possible for any citizen or person living in the European Union who committed a crime outside the European Union to be brought before the courts.
The aim is to achieve complete worldwide abolition, which is one of the priorities of the Union's human rights policy.
So we have actually opened up our markets in the agricultural sector to these countries.
More than that, though, we will need, in future, to think, to define, to support and to inspire a model of European development that is ethical, humane, socially responsible, and sustainable in all senses of the word.
Thus attempts to vilify the Holy Orthodox Church in Bulgaria and to undermine its right to self-determination are promoted by the incorrect judgment on the petition submitted by the 'Alternative Synod', thereby creating conditions to mislead the members of the Commission.
Accomplishment of the internal market in Community postal services (debate)
There is consensus about the necessity of further action to achieve effective redress for consumers and thereby restore their confidence in the market.
Of course not, the aim above all is to learn from them.
(The sitting was opened at 9 a.m.)
Thank you very much for your cooperation.
draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Legal Affairs. - (DE) Mr President, we all know that our capacity to build on the growth and innovation potential of small and medium-sized enterprises is decisive for the prosperity of the European Union.
If we do not, we will continue to jeopardise the agricultural world, which is a victim of its continuing isolation.
This is certainly one of the focuses of the new political phase beginning in Europe with the Treaty of Lisbon, and it has, of course, been one of the focuses for the Spanish Presidency.
A moment ago, I was talking about these matters with the President of Georgia, and we agreed that it is not an easy process, but that it is essential if we are to be similar to each other and if we are to work more easily with each other.
From a geographical perspective, it is sub-Saharan Africa, as we just recalled as a matter of fact, which continues to experience the most catastrophic situation and, with things going as they are, the risk is that this will continue for many more years.
I am thinking of financial institutions, like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, which should be more flexible when determining aid levels and granting aid during the crisis.
No worker must be employed as legal 'cheap' labour under this measure, as this is damaging to our labour market and it is socially unjust.
Secondly, Russia will not be at the donors' conference, to give you a clear answer, but I think the time will come when the question of damages might have to be brought to the fore, and an international investigation then held.
In parallel, the peace process itself must be driven forward rapidly.
These include identifying how the annual maintenance cost of Galileo, which is estimated at EUR 800 million, will be financed once it has become operational; the possible data protection risks associated with using global navigation satellite system applications and services; and the pressing need to find additional funding to ensure that operations involving the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) and Galileo are soon successful.
In order to achieve fair and uniform conditions for all farmers in the European Union, which should, unquestionably, be the main objective of reform of the common agricultural policy, care should also be taken over areas with natural handicaps.
(DE) Mr President, Mrs Győri, Commissioner, we are all aware that both of these countries - Romania and Bulgaria - have invested a great deal in securing the external borders of the European Union.
We must keep in mind that in the area of the European Union many Member States are facing issues such as availability of funds, indebtedness and the sustainability of social security systems.
The challenges facing Europeans offer the EU an opportunity to demonstrate to citizens that they are more united, more responsive and more anxious to protect them.
Poland, which has historical experience in transformation of its political-economic system, may serve as a good guide and model for both eastern and southern EU neighbours in the current policy.
Air transport is in fact waiting for practical and tangible measures that will enable the requirements not only of carriers, but above all of passengers, to be met.
It is time to stop this imperialism.
Situations of fragility
The Albanian socialists, led by Edi Rama, accuse Prime Minister Sali Berisha not only of electoral fraud, but also of being responsible for extensive corruption and the deteriorating living conditions of the people.
They then incur considerable running costs, such as for labour, repairs and, of course, fuel.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, first of all I fully share the views expressed by the EU presidency about the seriousness of the latest development in Georgia.
Secondly, we want detailed information on Frontex's work programme for the coming year, and because Commissioner Frattini, Vice-President of the European Commission, himself announced that from next year Frontex's mission in the Mediterranean would become permanent, we now expect the Agency to be allocated far more than the EUR 10 million that it originally projected up to now for missions on the maritime borders.
Serious consequences also result from the pay gap between men and women, or the so-called glass ceiling, which prevents women from securing managerial or leading roles.
But while these wilderness areas are small in area, they are of high value in both scientific and cultural terms.
I feel it is vital that the rules we make do not hinder use of the available credits for which we fight so fiercely at each round of negotiations with the Member States in the Council.
I feel sure that Slovenia will carry out the task ahead with great competence.
Mrs Striffler, you had a further 12 seconds.
I support the request submitted to the Commission for creating a public ecodesign database available online.
The European Social Fund is not a tool for implementing such ideas.
Against piracy we need conclusive action on two levels: in the area of diplomacy, supporting African countries, which suffer from the presence of genuine mafias on their territory, who use extortion and kidnapping in order to blackmail fishermen and merchants from one part of the world; in the area of legitimate use of force, using it as a dissuasive tool, which is perhaps the only language that pirates understand.
Albeit, I think the whole first-reading process is severely flawed, and I hope we do not adopt this for future legislative acts.
in writing. - It is important for the EU to maintain its focus on disadvantaged areas to ensure they do not suffer further in the current economic crisis.
Most Member States have introduced targeted measures in an effort to support employment and limit the effects of the crisis on ordinary citizens.
Commissioner, we understand that the images will not be stored.
I should therefore like, once again, to say thank you for the work which has been done and to express my satisfaction at the fact that, for the first time, we are seeing an association of employers and an association of workers joining forces and agreeing, thereby enabling us to arrive at this motion for a resolution.
Hidden in a catalogue of worthy principles and pseudo-good intentions lurks the judicialisation of political correctness.
It is about taking the very basic blue-sky research that we do so well in the European Union, and translating it all the way to the marketplace so that we provide the jobs here, and they are not provided abroad.
Trade policy, especially commercial conditionality, can, without doubt, contribute to more effective global governance through the exercising of mild power.
This is why I support the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework, which will help convince European citizens that the Union has the ability to think and act to protect their long-term interests and achieve effective results in ensuring stable growth and internal cohesion.
Mr President, it is a good thing that Europe is making its voice heard in this part of Africa which is once again at risk of becoming a theatre for virulent conflict, after the farce of a presidential campaign we witnessed a few days ago.
Let me repeat: this debate has encouraged me to keep going along the well-worn path and to make sure that this time we will be successful.
The global financial and economic crisis has aggravated the situation, and the populations of the countries of the South are the main victims.
For this reason I welcome the Commission's recommendation to direct the Member States to make use of the EU's existing funds.
However, I also note that India is still off track on most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) such as infant mortality, maternal health, child malnutrition and the battle against malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
Sixthly and finally, Community fishing vessels for which a fishing authorisation has been issued shall transmit to their competent national authority the data concerning their catches and fishing effort with a frequency appropriate to the agreement and fishery concerned.
No, it does not work like that.
In particular, as regards its vehicle fleet, the Commission has already set a target of reducing CO2 emissions by an average of 26% between 2006 and 2012.
In my opinion, this part of the proposal is superfluous.
Such a risky technology for generating energy with all its hazardous by-products and fatal consequences for both man and nature in the event of nuclear meltdown should not be glossed over under the pretext of climate protection.
The procedure established in the two proposals is based on a high degree of trust and cooperation between the Member States and the Commission.
This is why I am happy that we have discussed this important problem today.
It is necessary to check whether Union funds are being well used, whether these institutions are meeting the objectives outlined for them, and whether any resources are being wasted.
Amid all the problems that the crisis is forcing us to deal with, we must not overlook the longer-term prospects, the structural prospects for growth and employment.
Yesterday Mr Wiersma mentioned that failure to acknowledge the 1915-1916 Armenian genocide is a problem.
These institutions are a precondition for creating a natural gas integrated market.
I voted in favour of the report on European cooperation in vocational education and training because this issue occupies an important place in the Europe 2020 strategy with the aim of ensuring economic development.
Thus, it does not strike me as impossible to support that.
I shall take it, therefore, that there are no comments, as Madame President is not seeking the floor again.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (DE) Mr President, according to the aid agencies, the situation in North Kivu is in some respects even worse than in Darfur.
In the aftermath of the economic downturn, as Mr Callanan mentioned, these discussions were indeed difficult.
To sum up, let me emphasise that all the non-standard measures we have adopted during the period of acute financial stress are temporary in nature and were designed with exit considerations in mind.
Article 13 of the Treaty establishing the European Community has formed the legal basis for two directives: the Directive of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin, and the Directive of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation.
We really must ensure that we bang the drum in respect of the press and the rest of the public and ensure that much more focus is put on areas such as SOLVIT and the scoreboards.
I welcome this proposal, and I consider it particularly significant that the new regulation contains a specific reference to 'Made in' labelling.
This means we must give the industry the chance to make preparations over a long period of time in order to take account of the compensating extra income from property rights on ready-made parts, a concept which makes no sense at the present time since we operate on the basis that property refers to the design as a whole.
Parliament demands that living things should not be subject to patents and that the plundering of genetic resources by business and industry, particularly in developing countries, should cease.
The report is certainly significant because it very clearly states the fact that the Russian Federation - right from the start of the conflict - organised training on South Ossetian territory, and provided the South Ossetians with military technology and also other military equipment.
Look at the other continents and the public funds invested there.
I agree with Mr Barroso that energy policy may be the European Union's next big integration project.
More than ever we need to address today's concerns: what we can do to boost growth, jobs and social stability in a period of growing inflation; what we can do to improve financial stability, building on and reinforcing the instruments available to the Union - and available to the Commission as well, which is an important discussion.
The Iraqi Human Rights Minister is currently holding individual meetings with the residents in order to establish their rights and determine whether they wish to return to Iraq or leave for a third country.
The internal market and foreign and security policy will not endure if there is no strong cultural base to support them.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I am of course very honoured to participate in these debates, which particularly interest me since I have to make proposals on the reform of the common agricultural policy.
It would be inappropriate for pharmaceutical manufacturers who are not targets for falsification to bear the high cost of the security devices.
If anyone was asked whether they thought it possible for a European country to consign someone into the hands of an executioner and a dictatorship such as Iran, the answer would undoubtedly be that it was unimaginable.
There are many positive examples of how the European Union, under the direction of Mr Solana, has dealt with this in the past few years.
The EU has responded quickly, not seeking headlines but with a total focus on getting help to the people in need.
In this respect, too, we demand the equal treatment of the two institutions, as we have equal status as legislators.
Claims to sovereignty over the area by the five border countries - Canada, Denmark, Russia, the United States and Norway - leads to obvious tensions.
It is appropriate that Ireland should be concerned about these issues because it saw discrimination and loss of life in Northern Ireland for many years.
If the proposed amendment is not approved, we would paradoxically end up with the precise opposite, since many farmers might decide to stick with their old, polluting tractors, thus causing environmental deterioration in Europe.
I would now like to give the floor to my colleague, Mrs Ferrero-Waldner.
a single labour market for researchers, which means establishing a single European career path in the field of research and an integrated information system for jobs and training contracts;
I am glad to support this report and hope that it will be the start of more measures in this direction.
(PL) Mr President, I did not think the last week would end so successfully.
Verification of credentials : see Minutes
Assuming that a pesticide sprayer has an average service life of 12 to 15 years, it is estimated that approximately 125 000 to 250 000 new sprayers are purchased in the Community every year.
This minority of 10-12 million lives in segregation and experience their educational disadvantages and hopeless employment situation as a devaluation of their citizenship.
Collection and management of data on the Common Fisheries Policy (vote)
The proportion of allowances that may be auctioned is moderate, very moderate, and the limit used to calculate the allowances allocated to the various operators is realistic.
How we design the system is therefore crucial.
Overall, however, the Member States need to coordinate their tax policies, otherwise things will not continue to go well in the European Union.
If you do something about that, then you will be helping the rest of the world.
For example, in November 2009, the special rapporteur of the United Nations Human Rights Council argued that the proposed special law against media crimes in Venezuela - I quote - 'would involve serious violations of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and would curtail press freedom in the country if it is adopted in its current form'.
My question relates to Euratom.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (DE) Madam President, Minister, Commissioner, I am delighted that we today have the opportunity to debate such an important package together, and I fully anticipate that tomorrow we will be adopting decisions on the basis of a very large majority.
We need to make it more efficient and make it more cost-effective, but we also need to make sure that people are able to make a living from it: not only the people involved in the industry, but also people living in coastal communities.
Written statements (Rule 149)
What is clear is that the PKK continues not only as a terrorist organisation but also with its criminal networks, which extend beyond Turkey throughout Europe.
I remain convinced that in the fight against organised crime it can be very useful.
Employee participation in companies with a European Statute (vote)
4.
This cooperation must be improved.
I want to make it clear that I believe that the vast majority of the people of Northern Ireland do not wish to return now, or any time in the future, to what we went through in the past.
Although Europol has a reliable data protection system, it needs to be brought into line with the Treaty of Lisbon so that it can perform its duties under full democratic scrutiny.
Mr President, the most significant document on the EU security strategy was delivered by Xavier Solana.
Last but not least, I would like to point out that the EU should strive for the widest ratification and implementation of the Rome Statute in relations with those countries that have not yet done so.
Finally, there were no major changes to the original draft and no surprises on the amendments adopted.
As Chair of the European Parliament delegation for relations with Switzerland, Iceland and Norway and the Joint Parliamentary Committee of the European Economic Area, I welcome this report.
Today, however, you are aware of the sense of disappointment felt in these countries.
At the same time, for this year inflation forecasts have been revised up to 3.8% in the EU and 3.6% in the euro area.
I do not like the word.
Benazir Bhutto fought for a democratic Pakistan and a peaceful transition to civilian rule.
We have already debated the Europe 2020 strategy together in this Parliament.
Work needs to be done at the start of the product chain where this happens.
I voted in favour of this report on the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste to send a clear message to the Member States: polluters must be held responsible for their waste.
Amendment of Regulation (EC) No 663/2009 establishing a programme to aid economic recovery by granting Community financial assistance to projects in the field of energy (debate)
The so-called guarantees given to the Irish people change nothing, mean nothing and are irrelevant.
Yet the Union cannot act in the interests of its citizens if it lacks the resources to do so.
In this way, the objectives of the new directive have been attained: reformed spectrum management, improved consistency of the regulations governing the internal e-communications market, and increased level of security and integrity, to the benefit of service users.
There can be no policy of secrecy in applying and interpreting the law.
Madam President, what we are facing is not a crisis of the eurozone, but a crisis of public finance in some Member States who happen to be in the eurozone - it could equally well be Hungary.
Indeed, the objective of the programme of social measures approved by us last year will not be realised unless we pass a significant part of it, i.e. patients' rights in trans-border health care.
We note what Mrs Lulling has said, and I am sure that the statements made in this House will be clarified.
The importance must be emphasised of gender budgeting as a good governance tool to improve efficiency and fairness, proper monitoring of how budgetary allocations affect the economic and social opportunities of men and women, and flexibility to restructure the ones that negatively affect the achievement of gender equality.
I welcome, in particular, that which Commissioner Dimas had to say.
Has it occurred to you that, in the 10 years of debates, you and your colleagues have simply failed to convince enough people, and that is why you and your colleagues have had to resort to the blatant manipulation to which I referred earlier to get the Treaty through?
A special place in this policy cycle for social integration is given to the World Program for Action Concerning Disabled Persons.
However, there are aspects about improving the opportunities for SMEs to receive financial support which primarily derive from access to technical assistance aimed at accessing financial instruments, especially those devoted to increasing research and development capacity.
Considering the risks and disadvantages of nuclear power, this is a short-sighted and harmful policy.
I think this and other measures will ensure that genuine citizens' concerns can be brought forward while hopefully stopping those of vested interests.
The whole process was also accompanied by a constant dialogue with civil society and a comprehensive trade sustainable impact assessment.
The Baloch minority continues to be persecuted and, according to Amnesty International, at least 90 Baloch activists - teachers, journalists and lawyers - have disappeared or have been murdered.
This 2.3% increase is certainly a lot easier to accept and justify than the 5.2% proposed by the Bureau.
(SV) Thank you very much, Mr President, Commissioner and Mr President-in-Office.
The Council and the Commission must draw their conclusions from the fact that, in this Parliament's view, the governments of the countries of the Horn of Africa are not acting in accordance with their obligations under the terms of Article 9 of the Cotonou Agreement.
In Sweden we have to some extent chosen a different path from many other European countries, which have placed greater emphasis on legislation, whilst we have placed greater emphasis on the social partners taking responsibility.
To make this cooperation as effective as possible so that it achieves the expected results, it should be regulated and transparent.
Let me address the market situation.
The European Parliament should ask the Ukrainian Prosecutor General to lift this ban.
I am pleased that Commissioner Rehn has been reappointed, and we want this strategy to be approved, along with a specific action plan, by early 2011 at the latest.
This will no doubt answer the concerns voiced by Mrs McGuinness.
It is not just a matter of structures and rules, then, but of mentality.
What is needed most of all here is to give small- and medium-sized enterprises in this sector access to finance.
We have a rapidly growing population in Ireland - it is the fastest-growing population in Europe, both in terms of natural increase in population as well as overall growth.
I believe that the very transparency we are calling for here is also justified by the Treaty of Lisbon and that, therefore, we must press hard for this Treaty to be brought to a favourable conclusion as quickly as possible.
I really feel that the European security strategy is proving more successful in missions outside the European continent than in meeting challenges arising within the EU.
Which measure does the Commission envisage, should it appear that the competitive conditions, in particular in the primary market, have significantly worsened?
Last July, we had a debate between the justice ministers on the possibility of enhanced cooperation on Rome III and, at the end of July, nine Member States presented the Commission with a request for enhanced cooperation: that is more than a third of the Member States involved in the adoption of Rome III.
Furthermore, I proposed, together with other Members, that with respect to the compulsory six weeks' leave following childbirth, a safeguard clause be provided for those countries where legislation provides this compulsory period prior to childbirth too.
This report deals with the certification at Community level of lifelong learning qualifications.
Vice-President of the Commission. - (DE) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen.
(PL) The European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms is one of the foundations of the European theory of values, which defends the rights of the individual and human rights.
As Mr Daul said, we need more, not less, trade.
(The President cut off the speaker)
We see quality logos in a number of areas of our life.
Would he then be reminded how the EU subsidised jobs out of the Ryton Plant in Coventry?
There are still too few women in politics, and here in the European Parliament, our female Members account for only 35% of all Members.
The June List can never give its backing to a report which frustrates the purposes of reforms to the sugar market in the EU and which would inevitably dilute those reforms as well as jeopardise their completion.
However, Chinese authorities have not heeded international calls to stop pursuing their follow-up to the riots of 14 March 2008 in Tibet.
Tangle nets are not used to catch cod, they are not used to catch whiting or haddock and will have zero impact on these stocks, so these amendments, if passed, will allow these small vessels to survive in these areas.
It is, today, a challenge for the Council and the Commission.
Spain has already submitted an application for financial assistance from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) on 5 February 2010 as a result of redundancies in 82 companies in NACE Revision 2 Division 14 (manufacture of wearing apparel) in a single NUTS II region, Galicia (ES11) in Spain, and has supplemented this application with additional information by 11 May 2010.
Mr President, there has been no advancement on Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5 on improving maternal health since 2000, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, and before 2000 progress was practically non-existent.
We owe this to our citizens and our taxpayers.
In this regard, poverty still has a feminine face in Europe.
However, if the Commission's proposals are implemented every country will therefore approve pesticides that could contain up to 57 active substances.
On 21 October of last year, the Council and Parliament concluded an agreement that is reflected in the present common position.
The social side of this report, shown in its concern for young people coming from disadvantaged environments, is commendable.
Perhaps the package is aiming to restore citizens' trust before the Euro elections.
My applause for the previous speaker was, of course, as a result of the impression created by the question as to what extent the Council can withdraw the European Union from the control of the European Parliament.
It was in your country that we had the highest ever case of State aid in the history of the European Union, precisely because of problems in the financial markets.
We have to humanize the economic and social relations if we want to solve this problem.
For my part, I should like to say how pleased I am that all of the political groups within Parliament can today jointly respond to the appeal launched by Guinean civil society, by condemning the repression carried out by the military junta that has been in power since December, a repression of the peaceful demonstration staged to mark Guinea's independence.
The European Union should not be the last to discover and make use of new energy sources, as is usually the case.
Bearing in mind the objective to eradicate absolute poverty and poverty among children by 2015 as well as the target to reduce relative poverty significantly, I, too, wish to highlight the need for national minimum income thresholds to be introduced as a matter of urgency at European Union level.
More generally, I am pleased that both the Committee on International Trade and the Committee on Development came to a compromise on the scrutiny body that would enable the Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) to play the role it deserves to play in the first place.
rapporteur. - (BG) I would just like to take this opportunity to once again thank all speakers for their kind words about my report, my work and for the work of Mr Diamandouros.
I realise that there are difficulties, but last night, Council Question Time was cancelled.
We need to replace these historic references with much clearer objectives, which will create a certain amount of fairness and enable the agricultural diversity that exists in the European Union to be better taken into account.
Parliament insisted then, and still insists, that the Turkish Government establish legal frameworks, in accordance with the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights, which will allow non-Muslim religious groups and Alevis to function without unnecessary restrictions.
That is not happening.
Europe therefore needs to equip itself with a solid, competitive and diversified industrial base.
For the last week, Christians in the state of Orissa in East India have been subjected to a campaign of persecution, humiliation, abuse and murder.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (PT) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, Serbia naturally lies within the European space and we all recognise that, in recent years, it has been faced with major challenges; in fact more than this, with extremely difficult challenges due to its importance to the stability and development of the Western Balkan region.
Well, yes it does, because we will now have in place a similar set of rights for buses and coaches to those that we currently have for other modes of transport.
We need to have more tools at our disposal to assist Member States.
(DE) Mr President, the climate negotiations in Copenhagen were disappointing for the European Union, as has already been mentioned.
If you want to stick to a shorter communiqué, it is better not to follow the usual practice of summarising the conclusions of previous Councils in order to disguise the lack of new decisions by the current Council.
When I consider - and I have mentioned this on a few previous occasions as well, Commissioner - how quickly the United States constructed the PTCP oil pipeline and how long we are taking over the Nabucco gas pipeline, I really do think it is scandalous how little Europe has achieved: it is a sign of our weakness.
France had a vast colonial empire and Great Britain its own Empire.
I therefore support the creation of a European Border Surveillance System, Eurosur, streamlining and interlinking the border control systems of the Member States in order to increase the EU's internal security, fight illegal immigration, prevent cross-border crime and terrorism, and strengthen the Member States' capacity for rescue operations.
You will also be going to Abkhazia and on that point, you explained that the weekend might not be enough time to resolve the issue.
In particular, it will verify progress made by the Council with regard to the closing of all its extra-budgetary accounts, the publication of all administrative decisions (when they are used as the legal basis for budget items) and the transmission to Parliament of its annual activity report.
in writing. - (FR) According to the EPAs, sugar and bananas sourced from ACP countries will not be able to enter the markets of the French outermost regions (ORs) for 10 years, on a renewable basis, thus preserving the production of these two pillars of overseas agriculture.
Now I read that they would need European research facilities to enable them to make technological progress.
Our starting point must always be to create the highest security standards for people and for the environment, so as to prevent such disasters from the outset.
It permitted money to be used to save the banks, a little money to be left over for the next potential bank rescue, but did not permit ...
I believe that one key element in this is to review the provisions on offences committed against religions, known as the Blasphemy Law.
A better approach seems to me to be to confront those who hold political power with our arguments and demands in the context of a political dialogue, not to give them the opportunity to discredit the criticisms made by those in civil society by referring to external criticism, to establish a transparent political system and to coordinate our efforts with those of all our foreign policy partners in Belarus.
Mr Barroso, we need a study of the effects of all of the Commission's measures on the real economy, not just on the banking sector.
The inclusion of statements on this subject amounts to a violation of the principle of subsidiarity.
In other words, given the circumstances, I find it difficult to believe that the current plan should be called a recovery plan rather than something else.
in writing. - On the budget vote for 2012 (General Guidelines) I voted to freeze the budget and against any indication of additional spending because of the coming into force of the Treaty of Lisbon.
In this respect, we warmly welcome the own-initiative report drawn up by Ms Wagenknecht, which aims at setting up the necessary fiscal framework to encourage risk and innovative investments in order to achieve the objectives of growth and employment.
(PL) Mr President, this situation showed that Europe was not, in fact, prepared for this crisis.
(NL) Mr President, the forthcoming UN summit on the least developed countries is a good opportunity for a debate on whether development aid makes sense or if it is, in fact, nonsensical.
So we have achieved a good deal, but there is more to do, and we believe that our relations should be guided by the promotion of peace, human rights and comprehensive security, sustainable development with environmental considerations, social equity and economic prosperity, and the strengthening of cultural and educational exchanges.
The Free Democratic Party in the European Parliament voted against discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Parliament's budget.
Apart from the important, concrete economic terms of the response, it is also a test for Europe to see whether Europe does indeed wish to translate this level of concern into real coordination for the future.
There needs to be a permanent, fair and mutually acceptable solution, within the framework of the United Nations, to a conflict that has now gone on for more than 30 years and is condemning thousands of Saharan refugees to despair and condemning a neighbouring area that is of fundamental importance to the European Union to instability.
on behalf of the PPE Group. - (DE) Madam President, rapporteur, ladies and gentlemen, as we all know, the House's budget for 2012 is set against the background of a difficult economic and financial situation.
In fact, this should be the first condition for any kind of dialogue with Cuba.
Finally, we are counting, Commissioner, on your resolve - which we know is considerable - to put a swift end to illegal fishing, which affects bluefin tuna and cod most of all, highly prized species which are heavily overfished at present.
The vote will take place at midday.
I can reassure you, however, that we are following this matter very attentively.
Moreover, it is important to remember that within the EU there are many different soil types, which are used in a variety of ways.
The European institutions and Member States are all striving to recover from the crisis.
The name issue has consumed much political energy lately.
The allegations made according to which the Caribbean countries were put under pressure and forced to sign the Agreement are false.
This is why my group is unanimously in favour of maintaining the current rules on the formation of political groups, even though our opinions differ when it comes to the refusal of the two main groups to accommodate our request concerning the procedures to follow: acknowledge the disagreement or accept a compromise.
Bulgaria's Prime Minister and Slovakia's Prime Minister are going to Moscow and Kiev to negotiate.
EU 2020 - Follow-up of the informal European Council of 11 February 2010 (debate)
8.
The values of democracy and human rights form an integral part of the values of the European Union, in theory.
But, to close, I would say that cost-effectiveness is achieved through innovation, and it does not appear in the budgets of the Member States or of the Commission.
In Russia the work of religious communities that do not belong to the Russian Orthodox Church is becoming increasingly difficult.
Obviously, we need certain EU-wide standards, but the remedies applied in Finland cannot be the same as those in Luxembourg, say.
And let me say this loud and clear: it is in Europe's own interest.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (EL) Madam President, today we are deciding Parliament's budget for 2010 at a particularly crucial period in time which is defined, firstly, by what we all hope will be the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon; secondly, by the major economic crisis which has hit the European economy and, thirdly, by the new regulations for parliamentarians and parliamentary assistants.
The new Constitution, which is broadly in line with European standards, helps strengthen democratic institutions in the country.
I would like to thank you for your invitation to participate in this important and timely debate on transatlantic relations and to thank in particular the rapporteur, Mr Millán Mon, for the valuable and wide-ranging report that I read during my trip with great interest.
As I have said, the manufacturers of two-wheelers cannot adhere to the tight limits already in existence for hydrocarbon emissions with conventional two-stroke engines.
I think this, too, is of great importance.
But, seven years later, we go a crucial step further.
(The President cut off the speaker)
If not, the EU's good practices will distort competition and disappoint its citizens.
in writing. - (EL) I voted in favour of Mrs Oomen-Ruijten's report as a whole.
I know for a fact that some German and Hungarian Members of the European Parliament are planning further action this year in opposition to these Presidential Decrees.
And how can a ceasefire be achieved when neither party recognises the other's legitimacy?
However, I am unhappy about one fact, namely, that Kosovo is the only country which, because of private differences, the Member States have excluded from the abolition of visa requirements on citizens of Western Balkan countries.
For these reasons, we voted for most of the positions adopted here.
- Before the vote on Amendment 9:
I am aware that the agreement negotiated will not resolve the complex and multidimensional problem of counterfeiting, but I believe it constitutes a step in the right direction.
That is one of the lessons which we are going to have to take away from this situation.
The full realisation of the internal energy market is an objective that can only be achieved if the current legislation relating to the energy package is applied by all Member States.
- Papadimoulis report
However, it is still important to guide our efforts in order to proceed with liberalising the visa system in Kosovo, which constitutes the only area in the Western Balkans where the opening of negotiations is not yet planned.
Vice-President of the Commission. - (DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, as was only to be expected, this debate has focussed very clearly on the really crucial issues.
The responsibility of the European Parliament has also risen markedly with the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, and we are pleased about this.
Finding new ways of involving society in development processes in many areas of life is an essential condition for success.
This sort of thing simply should not be allowed!
This Parliament, the European Parliament, united in its recommendation to both the Council and the Commission on the European Union's role in Iraq.
In paragraph 3, we want to insert the word 'real' after 'recognises Russia's right to fight' and before 'terrorism' in order to make that clearer, because terrorism is often used as a pretext.
You cannot bring in regulations that are destructive and make pig and poultry farmers go out of business.
I should mention two things concerning the proposal.
Very often when people have a problem, whether they are farmers or fishermen, they say that Europe reacts too slowly.
These were Article 43, in the first case, and Article 49, in the two others, both being reproduced word for word in the draft Treaty of Lisbon currently in the process of ratification.
There is inconsistency here.
We must accordingly call on the European Commission to make every effort to carry out all the duties imposed on it more rapidly.
If the Treaty of Lisbon enters into force - and that is something that I certainly hope will happen - the European Parliament's role will be extended and you will have a greater influence on the European agenda.
Minimum rules on the individual's access to legal assistance and data protection are laid down in each Member State.
(GA) Mr President, I would like to lend my support to those condemning the attacks and to show my solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Voluntary 'Made in the European Union' labelling and mandatory regional labelling, as well as mandatory proof of origin, are not mutually exclusive.
Mr President, I have some questions.
We must reduce our CO2 emissions dramatically. We must become a low-carbon economy.
To what extent is the common agricultural policy already implementing the requirements of climate protection, and what instruments can be applied in the CAP in this area in the future?
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, over the years, many of my fellow Members and I have become aware of the problem of abandoned children, orphans and street children.
In all the time I have known you, first as leader of the Christian Democrats and then as President of this Parliament, you have been a model of dignity, restraint and courtesy.
We must wean ourselves off fiscal stimuli and quantitative easing, and these should not be the accepted norm.
The main purpose of a master plan is to promote international cooperation between all parties concerned, so that integrated solutions can be found for specific problem areas through good consultations and with respect for existing authorities.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity and for achieving a memorable moment in my political career when I can truthfully say that I have spoken, apart from to you, Madam President, to a completely and utterly empty Chamber.
The proposed measures will make the everyday lives of citizens and businesses in border regions easier.
I voted 'in favour'.
So I would say to my colleague, Ivo Belet, and others that it would perhaps be interesting for us to get together, exchange experiences and keep working as this process progresses.
If we really think that, frankly, we need our bumps felt!
Against this backdrop, greater political and social integration is required, with a stronger and more unified Europe.
Given the importance for all small-scale distilleries of their participation in the German Alcohol Monopoly and the need for further transition towards the market, as well as the fact that the reports presented do not demonstrate an infringement of the competition rules in the single market, I think that the monopoly extension period should have ended by 2013 at the latest, the date when the new CAP comes into force.
If the funds are transparent and comply with clear rules of accountability then the fact that they are State-owned investment vehicles should not give cause for concern.
That is what the victims of poverty need: they need people to be aware of them, to take them seriously, to show them how to break out of the poverty trap.
The principle of mutual recognition must continue to be a fundamental principle in our legal cooperation.
I think the situation is quite clear, that if you have something direct to say to citizens they will listen and hear.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, it is often the case that good intentions cause problems.
- Recommendation: Giuseppe Gargani (A6-0369-2007)
No, emphatically not.
I also hope we will add transparency in government procurement as well as provision for issuing working visas of up to 24 months.
I welcome the fact that the Hungarian Presidency considers the social and economic integration of Roma as one of its priorities.
I would only like to remind the honourable Members that the Hungarian Presidency is thinking in terms of a strong European Union, a European Union which provides additional rights to its citizens and always puts citizens at the centre of these strong policies.
We felt that the role of traineeships was important.
If we take, for example, Heading 1A we see that we can under no circumstances finance any new agencies with available funds.
We have tried to ensure that the spending programmes are organised in such a way that the short-term necessities do not put the long-term objectives at risk.
Therefore, the discussion is not about 'whether', but 'how' it can be effected.
I would like to thank all the groups who took part in this work, and I wish to say that I have tabled a few amendments solely with the purpose of clarifying the text and make its tone more balanced.
We must immediately set up massive, coordinated medium- and long-term common EU response plans for the crisis.
In my opinion, the work of the Special Committee on the Financial, Economic and Social Crisis is still necessary, since the crisis is not yet over and the financial markets have not yet stabilised.
In this way the external funds are completely integrated into the national budgetary procedure where national parliaments play a key role.
It is not only green industry that we have, of course.
The tragic accident in Japan has led to a nuclear disaster that is now familiar to us all.
Just as we introduced the euro as an internal fitness programme for the single market, we now have the Lisbon Strategy, for all the reservations and problems that may accompany it, as a fitness programme to get us into shape for global competition.
Every country has developed its own solutions and has plans for future reforms which are adapted accordingly.
It should be noted that authorised GMOs can be freely traded and used within the EU under the conditions of the authorisation consent provided.
The text still needs to be confirmed by a qualified majority of Member States in the Council, and they will have three years to transpose it into national law.
You knew that all of us who were involved were doing this for the first time, and in that respect your attitude has been one of solidarity and constructiveness.
We do not certify ourselves that our car is roadworthy.
The Opinion of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development on the 2011 budget already expressed the concern that, in the planning and utilisation of unused resources, the Commission's assumptions are too optimistic.
We recently discussed this issue several times with our Chinese counterparts, we have met with the competent authorities in Beijing and, with the purpose of the dialogue in mind, those responsible for religious matters have visited Europe in order to increase their awareness of practices in a number of Member States.
As my colleague has already pointed out, the private sector came and looked at it and decided they wanted no part of it, because it did not make sense.
I also wish to emphasise that I introduced five amendments on behalf of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats).
Mr Verheugen, you have rightly addressed the fact that we have to make clear to consumers that quality is also important and that prices and quality have to reflect this.
My office launched an entirely new website, including an interactive guide in all 23 languages, to help citizens address directly the body best equipped to deal with their complaint.
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Your report, Mr Medina Ortega, will serve as a crucial foundation for future work, since the Presidency will take due note of today's debate.
The current situation provides additional proof of the euro's usefulness in terms of protecting Member States which belong to the euro zone and invites Member States which do not belong to the euro zone to join it immediately, thereby meeting the Maastricht criteria.
Relevant criteria for air agreements with third countries include balanced access to markets and investment opportunities, as well as fair competition in terms of state subsidies, environmental and social standards.
I can sum it up in one sentence: the majority of you no longer accept the 90% quota of men running our companies and think that this should change.
Even though five EU countries do not recognise it, this alone should not be a reason not to grant Kosovo as a territory the right to freedom of travel to the European Union.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the statements by the Council and the Commission on the EU's response to the serious crisis in the Congo are, as usual, hypocritical and ineffectual.
Since many have already been mentioned here, I will mention factors that are often forgotten.
Mr President, the use of human organs for transplantation has increased steadily over the past decades.
An important role has been set aside in sport for employment, for social affairs.
Prague Castle was also the seat of Charles IV, as the Prime Minister mentioned.
(For details of the outcome of the vote: see Minutes)
That is not the Europe that this Parliament expects.
This is blatant populism!
The document urges the authorities responsible to strengthen the independence and freedom of the media, applying equal standards to all of them and improving the transparency of their ownership.
This is because adopting an integrated approach to cohesion policy is the only way in which we will help today's cities develop in an organic, sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.
The most important lesson of the well-known H1N1 scandal is that people's faith has been shaken.
I fully support strengthening nuclear safety standards, but are you ready to invite the employee representatives, namely the trade unions, to the multi-stakeholder dialogue in order to strengthen and achieve standards and are you ready globally to promote the nuclear safety standards achieved?
I want to ask the Commission if it has carried out an analysis of the economic consequences of the Blair House Agreement, for which the European Union gave up its own production of animal feed.
This cooperation, this Partnership - which is the new word and concept - must be based on concrete projects in order to ensure success.
Thirdly, many consulates require additional documents, not mentioned in the agreement.
If we move in this direction, the visa-free regime is an essential element in deepening relations between the EU and Taiwan.
Mr President, as in the previous vote, the shadow rapporteurs and myself have decided not to put the legislative resolution to the vote in Parliament so as to continue negotiations with the Council, in the hope that it will heed Parliament's vote today.
I agree with this and respect the fact that the Conference of Presidents has taken certain decisions, but I note with some regret that the religious representatives that are to speak here, with the exception of the Pope, all come from outside Europe.
I also want to congratulate the institutions of East Timor for their calm response to the tragedy and I must underline, like Mrs Gomes and Mr Ribeiro e Castro, that East Timor is not a failed state.
These regulations lie at the heart of the common fisheries policy.
The costs, which were quite significant, could also have been reduced through greater cooperation between the Member States, and between these and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Let me be clear, any provisional mixed intermediary status does not accelerate the process and does not put pressure on the Commission or the Council.
(ES) Mr President, I would like to focus on something that may seem minor, but which has become seriously worse during 2007 and affects millions of people: security in European airports.
Finally, the last point I wish to raise - and this surprises me, Mr Barroso - is the fact that your programme does not include anything on the international financial markets.
I particularly welcome the fact that this report requests the Commission to study the impact of the aggressive advertising on vulnerable consumers and to correctly apply the relevant laws on child protection.
On this issue, the ball is in the Council's court, and it is clear that Belarus still has further progress to make.
You may be sure that your proposals will be taken into account as we develop this action plan, and I count on your support for all our future actions.
In this respect, it is obvious that we ought to increase the scope and the budget for the promotion of our agricultural production to ensure viable competitiveness for our products on both internal and external markets.
We believe that an agreement can ease negotiations on specific future agreements involving the sharing of personal data.
I voted in favour of this report, from which I would stress the Commission's recommendation for harmonising the rules on funding the decommissioning of nuclear reactors.
Employers need security just as much as employees, particularly legal security in their contractual relations with personnel.
It also advocates an EU-level instrument, albeit optional, that is the same for all contracts in the European Union, which is also set out in very general terms.
If the Czechs state their position before the end, things will be done within the framework of the Treaty of Lisbon and they will have a commissioner.
The question of whether Member States want to spend EUR 1.5 billion is not in my hands, but in those of the Heads of State and Finance Ministers, and I hope it will also be possible, via a sort of lobbying by Members of the European Parliament on their national governments, to push for a solution.
Practice has shown that the fines for speeding and illegal parking are rarely collected, much to the irritation of the residents of, and drivers in, large cities, in particular.
Secondly, as you know, the Union has agreed on a comprehensive strategy for developing the European economic and social model in a balanced way.
I wish the citizens of Romania and Bulgaria the rapture that I personally experienced in chopping down the border gate on 22 December 2007, when Slovakia became part of the Schengen area.
In particular against the backdrop of the current financial crisis, measures at European level must be coordinated.
My problem with the transnational list with which Mr Duff commenced his report - a report that we are to debate soon - is not so much the fact that a transnational list is to be made.
What worries us is that, as a result of the different treatment of the states in this area, there will be separatist movements and different classes of citizens in the area of the Western Balkans will be created, which could certainly lead to problems.
The directive concentrates on codifying laws without amending their actual content.
It is a genuine opportunity to respond to energy challenges.
They must absolutely not be allowed to slip into a longer period of unemployment, because at the present time it is easy to fall from there into a precarious situation or into poverty.
The strength of Christine Lagarde's candidacy is not that she is a European, but that she is a hugely competent individual who has shown remarkable leadership qualities throughout the financial crisis.
Climate protection and economic development are actually two sides of the same coin.
This financial reform package will hit the poorest in Europe the hardest, while leaving the cause of the crisis - the financial sector - untouched.
It is also to be achieved by introducing an environmental footprint for products and by finding financing instruments that can help to enable these green investments to be made, including Eurobonds, which are intended to cover our large requirement for investment in connection with the conversion to a green economy.
The technology will choose itself.
However, we point out the need to launch an assessment of this fund straight away, with a view to carrying out an additional review as soon as possible.
In that regard, I urge the EU to take the lead.
The lack of funding for decommissioning measures will delay this process, which would pose a threat to the environment and human health.
We are, however, concerned not to prejudge decisions about the future EU budget; ESDP activities are funded from the community budgets, which are currently inter-governmental.
- (EL) Mr President, President-in-Office of the Council, please add my own wishes for a successful programming period for the Slovenian Presidency to the many that have already been expressed.
This does not mean that large aircraft manufacturers should no longer receive any financial support at all.
A strategic partnership in many areas, which is highlighted at many points in the report, should make it possible to avoid crises in relations between the EU and the region, and to increase Europe's energy security.
However, we have decided to view the report as part of a continuing process that will gradually enable these standards to be met and have therefore voted in favour of the report.
In my opinion, it must be ensured that the national safety authorities issue their safety certificates and authorisations in accordance with what is laid down by the European Railway Agency (ERA).
The fight against terrorism as part of international crime must not be neglected.
As a staunch European, I must therefore vote against this report.
The Commission has taken its position.
It has few, if any, internal ethnic or religious problems, unlike some of its larger neighbours.
I would therefore argue here that we should stick with voluntary labelling, because in the end, where consumers put enough added value on such labelling, the majority of EU producers already use this labelling on a voluntary basis.
This has been clearly mentioned.
It is undignified to sling mud at the degree of civilisation and integration that our country has achieved over the years.
Their second concern, comprehensibility, is something we have not yet fully succeeded in.
Two, because they moved as whole neighbourhoods and they are scared of losing the social fabric that keeps them together, so it is not just bad policy or lack of desire; it is also the social phenomenon that follows a disaster of this nature that makes it not so easy to get people to move from flood-prone areas to safer ground.
It is still left up to national rules to limit how far the funds can go into debt, and that also means that we are not learning the lessons from the crisis.
in writing. - I voted against this Report which wanted to give Parliament's approval (assent) to an Interim Trade Agreement between the EU and Turkmenistan.
The message from the Ecofin Council is that everyone needs to shoulder their responsibilities.
Secondly, I would like to add that the additional aid should be directed at decommissioning and that the amount required, which at present is EUR 180 million, is reasonable.
We want to go there to show the US authorities that we mean business.
Europe needs to be more active and more united.
I believe that more financial resources need to be allocated to research and development, and to that end we need to increase investment to evaluate and anticipate the impact of an influenza virus.
Our priority is to ensure the safety of children travelling alone to avoid kidnapping and trafficking of children.
Here I might mention a comment heard in Moscow: earlier we mistakenly thought that we were on the right path in Russia; now we mistakenly think that we are on a special path.
In this regard I believe that Europe should look at more targeted programmes, such as the Global Fund, which combats AIDS, TB and malaria, the world's most devastating diseases, which kill over six million people per year.
To discuss the future membership of an external organisation such as NATO would only distract from this important focus.
In the mean time, the Commission will be taking the matter up with the Canadian authorities at the highest level.
In Amendment 2, the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament suggested that this share of selffunding should be just 5%.
We therefore used this criterion to distribute the speeches equally.
They include fines, compensation for delays, improved access for persons with reduced mobility, wheelchairs, accompanying persons, and better information on all those aspects.
Promoting low-carbon energy sources is a well-known argument used by the nuclear lobby.
It also had a beneficial effect.
Lack of moral principles and of their use in legislation leads to loss of our societies' moral health and to various abuses in all areas of social life, including science and medicine.
The EU and Russia are mutually interdependent, both economically and politically, and therefore, the conclusion of a Strategic Partnership Agreement between the EU and the Russian Federation is particularly important for the further development and intensification of cooperation between the two partners.
This external mandate allows us, through the actions of the EIB and in coordination with European policies, to take very firm and effective action on policies and areas of special interest to the European Union and to all the European institutions, including this Parliament.
As a representative from London - and, indeed, a woman representative from London - I have had a particular interest in this subject, because London is one of the places very much affected by trafficking in women.
They told me clearly that they will be able to deliver non-GM products, soybean and maize mainly, and the types of GM products that have been authorised in Europe.
I reiterated our support for the democratic revolution and our readiness to help the Tunisian people in their quest for freedom, justice and social progress.
It is ironic that this session will address seven individual country situations.
You want it to join.
Further mass migration can then be prevented.
The citizens, who were very unfairly relegated to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, have returned to the Treaty on European Union with the wording that it had had since the Maastricht Treaty.
Depriving citizens of their freedom is a crime.
The situation is this: Mr Berlusconi controls the Italian media.
I am sure we will be supported by third countries, perhaps South Korea or countries of South America, which we in fact want to help by making their small-scale productions become more visible on the European market.
(HU) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, during the last two and a half hours of this debate, quite a great deal has been said about Copenhagen and the Copenhagen negotiations.
The last two rounds of enlargement of the European Union have brought numerous benefits to old and new Member States alike, while also posing a number of challenges.
I would remind you of the recent debate that we had here on the problem of dioxins.
The founding father of European integration did not regard this task as a single act, but as continuous work.
In this way, all members of the European public will become involved in combating climate change.
The question is, therefore, whether the EU should continue with these multilateral negotiations or would be better switching to bilateral negotiations.
For this reason we have to show our firm support for the United Nations General Assembly Resolution on freedom of religion.
The next item is Written Declaration No 61/2010.
We have proposed to define the concept of hospital care through a Community list based on the shared understanding of experts, who would take account of the development of technologies.
Have I understood what you said correctly?
There certainly was a failure, but it was in an area for which the governments were clearly responsible.
Naturally, this restricts how the information can be used.
Even without this escalation of the conflict, in South Sudan, over 40% of the population are already dependent on food aid.
Given this, I see no reason to vote against the mobilisation of the fund in this case.
Welcome
Frankly, intellectual property and its sanctity are not an issue here.
Incidentally, the Court explained that, and I quote, the 'directive seeks in particular to bring about the freedom to provide services'.
Human beings, disproportionately women, are treated as though they were commodities, even livestock, to be transported, used and often abused.
Similarly, on maternity benefits, the Commission's proposal introduces the principle of paying salaries in full.
Just because the Arctic is sparsely populated does not mean that anyone can go there and help themselves.
We will see you again for Question Hour next month.
This is a forward-looking draft report, and while it is not the finished article, it is undoubtedly a way of safeguarding the legitimacy of the activities and decisions of the European institutions.
I believe, however, that our own responsibility in this is also quite considerable.
(Applause)
The second question is what changes to the EFSF do you consider indispensable to prevent the repetition of the shameful situation that occurred in Ireland?
The European Union, which has common external borders, should take particular care not to become a market where protected species of animals or plants are smuggled or brought in with impunity.
However, the report as a whole is a means of promoting the EU's positions on foreign policy.
It will be very difficult to stop.
Nor does it follow the line of the question raised by the Commission itself in its communication of last September on a 'Strategy for the Outermost Regions'.
I hope that the absent President of the Council, Mirek Topolánek, will not give way under pressure from the Obama administration to the temptation for new regulations and for more taxpayer's money to be poured into the economy.
We need inflation-free growth, so that things will be better for people tomorrow.
The next item is the debate on six motions for a resolution on the case of Khadijeh Moghaddam.
The texts put forward for approval obtained ninety percent support in the Committee on Petitions and in both the other committees.
Last year, ladies and gentlemen, both you and the whole of Europe were reminded of the inhumanity of totalitarian ideology by Edvīns Šnore's film 'A Soviet Story'.
What did Mr Prodi say about the Stability Pact in 2002?
Technology will be the key and now is the right time to do this.
Yesterday, it was 28 years since the imposition of martial law in Poland by the then Communist authorities.
I believe that this matter will have to give us some food for thought because we should not allow a new design for the European social model to fail like the Lisbon Agenda has done.
I have a specific question on the 2009 discharge.
It is great that it puts European agriculture in a very strong position to face up to the brave new world, because we will need food production, we will need farmers and we need the countryside, and all these things work very well.
Improving the energy efficiency of buildings - with the goal of achieving near-zero energy houses - will not only reduce energy consumption.

They are democracy, human rights and freedom of opinion.
On another matter, Welsh cattle under 24 months of age cannot be labelled as Welsh under PGI legislation.
Our duty, in future, is to force the Council to put an end to this undemocratic, archaic method of appointment that fosters the idea that Europe, in building itself, is sheltered from the peoples.
There cannot be any impunity for such crimes.
For these and many other reasons, I voted against the report.
The fight against counterfeiting must be one of our priorities and an objective of all national and international policies.
- Report: Vălean
I also consider important the correlation of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion with the Millennium Development Goals and, in particular, the International Day for the Eradication Poverty.
As is mentioned in the resolution, the European Parliament has received more than 400 petitions on the subject of widespread misleading trading practices by publishers of business directories which affect thousands of businesses, mostly small ones.
However, we note that, in spite of its initiatives, Europe is not making an effective contribution in this major conflict, even though it is taking place in its immediate area of influence.
As long as the Treaties allow for restrictions on workers' rights and the lowering of pay and conditions, the Court of Justice cannot rule otherwise.
However, the Commission can use its discretion to assess whether the deadline should be extended so that it is realistically in line with the progress of the works.
They each represented different ideologies and interests but, more importantly, they were popular with limited sections of the Congolese population.
The European Union has a major role to play.
In one respect, I would like to make a request for more flexibility.
On the one hand, we need to address the environmental and health consequences if this equipment is not properly treated and disposed of and, on the other, there is a serious problem of loss of raw materials.
Consistent standards of passenger rights, including those for people of reduced mobility, are of particular importance so as to avoid travellers facing inconsistent treatment while travelling.
In the meantime Joseph Stalin had been committing his atrocious crimes, Auschwitz had happened and 50 years ago the Soviet Union, led by Nikita Khrushchev and the United States, governed by Eisenhower, sealed the post-war order of Yalta.
Why is it in a state of dissolution?
Two billion people live in extreme poverty.
How many times would fines have been given to businesses which failed to apply the competition rules?
(DE) Mr President, I announced yesterday, and notified the parliamentary services accordingly, that I wished to table a motion requesting a postponement of the vote on FYROM, in other words, on the Macedonia report.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
Our evaluation of the situation, which has not changed, shows the need for comprehensive reform of the justice system and for measures to combat corruption.
Written statements (Rule 142)
It is useful to note that many of these issues are being considered in the update of the OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises due for adoption in 2011.
Sometimes this is a result of family duties being placed above the call of science, but not always.
Thinking in terms of bachelors and masters degrees and recognising educational achievements by means of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) creates an awareness of the need for common action.
Therefore, in drawing up this proposal, we have tried to take into account industrial sensitivities in the EU, especially as regards textiles.
At the same time, I believe that European industry should use its pioneering role in the sustainable economy and green mobility technologies by exploiting its export potential.
draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality. - (DE) Madam President, Commissioner, in sport - and we are talking about fairness here - no distinctions can be made between the sexes; women must be treated equally.
The vote will take place tomorrow.
It is therefore important for the Commission to consider the situations in the various Member States, as well as what constitutes an offence in the different national legal systems and the respective penalties and fines.
Nine months on from the ceremonious handover of the Fundamental Rights Agency, it is no joy for me to speak about the fact that the institution has not been able to start work, and still has no management.
They are now giving rise to appalling security problems, and the European Union must think not only about European citizens' rights, but also about their security.
Even though the administrative obstacles have been largely removed, we are still left with some very real technical obstacles.
What we seek to end is fragmentation!
Historical research, however difficult, should be carried out in a delicate way, with due respect for the victims, but in complete freedom.
That was probably what Lady Ashton was referring to.
(HU) Mr Alvaro, I would like to ask you whether you are aware that the Hungarian constitution previously in force specified 27 laws that could only be modified by a two-thirds majority, while the new constitution specifies only 26.
I was targeted a moment ago.
That concludes the one-minute speeches.
These two areas clearly demonstrate that the EU already has a well-established and comprehensive strategy for the South Caucasus, whose potential we are seeking to exploit to the fullest extent, a strategy to bring this region closer to the European Union.
The European Union in effect decided to renew negotiations with Russia on the partnership system, and in doing so went against its own decision, made on 1 September this year, that there would be no negotiations with Russia if Russian troops do not withdraw from the occupied territories of Georgia.
All our actions have this strategic objective in mind.
It is not bankers and right-wing politicians who are losing.
This would have a highly counterproductive impact on the future of the EU and would make it difficult to agree on a common European approach or attitude to important issues, as the crisis in Libya has demonstrated.
Europe 2020 must not repeat the failures of its predecessor, the Lisbon Strategy.
In particular, national media regulation must be transparent and efficient.
In Poland, we come across many instances of fraud, or simply of consumers making poor financial decisions, unaware of their implications.
As we all know, the majority of these women live in sub-Saharan Africa, where there is one death every minute.
The major difficulty that we are encountering comes from what Mrs Mathieu called mixed flows, where we have immigrants who come for economic or environmental reasons and, at the same time, people who are persecuted and who are entitled to international protection or subsidiary protection.
I voted in favour, although I believe that the Commission is showing too little initiative on this matter.
Will you make sure they grant, lend and plan not just for market success, but to achieve social progress and green goals too?
As my time is short I would like to address just one point, specifically the so-called Russian peacekeepers which have so far spent 14 years on Georgian territory, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
We must confront these realities head on and apply ourselves to them with realism and determination.
This is not new.
Thank you.
These examples are at odds with the degraded and consumerist image that the media often attaches to female identity, helping to create a culture where women are oppressed and humiliated.
At the same, this is the fourth annual budget of this parliamentary term, and we have therefore accumulated sufficient experience of the budgetary procedure and the specific rules of the game between Parliament, the Commission and the Council.
An example case in Finland concerned a woman who was not eligible to receive unemployment security after she had finished caring for her disabled son.
Within that agreement, the value is of the following order: the gains in the developing countries would be of the order of EUR 12-14 billion annually; there would be new access to emerging markets in emerging countries, such as China; we would have the opportunity in the European Union for new exports, diversified in new ways - for example, in chemicals and textiles - and in services there is a potential for EUR 14 billion of trade.
Furthermore, there needs to be compliance with the rules on safety belts and drivers should be made sufficiently aware of these.
Climate change means that every type of forest and the forestry sector as a whole are exposed to specific and unforeseeable threats such as storms, drought and forest fires.
Within the framework of EU accession talks, Lithuania, Slovakia and Bulgaria undertook to close and decommission these nuclear plants which, under the G7 negotiations, could not be modernised at a financially acceptable cost, and in which it was impossible to secure the minimum safety standards.
This company's profits, in the last two years combined, were in excess of EUR 30 million, with more than EUR 6 million being recorded in 2008.
Where are we today?
Madam President, the rapporteur on the Black Sea regional policy reminds us that the European Union supports new energy infrastructure and viable transport corridors, diversifying both suppliers and routes.
I think that there is a basic error in this reasoning: the issue of defending borders and the issue of asylum are two wholly separate matters.
We need to move towards European supervision.
In 2007-2010, Poland issued almost 60 licences for shale gas prospecting and extraction. The holders of these licences include major global energy concerns.
Spaska Mitrova, a 23-year-old Macedonian citizen and mother of a small child still being breast-fed, was forcibly taken to a police station and then transferred to the infamous Idrizovo prison, while her child was taken away from her.
That proposal has up to now been supported by less than one third of the Member States of the United Nations General Assembly.
The numbers are shocking.
The European Union needs to act specifically against this worrying development.
There is therefore an obvious need to regulate domestic work, so that they do not remain exposed to scarcely decent conditions, and are entitled to rights such as the right to social security, to health and safety protection, to maternity protection, to working time limits, to rest, and to freedom of association and representation.
The eighth framework programme should also make research and the development of innovative technologies its priority in the field of energy.
For them, this slogan is just a charade - in fact they want neither enlargement nor greater depth.
Above all, however, I think this example should raise the question of responsibility.
It must be seen, and I want it acknowledged, as a departure from European law and practice.
Yes, we need to return to a situation where finance is there to serve the economy and the economy is there to serve citizens; and no, we can no longer build our economies on debt, be it public or private, on deficit and on speculation.
Medium-term financial planning is a procedure established in the treaty, for which a regulation must be enacted.
Very soon passenger locomotives and rolling stock will also be able to cross borders.
(PL) Mr President, for some time now I have listened with alarm to pseudo-scientific arguments put forward in the very heart of Europe. I refer to presentations made in this House, from which wisdom based on sound scientific evidence is supposed be disseminated to the entire world.
(The President cut off the speaker)
The situation is very similar with Snaig- the support of EUR 258 000 from the EGF would target 650 redundancies in a city that has one of the highest unemployment rates - nearing 20% now.
Yes, progress has of course been made: unemployment is falling and productivity rising, yet job insecurity in Europe is rising too.
After all, we have specific, joint objectives: to create free-trade areas, promote the mobility of citizens of partner countries, improve administrative abilities, and cooperate on energy security and especially on the long term supply and transit of energy.
We want a judicial reservation, a judicial decision on fundamental rights.
However, I believe that these people will hear the 321 voices of those Members who voted for this amended Directive with their hearts.
It is a huge source of relief that MEPs rejected a proposal to export nuclear waste to third countries however.
There are indeed one or two aspects, and therefore I, too, am in favour of postponement.
Every election is a demonstration of popular will.
On the basis of the compromise draft text, this would apply to a mere 29 substances out of more than 600.
It also wants SMEs to benefit from the growth in markets.
Third priority: we want to further a concept often talked about in Europe, but which is making slow progress, and that is European defence.
This is why we need strategic decisions today, taken with due consideration, not under pressure from lobbyists representing intermediaries and traders functioning in an international system.
Thank you for your support.
However, access to funding in the research sector requires a significant technical capacity and in-depth knowledge of administrative and financial procedures.
We shall await the court ruling with respect, but please do be patient and sensible in your dealings with Mr Klaus.
The report presented by the Commission on 8 September highlights the numerous obstacles that the Member States encounter when seeking to achieve the objectives of Directive 2005/85/EC.
Mrs Pack and I visited Kosovo not so long ago.
We therefore want a secretariat with integrity, one that will not get involved in political disputes or decide the petitions procedure on the basis of political developments in the country.
We need to commit ourselves to maintaining the Stability Pact and fulfil the Commission's indications for 2013.
The project has been put back five years, with the operating phase planned to begin in 2013.
That is the reality: we have a problem.
The EU has been incredibly successful in peacemaking.
It is therefore vital for the European Commission and the Council to call into question the realpolitik they have been practising for years in these parts of the world, both in Egypt and in Tunisia, just as it is crucial to question the ambivalence of the relations that the EU maintained with the dictators who have been ruling these countries for decades.
(FR) Madam President, Mr Vondra, Mr Barroso, ladies and gentlemen, the world economy is plunging further and further into a serious recession.
Thankfully, however, the EU has made good progress and nowhere probably more than in this Parliament where, numerically and attitudinally, there is real equality.
In addition, bestowing the status of an EU agency on Europol, with all the consequences that involves, including financial, will enable the European Union as a whole to combat organised crime more effectively.
EU institutions have a duty to meet the expectations of European citizens who are deeply affected by the crisis.
It is true the Union for the Mediterranean's role is to develop the joint nature, at an institutional and political level, of a regional partnership in need of a relaunch.
At this time when we are facing this severe economic and financial crisis, one of the principal consequences is an increase in unemployment.
This is why the ALDE Group and I have voted in favour.
The Union will thus be ensuring that steps are taken towards direct democracy.
The members of this ethnic minority continue to suffer discrimination and social exclusion, despite efforts to integrate them.
Improvement could be achieved by bringing together the responsible areas within the Commission under the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and by establishing an appropriate body in the EEAS.
For these reasons, the European Conservatives and Reformists will today abstain on this vote.
However, something has been done and I believe that we will be able to vote in favour of this legislation tomorrow with a clear conscience.
Thursday:
That would bring stability to the region and improve its chances of developing independently.
In this respect, the European Parliament had a duty to reaffirm its support for this policy.
For these reasons I voted against this proposal.
Much as I regret that the first decision was not respected, we will have to wait and see what outgoings there will be from this decision.
Debating the suspension of the 80/20 rule is very important, but it can only be a short-term measure and it must not be allowed to become part of the aviation policy in the longer term.
A well-conceived European Public Company Statute, intended to supplement the legal forms which already exist, would benefit the competitiveness of European SMEs in many respects: it would consolidate the European internal market, simplify the legal framework for enterprises, thereby reducing consultancy costs and facilitating access to cross-border markets, and it would improve economic integration and growth.
We have been talking about falling prices, lowest possible prices and all-time lows for years.
I call on the EU and its Member States to honour the political decision made and to provide this mission with more troops and appropriate financial, logistic and air support, including the necessary number of helicopters, as soon as possible.
We must apply the principle of proportionality between what is proposed and the benefit that this will bring.
That is surely what the entire integration process is about: the economy and a viable internal market are made to serve more general goals.
Now to the last item: the international arms trade agreement.
The Union has taken as its objective the creation of an area based on freedom, security and the rule of law, and this requires the compromise solutions we see here, and it signifies serious progress for consumers.
It was very important to agree on what we called the European Semester, because Member States have now agreed unanimously that matters of economic policy of one may also have an effect on the others, and that those of the others have an effect on their own policies.
Yet there also needs to be another kind of redistribution of wealth and income, and in this context, the minimum income system is a vital tool to help in this fight, maintaining minimum incomes that may differ from country to country, but which share a common objective ...
I ask the Vice-President/High Representative and the EU Member States to back the Polish proposals for a visa ban and, as our resolution makes clear, support the principle for further targeted economic sanctions.
The response, contrary to what has been said here, has not been a united European response.
Former President Ben Ali paid the supreme price for failing to meet the expectations and aspirations of his people, but I do not agree with some assessments, particularly in the Green Group, that his government was one of the most repressive in the Arab world.
The general objective that we must set ourselves is for automatic information exchange on a global and multilateral scale, but this must, obviously, start within the European Union.
Human rights, labour and environmental standards and tax governance must guide EU negotiations with developing countries.
One reason for doing so is because the Commission does not have general authority in the field of fundamental rights including the rights of the child under international agreements or through the jurisdiction of the ECJ (COM(2006) 367, Paragraph 1.3. page 3).
This is because recognising the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia could give ideas in the future to North Ossetia, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan and others which currently form part of the Russian Federation.
This resolution is a master class in bad faith.
These proposals, which strengthen each other, as many of my fellow members have said, will enable us to make a decisive move in favour of the quality of the European maritime sector, and also, ladies and gentlemen, its transparency.
We have seen extraordinary decisions at the same time: the communication from the Commission, the extraordinary decisions of the Council of Ministers last week and, of course, the 2020 strategy.
I have heard from school secretaries who signed this in error and are terrified and who have paid over money.
Please take away as many as you like.
That was the case with the group today.
These are the important answers.
The second observation relates to the issue of retention.
For the first time, in fact, we have regulated CO2 emissions from passenger vehicles by imposing an ambitious and binding long-term target of 95 grams of CO2 per kilometre by 2020, at a time when the serious financial crisis and the subsidies given to the motor industry in non-EU countries are, together, severely testing our own industry.
I would like to see the establishment of the secretariat in Barcelona followed by rapid progress in the implementation of the priority projects.
We do not believe that ACTA is the full solution to this problem and we certainly believe that, if ACTA is going to come into effect, we need it to be more transparent, democratic and generally multilateral.
Under EU legislation, passengers have a right to information and assistance from their airline.
I would also urge - as Parliament did some time ago - that national practice come into line with the spirit of the regulation so that we do not find, as is happening in France at the moment, that certain individuals are now no longer able to access systems to which they have been paying because of changes in national regulations.
The parliamentary group of the Greek Communist Party voted against the motion for a resolution, because it seeks to consolidate the illegal secession of Kosovo imposed by the force and weapons of NATO and the coercion of the EU and other imperialist forces.
That brings the debate to a close.
Romania's Parliament Palace consumes as much power as a town with 20 000 inhabitants.
Among these specific points I would recall our commitment to firm, decisive measures to combat illegal immigration, support for a stronger link between legal and illegal immigration, and the search for more mechanisms for dialogue and integration for immigrants.
It stops here.
Stability plus poverty does not offer any prospects.
Eighteen years after the first directive on pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth and/or are breastfeeding, the economic and demographic situation in Europe has certainly changed.
This also shows the importance of a fundamental reform in the derivatives market and the relevance of the action already undertaken by the Commission.
Thus biofuel, the production of biomass, can under no circumstances be at the expense of food production.
We all know that patient mobility will remain a very limited phenomenon.
General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean Agreement Area (
The report recommends going to the International Criminal Court and that the Quartet should insist on the rule of law.
We have therefore chosen to vote against the report.
This decision 'rewards' the ability of these countries to 'deliver the necessary reforms'.
Trade policies must play their part in this context.
the report by Mr Surján, on behalf of the Committee on Budgets, on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2010, Section III - Commission (C7-0127/2009 - and on the letter of amendment No 1/2010 (SEC(2009)1133) to the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2010 and
Secondly, the European Central Bank's objective is not only to maintain a rate close to 2% but also to apply Europe's policy, by that I mean the Lisbon and Gothenburg Strategies.
The committee, which I have the honour of chairing, accepted my report unanimously.
Since I firmly believe that education and consequent career progression can break the vicious circle of discrimination against the Roma, I voted in favour of the motion for a resolution.
All of this should be taken into account during the implementation of these strategies and during the shaping of the future course of the Cohesion policy.
(IT) Madam President, I should like to congratulate Mr Cancian on his excellent work in bringing this measure to its conclusion.
A number of Member States hoped that all rail services within their territory, whether national or international and irrespective of their providers, would contribute collectively to the financing of public passenger transport services, via the levying of a charge.
Surveillance must build on the existing instruments.
They deserve a better government, but this cannot be imposed from outside by anyone.
In countries undergoing severe austerity measures - like my own country, Ireland - this issue is particularly severe and I believe it needs to be dealt with immediately.
It means that the law of the place where the seat of authority for cross-border cooperation is registered will be applicable, if such an authority has been established.
Mr President, the peace in Northern Ireland is still fragile.
In my view the choice is simple.
Need we remind you, since no one has mentioned it yet, of the bird flu outbreak in Europe - this was only three years ago - when poultry meat consumption fell by more than 20%?
The report on the Green Paper on the reform of the common fisheries policy, which we adopted today, revises the economic, social and environmental aspects of this policy, with the aim of redefining the approach to resolving the remaining problems within the sector.
However, I would like to use this opportunity to call once again on the European Commission and the Council to do everything possible to lift the visa requirement for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania as soon as possible.
We must avoid making such demands, as we risk losing credibility among our partners throughout the world, particularly those who are still unsure about joining with us.
If order reigns in Beijing, if everyone stays silent, if the whole world acts like the International Olympic Committees, that will be a victory for the dictatorship in Beijing and in Tibet.
On the contrary, the Union can help Russia to maintain its status of a key player that the country would otherwise gradually lose due to elements relating to its one-sided economy and democracy.
Only when the flames and embers are extinguished can we turn to post-mortems as to how this happened and what is needed to avoid it happening again.
It has therefore been necessary to harmonise Member States' national laws relating to the admission and residence of those third-country nationals.
Will she now add this to her list and give us an undertaking that she will fight to try and ensure that this partnership agreement is suspended?
A European electoral observation mission was sent to the country headed by Mr Cristian Preda, MEP.
I should like to emphasise, in addition to what has already been said and further to what has been written in the report, that if there are 100 million Europeans who dedicate themselves to helping some 500 million Europeans every day, it must not be forgotten that these 100 million Europeans who volunteer receive personal gain from so doing, not in the financial sense but in the sense of personal fulfilment.
Otherwise, Mr Verheugen's ominous forecast that we will only be exporting pollution and importing unemployment might come true.
Consumers are increasingly sensitive about suffering and injuries to farm animals and therefore they have the right to be informed about the potential of cloning to cause pain and to waste natural resources.
I would like to ask the Minister if his attention has been drawn to the protectionist elements in the plan for recovery in the United States, particularly as put forward by members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and if he has, on behalf of the Council, communicated the concern of the European Union to the American Administration about this.
We must try however we can to encourage this national dialogue, which needs to be conducted with due regard to the general interests of the citizens of Lebanon and their desire for prosperity, security and national independence.
However, the facts presented here show a different aspect: in addition to the advantages derived from lower labour costs, the developed countries externalise some of the associated costs.
We have in front of us what I believe is the most thorough, most critical and most forward-looking European Parliament discharge report ever.
It is important for us not to rush through legislative proposals within such an important area as this.
Moreover, this is another stain on our current model of European integration.
It calls on the Council to produce a report on the way in which Article 9 is implemented in work and in European policies through the open coordination method.
The Union is being very careful in the way it comments on events in Ukraine.
In addition, the Commission would refer to the reply already given to the honourable Member's written question, which stipulated that, according to Article 3 of Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96, economic operators are not being controlled by both the Commission and Member States' authorities at the same time and on the basis of the same facts, according to Community sector regulations or national legislation.
My view is that this review is needed for all of them.
17.
In Romania, only 30% of the citizens know that this number can be called in case of emergency from any EU country and national authorities need to continue their efforts to promote this number in order to respond rapidly to problems related to climate change and other problems.
You also mention the mobility of artists and cultural workers, which is very high on our agenda, especially this year.
in writing. - On the discharge Report of the European Parliament for 2009, I voted in line with my political Group against paragraph 143 on airmiles.
I think we can agree on this.
To be fully effective, these systems would, of course, have to be interconnected.
We are making it clear that all the efforts of fiscal consolidation, all the efforts of structural reform, are in fact for growth - for sustainable growth, for inclusive growth - which is the goal of the European Union.
These two issues are crucial.
The most important acquis of the EU is that by its values, it has been able to channel conflicts which, in the past, could only be solved at the cost of considerable human suffering into a democratic framework based on the rule of law.
The European Union has already adopted the set-aside requirement for 2008 and thereby increased the volume of arable land given over to food production in the European Union.
I can assure you that, every day, I have proof of the usefulness of these new authorities, since we currently consult them on an almost daily basis.
A dialogue must be opened, which must include the prime minister, who is currently in prison and who must be released immediately.
The intention of Parliament's proposal is to exclude this opt-out option.
We should be looking at existing successful projects and using EU links to find best practice.
After all, Eastern Europe is hardly a spawning ground for fundamentalist Islamic terrorist groups.
Mr President, the European External Action Service will be responsible to the High Representative.
This financing, for energy and broadband Internet projects, requires a review of the multiannual financial framework for 2007-2013.
Mr President, over the past 26 years we, like Parliament, have asked for their release 15 times.
As you know, our two institutions have been working on this topic for several years and in many different contexts.
Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, thanks to your determination and, I repeat, of your rapporteur in particular, we can move European skies closer to maximum safety.
The proposed directive is very important for eliminating discrimination against women who help out in their husbands' businesses and who receive no maternity or old age support, which makes them dependent or highly vulnerable people.
However, I feel obliged to urge a note of caution.
In our transatlantic relations, for example, we should insist on drawing up a common strategy to fight terrorism, which respects fundamental rights and privacy.
They must go only to sensible, sustainable business activities through the use of objectively measurable criteria and transparent procedures.
By approximating the two sets of requirements and regulatory processes, the importing authority will be able to issue its own certificate on the aeronautical product, part or appliance without duplicating all the assessments done by the exporting authority.
It used to come in the 70s.
Then I shall be right behind you.
This is particularly so, and more important than ever, in the current financial and economic crisis.
The point with which I as rapporteur am less satisfied is the section on renewable energy in the transport sector.
Most of all, however, some of those responsible for this freedom-killing legislation sit in this Parliament.
... nor are responses from the authorities.
It prevents unfair, monopolistic practices and eases travel for ordinary citizens.
Ladies and gentlemen, before proceeding to the vote, I would like to make a brief announcement, because today we commemorate the sixth European Day for the Victims of Terrorism.
We need EU-level powers of decision and action on major issues, but we also need the honesty without which mutual trust is impossible.
They form the foundation on which we seek to build a common future and there can be no compromise in their regard.
The proposal is for a 5% retention.
There was broad consensus on this subject during the discussions in the Committee on Transport.
We are happy that, after a period of bloody conflicts, peace and cooperation between nations are now the norm in the daily life of the region.
However, this process has obviously come to a standstill because of the conflict between the Arab states and Israel.
Moreover, when a person has cancer, it affects them most, but it also affects their family, their employer and society as a whole.
This month we lost the carrier HMS Ark Royal prematurely with the loss of 6 000 dedicated personnel.
This very place would not exist if, in the middle of ruins, surrounded by death and legitimate claims for revenge, brave leaders did not choose to end centuries of wars by launching the most ambitious and fascinating political experiment of our time: European unification.
Shareholders' voting rights (vote)
We want to see the EU agree on targets for the minimum wage set at a level of at least 60% of the national average wage in order to prevent people falling into poverty despite having gainful employment.
Transmission of draft measures to the European Parliament
Often, when we talk about alternative energy sources, we talk ostentatiously about wind energy and solar energy, and of course we should do that.
Earlier this year I took the initiative of sending NATO a set of concrete measures to reinforce EU-NATO cooperation.
It was intended to apply for the period from 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2011.
The situation clearly changed after the Treaty of Lisbon, because Parliament now makes the decisions.
The EU accounts up to 2004 were audited and 60% of suspected cases of fraud were attributed to Italy.
It is a dynamic country with considerable potential. At the same time, it faces a number of significant challenges.
From the customs and excise that you would collect from trade and perhaps from an extra 0.5 % VAT contribution from the Member States who would draw down this facility.
We recognise that the international NGOs are in a more difficult situation, as regards access to the stricken areas.
I must have misunderstood and I should therefore like some clarification on this matter.
There were misunderstandings.
The ratification by Bangladesh brought the number of State Parties to the Rome Statute to 111.
(PL) Mr President, much has been said and there have been many discussions in recent years about the role of women, their rights, their position in society and their occupational situation.
I do not like Hamas, firstly because it is a terrorist organisation and secondly because of its fundamentalist views, but this is not a matter of liking or disliking; it is a matter of solutions.
We have completed the hearings, and I have received 26 letters of recommendation.
The situation is a complex one.
It also means that we must respect regional, cultural and linguistic diversity.
Today, nearly half of all reservations no longer go through a CRS but are made on internet sites or through airline call centres.
(ES) Mr President, I, too, would like to take this opportunity to emphasise the points that some of us believe should be fundamental in the final report on which we are going to vote.
There is no doubt that in the current economic crisis our economies will not react well to this destabilisation.
As part of Community energy policy, the Commission and the Member States should identify investments which are necessary to meet the EU's strategic needs in terms of the supply and demand of natural gas and electricity.
Nevertheless, despite the progress made, it would be illusory to believe that these differences will disappear in 2013, or even in 2020.
(DE) Madam President, I am assuming that you will not know the answer, Mr Farage, but I have question for you.
Anyway, these two cases demonstrate how essential it is to be mindful of all the factors relating to the finances and solidity of a country, and not only structured public debt.
I would like to thank you all for your patience.
The evaluation mechanism obviously needs to be revamped.
There are a lot of known cases where people are given the death penalty but avoid execution owing to the discovery of new evidence that proves they are not guilty of the crime.
Thirdly, pressure must be exerted on the UN Security Council to proceed urgently with the implementation of its unanimous decision of 15 May 2008 to deploy a sufficiently strong UN peacekeeping force in the region - making sure, of course, that such peace-keepers are not of the same quality as those who recently were accused of committing crimes against the local population they were supposed to protect.
Better links must be established with sea ports and airports, and proper implementation of trans-European network projects will certainly contribute to this objective.
(CS) I, too, welcome the adoption of the directive.
It will be easy to find suitable candidates among the 250 million dynamic, bold and strong female citizens of the European Union, and this includes female candidates for the positions of President of the European Council and High Representative for Common Foreign Policy.
The first thing is that the whole concept of creating an opportunity to allow for a split within the TACs in one fishery is irresponsible to the extreme.
I am particularly pleased to be able to tell you that we have also introduced rules on labelling, because food products that are not compliant with Directive 2006/215 must carry an indication to that effect.
It is not the case for two reasons: firstly, because the European Commission has requested information from the United Kingdom Government and the French Government, which is a good thing, and, secondly, because we are having a debate on this subject today.
The question is, in what way?
We are dealing here with so many different types of terrain and so many different approaches that any attempt to standardise seems unrealistic.
If you say that you want to release regional funds and resources from the Structural Funds then we need to move away from the obligation for cofinancing, because otherwise Greece will not be able to use them.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, President-in-Office of the Council, ladies and gentlemen, first of all I should like to congratulate Mr Goepel most sincerely on his balanced report.
Yet what we are proposing is also realistic.
In the Maltese Islands, medicines are much more expensive than in another EU country, namely Belgium.
We need an ambitious mandate with our demands.
The structural funds must be used swiftly and efficiently.
This is, however, only the beginning, as Naša Vjasna, which has a human rights agenda, and several other organisations devoted to the development of democracy also await registration.
The Member States are doing things here that they would not dare do at home.
Faster border checks for bona fide travellers can offset the impact on border crossing times resulting from an entry-exit system.
I also wanted to mention another brief point concerning the report on forensic laboratories - for this is the issue I have been following - and to say as clearly as possible that, when discussing the need for coordination, we must also examine the matter of decentralisation very carefully.
Leaving that aside, let us look at the picture in Croatia at the moment.
I should like to begin by underlining two fundamental principles which lie at the heart of today's debate.
Orlando Zapata, aged 42, was declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International.
The Services Directive is a good example. A period of three years has been allowed for its implementation.
Secondly, issues related to sustainability.
Another problem is that these platforms have been heavily exploited.
I would have liked the Commission to have had a firmer and more visionary approach, especially since we have all the instruments on the table today and this was the best option identified by the impact assessment.
We noted then that there had been a drastic reduction in the number of units sold in the commercial vehicles sector, and I am therefore pleased that we have managed, with the legislation now before us, to create an instrument that will allow the Member States to grant tax incentives for the early introduction of the Euro 6 emissions standard.
Why should we import a method which has not already been tried and tested?
It is not up to us at this moment to ascertain whether the responsibility might also be of a different kind, and severe penalties should be imposed if that is the case, but we would not be honest if we blamed politics alone.
It is not by chance that Mr. Barroso, the President of the European Commission himself said so directly during his recent visit to Bulgaria.
However, although I realise that integration is important, I believe it must occur with the consent of our citizens.
Plus we need a parallel political cooperation agreement with binding social and environmental clauses committing both sides to the ratification of core ILO conventions, as well as the normal PCA clauses on human rights and democracy.
In the context of our development cooperation, we should rather emphasise the fact that a real attempt is being made here to bring about change and in particular, to carry out a practical campaign against poverty in Kenya.
Future Members must not be dispossessed of their powers in future budgetary procedures and future negotiations on the multiannual financial framework.
The 20th century saw a devastating multitude of horrendous crimes which are not comparable but which nonetheless caused the death of millions of innocent people: the First World War, the fascist invasion, the aggression of Japan towards China and Korea, the atomic bombs dropped by the USA on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Stalin's policy against his own people, the ravages of various colonial powers in their spheres of influence, the terror of the Khmer Rouge, the slaughter of Tutsi and Hutus.
Despite these criticisms, I will vote for the report.
Madam Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I realise that there is a bit of a hubbub because a lot of colleagues are entering the chamber, but I would ask those entering not to stand chatting because many colleagues are keen to hear the Commissioner's conclusions.
In particular, I should like to mention the Commission communication on data protection, which you should present as a real opportunity to bring into alignment the revolution in technology and knowledge tools, on the one hand, and, on the other, advances in European constitutional law like the Treaty of Lisbon and the European Charter of Fundamental Rights, fundamental rights to privacy, and all rights linked to accessing, rectifying and cancelling any personal data, in line with the European public's freedom to give their consent, but also in line with international law.
I would ask, therefore, that future selection processes aim to recruit candidates from the broadest possible pool of talent in order to ensure independent thought and a new diversity in the senior management of such authorities.
In other words, you - the Commission, the IMF and the European Central Bank - have imposed a miserable memorandum on Greece, which cuts public spending, cuts wages, cuts incomes; at the same time, however, in response to my questions to the Commission about why there is a delay in the take-up of Community funds by Greece, the reply was: the inadequate liquidity of public finances; in other words, the essence of its political memorandum.
As to the economic reforms, we see progress, for example, on the drafting of a cotton debt resolution mechanism, which hopefully will pave the way for wider agricultural reforms and the implementation of 'Freedom to Farm', crucial to tackling poverty in the country.
Those of us who were brought up in the Catholic religion know the prayer of Saint Augustine which says more or less, 'Make me pure, but not just yet'.
There are new regulatory initiatives, such as the fight against tax havens, the removal of legal loopholes from management accounts, the requirements applicable to stock market transactions and the use of transaction repositories for the register of derived instruments.
In terms of the enlargement process, the situation in the Western Balkans merits special attention.
First of all, there is the technological development that we have supported for many years.
Disarmament and the creation of a nuclear-free zone should, in my opinion, be an important goal of the EU's Middle East policy, in order to guarantee peace and security in this region.
Turkey, in turn, must comply with the Copenhagen criteria and the obligations it has undertaken.
(FI) Mr President, Mr Caldeira, Commissioner, I wish to thank the European Court of Auditors for its admirable work for the benefit of the European taxpayer.
First of all, I find it remarkable that the European Union is maintaining its fisheries agreement with Guinea, as the agreement was entered into with the previous regime two weeks before the coup.
The question of what to do next has arisen.
I should like first of all to say to you that, in my view, the adoption of this text on temporary workers will send out a very strong signal to all Europeans: that 2008 can be the year of the revival of social Europe.
We thus wasted a year seeking not the truth, but proof of that guilt, omitting and even concealing any facts that would run counter to this view.
Time is short.
The scoreboard also serves to monitor progress in integrating the retail side of the internal market for consumers, SMEs and other retailers.
I had the opportunity to question the Commissioner-designate for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn, with regard to his interest in the creation of a specific programme of permanent financial support for the outermost regions.
The humanitarian aid provided by the European Union must be unconditional.
Mr President, I talked about foetal alcohol syndrome and alcohol abuse in juveniles.
I believe that the new order has brought with it a new global economic disorder.
We are at the half-way point and of course I am not pretending that when this Parliament breaks up shortly we can achieve the impossible, but I do think that the idea of creating certain Europe-wide institutions, whether museums, research institutes or foundations, is what we need.
Inaction is a crime against humanity.
There has been a flood of proceedings and actions in the European Union.
Being Hungarian, we will lose the Hungarian language, but that is a small price to pay compared to the advantages we will all benefit from.
This is why I would like to say to the Council that I am in favour of eurobonds.
Although the attack can be seen as a criminal act of individuals, various other troubling incidents require our ongoing focus on respect for all minorities in Egypt.
Extremely high stocking densities in intensive farming systems may increase the risk of disease spread and hamper disease control.
I should like to mention one thing in conclusion.
What good are strict emission limits if people can no longer afford new cars and drive about in their ageing vehicles?
For paragraph 2, we want to add the words at the end of the paragraph, 'as well as deliberate impoverishment, arbitrary taxation and land confiscation'.
Adjournment of the session
However, if we hold a serious discussion with a friend, it is foolish and shameful not to mention the problems that we have.
It is time to realise, therefore, that the party is over.
draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. - (DE) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, first let me thank Mrs Thomsen for her balanced report.
Europe should not show disregard or protectionism in relation to the United States, nor the United States in relation to Europe.
Like most, if not all, of the Members of this Parliament, I deplore the fact that in a number of societies in the world, female foetuses are aborted, whether with the consent of the mother or under coercion.
We must help the local people to help themselves in order to reduce the flow of migrants to the EU from developing countries.
Parliament's objective is to lay down flexible rules for promoting transatlantic cooperation which will help to combat terrorism and create a transmission system in which Union citizens can trust.
Firstly, it is important to emphasise that restaurants are not food factories, so they must not be required to follow the same provisions, since this erodes quality and traditions.
Global warming can also affect the number of species.
Will it become a means which brings the European Union closer to its citizens by producing a perceptible improvement in their everyday lives? Or will it be merely an arena which serves to protect both the bottlenecks inhibiting the functioning of the Single Market and the sectors maintained?
Toughness is the only language these Mullahs understand.
Employment, innovation, research and development, climate change and energy, training, and social inclusion are the five objectives which should form the focus for the drafting of the EU 2012 budget.
I mean no offence to the other Members, but the debate ran on a lot, we had a very lengthy introductory report from Baroness Ashton and we cannot influence the next debate.
on behalf of the ECR Group. - Madam President, NATO remains a fundamental element of Europe's collective security and so does the bridge it builds with America.
I support the proposals leading to greater awareness and training for people who may come into contact with this form of violence in the course of their work.
For example, I think that opening Negotiation Chapter 15, which is on energy, is important, including for EU Member States.
We have to keep track of every meeting on the road to Copenhagen.
Therefore, let us deal more carefully with our environment, for economic reasons as well as ecological ones.
There are also autologous therapy techniques, however, where the child from whom the cord blood is obtained can already benefit from this today in a small number of narrowly restricted areas.
Where OLAF needs to investigate the allocation of EU funds, whether intended for Member States or for external assistance, the involvement of interested third countries and international organisations must be ensured.
(PL) Madam President, cohesion policy has often been regarded as the best example of solidarity within the European Union.
This is why I do not want to confine my contribution to the topic of health workers alone, because I think that we will discover the same fear of the unknown in the European dimension in healthcare in other areas too.
Therefore, while only one person in six is suffering from hunger at the moment, we must face a situation where in a few decades' time, as many as one person in four or five will be suffering from hunger.
I trust that Parliament will also continue to support this very valuable common goal.
Yet that is what we have seen in Northern Ireland this week.
We are asking for your respect and your solidarity.
or when:
(PL) Madam President, Commissioner, the fact that the obligations of airlines to their passengers do not terminate even if the airline goes bankrupt is obvious, and should be taken as a starting point in this much needed discussion which Mr Simpson has initiated.
The accompanying current or forthcoming devaluation of the dollar by the United States as part of its currency reform programme would have a severe negative impact on the European market.
It is clear, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, that this Parliament urges the Commission finally to translate its policy priorities into reality with more conviction and with better instruments.
In the first half of the year, it was Mr Böge, and in the second, Mr Lamassoure.
Green public procurement and sustainability criteria are required for timber and other forms of biomass used for renewable energy production.
I would also like to thank the French Presidency for the fact that we have now been able to conclude this legislative process with a compromise, to which this Presidency made a major contribution.
This is the image that gypsies have in Italy, this is the image that the Roma have created, despite our best efforts.
Mr President, I would like to ask my colleague how many nuclear plants have to go down before she says that it is enough.
In 2009, only EUR 37 million were mobilised, out of a possible EUR 500 million.
It can be said that this is one of the most citizen-friendly accords.
Nevertheless, that is no reason for the Commission to scale down its ambitions in relation to the content of this employment summit, and its monitoring during the Swedish and Spanish Presidencies to come.
We have heard a lot about Romania and Bulgaria.
It is vital to establish who is to issue a warning, and when and how they should issue it, in order to prevent the information chaos we have been witnessing.
That is why we are asking for more loans to be earmarked for research into new technologies at the budget review.
My fear is that by eroding artistic freedoms, even slightly, we are also eroding the values of free speech and expression.
The introduction of aviation into the emission certificates trading scheme is a first step forward.
The scope of the transparency rules must also be extended to include the internal trading systems of banks and the exceptions must be more narrowly worded so that financial institutes and financial products cannot escape effective supervision.
If we do not make stringent demands and insist on them being met in full we will not actually achieve any real results.
I am wholeheartedly in favour of the European Union.
But I believe that there is sense prevailing in Ireland and that people are now reflecting on the situation we find ourselves in and now know that we need to be at the heart of Europe, given the crisis that we are in.
Thank you.
The same studies show how it makes it difficult for women to get jobs and have a career and how it makes it difficult to reconcile work and family life.
Members of the committee were horrified.
Here, Islam effectively becomes totalitarian law, so that the rights of other religions or of women or of all are in fact suppressed.
That would be to their discredit.
When we discussed the murder of Governor Salman Taseer, I warned about the rise of religious extremism in Pakistan.
So the political conclusion I draw is that we need ways of strengthening our Euro-Atlantic links in order to provide more security along with more rights.
First of all, we keep calling on Russia to ensure a proper investigation.
I would like to take advantage of the presence of the Commission to ask what it is doing or plans to do in this regard.
What this means is that certain European governments are playing with fire.
The programme of the Czech Presidency signals continued intensification of the anti-grassroots attacks by the ΕU in order to shift the impact of the crisis in the capitalist system on to the working class and poor grassroots classes, an increase in EU aggression against the people and imperialist intervention and improvements to its capability for military intervention around the world.
Adjournment of the session
Energy use is responsible for 80% of the total EU emissions of greenhouse gases.
Nevertheless, we are now - after Tampere, after the Hague - in charge of drawing up this multiannual Stockholm programme, and today it is too early for me to formulate precise ideas about the content of the next multiannual programme.
It could be caused by an increase in the quantity of counterfeit goods coming into the EU, but it could also be a result of improved detection by the customs authorities.
Transfers of appropriations: see Minutes
We will now suspend the sitting.
My group is particularly concerned with this question.
rapporteur. - Mr President, I should like to thank everyone who has stayed back tonight and participated in this debate, and also the Commissioner for his response to the debate.
The matter of species preservation - and this is my point - is not some kind of charitable institution for a few poor little bugs that we should simply manage to do without.
It would also be good if Prime Minister Erdogan put his own house in order in the areas of the situation of the Kurds, acknowledging the genocide of Armenians and equality of rights for women.
I strongly ask the Commission what it intends to do to ensure that the Italian Government falls in line with standards of the European Union directives, particularly with regard to the recent ruling by the Court of Justice, which strongly condemned Italy for not being able to dispose of waste in Campania.
The amendment proposed in the report removes the obligation on a Member State to pursue new offences when they are committed outside the territory of this Member State but on behalf of a legal person established on its territory, or against its institutions or population, or against a European institution with its headquarters in the Member State concerned.
- (FR) Madam President, as for what Mrs McGuinness said, I share your opinion entirely.
That cannot be the European Union's intention.
As I do not have time, I will only draw one conclusion.
We do not need mechanisms to tackle debt that are excessively automatic and pro-cyclical, which risk failing to meet the objective and, if anything, risk hindering actions to boost economic growth.
Furthermore, from today, all citizens of EU Member States, including Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania, will also be able to travel to Taiwan without a visa.
When judging figure skating, we discard the highest and lowest marks and then award the score.
So what can we do?
Mr President, we have just had a debate in this Chamber on the common agricultural policy, where we reiterated the importance of supporting a European model, unique in the world.
Such action has clear public support, as shown by opinion polls carried out thus far.
The producer price for milk fell, and at present many milk producers are having to sell dairy products at a price that does not reflect production costs.
I would consider it a great pity if this were voted through together because, in the final event, we are not giving up on harmonisation at European level, but rather want to increase it in order to bring about an improvement for all men and women.
Moreover, this fund can be targeted not only at issues of social inclusion, but also at greater vocational mobility of European citizens.
The regulations and the directive on social rules in road transport currently in force afford the Member States a great deal of scope for interpretation and this results in a failure to achieve uniform transposition into national law in the Member States.
The fact is, that this country is vital for European and global security, and it is for this reason, as Pino Arlacchi's report details very well, that we need to correct the huge errors committed in the move to investing in 'Afghanisation' and putting the human safety of the Afghan people first, which involves a responsibility to protect on the part of the foreign forces present.
Both meetings revealed a flagrant lack of transparency as regards contracts between Gazprom and Naftogaz and especially a lack of confidence which prevents progress in reaching an agreement.
Last week I published my second annual report on that very subject.
It maintains the focus on the better regulation agenda in line with previous similar initiatives taken last year by the European Parliament.
Then we can have a more reasonable interpretation of the requirement of the legality and regularity of transactions.
The Commission will respect this commitment and propose this general alignment of all non-priority acts.
The Court also maintains the view that well-designed rules and regulations which are clear to interpret and simple to apply not only decrease the risk of error but can also reduce the costs of controls.
Furthermore, SMEs naturally also have other financial instruments at their disposal within the European Union, in particular in connection with the Structural Fund.
No - it means, in fact, that MEPs do not really believe the European Central Bank can be a solution, a remedy, to the crisis, or that it can be a lifebelt.
We are putting more emphasis on the exchange of good practices and we hope that in this way we will acquire the experience necessary to suggest, as soon as possible, a pilot project of interest to as many Member States as possible.
Order of business
We should not make it a scapegoat for our own domestic economic and social problems.
Fourthly, what does the Commission intend to do about the Court of First Instance's judgment in the Danish TV2 case?
The compromise reached on the main sensitive points of the Commission's proposal, the open declaration of raw materials and the creation of a Community list of raw materials, is a good reflection, in my opinion, of this balance.
A lot is going to be said at the biodiversity conference about the need to put in place the correct measures, but if all we end up with is a pious declaration, we will achieve very little.
It is also essential to create a pan-European crisis map, on the basis of which those areas of the European Union can be assessed where abject poverty and social exclusion most seriously afflict the Roma and non-Roma communities, and through which the European Commission, supporting the Member States, can start the work of desegregation, which the governments have been putting off for decades as a result of different political commitments.
It is a single culture in the universe, and it is not multiple.
The Commission is of the view that the proposed criteria ought to ensure a high level of protection without making plant protection unworkable or dysfunctional.
However, Member States will continue to apply policies promoting investments which will supplement and be compatible with the common international investment policy.
The competition and innovation programme, the CIP, is struggling for support and the financing for SET, the strategic energy technology programme, is at less than half.
Firstly, the Commission's report said that the proposal was largely uncontested in the Council as elsewhere.
The EU-Africa Summit was a success.
draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Petitions. - (ES) Thank you, Mr President, and friend, for those kind words that, obviously, are emotionally affecting at a time when I am in the House for the last time in this term of office, to thank for their collaboration all those with whom I have had the honour of working and, also, to ask forgiveness for any mistakes I may have made.
They seek to replace the reforms which are finally taking place with increased sales promotion measures and information campaigns.
I am in favour of introducing an appropriate transition period because the production cycle in the automotive industry is complex and needs a long time to adapt.
in writing. - (SV) We have no objections to informing and educating citizens in the Member States objectively and factually about EU cooperation.
Judging by the progress made by Montenegro in various areas, it is clear that the country is taking preparations for European integration seriously.
Thirdly, the European Council is due to endorse the treaty change needed to allow for the establishment of the European Stability Mechanism in 2013, with its capacity to assist - on the basis of strict conditionality - euro area Member States in financial difficulties.
The NGOs can submit projects to it without the support of their government, and that is important.
I strongly believe that it is in both our interests to cooperate in this area, and no less important to show Europe's citizens that we are cooperating.
8.
I am glad the problems for disabled and older tourists have been taken into account, though perhaps more attention could have been devoted to them.
It changes the European Union's self-image regarding the importance of culture and its strategic importance to policy as a whole.
on behalf of the PPE Group. - Mr President, I would like to thank the Commissioner for his response.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue card question by Marije Cornelissen and Anneli Jäätteenmäki under Rule 149(8))
Risks to price stability over the medium term remain clearly on the upside in 2007 and have intensified over recent months.
It involves a lot of work and costs a lot of money.
The Commission would thus be able to carry out an analysis and determine whether a company controls the CRS and whether a company which has rights and participates in the management of the CRS influences the latter in a decisive manner.
In this case, Mr Barroso is the wrong man for the job of president.
Not that long ago, in the course of this legislative period, we also voted in Euro 5 and Euro 6 for passenger cars, thereby continuing the success story of exhaust gas standards for vehicles - in today's case heavy-duty vehicles - in Europe.
It is commendable that the rapporteur is seeking to establish a link between public procurement and fostering and promoting clean efficient vehicles, and I hope that this will lead to growth in investment and research of vehicles with low CO2 emissions.
Moreover, before reaching adulthood, women are young girls, and violence against a young girl will prevent her from enjoying life forever.
Why would doctors send a teacher to work so hard with a boy whom they did not believe would survive?
In the research sector, there are subsidies for space research, the objective of which is global monitoring while, on the other hand, the overwhelming majority of actions concerning social integration, social exclusion and young people have had their subsidies cut.
I likewise think that the United Nations resolution on the universal moratorium on the use of the death penalty must be put into practice.
We have to create a training network.
We face a great challenge in these final weeks leading up to Copenhagen.
All the Member States have social services and social benefits, yet even after receiving them one sixth of people live in poverty.
I would also like to thank Mrs Patrão Neves, who has done an excellent job of conducting the negotiations.
There are plenty of ideas for the countries along the Danube, but what is important are the priorities used to launch the strategy.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, before I come to the report, I would like to respond to Mr Meyer and Mr Tavares.
The principle of subsidiarity means that urban policy falls within the competence of the Member States.
In many of these matters we already have certain quantifications, certain calculations since, in parallel with the principles, we are getting to know the forecasts, the first budget preliminaries for 2009.
We are losing hundreds of thousands of enterprises every year in Europe which could easily continue to exist if the transfer from one generation to the next could be organised in a better way.
This is why I am asking you to reject the proposed amendment to paragraph 16, but to preserve the initial wording, which calls on us to put our own house in order.
Instead, it will mean analysing and peer-reviewing the broad budgetary guidelines and fiscal balance before the submission of the draft national budgets by governments to Parliament with the legal right, based on the treaty and pact, for the EU to make recommendations and ask for corrective action from the Member States concerned.
Let us hope that I am wrong.
But perhaps you can resolve another little problem for me.
The undifferentiated labelling of trans fats will only confuse consumers, create a negative image of healthy dairy products and have undesirable effects on consumption, undermining public health (reduced intake of important nutrients such as calcium and proteins, for example).
It was particularly shocking that the Commissioner should totally disregard the social drama and strong impact of the soaring food prices recorded in recent months - exacerbated by abandonment of the land and the disappearance of many thousands of farms - and push for a cut in the meagre support received by around 70 000 Portuguese smallholders by proposing a minimum threshold while forgetting to indicate a maximum one.
(FR) Madam President, Mr President-in-Office of the Council, President of the Commission, ladies and gentlemen, with the Copenhagen Summit less than two weeks away, concerns are growing as to the success of the negotiations on climate change.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I thank the honourable Member for his positive comments about the internal market scoreboard.
And the companies affected are essentially taking on the role of private consumers.
- (NL) Mr President, in the Gruber report, Parliament is following the particularly one-sided quantitative economic approach to the immigration problem.
Written explanations of vote
Supplementary regulations are needed in this respect to protect the financial interests of the EU and to give auditing powers to the Court of Auditors.
I deplore, I condemn, I urge, I demand, but we also need to act and that action has to come in different forms.
We agreed on guarantees and rules of the road for supporting the banks.
The move towards the liberalisation of building products in the construction sector represents one of the requests for greater sensitivity received from small and medium-sized enterprises.
For his commitment to the all-too-long-forgotten victims in Darfur, the Conference decided that the prize would be awarded to Salih Mahmoud Osman.
Madam President, the subject of today's debate is a violation of human rights that took place during the 1930s, during the Japanese occupation, when young women in the Imperial Armed Forces were sexually exploited and forced into prostitution, despite the fact that the Japanese Government had signed international conventions on combating traffic in women and children and supported the UN Resolution on Women, Peace and Security.
Our new and former colleague Martin Kastler has now arrived too.
As the rapporteur and the other speakers said, this is a necessary exercise, but obviously we should try to clarify it.
This requires a joint effort.
In turn, these influenced the deficits that the Member States have as a result of our political and social system, which protects those in the most vulnerable situations, such as those who lose their jobs.
In Europe, one mammal in six is at risk of extinction, and when one species disappears, it can create a domino effect with regard to all the others.
As regards the application of the principle of mutual recognition, which is also one of the pivotal aspects in the construction of an area of justice, freedom and security, the framework decision on the enforcement of decisions rendered in absentia will allow existing instruments, such as the European arrest warrant, to be reinforced.
As point eight of the discharge report concerning the European Council says, this progress is due to the positive attitude and efforts of the Hungarian Presidency.
The opposite action should, in fact, be taken: this fund should be closely linked to the others, particularly regional policy instruments, so as to increase its effectiveness.
The report calls for a move away from the historical payment system by 2020, calling for an area basis plus objective criteria to replace the current regime.
I do not know what secret relations you have with the author of the question, but unfortunately we cannot continue.
Others, like Hannes Swoboda and Jan Marinus Wiersma, stress that we should not take a black-and-white approach to this and that Ukraine deserves some attention - you are also right: of course Ukraine is not making this easier.
To this end the Council intends to call on the Commission to study all the appropriate means of achieving this.
We did this through the European Network for Diagnostics of 'Imported' Viral Diseases, which is funded under the public health programme.
The issue of the two 'missing' dossiers, on Civil Liability and Flag States, needs to be resolved by the Council one way or another, so it is important that Parliament keeps the pressure on by including them collectively in the Sterckx report on Vessel Traffic Monitoring, the Vlasto report on Port State Control and this report.
I would also like to thank Mrs Kuneva for her work on the Green Paper.
Then when we review the Scheme in 2012 we would really focus on the end-value to be gained from parental contributions.
We should also be aware that, with the current pre-electoral atmosphere in the US, it may not be easy at the present time to find a balanced settlement.
In my opinion, it was a significant achievement that we managed to place in an institutional framework a debate which had hitherto been informal and closed, or limited to closed circles and informal channels.
I am in favour of greater parliamentary involvement in the Union's economic governance and of the centralisation at European level of the exclusive supervision powers of the major cross-border financial institutions.
The objective of this report is the need to promote greater synergies between tax policy and development policy, making both more efficient; to that end, it identifies the difficulties that exist in developing countries with regard to the mobilisation of tax revenues.
I therefore support this resolution, which calls for the Ombudsman's activities to be given a higher profile.
Finally, of course, the salient point that led us to conciliation: Amendment 138.
Appropriate abilities must be preserved even at an older age, and this is possible only with a more modern, more accessible health service.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, I very much welcome your motion.
We will, at all times, promote the defence of human rights.
A further challenge that we face is how to work together to strengthen the practical applications of rules-based multilateralism based on our shared values.
(PL) Mr President, halfway through it has transpired that among the millennium goals, we have done worst in combating TB, HIV and malaria.
The 2012 and 2013 budgets will be consolidation budgets aimed at reflecting the Member States' spending cutbacks and setting a benchmark for the levels that will be established in the next financial framework.
The Middle East, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, defence, security and economic and commercial matters are discussed in detail.
I want to tell Rebecca Harms that it is unusual for us in Sweden to be criticised for our aid commitments.
Fourthly - finally - the procedure for resorting to the provisional twelfths system, in the unlikely yet possible event that we fail to reach an agreement on the 2010 budget: on this point, we feel that the Treaty of Lisbon's provisions are precise enough to rule out the need for a supplement.
Top of the political agenda today is the great economic crisis that the country is experiencing, the problem of returning migrants and, of course, violence and organised crime.
The subject of the draft recommendation is the participation of the Republic of Moldova in Union programmes.
President-in-Office. - (SL) I am honoured to be with you again today and, as President of the Council, to present to you the evaluation of the results of the Bali Climate Change Conference.
However, we also need a review of whether our measures are effective, which measures are effective and which new ones are needed.
Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we are disappointed that it has not been possible to reach agreement on the Novel Foods Regulation and that therefore, it is not possible to guarantee adequate information for consumers on the foods that we eat or to ensure that Europe has clear, strict rules on foods from cloned animals.
This is why we have created the European Platform of Women Scientists, which serves as a catalyst and creates role models in scientific research.
We must ensure that they reach it, or else we shall have to raise the standards they have to meet to do so.
In a Slovak school in the Hungarian village, Slovak is taught as a foreign language for 3 hours a week and a priest says mass in Hungarian.
An active presidency, a mobilised Council, a European Parliament on the offensive and tenacious civil organisations are helping fashion Europe as an effective world player: this is very good and encouraging news.
They need to be able to take informed decisions.
(PT) Madam President, President-in-Office of the Council, Mr Vice-President of the Commission, ladies and gentlemen, we are facing a crisis of mass illegal immigration which has consequences for the security and cohesion of the whole European Union.
They withdrew from this scheme many years ago.
To conclude, Mrs Reding, with reference to Europol, I would like to know why a Council decision is going to be replaced by a Europol regulation by 2013.
Pending this, the EU Member States should implement unilateral actions to prohibit the use and transfer of these bombs, as many states have already done and others are preparing to do.
We, Europeans in the rich, democratic countries, must do everything we can today so that the EU is open for the civil societies of Belarus and Ukraine.
An ongoing change is taking place in the distribution of roles between Parliament and the Council within the budgetary procedure.
We have big military potential, largely untapped, so decisions to use military assets and to support each other in pooling and sharing are something that we need to take forward.
While the average price for butter today is EUR 4.10, it was EUR 4.50 in 1982.
This agreement provides for specific instruments to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in EU territorial waters more effectively.
Taking a relativistic attitude to the violation of humanitarian and international law and granting the perpetrators exemption from punishment will only lead to new suicide attacks and wars, and the spiral of violence will continue.
The European Union is the joint home of national, ethnic and religious minorities as well, and precisely for this reason, the EU can no longer put off providing them with institutional, legally regulated protection.
A large number of Roma drifted to the periphery of society in this very period of the past 20 years.
Some of you have said, 'It is too little, too late'.
That is why we must promote lifelong learning for adults.
Why is it so important now?
At the recent NATO summit, Albania and Croatia were allowed to join, but FYROM was not invited to do so.
Right now, however, we are talking about China and there we are more or less powerless, as has already been said.
It saddens me that we have not achieved more.
Secondly, it is a bit rich to reproach a parliamentary report when Member States refused to instigate police or judicial inquiries.
I completely disagree with the current state of affairs regarding 'Ley de Costas', but I also think that, especially in this moment of economic crisis, it is not responsible to take such a strong stand, as hundreds of thousands of citizens would be affected if funds were withheld.
With this directive, we want to change that. With this directive, we have strengthened the Member States' responsibilities.
Finally, we cannot overlook support for development, as it is important to maintain the commitment to set aside 0.7% of the gross national income of each Member State for developing countries.
We know that the legitimate authorities in Brazil have this case in hand and that the Italian citizen is being held in Brazil.
The strategy of the Council and the Presidency of the Council regarding energy and energy security is the need to move towards a greater differentiation in terms of suppliers and sources of energy and its distribution.
Mr President, it is clear that, since the 1995 directive, which is the predecessor of this directive, remarkable growth has been recorded in tourism and we must acknowledge, in particular, the great prospects that the economic system of tourism will contribute to the European economy as a whole in the near future.
How can these objectives be achieved with the budget being reduced?
(HU) Mr President, we would like to assess the results of the Swedish Presidency retrospectively from a 10-20 year perspective.
Considering that more than half of the utilised agricultural area in the EU (54%) is classed as less-favoured areas - whether because of orography, climatic conditions or less fertile land - and that such a measure is essential to rural development, we conclude that aid for less-favoured areas must constitute a priority for the Member States.
Mr Erdoğan's agenda is that of an Islamic party and, on that point too, the balance would shift if Turkey joined the EU.
For the same reasons adaptations to economic changes also require public measures aimed not only at creating an overall framework to promote economic competitiveness, but also at targeted support to anticipate preparations for restructuring and socially responsible management of restructuring.
Together with the Court, we looked at what could be a more realistic task for the Court, perhaps covering the budget over a three-year cycle, rather than annually, and asking the Court to take into account that most Commission control systems are multi-annual, ensuring that errors are corrected over time.
Furthermore, the European Union needs an eco-efficient industrial policy which will guarantee the link between innovative capacity and the EU's production units, thereby helping create jobs across the whole EU and maintain its global competitiveness.
The new directive also makes it possible, to a limited extent, to take specific national conditions into consideration, where this is dictated by economic requirements and the state of the roads.
We believe that Parliament and the Council have indeed improved the text.
It has lost sight of the one thing it needs most - democracy - and forgotten the only people that matter - its citizens.
It can be of a global and general nature.
Davide is aimed at everyone who wishes to protect their computer against unsafe websites.
It is yet another own goal.
Honourable ladies and gentlemen!
I think it is very important for farmers right now that a clear signal be sent to them as to what is likely to happen, so that they will not be left to wild speculation, not knowing whether to buy or sell stock based on the historic model.
I can only hope so, and wish for the French Presidency to make the adoption of the common position in the next two weeks another of the great achievements of its term of office.
And we may soon face transition in the occupied Palestinian territory.
It is also advocating a possible reduction in CO2 emissions of 50 million tonnes.
We discussed fairly extensively just yesterday and the day before yesterday the issue of solidarity between new and old Member States.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting: see Minutes
It could help make the staple diet in the European Union healthier.
The commission should complete its work within three months.
Speculative activities, which represent a significant risk, should be discouraged by increasing the capital requirements and applying the Basel rules internationally.
Territorial cohesion is essentially about achieving balanced development across the EU and in this context it should constitute a central objective of all community policies.
With a broad majority, you have a new Commission for your second period of office - I hope that you will improve everything, that you will re-inject dynamism into Europe, that you will promote technology and that we will not only talk about redistribution but that we will compete with the other economic regions of the world.
It is an area and a power, and it will be increasingly recognised in the fields of defence and foreign policy.
At the moment there is particular concern about the fact that thousands or hundreds of thousands of families are facing serious problems regarding loan flexibility.
Anything else will not be in the interests of the European Union or Croatia and its people.
This attitude has not been abandoned in any way in the light of the financial crisis; instead industry has begun to use the financial crisis to exert even more pressure against a systematic climate and energy policy.
That is why I was delighted to welcome the report by Mrs Klaß on the situation of women in rural areas.
(The President cut off the speaker)
It is this worrying fact that makes it essential to adopt resolute initiatives at all levels to curtail this phenomenon.
Out of the total retained ships, 8.7% were cargo ships, 2.9% passenger ships, 2.7% ships carrying chemical substance and 0.5% oil tankers.
The solution found in the end - the appointment of two members of the National Assembly - is unacceptable.
These troops cannot possibly be neutral.
Mrs Harms, no one in this House wishes to curtail the right to free Internet access.
It does not mention that the food crisis is the result of current agricultural and trade policies such as the CAP and free trade, and it does not make the fair and necessary criticism of these policies or call for the change that is needed.
Moreover, in view of this, it has also become a debate about whether we, the European institutions, are able to ensure that both these principles and provisions are respected, whether we are able to speak clearly, and whether we can be uncompromising in their defence if necessary.
On the other hand, there is a great humanitarian problem, and I think that the European Union must get involved in this on a major scale.
There is no other body in the world with executive and legislative initiative powers that is subject to such requirements: its President has to present a programme to Parliament; it has to attend hearings with all parliamentary groups; it is subject to an absolute majority vote; and it must bring all the commissioners here to be heard one by one on their own programmes, followed by three or four hours of direct questions - questions that must be answered.
It is true that establishing the rules for the refusal of prior authorisation is sensible and makes the situation clearer.
They contributed to political cohesion, to economic growth, to employment, to territorial cohesion, to equal opportunities and to strengthening Europe's standing in the world.
Although I am in favour of cooperation that is more intergovernmental in nature, I realise that there are cases in which we need our laws to be as uniform as possible in the Union.
The EU and Member States have made a concerted effort to resolve the problem.
Faced with the progressive loss of species and, therefore, of biological richness on earth, it is important for us to set ambitious objectives on the protection of fauna and flora while ensuring that humankind can continue to exploit their riches.
In addition, the current situation in Georgia makes it imperative that the Member States really do press on seriously with a common foreign energy policy, with energy diversification.
As has already been stated, the Irish Government, of which my party is a member, has already declared that it will reverse the minimum wage cut as agreed in that programme.
There is an outreach - a greater offer.
We will have to help these countries to adapt their economies and to combat climate change, but we will also have to think up a radically different development policy.
We need such new technologies for energy efficiency, renewables, zero emission, coal use and nuclear energy.
The financial mechanism for Greece serves the immediate need for the current purposes.
We must also put pressure on the Sri Lankan Government to sign up to the Ottawa Convention and to remove land mines.
in writing. - I supported this report, as it is in line with the amendment I tabled on the financing of large scale CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) demonstration plants, in my report on the review of the EU's Emissions Trading System.
Therefore, once they have evaluated the rapid ageing of Europe's population, I call on the Commission and the Council to find other means of ensuring normal living conditions for current and future pensioners.
However, we chose to vote against the report by Mr Gauzès today.
On behalf of the EPP, I have added several suggestions to the Domenici report which had the support of other political groups as well.
In my opinion, the budget of the Fund should be significantly increased in the future, so that it will be able to meet social needs.
For example, it is astonishing to think that the European Union launched an appropriate system for monitoring rail traffic - the ERTMS - back in 2000, and that, in spite of this, 10 years later, the system has been adopted by only a very few Member States.
The European Union in particular cannot, in my opinion, continue to do nothing.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (FR) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, as its title suggests, this question deals with the economic consequences of the GMO authorisation procedure.
I should like to add something else.
- (SV) Aviation must pay for its environmental costs, and therefore this proposal is good.
Those of us who have met US Members of Congress know that there is a serious move afoot and thus a very serious prospect of legislation in the United States, so I think there is still real hope for a deal in Copenhagen.
I believe that to be a reasonable reaction on the Commission's part, given the special economic situation in which many companies find themselves.
At the same time, it moves Europe away from the independent and pacific role which it should play in settling international problems.
The criticisms that have been levelled at these texts - some of which I have heard repeated even here in this Chamber - have, for example, raised the spectre of the Olivennes Agreement.
Europe has always taken an interest in the fisheries sector.
The Commission should take permanent corrective measures, one of which is traceability and should be a priority objective.
This is an instrument to be adopted using the codecision procedure, but the Council is not here.
The things that deter people from exploiting this opportunity are language barriers and a lack of information.
For that reason I cannot support your resolution and I shall vote against it.
Last but not least, it must contribute to maintaining viable rural communities, for which agriculture is an important economic activity, creating local jobs.
The freedom of movement which lies at the heart of the single market means that this is an issue of importance to a great many citizens across Europe.
The Lisbon Treaty actually offers an excellent opportunity to take our collaboration with Parliament a step further, and this will be a key priority for the Commission's trade policy in the years ahead.
Just as your resolution adopted on Belarus after the 28 September elections helped us to move forward, we hope that we can continue to receive your support during our term.
These deaths are a reminder of the gravity of the security situation in this region.
In this case, we need the hands of the World Trade Organization.
Of course some countries are further ahead in this struggle than others.
However, I have my doubts and I fear that we will continue to experience what has been going on for the past year.
It has acted not as a judge but as a doctor; not a surgeon, though, but more like a psychiatrist.
Because if there is not, what objection can you have to putting this into the directive?
As far as a free-trade area between the United States, Europe and others is concerned, right now I believe that the main job to be done is the one that Mr Lamy and others are embarking on, that of making the Doha Round a success.
Fascism, racism and xenophobia are faces of the same coin. Born and bred of the capitalist system, which creates, maintains and nurtures these fascist groups.
The euro is a stable currency.
These best practices can mean a lot to us.
As a liberal MP from Slovenia and a former journalist, I am of the opinion that freedom of expression and freedom of the press are the two most important human rights.
We cannot have a dynamic economy unless we have motivated workers.
I welcome the European Commission's initiative to direct EUR 1 billion into solving the foodstuff crisis.
This is draining for the workers and also the people in the supply sector, and clarity is needed without delay - clarity, but, above all, a serious, honest approach.
It is necessary to develop joint initiatives with the Russian Government aimed at enhancing world security and stability and, in particular, on common neighbours, in order to achieve a peaceful resolution of the conflicts in Nagorno-Karabakh, in Transnistria and in Georgia, in line with international law.
We cannot go on as a European Union buying our own debt.
Madam President, in the first weeks of March we were witnesses of a dramatic coup d'état in Madagascar.
It respects these and recognises their value, but it also tries to lay down general and basic principles.
On the one hand, the European Parliament has itself considerably amended the Council's draft on commitment appropriations.
Moreover, to guarantee effective enforcement the courts must be able to order the disclosure and freezing of the debtor's assets within the context of measures to provide interim legal protection.
in writing. - Much has been said in this plenary session on the effect of the bailout package on the Republic of Ireland.
We are now witnessing the fatal consequences of that decision.
I should like to make an observation with regard to inspection.
No, you want further integration and you want the small states to suffer more.
Therefore, as has just been touched on, I am not of the opinion that Damüls-Mellau is a case where this blocking procedure should have been applied.
Please God.
Increasing the proportion of older employees and women in active employment is only a short-term solution.
It is clear that in order to achieve these objectives, it is necessary to adopt reforms without delay, so that people seeking asylum in EU Member States are provided with effective protection.
If I could welcome the answer given so far by the Commissioner but also ask him to make sure that human rights in this field are kept in mind at all times.
The price and reliability of energy supply are critical factors in EU competitiveness.
We are worried, extremely worried, because the worst thing that could happen is that we carry out stress tests in the near future and get the kinds of results which will provide the perfect excuse for many of the operators of very old power plants, including those in the area where I live, to keep them in operation even longer, instead of closing them.
This will not work, because science does not allow itself to be manipulated.
Construction is already complete.
Madam President, since the Iraq War, this country, instead of being liberated from a military dictator, is sinking into violence.
Those people are quite legitimately more sensitive and more aware of manifestations or tendencies pointing to ends other than freedom and prosperity.
Much is said about the rights of consumers to know about the food, domestic equipment or home fittings which they buy.
The priority objective, while complying with current laws, should be to stamp out this disease that in its varied and terrible forms continues to claim too many victims throughout Europe.<0 The task and duty of setting out on this path falls to us.
In order to prevent crimes, one must increase awareness.
Parliament is prepared to cooperate in monitoring whether the programmes launched are truly successful, and whether they fulfil the objective for which they were established.
In the meantime, the advantages and disadvantages of such a body need to be studied with care.
May I also acknowledge the effort everyone has made on this.
I think that if you do that you will restore some credibility here, because I think that we remain unconvinced on that side about what you are planning to do.
I would first like to defend the balance of the report proposed today by Mr Capoulas Santos.
However, in another very important respect, it is also a problem that has to do with overcapacity.
Given that I myself was an MEP at the time of the vote on the report by Evelyne Gebhardt and left Parliament just a few days before the debate on Bernadette Vergnaud's report, I well understand the reasons for that regret.
We cannot accept that, since European integration means open dialogue.
draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality. - (EL) Mr President, Commissioner, I think that the multiannual programme on protecting children using the Internet and other communication technologies is the European Union's head start in the global field of child protection.
MEPs have today called for a revision of the EU's health response mechanisms.
You are already aware of them but I would like to highlight a number of points.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I trust that the forthcoming session of the Justice and Home Affairs Council to be held in two days' time will make important decisions concerning both the expansion and the verification aspects of the Schengen issue, but in a way that guarantees the freedom of movement of our citizens.
Tenth anniversary of the mine ban treaty (Ottawa Convention) (motions for resolutions tabled): see Minutes
I want to make a few comments about the efforts we are making to be able to offer support to all languages spoken in the European Union.
in writing. - (FR) I voted for the report by my esteemed colleague, Mathieu Grosch, on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for access to the international road haulage market which aims to merge the texts regulating access to the international road and cabotage transport market, currently governed by previous regulations and directives.
It is likely that Raúl Castro incited his followers to use violence against the opposition during the recently finished Sixth Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba, and Cuban dissidents point to him as bearing responsibility for this latest murder.
The clashes in May and June 2009 gave rise to war crimes and crimes against humanity, and thousands of civilians lost their lives.
Like my fellow Members, I had hoped to finally hear today that yes, we have reached that point.
Gambling is often correctly associated with crime at international level, and cross-border gambling rings which are much easier to run via the Internet jeopardise the laws of various nations and harbour risks to national sovereignty.
It appears that the work on the justice portal may do that: it may give information about who, what, where, which lawyers, which interpreters, where to get legal aid - all sorts of information.
Therefore, the best social policy is one which helps create jobs.
(Loud applause)
But of course many of you raised the issue of workable search engines, and this is really not an easy task.
It is challenged on the grounds that freedom of movement takes precedence over the right to strike.
Almost one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over 80 suffer from dementia.
In conclusion, all the indications are that the civil defence sector is one where the EU needs a capacity to act, because some disasters are on a scale too big for individual Member States to tackle.
(CS) Mr President, if we want to revitalise the European economy and boost competitiveness in the global environment, our core objective must be, finally, after 20 years, to remove all barriers preventing small and medium-sized enterprises in particular from developing their business activities.
- Madam President, I supported this report mainly because the paragraphs I had some concern about were either deleted or modified in a way which I felt was appropriate.
However, one part of the text is misleading and prejudicial to the discussions under way in New York on the reform of the Security Council.
Verification of credentials: see Minutes
As to the social measures which the Commissioner has proposed: all I can say is that it has been apparent for some time that social measures are required.
The European Union must send a clear message to the rest of the world: the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement must be a bulwark against all counterfeiting.
Commissioner, you have to assure a level playing field for entrepreneurial activity in Europe to make our continent fit for global competition.
This agreement has a much greater environmental and social bias than its 1994 predecessor.
The fact that in many EU Member States, you need, for example, to register for a place in a crèche even before your child is born or that there are waiting lists of several months to register for a place at nursery highlights that there are not enough childcare facilities in Europe.
However, it is clearly better to have voluntary agreements than no agreements at all and therefore I support them.
That is 7% of the UK population - at least five times higher, as a proportion, than in any other country.
Once again we see the European Union not taking into account the wishes of the people of Europe.
I think that there is just one point that has not yet been made here today and that is the need to acknowledge that Europe is now some way behind in terms of research and innovation.
What is even worse is that it is promoting the old idea of European economic governance.
The arrest of Farai Maguwu, the Director of the Centre for Research and Development, following an interview with Mr Chikane, a monitor for the Kimberley Process, is therefore, unfortunately, just one more episode to add to the long list of human rights abuses in that country.
I would like to look more closely at General Motors.
This would only make sense if, in the election of the Commission, it was possible to vote for the individual candidates, which it currently is not.
I think we have to take this matter very seriously and I would urge the Commissioner to look at this again.
Here we have an example of the consequences of a market-orientated common agricultural policy, which promotes models of intensive production for export, which in turn favours large-scale agro-industry at the cost of small and medium-sized agriculture and family farming.
This way, the EU is frankly making itself completely ridiculous.
We try to insert a human rights clause in every framework agreement which we conclude with a third country.
The Euromed space must be an area of prosperity, freedom and development.
Secondly, awareness can lead to a greater understanding of the symptoms and, consequently, early diagnosis.
Even if we still have discussions within the Group ahead of us, I would like to state here and now that I am not at all satisfied with the compromise with regard to the restriction of the rights of Internet users in cases where infringements are believed to have been committed.
But what I am also very mindful of is something that the Secretary-General of the Arab League said to my delegation visiting him yesterday: we have to define what we need, because a no-fly zone by definition means different things to different people.
This is because the report is insufficient and does not put enough emphasis on the right issues.
He was seized by state security forces on 3 February in Chad, but managed to escape to Cameroon before being offered asylum in France.
Someone should stand up for common sense and healthy scepticism, and it seems to me that the European Parliament has a not insignificant role to play in this regard.
Ladies and gentlemen, that will be a moment of truth, illustrating whether our true approach to women's rights is actually what we say it is.
There is an urgent need for action here.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, while I accept that those who so strongly criticised the Hungarian law want only freedom for the media and nothing else, I think we also need to show respect for the work of the Commission and the content of the debate in Parliament.
The EU, however, must have the ability to react to policy changes caused by major challenges.
For this reason, we need a more precise definition of the scope of this form of employment.
In the 1970s and 1980s we accepted public deficits, whilst playing down their effects. The result was mass unemployment in Europe, which we have now brought down to 7.2% with - and thanks to - the euro.
10.
A European Agency on linguistic diversity would quickly become a means for the French-speaking minority to circumvent the compulsory use of Dutch in Flanders.
The quality of the democratic debate will not be improved by swelling the ranks of non-attached members.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, thank you for giving me this opportunity to make a few comments about the reform of our wine sector.
Only the President of the Commission has full legitimacy.
The fertility index in European countries varies between 1.1 and 1.3.
I voted for the directive on the indication by labelling of energy consumption.
In any event, cooperation between the two organisations needs to be based on transparency, complementarity and respect for each other's independence.
The next item is the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the 16th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (Geneva, 28 February - 25 March 2011).
(SV) - There is good reason to work together to create a smoothly functioning transport system between Member States with a view to promoting the internal market.
We have perfectly good facilities in Brussels.
Energy is a major factor, but there is also impressive growth in services.
Furthermore, I note with interest that not one European leader on the left or on the right backed socialist measures in Brussels last week.
Are they written down anywhere?
When considering this tragedy, however, we should also remember the reason for this state of affairs.
It should also be remembered, right here and now, that those who condemned the European Union's relations with the ACP States were precisely those other developing countries that had perfectly legitimate claims for access to our markets but had been left out, for the simple reason that they were not former colonies of current EU Member States.
Resources needed for social provisions are increasingly difficult to obtain from dwindling public sources (taxes).
1.
12.
That is why it is so important that Parliament should again send Canada a strong signal at this point.
Subject: Ethical review of funding for research under FP7
Solidarity, also, because the trade concessions generously granted by the Commission to the WTO are in danger of dealing a fatal blow to this agricultural sector in our ACP partner countries.
Spanish is spoken by 850 million people.
Not all EU citizens have access to quality health services.
As well as the deficit, the level of public debt must be analysed and best practices regarding this issue adopted, in such a way as to make a more stable situation possible and to prevent the recurrence of the same errors in the future.
As usual I would like to congratulate the rapporteur on an excellent report, and I fully agree with him that we must make sure that the system becomes more consolidated and, above all, more productive and more useful.
Its main power will be to supervise agencies of this kind.
We should have either one or the other, but not both.
This is a new undemocratic and authoritarian decision that further hinders the establishment of political groups.
10.
It was created under the MEDIA International action which, since 2007, has focused on the development of the European Union's relations with the audiovisual markets of third countries.
The vast majority of us - that is, the majority of this Parliament - have spoken up for human rights and for the cultural autonomy of Tibet.
I am in favour of a European patent system, but, on reflection, and for reasons of language, I abstained from voting on the present report.
in writing. - (PL) I fully support the resolution in question.
This would, of course, be good; there are just a few conditions there that would need to be met, such as the approval of the Duma and properly functioning borders.
I come from a country that has experienced the trauma of a negative referendum with no Plan B. You were there already, Mr Barroso.
That is an abuse and misuse of language.
We want to support the Commission on this, in the hope that its work will proceed faster and be more effective, and we should wish the Commission success in this regard.
Within the OSCE framework, Member States coordinate their work so as to ensure that the commitments made by the 56 OSCE participating states in this area are respected and implemented.
We have to deal with companies operating under pressure of costs, meaning that they are constantly putting their suppliers under pressure of costs, thereby contributing to prices constantly being reduced.
I think it is important not to invest exclusively in the area of technology, either, which is an important area. We should also invest in a system for arts and humanities, which should also have an area of cooperation with public bodies and with business.
Last year the European Union placed environmental issues and particularly the issue of global warming at the centre of its policy-making.
Their emancipation and protection are the sine qua non in putting a stop to the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.
In the preparation of the initial proposal, the Commission held extensive consultations of stakeholders from all sectors concerned and it carried out a comprehensive impact assessment.
As Parliament, we have repeatedly made clear over many years that we consider it important in all these measures - whether it is the forwarding of PNR data or access to SWIFT banking data - that there are generally applicable data protection principles that can also be implemented at an individual level.
Moreover, the percentage of farms currently managed by young people is extremely low.
rapporteur. - (ES) Madam President, I would like to begin by emphasising what Mr Chatel said: the electronic communications sector is responsible for 25% of European growth and 40% of productivity.
In particular, the requirements concerning animal welfare should be imposed on all imports without exception. Economic and humanitarian interests require this to be the case.
The contents of the Treaty of Lisbon, the provisions of the 2020 EU strategy and the principles included in the Millennium Development Goals do not seem to be reflected, even in terms of future prospects, in the disconcerting reality, which is that great numbers of people live in misery even today.
I voted in favour of the Oomen-Ruijten report, because I think it is a good compromise that can support the dialogue between Member States and European Institutions on the modernisation of pension systems.
The cultural foundation of Europe is Christianity, so Christian values should be promoted and strengthened, and not undermined.
Is this not more trouble than it is worth?
If we allow our position to be weakened because of the weakness of the Council, we have not learned any lessons from the crisis.
This report deserves credit for demanding accountability from Member States.
in writing. - (DE) I voted in favour of this addendum to the Treaty on the Functioning of the Union because it has logical consequences for economic governance and promotes further coherence in the euro area with a view to common financial policy.
Their involvement may guarantee that the strategy will meet the relevant demands, resolve problems and contribute to the development of towns and villages as well as the macro-region as a whole.
Yes, Mr Weber, some areas are very sensitive, particularly the grounds of sexual orientation and religion.
However, let me also say that Elmar Brok's comments describe a little of my own view, namely that we need to define our interests clearly.
However, as far as I can tell, there is little to be seen of this in the Commission's specific proposal.
I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome my fellow Member, Mr Schulz, to the Committee on Budgets and remind him that the Committee meets in January.
Concerning cooperation within developing countries, I came across one case where the EU was giving EUR 1.2 million to a project in Ethiopia, and found that 17% VAT was being applied by the Ethiopian Government.
We get the impression with the proposals you are making now that you are actually encouraging over-regulation.
What kind of experiences have there been with it?
The Commission welcomes that resolution and very much appreciates the high quality of its content.
I am particularly pleased that the concept of mixed zones is retained.
I applaud in particular the introduction of an obligation to equip vehicles with a Brake Assist System (BAS), which will help to reduce the number of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians.
I welcome the interim report by the Temporary Committee on Climate Change and its recommendations on the EU's future integrated policy on climate change, and I strongly support the notion that the global average temperature increase should be limited to not more than 2°C. In addition to that, the European Union should make the effort to reduce emissions in a way that would keep the temperatures well below this two-degree cut-off point.
As far as the French Presidency is concerned, it announced in May, following the Dublin Conference, that it will sign the convention in early December.
It is quite unacceptable that an accession candidate should still be occupying parts of an EU Member State, namely Northern Cyprus, to say nothing of planning a military attack on another country, as is currently the case against Iraq.
In particular, it has a duty and a responsibility to stop the misleading commercial practices used by 'directory companies'.
Today, more than ever before, there is a need for the Union for the Mediterranean, for support for major projects and for institutional development.
In today's world, protecting a border does not only involve physically guarding it, but activities requiring additional knowledge and skills in a range of areas.
It had a slow start, but by the end of this year, they reckon about 10% of the world's fisheries will be MSE-certified.
If we can concentrate the treatment of these rare diseases into a few places in the EU, the patients' chance of recovery are much greater, as doctors who use their specialist skills frequently are better at achieving good results.
in writing. - (FR) The European Parliament has approved the Community Strategy for reducing CO2 emissions from passenger cars and I welcome this very much.
The European Union and its Member States reacted at once, and the Commission too took decisive action, sending EUR 2 million in emergency aid to China and assisting relief efforts by dispatching mobile hospital units, drugs, rescue equipment, and rubble-clearing gear.
They have anyway covered almost all aspects of the problem, which all think is complex, difficult and very acute.
The European Union must collaborate.
We have analysed, and we will continue to analyse, in 2010, all the gaps that exist today with regard to the protection of victims of terrorism in the various Member States.
Last but not least, it will be essential for the Commission to specify a precise time limit within which these signatures will be collected, or, as the case may be, collected in a valid manner, not forgetting, in particular, the need to retain the openness and transparency of the whole mechanism in such a way as to prevent it being abused by the interest groups that operate throughout the EU.
As you are probably well aware, it has issued, through the local authorities in Constantinople, a decision on so-called 'illegal fundraising' and subsequently frozen Amnesty International's bank accounts in Turkey.
As the coordinator of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament for the Committee on Petitions, I must express concern about the large number of cases where alleged maladministration was caused by a lack of transparency on the part of the European institutions.
I would like to express my most definite and unambiguous support for the strong views of Mr Olbrycht and Mrs Mazzoni, namely, the strong views I mentioned in earlier debates in the European Parliament, also shared by Commissioner Hahn, that although GDP does not reflect all dimensions of the stage of development, it is still the most reliable indicator available.
Composition of committees and delegations: see Minutes
I spoke about transfers under 18 years of age.
We consider that both the Council regulation and Parliament's report make excessively detailed and intrusive proposals.
How can it be that Sweden is heading in precisely the opposite direction?
In our opinion, in a case like this we should instead be working towards a proactive approach and establishing coordination at Community level: on the one hand to prevent unfair competition among Member States - for it is clear that there is to some extent a race between the Member States to see who can benefit most from the sure, long-term investment capacities of these sovereign wealth funds - and, on the other hand, to define and work together on strategic or sensitive sectors that need to be preserved.
The Commission is making significant efforts to help reform the education system in Kosovo.
We also need to do more to ensure that the Lisbon Strategy progresses at an even pace in all Member States: a slower pace of reform in one Member State has obvious knock-ons in the others.
Mr President, I believe that today's debate has shown and proved that Parliament can and should make a significant contribution to the development of the strategy.
There are many excellent candidates, and I hope the selection is based on merit, not politics.
I therefore appeal to the Commission and the Council to put forward this proposal as quickly as possible.
My compliments to Mrs Morgan; she has shown a great deal of energy and commitment.
That is the oral amendment: sympathy for the people.
I stand here before you as one who believes in a Europe of cooperating nations, not a Europe tied to the federalist approach of the Lisbon Treaty.
We submit the 'six-pack' to the Council in the knowledge that the Hungarian Presidency has done everything it could to come to an agreement, as praised by President Barroso and by your colleagues in this House in committee meetings.
A Communist country riding roughshod over human rights.
More than 70 000 men and women have been deployed in that period in more than 20 missions.
I voted for the renewal of the EU-South Africa cooperation agreement, as amended in 2009, because it introduces a new dimension to cooperation between the European Union and South Africa.
Measurements and studies carried out in the context of reduction of administrative burdens show that company law is one of the most burdensome areas of the EU acquis.
Blue card questions on a personal comment under Rule 151 are not permitted.
We do not have significant reservations here. However, we are glad that this debate is taking place and about the way it is being conducted.
The early years were dominated by the conflict between Kasavubu from the west, Lumumba from the north-east and Tshombe in the south-east.
Trade and Climate Change (vote)
Commissioner Kroes, you have a reputation as a woman of steel.
However, I must express my dissatisfaction at the final stage of this process, namely the informal meetings that were held with the Council with a view to reaching the second-reading agreement.
So we must put in place the institutional package agreed last December and supported by this Parliament: to settle the legal guarantees needed to take forward the referendum process in Ireland, and to take forward the steps to ensure a smooth transition and institutional stability.
If we concentrate all our services in the European Quarter, it gives real estate developers enormous opportunities to ask very high prices, which we have already seen in many cases.
The European Parliament is completely left out, and yet its agreement is an essential precondition for the agreement to come into effect.
The Communist Party of Greece is voting against the report because it endorses and follows the rationale of the Commission Communication on Ports, which promotes the EU's fixed objective of privatising the ports.
However, there was always a struggle for the idea of a united Europe there too, and we must appreciate ...
Mr President, so we should have had a vote on whether we wanted it or not.
However, this trust is based on reciprocal obligations.
Allow me to quote from one of these reports.
On the one hand, we have those who focus on robust regulation at international level, and on the other, those who lay stress on a strong stimulus package.
We need to clarify the position with Strasbourg city council first, because they must pay for it.
It also despairs of seeing these agreements signed rapidly.
(PT) Mr President, there is no point in repeating that the current situation is the most serious test of the survival of the euro and, therefore, of Europe.
Whilst EU funding in this area is to be welcomed, it is not fighting poverty.
(EL) Mr President, Commissioner, I am particularly pleased with your answer.
It is extremely important, too, to protect the aquatic environment and we must be rigorous here by establishing buffer zones fixed in accordance with local conditions.
Indeed, there needs to be as much participation as possible by women from every age group in lifelong learning programmes.
(Applause)
The fifth point I will borrow from Mr Deprez, who mentioned that the Commission would be responsible for writing a report within three years.
Closure of the sitting
In the future, the structuring of Europe, the Europe of the 21st century, will not be completed if it is not done through the infrastructures of communication, in this case, essentially through the railways.
Madam President, in all the discussions on the energy crisis, there is one aspect which my colleague, Anne Laperrouze, does mention, but which generally receives insufficient attention.
Regional policy, which has materialised in the form of Structural and Cohesion Funds, is rightly regarded as the most visible and tangible Community policy for the citizens of Europe.
Madam President, in reply to Ms Jäätteenmäki, I would say that I believe that children are the responsibility of their parents and nobody else.
It is also inseparable from the unresolved issue of reforming the monetary system and, with it, the currency war over the dollar's hegemony at global level.
The next item is therefore Voting time.
I have received six motions for resolutions tabled pursuant to Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure.
However, this will only be possible as long as nobody tries to establish a dictatorship there, nobody withdraws from the peace process and all the parties return to the negotiating table, or otherwise this wonderful, but ravaged, country will have no future.
I must emphasise that these finances are intended for redundant employees and not companies.
We have an interest in seeking common solutions to common problems, to continue partnership negotiations as quickly as possible and to enter into dialogue in a spirit of mutual understanding and mutual respect.
This prevents the EU contributing to a brain drain of highly qualified workers from, in particular, the developing countries.
Honourable Members were quite right to raise this question and it will be part of the discussions.
This report is harmful, and its effects are perverse.
Such mechanisms have been envisaged for Europe; now they also need to be envisaged for the WTO!
Significant improvement, I would say.
I was a shadow rapporteur then, too. On that occasion, we managed to get the Commission to sign a declaration in which it undertook to put forward measures that combat fine particulate matter at the very point at which it occurs.
It was said many times that we, meaning the European Union, must pursue a single and common approach when dealing with the United States.
Madam President, my congratulations to the rapporteur and to other colleagues.
Although I am pleased to note that we are calling for values which we Europeans consider to be fundamental, I also admit that it was with a certain sadness that I endorsed this report.
According to Commissioner Barnier, only Spain and Italy have shown no interest in this enhanced cooperation.
I congratulate Mr Siekierski on an excellent report.
Therefore Member states are encouraged to reprogramme their Structural Funds Operational Programmes in order to devote a better balance to energy efficiency investments, including where they fund social housing.
As we British Conservatives have consistently said, there was no substantive requirement for this far-reaching Treaty and, just this week, one of Europe's leading academic experts published a report on the effects of enlargement of the EU.
It goes against all economic sense and is nothing more than a further measure to make the EU into a transfer union.
As the title of your report indicates, what happens to the world's climate in 2015 and beyond will depend on what action the international community decides now.
Only 38% of current rail capacity is used.
I also believe that we must support the work that Europe is doing.
The business world has made it very clear that what small businesses need is not another political declaration but some real action.
To sum up, there are risks on all waters, and we need to take action on all waters.
To an unacceptable degree, they make the exercising of social rights subject to a 'proportionality principle' which far exceeds lawful restrictions (public order and health, for example) recognised in national laws and ILO conventions.
The next will be in one month's time at the next part-session in Strasbourg.
When the fences are high, the horses may well shy.
Ladies and gentlemen, I do not think that the loss of valuable time will benefit Israel, nor will it contribute to finding a successful solution.
In Honduras, with whom we are negotiating an agreement, a government remains in place that is simply the product of a military coup d'état which took place last year.
As a result, our most immediate tasks will be to complete the process of formally announcing our commitment; to consolidate an action framework comparable to that of other industrialised and emerging nations; and to make use of all the tools we have available, both within the European Union and in our relationships with third countries.
I think it is an unfair system when someone who is here on time does not get their question dealt with and I am extremely disappointed.
Particularly with regard to Kosovo's declaration of independence, it remains to be seen whether the ethnic peace with the Albanian minority can continue in the long term.
I therefore believe that, at this moment in time, some of our efforts must be devoted to providing these creators with an institutional system that allows them to take action.
Once again, on behalf of the House, may I express my sincere thanks to you personally and to the Slovenian Presidency.
This is, after all, the government of the country on whose territory Mrs Haidar is currently to be found.
Ultimately, we will have to take the path that leads away from oil, but we will need decades to go down that path.
It is an open secret that the data presented at the time by the European Commission regarding the effects of such a change came from the advertising materials of the producers of these new-technology light bulbs, and there is a great deal of evidence to indicate that this was the case.
However, because the process is not yet concluded, I have one question.
It is incumbent upon all of us to learn them.
At the same time, it is clear that any deepening of our bilateral relations will depend on Belarus proving its willingness to respect the principles of democracy, the rule of law and human rights.
Lastly, migration.
All of a sudden, at the last minute, you are going to propose someone and, within a week, the decision will have been taken.
We are discussing food safety in Europe.
It is time for us to ensure that direct payments are distributed fairly among Member States, regions and sectors.
There is therefore no longer any need to implement the IMF austerity plan.
We need an alternative policy that guarantees a fair distribution of income, stimulates economic activity, creates jobs, reinforces the state's role in the economy, boosts demand, encourages the growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and revives investment, bearing in mind the needs and specific aspects of each Member State.
This added to the belief that the vote was one of 'Yes' or 'No' to Europe rather than 'Yes' or 'No' to the Lisbon Treaty.
Mr Jouyet, I should like to ask you what the good reasons were on the part of the EU ministers for rejecting European intervention of this kind?
At the same time I believe we have to focus on communication, which should or must clearly show Europeans, why Europe needs a new treaty.
This practical example once again shows how inadequate the current measures have been.
I have to say that, when the Reul report was adopted at the last Plenary part-session, I was horrified to hear that we were back to talking about nothing but coal and nuclear-power options, and it fills me with utter shame that Europeans should now be offering African countries nuclear power as a solution to climate problems.
This is essential, because the EU can deal with Bosnia Herzegovina only as a whole, and not with its individual parts.
A report that equates democratic Israel with a group officially listed by the EU as a terrorist organisation and a report that fails to give reasonable consideration to the deeper causes of the conflict is not one that we can vote in favour of.
The demand for a stronger financial footing must therefore be rejected, given this context.
The reason for this is because most of the countries to which we give our aid are governed by non-democratic regimes.
During the pre-accession period, the Bulgarian people were told that the Union would be a safeguard to ensure success against banditism and killings, a guardian of stability and security, for a life free of crime.
(ES) Madam President, Mrs Oomen-Ruijten's report which we will be adopting today is a serious report, generally balanced, and also a demanding document.
It is important that the evaluation committee, members of which have visited both states in person, has stated that both Romania and Bulgaria meet the Schengen requirements.
Macro-financial assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina (
It is commonly accepted that Guantánamo was a mistake on the part of the United States of America in their endeavour to fight terrorism.
This type of discrimination violates basic provisions of the Treaty and employers who do not take responsibility for this should even now be prosecuted in court.
Next week, the General Affairs and External Relations Council will decide on the EC regulation to implement the market access which has been offered to the ACP.
In Germany alone, 200 000 people have been officially categorised as addicted to gambling, and young people are increasingly falling prey to this addiction.
The main thing is that enforcement of the judgments of the European Court should remove the causes leading to violation of human rights.
The Committee on Legal Affairs recently adopted a report in this Parliament on the transparency of institutional investors, and there we asked the Commission to come up with a directive guaranteeing common standards of transparency.
The citizens' interest is in secure and affordable energy.
The Commission is now drafting a legal framework and legislation, and should be aware that there are many countries in this kind of situation.
At the same time, I think we all accept that a lengthy legislative procedure involving a long iterative process between the various institutions is not adapted to the macro-financial assistance instrument or, indeed, to situations of crisis.
As you rightly pointed out in your question, the penalties imposed by Member States are an insufficient deterrent, providing no real incentive for compliance.
Mr President, we were shocked at last week's violent clashes between protestors and police in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Having said that, let me also say that it is highly important to help Pakistan in its fight against terrorism, and all the other requests mentioned in the debate, such as the release of all detainees, will be crucial.
I think it is a big gap in the market.
Compensation with regard to states underfishing will take place with effect from 2008.
Many people are afraid that asylum seekers are arriving in greater numbers, straining our buckling welfare systems.
Are the state of public finances of our Member States, our growth prospects and the position of Europe in the world comparable?
What else will make us react as one if not the difficulties that we have just experienced?
It is important that, while there is free movement of people and labour and a common economic space is being built - something which should in fact be in operation at Union level - a coherent system for mobile charges should also be established.
I have a recent letter from the Commission which actually indicates that an additional mark would have little or no benefit because the Commission did not believe that consumers would actually differentiate.
This is a bridge which, I urge you, we must not burn.
The Chinese Government has the opportunity to change the situation in Tibet radically.
Perhaps not 100% of them are in favour of it, but probably the majority are.
(ES) Mr President, Mr Leterme, on behalf of those in the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament responsible for employment and social affairs, I would like to join my fellow Members in congratulating the Belgian Presidency on the last six months.
Among the criteria for recognising a European political party's basis in a Member State, the regulation will now require the party to have elected representatives sitting in a regional assembly that has legislative powers.
What is even more noteworthy is the fact that the rapporteur has undertaken to meet with numerous international and Community stakeholders in several capitals.
It also organised a range of technical meetings with the European Parliament rapporteur, in the desire to reach an agreement with the European Parliament at first reading next month.
(HU) Madam President, Prime Minister, the Czech presidency has chosen the tagline ''Europe Without Borders'' as its motto, setting as its foremost priorities the issues of energy policy and economic stability.
The European Central Bank, as a pure instrument of European capital, is required to play a more active and effective role in that direction through anti-popular measures, such as interest rate increases and so on.
The development of rural areas is a worthy objective in its own right and must not be constrained by relying on modulated funds.
In concrete terms, as Mrs Grossetête just said, it is up to us, as industrialised countries, to ensure that our partners, the developing countries, have the means to follow us as we take the ambitious step of combating climate change.
This is a very important industry and I agree completely with David Martin who has studied the detail of the deal with South Korea.
We would like a mechanism regulating the opening of a dialogue to be implemented and to appear systematically in all European Union agreements.
The proposal contains two great challenges relating to governance.
The most important issue is drones.
I wish Mr Bowis a speedy recovery.
Apart from that, approval of the code of conduct for the division of labour is problematic.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I think it is fair to say that we in the European Union went to Cancún with the fear that we risked getting nothing.
I am in favour of pursuing greater diversity in the energy sources and partner countries from which the EU imports energy, in other words diversifying the energy supply.
A long-term vision and a new energy strategy are necessary to attain the 20-20-20 objectives of the climate and energy package between now and 2020.
We understand the situation Ireland is in and we understand that its government needs time to respond after the vote of its citizens, which we respect.
These are private businesses, independent of the public authorities, which meet the needs and demands of their members and the general interest.
Promoting energy efficiency will create employment and it will save Member State governments billions in heating costs on an annual basis.
Russia's reaction was doubtless excessive, but was taken in accordance with international law in a so-called self-defence situation.
We will start the work immediately, first through launching a pilot project on the scope and modalities of this exercise, and the full price monitoring system should then be defined and become operational before the end of 2009.
It appears that they have decided that symbols and anthems will solve the problem.
On a personal note I should like, if I may, Mr President, to really congratulate Mrs Dati, since we have had an extremely active French Presidency in the field of justice, with the seminars to which we, Parliament and the Commission, have been invited.
At no point is reference made to the link between strengthening the role of women and the economic agreements between the EU and the ACP States.
I would also like to thank Carlos Coelho.
But I do wonder whether the people of Lincolnshire would view this as a good use of money.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Madam President, Commissioner, these discussions are taking place in unfavourable circumstances.
What happened to the subsidiarity principle?
It takes no account of the proposals that we made to increase the Community contribution to 85% of the amount to be allocated to the unemployed, or even to double the amount of said Fund in order to cover more people who may fall victim to company closures.
The proposal for a directive calls on the Member States to adopt flexible immigration policies to support the long-term development of the Union.
Our reaction, apart from today's question, is the resolution that I hope we shall pass tomorrow, on which we have achieved a good compromise and which, I think, expresses the majority view in the House.
Animals are often needed for this research.
It is therefore important for it to be written in an easily accessible language.
(PT) Madam President, regardless of the reasons behind it, the death of Mr Orlando Zapata Tamayo is regrettable; it is regrettable that he took his protest to its ultimate conclusion.
What is missing from your proposal, perhaps, is what we asked for last time, that is, an international treaty for the protection of the Arctic, which will allow us to ensure its protection once and for all.
The reasons for wage differences need to be examined, and the information thus gained should be used to shed light on discrimination and to remedy and prevent it in the future.
We are in agreement on this.
Preventing trafficking in human beings is one of the challenges that the EU must overcome.
That, of course, is not true.
The importance of tourism in European law was greatly elevated when it was made a competence under the Lisbon Treaty in December 2009.
In Belarus, you can be indicted and go to prison merely for taking part in a protest, standing in elections, or stating your opinion.
Learning from the US example, we need to delineate clearly the areas of responsibility for the oil well owners and operators and those of the supervisory authorities.
Subject: The EU perspective of the Western Balkans
We asked for clarification of two or three problems which has been provided in this way.
There will also be changes because in this context of globalisation and change, we have a decisive six-month agenda.
In my opinion, the differences between Parliament and the Council are not so great as to prevent progress or agreement in the relatively near future.
This is of strategic importance in a crisis such as the one we are going through.
It is entirely for the Greek courts to provide an interpretation of relevant Greek legislation and to determine whether this legislation complies with the requirements of the Directive regarding the existence of effective measures that would prevent and sanction abuse arising from the use of successive fixed-term employment contracts.
I respect the response by France and the European Union response to the crisis.
We need the world to see off the junta in Burma.
(RO) The exclusion of senior citizens from the advantages of information technologies is problematic, especially as the number of those members of the European population between 65 and 80 years of age will soon reach 40%.
That is why we must start with sensible legislation on noise reduction in freight rail traffic straight away in the next parliamentary term.
In my opinion, Europe will always remain a special partner of Africa for historical reasons, for geographical reasons, for model reasons.
It requires revision of the EU budget and a transfer of resources.
It was I who decided to go for agreement because we were getting everything I wanted.
In its essence it is based on the euro-area mechanism advocated by the Commission whilst providing for participation by the IMF as well.
The Presidency is also concluding an update of the Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict.
Furthermore, the directive establishes common norms for the design, construction and subsequent checks of this kind of equipment.
Although the first objective appears to have been met, we are still a long way from achieving the second.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - Madam President, I do not support Amendment 1 to paragraph 15, and I am surprised that Mr Atkins has put his name to it.
I would therefore remind you that the proposal that the procedure invoke the legal basis of Article 70, which excludes Parliament, is unacceptable: we demand Article 77.
This is what people in the street are waiting for from us.
I therefore call on the Commission to launch an investigation into the possibility of temporarily withholding the preferences granted to Honduras under the GSP+.
All I can say is that anyone required in future to report to a parliament on how he or she voted on a particular point should make sure that a share of responsibility and a say in policy-making is part of the package.
As far as information is concerned, it is important - as we all agree - to provide accurate and objective information to parents and to the general public about the advantages and limitations of the use of stem cells, including cord blood stem cells.
As somebody who has been privileged to follow this constitutional process all the way through, I would like to share two experiences with you.
It is clear that there is a need for action in these areas, and without resources, we will not be able to meet these challenges.
in writing. - (PT) A veritable 'manual' for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)...
There are certain crucial aspects to achieving this goal, such as strengthening the governance and funding of the cohesion policy.
That said, I echo the criticisms of the restrictive measures adopted by Argentina against certain European products, and I hope that the Commission acts firmly to resolve this situation soon.
The vote will take place on 19 February 2008.
The EU must, as of now, set up and plan a proper response, including a detailed burden-sharing action plan to help refugees resettle in a coordinated manner.
AIDS, malaria and TB still claim some four million lives a year.
Instead, they continue to pursue European orientation with all the tough choices and bold reforms this entails.
As a result, tomorrow's vote will not mark the end of a process, but rather the first step or starting point in a huge task that the new Commission must take on so that, in defiance of those who want the paralysis or retreat of the European Union, it can give a new impetus to a much better Europe than the one we have known in recent years.
'Business as usual' is not going to be good enough.
We have already affirmed our willingness to be present in all phases of the election process, yet Russia must show willingness to accept long-term observers, as well as to actually implement fair elections.
Therefore, from my point of view, it is always the right time to discuss this issue.
In relation to the decision which was taken in mid-September by the EU Council to make an EU force available, I am a bit concerned that the timescale has been allowed to lapse.
The agenda concentrated on issues of security, the rises in the price of oil and energy products and the social consequences of this and, of course, on environmental and energy issues.
The EU needs a proper and predictable system for financing its own budget in order to end the perpetual, damaging squabbling over national contributions to the EU budget.
These relations took on a new dimension after the EU's enlargement with another 12 countries, principally from central and eastern Europe.
This proposed law includes provisions to punish those alleged to be lesbian, gay or bisexual with life imprisonment and even the death penalty.
But, while looking for my security, I would realise that this is consolidated daily by the creative work of more than one million immigrants who are producing Italian goods, offering services in areas left by Italian labour, buying Italian merchandise and paying taxes to the Italian authorities.
We cannot ask for support and at the same time leave others in hardship.
Let me remind you, however, because this is important, that the choice of focal sectors is based in principle on ownership: it is our partners who decide on which sector they want us to focus our funding.
It is absolutely imperative to combat the various forms of violence, regardless of the level of seriousness of physical, mental or sexual violence.
in writing. - (RO) The continuous and rapid exhausting of deep-sea fish stocks and the insufficient measures of protection of deep-sea biodiversity require urgent actions in order to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of fish species.
It is quite clear that a number of what we consider to be essential amendments have been tabled to allow an informed debate as part of a process facilitating the approval of Mr Őry's report at first reading.
We are pleased to see that the Commission's proposals really do go in the direction requested by the European Parliament, in the direction in which the European Parliament encouraged the Commission to go in this regard.
In this context in particular, your portfolio will play an even greater role in future - and it will be important for the European identity, too.
If we use alternative methods - we often talk about alternative dispute resolution systems at European level - these, again, are not backed by a state structure.
When we adopted this legislation, we did not decide on a clear and binding end date for migration to the SEPA instruments.
In the next framework programme, this situation must change so that we will be able to fulfil the aims of the reformed common fisheries policy.
At present we are not always sure about that, and want the country to move ahead.
In fact, Member States must find suitable means of support to help them maintain their professional role in society, with a view to balancing their family and working life.
It is a strategic precondition for the genuine establishment of a Single European Sky.
In particular, its recommendation that EU countries should properly enforce the Posted Workers Directive, and the demand that the Commission draft legislative proposals to deal with the legal loopholes thrown up by the judgments and prevent any conflicting interpretation of the law, are welcome.
When it is clear who bears the guilt, the party in question will be liable and we can already see that this will amount to billions.
We also have a disturbance on the market that is severe, which Neelie Kroes's report showed us very clearly and which puts on the table the need to unbundle, which is also a foreign relations concern.
If the European Union institutions want to take a practical approach to CO2 reduction, they should begin with themselves.
Any lasting peace in Somalia must be based on accountability and justice for the human rights violations committed by all sides throughout the Somali conflict.
author. - Mr President, a large number of opposition figures, including former presidential candidates but also journalists and human rights defenders, were arrested after the events of 19 December 2010 in Minsk and they have been kept in KGB detention centres ever since.
The Burmese regime does not only repress the population in the political sphere, it has also plunged the people into abject poverty and destitution, while it is a country that has everything necessary to be prosperous.
It is primarily about what Ukraine needs to do for itself, because both institutional and economic reforms are a prerequisite for a prosperous democratic future, and this is in the Ukrainian citizens' best interest.
The Commission proposes organising biennial summits of the heads of state or government.
Due to the economic and financial crisis, some Member States have taken austerity measures leading to a reduction in the level of funding for public health, disease prevention and long-term care services.
If even the UK Prime Minister, whom we heard yesterday, extols the virtues of the European Union, declaring himself, I quote, 'proud to be British and proud to be European', I feel secure in my belief.
That is also why the next G20 Summit is so important, not because it is an opportunity to find out who is closest to Barack Obama, but because it is an opportunity to prove that we can provide answers and leadership: we will cooperate with the new powers on the necessary reforms, but we must be aware that only the economic model based on the creative strength of humankind will allow wealth - and I mean wealth, not greed - jobs and development to be created and the crisis to be overcome.
In direct conjunction with this, we must make it clear to Tehran that these abuses are not to be tolerated and will have serious consequences.
I think the people outside will understand that this Parliament works for the citizen.
We must continue to act without delay.
I am also concerned about the traceability of products to be imported into Europe from this area.
Unfortunately, we have seen in the existing agreement that this is almost never the case.
Existing programmes, such as the European Neighbourhood Policy and the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights, have cultural components which need to be coordinated and strategically deployed.
The extremely slow approach to the punishment of war crimes against the Serbs continues to raise some important issues.
Mr President, thank you and congratulations to Mrs Miguélez Ramos for a very good report.
And the history of this legislation will give them some ammunition: 55 significant changes over the past 30 years, making it more cumbersome and confusing and hardly helping the industry or consumers.
If the Commission's proposal were to have been implemented as it was originally presented, it would have meant that in Denmark we would have roughly doubled the number of pesticides on the market.
In my opinion, we must, above all, focus more on implementing the new rules in national legislation.
We therefore need to reassess and improve relations between the European Union and ΝΑΤΟ in order to address common threats, such as terrorism, the spread of weapons of mass destruction, the increase in international piracy and the new problems caused by climate change.
We are very committed to our relations with the countries around the southern rim of the Mediterranean.
First, we are at a very important juncture, if not a turning point, in terms of foreign policy because of the Lisbon Treaty innovations.
Yes, that was low-level in 2009-2010.
Mr President, let me first of all express my gratitude to the European Parliament and especially to the rapporteur, Mrs Thomsen, for their support for the Commission policy on women and science.
This is undoubtedly necessary if the disgraceful, opaque wrangles by Council members in back rooms are finally to be brought to an end.
Nobody doubts that access to modern energy services is a prerequisite for poverty eradication and economic development, or that in order to achieve this it is necessary that energy services be reliable, affordable, especially for the poor, and evenly distributed, so as to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas.
I am anxious about the wording of some of the compromises.
Let me say here, and I did not do so the first time, that when in exceptional cases the Committee on Legal Affairs does not have time to give an opinion, the President alone may reach a decision.
Opposition politicians and journalists must not be subjected to threats and intimidation or be imprisoned.
We will hold the debate on Wednesday and the sitting will close at 21:00.
The project in question had the aim of protecting large financial institutions from extensive losses arising from Greece's inability to pay its debts, and, as far as I remember, you explicitly referred to it as a manifestation of voluntary solidarity.
Colleagues, please keep to the allotted time.
Given the dramatic increase in the price of jet fuel we have to ensure that we balance the interests of our citizens between the environment on one hand and their transport and mobility needs on the other.
(ES) The Council's proposal was perfectly clear.
We must stress the things we have in common, including the substance of universal democratic values.
For years the fleet has been reporting incidents of piracy in the area adjoining Somalia, but not even the capture of the Spanish tuna boat Playa de Bakio in April caused some governments to react in time, including my own, unfortunately, until, in recent days, the fleet had to withdraw to the port of Victoria, and from that point, the measures taken have been highly inadequate.
On the one hand, it uses very complimentary language about older people.
There has been a lot of talk in the press about bankers' bonuses, but they are only the tip of the iceberg.
What we are lacking is cooperation between the authorities.
They will not help avert the crisis, because they are shooting wide of the mark.
In common with Martin Schulz and the rest of my Group, I am a strong supporter of the Mediterranean Union as a 'forced' Barcelona union or Barcelona process.
(DE) Commissioner, you were right to draw attention to the problem and to the fact that the main reason it cannot be resolved is that because of the unanimity principle Member States are not budging.
Regardless of this short temporary interruption, the Council has clearly stated that it is still committed to implementation of the mandate in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolution, particularly the humanitarian mandate.
Measures against terrorism often have fatal consequences for peace and democracy and can be used as a pretext for promoting other interests.
I believe that the idea of creating an EU-ACP cultural fund is particularly judicious for it will encourage the emergence of local industries and markets and will facilitate the access of ACP cultural products to the European market.
Time will show it to have been the best analysis of these illegal transfers of prisoners.
The logical question is: why did this not happen earlier?
definition of territorial cohesion;
Unfortunately, we are also still not allowed to elect individual commissioners.
That is a matter of fact.
3.
If we can put a stop to this, we will be closer to our goal.
Unfortunately, the answer to that question is not in the affirmative.
At the moment, we know that eight people have died, among them two pregnant women and a twelve year-old boy, more than 250 have been injured and 80% of houses are affected.
And to ensure that the debate can be continued properly.
My fellow Member Mrs Castex has already successfully incorporated almost all of it in her report.
On the other hand, we have to improve the information available to purchasers, update and extend the labelling system for light trucks, harmonise energy efficiency classes and propose annual running costs.
We never purchase a computer on the basis of looking at the control panel, but none of our computers works for a long time without a proper control panel system inside.
A social summit should agree, among other things, that those companies laying off employees should not distribute dividends, that transnational companies must negotiate not only with national trade unions but also with European trade unions, that there cannot be business profitability without social solidarity.
in writing. - (FI) Mr President, Finnish Councillor of State Harri Holkeri, who was acting as a negotiator in the Kosovo crisis a while ago, thought that the Albanians' quest for independence could not be ignored forever, as that would be a return not to a zero score but a lot less.
(IT) Mrs
In our view the Member States must decide independently whether they wish to register everything from the generational composition of private households to the distance from the place of usual residence to green spaces and recreation grounds.
I support the provision of more detailed information on the Commission website concerning directives that have not yet been implemented.
Stimulating investments for research, facilitating access for SMEs to diverse sources of funding, and improving cooperation between universities, research centres and government are measures which will generate creativity and innovation in the medium and long term.
We will achieve this also by ensuring, when negotiating with our global partners, that the same criteria we apply internally are also applied externally as regards sharing the burden in the fight against climate change.
Under the guise of the noble goal to protect children's rights, in actual fact, a legal basis has been created to divide society, limit information and discriminate against individual groups of society.
We can do this.
Future cohesion policy must have an appropriate budget, so that it can effectively meet the new challenges, support all the regions of the European Union, with particular emphasis as always on the regions with the most development problems, include thematic objectives and, at the same time, a degree of flexibility, rely on simplified rules which have been unified to the maximum possible extent between its funds and ensure that all citizens of the Union will be able to enjoy its benefits, even if they are living in the most remote parts of the European Union, on islands and in mountain areas.
(ES) Mr President, I am among those who think that today we should congratulate ourselves on the determination with which the Community institutions have overcome the ups and downs of the project; finally we are in a position to start planning the deployment phase of Galileo with certainty.
It will therefore be desirable for Serbia to continue to move towards the European option.
Being able to count on prompt payment means guaranteeing these enterprises stability, growth, job creation and investments.
In short, if these measures are implemented soon, they will make consumers more confident when they buy in the European market.
Iranian men and women are tortured daily in these prisons, too.
This relates to political and financial support aimed at fostering product and process innovation and improving access to financial and fiscal information, including internationalisation.
We must increase the take-up rate of the Structural Funds.
It is also a project that has evolved.
Lastly, food aid and military aid are needed, too.
By standardising rights, it ultimately makes long-stay visas completely meaningless, for the sake of promoting a sort of automatic resident's status, one that is granted from the moment a person wishes to come to Europe for more than three months and for a purpose other than that of tourism.
From your report it is clear that we share the same concerns and objectives, and we hope that we can work closely together to take urgent action to protect the stock.
I wonder, given that we are also debating the prospects of the 2020 strategy, where this will lead.
I unreservedly support EDF budgetisation and, when the time comes, the Union will have to create its own instrument for taking action in the area of development.
Lastly, I call on the Commission to come up with adequate proposals at the earliest opportunity.
Thus, I am convinced that the European Union's experience would actually be very applicable in their Continent's attempts to achieve a new quality in regional and inter-regional cooperation, including the achievement of new dynamics.
I would like to change 'Central European countries' to 'Central and Eastern European countries', because everywhere else the text reads this way, and to replace 'had the added experience of Communism' with 'have experienced both Communism and Nazism', because, to Eastern European nations, nothing was 'added' by Communism: most of them had Communism first, then Nazism, and then Communism again.
Therefore, we cannot accept this situation.
For the most part, therefore, the collection of the relevant data will not impose any additional burden on respondents, as the Member States concerned should be able to compile the data by using existing data sources.
This is a first, you might say, as I believe this is the first time in the history of the European Parliament that the Presidency has been present on a Monday evening.
Simply put, the death penalty is the opposite of human dignity.
author. - (PL) Madam President, Commissioner, we are very pleased to hear of the reopening of negotiations and peace talks between the National Liberation Forces and the government in Burundi.
Yet it could: in the mid-1990s, six years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, whilst Western and Central Europe were growing together in peace, it happened again in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to begin by thanking the Commission and Commissioner Oettinger personally for the extremely skilful job they have done in producing the document which he is submitting.
I think it will now have a more stable basis.
But before you think of using new information and communication technologies, I implore you to grasp the fact that Bulgarian pensioners live on pensions equal to EUR 50 a month.
The treaty does not say that it is forbidden to take on debts.
I backed it to show support for the safety recommendations but was uncomfortable with the more extreme anti-nuclear sentiments it espoused.
I would be interested to hear Commissioner Tajani confirm whether this last supposition would be taken into account.
Composition of committees and delegations: see Minutes
Thank you, Mr Šefčovič.
What is important is that creativity and innovation should be promoted at every level of education, from different forms of education, throughout one's professional life and on into retirement.
I congratulate the rapporteur on his work.
What would be the costs to the Member States' economies of a target to cut emissions by 10 and 15% by 2020?
We can accelerate on the track today; together, let us make things happen.
On a personal note, I am sorry that we have not yet entirely resolved the problem of affixing national marks.
I have a suggestion: instead of asking the governments, ask the abused women concerned: for example, women who have been abused and taken refuge in shelters for women should be asked about the help they have received and the attitude of authorities to their cases in general, or girls and women suffering on the streets of Budapest or, say, Amsterdam, and who are hoping to escape from the hell of prostitution, should be asked about the type of help they have received from their state or government.
That is how we will succeed and set an example to our fellow citizens.
I believe it will contribute towards improving conditions for passengers and will give them more legal clarity in the case of an accident or other unforeseen events.
I welcome the collaboration between the European Ombudsman and ombudsmen and similar bodies at national, regional and local levels in the Member States.
That is what we need in the future, and I think it is an important message to give to you to give to the Presidency, because there will certainly be a huge discussion on 10 and 11 December when there is the next European Council.
We therefore have reason to be satisfied with the progress which has been made.
However, in order to ensure this fully, it is necessary to take measures on a wider scale.
This report makes some positive suggestions which we support, such as the idea of promoting mobility for the people, goods and services in the creative sector, due regard for the rules and principles laid down in the UNESCO Convention on Cultural Diversity, and the call made to the Commission to look into the possibility of setting up a programme similar to the MEDIA programme.
(NL) Madam President, a more efficient evaluation mechanism for the application of the 'Schengen acquis' is certainly needed, but I have the impression that we are busy discussing the sex of angels here while the EU's external borders are full of holes.
Abolishing the visa requirement for Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia is very much to be welcomed, as the Commission's recommendation follows careful evaluation and the meeting of requirements set.
Hence - and this is indeed understandable for these pro-immigration types - the simple fact that each Member State still has sovereignty and its own procedures in asylum law inevitably leads to disparities in the acceptance of asylum applications and is thus a barrier to the general acceptance of asylum applicants.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Madam President, I have never had so much speaking time in one evening in all my 10 years in the European Parliament!
What I have noted is that since they chose in 2006 to withdraw gambling from the scope of the Services Directive, the Member States have not been consulted by the Commission on a European initiative.
The next item is the report by Mr Mitchell, on behalf of the Committee on Development, on the facility for rapid response to soaring food prices in developing countries - C6-0280/2008 -.
The elections were called six months prior to those events and have no particular connection to subsequent political developments, nor could those developments have contributed to the emergence of any new candidates.
This is why we must take notice, and why we should improve these circumstances in particular.
It is, furthermore, to be assumed that those who stay in the EU for three months on the basis of such visa waivers would make numerous contacts which they could then potentially use to descend into illegality.
It is perhaps unfortunate that, as a result of that, some Member States have felt it necessary to clarify, in a protocol, how the Charter interacts with their domestic law.
The next item is voting time.
With that, anyone commissioning work or services would be responsible for ensuring that the activity was transparent and that the subcontractors were attending to their obligations.
The call for the adoption of a Community body of environmental inspectors constitutes direct intervention in the internal affairs of the Member States in order to secure the application of the 'polluter pays' principle, which permits the destruction of the environment in return for payment of a cheap consideration, the 'green taxation' which the grassroots classes have to shoulder, emissions trading, the promotion of entrepreneurship and competitiveness as the determining criteria for the development of what are otherwise innovative 'environmental' technologies, the use of genetically modified organisms in agriculture and the abolition in practice of the principles of precaution and prevention.
Poverty is a problem both in the EU and worldwide.
Thanks to the non-legislative resolution which was adopted by a huge majority, the European Parliament has sent a very clear signal to both the Commission and oil companies, specifically for them to take the necessary measures to eliminate the current shortcomings in terms of safety standards and liability in the oil extraction industry.
Mr President, Baroness Ashton, the subject we are dealing with today is one that we ought to have begun looking at many months ago, given that the security situation in the Sahel region has been steadily deteriorating for over three years now.
Extensive and stable economic contacts between particular countries would lead to specific economic integration, which would definitely help to limit the threat of conflict in the future.
No longer forcing people to give up working.
It needs to be said once again, specifically to the Council of Foreign Ministers, that this Parliament will exercise its rights - no more, but also no less - in connection with the budget and the Staff Regulations because we have a goal, which is an effective and efficient External Action Service.
We hope that an increasing number of countries - developing and emerging countries alike - will be tempted to take part in the negotiations and to sign the final agreement, so as to allow for a broader perspective on matters.
I am happy to report that I have asked both bodies to continue to cooperate on the matter.
The next item is the report by Alexandru Athanasiu, on behalf of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on quarterly statistics on Community job vacancies - C6-0090/2007 -.
Two years ago, I personally attended, as an observer, the party's congress with some 20 000 people, and saw and heard for myself their legitimacy in the eyes of their own supporters.
Already by the second half of the twentieth century, the most respected growth economists had understood that innovation is one of the main variables for leveraging falling profits.
I can testify to you how much the Member States want to respond to this crisis, how aware they are that what is at stake today are the overall European market and the euro, and that it is not simply a question of one country after another.
We must not underestimate the exceptional importance that the gradual abolition of visas would have for this region.
author. - (DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, illegal waste exports and the illegal disposal of waste pose an increasing threat to the health and environment of millions of people in developing countries.
I view this as problematic.
(HU) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the question of inter-country adoption is at least as important as the issue of cross-border divorces and also deserves the same level of attention, particularly because it most often concerns children who are emotionally, financially and, in every other possible sense, at the mercy of decisions made by adults.
It very clearly demonstrates that China can also be an example.
You know that the ERG was created by the Commission as an adviser to the Commission.
That is the only reason.
I can only give a few answers here, and I will distinguish between questions that concern our operational priorities, on the one hand, and those that are more about supervision and governance, on the other.
The WTO's rules must be supplemented by stringent provisions on protecting the environment, otherwise further liberalisation will lead to even more destruction of the environment.
These rights are an essential part of the concept and self-image of a modern European society.
An impartial system of certification will be, we suppose, appreciated also by consumers.
When we talk about human security, we mean not that there should be automatic intervention in each situation in which there is a possible threat to human security, but rather that we want better account to be taken of this important element.
In addition to this, commercial banks are sending out the most outrageous demands to owners of mortgaged properties, asking them to repay all their debts immediately, in one amount, in view of the fact that residential properties in the region have become completely worthless.
Mr Schulz should feel thankful that Europe and the European Central Bank did not listen to him, because, if it had, the European economy would have been much worse off.
The fight against organised crime and the improvement of border protection must finally be more valued in the European Union.
It is equally important that the interim agreement contains detailed provisions on data protection for the information that the US receives from SWIFT via the European authority.
Of course, it has not wiped out illegal employment, but it has limited it.
I also hope it will effectively respect and make use of the principle of subsidiarity, and will choose the safety and solidity of taking small steps, as recommended by Jean Monnet, rather than adopting the fast-track approach that has promised much but contributed little to the real progress of the European project and dream.
So I say, let's do it: let's bring back customs officers complete with traditional peaked caps.
Unfortunately, even in this House, I have often witnessed this principle being breached.
Finally, if the Irish government had, as you said, listened better, explained better and gone local, there would have been a 'yes'.
Since then, we have seen the debunking of the Potsdam sea-level scare; the Goddard Institute has been caught fiddling the temperature records; the vanishing Himalayan glaciers have been exposed as a fantasy; Mr Pachauri has emerged as a climate change profiteer.
We are in favour of the fact that a larger proportion of the costs will be financed from the European vessels supported by the agreement.
This is the gift of life.
Now, today, a billion people are suffering from malnutrition, of whom 700 million are, paradoxically, farmers.
Reducing administrative costs, simplifying procedures and improving access to markets, thus increasing competitiveness, are vital means for being able to emerge from the crisis.
I fully agree with the importance we must give to relations between the European Union and its neighbours, especially in the Mediterranean.
Europe is the promised land for people from distant continents or the Balkans who wish to join Europe.
We have a much better partnership with Russia.
I would also like to emphasise the issue of recruitment.
Therefore, we are obliged to do our utmost to encourage serious observation of the rules that were agreed upon so as to guarantee stability within the Member States, both financially and physically.
Some will fear identity fraud.
We are discussing a dossier, a subject area, that exercises the public, where the public expect answers from us, where they even say that this is an area where we need more Europe.
The issue is that Member States usually ask us for a realistic lapse of time, so that implementation can proceed, as far as possible, in a coherent manner, avoiding distortions in the internal market, or at least in what we believe should be the internal market.
However, we believe that it is important for the EU to take genuine responsibility for the migrants who come here and not leave the responsibility to our neighbouring countries, as proposed in paragraph 9.
Thanks to these amendments, the ban on foreigners establishing foundations in Turkey has been lifted, and the principle of reciprocity now applies.
However, I regret that, in the 50 proposals, there is no clear definition of priorities.
Although the overall political situation is currently very favourable, we must not slacken our efforts now; on the contrary, we must utilise the current momentum.
They are, however, very frequently not represented during the resource planning stage, and taking female farmers' needs into account in this respect could bring many benefits to rural communities.
The previous speaker mentioned neighbouring states which are just as important for our safety; a central one of these is Switzerland, along with Ukraine, Armenia, Turkey and the Russian Federation.
- After the vote on Amendment 62:
In September 2007, after the Buddhist monks' protests had been brutally crushed, a news embargo was imposed.
Of course we realise that protection from discrimination on grounds of gender outside the workplace is not yet as strong as protection from discrimination on grounds of race.
The impetus must come from the Member States, if it comes at all, given that the current signs of a lack of European political will are worrying.
I look forward to meeting many of the Members of Parliament at the Veterinary Week, an event the Commission is organising with your support as an early step to turn the strategy from words into action.
Caring has been the domain of women for centuries.
Allow me also to mention the successful Northern Ireland workshop during the Open Days in October last year.
in writing. - (SV) We Swedish Social Democrats have voted in favour of the report on the demographic future of Europe.
We want to present the whole picture of human rights violations and threats in and around Camp Ashraf.
The debate is closed.
Madam President, things rarely happen at convenient times and any crisis, by definition, is going to be inconvenient.
We want to reform the WTO - we said so in our draft resolution - we also want to have other trade-related dimensions to be taken into account, particularly environmental dimensions, to deal with the impact on climate change and social rules.
A common measurement framework for the ICT industry's own emissions is also essential.
It is in everyone's interest that the instrument should now work and should work as effectively as possible.
Therefore, if you so wish, if you believe, as Mrs Roure said, that this debate is too important to be closed now, you yourself can now call for a quorum and have this vote dropped, if you think it worthwhile.
Because of the pressures, they would certainly consider reducing investment in research and development.
I have received six motions for resolutions tabled in accordance with Rule 110(2) of the Rules of Procedure.
I have rarely set eyes on a more hypocritical document than this motion for a resolution on 'rising extremism' in Europe - and God knows that Europe and this House have already broken records for hypocrisy.
We know, everybody knows, and all the studies show that, if dichloromethane is used correctly in such a way that the health of the workers involved is protected, this substance is both uneconomical and unecological.
The root cause of this crisis is an inadequately regulated financial system.
The Minister for Transport in Ireland, who is a member of the Green Party, admitted that the situation in Ireland as regards carbon emission is very bad and getting worse and will no doubt worsen considerably because of the transport situation.
A serious policy is one that combats the interests of globalism, that wishes to uproot peoples from their territories because it considers them either as goods, or as slaves, or new consumers.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the position of the group that I represent, the Europe of Freedom and Democracy Group, is crystal clear: with this oral question, we are asking the Commission to challenge the implementation of the ruling against crucifixes in school classrooms, handed down by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg which, I would emphasise, is not an EU institution.
In the 1980s the Cockfield Report called for a range of VAT rates.
Although it is still subject to too many exceptions, the application of the codecision procedure, which will become the ordinary legislative procedure and which will also include approval of the budget, will give Parliament a very important role.
This situation was the reason for our warnings, which the Commission has regrettably ignored, and is continuing to do so.
Will we increase our mandatory fuel reserves?
This is one reason ...
Geography and culture offer us different histories, but they do not distinguish our human condition.
I would like to point out that the proposed agenda was mostly prepared before the onset of the crisis, but in spite of this I want to make it clear that it was and still is a good basis for facing the crisis.
Trautmann report
I believe his work is very valuable and I am aware how important it is to our citizens because his office has become a key point of contact for them.
The ruling states that neither the Spanish Constitution nor the Criminal Code allows a newspaper to be closed down, and that the whole charge was built on the premise that defending Basque culture means collaborating with ETA, which is absurd.
We are of a mind to confirm our support for their full adhesion to the agreement, although we think it is essential for the two countries in question to inform us in writing, within six months, that additional measures to close these gaps have been implemented.
Preparations for the European Council meeting (24 June 2011) (continuation of debate)
Advertising on the internet - in search engines, email, social networks and Internet television - and on mobile phones is often presented to consumers without their consent, and even worse, using their data, sometimes collected without their knowledge or full awareness.
With regard to financing, personally, I am of the opinion that public security should be paid for with public funds.
It is unreasonable to expect the same hard-working countries always to pay for the mistakes of others.
The strengthening of economic governance and the importance of cohesion policy are some of the areas that I would like to emphasise in the pursuit of a smarter, more sustainable and more inclusive Europe.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I am sure that this right of initiative granted to European citizens by the treaty will help bring the peoples closer to Europe and to the European institutions to a greater degree than the costly awareness campaigns funded by the Union which, hitherto, have produced modest results: electoral turnouts confirm this.
I want, however, to clarify two things very briefly.
So it is an important relationship.
The results were presented in a communication in October 2007, which also launched the second phase of the consultation.
A mandatory test by a third body is provided for in the directive only where there are no harmonised European standards.
I hope that those attending the conference in December will realise that there is no alternative to cutting polluting emissions and that postponing any decision in Copenhagen on the mandatory objectives will mean failure not only for the conference, but also for the multilateral dialogue on global topics that affect the future of every one of us.
The decisions taken in these last few days pushing us towards super austerity, and the Commission setting itself up as a veritable tribunal to put it into effect, are in conflict with every single social project.
We are well aware that, according to the dominant way of thinking in the European Commission - one that you undoubtedly do not subscribe to - to talk about labour market reforms is to talk about flexibility - not about flexicurity, but about flexibility.
So I say, festina lente, hasten slowly, having thought deeply and consulted widely, and then we may need to act, with or without the aid of Robin Hood.
I know that similar disconnects between training and demand exist in other European countries.
That balance has been distorted in many rural development programmes, including those affecting my region of Northern Ireland.
We reject the approach as outlined in Recital I which states: 'whereas gender stereotyping in advertising thus echoes the unequal distribution of gender power'.
In Israel, the investigations into targets and tactics used during Operation Cast Lead have been carried out by army commanders or military police, severely compromising the independence of the findings, and from the Hamas side there is still a failure to address adequately the firing of rockets into southern Israel.
I am therefore asking the Commission to find out what the reasons are behind this strange and quite bizarre ban in Northern Ireland.
Every business is needed when it comes to innovating or creating - the patents we are pushing through come to mind - when it comes to small and medium-sized enterprises obtaining financing and having less administrative complexity and red tape to deal with, when it comes to trading securely online, and when it comes to participating in public procurement, which I will return to in a moment.
The European Constitution - sorry, the Reform Treaty - is being signed in Lisbon amid much pomp and ceremony and will then be rushed through the parliaments that support it with indecent haste.
In light of the systemic stabilisation of the financial markets, it would have been a fatal signal to only guarantee private deposits.
We have equally alarming statistics on overfishing in that area of the Atlantic and the grave problems it is creating.
in writing. - (NL) My group and the national delegation of my party in the European Parliament have decided recently to reject the present path towards Kosovo's independence.
Fifthly, we aim to identify the main components of an international regime on access to genetic resources and the sharing of benefits arising from their use.
On horizontal issues, let me just enumerate the most important ones we touched upon: first, upholding human rights and promoting peace and security in Europe's neighbourhood and at global level; second, support for effective multilateralism and respect for international law; third, the fight against terrorism; fourth, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and disarmament; fifth, climate change, energy security and issues like cyber security.
The development of European political parties is vital for generating public interest in EU affairs.
The term 'efficiency' is often used incorrectly in EU documents, due to a misunderstanding of the term 'energy efficiency' and methods for its assessment, or in other words whether we are talking about national gross efficiency or efficiency per capita, or conversion efficiency, for example the conversion of primary energy into useful work.
Thanks to the new Lisbon Treaty, the Charter will have the same value as the Treaties; in other words it will be legally binding.
There are hundreds of measures which have to be 'Lisbonised', which have to be taken out of the hole and brought into the light of day, which have to be adapted to the real rules of law - hundreds of measures that do not work.
(HU) Mr President, the Slovak national language law violates five basic rights contained in the Charter of Fundamental Rights which comes into force on 1 December.
Clearly, a child is occupying a full seat here.
There are also measures concerning confidentiality.
Sixthly, the program of infrastructure investment should be directed at eliminating differences and underdevelopment, especially in the new Member States.
The facts quoted in the report give cause for concern.
In this context, we can understand the insistence that cohesion policies should be targeted at all the regions and that the eligibility criteria should be expanded beyond the current focus on per capita gross domestic product in order to make them fairer.
I should especially like to congratulate the Portuguese Presidency on including the question of Europe's immigration policy on the agenda for the Council, where President Barroso will be able to underline the European Commission's timely initiatives in this connection.
Especially the German car industry, which has made the most profit over the last 10 years. It is the one that is going to invest funds in tax havens.
3.
I just have one point of criticism.
If we remain silent, the small seeds of democracy and the rule of law that President Yeltsin sowed and that President Putin has endangered will finally be suffocated, and that cannot be in the interest of Europe or in the interest of the Russian people.
The biggest problem experienced by consumers at present is that it is difficult to have a dispute over consumer rights between different countries examined because there is no body to settle cross-border disputes.
I want to draw the Commission's attention to the danger that Serbia could block Kosovo here, as in the UN and the Council of Europe.
It is an alarming signal, and I call on national organisations and associations to protest to the MEPs who represent them in the European Parliament.
The Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance has never claimed that, but we would continue to connect with our position the demand for fairer price-setting and competition and for citizens to be able to understand this better.
(SL) Madam President, may I say, Commissioner, you have achieved a great deal.
With lax limits on allocations bought in from outside Europe, EU funds will flow to countries like China, where regulation is minimal and records may not be accurate.
The storm caused injuries and badly damaged homes, infrastructure, farms, businesses, industrial plant, sports facilities as well as public and municipal buildings.
What I would like to do is put the three that first came to my attention together, so that would be Ms McGuinness, Mr Mitchell, who asked the original question, and Ms Budreikaitė.
Climate change and energy are also summit priorities for us, and we hope to sign a joint work programme on energy, clean development and climate change focused on renewable and clean energies, together with two climate-change-related European Investment Bank loans.
(SK) In 2006, Slovakia was condemned for asking for freedom of conscience.
I believe that the establishment of these groupings can bring about positive results both from the point of view of governance, in that they would signify cross-border governance that guarantees authorship of different policies at local and regional levels, and from that of social cohesion, as it creates more potential for communities that are linguistically and culturally different from each other to come closer together.
Ireland was and will be a battleground for the heart and soul of Europe.
I therefore think that the debate on Afghanistan is crucial, because it is the origin of the majority of the heroin (93%) that kills our young people on the streets.
It is true that women are more resilient to the current crisis in terms of job losses.
After that we will negotiate.
There is a large majority in this House that would have it that we have to regulate legal immigration and fight illegal immigration.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, although this is a consolidation of several directives and there are therefore limited possibilities for amending the legislative text, this new IPPC Directive is a necessary and useful tool for promoting not only a dramatic reduction in emissions by taking advantage of best available techniques, but also for precipitating a new trend in industrial investments.
It is also problematic, in connection with this, that the EU prescribes high standards in quality and in animal and environmental protection, but then allows imports from countries in which these rules do not apply and in which production is naturally considerably cheaper.
However, as you said, Commissioner, the events in Mumbai have also shown the unacceptable absence of a guarantee of diplomatic protection for Members of the European Parliament.
However, overall it remains a brutal one-party dictatorship.
Mr President, I have voted today and my constituents can see how I voted today, so therefore, they should have the opportunity to have my explanation of vote today.
In a nutshell, the report fails really to tackle the issue and assembles bits and pieces alongside the present existing possibilities to put culture on the agenda both for the EU and between the EU and third countries.
It is high time for the continually unfulfilled ideal of the equality of women and men to be made a practical reality.
The concept of food security is very clear, and it is achieved when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
Let us make Burma a textbook case, one that shows our ability to promote democracy without the use of bombs and tanks.
(The sitting was closed at 11.40 p.m.)
What is the use of our investing in Azerbaijan?
I would encourage more cooperation between the Commission and the European Parliament in this field.
The proposal is an important step towards closing a huge loophole in non-discriminatory legislation.
We have had some real progress in some parts of the package - including, during the Belgian Presidency, my own report on beneficiaries of international protection - but clearly these are just the side elements of the asylum package.
This report sets out a number of ways that that can be achieved.
Although, last year, the Lukashenko regime freed political prisoners and has become somewhat milder, the European Union cannot look the other way in the face of the recent human rights violations concerning members of the Union of Poles in Belarus.
(PL) Madam President, in the countries of the 'old' EU, rail transport is losing ground to road transport.
Given that a third of the world's children do not have enough to eat and one sixth of them do not go to school, it may appear odd to talk about poverty in Europe.
They should instead supplement each other's work and work together in a complementary way.
We in the UK in particular have seen voluntary modulation which, of course, is not voluntary at all for the farmers who are stuck with it, and we disagree with that principle.
Global access to capital increases growth potential and creates new jobs - we should not forget this.
The proposal for a directive to facilitate transfers of military products within the EU by simplifying the relevant licensing procedures in the Member States forms part of the general objective to militarise the EU in order to serve its aggressive anti-grassroots plans.
I would also pick up on Amendment 3 - as my colleague did - which deletes the attempt to reintroduce cumbersome and unworkable rules on the direct sale of fruit and vegetables to the consumer.
I consider it essential to take action aimed at the rapid and more effective use of means which have been made available by developed countries.
The Court of Justice considers as a 'restriction', and therefore 'unlawful' under Community law, the freedom of workers and their representative bodies to defend their rights and interests, namely respect for what has been agreed in collective bargaining.
The remainder either tagged along or complained when they were forced to give an opinion.
On the other hand, concerns about security and energy supply lead to the need for greater involvement between the European Union and the countries of this region.
You rightly noted the successes and progress of capability development.
(DE) Many thanks, Madam President, many thanks, Commissioner.
They are not like profit-making shareholder organisations.
Both these aspects are necessary, and so I ask you to vote in favour of the present resolution.
The stability and growth pact affects both euro countries and non-euro countries.
We will then take further decisions in December.
From the point of view of my own fishing nation, Scotland, the common fisheries policy, the EU's very own international agreement, has not been a great success.
The report focuses on modernising agriculture and making it more efficient, ensuring that improvements are made in relation to the environment and animal welfare, the contribution of agriculture to energy and climate policy as well as simpler rules for the agricultural sector.
There is no doubt that there is a rapidly increasing need for a new energy strategy for Europe, and European enterprises are in no doubt about that either.
Surveillance of budgetary positions and surveillance and coordination of economic policies (
Europe purports to be one of the most advanced plant protection legislative powers worldwide and that is a great plus.
The many breaches and discrepancies in information cast doubt upon the election results announced.
You are referring to paragraph 5.
Accession is and must be the ultimate objective.
Global solidarity and concrete assistance, generously provided, are the right and dutiful response of the international community.
We should stop for a moment to appreciate this innovation that we are implementing today which is only the first element, as Mr Lamassoure has said, of participatory democracy at supranational level.
Increased cooperation with the countries of origin and transit is particularly important.
I therefore agree in principle with the idea of having two plenary meetings, but let us try to bring them closer to the regional meetings.
However, the first test had to be postponed until late January because the prerequisites had not been met.
Vice-President of the Commission. - (FR) Mr President, in my opinion, Mr Coelho has just provided a very clear and objective picture of the situation.
Nevertheless, this relationship can play a complementary role in two spheres: in the multilateral negotiations at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and in the free trade area between the EU and Mercosur.
It used to be 45 per thousand just after the Second World War in Ireland.
Its definition must take into account the transfer of monetary policy, the development of credit and financial assets, the characteristics of new products and the concentration of risks and liquidity.
I therefore urge the Commission to incorporate parliamentary capacity-building on a targeted basis into its country programmes, so that in a few years time, we can genuinely see that African politics have become much more responsive, in practice, to the public's needs, also thanks to the involvement of the national parliaments.
(Applause)
I would like to focus on the notion that citizens from the new Member States must not be in an inferior position to those from third countries.
The next item is the vote.
We saw a rather substantial under-execution with regard to Solvit in 2008, but this will correct itself in 2009 and 2010.
(The sitting closed at 23.45.)
What remains is a schizophrenic situation, if you allow that analytical term: on the one hand OLAF is a 'normal' Commission directorate general, for which the Commission has full responsibility; on the other hand, it is an investigative function, fully independent in its operations, but for which the Commission is also held responsible.
I note with concern attempts by some regional politicians to destabilise the country, and call upon the EU to demonstrate its political will and commitment towards Bosnia and Herzegovina to prevent any conflicts based on ethnicity or religion.
Justice is always carried out objectively and subjectively.
I would also like to remind you that we have a new framework agreement between the Commission and the Parliament on the details of this involvement.
Due to strong lobbying from the banking sector or the weak show of political will, it turns out that the government does not get involved in the bilateral contract between the customer and bank.
We must encourage third level institutions, research organisations and private sector companies to seize the opportunities available under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7).
With my colleagues in the European Parliament, Dimitar Stoyanov and Slavi Binev, I have submitted written declaration 0005/2009 asking for these reactors to be reactivated, with the aim of gaining Bulgaria's energy independence.
Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (announcement of motions for resolutions tabled): see Minutes
Until recently, road and other infrastructures were paid for only by taxpayers.
Of course this is one of the things that the Asylum Support Office will be looking at: how to pull together that information from a variety of sources in a more standard format and perhaps a format where people will have greater confidence that the information is not being used politically.
However, it is clear that this resolution focuses too much on the role of the ESF boosting employment and not sufficiently on its key role in supporting the inclusion of vulnerable groups, which my group, the Socialists & Democrats, has always strongly supported.
As a member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, I have followed this report closely.
Sadly, Turkey wants to join the European Union because they will have their hands out in the hope of having them filled with lots of European taxpayers' money in subsidies, and they see the opportunity of offloading millions of their poor and unemployed excess population by exporting them to Western countries like Britain, where they will either work for low wages or go on the benefits system.
I believe that the current regulatory framework for consumer product safety in the EU is fundamentally sound and will be reinforced by the pending Commission proposal on the New Approach Directives.
Yet, in that regard, it is all a question of timetables and the European Commission's decision can be explained by the need to respond as rapidly as possible to the challenges that exist in the area of patient mobility, which already covers a very wide field.
I would like to underline that an ambitious approach in the decision-making process depends on the political willingness of Member States.
Germany and Austria are a poor example in this regard, but so, unfortunately, are others.
You must answer the European citizens as to why they are now sitting in the cold.
We deal with many, many problems from across Member States but, as the statistics show, some countries use the services of the committee more widely than others, perhaps because there are members of the committee who are from those countries and therefore they attract problems from their constituents.
In most cases, this must be done by an on-the-spot visit.
I consider this to be unacceptable, to say the least.
(The President cut off the speaker)
Terrorism is a fulminant infection in the body of our society.
We should strive to remove existing barriers as soon as possible.
Based on its mandate, the EU and its Member States must continue to play a constructive role globally in order to achieve a legally binding post-Kyoto agreement.
(SK) The EU-Russia strategic partnership is an important factor in the area of diversification and security of imports of energy sources into the EU.
The first is to divide farmers into large and small and destroy their unity in the trade unions.
Alongside that though, the issue of what we spend that money on is perhaps even more important.
Written statements (Rule 149)
Any amendment would have been a retrograde step.
Personally, I hope that positive developments can be achieved soon.
In Vienna, at the last Summit, Chancellor Schüssel, as the then President of the Council, said: 'It was marvellous, everyone was able to talk to each other!'
These products normally contain low-quality or falsified substances, representing a serious threat to public health, and also leading to a loss of patient trust in the legal supply chain.
- Before the vote:
With 2 000 political prisoners under arrest, access to free media impeded by the authorities and widespread slavery in industry, the people of this country need serious help.
Shipowners benefiting from the agreement must employ at least 20% ACP nationals among the seamen signed on.
I therefore ask the Commission how it intends to proceed and whether it intends to submit a proposal to remove the Member States' discretion in the transposition of Articles 3 and 4 of the framework decision, concerning the grounds for mandatory non-execution and optional non-execution.
That being said, I would like to ask, and I hope that it is not the case, if we are waiting for there finally to be surplus stocks of vaccines in Europe or for the side effects to prove too harmful before we show our generosity and suddenly start sending the necessary vaccines to southern countries.
The euro area needs to speak with one voice, and also be represented as a unit in international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund and the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development).
About 10 minutes ago, we stopped the production of sugar in the European Union, and say we have to support Tate & Lyle, which imports it.
I will be having a debate on the first day with three committees from the Hellenic Parliament and we will certainly discuss this issue too.
We cannot have it both ways.
There is, therefore, a process in motion which does not aim to discriminate against anyone.
We want to replace the list with a reference to the existing rules.
Instead of taking the correct approach and doing what was done in my case, in other words, saying that we are acting on our own initiative, where there is clear suspicion of fraud, for example tax evasion or illegal party funding, OLAF sits back and does nothing.
It seems to me that our attention should now be directed not at Burma itself, but at those three countries.
In particular, it is more ambitious and better focused than the EU-US Agreement in terms of traffic rights, ownership and control.
Mr President, a few days ago, we celebrated the grand opening of Euronest at the European Parliament in Brussels.
However men's violence against women knows no geographical boundaries, no age limit, no class or race or cultural distinctions, it is still invisible and the victims are silenced.
Statistical data on the ethnic and cultural make-up of the resident population could assist the prevention of violence.
While I share the wish of the European Parliament to support economic growth through the EU programmes, we should also take into account the amount of payments that can be reasonably executed without undermining sound financial management.
In addition, this interpretation must be clear for, and known to, everyone involved in applying legislation on Europe's roads.
The National Action Plans containing the Member States' individual targets in terms of risk reduction are the most important part of the whole process.
Given the threats posed by unlimited access to all these technologies and data, special attention needs to be paid to children and young people.
As for payment appropriations, the reduction made amounts to EUR 393 million, but half of this reduction relates to the reserve for emergency aid and, as you know, the Council considers that it may be possible to finance this reserve by redeploying payment appropriations, as has been seen in recent years.
Today there are surpluses of grain, for example, in store and no market for them.
I am bound to say, however, that, according to the rules of the Rural Development Fund, broadband implementation projects are mainly managed by public administrations - provinces, municipalities and mountain communities - which are, however, unable to include VAT in their accounting.
Professions and workplaces dominated by women still tend to be undervalued compared to those where men predominate.
The natural world offers riches which humans have only begun to discover and it is necessary that this treasury of future opportunities remains for generations to come.
Now, not only will the customers see the true price, but also the security taxes levied by national governments will have to be highlighted separately.
Now, that sounds pretty straightforward.
Vice-President of the Commission. - (DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, firearms are not an ordinary type of product like any other.
In this regard, regional policy must retain financial resources at least equivalent to those of the current period.
(FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the Irish people have clearly chosen to place themselves at the heart of Europe by approving the Treaty of Lisbon by a very large majority.
Undoubtedly, the creation of the EAS must be subject to debate and consensus about who does what and does it best, but the CFSP foreign policy elements must remain firmly within the Council.
I think you could ask the Member States to prepare maps of what is going on in terms of the exploitation of energy resources and sources in each Member State, evaluate the most promising projects, adopt incentives for private companies to engage in exploitation, and see what we can do with our own resources.
However, I have to point out, and the resolution itself admits it, that 'the signing of this Agreement has been delayed at Syria's request since October 2009'.
Unfortunately, these problems will remain even if we try to overcome these issues with very specific projects, which is something I support.
This will be of enormous benefit because it will eliminate the differential treatment that we have noted in Member States concerning overflight and landing.
Closure of the sitting
(DE) Madam President, the expansion of the Schengen area in December last year has led to more, not less, security.
We have to reduce the burdens which create obstacles in aquaculture.
I think that this is a mistake.
Furthermore, the old Member States are not taking into account the need of the new Member States for new agreements, and investors' rights are not balanced in any way by environmental, social and other legal requirements.
That said, we have to remember that the possibility of monitoring the implementation of legislative instruments is limited by time, technical aspects and knowledge.
Mr Moreira put some very precise questions to the commissioner.
That is what we are trying to do.
We cannot have compromises that prevent discussion.
I will finish by thanking Commissioner Andor for his dynamism and his desire to make progress in everything relating to social affairs.
The next item is the report by Mr Papastamkos, on behalf of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, on EU agriculture and international trade.
To conclude, even if Ukraine is not as efficient in democratisation as we would expect, we should not decrease our efforts to create an enhanced cooperation with her people, whose European ambitions are crucial, not only for themselves, but perhaps even more for us, the citizens of Europe.
However, just as the Commission has proposed, it is necessary for the information to be monitored objectively so that it can be relied upon.
However, there are also other Members of this House involved in this case and I therefore ask you, Mr President, to convey our concern.
This will be of benefit to all citizens in Europe.
Today, ladies and gentlemen, our Parliament can express itself on an urgent and important subject, for the protection of life and religious freedom, not only of Christians, but of millions of people of all faiths.
Mrs Lefrançois quite rightly said that this migration should not be rushed, and she is right.
The Union specialises more on soft power, NATO more on hard, military power, but both sides evolve.
The review conference is a good opportunity for the stakeholders to consider the existing deficiencies of the ICC and propose possible changes or directions for reform.
I have not talked to 160 million workers or 4 million doctors, but I have talked to their representative organisations.
The report and opinions constitute a very necessary document.
It appears that in the euphoria of new economic agreements, EU decision makers have quickly forgotten the cases of Anna Politkovskaya and Natalia Estemirova.
The three Ts need more money.
(ES) Madam President, I would like to state for the record that the vote took place immediately after the previous one, and I would therefore like to state for the record that my vote is against.
CFP and the ecosystem approach to fisheries management (
It must be clear that the intention of the Blue Card is to increase the competitiveness of the EU economy.
Croatia will conclude accession negotiations this year.
I support the mobilisation of the fund in connection with this application because this measure can provide additional support to workers who are suffering the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns and assist their reintegration into the labour market.
I would also like to point out that Member States need to finance the development and expansion of programmes which will help parents to protect their children from Internet grooming.
It takes account of the scarcity of raw materials, the threat to biodiversity, the move towards sustainable energy and, in particular - and I find this key - the importance of sustainability for our economy.
(FR) The fact that I am acting as President but not wearing a tie quite clearly has nothing to do with the item on the agenda.
We know that the rapporteur, Mr Corbett, believes in the European project.
We also know only too well that this is affecting the entire sub-region as, in Mauritania, for example, large quantities of drugs have been discovered, even at the airport.
In my opinion, the Commission should be prepared for that.
I hope that this initiative adopted today in Parliament will receive the attention it is due from the Council as well, which ought to deal with this matter as a priority issue for the European agenda.
The report rightly recognises the enormous efforts made (particularly in Portugal, Spain, Greece and Ireland) in terms of growth and convergence.
(PL) Madam President, Commissioner, I would like to make the point that, from the aspect of individual countries and societies, there are three types of security that are paramount: energy security, food security and personal security.
We are not progressing: we are actually moving backwards.
Let the IMF do its work and watch how quickly Greece recovers, as we in Britain did on leaving the ERM.
We have an international ISO system that everyone is aware of.
(PL) Mr President, within the framework of the new Lisbon cycle, the emphasis should be on industrial policy, because a flourishing industry is very important in terms of making full use of the European Union's economic potential.
Therefore, the third energy package makes wide-ranging proposals to remedy those structural problems, in particular by proposing ownership unbundling of the transmission system operators.
Unless someone in this House has a machine for producing money and resources from thin air, unless such a machine exists, social protection measures still have to be funded from taxpayers' money.
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, right across Europe, our cities and communities have to struggle with problem districts.
I think it is not a question of one or the other: we should build our own pipeline in practical terms and effectively.
As such, these are achievements which have an impact in the longer run.
It is easy to see how the Commission is seeking to exploit Parliament's call for urgent measures for its own ends.
It also explains the enormous illegal catches which are estimated to be twice the size of the set quotas.
He stated that the source of the right to a homeland should be sought in the right to dignity, and that the right to a homeland is therefore a fundamental human right.
The obstacles they face include language barriers, an unfamiliar working environment, family or cultural traditions, and so on.
Mr President, I will not conceal the fact that I am disappointed by both the statements we have heard.
I would like to thank Mrs Sanchez-Schmid, because support for culture means, above all, support for the business connected with culture, but, in particular, it means support for the inner aspect of culture. This is why cultural undertakings must have administrative support and need a reduction of bureaucracy in administrative systems, but they also need support with raising capital, which may also come from Union funds.
We must take firm action against the potential counterfeiting of products which are wrongly labelled.
Above all, we need to invest in infrastructure, because improving agriculture means improving irrigation, improving transport, making it possible for produce to sent from point A to be sold at point B, and we need to improve storage and the cold chain, if we want to export this produce.
(DE) Mr President, there have been some wonderful arguments, at least in abstract and general terms, over whether we should have deregulation or over-regulation.
Speaking about EU involvement, we recognise the active role of the EU and its Member States in the first year of work of the HRC.
This is why we need a plan to coordinate the economies of all Member States.
That is why we are insisting that we have to have a better balance on this.
Air and noise pollution from traffic will thus be charged electronically, at a rate of three to four cents per kilometre depending on the vehicle's Euro class, the type of road and the level of congestion.
The text to be put to the vote tomorrow does not, however, include a proposal made by the Committee on Agriculture for the Commission to look into setting up an economic adaptation fund against drought, which would benefit all economic sectors, including agriculture.
The European Commission, which has, to date, strictly monitored compliance with the rules for providing State aid to companies, has been very quick to grant its consent in all these cases, generally adapting its decisions to earlier decisions made by Member State governments concerning these matters.
This is, therefore, a clear justification for the common agricultural policy.
It is also worth bearing in mind that the largest producers of these raw materials are located outside the European Union and that in comparison, the position of the Member States is very poor indeed.
Mr President, the recent brutal murder of the Palestinian Christian Rami Ayyad, who was only thirty years old, underlines the perilous position of this minority in Gaza.
In view of the lack of other representatives from your group, I think you can speak for a very long time!
The crucial thing is that this minimum income is regulated in such a way that it acts as a lever to elevate people in poverty to an acceptable standard of living, and that it can never be an incentive for people to act passively in a difficult situation, namely by potentially lacking commitment in looking for a job.
Madam President, unfortunately, the problems affecting European beekeeping are more serious and deeper rooted than the cyclical crises that recurrently affect other, apparently more important, sectors.
In doing this, we are making a crucial contribution to the safety of Europe.
I believe that what matters most when considering the future shape of financing instruments for development is to remember that the overriding aim of development policy should be to reduce dependence on aid gradually, and for the country in question ultimately to achieve total independence.
The High Representative and I will also report on this process to the Foreign Affairs Council in a few days' time.
We have a demographic crisis in the EU.
- (EL) Mr President, let me begin by expressing my deep satisfaction with the agreement that has at last been reached on the amendment to the Regulation establishing common rules in the field of civil aviation security.

The report supports Croatia's aims, which is why I have voted in favour of it.
We can all rejoice and hope for even better relations between the people of Taiwan and the people of the European Union.
It was quicker than normal - smooth, calm and there was not a single request for the time-consuming and irritating check.
This gradual abandonment is very important and I would ask other European leaders to take note of this because nuclear energy is very expensive, very dangerous and very slow to build and is not the answer to climate change.
In my opinion, the amendments that Members have tabled are, contrary to the view of the Commissioner, extremely important, as even at this stage, we want to mark the direction in which we hope that this new VAT system will go.
Amendment of Regulation (EC) No 881/2004 establishing a European Railway Agency (
Your colleagues in Berlin have made much more progress than you have here in Strasbourg and in Brussels.
Like him, I come from a mini-Europe, the former Habsburg Empire, which was no bad thing in many regards, but which fell apart because the biggest linguistic group - namely mine, the German speakers - always insisted on everyone speaking German.
In my opinion, the reduction in the number of military systems in the European continent should continue.
Madam President, as we know, many dangerous chemical substances are authorised for general use, in spite of the dangerous ingredients they contain.
We are all entitled to our own opinion on this.
Mr President, I think Philip Bushill-Matthews' criticism underlines just how good Elizabeth Lynne's report is!
Mr President, Baroness Ashton, Canada is a good friend and an important partner of the EU.
How can we speak of choice when the opposition parties are not allowed to speak, when they cannot express themselves freely or accurately represent whole populations?
Beijing +15 - UN Platform for Action for Gender Equality
I was therefore amazed by the ruling handed down by the Supreme Administrative Court in Lithuania on 30 January of this year. According to the ruling, placing signs bearing street names in Polish alongside others bearing street names in Lithuanian contravened the law.
In order to avoid the ever greater fragmentation of existing regulations in this area, a targeted full harmonisation approach was sought; that is to say, harmonisation limited to specific aspects of certain contracts, while maintaining a high level of consumer protection.
This will demand a political leap in thinking with regard to Europe's - and, in particular, the eurozone's - economic governance.
Vaccinating against TB and investing in research aimed at developing new treatments for this disease are the only solutions to eradicate it by 2050.
They are calling for imports of protein crops, particularly soya, to be made easier, including genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which are prohibited in the EU.
However, I think that we must continue to make strenuous efforts to offer Serbia a European perspective, including for the sake of its people, complete with a specific offer concerning, for example, visa facilitation and further visa liberalisation.
They want to have a role in solving the international financial crisis, and they have little capital to do that.
It is when we do not - and especially to protect the speech that may particularly be angering to people like me or others - that we have those laws.
The presidential election on 5 January this year was a decision to escape from deadlock, but during the election process itself several infringements and ambiguities were observed, and regretfully I have to admit that actions by the relevant Georgian authorities were insufficient to convince voters and candidates that they had the political will to investigate all electoral infringements that took place at the time of those elections.
(PL) Madam President, in the run-up to the forthcoming summit, we really can say that the European Union lacks a single coherent strategy as regards Russia, and that the current policy of pragmatic cooperation based on a strategy of small steps may very easily fall apart during whatever crisis occurs next, as was the case in 2008 during the war with Georgia, or in 2009 after gas supplies were cut off.
Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (announcement of motions for resolutions tabled): see Minutes
Therefore, I would like to express my recognition and gratitude to the Spanish Presidency, the Council and the Commission, as well as to the shadow rapporteurs on the Committee on International Trade and everybody involved, for their positive and constructive approach.
I think I visit five countries and then I will end up in Moscow for the Quartet meeting in order to discuss and debate what we do next.
Is it not time to reverse these tendencies and to return to the sustainable development of agriculture, in which farmers will have their own feedstuffs and will not be exposed to the losses caused by dioxins or BSE?
I voted in favour of it and I consider it to be excellent.
Only in this way can meaningful compromises in the dispute on the nuclear programme be achieved.
A fair balance is needed which seeks to reconcile the legitimate interests and concerns of the nationals of the Member States with the needs of those who are seeking them.
It is a fact that violations of human rights, civil liberties and the rule of law have become commonplace in Russia.
The debate is closed.
The fact that more and more products brought from China raise question marks and endanger the health and safety of European citizens is a very serious matter.
We cannot afford to fail, as the finger of history will indict us for reneging on our responsibility as a generation of political leaders who knew the problem, who knew the peer-reviewed science, but failed to act.
I am very pleased to be able to tell you that the Commission feels able to support all of the amendments put forward by the rapporteur, Mr Csibi.
Bridging loans under this facility can, however, prevent bankruptcy and job losses, and that is also in our interest.
The Republic of Chad, by way of its Foreign Minister, gave its agreement in principle to this operation in a written communication that was sent to the Security Council several days ago.
In my opinion, we have made very good progress with Croatia and we can complete the process quickly.
I would just like to stress a few remarks that were made, which in my opinion should be overarching the whole debate.
As the resolution states, Zimbabwe very much needs a mediation process which includes various parties from the international community and Africa.
For instance, the need for a functioning EU internal energy market, for interconnection and infrastructure projects, for the development of mechanisms to handle supply crises and for the EU to have a strong external energy policy is now clear, and we support this broad approach.
The European Parliament must bear its responsibility for improving the conditions of people with disabilities.
As Mr López Aguilar said, terrorism is a terrible form of crime.
Through its civilian crisis management, the EU already makes a clear contribution to global security, reflecting its core values and principles.
For me personally, this budget has a bittersweet taste, because it includes successes, but it also has shadows.
This is helping to reduce the administrative burden and allowing better use to be made of control results.
The recent gas crisis between Russia and Ukraine demonstrated once again the importance of diversifying the EU's energy sources and energy supply routes.
The euro area was not and has not become an optimal currency zone.
Although I believe that these programmes must be implemented as soon as possible, and operate as efficiently as possible, they need to be prepared properly.
It is good that we are increasing payments in instalments and speeding up expenditure on large projects submitted in advance, and that it will be possible for payments to be made prior to confirmation.
A job well done.
We have to discuss further details of Parliament's approach so as to respect the institutional balance laid down in the Treaty, but what I find absolutely right is the logic of the approach taken, which is to find a balance between the interests of subsidiarity and those of the internal market, and then to draw clear operational conclusions.
To revive the challenge of sustainable growth, we have to use all the political means and financial instruments at our disposal.

The state is, of course, not expected to finance volunteering, otherwise it would lose its meaning, but the state is called on to provide incentives for the private sector to support the voluntary sector.
These statements included an appeal from Italian mayors and from the Italian Minister of the Interior to me, because at that time no one thought that Europe had any tools like those subsequently adopted with the decree-law to tackle situations where there was a clear violation of Directive 2004/38/EC.
Madam President, I agreed with Mr Cocilovo, who was the draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, to insert the following clause into this important Article 6: 'If the legislation of a Member State does not stipulate obligatory affiliation to the social security system for the self-employed, affiliation is granted on request to the assisting spouse.'
In its original proposal, the Commission proposed, after careful cost calculations, to forget everything and have a final upper limit on costs after all.
Following the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power station in Japan, the Commission announced stress tests for similar facilities in the European Union.
As affirmed by the proposed amendments made by the Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left, the military interventions, supposedly undertaken in order to stabilise certain countries or regions, are on the wrong track.
(RO) Madam President, the outcome of the referendum on the independence of South Sudan was welcomed by quite a few people.
The key message is that excluding millions of EU citizens from economic and social life is not smart, is not sustainable and is certainly not inclusive.
Anyone who has benefitted from public aid should not be ashamed of information to the effect that he has received such aid; and farmers in particular have no reason to be ashamed of it, because after all the aid is clearly due to them and is for the good of the whole of society.
This is testimony to the EU pledge to help the country recover from successive crises.
Clearly, the free market is the best mechanism for regulating the economy until something better is thought up, to paraphrase a certain statement.
I am also a little dubious about whether it is really necessary to have full regulation of this matter at EU level.
This is why I am grateful that we are holding this debate as a building block in the construction of a more robustly resourced ENISA and of greater network security.
Let me, however, reiterate that the scope of these meetings remains limited as long as the current political conditions prevail in Belarus.
These are recommendations that I fully agree with, and I would therefore like once again to praise the quality of this report, which has managed to garner broad cross-party support.
I therefore believe that you have welcomed, as has the Council, President Obama's decision to close Guantánamo within a year.
The vote will take place on Thursday, 13 December 2007.
The legislative effects obtained are not always based on a clear and convincing provision, however.
That is why we will not only be voting in favour of the report but we will also be giving our consent for both these countries to join the Schengen area.
in writing. - (FR) Front National, Vlaams Belang and FPOE are not extremist, racist or xenophobic parties.
If we want to be credible, we should cancel all contracts in armaments to these countries and to the Gulf Cooperation Council, and ask for the establishment of an arms embargo in all of the North Africa and Middle East region.
Of course, for a country like Portugal, which played a decisive role in the adoption of the Treaty of Lisbon, the Swedish Presidency's contribution was invaluable.
Our citizens expect that much of us.
I would also say in advance that the United States and the EU signed an agreement on large civil aircraft in 1992.
This is a procedural matter.
Regardless of this fact, Latvia was accepted into the European Union in 2004.
(RO) Madam President, the European Union has 143 nuclear power plant units and, according to the data published by the Energy DG in March for 2010, nuclear energy accounts for roughly 28% of the European Union's energy mix.
Written statements (Rule 149)
The new rules could create better conditions for investment and should enable SMEs to focus on innovation and development.
Aerial spraying is virtually prohibited and - where there are no viable alternatives - local people must be notified in advance of the composition, times, intensity and schedule of the spraying.
My final comment is to note with you that, in this crisis, everyone believed that there would be two channels for transmitting the crisis, the complex financial markets on one hand and, on the other, the real economy.
I was hugely disappointed because Europe, and particularly Parliament, clearly did not play the role that it deserved to in the negotiations.
I hope that we shall receive an appropriate proposal before this parliamentary term is over and that the proposals from the Austrian and German Governments will be endorsed.
Member of the Commission. - (CS) Progress is difficult but not impossible.

I hope you will help us to take it.
The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund should also be adapted in this light; likewise the European Social Fund - why not? - which currently speaks of creating new jobs but should also seek to avoid redundancies.
So far, progress has been slow with regard to some aspects of the area of freedom, security and justice, whereas the right to move and to reside freely within the EU is now granted to more than 500 million citizens!
I also hope that we have made a little progress towards more transparency.
We also recognise the essential role of reform in the ACP regions in reaching the development objectives, as set out in paragraph 14 of the report.
For us to be able to achieve our objective, which is that the free movement of people and labour is genuinely free, pension systems must be adequately harmonised.
in writing. - (FI) The EU summit discussed how the US economy's very own China Syndrome, that is to say the meltdown of the core of the financial economy on Wall Street, also poisoned the European markets with its radioactivity.
The Commission has called daily meetings of the Communicable Disease Network of Member States and of the EU Health Security Committee since Saturday 25 April.
We therefore need to screen the organs concerned before they are used.
And, further to what Mr Schulz said about the dangers of a negative coming from Europe, it behoves me, as a representative from Ireland, speaking at this round of the debate on the future of Lisbon, to point out a number of home truths.
This report is a step in the right direction, because the external border is insufficiently protected at the moment.
This was the paradox that I wanted to share with you.
They are capable of harnessing not only the growing number of policy tools which they have at their disposal, but also the enthusiasm of all the partners which Europe needs: business, academia and civil society.
This will be an additional measure of punishment, but will also act as a prevention measure.
Common measures are therefore needed to prevent and to combat such abuse.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, firstly I would like to thank Parliament for the very clear message it has given here tonight.
These are the years when children learn and become familiar with the tools that as adults they will use to elaborate cognitive mechanisms that are different, but necessary for their future education and work.
Even if our respective approaches to economic and regulatory issues remain different, consumer safety and data protection illustrate this.
Third example: social services of general interest.
So I will get on with it.
As I said, we are not against a simplification of the accounting rules for small businesses, particularly because directives and measures have accumulated to such a degree that they need to be reorganised in order to clarify the situation.
It bases itself on universally recognised infringements of international rights and principles, which are well-known to all and have been applicable at least since the Nuremberg trials.
This includes extending the use of lump sums or flat-rate payments wherever this is appropriate.
That has not only inflicted a great deal of damage on the climate and security of energy supply, but has also gambled away the opportunity for thousands of new jobs.
Ladies and gentlemen, during a discussion in the Bureau of Parliament the other day, the general view was that Members who had already spoken in a debate should not be given the floor again.
(FI) Mr President, it is extremely important that, at this stage, Europe shows moral leadership, and Member States must honour all their commitments as well as the Millennium Development Goals.
The new label must, however, focus on symbolism and educational value, rather than on the beauty of a site, and must insist on close cooperation among the labelled sites so as to share best practices and initiate common research and development projects.
Next, the need for improved mobility between partner countries and the European Union since there is no better way to promote European values than through sharing experience person to person.
It has become STX of Korea.
Like so many topics in this Parliament, this topic, too, can be approached from the perspective of the internal market, the producer or the economy.
We need to address the question of alcohol, alcopops, the use of special offers and other marketing devices designed to increase the sales of alcoholic drinks among young people in particular, looking at the availability of public transport at night, the encouragement of designator-driver programmes, and it would also be good to have labelling on alcoholic drinks specifically designed and directed towards women who are pregnant.
We disagree with the draft resolution, because it lays the foundations for us to build a modern European Panopticon in which, like the prison designed by Jeremy Bentham, everyone's actions are constantly monitored without the detainees' knowing the extent of their supervision, thereby giving them a false sense of privacy.
While the Indian aviation sector has long been characterised by a restrictive approach with limited access and strong state control, India has in recent years taken decisive steps towards a more open and competitive aviation market.
The Member States should include this topic, especially finance, in textbooks of primary and secondary schools.
I must say that I cannot agree with the inference that this initiative promotes health tourism or enables health insurance companies to reduce costs.
Do you really mean to appeal to the representatives of Tibet for that dialogue?
There is the issue of discards and the impact of an Appendix I categorisation on this matter for fishermen.
(PT) Mr President, I want to talk about Mrs Estrela's report on improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers.
The first formal summit with President Obama took place after our informal meeting in Prague this spring.
We equally have no legitimacy in the face of the rejection of the Constitution in France and in Holland for passing the same measure.
The interests of giants such as the US company Ford, the current owner of Volvo Cars, which cleared a profit of almost USD 1 billion in the third quarter of 2009, or Aviva, Axa and BlackRock, the main shareholders of Heijmans NV, today supplant the general interest of European citizens.
European monetary union is a reality; the euro has been in existence for 10 years today.
Mr President, a simple letter from the Council that the negotiation guidelines will fully contain Parliament's concerns, that negotiations will begin immediately with the United States and not at some point in the future, and that Parliament will be fully involved in these negotiations might have sufficed, and it would not be that difficult to give in order to alleviate this Parliament's concerns about the way it has been treated, ignored and played with in the past.
That was the Commission's original intention, and a large majority of the European Parliament endorsed that intention.
This is hardly surprising.
I would also like to thank the Munich security conference, which cancelled Mr Lukashenko's invitation.
In her conclusion, she specifically referred to the timing of our motion.
Can we ask Mr Füle to carry out an investigation into honour killings in Turkey?
After carefully studying the motion for a resolution on the Lisbon Strategy, I decided in the end to abstain and thus not to vote either in favour or against the motion.
Third: we shall maintain top-level support for the Partnership for Modernisation as an important vehicle for Russian commitments to reforms.
Food inspectors often have to battle with deficient labelling - and it is not only the inspectors; consumers have the same problem.
In order to achieve this, our neighbours, too, must implement reforms.
I propose a motion to recognise the expediency of the state aid given to the Polish shipyards.
I appreciated Joe Biden referring to the line by the Irish poet William Butler Yeats: 'a terrible beauty is born'.
EU-Brazil Strategic Partnership - Mexico Strategic Partnership (debate)
At the moment, the lack of common corporate tax rules and the divergence of national tax systems often lead to over-taxation and double taxation.
It goes without saying that non-respect of the rules of the code of conduct must be followed by sanctions.
I wish you some idealism in your work.
The European Union, its Member States and its institutions had already condemned Moussa Dadis Camara's coup d'état on 28 December 2008.
On the one hand, we will not be able - and I very much address this point to Mr Turmes - to build up pressure together on the Member States and on the Commission if we continue to hold an ideological debate where the subject is always nuclear energy.
At present the tendency to make bilateral agreements, as illustrated by Germany, Italy, Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary and Greece, is thwarting the chances of this happening.
Cohesion means creating equal opportunities and a sense of fellowship and must not be subsumed into other policies. The latter, competitiveness and combating global warming for example, ought to have their own budget lines.
I would therefore implore you to vote against paragraphs 3 and 9.
I would like to focus on a couple of points.
Therefore, I wanted to ask you whether the German constitutional court is just as undemocratic and worthy of criticism as the Hungarian constitutional court?
I voted for this report because it underlines that when employing citizens of EU Member States, greater geographical coverage would be ensured along with proper and meaningful representation for the citizens of all Member States.
If we want to see the targets increased for waste electrical goods, we have to have more of that kind of collection.
Negotiations are progressing on an enhanced agreement, which, as you are aware, is intended to bring Ukraine as close as possible to the European Union.
While the interim agreement includes specific provisions on the rules of origin for fishery products, it was important to manage this derogation.
We must act now to find common solutions to these challenges.
in writing. - (FR) Advertising is present everywhere, in the streets, the newspapers, on the television, the radio, the Internet, and whether we like it or not it has a huge influence on consumer behaviour.
That is not coffee money - EUR 1 350 billion on a yearly basis.
Thirdly, today, for the fourth time, we are observing the EU Day Against Human Trafficking.
Without the G20, the situation would be desperate, and the sickness in the world economy could become chronic.
It is envisaged that every household within the EU should have a broadband Internet connection at a competitive price by 2013.
(Applause)
I therefore voted for it.
in writing. - (PT) Balancing the right to work and rest with the need for competitiveness and even economic viability forces us to choose what we value more.
They do not have any actual responsibility anywhere in Europe.
We must make a commitment to universities and to research and development, because that is very clear now.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - Madam President, it is quite desirable to review the trading arrangements that we have with other countries and it is quite understandable that Japan sees the FTA as particularly attractive in relation to the recent Korea FTA.
For a month now, workers at the Atlas plants in Ganderkesee, Delmenhorst and Vechta have been striking day and night for precisely these rights.
You also rightly highlight the wish of all sides to find an early and mutually acceptable solution to the issue of the name.
But the actual reason for the failure is precisely that the Brussels bureaucracy is simply not able to assist us efficiently in most of fields of our lives.
Somalia (vote)
It is on this condition that we will project the image of a Europe that is capable of responding to the needs of its citizens, including the most vulnerable ones.
I wonder how we can tackle such a sensitive issue in the absence of such a study.
Recognising the existence of the State of Israel, renouncing violence and the entry of Hamas into PLO agreements remain the key objectives, as does the requirement of achieving a permanent ceasefire as soon as possible.
The European Council's decisions - if you ignore all the rhetoric and demagogy that always accompanies them - lay bare the real objectives and policies of the EU.
We should let the subject rest.
I support the formal request to the Commission to put forward legislative proposals to improve the EU financial services regulatory framework, not only because of the financial crisis but because we will be unable to build a European internal market if we do not have a European regulatory policy.
We use large amounts of water every day.
I believe that the agreement marks a significant advance towards establishing full visa reciprocity for all EU citizens in relation to third countries.
These stress tests should also be carried out in all our neighbouring countries and beyond, under the responsibility of the IAEA.
The anti-grassroots attack by the EU against the most fundamental rights of workers shows that the EU cannot change.
(DE) Commissioner, the Council has reduced research funding for 2008.
It was for this reason, for example, that the transitional periods for the free movement of workers were introduced at the insistence of the countries with well-developed social security safety nets.
On the one hand, enhance coordination between the authorities and stakeholders, finally addressing the reform of Eurocontrol, which is not, of course, a body reporting directly to the European institutions, but which was, in any case, crucial in the management and lack of effective management of this crisis.
All of our institutions have a responsibility concerning the monitoring of EU law.
The call for the revision of Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code is being considered by the Turkish side.
I fully support the movement towards a water-efficient and water-saving economy and of course the full implementation of the Water Framework Directive, which I was very involved in a few years ago when my former Austrian colleague Marilies Flemming was the rapporteur.
The debate on religious freedoms and the situation of Christians, which has been going on in Parliament for several months now, is also significant in formal terms, since the Treaty of Lisbon strengthened the position of churches in European debate, and they now have the right to be official partners in dialogue with the European Commission.
So far it is only talks that have resumed, and it is good that today's debate has caused the Commission to take proper note of what we think.
I will echo comments about the beekeeping sector, but I would remind colleagues that the wild bumble bee population across Europe is also in a similar - and very grave - situation.
So, Commissioner Reding, if she meets with your approval, will be Commissioner for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship.
on behalf of the ECR Group. - Madam President, I would like to congratulate the rapporteur on her report.
We are aware of the importance of continually improving patient safety and related improvements in healthcare quality in relation to cross-border healthcare.
As members of the European Union we have enough oranges and meat, and yet, the Union is succumbing to the same temptation: to achieve results through campaigning instead of patient and steady work.
Once all signatures have been verified, the Commission will decide within three months whether a new law can be proposed, and it will have to make its reasons public.
(ES) Dear Prime Minister Zapatero, welcome, good luck and thank you for your speech.
We fail in one obvious area: Members of Parliament enter the building where there is no proper controlled entrance.
As these problems emerge, we need to include safeguards and clauses that allow ACP countries to tackle any import surges, food-price pressures and fiscal crises: rendezvous clauses for specific issues, regular review clauses and, as in the Caribbean EPA, a role for parliamentary oversight and monitoring.
The resolution calling for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty under the 65th United Nations General Assembly this autumn should reflect progress towards universal abolition.
It is, therefore, necessary to create a European network of transport system administrators, where cooperation will be based on securing an efficient, representative and transparent European natural gas market.
The rapporteur's proposal mentions the fact that the UN is looking for 'the establishment of new bodies, the radical overhaul of others, the reshaping of the management of its ground operations, the reorganisation of its assistance delivery and an in-depth reform of its Secretariat'.
Now we have to resolve the political questions.
In some cases, intra-regional disparities play an even greater role than differences between regions.
Thirdly, if we were to introduce a financial transaction tax in Europe, what would the consequences be?
(Heckling)
To achieve this, the Community method needs to be reinforced and the European Semester adopted into the legislative governance package.
We also need these things - and that must be made equally clear - in order to uphold the rights of European citizens.
The European Commission, in cooperation with the Confederation of Organisations in Road Transport Enforcement (CORTE), Tispol and Euro Contrôle Route, must work on producing an article by article interpretation of the application of the legislation.
What is this guide on which to base our regional cohesion policies?
The two reports, as both rapporteurs mentioned, are complementary and should be considered together.
Yes, I am in favour of equal partnerships!
- Before the vote:
Rather than try to create a good impression with your fine words and keep an eye on the Euro elections, which are looking awkward since the Irish 'no' vote, you would do better to propose specific measures and allocate revenues from the Community budget.
(DE) Mr President, I completely disagree with Mr Matsakis, as the Commission proposal does not, in fact, provide legal certainty for patients who get treatment outside their home countries.
That is why I support the amendment which my colleague, Mr Fajmon, has tabled and which states that this proposal should not apply in any way to Member States whose quotas have already been cut by more than 20% unless they themselves then decide otherwise.
I voted in favour of the resolution on the priorities of the 16th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.
What is required, therefore, is the opening up of a competitive market, ensuring long-term investment and contracts from firms in the sector, particularly in the new Member States, where the creation of new infrastructure would also make it possible to resolve long-standing problems relating to energy dependence.
We need to be doing more if we want to prevent hunger and control population growth, and the way of doing that is to ensure that women everywhere have control over their reproductivity.
The Commission has actively supported the Member States and closely cooperated with the ILO with a view to adopting ambitious legal standards which meet the challenges of a globalised economy and contribute to the implementation of the ILO's Decent Work Agenda.
We need to act quickly on this.
I definitely agree with our colleague Mr Cashman's opinion that following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon and the change in the legal situation, now is the most appropriate time to renew discussions on the 2001 regulation on allowing public access to documents, and the fundamental improvement and amendment of that regulation.
The European Commission has indicated on several occasions that it wants us to play an absolutely fundamental part in the follow-up to this procedure.
How can we reliably agree to transparent targets on fossil fuel energy reduction on the international stage and the increased use of renewables without such baseline data?
The question is, of course, how this urgent situation arose.
We therefore run the risk of setting dangerous precedents or, worse still, of making political use of trade preferences that should perhaps follow criteria that are rather more objective, and rather less discretionary and contextual than in this case.
I would also call on you to take seriously the task that the Council and Parliament have been set and to act quickly in the negotiations over the next few years.
Neither is NATO the proper answer to the bigger problems facing Finland in the near future, which are mainly economic in nature.
In short, there is no need to ask Brussels for them.
On this we agree with the rapporteur.
Mr President, Baroness Ashton, Commissioners, ladies and gentlemen, Parliament approves the establishment of a new section of the budget for the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the provision of additional funds for staff.
In truth, it is more relevant to the rights and interests of businesses than to those of the consumer.
No amendments.
We know that the Irish people are disillusioned not with their own government, but with the institutions of the European Union.
On the third internal market package, I would just say what it does for Europe.
The only real consequence of this proposal will be to tie up the agriculture industry in yet more red tape and burden it with yet more expense.
The bottom line, however, is that the state, including the EU, should not intervene in the economy.
Nevertheless, it is true that, at the last meeting of the Council of Transport Ministers, I did notice that there was some resistance on the part of a number of Member States, several Member States, towards two proposals: on the one hand, the proposal on civil liability, the liability of shipowners, in connection with which, in particular, we have had to introduce a compulsory insurance scheme that is obviously critically important for the future.
I think many of the measures proposed in the resolution on Haiti which we adopted in February are a step in the right direction and can be the basis for rebuilding a country struck by disaster.
This affects women as well as men.
That is the cross-border fraudster's charter.
Explanations of vote
Finally, Mr President, I would like to comment on the content of the partnership.
It is for this reason that I would like to add that the coming ratification of the European Constitution, despite its rejection in two referendums, is undemocratic, cowardly and illegitimate.
European Union aid should also be channelled towards the provision of medical, legal and social assistance to all victims of sexual crimes.
Such a process should seek to establish an effective and lasting constitutional system of checks and balances in accordance with European standards.
As Europe changes, the position of individual states and groups changes in respect of this policy.
I am just very mindful of my own constituents in the West Midlands, and indeed their contribution to the GBP 48 million that the United Kingdom pays to the European Union every single day.
3.
Economic, social and political interdependence should encourage the authorities in both countries to engage in constant dialogue and cooperation.
I think there is a distinction between those chapters which are frozen unilaterally and those which are frozen based on the recommendation of the Commission, because of the non-commitment of Turkey towards customs union, and then agreed by the Member States by consensus.
In addition, the pension systems in the various individual Member States vary considerably, in terms of size, reliability and supervision.
Firstly, in the food sector, we are encouraging local purchasing of food.
The vote will take place on Tuesday, 24 March 2009.
The result is not overwhelming, as other groups insisted on pointing to high environmental and animal welfare standards as the reason for lower competitiveness in the EU livestock sector.
That is why, as I see it, integration means participation.
I voted for this document because I think that the Fernandes report on the budget priorities for 2012 appropriately identifies the directions to follow next year.
Does it sanction their human dignity, their rights?
We have to realise that what is being discussed at the moment is not the problem of Frontex or how to stop the boats, but the fact that we are dealing with peoples whom we have urged to fight for democracy and, now that they are doing so, we must be in a position to receive them.
The education of migrants' children is a step in this direction.
I submitted one such report to you criticising the Commission for not dealing with an infringement complaint concerning the European Working Time Directive.
It is well-known among professionals that cyanide is one of the most toxic of all chemical substances.
In this way we will also prevent wrong interpretations as well as delays in the transposition and implementation of legislation.
Furthermore, I would like to underline, like my colleagues did, that the principles of proportionalities and necessity are key to the envisaged agreement.
This experience has been long and painful, purchased with the lives of millions of innocent people.
The authorities seem to think this is creating a class of educated, skilled citizens, but this inflexibility - a one-size-fits-all approach - is destroying the potential of countless young people.
Energy these days, though, is also about security of supply - in other words, politics.
I think that our debate has not yet ended, however, and that it is vital to keep seeking other solutions because the current situation is not satisfactory.
I therefore propose that we make a start on these.
Obviously we must also follow that line here, particularly as we are dealing with substances that come into contact or are liable to come into contact with things we eat.
As the rapporteur responsible for this question next year, I would like to focus on three main issues.
The results of this assessment should be considered when drawing up the new draft regulation.
However, everything that you have been calling for - energy security, more efficiency, intelligent networks, decentralised networks, the supergrid, the micro grid, the virtual power plants - needs ICT to be run.
The legal basis is unclear.
That will be noted in the Minutes.
The Commission's programme makes no reference to the gender issue.
I believe the Commissioner has a major responsibility here.
While it is crucial for the European Union's expenditure to be guided by the United Nations, these difficulties lead to the conclusion that the European Union must equip itself with an autonomous, integrated structure with the means to deal with tasks as complex as a humanitarian emergency.
However, we must be able to ask questions of a good partner.
There are, therefore, three factors: higher demand because of the rapid growth in other parts of the world, higher energy prices and higher transport prices.
I am wondering what we can do to be more efficient.
The misleading business practices in question typically entail luring businesses, as well as professionals and non-profit entities, into being listed in a business directory free of charge, but signatories later discover that they have signed up to a contract with a fee.
The directive's approach at national level will result in the creation of radioactive landfills across the whole of the European Union.
Mr President, it is odd, is it not, that as the Schengen area comes apart in its core countries, there are plans to extend it to include Bulgaria and Romania.
We must avoid creating dual systems that would do more harm than good.
(The oral amendment was accepted)
(DE) Mr President, I just wanted to say that the microphone at my desk, number 759, is not working.
To restore this confidence, we need to set out a very clear medium-term strategy.
The Commission could also help in seeking support and collaboration and could undertake diplomatic efforts, given the respect afforded the Commission, especially in Mediterranean countries outside the EU, as well as outside the Mediterranean area and the European Union.
As several speakers have said, tomorrow's vote is a very important one, and I believe that it will go well.
I agree totally with Sophia in 't Veld.
All this is not simply a minor hurdle for blind capitalism, as we have heard it said in recent times, but rather a marvellous opportunity to bring about a much more effective as well as legitimate financial and supervisory regulation.
The United States of America has been a lot more active than the European Union in this matter.
The Commission will agree with me on that.
The new proposal is essentially a show of good intentions and reiterates a comparable policy which, according to the report, was supposed to have been applied more than five years ago.
Mr President, Mr Barroso, Mr Rehn, I should like to congratulate you in particular on the positive dialogue that Parliament has held with the Commission.
We have to solve all these problems in the knowledge that margins are tight and that the Council will be reluctant to provide extra funding.
Here my country, as well as the Presidency, is fully committed to fighting the illicit trade in tobacco products.
So why, then, have we done it?
President-in-Office of the Council. - Madam President, I would like to thank you all for this interesting debate.
Irrespective of this outcome, the EU, as a supra-national entity, is governed by a collection of values based on peace, freedom and democracy, which it considers fundamental to the prosperity of the European continent.
In order to do more, the EU needs to have more, and this can be achieved by increasing its budget, rather than reducing the cohesion budget, even slightly.
I will just finish on this one note.
(HU) Mr President, the question that is being asked here at the moment, and what we are actually talking about, is whether, while progressing along the path determined by the Treaty of Lisbon, there will be a superstate initiative or 27 countries will have close institutional cooperation.
This plant is currently mothballed and the workers are on standby.
In order to be active citizens, people must have a broader world view. And the opportunity to get out of a totalitarian country.
Our comments and concerns are not directed towards a criticism of Hungary and Hungarian citizens, but we firmly believe that the defence of fundamental rights, civic freedoms, our shared European values, and peace, security and decent coexistence is a sufficient reason for us to hold this discussion today.
It is a very suitable place to take on this leadership.
This is particularly evident today with the financial crisis and the resulting restrictions in access to investment loans.
The authorities should investigate reports of infringements of rights and freedoms and take measures to remedy them.
Not surprisingly, the few problems identified are analysed as being the fault of the Member States and of a lack of European integration.
Mr President, Gaza remains a human tragedy, and none of us in this House can blame its long-suffering Palestinian citizens from rushing through the Rafah border-crossing breech in the wall to buy goods in Egypt.
We consider this to be essential from a technical, legal and political point of view, because Parliament itself is a House of human rights and one in which human rights are of great importance.
Renationalisation should not be the only option for giving this fund more weight and visibility.
My congratulations to the rapporteur.
This is not entirely theoretical as the case of the Danish cartoons illustrates.
I would like to ask how the Czech Republic, the presiding country, views the Nordstream project, which has both positive and negative aspects, and we know that there are certain doubts about its ecological impact.
Most importantly, the label must feature words, marks or images that attribute realistic characteristics and functions to the product and not characteristics or functions that it does not possess.
Today is a good time to draw the attention of world opinion to people just such as Liu Xiaobo.
But I doubt that we could go further than that.
We should therefore welcome vigorous public reactions in certain Muslim countries, such as Egypt for example, where the general public strongly condemned terrorist attacks against Christians and demanded action against those responsible.
We must nevertheless keep pursuing this approach.
Just two remarks.
With regard to the issue being discussed, I believe that it is important to note that in relation to the ECM (Entity in Charge), the owner or operator must be specified in every case so that we can reduce the risk of accidents.
The measures taken do everything except offer a way out into proper social policy and social standing, especially the measures which conflict with the interests of the young generations growing up on the island.
These facts leave no doubt as to the enormity of the losses suffered by the Roma, which places us, as Europeans, under an obligation to commemorate those who suffered the injustice of falling victim to genocide, and spread awareness of their fate.
Subject: Swedish journalist Dawit Isaak imprisoned in Eritrea
Russia's actions are in stark contrast to its statements that it is a reliable supplier of sources of energy.
The European Commission has certainly already accomplished a great deal within the scope of those eight objectives, but I would remind the Commissioner that we are in 2007 with objectives outlined for 2015 by a Summit which took place in 2002.
One framework for achieving this could be the development of cross-border cooperation based on intra-regional connections.
How has the general feeling towards the EU changed?
Recent revelations about the existence of a database on the Roma and travellers in France have demonstrated how important it is that the Commission should continue its investigations in order to obtain additional information about the existence of these databases but also to establish whether the databases are legal and compatible with the principle of non-discrimination.
Monetary union is based on a design fault.
This will be the result of what is said to have been proposed concerning making Internet providers liable for the content of information sent, as well as penal sanctions for downloading files for private use.
However, as the last few weeks have shown, it may be, above all, a test of our system of governance, of our ability not only to present sound arguments but also to recognise that the strength of our Union and of the Treaty of Lisbon lies in finding the best solutions to achieve our shared objectives.
It would send reassuring messages to the markets and, most importantly, to our citizens who expect us to safeguard the euro and the European economy with it.
Hence the formulation of the decision is absolutely vital.
When it comes to the programmes meeting their targets, I must remind you of the fifth cohesion report and the budget review, in which it was made clear that the performance of the programmes must be given more attention.
In this context, which is far less conducive to joint efforts, I think that it is more important than ever that both the Council and the Commission continuously underline that the Member States must act together on this, which unfortunately has not been the case up to now.
These include projects and measures such as sending European students to universities in Africa, Asia or Latin America - a completely new element.
We know that Kosovo has nothing in terms of social and economic infrastructure to be able to look after these people.
The European Union, which considers solidarity an asset, must help.
The European Union and Russia have the potential to have a strong relationship and we are now facing the challenge of negotiating the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which will enable us to make faster progress on the so-called 'four common spaces'.
We have all worked together to ensure that the motion is balanced and forward-looking.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, I thank the honourable Members for their comments with respect to the EU-GCC FTA negotiations.
This debate also shows that the three institutions, Parliament, the Council and the Commission, share the same fundamental and immediate objectives, i.e. the rapid and complete restoration of the rule of law and democratic freedoms in Pakistan and the holding of free and democratic elections.
There is an enormous potential for greater efficiency in this House, and it would be easy to also increase performance with a smaller staff and less funding.
They try to run when one talks about carbon sequestration, particularly afforestation and avoided deforestation.
The report finds that US approvals will be unaffected by EU policy and that Brazil and Argentina will, in fact, be much more cautious about approving new GM crops that could otherwise damage their exports to the EU.
(The order of business was thus established)
Ukraine had not been officially named as chair of the OSCE for 2013 at that time.
We also need to safeguard the consumers' right to order 100% of renewables from their suppliers and therefore to have secure energy supplies for decades to come.
A last point which was not raised very much today is the speed of commitment and disbursement of funds.
I welcome the fact that the report is based on the pillars that I value.
We saw this more clearly than ever during the Euro crisis.
There is an exhibition outside Parliament which makes it clear that, although we may question some of what is said or some of the figures, we have a serious environmental problem on our hands. This is indisputable.
This not only threatens an enormous tax increase, but is also a factor that threatens to force businesses to move abroad to countries where the environmental restrictions are less stringent.
Then anonymisation services are created on the web, just as now in the banking sector.
We have a Neighbourhood Policy, and in the Mediterranean, in particular, there are, of course, also drillings by countries that are not members of the European Union.
The most important task policy-makers and politicians have is to strike a healthy balance between sustainability and agricultural economics.
The European Central Bank will gain a new task in the coming years.
Finally, we need that 30% cut because most of the extra commitment can easily be realised by increased energy efficiency.
Forced collectivisation of agriculture and fighting against private ownership in the countryside, destruction of the middle classes and private enterprise under a totalitarian dictatorship, violence by the state against farmers, meant defeat, starvation and death in horrifying circumstances for millions of people.
A declaration of self-determination does not lead to independence if the state in question is not recognised by those from which it wants to self-determine.
They will, of course, also be central instruments for the thematic monitoring of the Europe 2020 Strategy.
in writing. - (FR) Strengthening the competitiveness of the European defence industry, which is supposedly damaged by European markets that are too narrow and too closed in on themselves, has served as a pretext for this Directive on the opening up to competition of public contracts in this sector.
Since the inmates of Guantánamo were captured by the United States, it is America's responsibility to prosecute them in its own courts, or return them to their countries of origin if innocent.
(CS) Through our written statement, we were striving for transparency in negotiating ACTA, and an assurance about protection of personal data and the EU acquis.
The proposal will also remove the current obligation on Member States to transmit lists of fishing licenses or fishing permits to the Commission, which will instead be made accessible by electronic means to the national control services, to those of other Member States, and to the Commission.
Ladies and gentlemen, may I ask you to stand, or remain standing, for the European anthem in honour of Salih Osman.
There is absolutely no question about that.
We sympathise deeply with the population of places like Sderot and Ashkelon who live in daily fear of new mortar attacks.
It is true that the Commission proposals were not really clear on how the system should work in practice.
There is the question of disaffection amongst the young who cannot find work, for whom it becomes more difficult, and of course the problems that many people will face when their private or occupational pension schemes are not able to pay out in the way that they thought they would.
Now, with regard to trafficking in organs, Commissioner, everyone knows that organ trafficking takes place.
But we know that is not enough.
Mrs Morvai, that was not the spirit of your question.
Although several years have passed since the Strategy was announced, we can see that it is not being put into effect. In other words we produce documents which we do not then implement.
Given the current situation, where biological diversity has declined by 30% over the last 40 years, and future projections that the rate of biodiversity loss will accelerate ten-fold, it is necessary to take decisive action now to preserve biodiversity and promote the sustainable use of biodiversity.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to be supported first of all.
They are the most important of all.
In our forecasts in May the growth rates for 2008 were already affected by a maturing of the economic cycle and by the impact of the decisions adopted on monetary policy by the central banks.
Circumstances are different but the result is the same: an innocent person dead.
What I would welcome and what I would like to ask of Madam President is to accord more attention and empathy to independent Members, who unfortunately only have this much opportunity to speak.
You cannot expect people from Oxfam and Save the Children and other such organisations to be driving tractors and lifting heavy rubble.
in writing. - (PL) This document is yet another attempt by the majority to take over control at the cost of the minority.
As rapporteur for the Committee on Foreign Affairs in respect of the Financial Regulation, my starting point was the Madrid agreement, but also the fact that greater detail was needed in some areas.
Mr President, I fully accept that it is necessary, in a European Union of 27 Member States, to update the working rules and arrangements which operated in a Union of 15 and less.
The community acquis does not contain rules for such cases and does not provide a specific mechanism, so it is very difficult for the EU to intervene.
in writing. - I am generally in favour of what is proposed for the 2009 calendar of part-sessions.
First, I think that the Council summit meeting brought very important and positive results, given the difficulty of the situation and the context.
Unfortunately, there is still some confusion about the energy-efficiency of LED bulbs, as they turn out to be somewhat less advantageous than manufacturers made it seem.
The issue of security is a field which currently requires immediate action on our part.
I would specifically like to ask if intensive cooperation is planned in the energy sector, which is of vital importance for southern Europe.
There are also dramatic cases in which children are taken from their mothers due to disputes between the parents.
It is lamentable that the European Parliament has not commented on this tragedy and has not asked the European Commission to express its active solidarity to the President of Brazil and its availability to provide any aid necessary.
As a compromise, a non-binding recommendation was adopted.
Humans are the only host of the tuberculosis microbacterium and its eradication would be perfectly possible.
That strategy specifically devotes attention to a partnership for the development of the African agricultural sector.
It is crucial that all services are not just market-oriented.
We must therefore welcome all attempts to simplify the achievement of this objective.
The third challenge, in the years to come, will be the introduction of information campaigns to ensure that our citizens are one hundred per cent aware of their rights.
I have had personal experience of this.
Finally, you say, Commissioner, that this case cannot be compared to SWIFT because it concerns a very specific investigation, which is true.
I agree with the amendments proposed in the compromise position as they emphasise the need to simplify and reconcile administrative procedures, allow the possibility of submitting a single application for one or more identical changes and highlight the need to apply the subsidiarity principle.
The next item is the joint debate on
It is important to me that my vote for an EU strategy for Central Asia is also a vote to improve living conditions for the people of Central Asia with regard to social, health and legal aspects.
The debate is closed.
The latest outbreak of violence in the Middle East might not only set back prospects of a peaceful settlement in the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The government has still not authorised an independent investigation into the killings in Andijan.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (PL) Madam President, I would like to comment on two reports in particular: the report on territorial cohesion and that on the exchange of good practice.
As a result of the opening of borders, all forecasts predict a drastic rise in the number of such claims, both in Poland and in other countries.
We must maintain our focus on this priority.
It must therefore fall into line with the other institutions as quickly as possible and explain to Parliament - and therefore citizens - how its budget is actually managed.
I have tried, as Mrs Grossêtete has said, to bring together various opinions.
Black Sea Synergy does indeed bear your personal stamp, but you are also aware that the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) is now a mature institutional structure for regional organisation; its cooperation is indeed intensifying and broadening. This is especially so because Europe and Asia meet here, and they do so at many levels.
The case of Ai Weiwei in China (
They are the canning factories belonging to these countries, which have set up in Papua New Guinea but which employ foreign nationals in dubious conditions.
The moral crisis in that country, a tendency to trivialise death, dehumanisation, relativism and vanishing values are to blame for the fact that this problem is not taken seriously.
I think that it is vital for us to focus attention on the specific potential of green energy at regional and local level.
We have to look at some of the structural barriers that we as a society are also putting in place in terms of active inclusion.
We witness racial discrimination on a daily basis, both at local level and in programmes which are not geared towards integration.
We do not need any more over-emphasis on this particular position.
Given the social impact of the global economic crisis, which has had a particular effect on employment, proper utilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) is of pivotal importance in alleviating the plight of many European individuals and families, contributing to their social reintegration and professional development, while, at the same time, supplying new qualified resources to meet the needs of companies and boost the economy.
I welcome, therefore, EU countries working together to define and inflict heavy criminal penalties on those who incite terrorism.
(EL) Mr President, I should like to refer to Rule 173 on compliance with the Rules of Procedure, in order to point out that Rule 116 is being infringed, because this is the third consecutive plenary part-session of the European Parliament which has not included Question Time with the Council in the order of business, as provided for in Rule 116.
We welcomed the coming of democracy when the revolts and uprisings began.
Although the Court approved this management, it still has some shortcomings that need to be addressed.
That is why we will allow partner countries in the developing world to exclude more sensitive products from the trade agreements: something that we would not allow other countries to do.
We are well aware that this report is not a definitive report.
Dividing up 8% of the world's population between 30 sovereign budgetary policies is madness.
Unfortunately, pragmatism of this kind is turning into a consistent plan to combat European values.
I therefore call on you to support this text in its entirety without further change.
In parallel with the work in the working group, we also began informal talks with rapporteurs in the European Parliament.
Meat which includes thrombin among its ingredients could be sold only with a label stating 'combined meat parts', while all the ingredients could be specified on a label, in compliance with legal provisions.
For point three of my first speech, I should like to stress, ladies and gentlemen, that the Commission has not ruled out alternatives to infringement procedures.
So, on the issues in this report, three taxation measures are proposed.
It will not therefore be possible to use the fund to buy firearms.
Revision of the framework directive on waste (
Actually, as far as I am concerned, this is an obvious matter, because I was part of the European Union delegation to Ukraine.
Provision has been made to exempt mercury compounds used in research and development and for medical or analytical purposes.
Unless the sole aim is to have a business-driven Europe, nothing justifies centralising everything in one place, which is inevitably far from the peoples of Europe.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (NL) Mr President, on behalf of my group I, too, would like to congratulate the citizens of the nine new Member States on the present that the Portuguese Presidency will be giving them on 21 and 22 December.
This is not only an environmental issue and it is not just an economic issue, but also an issue of international social justice.
Additionally, Mr President, please remember that there is no safe nuclear power; perhaps there will be in 30, 40, 50 or 60 years - I do not know - but right now it does not exist.
It is as such, and only as such, that we must react against criminal acts and support the prevention against possible future attacks.
The future Commission must, of course, develop its own programme, but it is not for me, now, to tell you what will be in the next Commission's manifesto.
It is a fact that urban areas have an important influence on the acceleration of regional development.
I look forward to hearing your answer, Mr De Gucht.
Small farmers make a significant contribution to food security in the regions where they operate.
That is why I am telling you we will try to act quickly on a situation which, at the moment, actually lies in the hands of a Constitutional Court in Prague, Czech Republic.
The proper functioning of the internal market requires safe products and confident consumers.
I can understand that there are budgetary concerns, rightly so, about the rules.
Once again, in an attitude that is anti-democratic and shows a complete disregard for the voting of the citizens, we see the return of pressure and blackmail to attempt to force Ireland to hold a new referendum or - even worse - to change its own national constitution to avoid referenda and the popular vote.
I regret, however, that the PPE-DE Group has tabled an alternative resolution.
We have spent a lot of time crafting a new proposal to actually allow regulators to intervene if they see net neutrality being trespassed upon.
There are many tasks, including the task of conveying just how important the European Union is and what an important job the European Parliament does.
The decision about whether or not an animal should be stunned before slaughter is not something that should be decided here but at Member State level, through open dialogue and consultation with religious communities.
This also includes regulations on liability.
A number of EU high-level visits to Belarus this year helped strengthen political exchanges.
EUPOL is one of the most important assets we have as regards credibility and work in the field of security with the Palestinians and in the occupied territories, and it will continue to be an important asset of the European Union, winning recognition from all: from the Palestinians, the Israelis and the surrounding countries.
Democracy has provided freedom of thought, expression and movement.
- (DE) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, this is a point of order.
For these reasons, the approach that I took, supported by our shadows, in formulating Parliament's position, was to strongly support the aim of improving the completeness, relevance and comparability of the statistics on offer in this field, bringing the statistics more up to date with new trends in the tourism sector to reflect, for instance, the increase in Internet bookings and in short-stay trips.
The vote will take place on Thursday, 13 December 2007.
Business gets noticed, but culture is seen as something incidental, a sort of add-on.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - Mr President, I welcome the fact that this debate is encompassing all energy prices, and not just that of oil - which of course is a major concern.
The recent financial crisis has highlighted that there are three key problems in the industry: lack of competition, over-reliance on external ratings in the regulatory framework and no liability for ratings by CRAs.
Let me also inform you that the Commission will soon launch an independent study on the contribution of culture to local and regional development, hopefully to be finalised by the beginning of next year.
Formal sitting - Czech Republic
As a member of the JPA Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment, I think it is essential that a comprehensive analysis be made and a wide-ranging debate entered into next year on the environmental and social situation in the ACP states.
Such programmes do exist in the Member States - at the Centre for East European Studies in the University of Warsaw in Poland, for example.
The EU's credibility can be restored by improving the quality of statistics, excluding in the future any manipulation and falsifying of fiscal data.
This is the latest lobbyist scandal I hope you will redress.
The report by Mr Papastamkos states that international trade policy must not jeopardise the EU's ability to ensure food security against a background of market volatility, or to ensure the preservation of a strong European agricultural sector.
The coordination between the Commission and the three Member States has been reinforced both in developing the Synergy and in working with the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC).
The contracts went inevitably to the same people all the time who, of course, time and time again, went over time and over budget but were never penalised.
They are an important factor in education and publicity campaigns and this role should be supported in the future.
But within that we can certainly do a lot.
While it is impossible to list them all, they include the recent legislation on ambient air quality - which owes much to your vigorous efforts, Commissioner - the pesticides package, which is about to be completed, and of course the REACH initiative, which places controls on more than 10 000 chemical substances and proposes to replace those that are causing the most problems.
The Commission's initiative on this is particularly to be welcomed, therefore, as the organisation of such initiatives of course reinforces the international possibilities.
In Switzerland the road toll on lorry transport has led to the effective transfer of consignments to the railways and reduced the number of trucks travelling empty.
Her murderers have still not been brought to justice.
A few days ago, Europol published a report on organised crime in the EU.
Nevertheless, Mrs Reding, we need to clarify the fundamental principles for protecting the rights of national minorities in Europe.
Europe's current market share of 25% is below expectations.
(BG) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, we are living in a fast-moving, stressful time of changes and new challenges and, over the last few months, in a global economic crisis.
Now for my question to Mr Barroso. After 19 November, is it clear which areas of foreign policy will remain as part of the Commission's competences and which will be transferred to the External Action Service, such as enlargement, trade or aid to developing countries?
Slowly the realisation of Sweden's closeness to and dependence on Europe grew.
I wish to point out in particular that the instrument of microcredit has actually very much proved its worth worldwide and that, particularly within the framework of the WTO round, which is hopefully approaching the final stages, we should consider how to bring about the relevant trade facilitation for the affected families in these areas.
The report indicates the advisability of replacing the current agreement with a new and broader one. Such an agreement should cover all aspects of our cooperation and should be legally binding.
Yesterday I met with the Croatian Prime Minister, and I was accompanied by two representatives of key institutions of ours; Mr Swoboda, the rapporteur, and Mr Hökmark, the head of our permanent delegation to Croatia.
I would also like to respond briefly by saying that the party represented by Krisztina Morvai set up a paramilitary unit in 2006 and, since then, is using it to intimidate the peaceful public majority.
It might seem that if a state does belong to the European Union it should observe all European standards.
Europe must do more and not less to overcome economic and social differences in development.
A monument commemorating the soldiers of the murderous Waffen SS Galizien Division was unveiled there.
in writing. - Labour MEPs welcome this annual review of the European Security Strategy and Common Security and Defence Policy, especially in the light of the changes brought about by the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, and, in this regard, especially welcome the role of High Representative, Baroness Cathy Ashton, in the associated debate in Parliament.
As a result, dealing with the consequences of the economic crisis is one of the major challenges facing the EU.
The three countries are therefore committed to helping to develop this European Union Strategy for the Danube region and, in this respect, in June last year, the Council urged the Commission to present it before the end of this year.
It is true that teacher education very largely falls within the competence of national governments, and so it should.
(PL) Mr President, the fight against global warming has, without doubt, become one of the European Union's most important objectives.
We have the technology patented.
Indeed, this is the legislative core element, if one may describe it thus, of the Small Business Act.
(RO) The European Union really has every good reason to be concerned by the situation created in Somalia where a power vacuum has virtually formed which has every chance of being filled by Somali Islamic militia.
That is the first project.
I therefore voted for this report.
The annual reduction must not be less than 10% of the aid granted in the first year and based only on a very closely monitored closure plan.
I would like to make one other preliminary remark.
A signal which proves that the enlargement process is under way, that it still exists, and that it needs to be credible.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe would like to join with the declarations of sympathy for the victims of storm Xynthia, which has affected several areas of Europe.
In the last four months, Côte d'Ivoire has plunged into a deep political crisis.
Workers are fighting to secure a collective wage agreement that will enable good, secure jobs to be preserved.
It will naturally be the Commission, which has responsibility in this regard, that will negotiate the agreement.
The threshold of 75% of GDP will naturally be renewed in 2014.
I should like to highlight one point here.
It must be said, Mr Coelho, that, given the difficult negotiations at the Council regarding the enhanced role of the Commission, it is conceivable that they will not be concluded in the short term.
Over the last three years, prices for oil in US dollars have more than tripled.
According to the European Central Bank's analysis, the business handled by alternative investment fund administrators amounts to approximately EUR 700 billion in assets in the European Union, which plays a major role in the financing of the latter's economy.
Technological progress and rapid developments in financial markets have also ensured that regulatory devices which were state-of-the-art some years ago are clearly outdated today.
The Commission has a plan to bridge the digital divide and expand broadband to rural areas, and it urgently needs to solve the problems of Internet service providers and ensure there are adequate resources, and that areas are not lagging behind in terms of quality and high speed and low cost.
We regard it as an opportunity that we should seize in order to engage with the Turkmen authorities and to encourage them.
It seems that the same process has started in Ireland, as well.
I would emphasise that support mechanisms like State aid must not be used to protect national industries at the expense of the internal market and European consumers, and that these mechanisms should be used with the aim of re-establishing a sustainable knowledge economy.
Commissioner, I sent you a letter in this regard in January, together with four of my colleagues, and we have received your reply, but that reply has not dispelled our doubts fully.
Back in November, we were already doubling this 'balance of payments' facility, since it rose from EUR 12 to 25 billion, and, today, to take account not only of the reality, the severity of the crisis that we are in and that is having a particular impact on countries outside the euro zone, but also, without doubt, of the European Parliament's timetable, we propose to you that this facility be doubled, to bring it up to EUR 50 billion. This is in light of the fact that what we decided in November has already enabled support to be given to Hungary, to Latvia and, yesterday, to Romania.
Related to that is the innovative amendment to say that we should have this blue card procedure to be able to interrupt each other.
The Slovenian Presidency is relying on your cooperation to make progress in this dossier.
Rarely has a European Parliament report come so close to madness.
Pure-bred breeding animals of the bovine species (codified version) (
The study concluded that the public is not well informed about the use and implications of cloning.
There is now even a law that protects the right of men to sexual gratification without any say from the women involved.
Faced with the emergency, the European Union has significantly strengthened its humanitarian efforts.
This is not a social issue; it is about protecting a country's own market.
We will withdraw into a defensive position and we will score an own goal against the interests of our fellow citizens.
Lessons drawn from national parliaments can only take us so far.
I know that some Polish governments have made many mistakes.
Honourable Members, it is, in fact, ambition that underpins this Single Market Act, a highly competitive social market economy, and to achieve that, our conviction, and my conviction in particular, is that - I repeat - achieving competitiveness and growth requires the help of every citizen, every business and every community.
In the year of cultural diversity, I might add that, according to experts and science, there may be a direct relationship between migration and the rate of population growth, since the large number of children in second-generation immigrant families is falling, while the presence of immigrants may change the desire of the host population to have children.
Concerning the reason for the denunciation and the renegotiation of the protocol, namely that it was under-utilised, again I would like to make the point made by Mrs Isler Béguin that such agreements are not only about fisheries but also about development assistance.
(PL) Mr President, 69 000 people died as a result of the earthquake of 12 May 2008, over 18 000 are missing and the number of wounded is over 37 000.
Without internal cohesion there can be no external competitiveness. Closing the gap with underdeveloped areas would mean wider markets, effective demand and innovative potential for the entire Union while requiring less social care.
(Applause)
Where Member States are willing to take steps in the direction, for example, of joint activities with regard to national coastguard services, concerning questions on the environment, questions with regard to fisheries, questions with regard to illegal immigration, questions concerning drug trafficking and trafficking of human beings, then in those instances I think that there is a lot of scope for having a system of national coastguards coordinated in a more effective and efficient way by, for example, sharing the assets that different Member States enjoy, by exchanging data and by creating necessary tools, including for example sea mapping, which could be an asset for coastguard and other activities.
Vice-President of the Commission. - (FR) Thank you, Mr President.
the recommendation for second reading by Mr Scholz, on behalf of the Committee on International Trade, on establishing a financing instrument for cooperation with industrialised and other high-income countries and territories (amending Regulation (EC) No 1934/2006).
It was unthinkable, both for the members of my political group and for our committee, that the old Member States should not be included in this extension to the scope of the regulation, because - as we all know - the housing problems faced by marginalised social groups, especially the Roma, are a serious issue, with social repercussions in all the Member States of the European Union.
However, it is not possible to go beyond the EC Treaty.
I also have a subsidiary question: will this approval be valid in all EU countries?
(DE) Mr President, the jasmine revolution which started in Tunisia is unfortunately not taking such a peaceful path in Yemen, Syria and Bahrain.
Even if the expiry date is extended, it is in the interest of every country to sign interim agreements to absorb the negative economic impact following the expiry of the 'preferential agreements'.
At European level, 19 million children and young people are subject to poverty and 6 million abandon high school every year.
(NL) Mr President, Mr Van Rompuy, Mr Barroso, ladies and gentlemen, what with the banking crisis, the economic crisis and the crisis situations in public finances, we have really learned, and experienced more than ever, what crises are in the last two-and-a-half years.
What about the flaws of the originate-and-distribute model, which has enhanced systemic risk?
This attitude is quite simply not tenable.
It is depressing if this is the reason why we have again ended up with a proposal that falls short of our wishes, by which I mean the wish for fewer deaths and injuries on the roads.
This is what appears to be useful and important to me, and I do not mind saying so.
The report is a strong criticism of the Swedish Conservative Government, which defied all criticism and introduced this FRA law in Sweden.
The report by my colleague Mr Swoboda quite unambiguously identifies all the issues that needed to be identified and, in my opinion, the report also clearly reflects Mr Swoboda's political experience and professionalism.
The force consists of 3 700 soldiers from 14 Member States.
in writing. - I am pleased with the results which Parliament has secured through negotiations with the Council, and as a result I supported this Treaty change.
Closure of the sitting
For this reason, I submitted a written question on this subject in July.
In this connection, let me briefly point out that the EU House, the EU information centre, will open in the Turkmen capital of Ashgabat in spring, which will make our measures much more visible there.
At the same time, the EU has already highlighted that, for areas beyond national jurisdiction, the provisions on environmental protection under this Convention remain rather general, and we will continue to work within the United Nations towards the further development of some of the frameworks, adapting them to new conditions or Arctic specificities.
The application complies with the requirements for determining the financial contribution as laid down in Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006.
(LT) I can only repeat that as far back as 1974 documents were adopted obliging Member States to pay men and women equally for the same job.
Why do we not have as much modern infrastructure throughout Europe as we should have?
I also share President Barroso's conviction that renewable energy is vital for Africa's economic and social development, and support his call for a green energy revolution in Africa.
I would like to show all my appreciation to Mrs Polfer, who has done a good job of summarising and formulating concisely and resolutely these very complicated problems.
Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, our debate today marks a fork in the road between two crucial principles.
The goal of economic policy must be to create full employment and to ensure that everyone goes home with a salary instead of benefit.
The public has responded magnificently to the challenge of helping Haiti.
However, because it is a long time since we have adopted a resolution on Canada in this House, we should take the opportunity to look more seriously at the relationship between Europe and Canada than this resolution does.
On behalf of the European Parliament, I reiterate my call for respect for freedom of religion and for an end to the religiously motivated violence which is being witnessed in this part of the world.
(NL) Madam President, we are talking about climate change, but we should be talking about the people who are hardest hit by it, namely those in the least developed countries.
For these reasons the ECR Group has decided to abstain on this resolution.
Two weeks before the final negotiations, we will continue to maintain our leadership.
I think if you look at the figures you will see that we do have a very good case, and I would ask that this should be taken into account.
For that reason, Turkey should immediately allow the Halki Seminary, for example, to continue to function and, furthermore, restore the protection of church property.
Mr President, the last time we held a debate after a tragedy in the Mediterranean was on 1 April.
The third was that the Council failed to supply either an activity report or a complete list of budgetary transfers.
I think this is a core and fundamental part of the work that we should do.
It is in the interest of both Ireland and the European Union to ensure that our debt is sustainable.
They were released two weeks ago because of international pressure - and international pressure after 72 days on hunger strike: that is what brought people to heel in relation to the Malaki government.
I attach great importance to information campaigns for heightening consumers' awareness of their rights because these are a key factor in providing them with greater protection.
However, whatever the case, I think that there is a possibility and a door open here.
We think that it is a little bit late and that it could have been launched earlier in the term, but at least we have got it now.
Secondly, the targets.
Immigrants will thus have the possibility of returning to their home country after a period of one year and to take back to their country the knowledge and experience they have acquired in the EU Member States.
Composition of committees: see Minutes
They have a limited right to fish.
We need to match skills better than in the past and we have to prepare migrants for their life in the EU and their eventual return if their migration is temporary or circular in nature.
The debate is closed.
During my mandate, gender equality and women's rights have been at the centre of my concerns.
To spend better the money we have, we must first of all know where problems are and how we can solve them.
2014, a date suggested by some of you today, generates false hope, unrealistic expectations and misleads the politicians and the public opinion of these countries.
As the honourable Members rightly pointed out in their questions, the European Council and the European Parliament reached agreement on the political content of the decision as a result of the aforementioned informal meetings.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (SV) Mr President, as always when it comes to our budget, this is a conscientious and competent piece of work, but, from a purely political point of view, it has unfortunately got stuck in a rut.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, I would like to thank Parliament for its interest in the Arctic and also say how much we appreciated your resolution on Arctic governance last October.
We have no wish to assist in the perversion of religion: we must encourage social participation and dialogue.
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Member States must work towards an EU common position on how to act on the Inquiry Mission's report on the conflict in the Gaza Strip and in Southern Israel.
Indeed, it is one of the core areas of the Member States' national sovereignty.
Our airlines and our fellow citizens are asking us to do this in order to limit the constraints caused by overly diversified national requirements.
When we exit the House, Mr President, we may find ourselves poorer and more insecure.
We support the adoption of proposals that we presented in the Regional Development Committee in favour of the outermost regions, an example of which is the argument that the specific characteristics of the outermost regions call for a strategy based on policies and measures that are not dependent on transitional criteria or circumstantial wealth trends, are adapted to the different needs of each of those regions and help to offer solutions to the permanent constraints which they face.
Our contribution to that is well worth the relatively small amount of money, and I am delighted to welcome this report and vote in favour of it.
If we are talking about the necessity of democracy, human rights, tolerance and freedom of speech, I subscribe to it all.
Clean coal technology may prove to be possible, but we cannot pin all our hopes on it at present.
We must ensure that product safety is guaranteed on a general level.
Massive illegal immigration in Malta risks altering its demographic composition.
Now, the legislative procedure that would apply would not be the same depending on whether these data were being processed within the European Union or sent to a third country.
A third Member - Mr Severin - has left the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament and has become a non-attached Member.
Yes, the crisis has wiped out millions of jobs.
Contrary to certain more radical views, I believe that all three are necessary.
This means three years to look into a subject and another three years to carry out studies.
I know that Mrs Wallström and Mrs Wallis, Vice-President of the European Parliament, put forward an interesting initiative and included us other leading women in Parliament and the Commission in the process.
No amendments have been proposed.
(Applause from the centre and left)
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, there may be many different opinions but one thing is absolutely certain, and I am leaving this debate with this impression: there is no alternative to this path of dialogue and effective partnership.
This obviously showed the governments' strong political will and, today, I would like to welcome the excellent report by Mrs Herczog which extends this impetus in such a timely way.
I hope this will be reflected in the vote tomorrow.
In fact, Catherine Ashton admitted yesterday during the meeting we had as part of the Committee on Foreign Affairs that the approach based on human rights dialogues needs to be reviewed.
However, this is only one of the conditions of stability of Europe.
The rules must be the same for everyone operating in this field and we must not leave gaps for uncontrolled activity.
Mr President, this proposal is based on the assumption that all persons from third countries entering the EU are persons of good faith and that, if they say they are coming here to study, they really are.
Seventy per cent of imports come through the simplified procedure.
So I invite the European Commission to devote itself to this vital mission and in that respect, I naturally fully trust that Mr Cioloş will reach that goal.
It is a strategic matter for the future enlargement of the EU and crucial in the field of neighbourhood and migration policy.
The British people have not had a say on this, despite being promised it, and until we get a referendum on this, I will refuse to recognise the legitimacy of this Treaty.
Many of the killings seem to have been based purely on ethnic differences, the most horrendous of which was the brutal attack on a church near the town of Eldoret, which is thought to have left more than 30 ethnic Kikuyu dead.
In essence, we are saying that a lobbyist is anyone who wants to influence us.
In the face of an ageing population and the difficulties with which the European economy is dealing, we have to use all opportunities available to us to encourage women to have children and to make it easy for them to return to work.
As the resolution states, the promotion of democracy and respect for human rights must be considered to be among the most important aims of the European Union.
This is why I welcome the exclusion from this report of a specific journey time.
I understand these citizens, who have worked all their lives to have a few savings.
These issues included the preamble to the Constitutional Treaty with the reference to God and to Christianity, the bankruptcy of individuals involved with Lloyds and Equitable Life, and the Catholic broadcaster Radio Cope in Barcelona. The Committee on Petitions also dealt with land use plans for Valencia, excise duty on motor vehicles, the Rospuda Valley by-pass in Poland, infringement of European Union Directives affecting Ireland (Tara), and the Orléans by-pass in France.
(CS) Madam President, the unfair practices of some of these so-called business directory companies continue to pose a serious problem.
What the EU needs, therefore, is better synchronisation of the measures taken by all consumer protection institutions. Its borders must be sealed to ensure that uncertified products do not reach the market, an efficient monitoring and information system must be established, and a more stringent and uniform system of penalties introduced to ensure that circumvention of the CE system does not pay off.
If we do not think carefully about the implications of some of these agreements, we will see more demand for migration and will end up debating migration rather than the issues we are debating here.
The possibility of learning and working in an international context is an important prerequisite for a successful working life in a globalised economy.
The UNHRC should become more an early-warning and preventive mechanism.
I would like to start by expressing my gratitude on behalf of the rapporteur for the excellent cooperation in this area.
President Sarkozy asked for the engagement of Parliament.
(RO) I believe that we must express our support for a European strategy for the Danube Region, all the more so as the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the EU has been beneficial from the point of view that, at present, a large part of the river, which extends more than 2 800 km, flows through EU territory.
I was promised close cooperation on rationalising European institution budgets.
Secondly, we want to link together sustainability and competitiveness and develop them further.
This is an example of the cohesion that can be achieved by a European Union built on the principle of solidarity.
I agree with Ms Neyts-Uyttebroeck that it is really important that we start to speed up.
The European Union needs a modern, productive shipbuilding industry, from which European shipping operators will order vessels.
15.
Every person in this room must now face the clear, tough challenge ahead, that is, to recognise that many of the concerns that came to light during the referendum campaign still need to be dealt with.
In one of Hezbollah's programmes, for example, a figure disguised as Mickey Mouse - in whatever form - attacks Jewish settlers.
(EL) Mr President, I come from Greece and, unlike Austria, Greece started to apply the Services Directive just a few months ago, in 2010, when it was transposed into national law.
EU-United States Summit (vote)
It presents the achievements and the challenges and explores the possibilities of future development.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees, with 600 000 members in areas such as health care, education, local municipalities, public utilities and transport, is seriously concerned about the effects of such an agreement.
Current budget lines already in place for this project are easily sufficient to bring about its completion, yet - true to form - the suggestion is to spend even more.
If they want to fight climate change, they cannot just love the agenda politically and afterwards not commit to precise targets and methods.
General and business aviation (
First of all, we want to know whether your Directorate-General has assessed the impact of this agreement on jobs in Europe, for I must tell you that the figure greedily announced, that is, the EUR 19 billion profit that European exporters are expected to make, does not convince us.
(Applause)
It is much harder for them to obtain loans than it is for large corporations.
Almost all of the points raised in the report are in line with our communications and have my full agreement.
The list provides useful information to people wishing to travel outside the European Union in order for them to avoid travelling with these airlines.
The EU Multiannual Financial Framework represents an opportunity to make strategic choices for the future.
Communication of Council common positions: see Minutes
My honourable friend was right; we are living on credit.
The present directive does not apply to retrofitting road transport vehicles with engines and spare parts when they have exceeded 75% of their total lifetime mileage.
Coffee in community centres or stalls selling soft drinks are not under threat and other businesses should simply make sure that their hygiene is good.
A third important point concerns the auctioning of allowances.
Customs authorities apply controls on goods entering and exiting the Community based upon a common risk management framework, including the use of random checks.
The introduction of alien species is one of the main factors in the disturbance of ecosystems, along with the destruction of natural habitats, and one of the main reasons for global biodiversity loss.
For this reason, I personally consider it necessary that at least part of the funding is withheld until it we have suitable assurances that the funds will be properly spent.
From Oslo, through the Road Map, through the Geneva Accords, and other initiatives, the parameters of the solutions are in focus.
The way I see it, the European Union must take the initiative in creating a new global monetary order, starting with taking up China's proposal for a common international trade currency.
(PL) Mr President, quite often in Parliament, we talk about different phobias and their detrimental social effects.
I believe it is misguided.
You have discussed the new legal instrument in depth, and you have made many amendments which will help to clarify the text and give it a better structure, notably regarding definition, scope and status, and by introducing references to the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI).
in writing. - (PT) I voted in favour of this resolution as I believe that the EU needs to create a new development paradigm in order to tackle climate change.
The same things, and, to a certain extent, even more pronounced, that this report here is listing in relation to Lukashenko and Belarus to which you are raising an objection, setting the bar considerably higher for Lukashenko and Belarus, a country outside of the European Union, than the one you were using for Hungary and Ferenc Gyurcsány, including the fact that the Hungarian Lukashenko forcefully broke up every significant anti-government protest.
As a result of the financial and economic crisis, Iceland went from being the fifth richest country in the world to being a country racked by crisis, with the collapse of its banking system, where 40% of households could not pay their bills and pensioners lost their life's savings.
Meanwhile, progress was being made in the negotiations between the Federal Republic of Germany and representatives of the German Democratic Republic, and primarily between Mr de Maizière and Chancellor Kohl.
It also implies taking advantage of the geographical position of the ORs, particularly in the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean, encouraging closer cooperation with neighbouring third countries and developing our islands - precisely because they are islands - as centres of excellence for scientific research, notably in maritime studies, climatology and environmental studies.
We must take action to stop this.
The discussion on the links between climate policy, sustainability strategies and crisis management is just as inconsistent.
This too is unclear, and if you table it too late it will be utterly useless.
The broad aim is to achieve more long-term goals and to make better use of available resources.
Finally, in terms of acknowledgements, I would also like to welcome the presence here of the Ambassador for Papua New Guinea and to thank him and his staff for their close collaboration.
The movements, which are steadily increasing, appear to be a new way of protesting against the unbearable political and socioeconomic situation of the indigenous inhabitants of these territories.
As indicated in our resolution, our measure is not aimed, as we are often accused, at the imposition of specifically European values, but at the defence of human rights, which is one of the major objectives of the European Union.
In fact, given that the global financial and economic crisis calls for a determined and coordinated response from the EU to prevent job losses, to maintain a satisfactory income level for Europeans, to prevent a recession and to turn the current economic and employment challenges into opportunities, I believe that the measures taken under the governance of the Eurocrats are definitely not enough to bear the weight of the crisis that we are going through, not least in a sensitive sector such as employment.
The only possibility is 'not only/but also', which means the balanced development of both policies together, without making giving preference to one over the other.
In the light of the literally deadly results of food policy to date, they should put an immediate end to the unjust agricultural subsidies and customs charges and stop promoting senseless biofuels.
Christian writers and academics are having to go into hiding.
I would appreciate hearing your position on this, High Representative.
Once again, we must draw attention to the excessive delays between the occurrence of the disaster, the decision to mobilise the EUSF and the actual delivery of EU support to the Member States and regions affected.
It is a combination of very obvious advantages, which cannot be halted by calling perhaps for further measures because here, it really is the case that the best is the enemy of the good.
We are not under time pressure here - we need a sound result.
The subject is 'equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity'.
I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate this demand.
Therefore, that process will be of benefit to both interests.
We also need to respect the democratic choice made by the Irish people and to provide another opportunity for democratic expression.
The new rules recognise explicitly that Internet access is a fundamental right such as the freedom of expression and the freedom to access information.
This crisis demands that Europe take decisive action.
The European standardisation system has been fundamental in achieving a single market.
I commend it to the House.
Mr Posselt, it is a question of priorities.
Flexible working hours and safety influence tourism just as much as social changes.
However, we do not want cohesion policy to be subordinated to the priorities of the EU 2020 strategy, which stresses 'competitiveness', 'deregulation', 'adaptability' and 'entrepreneurship', always at the expense of cohesion and convergence.
On the other hand, he inspires loathing among people who reject his pursuit of unification with Russia.
I believe in fact that this Eastern Partnership is welcome because there is a need, in the first place, to stabilise these regions and to avoid falling into the trap of the area of influence because there is us, there is the United States, there is Russia and there is Turkey.
The Commission will continue to contribute to the Trio's actions through its policies and instruments, in close partnership, of course, with Member States and civil society.
Together with us and the OSCE, you ought to be protecting European values, not becoming a mechanism for imposing your power at home.
Given the high volume of trade across the borders of the European Union, the enforcement of EU export controls on dual-use goods must rely on preventive measures such as the imposition of export licensing requirements and customs registration procedures.
The Olympic Games have become an argument for pulling down residential areas and driving the residents away.
In the case of Turkey's membership aspirations, these are clearly nothing but empty words.
This is a first step towards greater transparency in both the European Parliament and Commission.
In general, we need to make sure that there is more observance of the highway code in Europe.
On 3 May 2011, the Commission published the results of a feasibility study by the Expert Group on European contract law and we invited all stakeholders to comment.
The EU and the entire world must now rally behind this demand: free Perwiz Kambakhsh.
(FI) Mr President, Baroness Ashton, the European Union's credibility as regards its foreign policy is measured in terms of how well it keeps to its fundamental values, which are human rights, democracy, the principle of legality, and freedom of religion.
Recommendation to the European Commission in Complaint 185/2005/ELB (short presentation)
The proposal for a directive on road infrastructure safety management offers a good combination of preventive and corrective measures.
Thirdly - and probably most importantly - we now need, in particular, to tackle the crisis in confidence that we are seeing throughout the world and particularly here in Europe.
We have to avoid the mistakes made last year which gave us the nonsense of one country closing its airspace whilst a neighbouring country kept theirs open, leading to chaos, confusion and huge economic consequences.
It eases the strain on their food budget through distributions by charities and social services, and adds up to a mere EUR 1 per European per year in aid.
The high-level group of experts on the integration of ethnic minorities has pointed out that certain projects supported by the ESF, such as the Acceder programme in Spain, for instance, are excellent models of active integration of the Roma.
The EU has to take a leading role in this process and help to find solutions that avoid exacerbating the conflict that is currently occurring in this country.
However, there is one glaring gap in Europe's plans, and that is investment.
Many obstacles were removed in 2001.
I voted in favour of Mrs Paliadeli's report on the European Ombudsman's activities as I believe that Mr Diamandouros has made a significant contribution in terms of resolving citizens' problems and bringing the European Union's institutions closer to citizens.
It is a project worth fighting for, because we cannot let these people gain the upper hand.
Something else that was particularly important to me was for us to use more resources to make our buildings energy efficient.
I believe he has brought together the whole committee and Parliament in a very good report.
Finally, we must also ensure that these airlines duly compensate their passengers, but without passing the bill on to taxpayers.
How can one be against workers when you simply want to see those who wish to work more in order to earn more be allowed to do so?
Listen again.
Yet it is actually the Americans who are asking the critical questions and who have carried out comprehensive evaluations in recent months and are putting big question marks on the effectiveness of these measures.
(FI) Madam President, I would like to say a few words about the EU budget.
It is therefore an economic force for employment that also promotes the integration of rural areas.
Certainly, a situation in which two bloggers are locked up because they say what they think about the authorities is something which should not take place.
Although I did not vote for imposing a moratorium on the construction of new nuclear reactors, I felt that, if such a moratorium were imposed, it ought to be limited only to the period of the 'stress test' which nuclear reactors in the EU will be undergoing.
We need the Member States to implement the regulations properly.
I cannot, of course, control what Georgia is doing on other issues, but on our money I can be clear.
This morning's debate leads me to believe that we - the rapporteurs of the economic governance package - are right to go further than what is being proposed, because, Commissioner, in substance, the Commission is telling us 'We tried but we did not succeed.'
If we have made mistakes, we do not want to prevent the programmes from being implemented.
I should like to address a number of specific questions, such as the comment on the sunset clause.
So let us not have any Member State saying that the European Union costs too much, because they actually have money left over.
We must ensure that we fend off all criminal activity that could affect it.
The bureaucratic burden on businesses should be reduced and the legal framework simplified.
Can the designated money flow into the designated projects within the designated time?
I have heard it said - I think it was by Richard Howitt - that Prime Minister Erdoğan did condemn the DTP closure, although I confess I missed that development.
Nor can I see any reason for Brussels to micromanage physical education, with demands for mixed gender groups and special sex education.
The Organization for Economic Development and the United Nations estimated that if the price of oil reached the 56 dollar level, the production of grain for food would go down by a couple of percentage points and the price of grain, which is to say food, would go up by around 10%.
The present government is combating the unregulated binding relationship between politics and economics, using every legal instrument permitted in a European constitutional state.
Take the case of Juliet Young.
I congratulate Mr Harbour on his work.
the oral question by Mr de Jong, on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group, Mr Cashman, on behalf of the S&D Group, Mr Canfin, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, and Mrs Macovei, to the Commission on the revision of the framework for Commission expert groups and balanced representation and transparency (B7-0010/2011);
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, Mrs Gomes, ladies and gentlemen, in the Committee on International Trade we of course focused primarily on aspects relating to trade and economic relations, but in some areas we went beyond that remit.
We are in a crisis, and it is high time we were given a legal basis.
Although the European Commission has come up with several initiatives to put an end to this scourge affecting millions of women throughout the world, not least by drawing up a new action plan on gender equality (2010-2015), the truth is that the EU cannot stand idly by while violations of women's fundamental rights are going unpunished, particularly in the following areas: sexual abuse, female genital mutilation and forced marriage, human trafficking and prostitution, lack of legal protection, etc.
Schemes such as these will be vital in encouraging engagement between young people and Europe.
I voted in favour of the report on a sustainable EU policy for the High North, which stresses the need to develop a dialogue with indigenous Arctic communities in order to gain more understanding of their living conditions and culture.
The main thing is to adopt the report now.
Do you envisage that taxes on short-term stock profits gained from naked short selling will be earmarked for the creation of new jobs?
2.
in writing. - The proposal for a directive on the European Protection Order, submitted by 12 Member States, is an initiative aimed at preventing crime.
I voted in favour of this document, codifying Council Directive 89/396/EEC of 14 June 1989 on indications or marks identifying the lot to which a foodstuff belongs.
Will they stand up and say, 'We were wrong'?
It says: 'automated identification of terrorists through data mining or any other known methodology is not feasible as an objective'.
Those are not audited.
As I said, this decision is a step in the right direction, even if it is a much shorter step than I would have liked.
The common agricultural policy must, therefore, encourage farming practices that limit emissions and/or improve carbon fixation, since agriculture and forestry are the main economic sectors able to capture the CO2 produced by human activities, accumulating and storing it in the soil.
The conclusion is clear: that the Directive must be reviewed to amend its provisions to restore our original intention.
I wonder whether the group of seven people will be so made up as to consist of representatives of the European Commission and of the regulatory bodies, or will it also include independent experts?
Written statements (Rule 149)
However, there is a need, through policies and measures at regional level, to strengthen support for research, development and innovation, together with the development of education and the skills needed by Europeans to ensure an inclusive labour market.
Hybrid cars could be acquired for use by Members of Parliament.
Even if it is a symbolic gesture, it would give a signal to Europe's citizens that during an economic crisis, EU leaders are also prepared to make sacrifices and are showing solidarity with those on more modest incomes.
Amongst other things, the joint resolution proposes restructuring and new, flexible rules for the European Solidarity Fund, coordination of preventive action, and also effective help in combating natural disasters.
In particular I would like to stress that the opening of the markets will mean a better service and better choice for citizens, thereby avoiding distortion of competition and bringing a definitive end to existing monopolies.
The Member States and the Commission should ensure the application of the Community legislation on water, air and soil quality, and noise pollution, as well as the application of the regulations on chemical products, including those covered by REACH.
A new kind of refugee is set to emerge with the onset of extreme climate conditions.
Hence, I urge you and I urge the Commission to follow the developments in Tunisia intently.
We had hoped that one year after the earthquake, the situation would be better, but it is not.
Unfortunately, here in Brussels in particular, we encounter endless queues which passengers stand in to be able to travel.
(FR) As you know, this morning in Kehl, the French and German consumer ministers met to discuss the price differences between the two countries.
If there is one thing that tourism needs, it is certainty.
These were drawn up in 2006 before the massive shock that the loss of Dell and the other industries created.
The conclusion of the mutual legal assistance treaties will also help us in this respect.
Our group felt it was important to recognise the existence and value of other sources of information, particularly NGOs and industry, but also the importance of tools for communication such as the internet.
However, epidemics spread in those countries where the hygiene and epidemiology standards are not met and people live in poor conditions or do not have access to effective health care.
The report, based on the consumer-pays principle, also advocates creating 'green' taxes (as opposed to a tax system based on income), which open the door to the privatisation of public services and the private exploitation of such fundamental resources as water.
This is about ensuring the security of Europe's food supply.
Coercive measures are not enough to reduce crime and organised crime.
Allow me to say something here on two or three key points.
There is now a real sense of momentum in our agenda for succeeding in the age of globalisation, a momentum we will keep up by a series of Commission initiatives in the coming months.
This directive is designed to ensure that Member States establish a national regulatory and organisational framework and draw up appropriate national programmes for spent fuel and radioactive waste management, regardless of the perspectives of nuclear power and non-power applications.
The Commission has worked very hard.
So far the experience has not been entirely positive.
Regarding the question of employee participation in the enterprise, this should be decided by the law of the country where the company has its registered office.
We must fight against any protectionist tendencies.
Explanations of vote
I want to reassure those who tabled the oral questions and the political groups that supported them that the political situation is viable and has completely changed.
So, what are we going to do?
Journalists were harassed, a Dutch correspondent was threatened with death and the saddest thing of all is that the splendid American journalist Lara Logan was sexually abused by a mob.
Seychelles' economy is based mainly on tourism and fisheries, with the fishing industry, centred around canning, representing 15% of GDP and employing 17% of the local working population.
I also emphasised the need to prioritise spending in the budget in case a Member State has to be rescued.
Economic stability and the sustainability of trade flows involving the EU are becoming ever more relevant to our future security.
That is why it is important to create a European partnership for action against cancer that will facilitate the exchange of information and coordination among the individual Member States.
For all these reasons, I voted in favour.
This is actually one of the points of criticism I would like to address to the Commission, since the Commission has apparently not made the Member States aware of these concerns and has carried on with the budget support.
Indeed, we have all given space to seeing if there can somehow, some way, be a realignment.
An amendment is therefore proposed to the relevant provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1889/2006 in order to align them with other instruments, and so that they can play their part in the fight for human rights worldwide.
Broadly speaking we have accepted what has been said by those states who are most alarmed by the package.
However, we need to do the necessary preparatory work.
Long live the Constitution!
Firstly, we could reduce the regulatory burden.
Those are the reasons why I oppose paragraph 17 of the McGuinness report, which is otherwise problem-free.
The situation in the Czech Republic provides evidence of the fact that there is a real problem.
The forestry sector provides a livelihood for millions of people in the EU, among them, entrepreneurs, farmers and 16 million forest owners.
According to what I read, it is the case that MONUC is part of the problem rather than part of the solution, because MONUC itself describes its situation as having developed into fighting on four fronts.
Cooperation at a variety of social levels is slowly becoming an essential requirement, especially in the field of research and education.
Does the Council not see the dead end into which you are directing this matter?
Concerning the reform of the Bretton Woods institutions, our role in promoting their reform is, of course, limited.
Madam President, really I just wanted to press home the point to the Commissioner that, given the prevarication and the delay and the cancellation of last January's negotiations and the little contact since and the years this has been going on - with one or two meetings a year - are we convinced that there is any real will on the side of the GCC to have an FTA?
It is a financial instrument to help bear the financial burden of emergency operations.
Both sides seem keen to finalise an Agreement before next June's European elections.
In view of this, I support the proposal for a regulation, particularly with regard to its necessary implementation, which did not happen with the regulation that it seeks to replace.
Unfortunately, that strategy did not work out.
It is a normal periodical exercise that we undertake, on how the common fisheries policy has operated, what the possible pitfalls are that have been encountered, in order that, from that exercise, we can learn from past experience and try to improve things.
In EMEA, the European Medicines Agency, problems were found with the management of procurement procedures.
We must put more pressure on those who promised their support to deliver that support, and we must put pressure on the Clinton-led reconstruction, and the United Nations, to move faster.
The principles and provisions of the Small Business Act are perfectly consistent with the priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy, and they are sure to be implemented at national level because all interested parties support them.
Whilst we have a central monetary policy, there is local responsibility for budgetary and finance policies.
The Commission's intentions are contrary to the objectives of the Lisbon Strategy.
Indeed, they are a useful instrument for supporting the decision-making process in businesses and the private sector.
There are many things on which we all agree.
In accordance with the provisions of Rule 90(4) of the Rules of Procedure, the draft resolution is included for debate and vote on the agenda of the current session.
I would once again like to expressly thank everyone who has worked on this, in particular, all the shadow rapporteurs.
That is to be welcomed.
Madam President, Commissioner, I believe that we are, indeed, faced with several issues.
We must trust our entrepreneurs, those who make the economy work; we can pull through this crisis only if we join together and help each other.
Because energy has become the most strategic of commodities, the debates on complete replacing conventional sources may be popular but are very irresponsible.
There is every reason to speak out openly that not all is well yet, not by a long shot.
Education, professional training and the transition from the educational system to the labour market are the central concerns of this budget.
I can only second those views and say that the country is well placed to take an historic step forward this year if it acts with determination and sustained efforts to meet the benchmarks.
We call on Member States to turn points of single contact into an e-government portal which will offer a complete range of online services to service providers wishing to set up an enterprise or offer cross-border services.
As a result, this makes them much less willing to vote again.
What will the Swedish Presidency do to ensure that this does not happen again?
Illegal timber is pouring into the EU, and this in itself is completely absurd.
This has to change.
Thus, I propose a very open sky agreement and even invite you to accompany me on those occasions when I come to Parliament flying my own plane, to show you that a US pilot licence is perfectly safe.
Nevertheless it has happened, due to excellent teamwork, made possible through strict observance of the informal dialogue procedures with the Commission and the Council who, whenever possible, have involved the rapporteur and the shadow rapporteurs, and due also to the valuable work of the Environment Committee.
Therefore, the Council should back Commissioner Hedegaard and recognise that the conditions are now right to move to a 30% target, and the Council should recognise that the cheapest and easiest way to make that further cut is through energy efficiency and, specifically, a binding energy efficiency target.
An agreement with all countries that will result in each developed country undertaking to reduce its total emissions, in other words, an economy-wide target; we need all developed countries to link their commitments to the agreement in Copenhagen, including the US.
They must be located and designed on the basis of criteria every bit as extreme as the natural phenomena to which they may be exposed.
It is absurd to call on the Latin American countries to introduce sex education, for example.
For too long, companies, especially in my region of the South East of England, have been targeted by this unscrupulous practice.
Here are three of them.
We also owe this result to the spirit of compromise among all the shadow rapporteurs, and I wish to express my thanks to them also.
Because, frankly, it seems to me that it has become a joke.
We appeal to the international community to support efforts to restore the legal basis of the function of this state.
The announcement of EUR 600 million for the Eastern Partnership is excellent and I welcome the proposed European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument spending on improving EU energy security through better storage facilities for oil and gas and building new pipelines.
Such food will not be specially labelled, since exporters will attempt to smuggle it into the European market.
I am delighted that the African Union is now following a policy of zero tolerance for coups d'état.
And President Vaclav Klaus' views on climate change, EU reform and the euro, which are bizarre, if not hostile, have a great deal to answer for in this respect.
We have succeeded, despite the difficulties, and I would therefore like to thank the rapporteur, Mr Dess, and all the Members.
One of the reasons for the great importance of development policy is the fact that it has become an instrument of historically-oriented policy.
I should like to finish by stressing how important it is, to my mind, that we have reached a satisfactory compromise on the key issues of being able to guarantee social rights in the different legislations of the Single Market and of protecting services of general interest within the spirit of the Treaty of Lisbon.
The Sunday Herald newspaper recently revealed that 67 nuclear safety incidents relating to transport have taken place in Scotland over the last seven years.
Then, the challenges which we are posing for the future in this resolution - which we support - will be easier to achieve.
However, on behalf of the Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left, we call on the Member States to ratify the ILO conventions and we urge the European Commission to consider our proposals.
I agree with the rapporteur that the procedure for mutual evaluation introduced by the Council causes unnecessary bureaucratic burdens for Member States' administrations at national, regional and local level.
It marks an important step in coordinating activities of Member States and the European Commission in their negotiations with the United States.
The Dalits have hardly been mentioned at all.
For this reason, the Lithuanian authorities should amend the law, or repeal it, and should refrain from adopting the amendments to the penal and administrative codes, so as to ensure that laws are compatible with human rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined in international and European law.
So, I have no doubt that structural funds can help deliver the 2020 goals.
We therefore regularly raise, for example, the issue of administrative detentions with our Israeli counterparts, both in informal and in formal settings.
Another important point is that consumers must be informed of the full price and the main characteristics of a product immediately before ordering it on the Internet, and they alone must explicitly confirm that they want to pay that price.
We need Poland, and Poland needs Europe.
We must bear in mind, however, that our international competitors in many cutting-edge sectors of the economy take the opposite view.
Only today I read a whole-page article in Frankfurter Allgemeine about the current situation in Haiti.
The rapporteur believes that the new plan should also define the control mechanisms used to inspect catch levels.
The development of the European economy needs exactly technological innovation.
Mr Solana asked: what can we Europeans do?
It happens more and more frequently that manufacturers affix the CE mark to their products without any control, despite the fact that the goods in question do not meet EU criteria.
Based on the results, with a view to 2013, it may be presumed that several investment projects will be almost complete, and new decommissioning and management structures will be already available to us.
We agree with the condition of there being at least one authorisation issued by one Member State for each vehicle.
The reason for this mess is not that Parliament is likely to be obstinate.
Written statements (Rule 142)
Let me also express the hope that the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty will further increase the capacity of the EU to integrate new members, finalising the institutional reforms within the Union.
Estonia has one of the lowest foreign debts in Europe and has managed to put aside enough reserves during economic growth to be able now to face the crisis with its own means.
We have made proposals for the future of the battle groups.
Maritime transport on the Mediterranean Sea takes place under different conditions from transport across straits.
This happens in all the world's parliaments, and this is customary practice for our Thursdays, as used to be the case with Friday mornings.
(FR) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, let us say this clearly: the way in which the negotiations on the AntiCounterfeiting Trade Agreement are being carried out is unacceptable to the European Parliament.
These stress tests must establish a situation whereby no data can be provided that cannot be verified subsequently.
When we come to discuss the absorption capacity of the European Union, I believe there are important points to consider, such as the principle that new accessions must not jeopardise the European integration project.
One of the important terms in a debate on ports is 'maritime safety'; improvements to this are required and cooperation between maritime rescue coordination centres must unquestionably be improved.
(FR) Mr President, Mr Barroso, the success of the Treaty of Lisbon now depends on you and your team.
Therefore, I have voted against this own-initiative report.
However, we need more and sustained assistance over time.
We will certainly put the question to our Turkish partners - I already mentioned that in the previous statement - and not only to Turkey, but to all the partners that are close to our borders.
Subject: Palestine
Mr President, at a time when Member States are reducing public spending, in the UK our government is seeking to overhaul the benefits system to make work pay more.
Finally, the over-representation of women - 30 percent - in part-time positions affects labour market contributions.
The new Constitution enhances the independence of the judiciary by setting up a new constitutional body, the Judicial Council, in charge of the appointment and dismissal of judges.
Europe must enforce the application of the conditions of its partnership agreements, including paragraph 2 of its association agreements on respect for human rights.
Let me repeat, the MSY approach moves fisheries management in the right direction, away from over-exploitation and towards conditions of higher and more stable catches and lower costs.
Written statements (Rule 142)
In the space of 50 years the European Union has managed to create a functional internal market, in which harmonisation of the Member States' legislation has always been the rule.
in writing. - I deeply regret that the right wing has finally 'kidnapped' this report on public finances and has completely changed the main aim of it, making it a very neoliberal report.
Life on earth could not exist without water.
Member States have not met the obligation that has existed since 2004 rapidly to create functional airspace blocks.
We must acknowledge that this has been a painful situation for Serbia.
Based on this information, which we hope to receive at the end of this month, we will reflect on how best to ensure that all EU citizens have access to a basic bank account.
Some prefer to minimise perceived losses rather than maximise collective gains.
Our planet has limits.
Yet, although we intended the Schengen area to offer complete freedom to our citizens, we do not want to bestow this privilege upon criminals.
That is, to take one more step in the process begun at the beginning of June under the leadership of the German Presidency to impose the content of a rejected Treaty by presenting it in another form, trying to move forward by default and against the express wish of the people, which is a real political fraud.
In order to achieve this, we need a prompt switch-over, which means that we must also invest in training the workers involved.
However, I am all in favour of introducing another system to allocate more funds to small agricultural holdings, for example by introducing a system of degressivity of direct payments in the light of the size of the holdings.
The communication on racism and xenophobia could define ways of improving the effectiveness of the action in this area.
The effects of climate change are appearing more quickly and on a larger scale in the Arctic region than anywhere else in the world.
We are thus strengthening Europe itself, its cohesion and the faith of the European peoples in their own unity.
To finish, I would like to draw your attention to the proliferation of sexual violence - I am thinking in particular of the East of the Republic of the Congo, of the Kivu region - and to the importance of systematically integrating gender and reproductive health into the emergency healthcare aspect of the humanitarian response.
It seems to me that the Fundamental Rights Agency, despite the conditions and the competencies that it possesses, should base itself strongly on the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
I would also like to point out that the Council adopted conclusions in June of this year entitled 'Equal opportunities for women and men: active and dignified ageing' precisely to facilitate the provision of quality care services in connection with home care for elderly people, taking into account the particular needs of older men and women.
Obviously it is not the directive that some of us would have drawn up if we had had the chance to do so, if each of us had been left to prepare it individually.
In addition, the meeting was not reported in full and, therefore, the report was not correct, because many of the connections were not made clear.
The Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) has requested the inclusion on the agenda of a Commission statement on the situation in Lampedusa.
Another concern of the Lithuanian legislators was that children should be brought up according to their parents' convictions.
Thank you for your attention.
In the Kirilov report, we are choosing the second of these two options.
Illegal activities (thefts, bag snatching, begging, prostitution), often increasingly aggravated by the exploitation of children for such purposes, and an almost non-existent desire to integrate and to live a civilised life, are the predominant characteristics of certain Roma communities in Italy.
The experience of Fukushima must be of service to humanity, by becoming the basis for testing nuclear power stations and the development of improved safety criteria.
It has spectacularly failed that test.
I would be grateful, Baroness Ashton, if you could send a message of encouragement and a true message of hope to all those women who took to the streets in Palestine yesterday and who are expecting a great deal of the European Union.
This should be the path set out by the report, not the 'immediate establishment of an EU Civil Protection Force' or the use of military means in response to humanitarian aid situations, which the report admits could act without being under the aegis and coordination of the UN.
It is very important that we deal with this 'five billion' package.
Why are national governments, national parliaments and the EU so tolerant of alcohol?
It reacts rapidly and resolutely to the human tragedies all around the world.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue card question under Rule 149(8))
It's up to us to decide ...
My intention is to analyse the responses and then draw up a report for the Council and Parliament on the effectiveness of the Member States' counter-terrorism measures and their suitability and compatibility with the principle of respect for fundamental rights.
What circular migration boils down to is that an immigrant is granted a limited residence permit but remains in Europe after its expiry date and goes underground.
This is why I voted against part 2.
For the Netherlands, the Davies report has another extra dimension that is undeniable.
We think the European Commission could adopt a decisive role in this matter.
I consider these aspects to be essential, and the investment required should be funded largely through public-private partnerships as a new tool for industrial research and technological development.
I do not want to repeat it; I would merely like to emphasise that Parliament is backing the Galileo project all the way.
Regulation (EC) No 1541/98 and Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93, which were initially adopted in order to implement trade policy measures in the textile sector, have now become obsolete instruments that constrain the free market and are poorly adapted to changes in the new regulatory environment.
However, when Mr Putin starts to criticise the UN and to say that the UN Secretary-General has gone beyond his mandate, this destabilises the UN at a time when it is urgently needed.
This outbreak demonstrates the importance of cross-border cooperation in the field of preventive health.
These reforms will be introduced against the background of unprecedented efforts already under way.
I agreed with this report because I believe that it is necessary to improve political coordination at all levels in order to properly implement Single Market priorities aimed at boosting economic growth, competitiveness, the social market economy and sustainability in the Union.
Now, of course, there is much doubt about what 'smart regulation' means.
We cannot agree with that, not least because trade in services almost always requires changes in national legislation or in implementing regulations, which often go to the very heart of the social fabric of a society, especially if it concerns basic services on which people depend.
This is an expression of the cooperation between the European Union and the countries on the southern shore of the Mediterranean.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, textiles constitute one of the key sectors in our European market.
In this context, however, the Commission is considering clarifying, in a declaration, our understanding of the new Recital 9e of the Data Protection Directive.
In my region, Małopolska, such enterprises account for 95% of the total, and most of them have not been around for very long (30% are less than 5 years old).
That is why we abstained from voting on the report.
There are currently eight International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions that have been ratified by all EU Member States.
It is important to prevent and to inform those working in hospitals about the risks they run.
That is why the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs was keen to incorporate professional qualifications into the EQF.
This is one of our weaknesses and one of our problems.
That situation also arises, but I would nonetheless recommend that we vote in favour of this motion or at least put it to the vote.
We need it more than ever and we need it urgently.
We are now embarked on a plan to cut energy consumption and it is essential that we reach our goals on schedule.
In my opinion, economic, social and cultural rights are equally important.
We receive regular updates from Kosovo, and I also meet with the responsible ministers, and once all these elements are in place, we are ready to launch a new mission to go there and see what steps can be taken in order to open the visa liberalisation dialogue.
(EL) Mr President, the credit rating agencies lost their credibility a long time ago.
We have voluntarily restricted ourselves to tabling amendments of substance only to the part that the Commission is proposing to modify, and not to use the codification of the remaining part as an opportunity to reopen the substance.
Motion for a resolution:
A regular feature on our agenda is the Doha Round negotiations: we know that an agreement is always just around the corner but keeps escaping our grasp.
That is why we want to give priority to this now.
In this context, I would mention the European transparency initiative launched by the Commission in 2005.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I welcome the excellent and speedy work done by the rapporteur, Mr Martin, and his colleagues and staff.
In addition, from 1 July 2009 operators will have to charge on a per second basis, and sending a text message will not cost more than EUR 0.11.
This amount is expected to suffice for the planned construction and operation of up to 12 carbon dioxide capture and storage plants in the European Union.
Madam President, I voted in favour of the Dess report, but I must say I was disappointed that Amendment 4 was not successful.
in writing. - I voted in favour of the Sacconi report on CO2 emissions from new cars.
Now we must look to the future.
Closure of the sitting
The outcome will perhaps not match up to our ambitions and expectations, but the decision made by the European Union Member States to offer EUR 7.2 billion to the developing countries is all the more important as these countries are in urgent need of financial support.
This programme could improve the living conditions of the whole population, and therefore of the minorities as well as the majority.
The treaties impose freedom of movement of citizens within the EU and no one wants to engage in discrimination based on the country of origin.
The entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon is giving the European Union more competence in the field of energy policy.
I am pleased that in this Parliament, as a Hungarian, I can enjoy equal rights, but in Slovakia I would be punished for using my mother tongue.
Madam President, I would like to thank Ria Oomen-Ruijten for all her hard work on this.
That is indeed what happens.
The situation that arose should lead to greater market surveillance, inspection and the banning or withdrawal of dangerous products.
This report talks about the monitoring of Community law, and that is a good thing.
I believe that this was not good advice because encouraging a country to prove itself to be vindictive, or in any event decided in its resistance, when it is not given the means, does not sit very well with me.
Scientists and representatives of political circles were eliminated, and people who were famous for being free thinkers were eliminated too.
Today, when the ghost of racism is haunting Europe, when the chauvinism of the majority in nation states is visibly growing to frightening dimensions throughout Central and Eastern Europe, we can no longer sweep minority policies under the carpet.
That means he must undertake a critical review of decentralisation and take the first steps in that direction.
Voluntary corporate social responsibility is a good thing but the primary role in promoting and protecting human rights belongs to states and international organisations.
At the same time, this is the year in which the 2007-2013 financial perspective is to be fully implemented, following two years of 'getting up to speed', which were affected by delays in legislation and, as a consequence, a delay in the start of the long-term programmes.
What you are admitting here is that you have failed - on the economic front, the social front, the cultural front and the moral and educational fronts - and that, instead of changing your disastrous policies, your only concern is to get rid of those who protest or who criticise you.
I am delighted that the priorities adopted by the G20 are based on the sustainable growth of the real economy, which will not only be the engine that ensures the creation of jobs, but will also serve as a guarantee for the protection of the public from the negative impact of the crisis, especially the poorest and most vulnerable.
(HU) Mr President, the tsunami after the earthquake in Japan was the direct cause of the accident at the nuclear power plant, which became above all a question of safety for both the profession and the public.
In the case of regular international services, there is still a clear need for simplifying measures to be introduced regarding the issue of authorisations to provide such services in all Member States of the European Union.
Lastly, Detroit calls for us to pay close attention to failed states, or to any states that are in danger of becoming failed states due to their circumstances.
It has resulted in the compromise proposal put forward by Brian Crowley, and I think it demonstrates our willingness to improve the legal framework for our creative community.
That is the reason why the Commission cannot accept, at this stage, the amendment concerning the limitation of farming capacity.
(EL) Madam President, Commissioner, you personally said in reply to a question of mine in 2006 that, in keeping with the recommendations of the Committee of European Securities Regulators, the Commission would not be tabling any new legislative proposals in the credit rating agency sector.
They must be companies like any others, vital to the European economy.
There are numerous problems surrounding the investment.
This report encourages the provision of healthy, good quality food to consumers at reasonable prices and the safeguarding of farmers' incomes, which are two of the European Union's key objectives.
As a result of this process, I think the draft we now have before us is one that is based on compromise in many respects and that meets as many demands as it possibly could.
The purpose of this would be to eliminate problems, disorders and delays which, unfortunately, continue to arise under the current system.
Madam President, how can Mrs Ferrero-Waldner refer to Russia as a partner and Mr Vondra seek assurances on democracy and human rights?
On 14 November, this Group said that we need to have a clear goal, and the Socialist and Social Democrat Party said the same at the weekend.
There is no time to list everything now.
This also concerns two young bloggers.
The EU has mobilised all available policy instruments to support the countries of the Western Balkans in their endeavours for reforms and regional cooperation.
But let me also take this opportunity to take stock somewhat more widely of our relationship with China, a country with which we have an extraordinary range of complex relationships.
One important element is the strengthening of the role of both the European Parliament and national parliaments, as well as the introduction of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
This, too, is something that my group is very happy to give its full backing to, and I will return to this issue at the end.
If 'negative priorities' mean, for example, the so-called 'new priorities' such as realising the neoliberal policies of the 'Lisbon Strategy', the security policies of 'Fortress Europe' or the militarisation of the EU, we would say that we could not agree more.
Against this background, Labour MEPs could not support an increase in the EU budget.
Perhaps he thought that it was an amusement park.
Member of the Commission. - (RO) In the 2007 call for proposals, one network and three projects were selected, which address minority languages for financing in the lifelong learning programme.
Finally, I hope that operators will quickly agree on the introduction of a European stamp for 50 gram letters and I will soon be taking a political initiative on this matter.
Resolving these problems is now the most urgent minority question for the European Union.
I support the decision, though I commented on the biggest problem that is still associated with it, namely flexibility.
After all, we only have competences in the area of turnover taxes and even there they are very limited.
For this reason, we voted against this report.
(FR) Madam President, I am of course for it, Mr Tarabella.
Written explanations of vote
As regards the second objective - the tool to reduce or suspend agricultural payments when certain key elements of a national system of control fail or are ineffective - I think this is a useful means of taking action for the European Commission.
But I think that the rules for application of the Fund should be changed in order to make the assistance available for less developed Member States of the European Union.
Only something on that scale will give markets durable confidence.
Nor must we forget that the European Union is not out fishing on its own, either in the Mediterranean or the Atlantic.
The reasons for this request will be given by Mr Mauro. Mr Mauro, you have the floor.
On this occasion, the rising price of agricultural raw materials was highlighted, particularly its impact on consumers in the developing countries - my fellow Members have spoken about this at length - but also on the populations of poor countries, which import cereals.
Therefore, you should consider once again - although we fully support your programme - whether you should not give the subject of overcoming the financial market crisis higher priority than you have done so far.
Composition of Parliament: see Minutes
When I led the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is responsible for confirming the President's judicial nominees, as I said, I was consistently ranked among the staunchest advocates of civil liberties, and I made it a priority to determine prospective judges' views on privacy before deciding whether or not they could go on the Court.
In such cases, these funds should not be used up in full.
I would like to remind Parliament that the person who was regularly responsible for slowing things down at a European level - and I would ask the socialists to tell their Chairman this - was Mr Koch-Weser, who now holds a good position at Deutsche Bank.
Therefore, I ask the Council to unblock the dossier on the review of the European Solidarity Fund regulation, to request its immediate review and not to reject the new regulation.
The proposal establishes a special regime between the EU and Andorra to ensure that trade runs smoothly between the two parties without jeopardising the necessary security for the traded goods, To this end it is necessary to ensure equivalent levels of security in their respective territories.
I challenge him that we should explain to the people of Europe what the Protocol is on the Ioannina Declaration, and what has surprised me most is that governments have not fought very hard in the Council to stop the introduction of the Luxembourg Compromise into the Treaty, which would mean destroying it.
It will now cover all the bodies, agencies, etc. of the European Union.
In my view, it is, in fact, European citizens that will really benefit from this directive, since with the use of smart meters they will have access to all the information relating to their bills and will be able to assess the best offer on the market and to choose their supplier on the basis of the best price, because while it is true that it will take some years to see the effects of this liberalisation, nonetheless it cannot be denied that the entry of new operators onto the market will lead to a fall in prices and to more favourable market conditions for EU citizens.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are one European family and, as in any family, there are differences of opinion.
To conclude the debate, I have received seven motions for resolutions pursuant to Rule 108(5) of the Rules of Procedure.
The vote will take place at 12 noon.
The internal market and the euro represent two real shields for the European Union in the financial, budgetary, economic and social storm which the 27 are currently weathering.
This also provides the answer as to why in the future it will continue to be difficult for the European Parliament to condemn crimes equally, and why good and bad totalitarian regimes will always exist.
The greenhouse effect is presented in such a way as to lead to a call for maximum reduction of emissions.
On the proposal of Parliament, in 2011 the Commission will begin discussions on the different types of own resources, resources which Europe needs to guarantee its financial autonomy in the future.
The system of sanctions has also been strengthened, including the ban on access to public aid or subsidies by IUU vessels and the repayment of public aid or subsidies received, where necessary.
But you prove my point - thank you very much.
For very many years, the European Commission has been doing everything it can to deregulate the transport sector for the greater benefit of private interests, taking no account of the general interest.
I therefore very much welcome the clause providing for a review by the end of 2009 suggested by the European Parliament.
I would like to highlight the priceless contribution of women to the healthy development of the family and the raising of children, which must not be unfavourably influenced by discrimination against women, because such undesirable phenomena also have a heavy impact on society itself.
We will then also be able to support this directive and we will be able to have a swift solution for all of Europe's patients.
However, it is clear that the pharmaceuticals industry makes a huge amount of money from the fact that the two products must always be sold together.
Since it cannot meet its energy needs alone, the EU is striving to diversify its sources of supply under trade agreements signed with countries in Latin America, Africa and Eurasia.
There is still work to be done.
Back in 2006, the UN acknowledged that the most vulnerable populations and the poorest populations were the main victims of climate change.
As far as the second one is concerned, we have to make it clear that the financial responsibility lies with Member States and that they are the ones that have to foot the bill for additional security measures.
The challenge in the current review, therefore, is to increase these rates.
Contrary to expectations, the financial crisis that started in America a year ago, far from abating, has hit the whole world again and again in ever bigger waves, including the financial markets and thus the economies of Europe.
Financial support must be provided, taking into account primarily regional GDP.
We need to think about the fact that the day after tomorrow - just as the Spanish Presidency of the Union has begun, incidentally - the informal European Council is going to meet to take the reins of the situation politically speaking.
Following a consultation with experts, I consider some amendments of EU Directive 91/414/EEC and the Framework Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides tabled by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety to be unworkable.
The effects of the economic and financial crisis can still be felt everywhere and it involves numerous issues.
This is how the shipbreakers in the Indian town of Alang describe their dangerous job.
(BG) Thank you, Mr President.
The next item is the report by Tomáš Zatloukal, on behalf of the Committee on Culture and Education, on efficiency and equity in European education and training systems.
There was no chance of a fair or transparent trial, because the trial was held in camera.
author. - Mr President, while we sit in this Chamber having grand debates, the hangmen in Iran are working overtime.
Why is progress on ERTMS so slow and are we going to fail in our attempt to have the ECM scheme in place by the end of next year?
Clearly, it is unsatisfactory that the regulation will apply to a distance of 250 km or more.
I even wonder at times where the glass is, when it comes to Bosnia.
This is at least a dash of good news.
Sustainable development is a huge challenge within urban areas in the 21st Century and the framework presented to us today by Mrs Kallenbach can help us to face this challenge.
Madam President, this has been a very interesting debate because we now conclude that biodiversity loss is a problem for the developed world and in the developing world.
A 'frontier worker' is a person working in one Member State but residing in another providing they return home once a week.
Because unanimity kills democracy and, if we carry on like this, we will kill our ability to create European policy.
Otherwise, the chances of a future sustainable Palestinian state are being undermined.
Finally, I think that the Commission's work is not yet finished, and that the task force should continue its work, in order to ensure that Member States are constantly aware of the pressure on them from the Commission, civil society and local bodies to actually implement these guidelines.
On Turkey, the Commission will follow up the recommendations to improve the objectives and the monitoring of progress.
After all, like Mr Albrecht, I note that the Council is actually turning a deaf ear, to some extent, and simply continuing to go its own way, whilst Parliament is working hard to take a position, without this subsequently ending up in the Council programme.
The markets are supposed to be free; I think that is something we might have a debate on some other day.
We highlight the promotion of maritime occupations and continuous training for them.
While I am sure we all wish to find ways of combating the threat of terrorism, I am not at all clear why the EU feels it necessary, with its framework decision, to duplicate action that has already been taken in the Council of Europe.
Does she actually have to go to Bonn with what she is being given to bring to the table?
That is why I am very pleased, as no doubt the Commissioner is too, to listen to you this morning, to answer some of your questions and to have this final discussion with you.
It simply serves to provide greater clarity and, thereby, more effective use of the existing flexibility provisions of the regulation in respect of reporting requirements.
Next, we managed to get a very strict regime for conducting inspections: Member States will be able to cooperate to plan the inspections of a following port of call without harming the inspection of high-risk ships, and the interval between inspections of these ships must not be more than six months.
We have talked about cases of human rights violations, we have mentioned the names of opposition activists who have been put in prison and we have discussed how the ability of many civil and non-governmental organisations to operate is restricted.
But while performance is important, research and innovation does mean we also have to accept some risk- taking as well, and we cannot rule that out.
23.
I welcome the European Commission's effort to achieve progress, to create a space for clear-cut rules and relations between the relevant parties within the energy markets.
rapporteur. - (DE) Mr President, I thank all the speakers in this debate.
But to affect all the operators in the internal market, the ones who are not using or distributing any illegally harvested timber, hence potentially impacting their competitiveness on the global markets, is certainly not the aim of this regulation and therefore cannot be supported.
It is for local authorities, with support from the national government, to take responsibility for such events.
Thank you very much too for your attention.
I would also like to say a word about transparency in relation to the political parties.
Secondly, I agree with the opinion that we currently have enough instruments for carrying through integration policies.
From the very first teams, they will develop in accordance with the competences that they have been and will be given.
It is important that we have mainstreaming, but at the same time there must be coordination within the Commission.
The second point is support for greater cooperation between the national councils for radio and television broadcasting and the European institutions in order to achieve better application of public service provisions.
Yet 'corruption' is not just a word that exists in and of itself.
It aims to promote both activity-based budgeting and activity-based management.
Many institutional problems have been resolved and two years of stalling and uncertainty are drawing to a close.
On agriculture, as I said, it is critically important to make sure that we are able to develop our industries.
I would also like to congratulate our Slovak friends on the introduction of the euro in 2009.
Thank you.
Yes, Mr Severin, there are many who are wanting a great deal, but what we should all be wanting is to be getting some idea of what a Parliament is.
It is difficult to persuade consumers to choose more environmentally aware, but currently more expensive vehicles.
It is not governance by the EU that will help the affected countries to recover economically, but rather a withdrawal from the euro area.
We are all aware that the European integration process has numerous advantages for Serbia. At the same time, Serbia still needs to make major reforms.
You want the dictators to leave their countries, and you are right.
I would now just like to ask the Council, in this final stage and until the end of the current Presidency, to give this telecoms package at least the same priority as that given to energy - I know energy is very important but this package is no less important - so that we can move forward from the balancing point we have reached, as referred to just now by my colleague Mrs Trautmann.
High prices have a debilitating effect on consumers, in particular those in the poor strata of society.
Now we have a good compromise in the Council and, therefore, I would like to make a strong personal plea, subject to a discussion with my group, for leaving paragraph 9 unchanged.
A tax on financial transactions at European level could potentially generate around EUR 200 billion of revenue per year in the Union and close to USD 650 billion per year globally.
In any case, they are interested in ensuring that our cosmetic products are safe.
Will there be criminal sanctions?
They are allowed one family visit per month.
Today, however, we are not seeking dialogue but slamming a door shut.
I am sure that the Serbian minority in Kosovo will fully guarantee the individual and collective rights necessary for them to stay in the land of their birth.
The latter are generally well-known, but it also needs to be made clear that non-smokers' rights to live in a smoke-free environment cannot be dependent on or restricted by smokers wishing to exercise their right to smoke at the expense of non-smokers.
Money should be found for this purpose as part of the mid-term review of the 2007-2013 Financial Framework.
Fossil fuel resources are exhaustible and renewable energy is still very much experimental.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, here, I would nevertheless like to express my appreciation and gratitude for your cooperation, on behalf of the Belgian Government and on behalf of my colleagues who have held the rotating Presidency.
A decision on a document of inaccessible content can be taken only by someone who is either stupid or dishonest.
The EMU requires a fundamental reform.
We stand ready to re-engage at whatever level is useful to make sure that we do not lose what we had achieved and which remains on the table.
One small example is Austria, where the income divide is about 28%.
I would like to ask the Commission to tell us what stage the discussions have reached on this subject.
As these factors, taken together, severely restrict their development, there is provision in Article 349 of the Treaty of Lisbon for specific measures to benefit the outermost regions, which must be put into practice through appropriate initiatives that seek to respond to their specific needs, not least in the agricultural and fishing sectors.
We are also looking to create many more accessible forums in which to pursue this debate, using all the resources and all the technologies available today: in on-line forums, via the media and at local level.
Allow me to state my firm belief and the policy I intend to propose.
For natural, historical, cultural and economic reasons, mountain regions are a model for reducing energy consumption, in line with the demands of modern life, and they lend themselves to large-scale experimentation with the use of renewable energy sources with low-carbon emissions.
I voted for this resolution because I believe that in the current climate, innovation partnerships constitute an important instrument in building a Europe that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.
The states that hold these funds are not all friends of Europe, far from it.
We will vote in favour of the report by Mr Mavrommatis on the White Paper on sport as it is an excellent report.
The only bit that pretends to democratic authority is the rite that was just carried out in this Chamber, which I cannot help saying put me in mind of one of those occasional meetings of the People's Assembly in the old Comecon times where we all stand up and congratulate ourselves on having rubber-stamped the decision.
(PL) Madam President, the events of recent years, or months, even, but also the efforts made by individual countries and regions, indicate the growing importance of transparency not only for individual companies, but also for the development of specific states' economies.
Have we got your promise, please?
We need to ensure the 'safety first' principle is implemented.
I agree.
I hope that this is merely the first stage.
As colleagues have already mentioned, 50 men stoned her to death, with a crowd of a thousand bystanders watching the horror unfold.
I am glad that we shall have a uniform approach in all the EU Member States.
I endorsed this important report.
We are now honouring this commitment and we hope that the Council will also do so.
Firstly, it was decided a few years ago, in the wake of the arms initiative, that as from 2009 everything except arms may be supplied to Europe from the poorest countries.
Today, the facts tell a rather different story.
Furthermore, singling out the spouses of non-Irish EU nationals for the issuing of deportation orders is contrary to EU legislation which bans discrimination based on nationality.
In memory of Piotr Stańczak, can I ask you all now to rise to commemorate him.
We are convinced that that Summit is in our interest and in the interest of the other Member States, in the interest of the EU and also of Africa.
(The sitting was opened at 09:00)
We should highlight the positive effect of this proposal, which promotes debate on a crucial subject, with the ultimate aim of combating falsified medicinal products.
(SL) Mr President, I would like to join with my fellow Members in proposing that politicians, Member States and the European Union put small and medium-sized enterprises at the heart of their economic recovery efforts.
The fact is that there are too many unresolved issues for us to claim that significant progress has been made on the accession negotiations, which began almost four years ago.
We welcome this, as a considerable proportion of Poland's eastern border is also an EU border.
It will therefore act as a pointer, a pointer to the position of the European Union on the international stage and in any action that is proposed to secure global respect for fundamental rights.
Let us make it easier for the producer.
every effort should be made to provide court authorities with research tools, so as to ensure full success,
Protection against counterfeiting and the protection of intellectual property are undoubtedly an important element on an international scale.
As you know, I have launched two studies aimed at further exploring the issue of collective redress.
How should we deal with orphan works in future, in other words, books whose copyright holder cannot be identified or located?
We must now have special powers to discuss the content instead of the process.
Under Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, Ukraine may apply for membership of the EU, as can any European state that adheres to the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.
As such, European aid to African countries in a bid to counter unwanted immigration to Europe is working, but is it the effect we had expected?
The Member States must have effective national action plans in this area, including financial mechanisms.
I welcome the Stabilisation Agreement between the EU and Serbia.
I would like to know if this approach will be adopted and if it is going to affect the structures of the Directorates-General - currently the Directorate-General for Justice and Home Affairs.
It should be recognised that many professionals are working towards this, but this report highlights the fact that there is still a great deal to be done; we therefore need to establish mechanisms that ensure that these conditions are complied with and that the resources are available to provide an effective response to complaints.
The debate has, above all, been a high quality one and it has focused on the following: we want to strengthen and maintain our current mobility programmes which are part of the lifelong learning and Youth on the Move programmes.
At the intersection of energy and politics, our main task is to secure a regular, sufficient, economic, sustainable and environmentally friendly energy supply.
This state, this government, this president, scorn the rights of men and women.
I should like, in particular, to refer to the role of the European Maritime Safety Agency or EMSA.
Due to the environmental pressures resulting from centuries of human activity, wilderness areas today cover only 46% of the Earth's surface.
My friends, I hope that there will be many more of us souverainistes here in July.
The intention is to advance and promote the political and foreign policy agenda of the European Commission.
The Commission does not offer help and support when the UK is struggling.
We therefore agree with the proposal in this question, which seems to us highly appropriate.
I think our goals are the same.
The economic development of the country, along with the opening up of EU markets, have certainly played their role.
Just when developments in the international system require the European Union to become a credible actor in security and defence; just when the European approach to crisis management through supporting democracy rather than exporting it appears to be more suited to the challenges of our times; just when the economic crisis makes the option of developing a common defence inevitable; just when the Treaty of Lisbon provides new instruments to develop the CSDP within the framework of an integrated approach; in short, just when a quality leap in the CSDP has become necessary and possible, the European edifice seems to be creaking dangerously and there is a real risk that the ambitions and possibilities of the CSDP will have to be drastically downsized.
What is more, the proposal to extend from 14 to 20 weeks with full pay is not a financially acceptable position for many countries.
The next Conference of the Parties, to be held in Doha in March, referred to as the 'COP XV', is a great opportunity to debate a series of proposals to change the classification of various species of flora and fauna in the appendices to the Convention according to the level of threat, and other proposals to improve the application and observance of the Convention.
This comprehensive report sets out the main points on which the EU can now provide genuine added value in order to optimise this resource intelligently so that it is beneficial to all, to those working in the tourist industry, to the tourists themselves, and in short to Europeans, with long-term conservation of our landscapes and ecosystems.
Madam President, on behalf of the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance, I would like to emphasise that we consider the messages in this decision on the ratification and implementation of the ILO's conventions to be very necessary and a matter of great urgency.
Mr Wilders, as a Dutch parliamentarian and leader of the Party for Freedom in the Dutch Parliament, is being prosecuted for expressing his opinion.
They have therefore demanded compliance with local standard wage rates as a social criterion, since these are above the minimum wage.
For most pensioners in Bulgaria are not of gypsy origin and therefore they do not rely on free lunch.
the report by Mr Dehaene, on behalf of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, on the impact of the Treaty of Lisbon on the development of the institutional balance of the European Union,
We have still not solved the problem of the financing of the ITER fusion energy project for the next few years - something that has been mentioned by several people.
Some Member States were allowed to get away with more, because, after all, they were not going to let some Commission or other lecture them.
Announcement: see Minutes
It was thus inevitable that there would be these problems linked to the pace of work.
As the UN Special Representative for this country stated, Haiti has become a republic of NGOs.
Thirdly, humanising the debate about the victims, who are people who are suffering and need to be protected, defended, recognised, helped and supported.
This should apply specifically to imports as well.
We need to stand by the victims and their families and make a frank declaration of solidarity.
This report also comments on the composition of the fruit supply.
As a corrective measure, a procedure to deal with excessive imbalances will be introduced, namely the excessive imbalance procedure (EIP) and also the requirement to submit specific action plans by Member States.
This is how I feel this evening about our audiovisual media services 'without frontiers' directive, a feeling of satisfaction and pride I wish to share with the child's godmother, our excellent rapporteur Ruth Hieronymi.
This year, only 11% of the EUR 500 million available was requested.
It was agreeable to hear that, in the name of the Council and the Commission, the cooperation pact would focus on human rights and democracy and try to promote the development of the rule of law.
Moreover, profitability involves alignment of policies in this sector with the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy.
I would like to add something on Eurobonds.
(The President cut off the speaker)
Fifthly and finally, you need to put a floor in the market for our intensive sector, with export refunds extended immediately to meat and hams.
The European Union must cease to provide this support.
In essence what I would really like to say is that there always comes a time in life when we focus more on the method of the method than on the objective and the way to achieve it.
I urge the Commission to get a move on.
They replace the former post-war regulations which concentrated on border control, specifically the health control of ships and their crews, and which included international vaccination against yellow fever, to which other vaccinations were subsequently added.
In Poland, 65% of people aged between 35 and 65 are overweight or obese.
We believe, however, that we have offered a major contribution to the Commission and the Council, and in particular to the Commission, to help it, in future, to carry out a wholesale revision of the rules in order to shelter Europe from this damaging phenomenon.
We must implement a policy of naming and shaming.
For the first time in the EU agricultural reform, the European Parliament has full power of codecision and will act as an important negotiator among the Member States, the Council and the European Commission.
Furthermore, in some economies, tax competition causes severe problems for the macroeconomic balance with varying consequences, particularly in terms of the level of quality and quantity of public property made available by these countries to their citizens.
The growing number of children living in orphanages and the violations of their rights - particularly human trafficking, illegal adoption and work, and prostitution - that continue to take place in the European Union, has led to a stance of trying to reverse this situation.
I would like to say, Mr Vice-President, that I am rather sceptical about this.
I congratulate the rapporteur for this dossier.
I hope that, eight months after the New York conference on the reconstruction of Haiti, it will no longer be possible to cite a lack of funds as an excuse for the little progress recorded to date, given that all the speakers agreed that the humanitarian phase must continue for many months yet.
He was my predecessor in the role, Václav Havel, and it was four years before our accession to the EU.
We must make more effort to implement three key priorities: firstly, to promote entrepreneurship; secondly, to improve youth employability by adapting education to the needs of the labour market; and thirdly, to give young people an opportunity to play a more active role in society.
Therefore, thank you to the Commissioner for being prepared to cooperate on this issue in a straightforward way, and thanks to all my colleagues who have worked on and supported this report.
The Latvian non-citizens are not nationals of any state and they have no right to participate in any elections.
Spending a long period in the water in the middle of the North Atlantic wearing a life jacket is not much fun.
However, the information that we have received from various countries is that in some regions, some small companies are finding economic survival increasingly difficult.
What is our and your message to the General Assembly?
I can therefore only appeal to all members of parliament in the region to come to their senses once and for all and predicate their policies on the welfare of their citizens.
We therefore successfully prevented the European Parliament adopting a position geared too much towards mandatory regulations on corporate governance.
Mr President, we have here today an important task to perform for the discharge of the Seventh, Eighth and Ninth European Development Funds (EDFs) and the part of the Tenth EDF corresponding to 2008.
There is a whole series of professions in which improper organisation of working time can endanger life.
Out of the three languages proposed by the European Commission for the patents system, only one of them is comparable to Spanish in terms of size.
What underlies these reasons?
The European Commission really must give priority to agriculture in its development aid, particularly aid to allow farmers to gain access to markets and aid to small and medium-sized family farms.
But if we could somehow create a new precedent that, ideally, the Commission President would come and address our committee, maybe that would help make our committee help your work, and we could then become part of the solution.
The principles governing this participation have been outlined in detail, which guarantees that the programmes will be implemented appropriately and fairly.
First, concerning the death penalty, let me say that I have taken up this issue very forcefully.
Under this directive, that would not be enough: people would have to send a fax or something similar.
Mr Alvaro is absolutely right in this regard.
He was linked to us live from China by telephone.
It would have merited this and it would also reassure us that you think it is as important as you are now saying.
Until now, in fact, there have been no exceptions to the principle of non-eligibility of such costs.
We therefore see the proposal as an as yet unfinished product, but we fully agree with Mr Cashman that it should lead to increased transparency and that is what we have indicated in our amendments.
After all, it is undeniable that the financial and economic crises have dealt Europe a heavy blow.
To address this issue, since 1994, there has been an interinstitutional agreement between Parliament, the Commission and the Council on an accelerated working method for the adoption of codified acts.
Perhaps, though, it would be wiser for the European electorate to fill Parliament with more MEPs who care more about working for the safety of their fellow citizens than about standing up for free trade, which destroys people and the environment.
We are also making it possible to have recourse to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg in respect of these basic rights, albeit under certain very narrowly defined conditions.
In this regard, we need greater cooperation between the customs authorities and consumer protection authorities in the Member States in order to protect consumers from unsafe imports.
Enough is enough.
We can prove that.
For four years we - I am talking about those in charge of the Eurogroup - have kept on repeating to the Japanese and US ministers of finance and have kept on drawing the attention of our US friends both to the risks of their double deficit and to the risks created by systematically underestimating the risks, especially with regard to real estate.
These technical guidelines are to be reviewed or supplemented every five years, the first period ending on 31 December 2007.
She had to work 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
On the matter itself, I would like to make it quite clear that Côte d'Ivoire, of course, has many problems which need to be resolved.
I must stress that these activities are of a purely preliminary nature.
Mr von Wogau was once the Chair of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and was instrumental in bringing about the European single currency.
Whether it be fundamental rights, privacy, minority rights, 'European Union citizenship' or asylum and immigration policy, this confused assortment in fact serves as a pretext for encouraging the federalist ambition of a European bureaucratic superstate.
Just like me, at the beginning of this term of office, you had the option of choosing from which coffers your daily allowances would be paid: from the UK coffers or from those of the European Union.
One of the core European support strategies must be to maintain this supportive structure and develop it in a woman-friendly way.
Lady Ashton, we look forward to your actions to correct the present discrimination against new Member States in what will become the EEAS.
The least that we can say is that the Tunisian regime has hardly heard you since your appointment.
Mr President, honourable Members, I believe that what Parliament is about to adopt is a good compromise, reconciling the Council's demands, the demands of the majority of MEPs and the European Commission's proposals.
In this respect, we recognise the importance of the communication from the Commission entitled 'Delivering an area of freedom, security and justice for Europe's citizens - Action Plan Implementing the Stockholm Programme', which presents initiatives to help implement the programme.
Mr President, I have to admit that the Treaty of Lisbon and its social commitments read well.
It would be a pity if Nepal spoiled this celebration by continuing to limit the rights of the Tibetan minority and got a red card from the international community as a result.
It likes talks about talks because all that time gives it the opportunity to keep changing the facts on the ground and making a two-state solution that much harder to achieve.
It will make travelling quicker and easier.
I consider that to be a given in a functioning internal market with respect for inviolable human rights.
What would have happened if they had tried to do the same thing with the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, who also recognised and paid tribute to the 1848 Hungarian War of Independence, had he wished to come to Romania?
(NL) I pointed yesterday to Turkey's unassailable position as an aspiring Member State and this report merely confirms that special status.
Everyone here clearly agrees that this is not possible.
We strongly agree with making explicit a woman's right to return to the same job, 20 weeks maternity leave and reasonable paternity leave.
Beijing's latest act of oppression was the decision to introduce Chinese as the compulsory official language in Tibet, even though the people speak Tibetan and consider Mandarin to be a foreign language.
Administrative burdens and costs have to be proportionate to the environmental benefits, because if that is the case, we will have a win-win situation which would help businesses meet their environmental commitments, bring significant support in the fight against climate change, and have the potential to improve health conditions for young and old people across my region.
Gender equality and equal opportunities are fundamental EU principles and should therefore apply universally, without exception, to all EU workers.
At a time when we are considering the future of the CAP, it seems necessary not to overlook this need and this right - which should be universal - to food for all.
I am of the opinion that the resolution in question tackles these areas well and have therefore voted in favour of this resolution.
Good quality, affordability and accessibility for everyone are essential for this, since it is an instrument for equal opportunities and integration.
This legislation will also ensure greater transparency, thereby guaranteeing equal access to information, making pricing more transparent, increasing trust in the market, and helping to avoid any possible manipulation or any sort of manipulation of the market.
I voted in favour of the Auken report on the impact of extensive urbanisation in Spain on individual rights of European citizens, on the environment and on the application of EU law, on the basis of petitions which I have received.
Corrigendum (Rule 216): see Minutes
Energy security, rising energy costs and climate change are perhaps the greatest challenges facing Europe in the 21st century.
The EU and Tunisia were in the process of formulating the Action Plan for the period 2011-2016, and this process will require both partners to commit themselves to achieving greater progress on all the issues involved, in particular that of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
We need to take measures in this area without delay.
Moreover, we have recently launched a bilateral human rights dialogue with the Colombian Government which provides a channel for a more regular and systematic exchange of information and experience in the human rights field, and will help inform technical cooperation.
We therefore hope, Commissioner, that you will bear in mind this position in the measures that will be developed, acknowledging the Member States' complete legitimacy to continue legislating at this time.
Sometimes, the costs of exclusion are greater than those of inclusion, when we take account of the benefits that this brings.
Congratulations, Mr Mandelson.
Therefore I have tried to cover all the cases.
Statistics are used by Member States, by the EU, internationally and by many other stakeholders for a variety of purposes.
It is our wish and our duty to preserve them.
What is more, there is a serious risk that Turkey is about to launch a large-scale military attack on Iraq.
In Darfur, in particular, several international NGOs, including Médecins du Monde, say that it is becoming more and more difficult for them to reach the victims outside the camps for the displaced and that there is a fresh upsurge of violence against the people and humanitarian workers.
I would say that Switzerland is not just a beautiful and orderly country; it is of great interest to the European Union due to its direct democracy, the confederation of cantons.
The same applies to the cabotage rules.
This must be used to achieve more ambitious goals set by the EU.
On account of this, I voted for this resolution, and I agree with the idea that in the airline sector, we must also regulate this gap in our legal system, something which has prevailed today.
Substantial and much needed economic growth followed.
You have our full support here.
It related to the attitude which you adopted 10 years ago following the Asian crisis: an attitude which you today consider was insufficiently firm towards those who thought that these were passing problems.
This campaigning was designed to cover up the lack of freedom, as well as the scarcity of oranges and meat.
I believe that the slots belong to the public and not to the airports or the airlines, and that is why we must pay particular attention to this in the future.
We knew from the very beginning that transforming Europe into a low-carbon economy is not an easy task.
According to information from the BBC, France wanted a power of attorney of general, worldwide scope, not just for Somalia, but was fortunately unable to win through on this.
In particular, states should commit to policies aimed at collaborating with the International Criminal Court and protecting the victims of violence.
I hope that the report we have adopted will further accelerate the implementation of the Europeana project.
Some progress has been made in the case of large undertakings, with the adoption of the regulation on the European Private Company Statute on 8 October 2001.
It is clear that there can be no simple way of maintaining these systems.
However, I should like to join those who have pointed out that the agenda does not end there.
Unfortunately, although the project was launched back in November 2008, it is not making progress, primarily due to obstacles over copyright, as well as reduced funding.
So it is the whole control and supervision chain that failed.
That applied years ago to the steel industry, and it must now apply to Opel and to the car industry in Europe as a whole.
So, after 11:00 on Wednesday, 16 February, no more additional motions or amendments will be accepted.
We cannot say, on the one hand, that we are members of this Stability and Growth Pact and of the euro area, and, on the other, that our budget has nothing to do with the euro, or that this is a strictly national competence.
Are we on the side of repression, an alien way of life, the exploitation of the Uighur region's natural assets, or of the preservation of cultures, freedom and peoples' right of self-determination?
The wave of indignation in the countries of Africa and their peoples' struggles, in particular, those of the peoples of Tunisia and Egypt, demand our greatest attention and solidarity.
But the ageing population is one of the most pressing challenges for the future and we know that dementia is one of the main causes of disability and dependence among the elderly.
The proposed Regulation which is submitted today provides for the deletion of Article 5, which ceased to be valid in 1961, and an amendment to Article 6, aimed at reducing the carriers' administrative obligations by abolishing their obligation to retain copies showing full price information, since this information is included anyway on the consignment notes and in the carriers' accounting systems.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (FR) Mr President, President of the Commission, President-in-Office, ladies and gentlemen, the Lisbon European Council marks a return to a Europe of achievements and added value.
Finally, I do not wish to express my thanks.
On a local level it has come to mean job insecurity and, worse still, the loss of jobs in manufacturing and services, which I saw at first hand in my own community in Wales, where I live, earlier this year with the closure of the Burberry factory, which meant the loss of hundreds of jobs in a very poor area, a convergence area.
It is also possible to say the same about other regions, with due reference to their specific needs and integration processes.
in writing. - (PT) Being fully aware of the retrospective nature of the resolution, we voted in favour, mainly because of the content of paragraphs 7 and 8, which:
The aim of the report is to extend by a further five years the current requirement for EU countries to have a minimum standard VAT rate of 15%.
More than ever, the Community must speak with one voice, and solidarity among the Member States is the basis for that.
Commissioners, I believe that your approach of using the financial crisis to erode the rights of workers is also a cynical one.
Neither the European Union nor a Member State should set limits on anyone who is willing to work extra hours or hold several part-time positions and they should assume that the employer has not coerced the employee to do so.
It is essential for appropriate resources to be made available so that the body can operate more effectively.
I hope that these make it through.
I will obviously pay close attention to all Parliament's suggestions.
(NL) Madam President, I thought that you had overlooked me.
Concerning independent exit polls, this is not an essential element for the elections.
President Mubarak, as he is today - and I respect his long struggle - is incapable of leading the political transition; it is madness to ask that of him and to let the Mubarak clan square up to the ElBaradei clan today on the streets of Cairo.
I think this is one of the key things they should be doing, and it would be interesting to know why certain Member States have not yet actually signed up to the relevant conventions and protocols.
At present we are faced with a cold political calculation.

The combination of the demographic issue with the migration issue poses potential risks and we cannot simply count on these populations for demographic renewal.
Although it does not get it from Schengen, it gets it individually from each Member State.
This is truer now than ever.
I will work on this with Commissioner Špidla, who is responsible for this area of legislation.
Thank you, Mr Virrankoski.
It is very easy to criticise, but as a Polish woman, I remember that we were once helped.
For these reasons, I voted for this report.
We also urgently need to ensure that Mauritania requires that third countries with which it establishes other agreements should respect the same rules followed by vessels flying the EU flag, so preventing competitive inequalities that put the EU fleet at a disadvantage.
When the Federation of Municipalities of the Czech Republic raised comments on the position of our government towards the EU 2020 strategy, not only were these comments not incorporated, but the Federation did not even receive a proper response on how the comments were handled.
The calls of politicians for an automatic extension of this regulation is more of a politically populist gesture than a rationally justified step reflecting the changes that have taken place in the EU in the field of telecommunications since 2007.
It is up to you to implement this budget accurately without wasting a single euro.
On the other hand, any increase in the Community budget will be channelled towards funding the anti-grassroots policy and action of the EU, such as the newly adopted mechanism of the European External Action Service to facilitate the EU's politico-military imperialist interventionist policy.
Freedom of the press is essential in a democratic society.
We did, of course, continue discussions with this country.
Harbour report
Furthermore, this is not only about you.
Whether Iceland is, perhaps, quite well prepared for membership is another issue.
There are voices warning that the independence of the ECB is in danger, one of the reasons being that the informal meetings of the Finance Ministers of the Eurozone will receive, under the Treaty of Lisbon, an official status.
I welcome that the Commissioner wants to provide more money to the producer organisations, but this is still not sufficient to resolve the sector's concerns.
As Vice-Chair of the Delegation for relations with Canada, I even had to witness, at one point, a situation where Canada acted as a mediator between the European Union and the United States.
Irish turf-cutters and bog owners are now being asked to cease cutting turf for personal use.
As we all know, the 27 EU Member States go about selling television rights for major sporting events in different ways.
There is a need for better coordination of human and veterinarian research on resistance, as well as further research on new antibiotics, alternative treatments and animal disease prevention and control practices.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have encountered a difficulty.

I think it could be more accurately described as a little step in the right direction: one small step in the right direction.
We cannot accept that we need legislation in this regard, and when we reach the figures, we turn back.
I hope that Friday's European Council will be an important milestone in this respect.
(The President briefly cut off the speaker)
The result, as we can see today, would be suspicion of incompetence, presumption of illegitimacy and tension between political families.
(FR) Mr President, President-in-Office of the Council, like the President of the European Parliament, like many other fellow Members, I am a child of the ruins of the Second World War, and I very much appreciate the dedication that you therefore put in your speech, which flouts scepticism.
Is that the line you want to take or not?
What is the influence of the financial crisis on these discussions?
The report on bi-regional cooperation between the European Union and the Latin American and Caribbean countries, which the joint presidency presented at the previous, fourth summit meeting in Vienna, is proof of the substantial progress which has been achieved so far in the actual implementation of the commitments made.
However, freezing further financing for the NCTS, as proposed in the report, would be counterproductive to the necessary further development of more effective transit control.
That said, it is true that European law is not properly applicable, as Union law is not directly applicable in a territory that is not an outermost region.
The aid measures provided by the Commission cover three aspects.
However, what the report emphasises is the presence of women in industry: women have low-paid jobs in low-paid industry branches, they are in the majority where there are no trade unions, and consequently no guarantees under collective agreements; women work in vulnerable industry branches, and they are the first to be laid off in the event of mass redundancy.
The main reason - the time taken for translation - accounts for about nine months.
I do not accept that the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB) will not hamper EU competitiveness as proposed in the Toubon report.
Falsified medicines are a global danger.
However, this support must be made conditional on specific terms and requirements.
I am extremely worried about the role of the United Nations troops in the Congo at present: the Moroccans, the Pakistanis and the Indians.
We must think European, we must think global, and our national action must be concerted and coordinated, with scope for the Commission to take initiatives.
I therefore propose that this identity marking be taken to Doha as a useful contribution to the debate.
Alleviating the shortage of organs is a serious challenge for Europe.
I am therefore pleased with the initiative of drafting a report specially devoted to combating this problem.
in writing. - (NL) The transport sector accounts for one fifth of greenhouse gases.
Ladies and gentlemen, sustainable development is not an outdated concept, a passing fad of politicians and environmentalists.
I believe that it was indeed vitally urgent to simplify the legislative framework in this respect.
These are just a few examples.
I would also warn against taking the voluntary approach.
I would like to see that as part of its safety brief, the 'intelligent car' should disallow use of mobile telephones and that mobile telephones in cars should be installed in such a way that they do not take the driver's attention away from the road.
What plans does it have to provide European citizens with information in the run-up to the election and induce them to take part in the European elections in the context of unfavourable developments affecting issues of importance to the EU concerning international economic and trade relations?
Thirdly, why are you undertaking staff changes in the relevant department at this particular time?
It has lumped all funds not already covered by the UCITS Directive, from investment trusts to hedge funds, in a single mixed bag of expensive legislation.
All of the eminent people happily stand there and tell everyone how much they like Europe, but when it comes to doing something and actually implementing these things, the Council suddenly has problems.
However, just as he stopped speaking, the interpreters said: 'He really is speaking too quickly.
Moreover, the new legal basis for instruments or policies related to the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) are also established, for instance the sanctions against non-state entities, space policy and energy security, combating climate change, prevention of international terrorism and protection of personal data.
The stories given by both sides were totally different on certain issues, so that was the moment when we started to push the monitoring issue.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, to bring citizens closer to Europe there is a need, as I said in the European Convention for the new treaty, to give Europe a soul, that respects the various languages and identities, reaffirming common roots and values, and you have tried to express that soul in your speech today, President-in-Office.
The directive is the first important step towards legislation that aims to provide justice and transparent procedures to achieve a more effective policy on return at European level.
The EU has, until recently, been boasting of the improving situation of women on the labour market, and in securing education, decent living standards, access to women's healthcare or greater representation in constitutional bodies, but the deepening crisis seems to have consigned this to the margins of Community interest.
It is the aim of the Iranian Government to silence all opposition once and for all both inside and outside the country.
I now want to thank the Belgian Presidency for its tireless efforts on the financial dossiers, you and your teams, Commissioner, and, obviously, my fellow Members in the European Parliament who participated in this study and who supported our positions.
The entire Green Paper is based on the erroneous assumption that, as long as I impose a legal obligation on the taxpayer to invest a portion of the resources assigned to the pension system into a fund not guaranteed by the state, he will get a higher pension that he would from the first pillar alone.
I am not aware of any recent changes in the situation in Uzbekistan, other than the fact that the Council is deliberating on whether or not to remove the travel bans on Uzbek leaders.
Let us work together to that end.
Who can believe in a lasting solution if the political and territorial unity of Palestine is not guaranteed?
The European Union has played a fundamental role in this process and has already contributed EUR 3.7 billion since 2002.
He was arrested by Igor Smirnov's regime in the self-proclaimed Republic of Transnistria.
The existence of an aggressive, violent minority, whether it consists of Muslims, Christians, Jews or members of other faith communities, can never provide a justification for attacking other religions.
The disquiet that is beginning to be felt in the European media conveys a whole range of mixed messages.
However, due to differences of culture and tradition, and also in the system of organisation, there are different approaches to this issue within the Member States.
Is it your Directorate-General?
In very blunt terms, more older people means increased spending on pensions and health.
The Court also reports improvements in internal policies, such as research programmes, and external actions.
We are also seeing refugees coming to Europe now - to Lampedusa and to Malta.
Indeed, all along we have argued that a resolved Kosovo helps Serbia's EU aspirations, and today we repeat that we want them to succeed.
Let me also say that as a result of earlier debates a more stable and constant platform has been established, including the demography forum and the Alliance for Families.
I find myself almost, indeed entirely, in agreement with the Commissioner on this subject.
This difference is a serious obstacle in building a common identity.
European citizens expect us to ease business-making in the digital sphere where operations like electronic payments and e-identification should be coherent and understandable.
We welcome the Commission's commitment to a multilateral code of conduct, under the aegis of the International Monetary Fund.
Madam President, Mr Reul, you are the chair of the committee.
It should be made clear where the Commission can act and where the Commission cannot act. It would simply lead to further accusations of a democratic deficit and cynicism and anger on behalf of citizens if a million signatures were to be gathered for a petition and then it were deemed to be outside the competence of the EU.
These projects are continuing in the Seventh Framework Programme; they are now linked to the implementation of the European Research Area.
That is why the ships need to be adapted to the river, rather than vice versa.
I think that it is very important that the Spanish Presidency has decided to make a priority of the fight against violence.
I want to ask you whether we can have any hope that this will happen.
The Commission shares the broad analysis on the causes of the food crisis which hit many developing countries in the first part of 2008.
I would like to thank the rapporteurs for their work.
The blasphemy laws, which carry the death penalty, are incompatible with the common values we seek to promote in our relations with Pakistan.
This is the ultimate goal we set ourselves, and I do believe that we are close to achieving it.
Here I sit with my colleagues, Daniel Hannan and Chris Heaton-Harris, who are also members of a great organisation called the Direct Democracy Movement.
We are sure that from now on the majority ethnic groups in European countries will place importance not only on the acquisition of the official language of the state, but also on ensuring that other groups living alongside them are able to preserve their mother tongue and learn it at every level in their own education institutions, and that they are able to use their mother tongue in the public administration, in the courts and in the legislature.
A hope for return to democratic governing was heard in 1990 when the National League for Democracy (NLD) won a national election.
Only a very few recommend putting this to the vote in the company's general meeting.
Perhaps more sensitivity might be shown next time, I hope.
rapporteur. - (PT) In view of the permanent structural disadvantages and conditioning factors affecting the outermost regions, specific measures to promote their socioeconomic development must be adopted.
However, the greatest beneficiary of the changes that have been introduced will be the consumer.
The European Investment Bank should be even more active in these key areas.
in writing. - (DE) GPS currently already provides many of the services that would be offered by the European satellite radionavigation programme Galileo.
The decision on whether and when to open Article 260 proceedings against Italy will depend mainly on the content of the waste management plan and the timing of the measures used to immediately address the problem in a convincing way.
We are therefore facing a humanitarian crisis that is not being reported in the media, due to other current international crises, even though it is truly shocking.
We have to tread new ground, because this is not an easy field.
For the other continents, this also shows that one of their main partners is already committed; it is the proof that this is possible.
It goes without saying that the constitution of every Member State should reflect and comply with the European values of freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, human dignity and respect of human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, without discrimination, as laid down in Article 2 of the Treaty.
The Commission has also been in close contact with Vietnam on this issue in order to provide all necessary assistance and expertise.
We are the only political level which has a zero budget.
Mr Lambrinidis, there is a proper procedure for distributing the Minutes.
It is entirely appropriate, therefore, that the report highlights this aspect and focuses quite rightly on gender issues.
By the way, we are having great difficulty with the Polish translation, which does not convey the meaning.
It requires open dialogue, not confrontation; it requires us to address the real and perceived disconnection that some young people are experiencing.
The US case against European support for Airbus and the European case against US subsidies to Boeing are currently at the WTO Panel stage and the European legal position has been defended.
Our problem, in the European Union, is that we are often too timid.
2.
Still, economic, financial and, to an increasing extent, political actions are widely dominated by the crisis.
There are three potential stumbling blocks for Copenhagen, relating not just to financing: the clear lack of ambition as regards emission reduction pledges from some developed countries outside the European Union; the reluctance of major developing countries - the big emerging economies - to come forward with convincing proposals for their mitigation actions; and also the absence of a solid financial offer by the developed countries on the negotiation table.
European-level supervision of export credits should be introduced as an exception when a distortion of competition within the internal market occurs.
Next, an ambitious goal concerning the reduction in inequalities: for example, reducing the level of poverty in Europe by 50% by 2020; that certainly would not be a maximum to achieve.
This is a task which still faces us, although many countries have now invested billions in this area and have been looking for a reliable solution for 30 years.
In the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the concept of the right of a child to both parents is also introduced.
This extremely significant decision is intended to strengthen the credibility and reliability of the evidentiary process, and, in so doing, to increase the confidence of society in law enforcement agencies and the justice system.
First, the IMF has played a key role, in cooperation with the European Union, in overcoming the sovereign debt crisis in Europe, for which Dominique Strauss-Kahn made a major contribution as the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.
In any case, however, we worked together on exactly the same text and now he is opposed to it!
There is no possibility of 'proportionality' and 'reciprocity' in the case of bulk data storage and transfer, since it involves a series of uncontrollable dangers, specifically relating to who has access, how the data are used and for what purpose.
I think it is unacceptable that he does not want to discuss this with us.
To focus on just two issues, one question asked citizens to rank in order of preference how we could rapidly move out from the crisis.
We do not want duplication within the different institutions in terms of what we do.
Therefore, I do support these two concepts, but not for the security policy.
Even though only 7% of the population of the EU lives in cities with over 5 million inhabitants, compared with 25% in the United States of America, in numerous urban areas, including in Greece, the population is increasing.
First, the issue of establishing a Community financial measure for the implementation of the common fisheries policy.
I have heard no real, serious link on that.
This report, in its focus on fundamental rights, will go a long way to making the Internet safer.
What has motivated this change of heart?
In the meantime, the EU is willing to engage with the present government to persuade it to use the opportunity of the elections in order to change the situation and to start a positive phase in the history of Burma.
As regards the factor that caused the Hungarian Government to change its mind, this was the very serious dialogue held with the 'business community', with the representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises, and they unambiguously asked the government to change its earlier reluctant, or rather negative, stance in order to enable Hungarian small and medium-sized enterprises to benefit from the unitary European patent and to make savings thanks to a functioning linguistic regime.
We now have a first report on this pilot project with the European public spaces.
The actions of the European Union have been a success, but we are still far from finished and far from achieving our objective.
In this communication, the Commission has sought greater rigour and uniformity in the criteria for apportioning aid to farmers in areas with natural handicaps.
Let us remember that in this area in particular, we are dealing with a system of interconnected vessels - a weakness in one part will have a disastrous effect on the rest.
Force can only be eliminated by striking at its roots.
We should also bear in mind that the Haitian people must always be an integral part of the whole reconstruction process, along with their government.
We have to wait for this communication to be produced.
In this field, the rules on competition are stricter than those on State aid.
As long as we fail to promote these common frameworks at European level, whether we like it or not, there will sometimes be some crimes which exploit the loopholes and ultimately, we shall not achieve the dispensation of justice we are striving for precisely because no such frameworks exist.
The next item is the report by Bart Staes, on behalf of the Committee on Budgetary Control, on the implications of the agreement between the Community and the Member States with Philip Morris on intensifying the fight against fraud and cigarette smuggling and progress made in implementing the recommendations of Parliament's Committee of Inquiry into the Community Transit System
This has left a bitter aftertaste, however, because the actual process of negotiation in the international community is far too slow and we should have adopted such an agreement at least a year ago.
Lastly, I believe that we should step up the dialogue with third countries.
The only way in which these recommendations can acquire political legitimacy is to ensure that national parliaments are involved from the very outset, throughout the process of the European semester, and yet the Council conclusions only mention these parliaments in passing, in the same category as regions, social partners and NGOs.
Both asked that Parliament grant them extra time, so that they can answer the requests that we personally formulated on the interim agreement.
I support both reports because I believe we need both framework decisions and because a reasonable balance has been struck between measures to ensure security and freedom of the individual.
We still believe that this would be a very beneficial tool in the fight against deception, fraud and secrecy concerning EU funds in the individual countries.
A condition for building a normal democratic system in Ukraine is respect for the rights of the opposition, and we must say this very clearly from here, today.
There are also the challenges posed by climate change, which are more difficult to control, and all these challenges create the urgent need to make the developing countries' population more resistant to systemic social deficiencies.
We have made an impact assessment.
The second element is the strengthening of economic governance, and here the European Parliament has a decisive role.
In terms of air quality, there are three improvements on the original proposal.
You have quoted Article 229 completely correctly, but it is not in conflict with our amendment.
It is about saying that we need to move forward.
We support the coupling of agricultural aid to production, allowing the agri-foodstuffs production of countries such as Portugal to grow and, in general, allowing its primary sector to modernise.
The rest is of trifling importance.
If this partnership is based on common values, then the Europeans also have to react when Africans react when something goes wrong in Africa.
We must be well aware that talking about a low-emission economy means a kind of Copernican revolution for the production system; it means changing many things, having clear priorities and political will but, above all, sufficient resources and instruments.
The significant discrepancies with regard to the definition and admission criteria applied to highly qualified workers obviously restrict their mobility throughout the whole of the European Union, affecting the efficient redistribution of legally residing human resources and preventing regional imbalances from being eliminated.
- Before the vote on Amendment 812:
NATO's operation Ocean Shield is working well off the coast of Somalia to combat piracy, although it is in danger of duplicating the work of the larger EU Common Security and Defence Policy mission Atalanta.
Thank you in advance.
I also heard the Council's last two statements.
The latest detention was that of Gorki Águila, leader of a rock band, who has now fortunately been released.
Through this vote we are giving great support to the beneficiaries of EU funds as well as to the initiating departments.
Secondly, with regard to monetary policy, I, along with the whole of my group, am an advocate of radical independence for the Central Bank, but independence does not equate to immunity from criticism.
in writing. - (IT) Mr President, I voted in favour of the Manders report on the protection of consumers, in particular minors, in respect of the use of video games.
(Applause)
Despite the progress made with the amendments to the legislation on criminal procedures and other primary laws, some aspects are still substantially behind schedule.
Lastly, there has been the launch of the SESAR industrial project, a real addition to the Single Sky.
None of this, however, has resulted in an analysis capable of preventing what has happened and is still happening in various African countries.
Labour Euro MPs do not believe that families should continue to bear the full cost of the UK's budgetary contribution.
The verdict expressed by my vote has a broader context.
The prime minister wants to lift the ban on wearing headscarves and the age limit for Koran schools, while at the same time discriminating against religious minorities and harassing them on an ongoing basis.
Weak regional security and inter-community tensions affect the internal situation of the country, especially in the Ogaden, where access to the population still remains constrained.
The objectives concerning the use of renewable energy sources must be realistic.
I am pleased in this respect that the report also mentions the Millennium Development Goals.
In Central Europe, and especially in Hungary, there are many seriously disabled persons who are living in old, dilapidated buildings.
That is, we need to limit our use of fossil fuels rather than try to find alternatives for storing the emissions underground.
It is clear, therefore, that we face a crash test of the strength of the European currency and, more importantly, of the intentions of the leaders of the European Union to defend it.
The fact that the votes in the committee were 11 to 9 in favour of not concluding the agreement is also very worrying.
It is an incremental process, rather than a big bang or a sudden shock.
The legal situation at European level regarding the law applicable to the divorce and legal separation of spouses of different nationalities is currently very confusing.
CE marking is pointless if it is not based on genuine product safety.
For example, the extent of the right may be specified by reference to the territory to be fished, the amount of fish to be harvested, the effort allowed or some mixture of these.
President of the Commission. - As you said, Mr Verhofstadt, we have been raising the issue with our Russian partners and, in fact, the European Union has already publicly reacted to the proceedings against Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev through the declaration by High Representative Catherine Ashton.
Unlike Denmark, the Faroes are not a member of the European Union and do not form part of the customs union.
But restoring health to financial institutions is also key to regaining the confidence of consumers and returning economic growth, let alone taxpayers' money.
These indirect taxes, tradable permits and subsidies, I think, will assist the European Union to achieve its emissions targets.
Let me tell you this, as well: We, the PPE Group, will not be cowed by this accusation.
You are the only candidate.
This increases a person's opportunities in the labour market.
The implementation of intelligent transport systems (ITS) in urban areas will increase energy efficiency and transport safety.
I do not know - and this raises some other questions - whether we will come up with an appropriate amount of money to put on the table for funds to help the developing countries with mitigation and adaptation, because we are just at the beginning of our talks with the US and other partners and it would not make sense to show our cards right now.
I believe that further compromise talks would lead to a worse result or would end in no result at all.
This whole discussion is based on the energy report published by the Commission last January, because we could suddenly see that we were depending heavily on imports of energy, especially from our eastern neighbours, and secondly: how could we contribute to the reduction of CO2 or greenhouse gas emissions?
Accordingly, the proportion of irregularities in the agricultural sector rose by 43% and in the area of structural funds by 23%, while the total figure in the structural funds area actually rose by 109%.
At present, this transaction is not possible, which means that consumers do not actually have the right to purchase products (banking, in this case) from any EU Member State.
We have coordinators and shadow rapporteurs who are competent and follow the legislative process.
I therefore support the package of measures that the European Commission has tabled on economic governance.
UCITS are in some way a trade mark for the European financial markets; they are a good export product.
We also believe that great attention must be paid to avoiding child labour.
He has done a fine job.
I doubt that a minimum excise duty rate - for fuel, for example - would increase economic competitiveness.
We also very much appreciate the attention given to Bosnia Herzegovina by this Parliament.
The role and future of macro-regional strategies may be related to the debate over the future use of European funds, although in our view, it is unnecessary for today's debate to extend into a discussion on the future architecture of the cohesion policy and the anticipation of potential financial allocations designated for individual states in the coming financial perspective.
I hope that Member States will rise to the challenge when it comes to looking for better solutions on winding-up.
(BG) We all agree with the conclusion made in Mrs. Harkin's excellent report that volunteering can play an important role for the development of local communities, civil society and democracy.
in writing. - (IT) I am voting in favour of the Brejc report.
Could the Slovenian Presidency please comment on the current status of the ratification process of the Lisbon Treaty?
The vote will take place tomorrow at 12:00.
Then you present the lowest common denominator, and often at times when events have already moved on
In fact we do agree with the vast majority of the text: integrating conflict analysis into cooperation, support for civil and local society, combating the proliferation of light arms, the need for a code of conduct for soldiers and the police, references to reproductive health, transparency in the use of natural resources and support for refugees.
Most of the refugees are in Tunisia and Egypt.
The final agreement satisfies the majority of Parliament's requests, protecting both the security and the private lives of EU citizens and guaranteeing legally binding solutions to the problems under examination.
The last point I would like to make in relation to ESA, apart from to endorse the report of Mr Caspary - with some of the amendments which have been tabled - is to mention the situation of the Chagos Archipelago.
As an example of action at European level, we will develop a more integrated European standardisation system as an important platform for sharpening the competitive edge of our companies, particularly SMEs.
We must talk about the pictures and ask ourselves what Europe is achieving and what its job is.
However, the short-sighted approach of the Centre Right does not provide a sound basis for credible and coherent reform.
I wonder what the Commission has done in the two years to avoid this current crisis.
A feature of a good multilingual policy would be to protect these languages.
Parliament is free to appoint either external personalities or Members and it will be Parliament's responsibility to choose its preferred level of representation on the Governing Board.
I think that this would be an effective way to combat cyber-terrorism.
That is the only way we will make any progress.
The draft text of your amending Treaty is not without its faults: the loss of Europe's symbols is a blow to federalists, as is the fudge on voting systems wrought by the Poles.
We must now prepare and establish in practice an environment in which it will be easier for us to make effective use of new systems and as wide a variety of applications as possible, without limiting ourselves too narrowly in advance.
It would be excellent if the French President could start a serious debate on sorting out the issue of Parliament's two seats: let us concentrate all activities in Brussels and avoid the monthly move to Strasbourg (where the site could be used for other purposes, such as the centre of technological excellence): this 'trip' actually represents a huge and unjustified waste of financial and energy resources.
In this technically-oriented meeting, we asked the industry to ensure that all possible efforts were made to prevent comparable accidents in the vicinity of European coasts.
Without a risk analysis it is impossible to determine the effect of these substances on health or the environment.
Parliament calls once more on the Centre to set out, in a table to be annexed to the Court of Auditors' next report, a comparison of the operations that were carried out during the year for which discharge is to be granted and during the previous financial year, so as to enable the discharge authority to assess more effectively the Centre's performance from one year to the next.
In the end, the Lisbon Treaty is the necessary step forward for the European institutions system to operate more efficiently, under the ever more difficult global conditions to which every Member State has to respond: economic competitiveness, climate change, price increases for natural resources and many other aspects that affect us all.
The GEEREF needs to be spread to different parts of the world, also with a view to spreading the investment risk, and Mr Turmes's suggestion about the percentage is very correct.
Accra is not a technical meeting.
According to the United Nations agency, an estimated 28 000 people have been displaced since the beginning of the hostilities.
It is important that all who provide funding should be able to dispose of the results of research projects carried out with common EU funds free of charge.
It sometimes seems to me that in certain documents we lament health problems whilst in others we promote GMOs, cloning and importing food from regions where it is produced using methods far removed from natural ones.
Your report rightly recognises the importance of giving culture a larger role in international relations.
Consistency between an effective partnership with our six neighbours in the East and good mutual cooperation with Russia constitutes the greatest challenge for European politics.
We need a change in mentality and attitude from everyone involved.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (FR) Mr Higgins, the three multinational battalions that make up the EUFOR forces in eastern Chad and the Central African Republic are now fully operational.
The European Union is made up of States with very different standards of living.
The European dream is to retire to the French Riviera as soon as possible.
An integrated approach is important and, as I see it, the Italian Government's approach to the problem is unacceptable.
A degree of conditionality is called for not just in relations with us alone; a country in which there is no rule of law is also not a good place to invest, because there is no legal certainty.
The war against protectionism is not won in a single battle but by maintaining a general state of alert, day after day.
I have made it clear to the Serbian Government that signature of the SAA is within reach.
Since those six months began, we have worked together to take the measures necessary to avert a crisis in the euro area.
Back then, it would have been business as usual.
Subject: Excess transport in the Baltic Sea
The situation in Egypt merited some reflection, and the relations between Egypt and the European Union also obliged such reflection.
It is genuinely our wish to pursue discussions, in particular within the Social Protection Committee, as well as to improve dialogue with the various stakeholders, both institutional and non-institutional.
I want to spend the few seconds I have here on internal markets.
EU external strategy on Passenger Name Record (PNR) (debate)
EUR 300 million is better than nothing but more drastic action is needed in future to support this industry.
There must also be a meaningful engagement with the Irish people, to rebuild understanding of and support for the European process.
I welcome the statement by Gordon Brown last week that he would take a lead in action against Burma, and I welcome, in our resolution, paragraph 10, which recognises the important role that ASEAN is now playing with respect to Burma, paragraph 14, demanding that China, Russia and India use their best endeavours to put pressure on the current regime, and paragraph 20, calling for a new UN Security Council resolution.
We cannot have one policy in Cotonou for the ACP states and then destroy this policy in Geneva over the banana trade.
Does the European Commission intend to prepare a specific communication on the costs of non-Lisbon?
I voted for this resolution as I feel that the rapporteur's text is veering towards the European Union assuming bold commitments in the battle against climate change.
It is no wonder then that people turn away from EU politics, regarding it as something that does not belong to them or when they flatly reject it.
(FR) Madam President, I believe there is, nonetheless, a great paradox in this debate.
We believe that cohesion policy should be safeguarded.
It is no coincidence that we see that in the new Member States, where the debate has now begun and the use of funds has started, inexperience is one of the contributing factors.
In the context of free trade arrangement negotiations, the Commission has taken, is taking, and should take into account the complex nature of the EU's fishing sector during market access negotiations and ensure there is a balance between the diverse interests affected by trade policy, as I have just mentioned.
I believe that this honesty will provide the basis for persuading citizens to actually support what is decided in Brussels during these times of crisis.
Our economies are going through a very difficult period, a period of crisis, the impact of which is being felt by so-called ordinary people in particular.
We need to take tough sanctions.
However, we in this House believe that Parliament has a huge number of instruments available that should be made to work even more efficiently, more smoothly and with greater impact, precisely so that we can overcome the crisis.
It is only now as world cereal prices - in particular wheat - have almost doubled, forcing up the price of feed, and as pressure on productive farmland grows for biofuels and other non-food crops, that some supermarkets have finally begun to panic at the prospect of an actual milk shortage and, as a result, have started paying dairy farmers a slightly higher price.
Madam President, we are obviously all in favour of protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems from destructive fishing practices.
Namely, 60% of them are not concerned that their children might fall victim to harassment; 47% are not concerned that their children see pornography or violent material; 62% are not concerned that their children may divulge personal data.
I also thought of Iraq, where six years after the overthrow of the dictator, members of the oldest Christian communities in the world are being harassed, expelled and killed.
It cannot be that these workers arrive in Europe under unequal conditions with regard to working here, because we will be destroying Europe.
If we try to put all that together in a European Training Foundation it would drain the life out of the training schemes in many countries.
This region suffered from the ever-increasing burden of the instalment repayments covering the inherited debts, as well as the using up of its cheap natural and human resources, while all these generated very significant financial revenue in the Western countries.
Mental health depends on several factors, and for this reason in my report on intergenerational solidarity I have emphasised the educational task of parents as regards future generations.
Scientific knowledge has led to the political will to take action, and by 2009 all countries, whether developed, emerging or developing, will commit themselves to combating climate change with different but specific targets.
Possibilities may include through the EU Solidarity Fund or a reprogramming of the structural and rural development funds.
The democratic credibility of the current government may be cast in doubt in the case of the two councillors from Braşov's local municipal council, Vasile Bran and Iulian Mara, who were elected by local citizens and whose position has not been formalised eight months after the local elections.
As Europeans, we have no independent access to space.
I should also like to congratulate you, Commissioner, because, at a given moment, you managed to ensure that Parliament's role as colegislator was somewhat denied us, since, through an agreement reached by the social partners, you made us see that only the points raised by them could be debated by us.
In your explanatory statement, Mrs Jordan Cizelj, you say that, in general, industry in the EU is healthy and dynamic.
While I welcome the possibility of exceptional public aid being granted to the airline sector, which has already suffered a great deal since 11 September 2001, I am still perplexed about Europe's management of these events.
As regards on-call time, I do not see any reason not to comply with the Court of Justice judgments.
The economies of many Member States are heavily dependent on agriculture and farming.
The answer is very clear that people then moved about much more and had much more physical activity.
Significant and large-scale cocaine seizures in Croatia are mostly connected with sea transport.
The proposal also means a transfer of money from direct aid for agricultural production to rural development, with the focus on the four prioritised areas of climate change, renewable energy, water management and biodiversity.
Several hundreds of thousands of jobs have been lost since the beginning of 2005, albeit fewer than some of the worst predictions.
There is no reason to declare the Member States to be incapacitated in this way in this area.
I recommend that we exercise caution in this area, to ensure that our ambitious plans do not pose a threat to our industrial and commercial competitiveness.
Subject: Research and maritime professions
I therefore welcome the adoption of this agreement, which will strengthen the bonds of territorial cohesion within Europe and bring about compliance with EU competition law.
Honourable Members must understand that there is an immediate urgency and there is a long-term strategy, and we need to have both in what we do.
However, in order to have a strong agriculture, we must also have a strong welfare policy, because I believe the future of European agriculture is very much of a high-quality product and one that has very good welfare standards.
This is the challenge that all Member States and enterprises must tackle and this is the best legacy that we can leave to our children.
The roadmap drawn up by ESFRI was certainly a step forward towards better planning of research infrastructure at European level.
This provides greater legal certainty to patients in frontier areas, people who are visiting another country, patients with rare diseases and patients facing long waiting times.
Even Mr Sarkozy has now proposed this, and Mr Steinmeier and others are talking about it now.
Europe promotes the right of every man, woman and child to be protected from persecution and discrimination.
It will also benefit business to become very energy efficient, in a future where energy is becoming still more expensive.
That is awful.
When financial flows are international, supervision can no longer be national.
This is clearly symbolised by the fact that the Grand Mufti is accompanied on today's visit by high-ranking religious leaders.
This creates an opportunity for regional airports to develop and for the range of air travel services on offer to the public to expand.
We know that Europe needs more workers, not least nationals from third countries.
The economic recovery is under way in Europe.
So, I simply have the pleasure of announcing that the report I am tabling this morning also covers eurobonds, because the debate must take place here, in plenary.
I concur, on the other hand, with the perspective that my colleague, Mr Posselt, has embraced, saying that we are talking about torture, which is absolutely prohibited under international law.
I would ask those displaying them to now take them down.
As well as the positive aspects, there are also negative ones, because excessive restrictions have been introduced on the movement of the residents of countries which share a border with the EU, and this means mainly the new countries, such as Poland and Latvia.
The long-standing wishes of producers are focused on naming and labelling.
However, the organisation of the banking structure in a Member State is solely a matter for the Member State concerned.
Now a word on behalf of our already hard-pressed farmers, many of whom have written to my constituency office to strongly question the need for a directive on soil protection.
Unfortunately, I have also found nothing on this subject in the work programme for 2009.
We are not yet satisfied, however, with the arrangements for future interaction between the Commission, the European Space Agency and the Galileo Supervisory Authority.
We expect that both the Member States and the Commission will be transparent, so that we can then act at that level.
First of all, I would like to call upon Mrs Harms to speak so that she can give the grounds for this request.
I would also like to inform you that Mr Pino Arlacchi joined the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament with effect from 18 November 2010.
However, I have not been elected to offer praise; I have been elected to highlight the more thorny aspects of the debate.
And, as they say in Star Wars, may the fourth be with you.
At this time of crisis, it is all the more important for us to use all the methods at our disposal to combat tax evasion and fraud in order to meet the exceptional costs that are necessary to remedy the effects of the crisis and to reduce the high budget deficits as much as possible.
This has been a minimum human right, the right to human dignity, since Antigone.
These issues must be confronted and addressed immediately by this Parliament to assure the citizens of Cambodia that this Parliament continues to support and defend their right to Democracy.
I respect the authority of the President in Parliament.
For this reason, we must promote the increased use of renewable energy sources to the greatest extent possible.
Firstly, the over one thousand agreements already in existence must be retained.
What did we get?
We are also debating discrimination against women today, and when debating this strategy, it is therefore also necessary to talk about discrimination against women from minority groups in particular.
It also includes EU support for milk and fruit in schools, which may well be important, but it is not something that the EU should be taking decisions on.
Sites like Twitter are subject to US legislation, as their servers are based in the US.
As I said, this is part of the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum, and in this respect, in its conclusions in December last year on enlargement, the Council welcomed the initiation of strengthened dialogue on migration with Turkey, and asked for specific measures to be adopted, for example readmission, border controls, etc.
A debate that is focused solely on the drudgery of imposing sanctions will not make Europeans want to get involved again with their Member States in the project.
Of course, the text submitted to us takes a certain number of steps forwards, but it also still contains many contradictions.
At the same time, there is an ethnic discrimination of sorts within extreme poverty, and we must therefore pay special attention to the Roma when providing opportunities.
It includes in its scope the transport of dangerous goods by inland waterways, which has not been covered by EU legislation to date.
It should, however, be emphasised that support for development of the potential of national judiciary in the Balkans is a fundamental matter, so that local courts will be able to continue the work which the Tribunal has begun.
Goals should be set for each country separately so that the varying potential for savings is taken into account as well as current achievements in this area.
So I say to my Eurosceptic friends: 'Get over it'.
It belongs to the Camorra, who we must fight.
in writing. - (SV) We voted for Olle Schmidt's report on the ECB annual report.
We therefore support the amendments tabled.
If the burden were sensibly spread across Europe then there would not be a problem at all.
The unhindered passage of vessels is an absolute precondition for the development of international commerce: the European Union cannot tolerate acts of piracy taking place against Community fishing boats off the coast of Somalia, a rich hunting ground for thieves operating at sea.
It is the objective of the Commission, and of us all, to guarantee our fellow citizens a comfortable and secure standard of living within a framework that fosters the competitiveness of European companies.
How is it conceivable that a country can use this issue for political purposes, remaining out of step with the rest of Europe, with Article 2 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and out of step with perhaps the most longstanding common objectives of its external policy?
He took a number of important decisions during 2006, including, not least, on the choice of the languages used in the websites of the European Presidencies of the Council, on inaccurate and misleading information contained in leaflets, posters and video presentations on air passenger rights produced by the Commission, and on access to the audit report of the European Investment Bank.
in writing. - I am afraid I will be voting against this report because it is my view that a framework on the protection of soil is not needed.
The creation in 2007 of an individual Delegation for relations with India has boosted communication with the Lok Sabha, the Indian Parliament, and Parliament's delegation will certainly be called on to play a leading role, particularly in terms of the drafting of future parliamentary resolutions on sensitive issues affecting relations between India and the European Union.
Under the new provisions in place since 2004, this automatically triggered a review of the product's benefit-risk balance, which led to the adoption of a Commission decision requiring all Member States to revoke any national authorisations for benfluorex containing medicinal products.
I trust that we shall have a fairer distribution in future.
We cannot have a situation where we want to do business but are content to turn a blind eye when Christians are persecuted.
Agriculture in the countries of the European Union has many other needs and the farmers who work the land are calling for an agricultural policy that encourages production, guarantees them a decent living and prevents the ongoing desertification of rural areas.
All the achievements we can see are of benefit to Europe and, I must say, given the experience we have on the enlargement process, we have very few regrets on the achievements we have made; we should have the same perspective when we talk about Turkey, Macedonia or the other countries of the Western Balkans.
It is clear to us that we will emerge from this crisis by working together and that the biggest challenge that Europe currently faces is to cooperate and to strengthen the economic unit that we have, so that we will be able to support each other - rather than weakening the Union as is suggested.
I voted in favour of the report on a proposal for a European Parliament recommendation to the Council on setting up an EU rapid response capability to address the various major natural or man-made disasters which have occurred outside the EU in recent years.
My second point is about the product of beekeeping, the honey.
The recent take-over, nevertheless, is radically different from the one in 2005 that brought to an end a dictatorial regime and resulted in an exemplary transition to democracy strongly supported, politically and financially, by the European Union.
I supported the report by Mr Papanikolaou because I am aware that the consequences of the economic and financial crisis have already reached and affected the fabric of society, especially young Europeans, exposing them to alarming rates of unemployment.
Not only is tobacco smoke a major source of air pollution, the chemicals contained in cigarettes expose smokers and non-smokers alike to serious risk.
These firms cannot, at the same time, engage in commercial activities which are similar or relate to their supervisory or rating role.
Terrorism is based on both a psychological and a social and media effect.
Illegal disposal of toxic waste classed as hazardous has become one of the most lucrative businesses.
What I want to say is that the client who goes to a brothel, or the client who asks for the services of a prostitute, has basically no way of knowing whether she is a 'normal' prostitute - if that even exists since it is another matter whether there is ever consent to prostitution - or a trafficked woman.
There are just two concerns I would like to raise today.
My fellow rapporteurs, Mrs del Castillo Vera and Mr Harbour, and I have worked together closely to achieve a coherent and efficient proposal for the end-users of these directives, namely the Commission and regulators, but one that is also positive and valuable to those looking for legal certainty, encouragement for investment, and a dynamic and balanced market, that is, operators and their employees, as well as for the primary beneficiaries of the numerous services and quality at a fair and accessible price: the consumers.
The example we set is immensely important.
Commissioner Borg, I fully support your work on marine science technology and innovation and your commitment to the Aberdeen Declaration.
Society too has lost valuable forests and valuable habitats.
Current experience shows that the existing technology still does not ensure that the fingerprints of children under the age of 12 are reliable enough to allow them to be used as a security feature in passports.
Moreover, if we really want the implementation process to fully reflect what we agreed upon within Parliament, then it is imperative that the European Parliament remains involved in the process, even after the directive enters into force.
The conflicts in the region have undermined the image of women in the collective memory.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (SV) Mr President, hunting is an old-established custom.
The Commission also finds that the Member States' possibility of giving their opinion on any decision is already provided for in Article 9(2) and that any informal procedure prior to or after a negotiation should not be contained in this regulation.
The European Neighbourhood Policy should stay in place as a policy.
I must tell you, Mr Reul, that there is one thing which has truly driven me to distraction, and I shall say this before we meet in Bratislava.
I wish to congratulate the rapporteur, Salvador Garriga.
(ES) Madam President, talking about Tibet here today is a matter of justice and a matter of responsibility.
(NL) Thank you for that very interesting information, Commissioner.
A motion for a resolution to wind up the debate has been tabled under Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure.
The Structural Funds have also played a positive role, which they always do for countries that need to benefit from the cohesion policy, but when the crisis began, decisions were made, for example, to increase the resources that could be advanced from the Structural Funds for countries that benefit from them, in particular for Central and European countries.
Secondly, I welcome the simplification and flexibility introduced in this proposal. This is badly needed anyway.
Mr President, last night, I had the privilege of speaking directly to an experienced aid worker about the war in eastern Congo.
In this way, we will avoid duplication of research costs by individual Member States, and we will be sure that citizens' health is protected equally in each Member State.
Many thanks, President-in-Office, for this speech and once again for your great dedication.
We can only make a difference if we work together.
We must now consider ICT as a resource.
Did the European Union have a much greater impact on their lives in the interim?
Future EU policy should promote sustainable and environmentally friendly investments which promote good working conditions in businesses affected by foreign investment.
In addition, we are carefully monitoring the implementation of the Greek action plan and the process of closing all the illegal landfills, including the plan for the EU-funded projects.
The top jobs, as we have described them, are important, and they will require people with commitment, dedication and a desire to improve the European Union, not just to be in a job.
Instead, my colleague answered the question about jobs in the West Midlands.
The discussions among the three institutions have not been easy, but they were always constructive and guided by a spirit of compromise.
In the UK, we apply the same terms of reference as the ICAO, but the Americans use a different method to calculate the ash drift.
Behind them are hundreds of thousands of workers, of families who can see their future going up in smoke, not because they are producing poor quality services or goods but because poorly defined interests are allowed to prevail over more evident and objective interests.
I hope today that, two years after joining, Romanian agriculture will provide an opportunity for a united Europe.
On the other hand, it is high time the Union for the Mediterranean, which was set up last summer, got its secretariat moving in Barcelona and worked on concrete projects.
On behalf of their nations and their peoples, they exercise a check and counterbalance the power of Parliament.
In political terms, so that financial and budgetary planning can take account not only of the impact of European Union rules on the Stability and Growth Pact, but now also of the impact of the new rules on late payments, which, if not satisfactorily managed, could have both a direct and reflex effect on the room for manoeuvre of governments at various levels.
We sincerely thank you for this offer.
It is certainly clear from some speeches we have heard in this House that the current system is not well understood either in some Member States' administrations or in this House itself.
We will not allow the 'no' of the French and Dutch peoples to the Constitutional Treaty to be forgotten, nor the deception that its transformation into the Treaty of Lisbon constituted.
The British Government has for many years abandoned them and has done so again in respect of fuel subsidies to help them through their present crisis.
The project will apply from 1 January 2008 for a six-year period.
Indeed, in 2004, they even campaigned on the grounds that we should join the European Union because Hungarian entrepreneurs could then open patisseries in Vienna.
Common binding standards on the quality and safety of donations in the 27 Member States absolutely must be adopted in order to improve cross-border exchanges and to increase donation rates.
We also, of course, want to express our solidarity with the victims and their families.
In Europe we are witnessing the systematic collapse and bankruptcy of farms.
Request for the defence of parliamentary immunity: see Minutes
The estuary is not the tundra, nor is the savannah the desert.
I thank the Commissioner for having given us an insight into what he is preparing for the next year.
I will permit myself to ask two questions.
We do not always have to be critical of the bad things; we sometimes have to condone and support the good things.
(The President cut off the speaker)
(PL) Mr President, as is the case every year, the Committee on Legal Affairs is presenting Parliament with its report regarding the European Commission's report on the application of EU law and, as is the case every year, members of the Committee on Legal Affairs have many reservations as to the substance and the form in which the Commission prepared the report.
Thus we should support the Member States so as to ensure a high quality of education for all and, at the same time, actively prevent the socio-economic segregation of pupils.
People are saying things that are not accurate.
We can learn from each small step before moving on to the next one - evolution and not revolution is the key.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Hungarian Presidency considers it especially important that we strengthen the single market.
I support this report.
We are finally beginning to discuss nuclear energy without letting unhelpful feelings and emotions guide us, although some of the amendments tabled and even some of the contributions still do not bear witness to this.
If an amendment to the state aid guidelines is required, then we will prepare a Commission decision, which normally takes two to three months.
We should invest in high-technology products which need highly qualified workers - this is our added value, a sector in which we are unrivalled.
To conclude briefly - the EIB is also having problems in the area of development.
'Yes' to new ideas - and there are many of those in the conclusions - but what about the outstanding projects that could build confidence amongst our consumers and SMEs?
The resolution also wholeheartedly denounces the use of political violence by the Mugabe regime and calls for sanctions to be used against those who support it, both inside and outside of Zimbabwe.
There is therefore a need to review the UCITS package, adapt it to investor needs and ensure the competitiveness of the EU fund industry.
Nobody really thinks that the army of South Ossetia was bombing Gori and approaching Tbilisi.
As the report has clearly indicated, climate change and environmental protection, as well as the issue of energy security, are closely related to each other.
For all these reasons, we feel that the Lamassoure report is an unacceptable legal, political and institutional regression.
Furthermore, poverty continues to be a daily reality for many Europeans including children.
The crisis is likely to have other repercussions at regional level, and wider developments affecting stability throughout Asia.
In this spirit, I hope that with your help, a task group could be formed - or we could call it something else - to bring together the main institutions and key actors in the fight against cancer, not with the intention of creating a new bureaucracy, but in order to achieve better combined results owing to good methods of cooperation.
It should be remembered, however, that the changes being made must not undermine, firstly, the community nature of this policy - we are against its nationalisation - and secondly, the European agricultural model.
This leeway must be dispensed with and for this reason I doubt that what you have done here will be sufficient.
The result - regrettably - is that the funds are not distributed equally to all Member States.
As a former Latvian environment minister, I have been concerned for a long time about what happens in this sphere, about this amazing cruelty towards animals, as well as the fact that this amazing cruelty is practised on an industrial scale.
Let me just clarify - the Black Sea region comprises the EU Member States Bulgaria, Greece and Romania, as well as Turkey and ENP partners Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, as well as the Russian Federation.
Culture, like all historical phenomena, is not founded on any homogenous and shared identity: quite the contrary, it is the expression of antagonisms, conflicts and situations of cultural domination.
It is clear that politically based decisions like those taken in relation to Kozloduy cannot be long-term ones in the current development of energy diversity in the European Union.
Additionally, this method of working demonstrated its value in the preparation of the report, because it enabled me to take into account almost all the proposals made by my fellow Members, and on 9 September that was reflected in a unanimous vote within the Committee on Regional Development.
Why?
I would like to assure you that the Democrat Party -as a member of the European Popular Party- will act in this way.
(DE) Madam President, Mrs Malmström, we were all pleased, as were the citizens of Europe, about the revolution in Egypt and Tunisia and the fact that values such as freedom and democracy were suddenly on the agenda.
Of course it is not an absolute rule but it concerns specific arrangements.
Do you know on what basis the Belgian state was founded?
The report does not break with the fashion for disciplinary penalties in the Brussels Consensus, seeking only to water these down.
Mr President, since there were also social reasons for the recent events, we should at least have a neutral reference to these.
I would like to remind you that the incentives to encourage sustainable cultivation of energy crops should not jeopardise food production.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to speak in this great parliamentary Chamber, crowded by Members from all 27 of our Member States.
I had a relatively simple solution to this, namely placing financial responsibility on the Member State in that case.
An expert group on chemicals has also been set up to give the Commission guidance.
(PL) The European Union has decided to make a charge for emissions of carbon dioxide.
We must arm ourselves against this phenomenon, but we must do so wisely and effectively.
I support the call to the seven Member States which have not yet signed the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse.
Their main problem is that, they are so eager to believe that jobs can be created through regulations, they forget that the preconditions and opportunities for new enterprises and new jobs need to be created, because there is no bigger social failure than unemployment and there is no bigger social success than every new job we can achieve in Europe and in our Member States.
The European Union is also working closely with civil society in order to promote the participation of women in the areas of peace and security.
The Russian-Ukrainian crisis has made it clearer than ever that filling in the gaps in our energy infrastructure is to the strategic benefit of all Europe.
in writing. - (DE) The prospect of finding work in Europe is attractive for third-country nationals for very understandable reasons.
However, this is exactly what is leading the people of Europe astray.
China's GDP is catching up with that of the US.
However, the well known, exceptional circumstances in financial, economic and also, now, social terms are the deciding factor for this amendment, which has a majority political support.
After the International Civilian Office has been established, the European Union's Special Representative will become the High Representative for civilian affairs for the international community.
For this reason, I would like to invite everyone, and the Member States, in particular, to move forward quickly with the ratification process and, in this way, send a signal that the steps that Serbia is taking towards Europe must be supported so that we can achieve security in the region in the long run.
Global issues should be addressed at global level, in the UN, where all the EU countries are members.
Surely laws are not there for us to block, disrupt or blackmail one another?
I would like to say one last word about the border regions.
Of course, the Stockholm Programme will be what we make it.
A total of 35% renewable energy in nine years!
This is a very comprehensive report on a major issue for the EU: dealing with the demographic challenge.
for the PSE group. - Mr President, the Fundamental Rights Agency must at last begin to accomplish its important task.
This is also in the Treaty mandate of the ECB, and I think that the ECB's role in financial supervision should be strengthened.
We are also interested to hear, however, what the Council Presidency has to say about the work done to date by the counter-terrorism unit at European level.
Terrorism remains a serious and continuing threat.
I am particularly interested in the last two questions, because the devastating earthquake was the first test faced by the High Representative Baroness Ashton.
The concern over adopting the biometric identification system is based on the natural anxiety about guaranteeing personal security, just as it is also natural to be concerned about how the data obtained is being used and protected.
The fact that the spouses enjoy this right in the divorce procedure increases the parties' degree of autonomy and enables them to choose freely, in accordance with certain optional criteria.
14.
We have had to grant the Council these low payments, the Commission has had to grant us the EUR 700 million redeployment for regional development, and we have had to cut back our priorities.
We have learned from our experiences: the EU is definitely living up to its pledge and to our commitment.
However, I do not think that thrombin 'meat glue' complies with this requirement.
Fundamentally, Directive 2004/38 guarantees the free movement of all EU Member States citizens, no matter their ethnic origin.
Not only did we fail to engage some of the world's largest emitters, here in Europe only a handful of Member States will actually achieve their Kyoto obligations.
I support the aim of the rapporteur, Mr Ferrari, to introduce safety measures as quickly as possible.
You are therefore right to say that we need to regulate the EU's financial markets.
We are now 16 countries.
I would say it is more important than Desertec and Nabucco, plus even South Stream and Nord Stream, combined.
I voted in favour of this report because, as it clearly points out, young people are the real resource of the future.
I have no intention of going through the individual points of the regulation headline by headline, but I do think that there are a few important political signals that we should go into at this point.
by Mrs Alfano, on behalf of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, on the initiative of the Kingdom of Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Spain, the French Republic, the Republic of Hungary, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Slovak Republic, the Republic of Finland, the Kingdom of Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on a Council Decision setting up a European Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN) and repealing Decision 2001/427/JHA [11421/2009 - C7-0109/2009 -, and
I am now the President of the Taiwanese Friendship Group in this Parliament.
At the same time, the lessons of more than 10 years of EMU and the recent impact of the crisis call for an updated but still consistent assessment.
An internal communications market that is operating correctly and a competitive information society economy, benefiting consumers and businesses, can only exist if the regulatory framework for telecommunications is coherently applied.
If time limits vary from one jurisdiction to another, consumer confidence will wane quite considerably.
Their functioning today, however, is still marked by contradiction.
There are many non-violent peace activists in Iraq, the Palestinian Territories and Israel.
Madam President, I would like to focus on one aspect of what is being proposed.
I am not sure if their status has gone up a whole pile in the meantime.
A comprehensive economic and commercial agreement between Canada and the European Union could end up being the most ambitious and wide-ranging that we have yet concluded.
(PT) Many of us here in this House use the Internet to book our flights and buy our tickets.
Here too, security must not be neglected, notwithstanding the flexibility that is undoubtedly necessary.
It is my particular pleasure to welcome you, Dr Jahangir, to address the plenary on issues of vital importance to world peace and development.
Whenever they raise the security issue, they should first raise the organised crimes committed by the Camorra.
The proposal streamlines and speeds up the authorisation process through a centralised food safety evaluation by EFSA and sets precise deadlines at every stage of the procedure.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Europe was founded on the conviction that it was no longer possible to guarantee well-being, freedom, democracy and peace on the basis of national sovereignty.
More intensive economic growth in the EU can only be achieved by removing the obstacles of the internal market.
Obesity is understood to mean excessive deposits of fat in the body. It increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, gallstones, kidney and urinary tract stones, bone and joint degeneration, and certain types of cancer.
The massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Chile in the early hours of Saturday 27 February are a terrible tragedy.
In particular - and this is important - it calls for a refocus on agriculture policy in the developing world, providing assistance to those who can produce food to do so locally.
Lessons must be learned from the way this island, the pearl of the Caribbean, has been controlled by international financial institutions that have stifled it with appalling debt and the equally appalling interest linked to that debt.
This has been acknowledged by some representatives of civil society in Belarus.
Therefore, I ask you, Mrs Malmström, to pass on to Commissioner Potočnik our clear demand that progress be made in the area of gold production on the part of the Commission, the European legislator.
My thanks in particular to Mr Diamandouros because, thanks to this report, he gave us an opportunity to understand in the European Parliament our power to address issues which we consider to be paramount to European cohesion.
Other international organisations are better equipped to coordinate humanitarian aid.
- (FR) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, our fellow Member, the chairman of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, Mr Schulz, intends to have the Rules of Procedure of this House changed, on the pretext that I could be the oldest Member in the next Parliament.
The possibility of correcting situations of data transmission that may subsequently be judged to have been undue has also been guaranteed.
The Commission is currently working on further proposals that it will be putting forward shortly and that will offer potential savings of a further EUR 2 billion, meaning that we will have total potential savings of more than EUR 40 billion a year.
I would therefore like to call upon everyone to make the sensible decision of supporting the vote on a resolution on this issue during this sitting, voting in favour of this proposal.
(DA) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank the authors for this important initiative, for the EU faces a huge challenge in preventing and combating trafficking in human beings.
These are instruments that are in place but are being not used.
However, I would like to thank you, Commissioner, and also thank the Commission, for finally having lifted a taboo.
Sufficient international presence must be ensured to help establish basic conditions of peace and security in order to enable the capacity of the country's government to be strengthened, the rule of law to be reinforced, corruption to be combated and human rights respected.
(Applause)
The Union's priorities in the budget require adequate financing and it is also important to ensure flexibility between the expenditure headings in order to more effectively counter the problems linked to the economic crisis, as well as to propose a budgetary framework that includes own resources.
Due to the temporary visa regime applied by the CARICOM - the Caribbean common market - countries to nationals of several Member States during the Cricket World Cup, formal negotiations on the visa waiver only began in July 2008.
Regarding the Financial Stability Mechanism, the Council's decision says that the mechanism is 'to be activated if indispensable to safeguard the stability of the eurozone as a whole'.
However, I will give you a further 15 seconds if you wish to ask your question immediately because, under the Rules of Procedure, I cannot allow three supplementary questions.
Madam President, today's discussion on Sudan and South Sudan is encouraging and positive in a world where there is more bad news than good news.
(Applause)
President-in-Office of the Council. - (SL) I would like to explain to Mr Papadimoulis that the European Council does not adopt specific measures.
We have the institute in London, which is actually there to provide information when there are earthquakes.
Let us never lose sight of our common goal, and let us work together with the Arctic states and the international community to find the best and most effective way of preserving and protecting the Arctic for future generations.
(RO) As has already been stated in this House, Zimbabwe is one of the countries where hunger is reaching catastrophic proportions, according to the report from the International Food Policy Research Institute published last week.
In its meetings with the leaders of the country, the Commission has supported a peaceful settlement of the conflict, including the eventual disbanding and disarmament of any paramilitary group.
I do not understand why the measures set out in Article 7 exclude the replacement of engines, and it is also difficult to understand why the Fleet Adaptation Schemes should cover vessels with energy costs equivalent to more than 30% of the production costs.
Mrs Corazza Bildt and Mr Svensson addressed the issue of how we should deal with the mortalities in the Mediterranean.
We must abide by that pact and, of course, that pact includes border controls, cooperation and political dialogue with the countries the immigrants come from, as the best way of avoiding a massive flow of immigrants.
Last week, in a matter of days, we saw the proclamation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights by the three institutions in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the signature of the Treaty of Lisbon and, following those very important moments, a European Council focus on key issues of direct interest to citizens.
More specifically, as regards the Fuels Quality Directive, I want to make it absolutely clear that the negotiation and a future agreement does not and will not represent any negative interference with regard to the implementation of that directive.
There is broad consensus on this and on the content of the report in Parliament and I would like to thank Mrs Hall for making this possible.
Any measure capable of reducing the administrative procedures and burdens that weigh down agricultural producers - not to mention the local authorities concerned - and that does not compromise quality standards definitely deserves our support.
The only solution is zero immigration or negative immigration, bringing an end to family members joining immigrants already in situ, and the willingness to integrate must at long last be something that is demanded.
This being the case, it is natural for us to view budgetary issues from a longer-term perspective.
Mr President, in order to avoid the depletion of tuna stocks, we do not need to put an end to the many fishermen that depend upon them.
Investment in education should be a priority.
However, the real meaning lies in the fact that biblical Hebrew has two words for man, not one.
As regards the specific discussion on energy strategic corridors to which the honourable Member refers, the Presidency is organising the following meetings.
I voted for this report as I believe that the proposal will, once it has been adopted, ensure a high level of safety for transportable pressure equipment and its users.
I am also taking the liberty of pointing out that the phenomenon has existed since the sixth century B.C. Then Mr Sarkozy comes along, knocks it all on the head and talks about naval deployments.
The prerequisite for that is ensuring that the fight against cancer remains firmly on the political agenda of European and national institutions.
It is therefore recorded in the Official Journal.
Voting time
Explanations of vote
As everyone has noted, the war in Afghanistan cost over USD three hundred billion.
They are not diluted by this proposal.
That is why I remain convinced that bilateral cooperation between the Member States and the states of Central America can be effective.
Now it is very clear from this debate that other countries believe that their process of ratification through parliament is equally valid and that that will proceed.
Tomorrow's disaster may be just around the corner.
Since 2003, an important part of EU cooperation with Iraq has focused on strengthening the rule of law and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, for example, through EUJUST LEX and Community assistance.
We must also recognise that the EU does not have legal competence over national governments' own negotiations with third parties.
I voted in favour of concluding the protocol which will enable the Republic of Moldova to have greater involvement in certain Community programmes, offering the opportunity to promote cooperation in the fields of culture, education, media, science and technology, as well as consolidate political relations through the Eastern Partnership and speed up negotiations on the new Association Agreement.
(CS) (The beginning of the speech was inaudible) ... to make an effort so that Europe is as strong a player as possible on the world market.
(Applause)
No social problem can be solved completely in just six months.
In the opinion of a majority of experts on the subject, we can no longer entertain any doubts as to the fact that global warming is now a reality, and that it is largely due to human activities.
I also believe that it will be a new major step in increasing the role of Europe in the fight against climate change.
Today I saw on television Sepp Blatter and John Fahey, the Chairman of WADA, discussing how anti-doping and football competitions could go hand in hand after the code of conduct has been adopted, and there is a problem.
That goes for the position being adopted on the alleged positive impact of tax competition just as much as for the manner in which it deals with the actual subject matter, namely the tax treatment of losses in cross-border situations.
We need to use our coal reserves better.
The first thing is the confusion that will inevitably be created between the primary committee and the committee asked for an opinion, because when the primary committee rejects the amendments of the committee asked for an opinion, these amendments might end up directly in the Chamber, obviously creating an extremely risky potential for legal confusion - as we also incidentally saw in the case of REACH.
Moreover, in a globalised world, many of the problems that science is still trying to solve require the cooperation of all without exception, especially in specific sectors such as energy, climate change or food safety.
It is on the plus side that the new arrangement determines a minimum age, medical examinations, rest periods and social security and that it is also concerned with living quarters, food, safety and health protection at work.
We are in talks with the various legal bodies to see whether further amendments to the Treaty will be necessary or whether it is sufficient for the European Council to decide this unanimously.
It is estimated that every year as many as 8 000 vulnerable road users, pedestrians and cyclists, are killed, and 300 000 are injured.
Indeed, some Members have mentioned the death penalty.
in writing. - The UK Conservative delegation regrets that it is unable to support the report by Mrs Bowles.
I do not know about the rest of Europe.
In spite of several of the good intentions, I have therefore chosen to vote against both the own-initiative report and the alternative proposal for a resolution.
Assessing the four reports in the light of these two principles, I note that, even though they are not always perfect, they represent a clear improvement on the original proposals.
So I welcome this on behalf of the Commission and on behalf of the High Representative.
We are looking for stability and energy security from this Eastern Partnership.
This is not rhetoric because a few minutes ago in Berlin, German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, sounded the alarm stating that the euro is in danger.
In addition, the European Union has concluded agreements with third countries, including Liechtenstein, which pursue the same aim as this Directive.
We need to be able to get those humanitarian organisations back on the ground.
Among these, I will mention the end of the pillar structure, allowing most of the procedures in the current third pillar to be dealt with at Community level, qualified majority voting to be generalised, the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice to be extended and the role of Parliament as colegislator to be strengthened; the Charter of Fundamental Rights to be binding.
in writing. - (EL) The Israeli authorities are perpetrating ever more criminal acts against the Palestinians.
This action plan is exactly this kind of area.
Because our ideas and attitudes are not 'politically correct' or deviate from the prevailing line.
We must, of course, respect the democratic process in the Czech Republic.
I agree with Mr Karas that we do in fact have different, historically developed banking structures in the individual Member States.
To ensure effective cooperation between the institutions, the Commission should update the European Parliament at every stage of the negotiations on personal data protection.
Now it is the European Union that protects human rights, with its new legal personality under the Treaty of Lisbon; it is Union law and it is the development of an EU state that Member States can achieve.
We very much believe in the need to make a distinction between commercial and non-commercial services, whether in healthcare or education.
As a former mayor, I therefore followed with concern the proposal to include urban and suburban transport within the scope of the directive.
Gender mainstreaming in the work of committees and delegations (
At first, a sense of helplessness predominated in the committee.
Then problems arose and we kept having to compensate after the event.
I could not believe my ears when influential socialist and liberal fellow Members demanded that the EU launch so-called serious infringement proceedings - the most severe of available sanctions - against Hungary, the holder of the current EU Presidency.
Therefore, as we celebrate this day and we urge all women not to abandon their dreams, we reiterate the importance of the fight against injustices and discrimination, opening new horizons for a better life in equality.
This makes it possible to have most regular and predictable demand covered by staff interpreters, whilst fluctuating demand and peak situations are catered for by recruiting AICs.
I had to contradict him: it is a redistribution between artists and producers, the music industry, and then only the big names.
It also establishes the area of freedom, security and justice that we all desire.
This plan shows three pathways by which the European Union could cut its CO2 emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, in line with our Kyoto aspirations.
It contained many difficult dossiers and many difficult ideas which many people in industry, in particular, were opposed to but also, uniquely, which a lot of people involved in trade unions were against as well.
rapporteur. - (SV) Mr President, I want to begin by thanking the Commission, Commissioner Vassiliou and her always helpful staff, the Slovenian Presidency, the Council of Ministers, my fellow rapporteurs, Avril Doyle and Mojca Drčar Murko, and of course the shadow rapporteurs from all the parties for excellent cooperation over the years we have worked on these matters.
For the European Union it is also an excellent opportunity to develop privileged relations with a country that plays a leading role in Latin American forums such as the Rio Group, in which it holds the presidency until 2010.
The European Union has pledged to devote 0.7% of its Gross National Income (GNI) to Official Development Assistance (ODA) by 2015, which will mean increasing the current amount of European aid.
It is by no means certain that the measures presented in this report are suitable or satisfactory in this respect.
As the Berlato report contains positive elements supporting all of this, we, the MEPs of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), will approve it.
I hope that the aid will be provided as dynamically and effectively as possible, through a simple and rapid process, so as to allow the workers affected by the redundancies brought on by globalisation and the economic and financial crisis to be reintegrated into the labour market.
However, we cannot support paragraphs 63 and 64, which raise doubts about free trade in agricultural products.
Azerbaijan has to live up to its obligations as a member of the Council of Europe and partner of the European Union.
This is not an argument between the left and the right; it is about helping people in the ACP States to become more self-confident and, in the foreseeable future, to become equal partners in international trade.
However, we cannot accept the argument that, in order to serve the interests of the citizens better through improved management of post-disaster situations, we need to limit the Member States' involvement and room for manoeuvre.
This capital, which often ends up in tax havens, has a direct impact on the economy of these countries, especially in this particular period of economic crisis.
Fifthly, the directive offers many useful examples of methods and criteria which can be applied in safety inspections and risk/accident analyses.
Based on the principle of equal treatment, Parliament will exercise the same rights as the Council in terms of access to legislative or budgetary documents.
However, the problem that arises, and this has just been mentioned, is how to enable the different administrative structures, the different districts and the other territories to coexist.
The global financial crisis has shown us just how imperative it is to have a strong European Union.
However, an imbalance has developed in some areas of trade due to the distribution of responsibilities between the agricultural and trade committees of this Parliament, which should work in synergy to define a contractual balance applicable to the various commercial treaties within the EU agricultural sector.
The fisheries sector is crucial for the European Union, not only because of the food issue, but also because of the environmental issue, as aquatic ecosystems are at risk.
I am in favour of cutting costs in relation to the Commission and its agencies.
I think the move towards transparency is something which should be welcomed across the Parliament.
I would also like to ask that we receive in January a proposal for precise monitoring of the transposition of this directive in individual Member States.
The candidates for the posts of chairpersons of the ESAs have, in fact, proven to be competent and professional, and I am sure that they will be able to carry out the role in an impartial and more than satisfactory manner.
Its protection is therefore crucial to the preservation of our cultural heritage and natural resources.
In response to what Mr Reul said - some things have been initiated but then have simply remained on paper and got no further than the office drawer.
However, they have all been little more than formal statements.
The Advisory Group will be composed of European organisations directly involved in aviation protection.
This Agreement also ensures that safety provisions in bilateral agreements are applicable to situations when regulatory control over an air carrier is exercised by a Member State other than the Member State that designated that air carrier.
This vaccine will be very important and I believe that today, with the techniques at our disposal, companies could have it ready in three to four months.
I am sure you would not be in favour of a European unified state.
No, of course we do not.
The reason for this is that the report deals with a number of important aspects of sport in education but, at the same time, with matters which are and should remain a national concern.
Recent increases in lending for renewable and energy sufficiency remain tiny and cannot cover up the obvious preferences.
Although several Member States and the Commission prefer full ownership unbundling, the Member States wanted to retain some flexibility, and the Council agreed to an option that provided for an independent transmission operator.
It was a very inclusive process.
(RO) This summer, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Greece were faced with major forest fires.
We have also urged that information be transparent and that the media, diplomats, tourists and UN agencies be allowed free access to Tibet.
The first thing, therefore, is to make optimum use of the capacity we have now.
In this respect, I believe there is much to be said for Mr Weber's approach of ascertaining first of all the extent to which IP addresses might constitute personal data within the meaning of Directive 2002/58 on privacy and electronic communications, for in some cases the IP address in conjunction with user data certainly can be the key to the collection of personal information.
Talking about violence is not just presenting women as victims but, above all, involves the necessity of condemning the act of violence itself and its perpetrator, who should not go unpunished.
rapporteur. - (PL) Mr President, in the first place, transparency in the rules governing the remuneration of parliamentary assistants that were are trying to achieve ought not to be an area for haggling and conflict among the political groups: it is the joint responsibility of Parliament as a whole, which will be asking next year for a renewed vote of confidence.
I believe that most women scientists would agree with this.
Take, first, the expense.
The following questions are addressed to the Commission.
All of this is in violation of the Treaties themselves, and in violation of the Act of 1976, which provides for the election of MEPs by direct universal suffrage.
In addition to the short-term measures, long-term efforts are needed if we are to ensure the competitiveness of our economies.
in writing. - (ES) The people of Europe, along with the vast majority of Members, are extremely concerned by the state of the economy and the evident fragility of our banking sector.
I think that is where this debate can shed some light.
The liberation of political prisoners does not essentially alter anything.
There is nothing wrong with that model.
The Parti Socialiste - the party to which I belong - has long been calling for positive action from the European Union to protect and develop public services.
I am thinking of corporations and concerns, but also of small enterprises, and not only those operating in the field of transport and logistics. We need to build networks of entities which work together in a particular geographical area, in order to be effective in delivering aid and to improve the system of rapid reaction to impending crises.
Globalism is an ideology that takes many elements from typical Western religion.
in writing. - (PT) Taking into account the Court of Auditors' report on the annual accounts of the European Railway Agency (ERA) for the financial year 2009, together with the ERA's replies, I voted for this decision, which grants the Executive Director of the ERA discharge in respect of the implementation of the ERA budget for the financial year 2009.
These NGOs offer vital support for victims of sexual and domestic violence, yet have to cope with a very difficult funding environment.
Amazingly the Commission has become aware in the meantime of the term hedge fund, although this undoubtedly is not true of all the Commissioners.
The reality is that nothing substantial changes, and the public is losing patience, and rightly so.
Statement by the President
But it is also the incentive that will enable us all to emerge from the institutional crisis that has held Europe back and impeded the process of European integration for the past two years.
I think we need to monitor the situation carefully and be ready to apply import restrictions if import surges in the next year overwhelm the capacity of EU-based apparel industries to adapt, as well, of course, as channelling research and development resources to that sector.
However, in relation to donations between living people, I must just mention that I am pleased that this enlargement with rights has been included.
The area where we need to progress is the three Ms, Market access, Mobility and Money.
I am hopeful that the aforementioned agreement will be fruitful and that the safeguard clause - which it is hoped will be clear and capable of functioning effectively whenever needed - will never need to be enforced.
First of all, there are the payments.
Both parents have to be carriers of the gene for the condition to become apparent in their children. Women who give birth to albino babies are forced into divorce.
For this reason, aid has increased by EUR 1 million, which will be used to fund projects aimed at helping the victims of terrorism and their families to recover, through social or psychological support offered by organisations and their networks.
The Council, the European Parliament and the Commission will all need to be persuaded and to cooperate in the creation of this mechanism.
Individual Member States are still applying different tax regimes concerning cars, either by charging duty or through other registration charges, perpetuating the inequalities between consumers.
The macro-financial assistance proposed today by the EU is more welcome than ever before.
This means that 19 000 people live on a daily basis with the fear of a recurring seizure.
On cohesion policy, we have also made some changes to simplify the rules and to frontload payments.
In the final version of the stance, which was put to the vote by the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, these conditions are, however, lacking.
You can see by the very high attendance at this late hour how important the report is and you can also hear how emotionally charged the atmosphere is as we listen to the various contributions from different nationalities and groups.
This is why the social dimension of the Lisbon Strategy must be strengthened, supporting lifelong learning and skills recognition.
This will allow both citizens and producers to benefit, while making it easier to overcome the economic crisis.
All these processes must be carried out in a manner which is completely transparent to citizens, in compliance with the provisions of all the multilateral environmental agreements which Bulgaria is party to (Aarhus, Espoo, etc.).
Decisions shall be taken as openly and as closely as possible to the citizen, thus conferring greater legitimacy on the institutions in the eyes of European citizens, at the same time as helping to increase their confidence in them.
Moreover, this response cannot be a reform of the Schengen Treaty.
With its entry into force on 1 December 2009, many proposals that had been tabled by the Commission on the basis of the Treaties, but which were still pending on that date (at different stages in the legislative or non-legislative process) will be subject to changes.
The Council is also continuing to urge Croatia to improve its administrative capacity and to effectively transpose and implement the acquis so that it can meet its membership obligations in due time.
In 2011, Croatia must be able to be a fully-fledged Member State.
We are pushing the European message hard in the run-up to the October elections.
I would like to call on the Commission to present the results of its analyses.
Canada is one of the EU's oldest and closest partners, being the first industrialised country with which - in 1976 - the EU signed a Framework Agreement for commercial and economic cooperation.
Following the discussions we have had so far and the parliamentary debates, we, the rapporteurs on the financing instruments, have reached the joint conclusion that the dossier should be sent for second reading, and we are sending a serious political message to the institutions, because now, since the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, we should act in the spirit of the treaty.
I must say that I attended the entire debate in Parliament but I did not get a chance to speak.
That is an understatement if ever there was one!
All the European institutions that depend on the European Union budget have to be thoroughly audited by the Court of Auditors and by all entities with that function.
The ongoing division on Kosovo, which is portrayed by some as a battle between legalist and realist, is the most recent and frightening example, proving that peace and law in Europe are not yet secure.
Europe has realised that access to alternative gas sources, the creation of the North-South Gas Corridor and the elimination of isolated markets increase regional supply security while also making a significant step towards the achievement of a single market.
The first aspect concerns simplifying and harmonising the tourist visa application procedures for entry into the Member States, with a view to reducing their costs and facilitating access to the European Union for tourists from third countries.
The main feature of the European market is the fragmentation that prevails at national level.
We need to move from monetary union towards true economic union, as stated in the treaties.
Muhammad, the Prophet, came also from Mecca to our land to be lifted into the heavens.
The debate is closed.
Against the backdrop of global challenges such as the economic crisis and global warming, cooperation with Mexico will prove to be beneficial.
Mr President, I would like to call on this Parliament to take immediate and effective steps to save the small and family farmers in new Member States, especially eastern and central European Member States, and, in particular, my own country, Hungary.
I look at the background to this, and it is quite clear that, as has been said, bees have a wonderfully diverse role as pollinators and suppliers.
At present, this collection of data is carried out on a purely voluntary basis by 18 Member States for shipping, with collection of data by type of goods already mandatory for European road, rail and inland waterways transport statistics.
To date, only a small proportion of medicinal products falls within the remit of European legislation.
There is a real danger that brochures and books will remain in offices unread.
They are expecting a great deal from Europe, certainly much too much, but they are expecting us to do something else.
(Parliament rejected the request to refer back to committee the report)
Viewed over the last 20 years, the EU's budget has actually increased more slowly than those of the Member States.
In the meantime, Copenhagen has undoubtedly made sure everyone is alert, greatly heightening our environmental awareness.
One cannot be certain as to when the current financial crisis will end.
I would also like to express my support for the proposal to maintain the specific block exemption for repair and maintenance, which proved to be less competitive than the sales market.
CCCTB is one of those proposals.
Judging from the discussion, there is broad consensus in Parliament and the Union as a whole that Serbia's future is in the European Union and that the European Union's door will be open to Serbia when the country meets the conditions, and that its government has the means to take Serbia into Europe.
This is all the more true because, at the present stage, solar energy, bio-energy and hydrogen technology are in most cases not yet commercially profitable.
That is quite an important contribution.
Despite this context, Belgium can be credited with some real progress thanks to the fighting spirit of your ministers and of our ministers: the report of the EPSCO Council before each European Council to act as a necessary counterweight to the ECOFIN Council; the conclusions on social services of general interest; pensions, notably the conference on pensions in Liège, which highlighted the necessary joint consideration of the adequacy and sustainability of pensions, which I feel bound to stress, and the EPSCO declaration on the Year for Combating Poverty.
We can only benefit from facilitating closer business ties with Taiwan, whose economy is growing again and going from strength to strength, and is increasingly a springboard for European investments into China.
Evidently, Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I cannot let it be said that the solution is to centralise.
Commission legislative and work programme for 2008 (motions for resolutions tabled): see Minutes
(RO) By tradition, the first European Summit of the year is dedicated to economic issues.
(PL) I would like to thank the Commissioner for this information - what you are doing is, indeed, very important.
We in Parliament at least have come to know Mrs Ashton as an excellent leader.
In English it appears badly written and paragraph 12 makes no sense and is a practical impossibility, which is why this paragraph cannot be taken seriously even if you understand it.
I want to be very clear on this.
To do so, the Commission must take initiatives so that the tax regime allows truly free movement of UCITS products, with no protectionism.
Albinos feel that they are being constantly humiliated and treated like second-class citizens.
It should also be noted that our grain stocks are the lowest they have been in the last 60 years - stocks are now at a critically low level.
The right to health and access to health at affordable prices are fundamental rights and should be guaranteed for all citizens.
Let me say one final word on the link between migration and overfishing.
It is a city with some excellent higher education institutions and nearly 150 000 students.
Whilst Scotland is not a part of the Schengen area, we do opt in to certain parts of the Schengen acquis.
The debate is closed.
(DE) Madam President, although the European Union has introduced subsidies for rural development, at the same time the rural depopulation caused by the conditions imposed by Maastricht has encouraged unbridled enthusiasm for liberalisation and the accompanying dismantling of rural infrastructures.
For example, we propose a regulatory framework for sustainable fisheries management where areas and species are not yet covered by other instruments.
However, this also requires the development of a core network and the network connections on which the whole system is based and with which the whole system is connected, allowing sound development in the transport sector and the continual improvement of its management.
Despite the difficulties encountered in the negotiations, due not least to the highly sensitive international context, the work that has resulted in the proposal for a directive on the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste has succeeded in outlining a coherent, harmonised legislative framework to ensure that this kind of waste is managed safely, no matter what applications and consequences nuclear energy may have in the future.
I am sure Mr Dimas does.
The protection of artists' freedom of expression in fact lies in their relationship with society; the freedom to produce art and the freedom to enjoy it go hand in hand and have a common adversary in the mercantile subservience of culture that would be strengthened by this legislation.
I just want your view on that, please, Commissioner.
This is not only the case for the Azores, but is the general situation in Europe, where we have to realise that prices are decreasing to a level that we would never have imagined just six months ago.
The Reform Treaty reaffirms the principle of equality of its citizens, gives legal force to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, introduces the control of subsidiarity by national parliaments, recognizes universal access to the services of general economic interest, emphasizes the importance of energy security and strengthens the spirit of solidarity between Member States in this field, and imposes special measures to the fight against climate changes.
Because we are sure that the renewed Lisbon Strategy focusing on jobs and growth, with its commitment to competitiveness and inclusiveness, is Europe's best response to the challenges of globalisation.
I will be advised by you.
Originally started in March 2000 by the Dutch Government and Dutch fishermen, the project was aimed at clearing the North Sea of litter, using fishing nets.
I would also like to say explicitly that foreign policy is not the job of parliaments.
The crisis gives us some specific pointers with regard to development and full employment, if we want to incorporate - as I believe is necessary - this objective in our action.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, we are talking about the manufacturing sector in the European Union that produces a third of the cars produced in the world.
When optimising capacity, it is important to pay attention to airport facilities, vehicles that transport passengers and ensuring that disabled people can approach aircraft, since this is the only way to ensure equality in air transport.
Next, an issue with the voting order, which fortunately has been resolved, has put a question mark over the way in which a major political problem can be settled here: by sly, petty political manoeuvring, and then laying the blame on an administration that can do nothing about it.
The statistics show that the programme only alleviates the problem of malnutrition but is not eliminating it.
It is obviously regrettable that Kosovo, because of disagreements between Member States regarding recognition of its independence, is not included in this process under way between the European Union and countries in the Balkans.
With regard to the Commissioner's difficulty with +/-5 000 tonnes, I would say to you, Commissioner, that this was a pragmatic solution.
in writing. - (PT) Belarus represents a clear challenge to the goal of the European Union to act as a promoter of democracy in the world, particularly in its neighbouring countries.
I would like to add, in no uncertain terms: in the case of extradition, I have no doubts that Italian justice delivers the high standards expected of European Union Member States.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, first of all, I would like to welcome Mrs García Pérez's report.
For economic and social aspects, the performance cannot be evaluated, which leads to huge uncertainties as to whether or not the Convention's objective of optimal utilisation is met.
Free speech will always be sacrificed because that is the EU's default position.
We must stop this development from going any further immediately.
(DE) Mr President, eyewitnesses are reporting a speeding incident which almost defies belief, involving Harald Rømer, the Secretary-General of the European Parliament, at around 3 p.m. on 14 November this year, apparently in a Luxembourg-registered CD vehicle which was travelling from the European Parliament into the centre of Strasbourg.
Cohesion policy strives for equality, yet privatising directives, such as the Postal Directive, have had the effect of further eliminating services to poorly serviced areas.
The Lead State is also to be given the responsibility for coordinating and leading measures to provide assistance, reunite people and, where necessary, evacuate citizens to a safe destination, with the assistance of the other Member States affected.
Accordingly, the Commission has not proposed, in the APS, any major changes in financial programming.
It is important that the Egyptian and Iraqi authorities find and harshly judge the authors of these massacres.
Ignoring 52% of the available skills, knowledge and workforce of Europe for any sector or any level would be a serious loss.
On the contrary, our demands will make them more innovative, which will make them more competitive in the world.
This affects the image of my country.
(Applause)
The European Parliament report on the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, in conjunction with the corresponding report on the Common Security and Defence Policy, produced by the anti-grassroots alliance of conservatives, social democrats and liberals in the European Parliament, maps out the constant support of the political mouthpieces of capital for the promotion of even greater militarisation of the EU, especially following the entry into force of the reactionary Treaty of Lisbon, and their active role in promoting the imperialist policy of the EU and the interventions and wars which it unleashes against third countries and peoples in every corner of the planet, in order to serve the interests and sovereignty of monopoly capital under conditions of escalating imperialist infighting.
I am thinking, in particular, of the work undertaken by Mrs Ferreira.
Almost every day in the British press we read stories about our big brother Labour Government collecting more and more personal data about individuals and, even when they are proven innocent, refusing to give back that data.
I am convinced, however, that Slovakia has all it needs to meet these criteria on a long-term basis, provided that at least a standard fiscal policy is in place and further structural reforms are carried out.
To this end, our policy on support for European research should give priority to these areas.
Is it OK now?
It is clear that the success of any regional development does not depend only on the results that are achieved, but also on the way in which these results are obtained, that is to say, the governance.
I welcome the importance attached to ensuring that the required radio spectrum is available for monitoring the atmosphere and the Earth's surface.
It should be a key element of public policy in such areas as the environment, water, energy, transport, telecommunications, health and education.
It must also provide security for tomorrow.
A family is seen today as a negative burden and, in addition to this, young men are not capable of promising marriage and security to women.
This could be the biggest difficulty, but I believe the Council will work hard really to approve of our proposal because I believe it is balanced, if not ideal for every Member State.
My question now to Mr Barroso is as follows: when can we expect the Commission to table a legislative proposal to deal with the problems that have arisen subsequent to the rulings by the European Court of Justice?
What measures can the Commission, along with Member States, adopt to ensure that a minimum level of investment in research and education will be guaranteed in the coming years?
For us Hungarian Members, this is particularly important with a view to support for the Danube strategy, as any request for support for the Danube strategy can only be credible if we remain open to supporting other strategies as well.
The right arrangements have been made to involve the IMF, within the framework of the euro area.
We have also expressed our grave concern at reports of torture and other forms of ill-treatment, intimidation and court irregularities.
Therefore, in order to decide on an appropriate scope for the block exemption applicable to the car industry, I urge the Commission to take account of the conditions of competition on the major markets and of the need to make a fundamental distinction between the markets for the sale of new motor vehicles and those for repair and maintenance services and/or for the distribution of spare parts.
Law firms should not be given the opportunity simply to classify any activity as legal consultation and thereby eschew the register and the requirement for transparency in lobbying.
The only groups standing aside from this consensus are the far right and the far left and they prefer to play party politics rather than seek to find a political solution to the problems.
I would like you to write a letter to the Commissioner to justify those statements.
Growth cannot be intelligent if it is not sustainable and it is also not intelligent if it is not inclusive.
It is absolutely essential to concentrate efforts on scientific research and to develop a plan for tackling these changes.
The Commission will continue the dialogue with the fisheries sector and will start to discuss specific long-term plans for a number of fisheries with an MSY perspective.
The student scene is fairly lively.
It was not easy to reach a political agreement in the Council; under the Slovenian presidency we agreed on some main points, but some points were still shaky.
Many of you will remember that people took to the streets in Bucharest to protest against these statements, yet despite this, I was still holding talks with the Mayor of Rome, offering him the resources of the European Social Fund.
The European Union urgently needs to establish a strategy in order to be able to easily prevent future environmental disasters like the disaster caused by BP in the Gulf of Mexico.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, energy efficiency has always been the biggest resource proffered to us.
The construction of the fourth school has been postponed and postponed, and we are in intensive discussions with the Belgian Government about this.
Secondly, there is a discrimination in VAT rates which penalises digital goods in relation to physical goods.

I ask both that Italy be reminded of its obligations as a party to the European Convention on Human Rights and as a Member State of the European Union, and for assurances that Mr Essid, now deported to Tunisia, will not suffer inhumane and degrading treatment there.
In particular, the helplessness of the European Union in the face of all the developments in the area of the southern Mediterranean gives cause for concern.
The very nature of many decisions that have direct consequences for our fellow citizens has shifted within the space of a few months from the local or national level to the international level.
The EU food programme for the poorest of the European Union, like the 'Fruit at School' and 'Milk at School' programmes, is changing attitudes towards the EU and the common agricultural policy, which have been so heavily criticised by many people.
Within the framework of these proposals, the Strasburg-Vienna section could obtain backing under the 2009 annual programme - amounting to EUR 140 million for both studies and work projects - and the European Economic Recovery Plan, this provides EUR 500 million exclusively earmarked for work projects to be started by the end of 2010 at the latest.
The Cuban dialogue is, of course, fraught with difficulties, but we think for the moment that it is important to have the dialogue in place in accordance with our decision, because it gives us a chance to try and liaise with the authorities, to be very strict and firm in our criticism, but also to liaise with civil society and the peaceful dissidents.
Most importantly, we are waiting for concrete proposals from you concerning the Posting of Workers Directive.
It contains a real catalogue of rights that all citizens of the Union should enjoy, from the individual rights related to dignity, freedoms, equality and solidarity to the rights linked to citizenship status and justice.
So, I would appreciate your opinion and the position of the European Union on the decision by the Americans to engage more actively in Yemen to fight terrorists, especially by signing the agreement on military intelligence and training.
I hope he understands how hard I fought for some of the elements that he also wanted.
in writing. - I voted for the successful amendment 29, which calls on the Commission and the Member States to take measures to prevent capturing of the market in food products and the formation of cartels by food companies, and I hope that some action will be taken to prevent supermarkets from forcing food producers to accept economically unsustainable prices for their produce.
An extensive, clean, smart grid is needed to connect to our neighbours in the south who have the potential to generate solar energy using high technology and large-scale plants.
My Group supports the proposals developed in the trialogue negotiations, especially the proposals for a new Capital Requirements Directive for banks.
We therefore support the Commission's proposal and, by extension, the proposal for subsidies to be used so that the workers concerned can be redeployed in a decent and dignified fashion.
That is why we need this initiative, and I hope that the Commission will show some on this occasion.
Regulation is now a key asset in globalisation, as we are seeing.
To this end, closer cooperation between Member States and the Commission is vital to protect the Community's financial interests, which must be perceived as common interests going beyond those of individual states.
In this regard, it is particularly important to secure financing for SMEs.
The financial crisis is also responsible for some delays, in particular, for measures under Axis 2.
A large number of the measures proposed, such as the review of the accounting directives, cutting red tape, improving access to the capital and public procurement markets, etc. feature in this communication.
I recognise that that cannot happen in a few months.
However, this instrument must be intelligently designed, and must be such that it improves the current situation without leading to further waste of resources.
Subject: Reforming the budget
This French Member of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament welcomes the Carbon Allowance Reductions System (CARS), as this mechanism will impose financial penalties on manufacturers who fail to meet their quotas, while at the same time issuing credits to those who have taken the initiative by achieving emissions that are below the limit value curve.
I therefore do not believe that what you have presented is good, Mrs Malmström, because you have failed to quote Article 78(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
In any case, as things stand at present I am unable to guarantee that we will be in possession of the complete set of statistics on this particular subject; all the more because the definitions vary enormously from country to country.
We already acknowledged in February during the Hungarian Presidency that as far as the technical standards were concerned, Romania was ready, while Bulgaria still had some homework to do.
We need to do more to revive our coal-mining communities.
Well, what was true for Milan Baroš is also true for you and your ministers.
It is in our interest to promote principles such as self-regulation, transparency and sustainability, and we can make several other important contributions to improvements in licensing.
I understand that the Council wanted to make certain cuts in this year's budget.
It is time that the EU put an end to an external energy policy that merely increases competition for oil and gas reserves or extends nuclear technology.
I think that I can share something that you did not, perhaps, know.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
It is a great pity: this Ninth Summit is important.
With a view to establishing a genuinely Single Market for SMEs, the resolution proposes the creation of a 'European private company' status which would encourage the cross-border creation and functioning of these essential components of the Union's economic fabric.
All of the institutions are very much in agreement about the need for this and I look forward to continued cooperation on this matter.
The European Union was quicker and more efficient than our American friends in handling the Caucasian crisis, and our response was coherent and based on a common approach - and thanks and congratulations to the French presidency for that.
We must not endanger this in the future through overregulation and protectionism but rather should abide by our free market principles.
(FR) Mr President, Commissioner, you are doubtless aware that the exhaustive discussions that we have had in this House on the subject of your communication have revolved around the role of public services, of services of general interest in the Single Market and how they are embodied in legislation.
I believe, ladies and gentlemen, that everything is much simpler than that.
Citizens do not want their bank details to be simply transferred to the United States without sound guarantees of their rights.
I voted for the report on Community guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network because its aim is to construct and modernise railway infrastructures, ports, waterways and airports.
On behalf of the European Parliament I would like to express my deepest condolences and my solidarity with the families and all the relatives of the victims, who are innocent young students and three teachers from the school.
We are faced with threats like protectionism, unfair competition, substandard shipping or piracy.
The second area of added value concerns solidarity and the third concerns energy.
In this context, the ICT's role is increasingly important.
I have met with the Council and I have heard what Parliament has said.
I am not trying to avoid the issue.
Faced with the increased mobility of citizens within the European Union resulting in an increase in the number of 'international' couples, that is, couples in which the spouses are of different nationalities or reside in different Member States or in a Member State of which at least one of the two is not a national, and due to the high divorce rate in the European Union, it has become indispensable to legislate on the applicable law and competence in matrimonial affairs, which concern an ever increasing number of citizens each year.
Forwarding of texts adopted during the sitting : see Minutes
The European Union is uneasily implementing its common foreign and security policy and is just starting to create its energy policy.
In brief, is it not the case that we have deadlock on our hands here?
We have an opposition inspired by democracy which is fighting for a Republic of Moldova attached to European values.
Moreover, a complementary study has been launched by the Commission in DG Environment dealing with the long-term effects of genetically modified crops on health, biodiversity and the environment.
Moreover, since the European Union is itself on the way towards accession to the European Convention on Human Rights, it should use its future status as a party to that convention to accelerate convergence and interoperability with Russia in the field of democracy and the rule of law.
I voted in favour of the report on the cross-border, transnational and interregional territorial cooperation initiative.
Is that what we wish to see, and is that the true understanding of solidarity within the European Union?
The Council has indicated that it will continue to monitor the situation very closely.
The next item is the report by Mr Guerreiro, on behalf of the Committee on Fisheries, on the CFP and the ecosystem approach to fisheries management.
From this centre comes the decisive and perhaps the only important duty which is imposed on us as citizens of Europe.
It is linking the issue of the death penalty with other issues and saying: when the others link their opinion on this issue with that on abortion and euthanasia, then we too will be prepared to argue against the death penalty.
It does not.
I myself am a member of the Friends of Tibet group in the European Parliament.
I am convinced that this initiative will also have a positive effect on other parts of Europe, pulling regions together and making a positive contribution to the competitiveness of the EU as a whole.
What we are dealing with are questions of education, money laundering, criminality and freedom in gambling.
It would be a disgrace if anyone actually thought along those lines in Europe, where the freedom of movement is a fundamental right and a symbol of freedom and equality.
On the other hand, there is then, of course, the risk that the simplified procedure could no longer be applied, which would result in referendums being needed.
We can say quite clearly yes to harmonisation, however, without restricting the laws of the Member States and we will allow them flexibility with regard to procedures in the matter of licensing.
A lack of achievement in this area would damage the credibility of the EU and of its Members who are genuinely concerned about the deteriorating state of the environment.
I do realise the great importance of this significant European Union policy and I welcome Commissioner Verheugen's involvement.
Concerning the issue of high stocking densities in intensive farming systems, the Agriculture Committee's vote has moderated the rapporteur's initial position by recognising that these may prove problematic where inadequate disease control measures are practised.
That is why our common task is to keep the European collective experience alive.
I welcome the rapporteur's proposal to simplify financing procedures and to adopt a performance-driven approach and the criteria of 'excellence' and 'European added value' in EU spending.
On the other hand, I do believe that there cannot be any coercive policy.
We are determined to promote these principles throughout the world.
However, the European Union today is much more than that.
in writing. - (PT) Although this report contains various recommendations that we support, these are all made in a liberal context.
From an economic point of view, they naturally have to facilitate international trade and the European Union has every interest in seeing this happen.
Chairman of the Committee on Budgets. - (DE) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the Committee on Budgets recommends for the first reading in the Plenary a 2008 budget of EUR 129.6 billion for commitments and EUR 124.2 billion for payments, with strict observance of all our agreements and commitments, both from the multi-annual programmes and the financial perspective and, I might add, well below the ceilings that we agreed in this multi-year plan, in a spirit of budgetary discipline and, at the same time, linked with an offer to the Council to resolve current issues such as Galileo and the financing of foreign and security policy sustainably.
The reality is that this is about saving face: saving the faces of those eurocrats who launched the project in the first place and who are prepared to sacrifice the peoples of the peripheral countries and the taxpayers of the poor countries in order to sustain their conceit.
Approval of Minutes of previous sitting: see Minutes
The European Council, while reiterating that the grant of protection and refugee status is the responsibility of each Member State, also indicated that the time has come to take new initiatives to complete the establishment of a common European asylum system provided for in the Hague programme, and thus to offer a higher degree of protection, as proposed by the Commission in its policy plan on asylum.
It is no coincidence that the same date is also celebrated as Freedom of Speech Day in Bulgaria.
In the case of violation of workers' rights, those criticisms are virtually non-existent.
In questions to the Commission, I have endeavoured to obtain clarity as to what action the Commission plans to take against the use of 'false' self-employed workers.
Let me say the following. The common methodology of the stress tests was agreed at European level; it was very rigorous, with adverse macro-economic scenarios.
Of course, the first cuckoo does not necessarily indicate the arrival of spring, but Belarus is a great and important state, a neighbour of the European Union, and undoubtedly we are delighted by any positive changes.
The only possible answer to the situation in Somalia is a comprehensive approach to the conflict there, with coordinated action of all parties engaged in efforts at achieving stability in the region and ending piracy.
Renewable technology is our biggest export market in all energy technologies.
Member of the Commission. - I would just like to stress that, from my point of view, we clearly take great care to take all possible steps to understand the GM or non-GM situation as much as possible.
One question about the motion for a resolution before us: why are we even thinking about giving money to Gaza?
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I am grateful to the Commissioner for having sought to point out that the Committee on Petitions has given an active role to this Parliament, so as to demonstrate that those who speak here, and the political groups that they represent, have every interest in dealing with this situation responsibly, in making all the procedures transparent and in involving the public in a dialogue that gives everyone a sense of responsibility.
We believe that there have been many appeals to Turkey on the Kurdish issue but that hitherto no substantive change whatsoever has been noted.
His task, and that of his team, is to provide valuable support on the ground in order to help us collectively meet all our political objectives.
The targets, I hope, will be agreed at the June European Council, so that implementation can start immediately after.
The world has changed.
3.
Therefore, to protect operators in the market, I am calling for an urgent and unequivocal definition of the services coming under this directive.
Our democratic system and modern attitudes to life are based on freedom of choice and, logically, this should apply to smoking as well.
I would like to take this opportunity to make a few additional points.
Only by using such measures will we be able to guarantee the stability, security and prosperity of Europe and beyond.
We do not have any information of any kind on this either.
We must rid the EU of this shame.
A strong privatised economy, stable inflation, rising salaries, a relatively low unemployment rate and above all a strong currency that enabled you to join the euro in 2007.
If we are not going to proceed in this manner, far from saving time, we will waste time and the problem will get worse.
Instead of guaranteeing our rights to be treated equally, it asserts our rights to be treated differently.
A directive alone will not suffice to bring this about, but it is a precondition.
The rights of mobility and residence are pillars of European citizenship.
In order to tackle some of the concerns expressed by the European Parliament and the Member States - for instance, concerning security - several amendments have been made to the initial text.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I regret the fact that this debate was put on the agenda at such short notice that the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy was not able to be here.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen and guests, I would first like to apologise for not arriving on time and to thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak immediately after the first round of party speeches.
It is essential that financial assistance to workers made redundant is made available as quickly as possible, and that European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) money, vital for the reintegration of redundant workers into the labour market, is used more effectively.
With regard to Ireland and the United Kingdom, Article 4 of Protocol 2 of the Treaty of Amsterdam incorporating the Schengen acquis within the scope of the European Union states that Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which are not bound by the Schengen acquis, may at any time request to take part in some or all of the provisions of this acquis.
I personally support future enlargement to the Western Balkans and eventually to Ukraine, Moldova and hopefully a democratic Belarus.
However, Madam President, and this too has been said in this House, the most important thing is to look to the future and ensure that the children being born today in the great country of Ukraine have to resort to newspaper libraries and history books to discover the horror experienced by previous generations in the Holodomor.
I voted for the regulation concerning the rights of passengers in bus and coach transport.
The changes do not modify the fundamental elements of the Agreement.
The Euromed ministerial conference on migration will be the first of its kind to focus solely on this issue and include the Euromed partners.
We support the report.
I think that what we will be voting on this evening is in fact the creation of a good database, because statistics will be compulsory - that is a very important point - but also because Parliament has really achieved success, I believe, because the statistics, which up to now have been mainly very detailed fossil energy statistics on coal, oil and gas, are going to be adapted to the 21st century, and energy in the 21st century will be oriented towards renewable energy sources.
We can see that we risk ending up with mega-killings as well due to these catastrophes.
However, without a Europe-wide network, key objectives of the European Union will not be achieved.
That was back in 2003.
Access to clean water is a basic human right, so let us make it a major campaign.
In all of these questions, it is necessary to have a clear strategy and vision that will make it possible for this region to draw closer to the European Union.
In this respect, I am very happy to see Commissioner Reding here, who is responsible for implementing everything relating to equality between men and women from a judicial point of view.
Measures must be taken to prevent any possible use of the land after the closure of the landfill.
Let me start, then, by expressing my warm thanks to everyone who has made a valuable contribution to this process: the shadow rapporteurs from the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, Mr Podestà, Mr Lehtinen and Mrs Riis-Jørgensen, the Committee Chairman Arlene McCarthy, and the secretariat responsible, the staff of the rapporteurs for the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, Mr Alvaro, and others who supported the process, the Council Presidency, represented by António Delicado and his colleagues and last but not least, the Commission, represented by Mr Michel Ayral and his colleagues, who were motivated by their Commissioner, Mr Verheugen, to find a common solution.
If she did, then this report would cry out against the fact that this EU, through a derogation, authorises discrimination on religious grounds in my constituency of Northern Ireland; specifically discrimination against Protestants who want to join the Police Service in Northern Ireland.
The EU aims to enhance recycling of waste water and develop desalination, improve water management policies based on the 'polluter pays' principle, establish labelling schemes, research and monitor activities to halt desertification, improve crop rotation systems and promote more efficient water usage among the public.
There is presently an ongoing consultation on schools for the 21st century, i.e. what is expected from schools in this new era, and naturally we want this process to culminate in an up-to-date view of the position of schools in European society today.
In the meantime, there is no more room for free trade and the opening up of new markets.
However, I agree with Mr Hegyi that we need to take action with regard to land.
Draft general budget 2009 as modified by the Council (all sections) (
Within Europe, we must, at the same time, continue to strengthen our own carbon market and stop giving away trading rights for free.
While all the other films transpose the intercultural dialogue at a personal, human level, the film California Dreaming relates an imaginary case of an American transport through Romania, which is stopped by the local authorities and ends in a civil war.
The Commission, however, has also examined the subsidies given to Dell in Poland in terms of their compliance with State aid rules.
Action taken on Parliament's positions and resolutions: see Minutes
In short, if journalists are dismissed only because they have left-wing views or only because they have conservative views, we should protest.
The second sticking point is that the rapporteur does not put forward sufficiently clear plans.
We need to reinvent citizenship.
One, we will have the austerity package in place, much to the chagrin and pain of our citizens.
There are still thousands of political prisoners in Burmese prisons, and the army continues to commit assassinations, use torture and make arrests.
The EU is actively seeking to advance the cause of human rights protection under the Neighbourhood Policy.
The most important aspect of the report is the good balance it strikes between economic aspects and human rights.
In terms of export trade, the service sector is also particularly important for the developing countries.
Draft amending budget No 6/2006 (vote)
The problem is this: when we had the debate with the Commission and Council, it became clear to many of us in the House that it was not appropriate for us to vote on the resolution, and we therefore asked for it, at that stage, to be postponed.
So that is where our task lies, and your task too Commissioner: we need to use our package of market-control measures to win back people's trust; we need to take action and not simply leave things as they are.
I would just like to ask my fellow Members to give a moment's consideration to these points.
Improving road infrastructure and, where possible, separating pedestrians from road traffic also seem to be effective solutions.
They are all important and we can not ignore any of them: incorporating women into the labour market, domestic violence, women in education, balancing family life with work, and vulnerable groups such as immigrant women or the disabled.
Conclusions can be drawn for future building projects and recommendations can be made for better management and better official organisation.
I look forward to Copenhagen, when the political class is sitting around the table awkwardly failing to mention the giant elephant in the room, which is that the globe has not actually warmed for the past 10 years.
It is not only important to bring perpetrators to justice, because this is often a long-term process, but in the meantime, for those who fear that violations of human rights are unnoticed or in fact tolerated by liberal democracies, starting to hold individual human rights violators accountable is an acknowledgement of the suffering and of our credibility in the EU.
Meanwhile, all of the EU Member States will need to ratify this Treaty during the coming year.
Could you make things less difficult in this connection?
Now, though, solemn promises are again being made that the new pact will actually work.
Dates for next sittings: see Minutes
Mr President, the European Neighbourhood Policy was developed with the objective of integrating the countries included in the programme with the structures of the European Union.
The report highlights the enormous contribution made by women in recent years to the sustainable development of rural areas and to the diversification and adaptation of farming to market changes.
We applaud the rapporteur for asking the Commission to submit a legislative proposal by 31 December 2009, based on the recommendations contained in the report.
There are very large Russian populations in many states of the former Soviet Union, such as Ukraine.
However, in spite of the warnings about the humanitarian aspect made to your services, to your collaborators, to your cabinet and to your Director-General, and despite the fact that I submitted a draft statement to you myself, you did not speak out until there had been 32 deaths and more than 300 wounded.
What would have happened if we had not proceeded according to our legal obligations?
Only then, particularly when we deal with those who have an attitude of ambivalence to the military junta, can it change.
Good research resources are needed to create and foster employment in the EU and to boost the EU's competitiveness, particularly as the industrially developing countries grow in strength.
The UNHCR is a political body that is subject to 'extreme politicisation', as is acknowledged in the text of the resolution.
It has a quite different population density and, therefore, subjects such as local residents, health and safety and groundwater play a quite different role than in densely populated areas in central Europe, such as Poland, Germany or France.
Otherwise, there is a danger that, instead of defusing the ticking bomb, we will only move it from one location to another on the map of the Old Continent.
Pro-life people remain concerned about the destruction of embryos in research funded by the EU.
I simply cannot accept that the existence of seven groups inside Parliament creates a particular problem of efficiency.
None of these questions, however key, is addressed.
This year is the 25th anniversary of the nuclear disaster in the Ukrainian town of Chernobyl.
Rail passengers' rights and obligations (vote)
During this, an important report on the Millennium Development Goals will be discussed.
We believe that the European Union budget must be used to add genuine value in areas such as securing economic growth now, and recovery in the future, stability in the EU and around the world, reducing global poverty and fighting the shared challenge of climate change.
That will effectively undermine the viability of Shannon airport and have major consequences for the Mid-West region, which is a very disadvantaged region.
Part of my family originates from Albania.
I know that there are a lot of interested schools, but the national authorities in many countries have not shown enough enthusiasm about this project, which can be a step forward and which can really then be a positive mark for the European Baccalaureate, so we can have European Schools not only in Brussels but everywhere - in new Member States and old Member States.
An estimated 40% of fish were caught without licences or in violation of regulations.
(HU) Mr President, nowadays, the world's food production is facing different challenges to an increasing extent.

This is all very well, as long as most countries achieve a positive trade balance and a growth in GDP.
Member States must also apply penalties for illegal fishing, which is the real cause of stock impoverishment.
I think that MiFID is a good example here.
We have, today, heard a statement by the President of Parliament who, if I am correct, was supported by all sides of the House.
That is why we in the Netherlands know the Act as the 'Hague Invasion Act'.
I think the system which is being created for support of research and development should be as flexible as possible, to enable resources to be managed in a way which is appropriate to the dynamics of scientific research.
Among other aspects, the resolution:
This report seems to have been written specially for Italy, where the RAI is now at an advanced stage of decomposition because it has been taken over completely by party politics, to the detriment of the cultural and informational depth of public broadcasting and, hence, of the entire country.
If the European Union decides to take such a step, it will risk becoming a laughing-stock and will demonstrate that, sooner or later, it will legitimise every action taken by Russia, even the most dangerous.
It is important for this House to demonstrate its awareness of this crucial issue to southern Europe.
Furthermore, I would urge that workers involved in the management of radioactive waste, from its production to its disposal, receive adequate protection and training.
At the request of the Bureau, I will be in contact with the national ministries for foreign affairs of the countries of the Members concerned to establish what action the judicial authorities in these countries intend to take.
We know that the negotiations on these and on other agreements are of the highest quality, but it is important for us to be aware of the strengths and weak points of the agreements after they come into force, so that we can make a better contribution.
on behalf of the ECR Group. - Madam President, the first thing I want to make clear here tonight is that this is not about third-country imports.
We have the responsibility of proposing and introducing a new development model which is fairer, more equitable and more sustainable.
Although I voted in favour of this proposal to provide assistance to the workers of Podkarpackie machinery from Poland, I believe that this is an analgesic and palliative measure for the consequences of the capitalist model, and that it does not represent any progress in the fight against the root causes of the crisis.
We consider that the legal certainty of the Community legal framework in the maritime field, flowing from the international legal framework, depends on the speedy approval of the Erika III maritime package, and we ask for this to be done with the greatest of urgency and the greatest possible consensus.
The ordinary Council, which is the other branch of the legislature with the European Parliament, will still be chaired by a Presidency that continues to rotate every six months among the Member States.
It is urgently necessary for all Member States also to urge common standards for the dismantling of plants.
President-in-Office of the Council. - I would like to thank the Members who took part in this debate and offered their opinions, which will undoubtedly help the Presidency of the Council in its preparations for the seventh session of the Human Rights Council.
I took up my mandate in the European Parliament with the aim of putting the concerns of the people of Austria on the table in Brussels.
We conducted a very interesting public discussion with representatives of European and US banks and financial institutions right on the eve of the crisis.
In the past, proper progress has not been made in one area or another, precisely because the strategy was not adequately checked by the various Directorates General and the Commission to ensure that it was coherent.
This does not seem to be entirely the case at the moment.
Monday:
The economic situation is not as we would have hoped as we celebrate this anniversary, but events are highlighting more than ever the advantages of Economic and Monetary Union.
Mr President, I see that now Brussels wants to get its hands on the Internet.
So the real key is how Russia sees power.
The EU cannot agree with the decision of the Belarusian authorities to limit Internet access or with the lack of guarantees of freedom of the press, freedom of peaceful assembly and association and freedom to worship in churches other than the Belarusian Orthodox Church, as well as other rights and political freedoms.
It is the responsibility of the authorities of individual Member States to ensure that prison conditions are up to standard, regardless of whether persons have been surrendered from other Member States or not.
9.
Of course, public banks must be subject to supervisory regulations and to proper controls.
Mr President, Commissioner, it is good to hear Commissioner De Gucht guarantee that, in short, the Commission will send Parliament the legislative initiative aimed at revising the scheme of generalised preferences so that the legislative process can be given enough time to prevent the expiry of the present scheme of generalised preferences, which is due to finish at the end of next year.
There is indeed no doubt that cross-border crime is one of the greatest problems we are faced with today.
The response was not to acknowledge the fact that steps had been taken towards liberalisation in Belarus; instead, the line taken towards the opposition became less tolerant.
The country's parliament has been debating new proposals concerning expressions of sexuality in the media and in public.
The organised AIDS charities, such as the AIDS-Hilfe associations in Germany, can continue to play an important role here if they rise to this new challenge.
Another aspect is the distance of 250 kilometres which has already been mentioned.
The Lisbon Treaty guarantees fundamental human rights, including freedom of religion, and establishes institutional relations between the EU and the churches.
I am in favour of the report as it aims to regulate and simplify legislation on braking devices of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors.
I voted in favour of this report because I think it plays a critical role in facilitating the further development of a non-aggressive but nevertheless coherent and competent face of EU foreign policies.
We undoubtedly have a duty to ensure that the rules are applied to the full in respect of economic freedom against monopolies, the transparency of financial markets, and ensuring that the costs of environmental pollution are paid for.
The second message is that regardless of the decisions made in the Member States, and some will disconnect power stations from the grid more quickly than others, we should not be replacing the lost energy with additional gas imports, for example, from Russia.
We all have the right to choose - to be citizens or to be loyal to our state, do we not?
I agree with you that this is the first joint European structure, so we must not waste any precious time, and we must give the green light to urgent implementation of these programmes.
We are taking one step forwards and two steps backwards.
We must acknowledge here that this will only happen if the parliaments are involved, because it is only through the parliaments that the majority of regulations can be suitably adapted, and that this process and the proposals in connection with the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue and the Transatlantic Assembly are of paramount importance.
Forward-looking targets have been formulated for the entire Community.
Mr President, I spoke to a farmer this morning, unfortunately a farmer who is sitting looking at sodden fields because certainly in Ireland and in other parts of northern Europe we are having a really bad harvest.
Portugal to mobilise the fund in response to a disaster caused by landslides and flooding on Madeira Island; and
For that reason it is very important that the European Union discharges its cultural duty and ensures the viability of all languages, including minority ones.
This sum must be allocated as a matter of priority to projects put forward by SMEs and industry in general, particularly in the areas of energy provision, sustainable development and the fight against climate change.
It is more a matter of properly and appropriately implementing existing legislation into national law.
Should we actually be working on, speaking on - and, more importantly, voting on -proposals on things that, as they currently stand, will have no application to those who elected us?
In the arena of the Middle East, a new olive branch has just been planted.
These matters, issues and areas would remain within the competence of the individual Member States.
Just a few weeks in, we can already see some incidental negative consequences alongside the excellent advantages.
It would also strengthen civil rights.
But I believe that we need to do everything possible to ensure that there are no loopholes in the legislation and that consumers are not left with a sense of unfairness, hopelessness or helplessness.
The European Parliament has long called for the role of the Agency to be revived and for the powers contained in the Euratom Treaty to be used in full.
Rapid technological progress and better scientific knowledge have compelled us to recast this legislation.
On 4 May, it was also mentioned in the Council of transport ministers that we need a linked-up European transport system.
We have agreed on the vision and now we have to deliver on the concrete plans, the concrete instruments to achieve that vision.
Unfortunately, workers in the pharmaceutical industry and those working on cleaning up walls and façades will continue to run the risk of suffering the effects of dichloromethane.
Its aim is to change the focus of policies from crisis management to the introduction of medium- and long-term reforms, which specifically promote growth and employment, and which also guarantee the viability of public finances.
It is indeed true that the greed in the finance market is greater than the fear of disruption, and the Commission needs to take action in this regard.
To this end, Mr Florenz, the eco-contribution, among other systems, has proved to be a very important tool.
I regret to say that the conclusions that we anticipate for the next summit meeting will not produce a solution, above all because the anticipated mechanism for intervening must be adopted unanimously by all Member States, and we need a European dimension, rather than a dimension that allows for all kinds of distortions and some countries to control others.
This transparency is demanded by both financial markets and citizens.
That is how the Commission will identify the proposals for which it is committed to provide the texts over the next 12 months, and I hope that we, the Council, Parliament and the Commission, are able to implement these texts in 2011 and 2012.
(HU) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, nuclear safety has a human face.
They used to be held on Fridays, then they moved to Thursday afternoons.
Have they been devised in support of European businesses?
(PL) Mr President, even in situations where the issues are completely clear, the solutions that should be adopted should take into account the context and relations between different objectives, the importance of the issue in question and the costs involved in achieving the objectives.
It did not even await the findings of our own observation team - which, incidentally, were published just three days later.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, everybody has said that the free trade agreement with the Republic of Korea is an institutional and strategic innovation on the part of the Union.
It is based on the Dutch model and we are very pleased with it.
There are too few crackdowns against human traffickers and too few proceedings against unscrupulous criminals.
But I will continue to strive for their adoption and with the Portuguese proposal we have an agreement in principle to try to get a final adoption of the framework decision on data protection in the third pillar by December.
Speaking of the future, I agree with many speakers here.
Competitiveness?
Mention must be made of the need to ensure that measures that have already been put into practice work and progress already made needs to be consolidated, so that we can move forward coherently towards a correct and functional implementation of the Stockholm Programme.
The 10th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 is an opportunity to make progress in these areas, as are all the ongoing reviews of EU policies, particularly on human rights and combating violence against women, the use of children in armed conflicts and the fight against all forms of discrimination.
We can also show solidarity by showing financial solidarity.
Using the Internet offers countless benefits, but we must not forget the danger of the abuses which some Internet users are exposed to.
In so doing, I would like to place emphasis on the fact that you became involved in the debate on the Emergency Fund because it concerned a European emergency fund.
I should like to ask you to rise from your seats in remembrance of the victims in Mumbai and the murdered citizens of the European Union in Spain and to commemorate the dead.
This symbolic reference during this, the anniversary year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, shows the interest taken by the new president in matters relating to judicial reform and to the impact of these reforms on human rights.
We need a clear, unified and ambitious position.
23 people are dead, over 2 000 have been affected, the vegetable markets are in turmoil with prices on the floor, and it is estimated that producers are losing EUR 300 million a day.
Mrs Van Lancker is right: the Member States have to prove that they are taking part in this, and then confidence in our social market model will increase.
This partnership involves close political cooperation which will ensure the transition of these countries to democracy.
Replacing doors and windows and fitting state-of-the-art insulation can help keep household energy spending down.
As for the ITER mega project, which requires and will continue to require extortionate levels of funds, we are not sorry that it has been deferred.
Unfortunately, we are therefore now in the position of speaking about those who have been kidnapped and are being held by the pirates.
People who tried to flee were hunted down like wild animals and shot.
Yes, the position of certain countries, including Germany, which say that there must be stability and that what has happened must never happen again, is right.
Moreover, problems in the banking sector are increasingly reflected in tightening lending standards and reduced bank lending activity.
It is made even more complicated by the fact that the age when school children start statutory education also varies from Member State to Member State.
The Sahel is facing, first and foremost, a terrorist threat, which is growing steadily and whose victims are mainly Europeans, who are being kidnapped and murdered with appalling frequency.
In the mean time, I would emphasise one particular event, which I believe is very important.
I note, in this connection, that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the creation of the European Social Fund and the 10th anniversary of the European Employment Strategy.
(EL) Mr President, allow me to share my fellow members' concern about the disparity between the progress report on Turkey towards integration into the European Union and an article published recently in the Wall Street Journal Europe, which reported that the Prime Minister of Turkey, in a recent visit to Iran, confirmed - and endorsed Iran's views - that Iran's nuclear programme is, in his words, for peaceful and philanthropic purposes only.
A decline in supplies could mean Moscow using politics to an even greater extent as the basis for fulfilling its energy orders in future.
There is only one reassuring aspect to this unfortunate situation: a proper, comprehensive mid-term review.
I believe that it is a sound contribution from the European Parliament to what we are expecting you henceforth to implement, Commissioner, Mr President of the Eurogroup, through a road map.
This would be a step in the right direction but there are a lot of remaining problems.
It represents the boundary of European civilisation in the face of an onslaught of illegal immigration which is deliberate, very often entails highly distressing humanitarian tragedies and represents big business for Mafia-type criminal organisations.
The country therefore seems less prepared to invest in other Mercosur countries.
The IND/DEM Group was, of course, formed to oppose the European Constitution, and we have been very successful, having spent money on the 'no' campaigns in the French, Dutch and, most recently, Irish, referendums.
All its other advantages - from transport to energy production - can only be secondary in the light of the importance of water as a strategic commodity.
The difficult situation in Greece is a matter of common concern for the euro area and for the EU as a whole, as large and persistent domestic external imbalances threaten the macro-financial stability of the country with a serious risk of spillovers into other parts of the euro area.
I should also like to draw your attention to the fight against fraud.
Therefore, the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection and I welcome the Consumer Markets Scoreboard that the Commission presented at the request of the Committee.
In times of difficulty, efficiency and innovation need to be rewarded - I am a fan of regional airports in particular.
Secondly, the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights is supranational.
This regulation is one of the opening moves; it is part of the answer to contemporary energy and environmental challenges, where hydrogen plays one of the key roles.
The resolution adopted today emphasises the fact that better information for and greater control by the European Parliament at all stages of negotiations would strengthen the partnership and would have a positive impact on the development of fisheries.
It is not just the Irish on their own who have to deal with this problem.
Consequently, it is at least debatable whether we should create a new mechanism, Eurofisc, conceived as a new decentralised network in which Member States would participate on a voluntary basis.
I also think that the proposal made in the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development to rule out parents having to contribute to this should be introduced at least for the scheme's launch.
I would be delighted if the Commission were to respond to these comments regarding environmental and social indicators.
In the absence of a deputy, equally double-hatted, the High Representative will more and more have to choose between staying in Brussels and being present, for instance, at the European Parliament, and flying to a foreign capital, where the EU needs equally high representation.
I would like to point out to Mr Chatzimarkakis that he is knocking at an open door, since eighteen months ago I proposed a school fruit programme which Mrs Fischer Boel accepted to such an extent that it now forms part of the already completed fruit and vegetable reform.
Theirs was also a 'no' to oil prices, to food prices and to the WTO.
Africa and China need Europe.
One commentator says that in reality, the turnover relating to counterfeiting is approximately EUR 500 billion.
It would be very difficult to try to respond to all the issues raised, so allow me just to state briefly that the European Commission's fundamental principle, which is reflected in all our documents, is based on equal opportunities; in none of our documents would you find the idea that demographic development is a problem for one gender only.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (PT) Mr President, I congratulate our fellow member, Karl von Wogau, on this report and on the tireless way in which he has supported the deepening of the European project through the construction of a European defence policy.
At the Parliamentary Assembly's last session in Kigali we called for prudence and the avoidance of hasty further regulation of relations between the EU and Africa.
The mechanism in question has led to multinational companies suing countries for their policies on health and environment - and your governments, too, will be affected by this.
I should have liked this report to include a plea for a joint policy between EU Member States and North African countries to combat illegal immigration, one that called the North African countries themselves to task and made good neighbourly relations and financial and material support from Member States dependent on goodwill, on a joint approach to this enormous challenge.
The Court of Auditors informed the European Parliament that the Agency's annual accounts for the financial year 2009 are reliable and that the underlying transactions are legal and regular.
By agreeing to the limits imposed by the Council on the growth figure, the 2.91% we are all familiar with, Parliament's aim is to send out a strong signal that it is sensitive to the period we are living through.
After the break-up of Yugoslavia, fratricidal wars, ethnic conflicts, political and economic transformation and the creation of new states caused the Balkan countries to suffer from many traumas.
When the Treaty of Lisbon comes into force, this will break the stalemate which Europe has been in for some years.
We have also committed some funds for the southern corridor and particularly for the Nabucco project.
With the new procedures that the Commission has put forward, we believe that this goal has been achieved.
Ensuring sustainable development within this sector is vital, both on an economic and social level, but it is equally necessary to ensure the conservation of good environmental conditions in all EU marine waters.
Madam President, the CFSP has become almost everything, so you can say almost everything in a debate like this.
In addition, in view of the impact of the economic crisis on the less developed regions, the convergence objective must continue to be given predominant weighting in the future as well.
I now ask for the President of Parliament to take the necessary action, and we will discuss it in the Bureau.
That is a pernicious development and one that reinforces the European Union's democratic deficit.
As someone who is much better acquainted with Indonesia than with the Philippines, I am aware there that there are many parts of Indonesia where it is not Jakarta, it is a developing country and we need to be paying attention there.
But financing, clearly, is only appropriate for those parties which are politically correct in their thinking on Europe.
I genuinely believe it is in the interests of the people of Israel as much as of the Palestinian people to find a solution now.
In addition, I should like to point out that this is not just any old region but a part of the world in which the European Parliament too, as an international political entity, must proceed with scrupulous care, and not make decisions based on assumptions that could perhaps trigger the opposite of what we intend, which is to achieve more stability in the region.
We two Commissioners are already having this kind of discussion.
All initiatives by the EU side to obscure this fact must be discouraged in order to move towards a peaceful and legitimate resolution of the frozen conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh and in the region.
Ultimately, our diplomacy must respond to each violation of the right to religious freedom.
In spite of the fact that there are aspects of the Flautre report that are worthy of criticism, I am voting in favour of the report in order to show support for the battle for human rights.
This is a further economic burden which the working people of Ireland will not accept.
Excessive bureaucracy and the focus on state-led efforts to foster what is termed 'creativity and innovation' are not really to be welcomed.
This kind of violence is prevalent on a wide scale.
That is why we voted in favour of this report.
At the European Parliament's instigation, after the Council of Ministers had determined its position, negotiations started, which we managed to bring to a successful conclusion.
I believe that this motion for a resolution constitutes in some respects an overdue action for an economic sector - that of small and medium-sized enterprises - which plays a significant role in the EU economy.
The radical right needs it also because of the forthcoming elections.
I will therefore continue to ensure that monitoring is carried out in order to check whether Member States are respecting passenger rights.
Finally, I completely agree that broadband is an advantage, not only for the agricultural sector but also for everybody.
But my point is that in this European Union, nobody is being given that opportunity.
We are getting a vague idea that the Council or the Member States may be stalling because of costs, but it is not even clear what is meant by this.
We must understand that this is a new type of crisis and that we never envisaged a crisis of such dimensions, of such magnitude, of such depth.
Member of the Commission. - I am taking this debate on behalf of my colleague, Mr Almunia.
Firstly, it was supposed to provide more jobs by limiting hours worked so that companies had to take on more staff, but extra staff means the extra cost of social taxes, so unit costs rise.
However, it is unsatisfactory that we do not have a structured political dialogue with NATO, apart from the single case of Bosnia We all know that the problem is that of Turkey.
plenary amendments 128, 132, 134
I absolutely agree that cohesion policy should not be renationalised.
It even specified that this day was unpaid.
In view of all this, Commissioner, I would ask you to react, and I am sure you will, appropriately to these new circumstances, circumstances that were unthinkable only twelve months ago and whose consequences for the agricultural food production sector we should begin to debate.
These three changes are all pragmatic improvements to the previous institutional architecture but, taken together with the fact that the European Council now becomes an institution in its own right, they give the European Council a better chance of fulfilling its task under the treaties of '[defining] the general political directions and priorities [of the Union]'.
We should also give our full support to Chief Prosecutor Brammertz's call for the necessary documentation, vital to the case against the former General Ante Gotovina and others, to be made available to the Tribunal - an issue that our Croatian friends, amongst others, know is pertinent to the EU accession process.
We need ensure the implementation is pursued in accordance with the spirit and letter of the agreement.
I would like to acknowledge the work done by Mr Swoboda, and I too am sure that this is the last report on Croatia's progress in preparations for membership.
It is a wide social and political question that is also connected with implementation of the Lisbon strategy.
These matters are being raised generally with Israel in the regular political dialogue meetings, and specifically in meetings of the EU-Israel informal working group on human rights.
The budget should not be used as a backward-looking tool preserving the status quo, but as a forward-looking instrument to sharpen the institutional regulatory framework of the EU which, in turn, should aim at strengthening the single market.
We need quotas, and we need good rules, frameworks and regulation.
Mr President, I appear to have been living in some sort of parallel universe here, hearing about the success of the euro.
There is a great risk, therefore, that countries that are protected from any contamination will put up trade barriers between themselves and countries that use that inactivated vaccine.
I would also like to congratulate him because it is his first day in office.
In this context, I want to point out that my country, Romania, exemplifies the spirit of solidarity in the European Union in crisis situations, whether we are talking about Greece, the Netherlands etc., as confirmation of the fact that we are, together, one big family: the Family of a United Europe.
But the Council could at least publish a consolidated version of the Lisbon Treaty, so that you would be able to read what you have signed.
In particular, fast start funding is going to be very important.
As Mr Csibi has already said, the directive paves the way for a voluntary initiative by industry.
The governments of these countries are responsible for these crises; however, in the interest of the common good, we should have raised our voices louder and more decisively in order to see results.
This proves that there is a critical mass in the United States that is ready for a change of strategy.
UKIP has abstained on these two amendments and the final vote because although we do not support any EU State aid laws (as it should be up to national governments to decide subsidy levels), giving greater flexibility to Member States and lengthening this period is beneficial and much more democratically accountable, putting power back into the hands of governments to make these decisions.
I also want to welcome the return to the traditional system of budgetary guidelines.
The general prevention of State aid will lead to the advent not only of distortions of competition but also social distortions.
I would like to call for swifter analysis and decision making in these kinds of processes, so that we can respond to them in a more efficient and timely manner.
Rules protecting workers will serve little purpose if there is less and less work and if we thus encourage migration to 'opt-out' countries, whether within or outside Europe.
Now that, because of climate change, the number of natural disasters across the world resulting in serious humanitarian, economic and environmental damage has increased, it is imperative that the European Union is able to act quickly.
However, above all, I believe that this reveals a fundamental unreality in our immigration policy, which is dependent on one person.
I know that you appreciate the point and I think we need to be aware of it.
in writing. - Some of us are very much looking forward to being addressed by President Klaus in February.
Specifically, we have unpaid money of EUR 16 billion for the old fund for the 2000-2006 period.
It is cause for some indignation.
This would be a significant step forwards.
If so requested, this practice must also apply to the special representatives.
He has also worked in the area of defence, has handled finances and budgets at a high level and was also a supporter of Swedish membership of the EU.
Furthermore, search and rescue should be carried out on the basis of specific principles and the people arrested or rescued must be disembarked on the basis of a specific operational plan.
(PL) Mr President, one way to combat extremism and reduce the electorate of extremist parties is to listen more attentively to citizens on matters of importance to them and to analyse the underlying causes of extremism.
As the rapporteur says, 'The main purpose of public procurement is the cost-effective purchase of goods and services with a view to the performance of public-service tasks.
Not a day passes in which the European consumer, when choosing to make an online purchase or accepting an amendment to a subscription on the telephone, is not faced with a question as to the conformity of the contract he has signed or approved.
(DE) Madam President, the presidential election took place a week ago in Russia, and the result was as disappointing as we might have expected.
(The sitting was suspended at 12 p.m. for the formal sitting and resumed at 12.30 p.m.)
Fourthly, the principle enshrined in the Toys Directive, whereby chemicals that are potentially carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction are impermissible, must be implemented with regard to accessible parts of toys.
In my opinion, the conclusions are fully in line with the EU's Europe 2020 economic strategy, and in particular with the employment strategy and the fight against poverty and social exclusion.
Perhaps some of those who are impatient and demand a lot of us can assist the Commission during the next financial perspectives, in convincing the Member States, particularly where the parties voted for a maximum of 1% of their resources - the 1% club who have put a limit on their financial resources.
In other words, this means that until 2020, the equalisation of economic disparities will be less dynamic.
It pains me to see the people of Tibet repressed and their language, identity, culture and religion condemned to extinction.
That is all I have to say, except to repeat my thanks to Parliament for having, once again, made its very constructive contribution to European legislation.
The Member States and Internet operators should keep some room for manoeuvre so that they can find the best solutions for ensuring that the rights of some do not completely prevent those of others from being exercised.
There are still some things that are in need of improvement.
The phrase used in the motion for a resolution is potentially offensive to Indians.
author. - (DE) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to start by saying that my group was somewhat surprised to see the judicial evaluation of a dramatic car accident on the agenda as an urgent resolution on human rights issues.
They aim at strong socio-economic development and endeavour to have higher living standards for their citizens.
Freedom, the rule of law, human rights, tolerance, gender equality, solidarity, all these form the moral code of Europe.
For that reason, I will be voting in favour of this own-initiative report.
I personally have never smoked in my life.
I would also like to thank her for the way she has worked with the Commission on a very delicate, sensitive subject about which we feel so strongly.
Last year he was here in Parliament.
In an era of globalisation, demographic problems acquire a much broader dimension.
This will put Community legislation on methyl bromide at the vanguard at global level.
In 2005 I was the chairman of a small observer mission for the elections there.
Nevertheless we have to make a decision, hoping we can enhance our efforts step by step in cooperation with the rest of the world.
If projects are not being implemented smoothly, then the sensible thing to do would be to enter into fewer new contractual commitments.
Apart from criticism and ambiguity in the Commission's assessment, I support the rapporteur's idea that we can only draw conclusions with regard to the situation on the Union's financial interests and the results of the fight against fraud if we include the data from the annual report from the Court of Auditors of the European Union for 2009 and from the OLAF report.
So, in this regard, I not do not want there to be any electoral opportunism.
We need to have an absolute assurance that that trace is deleted.
Mr President, particularly at this time of Advent, many are praying for peace in the Middle East, but sometimes one loses heart and thinks this peace will never come.
The European Union has always fought to protect the rights of children and to defend their best interests.
I should simply like to draw the attention of the Members remaining in the House to the reasons for the change, because we are satisfied with the 'yes' but, a year ago, it was a 'no'.
It certainly meets the highest standards of safety and security for control and customs procedures.
The Commission is aware of the existence of social tension in Italy.
That is a public relations problem: not just for Italy, but for the European Union, too.
EU livestock production systems are important for maintaining livelihoods.
There is a general perception amongst this community that regulations are being arbitrarily handed down from Brussels without any input from the bottom up.
Since then the situation has become far worse, with the number of detainees reaching record levels.
Of course, responsibility for the fires does not lie with this House, but as MEPs, we have a responsibility to ensure that Europe releases aid immediately, without bureaucratic obstacles, for the regeneration of the stricken areas.
Certainly, at the recent meeting in Guyana, that was made absolutely clear by the President and others in that country, as well as Members of Parliament.
Very close to Lithuania, on the European Union's external border, there are plans to build disproportionately powerful nuclear power plants, actually they are already being built, the safety and environmental impact of which is causing much controversy.
rapporteur. - (NL) On various shores in South Asia enormous seagoing ships for scrapping are dismantled under conditions that are environmentally damaging and humanly degrading.
Lastly, ACTA must not compromise access to generic medicines.
Agenda: see Minutes
It is therefore important that the Doha Development Agenda take account of that effect and make a real contribution to meeting the Millennium Goals.
We therefore urgently need to take active measures to support a strategy on fighting trafficking in human beings, in which significant attention would be paid to combating and preventing trafficking in human beings.
Only a clear system of prior authorisation for cases where expensive treatment is involved would guarantee reimbursement for patients.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, why a report on advertising?
This all relates to European affairs, but we also have the question of international human rights on the agenda.
How much money?
in writing. - It is important for patients to be better informed about any medications they are taking.
Reduced rates of value added tax (debate)
I welcome the Centre's initiative to run a computerised network for the collection and exchange of information called the European information network on Drugs and Drug Addiction.
The Treaties leave no room for doubt: Strasbourg is not the second seat of the European Parliament; it is the institution's only seat.
I support the proposals for a cultural agenda for Europe with its three main objectives: promoting cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, promoting culture as a vehicle for creativity within the framework of the Lisbon Strategy and promoting culture as a key element of the EU's external relations.
In a resolution adopted in the plenary of 8 May 2008, Parliament welcomed the proposal and called for an interinstitutional agreement on the establishment of a common register between Parliament, the Commission and the Council.
We have yet to achieve such results with the United States, it is true, but I should like to remind Members who spoke of four years, that is to say the date on which they entered the European Union, that the United States changed its law less than a year ago, in August 2007.
Sea transport and sea ports contribute to and bind together the single EU market and the world economy.
Written statements (Article 142)
Eight months later, the Commission granted access to 16 of 19 letters, refusing - without legal justification - to disclose three letters from Porsche.
I hope that we can arrive at a comprehensible state of affairs in this regard at long last, and also that there is a scientific basis.
Neither do they predict terrorist attacks.
That is no small challenge.
In Copenhagen, we looked back and we stood alone in our ambitions.
This will only be possible with the complete support of SMEs, which are responsible for the creation of most jobs.
author. - Mr President, this case certainly is an urgency because, as we have been hearing, the execution is due to take place by the end of this month.
Unfortunately, we have to say that hardly anything has happened in matters of equality during this Commission's term.
This option would be available for the Member States whose transmission system belongs to a vertically integrated company on the date on which the directive enters into force.
However, the work has been going on in systems, it has not been going on within the culture that operates within the European Commission.
This type of control is crucial in the fight against the proliferation of arms, including weapons of mass destruction.
I agree with the President-in-Office that this matter is not by nature political, but ethical.
As this report says, 'introducing minimum income schemes in all EU Member States - consisting of specific measures supporting people (children, adults and the elderly) whose income is insufficient by means of a financial contribution and facilitated access to essential public services - is one of the most effective ways to combat poverty, guarantee an adequate standard of living and foster social integration'.
In fact he said it was a very painful issue and asked us in the Committee on Foreign Affairs for help, especially with the buyers, many of whom come from the EU.
The policies pursued by the Iranian regime do not respond to the justifiable demands of Iranian citizens.
An implementation deficit of 1% may seem small, but if we include the number of overdue or non-implemented directives, it has a significant effect on the functioning of the internal market.
You know that in the CleanSky project, cooperation with the US is also making progress.
Terrorism has to be fought decisively, but the means employed cannot be allowed to create an environment of insecurity for citizens' rights which is the very objective of terror attacks in the first place.
Clearly, having this discussion alone will not solve the problems.
Unfortunately, they are not very nice words.
Regarding the other issues President Medvedev would like to see included in the potential agreement, we should recall that they are all already contained in the agreement currently in force. This agreement was adopted in 1990 and is entitled the Paris Charter for a New Europe.
The aim is to help compensate for the damage caused by the forest fires and flooding which seriously affected the populations of these two countries in 2007.
Secondly, as Mr Ortega knows, there will be a second EU-Africa Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development in Paris, on 25 November 2008, to follow up on the Rabat Conference, and in this framework there will be three technical meetings on legal migration, illegal migration, and migration and development.
We have strict rules at the moment and, indeed, rules on residues and food.
What we need is for the rules on working time and driving and rest periods to be applied equally to all professional drivers, including self-employed drivers, in order to ensure their safety and road safety, thus preventing excessively long working hours and inadequate rest periods or work patterns.
Secondly, I want to ask the Commission not to wait until this is transposed into national law in 27 Member States - that could take up to two years - but to start implementing some of the provisions, one of which is to set up a contact group of the 27 Member States with the Commission to start working to counteract the illegal use of weapons.
This is a great moment for the peoples of the countries of the EU nations.
Those technical prescriptions concern the approximation of the laws of the Member States to enable the EC type-approval procedure provided for in Directive 2003/37/EC to be applied in respect of each type of tractor.
Your comment, however, is really very interesting.
in writing. - I support this Report which was initiated by the Socialist Group.
Our problem is not that we do not understand the times.
I will verify whether non-commercial protectionist conditions are attached to public funding, de jure or de facto, and the Commission will examine not only the legal conditions that may be attached to a final aid package, but also the entire context in which the aid is granted.
(LT) Mr President, Commissioner, thank you for your really comprehensive response.
Our third priority seeks to bring the Single Market in line with our digital agenda by stimulating e-commerce.
That is why we believe that the Citizens' Initiative must get going as soon as possible, because it will be evidence of the political will of the Member States, of Parliament and of the Union's institutions to give the public a voice and enable citizens to participate in the life of the Union.
(PL) Madam President, demographic changes, longer lifespans and a falling birth rate, various privileges granted under pension systems and the economic crisis have placed enormous pressure on the public finances of the Member States.
Although I do not fully agree with some of the points made for the reasons mentioned, the report is balanced and this is why I have voted in favour of it.
(ET) High Representative, Commissioner, we in the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe want the European Union to be visible at the forthcoming 13th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
The dissemination of biased information, as is the case with a home in Bulgaria, should not be encouraged.
The ministers decided to re-convene, as has just been said, in June at the latest - at the start of June - in order to assess the progress made and to define, where necessary, new directions and any changeover to an alternative option.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
The Council welcomed the Commission's plan to examine how Frontex's mandate can be extended to enable increased cooperation with third countries.
Project beneficiaries include municipalities, NGOs, chambers of commerce or cultural institutions.
This is also recognised in our 2008 report on European security strategy (ESS), that we both mentioned before.
Prior to the hearings for the most recent elections, the word transparency was on everyone's lips.
The new legislation completes the European regulatory framework, adding to the rules on passenger vehicle emissions set out two years ago.
It is clear that we need changes in the regulations to provide more flexible tools.
(HU) Almost the entire agricultural sector in Europe is in a state of crisis.
The programmes in place have the potential to help, but that help must be easier to obtain.
I believe that my position will meet your expectations when it comes to objectivity.
As regards the Irish language, I would like to inform you that I have recently made a visit to Dublin, I have had the opportunity to discuss with the Irish authorities, at that moment and afterwards and I have insisted on the need for the broadest possible training of people capable to work, at Community level and not only, as translators or interpreters.
We are hoping that the parties will commit to finding a pragmatic solution for continuing the discussions, which should allow all the outstanding issues to be dealt with, in particular arrangements for security and stability, including in the upper Kodori Valley and in the Akhalgori region, as well as, of course, the pressing matter of displaced persons.
It is more obvious than ever that even the greatest powers of Europe cannot tackle the challenges of globalisation alone.
We must continue to work towards this goal by amending FP7.
Georgia today is capable of organising such elections.
Romania, the country which I represent here in the European Parliament, was one of the first states that ratified the treaty because all its policy-makers believe in European integration.
However, at the same time, they do not want to accept the need for a break with the policies that have led to all this.
Finally, I wish to express my delight that the cohesion policy will at last be put forward as well, as an important area linked to the 2020 strategy.
This is striking because the existing rules have all this time been considered an intermediate step towards complete freedom.
India is a country of contrasts.
I consider it fundamental that Member States should be able to work together to settle disputes between national governments and to recognise the importance of the protection of cultural assets at a European level.
At the same time, the unrealistic positions adopted in relation to Russia include the task of sorting out media freedom.
We will not accept discrimination, and we will not give up the protection of human life and human dignity.
the oral question to the Commission on key objectives for the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Doha, 13-25 March 2010, by Jo Leinen, on behalf of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety - B7-0004/2010).
However, we need to ensure that there is less talk and more action: it is vital that we respond to our citizens' expectations.
Mr President, honourable Members, I would like to thank you for the open debate on this sensitive subject.
The Commission is determined to shape effective environmental legislation and ensure the correct implementation of existing legislation in order to protect both the environment and the health of European citizens.
It is not for us to tell the Council how to legislate, but this desk-drawer veto helps no one, especially the institutions' credibility.
Sometimes, erroneous information is even given to migrants and they are invited to follow wrong procedures.
My fellow Members, this is truly the last chance we have to protect the manufacturing sector, in Italy and across Europe, which is one of the main drivers of the economy, unlike those few industrial giants that serve their own interests and not the good of the entire community.
The key word of the programme is economic recovery after the crisis, and intelligent, sustainable and inclusive recovery.
For more often than not political parties win in elections by promising one thing and doing other things afterwards and then they are surprised by the existence of extremism and discontented people.
Written statements (Rule 142)
I call on the Commission to take steps to initiate an additional regulation in this direction.
If Mr Barroso were here, I would like to ask him if he can guarantee that a referendum will not be required in Ireland and elsewhere to make the minimum treaty changes he spoke of.
Nevertheless, you sometimes wonder whether the glass is half full or half empty.
Risk-based controls - then how can we tell that a coal barge is smuggling people?
Even the German Federal Criminal Police Office, which is not really known as a data protection group, had to admit the disproportionate nature of this measure.
Europe has a direct interest in the area and we need to hear more than what the representative of the Council has said here today.
First among them is that science is a global discipline and advances we can share go towards increasing the sum total of human endeavour.
We are confident that we will be in the position next year to vote on the treaty for Croatia's accession to the European Union, which will be a positive signal for the whole region.
on behalf of the ECR Group. - Madam President, this proposal is an opportunity to better integrate the Roma people within Member States and to find ways to provide the Roma people with the full, equal opportunities and rights afforded to all EU citizens.
Sentenced on the basis of testimony extracted under torture, without the means to employ qualified defence counsel, without a chance of finding files lost five or fifteen years ago, they await their execution in inhuman conditions.
We have stressed the need, through CITES, to ensure the support and cooperation of local and rural communities in managing wild fauna and flora resources, and consequently in combating illegal trade in them.
More pressure will have to be brought to bear here through the talks currently under way, and of course the penalties need to be much stiffer and a uniform labelling system introduced to put an end to a state of affairs in which the tobacco producers' lucrative export business ends in illegal re-imports.
Written declarations included in the register (Rule 123): see Minutes
As a member of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, I simply had to vote in favour of the six resolutions tabled by Mrs Matera in order to help Dutch workers made redundant as a direct result of the global economic crisis.
We also regret that the proposal of simplified aid for farmers receiving sums of up to EUR 1 000 was not adopted, despite having received 175 votes in favour.
Realism and negotiating on specifics, then, are what is needed - then we will probably make progress.
If the answer to these questions is yes, then we should all commend as brave the Israeli Government for their action in Gaza.
It is the first time that we have really had a regional approach.
There has been mention here today of your predecessor named Marx.
In this respect, it should be pointed out that there have even been regional governments, such as my government in Aragon, which was pioneering a year ago when it proposed a guarantee for the Figueruelas plant.
Passengers concerned about their own journey and comfort cannot understand the need for security measures, no matter how lax or tight they might be, and even the costs they incur, unless they are aware of the significance of such dramatic or tragic events as those of 11 September 2001.
Mr President, I welcome the accession reports and I want to speak specifically on Macedonia and Croatia, and then Turkey.
We will have an election observation mission.
Now, at last, we have every chance of overcoming historic grievances - without mourning our geographical separation - and celebrating our spiritual and intellectual fellowship without any kind of territorial claim.
Now, that will be a debate in its own right: are we heading towards a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol and what are the emerging countries and the United States doing?
Their work must be valued and they must also be guaranteed decent incomes.
The first example of this is going to be an outline for supporting developing energy networks in Europe.
I hope that the Commission will consider this issue and suggest a solution to it.
One example is the completely irrelevant way it extols the Charter of Fundamental Rights chiselled into the Treaty of Lisbon.
We must not wait for another holocaust before we organise new referendums to support European integration.
The signal would be why should we do our utmost to repay private debt with a high exchange rate for our national currency, when this debt has been issued as euro loans by EU banks against, for example, immovable property?
Besides, only large Member States will benefit from a pan-European list.
On the other hand, it is not the first time we have discussed the brazen and inadmissible conduct of the Burmese regime.
That is the only way to guarantee a living income for farmers, especially small and medium-sized producers.
In conclusion, I should like to emphasise the paragraph in our resolution which refers to the maintenance of, and possible increase in, much-needed humanitarian aid, and I should also like to urge that arrangements for the withdrawal of this aid be made in close association with the stepping up of development policies whose implementation is more complex.
Indeed, respect for fundamental rights, the situation of refugees and the privatisation of the shipping sector are the most advanced chapters.
It is always companies just starting up that have the biggest problems getting bank loans.
To the best of my knowledge, the national parliaments have had the opportunity to express their opinions and to send us their comments.
The assessment should also cover the rules on the size of lorries, Directive 96/53.
We request the institutions involved to make the necessary efforts to accelerate the mobilisation of the EGF; appreciates in this sense the improved procedure put in place by the Commission, following the Parliament's request for accelerating the release of grants, aimed at presenting to the budgetary authority the Commission's assessment on the eligibility of an EGF application together with the proposal to mobilise the EGF; hopes that further improvements in the procedure will be reached in the framework of the upcoming review of the EGF; Thus, we recall the institutions' commitment to ensuring a smooth and rapid procedure for the adoption of the decisions on the mobilisation of the EGF, providing one-off, time-limited individual support geared to helping workers who have been made redundant as a result of globalisation and the financial and economic crisis; points out the role that the EGF can play in the reintegration of workers made redundant into the labour market; however, calls for an evaluation on the long-term integration of these workers into the labour market as a direct result of the EGF-funded measures;
I voted in favour of the Alvaro report on the Agreement between the EU and the USA on the processing and transfer of financial messaging data for the purposes of combating terrorism, because I feel that this agreement now strikes a balance between the objectives of security in the fight against terrorism and the objectives of freedom in the protection of citizens' privacy.
Vice-President of the Commission. - The budget for the trade unions is approximately EUR 500 000 per year, which is given from the Community budget.
I should like to say to Commissioner Dimas that I really do believe that our proposals are supplementing due diligence: they are making it more effective, they are making it operational and there is no problem at all with WTO rules.
This was not an easy process, but it was worth the effort if an international agreement can be reached on the legal commitment of the Member States to achieve a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions.
That was a very powerful statement in itself and it was a very personal and deliberate act to do that.
However, urgent matters must be addressed without delay.
The Council regularly reviews the question of transitional arrangements.
Mr President, I would like to congratulate the rapporteur: this report is very timely and deserves the full attention of policymakers.
We ask the Commission to work to achieve a high level of social protection within the internal market.
According to the accession treaty to the EU, Lithuania will have to shut down the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, which produces about 70% of the electricity requirements of the country.
On behalf of all of us I would like to thank Mr Vidal-Quadras for passing on the suggestion I made the day before yesterday.
The government of Afghanistan must make more purposeful use of international aid to develop small enterprises and agriculture in regions where opium is currently grown.
Paternity leave needs to be regulated in connection with the system for parental leave, and not in connection with leave in the sense of recovering from pregnancy or childbirth.
The debate is closed.
The European Parliament's joint and decisive rejection of the provisions proposed by the Council, pertaining to Europol's work, is a clear signal that amendments to the legal basis now have to be applied.
If this were not the case, many of the considerations and criticisms made here would extend to other countries in the region, such as Israel or Saudi Arabia, and the same criteria would apply to them that are now being applied to Iran.
There are currently 16 Bulgarians who are being held captive on the ship Malaspina Castle.
From time to time, I am actually told that the cod that are in the English Channel are not officially recognised as being there as an indigenous stock.
The recent explosion in the Gulf of Mexico involved a platform which was only built in 2001 and its subsequent sinking is causing one of the biggest ecological disasters to date.
Small-scale fisheries and coastal regions are a priority.
(The President cut off the speaker)
The directive does not take into account the final outcome of the relevant legislative process, which will owe more to differences in legal technicalities than to substantive issues.
The conference in Cancún showed that the UN can indeed deliver results.
Tomorrow's vote will conclude one leg of the journey we have undertaken together, but only one leg, because the relationship between Parliament and the Commission must continue, not least with regard to the actual implementation of the safeguard clause.
Therefore the initiative of the Commission to use ICT to meet EU 2020 goals should be applauded.
If there is no respect for the Chair of the Committee on Fisheries and for fisheries in general, I propose that you adjourn the sitting until such time as people have respect for this House and stop having these meetings.
The revised and modernised social agenda will also guide our actions in a comprehensive approach to enable Europeans to realise their potential and benefit from globalisation, and will cover mobility, integration, education and non-discrimination.
Opel has had problems.
In this connection I would draw your attention, for example, to a case that remains unresolved to this day: the fate of the ethnic Hungarian youths who were given a disproportionately severe sentence in a clear-cut example of ethnic discrimination in Temerin.
Finally, I should like to add that we should emphasise the role of the consular services of such new representations.
In Italy for example, the decree implementing the directive sets forth certain terms and conditions, but it does not provide any sanctions, so the law is in fact completely ineffectual.
This is the only way that we will be able to ensure that Europe is a great opportunity for the world.
The new rules will also be fully consistent with the goal of protecting biodiversity and - the most important aspect of all - will make it possible to maintain a high level of protection within the European Union against public health and animal health risks.
The winners are not the ill, not the displaced, not the children, not the elderly whose homes were destroyed: the winners are wealthy businesspeople.
In an age when we are encouraging people to travel by public transport, it is so important that we add coaches and buses, as Mr Albertini has, to this field.
Will the Commission be prepared to extend it to private vehicles also?
We know that it is now fashionable in some quarters to be extremist or populist, or indeed sometimes to wave the flags of xenophobia.
In a way, thanks to the Irish population, we now have an agreement on the principle of one Commissioner per Member State.
At first, I was not given adequate support on this issue by the nuclear regulators.
I found it very regrettable that even those Members on the left who sit here to my right were not able to gather themselves together in good time to make a statement on behalf of Parliament with regard to Greece.
I congratulate the army on its professionalism in protecting the Republic's institutions.
One of the fundamental freedoms of the EU's internal market is the freedom of movement, which allows us not only to travel freely within its borders, but also to undertake employment.
Mr President, United Kingdom producers have been investing substantial sums of money - pushing up their production costs - in preparing for the implementation of this directive because they know that Britain will implement the law.
I also need to say, with regard to the comments made about the report on financial measures, that the amendments we are proposing do not jeopardise the consensus obtained to date in the trialogue.
Exports are thus an important source of growth for the EU.
(Laughter)
In an ageing Europe, everybody agrees on the need for reinforcements to the labour force in order to maintain and boost our competitiveness.
The Dehaene report sets out a model which will help us all to find the way forward.
As I know, however, that not all charges mentioned on the ticket are airport charges, I would ask you to humour me in a little exercise: if a passenger flies from Lisbon to Brussels, for example, by Brussels Airlines, the charge mentioned on the ticket is EUR 48; if he travels by the Portuguese airline TAP, the charge is EUR 2 less.
Half an hour, ladies and gentlemen, is all the time allowed for this democratic institution to debate an historic upheaval and its consequences for the people of Europe.
It is a statement that undermines the dignity of the European Parliament.
I fully support the work done by the Commission, and I would point out that the fight against fraud and corruption is a clear duty of the European institutions and of all the Member States.
In the present economic and financial situation, it is especially difficult to find investors for many projects.
For 10 years, Mr President, I sat on the Committee on the Rules of Procedure, the Verification of Credentials and Immunities.
in writing. - (LT) The tragic events that occurred last month in Japan and concern over the safety of the Fukushima power plant have led to much discussion of nuclear power plants.
I have to say that the Commission's letter was excellent.
We stand next to our fellow citizens; we are involved in their day-to-day problems.
Every country must have the feeling that its own interests, its own culture and its own experience are being properly represented in the service.
Obviously, power plants elsewhere in Europe, outside of the EU, should be subject to the same independent testing, under the aegis of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The situation in Haiti is far from being stabilised, as both commissioners, Mrs Georgieva, who was in Haiti at the end of March, and Mr Piebalgs have emphasised.
on behalf of the EFD Group. - Mr President, I should like to ask Mr Barroso: why the unseemly haste?
Furthermore, it retains the main thrust of the 2001 communication, which recognised the essential role of public service broadcasting in guaranteeing quality of democracy and pluralism.
Madam President, I believe that the numerous bilateral agreements between Canada and the Member States are the best foundation on which to build a robust free trade agreement in the commercial arena, thanks to a friendship that we have already experienced in the UN, the G8, NATO and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, a friendship based on the ideals of democracy and freedom that characterise Canada and the European Union.
We have been working on this but much is still theory or is in the preparation phase.
We need to encourage Member States to invest more in developing their teaching staff.
I think that, today, we should demand very clearly the release of this young man, but let us also remember that those who are firing missiles at Sderot are responsible for the fact that he is still a prisoner.
I am very interested in who the candidate will be and what the manifesto will look like.
I, too, am in favour of energy security and I think that anything we do in that respect will be useful.
Therefore, it is important for us to close the loopholes in this area so that we can take action against fraud more effectively.
Madam President, now that the eight-year long duel over the Bulgarian nurses and the Palestinian doctor in Libya has ended, I feel we are badly in need of a sober assessment of the human rights situation in that country.
That is why I am proposing to you that you amend the order of business along the lines I have just suggested.
Those that have raised the GMO issue, I presume you know that I think completely along the same lines, and I think that it is important to find a solution on a technical figure on the presence of non-approved GMs.
(FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the title of this debate is likely to create a certain optimism because in theory, it is about defining the procedures for helping banana-producing ACP countries.
I fully agree with the emphasis placed on the development of biogas production.
Moreover, if you are prepared, with me and others, to combat the Blair House Agreement, which is, after all, the main obstacle to real food sovereignty, to real food security today in Europe, you will have my support.
Thousands of tonnes of toxic warfare agents lie on the sea bed encased in mines, bullets, bombs, containers and barrels.
When the product was again prohibited by the German authorities in 2005, the Commission carefully analysed the case and concluded the procedure by formal letter to the German authorities and the manufacturer in July 2007.
Member States in general and Romania in particular, a country which is still in need of investment in its transport infrastructure, must be aware that this transport policy is being redrafted to meet the new challenges.
In order to prevent any future placing on the market of potentially dangerous products, it is important for the national consumer protection authorities to improve their measures of monitoring and investigating compliance with the EU legislation.
Mr President, I would like to remind everyone that European energy supply is not an ideological issue.
- Before the vote
That is precisely why the German and French leaders are now showing clear leadership and taking responsibility for Europe's future, rather than continuing to talk in unclear, muted tones.
But I also very much welcome all the activities that the European Parliament carries out, because Parliament provides the basis for an agreement.
When we talk about political follow-up, about the questions that the election observations raise and about the challenges, it is these things we need to tackle.
Finally, as regards the proposed amendments to the report, the Commission would advise against amendments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, but it could support amendments 7 and 8, which are in line with the spirit of the communication.
in writing. - Today's vote on human trafficking comes at a crucial juncture in the ongoing fight against this form of modern-day slavery.
This register bears all the hallmarks of the stable door being shut long after the horse has gone.
I know how the people long for peace after 25 years of violence.
People are particularly worried about salaries, about workers' rights and about public services, as well as about non-militarisation and the voice of the smaller states.
You are very well aware of the most important areas, the emphasis on renewables, the solar programme and the water management programme.
What did the supposedly extremely pro-European forces do at that time?
I would like to mention or remind you of the importance that everything related to the internal market has in the European Union.
Bosnia's and Albania's compliance with the EU criteria for lifting the visa requirement is actually better now than Serbia's and Macedonia's at the time they got visa-free travel one year ago.
Thirdly, Mrs Sanchez-Schmid's own-initiative report has the great merit of showing how much Objective 3 is likely to generate considerable European added value.
In Romania, for instance, rehabilitation would lead to savings in excess of 600 000 tonnes of oil equivalent every year.
Our group will therefore abstain.
A procedure like an overall review of the cohesion policy could contribute to its general improvement to the benefit of all Europeans.
For me, this is the most important contribution for both present and future generations and their coexistence.
If we are going to continue to come to Strasbourg, perhaps we could make some changes to the transport systems to enable us to come here?
a regulation that would protect the rights of persons with reduced mobility as much as possible, given the intransigent attitudes within the Council;
We cannot, for example, give responsibility for representing us abroad to a High Representative, any more than we can watch our seat on the United Nations Security Council being challenged in the name of the legal personality of the European Union.
It has, moreover, encouraged the mediation efforts of the SADC, under the leadership of President Mbeki, to arrive at a more satisfactory result with regard to the choice made by the people of Zimbabwe on 29 March.
Mr President, I have to say this resolution as a compromise was fine, but it seems to many in this House that it is too lengthy and it does not directly deal with the points we need to be making.
(DE) Madam President, I would like to make a personal comment on the basis of Article 145.
Already, almost 70% of the land is in the hands of multinationals and mining companies.
(ES) Madam President, I wish to express my support for the package of measures designed to strengthen the economic governance of the Union, as well as the measures aimed at clarifying and speeding up the disciplinary procedure for any Member States with an excessive deficit.
We have to close the gap.
Where I come from, people like that are called Dampfplauderer - patter merchants.
On the problem of low income users, I would refer first of all to the second package of the roaming regulation which Parliament adopted in the ITRA committee yesterday night.
The vote will take place on Thursday, 26 March 2009.
Finally, Mr Farage, a Europe that looks like you want it to.
When one reads the conclusions of the summit, they seem to be somewhat lacking in bite.
Franak Viačorka is the son of a well-known opposition activist.
I would like first of all to welcome Bruno Le Maire, Minister of State for European Affairs, who is the successor to Jean-Pierre Jouyet.
It is great that Chinese companies are investing in Europe, but we should have a level playing field there.
However, it is necessary to set up a permanent crisis resolution mechanism with strong built-in disincentives for activation.
The integration of the Single Market must now go hand in hand with the advances of a social Europe, which is needed more than ever at a time when the recession continues to affect Europeans.
I remain convinced that it raises the main important issues relating to the effective functioning of the anti-fraud office, namely the flow of information, procedural rights and the complaints mechanism, the role of the supervisory committee and, more generally, governance and accountability.
We can only facilitate, we can only provide intelligence, and do everything we can to help the Member States.
The proposal in the Sutherland report for funding arrangements for technical assistance for the least developed countries to be regarded as a contractual right, so that they can play a full part in the multilateral trading system, is essential as far our committee is concerned.
Mr President, I would like to thank the rapporteur for completing a very demanding piece of work.
On this last issue, I should remind you that last March, Belgium repatriated several hundred Serbs and Macedonians of Albanian origin who had sought asylum in Europe after visa restrictions had been lifted for Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro in December.
I fear that this problem lies at the heart of this package.
It is ultimately the consumer's choice that will determine which cars are driven in the years to come.
A last answer on terrorism.
Regional cooperation is most needed in the area of tackling threats to the environment.
This is for the good of the children, and therefore also for the happiness of the parents, and effectively for the development of the normal European society in which I would like to live.
I would particularly like to thank Mr Coelho, who has worked swiftly, effectively and imaginatively on this important project, together with his colleagues from the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.
In light of this, we wanted to boost competitiveness, using research and development programmes as one means of doing this.
Fortunately, I managed to give the Commissioner a portion of school fruit before we started, so hopefully with that snack, we will be able to carry on discussing this important topic for a while longer.
Reliability: information to patients should be based on the latest scientific knowledge with clear references made to the sources this knowledge comes from;
At the same time, emphasis must be placed on decent work, which includes combating undeclared work, and on providing access to the labour market to people who are currently excluded from it.
These lessons actually help to emancipate individuals and make access to culture more democratic.
These teams will provide various types of specialist expertise in areas such as the investigation of crimes and the control of sexual violence.
It is the Commission which is responsible for EU fishery policy.
That is not our share of the budget.
I agree that aviation has to be included in any emissions trading schemes, but a balance has to be found between environmental considerations and those of the aviation industry.
We cannot necessarily tie such issues together.
We certainly need mutual support to communicate and more broadly disseminate the EU's position, which is a decisive element in maintaining our leading role.
It is in this same spirit that Article 2 of the European Convention of Human Rights declares the taking of life a flagrant violation.
A number of airlines have recently gone bankrupt in rapid succession.
That is a long time, but even so, not all countries will manage to transpose the directive within the three years.
We have all been patients at some point, and we never know when it will happen again.
I do not want to give the impression, by voting in favour, that I, for example, will be contributing to the transfer of national powers on this issue to the EU.
In order for us to reach the Lisbon targets, we must do all we can, even in these tough times, to meet these goals.
That is, the long-term plans aim to define objectives or themes to achieve a stable situation to be reached after a relatively long period, whereas short-term measures are based on proposals drawn up annually in order to rectify, in a short period of time, the fishing mortality rate until the level proposed as a long-term objective is reached.
The British people know this, and this is one of the reasons why they are being denied a referendum on the EU Constitution.
One of the characteristics of Europe, in spite of its relatively small size, is her geographical diversity.
It was a question of the permanent possibility of investigating whether the Commission had exceeded its powers.
It also needs more resources.
At the same time, the Commission hopes very much that it can count on the support of the Hungarian Presidency.
First of all, these events have given us much food for thought as regards our strategic plans.
One question must take precedence over all the others: what do the people of Kosovo want?
I agree with the idea that we need a stronger foreign policy for the institutions in terms of content.
The management of copyright and associated rights in relation to online music services remains a complicated and problematic issue, in spite of the binding directive on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright in the information society. The difficulties are mainly due to the lack of European licences.
We need to take a broader perspective.
Europe is at a crossroads.
We should be able to equip ourselves with the same instruments as others have.
We spend so much on unnecessary facilities and on administration that we should be able to afford at least to communicate with society.
That applies to approximately eight to nine per cent of young people as a whole.
We are therefore appealing to every minister of education in the Member States to introduce a requirement for at least three hours of physical education in schools per week.
Can I ask those colleagues who are not yet sitting down to please come and take their seats.
In spite of being a relatively young state, Estonia has been part of European cultural heritage and shared values since the 13th century.
Military violence must immediately give way and priority to a political solution.
The next phase of this policy must involve the accession of Croatia to the European Union in the near future.
In conclusion, we need new incentives for the Member States of the European Union to develop exclusive economic zones.
Something has to be done, however, because 70 million tonnes of hazardous waste per year - and rising - is no trifling matter.
The debate also showed clearly how easy it is to turn such extreme issues into political instruments.
I would say to the Council that banning clones alone is the politics of symbolism.
The aims and stated aims are sound, but certain ambiguities remain.
I want to see the new Commission in place, a Commission in accordance with the Lisbon Treaty, and I want to see it in office as quickly as possible.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (EL) Madam President, at first sight it is strange that we should be debating the reform of the WTO in the wake of the extended deadlock of the Doha Round negotiations.
It is great.
Mr President, cohesion policy accounts for one of the largest individual budgets in the European Union.
The report highlights priority areas that must feature in the strategy, such as the fight to have the Roma people's fundamental rights respected.
While we regard the stated objectives of this initiative as positive, we would repeat that it should not be reduced to a mere balancing item or condition allowing the EU to impose an agreement within the World Trade Organization or Economic Partnership Agreements with the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States.
There is no question about that.
As a major consumer of timber and timber products, the European Union has an obligation to take effective action against deforestation and illegal logging, which must clearly include ceasing to provide a market for illegal timber products.
I believe that the major problem with company taxes in Europe is not fragmentation, but unhealthy ongoing downward competition between Member States.
7.
The violence in Tibet today is not only about human rights but also about power-sharing.
in writing. - We acknowledge the very real need for a bluetongue vaccine, particularly for beef and sheep farmers in the South and East of England who, by wholesale vaccination on their own farms, have created a firewall against bluetongue that their fellow farmers in the North and West have benefited from.
I call on the European Commission and members of the Eurogroup to take the necessary measures, along with the governments of the Member States, to lift the restrictions imposed on Romanian and Bulgarian workers.
I have discovered by word of mouth that plans may be under way to disqualify regions like Wales, and I do hope that in the future, we will qualify for transitional funding.
Well, you could certainly say that!
in writing. - (FR) We voted in favour of the resolution on improving the environment for SMEs within the framework of the Small Business Act, because we are aware, as we have been saying for years, of the key economic role played by SMEs as the main generators of wealth and jobs.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is the duty of anybody that, like the European Union, is responsible for handling these kinds of sums, to impose stringent supervision of the projects that are supported and to vigorously combat waste.

For that reason, I am also calling for a ban on exports of nuclear waste to third countries.
The speeches we have heard today have shown several things.
How can we justify our slowness to tackle the counterfeiting of medicines when it represents a real health threat and is a serious crime?
The report therefore favours the idea of exchanging good practices, constantly seeking to better coordinate actions at both EU level and among the Member States.
An uncertain entrepreneurial environment and an unfavourable legislative framework can dampen citizens' creative spirit.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is past six o'clock.
Member States are also considering national actions to support their manufacturers.
I also think that it is important to say that what we achieved in Cancún was not just about saving the process.
United in action, Europe can demonstrate that it is capable of: providing the necessary coordination so that each can deploy all its forces in the battle; offering, on a customised scale, the required budgetary stimulus to guarantee a real impact, while ensuring the medium- and long-term viability of public expenditure levels; ensuring intelligent use of short-term tools for boosting long-term competitiveness by killing two birds with one stone: the stimulus must limit the impact of the crisis on households, workers and businesses in the short-term, while simultaneously easing the transition towards a less energy-intensive economy, while supporting reforms for European competitiveness, in the medium- and long-term; ensuring all our actions are imbued with the key imperatives of solidarity and social justice, which must primarily be focussed on the most vulnerable in this time of crisis.
Amendment of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement (vote)
(BG) Mr. Chairman, Mr. Commissioner, The most important feature of this report is its link to realities in life.
At the same time we have to take the future into account.
I read President Barroso's political guidelines with great interest.
We can surely draw our own conclusions as to the level of confidence we are inspiring, and not just in Russia.
Secondly, there will be an increase in intensive livestock farming, with all its adverse effects on the environment, and the third effect concerns methane production, as most of the meat will be beef.
Is it going to be Tony Blair with his Empress Cherie?
For this reason, Germany, for example, has undertaken to limit the amount of land sealed under concrete and asphalt each day to 30 hectares from 2020.
And what do we see today?
May I warmly commend the huge volume of work that the European Parliament has been putting into the climate and energy package.
Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement will continue to remind both the European Union and Israel that respect for human rights and democratic principles are the basis of our bilateral relations.
We have many reports from media sources that can at least be trusted to try to report in a fairly balanced way.
The third pillar is global-level industrial competitiveness.
It is important that realisation of the cohesion policy be based on regions and macroregions.
Thank you.
Prior to accession, these countries were recipients of aid, but now they have become donors of development cooperation aid.
The way I see it, Germany has hauled in the loot; but this is very tough on the Antwerp Opel workers.
EU research and innovation funding (
Indeed, I believe it is vital to stress the importance of social protection for the assisting spouses or recognised life partners of self-employed workers.
Above all, we must highlight the importance of preventing the disease. I therefore voted in favour of the Matias report on a European initiative on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
The People's Movement has tabled a number of amendments, for example, that regulation of the right to take industrial action should remain a national matter.
I voted in favour of this report because we must overcome female poverty that has deepened as a result of the recession.
(RO) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, this will be a difficult year for Europe.
At the last European Council, the President of the Commission said that we were equal to the situation.
in writing. - (CS) The Lisbon Treaty has become a dead document, just as when the French and the Dutch rejected the EU draft Constitution.
As it turned out after the first reading in October 2010, negotiations on the 'delegated acts' are completely blocked.
Firstly, your report challenges the use of the expression 'public provocation' and you clearly indicated that you felt the term 'public incitement' was more precise.
The second point concerns the Helsinki Process.
That would impede our efforts towards economic growth and cohesion.
Regional and local authorities will be responsible for implementing policies on energy efficiency, and so the European Commission and Member States must coordinate their activities with local authorities.
We have here a very serious incident in a reactor which has already experienced problems in the past.
All asylum seekers and all minors have already been transferred to appropriate centres.
In addition to this, every European political party should have at least one representative who is a Member of the European Parliament.
The joint interim plan will be developed with both the authorities and civil society in Belarus, and I hope it will open the door to deeper dialogue with Belarus, including on delicate political issues.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Bildt and Mr Rehn for their help in bringing about at least a temporary solution to the border dispute between Slovenia and Croatia.
Yet, inexplicably, we give them a free ride as developing countries and in consequence accept lower standards and commitments from them.
In the matter of transplantation, society must be sure that everything is being done in accordance with the law, transparently and without any hidden interests, and that this noble medical procedure is not being used as a cover for considerations other than that of saving human life.
(EL) Mr President, experts in the EU Member States have come out almost unanimously against the Commission's proposal to lift the ban on the import of chlorinated poultry.
The Presidency has done what it could, in other words crisis management, as President Sarkozy has stressed here.
The Commission services have also started working on a Social Agenda for maritime transport as well as on the EU e-Maritime initiative, both of which the Commission intends to present in 2011.
reporter of the opinion of the Employment and Social Committee. ? (LT) I congratulate Mr Jorgo Chatzimarkakis for preparing this report.
The European Commission now knows the European Parliament's position as regards this dossier and will have to take it into due account when tabling new proposals.
It offers the regions flexibility in cooperation and has a positive influence on the population of the Member States, the economy and the business environment.
Why financial difficulties?
Madam President, neighbourhood is the key word here.
So we have even more consensus now than we had at the beginning of this debate.
Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety has supported the proposal to create a reserve for new aircraft operators, and this is the right approach.
This subject merits open and transparent debate that goes beyond the experts and involves those responsible for the political decisions.
I think the climate package as amended by Parliament points in all the right directions in this regard.
I do not believe that this is an adequate way of dealing with the concerns and complaints of our citizens and I would like to take this opportunity to ask Commissioner Šefčovič, who I hold in very high regard, to state that he either intends to abandon this project or to reconsider how we can ensure that the complaints of our citizens are sent to the place where they will actually be dealt with and that citizens will receive justice and redress.
The leaders of West and East Germany enthusiastically came together in an atmosphere marked by solemnity and joy.
(RO) Mr President, as is also clearly indicated in the report, the efforts to reduce violence against women must be supported on two fronts: at Member State level and through measures and programmes managed directly by the European Commission.
The rapporteur, Mrs Liotard, agreed with the Commission's report on the need for transparent authorisation procedures for new food products, even though she has submitted numerous amendments, which shows her engagement with the work on the report, and which must definitely be commended.
I am certain that, in most countries, this directive will not be transposed by 1 January 2010, even though these countries have had more than four years to do this.
Petitions: see Minutes
This is also an opportunity for Israel, for it not to remain the only democracy in the Middle East besides Lebanon.
So here is the proof that we can reach agreements, and also the proof that this new Lisbon procedure can be a success.
Firstly, on visa fees, which many of you have mentioned.
Because if you don't know how to adjust the rudder, every wind is the wrong wind.
Moreover, while corporate social responsibility is currently well-established in Europe, European companies, their subsidiaries and their subcontractors play a vital role in promoting and disseminating social and labour standards around the world because of their weight in international trade.
A key issue in that debate is paragraph 41 of Mr Pomés Ruiz's report, in which the Commission is urged to support the issuing of National Declarations of Assurance.
This appalling regime came unexpectedly to an end when the dictator died in December last year.
In my opinion, this is not the best way of handling the situation, as violence only begets more violence.
(RO) The massacre at Srebrenica in July 1995, along with all the atrocities committed during the war which accompanied the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia, are a black page in Europe's history.
The report also proposes the inclusion of services that were exempt from the original directive in 2006: healthcare, transport and social services.
(Protests from certain members of the IND/DEM Group)
In addition, we believe public urban transport is already protected by its own regulations and it is incumbent upon the Member States to check whether or not problems are occurring there.
However, this is not the case.
The European Parliament is also to play a role in establishing national contact points in each Member State, which will provide information on all aspects of treatment abroad.
So speak to the Council; speak with those who are blocking it.
in writing. - (FR) I abstained on the resolution on EU-China relations because I am not keen to associate myself with these paternalistic reprimands or with the moralising discourse that resolutions of this kind convey.
In addition, every EU citizen should be free to receive services, which is a passive form of freedom.
I believe that the first step towards a coherent inclusion strategy must be to guarantee the young generation of Roma non-discriminatory access to education.
Important steps are being taken in this direction, particularly through the creation of a European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB), which will close the current gap in macro-prudential supervision of the EU financial system, but it is vital to move forward with proposals for strengthening the Stability and Growth Pact in order to ensure budgetary consolidation and also to address other macro-economic imbalances and strengthen enforcement procedures.
(EL) Mr President, Commissioner, taxation history is full of bogus bank accounts, which are even more harmful when such scandals come to light in European countries.
Fourthly, my country, as a result of the EU's misguided regulations to date, has been forced to halt essential investments in coal power stations, and now the same lobby is saying that we need to halt investments in nuclear technology.
We know there is record unemployment in many countries across the world.
I agree that the ideal solution would be an approach of total harmonisation, as initially proposed by the Commission and requested by several spheres of business.
Many people are complaining at the moment, both those who think that we should have adopted more ambitious rules and also those who think that these rules are far too ambitious.
CCS is an emerging technology and further research is essential for an evaluation of its potential in combating global warming.
However, we have to change the depth of reforms related to economic governance.
The content of the regulation consists of a mechanism of two levels of intervention in the event of a radiological emergency or nuclear accident, as proposed by the Commission:
Steps in this direction have been taken to increase Member States' support in the authorising process.
I would also like to express my thanks for the unconditional support I have received as rapporteur of the GSM Directive, particularly to the shadow rapporteurs who have worked with me and to Commissioner Reding for the flexibility she has shown throughout the process of giving Parliament back the role we had been demanding: to take part in the strategic planning of the use of the radio spectrum.
The Icelanders must be made to feel welcome in the EU, but, of course, they will never vote in favour of EU membership if the finance ministers in London and The Hague are allowed to determine Iceland's fate.
My last words on the subject of human rights: we must give priority to those who are most vulnerable, minors, women who are victims of trafficking, of exploitation and of violence, including victims of genital mutilation, but I know that Commissioner Malmström has this properly in hand.
Secondly, because it is expected that there must be a new model in that van market by 2012, and unless Magna give assurances that that new model will be brought on, it does bring concerns about the future of the plant.
Current events require the uptake of serious and real positions at Member State level, particularly those states in the euro area.
Therefore I support Mr Corbett's approach.
There is also a specific proposal to that end which I particularly support, namely the proposal for a system of dedicated freight railways.
Combating unemployment and creating sustainable jobs is the European Union's great challenge for the next 10 years, and we must all play our part in making it a success.
However, both patients and doctors throughout the EU need a simple rule for when they must request authorisation.
Commissioner, in my opinion, many of the initiatives of the Single Market Act will not bring the expected benefits if we do not improve the Single Market for services.
Third, we need to launch an information campaign explaining the beneficial influence of bees on the natural environment and of honey and other bee products on human health.
I would also like to congratulate the President-in-Office, not only on the excellent work that he has done for the French presidency, but also on his reward, at the presidency of the Autorité des marchés financiers.
Both in the Council of Ministers and in the negotiations with the European Parliament, it has been watered down considerably.

Therefore, when it comes to these reports, I agree with my colleague Carlos Coelho, in that they are meant to enhance the evaluation mechanism within the Schengen Area project; a project which is of great importance, and which is built upon mutual trust.
There should be no speculation in global hunger as the effect of this speculation will be that many innocent people will die of hunger, especially in the poorest nations.
Guantánamo is a creation of the Bush Administration but it would not have been possible without the help of European allies and without the silence of the European Union.
This could speed up the adoption of subsequent transposition measures at Member State level.
So, why does this fund not work to do that?
On the vote in hand and the EU-CALIFORUM deal, I think we should recognise that even though there were many concerns over the deal, in terms of the EU being aggressive in trying to open up its markets, at the same time it does set a deadline for liberalisation and it makes many of the Caribbean countries recognise that they have to seek to diversify.
I think it is a good thing that, amidst the commotion that has preceded this debate and to some extent surrounds it now.
Not less, but better and more, which means efficiency, compatibility, relevance and so on, and then more again.
I trust, too, that these provisions will be effectively implemented by the Member States.
The European parliamentary delegations that you mentioned are already open for Commissioners or for Council members to go there, but it also depends on the time schedule.
I will make this proposal on 3 and 4 June to the Ministers for discussion and there will be a further assessment of this after the summer.
These measures in the acquis are undermined by the fact that countries such as Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus depend on the delayed implementation of SIS II in countries which are part of the Schengen Area.
It is precisely the economic crisis and the reduction in our raw material resources that should allow a true sustainable industrial revolution.
(The sitting was suspended at 2 p.m. and resumed at 3 p.m.)
Mr Jouyet, I realise that you cannot make us any specific promises here and now, but I assume that you were serious about what you said about both recognising and wanting a climate of cooperation.
The lifelong learning programme does not take account of the particular situation of people who do not possess a university education.
It is no good to anyone if we immobilise capital movements with more rules and trigger an economic downturn.
With regard to the central role of some third countries in this policy, I am convinced that it is absolutely essential for the EU to sign cooperation agreements to be signed between with these countries in order to combat illegal immigration.
It provides more clarity, because various provisions regulating the same issue are often spread over different legal texts.
Winegrowing is an important industry in many of the EU's Member States and gives jobs and vitality to rural districts.
I therefore voted for this text.
Let this not be the case in Europe.
The next item is the joint debate on:
Furthermore, the document we approved today also encourages the introduction of origin marking, which would facilitate consumer choice and contribute to reducing fraudulent or misleading claims of origin.
The early indications - I can tell honourable Members - are encouraging.
That will enable us to have a balance.
It is the first time a former Warsaw Pact country has assumed the responsibility of chairing the European Council.
The current financial crisis has had a negative impact on these companies.
This is how you should use the resources that you have dedicated to 'importing' or acclimatising to Europe the people who are attracted by the mirages that you maintain.
Documents received: see Minutes
I am standing up for hardworking taxpayers.
(PL) Mr President, Commissioner, reducing the social and economic disparities between European regions is a fundamental aim of the European Union.
As we can see today, this is not a simple or easy task.
In particular, this will mean regenerating the Mediterranean forest, the economic returns from which are too low: Structural Fund-supported initiatives must encourage the regular sampling of biomass and its use for energy purposes, and the development of sustainable forestry and responsible ecotourism.
Aside from legalese there is one reality - the reality that the United States has old and strong bilateral ties with the Member States and it is obvious that discussions will be held with them directly.
(The sitting was closed at 2.05 p.m.)
It is a debate that does not affect just the internal market or only Hungary.
They weigh down on the national deficits that the European Stability and Growth Pact seeks to reduce, and so Member States attempt to reduce these transfers.
What we hold in common and what is uniquely ours.
Through democratic elections, they succeeded in bringing about fundamental change.
However, please note that we also do not want an independent European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.
in writing. - (IT) I support the wording of this resolution because I believe that the monetary policy of the euro should remain an exclusive competence of the European institutions, since this would avoid the setting-up of double structures which would prove detrimental to European integration.
Secondly, I would like to explain why, in our proposal, we consider it to be necessary to have a plan to minimise the effects on the environment.
Another point that was highlighted by some of you, namely Mr Buzek and others, is the need to invest more in technology and innovation.
We have purchased these machines, and during the debate no one - neither the Secretariat, nor the President - informed us of this fact, while we were questioning whether or not this same equipment should be authorised in airports.
What initiative will the Commission take in order to make the Member States more active, however?
The European Union has been developing more slowly than its competitors.
Thank you very much indeed, President of the Commission.
I am also pleased that the report largely follows the Commission's views and supports our proposal.
A state cannot use violence against its own people and not be penalised by the European Union in the context of its bilateral relations.

Alas, we have only a few gas suppliers, and if we do not do something to achieve maximum reduction in dependence, we will be vitally dependent on them, both now and, highly probably, in the future.
However, I am not blaming anyone, because it was in fact the case that this could not be known accurately.
There was the issue of the legal base: Parliament and the Commission agreed, and the Council disagreed with us on that.
The transport potential, hitherto only utilised to a minimum, as well as other opportunities for development, require a speedy start-up of the entire project.
Although the feedback has improved considerably, such as the feedback on the SWIFT and TFTP negotiations with the US, there are still some points that have yet to be clarified.
(NL) Mr President, Baroness Ashton, the freedom of religion or belief protects both religious and non-theist beliefs, and even atheist beliefs.
In the creation of national and EU law there should be greater input from consumer organisations, which are encountering difficulties in pursuing their activities and obtaining funding in certain countries.
A two-week reduction in the fishing season means a significant drop in turnover for fishermen.
If we stop this regime and discontinue the aid, these regions will fall prey to desertification and environmental degradation.
The list now comprises 175 individuals - which should be compared to the 40 names put forward for an asset freeze and visa ban after the 2006 elections - and we stand ready to include further names, as warranted by developments.
Parliament wants to remain at the forefront in this area.
In a few days' time, we will see whether Europe's courageous stand on climate change has paid off.
We need to work on this.
I am reminded of the importance of the university and of small and medium-sized enterprises for that region, which is at present suffering from severe economic hardship and lack of recovery.
It really is important to understand how this scarce resource is actually being used today, because we do not feel it is being used optimally - far from it.
Iranian tyranny intervenes there freely.
I thank you for what you said today when you wished that this Employment Council on 7 May could be a true Employment Council.
Exchanging information is a key aspect of this cooperation, and this is why PNR is an absolutely essential element of joint security.
That is a fact that cannot be contradicted.
These controls could lead to recommendations to the Member States for immediate actions and deadlines for implementing them.
I know that there are plans for harmonisation in some countries, which will reduce the number of operators.
That means working human rights into the activities of all parts of the External Action Service, as well as the whole range of EU external action: trade, development, CSDP and so on, and at all levels.
We are going to harmonise the categories of crimes, which is the principle of criminal law, and as Mr Nassauer said, with legal precision, criminal categories cannot be general or arbitrary in character.
Moreover, although we must welcome the Goma Conference paving the way towards political negotiation, its agreements, especially agreements concerning demobilisation, remain ambiguous, and their application is unclear.
On the contrary: it will serve to reinforce this central role, and it is sad to see at times some reticence about this European consensus on the grounds that it would be in competition with the United Nations.
The FVO service, which makes periodic visits to various Member States, checks that the departments are operating, identifies any shortcomings and points them out to the Member States.
I hope we will see the same spirit of cooperation when we draw up the 2011 budget.
- Before the vote:
The other thing that must happen is that the EU must pursue clear routes, dedicated political routes, and must not allow us to be put under the yoke of the States; we must be free of the old ideological encumbrances and we must be on an equal footing in the political dialogue and push for there to be clear improvements in the human rights situation so that we will soon be able to talk of a free Cuba and the people of the island will be able to live in democracy.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Gyulafehérvár was the capital of the independent principality of Transylvania, and the region became a symbol of tolerance and religious freedom.
One thing that is essential as far as our group is concerned is that this also be applied to vans, that it be phased in.
This sort of contact is important.
I therefore welcome the amendment tabled by the PSE Group on that point.
More and more Europeans are seeking healthcare in a Member State other than their own, but they often do so without having the first idea of what their rights are in this area.
Irrespective of the form that a new system for the EU's revenue might take, it must be budget neutral and respect the Member States' competence in the sphere of taxation.
Madam President, firstly, I must say that I find myself in agreement with the Commissioner and compliment him on his balanced presentation.
We should all be proud that we form part of such a wise continent that also exports the values that it believes in.
International fisheries agreements are also an instrument; they are a means for bringing democracy and development to the countries concerned.
As far as Sweden is concerned, the best solution would instead be for it to be clearly laid down in the EU Treaty that matters relating to the labour market should be decided at national level.
In the meantime we have witnessed revolutionary technological changes in the development of mobile telephony and the Internet.
That means modernising our social policies - in line with the renewed social agenda the Commission adopted in July.
If you consider that for each dollar of actual investment, the US banks were lending USD 32, as against the European banks' paltry USD 12, you will understand the unaccountability that was rife in the US banking market.
In some of these countries - and my own country, the Czech Republic, is one of the biggest culprits - these banking fees can be ridiculously high.
This helps avoid the frustration involved for citizens who are told that the body that they have turned to is not able to help them.
Clearly, this Europe is yet another enemy of the people.
Therefore, the real challenge now involves a clear, robust political commitment which must come out of the Barcelona Summit, finally enabling the structures of the new institution to function and commit to providing the funds necessary for the major projects that are its main objective.
12.
It is likewise incomprehensible why the cement industry should have to reduce twice as much as the waste industry or transport.
In Italy, there are private and public newspapers reflecting all political tendencies.
I would also like to emphasise the positive interaction between public and private actions, both in incentivising compensation for victims and in establishing the five-year period for the bringing of actions.
We are expecting immediate, brave deeds and a radical change to the attitude held up until now from the past-present President, and for the Commission's to be the flagship of a pan-European Roma Strategy to be developed as soon as possible, based on regulatory norms, a stable budget and clear political commitment.
Other countries, including the EU's major trading partners, have followed the EU's example and brought in similar legislation.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (NL) Madam President, as the rapporteur responsible for monitoring relations between the European Union and China, it pleases me enormously to see that paragraphs 80 and 87 of the present report dedicate substantial attention to the seriousness of the human rights situation in China.
If it is not to lose its element of Europeanness, the European Union may naturally enlarge itself and spread its influence only towards the East.
Furthermore, the authorities have encouraged public debate on certain areas of key importance to the reform process such as: the role of the judiciary, the rights of ethnic minorities and the role of the army in this country's political life.
It goes without saying that Members of this Parliament, irrespective of whether they come from the social democratic, populist, liberal or green camp, also have the same hope.
The Council has sent out encouraging signals this week, but has not given any guarantees.
Extremist groups identify immigration as the supreme evil in the European countries, because it is a subject that they can use in order to explain the unwanted changes in their societies.
A sustainable common market can be achieved faster by using investments in the area of cohesion policy and with structural investments.
The present legal inadequacy with regard to what governments at both national and local level may do in the delivery of services identified as essential to the well-being of society cannot be allowed to continue much longer.
As these two passages were included in the resolution and the request to delete them was, unfortunately, not supported by the majority, I voted against the resolution as a whole.
It is therefore legitimate that members of society organise and lobby for their interests.
That is unworthy of this Parliament.
The financial support from the Structural Funds can make a considerable contribution to the efforts made by national authorities to resolve this problem.
Heidi Hautala will be taking part as an individual, but I hope very much that the European governments, the Council, the Belgian Presidency and the Commission will be represented at the highest level.
Does the Council consider that the interventions of individual Member States to protect their banks and economies against the worst impacts of the international financial crisis are a retrograde step?
I welcome the report and the debate.
During your leadership, you will hopefully bring about concrete decisions, but indeed also the miracle you referred to.
I believe that we must remember the most important point made in the Goldstone report: nothing can justify the suffering of defenceless people, and dialogue is a preferable way of putting an end to this situation rather than confrontation and the use of force.
I should like to put the citizens on their guard here.
I have in mind not only writings and objects in daily use that could be in museums, but also residential towers. These are special structures, the like of which is not found anywhere else in Europe.
When we say that the Beneš Decrees were not an obstacle to the accession of the Czech Republic, this means that it is unacceptable now to use the same decrees in order to refuse to sign the Treaty of Lisbon.
The technical talks on an EU-IMF programme are now well under way and the negotiations can be concluded by the end of November.
In the vote today I voted in favour of the introduction of the right to choose an appropriate court for divorce proceedings.
Resources to combat poverty and social exclusion vary depending on the country, but, in order to create an EU that is territorially and socially cohesive, we have to implement additional measures aimed at unleashing the potential that is latent in economically backward areas.
It also means that citizens' rights and their mobility can be taken into consideration.
The next item is the report by Mrs McGuinness, on behalf of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, on the common agricultural policy and global food security.
Therefore, we must be very cautious, particularly with regard to the current situation in North Africa.
Aside from using trade and energy supplies as diplomatic weapons, Putin has consistently sought to undermine Georgia's territorial integrity through tacit support for the breakaway, self-styled republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
For this reason, I voted in favour of the adoption of the report.
As the EU, we should support the Arab countries in the peaceful pursuit of reforms.
For this reason I would support the UN's proposal for a moratorium on biofuels.
The proposal, which aims to provide incentives for women to gain access to the job market and to help in the fight against undeclared employment, brings three main changes to current Community law: the definition of 'assisting spouse' is changed to include couples who are not married, where they are recognised by national law; self-employed women and assisting spouses are granted the right to benefit on demand from paid maternity leave lasting at least 14 weeks.
Merely having the right of consultation, our proposals and our ideas were not taken up.
The citizens of Moldova are hoping for specific reforms that would improve their lives.
In exceptional cases only, in the event of extreme catastrophe, there will of course also be recourse to support and solidarity from the European Union, which will be asked to step in.
The Commission does, however, have a new mandate to negotiate.
Because, if you do, they will destroy our nation's future.
Genuine freedom of religion is often the touchstone of a country's abiding commitment to human rights.
However, if this is not to be a protracted competitive disadvantage for the Union, it must meet with an equivalent response from other leading international players.
Overall, however, we in the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance feel the strategy lacks any specific objectives in a number of important areas that are intended to make the project of a social Europe into a top priority over the next 10 years.
Transfers of appropriations: see Minutes
I would now like to mention some other activities undertaken with a view to ensuring the best possible service to citizens.
(PT) Madam President, Israel's attack on Gaza is a war crime and a crime against humanity.
I would like to mark your card.
(EL) Madam President, Commissioner, I understand that we shall be waiting till the end of the year to see the results of these studies so that we can draw some better conclusions.
No, let us reduce it as much as possible and follow the example of the Member States that could serve as examples for the other countries.
All this is, in my opinion, unacceptable, and not for environmental reasons, but in order to safeguard public health and prevent any misuse of public resources in the development of business and the life of EU citizens.
Some people were killed, and others were injured.

in writing. - (RO) Through my positive vote today for the internal market scoreboard, I am expressing my support for the timely enforcement and accurate transposition of internal market directives into national law, because these directives constitute the prerequisite for the effective working of the internal market, and for promoting competitiveness as well as social and economic cohesion within the EU.
Generally speaking, the Council agrees with the need for better cooperation and coordination in this area at all levels, i.e. local, regional, national and EU, as well as the need to share relevant information.
I believe, naturally, that it is necessary to continue to insist, while at the same time, as Mr Pflüger said, ensuring that the forces which go, go with a broad United Nations mandate, and not only to back the interests of one country in particular.
To give you just one example, we are literally powerless, as European institutions, to deploy programmes, aid or measures in any post-conflict situations.
Religious freedom is enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which also imposes an obligation on each State to ensure that these rights are respected.
in writing. - (PL) Today I supported the resolution concerning the 2006 International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA). I did so because I believe that supporting measures aimed at resolving regional or global environmental problems in the international arena is actually one of the European Union's most useful areas of activity.
A new agreement which improves the existing text both qualitatively and quantitatively is a precondition and, at the same time, a reflection of the quality of our relations with the Russian Federation.
They are necessary in such a discussion.
So please, let us stop treating the European budget as a strain on domestic finances.
Make it clear that you will have a lock and you will prevent that type of opportunism which will in the end break Schengen.
Aspects of that conversation are extremely serious because they demonstrate a total lack of respect for the United Nations, disdain for trans-Atlantic relations and disregard for international law.
We believe that actions should be taken to assist all vulnerable pupils.
There is no other solution.
'calls on the Commission to align closely the National Indicative Programme 2011-13 with the Association Agenda'.
I must say that perhaps we can do things better, but to be honest, with regard to other major international meetings in the past, I have the feeling that today, in any case, Parliament is fully involved in this process.
The debate is closed.
The goal of our policy is to ensure that the European car of the future is the most innovative, in other words, the cleanest, most energy-efficient and safest, in the world.
On gigaliners - perhaps it would be better to say either 60-tonners or 25m-long HGVs, for there are different categories - at this moment in time my Group is quite definitely against authorising their general use in transport.
Finally, it is necessary to improve the synergy between civil and defence space programmes.
Countless cases of fraud occur in the field of value added tax, so it is essential to have a legal framework with strong measures so as to bring about a substantial reduction in the number of such cases.
The Minister mentioned possible sanctions to be taken against Guinea.
But it is clear that no single country or organisation can tackle the conflicts in the Middle East alone.
They do not necessarily need to be identical - just comparable.
The Irish authorities estimate total losses caused directly by the disaster to be EUR 520.9 million.
Unfortunately, however, amendments by the conservative forces which contradict the original text have altered it.
He talked about the Socialist Group here - in Germany he keeps quiet about this - but we do know he has done so.
Finally, the third area that I consider important is the safety of operation of hydrogen vehicles.
You already did it in 1998, when you were prime minister then as well.
Transplantology is one of the most rapidly growing branches of medicine.
It is important to learn from the experiences of others: claims for damages must be related to the actual harm suffered.
We believe that they are essential for transforming what is too often a relationship of exploitation into a legal relationship.
To summarise: we need a stronger and more representative IMF in our new global world and we need a stronger EU with a clearer voice.
on behalf of the EFD Group. - Madam President, I believe there is no need for these agency supervisor posts because I believe there is no need for the agencies themselves.
If Heads of State or Government are now willing to become involved in the coordination of economic policies, and even in certain domains that were hitherto considered to be of national competence alone, I think that this should be welcomed insofar as it contributes added value to growth and employment, and insofar as it respects systems of Community governance.
The programme of the French presidency of the EU is ambitious, but it should also be aware of the expectations of the population.
I think it has been said here - the Vice-President of the Commission has mentioned it and the rest of us have as well - that Frontex has to be based on the greatest possible legal certainty because, without such certainty, it often cannot act and it then finds itself in impossible situations.
In light of this situation, it would be naive to think that free and transparent elections will take place in Russia on 2 December.
We need to establish similar cooperation with other countries like India, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and others.
In view of all the above, the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats tried to amend the report in various aspects, in particular as regards the content of the demand for a non-discrimination directive; they were not successful since the voting went against them.
(FR) Mr President, Mrs Malmström, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the European Union returned to growth in the third quarter of 2009, which could lead us to believe that the worst is behind us.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting: see Minutes
I would like to thank the rapporteur, Mrs Hennis-Plasschaert, for the very constructive cooperation we have had.
Clearly, this problem can be resolved only if the Portuguese Presidency manages to obtain agreement in October, something that would be a major success and would bring about that leap forward that you have mentioned and that I fully support.
We must bear in mind the fact that people staying illegally have left their country of origin to provide a better future for their families.
rapporteur for the opinion of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs. - Mr President, first of all I would like to say that this is a very comprehensive report and highlights many of the issues that must be dealt with in order to ensure equality between women and men.
In my capacity as rapporteur, I endeavoured to place the issue in a broader context and present both the positive and the negative features of the Protocol, without succumbing to the temptation to concentrate exclusively on its weak or strong points.
It takes 12 seconds to screw it in.
Ukraine is a strategic partner, so it is important to integrate it further into such important sectors as energy and bilateral trade.
The average wage difference between women and men is 8.5-15%, and even bigger in the private sector, in the latter's favour.
But we must all contribute more in support of efficient agriculture practices and overarching water management.
Instead of having the agreement terminated, however, the concession holder receives additional loans amounting to millions of euro.
It is therefore very important to work with the business sector and social partners to implement the employment policy guidelines correctly and effectively.
I would therefore stress this point: we are not the ones who have to be convinced of the need for a social dimension.
It must ensure fleet capacities brought into line with stock levels.
You are going to China to attend the opening of the Olympic Games with the Chinese President.
(FI) Mr President, since the transfer of power in March 2009, the political situation has continued to be unstable, and there have constantly been new disturbances in Madagascar.
However, it is important to call for adequate, sustainable and safe pensions at a time when Europe will be facing a demographic disaster in a few decades, the early signs of which have already started to show.
I am very much against the establishment of new agencies.
We need to ensure the highest level of training for staff working in the sector.
This is one of the greatest achievements of the European integration process.
The effort - I know this from my work as a lawyer - required in order to provide the necessary records and then analyse them with the help of several colleagues is immense in larger businesses, too.
He has urgent business elsewhere, but he asked me to say - which was very nice of him - that the two of us agree that I will speak on behalf of our group.
A decree was passed in Romania in 1967 banning abortions, which meant that women lost the right to choose between continuing with a pregnancy and terminating it.
Before the vote:
Last year, the virtue contest between governments was about who could spend the most.
To this end, having also criticised in this House certain initial delays whereby Europe, in the context of its foreign policy representation, displayed neither exceptional efficiency nor exceptional spontaneity, today, we welcome instead the excellent work that our institutions are doing in the area of coordination, and hope that, on the basis of this position and of this commitment, the efforts will continue with a long-term plan that can be brought to fruition through the authoritative presence of our institutions.
What is crucial for us once again is the fact that the asset stripping of companies by private equity funds is not prevented effectively.
I voted in favour of this resolution, which reaffirms the need to revise the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) based on upholding the EU's fundamental values and principles and on greater involvement by civil society and local communities, and which highlights the importance of the ENP's Eastern Dimension as an instrument for strengthening EU relations with its neighbours to the east, with a view to supporting political, social and economic reforms in those countries and deepening its commitment to shared values and principles such as democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and good governance, within the context of European integration.
A plan has been drawn up with priority measures to be carried out in essential areas of reform, along with another plan for justice reform.
The Union is at least as much a potential target of a terrorist attack as the United States and the use and analysis of PNR is an important law enforcement tool to protect our citizens, who deserve the same protection as the citizens of the United States.
I voted against the alternative motion for a resolution to the Graça Moura report on 'Multilingualism: an asset for Europe and a shared commitment' because, by removing the possibility for parents to choose the official language in which their children will be educated, in countries or regions with more than one official language or with regional languages, it contradicts certain principles that are upheld by the European Parliament.
This is what happens when speakers take up a greater amount of time than was anticipated.
There are also many other projects that we are studying at the moment, in trying to find the right answers, and for which, of course, we also need Israel's support.
At the same time, we must realise that the lorry strike which broke out on the Oresund Bridge in November 2007 did not happen by chance.
We have had the result of our study on our carbon footprint for two days now.
That desire has been stimulated by the fact that public opinion in a number of Member States does not support further enlargement.
It is simply what the transitional period entails.
It is important to stress the requirement that manufacturing companies verify the possibility of risks to safety and health even at the product design stage and for the creation of a public database about product safety.
So which statement do you believe?
In Europe our own children are being suffocated and poisoned and are developing allergies because of Barbie dolls and toys.
Cathy Ashton will only fully take up office after receiving the consent of Parliament at the end of January 2010.
Our fellow citizens already had high expectations in this matter at this time of economic crisis and the daily catalogue of bad news.
Nearly 75% of container ship building is now carried out by Asian countries - South Korea, Japan and China.
Herbs and spices have been used since time immemorial without known adverse effects.
This progress includes the recent adoption by the Council of the framework decision on racism and xenophobia and the adoption of the framework decision on the protection of data in the third pillar, even if this is regarded merely as a first step.
This is a flagrant redrawing of the borders, enforced and masterminded by the United States with the cooperation of the EU itself.
As is public knowledge, both are co-sponsors of the Alliance of Civilisations under the auspices of the United Nations.
That is why sometimes we object very strongly to decisions, which would ease the movement of capital in the countries of the European Union, it is not that we are against integration.
I see many advantages to being able, from a political position, to steer research into solving a disease problem instead of treating the symptoms for 30 years with medication that is very lucrative for the undertakings concerned.
The Council will also shortly start work on proposals for a framework directive on the rights of migrants legally residing in a Member State in order to work and creating a single residence permit, and for a directive on the conditions of entry and residence of highly qualified workers, which we hope the Commission will present in the next few weeks.
6.
I think it is an issue which Europe can handle overall, at the same time as the American side is handling it.
In April 2010 at the Hanover Fair, there was a major campaign to promote the CE mark, but we are not exploiting it enough.
So the European Commission's proposal is a huge step forward to help these patients and my group is very keen to support it.
This is not the case here. We are legitimately fighting terrorism in new, ever more innovative ways, as the only way of ensuring the protection of European citizens' fundamental freedoms.
The Commissioner spoke about various measures which are intended to bring down unemployment, but did not say a single word about the fact that an important and more effective method could be for Member States to agree on the mutual recognition of qualifications gained in other Member States.
Eight of the fifteen applications under the Globalisation Adjustment Fund have been to support textile workers.
I also pay tribute to the courage and fortitude of those who are now struggling to tackle the consequences of the terrible earthquake and tsunami, as well as those endeavouring to deal with the consequences of the nuclear incident.
Here we have an awful lot to deliver and I think we should focus on that delivery.
In closing, I would add that in the context of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, the Belgian Presidency also organised, on 28 September, the conference entitled 'Breaking the cycle of disadvantage - Social inclusion in and through education'.
It calls for regulatory tools, because the cycles of the seasons and nature also have an effect on market conditions.
I congratulate Mrs Plumb for the initiative.
The Structural Funds is an area of particular concern both for the Parliament and the Commission.
I did not realise our British colleagues were citizens.
The first innovative proposal in the revised treaty is that the distinction between compulsory and non-compulsory expenditure is proposed to be eliminated, providing one procedure for the adoption of the annual budget by the budgetary authorities.
In this regard, I have tabled an amendment to Parliament's resolution on this matter, requesting an international set of sanctions to be included in the final text.
I should emphasise again that this is a purely precautionary measure, which allows initiating the necessary scientific assessments of current permitted levels throughout the world, so that the European Union can demonstrate it is once again applying the highest standards.
I want to go further than that by trying to find common ground with the various Chinese operators in Africa, including the government, in order to foster development in Africa.
I agreed with this report and the European Parliament's proposals that strive to ensure more democratic and transparent EU control regimes for dual-use goods and a greater role for the Commission in assessing the implementation of this regulation in the Member States.
The high level group chaired by Jacques de Larosière is analysing this, among other factors.
Let me begin, then, by assuring all the honourable Members that the Council is committed to working closely and honestly with Parliament.
Lastly, in relation to the deadline for making the regulation applicable, I think that nine months is a sufficiently long time.
One of the reasons for the rapid spread of HIV infection in many EU countries is the fact that many intravenous drug users are infected and spread the disease by sharing needles.
in writing. - It goes without saying that tourism possesses a high potential which creates an opportunity to increase employment and economic growth.
(DE) Mr President, thank you Mr Lambsdorff, I am of the opinion that Greece urgently needs political unity.
Working conditions aboard many of these vessels are nothing short of slave labour.
That is confirmed by the draft resolution.
The Commission has done what it undertook to do, but we - the Members of the European Parliament - and the Member States have, I think, lacked the political will to take a clear-cut position on the issue.
There is no agreement that would regulate depleted uranium weapons on a multilateral level.
Comprehensive and comparable data are vital for both legal enforcement efforts and awareness campaigns.
Audit policy - lessons from the crisis (
The specific question that was asked was: if the assessment proves unfavourable, will you shelve the plans for implementing CCCTB?
We are experienced in supporting democracy building in our external relations.
You can read about this in paragraphs 25 and 26.
It clearly emerged from the Washington summit that there is an urgent need for a global trade agreement.
I voted against this resolution, which would have prevented the adoption of a number of measures that constitute a step in the right direction, even though I admit the situation is far from being perfect.
The issue of reporting requirements by the fleet is also being dealt with, since we have proposed a legal basis that will allow the Commission to refuse licence requests on the grounds of poor reporting from Member States.
5.
I shall stop here.
I intend to monitor the actions of the Joint Committee, which was appointed in order to ensure that the agreement's provisions would be implemented appropriately or even extended.
Subsidies which have a directly negative impact on the environment should not be paid out, and aid to agriculture should be earmarked for environmental measures and organic farming.
Without these efforts and contributions we would not have been able to arrive at this moment.
Even in African countries, economic growth sometimes hits double figures, as is evident in major cities, such as Addis Ababa. However, inequality is growing just as rapidly.
Parliament decided to react quickly, and that is crucial.
We have to make sure that this dire economic crisis does not turn into an even more dreadful political crisis.
It is a real disgrace, which has very often forced many SMEs to close.
It is therefore important for these economic relations to be matched by corresponding political relations with the European Union, with a clear perspective on the future.
Report on competition policy 2009 (
This is for reasons of environmental quality and the health and wellbeing of people, and for reasons connected to the progressive and inexorable worldwide shortage of fossil fuel reserves, which must be managed extremely wisely and prudently.
You talk about the appeal procedure.
Those of you who managed to hear the radio programmes last week about the activity of the Committee on Petitions will have understood how important it is that you should give those submitting petitions a personal hearing in the presence of all the necessary experts.
I think that we must strive for political agreements and political guarantees between the European Union, Russia and Ukraine, until our goals are reached in the medium or long-term.
The hotheads here must cool down, particularly the Greens.
Commissioner, these serious problems in the supply chain include, for example, abuse of dominant purchasing power, unfair contractual practices - including late payments - unilateral changes to contracts, advance payments for access to negotiations and uneven distribution of profit margins along the food supply chain.
As a result, the fund is not well equipped for certain types of disasters, typically involving lower eligible expenditure, such as forest fires, and more than two thirds of all applications for the fund assistance presented so far were based on an exception for so-called 'extraordinary regional disasters'.
In effect, under Regulation (EC) No 546/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 amending Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 on establishing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, the scope of the EGF was temporarily expanded to cover its intervention in situations like this in which there are 'at least 500 redundancies over a period of nine months, particularly in small or medium-sized enterprises, in a NACE 2 division in one region or two contiguous regions at NUTS II level' as a direct result of the global financial and economic crisis.
In this respect, the address by the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mrs Migiro, at the European Parliament was exemplary.
Young people spend a lot of time in front of television screens or computer monitors.
The worst-case scenario in the report rests on the assumption that Brazil will rapidly commercialise a GM soya bean variety not approved in the EU.
The total amount that the Commission has already committed to VIS so far is in the region of EUR 74.5 million.
Are we putting forward schemes which are simple, with clear objectives, realistic to execute and whose accountability lines are clear?
Madam President, I had the honour of visiting Afghanistan earlier this year with British forces.
I would like to congratulate the three rapporteurs on their excellent work.
Mr President, I voted for this report and I welcome it.
This is the tragic side of the events in the South which have come as such a surprise. It should compel every one of us to make all the more effort to achieve democratisation of both this country and the region as a whole, particularly since the old order is collapsing before our eyes in Egypt as well.
We would like to improve the status of groups for whom new technology brings opportunities, but which will leave them with no access to the information society unless their rights are monitored.
Thirdly, I would just like to reiterate the call for the Commission to bring forward a legislative amendment to the Directive on risks from biological agents at work in order to address the problem of needlestick injuries.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (LT) Madam President, I would like to congratulate the rapporteur and express my thanks for the good cooperation in coordinating the changes to the report on this new, brave issue.
I agree that energy strategy should tackle and facilitate the transition to environmentally sustainable energy development, and that the World Bank should adopt an approach to private sector development that provides the greatest benefit to the poor whilst simultaneously combating climate change.
The fourth thing we did was to say that any information that could come from pharmaceutical companies should not be received by patients or the general public without them asking for it first.
Answers must be found to the challenges of transport, housing, suburbanisation and green space.
This rapid progress is important if we are to maintain momentum as we enter the implementation phase of the strategy.
The Copenhagen criteria, as the guide or reference framework for this whole negotiation process, are extremely clear for both Turkey and any other candidate countries: only those countries which clearly respect our economic principles and, in particular and perhaps even more importantly, our political principles can be members of the European Union.
We can confirm that the situation in Kosovo is improving.
A global solution to the problem of ship dismantling is still urgently needed.
The natural disaster suffered by the people of Pakistan last August touched all of us and deserves the solidarity of the European Union.
But if we were serious about reducing CO2 emissions, surely we should be favouring nuclear power stations and not renewables.
I am satisfied for two reasons: the committee that I chair acted promptly, reaching a provisional agreement, and that agreement paved the way for the one reached today in plenary by a very large majority.
In addition, the Commission is delaying in implementing the commitments it assumed in this communication.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (PT) As the honourable Member knows, during its meeting from 6 to 8 June 2007 the Council analysed in depth the situation of the Galileo project and adopted a resolution.
A whole civilisation is being consumed.
Thank you for listening.
Recently, though, I have been able to assure people that the policy is undergoing significant change.
As the rapporteur stressed in his speech, the recent events that took place in the Mediterranean have once again accentuated the problems and the serious pressures that certain Member States are facing.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (PT) I would remind the House that the Council, in its conclusions of 23 and 24 July 2007, reiterated its full support for President Abbas and the Government led by Prime Minister Fayyad.
This situation upsets me deeply, for there is nothing more I want to see than my compatriots living in a prosperous Bulgaria which has taken its rightful place in a united Europe, without accusations of corruption in high places and without organised crime.
These must, of course, include environmental criteria, such as land use and its repercussions in third countries, but I also think social criteria are crucial.
The justification was the defence of a pluriform democracy against dictatorships, but in practice it was mainly about protecting a capitalist economy from a socialist economy.
1.
Studies and scientists that approach the subject of climate change with less gloomy scenarios or perhaps even positively, have simply been ignored.
We have a road map for this: the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
And all that is under our feet.
For its part, Russia must streamline its procedures at the borders.
By introducing new issues such as climate change, biofuels, water resources and risk management, the Commission has demonstrated its wish to move forward, even though some ambiguity still surrounds the way in which conditionality is to be handled, if it confines itself to laying down a generic requirement for simplification without clarifying how - and to what end - it is to be implemented.
As far as I am concerned this also includes terrorist threats, cyber attacks and plane crashes.
We were very efficient in completing this report, although this is not as important as the actual revision of the directive will be.
You attended as a private individual and we very much appreciated that.
The Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats and the Conservative Party all voted in favour of a European arrest warrant.
Concerning Community action plans on seabirds and sharks, I can inform you that the latter is under way and that, on the former, my services are gathering information and scientific advice with a view to completing the plan by the end of 2009.
We cannot create a repressive policy for smokers that involves the restriction of their civil liberties.
I do not think that it sends the right message to dilute renewables in the EU 2020 strategy.
Madam Ashton, are you prepared to defend European achievements, such as freedom of expression and the separation of church and state, in a clear and uncompromising manner, in the face of growing political Islam?
Then there is EUR 10 million for the People programme, which is intended to increase the mobility of doctoral candidates and PhD students, provide the opportunity for closer cooperation with industry and modernise the EU's universities, and money for communication.
I therefore assume that the Justice and Home Affairs Council will also express its support for this decision on 6-7 December this year.
It must be done by the Member State politicians.
This should, without doubt, also apply to Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
There are problems with that but it is a fact.
All three have been strongly supported by the Committee on Transport and Tourism.
Mr President, we in the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) very warmly welcome the fact that Commissioner Špidla has confirmed that the European authorities were involved in three areas of this long, drawn-out change of ownership process of a car company.
These people should not be made to pay the price for the destruction of bogs by others.
What is more, the EMU is in a certain amount of trouble in view of Greece's spiralling debt and Italy's carelessness after joining the Euroclub.
It took 20 years - 20 years - until we got back half of the jobs that were lost.
(ES) Mr President, I should like to start my speech by congratulating all those who have made it possible to reach an agreement.
These small firms are often the first step on the ladder to successful employers of the future, and they need to be nurtured, especially during times of recession.
The Proposal by the Commission for the revision of the common agricultural policy should result in legislative texts that the Council and the European Parliament will table in May 2008 at the latest.
The Union did not respond properly in Mumbai, as has been the case in other crisis situations.
I believe we have indeed struck a balance here in Parliament - and I hope you can carry it over into the Commission - which is to say 'yes' to more competition through innovation, 'yes' to more capital investment, but 'yes' also to a social clause, 'yes' to environmental standards that ensure that competition does not lead to regulatory dumping.
Parliament has supported this all along.
For these reasons, I will vote in favour of the motion for a resolution.
I am therefore particularly happy that we are cooperating in the new launch on the 27th.
Mr President, thank you for giving me the floor.
(ET) I asked to take the floor to call for a greater focus on human rights in Afghanistan, a country in which the Member States and the European Union as a whole have made a substantial contribution.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (FR) Madam President, allow me first to welcome Mrs Kosciusko-Morizet, whose convictions and determination in this area are well known, along with the Commissioner.
Supplementary protection certificate for medicinal products (Codified version) (
Do not be afraid!'), is over, hence the Doha Round, which is still ongoing 10 years after it was started, whereas the Uruguay Round, if I may be so bold as to say, only took 8 years.
The EU should involve itself in cross-border issues but keep out of matters that individual Member States can decide on themselves or that are already regulated in other international treaties.
In reality, if we are truly to get rid of these floating wrecks, the European Union must set about fighting ultra-liberalism.
Serbia, too, should go ahead as soon as possible and make renewed and intensified efforts regarding its European perspective.
Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, thank you, above all, for the commitment you have made in putting together this package of measures, which I believe sends out a political signal making it clear that this is not Malta's problem, this is not Italy's problem, this is not Spain's problem: this is a European problem.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I believe that this crisis has a human dimension which we will definitely have to discuss today.
I therefore agree that we should stop giving such positive status reports as 'We are concerned' and 'We have programmes' and so on, when we know that it does not work.
It is clear that every time that they say 'no' to Eurobonds in particular, the speculators thank them because they are grateful for the price; the price of this speculation is division in Europe.
We want to prepare ourselves and, as Commissioner Rehn has already stated publicly, we are in the process of preparing a communication on strengthened economic policy coordination and monitoring by country at the euro area level and possibly even at a general European Union level.
The annual allocation for the Croatia-Serbia cross-border programme amounts to EUR 1.8 million.
We have experienced these difficult situations before and we have always come out stronger on the other side.
And in case you thought I had forgotten to say it, it is high time we put the Lisbon Treaty to a referendum.
This is not about making things more difficult, quite the opposite!
On other points, too, we have used our vote to express a different view.
Our action plan focuses on developing a coherent global airport policy.
The European audiovisual industry has developed and improved considerably over recent years and its international profile has changed over the last 20 years, especially as a result of technological progress.
The item is hereby closed.
The pressure put on industry by climate policy will mean relocations to countries whose policies in this area demonstrate more common sense.
As a result of this overall situation, public broadcasters in a number of Member States of the European Union are actually struggling to keep their heads above water.
I regard the introduction of free movement within the territory of the EU and the waiver of internal border controls as among the most important achievements of the European Union.
I pause at this point to pay tribute to the work being done by Catherine Ashton.
Also included in this opinion is reference to the need to develop common guidelines, exchange best practices, improve the use of available technology and involve think tanks and NGOs in order to better implement measures to reduce illegal fishing and the sale of illegal catches in European markets.
The problem will not disappear even if we stop subsidising tobacco producers. The fund must therefore continue to exist.
Mr Wessberg will replace Lars Heikensten, who left to become executive director of the Nobel Foundation.
I voted against this report because in no way is this the solution to the economic crisis we are experiencing.
How can one expect such wording not to be seen as incitement to carry out such checks?
What have these solutions been?
To put it harshly, to us, to the European Union, stripped down to its bare essentials, what does this mean?
I would like to express my appreciation of the work done by our rapporteur and that of the Commission on the reform of the consumer policy.
According to the Eurostat forecasts, the population in the 15 to 64 age bracket will be reduced by one million persons per year after 2010.
By way of example I could mention the insufficient effort to implement commitments aimed at halting the process of loss of biological diversity on EU territory by 2010. There is also an unwillingness to enter into negotiations regarding the instrument allowing benefits to be accessed and shared, and an unwillingness to allocate additional targeted funding to implement conventions in developing countries.
Madam President-in-Office, I would like to ask you about the EU-USA-Russia triangle.
Instead, we are calling for compliance with the treaty. Nothing else, nothing more and nothing less.
Member of the Commission. - As I said at the beginning of my speech, one of the best tools for fighting child pornography and child sex abuse is the swift adoption of the Commission proposal of March 2010, the one against child sex abuse.
Latin America and the European Union are, in general, natural partners, and we must intensify our relations.
The export of metallic mercury should be banned.
These blocks of airspace, which are no longer divided up along national boundaries, but instead according to functional flows of air traffic, will allow airspace to be managed more efficiently and more safely and will help to prevent unnecessary holding stacks in the sky.
During any election year, it is always a temptation to do right by all our voters, assuming, that is, that we know what they want, or at least what they should want.
In actual fact, Port-au-Prince is a vast refugee camp at the moment.
For example, the representative of the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance said here that the corporate income tax rate in Ireland should be raised to the European level, but that might actually be a death blow to Ireland, its growth and employment.
Clearly, there is not all that much sense in us generating very large numbers of patents that are sold all over the world if the resultant added value then ends up in other parts of the world.
I am absolutely sure that we can count on the support of the European Parliament to help us deliver.
The EU must not put further obstacles in the way of economic growth and stability.
The agreement reached represents significant progress in the protection of public health and the environment in the European Union.
Madam President, the European Economic Recovery Package, also known as the 5 billion package, is connected with the development of rural areas in the EU.
Work of a nursing, caring, educating and teaching nature should be properly valued.
I therefore call on my fellow Members, in this case from the Socialist group, to exert their influence so that these important and noble aspirations are also put into practice in their countries where this has not yet happened.
He must reinstate the Constitution.
However, if we want the best for our SMEs, we should not impose any unnecessary burdens on them.
in writing. - (FI) In the resolution on the situation in China I voted for the amendment proposed by the Greens because the degree of incompatibility between the situation in China now, in the run-up to the Olympics, and the promises and public commitments they gave at the time to improve both human rights and the situation in Tibet is just as is stated in Amendment 15.
The complete absence of this spirit is one of our problems.
For this reason, I support the measures, even though we will have to go further.
In practice, this is nothing other than subsidising inefficient companies on the backs of European citizens.
Mr President, in this debate, I am also supposed to be given the floor on behalf of the Committee on Regional Development.
We also share the conviction that geography matters in Europe, and this is one of the main reasons we launched the green paper on territorial cohesion.
I am disappointed that even this time, we have not been able to reach a consensus among Romanian MEPs promoting Romania's interests.
I would also like to point out that the task force that was set up to investigate the accident in Baia Mare has established that the plant design was unsuitable for the storage and disposal of mine waste, that the authorisation of this design was not checked by the supervisory authorities and that there was insufficient monitoring of the damming and plant operation, so there were many mistakes on the part of the plant operator.
This is a result of the ban on going out of the home without the husband's permission and also of the ban on undergoing medical examination.
Ever since the end of the Yeltsin era, we have witnessed a policy that consists in weakening all the public institutions.
This is rather a task for Europol and Eurojust.
in writing. - (FI) It is vital to mainstream climate policy for the fight against climate change to be productive.
Another issue is the role of these supervisory committees as compared to the Commission.
This lamp is an LED lamp.
Although we take the issue of the brain drain seriously, we are competing on a worldwide market and therefore, a time limit on the Blue Card is necessary.
The crisis demonstrated that Europe did not respond in time and often did not respond well.
- (SV) Mr President, as Mr Bonde pointed out, Europe is one of the world's most underdeveloped regions when it comes to rules on lobbying.
We are here again today to adopt the mobilisation of a European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) assistance package totalling EUR 382 000 to support the Spanish automotive industry.
European legislation is too often complex, difficult to understand and difficult to apply.
It is important that citizens should be able to monitor proceedings that are of interest to them and access all documents from one location.
On the other hand, these practices could be contrary to the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive and the Unfair Contract Terms Directive.
It is not only a matter of money, but also of whether there are any qualified experts from the majority and Roma society who want to take this matter further.
The Arctic's untold mineral resources have made the area the subject of heated dispute.
This is a responsibility for all of us.
Member of the Commission. - Because of the VAT fraud situation in relation to certain agricultural products, the Commission is in contact with Romania in order to determine the most appropriate way forward in dealing with this problem.
However, MEPs were anxious to ensure that democratic accountability over use of the spectrum was maintained.
I must admit that I learnt something new from these two reports by Mrs Geringer de Oedenberg: I learnt that those countries that chose not to participate in judicial cooperation in civil matters had, nonetheless, also lost their sovereignty.
Instead, individual Member States are expected to use ridiculous interest rates in order to finance their debts.
I voted in favour of opening those negotiations.
Things did not have to be this way, and they should not be this way.
That concludes the explanations of vote.
What is the reason for this?
I welcome the adoption of the resolution on the review of the 'Small Business Act' with a resounding majority of the European Parliament.
With regard to the Ecolabel, I consider two principles to be crucially important.
rapporteur. - Madam President, we have a compromise; we possibly have before us tomorrow a first-reading agreement.
A partnership and cooperation agreement (PCA), containing enforceable human rights clauses, is a prerequisite for the Union to conclude a free trade agreement (FTA) with any country.
(FR) Mr President, Baroness Ashton, I have observed a strange tendency within the European Union: despite statements criticising Israel's human rights violations, the Member States and the Commission are working tirelessly to strengthen political and economic relations with Israel, with no conditions attached.
Where the state has failed to provide education for poor children, parents themselves have come together, finance non-state education and, therefore, are also able to subsidise the non-working poor.
While the EU has made the peaceful resolution of conflict the centre of its thinking, Russia has no compunction about using force, as we saw in Georgia last year.
So, whatever the outcome of the debate, Parliament urges the Minister to begin that negotiation as soon as possible and to thereby satisfy the Treaty of Lisbon, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and the 500 million citizens that this Parliament represents, who have a fundamental right to security.
Originators should hold a certain percentage of the risk arising from the exposures that they securitise and further due diligence should be required from the investor.
Yet during the Bush-Gore debates just over a decade ago, George Bush said that had he been President he would not have intervened in Kosovo.
Protection of the Communities' financial interests - Fight against fraud - Annual Report 2008 (
You have not given some Members the opportunity to take the floor as part of the 'catch-the-eye' procedure, not because you did not want to, but because we have such a tight schedule.
We should defend media pluralism as an important aspect of democracy and freedom, in order to guarantee access to free and diverse mass media to all the inhabitants of the European Union.
Mr President-in-Office of the Council, you have a unique chance to demonstrate that all states, regardless of size, are equal partners in the European Union.
I believe the Union's institutions are ready to give a positive response for the EU economy.
We are working intensively to ensure that the framework conditions for this industry are stable.
(The President cut off the speaker)
Since 2003, the Marco Polo programme has aimed to create a more sustainable transport system in Europe by shifting a substantial part of the annual increase in road freight transport to other, more environmentally friendly modes of transport such as inland waterways, rail transport and short sea shipping.
Mr Garriga Polledo's report sets out to define the European Parliament's political priorities for the Multiannual Financial Framework for the period after 2013, both in terms of legislation and the budget.
Mr President, could I say on behalf of the ALDE Group that we would support Mrs Doyle's proposition?
The first of these guarantees is the principle of equal treatment from day one between permanent workers and temporary workers.
It is also very important for me that there should be a clear separation between taxes and charges, and all government tasks - whether fingerprinting and photographing, police tasks, fighting terrorism or something similar - must clearly be financed through taxation and not through consumer charges.
This platform has led to the elaboration of the common basic principles for Roma inclusion, which is annexed to the Council conclusions on Roma inclusion adopted in June of last year.
Many major after-shocks are hampering rescue operations, unfortunately.
Forecasts of the conclusion of the negotiating process cannot be made.
Mrs Gebhardt, when do you consider an appropriate time for the Commission to make a statement should it wish to do so - now or later?
It must maintain its positions.
Madam President, I warmly welcome the revision of the criteria governing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.
We need to endeavour to deal with these developments, which we are faced with on an increasingly frequent basis.
One could of course mention a number of problems that may not actually be greater in Serbia than they are in Albania or in Bosnia-Herzegovina, although it seems we are prepared to turn a blind eye in the case of the latter two countries.
I am also pleased about the fact that the mining industry has the security to plan ahead and I will vote accordingly.
That equates to EUR 32 million per year.
As part of this project, the Czech presidency is also prepared to continue developing a southern dimension to the European Neighbourhood Policy and improving relations with partner countries.
This is not scaremongering.
Another field where the operation of SIS might be useful is the entry bans introduced by the Member States for third-country nationals.
We must be equally ambitious today and ensure that in Accra we move on from rhetoric to action on all our commitments.
I said this yesterday, and I say it every day: if savings have to be made in all our Member States, then we too, as Members of Parliament and European civil servants, will have to lead by example, or else we will lack credibility.
This crisis is not a pandemic; it is the result of a gamble on one specific policy: the policy adopted by the European Commission.
Citing the words of Hungarian scholar and Nobel laureate Albert Szent-Györgyi, I call upon you to support our bid to host the EIT: 'Hungary is a small country in terms of its population, but a great power in terms of grey matter.'
(PT) Mr President, the Beijing Platform for Action asserts that, without the active participation of women and the incorporation of women's perspective at all levels of decision-making, the goals of equality, development and peace cannot be achieved.
Why is no one in this House or in the European Council talking about the external value of the euro?
I fully understand the feelings of the people on the ground.
Genuine harmony, unity, only come through trust, through mutual respect.
This involves the creation of a climate fund, financed by the revenue from the emission trading scheme and/or equivalent private funds in Member States, in order to provide the investments and solidarity required for financing a future climate policy.
We therefore have every reason to get together: politics and the industry must cooperate in order to ensure that the European environment and the public are as safe as possible.
So will businesses that specialise in mass mailings and postal advertising campaigns.
I would like to highlight the rapporteur's concern, which reflects the concern of his whole group, for committing to young people.
Anyone who disagrees with the official line has their voice muffled and is deprived of access to the public stage.
Poland has confidence in the European institutions.
- Lechner report
The rapporteur and other fellow Members were there and they understand what I am talking about.
(LV) Mr President, I fully support the insistence of the European Parliament and of the Members present that human rights not only in the European Union, but also throughout the whole of the world, are fundamental rights, namely, the foundations of life.
Doing this could avoid adding to the existing five-year delay.
Looking at the situation with the Passenger Name Records Agreement with the United States, a worrying development becomes apparent in the name of combating terrorism.
Having said this, I am bound to voice my absolute disapproval, already expressed at the voting stage, of this pernicious will to promote an abortion society by providing incentives for free access to termination of pregnancy.
(DE) Mr President, I have voted in favour of this report and I would like to congratulate Mr Mikolášik on the excellent work he has done.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting: see Minutes
Mrs De Keyser, whose role as Chief Election Observer I would like to acknowledge, recalled, as did Baroness Ashton, the success of this referendum - an exemplary process and a transition that has to be peaceful.
(The order of business was adopted)
To clarify:
In addition, this partnership may contribute to the promotion of good governance at global level, as well as good cooperation within the framework of the UN.
For this reason, I cannot accept Amendments 19 or 23.
The European Conservatives and Reformists endorse the report, in the hope that the current system will change.
The shortages of the so-called rare earths that are essential for the electronic components of the latest technological products is the result of the Chinese strategy to ensure that these substances are in short supply and to keep their prices artificially high.
in writing. - (ET) Workers' freedom of movement is one of the four freedoms of the internal market.
I strongly support the European Union in having to maintain its leading position in the battle against climate change.
Therefore, according to the above-mentioned provisions, the Commission performed all the Irish translations required for the legislative process, and succeeded in transmitting them on time.
The internal market and competition policy are two cornerstones of the process of European unification which aim not only at strengthening the European Union's economy and its businesses but, above all, at realising the fundamental freedoms of the Union.
(SL) We are witnessing both natural and human crises taking place in the Arctic.
Ensuring the safety of nuclear installations and preventing the risk of accidents in every way possible are important issues addressed in this resolution, which also calls on the Member States to impose 'a moratorium on the development and commissioning of new nuclear reactors, at least for the period during which the stress tests are conducted and evaluated'.
Europe-wide action is required to counter irregular fishing practices and my vote reflects these views.
In case some people do not trust the Council's word, and they would be within their rights not to, they should remember that the treaty forces us to do things differently.
In the SIMAP and Jaeger cases the European Court of Justice interpreted the definition of working time in the original Working Time Directive to include the inactive part of on-call time when an employee is not working but resting.
It is essential that we act now.
Such an agreement would benefit from being joined by the Council.
We will achieve equality simply because justice and goodness are on our side.
With this agreement in place, President Václav Klaus was prepared to sign the treaty, and - as you all noted - he finally did so a week ago.
What is being proposed with these amendments is, I believe, the wrong path to follow.
As for the Lisbon targets - they are the ones you set, Mr Barroso, but you are not listening to me because you are talking to your colleague - you forget the social cohesion and environmental protection targets, Mr Barroso!
Incitement is a good word to define such actions, but it is not enough to write it into the framework decision.
That has been mentioned several times already.
It is our responsibility, both Member States and the Union, to try to reduce those statistics and to protect our citizens from such tragedies.
Particularly worrying are the margins in Heading 1b - around EUR 1 million, and in Heading 3b - around EUR 9 million.
You do not know.
They have been very active in calling upon this Parliament to be more active in holding registers of missing children and various other matters.
Since its creation with 11 participants, the euro area has grown to comprise 16 Member States.
However, I regret the shortcomings in the management of the fixed assets' inventory identified by the Court of Auditors but note the Agency's assurance that this will be remedied in the 2010 accounts; considers that uncertainty about the location of fixed assets is another illustration of the problems and additional costs arising from using two sites.
Nuclear power is the greatest carbon-free energy source within the European Union, and currently provides one-third of our electricity needs.
This report responds to the needs of consumers and small and medium-sized enterprises, which, unlike other actors representing bigger economic entities, have obvious difficulties accessing the Internal Market because of the enormous costs they have to bear.
When you consider what has been done in this House this autumn, Parliament's position cannot be regarded as the outcome of a democratic process.
- (CS) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, European countries are adopting bailout packages worth billions to save their financial institutions and industrial sectors.
Already earmarked financial assistance under the regulation thus adds up to around EUR 15 billion.
We need integrated perspectives and policies on education, youth, and the integration of migrants.
Written statements (Rule 149)
When the market is functioning correctly, informed consumers can, through their choices, drive development towards even higher food quality.
More generally, one of the aims of the Lamfalussy review is the improvement of the new supervisory arrangement where the Commission plans, for instance, to revise the decisions on the EU committees of supervisors.
1.
We are proposing a number of measures specifically focused on innovation and small and medium-sized enterprises.
This would have had devastating consequences for the smaller Member States, since businesses operating in the Single Market from these countries would have been forced to apply up to 27 different national legislations, which would have deterred SMEs in particular from undertaking commercial activities beyond their national borders.
Ladies and gentlemen, on the other hand, let us make one thing clear, and let us be frank about this: the development of this good idea - a single signalling system to replace the 20 separate systems - has taken longer than hoped or expected.
Mr Lange's report on the Industrial Policy for the Globalised Era looks at extremely important issues, such as access to credit for enterprises, and, above all, for small and medium-sized enterprises.
It is a mystery to me why the more robust and more integrated social rights are seen primarily as a problem.
But, more importantly, we will make sure that we give you more and more detail, because it is important that you look at the facts rather than the assertions that will have been made.
But let us look to the future.
The Commissioner also spoke of an ambitious, legally-binding agreement.
The proposal reeks of covert protectionism!
Nearly 6 million are in forced labour; one and a half million become victims of human traffickers.
It is also true that we cannot be satisfied with the state of the soils in the European Union, but to draw from that the conclusion that we need a directive at European level is to head off in the wrong direction.
Although currently only Papua New Guinea and the Republic of the Fiji Islands have signed the agreement, this is an important step towards the future economic development of this region, which is made up of 14 states and is crucial to the development of international trade.
Billions of euros were found for the IMF and the World Bank, but for making that vital transition to a green economy there was no serious money on the table, just vague aspirations - just talks about talks.
I do not, however, support the creation of a separate parliamentary body with responsibility for children's rights.
Until then the EU must remain in the vanguard, working for a broader agreement according to specific, ambitious commitments and a timetable.
Millions of people were killed because of their religion, their ethnic background and their political beliefs.
History has made it crystal-clear that the concentration of power is never for the good.
Commissioner, under the current circumstances, the GUE/NGL Group cannot support such a migration.
Your Eminence, it was a pleasure to be able to speak to you this morning.
I feel it is particularly important to have a systematic review of the effectiveness of the neighbourhood policy in the mirror of the Georgian events.
And in this context one additional and important aspect which appears to be lacking in relation to current proposals to Malta's largest sandy beach l-Ghadira - is respect and sensitivity to the immediate environment.
The vote will be held using the electronic system.
One of the signs of this is the very low turnout for elections to the European Parliament, arising from the widely-held feeling that citizens cannot influence events in the EU through their vote in any way whatsoever.
In this instance, the Council more than failed to meet expectations, it literally infuriated the entire trade union movement: the refusal to challenge the derogation enabling the maximum working week to be extended to 65 hours, or even more; unconditional 'annualisation' of working time; and the introduction of the concept of 'inactive part of on-call time' which will no longer be considered as working time.
On interinstitutional cooperation, we would welcome much dialogue with you and a greater presence of your Government in this Chamber.
EU-Georgia agreement on readmission of persons residing without authorisation (
He considers CSR to be an effective tool for improving competitiveness, skills and training opportunities, occupational safety and the working environment, protecting workers' rights and the rights of local and indigenous communities, promoting a sustainable environmental policy and encouraging exchanges of good practice at local, national, European and world level.
I did not support the Socialists' proposal relating to collective redress because the responsible thing, in my opinion, is to wait for the results of the impact studies in order to assess the effectiveness of collective redress, in particular as regards the costs incurred by consumers.
The only way to do this is by means of a transitional period.
I should also like to reiterate the following very clearly with regard to the past.
Mr President, honourable Members, this is an important moment of renewal for the European Union, and the intended reforms provide a great opportunity for further improving the financial management of the European Union.
I am sure there are no disadvantages to this and that the United States would be understanding.
The first objective concerns the strategic position of that country, which can genuinely be of use in promoting an area of peace, security and stability.
Ultimately, he was not successful but, at the time, I did not hear that any of the political groups had requested a debate on the matter.
Unfortunately, rather than standing up to those governments like Germany, the Netherlands and the UK, which adopted a short-sighted 'I want my money back' approach, the majority of this House and the Commission have simply caved in to their demands.
I have had enough of the knock-out argument, which is always trotted out, that research will move abroad.
Without a doubt the very long waiting lists for services.
The United Nations has declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity.
Their voice must be not just heard but listened to and responded to.
Be that as it may, I think that we should be honest.
The Treaty of Lisbon gave Parliament greater rights, one of which is that Parliament's consent is required for concluding international agreements.
Thank you.
This is an important point, particularly in relation to future tasks. The Commissioner said earlier that we are dealing with a report, but obviously it is the future that interests us.
All of these things now mean that it is absolutely the right time for the Commission to be collating this information, looking at the process of infringement proceedings, examining the issues raised by the Court of Justice judgments and coming out, first of all, with a clear strategy or clarification about where we are going to move forward and starting to deal with some of those inconsistencies.
The rural areas are ready to meet our food requirements with sufficient amounts of high-quality produce; they must be given the financial and human resources to assume this big responsibility.
Secondly, Mrs Berès referred to European debt securities.
However, I think this belongs to a longer discussion.
Much still remains to be done in terms of dialogue and cooperation between Member States, and we should continue along this road rather than incorporate into one Code on Visas all provisions governing the issuance of visas and decisions in relation to the refusal, extension, annulment, revocation and shortening of visas issued, provisions that this European Union is absolutely unready and unable to manage.
- (SK) Mr President, I was interested to hear the information about the communication problems with the European Council regarding fulfilment of its chapter of the general budget.
Despite the constant references to the principle of subsidiarity, it is very much a case here of laying the foundations for the harmonisation of pension systems in the European Union, if not in terms of the level of pensions, then at least in terms of their structure.
There is something terribly wrong with the system as a whole if the Greek irregularities and the Goldman-Sachs swap to conceal debt were known in the market for many years, if it was common for Athens to revise its budget data as soon as a new government came to power and the state was still given a good credit rating, only provoking a sudden, sharp response when the financial and economic crisis happened, causing bankruptcies, penalising states whose banks backed precarious loans, while, at the same time, betting a lot of money on countries going bankrupt.
Yet the European Union has not submitted any claims for recovery of own resources against the Republic of Montenegro.
First and foremost, this relates to the joint position that we drew up, and the unanimous adoption of Parliament's proposal of October 2010 regarding the European Parliament's priorities in terms of budgetary obligations.
This review and a proposal will be submitted to us by the Commission.
It should be the duty of the Union to contribute to the development of international trade by also applying those rules.
In the final analysis, irrespective of all the transparency achieved, it all comes down to the moral compass of each Member of this House, as this dictates what he thinks is right, whom he meets and whom he decides not to meet, whom he listens to and whom he decides not to listen to.
I therefore believe that it would be totally unfair to suggest any lack of commitment on the part of the Council or the Foreign Affairs Ministers.
It will certainly be important to focus the summit with the United States on a few key issues.
In order to create confidence in this single market, it is necessary to ensure that consumers are protected and to safeguard the public's social and environmental needs.
It managed to get three facts wrong in only eight words.
Mr Barroso, I should like to earnestly request that you at last formulate the new green deal about which Mr Dimas always also speaks so much.
Mr President, among the projects that the EU has encouraged is the single electricity market on the island of Ireland.
I would like to know your opinion on this topic, as well as the strategy the Presidency will apply to our neighbours along the borders of the European Union.
In the rapporteur's view, the objectives of the new regulation on novel foods are to attain a high level of food safety, consumer protection, environmental protection and protection of animal health, while at all times observing the precautionary principle, as laid down in Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety.
Recently, horrible deeds have ratcheted up the emotions of public opinion, and the uncertainties caused by the economic crisis are further aggravating the situation.
One of the ways this can be done is through education and training.
It is the Israelis who should be responsible for keeping one and a half million people alive.
Integrated maritime policy is a major challenge for the European Union.
European development policy will fall flat on its face if it cannot bring about genuine change in women's circumstances.
In this way, we will know which potential label consumers are able to read and to understand, and thus perhaps make it much simpler than the complicated labels we have today.
This time lag leaves us behind our international partners, the US, India and Japan, and to add to this we have the huge disparity of situations among European countries.
We have now managed successfully to injure a Serbia trying to forget Milošević and build a democratic future.
An idea is being promoted for structural or agricultural funds for financing innovation and research.
We need to invest in training.
I agree that financial and technical support should be provided to those women's organisations that are active in the area of education and teach women how to become successful.
There are two pieces of good news in this respect, according to the Commission's own report: positive prospects for the future mean that additional amounts of milk are required from the market, therefore a 2% increase is proposed for this year.
In my opinion, this would also contribute to protecting the personal rights of those affected.
Now, look at it from Ankara's point of view.
Because pursuant to Article 28 of the Council Framework Decision, a person who has been surrendered pursuant to a European Arrest Warrant shall not be extradited to a third State without the consent of the competent authority of the Member State which surrendered the person.
I also agree with my fellow Finnish Members who have expressed their satisfaction with the report, in that it has positively taken account of the initiative of the University of Lapland to establish an EU Arctic Information Centre on its premises.
Thank you.
We also welcomed the informal meeting held on 4 May between the Chinese authorities and the envoys of the Dalai Lama; we believe that this is a step in the right direction and we have expressed the hope that this will lead to a further round of constructive dialogue with the Dalai Lama.
The launching of the Union for the Mediterranean in Paris in 2008 gave a new impetus to the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, made a strong bid for co-ownership and shared responsibility through a co-presidency system, put more focus on concrete projects, and provided a technical secretariat to promote regional integration and spur investment.
Market behaviour must rest on sound and objective analysis, and financial services must realise that they are exactly that: a service, not an end in itself.
We therefore insisted on increasing wages and pensions to ensure a fairer distribution of income.
It is not such good news, however, that Hungary has been subject to unfair, ideologically-motivated attacks on the eve of its Presidency.
As other speakers have said, not only producers but also importers will be held responsible in future.
That is, we need to do this without losing sight of the central values and the inviolability of the person springing from the European values created in the melting pot of Jewish, Christian and Hellenistic culture in the centuries before and after the birth of Christ.
All of us, and the Member States, too, have a lot of work to do in this area.
Today, we have an independent national safety agency, which should verify the adoption of the appropriate safety systems.
The related efforts to find a common legal framework here have been ongoing since 1989.
Begin by giving the elected people's representatives power over the legislative process, and take the power away from the government officials and lobbyists, so that the electorate can make a difference by turning out on election day and voting for a different party.
At multilateral level, the Council actively contributes to the work undertaken under the auspices of the World Customs Organisation.
In Greece, for example, the average payment period has had to be stretched to as much as 165 days (although things are getting better, as our Greek fellow Member pointed out here).
I suppose, driving all of this, we need to look at the issue of research and development.
The financing instrument for the promotion of human rights worldwide increases the effectiveness and transparency of EU external assistance and enhances respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the countries and regions where they are most at risk.
It is already obvious that many Member States will not be able to meet the conditions of the new Stability and Growth Pact with the best will in the world.
Mr President, I would like to express concerns over the agreement between the EU and Morocco.
The winemakers are not to the Commission's liking, so it wants to grub up, throw away the grapes, ban chaptalisation and curb production, in the same way as the milk or wheat shortages were brought about.
The money received from climate measures must also be invested in climate measures.
There is only one Europe.
(DE) Madam President, in case C-42/07, the European Court of Justice examined whether Portugal had infringed EU law by prohibiting online gambling.
It is likely that the international reaction and the reaction of Afghan civil society contributed to the Afghan Government's decision to refer the legislation back to the minister of justice for a general review, with the latter being focused in particular on Afghanistan's obligations in terms of international law.
Therefore, let us say what good things are happening there, and that not only in the area of economics, but also in the area of politics and above all in relation to every Ukrainian the door to Europe is open, and that it is good that such a signal has come this week from the European Union-Ukraine Summit.
This is essential.
Congratulations!
Now if the Member disregards that question, I think it is up to you, Mr President, to ask the Member to answer that question.
This idea is at the core of the Bali Action Plan negotiations.
The next step will be to extend the joint register to all the EU institutions and to convince the Commission and Council to make it mandatory.
Written explanations of vote
This means that the ideas and feelings that people want to repress end up seeping into the consciousness of the whole of society, like water.
With a view to the forthcoming CAP reform, what measures is the Commissioner, or the European Commission, planning, taking into account the specific nature of the livestock sector?
Another issue that I believe should be highlighted is, of course, trade-related assistance.
Who can fail to be moved by the images on the screens outside this Chamber and all the celebrations we have had this week marking the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall?
I think that the Belgian Presidency is acting on the same assumption.
The purpose of this report is to follow the previous report up, highlighting several aspects of the urban dimension of cohesion policy that the Committee on Regional Development identifies as crucial or challenging for future cohesion policy, which should become a fully-valued and effective policy for EU cities.
It is important not to call into question the extraction of this fuel and the generation of energy from it, since electricity generated from fossil fuels is still half the price of electricity generated from renewable sources.
However, a social restructuring is the only way to ensure viable and stable jobs for the future, and the Commission cannot, and should not, try to dictate where such cuts will fall, nor can it try to prevent them.
At the same time, of course, we have to ask whether seminars like this can continue.
Lastly, Commissioner, I believe that we need more solidarity between the Member States of the Union, improved coordination of efforts, and a sharing of responsibilities and burdens.
I voted in favour of the report on amending the 'Regulation on modifications to the common agricultural policy'.
We have published the amounts paid to farmers under the CAP, yet we are not publishing our own travel expenses and other allowances.
In addition, an important issue was the recognition of the national competent authority and healthcare professionals as the main source of information.
The lack of professional carers for people with Alzheimer's has to be a cause for considerable concern, since this situation will tend to get worse in the future if measures are not taken.
Although the Union was created to safeguard peace in Europe, I must highlight the radicalisation of the situation in Hungary.
(CS) Commissioner Michel and Mr Cornillet, thank you for your work.
Furthermore, I join the call upon all Member States to sign, ratify and implement all relevant international conventions to protect our children.
Had it been a different matter, it would have intervened.
It is important for the project selection systems to be transparent, which is why women should have equal representation on assessment boards and selection committees.
This is the case for environmental and public health reasons, due to the high levels of pollution associated with it, and for energy reasons related to dwindling oil reserves and growing difficulty of access to this commodity.
This involved consultations with all main Arctic stakeholders, including both EU and non-EU Arctic states.
But, first of all, each and every member of the eurozone must slow down in living at the expense of tomorrow.
The honest answer is the following: this is a consultation document; it is not yet a strategy, and I very much welcome your input.
There are some phrases in this report - the 'feminisation of poverty', for example - which mean absolutely nothing but sound great to the PC brigade that resides out there.
In 2006 Sam Rainsy received the Prize for Freedom from Liberal International.
The representation rates for women are important because this helps encourage women to plan for a career in politics and to apply for a position with political, administrative or financial responsibilities.
There is a good consensus here on what needs to be done.
I endorse the rapporteur in her appeal to the institutions and authorities of the European Union to bring their practice into line with the provisions of the Code of Good Administrative Behaviour.
Fighting counterfeiting and piracy is an issue that should continue to be at the top of our political agenda.
This will only clog up credit creation.
We know that we must take the Helsinki Final Act as our starting point, but my question to the Council is: 'What steps are being taken to prevent the violation of the territorial integrity of a sovereign State?'
Announcement by the President
(HU) Mr President, Europe has reached an historic turning point.
Ladies and gentlemen, Slovenia is celebrating this week.
It is merely sufficient to point out that counterfeit products include not only copies of luxury goods and CDs, but also medicines, consumer goods for both children and adults, as well as car parts. They often pose a safety risk, and the losses they incur do not only affect SMEs.
The Maputo Agreement foresees the establishment of a national unity government with a transition period of 15 months.
The demands for the protection of interests on internal borders on account of 25 000 refugees are unprecedented and populistic, and are against everything Schengen stands for.
By blocking this law, which is worthy of communist China or other totalitarian regimes, a law that Mr Sarkozy wants to force through, this Parliament would be reaffirming the right of each one of us to privacy, to access to information, to freedom of expression and to proper legal procedures.
I am thinking here of the local product contact system announced in the report, as well as Alexander Stubb's announcement this morning of his own personal info point.
To achieve that, the working class and poor must take control over the economy and wealth that exists in the region and use it in the interests of the majority.
After all, each restriction leads to increased transport movements, whether it relates to cabotage, as in this instance, or, for example, the totally absurd medley of driving prohibitions.
Finally, a word about media freedom.
However, this instrument - Eurovignette - is too partial and ineffective, as well as unfair.
in writing. - I gave assent to the CARIFORUM EPA and the Côte d'Ivoire Interim EPA in response to the guarantees which Commissioner Ashton gave this week.
A speedy revision of the EU's electronic communications regulatory framework is consequently essential to promote competitiveness and growth in the European economy.
For these reasons Conservatives abstained.
Agenda for next sitting: see Minutes
The levels permitted are lower, which means that their standards are higher.
I would refer to the national programme for reforms that has been set up by the present government.
The construction of political will is something that everybody in this beautiful building has to work on, together with the other institutions of the European Union.
I still regard enlargement as being very important, but I also believe that the differences expressed by five of the Member States must be taken into account.
Is it acceptable that the EU institutions go to the Court of Justice over the Council's decision to moderate the increase in salaries of EU civil servants?
It is true that it promotes the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and the control of all weapons.
(PL) Madam President, because of the heavier security precautions in place in Strasbourg today, which is a highly exceptional situation that has never arisen before during a plenary session, I was unable to be present for the first part of the voting.
There are pros and cons.
My group has not found the conclusive answer, but we certainly have many more doubts.
In the talks that we have had, I proposed that this be graduated depending on the size of the Member States, as it makes a major difference whether a large or a small State is involved, and I see that there is openness to this proposal.
It is good that we are at last adopting legislation on the matter and that our road and rail networks will be safer as a result.
This is disproportionate and not targeted.
I voted in favour of this report as I agree that the Commission should take responsibility for ensuring the monitoring and funding of projects, particularly in the areas of new investment in research and the development and deployment of renewable energy, and also the provision of fast Internet access throughout the Union, ensuring the rapid execution of the EU's digital agenda.
Since mid-February, fighting has intensified both in the capital and in the west of the country, with alarming reports indicating the increasing use of heavy artillery against civilians.
Finally, I support the emphasis on the Lisbon Agenda creating jobs and increasing skills.
Firstly, in the longer term, we need a five-year financial perspective.
We must not put at risk what has already been achieved.
It is equally important to maintain the Roma task force as a permanent organisation and to start thinking about a mechanism for this issue which would be similar to the one used to assess the internal market.
We are quite concerned about the delay in the investigation, which makes it difficult to protect key witnesses in the case, such as the Syrian Mohammed al-Siddiq, who recently disappeared.
in writing. - I voted to grant discharge to the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking.
I am much more in favour of a policy based on reducing the risk.
In touching upon the subject of electronic travel authorisation, I must mention that we have had several discussions in this respect.
There are no relativisms here that carry weight.
Clean water is now a scarce commodity.
The report supported the active involvement of unemployed people, and I considered it to be very positive to vote in favour of passing this report.
The European Union must continue to lead this effort and avoid undermining the European Parliament's will to contribute.
The reference in the motion to the report of the special investigation committee into the collapse of the Icelandic banking system is important.
There is something else, of course, and that is the activity of the credit rating agencies.
Mr President, allow me to begin in a very similar way to Mrs Gräßle, with an expression of great esteem for Mr Kallas and the Court of Auditors for their ongoing cooperation, which has meant that from year to year, when we look at the statistics, we see a clear improvement in management of the budget, reporting, annual reports and evaluations.
It should not be the case that no long-term and carefully considered plans are made for the financing of European research.
We have ultimately opted for freedom of choice with regard to urban and regional transport, at my proposal.
The plans for the EU's trade policy are of great importance.
In this context, I would like to declare my total support for the resolution on Madeira adopted today by the European Parliament.
This resolution sends a clear political message.
A significant factor for initiating constructive change is the announcement of an increase in the financing of investment in research and development by 3% of the Union's GDP.
For this to be achieved, the necessary constitutional reforms must be implemented, with consolidation of the rule of law, the establishment of a social market economy and renewed efforts to combat corruption and improve the climate for business and investment.
So we have to find a solution here, and I very much welcome proposals such as compensating fishermen for the cost of the catch in the case of by-catches.
What they cannot do is want to force us to live according to the rules of that fantasy world.
The EU climate change package contains a number of environmental criteria that biofuels have to meet.
A lot is being done and we are confident we will achieve tangible results
They are deprived of the right of representation even if they had a right to vote.
I believe that you really must seize this opportunity.
As far as the events in these North African countries are concerned, it is only right that the people responsible for these serious violations be punished, as in any other conflict in the world, because we are dealing here not just with civilians but, what is more reprehensible still, also with soldiers.
We were able to read an example of this in Monday's edition of the Belgian De Standaard and I can assure you that more such examples will follow.
in writing. - (PT) It is true that the long-term consequences of GMO technology are still unknown.
We know that the Member States decided some time ago not to elevate the European flag and anthem to Treaty status.
It is doubtful whether Article 85 of the Treaty provides a legal basis for legislative action at EU level on prison conditions as such.
I definitely endorse Barbara Weiler's report on the transposition, implementation and enforcement of the Directive concerning unfair commercial practices in the internal market and the Directive concerning misleading and comparative advertising.
Even before January, you included the political groups when defining your priorities, and naturally chose Mrs Győri, one of our very fine former colleagues, as Minister for EU Affairs.
And how better to achieve that than to enable citizens from the world over to be represented at the UN?
In conclusion, I would like to thank the Commission and the Member of the Commission for the fact that we will have a communication so soon and will be able to begin to examine in more detail what Europe really needs.
This is undoubtedly a positive point, and I would like to start with this.
We need this capital to fill up the cap.
The attendance of political dignitaries at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games should take place only if, before then, human rights are guaranteed, trafficking in the organs of people put to death is investigated, the Tibetan monks and citizens are released, and dialogue with the Dalai Lama is initiated.
The solution for the future lies in improving Europe's migration management system, completing the process of setting up the European Common Asylum System, the legal framework for illegal and legal migration, and enhancing the role of Frontex.
We must also be attentive to the fact that the crisis threatens not only banks and big business, but causes daily problems for citizens as well.
However, apart from the economic issues, it is also one of the fundamental freedoms of citizens to be able to exercise their profession and to fulfil their potential in another state, for example, when they marry or move to another country for some other reason.
I voted in favour of this report, which prepares the ground for future cooperation between the Union and the GCC.
The CE mark does nothing other than confirm that a product complies with all the relevant current legislation.
The regulation on cosmetic products is based on the fundamental principle of the legislative package on placing goods onto the market.
Madam President, for 12 years, I have been asking the Commission and the Council a question which has remained unanswered, as they claim it is hypothetical.
They have the local knowledge.
This is especially the case for the UK, which is the largest single trading partner with the EU.
Parliament has an opportunity to act now and I urge all political groups to support the very realistic amendments that have been tabled.
The energy and climate package that you are going to vote on tomorrow is a landmark package of legislation which is significant not only for the European Union, but for the international efforts to address climate change, and will have consequences within the European Union and internationally.
This is a strategic priority for the Commission.
(The President cut off the speaker)
Thank you.
We as members of the European Parliament have a duty to make sure that Europe's policies reflect the will of citizens.
I think that by continuing on these paths, we can move towards a more honest tax policy.
The ICT sector employs 6.6 million people in the 27 EU Member States, stimulates the innovative capacity of every sector and contributes more than 40% of the global increase in productivity.
Therefore, the Commission consults its own services, Member States' relevant agencies and other stakeholders on an ongoing basis, for example, through meetings and public consultations.
(PL) Mr President, I agree with much of Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou's report on the situation of women in prison.
It also stresses the need to adopt rules on insurance, so as to establish a link between the minimum pension paid and the corresponding poverty threshold.
This version is considered therefore to offer sufficient guarantees.
The Union must, therefore, support freedom of the Internet in the world arena and make significant contributions to the development of culture and the awareness of people in closed societies.
We are open to receiving representatives of the European Commission and the Council and to discussing these problems.
It was very difficult to get it, but now that we have it, let us move forward and I urge you to back us on that.
We can see that again here today.
I was in my office listening to Vice-President Tajani and the other speakers, and I feel I have to congratulate all the rapporteurs and the Commission.
The cost of inaction is too high for us to accept, and I hope that we can agree on this point.
Care should be taken to ensure that these two financial instruments are kept strictly separate from one other.
Several hundred people have been killed and Amnesty International and the United Nations have produced alarming reports.
After all, this somewhat technical subject of animal feed of course fits in with the wider debate on food safety and rising food prices.
We cannot absolve the Greeks of responsibility here and I will say quite frankly that the Greeks were not the first to contravene the Stability and Growth Pact; rather it was the two big ones, Germany and France.
I would like to make one final point about the European Arrest Warrant.

It is a country which has no workers, no teachers and no doctors.
A declaration on globalisation, but also an agreement on the Reflection Group.
There is an issue here, and I would ask everybody to have careful regard to the very nuanced definition that the Committee on Legal Affairs gave in relation to when is a lawyer a lawyer, and when is a lawyer a lobbyist?
In terms of driver vision, European legislation addressed the problem of heavy goods vehicles by Directive 2007/38/EC on the retrofitting of mirrors to heavy goods vehicles registered in the Community.
I am firmly convinced that we must stay on the European route, which means opposing abuses and violations of human rights and making those people who have been imprisoned into our partners, rather than the corrupt leaders of certain cliques and groups in government which offer us short-term benefits.
So many of the consumer rights and workplace rights we all enjoy across Europe have resulted from the campaigns led by individual Members and groupings of this House.
The outcome of Copenhagen was deeply disappointing, but we must now move forward.
The vote on the European Union budget is an annual institutional landmark whereby the commitment to Community programmes is confirmed and Parliament's role is emphasised.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, Mr President, and also the General Secretariat under the leadership of Klaus Welle, for leaving nothing to chance and providing us with the best possible working conditions.
2.
This is one of the success stories of EU policy.
Mr President, I think it is not an exaggeration to say that the current economic crisis was brought about by a moderate crisis initially, a moderate crisis that saw greed triumph over generosity, corruption triumph over integrity and self-interest triumph over solidarity; and until we get back to generosity, integrity and solidarity being at the heart of corporate and government affairs we will never get out of the trouble we are in at the minute.
If we do not have this strategy, it will make no difference whether or not we speak with one voice, because our words will be meaningless.
I share your concerns about the serious risks this presents to human health and the environment.
We expect that the Council will address itself to this proposal in May and based on negotiations to date we expect positive results.
There are currently around 242 prisoners held at Guantánamo.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (CS) Mr President, I was elected to the European Parliament in a former communist country.
It seems to me that, from a historical perspective, we want harmonious relations with Russia, but not at the price simply of surrendering the values we hold dear.
With regard to Lisbon this means that if they really acquire more rights, there will be no parliamentary and public control over the eight billion.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I am voting in favour of Mrs Weiler's report on the transposition, implementation and enforcement of Directive 2005/29/EC concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the internal market and Directive 2006/114/EC concerning misleading and comparative advertising.
Once again, however, we in the Commission cannot unilaterally alter these agreements.
For too long we have adopted a passive attitude.
EU external policies in favour of democratisation (
I salute the excellent job done by my colleague and friend Mrs Morin, the rapporteur for our political group, particularly on flexicurity.
Other things being equal, it would have been better if we had cut down on our demands and thus sent our negotiators off with a more unambiguous and broad mandate than has been the case here today.
After that, the Hungarian Presidency will draw up draft Council conclusions, which we hope the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council will adopt at its meeting on 19 May.
The IASCF and its underlying constituent body, the IASB, is an independent organisation.
None of this would really matter, after all this would not be the only case where European money is being wasted, but a system for the protection of human rights that lacks the framework of international law, and which is left to professional anti-racists, loses the most important asset in its possession - credibility.
It makes sense that this resolution is trying to unify the fragmented regulations of the individual countries in a uniform framework, and to set up a unified operating methodology for communication frequency assignment.
Countries that show budgetary discipline are countries with economies that grow, and we must not forget that.
In other words, access to education in any event, and access to social security systems - that way, we can achieve many improvements for women.
The solution is to nationalise the monopolies and give power to the people.
How can we best protect our citizens from harm?
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, there is no doubt that this directive on procedures is particularly important.
(IT) Mr Buzek, I very much enjoyed your speech and especially the part about the institutional, but also social role played by Parliament, which you described as the very essence of the European democratic system.
(DE) Mr President, I have voted against this so-called soil protection directive because I find we lose any credibility if we talk every day about eliminating red tape and then we create this bureaucratic monster of a directive.
We need to review our energy policy.
All the principles in the European Economic Recovery Plan must feature in national economic recovery plans.
in writing. - (HU) Recognition of citizens' knowledge, skills and competence is indispensable for the European Union's competitiveness and for social cohesion, as well as for individual citizens' mobility.
Many of their management funds irresponsibly stuffed themselves with derivative products.
Given that Ireland is not part of the process in adopting and applying this regulation, I chose not to vote on this report.
I have just seen that prices in the United States are lower than prices here, and I told the operator very clearly that they should choose their business model.
One of the most authoritative econometric studies by the ECB clearly shows that the FLFPR for prime-age women is always on the increase up to 43 weeks of such paid maternity leave.
The second case is that of maintaining production in less favoured areas, where it is necessary to use very specific instruments for the support of production, which a previous speaker mentioned.
Most of them, however, did not want to stay; they wanted to go to other European countries.
In addition, the Commission should make every effort to use the diplomatic instruments at its disposal to improve the situation in Nigeria.
The predominant theme here is a synthesis of the culture of death and a reversal of values.
Finally, we cannot pass by without a collective reflection on our energy policy.
Does any Member wish to speak against this request?
Parliament's report on the strategy is an excellent one.
I would stress now, as I did then, the need for Europe to make sufficient resources available to provide decent reception centres, training for our staff, access for foreign citizens to information about their rights and duties, severe penalties for anyone who exploits illegal immigration and, above all, full cooperation among Member States.
Now the governments of the European Union are being called on to act and engage in specific nuclear disarmament.
In addition, I fully agree with the Commission's argument that if a precedent is created once for funding such a programme, it will then pose a threat to the whole European Union budget.
You should not be playing party politics in this matter.
It is essential today for the European Union to strengthen and harmonise throughout the 27 Member States safety levels pertaining to oil exploration and extraction activities, not only for existing platforms, but also for those that will be taken out of service.
It is not just an attack on this young man and his family but on the peace process in my constituency as well.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (FR) Mr President, Mr Jouyet, it is time for contrition - this appears to be the mood today - or at least for rethinking dogmas and instinctive reactions, and moreover, I am grateful to Mr Sarkozy for giving, this morning, an example of this which seemed sincere.
Every year, almost 500 000 people die or suffer permanent disability for work-related reasons, and we must applaud the European Commission's goal of achieving an average 25% reduction in work-related accidents in the EU.
Health workers are leaving for more affluent countries because health budgets are being slashed in their own countries.
New EU action plan for Afghanistan and Pakistan (debate)
It is time to dismantle the supranational political structures of the EU and return to the simple trading group which the British were promised in 1972.
I should like to congratulate Mr Cancian for his excellent work, thanks to which we were able to reach a satisfying and well-balanced compromise.
Thank you to everyone, and especially to those who gave their views on these other topics, and I am confident that the European Council will progress successfully.
It is, therefore, exceptionally important to ensure a high level of confidence in the process of collection of biometric data and the creation of shared basic standards on collection of data, in a way which will ensure their security and credibility.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (HU) The European Union was born in the shadow of two totalitarian regimes.
Retrofitting is a good thing, but it requires a harmonised process to be got underway, and I would once again urge the Commission to do this.
It is absolutely crucial to ensure that consumers are able to consciously make more environmentally friendly choices.
But we are working at the same time on the financial turmoil by following the road map that was adopted in October 2007 by Ecofin.
The objectives for 2010 were summed up in five objectives: openly listening to suggestions in order to identify best practices, working in order to find ways of achieving quicker results, persuading in order to have a better impact on the administrative culture of the institutions, providing timely, useful information that can be accessed quickly and adapting in order to ensure good resource management, efficiency and effectiveness.
I consider this report crucial if we, as a Union, are to achieve increasingly greater coordination and prevention.
However, ports also have the challenge of maintaining dialogue and coordinated action with their respective surrounding areas, neighbours, cities and regions, and to develop the best possible connections and convenience in relation to other modes of transport, for their mutual benefit and in order to seek the most harmonious and sustainable planning solutions.
We have to make sure that, by the next European - United States Summit, our position is uniform and categorical in relation to visa waivers for all European citizens, based on a well-established schedule.
Human rights are universal and indivisible.
There is a fundamental procedure, beforehand, to be carried out by the Commission to say whether or not a draft initiative will be successful, whether or not it is possible to carry it through.
The times we live in make it clear that there is a need to link up the Member States and the European Union in the most diverse situations and instances.
One of the biggest problems after the Chernobyl accident was a lack of transparency and the failure of comprehensive democratic controls.
I would draw your attention to the problem of early school-leaving and the need to ensure that a higher percentage of young people complete compulsory education.
These three heresies will be fatal to European wine-growing, particularly in France.
However, interest in this area and its geopolitical as well as strategic importance have recently been growing on a surprising scale.
People want to have control over what they eat and they are concerned that cloning will ultimately be forced on them.
(NL) I have said on more than one occasion that, if you do not know or recognise your past, you can never build a future.
They are not exposed to unfair competition.
We have also tried very hard to work out a compromise resolution with other groups, with a view to reaching such a compromise.
First of all I would pay tribute to the French Minister for having been bold enough to make some highly important assertions in this House.
The situation in agricultural sectors differs in the various Member States.
It is patently not enough simply to focus on the banks' capital base.
Request for defence of Mr Luigi de Magistris's parliamentary immunity (
The European Union has opportunities to play a more active political role in the South Caucasus to ensure, above all, the implementation of poverty reduction programmes, the alleviation of social isolation, gender equality and women's rights and investment in education and health care.
Member of the Commission. - In a couple of cases we are going on with the infringement procedures.
In a few weeks, the ratification of the treaty, which we have been waiting nine years for, should then take place.
Because of this attack on democracy and freedom of expression and on the equality of MEPs which is enshrined in the Treaty and in the Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament, I naturally voted against this report.
Moreover, I think that we still do not have a cross-border initiative that would collectively remedy the concerns of transnational minorities.
These measures are aimed at maintaining budgetary discipline, guaranteeing compliance with the Stability and Growth Pact and establishing measures to resolve and prevent crises.
They are interim agreements that were made before the WTO's deadline at the end of December so that countries like Kenya, which are not LDCs and are therefore not covered by 'everything but arms', would have their trade preferences and access to the European market secured, so that there was no trade disruption after 1 January.
I believe that Europe is showing its leadership on this issue - as it has done on other issues on the G20 agenda - both through each of the Heads of State or Government and also through the European institutions themselves, the Presidency of the European Union and the Commission.
in writing. - Drug abuse is a prominent problem in societies across Europe, and Scotland is no exception.
Only there is a question as to whether what the Commission and the Council are proposing really is a good solution.
Having said that, we should not be giving concessions to the FYROM, but we do need to motivate its politicians to progress and work on the European agenda.
Yet even more serious is the possibility that we may be on the cusp of a worldwide tragedy of incalculable proportions, which may lead to hunger and death for millions of people.
However, it is true that the Member States are not obliged to incorporate these measures into their national legislative provisions.
Whole villages have disappeared and there are a thousand people thought dead or missing.
Globally, despite the shortage recorded in Russia and Ukraine, the level of cereals harvested is normal, and stocks have been replenished thanks to the last two record harvests.
We know the shock therapies used for countries devastated by crises in the old neo-liberal style only too well.
Inevitably, the ongoing turbulence demands a refocusing of ENP priorities towards the South.
He started off on the right foot a year ago when he announced the closure of Guantánamo as one of his first decisions, a brave decision with which to restore the legitimacy of the United States in the world, and also a gesture towards the Muslim community.
We should concentrate on getting a deal at Copenhagen in December.
We found every opportunity to increase efficiency.
His family have no information on the state of his health, either physical health or mental health.
The aim of the report is to offer a new and comprehensive approach in the protection of fundamental rights.
I may have influence, but I do not have any real power.
(Intervention from the floor)
In order to do what is necessary, it is indispensable for the various institutions of the European Union to work on the elaboration and planned implementation of a comprehensive Roma policy.
The observance of quotas, however, will lay a great burden on both new and old EU countries.
And yet, while at the time we welcomed the freeing of the political prisoners, we did not respond tangibly with positive measures, with the election just around the corner.
Rather, they should be the subject of an amending budget.
In general, you could say that they are used to bring about a change in a particular policy or activity.
Acts of terrorism that have shocked the globe and growing organised crime in the areas of drug and human trafficking demand improved efforts to combat crime and terrorism.
(DE) Mr President, I should like at this point to remind the House of an issue raised at the world climate conference in Poznán, because the commitment with which a technology that does not even work yet is being canvassed seems absurd to me.
Perhaps a more important topic could be found?
(For the results and other details of the vote: see Minutes)
We can help do that by working together as we have done successfully.
There is a risk that it will soon run into practical difficulties that will damage the European export fund industry, especially for export to third countries.
We see here how it, too, lacks any ambitious vision for the 2011 budget.
I have to say to the Council that we in the European Parliament most certainly have reason to examine ourselves and the way that we are approaching the 2011 budget.
A glance around this chamber shows that it is not exactly the most popular of places.
Why does this not apply to the European Commission?
(Applause)
Mr President, as stated in the text of the oral question that we have tabled, in the last three years, we have seen an escalation of the situation detrimentally affecting European Union interests and citizens in the southern Sahara, which has become a haven for the Islamic branch of al-Qaeda, with a whole string of murders, kidnappings, extortion, blackmail, drug trafficking and people trafficking, the victims of which have been German, Italian, Spanish and, most recently, French citizens.
Madam Vice-President/High Representative, I understand that you have been in the Chamber since 15:00 and now it is 18:15.
Yes, we need some crisis management, but we must not return to the days of having intervention - the balance must be right.
The Community is quite rightly responsible for the protection of public health.
However, criteria and approaches specific to each country need to be defined, depending on its political priorities in terms of human rights, democracy, the rule of law, minority rights and so forth.
In France, where protectionist rhetoric is perhaps the most marked, a recent report stated that only 3.4% of jobs that were lost in 2005 could be blamed on so-called offshoring.
(EL) Mr President, the Council's common position on the organisation of working time is an anti-labour monstrosity and has rightly whipped up a hurricane of protest by workers in the Member States.
We need security of planning and this package gives us security of planning.
But I am quite positive about Ireland and their investment level.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, I welcome the initiative and report by Mrs Neyts-Uyttebroeck.
The initiative "Youth on the Move” underlines the importance of the above mentioned programmes.
As has already been mentioned, they also lead to cross-border movements and environmental impacts caused by these movements.
We are also calling for a fair distribution among the Member States. That is also necessary in order to create a level playing field in terms of competition.
It had its origins, specifically, in the recovery plan launched in 2009 in the wake of the economic crisis.
These climate-protection targets should not be called into question.
(NL) I have voted against this motion for numerous reasons, but the most peculiar paragraph is the one which states that, according to this Parliament, Member States should be required to spend 0.7% of their gross national income on development aid and that the Commission should ensure compliance with that obligation.
Thank you very much.
(GA) Mr President, firstly, I welcome the work done by the Commission to advance this agenda.
The region has geostrategic importance for the Union's security and diversification of energy supply, due to its closeness to the Caspian Sea, the Middle East and Central Asia.
(DE) Mr President, toxic toys do not belong in the hands of children and none of us wants to put toxic toys under the Christmas tree.
Protection of residents and bystanders has been improved, in that national action plans may include provisions concerning information for persons who may be exposed to spray drift, while land sprayed from the air must not be adjacent to residential areas.
rapporteur. - (DE) Madam President, now that Mrs Lulling has addressed me directly, may I say that just because others are doing things badly, that should not be a role model for us.
This certainly needs to be tackled urgently.
It is now up to the European Parliament to send a strong signal so that this exceptional project can become a reality.
The danger that nuclear energy represents for humanity is absolutely unsustainable, as are the high levels of risk from the waste produced.
'The European Union strongly supports the goal of the abolition of the visa regime for all the countries of the Western Balkans.
Confidence depends on our capacity to modernise, to innovate and to become more sustainable and more competitive.
For you, good governance in tax matters is not about the fight against fraud, bearable taxation or good use of public funds.
I am referring to the following proposal that is now part of the EP's final resolution: '...calls upon the Member States to take effective action designed to enforce the rules on welfare and employment and to make jobs which respect the rights of employees available in the various activity sectors, thereby ensuring that workers (in particular women) earn decent wages and are entitled to health and safety at work, to social protection and to trade-union freedom, as a contribution to eliminating discrimination between men and women at work'.
I do not really know if that is a sensible approach, to tell you the truth.
We therefore oppose several of the proposals that were presented in the European Parliament earlier, such as EU-initiated information campaigns for consumers, consumer information at EU level (which can be handled nationally or through voluntary cooperation between existing authorities in the Member States) and EU-funded authorities and institutes.
That is why the comments which I hear from a few people, along the lines of 'let Croatia join and that will put an end to it for some time', are the wrong signal.
We shall have several 'slots', or times, when new Member States that are not Schengen members will be able to join in SIS II, and so, all being well, there should not be any particular problems.
To close, I should like to point out that liability takes many forms in the toy safety sector, which is why importers and distributors should ensure that specifications are complied with.
The figures from today are exactly the same as the figures from 20 years ago.
I voted for this report because of its three main objectives: guaranteeing quality and safety for patients at Union level, ensuring the protection of donors, and facilitating cooperation between Member States.
I would like to say that we are definitely going to miss our friend Mr Schmitt, but I ask you to formally pass on our congratulations to him, and I am sure that he will do a magnificent job leading his country's Parliament.
12.
We have enough rules, but the monitoring of food safety must be more effective and more frequent and, moreover, the results of these inspections should be made public.
For example, one achievement is that all of the excessive deficits in the euro area have been corrected.
Does this free trade agreement ultimately really only suit the world and the division of economic power between Europe and India that we know today, or will this agreement still be suitable in ten or 15 years' time?
This regulation is a great achievement strengthening the principles of democracy in the European Union.
Here, the agreement will go further than was previously the case in the unilateral commitments to the EU made by the US in the TFTP representations of 2007, as published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
While, on the one hand, I have the highest admiration for the work done by Mr Brok, on the other, I have serious doubts about using parliamentary immunity to prevent due legal process on a tax avoidance case.
Instead, the majority of this House wants to reaffirm its neoliberal agenda.
What did we do here in the People's Party?
I do indeed believe that young people are enthusiastic about Europe and it is true we must draw on that, which is not to say that members of another generation, those who built Europe, are less enthusiastic.
However - and the Socialists have been saying this for a long time - Europe will not emerge from this crisis by sacrificing its future and selling tomorrow's growth on the cheap.
I therefore hope that such assistance will also be provided to the Italian regions severely affected by the recent floods, which brought local economies to their knees.
Lastly, I would like to express my support for two specific paragraphs in her report, paragraphs 58 and 59, on internalising environmental factors in the pricing of water and, secondly, a legislative framework to reduce the level of waste generated in the medium term.
If they are to be legislated on, they should be part of a completely separate report.
European standardisation has a huge potential to support legislation in public policies.
(NL) Mr President, Iran is ruled by a strict regime based on a radical interpretation of Islam and of the Koran.
Many grandiose announcements have been made about what the EU can do - or rather, what the Commission can propose and what the Member States must implement.
We might say in such a case that the report might turn out to be rather good in many respects, and that happens to be true with this one.
Agenda for next sitting: see Minutes
We have before us a large amount of work and an array of measures, including those mentioned at our session yesterday evening, mainly relating to the fields of justice and internal affairs, which the Spanish Presidency has decided to deal with courageously.
The Commission, together with other donors, like the United Nations and the NGOs and other humanitarian partners, is currently looking into how best to redesign the humanitarian response in order to avoid dramatic consequences.
This reform needs to respect Roma's specific culture and traditions, while also linking the education system to the values of European culture and civilisation.
Firstly, the Parliament budget.
in writing. - (LT) By voting in favour of this report, I support the demonstrations for democracy and human rights in Bahrain and condemn the government's violent response.
I thank you for having carried out your duties with distinction.
Thank you, Commissioner.

I hope that his assurance does not involve any conditions or loopholes.
Gaza is under siege, but he would probably have died in any case because he was very old.
Energy efficiency means doing more with fewer resources.
We face historical challenges, only one of which is the need to overcome the crisis which has been imported into Europe.
On the whole, then, the report is good, but we wish to make clear that we believe that taxation policy, and above all the choice of taxation level, is a matter for the Member States.
Under Article 182(4) of the Single Common Market Organisation (CMO) Regulation, and as an exception to the State aid rules, Germany may grant State aid under the German Alcohol Monopoly for products marketed, after further transformation by the monopoly, as ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin.
Increased road safety is necessary, as are improved working conditions in the transport sector.
The Europol Information System, EIS, enables Member States to find out whether the law enforcement authorities of other Member States hold any information needed at operational level.
(NL) The European Parliament has rightly placed emphasis on a number of issues: guaranteeing access, net neutrality and better supervision.
I have learnt a great deal!
Several times in recent years the Chinese Congress has spoken of the need to create a harmonious society, but those words have remained a dead letter.
We have already come across this type of scenario in the case of Moldovan or Georgian passports versus Russian passports.
Thank you for your attention.
We must be able to respond rapidly if we are to avoid a worst-case scenario.
Authorisations should only be withdrawn when the EU has negotiated a new agreement with an identical level of protection.
So I think we are really at the forefront of influencing the international institutions going in that direction and that will also be the stance of the Commission, of Mr Almunia and me in the meetings of the World Bank and the IMF at the beginning of October in Istanbul.

The Commission has proposed to expand significantly on Commissioner Potočnik's proposal, which is not my proposal, regarding the targets for recycling electrical and electronic waste containing rare earths.
Thailand hosts approximately 140 000 refugees in nine camps along the border.
The European Union, together with the United Nations, has quite regularly raised the question of caning with Malaysia.
Therefore, I was trying in my answer to provide you with possibilities of how we, from the European level, can help Slovenian theatre.
It will of course take time to comply with the three Copenhagen criteria, although Moldova and Ukraine have shown themselves ready for European development.
The green 'New Deal', in other words a new logic for economic organisation based on innovations in environmental technology and supported by international capital markets, will become the cornerstone of increasing numbers of economic rescue and stimulus programmes, including among the European Union Member States.
Parliament, as well as giving its heartfelt condolences to Chile, is also demonstrating through this debate its commitment to helping to rebuild the country, which was so severely damaged by the earthquake of 27 February.
The consequence is that many Iranians have to live in exile, not only in Europe but also in the neighbouring countries.
The European mortgage market has different characteristics than that of the United States, so problems on anything like a similar scale are less likely to arise in Europe in the near future.
Secondly, I absolutely shudder at the repeated suggestions that the EU should impose its own taxes or that it should issue European government bonds, which will sooner or later have to be paid back by somebody.
We were the first international group to travel there after the troubles in March and spoke both to the authorities and those who were sympathetic to the Tibetan protesters.
Above all, however, in conjunction with the revision of our agricultural policy, we need to consider what we can do about these price fluctuations.
Prior to adopting the decision, the Commission assessed Georgia's economic situation and the country's financial prospects in 2010-2011, focusing on the balance of payments and budgetary needs.
It fails to stem the rising tide of doubt about itself and the structure of the EU, as also expressed by the resounding Irish 'no' vote.
So I propose the last part of the text should begin 'urges the Iranian authorities to act constitutionally and eliminate, in law and in practice, all forms of discrimination'.
I do not think this has any basis in the law and certainly it would not meet with a favourable reception from the public.
That is why I am very happy; I have read the report by Mario Monti.
Delays in Russia's WTO accession will affect our bilateral relations, including with regard to the negotiations for a new agreement between the EU and Russia.
There has, therefore, been no cooperation, coordination or consistency whatsoever in the application of EU legislation.
I have been ill a number of times and just like many of you here in this Chamber, I am sure, have been saved by antibiotics.
If our proposals had won the support of MEPs there would have been a good chance of the European Parliament and the Council finally agreeing on a telecoms package that seriously protects the rights and privacy of Internet users.
Timeshare comprises the time-limited use of properties or other assets under contracts covering a period of more than one year, through which the consumer acquires, on payment of a fee, the right to use one or more accommodation facilities on more than one occasion.
First, since this is now the continuation: there should be flexibility both on entering the system and on leaving it, if parameters were to be changed in one state.
The purpose is the democratic election of a government.
The aim in Bali should be an agreement with an environmental perspective.
In the UK, we know that the daughter of a teenage mother is three times as likely to become a teenage mother herself; we know that sons with a convicted father are over four times more at risk of being convicted of a crime than those without a convicted father.
Firstly, we propose reducing the target minimum rate of excise duty on fuel from EUR 380 per 1 000 litres to EUR 359 per 1 000 litres.
We intend to adopt conclusions on the subject as well.
The Caucasus is a complex region and, like the Balkans, has more history than it is able to digest and cope with.
They relate to the very significant supply constraints, which make it necessary to guarantee long-term contracts with supplier countries, but also to the particularly high cost of investment in transmission and distribution networks, which must offer consumers the highest level of security.
This aspect is very important in the actual context.
Obviously this goes above the level where there are beds in which women, men, kids, elderly people sleep.
in writing. - Europe, including Ireland, needs the Lisbon Treaty if we are to develop coherent and effective policies to tackle the global crises of financial system meltdown, Climate Change, and, under-development of much of the world.
One trip was to Baghdad, Nassiria and the Marshlands region, and the other was to Kurdistan in the north of the country.
I will particularly miss you, if I may say so, Madam President, as we may not see each other after June.
I would like to ask if you can update us on actual humanitarian needs in Gaza, as well as on the goods and support currently channelled through the existing crossing points from Israel and Egypt.
We do not want to impose anything.
A regime which resorts to murder and violence to oppress its own people, a people cheated of a government of their choice, simply cannot be trusted, and we must take action.
Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport and interfaces with other transport modes (
Written statements (Rule 149)
At the same time, one wonders how, when money is made available to these countries under what are described as harsh conditions, there is maladministration taking place.
Nothing has yet been established, but I wanted the House to have this general information about what our next steps will be.
Overall, we need to consider whether we should not be more flexible in our negotiations, because working together to combat the phenomenon of climate change is important, but the methods we employ to achieve this could be quite different.
The citizens are stakeholders in what is done by the EU, and clearly the European Union is a stakeholder in European public opinion.
I hope that the Small Business Act that the Commission presented a few days ago and in which we addressed the question once again will put more pressure on those Member States that are creating difficulties here and I am extremely grateful to the European Parliament for its numerous signs of support in this regard.
They must not be captured by corporate interests.
(PL) Mr President, in terms of both structure and size, the 2008 budget indicates that we are still at the early stages of introduction of new generation multiannual programmes linked to the financial perspective 2007-2013.
One cannot help but notice, however, that this European asylum system and the harmonisation process are struggling somewhat to see the light of day.
For our part, we continue to condemn Israel's policy of apartheid against Palestine and to defend full compliance with the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, enshrined in numerous UN resolutions.
Our cooperation with Ukraine must improve and we must give all possible diplomatic and political support to Ukraine's accession to the WTO.
In many Member States they are so overcrowded that, in future, even the cleanest Euro VI heavy-duty vehicles will no longer be able to get through, even without taking account of the large numbers of passenger cars in which the citizens sit in traffic jams.
(RO) Mr President, Libya is the European Union's third biggest supplier of oil and gas, while the Union is Libya's main trading partner, accounting for more than two thirds of this country's total trade.
2009 discharge: Eighth, Ninth and Tenth European Development Funds (EDF) (
With the 2010 strategic report, Parliament has the first occasion for analysis and evaluation of the outputs and results of cohesion policy implementation.
(IT) Madam President, the proposal for a regulation tabled by the Commission in 2008 aims to introduce new, Europe-wide rights to protect bus and coach passengers which are similar to those applied to other means of transport, thereby assuring equal conditions of competition between carriers and the various modes of transport within the different Member States.
It was not to be.
In your opinion, what are the biggest causes of the high number of deaths on the roads?
In this context, policies should be developed, encouraging Member States to keep the number of victims of transport accidents to levels not higher than the average for the EU.
The transition from educational institution to working life must be as smooth as possible and, in particular, tailored to individual needs, because it must also be possible for young people with inadequate training to gain the skills necessary to be able to work in skilled jobs and to earn a good living.
The objective of this assistance is to help ACP banana exporters to launch adjustment programmes.
In tabling an amendment concerning temporary national allowances for pesticides I am speaking in favour of the mechanism for exchanging older preparations for modern and safer ones as quickly as is possible.
Participation in the EU emission allowance trading scheme will allow airlines to gain the experience that will be required for future restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions at global level.
The third issue concerns financing of the food facility.
I therefore support the principle that a) the oppression of minority languages fundamentally infringes on the right to freedom of citizens belonging to that minority; that b) instruction in the mother tongue is the most suitable for learning; and that c) local authorities and communities should be given legal competence to make decisions about the language used in teaching..
Certainly the EP motion for a resolution contains some proposals with which we agree - some of which we tabled - but they do not make up for the negative content of the motion for a resolution.
The European Union needs to maintain a united front and continue to condemn the abuses committed in Iran.
What people have indicated so far is that this is the beginning of a process and not an end.
(DE) Mr President, in the year of the World Cup, the ladies and gentlemen of the Council could learn a lesson from football and that is that it is not possible to have a good game of football if you have got a referee overseeing each player.
A reliable partnership between the EU and the GCC therefore needs to be built, which will favour open markets for goods and the removal of non-tariff barriers.
Let us hope that the Partnership for Modernisation and other matters will help us to find a common and positive way forward here.
However, a complicated and sensitive question such as this can hardly be resolved at EU level.
Written statements (Rule 142)
Now more than ever, the European Union needs to put into practice the old motto of solidarity proclaimed by the Musketeers: 'All for one and one for all' and provide financial aid to countries that have suffered, like Bulgaria, for vitally important projects which will provide it with energy security.
However, the Council, of course, remains committed to continuing its work on the proposal for the amendment of the Asylum Procedures Directive, and I would like to thank you for the work you have done so far, and I am confident that the Commission will incorporate the observations you have made so far in the new proposal.
17.
In addition, it is a great pity that Mrs Gräßle, in particular, is the person who unnecessarily makes the work of the non-attached Members more difficult, discriminates against us, prevents us from accessing information, does not allow us the opportunity to work with employees and then feels that it is worthwhile attacking us on the basis of incorrect facts.
This principle ensures that each legal system is represented within the Court; it is also a reflection of the collective guarantee system established by the Convention in which each contracting party is required to participate, and that means that we need a permanent full judge elected by the Union who enjoys the same status and has the same duties as his peers and who intervenes potentially in all cases.
If we are not prepared to allow them to do that, we might as well mothball our national parliaments, turn them into museums and lock the door.
To root out the undeclared workforce we can use both a stick and a carrot.
All the major economic powers, along with emerging nations like China, are rushing to get their hands on these resources which are becoming increasingly rare.
Cambodia (vote)
Commissioner Georgieva will also represent President Barroso during the inauguration of President Sebastián Piñera in Valparaíso later today.
Agenda: see Minutes
Really, in a globalised world, Europe and the various EU countries will be defined by the qualifications of their human resources.
(Applause)
That is something I cannot agree to.
But who decided that Commissioner Šemeta could have three questions and Commissioner Rehn could only have one question?
There might be some delays.
We must be careful not to overburden this important industry.
As Milton Friedman put it, competition between governments in their delivery of services and their levels of taxation is every bit as productive as competition between companies and individuals.
This is true.
I would be very interested to hear whether he is aware that it was not the system but consumers who helped to discover what had happened here.
In fact, we have drawn together everything that we think is important in this context.
The present figure for emissions per inhabitant in Poland stands at 7 tonnes per annum, while in the old EU countries this is up to two times higher.
That is a major fallacy, on the one hand because in actuality, there has been a legally binding framework in effect on this subject in Europe for more than 25 years, which we are continuously adjusting, most recently, for example, through the 2009 Nuclear Safety Directive.
2007 progress report on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (
For all of these reasons, safeguarding the idea of goods produced using the best of what Europe has to offer is the first crucial step towards recognition at individual Member State level.
In view of the above, I agree to the Agreement being concluded.
Written statements (Rule 149)
It is also quite clear, on the one hand, that we have to ensure the balanced development of our work, thus focusing especially on the poorer countries and establishing the fairness that Mr Crowley talked about; on the other hand, we also have to secure fair trade rules for access by our industry to raw materials.
But I cannot find any information from Eurostat, for example, as to how much this symbol is worth to European business, or what percentage of Europeans actually know what the CE does.
on behalf of the EFD Group. - Mr President, I rise to ask for the postponement of the vote on the Fernandes report.
The target of reducing accidents by 25% by the end of the strategy period may look impressive, but in reality it is completely inadequate.
In an age when communications are crucial, and when communications by air afford previously unimagined travel opportunities, air transport agreements between nations are clearly necessary and desirable.
I agree with the rapporteur and the resolutions on discharge when they draw attention to the urgency of introducing a national declaration at an appropriate political level, covering all EU funds coming under shared management, in order that each Member State take responsibility for the management of EU funds received.
Of course it is important to pass the new emissions regulation, it is right that the Commission should say that the environment and innovation should guide the measures to address the crisis and that the motor industry should be cited in this, but that is not enough.
However, what we are doing with this decision is to tell the Council, which has already reached a resolution during the last Council of Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs, that in our view, and this applies at least to my group, security and security measures are absolutely essential. However, the use of scanners or display devices which show people completely naked is totally unacceptable.
The US Treasury admits that tax havens result in a yearly tax revenue loss of USD 100 billion.
The benefits in place in the United Kingdom for the elderly during cold weather to enable them to keep their homes warm and combat energy poverty are an excellent example of what other Member States, including Estonia, should take as a model.
I asked President Pöttering to open today's session with a minute's silence, as a sign of mourning in recognition of these victims.
We note that President Obama has said that an agreement should neither contain only certain elements nor merely be a political declaration.
The Council Presidency for the second half of 2008 does not want this.
The Czech Republic is the first country of Central and Eastern Europe to take the EU presidency.
It is an achievement that we cannot question before the next elections are over.
Member States must invest in the construction of motorways, high-speed railway lines and in those alternatives which can cut traffic congestion.
in writing. - Today's debate on forest fires in welcomed.
The reason we do not wish to rush is precisely to avoid what is currently happening - where everyone is proposing a different idea, where sometimes there are two different ideas within the same government.
We are giving the payments directly to active farmers, active producers, and therefore the possibility of errors has been much reduced.
Maybe a new directive on biogas alone is too much to ask, but I welcome the request addressed to the Commission to present a special report on biogas in the European Union, which should also include recommendations concerning the European and the national legislation in this field.
The term 'residential zones' is both vague and imprecise.
I believe that this directive will help consumers to make the correct decisions on the basis of a quick and simple process of being able to compare more offers from domestic, as well as foreign, providers.
Developing countries need aid to reduce poverty and isolation, measures to contribute to development and measures essential to get out of the crisis.
We call on Sudan to think again, and think fast, about the grave position they have placed themselves in by protecting these alleged mass killers from the arm of international law.
It is important to ensure the abolition of the segregation of Roma children in schools and classrooms.
I want to give this clear message: coordination alone is not enough.
As far as the allocation of resources is concerned, I believe the proposed amendments are consistent with our suggested approach, which aims to defend the allocation of revenue from tolls and reduce the external effects of road transport, and I believe I can support them.
We are not asking them for the time being to commit themselves to emission reductions in absolute terms.
The debate is closed.
The consultations have confirmed that the underlying principles of the current EU data protection legislation are still very much valid.
Can we make a difference?
First of all, climate change: without renewable energy sources it is rather naive to expect that we could master the climate change challenge.
In our view, however, the two are not mutually exclusive.
Like everybody else in this Chamber, I am, of course, horrified by what has been happening in the Middle East.
in writing. - This report takes a detailed and thorough look at the causes of the economic crisis and the developments that have been made at EU level in order to prevent, pre-empt or at least diminish the impact of future crises.
We therefore appreciate your work on these issues.
We have half an hour for these speeches, so I have to keep to the half hour.
Looking back over the past 10 years, France, the Netherlands and now Ireland - twice - have all voted to put the brakes on greater European integration, and yet the EU has completely ignored their opinions.
However, I also have something to add which is rather at the margins of the debate.
This paragraph highlights the interaction of European languages with other continents, with countries throughout the world, and the fact that it is vital for the European Union to know how to specifically promote these languages and the cultural interaction generated and conveyed by these languages in their extra-European dimensions.
It must therefore also be this Parliament that concludes it.
I have voted in favour of the European Parliament's position, as it is slightly more market-liberal than the Commission's proposal.
Therefore, more efficient governance mechanisms have been proposed, which require the involvement of the Member States, as well as the Commission, at every level of the monitoring process.
Sinn Féin supports the highest possible level of data protection for citizens and will continue to support any measures which improve the privacy and rights of citizens in this field.
As Commissioner Hübner has said here this evening, it shows the value of the bottom-up approach and also highlights the important role of women in peace-building.
Given the considerable delays that have already been confirmed and the increased costs of the SIS II project, I understand that the sunset clause must be kept.
The European Parliament has always been very concerned about consumer rights in the area of tourism and, consequently, in its resolutions on new perspectives and new calls for long-term sustainable tourism in Europe, it has accepted the need to revise Directive 94/47/EC.
'Observes that the 2007 decreases in reported aid levels are due in some cases to the artificial boosting of figures in 2006 by debt relief; ...';
Commissioner, allow me first of all to welcome you, since I have not opened the debate and, moreover, to give you the floor to reply to these numerous questions.
At the same time, tens of thousands of jobs are disappearing.
For those countries that repeatedly have problems managing money, payments should be suspended.
There are serious concerns regarding how ballot boxes have been stored and it cannot be ruled out that ballot papers are being tampered with in the process of this recount.
This is a reason to rejoice and it should cause Europe to pay more attention to its seas.
I would like to enumerate a few perspectives that must in any event be taken into consideration in the regulation and its implementation.
At the moment, for example, in the case of emissions trading, talks are based not on Parliament's opinion but only on the decision of a single committee.
That would be completely impossible without the European Union.
In addition we tried to encourage the social partners in this area to become involved as we are aware that this new model requires firm commitment from all the stakeholders, yet it also requires that everyone's interests be taken into account.
That results in growing currency devaluation, together with a fall in household purchasing power and a stagnation that is difficult to control and may have a considerable impact on Europe.
It is another attempt by the social euro-engineers, who are so obsessed with the utopian super-state that they ignore common sense.
I think both the presidency and the Commission can admit that there is strong pressure from the new Member States to get a more equal payment, and I know that this will be a discussion that will be strongly defended in the 2013 reform.
It is in the interest of individual countries, and also within their capabilities, to look for a solution to the nuclear issue - whether through safety improvements, or complete decommissioning.
The task of Parliament is to furnish the necessary financial backing, and thus we must recognise that within the Eastern Partnership the most crucial motivating factor for the partners is their European aspiration.
Migration matters must remain a sovereign right of each Member State.
However, the directive will have to be implemented by the national governments.
Any differences in charges will be transparent and based on clear criteria.
The report also calls for instruments to foster the development and growth of eco-innovative SMEs, as well as the development of eco-industrial parks.
Therefore, we have reached - Mr President, I will stop here - the time to debate the issues on the table in a strong and unified way.
I understand your concerns very well, but we have to move forward to negotiate in a better way - the best way - with the United States and try to have some binding rules for the Member States within this agreement, because that is the only way to achieve exactly what you want to achieve.
Data protection will follow European Union data protection rules.
It is also important to help young people by making their access to the labour market easier.
There is therefore a solid argument for restrictions on working time.
We need better, simpler legislation which serves the interests of Europeans.
The analyses point out that the old Member States that have opened up their markets have received much more benefits than problems with the workers received.
The fourth new feature was that of the delegated acts, and here I must tell you very clearly, Mrs Malmström, that Parliament can take care of timetable arguments and procedural arguments very efficiently, and we promise to not take long to respond to delegated acts.
(FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I shall certainly repeat things which have already been said and welcome, in any case, the result of the Irish vote on the Treaty of Lisbon.
I therefore think that the rotating presidency will also have a clear role in the future, alongside the elected President who is being brought in via the new Treaty.
Under the treaty, the Member States will be committed to increasing military resources for operations outside their territory and in their previous colonies.
It is highly likely that the crime was racially motivated.
I also believe that many of the problems of this vast area should meet with a response at European level through an integrated EU strategy for the region, and through the prospect of a territorial cohesion policy that should be a fundamental framework for Union choices.
Another point which is just as important is that the report adopted by Parliament proposes the creation of mixed European rapid intervention teams which will be made up of military personnel, police officers and medical staff who will provide an effective response in the event of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear disasters.
We, too, unanimously support the report.
In this regard, I urge the European Parliament, the European Commission and Council to join forces in their efforts in order to avoid independent actions, such as those of Prime Minister Berlusconi, which harm the general cause and give further encouragement to Lukashenko.
All this forces us to carry out a more thorough analysis which should be incorporated in a future common fisheries policy, and every report should fulfil this policy.
The Czech Head of State must know, even without the Treaty of Lisbon, that the Beneš Decrees came about through the enforcement of the principle of collective guilt and are not made unlawful with the enactment of the Charter of Fundamental Rights; they are, in fact, still in conflict with more than six European documents.
If you convey this message to the Council tomorrow, we will be on your side; but we will only be on your side if you do so, Mr President!
This is important for freedom of expression and diversity, a question which is often debated in this House.
Therefore, we did not vote in favour of this resolution.
We will see what we can do to pass the message to Council, and we very much look forward to the proposals coming from the Commission later in the year.
in writing. - (DE) Let's be absolutely clear from the outset: the embargo by Israel is clearly a violation of international law and is completely unacceptable.
We have drawn attention to this issue many times in the national parliament of the Republic of Latvia, but still no one from the ruling Latvian elite is even prepared to discuss the question.
I think it will be a very useful precedential document for us to study, because it seems to me that he robustly supports the scientific justification for the use of GM crops in Europe where they are scientifically approved and authorised.
In order to achieve these aims the two conditions must be set out in a clear and immediately understandable form.
This 'supposed rescue' package will do little to ensure a sustainable fishing industry.
in writing. - We generally vote against EU legislation and indeed voted against this report as a whole.
All these measures are intended to exert pressure in order to obtain an international agreement which, in a context of severe economic crisis, will accentuate the capitalist view of the environmental issue.
The graves we are talking about are in the line of control.
Mr President, honourable Members, it is an honour for me to stand here with you and represent European democracy.
Those who want to see the Europe of tomorrow should look at the Belgium of today!
Will we listen to him?
As regards the remaining proposals, I would emphasise the statement that in my view they are merely an additional improvement to the joint position and would in no way compromise consumer protection and the benefit this would have from the directive, because it is also a high priority for us.
(Parliament rejected the request to postpone the vote)
It is the Nordic and the Swedish way to respect the voice of the people.
How is that supposed to happen?
On the other hand, the situation of migrants' children who are left behind on their own in the country of origin when parents emigrate in search of a job in another country is an issue which has caused concern in some Member States during the last two years.
The Council, the Commission and Parliament, through its President, are agreed about the line to pursue, which is based on respect for the result in Ireland and also respect for the almost five hundred million citizens who make up the rest of the European Union.
Here we are, nine years later, debating the fact that 21 Member States had, by October 2009, failed to enact these directives and have now been sent reasoned opinions because of this failure.
It is only if the parliaments are able to verify whether the new system of regulations can achieve what it was designed to do, that the Economic Partnership Agreements can operate as a driving force for development.
Peter Mandelson has left the stage after four years at the helm.
It is unfair to those who have questions waiting to be heard.
Endeavours to improve financial management must not be limited to the simplification of rules, however.
The report by Mr Saryusz-Wolski, whom I would like to congratulate on his work, includes a specific initiative: establishing an interinstitutional agreement from the beginning of next year, so that, on the basis of the guidelines of the new Treaty, stable and dynamic criteria for cooperation can be established.
As I was saying, on 10 December 2010 with the Hungarian Presidency, we launched the first cooperation exercises on access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises, which will be followed by other, similar exercises, in close cooperation with the Member States.
(Loud applause)
Everyone has to make an effort.
The Europe 2020 Project Bond Initiative, which is currently in public consultation, is a very good example.
But Europe also needs a new direction.
While supporting this agreement, the Commission position in the context of the revised emissions trading directive remains that the auctioning level in the aviation sector should be 20% in 2013 and increased in line with sectors other than the power sector.
I keenly support the demand made in the report for 2010 to be declared as the European Year of Fryderyk Chopin, given that it is the 200th anniversary of the birth of this composer of genius, who made an incontrovertible contribution to European and world culture.
Research and development have reached a more or less stable level, but certainly not the 3% we need for the Lisbon Strategy, only just over half of that, at an average of 1.6%, 1.7% or 1.8% - far too low to allow us to play the international role we want to play.
I am pleased that the Council has accepted these proposals.
I agree that special attention should be paid to those works which are fragile and might cease to exist very soon and, among those, audiovisual materials.
We have never experienced anything like this in a candidate Member State.
We launched a public consultation and are conducting an evaluation of the current scheme.
In 2009, the European Council asked the Commission to draw up a European Strategy for the Danube Region bearing in mind that the Danube region comprises 14 European countries and 115 million people both within and outside the European Union (EU): Germany, Austria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine, and is therefore an area where enhanced synergies between various EU policies can be developed.
Any measures that are taken in this area will always be limited in scope if they do not include banning the instruments that make it profitable, specifically derivatives.
That makes me proud, but it has to be user-friendly, accessible and credible, and that means we will have to be reasonably strict about it being within EU competence and adhering to human rights at the outset.
In 2000, this Parliament debated whether Greece should join the euro area.
We must act vigorously if we do not want things to get out of hand here.
There was a similar moment in the past when Bill Clinton and Felipe González signed the Transatlantic Agenda in 1995; at that time there was great optimism about the future.
It is true that opiates are needed for the treatment of various illnesses, for post-operative pain relief and, last but not least, for the treatment of people with malignant diseases.
Clearly, effective legal protection is a fundamental principle.
I am pleased that Parliament is tackling this.
At a time of rising food prices around the world, I do not think that now is the time for us to have a knee-jerk reaction to introduce measures which may have adverse effects on food production.
It is particularly important to speak of shared responsibilites at all levels, national and international alike, shared responsibilities between men and women.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I also supported and voted in favour of Mr Provera's report because I think it offers a practical, assertive step forward towards the goal of solidarity, which is moreover provided for by Article 80 on solidarity amongst European Union Member States.
Overall, it constitutes 10% of Europe's enterprises and 6% of the labour market.
This is reflected in the Regulation, we have debated with him and we greatly appreciate the work that he does.
Today, on the pretext of 'terrorism', they are hauled in again from the darkest ages in the history of the bourgeoisie in Europe.
It is for that reason that I voted against this report.
It has gone well beyond that point because the Ukrainian authorities have overlooked the correct legal procedures and taken measures that violate the rule of law.
Investment, not spending, should be the goal, pre- and post-2013.
In this respect, we also insist on the need to preserve linguistic diversity in Europe.
Collaboration at EU level must not be at the expense of the quality of care or of the principled ethical choices made by Member States.
However, I shall nevertheless vote in favour.
I would also like to say that this afternoon, in your two speeches, you have given us a legal, moral and historical lesson.
If, in these few days, he does not stop what is happening at the moment, then freeze all assets, not only of the 13 people but of the whole Assad family.
This therefore confirms the fear of seeing research exported in the wake of these regulations.
(DE) Mr President, taxing speculation - which, in many cases, brings no benefit for the real economy - by means of a financial transaction tax is undoubtedly the right approach.
I acknowledge that our statistics do not always reflect this fact.
To make matters worse, the heavy metals may cause serious air pollution.
However, in the area where they can exercise this power - namely when buying products - unnecessary obstacles are placed in their path.
Does the Council believe that all the measures taken in recent years in the fight against terrorism have been the right ones?
in writing. - On behalf of the Fine Gael Delegation (EPP-ED):
The only way we are going to keep these essential carers is if we support them in their work.
Abolition of the death penalty is one of the main thematic priorities when providing help within the framework of the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights.
I want to move to the USA and get into the EU via Martinique'.
Therefore, the only effective method of preventing distortions in the market and continuing to control textile imports is still to subject such imports to verification procedures that require indication of the country of origin.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, in this last speech, I would stress the importance of updating Regulation (EC) No 247/2006.
The European Commission's Communication COM(2007) 281 set all the European institutions a challenge: 'The time has come to look at Brazil as a strategic partner as well as a major Latin American economic actor and regional leader'.
Shipbuilding is a global industry. Ships can easily be bought in Asia and do not necessarily have to be bought in Europe.
One cannot accept the reverse majority rule and tougher parameters and sanctions without a golden rule to protect Member States' investments and without Eurobonds to fund European investments and, at the same time, to guarantee sovereign debt. This is not a good enough formula for tackling the crisis and it is destined to make it worse.
I am observing with great interest the EU pilot programme, which is supposed to be a tool enabling a rapid response to all cases of incorrect application or adaptation of EU law to national legislation.
The current form of development aid is an unsuitable tool for this purpose, as lots of funds disappear into dark channels or are diverted back into European bank accounts belonging to corrupt despots.
Here in this Parliament the French President Valéry Giscard D'Estaing told me recently that he was always in favour of including a reference to the Christian God in the European constitution.
These are necessary steps not only for joining the EU but also to give a judicial, civil and social structure to a country that must develop in compliance with the regulations and in view of shared growth at the various levels of administration.
If the State is not there to help when it is urgently needed, and if it does not take action when the police are needed or the fire service is needed, citizens never forget.
For us, it is also cultural and civilisation issues that are at stake.
in writing. - I welcome Mr Graefe zu Baringdorf's report on the proposal for a regulation concerning meat and livestock statistics.
Mr Šefčovič, I would also like the Commission to start to trust its own citizens more.
Although other issues deserve attention and could be discussed, it is the financial crisis on which our attention is necessarily focused.
Thanks to the Treaty of Lisbon, cohesion is no longer just economic and social; it is also territorial.
Mrs Morgan has already talked about what this must contain.
Two years have passed since then and we do not even know today how many people were detained, how many were arrested and, subsequently, how many were perhaps released.
Therefore, I believe that it is essential and a matter of duty for the European institutions to provide as much assistance as possible, at least in order to guarantee that the people who have lost everything have housing, medical assistance, food and basic social services.
I therefore thank the rapporteur and members of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, who have succeeded in strengthening support for those consumer groups which most need protection: children and the elderly.
(DA) Mr President, I would like to take the liberty of giving a general, overall perspective since, up to now, EU harmonisation of medicinal product legislation has only involved relaxing the rules in Denmark. and the sale of medicines has increased.
We need strong institutions.
Resumption of the session
And today, when we recall that you too, Mr President, come from my country, a country which has suffered so much at the hands of totalitarianism, we know one thing - and this truly is the best thing about the EU - the European Union has ensured the nations of Europe 60 years without war.
I would like to draw attention to the fact that in the case of an accident both car users and pedestrians will be now be more at risk because of non-original spare parts of a lower quality.
This is absolutely accepted as the Council has repeatedly asserted that the future of Serbia naturally lies in its future membership of the European Union.
The Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality focused, in its opinion, on the question of supporting the mother and the family in the performance of their obligations.
Police numbers are being cut and prisoners are being released because we cannot afford to keep them in prison.
It has been an inclusive process for which I sought input from Member States' parliamentarians, notably Ms Hautala and the Subcommittee on Human Rights, as well as civil society NGOs and academics.
This compromise focused, on the one hand, on the definition of higher professional qualifications and of higher education qualifications, and, on the other, on the relationship with national law; lastly, it focused on the minimum salary threshold for which a derogation is provided for in case of specific need within a profession.
Thank you very much.
EC-Ukraine Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (vote)
Russia is already our third-most important trading partner and we see growth rates of up to 20% a year.
To the heads of state or government of the European Union I would just like to say that it is important for this Treaty to be the basis of a European project founded on the true membership of its citizens.
After the last enlargement, it seems that social Europe is developing at two rates, with both of them going backwards.
We visited the camps in Rome and we were able to ascertain that, in reality, Roma really need special protection, if only because since the EU's expansion, they have become one of the larger minorities in the European Union.
Clearly there are vital strategic questions at stake in the EU having good relations with Russia, but we cannot allow these questions to erase our obligation to speak out for our fundamental freedoms and shared European common values, freedoms and values the Russian people themselves should be enabled to share fully in peace and security.
I have no doubt that they will give us a better idea of the impact of these directives.
(SV) Madam President, Commissioner, the financial and economic crisis has shown that we in Europe must be able to act together.
The fact that some European political groups, close to the Prodi government, have come out against a joint resolution on the health and environmental disaster in Campania which should have concluded our debate opens up another whodunit.
The call for the introduction of a balanced approach to 'flexicurity' and the introduction of a clause on active inclusion, I feel, will strengthen employment policy across Europe.
However, the rapporteur's proposals take several steps backwards.
Making rural areas more attractive will help to curb the exodus of mainly young and well-trained people.
The German public awoke today to the news that three terrorists had been planning an attack on Frankfurt am Main airport.
Public finances are already overburdened by these measures.
The EGF has been used in the past by other EU countries, so it is now appropriate to provide aid to the Netherlands, which has submitted a request for assistance in respect of 598 redundancies in eight companies operating in the NACE Revision 2 Division 58 (publishing activities) in the two contiguous NUTS II regions of Noord Holland and Zuid Holland.
(DA) Mr President, it should always be up to each individual Member State to decide on its own energy mix.
Certainly, with these three points, it can be said that an instrument will shortly be in the hands of the European citizen that is simpler than expected, clearer than it appears at first sight and supposedly more effective.
7.
This is not only a responsibility; it is a security requirement for the Union, because poverty is unfortunately often a source of instability.
The text of the report, as well as the intentions of the rapporteur, seem to be clear and transparent.
This is the second time that the European Parliament has proposed improvements to the Statute of the Ombudsman.
It increases levels of safety not just for the airlines themselves, but also for the passengers.
in writing. - (FR) The purpose of Mrs Roure's report is to combat racism.
Can you reassure me, Commissioner, that the action plan is ready?
As your visit has demonstrated, current events and the general situation in the region have had an impact on the process.
Change in Turkey means meeting its obligations towards Cyprus by recognising the Republic of Cyprus and ending the occupation of Cyprus.
Advocates of the introduction of formal, rigid fishing criteria have even appeared. For example, some kind of mythical significance is being attributed to depths exceeding 1 000 metres without any fully convincing reasons being put forward for this.
Attacks using chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials constitute a grave threat to the European public.
Following the warnings issued by the European Parliament a few weeks ago, the negotiation process is now on the right track.
Segregation and discrimination need to be eliminated.
Very well, let us speed up!
However, the accident at the Fukushima nuclear plant calls for an effective EU response.
The same goes for electromagnetic fields, to which hundreds of millions of people are exposed, even though we know very little about their effects.
Commissioner, I therefore ask you and the Member States to be firm in implementing this regulation with the utmost possible urgency.
The Commission's legislative and work programme of course offers an opportunity to provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
.
Others gave background support.
on behalf of the ECR Group. - Mr President, the EU budget has been suffering from a number of structural problems.
in writing. - (DE) Russia is important to the EU not only as a supplier of energy but also as a counterbalance to America's drive for world domination.
IMF reform, in particular, is overdue.
The Member States must not, by their slow reaction, cause the supply of troops and equipment and the commitment of EUFOR to be unnecessarily delayed.
Farmers cannot manage this alone.
in writing. - I voted for this composite resolution which responded to the Commission paper 'The European interest: succeeding in the age of globalisation'.
As became evident in the autumn, Europe needs a financial market that functions effectively.
I believe that the European Parliament needs to monitor developments with these initiatives closely, particularly at the present juncture when global geopolitical and economic balances are being redefined.
It was somewhat unenthusiastically that I voted in favour of the 2010 budget, since it is no match for the challenges that we have to face, not only in this context of serious economic and social crisis, but also in view of the fight against climate change.
We have a number of important tasks ahead as we look to the forthcoming EU-US summit and beyond.
Add to this the major pandemics such as Aids, malaria, tuberculosis, and so on, and this set of factors means that we find ourselves facing a genuine disaster.
It is therefore a good thing that Europe realises it has an excellent opportunity to be a player on the world stage in this sphere as in others.
We can become world leaders in our diverse renewable energy fields, which should create a tight, effective and coordinated strategy - including governments, NGOs, academia, business, forward-thinkers - seeking not to talk but to solve.
We should be content with nothing less.
Macedonia was on Europe's side when Europe needed it.
Let me finish my intervention by expressing my sincere thanks to the European Parliament, the Presidency and the Council for the excellent cooperation on the package and the related proposals on carbon dioxide and cars and the fuel quality directive.
However, I firmly believe that a long-term action plan that spans parties and cycles will be prepared through this which can effectively remedy the poverty and social exclusion affecting the Roma.
Indeed, the recent ECJ judgment on discrimination by association points the way.
I apologise for proceeding in this way but I am not, as you will have noticed and as you know, the responsible Commissioner, and I am therefore far less expansive on these issues, which are extremely challenging for me, than on others.
Adjournment of the session
I will finish by saying that I should like to question Commissioner Dalli directly, so as to ask him which of the proposals included in this report the Commission is prepared to accept, and when it will be prepared to accept and take action against an emergency of the scale that we are currently experiencing.
I wish you all the best, though, and I hope that the Heads of State or Government do not leave you hanging as they did at your first formal European Council.
The case of Mehdi Kazemi highlights once again the huge loopholes in the European Union asylum system: the fact that someone must seek asylum these days on the ground that he or she is being persecuted and threatened with death because of being a homosexual is a matter of utmost concern and shows that the promotion of LGBT rights must be moved up the international agenda.
I will mention a few of these, Mrs Roure.
While income tax is one of the main forms of taxation in rich countries, its contribution is minimal in developing countries.
I am thinking here of two hard-hitting proposals that we have made in the report: the first is to prevent discrimination and the stigmatisation of obese people by officially recognising obesity as a chronic disease, as has been done for example by the WHO and Portugal; the second is to ensure that all schoolchildren have access to physical exercise and sport - two hours a week would be the minimum requirement in my opinion - along with better funding of school canteens so that fresh products are put on the children's menu, and here I welcome the Commission's initiative for the free distribution of fruit at school, as referred to by the Commissioner.
In fact, the European Commission should exert pressure on developing countries to transpose into national legislation the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
We should certainly take a positive view of the way the Turkish authorities have dealt with issues related to religious freedom, women's rights, trade union rights, judicial reform, revision of radio and TV legislation and improvements in civil-military relations.
12.
The amendment aims to create an effective system that is more sensitive to the interests of the beneficiary countries and economic operators, to develop more comprehensive rules and to guarantee Parliament's role as the body of democratic control.
May I ask you, as President-in-Office, to give this matter your profoundest attention and to tell me what you do.
That is why, in the Committee on Transport and Tourism, I defended a high level of consumer protection, particularly by extending and updating the basic definitions of the directive, reinforcing language requirements, and improving contract information and withdrawal rights to ensure a clear and stable market without any hidden costs for consumers.

We welcome this package as a step in the right direction, albeit with some reservations.
Reports have been adopted in Parliament's plenary sitting in Strasbourg containing three specific measures (EUR 280 million in direct aid for producers, a temporary rule for calculating buy-back of quotas and inclusion of milk in the CMO under Article 186 (emergency measures)).
The solution to this would be a totally new paradigm in relation to work-life balance.
I voted against the resolution rejecting the indication of the presence of DHA in milk substitutes for babies because I think it is right to advertise the reasons for which DHA is added.
Moreover, there is also the issue of the incapacity to control access to and follow-up these products of animal origin once they enter the commercial system.
Policies on quality should be developed by providing more clarity with product certification and labelling that can be understood by all European Union consumers.
In order to develop these criteria, the Commission and the new Community body are called upon to ensure the active involvement of leading operators and best practices, so that they can make use of innovations tried and tested by these operators during their manufacturing cycles and thus make them accessible and transparent.
I also agree with the creation of transition periods for small and medium-sized enterprises in order to give them time to adapt to the changes resulting from the agreement, and, more generally, I welcome the support to be given to SMEs by the states concerned.
Of course, prevention and clean drinking water are the priorities.
Personally, I think that it is up to these populations to adapt to our society and not to force us to adopt favourable policies that often produce results that are quite opposite to expectations.
If we are too strict in Europe and cannot impose the same rules on the rest of the world, that means that we in Europe can consume products that we are unable to produce here, which seems wrong to me.
More precisely, based on agreed guidelines, this network, together and in cooperation with the national contact points of FP7, assists SMEs by providing support for awareness raising, capacity building for participation in the framework programme, engaging new SMEs in the proposals, partner search, joint actions addressed to SMEs and conducting consultations on inclusion of SME-related call topics in work programmes.
Liberals and Democrats hope that the conclusions of the Ecofin Council will form the basis for agreement at the European Council.
This report is an ode to nuclear energy, the carbon market and the Desertec project.
I am very glad that we now have more than just economic ties alone and that cultural exchanges between us, for example, have grown enormously in recent years.
This directive will significantly add to the cost of these funds and reduce returns, driving smaller funds out of business.
It is quite true, Mrs Roure, that the Member States have all acceded to the Council of Europe Convention 108 on data protection.
That is a real political ploy, since Parliament's competence does not extend to adopting European treaties.
The European Food Safety Authority offers indispensable support in the areas of animal health and plant protection.
Therefore, if we really want to retain this right to asylum, we must restructure the system to ensure that it offers greater solidarity in future.
I voted in favour of this report on the priorities for Budget 2011.
Whilst some are concerned and use the data as a threat, we must also see the good side of it, which is that we can still act.
Mr President, I will resist the temptation to join in.
(PT) - I should like to take this opportunity to express our solidarity with the soldiers and leaders of associations representing members of the armed forces who are the subject of disciplinary procedures in relation to their activity in such associations, for exercising and upholding the legitimate rights of members of the armed forces in Portugal, especially as regards the whole range of social and professional matters which these associations seek to promote as part of a necessary enhancement of the dignity of military life.
Now, however, with the crisis affecting many - if not all - countries, there is also the idea that Parliament, as the mouthpiece of the political views of society, should also make an effort to look at issues which were not covered at the time, at the beginning, such as the issue of agricultural machinery, which my group has the facility to propose in Amendment 2.
Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law(debate)
The continual violations of Community environmental legislation in Campania must finally be brought to an end, as Community law requires.
My answer to the question is certainly yes.
An urgent rethink and replanning by the international community is essential.
As this proposal is based on the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), the European Parliament is only being consulted.
I therefore ask you, despite the short period of time that we have before the Council on Monday, to make an effort to simplify and to be realistic, so that the positive political signal does not become an enormous disappointment to the sector, which is looking to us with great hope.
We have succeeded very well in this respect.
Firstly, I agree very much with all speakers who emphasised the governance failure as the most significant factor underlying the problems Haiti faces today.
In that connection, we are sure that, with the special links it has with the region through EuroLat, the European Parliament will act decisively in ensuring that the association between the European Union and the countries in the region plays an increasingly important strategic role.
Cooperation between prisons and firms specialising in jobs for prisoners must evidently be encouraged as part of the reintegration process.
I believe that both of these reasons highlight the fact that we need to look at this discharge and European spending with additional scrutiny.
Five years ago, did Members see the TV pictures of hundreds of Western Saharans trying to seek refuge in the Canaries?
in writing. - I voted for this report.
With this legislation, which we have been discussing for a long time, for two years I believe, we will further improve levels of safety.
We then, altogether, have to see if we need to take other, supplementary measures or if we have to push to implement the existing measures which we are going to vote on tomorrow in the action at the level of the Member States.
I therefore have two requests of you, Baroness Ashton.
The Council must adopt the proposed directive urgently so that the Commission can ensure that it is implemented effectively and without delay.
We support this directive.
That is unacceptable, because it curtails the fundamental right of all citizens to political participation.
This is even more important now, when these countries are faced with enormous pressures - and even blackmail - from the EU to accept impositions in the form of the 'Economic Partnership Agreements' that threaten their interests and compromise the effectiveness of the support provided under instruments such as the European Development Funds (EDF).
Until the next crisis, so to say.
(NL) I would remind Mr Tannock that this question was tabled not by Mrs Morgantini alone, but also by two EPP-ED Group vice-presidents of Parliament, Mr McMillan-Scott and Mrs Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou, and by Mr Bowis, Mr Kasoulides and myself.
I voted in favour of resolution because I believe that the new media law in Hungary does not give sufficient guarantee of freedom of expression and pluralism, and is therefore counterproductive for the establishment of real pluralism in the public sphere.
Madam President, the turbulent financial events of the last few days have changed the world.
At this point I should like once again to thank the rapporteur for the excellent work she has done.
(PT) The last EU-United States summit in the Bush era will take place on 10 June.
It is in this spirit that we are proposing to vote against the new amendment that is to be tabled tomorrow in the Chamber by the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance, the Socialist Group in the European Parliament and the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.
Most of what had been achieved has been lost following lobbying by the agrochemical industry and the less efficient among the public regulatory authorities.
Most importantly, the necessary changes to fiscal policy must not be made at the expense of mass purchasing power.
This document has no legal force whatsoever.
As for the right to take follow-up action, we have extended it - or rather clarified it - to a degree, as in the past the Committee on Petitions could practically issue an own-initiative report on more or less anything and everything.
However, a social clause is significantly more than what we find here in this text.
We need to wait for what?
Member of the Commission. - First of all, the Internet and the elections.
It is precisely for this reason, first of all, that it is very important to carry out an objective and transparent evaluation of the Council's work.
This is all the more shocking, given that this law came about without the Prime Minister even being consulted.
For the Members of the European Parliament, who are directly elected by the people, it is obviously good to have a procedure which is different from that for civil servants, as Mrs Grässle has already said here.
I am glad that the commission will soon have completed a new updated framework resolution.
(EL) Mr President, we have witnessed an unprecedented and coordinated attack over recent days on the economy of the Member States of the euro area, with the spread for government bonds in certain countries, such as Greece, Portugal and Spain, going off the scale.
As the second trading partner for the region, Europe leads the field in investment, which is considerably higher than investment by China.
Mr President, Presidents of the European institutions, Mr Buzek, my group fully subscribes to your programme for Parliament and the running of Parliament over the next five years.
Obviously, I support that and share the concerns that have been expressed in the Chamber today.
(FR) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, a few months after Professor Monti's report, which called for a necessary recovery of the citizen-oriented internal market, I welcome the Commission's response.
In your presence, a fellow Member has just offended the Italian Government, which yesterday obtained a vote of confidence from the Italian Parliament and also enjoys the confidence of the Italian public.
The European Central Bank's are due tomorrow and are also dismal,
We must examine whether we thus want to and are able to continue these activities.
It is a fundamental issue which we bear in mind in every measure we take.
Could colleagues agree to the word 'violence' in the first line?
Operators must assume the responsibility that comes with processing and storing these huge amounts of information.
It must also ensure that the actions of European corporations, wherever they invest and operate, are in accordance with European values and internationally agreed norms.
In this respect, as in many other things, it is very important for the response to these challenges to have a European perspective and a European focus.
rapporteur. - Mr President, I will be very brief.
Mr President, I voted against this report because the United Kingdom already respects human rights.
Fiscal instruments to stimulate better environmental behaviour should indeed be exploited.
Mr President, it is shocking to me that this Commission is still insisting on passing sensitive financial information on millions of innocent European citizens, including those from the UK, despite Parliament and the Civil Liberties Committee rejecting the proposals.
With regard to Mr Papanikolaou's question, he is talking about the structural development funds on the basis of which governments can build their education infrastructure.
This allows us to examine all options before taking action and this may include considering self-regulation in specific areas.
While awaiting such an agreement, Europe must fight against carbon leakage.
It is vital that no one should be allowed to enter the European Union with the kind of legacy where not only is there a failure to investigate collective crimes and mass murders, but where it is not even permitted to remember them, to remember the dead.
So, what is your interpretation of a sporting organisation banning such a practice?
The workers in Turkey know that there is nothing positive to be gained from the European Union, because basic rights of the workers and the people are being taken away in the European Union and because the European Union continues, as in the past, to support a series of reactionary regimes in the area.
We must ensure that the European Union and our decision-making system are open and something which our citizens can trust in and which they feel they can support in the future.
Set up as a rapid counter-measure, now the EGF has slowed and become complicated due to bureaucracy.
In this information note we have outlined a number of specific measures that we can propose.
This could take the form of removing the rates for green products, at least within the World Trade Organisation.
In this respect, we at the Commission agree that coordinated and rapid communication is an essential element of risk management.
(ES) Mr President, first of all I should like to thank all those who have spoken, including the Commission, the Presidency and my fellow Members, for the work that they have done and their willingness to address the issue.
Is it not alarming that such large companies from the United States will try and benefit from the results of research produced at the European Institute of Technology?
Finally, it is essential to clearly distinguish between information and advertising and to prevent pharmaceutical companies from exploiting these information campaigns in order to promote their products.
I therefore think it is right for Parliament to approve this agreement.
In the middle of this dilemma, voices are now being raised saying that we finally have to do something to ensure that European companies do not end up in the hands of non-European, for example Chinese, owners.
For pity's sake, we urgently need to adopt a clear position on cloning to prevent cloned meat and the offspring of cloned animals being placed on the European market, which is what European consumers and European citizens want!
This is the message that the High Representative will be taking with her when she meets the ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council very shortly this month.
This picture of Dublin flies in the face of the European Parliament's efforts and proposed measures to optimise the use of public transport, especially in urban areas.
Within the context of this series of mutual evaluations, experts have also been studying the issues related to interaction between, on the one hand, the European arrest warrant, and, more generally, the principle of mutual recognition, and, on the other hand, the proportionality principle.
But it would be wrong to assume that there is consensus on its possible content, as both Mr Titley and Mrs Bowles have illustrated.
However, now more than ever, it is time to build the Europe of solidarity and cooperation that we need.
I believe it is time to refocus our attention on the Single Market.
However forward-looking the European Union's proposals driven by the desire to combat climate change may be, we are already having to live with the impact of climate change.
EU-wide balancing out or trade in quotas should be considered.
Without this Stability and Growth Pact, without stronger coordination of the budgetary and finance policy, the euro would also in future face risks that are avoidable.
I also support the idea of cofinancing according to the Public Private Partnership principle, as is the case, for example, at research centres in the United States.
The Commission has always taken the line that there is no formal link between the CVM mechanism and Schengen accession.
This means either extending existing legislation or adopting new legislation.
That is why I felt it was so important for us, as the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, to send out a message to the people there.
This is actually a very difficult case.
Now we will know the opinion of Parliament with a large majority.
I therefore voted in favour of the Agreement.
Lastly, the EU must seize this opportunity to go further: it must include in future agreements not only clauses facilitating the establishment of investors in these countries, but also basic provisions relating to social and environmental standards.
Lastly, my third point - and here, too, I agree with Mr Swoboda - we need to get citizens, local authorities and companies more involved in energy conservation, through measures such as quality marks, covenants with mayors and agreements with industry.
Iceland has been taking concrete steps towards future EU accession, and is best placed among accession candidates to fulfil the requirements for accession.
Furthermore, competitiveness can only be achieved through the promotion of research, innovation and technological development and the provision of correspondingly high quality vocational training for European citizens.
in writing. - This report is concerned with the introduction of differentiated targets across the EU27 for the period 2013-2020 for greenhouse gas reductions in economic sectors outside the EU emissions trading scheme.
The partnership needs to be healthy and beneficial to both parties.
Mr President, we are all facing mammoth challenges to which we need to find an answer.
That is exactly what I have tried to do as rapporteur for Parliament's budget, namely, to find a genuinely fair balance between the new competences, and thus our new work requirements and requirements for additional staff, and the need to send out a signal to the citizens of the European Union and to the governments that we also want to practice self-restraint and self-discipline.
(FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I agree with the idea of reducing the number of goals in the EU 2020 strategy to a limited number, provided that they are at least ambitious.
It seems to me, therefore, that the assessment is unrealistic, incorrect and unprofessional and does not provide the motivation for institutions or citizens of that country to be more successful in getting closer to the European Union.
The European Union's inability to engage more energetically in the region has, at least hitherto, deprived us of the development and opportunity to use a great potential, and in this sense, we should say at the present time that the Black Sea Synergy, which, from the outset, was assessed as an insufficiently ambitious initiative on the part of the European Union, has to be developed into a proper strategy for the Black Sea.
In this context I would like to ask, by way of example: what effect does the European Union's monetary policy and its objective of price stability, or rather, wage restraint, have on failure to enforce children's rights?
Therefore, it is essential to draw up the right strategy for the Atlantic region - one which will enhance good management and contribute to protection of the environment and a better life for the people of the region.
That is not the reason to change the mandate.
A lack of planning together with insufficient or non-existent communications concerning the availability of translation resources prevents the efficient use of these resources.
Europe is the fatherland of rights.
Mr McCreevy tells us it could.
The Innovation Union must help to combat this.
Mortality rates while waiting for a transplant usually range from 15% to 30%.
The studies by the Spanish Oceanography Institute, and many others, highlight the fact that the Mediterranean Sea is undergoing an accelerated warming process and a rise in the water level.
At the same time, they are currently suffering from environmental, economic and social problems.
Today, there are as many people living in poverty - 79 million - as there were at the beginning of the century.
We need an economic and developmental approach and we need to offer Yemen the kind of assistance that will help it build its state and administrative capacities.
Our aim is to guarantee control of the entire product life cycle, which will allow us fully to consider environmental impact at all stages of production and allow all operators in the sector, and also NGOs, to play an active part in the process of reviewing the compromise criteria.
Africa has changed profoundly in recent years and has acquired a continental institutional architecture that resembles our own in many respects.
I must tell the Commissioner very straightforwardly that if he persists down this route he will be opposed every step of the way.
The next item is the debate on
Everything becomes particularly problematic when the husband and wife come from different countries.
The sharing of family responsibilities and the opportunity to also grant men the right to two weeks paternity leave would give women increased opportunities to return to the labour market and would strengthen family relationships.
In 2006, the Commission tried to rectify the problem of the Mediterranean.
Natural disasters cannot be avoided, but they should be prevented.
The common agricultural policy must also adapt internally to the crisis that we are undergoing, which includes higher production costs for European farmers, by refraining from dismantling its market support measures and/or reducing agricultural subsidies, giving special attention to the support of small and medium-sized farmers and their access to credit, so that they can keep up their levels of production in spite of the escalating costs of materials needed for production.
'Yes,' we all say in unison, 'we want negotiations to be opened this year.'

When countries are not in a position to intervene in defence of the weakest, who are being attacked by the actually not-so-mighty, they cannot be regarded as civilised.
For example, we must eat less meat and we must travel less by car and aeroplane.
Such a huge sum of money, EUR 400 million a year, is nevertheless impossible to find, given the current financial framework, and so we need a joint decision by Parliament and the Council.
I fully endorse this view.
This second issue is extremely important.
The long-term resolution of tensions between Muslim and Western societies, for example, cannot be achieved as long as some of the well-known sources of hostility are not successfully addressed.
Sometimes it is our own oil companies that are actually supporting certain groups, indirectly or directly.
What is crucial is that both countries, Croatia and Slovenia, come together to decide the conditions, and that they accept the judgment to be given by the third institution, by mediation.
This will, at the same time, improve the profitability of the fishing industry in the long term.
For the first time, Mr Caldeira, you do not give an adverse opinion in your report and that is good news.
Some may find that late.
I am thinking, for example, of armed conflicts in which children are embroiled, where they are often forcibly conscripted against their will, face mortal danger and hunger, and lack access to medical care.
Support for EU membership is falling among Turkish citizens.
2.
Creating the single currency has undoubtedly been a success.
The Ombudsman's mandate is more limited; I can only deal with complaints against EU institutions and bodies, whilst the Petitions Committee can also examine what Member States are doing.
Last December I put a proposal before Council on this subject and I hope that the Portuguese Presidency will support the adoption, before the end of this year, of an increased analytical role for Europol.
Furthermore, it gives a great boost to the creation of the European legal area and the implementation of freedom of movement, and it also applies the ordinary legislative procedure involving codecision between the Council and Parliament for the first time.
Obsolete legislation, especially in the cosmetics industry, poses a risk to health and the extent to which we can rely on the law.
This is an important contribution to our climate policy.
The question is essentially in four parts and I shall reply to each of them in turn.
- Before the vote
In my opinion, we must leave it to the Member States to decide how many pre-school facilities they need, because it is not just a question of numbers, but also a question of quality and the culture of a given country.
The report proposes an equal dialogue, taking into account the differences between and independence of the many associations.
In particular, we called on the Commission to collect and analyse data on the use of all animal health products, including antibiotics, with a view to ensuring the effective use of such products.
For this we need everyone: we need the European Union to show the way, we need the developed countries and we need to make a common effort to include the developing countries.
It is high time that we took action in relation films, music, books and software circulating on the Internet.
Visa liberalisation should be negotiated and helped to happen.
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, we are aware that Russia is of significance to the EU, not just where economic matters are concerned, but also as a strategic partner.
In addition to the provisions of this directive, Member States can introduce into the national legislation specific requirements for vehicles, wagons and ships designed for inland waterways transport.
Commissioner, I admire your tenacity in sticking to the line about the low impact of biofuels on food prices, but I do wonder how long you can sustain that.
How can we not think of what is happening in France with the threat of the Hadopi law and potential sanctions against the neutrality of technical intermediaries.
Consumers need to bear that in mind right now.
And just as this matter should be debated, another matter relating to tax competitiveness should also be debated by the European Union and the Member States, with a view to encouraging economic growth through taxation policies.
Could we as a country decide we do not want to bring in food produced from, for example, meat of animals which have eaten GM products, or to bring any particular food into our country because we want to keep ourselves GM-free?
Our Member States' authorities have been able to prevent a number of attacks, for which we must be very grateful.
Today in Europe 54% of all aircraft ramp inspections concern European operators.
Mr President, I would like to congratulate Mr van Nistelrooij on his report.
'Yes' to the creation of an intermediate category of support for the regions.
Therefore, it is essential, too, that the debate on gender equality should also include the matter of the entitlement to benefits of women who run the home and care for children.
We are glad the Council has accepted a proposal to append to the decision an additional statement from the Commission on encouraging the participation of small and medium-sized NGOs, and the possibility of fully funding their actions by national agencies.
We know that the average distance for freight transport is around 800 kilometres and I am convinced that if the choice available is sufficiently attractive, then that distance, too, could be reduced.
(FR) Presidents, Minister, the Swedish Presidency has had what may be described as some historic moments: the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, the appointments of the first President of the European Council and of the High Representative, but also the climate change conference and the appointment of a new Commission, as well as - please allow me this brief reference - the telecoms package.
We only regret that Parliament does not feel that some of its resolutions on programming were respected in every detail, although the Commission has taken full account of Parliament's view wherever possible.
We could perfectly well lower the rate of VAT on energy-saving materials and renewables in construction still further, perhaps even to zero.
We therefore insist on the need to terminate the Stability Pact and to replace it with a Development and Employment Pact prioritising the creation of jobs with rights and an increase in production.
That is why this takes place via intermediaries, usually banks in the Member States.
I welcome the fact that this report was included on the agenda, in spite of the difficulties.
14.
This is not right.
For countries like Ireland with a huge livestock sector, there has been an enormous amount of work done to implement this from day one, both within the sector itself and on the part of those who monitor - the Department of Agriculture and other authorities.
The response to the so-called 'European economic government' and to the increasingly antidemocratic nature of the integration process under way is being given by struggling workers all over Europe.
The fact that the majority of this Parliament has voted for this regulation is important and significant because, for the first time, things were not just left to ride and instead, we have achieved a step forward.
Radical measures are needed on this matter for the sake of our children's well-being.
I find nothing wrong in democratic terms with that, with building up gradually, step by step, slowly, by means of consensus of all the Member States, this Union that we have worked on over half a century, this Union that we should be proud of, with the fact that we have 27 countries working together in a continent which our history shows has all too often been torn asunder by the national embers that some are seeking to revive.
1.
Only 100 of these women managed ever to work again.
This is very important, since the questions included in the actual complaint to which the report refers are in actual fact topical for more than one Member State.
The new policy must be framed fairly, with support of equal value, so as to eliminate destructive discrepancies and ensure fair competition throughout the European Union.
Online books will provide authors with the opportunity to gain some recognition and indeed some money back for their works.
This is important.
However, in relation to the school milk scheme, which is vital, can I just give you the views of Áine - who happens to be one of my own and who is aged ten.
Mr President, my group welcomes the remarks made by Minister Vondra about Guantánamo Bay.
Gordon Brown keeps on saying it is not a constitution, when all the EU leaders say it is: Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Angela Merkel, even our own President of President said so in this Chamber a short while ago.
Not only are we building a new block in Luxembourg, leading to more carbon emissions that could well contribute to climate change - or not, depending on what one believes on the issue - but also it is simply hypocritical for us to carry on debating climate change while we continue to operate out of three places of work.
This might consist of what it thinks about this, which aspects of the report it agrees with and which it does not, and what kind of measures it intends to take.
Some of you mentioned the contagion effect and concerns related to other countries of the euro area or of the European Union.
That has always been your approach.
Consequently, this autumn we will draw up a new programme in this area that we will call the Stockholm Programme.
As far as the specific measures are concerned, the approach to economic and financial policy seems sensible, as does the development of a new European supervision architecture for monitoring the financial markets.
I believe that the principle of responsible buying can significantly contribute towards reducing the volume of unfair and unlawful trade and contribute to safeguarding forests and biodiversity.
We need the resources.
We need to make infrastructure use more efficient, improve traffic management and restrict unladen journeys; current logistics can make a major contribution to this.
In fact, we are now hugely vulnerable as a result of the EU, and we are now paying the price with the deindustrialisation process and the various forms of relocation.
Since January this year, when the Czech Republic took over the Presidency, we have pursued very intense negotiations at all levels in an effort to find space for a possible compromise with Parliament.
This position is of huge significance to Greece, and others, because there are forces within the country which are arguing the very opposite.
We have a duty to support, acknowledge and assist them.
The next item is the statement from the Commission on the forest fires in the summer of 2009.
So let us discuss and debate, and base our arguments on science and facts.
When talking with the farmers affected on the ground, I hear the same things again and again: by and large, they say they are coping with the markets, apart from situations where it is extremely difficult, like it was last year and is this year for the dairy farmers and others.
We must also recognise that renewables are not the free lunch that some people think: they do have costs attached, which include financial, environmental and inflexibility factors.
I have met people who turned out not to be infected, but only after months of uncertainty as to whether they were infected or not.
On the contrary, in the name of democracy we should subject anyone who tramples our most precious values under foot to a verbal onslaught.
Our climate is under threat from both our use of and our dependence on fossil fuels.
This approach is to a large extent reflected in the report, insofar as it advocates a comprehensive vision, a mixed or combined approach comprising a horizontal instrument and other sectoral instruments, and scrupulous application of the principles of better regulation.
I said at the very beginning that this is an area where the Commission is already initiating work to assess whether there is a need for tighter regulation of how companies act in terms of having the means to meet their obligations as polluters.
According to the statistics, the birth rate is falling in the EU.
I would also like to thank the shadow rapporteurs from the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and from the other committees.
In the long term, however, I would criticise the unwillingness of the Commission and the Council to reach agreement with the USA on basic common ethical principles for science and research.
Ladies and gentlemen, Frontex works.
Taking into account what happened last year, we hope that this time it will be a smoother procedure, building on the experience of 2011.
In the very important area of health, the report focuses on the collection of facts and the control of mosquito bites, where, instead, we need major strategic decisions in Europe to cope with the effects of climate change on human health.
The same responsibility also applies across the supply chain, where the market supervision authorities will carry out quality checks and will ensure that products on sale fully comply with the high safety requirements.
The list goes on.
As we all know, the EU is active in this area and together with its partners continues to play a leading role, especially in the effort to find a diplomatic solution to the Iran nuclear issue.
I feel I must mention that for the first time the Council will be speaking a Slavic language.
We will not achieve anything in the fight against global warming if we reduce CO2 emissions from cars and at the same time increase CO2 emissions by cutting down forests and plants to produce petrol, thus releasing large quantities of CO2 from the ground.
Following the vote in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, I support banning the use of DCM by the general public, but allowing it to be used by professionals, in safe conditions.
The system has an additional component: the possibility of childcare leave, during which the contract of employment is not discontinued.
However, though the markets are that way, no human society can live like that.
Is there a clause in the current bilateral agreement with China which is intended to provide special protection for Christian churches or is the Council planning to introduce a clause of this kind?
I would like to send my condolences both to the Russian citizens and to the Georgian citizens who lost their dear ones in this stupid conflict and to offer them my compassion.
Ladies and gentlemen, on 3 November 1793, 218 years ago, Olympia de Gouges was beheaded in Europe because she drafted a declaration of the rights of women and female citizens.
However, AIDS, malnutrition, malaria and earthquakes are more pressing problems today, and this is where we should be deploying our political resources.
It is the large multinational pharmaceuticals industry that has decided, in the German case, that this plastic gadget and the medicine belong together.
Perhaps if we had introduced it into European policies, we would not be here now.
Furthermore, we must ensure that war crimes trials are unbiased and impartial.
At a time when heating costs are constantly on the rise, Member States must also include in their programmes to combat the financial crisis projects which take into account energy efficiency.
The second challenge is that the security situation might well continue to require our international military involvement beyond 2014, when the Afghans will take over.
In order to achieve this aim, the Council for Peace Implementation, acting on behalf of the international community, drew up the list of five objectives and two conditions which Bosnia Herzegovina must fulfil before any change can be achieved.
(The President cut off the speaker)
Approval of Minutes of previous sitting: see Minutes
Therefore these considerations must be taken into account in future.
I was there as a doctor for the Soviet Olympic team, and I remember the impact of those tragic events on the Olympic spirit.
After all, we demand independence for the actions to be undertaken by these European Supervisory Authorities and yet they contradict that independence by disqualifying the results of that independent choice with an unwarranted rejection vote.
Finally, a further important task is work on the objectives and the multiannual financial frameworks for 2014-2020.
For this reason, we submitted the report once again to plenary as an alternative resolution, largely in its original form.
You gave me the answer.
The White Paper underlines this point and is also an appropriate basis on which to deal with aspects of concern to all countries, such as youth development, anti-doping programmes and anti-discrimination in sport.
This is therefore an opportunity for us to make a fundamental evaluation of the Council, so as to further improve its working methods and emphasise our support for its independence and its role in defending human rights in the world.
in writing. - (PT) The proposal for a directive seeks to facilitate the enforcement of penalties against drivers who have committed offences relating to speeding, drink-driving, failure to wear a seat belt or failure to stop at red lights (the four most serious offences in terms of loss of human life in the EU) in a Member State other than their own.
This one-stop security concept is in the interests not only of passengers but also of the European Union aviation sector.
The Nordic countries are currently in the process of beginning negotiations on these issues.
Simplifying the lives of Europeans is one of the EU's concerns.
I sincerely hope that we will see good will prevail for the sake of good neighbourly relations.
We should not, either, engage in a negative debate about the geographical limits of the borders of Europe.
Even parties describing themselves as an alternative to the ruling parties are paying voters, as indicated a few days ago by the information from the village of Brest near Pleven.
Surely, the most important objective of the policy is sustainable development in a variety of areas.
Indeed, I believe that the violent attack against Buddhist monks at the end of September clearly shows that Vietnam is refusing to improve its human rights situation.
I would also like to make it clear, Mr Holm, that I would also have voted in favour of a more far-reaching compromise.
We have already increased the budget for energy in the seventh Framework Programme by 50% and for the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme by 100%.
In that Europe, there is no law preventing anyone from using their mother tongue, not even in Slovakia.
(SK) In my opinion, what you have presented here is a rather ambitious plan, which you want to present to the G20.
Improving energy management could be a direct factor influencing economic growth, reducing pollution and saving resources, so that they are used in a more productive manner.
Proper implementation or at least significant progress in these areas will demonstrate and strengthen Croatia's willingness and opportunities to become an EU Member State.
What we are seeing is something you spotted and acknowledged yourself and which you stressed in your speech, namely that the elections to the European Parliament are fast approaching and you are very likely to hear a number of contributions both from Czechs and from other MEPs that are influenced more by the mounting pre-election atmosphere than by any attempt to evaluate the Presidency programme you have presented.
The government authorities in Bulgaria, both central and municipal, keep turning a blind eye to the numerous protests by citizens' groups which have finally had to approach Mr. Barroso, the European Commission representative, both through official and unofficial channels during his recent visit to our country.
I further hope that at the summit to take place on International Roma Day in Córdoba, the Spanish Presidency will also contribute greatly to the rapid finalisation of the European Roma Strategy currently being shaped.
It does not see raising small-scale and family farming incomes as an essential prerequisite for the preservation of agriculture, the rural world and food safety;
Very often, we MEPs do not receive real answers from the Commission, although, as the Commissioner has said, every single MEP has the right to be given answers to his questions, but these must be questions that fall under the remit of the European Union and of the Commission.
I call for increased funding for crucial instruments for research, innovation and deployment that have already been adopted, such as the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan).
They are allowed state aid.
I believe that funds invested in healthcare are not an expense as such. Instead, they are a vital element of investment in the quality of human capital.

It should offer new opportunities and build on what has already been achieved, adjusted in the light of our experience over the next few months.
It is therefore of utmost importance that the EU member delegations should stand up for the establishment of criteria for becoming a member of the Human Rights Council.
in writing. - (FR) After more than five years of negotiations the Council has finally reached agreement on the framework decision on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law.
Women and girls suffer oppression, particularly in Muslim countries, where there are underlying religious causes.
This brought our main refinancing rate to 1%.
What Mr Toubon called for was, therefore, well intended, but not very realistic at the present time.
Cyprus and Malta are still today among the top five flags of convenience in terms of the number of vessels lost.
Under the circumstances we are obliged to go for an opt-out, which we wanted to avoid but without which we could not guarantee basic care.
Budgetary policy causes external effects, and that means that close coordination is vital.
I voted in favour of the report on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS), because the extension of the area of application to cover all electronic equipment represents a definite improvement.
I am referring to the two reports which follow.
What cannot be paid for, however, are the thousands of hours of unpaid work carried out by the relief units.
This is the only way in which we will whet the appetite of these people for our values and facilitate the transition process which the country will go through.
In all events, I welcome the importance which the French Presidency attached to this issue and I expect the initiatives to be continued by the Czech Presidency.
The bilateral demands and pressure by the United States infringe the national sovereignty of individual Member States and the fundamental rights of their citizens.
Ladies and gentlemen, listening to today's debate, one might have the impression that the main problem currently facing European countries is whether to increase the use of body scanners at airports or to limit possibilities for their introduction.
The reductions that the Council has made in relation to the preliminary draft budget presented by the Commission are based on a detailed analysis of the budget implementation, the budget forecast alerts and activity declarations, and we are looking at the capacity available to implement programmes and measures.
in writing. - I voted for this resolution to repeal Council Regulation (EC) No 1964/2005 on the tariff rates for bananas.
We also have to take this into account.
Please also allow me to say that the EUR 20 million which the Commissioner has spoken about today - and please forgive me as I did read about this two or three months ago - seem to me to be woefully inadequate to deal with the dramatic problems facing refugees and displaced persons.
Joint conclusion of the Energy Charter is also important.
As we all know, the Bologna Process is well advanced and will soon have existed for a decade, having become continent-wide.
In my report on the impact of foreign direct investment, I made a few critical observations on Chinese investments in Africa.
The consequences will be dire, not only for ELTA employees, but also within the private postal services companies.
However, we have not received such an explanation.
I would, however, like a clearer answer, Commissioner.
My fourth point concerns situations of fragility.
At the European level also, all Member States, whether big or small, should be in the same boat.
We shall now proceed to the vote.
It is also important not to underestimate the human dimension of OSCE cooperation.
If Russia is prepared to revert to a policy of cooperation and respect for its neighbours, Russia will be invited to join as well.
This breach of the guarantee is, to my mind, unacceptable because farmers have entered into set-aside arrangements for those years and it would not be right to go back on them.
We hope that our confidence will grow with the passage of time because our cause is a just cause.
(Applause)
Mr President, I will not need two minutes.
Firstly, last January we introduced more frequent decision-making in infringement proceedings with the aim of speeding up cases; secondly, we launched the 'EU Pilot' project in 15 Member States last April to test a new method aimed at improving problem solving and the availability of information; thirdly, the main purpose of this initiative, which is close to Parliament's interests, is to better serve the interests of citizens and businesses with regard to questions and problems identified in the application of Community law, including infringements of this law; fourthly, the Commission will nonetheless continue to decide to prosecute infringements in the event of non-conformance within the framework of the 'EU Pilot' project, particularly through infringement proceedings; and fifthly, President Barroso has written to the chairman of Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs, Mr Gargani, with details of the pilot project's performance in December 2008.
The EU's cooperation in the area of migration has developed quickly over the last few years and includes a number of different legislative acts and other types of measures.
The countries that are reluctant to liberalise are the same ones that are inclined to resort to bilateral energy contracts with Russia and to cooperate with Russian State-owned companies regarding capital.
(MT) Madam President, I would like to begin by congratulating my colleague, Mrs Oomen-Ruijten, for the extraordinary work she has carried out in this report.
I have been listening very closely to the debate in this Chamber all afternoon and I have been hearing calls for more Europe, more centralisation, more central control.
rapporteur. - (DA) Madam President, every day there are Europeans who become ill because of air pollution.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question under Rule 149(8))
Ladies and gentlemen, you all know the Washington Consensus: you loved it.
The next item is Question Hour with the President of the Commission.
If we continue in this way, within a few years the EU will be in the same position as Belgium is now: a transfer society whose political foundations are crumbling.
(RO) I would like to congratulate the rapporteur, Mr Dumitriu.
This makes the highly personal issues relating to a person's sex life into politicised acts, even if it is through public demonstration of one's homosexuality, for example through so-called 'love parades'.
This is, in fact, something the EU wants too.
It is also clear that, in states under the rule of law, these controls should be transparent and democratic, as is the Commission's intention.
We have to link these two together.
Mrs Reding, the CNIL has investigated, looking for various unpleasant keywords such as Gypsies, Gyppos, Roma, and has not found any evidence that the National Gendarmerie holds any such files.
That is the only way that we can move towards the target of zero fraud in the EU.
The Court also states that our annual accounts are reliable and gives many positive and adequate comments about our financial management.
I share the concern about the difficulty of combating this brutal trade and the terrible consequences for those who are deprived, forcibly or not, of their organs: savage drops in quality of life, chronic illnesses and, in many cases, death.
Thank you, Commissioner, not only for your response but also your comments in relation to Marian Harkin's words on food security.
On the basis of subsidiarity, national regulatory bodies are better placed to guarantee the highest possible level of consumer protection in their national markets.
It will also guarantee support for this mission in realising the role assigned to it by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1770.
Yes, I do invent rules.
It is not surprising that the wrong use of the discretionary powers of the Commission is well in the lead in the ranking, and I would therefore exhort the European Ombudsman to scrutinise relations between citizens, the Council, the Commission and Parliament more thoroughly.
Documents received: see Minutes
(LV) Mr President, in my opinion, the Bank's annual report for 2009 should be both approved and adopted.
in writing. - During today's vote on the Podimata report on innovative financing, a separate amendment was voted on that called on the Commission to come forward with proposals for an EU-level financial transaction tax proposal in the absence of any initiatives at the G20 level.
Madam President, I wish to reply to the question put by Mrs Corazza Bildt and to say that the Swedish Presidency has indeed been very active in this process which, as Mrs Fajon has just ably explained, enables us to offer a number of citizens from the Member States concerned, and young people in particular, the possibility of engaging and interacting more with this Europe, which they are, at times, rather unfamiliar with.
The matter of paternity leave has yet to be resolved.
(Applause)
To my mind, it must act simultaneously at multilateral, bilateral and unilateral level.
The volume of WEEE items is estimated to grow to 12.3 million tonnes by 2020.
I would ask the Commission and the Council, perhaps in its informal dialogue, to do all they can to ensure the continuation of this very worthwhile project.
The Regulation governs any variations required - be it on public-health or economic grounds - after a medicinal product has already been authorised.
I also agree with the observations by the Court of Auditors about delays in procurement procedures.
But it then goes on to posit the European Union as an alternative or antidote to such totalitarianism.
The European Council is to decide on a permanent crisis mechanism to safeguard the financial stability of the euro area as a whole, backed up of course by treaty amendments.
What representations is the Commission making to the US Administration in order to uphold fair trials, and warning that their absence will prejudice cooperation?
Has the Commission made a survey of the need to build nuclear power stations?
I would like to thank Mrs Bastos, who was the only Portuguese MEP involved in this process.
You will not know until after the vote, though, whether it has been accepted or not.
Stop meddling and respect a sovereign people who are freely exercising their will and who will keep doing so.
He proposes all this, yet his initial reaction to the crisis was to rush off to London in autumn 2007 to approve Gordon Brown's strategy to set up an early warning system rather than strengthen Europe's capacity to deal with the problem, which Mr Barroso is today defending in Washington.
The economic and financial crisis has revealed a number of disproportionate incentives existing in the financial sector, as well as deficiencies in the regulatory and supervisory framework of the financial system.
Representatives of the European Union will be able to speak at the General Assembly and submit amendments agreed by the Member States of the EU.
Likewise, no one can be surprised that we exercised all our goodwill and flexibility to overcome the institutional crisis, at the same time as remaining firm, coherent and tenacious in terms of preserving the basic content, without which the project itself would have been devalued.
However, a great deal of attention must be focused on multiculturalism in the Balkans, which has been a sensitive issue.
First of all, it confirms the urgent need for a revision of the 1988 Toys Directive.
Elements that are not meaningful and appropriate must be dismantled and simplified.
The Council will welcome the measures that have been taken in the short term - the launch of the pilot project in Malta, for example - as well as the progress made in setting up the European Asylum Support Office.
Comprehensive legislation must be undertaken at a European level in order to strengthen people's rights in terms of goods and services.
This particularly involves all the institutions - the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament - being better at examining the agencies' requests.
This latter company was, at the same time, a registered feed fat manufacturer; apparently, blending of feed grade fat and technical fat took place.
This should not need to be the case.
The Commission believes that a gradual approach to moving to MSY conditions should in fact be a general rule.
The logistical difficulties will be overcome - clean water, medication, food and shelter - these will all happen in due course.
We see the call for protectionism from President Sarkozy, arguing that taxpayers' money should be used to protect the French car industry.
A new direction needs to be taken in many areas, not only by the Commission President, but also by us.
In this sort of situation, a government of this kind will test out how far it can go.
To my mind, what I heard impressed me as an excellent principle: the free movement of people is one of the most important freedoms.
Last time the Commission did not take this into account, as Parliament asked.
Adoption of the Crowley report by the European Parliament will allow a certain multicultural protection, which will foster competitiveness in the world music industry.
For example, Yemen used to export coffee, but now it cannot do this, because this narcotic is being grown instead.
Let me remind you of an earlier resolution Parliament adopted in 2006, which deals with the situation of Roma women.
Ensuring healthy drinking water throughout the territory of the Union, and using medicinal waters and geothermal energy as sources of heat, are related to this.
Mr President, I am impressed that you at least attempted to list all of these decentralised agencies.
The primary objective of the European Union and the governments of its Member States, be they centre right or centre left, is to safeguard the continuing profitability of the monopolies by shifting the burden of the capitalist economic crisis on to the working classes throughout the European Union.
Solidarity among the nations: that is the solution of the future, that is the purpose of the Treaty.
Therefore, no abstentions, but no participation either.
In any case, he did not answer me, but I would appreciate an answer, Mr Jouyet, because personally I would be sorry if it had already been decided to reopen negotiations in any event.
I also note, with much satisfaction, the desire of the future French Presidency to support fully the European perspective of the Western Balkans.
Cormorants, with a daily consumption of 400-600 g of fish, take more than 300 000 t of fish from European waters every year, representing a total of fish greater than the combined aquaculture production of France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic.
In the EU-10, direct payments will reach 100% of European Union level in 2013.
Other texts on the issues faced have been debated and approved by Parliament and will doubtless need to be coordinated in an integrated manner.
Mr President, a wise December decision by the Commission to allow the import of Brazilian beef only from approved holdings envisaged by 1 February a positive list of approximately 300 farms, based on previous inspections by the Food and Veterinary Office.
It is ironic that our next debate is on Zimbabwe.
The maternity protection system in force in Italy is, on the whole, in line with the new parameters proposed in the directive, not only with regard to the number of weeks of compulsory maternity leave, but also with regard to the payment of 100% compensation to cover income during the period of absence.
Poland - and many other Member States - recognises the need to build a low emission economy, but is not, however, able to achieve this objective without European aid.
The own-initiative report on industrial policy by Mr Lange restates the position expressed in the Communication by the Commissioner for Industry, Mr Tajani, with some new ideas aimed at the important renewal of the industrial sector following the economic crisis.
We have to understand that if China, India and other similar countries accept limits to their emissions, it will mean a huge change in their way of thinking and the way they do things.
In that case, I would say that this is a political belly flop.
Some of the problems caused by the market are diagnosed, and greater emphasis is given to environmental and social issues.
However, the rapporteur has taken the opportunity to give the Council some suggestions, specifically about the new VAT strategy, which he believes should aim at 'removing tax obstacles and improving the business environment, particularly for small and medium-sized and labour-intensive enterprises, whilst ensuring the robustness of the system against fraud'.
It may take many forms such as sexual exploitation, forced labour, illegal trade in human organs, begging (including the use of a dependent person for begging), illegal adoptions and domestic work.
However, I want to stress that we also need to consider including the other countries bordering the EU in our programmes because education and culture should not stop at our borders.
Thank you, Mr Batten.
It has been scientifically proven - this conclusion was reached in a September 2008 edition of the British Medical Journal - that the Mediterranean diet helps to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, of type 2 diabetes - the contemporary European epidemic - and of cancer, and to decrease the effects of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Among the amendments, the Commission notes the proposal from Mr Díaz de Mera that Parliament's democratic scrutiny of Europol could operate by Europol being funded from the general budget of the European Union.
Thirdly, it is clear that Kyrgyzstan needs material assistance.
As such, the strategy we are discussing, the one that intends to make Europe competitive, functional and successful, is what gives us the possibility to increase pensions even in countries that are currently still in a less advantageous situation.
And also, it will greatly help our patients that information will be available in one place, in every country.
Although my outrage at, and condemnation of, all terrorist attacks and of fundamentalist terrorism remains absolute, I believe it is necessary to call for the abandonment of the death penalty in all cases and in all circumstances.
Apparently we had no choice but to announce a postponement because otherwise many products would have to disappear from the market.
in writing. - (HU) There are many ways of interpreting the Irish referendum.
The best approach seems to be joint action through a single representative, namely Commissioner Frattini. The latter has demonstrated his willingness to fight for equal treatment for all Union citizens.
Secondly, we must sustain sufficient instruments to safeguard against market and supply crises.
Brazil, with whom negotiations have recently taken place, is another case in point.
During the debate on this subject yesterday, some of the speakers were talking nonsense.
The measures that have since been introduced must be seen primarily as symptom control and emergency measures for safeguarding jobs.
A lot of sensible things have already been said.
I welcome the fact that apart from the issue of Georgia, the other conflicts have also been mentioned, so that when we talk about Georgia, we also include Abkhazia and Ossetia.
That we have created a correct, professional transitional regulation is an important point, especially for cooperatives, savings banks and silent capital contributions in Germany.
The EU as a whole must support and encourage cooperation agreements and information campaigns, not only on a linguistic and professional basis; the countries of origin and transit must also be made aware of the risks taken by immigrants and of their deaths.
The EU, that is, the Commission, the Council and Parliament, in cooperation with the OSCE, have taken an interest in resolving this tension using peaceful means.
I believe that when a transport facility is built, we should include not only the area of land under the cable, in other words, not just the route of the lift, which is one metre wide and several thousand metres long.
Mr President and honourable Members, I am extremely grateful to the Members who participated in this debate.
Secondly, partnership with Russia is a very important factor.
Another piece of information is the fact that, today at 15.00, the plenary session of the Euro-Med Scola youth parliament came to an end.
Let us do it now.
Only two big questions remain.
Its effects are on a larger scale than in other regions of the world.
(FR) Mr President, I am especially pleased, Commissioner, with the five objectives you have just defined, although as you mentioned afterwards, there will be concrete measures following the consultation, which ends in March.
I therefore support initiatives leading to a reduction in unjustifiable differences and an improvement of the position of women in society, not only within a legislative framework, but also in everyday life.
The European Parliament is clearly willing to hold a serious debate on lobbying and the rules for lobbying.
The Presidency has rightly said that the TFTP agreement on the exchange of SWIFT bank data is about principles.
Thank you for your attention.
The unemployed will, where possible, seek their salvation in Europe, thereby increasing the migration pressure on Europe even further.
As I have said many times before, we need to streamline bureaucracy in every possible area, and we need to find synergies with the Member States and utilise them.
2009 discharge: European Medicines Agency (
However, the support measures for the redundant workers include occupational guidance and training for the acquisition of basic skills, on- and off-the-job training for redundant apprentices, vocational educational training, and support for entrepreneurship.
EHEC and antibiotics resistance are both major problems.
For us to be able to master this crisis, we need trade union rights and we need Europe's workers to be made into stakeholders.
It seems to me that it is necessary, here, to say something about the unacceptable toleration being shown towards those Muslim imams who make public calls in Pakistan - in Peshawar for example - for killings, offering, for example, to reward the perpetrators financially.
The consequences of tolerating extreme statements and of incitement are already very much felt.
We have approved a number of similar contributions in the past.
Parliament's communication budget and the actions planned for 2009 should therefore make sure that they interest and directly affect European citizens, who often feel that the European institutions are too detached.
We must also help our manufacturers when it comes to medicines, but I think that we will all agree that this must not be to the detriment of those who are dependent on access to cheap medicines.
The Council's other task is to stage-manage ratification of the Treaty; that is essential in order to avoid a change of direction in the European trajectory so dear to all citizens.
I would argue that the promotion of this policy of responsibility for working conditions demonstrates a Europe that is attentive and thorough, and that conforms to defending universal values in which it believes.
These refugees claimed they were detained by Thai authorities on a remote island for two months, and that they were beaten before being forced onto boats and left to their fate.
We should, for example, improve monitoring of the process whereby licences are granted for oil drilling or leasing installations to third parties.
It is impossible to impose the validity of the Treaty in any way, although I do think that the Treaty is needed at this time and will facilitate the working of the European Union.
Do you not understand that Europe is not a single state but a wide and glorious tapestry of attractive, distinctive but matching cultural panels, and to amalgamate them is to reduce them all to a grey amorphous mass, thereby destroying that which you say you admire?
I would urge the Council to freeze the upgrade of relations with Israel until a complete and permanent cease-fire has been agreed by all sides and Israel grants unrestricted access for humanitarian aid.
It reaffirms the main aim of pensions: to guarantee social cohesion in a spirit of equity between generations.
The Commission is saying that it does not have competence, and everything is becoming vague and unclear.
Calendar of part-sessions : see Minutes
This will be, of course, with the close collaboration and monitoring of everything by Parliament and, of course, the Union's institutions as a whole.
Something of a contradiction.
They must explain why Europe is so important, why citizens must play their part in it and why they must vote.
in writing. - (PT) Approximately 50 years ago the Council of Europe devised a system of rules and legal and judicial instruments for the purposes of protecting and promoting Fundamental Rights that has become a benchmark for Human Rights, the Rule of Law and Democracy in Europe.
Social conditions for self-employed people and employed people vary widely in the Member States, and social security provision in the event of long-term or permanent exclusion from work is practically non-existent in some cases.
This must be more than a sign: the Commission has no intention of relinquishing this matter.
I am sure it can be looked up in the committee and plenary Minutes.
We agree that a verification clause should be introduced and that the Commission should report regularly on the implementation of the regulation in practice.
In Europe today, we can say that the EU would not be possible without European women, all European women!
Since I am not devilish, I voted against.
I have checked and I can inform you that the use of the EUR 300 million allowances for carbon capture and storage should be decided on 2 February in the respective comitology committee.
I am abstaining out of consideration for the Belgian workers of the Opel plant in Antwerp who have been sacrificed in the name of sacrosanct globalisation.
Firstly, when people are appointed to office, they should be given some time to settle in and they should be judged by results and not by preconceived notions of their ability to do the job.
In addition, as has been mentioned previously, we need to prioritise resources, time and sports facilities.
I therefore ask you to reject, wholly or in part, amendments 4, 20, 21 and 23, which require registration of the identity and motivations of the users of the public data.
As Mr Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra has already said, several Member States have agreed to receive ex-prisoners into their territories: France, Portugal, Ireland, Belgium, the UK, Italy and Hungary. The decision whether or not to receive prisoners from Guantánamo is a decision exclusively for each of the Member States, but it should be taken on the basis of European coordination.
The EU should achieve 3% to 4% of the reduction in developing countries, leaving just under 9%.
Unfortunately, this motion was not passed, although it was written together by all groups of this House.
I am convinced that the Danube Strategy will contribute to achieving these aims and resolve common problems by more effective and efficient use of available funds, that it will facilitate the realisation of common projects, and that European citizens will then benefit from its results.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, I would like to congratulate President Sarkozy for once, albeit reluctantly, at this juncture.
rapporteur. - (DA) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, citizens of the EU, this report is the result of extensive work in the Committee on Petitions, involving Members from all political groups.
Cooperation between them and the countries from which these illegal activities originate absolutely must be implemented as quickly as possible.
What is the most serious obstacle to the full opening of the 'energy' negotiating chapter?
Apart from supporting families and a higher birth rate in Europe, the new Europe of the nations needs a policy of national and Community preference, a policy of national and Community protection.
(The President cut off the speaker)
(SV) Mr President, the Generalised System of Preferences that is being debated today is an extremely good and important instrument, because it makes it easier for some of what are perhaps the poorest countries of the world to export to and trade with Europe.
Of course, we must also lead the way in tackling climate change, and I welcome Parliament's decision to include aviation emissions and the emissions trading scheme, another sign of our willingness to lead the global community.
The principle never changes: we should do whatever is needed to guarantee absolute respect for human rights.
Second-generation biofuels are produced from feedstock other than food crops and can come not only from dedicated energy crops but also from sources such as recycled vegetable oil, animal fat, by-products from the forestry industry, forestry residues and solid waste such as grasses.
By abstaining, I have tried to highlight that the reconstruction of Haiti cannot be undertaken through the militarisation of aid but rather by putting an end to the mechanisms that have caused the underlying poverty in Haiti, such as external debt, which I am requesting be cancelled.
It was very clear right from the start that there was general agreement on her reports, and that was demonstrated by the Commissioner.
All across the Middle East and the world, people are aware today that the West does not support its friends, and rest assured that there will be few candidates for our friendship from now on.
We face today, in Europe and in the civilised world, a threat from those who are not civilised and who do not regard human life as sacred and something to be sanctified.
However, freedom of information does not mean freedom to insult or to defame; except that the right to a fair hearing is always granted to the left: if Mr Prodi sues, it is okay; if Mr D'Alema sues, it is okay; if Mr Di Pietro sues, it is okay.
I only hope the Council will agree to a revision within a timescale that enables the European measure to be sorted out very soon.
These principles follow on logically from the work that was started when REACH was being discussed.
It is thus important to focus on the medium-term trend when assessing growth developments.
Safeguarding the health and safety of workers is a concern for us all.
16.
Self-regulation codes can at this stage form an adequate basis for mutual respect between users and readers; they need not impose any limitation on the right of expression and response on either side.
This requires greater transparency among a wide variety of VET systems, in order to enable comparability and mutual recognition of VET qualifications and ensure better permeability.
Within this framework, we are tabling a resolution today before the European Parliament, in the hope that we shall make headway, in terms of joint action and cooperation by the Member States, towards real prevention and management of natural disasters and more effective use of European Union funds for this purpose.
Commissioner Reding very strangely said that we should not use the EU institutions to solve national problems.
In conclusion, let me say that direct production prices for farmers are finally rising, although this is certainly not due to the fact that we are now producing bio-energy but is mainly the result of environmental disasters and better markets within the EU and outside it, i.e. in third countries.
However, I have to tell you, Mr Vice-President, that what you put forward to us as a basis document on the greening of transport was a little too sparse.
After signing the Intergovernmental Agreement on Nabucco, the European Union must take action.
The Commission estimates that this proposal will lead to approximately 1 000 fewer deaths on our roads every year.
There is also a significant debate concerning cloned animals.
In many cases, we find that they are not needed at all to the same extent, or that modern information and communications technologies are making it all very much easier.
Finally, the last issue is financing.
You in Spain will see what happens if you have problems, and those in Portugal will see what happens if they have problems.
I also recall that the Third Forum on Social Services of General Interest, to be organised on 26 and 27 October under the auspices of the Belgian Presidency, will provide an opportunity to discuss these suggestions and possibly others as well.
The road forward seems very clear to me: the Commission must use the contents of this report to develop its own proposal and we in Parliament, and naturally also the Council, should duly consider and follow up these proposals, which are so important for the future of European civil protection.
We must assess the situation, the security standards currently in force and their suitability as regards current needs.
We, who have lived through these events, must bear witness to them.
We particularly have in mind here freedom of expression, religion and association and the protection of the rights of minorities, for instance in Tibet and in the province of Xinjiang.
the oral question to the Commission by Mr Markov and Mr Arif, on behalf of the Committee on International Trade, on the stepping-stone Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and Central Africa, of the other part - B6-0216/2009).
These, of course, would have to be WTO-compliant.
During the Swedish Presidency, the Council judiciously admitted that it was necessary to greatly increase the number of refugees being resettled in Europe, going so far as to talk about 100 000.
Therefore, if the guns were to fall silent at long last - unfortunately we are not at that stage yet - this would not mean the end of developments, but only the beginning of movement towards a peace based on the rule of law, freedom, human rights, minority rights and national autonomy.
We do not have many resources in Europe.
More than one million European citizens work in countries other than their own.
Well, the citizens will now be able to do the same, if there are enough of them and if they come from a significant number of Member States.
We must fight fervently to eradicate the prejudice against these people.
No, I do not think that is the right way to proceed.
I will conclude by expressing the hope that the Heads of State or Government will incorporate Parliament's recommendations in their further work towards achieving the common guidelines for flexicurity when they meet in Portugal in December.
It should be remembered that GDP is a measure of production and does not measure environmental sustainability for example.
in writing. - (SV) The majority of this Parliament is showing once again how divorced from reality it is.
I know that, on any one point, we can always have an extraordinary focus on method.
(EL) Mr President, the recent popular uprisings and all the others which are looming on the African rim of the Mediterranean should be a deep cause for concern to us.
I have explained my understanding of the Rules of Procedure to you.
I very much hope that this resolution will be adopted in Parliament tomorrow - of course that does not mean that there should not be dialogue with Morocco.
Ladies and gentlemen, we must tackle the needs of this sector of the population.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
I have 17 people who have asked for the floor.
The EU should create a policy that specifically deals with tourism issues and integrates them within wider contexts, such as: European maritime policy, the Marine Strategy Directive, the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Strategy, the trans-European transport network and the environmental policy of the Natura 2000 network, among others.
By awarding the Sakharov prize to Hu Jia, the European Parliament is demonstrating forcefully and with determination its recognition of the daily fight for freedom carried on by all defenders of human rights in China.
I think the result of the debate and resolution regarding the fingerprinting of Roma people in Italy should be based on two key conclusions.
The introduction of goods into circulation on the territory of the Union is without doubt a very serious issue.
Now the banks are saying that they want their money back too, and we are in a complicated situation because we want to help the Irish people, but we have to say that it is because of the system that we are criticising that we are now where we are in Ireland.
In fact, a European action plan for this is required in order to respond to the challenges posed by mental disorders.
On the other hand, these political steps should not lead to the loss of national identity.
I would be very happy to come back to the European Parliament to discuss it when this report has been made public and we have a solid basis for discussion and not just rumours that appeared in one single newspaper when it was leaked.
Therefore, I would like to stress two points.
I support the request for the Commission to present a study every five years on the added value of each agency and not to hesitate to close an agency if the analysis concludes that it is not useful.
This rabble effectively terrorises independent television stations.
The question is whether its results are worthy of this major investment.
The EU Member States must finance themselves and not tax their neighbours.
Regarding payments, the European Parliament intends to approve the level of appropriations up to the ceiling.
This is a good thing, because the Commission's proposal on this point is extremely restrictive.
In a number of Member States, but above all in candidate countries, political parties and the media repeatedly claim that the introduction of 'same-sex marriages' or civil partnerships or the liberalisation of laws on abortion and euthanasia are compulsory on the basis of EU law and/or the acquis communautaire.
This framework must provide for protection equivalent to that enjoyed by European citizens within the Union.
Make no mistake: Ireland is pro-European.
If I sell a financial product, I pay no tax.
According to very detailed reports from Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and the Open Society Institute, Turkmenistan is one of the lowest ranking countries in the world for many basic freedoms, including freedom of the press, freedom of expression and freedom of association.
I myself, for example, have lent my support to a written declaration which expressly calls once again for action and I consider it important that we continue to work in this area.
This is a short-term problem which needs a short-term solution, because in four years' time everything will have settled down and will work normally.
Anyway, we are prepared to create the preconditions for Galileo, a flagship of European technological innovation.
It is necessary to have an alternative for the country, and to show people this alternative and interest them in it so that they understand.
In the area of environmental protection, however, the kind of social awareness has not yet developed that would make us realise that certain chemicals must be taken out of our system, that excessive urban traffic is bad for city dwellers' health, or that reducing the amount of toxicants and pollution we are exposed to involves changing our whole lives.
I would like to congratulate my colleague on her work; she has presented an excellent report.
Although the fact that there has been no military intervention is preferable, we still regret this attempt to obtain, through the courts, what the ballot boxes have denied.
The new proposals would have created a new macro-economic framework to promote sustainable development, strengthen internal demand and respect the environment, based on improvements in pay, full employment with rights, and economic and social cohesion.
Also of importance is the agreement that has been reached on structural reform and fiscal consolidation and the final resolution on the amendments to the Treaty of Lisbon for the establishment of the European Stability Mechanism.
Secondly, on appliances, Parliament's report welcomes the proposal to put in place minimum energy performance requirements coupled with a dynamic system of energy labelling, to keep up with advances in technology.
It is also very important for patients to be able to obtain reliable information on the Internet.
As already mentioned, this year, Parliament has already had occasion to deal with access to documents and views were somewhat varied at that time.
As I said during the March vote, it is important to bear in mind the various national particularities and the protection offered, with proper respect for the subsidiarity principle.
Scotland would be in a much better position to contribute to Europe's climate change objectives if we were full participants in the European Union as an independent Member State.
Waste electrical and electronic equipment are an excellent source of precious metals and other resources imported to the EU.
Gazprom has just concluded yet another transaction, as a result of which it now owns one quarter of the shares in the companies controlling the oil and gas transit routes through Belarus. Gazprom's share will soon increase to 50%.
Free trade?
(PL) The result of easy access to illegal work is that there are several million illegal immigrants in the European Union.
Commissioner, in order to get to one further question, I am going to take the next two supplementary questions together and ask you to deal with them both together.
At the Intergovernmental Conference that led to agreement on the Treaty of Lisbon, the European Parliament was fully involved at the level of the Heads of State or Government through the participation of its President and, at the Intergovernmental Conference itself, through a delegation consisting of three Members.
We cannot prohibit, or even authorise, everything purely at European level.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, certain problems affect us too, not just the interpreters and those who want to follow the debate and hopefully receive some concrete answers in relation to a problem that has been dragging on since 2005.
I supported this resolution because, 15 years after the Beijing World Conference on Women, we have to acknowledge that too little progress has been made in relation to gender equality and that sexist stereotypes still persist in numerous areas such as employment, education and politics.
It is one of our fundamental policies, the positive effects of which can really be seen everywhere; in all corners of the European Union, in all Member States, in virtually every urban or local community of the EU.
I would also cite the national initiatives that, like the carbon tax, to which Mr Pargneaux paid tribute just now - and I am glad that he did so - encourage the introduction of environmental taxation.
(DE) Madam President, I would like to speak in accordance with Rule 173 of the Rules of Procedure because of an incident which took place here a few minutes ago, and indeed during the item of the agenda for one-minute speeches.
Now let me come back to the drugs question.
That leads to situations of unequal treatment for maritime transport operators and for accident victims.
Political pressure increased on him after he was chosen as a local candidate on the party list of The Other Russia coalition.
At the same time, the EU will not be truly stable and prosperous unless it effectively and firmly promotes these goals externally, in the areas close to Europe, especially in the Black Sea region.
Mr President, ever since I was a kid, my favourite cake was madeira cake and when I discovered there was a lovely island called Madeira, I have had an affinity with it ever since.
If women are supposed to be successful scientists, the facilities available to them should be reliable, accessible, first-rate, appropriate to the character and requirements of the scientific work, and sufficiently flexible.
Our studies and polls show that, among young people, there really is a lack of knowledge - one could say there is ignorance when it comes to these health threats.
Codecision occurs when this process is cultivated as the process develops.
in writing. - (RO) The prospect of countries of South-Eastern Europe joining the European Union is the driver of reforms for the democratic transformation of these countries.
A very significant new feature introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon is that we will not now have two readings of the budget.
I must emphasise that regional policy should not be used as an alternative to EU membership for those countries which may be eligible.
(SV) Madam President, the nuclear power debate often separates us into different camps.
As a result, women are more affected than men by persistent poverty.
The Member States also responded swiftly to the emergency call from the Red Cross Federation by sending emergency equipment and providing search and rescue teams.
Support for less-favoured rural areas constitutes an essential element of rural development policy.
I believe that all interested parties, especially consumer associations, will use the control mechanisms at their disposal to closely monitor the application of the new directive.
President-in-Office. - (SL) As we know, at its session of 4 December 2007 the Council adopted a decision to arrange for a discussion on the economic effect of reduced rates and whether reduced rates of value added tax are a suitable tool for achieving the targets of sectorial policies.
Unfortunately, they are no longer with us, but they had the courage to press ahead, invest in the future and attain an achievement of some kind.
It is an important principle that must become even clearer after the judgments that have been given.
In addition, Globovisión, which still maintains an editorial line independent from the government, is being put under pressure to change this.
We should put a definitive end to the absurd situations so often faced by holders of long-stay D visas.
To give you an example which received fairly wide media coverage: in August this year the European Union issued a declaration on the 400th execution in Texas.
As a result, inequalities in scientific development will be intensified.
It was also a disproportionate repression by the military junta in power, and the witness accounts leave no room for doubt.
However, above all, what we need to commit to is our common history, and making it known.
Today, we are debating, among other things, Turkey's progress towards Europe.
Regionalisation of fisheries policy should go hand in hand with specific measures relating to social and economic matters.
An equally significant aspect is the possibility for the victim to move to another Member State, receiving the information and assistance they need to start a new life, while continuing to benefit from protection measures.
Some applications have been refused by operators and software manufacturers due to their political content.
The international community must be mobilised, otherwise it will be impossible to guarantee the protection of shipping, particularly because sea piracy is rife not only off the coast of Somalia.
Madam President, in today's sitting on the subject of poverty, we are deliberately focusing on the connection between global poverty and poverty in the Member States of the European Union.
That again shows how much we need to invest in the European budget's operational capacities to react.
Investigations into human rights violations are ineffective and defective.
The directive on the application of patients' rights in cross-border healthcare is an extremely important document for EU citizens, and so I have followed work on the issue very attentively.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Mr President, I would like to thank the Honourable Members very much for their questions.
I do not share that view, and I do not mean that as a backhanded compliment as we have some very good staff, but that is not the measure of efficiency and effectiveness.
Certainly, I would be in favour of the approximation of that legislation, but this is a different issue.
These nations endured through the centuries thanks to cultural difference based on long tradition.
Unfortunately, the report is inadequate due to the lack of any mechanism to verify the authenticity of signatures.
Increased effectiveness between ERDF and other structural funds (
Even though the proposed MFA is not intended to be directly linked to that package, it would support Ukraine's economic stabilisation and reforms.
We discussed it in the Foreign Affairs Council both in November and in December.
I would like to highlight two points.
I would like to add three points which are of fundamental importance.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I hope you will allow me the pleasure of noting down the arguments expressed in the debate as they emphasised, from a very wide range of viewpoints, the importance of the debated Convention.
On the other hand, extending the geographical scope of Regulation (EC) No 1934/2006 brings the developing countries concerned within the scope of two different external action financial instruments.
The Committee of European Securities Regulators (CESR) will play a crucial role in the registration and supervision of credit rating agencies.
Our economies are much too interdependent for that.
Nonetheless, the principal elements of the initial proposal have remained unchanged, so the current text is acceptable to the Commission.
If not, we would still have the opportunity as Parliament to save ourselves in 2009.
In Europe 20 years ago, we brought down the Iron Curtain and it seems to me significant that it was the people, the citizens, who achieved that and not the armed forces, the governments or the secret service.
Although I know that this is largely in the hands of the Member States, all the same, the European Union needs to remember its own commitments, the Lisbon Strategy, for example, and it has to keep to them, so that we can channel budget money into research and innovation, creating new added value for Europe.
None of the draft budgets of the institutions include costs related to the Lisbon Treaty coming into effect.
I also believe that continued investment in infrastructure in many European regions, particularly in the south and east, is essential.
Unfortunately, applications to receive payments from these funds amount to a total of PLN 1.75 billion.
In terms of economic relations, the agreements bring benefits for both parties' industries.
It is important to recall once again the particular situation of island states neighbouring our outermost regions - the Canaries, Madeira and the Azores - with which we have historic links and special close ties.
According to the Böge report, EUR 66.9 million have been made available to combat the effects of severe natural disasters in France and Portugal.
Mr President, I would ask you, therefore, to use the considerable power granted to you under the Rules of Procedure in moderation, and with your usual prudence.
Regulations such as these essentially maintain and further institutionalise the use of methods for keeping records on citizens everywhere - and how many innocent citizens - and grant the right to move our sensitive personal data.
The Commission intends to support wine exports and certain labels.
We want to work closely with the Commission and Parliament on all of this, seeking to establish the world region that stands at the forefront of the fight against climate change, that has the lowest carbon emissions, that is the best prepared to face the challenges presented by climate change and is the most efficient at transforming this into a powerful force for innovation and competitiveness.
Despite all the progress made in terms of transparency and controls, public perception remains critical.
It occurs to me as a result of this that perhaps we are neglecting development in these dossiers.
For this reason the Commission will soon submit a report aimed at helping the social partners to take further steps in this area, for example through more effective implementation of the existing guidelines and by extending the scope of the principles and defining ways of dealing with the serious problems that exist.
It is the electorate who decides.
There is worse, however: this text threatens Turkey with the cessation of its EU accession negotiations if it fails to comply immediately with the Union's neoliberal dogma, and reminds it of the Copenhagen criteria.
Nevertheless, it is still too early for the whole of Europe to adopt the system that now functions reasonably between the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (SL) Tackling the financial and economic crisis is an important test of Europe's unity and solidarity.
Improving and strengthening food safety controls in the Union and in third countries is essential, and hence, I am in favour of the resolution.
The European Parliament has a vital role to play in this regard.
I fully commend it and I am sure that it will get the overwhelming support of the House today.
Currently it would appear that while there is some monitoring for residues on food products, it may not be adequate to provide sufficient assurances to consumers of these products.
Similar situations are also going on in other countries and in other companies from different industrial sectors.
(PL) Mr President, despite the fact that Afghanistan is a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and that the government of President Karzai has decreed the equality of both sexes in the eyes of the law and has guaranteed women a quarter of the seats in the Afghan Parliament, Afghan women are still being treated as second-class citizens in their own country
We need the position of the Court of Auditors to make matters clearer for us.
That is the main priority and, as my colleague said, it is clear that here, we have a vision of what our transport system should be; in other words, rail must recapture the market for small and medium distances.
You are right, knowledge is power, that is absolutely right.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, education is one of the major factors that determines employability.
Take the instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) rating, which I myself hold: the certification that allows UK private pilots to fly by using a plane's instruments to fly in more unfavourable weather conditions - well, I understand that is now under threat from EASA.
(Applause)
In the last few centuries, discrimination has been possibly the least of the ills that have befallen them.
For the individuals involved, it is restricting the free movement of labour.
The Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats supports the approval of the report.
That tends to mean that we will be fragmenting, we will be dissipating our efforts, and that should not be the direction we take in this area in the future.
It also does not see convincing arguments to justify the production of food from clones and their offspring.
The European Union has invested a total of EUR 1.3 million in three PEACE programmes since 1994.
After all, we do not want 'more Europe' but rather a Europe that focuses on its core tasks.
I welcome the inclusion in the new legislation of special measures for protecting vulnerable consumers.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to conclude with three observations: Commissioner Barnier has already indicated that the principle of enhanced cooperation was specifically established to overcome obstacles in the area of unanimity.
We cannot afford that.
on behalf of the ECR Group. - Mr Barroso, I do not want to jump into some kind of controversial debate and I believe in your good intentions.
You have just said that the strength of Europe's economy lies in its small and medium-sized enterprises.
The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights declares in Article 9: "The right to marry and right to found a family shall be guaranteed in accordance with the national laws governing the exercise of these rights.”
I can instead be glad that the voluntary measures of the industry are now included in the legislation, so that they will actually be implemented, and that all the necessary adjuncts will be covered by the export ban, for example cinnabar, oxides and calomel.
However, we know how difficult this is, so if this should prove impossible or if it would take too long, the resolution advocates acceptance of each other's standards with regard to the various economic aspects, on the principle that if it is good enough for us it must also be good enough for our partners - and vice versa, of course.
The latter exists today to prevent pregnancy at a very early age.
Only this week, we have agreed that we will encourage the Russians to enrich the nuclear fuel rods, on behalf of Ahmadinejad, in return for his guarantee that he will stop his own nuclear enrichment programme.
However, it would also be possible to apply the codecision procedure for the draft regulation.
- Mrs Doyle, had I known that you would bring up the Wooden Spoon award for the Italians, I would not have given you the floor on this point.
Concerning drilling operations, I would like to insert 'by EU and third countries'.
Although the final text approved in plenary is more restrained than the original proposal and does have some positive aspects, we do not agree with other points, namely when environmental protection is used as an excuse for yet another opportunity to step up the ideological offensive, to lay the responsibility on ordinary people and workers, and to commercialise all environmental activity and make it profitable.
Nevertheless, our voters too are becoming aware of increasing food prices.
Does the Commissioner have plans to tackle the British Government's discrimination against older workers?
On an issue that is so vital to the citizens of Europe, the Council and Parliament cannot, therefore, simply codify the Court of Justice's rulings.
(FR) Mr President, it would be wrong to say your Presidency was perfect, but it would be dishonest to say that it was a failure.
Climate change is therefore in danger of further delaying achievement of the millennium development objectives (MDOs) in a large number of these countries, and I welcome the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) that the European Commission proposes should be set up between the EU and poor developing countries most vulnerable to climate change, in particular the LDCs and the SIDSs and ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) countries.
In my view, and as I keep repeating, that also applies to men and women with small children.
The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) has been designed with the intention to have interoperability of railways.
I have no doubt that sanctions need to be applied flexibly, but at the same time the rapporteur also points to the inadmissibility of double standards.
in writing. - I support this report which recommends that the rules regarding the Computerised Reservation Systems used by high street travel agents to book airline tickets are simplified and modernised.
He also called for a transparent and proper investigation of the events.
To conclude, knowing how to do things is a question of providing oneself with the resources.
The Services Directive and the Posting of Workers Directive represent a direct threat to everything that has been gained in workers' rights in the last 30 years.
I would call on Mr Bildt and Commissioner Rehn, as well as on the governments of all the Member States to whom this issue is of interest, to pick up your telephones and contact Prime Minister Papandreou and Prime Minister Gruevski in the lead-up to the December summit to show them your solidarity and to encourage their determined efforts to find a solution to this dispute which has lasted for 20 years.
Long-term solutions will need to be found in the context of the debate that we are about to begin on the new common agricultural policy.
This system should function almost in real time.
This means that the plan regulating tuna fishing methods, which vary greatly from one another, ranging from purse seining to traditional fishing using a system of fixed nets, requires additional fine tuning before it can be applied in full.
I believe that dialogue such as this - and specifically on the course of action for the Roma and their children - is very important for guaranteeing the principle of non-discrimination on the one hand, and combating unemployment and promoting the social development of the regions in which the Roma live on the other hand, as well as toppling the barriers found mainly in the heads of the majority so that the Roma are recognised as a genuine part of this European culture.
I wish to thank the Swedish Presidency for its efforts and, above all, now that Christmas is here, Mr Reinfeldt.
I look forward to working with you all during the forthcoming five-and-a-half months of this Presidency, with great expectations.
I agree with the liberalisation process for the trade in bananas following the agreements reached in the World Trade Organisation and the bilateral agreements concluded with Central and South American countries.
Madam Vice-President/High Representative, we are convinced that all the activities of the European Union as a whole would be very supportive of the southern part of our continent and of our neighbours on the opposite side of the Mediterranean Sea.
Furthermore, the region continues to face the following challenges: protracted conflicts, trends towards militarisation and proliferation of arms, maritime surveillance, illicit trafficking and cross-border crime.
With the Commission's help we should be able to find different financial levers to eliminate or reduce the traffic jams that paralyse the life of cities and their inhabitants.
The challenge is how to increase donor numbers safely.
Commissioner, your words struck a chord with me because I share your ideas about how we should proceed, namely that we should regulate this matter in a dedicated future revision of the EU data protection framework, while at the same time taking the opportunity to say that we also wish to regulate and promote the EU-US Data Protection Framework Agreement because we see the need to regulate such data transfers in this global world.
Now I will turn back to Europe.
Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitments are still not being fulfilled satisfactorily.
(Applause)
Behind closed doors the argument has focused on the numerator.
The wave of protest that has swept through Egypt in recent weeks and resulted in the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak, marks an important stage in the country's political transition.
China and all of those countries will be very powerful.
Frankly, I do not see that our individual Member States have enough leverage to impose some kind of measures on China.
(DE) Mr President, as we close this debate having thanked Vice-Presidents Barrot and Tajani and the French Presidency, and specifically Mr Bussereau, we should also thank those who work on the Conciliation Committee and the Committee on Transport and Tourism who have been working with us on this for a number of years.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Mr President, this morning we heard a very good debate on the citizens' initiative and tonight we are discussing the very important topic of comitology.
I hope this Parliament will adopt the IFRS 8 standard tomorrow, while stressing that when it is revised - and this is already in progress at the IASB, the International Accounting Standards Board - account is taken of the need for precise financial information about the reality of group activities.
I therefore agree with the rapporteur's proposal to strengthen the 'Territorial Cooperation' objective by increasing the overall budget from 2.5% to 7%, adopting measures to simplify the implementation of programmes and creating European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs), which are essential to the functioning of cross-border governance systems.
In the current climate of austerity in public budgets, of significant demographic change and of ever increasing competition at global level, Europe's competitiveness and, above all, our future standard of living, depend on our ability to integrate innovation into products, services, companies, and social processes and models.
I would also like to add that our producers are world leaders in this sector.
Sorry, I was having some problems with the interpreting, and also, if you will allow me a few seconds, I merely wish to say that ...
Otherwise, I would simply like to thank everybody for their comments in this debate and to say once again that this would not have been possible if it had not been for the extremely good level of cooperation between everybody who has been involved in negotiating this decision.
The Member States, after all, do have access to funds to assist the Roma with integration, but barely use that money.
A conspicuous example are children's toys - dangerous ingredients contained in the paints or plastic parts can cause health problems, and poor workmanship can cause an accident which ends up with a visit to hospital.
(DE) Mr President-in-Office of the Council, Commissioner, Schengen is, and always has been, synonymous with the link between security on the one hand and freedom and liberality on the other.
Population levels are growing, not in Europe, but throughout the rest of the world and by 2050 they will have reached 9 billion.
Human rights policy is still just as important today.
Legislative power currently lies with the Legislative Yuan, which has 113 members.
Well, we know how wrong he was, and we also know that wishful thinking is a deadly substitute for realism.
That is why I abstained.
This would involve authorising producers, other than motor vehicle manufacturers, to manufacture these parts.
1.
It is necessary to make the sector more competitive and the CAP fairer, ecological, profitable, effective and efficient.
Insisting that the UK should pay over its hard-earned money is bad enough, but paragraph 169 suggests that the EU should have the power to levy its own taxes without our consent and without our control.
It is a genuine political issue for all Greek citizens, as it concerns the European values of good neighbourliness and regional cooperation.
Today, there are more poor people in the European Union.
The next item is the vote.
The European Central Bank should support measures leading to the recovery of budgetary balance by encouraging the repayment of existing loans instead of extending new loans to economies which are heavily in debt.
The Second Strategic Energy Review does not give the desired added value.
Fishermen are asking for only one thing: to be able to make a living from their work and to be able to do their job.
Look at the World Trade Organisation.
But while the Treaty was perhaps the greatest contribution that we made to a stronger Europe, I would like to emphasise the other two priorities.
The new provision would allow such behaviour to continue and put it on a legal footing.
But we cannot have the decisions of an informal summit replacing the democratic path of referendums held in the individual states on whether to accept the treaty.
This has moved by five minutes every five minutes.
I, personally, am actively involved in work to promote transplantation, and I encourage all fellow Members to do the same.
In fact, European Directive 2001/95/EC, which governs general safety standards applicable to goods, was approved 10 years ago: now is the time to update it in light of the arrival of new products on the market.
I really do not understand why Morocco is not prepared to allow an independent inquiry.
However, I also think it is perhaps time, ladies and gentlemen, for us to question whether all the airlines are strictly applying all the European directives on safety and maintenance.
By 2050, this will need to be reduced to 1 or 2 tonnes of carbon.
We know that this will have long-term social as well as political consequences.
I note that, as Mr Chastel said, efforts have indeed been made, in particular, through the exchange of best practice and participation in a task force.
To do so, we must reshape and simplify the administration and funding of research framework programmes.
The problem needs to be examined from a cross-border angle.
I feel that in order to restore EU citizens' faith in the banking and financial system in general and to ensure the credibility of the whole European financial institutional framework, the newly created European Banking Authority must be given much greater powers and a more important role.
The transition from education to work is a structural challenge for employees all over the European Union.
Not only does the key word 'solidarity' not appear anywhere, but it has also been forgotten that expenditure and trade deficits on one side are income and trade surpluses on the other.
We need to tackle the reasons why women are more likely to have precarious jobs: the stereotypes, the unequal sharing of family and household tasks, and the undervaluation of female-dominated jobs.
As long as the socialists, the leftists in this House, no longer have arguments to back us into a corner, I can very happily carry on with this debate!
Unfortunately, the social situation is becoming increasingly complicated, because politicians are not adopting the necessary measures, and unemployment and precarious and poorly paid work are still on the rise.
We talked much today about Greece and I would like to assure you that there was consensus that the euro area Member States would take determined and coordinated action if needed to safeguard financial stability in the euro area.
Can we sleep peacefully in a Europe in which such an event has taken place despite the existence of numerous binding legal regulations which were supposed to guarantee appropriate supervision of chemical substances?
I would like to finish by talking about shared management and the audit chain, and to reiterate my proposal to include the national courts of auditors more in the process since, according to the Council's Decision, we will never have national statements from the governments.
The D'Hondt proposal would give too much clout to the larger states, and I would say to Mr Friedrich that his proposal breaches the Treaty principle of degressive proportionality.
This legislation is very liberal, which allows any religion to be registered in Bulgaria provided it does not serve inhumane purposes.
Together with both Presidents, I participated in the ISAF meeting in Lisbon last month, where the transfer of security responsibility under the NATO transition plan was agreed.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Mr President, the Commission shares the honourable Member's view that the implementation of the 116 000 hotline for missing children requires further efforts in many Member States.
Why do I, and why do my compatriots, still need to listen to the story of 'liberation' from these deportees, who were the most educated, and the best people in the Baltic States?
The European Union often comes up against paradoxes of its own creation and the incongruities that its policies bring about for the Member States and their citizens, as well as for third countries and their peoples.
Firstly, on the subject of Syria, like Mr Verhofstadt, I would like to know what is stopping Europe from placing President Assad on the EU sanctions list?
I believe my vote in favour of a sustainable policy for the High North is of crucial importance, in that the region needs to be safeguarded and protected since it has had to face disastrous environmental impacts that do not depend directly on its own territory but on the more industrialised European countries.
Steps have been taken, but more needs to be done than the current report proposes.
In order to guarantee food security for the world, we need sustainable agriculture in a sustainable environment.
This is much bigger and more complicated than it looks.
We heard this in the speech by Mr López Garrido, and in the speech by the Commissioner, and it is reflected in the resolution that will be put to the vote tomorrow in Parliament with the support of all the political groups.
There were large demonstrations afterwards.
Although we have seen terrible attacks targeting government institutions, the total number of civilian deaths in 2009 was less than half of the level of 2008.
What will it do?
I hope that the College will adopt the proposals we are working on on 31 March.
As you can see, on these issues, anyway, anything can happen.
The only solution that can achieve lasting peace in the region is a socialist Israel, alongside a socialist Palestine, in which borders are mutually agreed by both communities and are part of a democratic socialist confederation of the Middle East.
The report for 2010 confirmed my beliefs regarding Cedefop's effectiveness.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (ES) Mr President, in my opinion, the Community Customs Code as presented by the Commission and debated by Parliament and the Council has proved an exemplary procedure.
The aim of this directive should be to clarify consumer rights and to simplify cross-border trade, to introduce reliable and fair regulations and, of course, to strengthen legal certainty.
In particular, I am disappointed that no agreement could be reached on the package of USD 44 billion intended to help the poorest farmers, and sad that everything will continue as before.
Defence of the principle of subsidiarity - Display of religious and cultural symbols in public places (debate)
It does not aim to unify social security systems.
We determined and discussed today that education is a key field in development.
It is undoubtedly a prospect, a real prospect, but it is not an automatic right.
But we shall see. Life is full of surprises.
Yet evidently the Council, too, is digging its heels in.
We want Europe's citizens to feel the difference of an e-justice project at European level.
It is a role which has already been defined and which does not need or demand any new institutions or more red tape.
We welcome the fact that a number of the points from our resolution have been included in this joint motion for a resolution.
However, we must not disregard the added value which the Blue Card can bring to Europe.
I have heard mention, here and there, of the idea that this first reading agreement should not set a precedent.
(Applause)
We have to ensure that a revitalised, redefined Single Market does happen and does not get sidelined.
The overall objective of these projects was inter alia to ensure that the Special Court contributes to a broader understanding of justice for victims of the conflict.
Nonetheless, we have to operate within the agreed framework and adjust individual positions to it.
In order to be credible and to respond to the expectations of EU citizens - and I say this on the eve of new parliamentary elections coming soon - the CFSP must be allocated resources commensurate with the objectives and specific targets.
Parliament is mistaken in calling for automatic, more severe sanctions.
We all know that, on the one hand, there are great tensions between the opposition and the government, but, on the other hand, there might be also other tendencies there.
Therefore, I shall remain alert to the proposals that the Commission will put forward to reassure and support our fishermen.
However, like Mr Kasoulides, I suspect the proposals to rescind the EU fisheries agreement will only serve to punish local communities, not the military junta.
in writing. - I voted for this report.
Firstly, we must send a clear signal to citizens, letting them know that the European Union clearly understands the true nature of the crisis, that it is not just a matter for the economists and bankers, but that it is the well-being of citizens, workers and their families in the four corners of Europe that is at stake.
I must insist, on behalf of all of us, on a positive response.
This area leaves much to be desired, even in countries that think of themselves as the 'engines' of integration, particularly when they can count on a lenient tariff from the European Commission.
Order of business
Under the proposed decision, Ukraine could get a loan of up to EUR 500 million in order to finance its balance of payments deficit and meet external financing needs.
Nevertheless, I would like to say clearly that there still need to be substantial amendments to this negotiating mandate.
President-in-Office of the Council. - Vessels have been the subject of questions during Question Time on numerous occasions.
That said, the strategic dilemma is clear.
Already, when a building society call centre in Hertfordshire, in my constituency, shed jobs, within 24 hours we were able to call in European-funded response to redundancy aid, showing how Europe can give real help to our local communities.
At the time it was agreed the fund should be EUR 1 billion a year.
You can judge that for yourselves.
As an Austrian, I know how necessary certain measures are, but I am opposed to compulsory grubbing-up, because there is a need to observe consumer wine choices very closely and identify where there are prospects of further increasing consumption.
That is a very positive trend. The EU average is now 80 years, and the proportion of people in the 65+ age bracket will shortly reach 40%.
Recent events have shown that the various Stability and Growth Pacts did not have the desired effect: instead, several Member States have faced severe problems meeting their obligations and have risked increasing their public debt.
I would also like to mention the use for 2009 and 2010 of accelerated procedures in the public procurement directives, given the current exceptional circumstances.
I would also argue that it would equally be a mistake to define citizens of Muslim faith, be they inside our existing Member States, be they in Bosnia, be they somewhere else or be they in Turkey, and exclude them from the applicability of Article 49 of the treaty.
With this aim in mind, consistency must be promoted among the policies of international institutions.
It is far too broad and ill-defined, and we would not like to see it set a precedent.
This is, in short, the responsibility that the Member States, the European Council, the Commission and Parliament too inherit from the Portuguese Presidency.
What is important to me is to promote protection of the climate, but not to the detriment of individual EU Member States.
We were pleased that the representative of the European Parliament attended the preparatory workshops - namely Mr Andersson, chair of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs.
We are about to embark on a real market-led cap and trade system, one that would be sensitive to the needs of Member States while still achieving its goals, but we need the Council to reaffirm the commitment to 20% renewable energy by 2020; we need the Council to map out the route to accountable and transparent effort-sharing in those areas not covered by the emissions trading scheme; and we need the Council to commit to the research that will unleash the potential of green technologies like carbon capture and storage.
The UN report published in April this year states that both sides in the conflict carried out military operations without taking steps to protect the rights and lives of civilians.
Do the Commission and the Council agree that there needs to be an independent investigation to shed light on this terrible assassination once and for all?
I am talking about the more stringent measures, which should be financed by the Member States.
(ES) Madam President, I would respectfully inform Mr Campbell Bannerman that his banana is not from the Canary Islands.
Fifty years after publication of a phonogram, the performer will be able to terminate the contract if the producer is not marketing the phonogram.
The cells cooperate by means of the Internet and using various methods.
Georgia has already waived the visa requirement for EU citizens, and this agreement will facilitate mobility for Georgian citizens.
We know how liable wine production is to yearly variations depending on weather conditions, and crisis prevention measures will only help to mitigate the fluctuations.
Regarding the Euro Plus Pact, most of the Member States participating have presented commitments amounting to more than a hundred separate measures in total.
The Commission at that time promised that it would take action on the basis of the authority conferred on it under Article 13 of the EC Treaty to introduce legislation against all forms of discrimination and establish a legal basis for dealing with infringements.
However, given the precise nature of what is at stake, this cannot lead to the level of structural aid being dependent on the number of inhabitants covered; quite the contrary.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I fully support the rapporteur's position in relation to the Commission proposal to repeal eight directives in the field of metrology.
It is important that the Commission encourages local and regional authorities to develop all-round solidarity between upstream and downstream users and that it uses appropriate funding to support the sustainable use of water resources in these areas.
Ladies and gentlemen, what is it that we need to do today?
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, first, I would like to thank the rapporteur, as well as the other groups, for their work.
We know that social exclusion and poverty are increasing, and in order to deal with this we, and the Commission too, must be able to act in a resolute way to provide financing facilities for the small and medium-sized enterprises, because that is where the jobs will be created in Europe.
It should not be the EU's task to force countries to use more pesticides.
When will Turkey have to comply with the Ankara Protocol?
The Northern Ireland Assembly must build on the links already established by the European Commission.
I also heard that the main problem for the euro is the speculators.
I particularly welcome the emphasis given in the report to traditional European industry, which is essential to our economy.
Time to move up a gear - Creating a Europe of entrepreneurship and growth (vote)
First, ratings are taken into account in banking regulations in order to determine the amounts of own funds that will be used to back investments.
It will report to Parliament as soon as enough information has been gathered for a meaningful analysis of their implementation and performance.
It needs the Member States and the Prime Ministers at their summit in March, when they will look at this document, really to take advantage of that.
The people in Greece need a light at the end of the tunnel.
I am pleased that the atmosphere is still open enough for an academic to openly come out and say such a thing.
We are also surprised that the Council is expressing surprise at some of the tactical cuts being proposed by Parliament, given the significance of the cuts, both in terms of compromise appropriations and in terms of payment appropriations, which the Council itself has introduced.
We will not achieve this without the European Social Fund being incorporated into cohesion policy.
I note, finally, that there are requests to limit the duration of the trade preferences to one year from the date on which the waiver takes effect.
Regarding Mrs Pleštinská's question, I cannot and dare not predict, either personally or as a representative of the Council, a possible long-term solution for the status of Kosovo.
What happens if there are no alternatives?
They make a fundamental contribution to economic growth, social cohesion and job creation.
We also need more money next year than the Commission and the Council have so far estimated.
Soon, ladies and gentlemen, there will no longer be any Christians on the lands that gave birth to Christianity.
This means that its budgetary impact will also be limited.
Mutual assessment, however, should take into account not just financial impacts, but should also focus on other aspects, such as the economic, environmental and social aspects.
It must be possible for both men and women who are the parents of young children to take part in training.
Mr President, Mr President-in-Office of the Council, President of the European Commission, ladies and gentlemen, I would like, first of all, to pay tribute to the remarkable efforts made by the Presidency of the Council over the last six months.
The key point, which has now been under discussion for some time, is the debate about reforming the Security Council.
I certainly believe the EU should be looking for new sources of finance but do not believe this should done by seeking advance commitments from the Council.
We cannot, however, support this resolution as its point of departure is first and foremost the interests of the EU.
So, given the positioning of certain Member States, there is a real risk that this project will flounder.
Via the EULEX mission, Europe is responsible for the situation on the ground.
But while it has westernised in some ways, it is archaic in others, in particular, in relation to fundamental rights, especially freedom of opinion.
the report by Pat the Cope Gallagher, on behalf of the Committee on Fisheries, on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a multiannual plan for the western stock of Atlantic horse mackerel and the fisheries exploiting that stock - C7-0010/2009 -,
I should like to thank you too, Commissioner, for your commitment.
On the other hand, the European statute of European political parties paves the way for the creation of a transnational party system.
Regarding the institutional aspects, you will have noted that the comitology proposal submitted by the Commission in March provides for Parliament to be fully informed as to the committee proceedings.
Both documents recommend enhanced cooperation between the health, education and sport sectors to define and implement strategies to reduce health risks such as being overweight.
Both citizens and markets need more Europe.
I think that they have managed to make a good piece of legislation.
Those Member States which, like my own, are cutting resources for education and research at a time of crisis must know that they are hurting young people, and hurting the future of Europe.
This agreement, which is applicable for periods of four years, tacitly renewable unless either party rescinds it, entailed the repeal and replacement of the first agreement between the EC and São Tomé and Principe, concluded in 1984.
in writing. - (SV) The Commission wishes to collect and exchange passenger information at EU level in order to combat crime and terrorism.
This will be a catalyst for regional integration.
Also, where possible, I support the distribution of fruits and vegetables of Community origin.
For example, we need to consider how money is being spent in the so-called war on drugs, money which in Burma goes straight into the Burmese regime's coffers so as to be better able to repress its own people, courtesy of the United Nations Office.
in writing. - (IT) Mr President, I voted in favour.
(FI) Mr President, I approve of Mr Lewandowski's report in principle, but we are abstaining because Parliament's budget will not be voted on in its final form until the autumn and Parliament's first draft budget is unsatisfactory.
(PL) Madam President, in 1932-1933, the authorities in the USSR started forcibly requisitioning food from collective farms in Ukraine, leaving the farm workers without food.
It has cost CAD 2 billion in replacement costs.
If you share this opinion, by what way and means do you believe will we then be able to achieve this?
We called on you to reduce backlogs of payments from the past and indeed, arrears from before 2001 have been reduced by 39% for Europe Aid and by 49% for the European Development Fund.
But let us look at some of the things that we propose.
In light of the developments in Arab countries and in North Africa, we need to be prepared for the possibility of even more refugees arriving in the Union in the future.
We should support the process of stabilisation and rapprochement with Europe in Kazakhstan and the other countries of Central Asia.
"Credit rating agencies will not be subject to EU regulation for the present, said Internal Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevy in a speech in Dublin on 5 April 2005.
I am certain that we all understand and have empathy for the position of the healthcare systems of new Member States with modest financial capacities, as we also have to reckon with the risk of the emigration of a qualified workforce.
(RO) The Union's economic development and competitiveness depend on efficient transport of goods.
The only thing is, our role is not to impose sharing, a timetable or methods, but - as was said earlier - to encourage dialogue so as to enable the parties concerned, Palestinians and Israelis, to come to a conclusion.
Employers are increasingly aware of the links between wellbeing and productivity.
(FR) Madam President, I wish to reply to Mr Rübig and Mrs Doyle, as these are questions which have already caught my attention.
in writing. - I strongly support the idea of a comprehensive and coherent European strategy on the rights of the child.
The European Union must actively participate in the work of the Council, while remaining aware of its limitations and problems, and try to impart a balanced, yet strict and exacting, view of what respect for human rights should be.
We must use all aspects of the Interinstitutional Agreement, during its remaining years, to ensure adequate financing of our priorities and we must use something that we have rather forgotten about, namely the current review of the budget, to adequately solve those problems that are going to arise as the developing situation imposes new political emergencies.
Although I am in favour of establishing an agency for cooperation, I do have some concerns about its form and mission.
in writing. - The European Parliament practises what it preaches in terms of eco-friendly behaviour!
To conclude, Mr President, I would like to thank Mrs Malmström and the entire Commission for precisely that: for assuring the Italian Government of its commitment - repeated again today - to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Lampedusa.
Whilst you are currently debating the new draft financial rules, I think that you should be careful to ensure that the European Investment Bank will actually be able to make that contribution.
It says: 'rejects the idea of using the Community budget to finance a more militarist and neo-liberal EU.'
The EGF was created as a separate specific instrument with its own targets and deadlines, and it therefore deserves its own dedicated resources, thus avoiding transfers from other budget items, which happened in the past and which might frustrate the achievement of various political objectives.
They need to be efficient for society but also for the individual, and it needs to be affordable for owners.
All of the above?
In view of this, I voted in favour of the resolution, as I agree with the Commission's proposal, with the respective changes introduced by Parliament, and I welcome the fact that the Commission has identified an alternative source of payment appropriations to unused European Social Fund (ESF) funds, in line with earlier warnings made to that effect by Parliament.
The third energy package created the opportunity from a market perspective, and the climate package from a regulatory perspective, for newer investors and operators to enter the European energy market.
That would be a tangibly painful reward for the organisers of 19 December.
I am not able to give you an answer, because, from the scientific viewpoint, I do not know, but I will commission the departments, as I say, to check this.
I hope it will be a success.
Subject: Turkish-funded usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied territory of Cyprus
Volunteering leads to the direct involvement of citizens in local development and plays an important role in the acquisition of skills, and improving the employability of volunteers, enabling them to gain a very wide range of skills and competences.
The European automotive industry meanwhile is fighting a rearguard action to be allowed to emit even more CO2.
I therefore consider the conclusions of the rapporteur's recommendation - according to which the outermost regions' interests should also be considered - to be a contribution of great relevance, in that Parliament should consent to the agreements if the Commission and Council: present to Parliament, as soon as possible, an impact assessment on the consequences of the agreements for banana-producing developing countries and for the outermost regions; implement specific measures aimed at strengthening banana producers' commercial position, and adopt measures to finance a programme in favour of banana-producing ACP countries.
Lastly, Europe today has a population three and a half times the size of Russia's.
They must plan policies in education and life-long learning; and also employment, social inclusion, health, the independence of young people, mobility, fundamental rights and non-discrimination.
It has multiple causes and proceeds at varying rates according to climatic differences.
That part was set aside for the next Parliament to deal with and not dealt with today.
Mr van Nistelrooij pointed out a much better way of doing it, through open coordination.
We have to cover this whole spectrum of political challenges.
I think that there is too little talk about skills in this context and too much about accumulating knowledge.
That is why the Gomes report is an outstanding one.
This, combined with the involvement of the widest group of stakeholders, including the European Parliament and citizens, is the only way a synergy can be created which is beneficial to every citizen from the 14 countries bordering the Danube.
We must look beyond and consider the past in order to implement the structural changes that will make our small and medium-sized enterprises more competitive and able to face up to the greater pressure that will come from a globalised environment.
They are almost overkill.
The Commission therefore rejects the amendments relating to paternity leave.
Finally, in December 2008 there will be a forum for non-governmental organisations on the situation of women.
(EL) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I think that the European Union is being tested by a democracy crisis and a credibility crisis, as well as an economic crisis.
in writing. - Lebanon is now one of the most indebted countries in the world and the granting by the EU of macroeconomic financial assistance is wholly justified.
in writing. - (DE) I welcome the fact that a large percentage of the European Parliament supports the substance of the Kigali Declaration on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) which was jointly formulated in Rwanda by Members of Parliament from European, African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.
The problem is getting the data to where we need it in order to prevent threats.
He rightly says that 2008 is year two in a seven-year financial perspective.
Although we were doubtful about certain amendments, which are technically controversial, we voted in favour of the European Parliament's position.
The opening up of air space between the US and EU on a non-discriminatory basis should provide improved services for the transportation of passengers and cargo, economic benefits, and above all jobs.
Thank you.
We feel able to support most of what is contained in the report, although there are also several things that we do not fully support.
The second element of context we have to take account of is the Treaty of Lisbon, which changes things for the Eurogroup, giving it new responsibilities in terms of external representation and coordination.
In fact, its regular use has been restricted to two regions in the world: Asia and North Africa.
Member States must swiftly implement the revised Late Payments Directive to effectively combat late payments and their negative impact, particularly on SMEs.
But to block the EU membership of a Balkan country, or even just to think of doing so, is not just unwise but downright dangerous!
The difference in quantity, of approximately 27 000 tonnes, is made up by imports, mostly from regions in Africa or Asia.
The vote will take place on Tuesday, 17 June 2008.
This particular report has opted to support the Turkish Government by trying to place undue emphasis on the progress Turkey is making in various areas, which is contrary to reality.
If the European Union complies with binding standards, it must also be able to require the same from its trading partners, particularly from emerging countries, and insist on quality and sustainability, particularly for food products coming into its territory, in order to preserve fair and equitable trade.
We must learn lessons from all this.
That is rather how the current system works; in other words, we are, at the same time, the driver, the person who issues fines and the person who is supposed to supervise the other cars.
The vote will take place at 12 noon on Tuesday, 9 March 2010.
I believe we cannot expect to have all these legislative arrangements in place as early as 2013.
That also demonstrates that the Maastricht criteria and the Stability and Growth Pact need to form the essential basis for the deficit strategy and the exit strategy.
The results also show how efficient management and administration are.
We have no legal mechanisms to take action against this, but I wish to tell the Council representative that History will clarify matters, because History will always bring to light the shame of this time when, on the pretext of protecting our freedom, all the concepts on which this European Union was founded have been jeopardised.
In our view, maintaining a high degree of social protection requires ambitious directives on working hours and temporary work arrangements.
It has been quite rightly established, by Commission President Barroso amongst others, that people will not fall in love with the internal market - as important as it is - but want to see and enjoy cultural diversity, the cultural heritage of Europe.
I wish especially to thank Commissioner Barrot, who has supported us with kindness - I should say with his kindly authority - and I am also especially grateful to the chairman of our committee, Mr Deprez, and to all my colleagues.
We said that, as the second largest group in this House, we wanted the second position in the Commission, in other words, the High Representative who acts as Vice-President of the Commission, to come from our party.
Let us concentrate our efforts on Europe.
With the very limited time I have available I will not be able reply to all of them, but let me comment on some of the issues.
draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety. - (SK) Although it is necessary to monitor the social situation and social policies in the Member States in order to identify the problems and challenges facing the Union, the actions we take to deal with them are even more important.
We saw competition leading to lower prices and consumers and businesses across Europe, which led to great innovation and great choice for all consumers.
Our European Commission has announced its intention to present, at the latest in autumn 2009, its main guidelines for this revision, which has given rise to some remarkable work by our Committee on Budgets, under the leadership of Mr Böge.
This strategy comprises a series of actions, especially in the field of education and access to the labour market, entirely complying with the European standards.
We constitute less than 8% of the population on our planet.
The fact that the organisers of last year's flotilla are planning to repeat their action on the anniversary of the incident and MEPs from the GUE and Greens/EFA political groups organised a hearing at the EP on 10 May put the issue yet again in the spotlight.
(Parliament agreed to accept the oral amendment)
For this reason we support the so-called home-grown players rule so that young people are trained by a club and can get their first contract with the same club.
We find ourselves in economically tricky times, but we know that you are not afraid of them.
Within the context of the directive, the European Commission has been given an unusually large amount of trust, considering that the directive is a framework directive.
It is true there are some costs, but we have to compare the cost of this package with the cost of inaction and, since the cost of inaction is much higher, we can say that there is a relative gain in having this package.
Our parliamentary group asked to be able to vote separately against specific references which are insulting to Greece under the part vote procedure.
It is important, in this context, that the Committee on Missing Persons should carry out all the necessary investigations and analyses while there are still eyewitnesses available who can provide information about this humanitarian problem of missing persons.
According to reports in the Swedish media, Swedish citizen Dawit Isaak, imprisoned in Eritrea since 2001, has been transferred to a new prison in Eritrea.
I repeat - at any cost!
Despite this, I commend several things that Mr Seeber has highlighted and expanded on based on the Commission document, by making it clear that water is everyone's right - water for all - and that we need to take into account that we need to have closer cooperation between the regions, which is a phenomenon that I do not think is up to date right now, and which is a good lesson for all those who believe that water belongs to whoever has it in a river in their backyard.
This position is also supported by all the stakeholders that I have spoken to, whether they be municipal umbrella organisations, public enterprises - particularly in the water industry, industrial associations, trade unions or, not least, NGOs.
So the banks are moving.
You are not a spectator; you said, 'I am a facilitator'.
I voted in favour of the resolution on the situation of Christians in the context of freedom of religion.
It is a road map for making cars cleaner and safer and for simplifying the legal context for the development of European vehicle manufacturing.
We must convey a clear message to citizens about what Europe is all about and what we are trying to achieve with our various legislative proposals; otherwise, we are wasting our time.
11.
Prime Minister, European integration has always been a question of solidarity between the citizens of its countries and, in the difficult period we are currently experiencing, the duty of Europe, more than ever, is to prove this once again through its deeds.
I would like to ask, for example, why the European Parliament is not working with organisations which exist in the region, such as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC).
The Irish people only recently displayed their commitment to the EU by voting strongly for the Lisbon Treaty.
I hope it will enjoy rapid growth, but I would like all ports in Europe to be treated equally, so that they really can compete and so that the technical solutions adopted by one of the Member States do not obstruct the development of a port in another.
The foundation of solidarity is a willingness to assume real responsibility when meeting with others who are in need.
As for services, we will have them because we will have an industrial policy.
The team standing before you today is ready to rise to the challenges ahead of it.
We must satisfy ourselves that medicinal products are only imported if safety and the possibility of verification are given top priority.
I would remind you of the case in which three people died in Greece after using a faulty steam iron.
Did it not occur to those drafting Chapter I of the Charter that a threat to physical integrity and dignity could come not only from the public institutions and the state, but also disguised as affection?
(EL) Mr President, it is a fact that the amending regulation which we are being asked to approve will perhaps bring about an improvement in certain Member States in which biometric identifiers are even being taken from infants and will temporarily prevent certain Member States from dragging people under the age of 12, who at present are not obliged in any case in certain countries to travel on a personal passport, through such procedures.
This serves capitalist interests admirably and shows how much capitalists fear popular reaction.
Many journalists ridiculed this, but others understood the issue.
This system is based on a taxable event taking place in a specific Member State, leading to a VAT debt and VAT liability in that Member State.
Further, I hope that the Commission, Parliament and the Council alike will be active in promoting the adoption of a binding convention on port state control at United Nations level.
I do not, however, believe that the time has come to start dialogue between this parliament and that of Belarus.
Let me just briefly go through some of the recommendations and the principles underpinning them, because they deserve due consideration.
On the other hand, though, we should bear in mind that the Sixth Action Programme urges us to support sustainable production methods and consumption models by fiscal means.
(PT) Over the years, and through successive amendments to the common agricultural policy, we have warned about its consequences and tabled alternatives.
Although the Commission proposes restructuring the fisheries sector in line with the current macroeconomic situation, concrete measures are needed to help ensure the survival of the sector.
Ladies and gentlemen, as draftsman of the opinion on this report, I regret that the committee responsible has not adopted my key proposals.
At this juncture, when rich or less rich Member States are being hit by the effects of the economic crisis, cutting the budget allocated to the cohesion policy would be tantamount to jeopardising all the successes over recent years and the reduction in the disparities which we have been endeavouring to combat up until now.
The Czech Presidency was against extending the duration of maternity leave to 20 weeks and it was against including paternity leave, which is essential to ensure that family responsibilities are shared between men and women and therefore to promote gender equality.
I declare adjourned the session of the European Parliament.
I think that some of these issues are not urgent and should be properly debated in this Parliament to maintain its credibility.
They have pinned their hopes on you and us, in the hope that we will ultimately be able to help find a solution in their region, one way or another.
Protection of the EU financial interests - fight against fraud - Annual report 2010 (
We have had quite extensive public consultations on this matter.
I agree with the fundamentals of the principles laid down in the report, in particular in terms of non-discrimination in fields such as education, lifelong learning, employment, social protection, housing and healthcare, the images of groups that are victims of discrimination in the media and advertising, physical access for disabled people to information, telecommunications, electronic communications, the different methods of transport and public spaces, social benefits and access to them, as well as the goods and services made available to the public, etc.
I do not know how quickly Mr Verhofstadt's country asked the Commission to take action on budgetary matters, but I would like to remind him that there were elections in Greece in early October.
We hope that his mediation will contribute to a secure, peaceful and lasting solution to the situation in Guinea.
We want to discuss with them whether they do not see that Europe is on the brink of recession.
I am delighted that we are united in our aim to revive, unify and strengthen the European market.
No, it is not, particularly as it is diverting attention from the real crisis - not that we are releasing carbon dioxide from fossil fuels, but that we are beginning to run low on the oil which powers our civilisation.
Farmers must not only be helped, but they must also be guaranteed market protection, as laid down by the fundamental rules of the treaty.
I will have been a Member for 20 years soon.
On the other hand, a European policy for the Roma minority must be aimed at promoting tolerance and acceptance of cultural differences, with the focus on peaceful coexistence within the limits stipulated by the laws of the relevant state and EU regulations.
They have to be taken into account, but it does not mean that as a consequence of Article 153(5), no measures having an effect on pay can be adopted on the basis of Article 122.
I voted for this report as the European Union has needed for many years now clear rules and procedures about the rights granted to legally resident third-country workers.
We are awaiting the completion of the process in the Constitutional Court, but once that process is finished, we will have completed the ratification process definitively, because there is a general principle of law, European law and international law, and that is the principle of loyal cooperation between the Member States and the institutions, and also the principle of good faith in negotiating international agreements.
We know how those things begin, and we also know where they always lead.
It is, however, my conviction as a supporter of the market economy that development assistance can (and must) be provided by means of trade policies which benefit developing countries.
We need to set guidelines for action, by which I mean that firms must not lay people off when they are being given aid, that the aid must be linked to innovation as laid down in the climate-change package and the Sacconi regulation, and that relocations and competition between EU Member States must stop.
This is why I believe that the European Union and Parliament have, in this case, taken very appropriate action with this report, which will really contribute to the development of the European and Bulgarian economies.
Therefore the proposal put forward in the report of the Economic Committee sounds reasonable and penalizes countries like Bulgaria and Romania to a less extent.
The Guinean Government is persecuting and killing anyone whose political beliefs differ from those of their leaders, thereby depriving the people of any kind of freedom which, as we well know, is obviously an inviolable right for every human being.
At a time when multiple crises seriously threaten the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, it is all the more important to ensure that our development policies are not undermined by action in other policy fields.
At the present time I think it is vital - and I will end here, Madam President - that we make global issues compatible with local issues.
I welcome Croatia's participation in the work of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).
As of 2011, the Christian community is the most persecuted in the world; fortunately, European Member States have noticed and are beginning to respond.
Member States are not spending what is currently at their disposal.
It is my contention that it was a bad idea in the first place, and simplifying it is to merely administer a band-aid rather than a cure.
After all, these small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of European competitiveness.
A comprehensive anti-corruption strategy needs to be developed.
Repeal of directives regarding metrology (
in writing. - (PL) Madam President, I voted in favour of adopting the report on the recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning.
However, it would have been preferable to avoid such exceptions, as we proposed.
Any policy that is environmentally favourable is to be recommended, including taxation measures.
I am not referring to the candidate countries that will be in it in the coming years, provided that they fulfil the conditions, but to those who have decided either through an opt-out clause or through a referendum that they do not want to be part of it.
Romania has the fifth largest number of head of sheep among European Union Member States, but sheep livestock numbers have fallen by more than 40%.
Therefore, the fact that we have established the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights within the period under examination sends out a significant message from Parliament and, of course, from us.
Finally, I want to encourage Parliament to continue to support us with its expert contributions and to make the appropriate demands on us.
However, can these objectives be achieved, or will they again become yet another insurmountable obstacle?
To my mind, what is important is that the market is provided with a sufficient degree of clear information that is useful.
It shows that social Europe is making headway and that progress is possible where improving European workers' rights to information and consultation is concerned.
Mr President, I should like to draw the attention of colleagues to the presence in the gallery today of the leaders of the three opposition parties represented in Moldova's Parliament, who are here for this debate: Dorin Chirtoacă, who is the Mayor of Chişinău and the Vice-President of the Liberal Party of Moldova; Vladimir Filat, who is the President of the Liberal Democratic Party, and Serafim Urechean, the President of the Alliance 'Our Moldova'.
This is a positive development towards finding a solution.
6.
That is the year when we shall be called to account and required to show how far we have maintained the ambitions that inspired us in Lisbon in 2000.
(PL) Mr President, President-in-Office, Commissioner, in the agreement signed in October last year, Ukrainian premier Yulia Timoshenko and Vladimir Putin stated their readiness to move to world prices for the transmission and storage of gas over three years.
In 2007, there was another review, which acknowledged the particular need to strengthen the secretariat and highlighted the need to confront the problem of resources for the permanent commissions and the national representatives.
The United States must also learn to respect the positions of the European Union because, as the work of Mrs Ferrero-Waldner and Mr Solana assumes, we are an institution that can be respected internationally and that has significant potential as an interlocutor in every region of the world.
In fact, the proportion of women in prison across Europe is dropping.
I speak for the European Union.
Female figures, contributions and work have never been given any symbolic recognition, not only in this respect.
One way of hindering it is to show little or no desire to achieve mutual recognition of stock.
(The President cut off the speaker.)
It is on the basis of these precepts that we must consider efforts to preserve wilderness in Europe and, very specifically, in the outermost regions, where such diversity is so important.
My group and I, faced with a choice between Mr Chávez and a Central Criminal Court judge like Mr Velasco from a state governed by the rule of law, have no hesitation in supporting that Central Criminal Court judge.
The European Parliament has sent a clear signal to the Council and to the European Commission in order to ensure that the Small Business Act is actually implemented, namely 'priority for SMEs', so that these new measures can be understood and applied by all such enterprises, particularly by including the following actions: avoiding unnecessary burdens, promoting the emergence of innovative medium-sized companies beyond the Community definition of SMEs (250 employees), and making it easier for SMEs to get access to funding and public procurement contracts so as to increase their growth potential.
To me as a Social Democrat, it was important to work to achieve an energy policy and energy supply strategy that has a clear consumer perspective and which also provides transparency on the energy trading market and ensures that the climate crisis has consequences for our decisions on the conversion to renewable, sustainable and safe energy sources and energy systems.
Mr President, I have to say that in my own Group's voting list this resolution on natural disasters is described as forest fires, but the natural disasters in Europe over the summer were actually wider than that and I wish to raise the issue in my own region of the worst floods in over a century.
Forwarding of texts adopted during the sitting: see Minutes
Mr Wojciechowski, it is not up to the President-in-Office of the Council to decide who should represent Poland.
Having a European vision requires common criteria and absolute transparency in the pre-selection process by the Member States.
We are fully aware that many illegal immigrants are victims twice over.
The new rules for the labelling of flavourings will indeed better inform the consumer and help to avoid the consumer being mislead.
Europe should decidedly continue supporting them.
This is probably why there is no roll-call vote.
We must guarantee that products are safe for our consumers.
She has also represented minors on death row, truly a heroic job in a country that executes children with alacrity.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, we in the Committee have done our work.
The pro-Europeans want to facilitate the closure of the last remaining coal mines in Europe by means of short-term State aid.
The Pakistani Telecom authority instructed all Internet providers to block the website.
In Austria, for example, basic salaries of managers rose by around 3.7% between 2006 and 2007.
This is a whole new ball game.
Lastly, we must not forget that the agricultural challenge is directly linked to the food challenge, and it is therefore of the utmost importance when it comes to protecting the health of European citizens.
This is a sign that in each Member State the money will be used for the buildings which most need it.
in writing. - UKIP wish to see the common agricultural policy abolished.
I would point out that these are only foundations that have been laid.
Nevertheless, we attach a great deal of importance to protecting human rights as part of the process of combating terrorism.
Here in this House we hope that the joint strategy and action plan will reflect the commitments made by the European Union, with due priority being given to the fight against poverty and to the Millennium Development Goals, particularly access to basic health care and education.
After all, we are similarly involved in other fields of transport so it would only be logical.
However, whilst this remains the end goal, we are not yet in a position to end animal experimentation altogether.
We are grateful to other public figures and statesmen that I have not mentioned today, such as Helmut Kohl, Mr Mitterrand and Mr Palme who have contributed so much to both the democracy of Spain and its future.
Even though we cannot prevent volcanic eruptions, we can improve the technology used to predict them and how we evaluate the resulting situation.
Thank you for your attention.
1.
It is largely down to the fact that the fund has significant resources at its disposal.
What we have not seen, and what we should see, given that the accounts have been very biased, is what happened in Ossetia.
(FR) Mr President, Commissioner, all of us here are against counterfeiting and piracy.
At the same time, we congratulate the rapporteur, Ms Sbarbati, on her excellent report, which contains many important points and suggestions.
Its objectives are the eradication of poverty and the gradual integration of ACP countries into the global economy, whilst adhering to the objective of sustainable development.
Mr President, the entire debate and report on carbon capture and storage (CCS) are a small cog in the huge machine of the climate package, but nonetheless a very important and essential cog, because CCS could be used as a transitional technology for the next 50 to 80 years.
There is a real lack of comprehensible information on these rights, hence the need for a strong, clear, comprehensible document enumerating existing rights: a charter.
Madam President, I had intended to speak on the impact of the financial crisis in the Republic of Ireland on the economy in Northern Ireland.
This directive is aimed at combining EU legislation regulating consumer rights, safeguarding a high level of consumer protection across all EU Member States and encouraging businesses to provide services and sell goods in other Member States.
I think we need this.
And we expect your Presidency to rise to the challenge.
I think that the partnership must concentrate much, much more explicitly on this rather than on matters that we surely consider to be less important.
Researchers themselves must have the freedom to select the most important areas of research, and, in particular, the programme must be flexible enough to be able to deal with the challenges of tomorrow.
On many occasions people have depicted increased competition and the liberalising measures in the European market as a relinquishment of the European social model or as a relinquishment of the protection afforded by social rights.
I would like to tell you that I have always promoted that, always on condition that Kazakhstan continues to take a lot of important steps that are still necessary.
(DE) Madam President, I am somewhat disappointed that Parliament was unable to approve this by a majority today in order to learn sensible lessons from the reactor disaster in Japan.
Targets therefore need to be set in shipping, but they must be fair in relation - in particular - to road transport, which competes with shipping and is much more polluting.
This was a complete failure under Kyoto, and so let us learn the lessons.
A considerable number of amendments proposed by our group, including the 11 amendments I suggested as shadow rapporteur, have been adopted by the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
I have listened to him heaping blame on the Member States, who are responsible for supervision.
Although, in general, I would like to urge caution in the use of different marketing materials, I feel that, following the large number of scientific tests carried out, it must now be possible to inform the consumer accordingly.
in writing. - I voted against the proposals to discharge the Commission of its obligation to report on its expenditure because the report was unclear.
We must organise information and awareness campaigns that also reach out to young people and thus take place within schools.
The extent and the deeper causes of the global financial and economic crisis prove that global macroeconomic management of the financial markets and the legal frameworks which apply to it need to be revised - at national level, in the EU and worldwide.
I therefore remain committed to the market economy, to free trade, and to the values of capitalism, but not to the betrayal of capitalism.
They benefit countries with cereals available for export, but they create a deadlock and hunger for the people in developing countries who depend on cereal imports for their food.
I am convinced that Europe needs more debate, more democracy and, at the end of the day, more politics.
Thank you, Mr Toubon.
Oral questions and written declarations (submission): see Minutes
I therefore ask for the House's support for a referral back to committee.
I should like to thank the European Parliament for the resolution on the EU strategy for Copenhagen.
Smart support: this is what our industry needs, and not protectionism.
Empowering the public is crucial if we want to implement effective legislation.
Cooperation and communication are important tools and we often witness the results of omissions in this respect.
Earlier versions of the Commission mandate have been further cut down.
As has been said, this service will have to have internal operating rules that are one of a kind.
Completion of the trans-European networks still seems a remote prospect, and the EU's contribution is minimal compared to the burden to be shouldered by Member States individually.
In Europe, one out of six people lives below the poverty threshold, a figure that does not include the statistics in Romania and Bulgaria.
We are talking about EU citizens.
In the first place, as the report states, a mandatory condition is that the Member States must conform with current legislation.
draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Development. - (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, first of all I would like to thank the rapporteur, Mrs De Sarnez, who has put together an excellent summary report despite circumstances in which the Commission, and above all the Council, have not always shown themselves to be open to appeals from this Parliament.
Lastly, on Mr Désir's report, I think this comes at a very timely moment, given that a new Commission communication on corporate social responsibility (CSR) is in preparation.
This can be the case for women, disabled people, or the long-term unemployed.
Were we to vote for it, it would not be possible to adopt the directive under the Spanish Presidency, and we would risk losing months, if not years, and all for nothing, because - I should like to reassure the authors - what they are proposing in their amendment is proposed, in different terms, in Amendment 4, which was adopted at first reading and taken up in its entirety by the Council.
A strong Agency is not in conflict with comitology.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, I would like to thank all the contributors for their very positive positions.
You also stated that you were speaking in your personal capacity.
With the aviation industry set to lose upward of €1 billion as a result of the volcanic ash cloud, the EU must act quickly and decisively to ease the financial blow on the aviation industry.
To these two crises we now have to add the financial crisis, which hits our eastern neighbourhood particularly hard.
Based on that preliminary examination and the documents submitted at this stage by the Greek authorities, the Commission is still unable to adopt a position on the nature of these decisions under EU rules on State aid.
The Council is not politically represented here today.
I am therefore very concerned that we are not exercising our rights sufficiently regarding such an important matter, which evidently only generates limited interest today and which some fellow Members have described as the question of the century.
What is important, as far as I am concerned, is that it is the Member States that should be able to decide, and that labour law, in all its facets, should, in my view, remain an exclusive preserve of the Member States.
On the one hand, the agreement must respect the need for balance, and not cause serious difficulties for European agricultural producers.
Following the complete standstill reached by gas supply transiting through Ukraine on 7 January 2009, with severe consequences for those Member States with little possibility to mitigate the cut, we stepped up pressure and after lengthy and difficulty negotiations got both sides to agree on sending a monitoring team composed of independent EU experts, accompanied by observers from both sides.
an oral question by Pervenche Berès, on behalf of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, to the Council: Follow-up after the review of the Lamfalussy process - B6-0011/2008)
For months the milk sector has been suffering one of the worst crises in its history.
Freedom and democracy are defended by knowledge.
The directive before us today establishes a good middle way that regulates the issues relating to the internal market, while leaving legislative decisions on all other matters to the Member States themselves.
I fully realise that investment in the neighbourhood is more obviously attractive and easier to justify and that it is more appealing both to public opinion in your countries and to potential development-policy partners.
Too much information is equal to no information.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Europe has long been like the Sleeping Beauty on matters of immigration, and we are now paying the price for the time wasted.
They say that we should wait for Member States to play their part.
Under the agreements with African and Pacific countries, the EU's financial contribution is, to a large extent, expressly intended to support national fisheries policies based on the principle of sustainability and sound management of fishery resources.
We could make a lot of progress here.
During the debates that took place at the FAO Summit in Rome, several NGOs accused the food multinationals of trying to grab thousands of hectares of very fertile land belonging to small farmers in the developing world.
So I think it would be a complete mistake now to be divided on this matter; since we want to reinforce stability, I think it is important that we agree on this limited revision of the Treaty.
We need more security in this area.
Although the basic approach is the same, we now have masses of amendments instead of just a few.
I welcome the fact that UNESCO has placed the Mediterranean diet on its world heritage list.
Well I am not fooled, and many of my colleagues are not fooled either.
I have noted with great interest the reference made in the report to the problem among elderly people.
There is evidence that several of these flights were carrying prisoners from the Incirlik base in Turkey to Guantanamo, including the 'Bosnian Six'.
I believe we cannot impose one-size-fits-all solutions.
In particular, we are legislating for the good of the citizens, thereby giving them more reasons to vote in the June elections.
That was disastrous for employment and the environment, and, despite appearances, it is disastrous in the long term for consumer health.
Those who want to see a better Europe should vote against this resolution.
I consider it important to mention the timeliness of the Commission's recommendation to Member States that they should make use of the simplifications provided for in the new Structural Funds regulations, for instance by using flat-rate amounts for indirect costs under the European Social Fund.
Solving the problem by means of emission allowance trading therefore seems to be a useful measure, particularly if correctly conceived and linked with other measures supporting market stability and preventing competition distortions.
The second issue is that we need the certainty that this time, unlike in the past, the agreements will also be implemented in other territories.
Your rapporteur is suggesting welcoming this communication as a 'solid methodological basis' and calls for further analysis, data collection, dialogue and concrete proposals.
Both the rapporteur, Mr Kamall, whom we have to thank for the report, and Mr Zaleski have pointed out what is possible in the service sector: knowledge transfer, better qualifications, jobs and better infrastructure.
I would like to ask you to take the problem seriously.
Looking at the speed at which we have improved the green part of the budget, you can see that things are moving too slowly.
We are looking forward to hearing Parliament's views during the debate today and the resolution that you will subsequently adopt.
Mr President, we are facing a situation now that we have sleepwalked into, because for too long food was too cheap: it was below the cost of production.
Mr President, in addition to the points I mentioned in my introductory statement, the proposed directive also contributes to the process of simplifying EU legislation on water.
Crucially, stricter fiscal rules and broader economic surveillance - both cornerstones of the Commission package - have been preserved.
His account, without wanting to put a gloss on the prevailing misery in the region, offers us a few rays of hope.
rapporteur. - Madam President, I would like to thank all the shadow rapporteurs who have worked with me.
At present, the Council is not unanimous.
I voted in favour of this important document.
We need to encourage Ukraine along the road to democracy and we need to bring it closer to the European Union.
It has been mentioned that we now have to think about the practical implications of the Lisbon Treaty.
President-in-Office. - (SL) Firstly, the supplementary question from Mrs Harkin.
Let me repeat what Mr Swoboda has just said.
There are certainly deficits in terms of democracy and the rule of law in Russia.
My colleague Mr Böge's report recommends that this instrument be used to finance the Lifelong Learning Programme, the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme and aid to Palestine.
For example, I read in the Commission's 2007 communication on the objectives for 2004-2006 that the intention is to examine the possible effects of nanoparticles on health and the environment.
I would like to formally state that the European Commission is fully committed to respecting the principles of the autonomy and independence of the board, which are enshrined in the regulation, and it will not have any role in the EIT's strategic decision-making.
In an area that is closely tied to the health and lives of the public, in addition to adopting best practices, it is clearly becoming necessary to optimise resources and make collective use of the European scale of organ availability.
We welcome the recent agreement concerning the missing documents and urge Croatia to deliver on it.
The disaster shook the world's energy and raw materials markets. It will determine the political and economic environment for a long time.
Lithuania received a total of EUR 2.9 million in aid from the EGF, which was earmarked for workers from the construction and household goods manufacturing sectors that were badly affected by the crisis.
In spite of apparent sufficiency of supplies, a significant proportion of the world's population cannot afford the basic food it needs; around 900 million people worldwide suffer from hunger due to extreme poverty.
It is not true to say that the citizens of countries that want to join the Union expect this to happen immediately or even very soon.
I wish to draw attention to at least two points: one is the wage gap between men and women.
I endorse this programme, but at the same time I would like to appeal to all of us and to our citizens to be attentive to the distress of the people around us.
In spite of the active involvement of citizens in initiating legislative proposals and in attempting to make the Community's legislative system more transparent, Europeans are still faced with a number of problems linked to the breach of and non-compliance with people's right to move to and reside where they want on the territory of Member States.
(Applause)
That is why they have the European Ombudsman.
I agree with Mr Czarnecki that liberalism has spread across the world.
If freedoms are complemented by clear obligations on suppliers and strong consumer protection, we can strengthen consumer confidence.
This report is part of the legislative package on economic governance and is one of its key elements.
Most often, in fact in the overwhelming majority of cases, they manifest themselves as attacks on the Czech, or rather Czechoslovakian, so-called Presidential Decrees.
Lastly, I would like to emphasise the importance of ensuring all women have access to quality reproductive healthcare.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have this stack of paper in front of me, which gives you an idea of the amount of work we still have to get through this morning.
We cannot afford not to ensure that we have new, modern maternity leave legislation.
Secondly, I think it is vital for us to stop market distortions through the funds.
For me, however, it is also important to mention that the Member States are required to document even more strictly why certain aspects or elements should be retained, as it is only in those circumstances that we really need European regulations; they are not an end in themselves.
The Member States will no longer be working in isolation because mutually recognising approvals will now be the rule, rather the exception.
Well, one way to start is to widen trade links, not cut them off.
By assaying the members and observers of the SCO, we can safely conclude that these countries own a significant proportion of the world's oil and gas reserves.
This helps prevent a separation and divergence between the countries leading the way and those following behind.
The truth is that this generalised document could quite easily have been tabled in 2007 or 2008, so I do not know why we have had to wait.

Nevertheless, I abstained from the final vote as I could not agree with the EU and the Member States having to guarantee women completely free access to abortion.
The European Union aims to simplify administrative procedures and to issue a single document for both residence and work permits.
'4. Calls on Israel to cease military actions killing and endangering civilians, and extrajudicial targeted killings;'
The Eastern Partnership means the chance for cheaper visas, better economic cooperation and financial support for civil society.
(PL) Mr President, I would like to add one more thing to the list of abuses in this election, which made it not really an election at all since there was nobody to choose between.
Finally, the simplification achieved by harmonising rules at all programming levels will facilitate the participation of small agencies in cohesion policy programmes and improve the take-up of funds.
The fight against terrorism is, in this respect, one of the main challenges for which the three Presidencies have defined the objective of intensifying cooperation in this area through continued implementation of the EU Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
This House has been a consistent source of critical support, and I want to thank you for this.
One worry is its illegal use and its abuse, and, as we know, one of the biggest issues and problems at the moment is piracy.
Because it is an intermediate source of energy.
Bees are essential for the pollination of crops, for maintaining the ecological balance, and as a way of preserving biodiversity.
Guillermo Fariñas, last year's winner of the Sakharov Human Rights Prize, has accused the Cuban regime and, in particular, the First Secretary of the Communist Party, Raúl Castro, of Juan Soto's death.
For more than thirty years, the European Union and its Member States have worked together in financing, drawing up and developing space policy.
If you close the shipyards now, in this economic climate, as you just stated, you will throw the entire region into economic disaster, and that is not on.
(FR) Mr President, I would like to start by congratulating Mr El Khadraoui on having reached a compromise, but we must not pretend that this text is not a very fragile one.
I would like to wish our guests a warm welcome and emphasise the importance we place on such a visit, the first in Europe for almost 10 years.
I am not convinced that the proposed quota changes will make a great deal of difference but, as they are voluntary on Member States, this group will certainly not oppose them being granted.
As you know, work is under way on this directive.
The Commission is convinced that the existing measures already provide for a very high level of information and rights to the public for flights within and outside the European Union.
It will also help to promote investment in environmentally friendly technology research and development and in recycling.
- (SK) I would like to thank Jutta Haug, Mr Lewandowski and the coordinator for their excellent work.
As we have heard here, gross domestic product is now at crisis point in different parts of Europe.
The situation in Iran's prisons is critical as well: since 25 August, several hundred Kurdish political prisoners have been on hunger strike in Iranian prisons.
We look to you, High Representative Ashton, to seize the initiative and to assert the authority and leadership provided to you by the treaty, to knock heads together if necessary and to chart the way forward.
The vote will take place today.
I think you are right.
In this generation we face a world of change not yet fully understood, in which we can either hasten or delay progress by the myriad of decisions that we take every day.
In this context, the activities of the EIT and, notably, knowledge and innovation communities will be implemented through innovative public-private structure partnerships and financed through a variety of public-private sources.
This was the case in the Czech Parliament and it will be the case in the Czech Senate once the vote is taken.
Thirdly, it is my observation that the regime supports everything that is bad or involves corruption in this world - be it in the Middle East or in Pakistan.
Slovenia is a pioneer of European unification.
(ES) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, as the European Commission stated in its communication of 22 July, the situation in the dairy farming sector has deteriorated dramatically during the last 12 months.
All of this can be controlled, hence its fear of the creation of a 'gas version of OPEC'.
In this context, we note with satisfaction the renewed interest of the donor community in the agricultural sector, which has been ignored over the last 25 years.
In the context of granting citizenship on a purely ethnic basis, regardless of residence, employment or family ties, it opens a Pandora's Box of extreme nationalism such as we have not seen since the end of the Second World War.
The work of the JHA Council on 25 July has allowed a political agreement to be reached on the draft decisions on the European Judicial Network and the strengthening of Eurojust.
Two closely linked topics in particular are central for us in the Committee on Industry.
If we have another CSDP mission and another round of Stability Instrument training without a political process leading somewhere, I do not think it will help us.
It is vitally important that ICCAT is allowed to do its job.
I hope that message reaches the people of Europe.
Over the years, important legislation on equal treatment and gender mainstreaming in European policies has allowed us to move towards a more egalitarian society and labour market.
There is a clear need for dialogue, both with the representatives of the outgoing authorities and with the opposition, including Islamic movements.
Obviously, ladies and gentlemen, all this will work only if the Member States supply the necessary investment because we cannot have a successful railway policy until we make the trans-European networks a reality, and guarantee interoperability on all the major lines, notably through the ERTMS.
The Russia-Ukraine crisis has highlighted once again the need for a common EU approach.
However, I wish to conclude, Mr President, with something that is more important and which has brought us all here: the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European institutions must have the capacity to provide an urgent response to emergency situations.
As the European Parliament, we should, indeed, look at what the Commission is saying today.
(PL) Mr President, I would like to add my voice to that of Mr Juvin - the humanitarian aid is poorly coordinated.
I wish you a great deal of strength and success in this.
In the context of the overall developments, the EU's common agricultural policy appears very inflexible and rigid.
In short, you complain today and every day about the effects of what you encourage every day, in other words stripping away the powers of the State for the benefit of post-democratic forums, made up of officials, bankers and judges.
Meanwhile, the use of agricultural products for non-food purposes, particularly for producing biofuels, which they seek to prioritise, will not help to develop agricultural activity and may, on the contrary, replace the production of food products, thereby having a negative impact on the protection of food sovereignty.
First of all, as regards the burning issue of energy labelling.
More and more documents are being produced, but the situation of women is improving only very slowly.
In 1987, the Commission recommended that all acts that had up to 10 amendments be codified, so that Community legislation would be easier to understand.
The control measures are reinforced, in particular as regards joint fishing operations, the adoption of a general prohibition of transhipment at sea and the introduction of a regional ICCAT observer programme.
By combining social mixing with local development and by providing access to members of the public for whom going on holiday is difficult, social tourism makes the tourism sector more profitable.
This applies not only to the much-discussed situation in Greece, which has managed to reduce its budget deficit for the first six months of this year by 46%, but also to the Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland and all the others.
But I can only imagine how people will react when they hear that their MEPs passed this report on a Treaty that they have not read.
Volunteering (
I supported this report because of the need to promote a framework for the improvement of education and training systems in Europe.
Secondly, with regard to Brazil, Russia, India and China, which are huge producers of CO2 emissions and other emissions, what role will they play, and what pressures can we in the European Union put on them to meet the same standards that we are demanding of our own?
Cloned animals are very expensive to use for food.
I voted against Mr Garriga Polledo's report because of some points that I feel are critical in the motion put to the vote.
In Romania, as in other countries, the banks were not involved in transactions dealing with toxic assets.
the report by Christa Klaß, on behalf of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for Community action to achieve a sustainable use of pesticides - C6-0246/2006 -,
The international community achieved a certain amount of progress in Cancún.
In my country there are public banks that have less in the way of state guarantees than private banks are now being given by various states.
A specific financial pledge is needed to achieve this.
I am very grateful for any explanations you can give us.
When it comes to improving coherence between European rules on matrimonial matters, it is tricky getting 27 to agree on this matter.
As a supporter of a liberal economy, I realise, as I am sure we all do, that there are two essential prerequisites to a sound and effective liberal economy. These are, on the one hand, the freedom to produce and sell a range of products and, on the other, protection of the original producer's intellectual property, which is equivalent to protecting his or her copyright.
Mr President, I make no secret of the fact that the provisions set out in the Banana Accompanying Measures are a gamble on the future, for various reasons.
The current prices are coming from a historical low level, which was established after the 2003 reform, which for the industry provided a stronger competitive basis and for the dairy farmers provided compensation for potentially lower prices.
Yet I must say that I cannot share - at least not yet - the conclusions reached in the report, which proposes to legalise the opium poppy for medical purposes, albeit on a trial basis.
The Commission will continue to examine other methods of raising businesses' awareness, if it deems this appropriate.
Absolutely right.
I do not accept that we have not done enough.
After all, in the case of road infrastructure, funds could be transferred directly to the relevant local authority departments that are under the control of institutions in the Member States.
Yet if the criminal law of the Member States is not sufficient, we will need to reread Articles 82 to 86 of the Treaty of Lisbon, reflect on whether we can consider the corruption of MEPs to be cross-border crime or an act otherwise detrimental to the Union's financial interests and determine whether or not to create a European Public Prosecutor, which would, moreover, be a significant step along the path to unity.
The Interim Agreement states that bilateral issues must not be allowed to become a barrier to accession.
I voted for this proposal for a legislative amendment, whose definitive text I hope to see adopted during Parliament's July plenary sitting.
To the best of my knowledge, based on the scientific expertise I receive, we believe that these matters and this approach are safe.
I should like to share with you a very big personal concern of mine, Mr Barroso and Mr Verheugen: you are the guardians of the law!
Between July and August this year the Commission received a dozen international assistance calls: from Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Bulgaria, Albania and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
The crisis is political as well as economic in nature and we have seen time and time again that Europe is strongest when it acts together and a unified response to this crisis is the best response.
In any case, this should emerge clearly from the investigation.
Is Europe grasping for something that it does not need because it already has it?
Hence the multitude of amendments due to the different approaches of the 27 Member States, each with its own national realities.
Of course, we must also support those on low incomes throughout the world.
The states are thus in no way solely responsible for the debt crisis.
(FR) Mr President, the conflict between Georgia and Russia and the financial crisis have both been opportunities for the European Union to make its presence felt on the world stage as a fully-fledged first-rate political player.
No, the structural problems in Greece go back further than that.
Full funding is required from the EU budget for food aid programmes as some Member States will be unable to participate in the scheme when cofinancing rates apply.
I think the whole political climate has also changed and the political balance has changed and that has affected our discussions on these issues.
Member States must have a greater involvement in this evaluation mechanism, or else this mutual confidence is in danger of diminishing.
Let us be honest, this remains a difficult exercise, and I am delighted that the President-in-Office of the Council is present.
I would also like to thank my colleagues, Mr Cerexhe of the Belgian Presidency, Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn, and all those who contributed to the public consultation for their assistance.
I think that together we have proven that, where the well-being of European citizens and the European economy is concerned, European institutions are united and efficient.
At the end of 2006 the Commission presented a communication reviewing the 1994 Directive on deposit-guarantee schemes.
In its practical work, the Eastern Partnership must strengthen the political and economic relations between the European Union and the states in this region, and also strengthen the mutual cooperation between those states.
She did a very good job, as of course, did Mr Grosch, of whom Parliament has come to expect good reports.
There are considerably higher numbers of qualified academics in other Member States, and we should study their systems.
Purchases at trade fairs are now also classed as direct selling.
It reminds us that, at present in Haiti, apart from the conditions of poverty and the feeling of insecurity that prevail among the citizens (60% of the population are living outside and 80% are living in absolute poverty), there is acute concern about the situation of the most vulnerable persons, who face violence, sexual abuse, human trafficking, exploitation and abandonment.
So far, we have had no success on that score, because the Kimberley system is a collaboration of countries which take a dim view of other countries interfering in their home affairs.
We all know about prison overcrowding and the allegations of poor treatment of detainees.
These characteristics and this inability to cooperate are the real cause for the collapse of his government.
The emissions limits must be the same.
Consequently, nothing, except the will to initiate a new method of imposing supranational legislation, justifies such a position.
(ES) Mr President, I will begin by congratulating Mr Hutchinson on clearly setting out in his report the work done by the Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) in 2007.
Mexico has banned the trade.
The EPA gives Papua New Guinea and Fiji duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market in return for the gradual liberalisation of their markets over a 15-year period.
We will vote in favour of what is good and against what is bad, and we will not give in to blackmail.
It therefore seems to me that the establishment of the European External Action Service (EEAS) calls for the development of procedures that will allow for close cooperation between the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the EEAS department for election observation missions, thereby avoiding the risk of duplication and strengthening the EU's external action in the OSCE area.
It will be more difficult to deal with unemployment, casualisation, low wages and the generalised increase in prices, considering that the level of debt of Portuguese families has now reached 129% of their disposable income.
The anti-war movement has warned of these problems since the start of the war.
And do you have details of the number of proceedings being brought in each Member State?
It was very clear, from the public consultations and the consultations with the European Parliament, that we needed a procedure which would be easy, understandable, user-friendly and well-balanced.
In this spirit, the Commission supports your proposal to nominate a special representative for the Horn.
The Energy End-use Efficiency and Energy Services Directive adopted in 2006 has contributed to achieving this aim.
In the coming decade, it is estimated that the labour force will shrink by 3 million just when the EU has one of the lowest birth rates in the world.
I also want to argue in favour of this reserve as it relates to OLAF, the European Anti-Fraud Office.
These sometimes arise due to a need to update them, but this hinders and diminishes the quality of life of the individual.
Having concluded the vote so quickly, I thought I would be more flexible with fellow Members who have run over their allotted time.
In order to achieve the EU's strategic objectives, the Commission should not start developing new tools from scratch until the existing ones are fully operational and reliable.
The changes which took place in my country then triggered the march of many countries of Central and Eastern Europe towards freedom, democracy and integration with the EU.
As we see it, it is important, amongst other things, to ensure that regional disasters remain eligible, or even safeguard the possibility of the specificity of the natural disasters suffered in the Mediterranean being recognised and of adapting this Fund - in terms of response times and eligible actions - to the specific needs of natural disasters such as drought and fires.
Therefore the least we can hope for is the opening of an enquiry into the largest international credit rating agencies on their role in these events and thus action on financial instability and on the impact on the real economy.
Ladies and gentlemen, just to make it clear what it is that we are now voting on, we cannot refer this back to committee as it did not come from a committee, but we can postpone the vote.
Cuba's Stalinist regime, with its totalitarian ways, is attempting to damage relations between the EU and this region as a whole.
Opening of the sitting
It also omits any mention of agriculture.
What are the concerns surrounding traditional agencies?
Secondly, we need to be more open with the citizens of the European Union.
I believe citizens need more and better from the Council and the Commission than they are getting at present.
The Polish national authorities, Wrocław's local authorities and the Polish academic world are fully prepared for this assignment.
My view is that an anti-discrimination policy, as one of the fundamental principles of the EU, has a very definite task to perform in this sphere.
I should report to you in addition on the situation in Lebanon, where important events have also recently taken place.
This report once again shows how important it is for European development to promote the mobility of our young people in all fields.
One example is my proposal for online enrolment in a register, in a national or a European donor register, with the idea of adding a reference to a person's identity card or driving licence identifying him as a donor and therefore allowing matters to proceed more swiftly, where necessary.
(SV) Mr President, I am pleased that the Swedish Presidency has abandoned its desire to push for quick moves to exit strategies, which would risk making the high rates of unemployment a permanent problem in Europe.
Among the possible actions, I would support Mr Ziegler's suggestion of a five-year moratorium on the production of biofuels.
From now on, the responsibility rests with the European Union, which must take strong measures to ensure that a nuclear disaster of this magnitude will never happen in Europe.
Furthermore, the directive provides that detention shall be for as short a period as possible, shall require a decision in writing with reasons in fact and law, and shall be subject to judicial review at regular intervals.
This gives us the opportunity to rein in climate change.
This reaction also shows that we believe, and rightly so, that we do not solve problems in Europe in this way, that this is not in accordance with the security agreements that we have and which were made in the past on the problems with South Ossetia and Abkhazia in Georgia.
Cooperation between Parliament, the Commission and the Council therefore plays a strategic role in developing a European policy to address this problem effectively.
External assistance will also be required, including considerable IMF involvement.
I think we can achieve this goal gradually, with the first exercise of this kind in spring, then the establishment of a tradition in this House, so that no one can ever say again, when you examine human rights outside the Union on Wednesdays or Thursdays, 'You have not put your own house in order'.
Procedures need to be simplified and competences transferred to the Member States, which will be able to deal with such situations effectively.
Attitudes, therefore, have to change.
With advertising limited to 20% per hour, the duration between two advertising screens is now 30 minutes, whereas we wanted to retain 45 minutes for European screens.
Why do I begin with these perhaps unpleasant remarks?
The European Council, which brings together European Heads of State or Government, is currently debating the implementation of a stability mechanism for Member States belonging to the euro area.
Greece will submit to the Commission in the course of January an updated stability programme, as foreseen in the Stability and Growth Pact.
The internal and external effects of the EU's neoliberal policies, with their negative consequences for human and fundamental rights, are not mentioned in the report.
Prosperity in Europe also depends on achieving an effective and open single market and pursuing the aims of the Lisbon strategy.
Countries must abide by and respect their shared obligations so as to combat counterfeiting and piracy more effectively.
Penalties for serious infringements against the social rules in road transport (short presentation)
So I am glad that the Commission has been rebuffed on this proposition and that what started out as bad has been somewhat ameliorated.
Given an estimated total of EUR 8.4 billion, that makes a profit of EUR 620 million.
For the protection of watercourses it would seem more logical to take measures tailored to the geological environment, rather than fixing a minimum buffer-zone area.
I consider this very important because it is the only way in which wide acceptance of the internal market and the principle of a single market can be engendered among consumers as well as among the relevant entrepreneurs.
It is quite clear that the Afghan campaign is a problem that commands our attention; a profound reform of strategy and tactics is required.
I say this because it is important to have facts when discussing this matter.
China, in as much as we can involve it, is a fully-fledged member of the Security Council and it would be a great help in finding solutions in the country.
I have supported, during all the work stages, the need to structure the report into two distinct parts: one referring to vulnerable communities, from the point of view of ethnic membership, and the second one referring to vulnerable communities determined by certain geographical handicaps.
Where and at what level should consultation and dialogue with the European Commission take place?
I must tell you, ladies and gentlemen, that this is much worse than Guantanamo and we have to make the US authorities clearly understand this.
I voted in favour of this report because, since the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGAF) is an instrument to respond to a specific European crisis caused by globalisation, this applies to the current situation.
market surveillance by Member States,
To this end, countries in Europe are compelled to introduce emergency measures, reduce budgetary expenditures, temporarily suspend planned tax reductions and even raise taxes.
Recovery of cod stocks (debate)
While I support the efforts and the commitment of the rapporteur, I should also stress that the EU is still far from having a coherent long-term strategy in this area.
The root cause of the current crisis is not Ukraine, but the crisis within Gazprom itself, which has failed to live up to its own commitments.
It appears that the funds in the first pillar are spent more wisely than the rural development funds.
I will just give you some examples which perhaps explain why the French are a little wary about Europe on this subject: the prices of postal services, rail transport, air transport and water transport, which have been given over to private companies, have increased exponentially.
It is only by being one step ahead that certain sectors can survive.
The European Parliament should, of course, also make a contribution towards the joint European 'union of works' to improve the situation of the Roma.
We are not talking about a programme for a specific activity or for some specific programmes; we are talking about some countries that have a financial difficulty.
The development and consolidation of the internal market provide businesses with access to Europe's 500 million plus consumers.
7.
It has a different threshold to the one we have in Europe.
I am really afraid that if we are too hesitant over the next number of years, we risk losing jobs on a very large scale.
We can also make better use of existing instruments.
Mr President, I voted for the Commission's discharge in connection with the implementation of the EU budget for 2007.
I am not willing to equate the crimes of the Nazis, the Holocaust and the genocide that saw six million Jews, along with Communists, Trade Unionists and disabled die, with those of Stalinist Russia.
The proposal adopted by the Commission last November sets some clear objectives for improving integrity, transparency, responsibility and good governance of the credit-rating agencies.
I would like to build on that beautiful thought by saying that until recently we could only listen to what the candidates and thereafter new members of the European Union expected from it.
I would mention, in particular, the amendment on the definition of a charge, Amendment 12, and the amendments on airport networks, Amendments 14 and 16, with a few changes to the wording.
In this context, there is some concern at proposals regarding access to resources that aim to promote a system of transferable individual quotas, which would have consequences in terms of the concentration of fishing activity and the individual appropriation of fishing rights.
The majority of the population in Madagascar live below the poverty line: 7 000 children are suffering from serious malnutrition, and the situation is only worsening with the political crisis.
It should be noted that it is the outcome of a long-term programme of work, the Hague Programme for strengthening freedom, security and justice in the European Union.
The report also calls for better procedures to take when publication requirements are not followed, and for data protection to be included in the Commission regulation itself.
in writing. - I voted for this resolution which reaffirms the urgent need for Russia to implement fundamental principles of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and media freedom as a basis for cooperation, and calls on Russia to take concrete action to improve its human rights record and to protect journalists, human rights activists, minorities and opposition representatives from violence and intimidation.
(RO) Development and cooperation mechanisms and the allocation of considerable resources to developing countries for tackling climate change are important measures in terms of concluding an international post-Kyoto agreement.
The FVO also found huge flaws in the traceability system used by Brazil and detected problems with many consignments in transit to the European Union that did not have the necessary certificates.
I merely wish to draw the Commission's attention to the fact that it would be useful, before talking about compulsory fire insurance for every citizen, to talk about compulsory civil liability insurance for damage that may be caused to third parties, sometimes with malicious intent, but above all, through negligence.
(LT) Mr President, I would like to congratulate all the rapporteurs on the creation of this important document.
There have been a number of pit closures between 2002 and the present day during the period of this regulation, which is still in force.
We all deserve a say on the referendum on the Constitution.
You are replacing Commissioner Rehn, which is unfortunate, of course, given the importance of the questions.
The 4th Motor Insurance Directive also ensures assistance for accident victims by setting up information centres in each Member State.
The aim is laudable.
As my colleague, Mr Kallas, and the Council Presidency have said, we know that terrorism is still one of the greatest threats to our values and to our democracies.
I have had the privilege of supporting some of the work for reform on mental health in the Czech Republic.
We cannot anticipate the result of negotiations that are still in progress, but it is essential that we get the wording right because it is a matter of legal certainty and defining the scope of the directive.
The citizens of my country, the Netherlands, do not understand the reason for unnecessary legislation from above, from European level.
Goethe said that 'nothing is more damaging to a new truth than an old error'.
The solutions aimed at developing alternative, bio-, wind and solar energy are all lengthy and not at all certain to pay off in the end.
Access to financial support must be improved for new innovative businesses in the form of start-up funds.
I would like to focus on a few areas that have been raised this morning, starting with the Treaty of Lisbon and the Charter.
How many votes did the commissioners get and where did they get them?
In our view, these measures could also include the suspension of the agreement.
For all of the above reasons, I voted in favour of this report.
We must also acknowledge that the region is part of our common neighbourhood with Russia, and we have to try to find ways of promoting common policies in that common neighbourhood.
I would finally like to emphasise the particularly important role played by Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
I hope that at least the Commissioner can understand me.
Disastrous knock-on effects might also follow for other sectors, such as the pork sector for example.
Europe must be able to react to rapid changes in the world.
Does the aid support sustainable development in Haiti?
Mr Meijer's report shows the stony path the country has already successfully trodden.
Evaluation of the Dublin system (continuation of debate)
I want a Europe where deaf people represented by me or any person living with a disability, for that matter, really do enjoy equal opportunities.
I believe that the deal reached is a solution, but that it could not fully reconcile the legitimate interests of all the parties, and therefore call on the Commission to submit at the earliest opportunity an impact assessment of the Agreements on Trade in Bananas on banana-producing developing countries and Europe's outermost regions over the period to 2020.
We find that balance a bit misleading.
Lastly, with regard to the duty to supply information, I would like to emphasise that early cooperation with Parliament in relation to requests for legislative initiatives based on citizens' requests will be crucial to securing the bond between Parliament and the public.
At the same time, it should be remembered that micro-entities suffer from bureaucratic burdens to a particularly high degree.
On the subject of budgetary control, it is quite clear from the discharge of the Council how your group is acting.
I think it is too risky to apply this only to one level of the European Union, as it might make the entire EU financial system uncompetitive, and operators could get around it without too much difficulty by focusing on other markets.
As for the rest, I would like to offer my congratulations and thanks.
On the other hand, the European statute of European political parties paves the way for the creation of a transnational party system.
The first concerns the erratic way in which prices have been changing: at one point USD 10, then 140 a short time ago, now it is back to 100.
This culminated in the adoption by the Commission, in September 2008, of the communication on a European Union strategy for marine and maritime research.
Action must be taken relating to humanitarian aid, cooperation and development, and in this area, the Member States, the European Union and the international organisations play an essential role.
Greater cooperation from the US is also needed towards more effective reconciliation of its emissions trading quota system and the one implemented by the EU.
Local factors, pest pressure, climatic conditions, structure of agriculture of production and so on and regulatory conditions to ensure the coexistence of GM crops with conventional and organic production.
Specialisation and a balanced relationship with the producer are also the best way forward for the customer.
In the forthcoming consultation we will convey our concerns, particularly about the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, the problems posed by the rise of racism and xenophobia, and cooperation with Russia in international organisations such as the OSCE and the Council of Europe.
It is an EU issue, of course, because competitiveness does not come about without a mobile workforce.
With regard to hedge funds, the financial 'police' in the UK and the USA have just temporarily prohibited speculation on falling asset values, and quite rightly so!
The European Commission has had the wisdom, for once, to submit a text that is based on recent case-law, that is to say, case-law that permits Europeans to transport goods subject to excise duty that are purchased in a Member State other than that of their residence, without quantitative restrictions, provided that the goods have been purchased for private consumption purposes.
In addition, policy makers are constantly making disparaging remarks about the media.
In view of this, the idea of holding trilateral talks between the European Union, African Union member states and China is particularly worthy of support.
Remarkably, no VAT is levied on most financial services.
This is now EUR 400 million since 2000, so this is quite a good amount.
Subject: On-line sale of perfumes, clothing and brand products
For example, there was practically unanimous praise for the fact that this text makes it obligatory to indicate where trimmings are of non-textile animal origin.
The most important amendments by the European Parliament considerably limit the scope of the directive and introduce elements of ambiguity and uncertainty which always operate for the benefit of the plutocracy and strengthen the unaccountability of capital.
I will begin with that point.
(PT) Mr President, Mr López Garrido will not mind if my first words are addressed to Vice-President Barrot.
Secondly, ladies and gentlemen, we are in a civilisation, in the 21st century, in which the population is getting poorer and hungrier, and there is more disease and more inequality.
One of the things that the Treaty of Lisbon changed was the financial structures of the EU, in particular, the multiannual financial framework (MFF) and the annual budgetary procedure.
Will you ensure that this package is now finally put on the agenda of the Council working group so that it can become a success for the French Council Presidency?
The Commission's ultimate aim is to abolish animal testing completely.
in writing. - (PT) The European automotive industry, which represents around 3% of the EU's GDP and 7% of its manufacturing output, is one of the most important economic sectors, producing around one third of global production.
The emphasis of this legislation is clearly on health and the links between chemical substances and cancer.
They need opportunity and encouragement to be enterprising.
This, unfortunately, is how it ends, and we had an example of this with the introduction of the euro.
(HU) Mr President, two of Hungary's neighbours, Austria and Slovenia, have held elections and in both countries the Social Democrats have emerged victorious.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, since the adoption of the new cotton reform by Council in June 2008, much work has been invested in setting up restructuring programmes in the main cotton-producing Member States.
Under the rules of the European Union's Stability and Growth Pact, eurozone countries should remain inside a budget deficit limit of 3% of GDP.
I believe that this is a much, much better approach than the quota system, and it already works in parts of the European Union.
What solution is proposed by the rapporteur?
The Grossetête report goes in the right direction: towards the Lisbon process objective of becoming the most efficient knowledge-based area in the world.
We must and should rejoice in that.
Maybe it is the new leadership battle for the Lib-Dems that has been going on, since some of their new leaders even have lookalikes!
This would help solve urgent problems implementing specific directives and also establish mutual trust between the Member States' institutions and a more effective Single Market in the long term.
We are well aware that in terms of the development of society, mobility is a source of wealth, growth and, consequently, the capacity to promote solidarity between territories and between people.
Burdens will be shared, as will solutions.
These initiatives naturally cover a large number of basic acts with subsequent regulation.
Basel II and revision of the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD 4) (
Every dependence of one upon the other, inequality, and above all the lack of a sovereign state structure for the Arabs, will be constant sources of negative emotions, convictions and retaliation.
Its purpose should be to ensure that a citizen's right to health care in another Member State is carefully framed, so that each Member State's capacity to fund and organise its domestic services is not undermined by health tourism.
Secondly, liquidity has to be provided over a longer term than is currently the case.
There is great purpose in the compromise proposal reached, but there remain several ambiguities, mainly around issues that affect web-blogger status.
For too long now, national monopolies controlled by governments have prevented new entrants from offering gaming services in Europe.
We hope, in actual fact, that there will be a very strong turnout at the elections.
I should now like a Member to speak against the motion.
To whom is this Code in its amended version supposed to apply, when the new definition of a parent carrier effectively eliminates this carrier?
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (Germany) (
(Applause)
At international level, the Commission, in close collaboration with the Member States, continues to support the development of Codex guidelines on the issue.
We must be proud of this statement, and must ensure that it is introduced straight away.
We jointly agreed that this issue cannot be accommodated in the Staff Regulations.
We have already criticised this system as it fails, in every respect, to meet international standards on fair trails.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, let me thank you very much for this encouraging and constructive debate.
I want to emphasise in the first instance that the fight against all forms of discrimination, in particular, those based on sexual orientation, is one of the European Union's fundamental principles.
Explicit and precise requirements are set on the construction and the management of waste facilities which have to be operated using the 'best available technique' concept.
We need to do things better.
Small and medium-sized enterprises are, for their part, vitally important to our future development, growth and prosperity.
As the European Union, we must support the Tunisian people, whose protests and demonstrations have enabled them to free themselves and regain their liberty from a regime which has lasted for many years.
If there is one common factor that I have detected in the speeches of the most representative political groups, it is the idea of ambition.
Another major issue is that of communicating and publishing the results achieved through the strategy.
- (GA) Mr President, I welcome the recommendations made in the European Union draft budget for next year.
I think that public opinion, the tax payer in other words, often questions this, with good reason.
However, we must not lose sight of the fact that there are already border protection systems available, such as EUROSUR and FRONTEX.
Subsidised, cheap European food is being exported to developing countries and, on account of its competitive prices, it often knocks these countries' own food production out of the market, so denying these countries the chance of more long-term self-sufficiency.
It would like to stress, in this connection, that the implementing measures referred to in that article are procedural and administrative in nature and that they provide details of rules already laid down in the basic act.
Firstly, changes are needed in our penal system in general.
Coming from Luxembourg, you can imagine how many complaints I receive from consumers on this question, because some Luxembourgers living in a border area have one operator in the living room, another one in the kitchen and a third in the bedroom, so I am fully aware of this question.
Mr President, before I go on, I would also like to praise the work which has been done by my fellow Member, and say that I fully support the issues that have been mentioned here.
However, one of Guantánamo's major drawbacks was that it forestalled any regular criminal proceedings against those held there.
Indeed, this is also why Parliament is insisting on our introducing a separate budget line for the 'Small Business Act' and, in particular, a budget line for climate change.
The Commission intends to fulfil its duty by investigating any complaint submitted to it and will introduce any procedures needed if it is shown that the treaty has been infringed.
That significant increase in the budget between 2006 and 2009 was both necessary and legitimate.
It is in Russia's interest to have access to Caspian gas, and a resolute, united front from Europe would bring Russia to the same negotiating table.
These are, of course, closely linked.
I believe that it is essential that you give an explanation regarding the content.
We owe this to our electorate.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (DE) Mr President, Commissioner, in 1918 independent Montenegro took a voluntary decision to unite with the neighbouring states of Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia.
This does not seem a good idea to me.
in writing. - (FR) I am pleased that the European Parliament has today adopted, by a large majority, the draft directive seeking to impose sanctions against employers of illegal immigrants.
(ES) Mr President, Commissioner, the crisis has shown that the European Union lacks the necessary instruments to counteract the effects of the former and provide an appropriate framework for economic recovery.
In addition, the best techniques to secure and trace the containers are, on the whole, insufficiently used, and they are frequently overloaded.
Suffice it to say that I come from a country, Italy, that has 4 500 characteristic products, and these are assets from our land that we wish wholeheartedly to preserve.
When used as disinfectants and pesticides, they protect us from dangerous diseases, or as the case may be, from their carriers.
As regards heading 2 - Preservation and management of natural resources - the appropriations proposed by the Council were based on earlier results and past experience has shown that, despite being applied horizontally, these appropriations are generally speaking always very close to the figures for the final execution.
My group has, over the years, always supported the demands of Guinea's democratic opposition, which still appears to be out of the game.
I believe that the gap is growing wider between those who support the European project and those who do not, but in spite of all our problems, the important thing is to hold our course, to maintain our direction and stay focused.
By restricting emissions to 147 grams per kilometre from 2020, we are setting very clear standards.
Parliament, the Commission and Council must collaborate with each other to devise a foolproof action plan.
(DA) Mr President, I, too, would like to see clear rules for the European parties, but I must essentially question what the point of the European parties actually is.
It would therefore be unfair to penalise Slovakia for its struggle to meet criteria that even euro area members will not fulfil in 2009.
In 2007 the facts are chilling: 72 million European citizens continue to live in poverty; 8 % of all people in the European Union now suffer from in-work poverty.
Madam President, I am very pleased to see the interest shown, including in the European Parliament, in a sector that is essential not only for market supply, but also for the stability of our regions: I am talking about the livestock sector.
It will certainly ensure greater clarity in terms of planning, sustainability and stability of European requirements for statistics on public health and health and safety at work.
2. on the framework Financial Regulation for the bodies referred to in Article 185 of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002.
We must increase support for people with disabilities and young people with children, so that they can participate in mobility programmes and take advantage of this opportunity to strike a study-work-life balance.
According to Article 49 of the EU Treaty: 'Any European State... may apply to become a member of the Union'.
The original idea of a maximum harmonisation would have meant that consumers in those countries would have been disadvantaged, and it has been trying to get that balance right that has occupied us.
The worst thing would be if something happened, so we have to prevent that and we have to be on the safe side.
In the last decade we have experienced critical periods in which this protective role has been put to the test.
Then the chief investigator himself is targeted and the house of cards collapses.
The chief points of the agreement that was reached are mainly compatible with Parliament's original proposals.
Therefore, not only must the Commission's negotiating mandate relate to the convention itself, to all the protocols and agreements already enshrined by the Charter of Fundamental Rights, but we must make a commitment very quickly to accede to all the legal instruments of the ECHR in order to have a coherent system for the protection of human rights.
Fourthly, the collapse of the shipyards, and the subsequent mass redundancies, will also place a greater burden on Poland's social security system.
We also succeeded in ensuring that the basic principles we have always represented are maintained in the Treaty of Lisbon.
'Youth on the move' has three objectives: to improve education, increase employment and foster mobility for young people across the European Union.
Only Europe's wonderful regions can safeguard that specialness and they must be able to rely on the protection of the European Union.
Can the Commission confirm its support for a strong and well resourced common agricultural policy under the next multiannual financial framework?
It is thus very important for the EU to have a clear system for authorising both types of activity.
However, hyperbole can turn to insanity.
The SIS II should have become operational in 2007.
For this reason, decisions made by Members of the European Parliament should be based on a reality which is more than just European.
Negotiation of an EU-Central America Association Agreement (vote)
There were differences in the initial reports.
That was one of the points that we had to amend in the Commission's proposal.
A very warm welcome, Mr Giscard d'Estaing.
I ask the Commission to act swiftly and decisively in accordance with the recommendations of the Auken report.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I would like to thank Parliament for inviting me to take part in the discussion on Tunisia.
The isolation of the southern islands even benefits the welfare of the islanders, since it attracts tourists, but when it comes to energy, isolation or island status is particularly harmful to the population.
The third piece of information.
Instead of strategy preparation there could be the requirement to prepare national administration rules, incorporating certain provisions set out in the strategy implementation rules presented by the Commission.
I wonder, however, whether perhaps it would have been wiser for the EU to solve its internal problems before enlargement.
I agree that we need to establish a true base for future European energy policy, aimed at pursuing the objectives of security of supply, combating climate change and the economic growth of the European Union.
I am therefore in favour of us taking an immediate look at the staff regulations for ways to make savings.
Of course, I have been in office for 48 hours.
However - and let me stress this firmly - the political declaration also respects the individual responsibility of each EU institution and Member State for its own communication strategy and priorities.
Finally - and this will be a very difficult point - the question of profiling, and of course we all want risk assessments.
I think it is important to adopt a European Union directive on renewable energy sources in order to coordinate EU regulation and national policy, to coordinate regulation at EU and Member State level.
The explosive increase in criminal activities via the Internet requires a coordinated approach.
The External Action Service managing director, Miroslav Lajčák, visited Tirana twice to meet the President, the Prime Minister and the leader of the Opposition, and I am happy he has joined me today.
The 100th session of the ILO began last week: it will focus on a new ILO convention on domestic workers, an issue which this House discussed recently.
Our work in this is, however, not finished.
When I say organisational, I mean that organisation is policy and policy is organisation.
There are far too many administrative obstacles to these cross-border movements, especially in the social and fiscal spheres.
This is why we want close cooperation, but, in response to Mr Kreissl-Dörfler who brought this up earlier, without Turkey becoming a member of the European institutions and without full freedom of movement.
The common goal, which is evident in the report, is to eliminate illegal trafficking at all costs.
(Applause)
It is in our interests to preserve this activity; by doing so, we can develop our territory and coastal regions, ensure the European Union's food security and safeguard jobs in the sector.
We need to make sure that there are exit mechanisms and that we come back to normal market conditions as soon as possible.
Moreover, the Commission is adopting a provision that permits the placing on the market of articles containing asbestos in accordance with a system that could vary from one country to another.
France and Italy have announced a joint initiative to apply for additional resources from the European Union.
The White Paper and this report endeavour to strike a balance between competing interests, different types of sport, amateur and professional sport, between the specific characteristics of sport and the requirements of EU legislation, between social and cultural, economic and financial interests, and between profit and voluntary participation in these fields.
We ought to reach a compromise based on the existing situation in line with the population and with what applies to other sectors.
It is a central issue, because it is the political criterion.
The result is firstly a slowdown in internal demand which, since the second quarter of 2008, has led to negative growth, and this was even before the start of the liquidity crisis.
By 'differently', I also mean that our efforts to rebuild the country must involve, I would say, the local communities.
European creativity is supported by Europe's brilliant cultural tradition.
I must pay tribute to our industries because, through these research programmes, the industries have developed a whole series of mechanisms, services and products which help older people to stay longer in their own homes.
This rise is resulting in food insecurity for millions of people, destabilising the world economy and causing riots and unrest.
This can be on aspects of our trade relationship or human rights - for example over Tibet, which I know is of particular interest in this House.
Besides, we live so close to one another that there is almost no barrier to our understanding of each other already.
I shall vote against it.
All countries, beginning with the developed and democratic ones and their related organisations (like the EU), must therefore work determinedly, conclusively and cogently to work out policies, make choices and implement them coherently for a greater equilibrium between current and future generations, so that the division and distance between those with rights and those without, and those with resources and those without, may be reduced.
When the European External Action Service was set up, it was necessary to amend the financial regulation in order to improve control and follow-up of the EEAS's implementation.
The longer it takes to leave the euro, the worse the consequences of the exit will be.
Before I give the President of the Commission the floor, I would like to welcome warmly the two ministers Bernard Kouchner and Jean Louis Borloo who have made a significant contribution to the success of the French Presidency.
What makes me optimistic is that in spite of everything we have a kind of consensus.
We have made sure that the human factor and human failure are fully covered in the test criteria.
Two of these agreements, with the US and Australia, are before you for consent to conclude them.
We must also take into account the geopolitical situation created by the Georgia conflict.
That is the reasoning behind it.
These matters impact on one another, and that is why I am trying to explain here that, unless we are prepared to make changes now, the public are not going to back us and we will lose out in the significant, major issues.
development of a comprehensive European strategy for regions with specific geographical features;
I do not think that there are many financial institutions that are willing to give as much information about allocations to small and medium-sized enterprises, and I would stress that there has been a marked increase in the number of small and medium-sized enterprises that have benefited from loans granted by the European Investment Bank to intermediary banks.
It is now difficult to get loans to make those expenditures.
It reminds me a bit of Chernobyl in 1986, when on the first day they reported that there was no problem, and thereafter the situation was steadily improving.
The regulation on European statistics represents the legal structure for producing statistics at European level and revises the existing basic legal framework for producing statistics at European level.
In the report on flexicurity on which we voted today in the European Parliament, it is fortunately the former definition which prevails.
In other words, this increase in the long-term measures of 5% of the overall budget line to 10% was agreed on a conditional basis and we expect that you, Baroness Ashton, and the External Action Service will stick to this agreement and that the strategy paper for 2012/2013 will reflect that.
I want a specific answer.
It would be much better to have Turkey joined to Europe by a bond of privileged partnership.
Draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. - Mr President, in these times of globalisation and insecurity about the future, our neighbours need clear signs from the European Union.
The Socialist Group in the European Parliament will of course ask us to vote in favour of Amendment 2, which is absolutely essential for increasing the rights of Parliament in international trade.
Instead of genetically modified food and food from cloned animals, we should be thinking more about action in favour of a return to natural foods that are ecological, healthy and contain no chemicals.
Expenditure must remain within the limits fixed by this Agreement and sufficient margins must be maintained under the ceilings for the various headings.
Emissions trading favours the extension of nuclear power.
The choice is between a higher degree of integration, not just coordination, and decline.
The previous 'catch-your-eye' opportunity was because there was no one else that wanted to catch the eye, so it seemed to be an opportunity.
Parliament expects Article 290 of the Treaty, outlining the procedure known as delegated acts, to be applied to the adoption of strategy papers and multiannual action programmes.
In particular, too, the report emphasises mainstreaming in gender policies.
Some points strive to further develop this strategy and, of course, I will pay close attention to these; other points go beyond the recommendations of the Commission's communication on some issues, such as labelling and taxation.
The remainder represented democratic systems.
Firstly, I regret that the Commissioner's colleague, Mr McCreevy, is not here - I think the horse racing season may have started again!
We are now building a rural audit in the same way as we did an urban audit in the past.
We must support Baroness Ashton and we must attempt to ensure that the European Union includes a guarantee of religious freedom in all the treaties which it concludes with third countries and, in particular, with the countries we have referred to.
When we suddenly have too much rain in a place that cannot absorb it we call it a flood and a disaster, and this results in a stream of by-products and in all this accumulated money supply being managed in an unreal way.
in writing. - (PT) As we have highlighted throughout this process, the aim is to amalgamate and deliberately confuse 'competition' with 'transparency'.
The policy of the Union on agriculture, fisheries, trade should not run counter to development policy.
Why do we now have to cut the framework research programme in order to fund the ITER?
The basic points of the agreement are, first of all, an undertaking to examine the imposition of limits on carbon dioxide emissions on all new power stations during the first review of the directive, the adoption of a mechanism to finance the cost of monitoring and of restoring possible damage, the mandatory opinion of the European Commission on storage licences, risk analysis and evaluation for clean electricity, stronger monitoring requirements for storage sites, the submission of reports, the repair of possible leakage and, finally, the creation of a clear framework of responsibility for operators during the operation of the site until such time as responsibility is transferred to the national authorities.
(DE) Commissioner, Mrs Lynne, I am much obliged to the Commission for the initiatives and to Mrs Lynne for her most excellent report.
It would therefore be a very good thing if this plenary sometimes approved scanners and if we could begin to think about adopting legislation and harmonisation in the area of justice and in the area of home affairs, because only the adoption of new technological measures will really assist us in the fight against terrorism.
Basically, those interests consist in having a peaceful and stable place in the South Caucasus, in having a large enough free and integrated market, in having an open area for the safe transit of strategic merchandise, and in having institutions and legislation that are interoperable with European Union ones.
The selectiveness surrounding the countries criticised in this report and the self-serving nature of this debate is clear.
However, the secondary effects that will be felt in the euro zone, for instance higher wages, which the unions are demanding, and at the same time higher prices, which then affect businesses, hold a risk and ultimately lead to a vicious circle.
Madam President, I would, of course, like to thank Mr Fava and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.
Voting time
Adopting the solutions proposed today will increase the inequality still further.
The information referred to the Commission by the Member States, along with the valuable data provided by the Centre for Information, Discussion and Exchange on the Crossing of Frontiers and Immigration (CIREFI), help the Commission to come to its conclusions.
This report on the Union for the Mediterranean marks the interest and investment of the European Parliament in dialogue between the two sides of the Mediterranean.
The economic and social development of the Former Yugoslav Republic is a complex one, and 2005 marked its candidature for EU membership.
Do the Presidency and the Council agree that the current EU 'zero tolerance' policy which bans the import of non-EU approved products - containing an adventitious or low-level presence of GMOs - is causing a major supply problem for EU farming businesses dependent on grain and feed imports?
In that regard complacency is likely to be our worst enemy.
Patient safety (
These targets signalled a labour market approach to ECEC services, based on the need identified at the time of increasing the numbers of women in work.
We cannot only regard upholding human rights as an important principle when we demand it of others and do not do anything to promote it ourselves.
One final word: I am one hundred percent in favour of the Green Group's call for a European Envoy for Women's Rights.
I wholly support the idea of the rapporteur that in the EU, which is home to 50 million people with disabilities, only forty-odd percent of these people are working.
I repeat, it would be disastrous to vote against it.
But we can work with other international players to put pressure on the players inside the country to agree to halt the ongoing conflict, to halt violence, to stop the violations of international human rights and to work towards peace.
The inclination to call for more staff is therefore great.
We need a clear signal from the European Parliament.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (PL) Madam President, this is a very valuable and thoroughly prepared document.
1.
(PT) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, besides congratulating our colleague Mrs Sudre on her excellent report, I would like to make three points on the European Union's future strategy for the outermost regions.
The Germans, Scandinavians, Dutch, British and others have complied, but certain large producers have simply refused. This involves massive capital costs and to comply means borrowing money.
Therefore, it is a welcome development that the European economic stimulus plan should set aside resources for the construction of the gas pipeline.
That is why we have decided to make the distinction but, of course, on the substance of the problem, we are fully in agreement with the other groups.
The vote will take place tomorrow.
It is important that they are taught in their own language, but is also vital to remember that we need special teaching facilities and also that students need to be taught cultural awareness, as they are often rootless, coming as they do from one country to another, which is a new and alien environment.
We offer her our utmost support in this.
The same applies, of course, if we have anti-discrimination; then people who we do not want to encourage in the EU, but rather need to take action against, will have even more opportunities, for example in the property market.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is a reluctant admission but Bulgaria is a new country.
The concept of human rights is Europe's answer to the lesson of history.
Beyond that, it seems to me that there will never be a better time to set up one of the EU's famous groups of wise people - and in this case I suggest it should be wise men and women - to reflect on the challenge we face and come up with original solutions beyond the short-term remedy of throwing money at tax giveaways.
There is no way back for Kosovo within Serbia's borders.
Fellow Members, please understand once and for all that Turkey is a country which, less than 100 years ago, committed genocide against the peoples within its borders and peoples which had recently liberated themselves from Turkish rule.
(NL) Madam President, I am of course in favour of combating terrorism effectively, and I consider this particular field - the fight against terrorism - to be one that requires very intensive cross-border cooperation in Europe.
Export controls have a considerable impact on EU trade policy as they can affect more than 10% of all EU exports.
(DE) Madam President, Minister, Commissioner, the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats welcomes the agreement of the Council and Parliament in the trialogue not to extend the new rules for the revision of the general emissions trading scheme (ETS) to air traffic, but to leave it to new, not yet published special rules for air traffic.
That is one aspect of it.
Furthermore, it talked about democratic control by members.
The Treaty of Lisbon will allow better implementation of development cooperation policy goals with the aim of reducing and ultimately eradicating world poverty.
Youth on the Move (YoM) is one of the flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 strategy for the promotion of smart, sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Discrimination should be defined in the same way regardless of what kind it is.
in writing. - (NL) Both rapporteurs on the EU budget, Mr Virrankoski and Mr Itälä, have rightly taken a somewhat critical line on the increase in the amounts for 2008.
In this connection, we have to smile at the fact that the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament have chosen to ignore the recommendations of the consumer organisations.
Secondly, I would like to comment on the mandate of MONUC because, although MONUC may be criticised and has to be criticised for what recently happened, I think it would be the ultimate mistake to ask that they leave the DRC.
Moreover, it will also promote economic growth and support sustainable development, actions against poverty, and stability in Tajikistan and the Central Asia region.
The adoption of its provisions will make impossible any future discrimination of European citizens on criteria of nationality, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, etc.
The argument of 'reconciling family life and work' is used to generalise flexible forms of employment for women and propose hot money from public funds and public works contracts and financing as a reward for 'good capitalists' who apply what is self-evident: an equal day's pay for an equal day's work for men and women.
Membership of committees and delegations: see Minutes
In this respect, I must say that those who believe that denying the rights of their representatives, which are the same throughout our societies, helps to improve Europe are absolutely mistaken.
Report on the ECB annual report for 2007 (
On the other hand, the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon means that the 18 additional MEPs from the 12 Member States concerned can legitimately take their seats.
We need action and we need action urgently.
The social economy can play a vital role in the European economy, by establishing a new type of economy based on democratic values, an economy which puts people first and supports sustainable development.
The proposed European donor card is inappropriate, as rules on consent, allocation and organisational structure differ from one Member State to the next.
Credit requirements directives: Directives 2006/48/EC and 2006/49/EC (
We already have a situation - I am thinking of Italy - where there are hardly any appropriate jobs for young academics, who have to keep their heads above water by taking low-paid jobs.
Of course, the three rapporteurs are most deserving of credit, as also is the Chairman of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, our fellow Member Mr Reul, and Vice-President of Parliament, Mr Vidal-Quadras, who chaired the EP delegation to the Conciliation Committee.
I support the rapporteur's calls to share with the Gulf countries the EU Member States' experience introducing technologies for extracting renewable energy sources.
It was not invented by nutritionists, but is the product of many centuries of tradition, passed down through generations.
Here the Euro Zone has a strong part to play.
It is a political role, and the question that we have to answer for citizens is: with the money that Parliament has, have we been able to meet the budgetary challenges for the 2006 financial year?
There is almost no nook or cranny of our national life so remote that Brussels has not curled its tendrils thither, choking out the natural light and blocking out the native growth.
Copenhagen must halt this temperature increase.
Last week, the Portuguese Government presented an economic reform programme following our productive negotiations with the government, the opposition, civil society, social partners and the academic world.
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This week a lot of people have come from Libya - third country nationals, even Libyans - and that might increase.
We also know that this country has enormous hydroelectric power potential.
However, the success of the Petitions Committee, the success in the number of petitions, is also causing a number of administrative and political problems.
I would like to highlight the need for the Member States to address the digital divide between urban and rural zones and to ensure that, with digitisation, all individuals in all regions have equal access to public service broadcasting, along with offering attractive, quality content to appeal to young people who access the media.
Government debt is a serious problem.
At the end of the day, I think we have done the best we can between Council, Parliament and Commission.
There is some confusion that you need to sort out and get the votes right and call them right.
In this regard, the Committee on Budgets has sent out a clear signal by opting to respect the margins imposed by the current financial situation and implementing a tough policy based on priorities to encourage growth with the emphasis on research, innovation and young people.
It would appear that social policy and employment policy are being adapted selectively and flexibly to market forces.
The lack of agreement in 2008 on draft legislation aimed at simplifying and clarifying the Community rules on the conservation of fishery resources meant that we approved a regulation establishing a set of temporary measures initially foreseen for the period 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2011.
This is something that Zimbabwe has unquestionably neglected, regardless of whether the reasons that they have given are acceptable or not.
Indeed, the case involving Tamás Deutsch demonstrates its direct benefit.
Particular importance must also be attached to investments in any kind of infrastructure, be it transport, ICT, social, educational, research and development or environmental, which will help achieve a suitable level of accessibility for all European citizens, offering them equal opportunities to development potential.
The Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency is now almost fully up and running, we have almost all the coordinators for the corridors, and we hope that soon, we will have the remaining ones so that they can promote the corridors that we need.
A large portion of Lorca citizens have also lost their places of work and with them have gone their hopes, expectations and opportunities.
Thirdly, the Commission should publish its annual reports with policy recommendations in Parliament before they are discussed in Council.
I have concerns that most of the people involved in the EEAS will have general diplomatic skills, but no familiarity with the complex factual issues they will have to deal with.
The director of Frontex was even telling me recently that he had observed that, in Austria, there was an ombudsman who was specifically monitoring the conditions in which these returns were conducted.
Its purpose is to set environmental quality standards for priority substances and priority hazardous substances so as to ensure that our water, the source of life, receives a high level of protection from risks, by which I mean the highest possible level of protection - the protection that is necessary and possible on the basis of the latest scientific knowledge.
In the meantime, every effort must be made by the international community to de-escalate the situation and to create the conditions for Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace.
In this regard, it is also necessary for Mr Mubarak to step down.
This will ensure that the reform of the common fisheries policy is undertaken on a sound and firm footing.
The domestic political problems in Belgium have already been mentioned, and Mr Verhofstadt also had to observe that there is not necessarily efficiency at the national level in Belgium or at the European level.
Lastly, I would like to ask the Commissioner what progress has been made in the field of education for children with special needs?
Mr President, thank you very much for your careful presentation of the facts concerning previous years.
There are new trends in trafficking in human beings.
This debate has been in line with the best democratic traditions of this Parliament, and I am grateful for the broad general endorsement of our carefully conducted enlargement policy.
It is important to have a coordinated position at European level.
However, that should not, in our view, go hand in hand with the principle of mutual recognition.
The richer countries in the euro area must adopt the principle of economic and social cohesion once and for all.
I hope you support my point, colleagues.
The EU needs a strong industrial policy in the automotive manufacturing industry in order to keep existing jobs and even create new ones.
There is definitely some room for improvement in our policy towards Russia, and unity and solidarity are indeed the key words in this context.
They also concerned the lifestyle of modern, 21st century man, starting with waste and transport policy and touching on the question of sustainable production, sustainable consumption and so on.
The economic recovery package we will vote on is, in reality, a non-recovery plan which will produce almost no immediate economic stimulus.
On the other hand, the recent release of political dissidents is a welcome development.
Terrorism is indeed a real threat, the single biggest source of which in the world today is the ideology of fundamentalist, literalist and extremist Islam.
Another important point to mention here is that, now that the Treaty of Lisbon has come into force, Parliament is not just supposed to give an opinion, but really has to approve these agreements as well.
You will therefore understand that the Presidency needs a certain degree of flexibility and room for manoeuvre to manage and find the appropriate timetable for an initiative of such complexity, because this is a cross-regional initiative and the co-authors must also review the text and the strategy of this resolution; moreover, we must quickly make contact with a large number of possible co-sponsors, so that the initiative gains weight.
The Council does not support the proposals of the Commission and Parliament in the area of disasters at sea, which aim to ensure that ships in distress are always accommodated in a port of refuge in time and that crews are protected from punishment for negligence for which they are not responsible.
That is a complete scandal!
So as to bring about greater transparency and stringency, we have proposed a baseline budget, which should be implemented at the beginning of each legislative cycle.
(Loud applause)
The organising Member State and each participating Member State shall ensure that the legal situation of each and every one of the returnees for which they are responsible allows for removal.
If we are to fund additional tasks in the framework of cohesion policy, the financial resources that are needed for this purpose must also be made available.
I believe that throughout these events, which date back decades and are not just recent, the only losers have been ourselves in the western world, because we have never seriously tackled this problem and never sought to resolve it; we continue to see it as a problem between two opposing parties.
Parliament has approved the implementation of the 2009 budget of the forward-looking international scientific project ITER.
Overall, I think that this was a very good debate.
We also want to maintain aid for the distillation of potable alcohol and emergency distillation beyond 2012, and we uphold the 'existence of market regulation instruments and intervention mechanisms to ensure fair prices for production', thus countering the deregulating trend of previous CAP reforms.
We need to ensure that the fundamental rights of each person can become a reality.
(PL) The strategy is being adopted at the worst possible moment, when industrial production in Europe has fallen to the level of the 1990s and the gross domestic product of the European Union fell last year by 4%.
South Asia faces extremism every day, whether on the battlefield in Helmand or on the streets of Peshawar, Lahore and Rawalpindi.
The main risk factor is associated not so much with matters of monetary technique, where the European Central Bank is doing an excellent job, but with economic cohesion and the link with the real economy.
Whilst I might approve of your general principle, according to which European problems require European solutions, I would be more prudent in relation to the conclusion set out in paragraph 14 of the report, which says that the problem can only be resolved by introducing a clear-cut legal instrument that introduces joint and several liability at European level.
On the other hand, with this agreement, we risk introducing subsidies for Korean exports.
My feeling is that it should not be treated as a point of prestige for the authorities - that if we abolish the visa requirement, then the Russian authorities will negotiate well with the European Union.
Myths about the treaty are still circulating in public opinion.
We must first of all persuade countries to test their product safety mechanisms.
In addition to its round condemnation, the motion for a resolution, which I supported, calls on the Commission and the governments of the Member States to strongly oppose the use of sexual assaults on, and intimidation and targeting of, women in Libya and Egypt and to take specific and coordinated action to put an immediate stop to these practices.
But let us begin with the goal that was the most important of all: the Treaty.
This, I repeat, will all be based on respect for the principle of subsidiarity.
This is a very difficult issue and an extremely sensitive one.
This included confirmation of the limit of two degrees centigrade, and the creation of a Green Fund for supporting adaptation in developing countries and the fight against deforestation.
I do not want anything to do with a person of this kind.
Above all, we need to convince the citizens that the EU is not only the elite, with jobs and an excessive bureaucracy, but that it also means new and more effective ways of solving their problems.
The next item is the report by Alexander Stubb, replaced by Ingo Friedrich, on behalf of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, on the framework for the activities of lobbyists in the EU institutions.
There is therefore an urgent need to reassert the principle of cultural uniqueness in all areas, if the fine phrases on the creative industries as driving forces, the recognition of the status of artist or the desire to find an equilibrium between the dissemination of digital works and fair reward for creators, are not to remain pious wishes in the face of the cultural desert that will ensue.
In November 2009, a political agreement was reached on the technical aspects of the legislative proposal.
I inform you with pleasure, on behalf of the PPE-DE Group, that those three amendments are withdrawn.
Africa needs peace as it needs air.
However, the reality in this and in other sectors which have seen increased liberalisation, such as rail transport, belies these promises of benefits.
in writing. - The Fisheries Agreement between the European Community and the Solomon Islands expired last October.
They are from all socio-economic groups.
Someone has even recommended that the directive should be rejected, but this would be a serious mistake.
We can and must disseminate good practice, and we can help and support those Member States which for various reasons are lagging behind.
Many of us voted for the present compromise with a heavy heart.
Crises always provide the opportunity to take important decisions that may crucially change our values and policies.
Request for waiver of parliamentary immunity of Mr Adrian Severin (
President of the Commission, you stated that you cannot bash Europe all week long and then expect a joyful 'yes' to Europe on Sunday.
Thanks to your strong support for these guidelines, I regard them as a useful point of departure for us.
In this context, we must ensure that globalisation has a social side, so that well-qualified and adaptable workers can support themselves and their families with dignity, receive high-quality health care if they are ill and have financial security in old age.
The recently passed law on extremism can easily be used to gag independent journalists and political opponents.
This will not occur in any other area or region of the world.
My attention is certainly focused on the 'passenger rights' issue, and so I wish to reassure you, in response to the question put by Mr Romagnoli, and to reassure Parliament as a whole, as well as to confirm my ongoing commitment to try to safeguard passenger rights even more.
It is for precisely this reason that joint action and continued efforts are needed in the interests of promoting human rights and constitutionality.
I believe that, in addition to the chief observer, Parliament can play and very often does play a relevant role addressing electoral reform in the follow-up to the EOM.
If anything, it calls into question a state's right to security, a right which we should safeguard.
The conviction for slandering the Chechen President and the trial initiated against Oleg Orlov, who could now face years in prison, mark the horrible culmination of a depressing series of acts of persecution against human rights activists, including the most terrible one involving the abduction and murder of Natalia Estemirova, Memorial's coordinator in Chechnya.
(Applause)
The agreement makes a provision for funding based on thematic programmes, in addition to project funding.
I am therefore delighted that although it is not part of the European Economic Area and is not an EU Member State, Switzerland is nevertheless cooperating closely with the European Union in the fields of education, training and youth affairs.
This makes you wonder whether these animals were to be transported in a Ferrari.
I also think we have to be careful, because many small slaughterhouses in Europe have been closed down in the past - and in my own Member State that has happened - so we want to make sure we have got proper regulation, but not too much regulation that will actually close them down.
(FR) Mr President, Commissioner, let me say how pleased I am to speak on this subject this evening, because when we considered this addition, tabled by Mr Olbrycht, I expressed my confidence in the report.
I would like us to actually start doing something, instead of just churning out more pages and setting deadlines.
I am very proud that the Commission has been the initiator of this very ambitious agenda.
(EL) Mr President, Commissioner, I have listened very carefully to your reply and I thank you for it, as regards the specific events.
Since President Barroso was obviously inspired by the MIT and sowed the idea of creating a European institute of technology, this idea, this project, has been transformed.
I am also mindful of Belgium, though, as that country continues to naturalise immigrants on the basis of the world's most lax nationalisation legislation, with the result that those immigrants are then completely free to cross European borders.
in writing. - (SK) Mobility of labour is among the key elements for implementing the aims of the Lisbon Strategy, and yet it is constantly being obstructed through barriers of an administrative, legal, tax-related or social nature.
That does not make the European Union privileged, but it does mean that we have a duty to contribute to the debate and to the financing.
However, I am not entirely sure it will help - and if so, for how long.
The same can be said of the entire shipbuilding industry.
It is obvious that there is broad agreement as regards the way forward.
As the Vice-Chair of the Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, I believe we also need to establish a common strategy with the ACP countries for the fight against illegal imports of toxic waste to these countries, and in particular action plans for introducing a system for the safe management of waste in African countries, including support for recycling technology.
And no wonder it is so lacking in success.
(SV) Madam President, Mr Bloom, desiring parental insurance and believing it to be a good thing does not make someone raving mad.
It is particularly important to foster further regional cooperation in the Black Sea space and enhance EU policies towards the Black Sea region, in particular, by launching a fully-fledged EU strategy for the Black Sea and ensuring that there are the necessary financial and human resources for its effective implementation.
As a young father, I was present at the birth of both my children and I have to say that I do not know why I would have needed a holiday then, because I did not give birth, my wife did.
Any approach that fails to put these elements in place will be a capricious waste of time and, at worst, will generate a dubious form of business for poor and mainly non-European countries.
In general, this is a very good report with many good aspects, but on account of repeated demands for growth and for Member States to introduce minimum wages in conjunction with legally binding social conditions, which would involve a huge transfer of power to the EU, I am abstaining from voting.
Furthermore, Mr President, no statements, even though they emanate from the group chairmen, are going to change any part of the legal responsibilities of this Parliament, which are written in stone.
It underlines prevention and prudence to ensure better preparedness in times of economic downturn.
A resource-efficient Europe is the right approach - we have meagre energy reserves and meagre raw material reserves - but there is a lack of targets and instruments to bring us to this point of resource efficiency in our production and in our consumption.
1.
(IT) Madam President, whilst, on the one hand, I applaud the objective achieved by Europe of equipping itself - after many years - with an important instrument such as the patent, which will finally allow the European Union to compete on level terms with other territorial organisations, I must also express my great regret that this result has been achieved to the detriment of other areas, like Italy, which has been a perennial advocate of strengthening the role of the Union.
In fact, there is now contradiction between them.
One contained unlawful amounts of lead and five other toys contained brominated flame retardants.
Putting a stop to violence will require a coordinated and multi-faceted effort.
It is certainly not just about words, but about specific actions, which the Commission is now promising to implement.
We have had the Bali Climate Conference, where Europe put forward a very assertive front.
I also believe that we can use electromobility to revitalise the mobility economy in Europe, and we need to do that in order to create value and to safeguard jobs.
The report is very timely.
In June 2011 the Member States will have to report on their efforts to develop chrysotile-free diaphragms, on the measures taken to protect workers, and on the sources and the quantities of chrysotile used.
Indeed, the establishment of a harmonised regulatory and monitoring framework at a Community level is proven to be suitable for the cross-border nature of the risks inherent in the activities of alternative investment fund managers, thus helping to strengthen the internal market.
Finally, let us say something about the conflict.
I therefore wonder how much interest the Commission really takes in those who have a proven problem with drug addiction or another proven addiction, and how important a role the fight against drug trafficking plays in the Commission's programme.
At a time when this regime is increasingly coming under attack at the WTO, it is essential that the European Commission defends it.
I would just like to point out that when we get to paragraph 31, there is an oral amendment.
As we are all aware, the economic crisis has also affected agriculture - not just the dairy sector, as the media would have us believe, but other sectors as well.
As far as the buffer strips are concerned, there is nothing wrong with the Commission's chosen strategy of treating subsidiarity as the key element.
I remember the yearning for freedom which most Estonians felt; and Finnish radio and television helped North Estonia maintain that yearning, along with Radio Free Europe and Voice of America.
In the mean time, a lot of problems still exist in this field.
On the contrary, since January 2007 Rádio Patria has, for the first time in its history, an independent broadcasting radius, which covers 100% of the Slovak Republic.
They know this and they sense it.
The modification to the regulation seeks to permit and extend this possibility targeting low income households in all Member States.
In the Hungarian minority schools, the language of instruction is exclusively Hungarian.
On the accounts, the Court concludes that they give a fair presentation, in all material respects, of the financial position of the European Communities and cash flows at the year end.
I wanted to know something, and that was: how are decisions made?
The European Commission aims to ensure that self-employed drivers comply with the same rules laid down in the relevant legislation.
We must be particularly aware of the Internet, particularly its significance in communication.
author. - Mr President, I rise on behalf of the Committee on Transport and Tourism to introduce this oral question which has been prompted by recent accidents in Italy and the Netherlands, both of which, sadly, had fatalities.
Mr Ferber has already mentioned this point.
I will not quote in full the provisions of those regulations, and more particularly Articles 42, 46, 49 and 52, but their spirit is clear.
Since July, Israel has had an agreement in principle and, in addition, has held the vice-presidency of the Union for the Mediterranean.
Effective enforcement of judgments in the EU: the transparency of debtors' assets (short presentation)
Let us work together to make it a real success - for all our citizens.
The fishing season for tuna seiners will also be reduced to one month, with no possibility of extension.
For these reasons, I think that this initiative is a further step towards the realisation of the European Research Area.
My view is that the remit should be defined very clearly.
I would also like to ask where are all the defenders of human rights, and the defenders of animal rights and so on.
My firm conviction is that we need to be evidence-based whenever we are proposing legislation or having our common enforcement actions.
Under this mandate, the Special Envoy, Mr Fassino, has asked for a meeting with the United Nations Special Adviser, Mr Gambari, and has also consulted the key partners of the European Union.
It would be constructive to say that we are prepared for Kyoto's second period on certain conditions, and it would be constructive to undertake to support climate action on the part of the economically less developed countries without recycling development cooperation money under a new heading.
I would also like to state that the Commission rejects all forms of homophobia and promotes a society based on tolerance and respect.
Words come and go; only the written word remains.
On the committee's behalf, I would also like to thank Mr McMillan, for making himself so unstintingly available, and the Slovenian Presidency for injecting the impetus required to get this package through at first reading.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Madam President, time and again this Parliament has had to struggle with a very lax attitude to democracy on the part of the European Council.
Since we are not a unified state, there is no direct election of a President of the European Union.
However, this has not been achieved.
Based on the relations of trust between Europe and the new panorama taking shape in Tunisia, I believe we can take the first steps towards solving the problems that you put forward.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (PL) Mr President, implementation of the Lisbon Agenda as regards the increase in the number of high-quality jobs requires certain tools.
I abstained in the vote on the report because it reinforces the Commission's efforts to put pressure on debtor states, by proposing strict measures at a time when their public finances are in poor shape.
We understand that this is an issue that goes beyond purely legal requirements and needs to be regarded within the context of the question of freedom of expression in Venezuela.
Third, we are potentially condemning hundreds and thousands of people to hunger without achieving a concrete result.
Madam President, you are exceptionally generous as well as being a very good chair.
Mr President, Mr Tajani, ladies and gentlemen, the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats supports the one-off suspension of the 80% minimum usage rule for the take-off and landing rights at airports granted to airlines for the 2010 summer flight programme and thanks the rapporteur, Mr Costa, for his speedy and effective handling of this dossier.
I am not going to go into this problem.
The natural gas market differs significantly from the electricity market and, for this reason, it is not possible for the regulations resulting from the work on the regulations for the electricity sector to be transposed to the natural gas sector.
Documents received: see Minutes
Let us put aside the moral doubts that the European nuclear industry will take advantage of this opportunity to get rid of unsuitable waste at other countries' expense. This is not seriously going to happen.
This needs to be made easier, as it is desperately needed.
The rector of my university, ranked number one in Poland, is also a woman, a professor of physics.
In view of the way in which it was prepared, I believe that this will be possible.
That will be the first great test.
I fully support the key points made by Mrs Gomes in the report, i.e. the need for Libya to introduce a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, to ratify the Geneva Convention on Refugees, to actively fight trafficking of human beings, to guarantee fair agreements for illegal migrants and to adopt modern asylum laws.
Why have they not up to now been involved on an equal footing in the planning and decision-making processes?
This report highlighted not only some of the specific actions taken in the battle against unhealthy diets and obesity in the European Union, but also the fact that many of the strategy's stipulated objectives have not been achieved.
Similarly, Europe has a great deal to gain economically from its cultural diversity.
The effort made by these fishermen cannot fall on their shoulders alone.
Madam President, it is also evident that, although democratic freedoms and human rights can be initiated by sixteen days of protest and public spiritedness, and be proclaimed by law from morning to night, economic and social progress cannot, unfortunately, be marshalled in the same manner.
We want to continue developing the internal market for retail financial services and turn it into a domestic market for all consumers and small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Some of these points have been addressed to a certain extent. I myself ...
I request you, Mr President, to address personally all EU Member State governments and national parliaments, especially those of the five aforementioned countries, and urge them strongly to redouble their efforts to prevent suicide amongst their citizens.
I voted 'in favour'.
In June 2010, only about half the Member States had implemented the directive - more than half a year late.
We also urgently need to consider innovative financing mechanisms, such as a tax on financial transactions, which would make a significant contribution to financing the EU budget.
I consider the application of this type of assistance to projects in the field of energy essential, especially in a time of crisis, as it stimulates the European economy by creating new jobs.
The Committee on Foreign Affairs equally deplores the fact that Beijing excludes a number of African states from the strategic partnership between China and Africa, purely because of their diplomatic contacts with Taiwan.
We did not have the powers and the investigatory techniques of the police and judicial inquiry, but firstly I would say that the weight of testimony from victims and others that we received and published was weighty, consistent and persuasive.
More than any other project, Galileo reflects Community spirit rather than national egos.
Given that the European Union is the world's biggest importer of agricultural goods, the production methods used in third countries exporting to the EU must provide European consumers with the same guarantees in terms of health, food safety, sustainable development and minimum social standards as those imposed on European producers.
Had this House voted in favour of this decision, which is not supported by sufficient scientific evidence, it would have caused very serious damage to the economy, with major repercussions for unemployment.
in writing. - (DE) Throughout Europe cancer is the greatest threat to health and the death rates from cancer are high.
Obviously I am bound to refute his assertions.
The ability of these victims to take possession of their rights and make use of the opportunities that our law allows for is crucial in any new directive.
The US security services have not gained better or more reliable information as a result of data mining and investigation based on profiling, but instead primarily a heavier workload.
Sharing that sovereignty is giving an example to the world of cooperation for peace, for development, and this is the European adventure.
We will be going against the balanced approach recommended, for example, by Mrs Jahangir, United Nations Special Rapporteur, currently under house arrest in Pakistan, and at the end of the day we will also be making the situation of religious minorities throughout the world, including Christians, more fragile.
The Stability and Growth Pact requires the Commission to prepare a report whenever an actual or planned deficit of a Member State exceeds 3% of GDP reference value.
EU funding can therefore help to improve the quality of life and work in rural areas by boosting incomes and through schooling and vocational and academic education and further training.
Belarus still employs capital punishment and, in derogation from the law, the media are not independent.
The agreement we are talking about does not guarantee respect for personal data and still less for the use to which they may be put.
We can make savings if we stop travelling between three places of work.
The Goldstone report was very much the focus of attention last week, during the working visit to the Jewish state of the Delegation for relations with Israel.
If Mr Díaz de Mera is in agreement, our Group will vote in favour.
The European Commission already issued its Energy Strategy for Europe 2011-2020 on 10 November, so it is presumably too late to affect that.
I would like to respond to some of the speeches addressing the validity of the Lisbon Treaty.
The fisheries policy that the EU should instead advocate must be permeated by long-term and far-sighted thinking.
All the more so, because there is a widespread belief that it is more than just 5% empty.
Bearing in mind that the maritime sector is facing competition not only at Community level, but especially on a global scale, we should emphasise the importance of increasing the proportion of maritime transport as part of our transport activity as a whole, both within the Community and particularly outside it.
If there is a supplementary question, thirty seconds are allowed, with thirty seconds also allowed for the reply.
In addition, as you know, the Council publishes a report on the previous year's financial management on its website.
In that regard, I hope very much that you will be present and participate in this debate and will support the proposal of the Commission.
It is an essential requirement if women are to benefit from long-term professional development which is adapted to labour market demands, if better use is to be made of their potential and if employment levels among women are to rise, particularly in traditionally male professions, low carbon sectors of the economy and senior decision-making positions.
My answer is yes, we are in dialogue, and that can only be a good thing.
You have broken down more barriers in a fortnight than in all the previous years put together, and I want to encourage you to continue along the same lines.
In your desire to be the liberator, you got involved in the negotiations with the FARC terrorists, but it was not you or Mr Chavez who freed the Colombian Senator Mrs Betancourt.
This parliament was born fifty years ago, and its members were appointed by national parliaments.
On 2 October, the Irish electorate will be asked - for a second time - to vote for the Lisbon Treaty, a treaty cobbled together to circumvent the people's rejection of a European Constitution.
As regards the negotiations in the Council, the Commission appreciates the commitment of the Member States to discuss the proposal in an open and constructive manner.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, new results from research into the progress of climate change are obtained daily, and they suggest that the change is advancing all the time, and faster than was previously predicted.
We need to be ahead of the markets; you cannot buck the markets as others have tried to suggest we can, so we need to have strict and timely supervision and scrutiny and then immediate action.
In the report, he says there is serious overcrowding in some of the transit sites.
Mr President, the Commission's suggestion that the 2012 budget should limit its increase to the absolute minimum necessary to meet the EU's legal commitments would mean freezing the European Union, and the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament cannot agree with that.
It has been repeated many times and I repeat it now: it is important for the Commission to propose a directive as soon as possible in order to tackle the problem from this angle.
I declare resumed the session of the European Parliament adjourned on 22 April 2010.
Far too many of us.
Mr President, there are many reasons to vote against this resolution but too many to cover in just 60 seconds.
It is rather a question of whether we could achieve something at G20 level.
Market support measures are recognised as being an important part of the CAP.
I am convinced that this draft strictly reflects the institutional balance established by the Treaty of Lisbon.
Current legislation states explicitly that Member States have the right to enact national regulations which differ from those of the internal market if they believe that this is necessary for health or environmental reasons.
It is not growing.
Mr President, yesterday afternoon, in an unscheduled announcement in this Chamber, the President made a show of imposing financial sanctions on a number of Members because of the protest in December.
I would like to ask Vice-President/High Representative Catherine Ashton to take the floor.
I would therefore like to ask you to reassure me, if possible, that this law will not put oil processing companies that process Russian petrol at a disadvantage, and will consequently not put Central and Eastern European Member States in a discriminative situation.
We need economic governance.
These examples demonstrate our collective commitment to work on this issue both internally and more widely with partners worldwide.
I just wish to make three or four points.
The Commission vigorously implements financial corrections with rates of up to 100% of the allocated funding, depending on the gravity of the irregularities.
The vote will take place tomorrow.
At first glance this is a very difficult decision, because it is extremely sensitive for the Member States.
First, the conversation with Mr Ping.
So the Arctic summer ice will not vanish by 2013 and polar bears have not, and will not, drown because of global warming.
On the openness of European schools, in our view the key issue is the European Baccalaureate, and the certification of schools which want to award the European Baccalaureate.
This is good news.
In December 2007, when the first debate was held in the Council, certain Member States - and there is an echo of this in today's discussion - were formally opposed to the principle of a directive.
(HU) Mr President, numerous factors of equal importance guide the internal market.
Agenda of the next sitting: see Minutes
(FR) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the comprehensive economic and trade agreement negotiated with Canada will strengthen our links with a large and long-standing EU partner country.
They are mainly Tunisians and Egyptians, but they also come from about 30 different countries, mainly in Africa.
The European Union has raised issues relating to human rights, including women's rights and the promotion of gender equality, with the Iranian authorities and will continue to do so.
Putting European industry is a situation which is greatly disproportional to that of other developed economies would be a mistake for the economy and of little use in ecological terms.
This is a step in the right direction.
In the decisions of 10 December, the Council expressed its deep concern and called on the Chad government to cooperate with Sudan and Libya in creating the necessary conditions for reaching a lasting political solution based on the Sirta Peace Agreement.
Thirdly, the Commission agrees that a longer-term strategy should be considered, in order to provide predictability to car makers.
(ES) Mr President, the vast majority of farmers and stockbreeders are waiting on the decisions and agreements that the Agriculture and Fisheries Council will adopt between today and Thursday on this common agricultural policy (CAP) health check.
I believe that the subject is extremely important, since food quality has an ever-increasing effect on the quality of life of European citizens.
As a Member of the delegation of the European People's Party, I reject this.
Voting in favour of amendments like the one on direct trade of 26 April in a divided Cyprus, unnecessary though in a united one, encourages intransigence, the failure of efforts for a solution and perpetuates the freezing of chapters.
There should be no distortion of competition among EU fishermen resulting from the different ability of Member States to mobilise public or Community funding.'
With this in mind, I believe measures such as promoting reciprocity in terms of the flow of students, ongoing training of teachers in the various areas of study and developing means of financing student mobility are essentials for achieving the Bologna Process objectives.
Regional strategy and multiannual indicative programme for Asia (vote)
Nevertheless, I am concerned that an integrated management system - allowing costs to be allocated to specific work packages and funding sources for operational costs to be identified - was not in place by December 2009.
So that is clear.
Secondly, conclusions made by the IPCC Panel are the only valid results.
This week, while the European Parliament has been in session in Strasbourg (on 12 January to be precise), a further six people were arrested.
It is a positive sign that the country which has not applied the monitoring and administration system for agricultural expenditure properly is mentioned by name, i.e. Greece.
It was my very great pleasure to cooperate on this as one of the shadow rapporteurs.
I am simply saying that you have to pull all those things together and then make a decision.
(NL) My compliments to Mr Goepel on his work.
Concerning Structural Funds, the Commission has now included health as one of the priority areas for funding, so the funds can be used for health infrastructure, including cancer.
We are also developing a tool kit, together with UNICEF, that should not only address child participation but also overall child protection, legal reform, child budgeting.
We need to be clear in our final proposal. Are we asking consumers to give up some of the rights they have under national law?
ASEAN would be the EU's fifth most important trading partner.
I am the shadow rapporteur for the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) for the directive on the health and safety at work of pregnant workers.
I have established really good contacts and cooperation with my colleagues, including Commissioner McCreevy on the internal market, on the various aspects of copyright protection.
The last person to appeal to have the Halki Seminary opened was President Barack Obama.
The entire international community mobilised, which is extraordinary: the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the United Nations, Europe, and so on with a single voice, and that marks a historic milestone.
Commissioner, when you took up your post in Brussels, the price of a barrel of oil was USD 25.
However, we should nevertheless try to do so.

If we consider this instrument for human rights and the promotion of democracy, which has only been in existence since 2004, we can see even now that a great deal can be achieved with relatively little money.
This I believe is the purpose of our work in Parliament and in the ITRE Committee.
We left many issues to one side but now we should perhaps revisit them.
Throughout its history Europe has always been defined more by its expansion throughout the world than by its own identity.
Firstly, I have introduced the principle of civil society representation into this report. I would like civil society to be suitably represented at the level of the European Union, that is to say, I would like it to be represented by partners that reflect and represent the interests at issue correctly.
In view of the fact that there has been no improvement in the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is, in fact, worsening, and in view of the fact that systematic violations of human rights are being committed on a daily basis, specifically in terms of unlawful executions, abductions, sexual assaults and acts of torture, I think it is essential for me to vote in favour of this resolution carried by the European Parliament.
Is a banker a better person than a shipyard worker?
I have received a motion for a resolution tabled in accordance with Rule 108(5) of the Rules of Procedure.
If we want to promote true change, we need to concentrate on the level at which the problem presents itself; in other words, what is needed is targeted, complex measures at the level below that of the regions as well.
Lastly, concerning the security issues: we need to discuss those, but credible solutions are being put forward, and we can involve the lawyers in that.
That is why, unfortunately, I cannot answer this question, but it is very understandable.
The European Parliament rightly takes a positive view of the Commission's initiative and of the judicial procedure under preparation.
In the light of the terrible events in Madeira, we see more clearly than ever that we need a Solidarity Fund which could effectively meet the challenges and allow the Union to deliver prompt and effective assistance when Member States suffer a disaster.
The requirements of Amendment 138 are therefore met and the various threats that existed have been eliminated.
In particular there was a detailed discussion on the contribution the European Union could make in the face of rising food and fuel prices, for which the European Council clearly believed that Commission communications on food and oil prices provide the right framework.
Since aviation emissions have already doubled since 1990, to call for an initial allocation equivalent to average emissions over the period 2004-2006, or even 80-90% of that, is simply too generous.
This violence is apparently purely religious, but it does have an obvious political element.
One illustrative example is the proposal which the Commission tabled recently on the energy efficiency of buildings.
Let me finish with the question of long-term sustainability.
in writing. - (RO) As a Member of the European Parliament from Romania, recently acceded to the European Union, as well as a former Rector of a prestigious university in my country, I would like to emphasize the importance of cultural-educational exchanges between the candidate countries and the Union Member States.
I consider the proposed harmonisation of the underpinnings of corporation tax to be particularly inappropriate.
Over the last 10 years the Eurogroup has been a huge success and, particularly during the most recent crisis, other countries have expressed an interest in joining the group.
The EU was the region of the world that was best prepared and had the best reactive capacity for dealing with this outbreak, although the considerable differences in the Member States' preparedness and the lack of any real cooperation between them weakened this.
In addition, we wish persons arrested and charged with piracy to be judged in the countries of the area, as provided for in the March 2008 treaty with Kenya and the Seychelles.
author. - (PT) Madam President, Commissioner, in a recent letter to The Times in London, nine former British military commanders urged the Government of the United Kingdom to join those campaigning for a ban on cluster munitions.
This issue had been dealt with in a disorganised manner and, I would say, disastrously managed recently, and this is good news for all citizens of Europe.
I think it is good that traditional communities have been taken into consideration by means of an exemption, and also that consumers or tourists importing products they have bought as souvenirs are to be spared a witch hunt.
These measures are neither new nor temporary.
7.
So why is it that until recently, this has been stuck in the Council's in-tray?
This in turn demands long-term action from the European Union, which I have already mentioned and which would pursue two directions.
I voted against the joint motion for a resolution on the prospects for the Doha Development Agenda following the Seventh WTO Ministerial Conference.
That is why we are concentrating on those that can have the worst effects on innocent civilian populations.
This report raises the problem of the banks' debt reimbursement guarantees.
We have a moral duty to ensure that everyone can enjoy these rights.
We have taken a reasonable approach.
We proposed that, together with the UN, the EU should prepare guidelines to combat caste discrimination and raise the problem at summit meetings with the countries concerned.
We are aware that this approach also calls for solid and stable institutions to be set up by the African Union, bodies that will be capable of acting and interacting with our own.
The prodemocracy demonstrations that began in Tunisia and Egypt have received much support from the local youth.
I close again with the words of our national poet: 'Prevent it, resist it, let it not be so, Lest child, child's children, cry against you, 'Woe!''
We are opposed, however, to many of the specific proposals made in the report.
In particular, this report called for funding to Eurojust and Europol, agencies that operate outside of the boundaries acceptable to British law.
Forwarding of texts adopted during the sitting: see Minutes
Today, Israel must not obstruct the will of the Palestinian people.
I also believe that we need to maintain the current quota system to stimulate the consolidation of the existing farms and to stimulate new ones.
It was not the first procedure of this kind, but in this form it was probably the most fruitful.
If we in the sector want innovation - as indeed, yesterday, we voted on a climate report - there is much room for improvement in the cattle feed sector too, so that the emission of all kinds of gases caused by livestock can be reduced.
Due to the existence of common standards, passengers will get the same services for the same prices, and cost-effectiveness will be the only criterion used by airports in the management of their equipment and services.
I am certain that I would also call this budget one of reconciliation: reconciliation of current needs, of the current time of crisis, and the requirements that these times impose on the institutions to respond efficiently, in terms of keeping up with what the people want, with what the European public wants.
I firmly believe, however, that it would be wrong to follow the approach of protecting religions per se rather than individuals or groups of believers, as affirmed by international human rights standards.
It gives women in particular completely new opportunities in the area of self-employment in small and medium-sized enterprises.
It strengthens the democratic principle because it recognises Parliament's right to control, increases transparency through the annual report and incorporates a review clause in order to perfect it based on experience.
Businesses?
Let us not forget that it is SMEs, through their innovation and flexibility, that provide a significant boost to economic growth and improvements in the competitiveness of European business.
As this is not happening, I am abstaining.
In order to ensure that more and more young people engage in active citizenship, we need to establish stable aid schemes in the field of youth policy.
I assume that she will take note of your comment.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (FR) Madam President, I propose an oral amendment to be inserted after paragraph 1: 'Demands the immediate and unconditional release of all the aid workers of the Belgian section of Médecins Sans Frontières who were kidnapped yesterday from the offices of Médecins Sans Frontières Belgium in Saraf Umra, 200 kilometres to the west of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur'.
Contrary to what has always happened in this type of agreement, the Commission is proposing to violate a basic principle that has been a fundamental tool for ensuring justice and equality between Member States and, in practice, a tacit agreement between them.
(PT) Mrs Malmström, Baroness Ashton, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to return to a subject addressed by a number of my fellow Members, particularly in the last speeches by Mr Papanikolaou and Mr Luhan.
Resumption of the session
This way too we will create jobs in our own countries.
I request the Commission and the Council to...
Visceral attitudes, condemnation and insults will not be the way to help Venezuela to find the way onto a democratic, pluralist and free pathway.
The Council has shown its reluctance to accept that the procedure under Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union applies to the instruments in question.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, after the tragedy of Fukushima, we all need to stop and think.
Decisions concerning certain documents: see Minutes
I would like to welcome President Barroso to our monthly Question Time.
Finally, we reached agreement on several points concerning the environment and access to employment for the disabled.
Mr President, my group agrees with the mandate for negotiating with the governments, which we are here to adopt today, but I would nonetheless like to raise a political issue that is not in the document in question, and which relates to what is currently happening in Greece and my country, Portugal, and to recent statements by Jean-Claude Juncker.
The next item is the Question Hour with the President of the Commission.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the need to modernise measuring systems while improving regulation prompted us to repeal European directives on metrology.
The recent adoption of the European economic recovery plan by the Commission on 26 November last year also breaks new ground as far as governance and budgetary coordination is concerned.
On 30 April 2009, the European Commission published its proposal for a directive on alternative investment fund managers.
The fall-out from the financial crisis is still very much evident in Iceland.
I believe that the approach demonstrated so far by the Commission and the Council will be maintained and be successful.
I also hope that we can go further and ensure that the information in the register for financial contingent liabilities or ownership becomes mandatory rather than voluntary, as it is at the moment.
That is to say, a public authority must carry out an assessment to ensure that a medical professional determines what constitutes 'turn' and 'need'.
Last week, a particularly significant event took place.
Global warming will bring more pests: we cannot continue endlessly to increase the amounts of pesticides used.
The Assembly is becoming the strongest pillar of cooperation between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.
So your comment is very important, but of course the relation between this fund and CDMs could be seen and could be of importance.
These proposals will be examined by the Council and this House within the framework of the regulation procedure with which you are familiar.
The fight against cross-border crime and terrorism often requires the exchange of personal data which, to some degree, forces us to make certain concessions with regard to fundamental freedoms and rights.
The Romanian citizens from abroad, who are, most of them, correct and hard-working workers, bring incontestable benefits to the economies of the countries where they work.
It would truly be a shame for the many committed people in this country if it were given no opportunity to take a leap forward here.
This is something that we will study.
The Taliban, as far as I know, have no ambitions beyond their borders.
How can you ensure that the strategy is properly implemented under these conditions?
Israel's definition of humanitarian goods is absurdly restrictive.
Turkey is increasingly pursuing an anti-European and an anti-Western foreign policy.
Although the work of this foundation is aimed at countries that are not members of the EU and have therefore not adopted the Lisbon objectives, it is nonetheless meaningful to talk about the objectives in this context.
I hope that the national bodies will also do their best to prove that this is a valid text.
These policies, like the majorities promoting them, leave a bad taste in the mouth: the time is coming when the people will be able to reject them.
There were four areas in which we sought assurances.
I believe that they are fighting against morality, fellow human beings and humanity itself.
That statistic alone shows how much has to be done!
It is estimated that the total cost of domestic violence within the 27 Member States could be as high as EUR 16 billion.
I imagine that, next year, under the next Association Council, we will hopefully come up with proposals for that.
The statements I have just heard are, regrettably, far from reassuring.
Effective legislation at European Union level changed employers' attitudes.
Credit rating agencies play a very important role as they have a direct impact on the operation of the financial system, its soundness and stability.
The process is even more incomplete since the pay-off required is to implement the Competitiveness Pact, re-christened the Pact for the euro.
Security of supply can be achieved by diversifying sources of supply, for the more suppliers we have the less dependent are we on each individual supplier.
This mainly concerns those chapters where opening benchmarks have been set.
in writing. - (PT) I voted for the motion for a resolution because I believe that electric vehicles can contribute to achieving the priorities for the Europe 2020 Strategy, which consist of developing an economy that is based on knowledge and innovation, and promoting an economy that is more efficient in terms of use of resources; in other words, one that is more environmentally friendly and competitive.
As a result, residence and work permits are being combined into one.
Over the past year I have kept Members informed, both in plenary and particularly the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, of the work we have been doing on improving capital requirements in banks, as well as my ideas for regulating credit-rating agencies.
If we take a careful look at the categories of data regulated by the Prüm Treaty, we see that it is more than necessary to have framework legislation on the matter.
Finally, two projects will be financed to foster cooperation between marine science and maritime industries as well as a stronger integration between the different actors within the marine scientific community.
It is better for citizens to have twice the rights than to have zero rights.
I can see the need for the High Representative Vice-President to have a degree of managerial and budgetary autonomy.
I am counting on Parliament to help this happen.
I voted in favour.
(The President cut off the speaker)
Attendance at talks during the forthcoming Nice Summit on 14 November would show once again that the European Union's leaders are totally incapable of coping with Russia.
I want to say particularly to Cecilia Malmström, the Minister here tonight, how impressed the committee was with the work that Sweden was doing when we went to visit Sweden on a mission back in September.
Mrs Kaufmann, you have again today rightly emphasised the links between Eurojust and the European Judicial Network.
I think it is time for the European Parliament to take a stand and firmly respond to this situation.
In many ways justice delivered in this way is as valuable as financial assistance from the European Union.
This also applies to the documents drafted by participants in the debate from other countries.
By taking these sorts of decisions, we are building a Europe that is an attractive place for investors and our own businesses.
I voted in favour of the Angelilli report on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, because it demands compliance, which should go without saying, by all the Member States with current international law and a review of the Council's framework decision, in order to improve the protection of children at European Level.
This report highlights the fact that, although earthquakes can have a devastating economic and social impact in seismic-stricken regions, not enough attention has been paid to them by the EU.
We have been in contact today through our cabinets with the High Representative and my colleague in the Commission, and let me summarise the three following messages: firstly, we both agreed that these elections testified the vibrancy of democracy in Ukraine; secondly, we are committed to deepening the relationship with Ukraine and supporting it in implementing its reform agenda; and, thirdly, we look forward to starting a constructive cooperation with the President-elect as soon as official results are announced.
Commissioner Frattini, you are of course well aware that Members of this Parliament, and especially members of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, are getting more, not less, unhappy about developments in data transfer without adequate data protection and without any codecision or real parliamentary scrutiny, including by national parliaments.
It is true that the Council will discuss the case of Greece, logically enough as it is one of the Member States of the Union and, obviously, what happens in another European country affects us all.
It is about a deepening of our relationship at the regulatory level which improves the openness and efficiency of our industrial performances and which does away with the weak excuses of the past.
The FISIM represent a part of the product of financial institutions which does not come from direct sales of services at a fixed price, but rather by charging an interest rate on the loans which is higher than that applied to deposits.
In addition, regulatory convergence could do much to promote fair competition, particularly with regard to state subsidies and social and environmental standards.
I believe that we took a significant step forward in this respect as well.
For this reason, as I have already said on several occasions, both in the Committee on International Trade and in plenary, Parliament could not blindly accept the Protocol amending the TRIPS Agreement as if it were a universal panacea, and then consider the matter resolved.
The people of Ukraine have expressed their will to choose the leader of their country.
author. - Mr President, the Small Business Act was given a warm welcome by SMEs, but that was two years ago.
Other activities include the proposal on technical measures in the Atlantic, the proposal on a revised cod recovery plan, the revision of the control regulation and several studies and impact assessments for the legislative proposals.
Furthermore, let us define a durable partnership structure that uses a win-win approach to allow Turkey to take up its role as a regional power, and the EU to continue the construction of its world identity.
(FI) Mr President, the facts speak for themselves: 26% of all energy consumption and 24% of CO2 emissions.
We should examine with some concern the possible contradictions that may emerge between the activity of the future EU diplomatic service and that traditionally carried out by the Member States.
This solidarity is expressed by the agreement to open negotiations with Turkey, the implementation of the Neighbourhood Policy with Georgia and Ukraine, and the strategic partnership established with Russia.
In practice, Schengen, and European visa policy as a whole, means something quite different from freedom to travel for students.
When the Council talks about the big picture, please can they talk about the little picture as well?
However, now that a new government has said that it is changing its policy, we Europeans are now starting to cast doubt on what we ourselves have been calling for.
I think there is a majority here in Parliament in favour of going in the direction of a single supervisor.
The application of the principle of decentralisation must be encouraged up to local authority level so as to improve the absorption of European funds.
PNR systems have been evaluated by the authorities in each country.
It is also an absolute insult to the southern European economies, which may have the impression that it is a question of a lack of money in the countries in question.
21.
It won, because it was all about having rules from which everyone could benefit.
Thank you for your attention.
Reduced inflation is a positive development, in my opinion, but, at the same time, there is rising unemployment.
In this context, artistic education has become an important element in preserving identity and promoting intercultural and inter-religious understanding.
However, and this still needs to be stressed, there is a need to conduct climate policy more fairly, in other words, in a way which does not, by its excessive burdens, mean the countries of Central and Eastern Europe will always be the poor relatives of the European Union.
I think that the European Parliament should ultimately be informed - how that is achieved from a technical point of view can be discussed - of what, where and how much has been authorised, because we are clearly the body that has to ensure that everything is carried out properly.
If, for instance, we station Galileo or observation satellites in space to find out what is happening, it is done for the security of our citizens.
Despite the minor reservations that I have expressed here, I consider the text which has emerged from the debate to be a positive step in the area of registering drugs and, bearing in mind how difficult it was to achieve this compromise, I recommend it as shadow rapporteur to colleagues from my political group for approval.
Creating an area of justice, freedom and security is a top priority for the European Union.
One-minute speeches (Rule 150)
For me, the answer is clear.
I also wanted to speak about something which has also mentioned - by a colleague who unfortunately has left - the protection of Christians in third countries.
EULEX, the Union's mission in Kosovo, is, in the case in point, merely the UN's 'military' arm, in charge of overseeing the implementation of a permanent Kosovar government and administration, in breach of UN Resolution 1244, which recognises Serbia's sovereignty over this province.
I believe that the best form of protection for the Arctic would be a global climate agreement, but in the meantime, we must draw up more short-term solutions in order to limit the warming of the Arctic.
That would be showing utter contempt for democracy.
The original proposal, for example, was wholly destructive to both the Czech and the European chemical industries.
We should not forget that, together, those countries are responsible for three-quarters of carbon dioxide emissions; nor should we forget that many of those countries were previously outside the Kyoto Protocol.
Another success was the drawing-up and approval of the Stockholm Programme, targeting core issues, which can be regarded as a pragmatic action plan for a more secure and more open Europe, based on common values, principles and actions.
Of course, creditworthiness is based on earnings, whether you are an employee, a company or a bank.
in writing. - (SV) We Swedish Conservatives have today voted in favour of Mr Cashman's report on the revision of the Public Access Regulation No 1049/2001 so as to work towards increased transparency within the European institutions.
That decisions cannot be taken above the heads of employees lies at the heart of a flexible and secure labour market.
Which brings me to my final point: it has been made quite plain in these discussions and during the committee's work that there are different interests at stake here, depending on how many bilateral agreements one's own country has concluded.
As we have some spare time - according to the sessional services - I am going to make an exception and give the floor to those Members who have asked to speak.
In the current state of affairs, it is important to point out that there is controversy, there are very different opinions and there is a majority opinion according to which we need to look at the figures very closely once again.
Indeed, the report's provisions do not exclude other areas.
Firstly, they want to prevent financial transparency.
If the experts are unable to predict the development of the birth rate even over five to seven years, how can their forecast for a period of more than 30 years have any value?
It is definitely not about helping the African nations and the African people on their way to truly sustainable economic development.
In this context, this report takes as its background the negotiations that took place 20 years ago to reach a free trade agreement between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), making these the oldest trade negotiations initiated by the EU, but which have not been concluded to this day.
The execution of children in Iran will be one of the issues included in the report to the General Assembly by the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, in September.
If this is to be done, however, it will require everyone's cooperation - the cooperation of the Congolese and Rwandan governments in the first instance, and of MONUC, the United Nations, the rest of the international community and the European Union in the second instance.
The UN and the new US administration as well as several European governments have also recognised that in order to emerge from the global crisis, we need not only a fresh, effective energy source but also an engine that runs according to new organisational principles, for the current economic recession is concealing the true problem facing humanity and Europe, namely the environmental crisis.
My second question is: who is behind the attacks to which the euro has been subjected for months?
This predicament affects young people particularly badly and is creating a worrying situation that will have dire consequences for Europe's future competitiveness.
In my opinion the only way to boost confidence in the banking sector and also the confidence of the banking sector is to clean up these banks.
Mr President, Tibetans, like all nations, have the aspiration to live under their own laws and their own people, and, in denying their national aspirations, the Chinese Government uses a series of arguments about abolishing feudalism and overcoming serfdom and superstition.
One positive thing, though, is that the document is comprehensive and that it actually covers all the priority areas which the European Union defined even before the negotiations had begun.
This will allow the 'patients' voice' to be heard.
We are not going to re-open the debate.
(HU) Thank you, Madam President.
It simply restates the facts and calls for there to be a mechanism for international justice, which one knows must be approved by the government. That is the very least.
The report welcomes Turkey's active participation in the imperialist missions and interventions of the EU and NATO.
Discriminatory Internet sites and government reactions (motions for resolutions tabled): see Minutes
The efforts of this House to be ready for a first reading by June are central.
With one exception, I have not seen any major objections either to the two annual summits or to the establishment of a transatlantic political council, nor, of course, to the improvement or upgrading of the level of dialogue between legislators to a more structured dialogue, a sort of transatlantic assembly, as recommended by the report.
The Commission welcomes the second-reading compromise between Parliament and the Council since, irrespective of its technical nature, this is a dossier of great importance.
There are many types of transition: from training, redundancy, internships or precarious employment into full-time employment.
I also believe that Mr Sharif should be allowed to return to the country and campaign if he so wishes, and again have his security guaranteed.
I welcome the fact that, in this regard, it has already been announced in the statements that there will be close cooperation in connection with the legislation relating to the External Action Service.
As the current scheme expires on 31 December of this year, the Commission already presented a new proposal back in May 2010.
Are there any comments?
Are you not pre-empting it?
on behalf of PPE-DE. - (RO) I endorse the rapporteur's proposal of setting the deadline for this new legislative package for 30 June 2010; this is important in order to prevent any possible delays in the implementation of the second generation of the Schengen Information System, SIS II.
We are experiencing a financial crisis and large-scale discussions are taking place but the ladies and gentlemen from the world of finance are already taking up their positions again.
We should bear in mind that this proposal by the Commission has come about following Parliament's refusal in 2007 to allow the inclusion of health services in the directive on services in the internal market, because of the crucial struggle of the workers and the public, which defeated that part of the infamous draft Bolkestein Directive.
This linkage, in short, is imperative, and we support it.
The idea is that everyone can watch these films in the European Union.
"I don't care, my son,” said I.
The creation of a common European asylum policy is necessary because, under the rule of law, we have an obligation to guarantee that these people are received equally throughout the European Union.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, after the structural crisis - and I do not imagine that we have dealt with that yet by any means - it is essential that we secure a safe financial platform in order to limit speculation or, better still, to ban it entirely.
Or imagine, the chickens on the top level in the lorry are not, in fact, totally prohibited from letting their faeces drop down onto those below.
I am from a generation which grew up with hundreds of thousands of so-called Yugoslavian foreign workers.
(PL) Madam President, I would like to say one more thing on the subject of Serbia.
I therefore call on the Commission and the Council to submit legislative proposals to correct this unjust situation.
The competitiveness pact and its evolution is a case in point.
For the most part they were empty promises which, on closer inspection, evaporated into thin air.
In this respect, dialogue on human rights is of particular importance.
In spite of the CAP, the incomes of farming families are considerably lower than those of families who support themselves by other means.
There is a saying that a revolution devours its own children.
Over 150 people were killed and tens of thousands displaced.
In addition to Turkey's relations with the European Union, I should also like to refer to its relations with Armenia.
Such a document must contain, among other things, rules on the distribution of seats in Parliament.
Part of the Hizbollah's raison d'être is the ongoing occupation by Israel of the Shebaa farms.
We want a North Pole that is clean and above all without troops.
If work is to be carried out in future on new opportunities for informing consumers about textile products, for example Europe-wide size harmonisation or RFID technology, let us remember to take a pragmatic approach, in line with consumers' expectations and what industry can achieve.
It is about restoring a competitive European Union capable of ensuring the sustainability of its unique social model - a competitive EU that is a global leader in terms of tackling climate change, an EU that invests more in its people through more and better education and, finally, an EU that strengthens social cohesion by combating poverty.
More freight on the EU's major rivers - great, but how do we take into account the fact that in recent years, water levels have often been too low for a fully laden barge to navigate them?
I am delighted that the European Parliament has stood by its commitment to promote renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.
Firstly, can it now be certain and confirm that none of the contaminated eggs or any single product affected entered the food chain via their utilisation in processed foods?
It does not recognise testimony obtained in this way as valid.
The alternative would have meant leaving the Dispute Settlement Body to sort out the problem.
We also appeal for a change in lifestyle patterns.
It might therefore be more appropriate to ask the Commission to undertake an impact assessment to examine how the legislation has worked and been received, rather than calling for even more stringent implementation.
We have to wait for the US and other stakeholders in the process to inform us of their plans, and that is what we intend to find out about at the meeting with Mr Obama's Administration in Prague in early April.
Although the telecoms sector is going through an unprecedented period of development, it was crucial to support the report by my colleague, Mrs Trautmann, as it will mean that consumers are offered better services at fairer prices.
I do not see how an agreement in Copenhagen would be possible without this essential prerequisite.
According to records in the UK, only one person has died as the result of an earthquake and that was in the mid-seventeenth century.
There is no justification for ignoring all the existing European legal provisions and the dedication of farmers right down to the present day and to enact new provisions running parallel to the European directives, national statutes and cross-compliance rules that directly or indirectly affect the protection of soil.
The gulfs are increasing and poverty is increasing.
However, we do need to take into account the fact that Tajikistan has recently made progress both in combating corruption and improving the human rights situation, as well as various other sensitive areas.
This was very important.
This report strengthens our relationship with China, which is necessary to underpin the global economy.
We want to cooperate with our partners in the fight against terror.
I am particularly alarmed by the violence exerted by the police force against peaceful demonstrators.
That political achievement now has to be put into practice.
I would like to conclude by voicing my support for the swift adoption of a complete and effective framework directive on non-discrimination, enabling Member States to join forces in this area and to adopt coherent and effective policies aimed at allowing citizens to feel truly protected by clear and comprehensive legislation at a European and national level.
I suppose I am celebrating slightly that we are having this debate and that my colleague, Simon Busuttil, is going to have a report and prepare information, but I think the Council needs to be a little more proactive on this, and indeed the Commission likewise.
Economic cooperation which goes hand in hand with respect for the basic rules of democracy and the wellbeing of its citizens is the foundation of the European Union.
Those are concerns that we should all emblazon on our banners - and I am not referring only to the new Member States and their development aid policy but to all of us.
To this end, common comparison criteria have been agreed on for the purposes of assessing the respective advantages and disadvantages of each solution.
Will you meet the challenge?
But we could never get back what we lost in the crisis.
However, we should not forget that unregulated competition can also lead to an increase in unemployment, so that the gap between the rich and poor grows ever wider.
However, you are unaware of another unacknowledged genocide committed by the Turks over five hundred years: the Bulgarian genocide.
To this end, it is not credible to pursue a policy such as this aimed at maintaining guidelines for the Member States' employment policies.
(RO) At the present juncture, which also coincides with the moment when the United Nations is preparing to announce the extension of MONUC's mandate, I think we need to reflect on the international community's actions in light of the situation on the ground in the RDC, which is, unfortunately, continuing to deteriorate.
The regulation of rights and obligations contained in the package is no more than sugaring the pill of passenger transport deregulation.
It is not realistic to suggest that we should be financing job creation schemes, for example, and indeed I have already heard such a proposal.
Madam President, both the Untied Nations and the European Union have agreed that the growing world population is going to demand greater global output of agricultural productivity of the order of a 50-100% increase.
Last time in 2004 we could only speak out after the falsified elections and we were united.
We voted in favour of Amendment 3, as there are concerns which should be raised regarding any further build-up of conventional or unconventional weapons on the European continent, and we support continuing bilateral discussions between the US and Russia on this issue.
Obviously, no matter how good we are in the European Union, we need other people to follow what we are doing and, in particular, we can see now, with China and India and other concerns that they have, that America may lag further behind again.
The Commission declared it would be ready to support all initiatives aimed at a peaceful solution of the crisis and at restoring the constitutional order.
I voted for rejection initially because I believe this issue should be left to Member States under the subsidiarity principle.
We have absolutely no choice at all on that matter.
I know that the European Parliament is devoting particular attention to these two dossiers.
In addition to our contributions to the United Nations negotiations, we see that, following the success of the European Union's emissions trading system, carbon markets are being established in many parts of the world.
Despite intensive discussions, it was not possible to bridge gaps on the remaining issues, such as duty drawback and rules of origin.
The group which I am part of in the European Parliament, the S&D, wholly endorses the 'Active and Healthy Ageing' pilot European Innovation Partnership and puts forward suggestions for two additional partnerships in the areas which would benefit urgently from the created value added.
For Members of the Polish Parliament this provision is not applicable.
I have indicated that we are sending the election assessment team shortly, which I hope will help us deal with the issues that honourable Members have raised in that context.
They call on us to totally abandon fundamental rights to protect something else.
in writing. - (RO) The Danube's job is to provide the backbone for a macro-regional structure which features Länder, regions and Member States, along with countries which do not belong yet or at all to the EU, all in search of common prosperity.
It has been noted that the proposed legal basis is not appropriate.
Therefore, it can be misleading.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, in a set of four communications adopted in 2007 and 2008, the Commission has developed its strategy for improving the performance of the systems of freight transport in Europe.
The post-crisis world, which will be a world of interdependencies, will thus have to protect itself from economic nationalism and excessive protectionism by focusing on the regulation and preservation of a fair trade environment.
Emphasising that 'the fight against hunger must be based on recognition of the right to food sovereignty',
If we make ourselves dependent on comparable efforts by others, it will take forever and Mexico will also come to nothing.
This is the main point which I had expected given my knowledge of Parliament's position.
The rules for the mobilisation of this Fund, which under no circumstances serves to provide compensation for private losses, but rather to restore infrastructures, are laid down precisely.
In Europe, the strategic partnership with India that was agreed in 2004 should not be a reason to close our eyes to the discrimination against the 170 million untouchables who do not belong to any caste and have no rights.
It does not seek to regulate cross-border provision of health services, freedom of establishment or the mobility of health professionals.
You may say anything you want to, I guess, or you may stick to the two minutes that are in the agenda for your closing remarks!
The second thing that is sensible about the Commission proposal is that it is time-limited and does not unilaterally attempt to alter the GSP resolution.
We understand them and we also understand the Irish political situation that has been created in the Irish Parliament, and what efforts are being made on this difficult path.
I am convinced that only a technically well-prepared EU will be able to achieve success in competition with the USA, Japan and Korea where there has been considerable activity in this field.
Well, there are a small number of points, but some of them are important in terms of content.
The Podimata own-initiative report adopted by Parliament does not entail a definitive yes or no to the issue of a financial transaction tax.
We need to engage with citizens, producers and consumers regarding reduction, reuse and recycling of waste.
The common agricultural policy needs to be radically reformed, and for a few years now we have been calling for a discussion to start as early as possible.
It does not make any difference after it has been released into the environment whether the substance was produced as biocide or as a plant production product.
The Fisheries Commission has thus decided to introduce a new procedure starting with the Mauritania Protocol, whereby we will submit an oral question and receive information on the future negotiations from the onset of the process.
Mr President, we once again have an urgent debate on Vietnam and Laos.
The Committee of European Securities Regulators (CESR) will play a strong coordination role.
Within a single Member State a company can usually offset losses incurred by its branches and subsidiaries in the taxation of the parent company.
The rapporteur writes that the renewed Lisbon Strategy is delivering results in, among other areas, a rise in GDP in the EU in recent years and a fall in unemployment, and that the employment guidelines do not need a complete revision, but merely amendments to a number of individual points.
Payment terms in business transactions are a priority issue for the proper functioning of the European economies.
Neither of the two parties can exclude a trade relationship with the other, even though, of course, that relationship has to produce concrete results and lead to an improvement in our populations' living conditions.
If this destruction had taken place on land - if we had treated our forests in the same way as we are now treating the seas - we would have had rioting on the streets, but the destruction of the oceans is happening out of sight and in silence.
Carbon-14 dating revealed that the cold-water coral matrix taken as by-catch in this fishery was at least 4550 years old.
The annual report on the protection of the Communities' financial interests for 2008 records that the financial impact of irregularities, as far as they have been identified, fell from EUR 1 024 million in 2007 to EUR 783.2 million in 2008, with reductions being recorded in all spending areas except direct expenditure and pre-accession funds.
Conscious of the fundamental importance that 2011 will have for the success of the future of the Union, and the challenge that this poses to the European Commission, and in a general way to the Union as a whole, I am voting in favour of this draft resolution.
We are hearing about the harassment of journalists and the intimidation of human rights activists, who are facing criminal charges.
Mr Turmes called me a junkie.
It is important to act with the aid of a long-term strategy to avoid stopgap or one-off measures - I refer to the new financial rules that the EU is preparing to implement.
Hence, as a result of the planned criminal campaign, in Ukraine itself, millions of people died.
President Aliyev has often said how important the rights of every journalist are and that they must be defended by the state.
Surely, this is about innovation, but you do not get that by wishing it.
The reform of the common fisheries policy marks a new stage in the development of the sector, with more active participation by all those involved at a national, regional and industry level.
There is a development opportunity here in terms of providing jobs, particularly for women.
However, the financial resources allotted to them should be mainly directed as a matter of priority towards constructing basic infrastructure, supporting human resources or employment, greater investment in science, research and innovation, and the target of green growth.
If we cannot identify new projects and develop new technologies, we will not be able to retain our leading position in the field of space-based applications, because we will simply not have the necessary foundations in science and research.
My final request is for us to investigate the effectiveness of our decisions to ensure that our intentions really do become reality.
If, here, we restrict the criteria according to which social housing can be subsidised in such a way that actually only the poorest of the poor, the most disadvantaged of the disadvantaged, receive a subsidy and can be helped within the framework of social housing, we will actually be putting up obstacles to this segment of the population mixing in disadvantaged districts, something that is, in fact, urgently needed.
Of course, at the same time he must take into consideration operational limitations.
On the strength of our involvement with the region, the European Union must, in fact, indicate to Brazil the importance of a strong Mercosur and must encourage the country to itself invest strongly in this cooperation agreement.
How can a Commission president praise a Treaty in which all the executive functions are hand-picked behind closed doors instead of being the result of the voters' choice?
in writing. - I shall be voting in favour of the report that has been prepared by Ms Batzeli, because it is quite obvious that a restructuring of the sugar industry is required.
Also present with us are representatives of the Belgian Presidency and the Commission.
If a fair comparison is to be made with the European Parliament, the equation should include only directly elected chambers.
The latter development is something that I must highlight as a representative of the Netherlands.
Therefore, Madam President, Commissioner, the EU must use its political influence on the parties involved in the conflict and call for a peaceful solution to the political solution in such a way that Thai citizens do not pay the price for the political disputes between leaders of individual groups.
I would prefer us to speak of monopolistic practices as something we could overcome.
This would be an important signal of hope to all the most vulnerable persons in Europe, those who are currently affected by poverty and social exclusion.
Then, at a later stage, we can clearly see the grey area that can exist between what is still part of the humanitarian effort but is already becoming reconstruction and will eventually become development assistance.
Declaration of financial interests : see Minutes
I intend to couple this internalisation strategy with a proposal for amendment of the directive on charges for heavy goods vehicles.
On the other hand, I do think a number of important points are missing from the report and I do not agree at all with most of the assumptions and aims of the rapporteur; on the contrary.
The same goes for the European consumers who find themselves confronted with food which is not manufactured under the high production standards of the EU.
However, India's contribution to progress in the fields of medicine, technology and space research is in contrast to the shortages of food and clean water which affect the country.
Secondly, on the introduction of a 0.01% tax on financial transactions that would result in a fund of EUR 20 billion, also for the purposes of aid to the poorest countries.
That means, has meant and will mean a great deal for the EU's strength in Copenhagen and also in the very important climate work that we will have to do afterwards.
This is a good thing in an economic crisis.
With regard to non-proliferation and disarmament, cooperation between the EU and the American administration has gained new momentum, and Barack Obama is giving priority to this issue.
Another particularly important point is that I am supposed to have said that 80% of expenditure had got the red light, if I may express it in these simple terms.
A week ago, my colleague, Mr Cohn-Bendit, said that Greece needed more time to put a reconstruction plan in place.
It is easy to foresee, therefore, what should happen in Côte d'Ivoire: a quick end to the fighting, the departure of the former President from the country, which will stabilise the situation significantly, the administration of justice to all those who have committed war crimes or murders, and stabilisation of the country.
Only then can the aid actually have the desired effect.
This provision is very useful, in particular, for those consumers who have an allergy to leather goods, and to consumers who, for ideological reasons, do not want to buy textiles containing elements of animal origin.
The clearest demonstration of the change in approach from President Obama is the intention to close Guantánamo Bay.
During the conversations which I had with the most eminent monetary experts between 1995 and 2000, they were all sceptical about the possibility of introducing the euro and making it a success.
This subject has a profoundly foreign policy dimension.
Furthermore, I agree that we need to guarantee that any financial assistance granted to Russia contributes to strengthening democratic standards in that country.
I argue that there should have been provision for a study of the impact on the Internal Market with such exceptional access.
Once again I offer my congratulations and thanks and recommend adoption of this report to the House.
(DE) Mr President, I just wanted to thank Mr Grosch and the members of the Committee on Transport and Tourism for enabling us to postpone this item until today.
President-in-Office of the Council. - Mr President, I am grateful for all your contributions and comments in this debate.
The recovery of states from the crisis and their further stabilisation is closely linked with European Union policy in relation to those states.
The European Parliament is showing that virtuous courses of action are within our reach.
The report strengthens and supplements the provisions of the Commission's proposal, improving it by:
Thank you to the presidency.
Human dignity will have no meaning in Uganda if such a law is adopted.
If nothing has changed, then what was said seven years ago should be reiterated now: 'It is inappropriate'.
Therefore, the economic models that we are going to implement for the online movement of our cultural heritage exclude services that are free of charge.
(CS) There is huge proliferation of medium and medium-long range carriers at the start of the 21st century.
Perhaps this money should have been designated for reducing the disproportion in subsidies for medium-sized farms, especially in the new Member States?
All of these things stemmed from the trialogue among the institutions and, in my opinion, have enabled us to find solutions that lower the economic cost for manufacturers at this sensitive time, without affecting the general targets.
Some of the Commissioners emphasised in their hearings that Parliament must have access to documents on the same terms as the Council of Ministers, and Parliament expects the Commission to stand by its promises.
Do all Member States plan to draw up an action plan in this regard that will gradually also take into account the sewerage works coming from the tributaries, so that we will also have cleaner tributaries and there will be an improvement in water quality in the Danube right down to the estuary?
Our citizens often do not understand us.
The Madrid Conference on food security for all on 26 and 27 January is certainly a key event to move the debate to another level, one that seeks to identify the key priorities to address world food hunger.
First, the issue had transferred to a new Commissioner, and second, we faced a problem over whether to continue the work started, or to throw away the existing document and start afresh.
Germany's banks will not meet new international rules for bank capital, so transfer to German banks should also be the issue on your lips.
Concerning the parliamentary assistance allowance, I believe that the contractual freedom of MEPs has to be maintained, which is a condition of their independence, under the supervision of national authorities in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity.
Secondly, we do not feel that the shadowy Europol agency should be involved in any kind of law enforcement.
The situation after the election has shown that Lukashenko's power is not unlimited.
My report, on which we are to vote today, therefore concerns not just the impact on small and medium-sized companies, but also the fundamental question of who makes rules for whom, and who supervises the application of the rules.
Nasrin Sotoudeh was sentenced, after months of isolation and torture, to 11 years in prison because, as a lawyer and campaigner for human rights, she defended opponents of the Tehran government, including a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
It is necessary, among other things, to monitor the situation in the Ashraf refugee camp in Iraq, where there are more than 3 000 Iranian refugees from exiled opposition organisations, and where there is a risk of a humanitarian catastrophe, and it is necessary to provide protection to these people.
The Charter of Fundamental Human Rights, which has legal power, confirms the fundamental rights.
(PL) Mr President, Mrs Ashton, I would like to congratulate Mr Belder for an excellent report.
Secondly, the quality of the products must also be controlled.
It is neither of those things; as a politician I do not act on behalf of corporations or trade unions, I act on behalf of citizens.
(RO) The agreement between the European Commission and the Philip Morris company is a very good example of a Community financial instrument that simultaneously aims at several objectives.
Would a representative of the Committee like to say something about this?
This report is astonishing in its contradictions.
A BBC poll shows 55% want to leave the EU and 84% want the UK to keep its powers.
At the Agency we are working very hard on interoperability: that is something that you asked about, and the answer is 'yes'.
Through a common culture and a partnership format, it provides the decisions to be taken at future world summits on the information society, in addition to those to be taken by our own states.
I would like to remind you that this is not a CMO.
In any case, dividing the proposals into three different chapters does not provide a complete overview of the Single Market Act. Indeed, this criticism was included in Mr Campos's final report.
It is also interesting that the largest producers and users of armaments containing depleted uranium are already signatories to the above-mentioned Convention.
Uniform requirements on establishing and carrying on an activity, a low share capital requirement and simplified registration methods will definitely make the European private company a success.
A political agreement will not suffice in Copenhagen.
I appeal, therefore, to the Commission and the Council to redefine Turkey's perspectives for membership of the European Union.
We shall accept this because we too believe that the European aspect is more important than all the others.
6.
That Europe cannot copy the United States in financial deregulation.
President Obama is committed to bringing to an end President Bush's outrageous legacy of running over international law in the name of national security.
Can you believe that the Committee on Employment expressly rejected them, in flagrant contradiction of its obligations under Rule 47?
I think that is a very good idea.
From this perspective, it is important to pursue the objectives set out in the forestry strategies.
An example of this compromise is the approach taken with regard to the Community financial resources needed for an effective cohesion policy.
This resolution has managed to bring the main political groups in the European Parliament together to make a declaration which is absolutely necessary, given the current humanitarian and security situation in the Middle East.
This is because, amongst other things, there is a fundamental element of European Union policy in relation to Cuba, which is political dialogue.
(FI) Mr President, human trafficking is always an act against humanity.
It is clear that the European Commission does not refer to any sort of government concerning the northern part of Cyprus, but at the same time, of course, there are two communities on the island. There is the Greek Cypriot community and there is the Turkish Cypriot community.
I would like to conclude by referring to the statement made by Mr Posselt that culture is often destroyed by nationalisms.
However, in order to facilitate its task, and that of all the beneficiaries, advances need to be made towards greater simplification.
We must limit the influence of pharmaceutical companies, not just as regards distribution, but also the carrying out of studies into vaccines and antiviral medications.
To say that the situation in Zimbabwe is tragic is unfortunately an understatement.
The SBA is a series of political principles aiming to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in terms of access to finance and markets, as well as of improved legislation.
After all, we in Europe have made ourselves the part of the world with the greatest purchasing power, and our 500 million citizens have the right to have the research results drawn up as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Nevertheless, regardless of who is elected, trade will continue to play an important role in relations with the United States.
We cannot forget the importance of SMEs as job providers and as suppliers of proximity.
It will be up to it to take a responsible decision as to the choice of level of representation on the Governing Board.
I hope we can improve the report tomorrow.
This is the reason why the Commission presented its proposal in the way that it did, because we wanted to produce a proposal which had a chance of being accepted and this is now what has happened.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
What is the response to this show of power?
You can count on me at the Commission to be uncompromising in my defence of the European interest.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, from my economic experience I know that strategies are only as good as their specific implementation measures and the means of monitoring them.
In light of the recent Commission publication on the Review of the Single Market, what measures does the Commission intend to take to promote the financial education of consumers, financial inclusion and adequate redress for consumers, particularly in light of the recent sub prime crisis in the US and the current financial turbulence?
This year is the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.
I fully support the resolution on the situation as regards SIS II and VIS.
As many of those who have already spoken have pointed out, we are getting perhaps 10% more in primary materials prices, but retailers are marking that up by 40-50% in some instances.
This was the focus of the EU 2020 strategy agreed by the European Council earlier this year.
The report aims to simplify procedures and reduce costs.
I side with the rapporteur's call for the Commission to present a legislative conclusion on the transparency of hedge funds and private equity.
Despite the fact that illegal immigrants are treated as victims and protected by the directive, they too are being given a dissuasive message that it will no longer be easy for them to find employment and, consequently, that there will be no attraction in obtaining work even on unfavourable terms.
The report I am presenting is based on the European Commission communication of 28 April 2009 on Promoting Good Governance in Tax Matters.
It is an area of conflict between the economy and growth on the one side, and the environment and security on the other.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (DE) Mr President, I am in favour of introducing uniform conditions for issuing visas in order to prevent what is called visa shopping.
We have to deal with widely differing developments.
A woman in the city will have a flat with all mod cons, easy access to equipment, education and culture, a right to maternity and parental leave, and the opportunity to work and enjoy the benefits of civilisation.
It also omits to analyse gaseous biofuels; it fails to stress the need to encourage research into and development of biogas and does not mention the Target 2020 Programme.
Climate change and new shipping routes do not solely entail risks, but can also offer opportunities.
A recent requirement now means that a note about religious identity also has to be included in passports.
It highlights the importance of listening to and examining the points of view of the interested parties as much as possible in the decision-making process in order to achieve a realistic and balanced regulatory framework.
For this reason, the socialists and social democrats fully agree with your speech, Mr Buzek.
The concern about the appointment, composition and powers of the media authority, in particular, is perfectly understandable.
Even if it is not yet sinking, it is high time we started bailing.
I am proud of the way the Commission worked with the last Parliament and the Council to put this legislation in place, and I want to work closely with you and the Presidency in the run-up to Copenhagen.
Now I appreciate that this is an alarming concept in Europe, but it may be that the ultimate direction in which we should go is beyond ownership unbundling to privatisation.
At the same time, however - and that was one of the thorny issues for us and I thank the rapporteur for being so stubborn - we must ensure that the question of responsibility for wagon maintenance is resolved clearly and unambiguously.
Membership of Parliament: see Minutes
In our talks, we upheld the importance of political dialogue, in the spirit of President Arias's proposal.
As the largest donor of aid to developing countries, the European Union plays an essential role in providing necessary leadership in terms of the adoption of measures at international level to enable the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
In recent weeks the global finance system has stared into an abyss and we need concerted action to pull it back.
This is what I was specifically referring to.
Much space was devoted in the recommendation precisely to the defence of fundamental rights, with particular attention given to victim protection, prison conditions, prisoners' rights and procedural guarantees, including the right to be told one's rights and to the assistance of an officially appointed lawyer, the right to evidence, the right to be informed of the nature of and the reasons for the charges and to gain access to the relevant documents in an understandable language, the right, then, to an interpreter.
We are talking about countries in which the term humanitarian crisis is tending to become the rule.
Recognition of the importance of amateur sport is therefore in line with the idea of bringing sport close to the citizens.
We will highlight, in particular, the most recent events in the North Caucasus, which has been the scene of violence against human rights defenders, crime prevention personnel, representatives of the authorities and the population at large.
The situation in Europe, and this is my second observation, is very specific.
Unfortunately, in recent weeks, the European press has, not without justification, been casting foreign policy in an extremely negative light, portraying it as a contest between Member States for posts in the new External Action Service, as a competition between the institutions in terms of which hat Baroness Ashton will wear more often - that of the Commission or the Council - and as an unfair struggle by the European Parliament to achieve greater influence.
This would have been our contribution to the concept of improving the quality of work.
In fact, Denmark fulfils all the criteria to join the euro area according to the Treaty, but it is up to the Danish authorities, the Danish Parliament and maybe the Danish citizens in a referendum, to decide.
You have failed to say it again today.
This is a fully consensual issue that will make the lives of a number of Europeans easier.
In addition, it is also increasingly about persisting in primitive, fundamentalist opinions in the northern federal states, in which it is assumed that Man has been commissioned by God to eliminate their sinful fellow men.
We will need to involve regional actors more effectively in this process, as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO).
What she actually said was that the effectiveness of the arrest warrant has justified the instances of rights violations.
I would like to make two calls: firstly, I would like to call on the European Commission to analyse the situation and adopt the appropriate measures to compensate for the social costs inherent in the loss of jobs and sources of income for the inhabitants of the affected regions.
Mr President, this proposal for a directive that we are bringing to plenary today to keep away aggressors who pursue their victims until they kill them, wherever they hide, is a clear message that Parliament must send to European society and to the Council.
We are talking about direct support for the so-called government in Somalia, which is supported by Ethiopia and the United States.
Fortunately we have been able to do something about this but, in my view, nowhere near enough.
All these paragraphs were adopted by comfortable majority.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Mr President, addressing radicalisation into violence is at the core of the Commission's counter-terrorism policy, and I therefore welcome the report being discussed today and the very vital issues it tackles.
That is the wish of the Committee on Transport and Tourism when it calls on the Commission to report by the end of 2009 on the progress achieved on the issues raised in the report.
Benefits which we can work towards are specifically and generally a positive.
Commission's position on amendments by Parliament
Mr President, I represent a party that is opposed to the whole EU project and to our country's membership of the EU.
I have taken the advice of the Commission's Legal Services and can go further before the Court procedures are over in certain Member States.
True, in paragraph 47 the rapporteur does highlight common transatlantic trade interests, such as the enforcement of intellectual property rights.
However, due to conflicting information, many countries gave in to the pressure and bought millions of expensive vaccines, which have not been used, and have by now become unusable.
(FR) Mr President, something very simple is going to happen for our European Parliament with the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon; we are going to have another 18 MEPs from 12 Member States of the European Union.
We can only hope that Russia will respect the Charter and will not take any definitive action.
That said, we believe this is not just a matter of setting targets, it is also about work in the Member States, and so we believe that it is better for the Member States to establish their own national targets and then we shall see.
(HU) Mr President, for years, a serious, recurring problem with our budget has been the significant gap between the funds committed and the actual payments made.
To all those people, we have to keep on repeating that yes, we do need common rules, we have to keep on saying that if the countries of Europe were not united, if they were isolated, they would now be dead.
This involves consent to safe and legal abortions.
On 1 December, the twentieth ACP-EU plenary session will be held in Kinshasa.
As it is important to protect consumers from 'hidden' advertising and similar problematic advertising tactics, I have voted in favour of the report.
For this reason, let me remind the House that a European social model is judged by its fruits.
However, I would like to make it abundantly clear that our final target is to work together with the European Commission to ensure that the Schengen area is fully operational and that it works in the best interests of our citizens, without giving free reign to those with the wrong intentions.
Instead, you are pushing for a public debate because you want it to take place for political reasons.
Those of us who use these means of transport, we MEPs and I personally, who travel between three different borders, can say that it is not applied effectively.
The world's developing countries have even been forced to deregulate their food policy and switch from production for national needs to export production.
Fundamental rights is about the very foundations of the European Union.
The first issues involves the reduction in producer costs, which will lead to greater global competitiveness.
I have written to Commissioner McCreevy on this subject and it drives a coach and horses through Articles 6 and 7 of his own Human Rights Act.
In particular, for the purpose of restoring the balance of supply and demand, we should support the proposal temporarily to freeze part of the quotas assigned to individual States and to provide for a compensation mechanism for producers forced to destroy part of their herds that is proportionate to the percentage of the milk quota frozen.
Finally, the financial support supplied by the Commission for awareness-raising campaigns should be stressed.
But the decision rests with the UN.
As eating habits are created in infancy, it is my view that it is not enough to start in schools but rather in pre-school institutions.
Even more important in my view, however, is the message that we can send to countries from here, from Europe, and the responsibility that the European Commission needs to assume in order to ensure that minimum requirements are put in place, that an agreement is reached among the Member States regarding how they plan to go about changing the situation of Roma people in Europe in the immediate term.
Let us also remember that despite these institutional matters, this Swedish Presidency - and this autumn - is, of course, very much influenced by the need to move on climate change, the need to move on the financial crisis, the worry in Europe that we need a policy for job creation - a lot of important matters that need to be addressed.
Commissioner, although you have achieved much encouraging progress for consumer groups and although your arrival gave the green light to consumer protection, I would ask for your help again in 2008.
in writing. - (LT) I voted in favour of this document and discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Artemis Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2009.
upgrading interinstitutional cooperation, i.e. cooperation between European agencies or institutions.
Unfortunately the European Parliament is opting in too many cases today to spend more money.
The severe accidents in the past have proven that cyanide contamination can have an irreversible impact both on the environment and on human health.
Rethinking how our societies work is much more urgent than establishing new European monitoring centres and institutes.
I also expect that the plan will include a reassessment of priorities in the area of stem cell research.
(Applause)
Resolute action is needed.
In February 2004 I was draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Foreign Affairs on Frontex, which came into being in 2004 and has been operational since 2005 but still lacks sufficient resources.
There will be two consecutive presidencies - Hungarian and Polish - with strong political determination to use all the possibilities at hand.
I was privileged to be present in East Timor at the birth of the world's first new state of this millennium.
No other European citizens have ever had their right of free movement so grossly violated.
However, the satisfaction was short-lived because, in the penal code reform proposal currently under consideration by the Iranian Parliament, death by stoning for certain forms of adultery is retained.
It would help organisations to proceed more easily from ISO to EMAS standards.
All these the Commission has mainly just ignored.
I initiated Written Declaration 0095/2008 on this issue, which is ongoing.
If government revenues are not to dry up and run out completely in this process, the sectors not able to escape taxation at all, or only with difficulty, must be taxed even more heavily almost as compensation.
However, this does not mean that we have not noticed the document's weak points.
The Western Balkans - I was pleased to travel to the region recently.
The future of Greece will largely depend on the growth of its neighbours - us - as we are its main economic partners.
Firstly, just like the large majority of the people in the Caucasus region, we in Western, Central and Eastern Europe also want to see stability in this region.
This phenomenon can only get worse if this derogation is maintained.
It is relatively simple to make the rich poor, but it is a rather more intelligent, challenging and far-reaching task to make the poor rich.
That is why we must improve this so that education, promotion of health, democratisation and development can be ensured.
Yes, as we discuss and debate our post-2012 package against a backdrop of serious global economic recession and financial crisis, we will need all the incisive governance, entrepreneurial flair and scientific innovation that we can muster.
Instead of solving the issue of organisation and stimulation of production in Latgale, the Latvian government is continuously increasing taxes, which leads to widespread bankruptcy of small and medium-sized companies.
Therefore I would suggest to Mr. Cappato that he visit Kim Chen Ir in North Korea if he would like to continue in the same vein.
What will happen when the last chapters are opened?
That represents fairly considerable progress, because in the main these substances are PCBs, free cyanide, EDTA, dioxins and bisphenols.
The anti-social and anti-development Stability Pact therefore needs to be replaced by a development and expansion pact as described in the motion tabled by the Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left.
That is why we speak of a tolerable risk.
The elimination of Bin Laden by the United States has also raised a number of difficult questions.
author. - (ES) Madam President, I wish to begin by saying that this Parliament would be making a most serious mistake if it succumbed to pressure from those who prefer us not to discuss issues that could cause discomfort in certain countries, particularly when they denounce breaches of human rights.
European solidarity must be reflected in financial terms by the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund and by means of other European-funded projects.
They will not get a new house or better accommodation from any airline companies or EU governments.
To come to the point, we are in competition with countries throughout the world for highly qualified workers.
It was also the Government that made it impossible for journalists and foreign observers to gain access to the most troubled regions, even though their work there could make a major contribution to the ongoing mobilisation of international public opinion.
We know that the market alone cannot solve the issue of monopolies, which in any case exist everywhere.
in writing. - The purpose of this report on the establishment of a financial instrument for development cooperation is to set at an early stage a Parliament position on this topic.
That is the legitimacy of Europe.
I did not think it was reasonable to explain to Member States that we would have a President elected for two and a half years, and therefore that the Presidency of the Council, rotating every six months, would remain, but would be virtual and that, at the same time, we would be removing the right for each country to have a Commissioner.
It must be said that in the areas where it has been implemented there has been good financial control.
If you can promise all this, then you will also achieve a 40% reduction - and then we will all leave here with a smile on our faces.
I have one brief comment on Heading 3: in relation to natural disasters, what has happened to former Commissioner Michel Barnier's proposals on civil defence in Europe?
This crisis may be deep, but if we work together, Europe has the necessary intellectual, financial, human and regulatory resources to continue to define and implement the appropriate responses.
We will each of us have to strive to speed up our responses so that the citizens see that their rights are not being violated.
A poor environment is therefore a health risk.
Otherwise, there is a risk that we will move from being a Europe of regions to being a Europe of Member States, and that is not our aim.
Perhaps I did not explain this fully earlier.
(NL) Mr President, by no means do I want to detract from the sterling work done by the two rapporteurs on this report on the European Neighbourhood Policy, but I wish to point out that the report contains a gap.
Protection and conservation of the marine environment: Marine Strategy Directive (vote)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Croatia is situated on one of the main trafficking routes for drugs into the EU.
You have also underlined that more attention needs to be given to the role of the UN in this area.
I have, incidentally, highlighted these themes in my draft amendments to Mr Siekierski's report on the future of the common agricultural policy.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Mr President, the world awaits a European Union with a stronger capacity to act across the world stage.
In recent weeks, we have looked on with pride at a strong political Europe, united in adversity, presenting a determined front to its partners, and listened to on the international stage.
It has the capacity to reduce the burden by up to EUR 6 billion.
The next item is the report by Duarte Freitas, on behalf of the Committee on Fisheries, on the proposal for a Council regulation on the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems in the high seas from the adverse impacts of bottom fishing gears - C6-0453/2007 -.
British farmers are amongst the most efficient in the world and they work, after bitter experience, to the highest standards of animal welfare and traceability.
It is therefore crucial that, during the process of revising the current public procurement directives, simpler and more effective rules be sought to regulate a sector that represents almost 16% of the European Union's GDP.
I do not know where Mr de Jong is.
The airport managing body will publish decisions on modifying the charging system at least two months before they enter into force.
Speaking at the rally, Turkish Cypriot politician, Izzet Izcan, said that Ankara was violating international law by changing the entire demographic structure by moving people from Turkey, thereby putting the very existence of the Turkish Cypriot community at risk and emphasised that anyone who respects human rights, such as the European Union, cannot brook such violations.
This is something that is unbelievable, harmful and which should, as quickly as possible, be cut short and removed from this forum.
In practice the withdrawal periods are set using a high safety factor which will reflect the amount of data available at the current stage of product development.
Mr President, I voted in favour of the report by Mrs Rühle on simplifying the conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community because it contains many measures designed to make the operation of the market in armaments much easier.
As I said late last year, mutual recognition of our differing legal traditions is the way forward in an EU of 27 Member States, but basic security standards should be established in the EU.
We want to ensure that the high level of rail safety is maintained, while recognising the procedures and methods specific to each Member State in this area.
on behalf of the S&D Group. - Mr President, I speak on behalf of my group when I say that we are in a very difficult situation practically and politically, in which Member States have been talking about completing an asylum package since 1999.
This is essential, however complex.
The economic benefits are clear.
All these issues have been recognised by Frontex, the Union's specialist agency.
Finally, we regret the rejection of our proposal underlining the fact that small-scale coastal and traditional fisheries, in addition to providing thousands of jobs, enable the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources.
However, there are paradoxical figures worthy of consideration.
She says: 'in Germany, for example, there is a need for 95 000 engineers'; if they were well paid, I am sure that we could send several thousand from Italy.
Protection of women and enabling their participation in the creation of peace and security is the main aim of resolution 1325.
We believe that it is incumbent on us to improve the market for our citizens.
This is particularly true in relation to directives relating to Lisbon and climate change.
Which question do you prefer - the first or the second?
The evaluation also concludes that more than 50% of the EU's financial contribution has been allocated to the administrative budget for the country's fisheries sector: this is in line with the agreement taken on by the national authorities under the old protocol.
Ladies and gentlemen, I offer you the suggestion that, perhaps, the market is not to blame.
We sought expert legal advice.
Bearing in mind the different practices and legislation of the Member States in this area, it is encouraging that Parliament, the Council and the Commission have reached agreement.
The legal question arises, however, as to how the Republic of Austria has transposed the EIA Directive.
China must now be involved in bringing pressure to bear on the junta in Burma to ensure that proper representation is given to the people, but Bangladesh and Thailand must also be given support to allow them to encourage the Burmese authorities to look anew.
It goes without saying that the deposit guarantee schemes are an effective preventive measure, but their impact is limited to the local environment where they operate.
Thus, the European Union must learn the lesson of this crisis and implement the initiatives it adopted in all fields by coordinating joint action with the Member States.
That is the result of the failed policy our Union has been conducting with Iran in recent years.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Madam President, I would like to thank the Commissioner for the outline of the situation.
The Commission's progress report last autumn sounded a note of concern about reappointment procedures being carried out in a non-transparent way, jeopardising the principle of independence of the judiciary and creating a high risk of political influence.
In September, Parliament hosted the biannual meeting of the standing committee for the first time.
The strategy and programming review will take place during 2009 in order to be ready in 2010 for democratic scrutiny by Parliament.
We need a new Treaty for a new era.
We have repeatedly called on all parties to refrain from politicising the issue, and to act only with the best interests of the Roma families in mind.
This, of course, is a commitment that it still valid.
Let us hope that it can be followed by other actions, as has been said here previously, particularly with regard to the many other political prisoners.
Please be assured therefore, Mr Farage, that we are going to pay a great deal of attention to this matter and are seeking to ensure that things run more smoothly every day.
It is not correct to designate a given product as originating in the EU when it is only packaged in an EU country, with the other phases of its production carried out in countries that are not in the EU.
Let me say first of all, as a member of the Middle East Quartet for four years now, the European Union has a role to play, but of course we do not have the strongest role to play.
Greece is not the only State in the euro area facing financial problems.
After the elections in Ukraine, something will change. There will be a new President, and that new President should meet with a friendly reception in the European Union and the European Parliament.
I would point out that anyone who travels with the aim of carrying out a paid activity during a short stay cannot benefit from this agreement, and continues to be subject to the applicable rules of the Community and of each Member State in relation to the visa requirement or waiver and also access to employment.
I would like to draw attention to two cases in particular.
In that opinion, the view of the Committee on Legal Affairs was - and I am quoting directly from the text - that 'the purpose of the proposed decision is to require Greenland to transpose EU health rules as a condition for the application of the EU internal market rules as regards fisheries', as specified in Article 3 of the proposal itself, which guarantees that the agreement's rules will be adapted to the applicable rules established in the Union as regards animal health and food safety, as well as the common organisation of the market in fishery products.
I have read the resolution that many of you referred to and that I understand you will vote on tomorrow.
I cannot fail to mention that we still have a hypocritical policy in Europe.
The language barrier and cost of the proceedings represent additional obstacles.
The findings in the study commissioned by the German Federal Environment Agency have led us to ask the Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks to issue another statement.
We need a regulatory framework at EU level, so that we do not end up discussing this every year.
That is why I support strengthening the agreement on which our priorities and criteria for action are based.
The regions concerned will be able to replace unhealthy housing in socially excluded communities and develop global, integrated and lasting solutions to their housing problems.
What price does he put on the prevention of torture?
The business is also global in nature.
I was a little concerned that the Presidency was going to abandon its priorities.
They centre on a green, social, market economy.
Such a levy system is usually known as a 'Tobin Tax'.
The first of the three cases that we are dealing with today, the situation in Chad, is a sad example of how, in a context of war, women frequently tend to be used as sexual objects, where rape becomes a weapon of war.
(Applause)
This is consuming energy that could be better spent on job creation, defending our interests and promoting our social model and Europe in general.
Paragraph D: '... given current levels of suffering and health problems of surrogate dams and cloned animals, the European Group on Ethics ... questions whether cloning animals ... is ethically justified ...'
At the same time, we must be clear that we need a comprehensive approach that is sustainable in both the short and the long term.
- Before the vote on paragraph 9:
With regard to the internal political situation in these two countries, the Council considers that the mission should maintain its independence, impartiality and neutrality.
Economically, Ireland must stay at the centre of decision-making in Europe, where we have traditionally been and where our enterprise needs and wants Ireland to be.
Mr Böge, your support was accompanied by several comments, in particular, two points of a budgetary nature which I have already had an opportunity to discuss in the previous debate and which I would like to return to today.
I agree with the allocation of greater funds to support this policy, above all where this concerns raising the percentage of the budget allocated to interregional cooperation.
However, I think that the biggest effort is still to be made.
However, we do not share the rapporteur's ambition to set up a further EU mechanism for distributing financial assistance.
I shall refrain from drawing any conclusions, just as those who have spoken before me have done.
It is sad that the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe continue to believe in their nuclear dreams, even if, as has now been made clear by Japan and Chernobyl, they will ultimately end in nightmares.
It is not the same.
Similarly, we must place greater emphasis on promoting environmentally sound renewable energy sources, as opposed to subsidising fossil fuels.
We are pleased with agreement on several directives which required a long time to be harmonised.
As required each year, the European Parliament has delivered its opinion on whether or not the Union budget has been properly implemented by the various agencies and institutions who are responsible for it.
(ES) 'History will absolve me' was the famous statement of a young lawyer who stirred his people.
It has increased unemployment, inequalities and social upheaval at national and regional level.
The report is harsh, the presidential elections have changed nothing, or rather they have: they have radicalised the Iranian regime even more, if that were possible; there is also radicalisation with regard to the outside world, with the volte-face of the Iranian authorities on the draft nuclear agreement negotiated in October 2009 in Vienna.
For instance, only eight of the 27 Member States have adopted national action plans on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
I therefore believe that, along with the Heads of State or Government, who are going to discuss tomorrow and the day after tomorrow and are going to say 'Yes, we are going to tweak the Treaty, and the crisis fund, which should normally be enlarged - which is what everyone else is calling for - may be made permanent', I believe that the time has come for the Commission to put forward as quickly as possible a package that is much more significant, courageous, global and coherent as far as that approach is concerned.
The events that took place in Italy were tragic indeed.
First of all, with regard to the China helpdesk.
One of the expenses is that we translate votes, but these are only numbers, so we need only one edition of the votes.
Madam President, I welcome and support this report and commend the rapporteur on its production.
In that context, cohesion is at the very heart of the implementation process.
Things need to be improved rapidly, with regard, for example, to housing and infrastructure.
Finally, I should like to call on all the Member States of the Union to join the call, the desire of five Member States - including Spain - to reduce CO2 emissions by a further 30%.
Whatever the case, these factors are part of the problem, which is not just short-term and is not just about energy.
The tax on financial transactions and eurobonds should therefore be the cornerstone.
Acting under pressure, we invested huge sums in vaccines, which, as we now know, was irrational and unjustified.
It is indeed crucial that this strategic partnership should mark a qualitative leap in EU-Mexico relations both multilaterally in terms of issues of world importance and in strengthening the development of bilateral relations.
Guarantees are very important to us.
Let our surgeons do their work.
That means that the decision on nuclear energy is to be made by each and every Member State.
Finally, apart from improving the application of the directive, the basic objective of the reform is to simplify the legislation and reduce administrative costs to both industry and the competent authorities, in accordance as ever with the principles of the European Union's better lawmaking programme.
Naturally we are speaking and have spoken here about Brazil's importance politically and economically, and as regards the environment and energy, which are fundamental realities in the contemporary world which we cannot ignore.
It calls on Member States to swiftly adopt Commission proposals for directives on administrative cooperation and mutual assistance in the recovery of taxes and savings taxation.
- (SK) The creation of the Schengen area, which does away with controls at the internal borders between all the participating states and thus makes free movement of persons a reality throughout the EU territory, can rightly be considered to be one of the EU's greatest achievements.
There needs to be agreement between the Member States and the European Commission on specific assistance.
The world is cooling.
Paradoxically, the management system is the only one that was not a fundamental part of the major reforms of 2002 and, because of this, the Commission has to paper over the cracks here and there, dealing with unsustainable discards, inventing control measures day after day and establishing recovery plans, but without tackling the substantive issue: establishing a coherent and up to date framework for the fisheries management model.
Of the Roma children in these camps, 50% are left to their own devices, not sent to school and not immunised.
Our proposals aim to promote a change in attitudes towards victims, to do more to ensure their recovery, and to minimise the risk of their being further harmed by repeat victimisation during the proceedings.
We should make every effort to ensure that Europe regains its leading position in this respect.
This is an objective which I fully support.
We should continue the reform of the common agricultural policy from 2003 by reducing support, and we should seriously discuss further transfers of agricultural support to rural development policy.
That is why we particularly support diversification projects like Nabucco and LNG - not that they completely change our relationship of interdependence with other countries, but they give us additional safety margins.
Tomorrow we can answer this question with a good, clear 'yes'.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, anti-dumping represents one of the most incisive instruments for defending commercial decency in the European Union in order to compete fairly on the market.
I refer to Europol, the European Asylum Support Office, Eurojust and Frontex.
As part of the dialogue on issues of mutual interest between Pristina and Belgrade, the working group on missing persons which has representatives in both governments has met periodically since March 2004 under the auspices of the Red Cross.
Provided the elections proceed in a fair and democratic way, we will have to recognise the result and must not be so arrogant - as we were at the time in Palestine or even in Algeria - as to decide whether or not we will recognise those who are elected.
This is how it should be.
Economic contributions alone can be fruitless if they are not accompanied by close and effective coordination at all stages and for all forms of EU aid.
As a member of the Basque Friendship Group 'Toward a peace process in the Basque Country', I was among those signing the declaration aimed at requesting the Spanish Government to reconsider its position and take all necessary measures to ensure that the elections held on 22 May respect basic democratic principles.
Hundreds of people lost their lives and we should like to make our sympathy felt.
If the European Union is to further multilateral approaches to global challenges, its Member States must act coherently and consistently at the UN level, particularly in light of the forthcoming review conferences for the Millennium Development Goals and the Non-Proliferation Treaty, as well as the review of the Human Rights Council's status and working methods.
That is why we gave our very strong support to the French initiative by calling on the Member States to ratify the Hague Convention of 13 January 2000.
We must ask ourselves what it is worth doing with regard to Turkey: is it worth being thoroughly sincere and moving quickly towards forms of privileged partnership that involve the whole Mediterranean area, or is it worth continuing to play for time and putting off our decision indefinitely, so that the Turks themselves, with their great pride, end up saying 'no' to us once and for all, thus further complicating the situation in the Mediterranean?
There are further indications telling us that Iran is an untrustworthy partner and we should act accordingly.
I am convinced that Ryanair has done more for understanding among the peoples of Europe that the EU's cultural projects together.
They must agree on mandatory targets to cut their emissions and, at the same time, find money to help developing countries deal with climate change.
In this respect, Ladies and Gentlemen, we all agree that the definition of the public service remit is, in principle, a matter for Member States, rather than the Commission, to decide.
A large part of US society is opposed to actions combating climate change.
We must not discriminate against them.
Therefore, it is necessary to increase the competences of the Regional Advisory Councils, which should work closely with the fisheries administrations of Member States and the European Commission.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (DE) Madam President, we have expressed our will to cooperate with Russia on many occasions.
In order to ensure that the provisions of the regulation on microeconomic imbalances in the euro area can be properly implemented and achieve the objectives outlined, a differentiated system of sanction allocation must be established.
I also wish to stress another aspect on which we often draw a blank.
We would like to thank Mrs Haug for her enormous efforts in coordinating the extremely diverse requests submitted with more general political objectives.
I want to use my remaining time - since this is as you say our last legislative day before the election - first of all to thank you, Mr Onesta, for your forbearance and your good humour throughout this session and to extend my thanks to the staff, to the ushers and to the interpreters.
We need to do this internally in order to establish our own common standards and rules in the area of asylum and migration, but we also need to act externally, in partnership with countries of origin and transit, in order to manage migration flows more efficiently.
I supported it because individual Member States cannot cope with this situation alone: cooperation and sharing must guide the way we handle it.
The Council will be urged to strengthen Frontex and to introduce common rules for Frontex operations at sea.
Should this happen again, I will cut you off because that is a road down which we do not want to go.
It is our duty to try and reduce smoking and especially to prevent young people from starting.
The consequences are also well known: the domination of markets by a few, an impact on weaker production systems, and increasing pretexts for attacks on rights, and on working and living conditions.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - Mr President, you cannot put a price on peace, but the series of PEACE programmes in Northern Ireland since 1995 have supported the peace process in Ireland with a goal of reinforcing a peaceful and stable society and promoting reconciliation in the region.
Commissioner Rehn has spoken in somewhat optimistic terms about the negotiations in Cyprus.
That is why I voted for the report on the European Ombudsman.
My concern with this report is that it is a missed opportunity.
We are only 50, maybe 60 people maximum, out of 785 MEPs.
However, I hope that we will get through this period and that we will be able to vote for the new budget during the December sitting.
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, at the close of your speech you indirectly mentioned eco-labelling.
The question is whether the objective of the Commission, and in particular of the Directorate-General for Competition, is to justify its existence by producing laws, rather than implementing regulations that satisfy demands for quality and safety of services and products, demands that are necessary everywhere, but particularly in the motor vehicle sector.
For example, both the Lifelong Learning and People schemes provide invaluable opportunities to those who want to learn new skills and find new jobs.
This is a regulation which this Parliament adopted in February and which was also mentioned by Mrs Ţicău.
I also welcome very much the partial decommissioning aid to allow fishermen to trade down to smaller, more climate-friendly and energy-efficient vessels.
Are we ourselves actually contributing to a more proper and wiser way of dealing with finances?
Why should you care about this or the crazy counterproductive laws you continually rubber stamp?
However, what worries me most is the image of this issue in society.
Given, on the other hand, the lack of staff, a lack which is particularly acute in Greece, I would point out that we really must ensure that this resolution, this directive is applied very quickly.
We have seen the unfortunate conflict in Georgia, where there was fault on both sides.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, as always when someone acts outside international law, Europe is divided and undone.
On a proportional basis, this equates to nearly 4 million US citizens dying in the Iraq war.
It also makes the Charter of Fundamental Rights, including the right to good administration, legally binding.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (ES) Mr President, firstly I wish to remind the House that here we are discussing a summit with a dubious process, the results of which are certainly unpredictable.
I think the situation in the Gaza and the large amount of violence that we have seen in January is one of those very difficult situations, among many other things - including the rocket and mortar attacks that have injured the Israeli civilian population - that could make the whole process derail.
I am pleased that, during negotiations, an agreement was reached on minimising the duplication of assessments, tests and controls.
Thank you.
During the successive rounds of negotiations between the EU and the United States, it was touch and go several times whether the Protocol would be signed.
Given the wage and social security cuts that we are facing, we must double and triple check that the new regulations do not drive simple house builders or residents to wrack and ruin.
EFSA has also accepted every single application to use GMOs that has been submitted to it.
Therefore, the rapporteur has done a very good job, and she deserves praise.
Against a background where food production needs to increase by a minimum of 70% by 2050 in order to meet the world population's food demands, food security must be the topic at the heart of the debates conducted at both global and European level.
The figure given is 48 103 216, whereas the correct figure is 63 103 216.
Madam President, I will try to adhere to your advice.
At the same time, we call on the Member States to cooperate actively with the Commission in developing and evaluating the temporary rules established in response to the financial and economic crisis by providing accurate, detailed reports on their implementation and effectiveness.
The next item is the vote.
Of course, we acknowledge the principle of competition, and we want European companies to make profits and ensure a decent wage for their workers.
To develop the internal market through boosting cross-border transactions and e-commerce, it is vital that European consumers benefit in these contracts from a standard level of protection, regardless of their country of origin.
Mr President, I rise under Rule 151(3) to ask whether we have legitimacy, in fact, to vote on this.
(Applause)
We have now learned from an actual case in Germany that these gentlemen - for they are mainly gentlemen - not only earn very good money but do not want to pay tax on what they earn, which is why they go to Liechtenstein and elsewhere.
The EU, within the limits of the powers conferred on it by the Treaties, will continue to tackle racism and xenophobia, both within the Union itself and in the context of our external actions.
The extent to which the 2 000-strong force can guarantee safety and stability in the region is also in doubt.
We have millions of people unemployed.
Does Spain want to lose seats?
In the current times, we know what we are up against but we have lost the capacity for action.
I think that the introduction of ECVET will make a major contribution to the creation of a European labour market, as long as the associated administrative burdens are eased.
On the other hand, I find it incomprehensible that, at crucial points, Tajikistan is described as a relatively stable country.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Mr President, on behalf of the Commission, I would like to give the following explanation.
In conclusion, I would just like to say that the change that this will mean for the budgetary procedure is a good example of the simplification and reduction in bureaucratic procedures that the whole of the EU is in dire need of.
in writing. - (DE) Biogas installations operated by small farmers are a rational solution: here, slurry and other waste can be utilised for the production of biogas before being composted into high-grade fertiliser or coupled to fodder drying, in both cases closing the ecological cycle.
I am encouraged by the Commissioner's response, and he did say he would work with us and would try and get the balance right and establish a level playing field.
Very well.
It seems to me that we should include secondary school children in it as well.
In June 2008, the Irish people voted against the Lisbon Treaty.
As to the matter in hand, we have come here to resume work on an issue which goes back some time.
For this reason, a single system for use at European level has been designed and developed and is currently being installed on major international lines and trains in Europe.
Fourthly, it is clear that the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon will result in the formidable launch of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, as a new aspect of the European Union's remit, and a new field of European policy on which this Parliament will also decide.
I enjoy this because it is one of the last basic freedoms that we have.
This injustice must stop.
That is why the reform proposed by the Commission, which is based on regionalisation and which was adopted by Parliament this afternoon, is essential.
We would be better instead investing in building crèches and nurseries and creating stable jobs for those working in this sector.
EMU@10 - The first ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (Commission communication) (debate)
(SV) Mr President, the problems that the European car industry is facing are to a large extent a result of the economic and financial crisis.
Coordination inside the EU does not depend on our international partners, nor on those to whom we provide aid and the costs of uncoordinated aid are very high.
In fact, we are delighted that the Commission's legislative proposal incorporates most of our recommendations.
President-in-Office of the Council. - Mr President, the European Union is fully committed to the success of the Fourth United Nations conference on the least developed countries, which will take place in Istanbul on 9-13 May 2011.
We cannot allow a situation in which we do not know what comes under the directive.
The debate is closed.
In the run-up to the new Treaty, the time has now come, Mr President, to translate this report into definitive action.
He led the single market project and was a key player in the preparation and implementation of the Maastricht Treaty, which was very important for the whole European Union.
Furthermore, Internet connections are often not personal.
Thus society tolerates this phenomenon and reproduces it, because women should have the legislative means which will allow them to correct their circumstances as and when necessary, and the powers of state should introduce appropriate measures which take account of periods devoted to family life, periods of unemployment and periods of illness and which provide fair taxation in order to compensate for women's unequal pay for their work, which should be judged not only by the time spent working, but also by the quality and additional elements that a women brings to her work.
Allow me to make a third comment.
Apart from the legal aspect, it is important for the government to adopt decisive measures to prevent violence.
My first question concerns the need for fair competition conditions.
If you get this power, you can come back year after year.
This is the aim of the European Commission, which is backed up by the real commitment of the European Parliament, partly as a result of the implementation and development of the Small Business Act.
(NL) Madam President.
The government has a very important responsibility to uphold such a privileged position and to lead by example for the benefit of its own citizens, but also for the region as a whole.
At the same time, the type of message that Europe sends its citizens regarding fundamental rights is, of course, very important.
It strongly supports prosecuting anyone carrying out FGM, as well as providing medical and legal support for victims, and protection for those at risk, including the granting of asylum in certain cases.
My congratulations once again and thank you very much.
All I can do is point out, once again, and thankfully the Commissioner has already highlighted this, that while the initial PSD study indicated that 80% of pesticides would disappear from the market, this figure has been considerably reduced in the meantime.
The second is to monitor the structural deficits, which are still close to equilibrium, despite the deterioration in actual budget deficits, in order to send a reassuring signal to the markets as to the state of public finances.
Besides, for the EU Africa is a natural partner in international contexts in the fight against climate change.
After all, buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of CO2 emissions.
We have heard a lot of talk about identity.
This instrument was created in 2006 and is the best funded instrument in the areas of the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, conflict prevention, civil post-disaster support, civil peacebuilding measures and also for justice and policing in the anti-terrorism sphere.
I firmly condemn violence and offences and I deeply regret what happened in Italy!
States are concerned about granting this facility now when the blow from high oil prices needs to be softened, which raises the question not only about high prices, but also about the sector's survival in general.
These are the oil extractions from bituminous shale, which may pose a hazard to the environment and the local communities in the area, as well as the lack of reciprocity in the case of compulsory visa requirements for Bulgarian, Romanian and Czech citizens.
The setting of a date was considered to be a technical question.
Nobody can tell me that ownership unbundling will achieve what we want, which is to break up the market and create competition.
At such times in Cuba, inaction would be the worst possible option for the credibility of the European Union as a global actor.
The free market will not solve the problem.
Firstly, the post offices that enjoy the derogation must focus, in the years to come, on being able to meet the requirements supported by European competition, that is, that they really do use the time benefits that they are being given now.
Composition of Parliament : see Minutes
What main threats could the Council highlight for the Eastern European countries and Baltic States in particular in this financial crisis?
This is not about us lacking trust in the existing institutions, but about ensuring, at the institutional level, the highest possible safety in the future too.
As for me, I would argue in favour of a very respectful and humane, but at the same time unambiguous, approach.
To that end, I believe that voting citizens should also be given the possibility of checking on the activity, participation and attendance by MEPs in Parliament's work, in absolute, relative and percentage terms, and that steps also should be taken to facilitate access to data on Members' allowances and spending.
I therefore believe, Mr President, and this is my proposal, that my fellow Member should ask for the resolution to be further amended and then referred back to committee for re-examination.
Although there are huge differences between groups and individuals that face discrimination, we need to address the problem of discrimination as a phenomenon consistently, without specifying any particular group or groups.
We can easily be accused, instead of peacemaking, of fuelling local conflicts in vulnerable parts of the world.
On the other hand, I believe that, even on the Internet, racist, hate-filled or revisionist discourse must be prosecuted.
We can see a need for a European agricultural insurance fund against climate and health risks.
For my part, what I find rather striking, when we speak to the citizens, is that we ultimately have motorists - the Member States - who are, at the same time, behind the wheel and by the side of the road acting as policemen.
The third point is the entry of the younger generations on to the labour market.
Vice-President designate of the Commission. - Mr President, can I just say that the issue of where I sit, I suspect, will keep coming back.
My group has always supported the right of the consumer to know what foods contain.
I personally regret that the Czechs do not have the proper tools for the job.
These are things that we welcome.
The commitment to consolidation needs to become stronger in good times.
We can be pleased about this.
According to reports, Saleh was tortured after arrest and then taken to an unknown location in Khartoum, a personal tragedy that requires Europe to get involved.
Police raids on offices of human rights organisations, such as the Zimbabwe Human Rights Forum and several others, allegedly in searches for subversive material, and the arrests of various NGO workers and members of the MDC itself, along with students and young activists, which have intensified since February, are tactics in an unacceptable campaign of intimidation.
When is something going to get done?
That is why the European Parliament will be providing information on the funding disbursed to parties and foundations every financial year, and this will be available on our website.
in writing. - I voted for this report recommending that, in order to prevent fraud, transit movements be computerised, the legal framework be revised and the Commission and the Member States improve physical checks based on common risk analysis.
Regarding Mrs Roithová's question about the US Congress's hundred percent scanning initiative: even before it was adopted by the Congress we had made a number of efforts to change the proposal, but failed to do so.
It looks like it is going to happen, but it is still some way off.
I therefore call for a vote in support of the request.
Some Member States consider that PNR data could be of general use in combating illegal immigration, in safeguarding public health and for air safety.
As you know, the Water Framework Directive provides for an approach linking emission controls and environmental quality standards.
Irish universities face a 6% cut, and Britain is not exempt from this because in England, the Higher Education Funding Council reckons there may be a cut of up to EUR 500 million from higher education.
We are going to have a discussion on the budget review.
Environmental data currently available at European level should be expanded in the medium term by adding information to facilitate policy assessment.
There is no nuclear power at all.
It has been suggested that these questions should be included in the screening report.
(SV) Madam President, as the basis for cooperation within the EU the Member States have signed several treaties laying down the basic rules governing what the EU is and what the EU must do.
Its legal basis is in cooperation on criminal matters, and we understand that it is therefore perfectly possible - as the legal services of the Council have said - for it to be implemented through this legal text, which will have to be examined and debated in this House.
Increased marginalisation of physical education within the school curriculum means that the time allocated to physical education in schools in EU Member States is gradually being eroded.
I would like to underline the strong political commitment to the strengthening of the EU-NATO strategic partnership expressed by all, especially from President Obama.
The above measures will consist of temporary derogations from the rules of the European Fisheries Fund so as to support faster adaptation of the EU fleet to the present situation and provide temporary relief during the transitional phase.
We need to maintain the stability of the eurozone in the principle of responsibility and solidarity for all Member States in need.
It is also growth for humanity, and this should never be forgotten when speaking about culture.
Allow me to mention two aspects in this respect.
It also does not make sense where it may support the grey market, which is something that we should all avoid.
As other colleagues have said, if we could accentuate the positives, both for economies and for citizens, in the climate change debate, there might be more traction - because there are positive sides to this debate.
Flagrant inequalities between men and women still exist today in the employment sector, particularly when it comes to differences in pay or even reconciling work and family life.
For this reason, the Commission undertook in June 2010 to analyse the topics in depth.
I also welcome the commitment to pursue vigorously the energy and climate change agenda.
There is a direct causal link between the current crisis, with its origins in the United States, and the persistence of major world imbalances.
There are also other questions.
The internet is a medium which is founded on free exchange of information and views on every subject, and that on a world scale.
As you know, we attach great importance to the relaunch of the interinstitutional dialogue on the role and place of agencies in European governance, a dialogue aimed at developing a coherent vision and a common approach vis-à-vis regulatory agencies
I say this especially in view of the disturbing declarations of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Ashton, that she is going to conduct quiet diplomacy.
All the ideas that seek to limit the maximum rate of VAT, including that proposed by President Sarkozy of France, are worthy enough and should be investigated, and I would like to put forward one of my own.
Last Friday, I co-chaired with Secretary-General Rasmussen the meeting of the PSC Committee and the North Atlantic Council in our first ever discussion on Libya.
Those who have been tasked with establishing this fund do not appear to feel confident that Member States are budgeting prudently or that they are adhering to the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact.
So we also need to look at the demographic situation in the context of the current crisis and how we are going to use this opportunity in terms of increasing training.
Mr Trichet spoke of 4% in the euro zone.
Similarly, you said you would not criminalise individuals for downloading from the Internet, but then you talked about the external borders of the Community and what might happen with people going away rather than coming into the EU, so again, we do not want anything in ACTA which criminalises anyone for individual use.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (DE) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the public should be able to benefit in two ways from the potential for greater road safety.
Today, the priority concern are some 10 000 to 30 000 people living in makeshift camps in flood-prone areas.
We make up 8% of the world's population.
Over the past decade, aquaculture has been the fastest growing sector of the agri-food industry and European aquaculture currently provides more than 80 000 jobs.
The amendments adopted by the Committee on International Trade are, in my view, a move in the right direction.
There has been the most extraordinary harmonisation in the justice and home affairs field.
On this subject, I will be quite plain: there is still a lot to do, particularly on energy efficiency, the diversification of energy sources, the interconnections, the development of infrastructure, cooperation with the big supplier countries, transit countries and the major consumers.
The vote will take place on Tuesday, 14 December 2010.
That is why I would opt for a measured tone in relation to the situation so that we leave an opportunity for negotiations, which should take place very urgently and, I hope, reach a conclusion.
It is well known that the human rights violations in Iraq, under the responsibility of Saddam Hussein, Tariq Aziz and the like, assumed grave proportions.
In the interest of the safety of our smaller citizens - a matter the Commissioner addressed specifically - we should, therefore, definitely decide to take action, to do so rapidly, and not to let funding prove an obstacle.
We await your ambitious proposals, Commissioner.
The beneficiaries of these new rules should, ultimately, be air transport users, and I am delighted about that.
Yet I would add that it is bound to be relatively difficult to negotiate a redefinition of the Guidelines among twenty-seven countries.
I am already aware that Parliament, to which this package means a great deal, will make sure that the transposition is undertaken with respect for past agreements.
The limit was, after all, somewhat closer in the case of Iraq.
In this context, I also very much appreciate the support given to the proposed framework directive on consumer contractual rights, which is the tool for achieving the goal.
Our neighbours are found around the Mediterranean Sea and in Eastern Europe.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, two weeks ago, four and a half thousand dairy farmers descended on Brussels from all corners of Europe.
I recall, in particular, the important role played by the EU's 'Television without Frontiers' Directive which, since 1989, has made sure that citizens in all EU Member States are free to receive, without restrictions, broadcasts from other EU countries; an EU directive which has substantially contributed to the free flow of information across borders and to a more pluralistic media landscape in all Member States.
The overwhelming majority of Flemings do not want any new immigration, and certainly not from countries with cultures and religions that advocate values that are completely at odds with our own.
For 22 days, he played in various locations in the ruins of Sarajevo.
(SK) Mr President, it is necessary to take account of many aspects when evaluating the report on the progress of Iceland.
As the Commission says, there is scope for Member States to make more and better use of the existing instruments to promote the integration of the Roma.
I recognise, however, that in the context of the current economic crisis, the rules and commitments adopted within the WTO have largely prevented its members from turning to restrictive trade measures and have led them to adopt economic recovery measures.
(FR) Mr President, on the very day in which the political declaration 'Communicating Europe in Partnership' has just been signed by Parliament, the Commission and the Council, with the latter thus indicating their common will to enhance and to harmonise information on the European Union that is intended for the citizens, we are debating the 2009 budget and the 'Communication of the institutions' budget.
Are you, the Spanish Presidency, perhaps hampering President Van Rompuy with these statements?
It is primarily the result of the production-driven rationale of modern-day globalisation and is therefore still perfectly legal.
I voted in favour of this report which aims to help ensure that positive measures are taken to encourage health in the new generations.
There must be no restrictions of this kind and it pleases me to hear that the Commission shares this view.
But it could be the rebels.
(EL) Mr President, may I start by expressing my condolences from this tribune of the European Parliament for my three fellow countrymen who were killed today in incidents in Athens.
Even if food products derived from cloned animals were allowed on the EU market, I am convinced that, if they were clearly marked and people had to take a conscious decision to buy them, they would not find too many takers among EU consumers.
It is excellent, of course, that the whole agricultural sector has received a green light for the first time, but we should not pat ourselves too hard on the back.
I therefore call on the Commission to give this issue top priority.
I therefore cannot fail to stress that, basically, this Council is part of the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy: it is part of that half - that side of the coin - that is the side of growth, competitiveness and economic recovery.
in writing. - (DE) In matters relating to cross-border marriages it is important that there is a standardised legal situation in Europe.
Yes, to carry on as I am!
I would like to answer a few questions and clarify a few things very quickly.
President Ahmadinejad has declared on many occasions that the destruction of the State of Israel is his main policy objective.
Another basic issue should be improved contacts between our citizens, promoting cultural exchange and setting up a special programme of grants for young people to study at European schools, thus becoming familiar with EU values and standards.
A single voice is not as strong as a multitude of voices singing in harmony.
A wider application of impact assessment on, among others, comitology regulations and important Council and Parliament amendments to legislative proposals.
We all agree that this Reform Treaty is a mere clone of the Constitution rejected by the French and Dutch; one that, as Valéry Giscard d'Estaing said, is even less readable than the original.
Last but not least, as a person who has been working for women's equal political representation over the last 15 years, I would be glad if this person were a woman.
The armed attack that took place on Tuesday of this week on the Parliament in Grozny was the latest reminder that the situation remains volatile and dangerous.
I am sure that is the priority for all of you.
The fight against illegal immigration cannot only be waged in the underground stations in London or Madrid but must also be carried out in the human resources departments of the many companies that employ illegal workers in order to exploit them and deprive them of their rights.
That is the view of the Swedish people.
Mr Gauzès, I want to thank you for your resolve, your commitment and your determination, without which the European Parliament's adoption of the directive probably would not have been possible.
It is crucial that the issue of geographical balance has been addressed comprehensibly, and in a legally binding way, which means that in case of serious problems, it is enforceable by law.
It will result in an 11% unemployment rate in our European Union by the end of the year.
In this case, just the European Commission and the Member States in whose waters the activity is being carried out need to be informed beforehand.
Faster capitalist restructurings, the dismantling of industrial relations, the demolition of social protection and insurance systems, productivity-based wages and unemployment are at the heart of the new storm signalled by the decisions taken at the EU Summit.
With the open skies agreement between the US and Europe, we now finally have the opportunity to establish airline routes from the European Union via the United States to third countries such as Mexico and South America.
Well, how much progress have we made to date?
That is, of course, something that we found repeatedly during the detailed negotiations, because it was already clear at that point that perhaps one person may interpret something one way and others may interpret it somewhat differently.
That is why I was reminded a little of the film Minority Report, in which the local police used clairvoyants to convict people before they had committed the crime.
We are now four or five months down the line, and this period has been marked by a deafening silence from the Council, while the estimated fraud involved is between EUR 60 and 100 billion annually.
I voted against the report on the World Bank energy strategy for developing countries, mainly because a very negative amendment by the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) was adopted, which alters an important point in the initial motion for a resolution.
It is unacceptable to me for countries like Cuba, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, Jordan and a number of African regimes to be issuing resolutions which denounce the human rights situation in other countries.
For once, therefore, I am less in agreement - you could say in disagreement - with the more Eurosceptic voices.
As a result of the quest for resources and climate change, the Arctic region is on the brink of a profound change.
What is needed is to transmit, clearly and concisely, to the public, what our actions are based on, what we aim to achieve and in particular the resulting benefits to citizens.
That is very important if this initiative is going to be successful, to create the kind of jobs we want and to deliver what we expect it to deliver at the end of the day.
The political message is about how this Parliament would like to lead the European Union to greener pastures.
It is not fair to set conditions for the start of negotiations with candidate countries for EU membership and then fail to open negotiations after their fulfilment.
It is not surprising that respected magistrates - not politicians, note - claim that either the system is flawed or there is a deliberate policy of regression.
There is no need for me to say any more, since this is an issue which everyone understands.
Artistic trades are part of our heritage and this knowledge needs to be passed on.
We cannot accept the development of a military nuclear programme in Iran.
I believe that any movement in this field should be within the existing legal framework.
I have already had the opportunity on previous occasions to explain, justify and inform the European Parliament about the first EU-Brazil Summit, its results and objectives.
Investment projects in energy infrastructure are crucial if a free and therefore competitive energy market is to be established.
We will do this with the necessary flexibility, but we will also exert pressure to ensure that you, Baroness Ashton, are able to succeed in your task.
(PT) Madam President, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to disasters.
The European Union's current budget is insufficient to achieve the related objectives; neither will we be able to resolve this major funding problem by calling on national budgets or private funds.
Thus, the Commission has negotiated an agreement with the West African Economic and Monetary Union that replaces certain provisions in the existing 47 bilateral air services agreements concluded between EU Member States and Member States of the West African Economic and Monetary Union.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
We must strongly support and develop this broadly neglected area not just of education but also of training, both at the EU level and where Member States are concerned.
At present, the number of employees from the countries of the 'old 15' is significantly and disproportionately greater than the number of those from the new Member States.
(NL) Madam President, in this House, I represent the most pro-European party in my Member State, the Netherlands.
It is apparent that after so many months of debates on the situation in Europe, we have come to the conclusion firstly that there is a very high level of threat, and secondly that cooperation is necessary.
The Anna Lindh Foundation has a particularly important role to play in this area.
On the negative side, the text is sometimes too much oriented towards the economic role and competitiveness of research and innovation rather than towards what research and innovation can bring to society as a whole.
However, what I strongly fear is that instead of channelling its support in constructive endeavours - health, education, poverty reduction and infrastructure - China would continue to engage in feeding the tragedies of the continent and will do it by arms trafficking and undermining whatever steps African countries make towards democracy, good governance and respect for human rights.
I would like to begin my speech by raising again the idea which I spoke about on Monday during the opening of the plenary session.
The additional costs involved in renting are increasing to such an extent that, in future, those on low incomes will have to wear thick jumpers because they cannot heat their homes.
We also need to provide technologies for citizens to communicate freely and to access information, and the EU needs to be a safe haven for free thinkers.
The summit should also address the subject of reciprocal visa-free travel.
The European Parliament expressed its opposition to the proposal in a resolution of 19 June 2008 and asked the Council to reject the proposal.
As we stated in the Europe 2020 strategy, it is vital for Europe's future as a knowledge-based and inclusive society that education systems are reformed and modernised to match the best in the world.
A joint statement by the European Parliament and the Council.
This is the essence of its credibility.
The costs entailed by the ship dismantling are very high and make the recycling of ships unfeasible from the economic point of view.
On the West Bank at the moment, there has been no improvement with the borders, or with freedom of movement.
The ABB-ABM method as a management tool for allocating budgetary resources (
I think that it is right and proper to say here that we are actually talking about the introduction of new European taxes, and we already know in advance who will have to pay them.
The policy of closure is unacceptable and counterproductive.
I wanted my vote to explicitly reflect my disapproval of the Italian authorities placing any pressure on European national newspapers or intimidating them.
We must join forces: a coordinated European approach is crucial.
I would like to reiterate that the regulation and the amendment to the directives are necessary, but are still inadequate.
This approach, which is aimed at improving the supervision of the market, will enable us to prevent low quality products from being imported by dubious import companies.
rapporteur for the opinion of the Committee on Legal Affairs. - Mr President, we have all been on a very long journey together and we are still travelling, hoping that we will reach our destination soon.
In addition, I am convinced that there should be greater cooperation between the European Parliament and national parliaments, in order to promote and indeed to add force to the application of Community law at national, regional and local levels.
It has attempted to reallocate budgetary resources from the Progress programme to the microfinance facility before the European Parliament has reached a decision.
Therefore I welcome the fact that, now this Agreement is here, we can talk about institutionalised cooperation.
According to the document presented by Prime Minister Victor Orbán, the Hungarian Presidency declares: 'We would like to admit these two Member States to the Schengen area as soon as they fulfil all the necessary conditions'.
Parents - adults with young children - certainly also need support from our rules on all our modes of transport.
(Applause from the centre and the left)
If we have to wait for a complaint from industry and the opening of a procedure on illegal subsidies, how long will that take?
43.
We should therefore take note of the recent calls by European energy companies to liberalise the market and implement EU energy legislation in full.
I put it to Mr Szymański, how can one seriously argue against the Charter in a country that was the birthplace of Solidarność, thanks to whose leadership the whole of Europe gained its current understanding of the right to freedom, the rule of law and democracy?
Therefore, I am calling on the Commission to subject nanomaterials to a detailed investigation.
The financial and economic crisis has shown that no pension system is immune to such events but that large budget deficits, high unemployment and very limited scope for increasing the burden of taxation and other levies particularly hit pay-as-you-go systems, and some Member States, such as Lithuania, even had to take drastic measures, that is, reduce pensions, which in my opinion is intolerable and unacceptable.
The concept of an interinstitutional EU Cancer Task Force with the aim to increase by 50% by 2018 the number of EU citizens participating in a cancer screening programme should be welcomed.
Certainly, as always, we worry about the Council's approach to administrative expenditure and I agree that the budget has a certain Finnish colouring, especially in the European Parliament.
You may be for him, or you may be against him.
Although I am a German Social Democrat, I share your criticism of the Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, who is a member of the CDU, having said that he was pleased that it was the plant in Antwerp, rather than the one in Bochum, that was being closed down.
rapporteur. - (DE) Madam President, President-in-Office of the Council, Madam Vice-President, ladies and gentlemen, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union is a core element of the Lisbon Treaty; indeed, we could even call it the soul of the new Reform Treaty.
Although legislation adopted by the European Parliament provides sufficient guarantees and compensation for passengers, if, due to the fault of the airline, they are unable to take off on time on the planned route or have problems with luggage, this can only be guaranteed if the airline is not experiencing financial difficulties.
Given that most of these actions fall within the competence of the Member States, we need to find ways of involving the Member States and Community bodies in order to guarantee that SMEs can gain added value from the measures affecting them.
The debate today and the resolution that we are about to adopt are indeed directed in the first instance at the Commission, because we intend to have some input into the progress report.
Tabling deadlines: see Minutes
We had a project to benefit support networks for the most vulnerable - the Progress project - to which the European Parliament was highly committed, and, in order to fund microfinance, the Commission is proposing to us that we should simply tap into the funds allocated to the Progress programme.
Food price rises have hit the most vulnerable sections of the population hardest.
These changes can only be successfully achieved if there is a climate of trust between social partners, and this can only be developed by promoting social dialogue.
In this way, decisions on the admissibility of proposed initiatives would lie equally in the hands of the representatives of the electorate, and not only of the executive.
Now investment banks have gone from the market, and we are feeling good with the current rules for the banking sector.
Perhaps some people thought that Parliament would become more amenable after the elections in June, or that Parliament's demands for openness and transparency smacked of election promises rather than a real change of attitude.
The second is that if a citizens' initiative is successful, it should be followed by a legal act.
We remember today someone who is no longer with us, but who played a huge role in bringing about this package, and that is Mr Piecyk.
This is not because important steps forward have not been taken; it is because we cannot use the past and what we did in previous times to stabilise and strengthen the euro area as our benchmark today; our benchmark must be how efficient we are in dealing with the crisis.
There is just embarrassed silence.
The Commission is particularly satisfied with the result of negotiations and considers all the proposed compromise amendments to be acceptable.
In fact, this issue, which really should be specific to the Committee on International Trade, is becoming less and less so, while the same committee is increasingly doing the work of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.
It is crucial to preserve tax competition as a tool to facilitate cohesion and boost EU economic growth.
Mr Sarkozy, the path to be followed lies elsewhere.
Today we have resolved to ban the import of products from seals which have been killed with cruelty, we have resolved to impose higher standards for the protection of experimental animals, and now we are debating higher standards of animal protection at the time of killing.
Of course, Russia gained a military victory over Shakashvili's army, an army that was trained by the Americans and Israelis and armed by the Ukrainians.
Everybody boasts of having been in Ljubljana and of having enjoyed it.
The proposal merely invokes the status quo and maintains the present line with no additions.
I say this because it is the truth. I do not say it in order to favour one person or another.
I also have to mention here the case of Ernest Vardanian, a journalist arrested, held incommunicado and indicted for high treason by the so-called authorities in Transnistria.
You were always available for us.
(FR) Mr President, since 2005, we have been greatly moved by the catastrophic situation of the migrants held on the island of Lampedusa, whose numbers are well in excess of its real accommodation capacity.
We need to make them aware that they can seek help - and this help must really be real and accessible.
I shall repeat, therefore, that we must target sanctions at those responsible for human rights violations and - as Mr Rack said - opt for instance for freezing accounts and visa bans so as to deprive those leaders or those responsible for human rights violations of any positive possibilities.
Some innocent people lose important medicines, not to mention the tonnes of confiscated shampoos, lipsticks etc.
That is how the Single Market Act came into being.
You have guessed that I am speaking about Sharia law.
I hope that this report can give us tools to deal with the problems and challenges posed by the uncertain trade in raw materials.
I therefore support the conditions based on social values and human dignity imposed on third countries in order to negotiate with the EU.
Israel must realise its responsibility to measure its use of force right away in compliance with international law.
We can certainly expect further falls in income and market turbulence.
This new period should not be seen as a threat, even taking into account the introduction of rights for fathers.
The whole European Commission is strongly represented, because the subject is extremely important for all of us.
It is within this context, then, that I express my full support for the approach mapped out by the rapporteur, and I hope that this debate will be the first stage in the formation of a genuine European Community police service capable of dealing with problems.
Agenda of the next sitting : see Minutes
The new political context and institutional framework in Ukraine, as well as the readiness of newly elected President Viktor Yanukovych and the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) to confirm Ukraine's determination to join the European Union, are another step towards starting the accession process.
Of course, this presupposes, among other things, communications that are accessible and comprehensible to citizens.
Our offer is on the table and the moment any ACP state provides a WTO-compatible offer to complete a deal, we can move quickly to propose to the Council that it should benefit from the EPA market access regulation.
At least 90 people have been killed since the first round of polling on 29 March and just this Monday residents were attacked and abducted from an IDP camp east of Harare.
Talk of forcing these countries to reduce their herds is crazy in terms of food security and climate change.
Only the interplay between the first and second pillars enables both innovative competitiveness and sustainability.
That is true of this resolution.
It must investigate the budgets of the individual Member States to determine whether they represent a risk for the euro area.
Moreover, our vote tomorrow will be a decisive step forward in the global campaign to ban the trade.
Africa is a continent where many crimes have not yet been punished.
This aspect, too, should be borne in mind in the context of EU maritime transport, so that measures taken as part of the policy under discussion will contribute to the development of the Community as a whole, and not only of coastal areas.
I merely wished to take the floor and to take advantage of this opportunity so as to broach the subject of fisheries, but by going beyond the normal Green Paper - and the White Paper that has been announced for June - and addressing the needs that exist in relation to Europe's seas, and to the Mediterranean in particular.
In this report we have tried to analyse China's presence in Africa in an objective way, acknowledging both the positive and negative impacts.
This had never previously been formulated in jurisprudence or in our legal system.
They will have an overarching view and enhanced cooperation.
Clear and strict rules are needed, otherwise European Union funds will be laid open to inappropriate use.
It proposes to adopt a special block exemption regulation only for repair and maintenance services, as well as for the spare-parts distribution.
Given the prevalent political situation in the region, it is crucial for the EU to play a more active political role.
(FR) Mr President, I asked to speak when I heard Mrs Ibrisagic describe the crisis which occurred in the Balkans, in which, as you probably remember, I was involved.
Nevertheless, this still leaves a huge number of legal pitfalls in place, which could prove disastrous for micro-businesses and small tradesmen and could even put their very existence at risk.
Documents received: see Minutes
If you look at the Eurobarometer web site, you will see the number of infringement cases that the Commission takes out against individual Member States.
(CS) Mr President, I only want it to be recorded that I voted for Mr Foglietta's report but my voting equipment failed.
He is a pleasant and able colleague, but he is wrong about most things, and he is totally wrong in this case.
The reintroduction of some kind of quotas should be considered in this evaluation of supply-side management tools.
There are many economic and financial obstacles, although it is clear that the more serious sticking points are distinctly political in nature.
The Economic Partnership Agreements seek to guarantee continued trade and development in some of the world's poorest countries.
There is only one way to rescue this European Union, and that is to have real transparency on the Swedish model plus that of the US Freedom of Information Act right now, immediately.
Like many Members, I welcome the initiative taken by the EDPS and the Assistant EDPS to publish an annual declaration of their financial interests, in a form similar to that of Members of the European Parliament.
Last week I met the Luton workers, one of whom told me that IBC's chances of survival are just 50/50, in a town which has had vehicle production for more than 80 years, and where 50% of jobs are still in manufacturing.
The perpetrators must not be allowed to go free.
It is time we finally worked together on a real internal market for rail transport and thus invested in a green and sustainable future.
I supported this important document.
We need to send out a signal that we are in it for the long haul - not least for the sake of the women and children, as many Members have mentioned.
It will be a difficult negotiation and we need the time.
This has led to positive results, in particular the follow-up resolution on the death penalty.
I can understand that Mr Higgins will probably not be happy, but I think it is a difficult issue and one that probably deserves a question of its own at some point.
With regard to international transfers, I am also in favour of the protection of youngsters and the promotion of training and education.
What assessment has been carried out on the contamination of daily food with active pharmaceutical substances?
Thousands of EU citizens continue to have their liquid duty-free purchases confiscated because of the failure of the Commission to speedily implement Regulation (EC) No 915/2007, which amends Regulation (EC) No 622/2003 laying down measures for the implementation of the common basic standards on aviation security.
Croatia remains one of the main trafficking routes for drugs to the EU.
I take note of your requests for further funding in the areas of unemployment, transport and the environment, to add to our ongoing efforts.
(HU) Madam President, we all know that economic immigration is a real phenomenon in the Member States of the European Union.
This is my first remark.
We shall, of course, keep you fully informed of all aspects of the next European Council meeting, and I will ensure that Prime Minister Topolánek is fully aware of the views expressed here this morning.
The Taiwanese authorities did not have access to meteorological information indicating how serious the typhoon was.
Mr Van Hecke has prepared an excellent report for which he deserves our thanks.
However, I believe that the environmental disasters resulting from this military regime should also be emphasised rather more forcefully.
We also urgently need to think about initiating the visa dialogue with Kosovo, as that will help advance structural reforms.
More democracy.
You are blocking much of the work we are doing here in Parliament.
There must be no repeats of the shipping accidents involving the Erika and the Prestige.
We simply cannot afford to ignore this issue and wait fifty years to see what the consequences may be.
One Conservative still stands in my way, and that is Mr Berlusconi.
There is no clear picture as to whether the funds were lost or stolen, and whether the errors are systemic or one-off errors.
It would be nice to have detected at least an element of this in the words of the Commission President or Commissioner McCreevy.
Since the 1990s a political majority have tried to create ever broader scope for such companies, and this proposed decision gives them almost an entirely free hand.
We hope it will not be needed but we have made that preparation as well.
Parliament has drawn attention to the problems and delays during the start-up phase and has called for its internal audit system to be improved.
1. Consents to the conclusion of the agreement;
We merely request that the Israelis meet our wishes.
So far, so good.
Baroness Ashton, European leaders should strive to convince the Iraqi authorities to abolish it.
Why then do we not simply do a 'copy and paste' and make it possible for citizens, and also for us in Parliament, to obtain the relevant documents independently, and not by act of grace and through massive amounts of intervention by political groups?
The measures put in place in these two areas do not meet sustainability requirements, and besides, they fail to offer a market-friendly response to the problem.
Now we have the problem that some factors cause high external costs which the public has to pay.
In this regard, we must also make it clear that private investments are necessary, because the situation will be impossible without them.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (FR) Mr President, Commissioner, my fellow Members have already cited some examples.
This is the area of global inequality and the question of the whole global currency system in the future.
Many proposals and new programmes are being put forward.
(DE) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, it is high time for the EU to begin negotiations with Macedonia at last.
On many occasions, Europe has committed itself to adhering to high environmental protection standards.
It deserves our full support.
As such, I would say to you that what is needed is a change to the Stability Pact.
For instance, the Chinese Government accepted the Japanese offer to send a rescue team.
Shipyards in what we call 'the old EU' have been receiving aid for many years and everything was fine.
In this resolution, there is too much of a paternalistic attitude towards a great country that does not deserve this treatment.
Before coming to the next report, I would like to take advantage of the fact that I am in the chair for the last time, and that this is in fact a report that involves my own committee, and, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take advantage of your presence to tell you how much I have enjoyed working with you over the last 10 years, and the last five years have been extraordinary.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Madam President, I think the Minister is correct in saying that we can be content with the agreement, and we can congratulate those involved in securing it.
If these concerns are properly addressed, then we will be making some progress towards improving the credibility of, and confidence in, the Union as a whole.
It is now down to the Commission to take up Parliament's ambition, presenting its proposals for the next European financial framework and not falling victim to the restrictive budget policies of Member States.
If we had a Frontex operation in Tunisian waters, we would, of course, need to do this in cooperation with the Tunisian authorities.
Examples include the definition of the approval criteria, the length of the approval and, most importantly, data protection.
Since 99% of the housing stock in Europe is made up of old buildings, I call on the Commission and Member States to increase the rate of the ERDF allocation which each Member State can use to boost energy efficiency in housing from 4% to 15% in the future Multiannual Financial Framework.
The Swedish Government has worked using silent diplomacy, it has been said, but, after seven years, still nothing has happened.
But, there you have it: just as we are discussing the challenge of climate change, what should appear on the negotiating table but the financial crisis.
With regard to the post-2013 regional policy, I endorse the idea of setting up intermediate regions, thereby enabling regions with a GDP between 75% and 90% of the EU average to receive real support, however, through finding suitable solutions.
This will not happen on its own, of course.
in writing. - The European Parliament has used its new powers in a creative and responsible way, introducing new balances into the External Service's architecture.
We must bridge the digital divide and ensure that all European citizens are connected to high-speed broadband by 2020.
How do we move forward from here, to prevent this report from merely remaining a naïve dream or a mixture of different opinions, and to allow it to work in practice so that we can see the status of the Roma improve significantly in the European Union?
Therefore, I would like to raise the matter of digital signatures in the citizens' initiative, as an additional channel for attracting interest in European politics.
This is the only way to create the preconditions to the successful implementation of the EU 2020 strategy and the only way that allows us to discuss a real, proper and strong internal market that will benefit its citizens.
What has happened to all the tough language of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)?
Mr President, firstly I believe that what has happened is very serious.
Thirdly, the idea of strengthening, using the neighbourhood policy, the structure of the Euro-Mediterranean policy, the aspect on which I worked most closely in this report.
Creativity, and involvement in the creation of added value, are what determine the important economic role of the cultural industry.
Other markets, such as the cereal, olive oil and fruit and vegetable markets, are showing some alarming signs too.
There is a critical sticking point between what Parliament would like and what the Member States think is good, and this is the question of who will pay for additional security measures taken which go beyond what we want in Europe for passengers.
There were related cases of serious attacks on freedoms during the second round of the elections, not least a climate of tension and violence that led to several deaths and injuries.
It is, therefore, very important to develop targeted and intelligent sanctions, including against individuals.
Albanian separatists behave in a similar way in the Preševo Valley in the south of Serbia, where they threaten to boycott elections.
The ruling of the Strasbourg Court presupposes a concept of religious freedom which, if taken to its logical conclusion, would go so far as to ensure, to impose a sense of predominance over each citizen, required to live in an environment in keeping with the Court's beliefs.
The adoption of a number of my amendments, which were aimed at highlighting doubts concerning the need and the proportionality of the system and at criticising the culture of suspicion that increasingly pervades decisions relating to external border management, have led me to endorse the report in plenary.
With its stubborn adherence to the planned economy, Cuba is no longer even capable of meeting the most basic needs of its own population.
One of the fundamental objectives of the European Union is to link human and social development to economic development.
That is why I think that we can approach this harmonised standard of consumer protection only by first establishing certain minimum standards, and then, on that basis, taking the path to a completely harmonised standard.
Yesterday we were talking about intelligent roads, without actually calling them intelligent roads.
There needs to be a particularly close bond between all these links, along with open communication.
Przygotowania do szczytu Rady Europejskiej (17 czerwca 2010 r.) - UE 2020 (głosowanie)
Europe does exist now, and you are quite right that the status quo is not an option.
General Motors is not closing Opel Belgium because it is in difficulties: it has made a EUR 3.4 million profit, but this has not prevented it from getting rid of 2 600 jobs.
United in diversity is the motto of the EU and should also apply to Macedonians.
Many of these obstacles are due to excessive bureaucratisation and difficulties in obtaining finance.
We should note that Iceland - precisely because it has reservations concerning CFP - does not want to join the European Union.
This recast was born because the original directive was being poorly implemented.
I would pick up three particular messages, the first being that it is essential to relaunch the reforms in full so that the fundamental freedoms of Turkish citizens are enhanced and Turkey is itself helped to meet the EU Copenhagen criteria.
To conclude, ladies and gentlemen, I wish to point out that everyone must have the right to freedom of sexual orientation, without fear of imprisonment or death.
It is not right for a private body to be set up de facto as a real legislator, without any political control, especially since the technical legitimacy of the IASB is increasingly being called into question by its approach to the issues involved, which is more theoretical than professional.
Documents received: see Minutes
Politicians should set aside their arrogance and comfortable situation.
For this reason, we are duty-bound to guarantee them safe access to the new media.
The anchovy fishery in the Bay of Biscay has been closed since 2005 due to the poor condition of the anchovy stock.
in writing. - (LT) I voted in favour of this motion for a resolution, because I would firstly like to express my condolences and solidarity with the Japanese people following the natural disaster that claimed many lives and the catastrophe at Fukushima nuclear power plant.
Of course, we should not conclude an agreement at any cost but only if the substance on the table is right.
This area is definitely vulnerable, as my country is fully dependant on one supplier, without any other alternative so far.
I am ready to do all I can to respond.
In Sweden or Spain, if we were continually increasing the size of our regions, the number of members of parliament we had and our functions, any Member State would need to increase its parliament's budget.
The time for the groups was shared between Members so that everyone could have a minute, but almost nobody has spoken for less than a minute and a half, and so there is no way of responding positively, as we would all like, to anyone who wishes to contribute outside the time allocated to their corresponding groups.
The vote on the motions on economic partnership agreements is postponed until December and the deadlines proposed are as follows:
Since its independence in 1958, Guinea has only ever known dictatorial regimes.
He owns an abattoir in Yorkshire and at one stage - and this got into the Private Eye magazine - there was a visiting vet supervising a vet supervising a meat inspector supervising two slaughtermen!
The Commission has reinforced the financial corrections- action No 11 in the structural funds -: in 2008, an amount of 1 billion 500 million was recovered.
As the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety said, the EU's share of funding should be around EUR 30 billion a year up to 2020.
However, we must not forget that here, we are debating the amendment of a regulation and therefore, the continued cooperation of all European Union institutions and common agreement on the revision of transparency rules are imperative.
The position of consumers needs to be strengthened.
We have resolved to take the lead worldwide in the fight against global warming.
The consequences of the crisis are unemployment, poverty, lower incomes and less education.
(Applause)
By adopting this report, Parliament approves the granting of discharge to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2009.
I believe you are all aware of the efforts we have made.
I listened with great attention to everything you had to say, the expression of your vigilance, and also, in general - and I am very conscious of this as it is something we need - the expression of your encouragement and your support for our approach.
I think you will agree with me when I say that Europe and the Europeans have good reason to feel satisfied with political developments over the last six months.
What changed the north-eastern part of our island was that people invested in universally small pieces of land.
Furthermore, the report highlights quite rightly the need to make use of new information and communication technologies in order to provide modern, quality teaching, in line with young people's aspirations.
That is the key task.
As things stand, the Council has not yet received any legislative proposal for a Council decision with a view to establishing an integrated European policy to support and provide vocational training for citizens with special needs and ensure their integration in society.
This has been especially true over the last few years.
It is time we took the subject seriously.
2.
However, in order to prevent and mitigate the unwanted effects of climate change action must be taken now.
We also have to put ourselves in the shoes of employers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, who undoubtedly find it very hard to survive in the market if they face too many formal obstacles.
In my opinion, the situation has improved a lot and we have returned to the Community approach.
The European Union, as the true repository of human rights and humanitarian protection, must do everything to make these ideas and organisations withdraw, and even to make them disappear from our everyday lives if their aggression, which disturbs the healthy life of society, so demands.
The package for the financial markets was wrapped up quickly, the governments took action, and there was a demonstration of an ability to act in a crisis, including by the Commission, but the question is, are we now going to cast aside the principles that have contributed to the stability of the euro, or are we going to succeed in developing and maintaining those principles?
One of the lessons learned from the crisis was the need to create independent European agencies for monitoring the banks and insurance in the financial markets.
Do not forget that that new ideas come up all the time.
Hence, Greece should expect more from us than we have given so far.
At the same time, it is clear that it enhances the facility for us to exercise our fundamental rights, such as freedom of speech, freedom of political action, freedom of knowledge and education and freedom of association.
There are many other reasons, besides prostitution and forced labour, for the exploitation of human beings: forced begging, illegal adoptions, organ trafficking, and so on are all cases covered by the text of the directive.
It is a scandal not worthy of a Europe of values and human rights.
Baroness Ashton, I welcome your trip to Tunisia in two weeks' time, but I also believe that we must improve our capacities for prediction and reaction.
on behalf of the ECR Group. - Mr President, I am happy at this crucial time in the work of the European Union that Spain takes on the Presidency of the Council.
Once again I would like to emphasise very clearly that without this link with innovation the European car industry will not be competitive in the long term.
We need the technical experts to respond.
I think attention should be paid to fighting discrimination not only in the professional area, but also outside it.
Linked to this discussion is that related to security.
However, it concerns me to hear that President Chávez equates the new social networking sites with State terrorism and to see how the Internet is under serious threat.
As rapporteur for the package in Parliament, I have placed an emphasis on the central role of national action plans.
Two thirds of people feel uninformed.
Mark Twain observed that, when all you have is a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail.
The Commission also made clear that it cannot accept a limited number of proposals which, in their current wording, would depart from the governance improvements envisaged or would remove safeguards contained in the current Regulation.
The new treaty has cemented the new understanding of European subsidiarity already deeply rooted in the cohesion policy, that is, subsidiarity extended to local and regional levels of governance.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that, without the latest revision to the regulation governing the fund, during which the economic crisis was added to the eligibility criteria, many of the requests currently reaching us could not, legally speaking, have been given a favourable response.
Creating different types of licence for transferring defence-related products and services within the EU would reduce the barriers which currently impede the free movement and exchange of defence-related products within the internal market, while also making competition less distorted.
Turning a blind eye to the money wasted will not solve the problem, and it is also unfair to European taxpayers.
The ball is now in the EU's court.
They had dismissed their internal auditors.
One Member is able to speak in favour of the proposal and one against.
Nearly 10 people a day die whilst waiting.
Lack of investor confidence and realistic assessments are currently preventing a return to normal levels - a process that will undoubtedly take some time and will not even spare the professionals of banking supervisory bodies.
This will move us towards stable political institutions that will operate on the basis of equality, power sharing and mutual respect.
The European Union and the United States are two areas that have been severely affected by the economic and financial crisis; and, at a time when the effects can still be felt, we have desired to reaffirm, in the European Parliament, our will to find a common response to this crisis and the need to strengthen economic cooperation in order to emerge together definitively from this difficult period.
Concerning open access to new technology and new investments in broadband, the honourable Member knows perfectly well that the Commission has vetoed the proposal by the German Government to establish a new monopoly on fibre.
Even the coalition government in the UK, which includes the Liberal Democrats, is opposed to these changes.
The package confirms the leading role of the EU in the global fight against climate change while at the same time respecting the actual possibilities and economic conditions of each Member State.
Let us also say, as we do in the report directly: yes, this policy needs money.
(SV) A mixed message is being sent today.
The response to climate change lies in strong international governance and financial commitment.
We must therefore find new sources of funding, not least by reforming the current system.
In view of the above, such a system cannot be successfully introduced without penalties, and without restrictive penalties, as some have said.
We view the way things are developing in the European Union with great concern.
I believe that your initiative will certainly lead to greater public awareness across the EU.
I must, at this juncture, compliment both the Commission and the Council on their new position regarding cooperation with Parliament.
The European Central Bank should play a greater part in scrutiny and oversight.
This is considerable progress.
We did want the regulation to abandon the idea of three rigid zones, but the Council did not agree, and so it has been retained.
If only the same could be achieved with other products as well.
The Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament agrees with the position adopted in the Brok report, which it played an active part in drafting.
This is particularly important for Lithuania, because now at a time when the crisis has hit the Baltic States hard, the material status of many families borders on poverty.
I want this Parliament to stop the flow of EU funds to the regions where this enormous breach of human rights is taking place.
I should also like to welcome the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso, who, like the President-in-Office of the European Council, has just returned from Japan.
That of a catalyst, of course.
I am opposed to the project of extending maternity leave to 20 weeks with full pay.
The other group, my group, firmly believes in a Europe which people can understand, trust and believe in.
This becomes all the more important if globalisation continues, as we expect it to.
He has got through a great deal of work, starting with the draft directive, which he approached in an innovative way, as he wanted to properly prepare the report in collaboration with the Commission and the Council, in which he was successful.
The Joint Undertaking final 2009 budget included commitment appropriations of EUR 325 000 000 and payment appropriations of EUR 157 000 000, and the utilisation rates for commitment and payment appropriations were 97.1% and 43.2% respectively.
For this reason I believe that the next six months will be fruitful in stabilising the situation in the Western Balkan region.
In addition to these four areas, I would like to add one more which is missing from the framework, and this is specifically the fight not only against discrimination, but also against verbal or physical expressions of racism.
We support the Commission in using this package of initiatives to increase efficiency, promote scientific and technical progress, provide benefits to end consumers and, in short, improve the overall competitiveness and sustainable development of our businesses.
There is a lack of consistency among the European Union's various forestry-related policies as well as those of the Member States.
Let us hope that, through its firmness, which has also been set in motion, some governments will not be deaf but will listen to this intelligence, French intelligence, and will cooperate in a measured way in order to achieve the objectives that they and we are committed to achieving.
You are surely aware that there is already a great deal of criticism in this regard, firstly with regard to the size of the Board, because it has, once again, been put together according to a typical European Proporz system.
In effect, under Regulation (EC) No 546/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 amending Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 on establishing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, the scope of the EGF was temporarily widened to include its intervention in situations like this, in which, as a direct result of the global economic and financial crisis, there are 'at least 500 redundancies over a period of nine months, particularly in small or medium-sized enterprises, in a NACE 2 division in one region or two contiguous regions at NUTS II level'.
I do not need to have your support to say it ...
The EU's image has suffered in this conflict, even more than that of other international players.
Yes, we should share some information, but we should always think how much, for what purpose and for what benefit, and we should not consider that all circumstances are identical.
Evaluation of EU sanctions as part of the EU's actions and policies in the area of human rights (debate)
I should like to make just one observation.
(LT) Today we have heard mention of the Espoo Convention on several occasions, mainly with regard to the need for all interested countries to observe international environmental protection standards.
Furthermore, I regret the rejection of our criticism of the Commission for linking the Recovery Plan to the expansion of neoliberal 'structural reforms' and to strict compliance with the Stability and Growth Pact, when what was needed was to dispense with these and change tack.
(DE) Mr President, what happened today was not a victory for the Brussels camp over the Strasbourg camp, as we also reduced the number of Brussels sittings by one.
The fishermen hope that the wording of the regulation has arisen out of ignorance on the part of the European Commission with regard to the true scale of fishing in the Baltic Sea by individual countries.
For this stage, a distinction is still necessary and is an important step in creating an integrated railway network in the European Union.
Derogations from the prohibition are now to be restricted to substances that are approved in food and have so far not been shown to cause problems and that vulnerable groups, such as small children and pregnant women, are able to tolerate.
This will require the Commission to strengthen its internal organisation all the more, if it is to function as a college.
The Commission's proposal on which we are working mainly argues for regional priorities and then, within the regional ones, priorities that I would call 'humanitarian'.
Indeed, EU food price inflation accelerated in the last quarter of 2007.
Mrs McGuinness, I assure you that I have been looking at you nearly the entire time, and that I have seen you asking for the floor.
It is like being in a dream!
Mr President, I draw the attention of this House to the impact of the unlawful blockade of the cross-Channel ports of Calais, Boulogne and Dunkirk by members of the French fishing industry last week.
(FI) Madam President, it is very important that the cultural dimension is also included in the debate on foreign policy.
Finally, I also appeal to the EU's Member States to respect human rights in their own domestic policy, because failure to do so weakens the Union's position in the UNHRC.
The humanitarian context has changed profoundly in recent years, making it all the more relevant that the Humanitarian Consensus be applied rigorously and robustly.
Supplementing the funds already allocated is one of the conditions for this scheme's success.
In all other respects, however, we need to look for ways to make savings and increase efficiency.
7.
Moreover, this should not be seen in terms of competition between the national level and the European level.
We need a moratorium on nuclear energy, and what is needed is massive investment in sustainable and renewable energy.
The situation is ridiculous: things could be different, but the main responsibility lies with the nation-states.
I would have welcomed it if the Council in particular had agreed on more objective solutions that were sympathetic to small businesses.
Is this the way they intend to resolve the problems that are currently facing the whole of that population?
I would urge the Commissioner to talk with Commissioner Mandelson to ensure that the WTO negotiations do not water down or compromise the EU's standards, particularly in relation to what are, frankly, substandard imports into the European Union.
Now in the face of a sudden and devastating food crisis, alerting the world to the urgent need to find a long-term global and balanced solution, these countries expect a clear response from us to guarantee their food security.
This will provide an additional safeguard to prevent misuse and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Will the country remain at peace or will it sink into another war?
Where we find it impossible to accept another person's point of view, it is still necessary to treat such views with respect, to exchange ideas and opinions peacefully and, wherever possible, to pave the way for joint action and thereby defuse tension.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I appreciate the great interest in this proposal, the proof of which lies in the large number of amendment proposals it has given rise to.
Resumption of the session
Opening of the sitting
There are also other aspects that I want to highlight here, which concern other reports.
We have no redress...
Lastly, the events in South Sudan and the Abyei region must not make us overlook the situation in Darfur, which is considered to be the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.
Disturbing reports from Ukraine, however, indicate developments that distance the country from Europe.
But I would invite the Commission and the Council to stand back from the detail of this document and look it as a whole.
I believe that political parties should not use the initiative instrument, because that is what the political parties and Parliament are there for.
Opening of the sitting
I therefore welcome the enlargement of the euro area.
In this context, Europe should assume its responsibilities.
My party, the Dutch Socialist Party, does not believe that harmonising asylum policy and dressing up an agency to govern this in future would lead to a more even distribution of the number of asylum applications among the various Member States.
Unfortunately, there is no doubt that when Member States get a bag of money from the EU they are not so inclined to subject this money to as much control and as many rules as would be the case if it was national money.
He is responsible for taking action to have behavioural and learning difficulties recognised as health problems rather than disabilities.
We must seize this historic opportunity to reverse the climate change trend.
EU Member States who champion human rights causes can surely offer no excuse for failing to adopt this Convention, which was adopted in Warsaw over three years ago.
I trust Bulgaria and Romania.
Enough is enough.
Although both bodies will probably approve an overall budget of EUR 100 million for this instrument, identifying the sources of the finance continues to be the main obstacle.
The European Union and its institutions are being very proactive, giving all their political support to projects such as Nabucco, Nord Stream and South Stream.
I will conclude with two points.
We expect that, with easier rules, credit claims will be used more frequently in the future.
We need to state very clearly that it is the shared task of the European Union, the African Union and the various powers of southern Africa to ensure that the opportunity now created, following the elections, is properly used.
We want journalists to be able to move around freely so that the situation as it really is can indeed be reported.
The resolution explicitly mentions and criticises measures introduced by the current government, but forgets that the current Mayor of Naples, Mrs Iervolino, belongs to the centre-left and, worse still, forgets the long reign of Mr Bassolino, who was Mayor of Naples from 1993 to 2000 and Governor of Campania from 2000 to 2010, as well as special commissioner for the waste crisis for many years.
This is a call to the Commission - we want measures to reduce private motoring and meat consumption so that we have more grain to feed people!
This resolution comes at just the right time.
I have brought in a piece of this iron curtain to Parliament - as I have many other times.
On the other hand we do want to see all non-agricultural uses of plant protection products included in the scope of the statistics, and hence also within the scope of future legislation.
We Europeans are strong and united.
Unfortunately, though, sanctions and isolation of the regime have in recent years not really done anything to help bring about change.
If we look at the current debate about oil prices, for example, and see what has been proposed in this House in order to apply the brakes to the Commission, which after all wanted to make cars more energy-efficient, the question we should be asking ourselves is whether the idea that prices will remain high for the long term is actually being taken seriously.
First and foremost, there is the need to achieve a balanced result; to balance negotiating rights in the context of the Kyoto Protocol and of the Convention on the one hand, and within the frameworks themselves on the other.
All these efforts are being made in terms of agriculture.
I think that right now, it is important to stress that with this report, we have succeeded in striking a good balance between the main issues, a broad consensus, and that overall, the report has the capacity and potential to make an adequate response to the needs, or should I say demands, of the sector.
Instead of taking umbrage, the EU should accept the Irish 'no' vote for what it is: a chance for a new direction, towards policies which are geared to the people and the citizens of Europe.
How can it be that an EU that stands for human rights and the elimination of torture has offered no true accountability or establishment of the truth, but only blank denials and bland assurances for its own involvement in this barbarity?
It is important for the European Union to take up a strong position on this matter and use every possible legal instrument and political instrument in general to draw international attention to the matter and denounce infringements of international law.
The financial, economic and social crisis has now been raging for two years.
2009 discharge: European Aviation Safety Agency (
It is also absolutely vital that the criteria should be established according to uniform standards.
Indeed, including a capacity to tax such institutions in a way which prevents them from playing one country off another.
in writing. - Small and medium-size enterprises will play a vital role in reinvigorating economies across Europe that are currently witnessing economic contraction or, at best, slight economic growth.
What sort of skills?
The new 2011-2020 strategy for transport will be adopted, along with the amendments to the directive on the transport network that are essential in order to achieve the internal market and social, economic and territorial cohesion.
I hope that we shall see the fruits of this valuable and judicious political measure next spring and that European laws will be put into practice in the form of an enforced ban on illegal spring hunting.
'The standard time limits for the regulatory procedure with scrutiny are laid down in Article 5a(3) and (4) of Decision 1999/468/EC.
As you know, Oleg Orlov, together with other members of the organisation Memorial, was awarded the prize last year for his uncompromising and courageous fight for the truth about Russian crimes committed in the Chechen Republic.
Perhaps some kind of humanitarian programme could be provided for cases where some impediment exists, such as political persecution.
Now, there is just Ireland to go, you may say, and then we will have a treaty that will also provide more opportunities for my Committee on Development to make better policy.
We have seen that there is democratic support in Ireland for the European integration process.
The clashes resumed, proving that the war which began over four years ago is continuing and intensifying.
The worrying increase of the number of individuals who suffer from cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity in spite of the progress made with the cures for these diseases is an important issue to be dealt with.
People who think rationally on this matter are accused of lacking moral principles, and simply - as was the case with me today - they are not given the opportunity to speak in a 'democratic' way.
There are other Member States, and you have referred to some of them here, where the national regulations are not adequate.
For Europe's security it would be very important to launch the cooperation on crisis management agreed at the meeting of November 2003, especially in respect of frozen conflicts.

Up to 80% of mitigation and adaptation policies will happen at the regional and local level.
This was always a bilateral issue but should in no way preclude Croatia from joining our Union.
Secondly, I want to say that Uzbekistan is also a good example of a country that says to us that the European Union has nothing to teach them about democracy and human rights because the Union has its own defects and problems.
I hope that our vote will mean that more firms and workers in the West Midlands will benefit from these rights.
At that time, no one said that the euro was at risk.
We welcome the fact that the European Parliament is critical towards the Commission's proposal and would like to point out that it is doubtful whether this type of EU legislation is required.
I therefore welcome Mr Karas's call for the requirements for the liquidity standards to be made independent of system-relevance.
That was the idea of the compulsory licence, which would have meant that any manufacturer could reproduce parts subject to payment of a licence fee to the owner of the design rights.
Although it is not enough to meet the huge demands of all Member States, or to fully implement all priority policies, I believe that it lives up to the fundamental principle of the EU, which is solidarity.
What effect do current European Union policies promoting the deregulation and privatisation of public services, including health and education, have on failure to enforce children's rights?
Agreement on this report is within our reach.
Existing bilateral contacts aimed at forming functional airspace blocks have achieved hardly anything, so we really do need to pull our finger out.
We can observe that both institutions have a lot in common as regards sound financial management and European added value.
It is therefore necessary to take measures to increase monitoring, detection and correction.
There is probably no one here who would stand up and give three cheers for the Muslim Brotherhood.
The most difficult area has been the sustainability criteria.
(SL) The two reports on the framework decisions form two further pieces in the jigsaw of a broad range of regulations, directives and other documents relating to the fight against terrorism.
All commitments to the welfare state are in vain if there is no growth and if there are no resources for the social policy, so I think that these are in the correct order.
The result means that I can now express my support for the EIT, insofar as it is a new and promising instrument for integrating the three axes of knowledge: education, research and innovation, which we hope will add value to the existing instruments.
What do you plan to do to overcome these problems, to establish the necessary common objectives and to create credible European instruments, so that we are able to act effectively and provide the right answers?
The OECD Working Group, on the other hand, is seeking to determine how we ourselves should behave in response to the influence exerted by sovereign wealth funds.
This will be an important subject in the future FTA negotiations with Ukraine.
Lastly, I would like to thank the Commission once again for the constructive way in which it has responded to the needs of the cotton-producing countries.
It is an excellent and well-balanced report, which, in my opinion, is written in the spirit of Antoine de Saint Exupéry's words about our future: our task is not to foresee it, but to enable it.
In other words, if a Spanish company applies for a European patent, it will be able to use it without being discriminated against if Spain does not participate in enhanced cooperation straight away.
Europe's strength lies not in concerning itself with as many issues as possible, but in taking more time for important questions.
We also congratulate Mr Verheugen on the initiative he has taken with regard to this.
I support the adoption of the European Charter for Small Enterprises and congratulate the French Presidency.
It is commendable that less than a year after the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, we have on our desks the revision of the framework agreement on improved cooperation on joint tasks of the European Commission and the European Parliament.
This is the case unless it is considered that the European Union does not have any power or any competences whatsoever, but it does have powers and competences that have been transferred by the Member States.
The press has asked me why we did not cite any countries in this summary report.
Member States are interested in just one thing, which is how much money they can scrape back from the European budget, and that would be combated by a system of own resources.
Will you commit to action that will root out supermarket abuse of their monopoly positions?
As far as that goes, I am very mindful of my responsibilities.
I therefore welcome the Czech Presidency and the well-established cooperation with the next country to hold the presidency, Sweden, and I wish you good luck.
Mr President, I do not know what rule this is under, but my voting list has another report to be voted on - Ayala Sender.
In fact, renovation of houses of extremely poor quality might result in a waste of public resources.
The European shipyards are not in a position to compete with the breaking yards of South Asia.
It is not possible to hold a proper debate on all these issues this afternoon.
It is also important to try and coordinate our policies on development aid in order to be more effective in this endeavour.
The next item is the report by Mrs van den Burg on behalf of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, on the proposal for a Council directive amending Directive 2006/112/EC as regards reduced rates of value added tax - C6-0299/2008 -.
As for creating an intermediate category for regions whose GDP is between 75 and 90% of average European GDP, I am in agreement, provided a double condition is met.
I do not speak of other very cruel methods of killing people.
If we are to do so, we have to find ways of facilitating access to employment and of training a skilled, flexible, mobile and motivated labour force.
For this reason, I call on our authorities not to go to the celebrations for the anniversary of the Islamic Republic.
It is essential to take into account the ageing of the population and its consequent effects on society: economic effects, social effects and health effects.
I voted in favour of this report, which seeks to reject a proposal by the European Commission that will not make it possible to remedy the failings identified in the implementation and monitoring of the rules in relation to driving times and rest periods directly linked to safety and social rights.
Ten years ago, there was nothing.
I hope that the European Union will also follow the same code of conduct - the same road map - so that any action carried out by that government will not be considered legitimate.
The Commission supports the rapporteur's view with regard to the need to develop a solution for the secure final disposal of irradiated fuel elements.
I supported his report in today's vote.
This contribution is crucial for the Mauritanian national budget considering, as I said earlier, that annual payments under the Fisheries Partnership Agreement represent 15 to 20% of the country's budget.
It is not a question of ratifying the Treaty of Lisbon here today.
Local governments and non-governmental organisations should join the efforts to help in the area of tackling social exclusion.
The Commission is ready to come back to this specific point in two years' time, when we submit a report to the Council and to this Assembly on the regulation's implementation and effectiveness.
To be frank, I find this sickening.
As Ms Hennicot-Schoepges said, we are not going to lose identity; we offer to share the identity between universities or existing centres and the EIT which is going to be established.
This is why I asked in the explanatory statement for the retention of a separate budget heading.
Do you want a return to the Communist utopia, as in North Korea, in Cuba and other dictatorships?
What, then, was the reason, particularly when we are aware of the difficulties this can entail, such as with Iran at the moment?
I agree with the objectives set out in the report, particularly the support for widening access to broadband Internet, the efforts to reduce differences in this area between the various Member States and the need to invest in education and training in this sector.
This should be recognised as such by sectoral policies.
Oral explanations of vote
Americans are coming closer to the need to reinforce the welfare system.
During the Danish presidency in 2002, when there was a flash flood, they managed to mobilise themselves and prepare the relevant documents in a matter of weeks.
If the flexibility aspect can be reviewed, it means that the Solidarity Fund as an instrument can be improved and made even more effective, thus enabling it to resolve the huge problems that we will increasingly have to face.
You have only yourselves to blame, Italian and European citizens, if you have decided to do something other than pursue a career in one of the Italian parties that govern or have governed cities, regions and nations, and which in governing are governed by the banks.
This impasse is serious for two reasons.
We have brought the law before Parliament.
The EU must speak to China and India, who are in a better place to pressurise the regime, asking them to intervene to protect the demonstrators and help return Burma to democracy.
It is beyond doubt that minimising risks to human health and environmental protection take priority.
However, the possibility of applying such a tax exclusively at European level should first be the subject of a feasibility study by the European Commission.
I consider that the Agency should be independent of Euratom as the roles of promoting nuclear energy and controlling it should not in effect be joined.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (HU) Mr President, I too am very happy that we could still find time for this question.
Even in good times, the German Government of Mr Schröder went through the 3% ceiling, and Greece, of course, broke all the records, because the Greek political class is utterly unable to manage money.
We are living in times when the European public feels excluded from the Union project.
Finally, as regards the impact of a possible agreement, a sustainable impact assessment of a trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur has already been carried out and has been publicly available since March 2009.
Mr President, I would like to say to the President-in-Office of the Council: what a wonderful summit.
In particular I am thinking of the 'single branding' obligation, which will have a negative impact on consumer choice and the independence of dealers with regard to manufacturers.
We also need to raise the general awareness of consumers in this regard.
At this rate, it will take more than six years to clear the ruins in Port-au-Prince.
I am asking you, Commissioner, to try, above all, when we debate the budgetary review, when we are about to start to talk about the budgetary perspectives for post-2013, not to remain completely absorbed by this context of crisis, unless you are going to tell me and tell all European citizens that, in effect, Europe will remain in the crisis for a long time.
We are trying an experiment where I would invite all Members to take seats at the front of the Chamber so that we make this a little more intimate and friendly, and perhaps more of an exchange.
Mr President, I wish to comment on two aspects of this excellent report by Elizabeth Lynne.
We have already seen a good many ugly examples of such conflict in the recent past.
I would like to encourage all EU institutions and Member States to provide the members of society with more detailed information on combating poverty and social exclusion in order to increase the sense of common responsibility and help disperse the prejudice of being a financial burden on society.
Whilst the intention to simplify contract law and expand cross-border trade is commendable, I nonetheless have doubts about the relevance of this approach: indeed there is a high risk that national rules, which provide maximum protection for consumers, will be bypassed.
Recovery is still slow for some countries even today, and the ongoing fragility of financial markets makes global coordination and the choice of appropriate economic and industrial strategies key aspects in combating the financial crisis.
As regards the fuel crisis, we already have the possibility of medium- to long-term measures that are in place, and this would be in combination with the restructuring of the sector.
Agenda of the next sitting: see Minutes
Calendar of part-sessions: see Minutes
Mrs Dati, in my capacity as President I must also thank you and the Presidency of the Council for the work you have accomplished and the efforts that have been made, not least by you personally, over the last six months.
in writing. - The vote in favour of Mr Fazakas is disappointing. It sets a serious precedent.
When many developing countries now want to develop wind power they must use old and unpatented technology.
President of the Commission. - Regarding the situation of Greece, we believe that Greece has taken the necessary steps to reduce the government deficit this year.
There is a group there which, by international standards, is classified as far-right.
The Commission will seek to advance the development of the guidelines referred to in Annex VIIb of the Directive by 2011 and will cooperate with Member States to develop the data and the methodologies needed to estimate and monitor the contribution of heat pumps to the fulfilment of the objectives of the Directive.
Temporary employment agencies will be treated as employers and will have to ensure that employees receive all the rights they are entitled to.
Mr President, there is guilt on both sides, but an overreaction on the part of Israel over this report and indeed over Operation Cast Lead.
We voted on the President of the Commission five months ago in this House and although we did not give him our support then, he received the majority vote.
We know that agricultural policy is to be the subject of a health check, but not a general review.
We passed a resolution in which the proponents declared themselves to be alarmed by the situation in my country.
The levels of coordination provided for in the recommendations, including with partner and professional organisations, extend the scope of feasibility.
You will be aware of the fact that the tenth European Development Fund places greater emphasis on rural development and investment in agriculture than the ninth EDF, for example, where the budget allocated for projects on rural development and agriculture represented - if I remember correctly - 9% of the appropriations.
Thank you.
Written statements (Rule 116): see Minutes
I think therefore that it is important and necessary to review this directive.
With the Swedish Presidency, we have celebrated once again the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is in its 20th year.
I should like to say to all the Members who disagree with this that, as long as you are not out to get a quick headline, but instead have the objectives of cooperating to achieve something for the minorities in Europe, and of all groups in this Parliament, both large and small, pulling together, then jointly we can achieve something for these people.
We are opposed to a ban on the whole idea of nuclear power.
However, unfortunately no change has been made in connection with the fundamental grounds for all matters that fall under the internal market.
I propose that specific fuel payments be made to fishermen, to help them cope with the difficult situation they are currently experiencing. These payments would be linked to the price of fuel oil.
To achieve this, we must also equip ourselves with modern, competitive industry that makes a clean break with the old method of industrial policy making.
In the near future, a whole new set of rules will provide the basis for stable, sustainable growth and job creation.
This agreement not only compensates financially for past losses but also covers their future prevention.
Madam President, my group has visited several Roma communities in Europe and seen the horrendous conditions there.
The separation of powers is the basis of democracy and the constitutional state, and the freedom of the media is essential for democracy and a respect for fundamental freedoms.
After all, freedom, justice and security go hand in hand.
As in all compromises, there are points on which we successfully make our opinion prevail and others which we find harder to accept.
It is an action about which I should like to inform colleagues in writing, calling for the respect of democratically spoken words, and is emblematic not just as regards the situation in Italy.
I have now seen again that in politics there is a real risk of staking everything on a cure-all and then railroading it through with all vigour while promising the people that this will solve all their problems.
We react to it by also making sure that our actions uphold human rights and the values which we hold dear.
Currently, by decision of the Member States, the airlines use all necessary devices, be they child seats or safety belts.
There are no easy solutions or prescriptions, but we urge everyone to be aware that the only solution is a political solution, one which emphasises a strong engagement with Afghan institutions and citizens in their country's development which will have an effect over the long term by creating stable prerequisites for halting opium production and eliminating poverty.
in writing. - I am completely in favour of more stringent rules regarding financial activities and credit rating agencies.
I know that you are known for your gentle approach, but in this regard I agree with my fellow Members that we need to be loud and clear.
I wish to emphasise the positive impact of supporting the Digital Agenda initiatives as part of the flagship initiatives for new skills and jobs, and I would like to see the Commission coming forward with concrete legislative proposals to address the development of the online environment by creating facilities, both financial and administrative, to promote online businesses and e-Commerce.
I wish to thank Commissioner Barnier and the fellow Members who provided positive feedback, not only on my first report, but on the SOLVIT network itself as well.
The report words the proportionality and purpose of data processing more precisely, imposes stricter controls on transfer to third countries, and calls for a group of experts, which is to function as both supervisory authority and performance location.
Firstly, there is an unfortunate tendency to put small and large companies in the automobile industry up against each other.
I am lodging with Parliament's secretariat a full list of the Commission's positions on the amendments.
I defend parliaments and I want to engage with you in this debate.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, in October last year I had the opportunity, as part of a delegation from the Committee on Regional Development, to see all the wonderful things that are being done with EU funds on Madeira, for which reason I, too, feel personally very affected by this disaster.
Given the scope of the threats and total EU forest area, common agricultural policy (CAP) financing through pillar 2 for forests should increase, subject to the existence of national forest programmes (NFPs) and operational management plans, which incorporate the EU biodiversity strategy and long timeframes for forestry projects in sustainable forest management (SFM).
The Zaleski report has its basis in a Commission proposal whose aim is only to renew some of the cooperation agreement with Ukraine following the country's accession to the WTO.
For the above-mentioned reasons, therefore, we vote against this report.
in writing. - (SV) I voted against in the final vote with regard to the Statute for a European private company (SPE).
These opposition rallies are due to last for three days, despite a government ban.
Now despite my antipathy to the Bush Administration's foreign policy, it seems to me that it is a perfectly reasonable position for Bush to take on the basis of US self-interest.
I have been here for 16 years.
In the weeks and months ahead, will he follow up forcefully what he has asked already and for which he has not received answers?
We consider that this approach is the best.
What use are advanced technologies if we no longer have any raw materials?
The European Union, however, must play a stronger political role on the international stage and be able to address major challenges.
Here, the Commission took the views of this House fully into account.
Mr President, I would point out to the Commissioner that the concept and practice of corporate social responsibility has spread rapidly through the business sector during the last decade.
However, ideally it should actually be feasible too.
These days it is important, as we highlight in this report, to emphasise that mobility between countries and between universities and business is a key to achieving greater cooperation between the two worlds, and we encourage not only the extension and expansion of individual mobility schemes such as Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs and Erasmus for Apprentices, but also the organisation of postgraduate European Masters of Excellence programmes, in cooperation with different universities and with the active participation of businesses.
Overturn the capitalist barbarity and the sovereignty of the monopolies.'
It also has value as a positive example for our partners in the world.
At the end of voting time in the plenary session of 6 May 2009, the European Parliament approved a draft directive setting out the terms and conditions for electronic communication.
The economy needs culture and culture needs the economy.
It reminds me a little of the tax return forms in the Czech Republic, which ordinary citizens cannot complete without a tax advisor.
I would also like to point out that these protection systems must be obligatory, otherwise they become arbitrary.
It is also known that progress is possible without altering the central architecture of the Lamfalussy method but, as many of my fellow Members have said, one of the most obvious and urgent tools for obtaining improvements involves stronger and more effective coordination between national regulators and supervisors through greater efficiency at Level 3, increasing powers and competence, strengthening the mechanisms for managing turbulent situations and crises and ensuring consistency of principles and practices.
Trade policy can support climate change objectives by minimising those costs and generating part of the finance required and by fostering regulatory frameworks that support investment and trade in low-carbon goods, services and technology.
It is a step towards political innovation, which must help us to be more transparent and restore people's confidence in politics.
Why has the Commission not been waging war to see all of its proposals approved, and not have them approved separately?
Several have asked about the 30%.
(RO) Shipping and the shipbuilding industry contribute significantly to the economic prosperity of EU countries and provide valuable services to European and global industry, as well as consumers.
In part 2 of your question, we believe that the coordination of information is absolutely necessary.
Financial support to numerous projects created under the auspices of the Regional Competitiveness Programme could be stripped, threatening thousands of associated jobs.
While the anti-terrorist operation in Chechnya was officially declared over last year, violence and the climate of impunity continue there, but even more so in neighbouring Dagestan and also in Ingushetia.
I voted for the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) in favour of Spain because I consider that instrument to be a valuable resource for the support of workers in difficulties on account of the economic crisis.
This would undoubtedly have led to job losses.
It seems to me that this was clearly the main concern for the European Parliament.
This is obviously welcome by those who have been working on damage control day and night for more than a week.
Lastly, one element missing for me is the digital agenda.
You cannot ask a skeleton to tighten its belt.
Agriculture is heavily dependent on EU subsidies.
This often concerns weaknesses, irregularities, trickery - sometimes even fraud and deception.
What remains to be resolved?
The EU proposal was good; it went in the right direction, and we should have liked to improve it.
In the part of the world which I come from, we could not use this market for many decades, and we know what that led to.
That brings us to the end of the list of speakers.
For this there is still no solution.
The borders between the Member States are not impermeable walls, but nets through which society filters daily.
All along, I have defended human rights, but human rights are the same all over the world.
In order to better define the position of third countries, on 22 March of this year the Council adopted a decision authorising the Commission to negotiate with non-EU countries with a view to signing agreements on their associated membership for participation in the European GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) Supervisory Authority (GSA).
The fact is that new expenditure should not necessarily - and indeed absolutely must not - lead to budgetary increases.
Moldova is a divided country.
Evolution of EU macro-regional strategies: present practice and future prospects, especially in the Mediterranean (
This work has been going on for several months now.

Furthermore, the Commission's disability action plan 2003-2010 contains actions which are also relevant for people with Alzheimer's, such as promotion of independent living, quality support and care services, accessibility of mainstream goods and services, and assistive solutions.
Our vote in favour of this measure is a consequence of the formal distinction that has been made between information on medicinal products and advertising.
I am disappointed.
Livestock statistics (twice a year for pigs and bovine animals, and once a year for sheep and goats), monthly slaughtering statistics (head and carcass weight of pigs, bovine animals, sheep, goats and poultry) and meat production forecasts (meat from pigs, bovine animals, sheep and goats) are essential for managing EU markets but the legislation in force, which had become very complex, urgently needed to be dealt with.
I urge, in this respect, the agencies to:
We should finally stop pursuing this blind alley towards supposed accession.
I should also like to highlight Mrs Wallis's involvement in the area of electronic justice.
I would remind you that there is a figure of 7 for nuclear.
The first is to set ourselves a date, a deadline - we are proposing 2015 - by which to lift these exemptions, launching a real withdrawal strategy, including measures that will then be required to demolish these plants in safety and also ensure safety as regards export.
Unfortunately, we had the same situation when we discussed the Slovak language law.
Development challenges increasingly do not respect administrative or political borders.
Some progress still needs to be made: we should remember that neighbourhood and cooperation policies underpin the region's progress towards EU membership and that in the Western Balkans region certain bilateral issues between the various states, both Community and non-Community, are still to be resolved.
But the election of such parties raises the level of fear and, therefore, we need to think about how we react to that.
Willingness to cooperate may help advance the understanding that it is not a matter of choice, but of necessity, for the European Union to integrate immediately this sizeable potential workforce, one that has centuries of experience adapting to their milieu.
(DE) Mr President, I would like to start by commenting on what Commissioner Dimas said.
However, if you appoint a climate commissioner, you must also show that she has real power and will have access to areas such as energy, industry, transport, the environment and agriculture.
As far as technology goes, electric vehicle technology already exists.
The Chagos Archipelago is in the middle of part of this region: Seychelles-Mauritius-Madagascar.
Parliament, the Council and the Commission each have their role, which should be respected, and I hope Parliament will speak with one strong voice, because that will benefit us all and benefit the end result, which I hope will be a balanced and workable compromise text.
In conclusion, I would like to point out that it is important to bring to the fore the issues that can engage Russia in implementing the policies that we have in common - I will not list all these issues here.
It will also result in a rise in xenophobia and a growth in the influence of parties proclaiming populist and nationalist slogans.
Resources are needed, however, to provide the necessary equipment and staff training for example, so that the new principles can be properly implemented and offences against the environment reduced.
Then somebody suddenly called from Commissioner Frattini's office telling me a different story, saying that the letter was still pending.
in writing. - (LT) I agreed with this Protocol to amend the EU-US air transport agreement.
The resolution incorporates the priorities set out in the Commission's communication of last October - to reduce the number of injuries and deaths resulting from alcohol-related road traffic accidents.
I agree with the need to support the moderate Iraqi groups and the Christians who have fled to Kurdistan, and also with the need to remove the references to religious affiliation from identity documents.
Member of the Commission. - (EL) Madam President, it is a top priority for the Commission to conclude a far-reaching international agreement on climate change, covering the period after 2012.
The situation is getting better, but there are still control systems to be improved, problems to be tackled and solutions to be found.
They will be sold at a very low price, which means that we will lose several years of the changeover necessary in order for us to be able to deal with this in the long term and it also means that, after this recession, we will be less well equipped and have a poorer ability to cope with this development if we do not establish such supplementary measures as emissions requirements for large combustion plants.
We have to send a clear message.
This Directive contains a set of general provisions for EC model approval, initial verification procedures and metrological control methods.
However, in territorial terms or, in other words, on the ground, I believe that the European Commission, in exercising its legislative initiative, must act carefully with regard to the different local situations and the differences between sporting disciplines.
This is why I find it incomprehensible that the new Hungarian rural strategy excludes assistance for agricultural raw material production aimed at energy production.
Yet another European Council summit is to deal with the Lisbon Strategy, which is deemed to have failed and needs to be reviewed.
The issue here is the drinking culture and the promotion of social responsibility by alcohol producers in Europe.
Ultimately, I believe that, with the Christmas festivities only a few days away, the adoption of this regulation represents a nice gift for European citizens and Europe itself.
That, in turn, offers us an opportunity to learn from our past mistakes.
President of the Commission. - I think the European Union's position regarding the settlements has been fully in line with that of the international community, including Israel's closest allies.
In this motion for a resolution, the European Parliament encourages Member States to make equal contributions to the content of the Europeana project and step up their efforts in providing works to libraries and national cultural institutions so that all Europeans can have full access to their own cultural heritage.
In this context, I would like to welcome the vision of the common agricultural policy outlined in the report.
My third point is that it is true that there are overcapacities in the market, and indeed that these are on a stupendous scale.
Mrs Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou asked me if the new rules will accelerate mergers between banks; that is not the aim of the reform, but if some banks failed to comply with these new regulations on time and therefore had to merge with their competitors or even their partners, that would lead to greater protection for their depositors and creditors, and to increased financial stability.
The principles of the EU include freedom of movement and solidarity between Member States, and we should not take retrograde steps in that regard.
However, products imported into the EU from third countries very often do not conform to those same high standards.
However, this does not mean that I do not feel moved when I see the European flag hanging from Ljubljana Town Hall or when, at a meeting with our colleague Pierre Lequiller in Yvelines, I heard the European anthem follow the Marseillaise, or when, yesterday, I read in a newspaper that the winner of the Prince of Asturias Prize, the Bulgarian Tzvetan Todorov, had said that 'united in diversity' was what European meant today.
EU food aid is very important in a period of crisis, as the number of unemployed increases and the subsistence level falls.
At the moment, very little account is taken of the environmental costs of human activities, particularly industrial and economic activities, in other words, to use a more technical term, the external costs.
I supported this resolution, in particular, the European Parliament's aim of ensuring legal certainty for stakeholders.
The landfill must be re-covered by a final layer in order to prevent the dispersion of fibres.
It is true that the initial analyses that were carried out for the EURES system did not indicate the need and level of demand for short-term work abroad.
If we do not act, there is a serious risk that these undertakings may disappear and with them one of the most important economic activities, if not the only one, in many of Europe's rural areas, which will pose a serious problem in terms of land use management.
I know it is not included but, again, please do us a favour, look into it and see what you can do when you continue to negotiate.
The main objective of human trafficking is sexual exploitation or enforced slave labour.
- (PL) Madam President, when I hear in this Chamber that the Communists are not prepared to hang their heads, despite the tens of millions of victims of the construction of the White Sea-Baltic Sea Canal, the millions of people deported to Siberia from many nations (including Russians, but the Poles alone have to be counted in millions), and the sentencing of entire nations to death, for example the Crimean Tartars, I am astounded and outraged.
We talked about this during the celebrations.
It really must be dealt with.
Please give us an alternative so that we have something on the table and can discuss, otherwise I am afraid deforestation will continue and so will biodiversity loss.
After all, Europe also has interests that it pursues in the Black Sea region.
There are really too many obstacles hampering citizens wishing to study, work or go and shop in another Member State.
The draft compromise would create an even safer framework for the use of plant protection products in the European Union, and would strengthen our environmental safeguards, and the protection of our citizens' health.
To be continued then!
I would like to highlight a symbolic measure that President Sócrates mentioned earlier: the Council's recent approval of the European Day against the Death Penalty.
My PPE colleagues will raise important issues for each area, and I would like to mention only a few: competitiveness must be based on innovation and research.
I think that it is essential that we create a tripartite committee involving the public authorities, the unions and the shipowners.
The Commission also shares the view set out in the report that - in particular in the freight sector - it is vital to facilitate co-modal chains in which waterborne and rail transport play an important role and intelligent transport systems help to optimise infrastructure use.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, apart from any possible assessments by individual Members or political groups, I believe it is appropriate that we should be able to deliver an opinion on such an important issue.
But surely basic courtesy and basic fairness ought to have prompted us to allow the Government to invite a group from this Parliament to assess the facts of the case, before voting.
(RO) Mr President, I, too, would like to stress the importance of promoting energy efficiency as it can provide significant benefits for the whole economy.
I am thinking here of democratic legitimacy based on scrutiny by the European Parliament.
The concept of human rights has now been expanded to cover new aspects, its definition has become semantically richer, and it is our task to defend these rights.
Instead we stood on the sidelines with passivity and complacency; refusing to read the signs that clearly indicated a situation of political and social turmoil, one which ultimately drove people to the streets in protest.
In the political sphere, we saw on Tuesday this Parliament's attitude to freedom of expression when it voted to hand over a Member of this House for a show trial in France for a thought-crime offence, without even being given the opportunity to defend himself.
The financial crisis that the world has gone through has shown that international financial exchanges need to be subject to minimum rules.
I am very glad to see that the rapporteur, Mr Surján, when discussing aspects of European budgetary policy, emphasises that Europe can stand for opportunities and protection; that is, guaranteeing both internal and external security, offering European citizens protection, and helping to deal with the current problems by giving new momentum to growth, innovation and jobs.
The global financial crisis also gave us a good opportunity to reconsider our priorities and actions, especially in the long-term management of sustainable economic recovery.
I invite the French Presidency, which I congratulate on its rapid action this summer, to consider the idea of the Union for the Black Sea, along the lines of the Union for the Mediterranean.
In conclusion, credit and micro-credits should be given to those who need it via the banks, but without passing through the balance sheet of the latter, only using their expertise and network to facilitate the borrowing of such finances.
Let me also add that it is an honour and a great pleasure to address this prominent audience both on behalf of His Excellency, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and in my capacity as High Representative for the Alliance of Civilisations.
(PT) Mr President, despite the austerity budgets, despite the International Monetary Fund, despite the Stabilisation Fund, and despite a penalty-based mechanism for economic coordination, the attack on the euro continues through the speculative attack on the sovereign debts of several countries.
Furthermore, Jordan has a well developed network of universities and higher education institutions, and well equipped research and technological applications centres in fields that are very relevant to Europe, such as agriculture and agronomy.
Given that the main general goal of Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 is to eradicate poverty by achieving the Millennium Development Goals, cooperation is essentially limited to financing measures that have been designed to satisfy the applicable public development assistance (PDA) criteria.
By strictly applying the Consensus and its associated action plan, we can respond to humanitarian challenges.
Let me end by reaffirming the satisfaction we all feel at the official recognition of sport by the Member States in the reformed Lisbon Treaty.
I also look forward to receiving contributions from the members of this Parliament.
in writing. - The European Union is without any doubt at a crossroads in its evolution, when it is of the utmost importance to acknowledge the need to move forward by tackling all the current complex issues that potentially could stalemate the dynamics of the European integration process.
We hope that the Council will now accept the European Parliament's position, which increases the Commission's proposal from 18 to 20 weeks, and aims to amend the directive that is currently in force and which only sets aside 14 weeks for maternity leave.
Projects involving funding for scientific research aimed at developing clean technologies.
That is what we want, and not for a number of Member States - the ten which have written us a letter - to be penalised for having made good provisions for the future, for their pensions.
The vote will take place shortly.
6.
Composition of Parliament: see Minutes
Currently, the Commission is in the process of preparing such a report for Cyprus.
Women continue to endure discriminatory laws and deeply entrenched cultural inequality.
Finland has demonstrated and proven that aggressive intervention at an early age does make a difference, and that is very much to be welcomed.
Environmental, transport, economic and industrial matters are not yet included in a wise compromise, but they will be, I believe, after the result of tomorrow's vote.
Given that public opinion in our countries is calling for truth, the silence of the Council - and, I must say, of many of our governments - constitutes a missed opportunity for Europe.
So, I am very hopeful that, thanks to the constructive approach of the Presidency, the Council and Parliament, we will have this new and very important instrument in place well before the first anniversary of the Lisbon Treaty coming into force.
I am asking you to take this issue seriously.
(EL) Madam President, I must congratulate Mrs Andrikienon the integrated report which she tabled.
(ET) Ladies and gentlemen, the enlargement of Schengen is an event for all 500 million Europeans and, in fact, for the whole world.
That goes without saying, but we must do it to the same extent everywhere; to the same extent and with the same criteria.
At the summit with Russia, the European Union intends to express its full support for the partnership for modernisation, which will enable us to strengthen our cooperation in all areas, particularly in key areas such as innovation and energy.
I urge that we revise this view in order to enable us to negotiate with the Council on the basis of a position taken by this House.
(GA) Mr President, I would like to thank the Commissioner.
Let me also briefly touch upon some other topics which you will discuss here today during your Social agenda debate.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (CS) Mr President of the European Parliament, Mr President of the European Commission, ladies and gentlemen, I come before you today for the first time as President of the European Council.
However, up to now, there has been no objective report that assesses the forecasts.
The urgency is there, however, and only radical measures can enable stocks to be replenished.
EUR 55 million have been earmarked for action under that priority for the period 2007 to 2010.
Europe's Left instead demands that the European Union implement a consistent peace policy.
They should mention the European College of Security and Defence which plays an important role in the development of a common agreement of PESA by means of the training provided on a strategic level, especially in the context in which the chairperson of SEDE, von Wogau, sent a letter addressed to SG/HR Solana in which he showed support for the activity of ESDC.
(Applause)
We need to have full information on the traders, with their names, addresses and contact details.
The first is that I consider the CAP an important instrument that should be maintained even after 2013, because it supports enterprise.
Mr President, I have lodged an amendment to the Technical Measures Regulation to try to resolve the anomaly that Ian Hudghton just referred to, which has arisen off the west coast of Scotland.
But Amnesty International has also, not unexpectedly, created a lot of enemies.
But efforts to develop this capacity have been sadly and consistently blocked by France.
However, in the present case, I feel that this report must be clearly welcomed, bearing in mind that it represents the only way of controlling quality and guaranteeing good health.
These projects will ultimately contribute to reducing costs and to ensuring informed customer choices in line with Community legislation.
I do not wish to wait for the common agricultural policy post-2013 reform, when we will certainly come here with more solid answers for the entire agricultural sector.
How can we mediate for citizens in a dispute with their country without the country attending the Committee on Petitions?
7.
In standardising technical norms, the regulation brings together Member States and establishes a procedure for official EU certification, defined in Directive 2007/46/EC with regard to every type of vehicle.
Following the recent elections there are one-third fewer women in Silesian politics.
It is naive to place hopes in a database covering the whole of the EU, with all its different languages and IT systems, when the failed attempt to produce a Health Service database for the UK alone has wasted billions of pounds.
It took us two and a half years to agree that instrument because we simply would not give up on certain core rights of Parliament, but we did have to compromise towards the end.
Concerning advertising for credit loans: if there is a figure in an advertisement on credit, it will be mandatory to provide the same standard list of essential information all over the European Union.
Mr President, commissioners, Haiti has demonstrated that poverty severely aggravates the damage done by natural disasters, and also that a lack of governability hinders the possibility of an effective response.
Mr President, we should use more than just words to show our solidarity with a country that has suffered a disaster, as Chile has, and we have heard this today from the Commission representative.
(FR) Madam President, I have one minute to say to you that, despite the determination and the blindness of the European institutions, one thing should be obvious to everyone: the time has come to put an end to Turkey's accession process.
Once again, as in other regrettable situations, the interpretation of Union law seems to give priority to freedom of competition over all other social and economic precepts, even where there are bilateral agreements between Member States.
I call for the whole Quartet, including a strong Arab presence, to make a joint commitment to sending troops with a robust peacekeeping mandate to the Gaza Strip and the surrounding area - in the interests of the people in Gaza, Israel and Egypt.
There will then be numerous opportunities to block the country if Greece should so wish, but to block the country now in this situation, and with the particular geographical location of this country, is totally irresponsible.
The second question, once we have the answer to the first, is whether the European Union should work on a legislative basis or start by issuing recommendations.
I think the bottom line on this debate is that human beings are social beings: they are not machines and they should not be treated as such in the workplace.
Written statements (Rule 142)
As the spokesperson on the environment for the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats), I am concerned that we should create as many sustainable jobs as possible and provide added value on the labour market as a result of the leading role played by Europe in protecting the environment.
It is also necessary to establish measures against the circumvention of deadlines in the registration process in the form of the Commission coming up with more and more comments and supplementary questions.
Since last year it has received a great deal of concrete attention and support in the public domain in the Member States as well as in the Council.
A balance must be struck between strengthening consumer rights and cutting red tape.
Given the objectives and overall structure of the directive, I am in favour of adopting it.
I would be tempted to say yes, but in the medium and long term.
Nevertheless, the structure of the Solidarity Fund should also continue to be developed.
(FR) Mr President, a few weeks ago Ireland said 'no', and I think that, as we all know, this illustrates the increasing split between European citizens.
The legislation regulating the trade in deep-sea fish stocks needs to be thoroughly reviewed.
It is high time for a rethink as regards the use of nuclear energy in Europe.
We fear for her life and are demanding not only adequate health care for her in prison, but also her immediate release.
It is unacceptable that consumers should pay a lot and producers earn little, while speculators reap the rewards.
We, of course, have no choice but to vote against the report and the alternative motion for a resolution.
The programme is aimed at natural and legal persons.
With these regulations, as we have been debating and adopting them here today - particularly with regard to cabotage - there is little sense in going into too much detail when the countries as a whole are not being given the necessary funds to carry out accurate monitoring of these cabotage journeys.
In any case, it is a shared concern, and therefore we must ensure that we provide high-quality training and that there is guidance available.
Despite average health levels within the European Union having improved over time, health disparities still exist between Member States and within Member States in Europe.
We most certainly do!
What also matters a great deal to us is to put an end to the wastage that is occurring everywhere in the existing network structures.
At present over 140 nuclear power stations are operating on the territory of the European Union, with over 190 on the European continent.
in writing. - The EU has ambitious plans, matched against a risk that resources will be increasingly constrained as populations around the globe demand more energy.
While the Internet and the inability to impose any regulation right from the outset have meant that the degree of freedom of our society has been positively enhanced, they have exposed everyone to the uncontrolled risk of terrorism, which, as a result of cryptography as well, is increasingly threatening democracy and everyone's freedom.
I have already said that it is not business as usual and we must absolutely reform the financial markets in a very profound way, in order to be sure that we do not start another crisis of the kind that we have had to cope with.
Please start timing.
Discussions with the Council have shown clearly the shortfalls existing in some Member States for their own citizens at present, especially in relation to legal aid - crucial if people are to have access to the law and some defence against those who have the power - and also where effective systems are not in place to adequately represent lone children and young people in their own right.
The Government has to show its willingness and ability to take more effective action.
President Pöttering confirmed the EU makes 75% of the law.
If we want to maintain a high level of consumption in the future, we must act more responsibly with natural capital that remains and not waste it.
Mr Costa has put an initial question: is the Commission satisfied with that situation and does it believe that the introduction of Regulation (EC) No 551/2004 on airspace organisation is progressing satisfactorily?
If the Commission does not act, stocks of fish species will be endangered.
On the other hand, I would like to applaud the report for stating that the Czech Republic, along with Estonia, Latvia and Slovenia, had a zero level of fraud in drawdowns from the pre-accession SAPARD fund.
I can tell you, however, that I believe that the Greek Government, the Commission, the Eurogroup and Ecofin acted swiftly.
It would therefore be desirable to draw up a yearly European Parliament report on religious freedom in the world which responds in a structured way to a problem that is crucial to the stability of many countries.
That proposal is also subject to Council and Parliamentary approval under the codecision procedure and we will therefore have the opportunity to debate it again here in the coming months.
We feel that the applicable law regime and the jurisdiction rules that are set out are not clear enough: it could have been more patient-oriented to make sure, as we have done in other areas, that patients could bring claims in their country of residence and could receive compensation according to the law of their country of residence.
So far, this programme has not exactly lived up to its promise.
Having seen in recent months some punitive fines on local fishermen in the United Kingdom, I for one reject the suggestion that we need more and stiffer regulations and penalties on our own fleets.
I absolutely endorse the view that a special line should be set up in the budget for the Black Sea Synergy.
This vote will help in that regard.
I believe that this reflects Parliament's constructive approach.
These are two very different concepts.
These figures are low in comparison to the official mortality estimates for seasonal influenza, which the Commission put at 40 000 deaths in a moderate year and 220 000 in a particularly severe season.
When are we going to reach the same level as the United States, and what is the Commission doing, and what can it do, to ensure this level is reached?
The countries were divided into four groups, and my own country, Slovakia, unfortunately obtained a very unflattering place in only the third group, investing just 0.48% of the original 2% it had committed to investing in science, education and research in Europe 2020.
Access to water, which will be one of the main challenges in the years to come, could further delay the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
The production of renewable energy provides additional jobs and helps to reduce CO2 emissions and the dependence on fossil fuels.
It is agreed that discrimination in pay based on gender is diminished by existing legislation.
I urge the Commission and the governments of the Member States to vigorously oppose the use of sexual aggression, intimidation and harassment of women in Libya and Egypt.
the report by Gianluca Susta, on behalf of the Committee on International Trade, on the impact of counterfeiting on international trade and
It is well over a year since the Alliance for European Integration has been in power and significant progress has been made in reforming the Republic of Moldova's society and economy.
This has to do with acceptance by the people and transparency.
In its most recent report on these matters (February 2011), the Commission stated that Bulgaria needed to improve further the way the judiciary, police and other investigative bodies are structured, managed and cooperate.
Although this was not one of its overt aims, the Erasmus programme succeeded in making students understand the very essence of the European Union: freedom of movement within this diverse yet united family.
Given the levels of overfishing and concerns over fishing stocks including cod and bluefin tuna, we still need good management of existing stocks.
Subsidies should be channelled into these areas and not into short-term support determined by fluctuating oil prices.
Out of those same tragedies and catastrophes, however, sprung forth the democracies of Europe and, in the last fifty years, a season of peace has been built on those ruins, a peace that we have a duty to defend, and to carry beyond the borders of the Union: fifty years of peace that have been the greatest achievement of a united Europe.
However, likewise it is incorrect that the world has stayed silent for so long; we can no longer remain silent.
(PT) The Green Paper on climate change draws attention to the natural phenomena aggravated by climate change.
It was the Council's failure last time to come to us with a serious offer of improvement meeting MEPs' concerns that made it necessary for us to strike down the interim agreement.
I would like to thank the authors of the May resolution for the excellent team work we have had and the very constructive cooperation on this file and your constructive way of finding solutions to move forward within the new institutional framework.
These rights are enshrined in international law (including Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights where States Parties recognise 'the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health' and Article 12 of the Convention for the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women on eliminating 'discrimination against women in the field of health care in order to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and women, access to health care services, including those related to family planning').
Instead of keeping the PMOI on our terror list, we should put the revolutionary guards of Iran on the EU terror list.
Gradual integration of the former Yugoslav republics is crucial for stability in the Western Balkan region.
In the case of cars, available studies show that, on average, the foreign content of Korean cars is between 10% and 15%.
We accepted all the socialist rapporteur's proposals.
I believe that we ought to strengthen customs barriers because the EU should protect not only consumers, not only its industry, it should not only support free competition by means of equal market access opportunities, but it should also take action on social and environmental grounds as regards the highly speculative output of Chinese industry.
We need to engage more with our neighbouring countries, particularly after the three conflicts that have occurred in the last six months, in Gaza, Ukraine and Georgia.
The directive that we have very recently put in place includes a lot of limitations, requirements, restrictions and demands, in order to provide maximum protection as regards the effects on the environment and human health.
Mrs Macovei and Commissioner Füle have explained what this brave action entails.
I, as a member of the US delegation working on the Transatlantic Economic Council, hope that we can take further the work that we have already done there and transpose that into real efforts within this House, instead of seeing some of the silly efforts from some, on issues like chicken, which help blight that particular relationship.
We could have lost a whole year!
We shall now proceed to the signing.
Parliament has already presented its reports.
Because of this, I was also a little disappointed that in the EU's 2020 strategy, a minuscule amount was invested in agriculture and forestry.
How can the Commission have given the go-ahead for this kind of project, merely proposing compulsory labelling and a review of the provisions in 2 years' time etc.?
It is also important that, where Member States have poorly functioning control mechanisms, this be made known so that farmers and the organisations representing their interests are able to call those authorities to account if they suffer damage as a result.
This is precisely part of the work we have been developing with Turkey over the years.
At the same time, Europe is bringing its legislation into line with that of its most influential trade partners.
As we know, disasters are deeply unfair, and they almost always have the greatest effect on those who are least able to protect themselves, be they people or countries.
We have a system that is an improvement on the internal system.
Teachers should, at all events, have the necessary qualifications, which are so important for a multicultural environment.
(HU) Mr Barnier, Commissioner, like every initiative, this one too has many masters.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue card question under Rule 149(8))
Thus, the Daily Telegraph today reported that documents have come into its possession indicating that the cost of this project has risen to the astronomical figure of GBP 137 million.
There will be reciprocity.
We have not seen his position on modified products.
By way of illustration, it has been stated that in 2030 the EU's reliance on oil is expected to reach 95%.
Madam President, first of all, I would like to thank Mrs García Pérez, Mrs Jöns and Mr Angelaka, who have submitted excellent reports, and all the Members who have spoken.
A consistent approach to climate change should focus on reducing this dependence.
You should take the credit for the fact that all the nuclear power stations in the EU are finally going to be inspected.
In cases where an upgrade is technically or economically not feasible, reactors will have to be shut down and decommissioned.
We must safeguard the right of free expression.
(DE) Madam Vice-President, when the latest information is available, rapid decision-making is needed.
Lastly, this resolution chooses to overlook the need to harmonise the tax base, which is of vital importance to the creation of a European social model.
in writing. - I voted against this resolution because the amendments adopted left us with a text which paid insufficient attention to nuclear safety issues.
This confirms once again that the common agricultural policy is not about efficient production.
Employment guidelines were set out.
That is why it was necessary to indicate which road to take and where to cross borders.
It is without a doubt the worst atrocity in Europe since the Second World War.
There is a crisis of confidence, and that means that what we need to ask ourselves is how we need to change, how our attitude needs to change: our political, institutional and personal attitude.
It is also important that Member States' health services know their obligations, and that they retain the right to choose, manage and provide their own healthcare services as they see fit.
In the face of the economic crisis, the coordinated recovery plan adopted by the 27 should be applied without delay, to protect industry, competitiveness and European jobs.
Against this background, then, the primary objective is to settle and define the limits within which the public and private media can cooperate and intervene.
Today, I would personally like to highlight the agreement concluded between the Commission and the working party of the European Parliament on the framework agreement, and thank you, Mr Vice-President, for your personal involvement.
We have made many new joint discoveries during the debate in committee.
We need clarity, we need to define who is responsible for passengers' rights, what the scope of those rights is going to be and the deadlines for exercising them.
The proposed amendments, however, could negatively affect this delicate balance.
The European Union, in roundly condemning what has happened, must respond with appropriate political initiatives.
This report is a first step towards the beginnings of freedom of expression and clear-sightedness.
However, at this point I would like to draw the attention of the Member States to the fact that this is possible only if the Member States also take their duties seriously.
In several of the countries concerned there is widespread corruption, with the effect that the money from the agreements does not benefit the local population.
Reducing health inequalities (
Yet there is also a great deal of work still to be done closer to home, and indeed even in our group, particularly with the support of our Chair, Mr Daul.
This is an unacceptable limitation of the choice consumers ought to have, and I expect the Commission to bring solutions to change this type of situation.
It took five years for the Member States to implement this.
In order to prevent this from happening, we need the solution to be a European one that is economically viable now, and in the medium and long term, in which employment is prioritised in the form of the competitiveness and productivity of emblematic plants such as Figueruelas.
Ladies and gentlemen, today we are also talking about the future, because within a year, Europeans will be confronting the greatest budgetary adjustment programme in living memory in each of our Member States.
If we are going to deal with market forces we are going to have to face up to the realities of life.
EU-Uzbekistan relations have to be put in this context, where encouragement to take positive steps to improve human rights and democratisation are the basis of dialogue and cooperation.
Before doing so, let me say that the report from Mr Deprez and the entire committee is excellent, and the PPE-DE Group would like to vote in favour of it.
We consider it essential for the liberalising trend seen in successive CAP reforms to be reversed and measures to be taken to maintain national sugar beet production, supporting agriculture that is essentially focused upon food production and thus helping to safeguard the two factories' production as well as employment.
As I said yesterday in the debate on the financial crisis, the Commission, for the first time, has managed within 24 hours to get proposals on the table.
(ES) Madam President, over the last five years, as an MEP who is a member of the Committee on Petitions, I have examined hundreds and hundreds of petitions, complaints and questions regarding the environment, and I have seen the very limited extent of cooperation by the national authorities.
Why not?
For similar reasons we should take a critical view of the support evinced in the text for tax base harmonisation.
Much has changed in the last 50 years though.
We want to do that; we want an internal market that can perform.
7.
Voting time
I am going to be strict with the times, not least because Mrs Malmström has to leave Parliament at 18:00.
Labels must simply be shorter, so that manufacturers can target a single market and do not need to sew whole newspapers into items of clothing, thus confusing the consumer; food labelling has already shown us how far this can go.
The June List has previously pointed out in this Parliament - and now does so again - that the Member States alone are responsible for the organisation of teaching and the content of education systems.
Then Chancellor Merkel ensured that EU-Mediterranean relations would be developed further within the existing EU structures.
(FR) Madam President, Commissioner, I simply want to congratulate the rapporteurs and also the Council Presidency on the results achieved at this stage of the debate and preparation of the texts.
(DE) Mr President, for years, we have been observing a phenomenon that seems to leave the European Union powerless, namely an enormous rate of farms going under which undermines EU states' self-sufficiency.
Unfortunately, both the main parties have tried to mitigate and reduce the constitutional protection of forests.
Fellow Members, let us not delude ourselves that ordinary Greeks are totally blameless for what has happened in Greece.
As far as we are concerned this is unfinished business.
For non-national minorities, and I am only talking about them, the community approach has to be rejected because it will inevitably destroy the coherence of many European nations.
After eight years of tinkering, we know that the aim of the measure proposed by the Commission - the migration from SIS 1+ to SIS II - is unachievable by the Member States, both on technical and legal grounds.
The established parties and groups decide who gets funding.
The lack of a regulation on the designation of origin of goods undermines the right of citizens and consumers and prevents the proper functioning of the market, which, to be free, must have common and shared rules.
Indeed, they often sacrifice their own careers, their own chosen path, as it were, in order to try and do this.
Concerning ITER, the way in which we have used this flexibility mechanism for ITER 2010 clearly shows that we will need this mechanism and that we must take up what is before us today.
The system in place up to now is an anachronism from the times of agricultural overproduction, which fortunately are now a thing of the past.
President of Georgia. - Mr President, I am humbled by the immense honour that your invitation signifies for my country, and I would like to thank you and all the political groups for this exceptional opportunity.
Here, appropriate measures are to be taken later, if they prove necessary.
10.
A basic tool for the rational delimitation of uses of the sea is cross-border maritime spatial planning.
Madam President, Sudan has been ruled for many years now by regimes founded on a combination of military force, Arab national pride and a conservative interpretation of Islam.
That, I am afraid, is discrimination which is unacceptable, and this on a day of history when we remember all those who have fallen in warfare and in a week when we have remembered the horrors of Kristallnacht and the tragic events which followed, and where we have celebrated the achievement of all those who contributed to the fall of Communism, in Poland, where it began, in Hungary, in the Baltic States, in countries throughout Eastern and Central Europe and, of course, ultimately in Berlin.
A group of extremist settlers - not poor Jews who were persecuted and escaped from the dreadful tragedy of the Holocaust, but fundamentalists who believe that that land is theirs by divine right - is claiming ownership of the house and 26 other homes in the same district, on the basis, as Mr Matsakis said, of an Ottoman code dating from the nineteenth century of undoubted authenticity, disputed even by the US authorities.
Unemployment is falling in some countries.
However, we must put under the microscope activities that were undertaken in the past on the basis of a surplus in this budget.
But the report has faced opposition from scaremongers who claim it will strengthen the Commission.
In physical and life sciences, the proportion of non-Americans is more than 50%.
Mr President, the author of this report, Alejandro Cercas, is as engaging and intelligent a socialist as you could ask to meet, and there is a measure of reason in his assertion that there is an asymmetry caused by some derogations and opt-outs.
Further delays carry with them budgetary, political, legal and even socio-economic consequences.
Should we go for the system we have in the Commission, where we are trying to create a conducive environment and managerial incentives for those DGs which can actually fulfil the goals established for women?
We do not have one; we have a President of the Commission.
Since it may well prove politically too difficult to implement a Community method for both evaluations and suspension, however worthwhile, would it not be better to make European substance the priority by launching infringement proceedings when necessary against Member States in breach of Schengen rules?
Ladies and gentlemen, I, too, regret the ruling of the Turkish Constitutional Court.
Why do we actually need such a high number of academics when there are no suitable jobs for them?
This means that choices have to be made and that, unfortunately, we cannot always play Santa Claus to everything and everyone.
It is important to make clear our positive approach to Ukraine.
I believe that Europe must be the citizens' Europe, and this can only happen if we make it more democratic and transparent.
Across Europe, the death toll will run into hundreds of thousands, but, because this truth shames the political elite and because it highlights the inconvenient truth of global cooling, this scandal will be buried as quietly as are our elderly dead.
Broadening the driving and rest period rules to include drivers in lorries under 3.5 tonnes would do more for safety.
Our market access conditions are important conditions because they affect food and they affect the health of our residents.
Excessive fines would eliminate general manufacturers.
There are two equally important conclusions to this statement in the UN Charter.
It recommends no derogations on seasons or minimum sizes.
Furthermore, the number of passengers rescued was higher than that recorded in the official passenger list, which raises serious concerns about ensuring general passenger safety and the possible threat of terrorism.
(Applause)
Since the Directive was adopted at second reading, I believe that the Member States will, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, solve this problem to the satisfaction of people who are blind or partially sighted.
And therefore they could spill over in all Europe; this is a European problem.
This is why I fully support the practice of including legally binding clauses regarding human rights in the European Union's international agreements.
However, awareness of the fact that the key to greater competitiveness and innovation is appropriate care for the quality of human resources goes back much further.
I voted in favour of the report on the appointment of Mr Montalvo to the post of Executive Director of the European Supervisory Authority (European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority).
I would therefore ask the Commissioner to place these two points from plenary on the Commission's agenda and ensure that the Commission has an answer for the European Parliament in this regard.
Furthermore, Parliament has made it very clear that in future no delays will be tolerated, and the setting up of the Galileo Interinstitutional Panel will contribute to this.
Therefore, the stepping up by the EU of the fight against human trafficking is to be welcomed.
It is also intended to steer efforts by the Member States in the right direction.
He therefore had to hurriedly leave Strasbourg to return to his residence on the order of the Italian courts, which ordered the search of an MEP, that is to say of the private residence of an MEP, in clear breach of the fundamental aspects of our prerogatives and immunities.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (DE) Madam President, my group, the Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left, rejects the resolution that has been tabled on Kosovo.
The response of the European Union to this crisis is vital.
This requires an adjustment of the scope of application.
Actually, as we speak, I must put on record that our Government has recently launched the Home Energy Saving Retrofit grant scheme.
Finally I would also like to say that it is one thing to draft legislation, but the legislation also has to be applied.
Finally, I congratulate Commissioner Oettinger for finding a consensus on the criteria and the practical details of implementing the stress tests for nuclear installations, which will enable us to ensure the highest safety levels in the world.
There are two final elements.
In the course of the next couple of months, there will be a meeting of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, and you can be sure that there will be a dialogue of substance, which will deal with the issues that we are all concerned about and how to approach them.
In this area, it is essential for people to feel that they are supported both by national governments and by the EU as a whole.
No matter what happens at the UN climate conference in less than two weeks in Copenhagen, extreme weather conditions, like the flooding in Ireland, will become more frequent.
My appeal to the Greek leaders is to explain in honest terms to the population of Greece the difficult choices that the country has to make.
We must therefore tackle this problem with the Russians in an extremely subtle but firm manner.
If ever there was a subsidiarity issue, this should be it.
The only measure that we can take is to ban these stores from operating, after which we need to focus our efforts on halting the online sale of these substances.
What is established between governments is of a rather different nature.
The quality of the work they produce is first-class, because it comes from the European Parliament.
In view of this, it is crucial that Parliament have an effective opportunity to evaluate this instrument and ensure that it is being used correctly in supporting people and institutions working in their respective countries, under very adverse conditions, to counter oppressive regimes or trends.
We must also harmonise the principles for recognising administrative documents, in order to make the everyday lives of our citizens easier and to make it simpler for businesses to operate. Indeed, this is what they expect of us.
But I want to say, too, that there is greater coherence than perhaps anyone listening to this debate might imagine.
Only a united Europe will be able to realise the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy.
However there is still, as you know, on the one hand, the bilateral aspect, concerning the relations with each country and, on the other, the multilateral aspect, which is now one of the core concerns of the Union for the Mediterranean.
The system of transferring from one type of gear to another is made more flexible so that it is possible to respond to external circumstances, such as rising fuel prices, which, even after the fall over the last few weeks, are at a particularly high level.
9.
I am pleased that the Commission accepts that business has an important role to play.
Ensure that the Structural Funds contribute to the objectives we have set for 2020.
It is more than fair to highlight the role of the universities in that respect.
What we are discussing today are the sad remains.

The first is: is there not a fundamental problem with an economic system in which profit is privatised and the costs and the damages are nationalised and paid by taxpayers, most of whom are poor people - or a lot of them are poor people - who have to pay for the bad decisions of a narrow, rich corporate elite?
That is why this package of measures is essential for giving the authorities that deal with the problem - namely approval and certification bodies and customs services - the weaponry they need to combat abuses of the CE marking system.
The report must be readable.
They should be an absolute last resort.
52.
Union diplomacy in general should devote more attention to issues related to raw materials.
I wonder how you can talk about common values when, in a country like Mauritania, there is no religious freedom to speak of because, there, Islam has been dominant for well over a thousand years.
We should, however, be consistent and also tackle the other factors that attract immigrants.
We can be proud - as the Commissioner has just said - that other monitoring missions have subscribed to our judgment, for instance the Commonwealth Delegation and the International Republican Institute from the United States.
There may be lots of theories and such speculation, but the truth is we do not have the answer, and we need that and to be given the extra support.
We need to be very clear on that.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (DE) Mr President, I, too, would like to congratulate my fellow Member Mr Groote on this report.
I would like to underline various facts regarding these assertions by the current regime.
Let us act together.
Finally, I applaud the report's appeal for multilateral dialogue between the EU, Africa and China.
The debate is closed.
(DE) Madam President, Mr De Gucht, ladies and gentlemen, this may seem an unusual way to open a speech in the European Parliament, but I must admit that I am not sure that this is the right time to conclude a trade agreement with Japan - or indeed whether such an agreement is advisable at all.
I call on the Chinese authorities to accept possible contributions by ICOMOS, which has impressive experience in the management of urban historic landscapes, and I ask the Chinese Government to agree to lift Kashgar to UNESCO world heritage status that will include several cultural sites along the ancient Silk Road.
Furthermore, I am pleased that particular emphasis is at last being given to small operators and not just to large movements of capital.
I expressly welcome the fact that the Commission has already taken a positive stance in relation to several proposals from the Parliament.
Our European Parliament must not stop at this joint resolution.
Once again this summer, forest fires have devastated the south of France.
The adopted text does not make any mention of this.
Our response to the crisis cannot be limited to technical measures to address regulatory problems.
I also congratulate the rapporteur on the work he has done.
Thus we must be all the more careful with the funds, particularly in view of the crisis weighing on people's minds.
Oral explanations of vote
The Commission has not as yet proposed any specific measures.
There are other key aspects such as access to education, the overturning of social stereotypes, the issues and difficulties facing women in rural communities, which we cannot ignore.
We are generous, too, when it comes to infrastructure and adopt very comprehensive prescriptive measures here.
ACTA is about establishing a new tool that will ensure that existing intellectual property rights are effectively protected.
I appreciate the rapporteurs' work on this set of coherent and effective measures, reflecting both EU objectives, and the points of view of most MEPs concerning a vital field for the development and strengthening of ties between education, research and innovation, and in particular for the building of the European information society, adapted to global economy and capable of contributing to economic growth by generating employment and providing better services, thus improving the overall quality of life of European citizens.
Funding is not enough; funding alone is no longer sufficient; what is required is substantial renewed political action.
Our leverage is limited: Russia is not a candidate country; it does not want to join the European Union; it is following its own course.
(FR) Madam President, I would like to thank Bernd Lange for his excellent work.
The criticism that I have is that we in Parliament allow the way in which we deal with the programme to be dictated to us.
Mr President, the Wojciechowski report on the proposal for a Council regulation on the protection of animals at the time of killing raises the very important subject of animal welfare.
Thank you for calling attention to this.
I voted, therefore, in order to help Member State governments, but that should not be read to mean that I want a Member State government to interfere in the affairs of finance houses and banks.
Mortgages increase as the price of property rises and decrease as it falls.
It is about time we put exploitation, extraction, etcetera on the agenda.
We therefore find ourselves in a situation in which the level of dependence, in other words, the number of people aged over 65 compared to the number of people between 15 and 64 years of age is set to double, and will rise to over 50% between now and 2050, which means that the Union, which previously had four people of working age for every person over 65, will see this figure fall to just two.
I am thinking of instances such as phallometric testing in the Czech Republic, right here in Europe, or the documents of the Committee against Torture, which brought to light many cases such as forced repatriation without the right to appeal or based on hurried-through procedures.
A more active European involvement would mean a real opportunity for this area which has a huge, insufficiently exploited potential, considering the frozen conflicts and tense relations between some countries in the area.
They believe that the deficits are primarily the product of bad intentions on the part of those States, as though the neoliberal model that you never question had not just been through its worst crisis since 1929, and as if it were not already leading to pressure on the buying power of ordinary people and causing a massive contraction in tax income: two problems that were at the root of the rise in private and public indebtedness in the first place.
Mr President, last week it was stated in the EU Observer that Jacques Delors had a pessimistic view of the future of the euro zone.
I will conclude by reiterating the need to review the regulatory framework currently in force, represented by the General Product Safety Directive, according to the guidelines set out today by the vote of Parliament.
In relation to actually ensuring the protection of intellectual property, it can be said that on a global scale there is now a whole range of recognised, functioning and sufficiently proven instruments, institutions and contractual arrangements which currently ensure protection against counterfeits.
That is why it is vitally important for the Commission to continue to play an active role in the current negotiations, attracting a greater number of participants; there are, unfortunately, only twelve at present.
It will define a methodology that can be used for the various means of transport.

I must say that if we cannot understand the tough situation Member States are in today, we do not understand the reality for citizens.
He tells us than in 2001 no poppies were being grown in Afghanistan, whereas now, after nine years of conflict and allied influence, Afghanistan supplies more than 90% of the heroin in Europe.
Greece and Ireland will eventually default on their debts, and we will all be shown to have thrown good money after bad.
It is also one of the cheapest.
The colegislators - Council and Parliament - decided to split the original proposal into two separate Regulations: one for the amendment of Regulation No 11 on transport, based on Article 75 (3), which does not provide for any intervention by the European Parliament in the legislative procedure, and on which the Committee on Transport gave its opinion; and another Regulation concerning amendment of the Regulation on the hygiene of foodstuffs, based on Articles 95 and 152 (4b), on which the Committee on the Environment is to give its opinion shortly.
It has been a great honour for me to serve Europe in this way and I would like to express my thanks for this opportunity.
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (vote)
On the other hand, it is unacceptable to keep full harmonisation regarding chapter V, relating to unfair terms.
(EL) Mr President, the discussions in Poznań, and in Copenhagen a year from now must succeed.
During 2009, the European Commission tabled a proposed amendment to Regulation 1905/2006, which establishes a financing instrument for development cooperation.
The next item is the report by Mrs Grabowska, on behalf of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, on the perspectives for developing civil dialogue under the Treaty of Lisbon.
The MONUC head claims that they have instructions to open fire if necessary.
The delegation will become fully operational towards the second half of 2008.
Commissioner, you say that the Member State is committing itself to this.
For the past ten years, we have been telling citizens that research and development can be better accomplished and financed at EU level.
That agreement is due to be signed and come into force in the near future as soon as the Russian Federation has completed its domestic procedures for signature.
I voted in favour so as to ensure that funds are coordinated better and that regional and local authorities are involved in the development and implementation of partnership contracts.
Support schemes for farmers (support for cotton) (debate)
They forget that the important issue is to choose the correct activity, project content and quality, efficient implementation and project benefits.
Farmers generally receive around 8% of the final retail price.
However, I voted against the report, owing to its pro-abortion stance. It is particularly perverse to appear to act in the interests of children whilst, in fact, promoting initiatives that would deny their very right to life.
Anyone having supported East Timor from the beginning cannot fail to feel renewed sadness at this incident which we vehemently condemn.
In contrast to the large stimulus packages which, over the last year, have been set up predominantly to rescue the financial system as such, this programme is aimed directly at entrepreneurs, not banks.
Therefore, these discussions are needed as is the resolution.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, although I am replacing my colleague Günther Oettinger today, it is a real pleasure to discuss with you the future of low-carbon technologies.
European solutions are not developed by a single Member State; they must be developed by Community institutions.
The way women in developing countries are disadvantaged by religious rules, cultural practices and poverty is usually further worsened by the lack of education.
We are gathering scientific evidence.
It is time we learned the lessons of the financial crisis.
As for gas storage, we are considering this, but 90 days should not be necessary for everyone, because it very much depends on imports.
Prompt action is required to translate the political agreement reached into action, as well as to put into operation the EUR 7.2 billion earmarked for 'fast-start financing' for developing countries.
Commissioner Figel', what is your view on this?
The same situation applies to Kosovan citizens too, so that anyone who can obtain their passport in Serbia will enjoy visa-free travel.
That will be built into the structure at headquarters as well as throughout our delegations in order to be able to monitor the human rights situation and promote an effective realisation of EU human rights policy goals.
in writing. - I voted against this report as I question the propriety of granting Iceland any concessions regarding the importation of fisheries produce into the EU when they continue to persist with their approach on the management of mackerel, with the negative impact this is likely to have on EU pelagic fishermen.
Greece and other countries in southern Europe have to make a huge effort with scant resources to control illegal immigration.
The idea that it is possible, or desirable, to isolate and protect an economic sector from competition, where this competition is healthy and fair, is an economic error and a political deception.
(DE) Mr President, all those of us who have spoken here have voiced our commitment to more species protection and more biodiversity.
Has the European Union joined in those discussions in trying to bridge the gap with the United States and others to try to bring the remaining issues to a resolution?
There will then be further discussion and an informal meeting of Foreign Ministers - the Gymnich - in the month of September and we will continue talking about these issues among ourselves here in Parliament.
I voted for this report which supports the application of the proposal to both Geneva Convention refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection.
Taiwan has most recently been struck by tragedy. However, we are fully aware of the fact that many disasters of this kind have occurred in the past, and that many more will occur in the future.
The public has not been consulted, and neither has the democratic opposition.
The report should definitely have included a text listing the excessive burden of taxation and the high social security contributions among the principal reasons for the existence and even the growth of the grey economy in certain sectors.
Yet now people are acting as if they are the scourge of the European Union.
And for two years Sanji Fati was in charge of enforcing Guinea-Bissau's fishing rules.
We have made a great deal of progress as a result of eCall and at the end of this year the Commission will present a new communication to Parliament and the Council setting out the final stages for the achievement of eCall.
The debate is now focused on a reference made to the 2001 and 2004 Directives on copyright and on cooperation among the various stakeholders.
The United Kingdom, for example, already has a rigorous regulatory authority, the CAA, while at the same time most of the airports want to be deregulated and indeed the trend is in that direction.
Leaving the Posting of Workers Directive behind for a second, I would like to draw your attention to another related subject, to the complaint that the company TNT has filed with the Commission following a judgment by an administrative tribunal in Berlin, claiming that the German government, by imposing a minimum wage in the postal sector, has failed to take into account the economic impact of the minimum wage - we are talking about a minimum wage of EUR 9.80 an hour - on its competitors.
Tyres for motor vehicles and their trailers (
(SK) Mr President, in the submitted proposal, the Commission proposes applying a minimum standard VAT rate of 15% for a further 5 years up to 2015.
Thank you once again for the report and your attention.
Furthermore, Turkey continues to hinder progress in the search for a solution to the Cyprus problem.
Nevertheless, many - in this House and elsewhere - are, understandably, now calling for a boycott of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, if not for a total boycott of the Games themselves.
An EU Commissioner must not be abused for the purpose of socialist propaganda and for internal political ends.
Partly as a result of new scientific knowledge on the subject, the text - a recast of the 2003 directive - seeks to introduce restrictions on the use of materials such as cadmium, chlorine, mercury and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which have been shown to endanger human health.
This is what I want to stress.
I also welcome the acceptance by the Commission of many of the concerns expressed by this Parliament when we rejected the interim agreement as inadequate.
Five Member States do not have a coastline and do not supply the data provided for in the directive.
This time it is the Unity Government of Zanu and MDC.
Me?
Particular attention must be focused on this, but it is not an issue which only Bulgaria will face.
Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, as you know, the European Union has, for ten years now, been trying to arm itself with legislative instruments in the area of economic immigration.
Madam President, I strongly supported paragraph 25 of this resolution which 'regrets that with the limited increase foreseen for the Progress programme ...', because the Commission committed back in 2010 to reinstate the EUR 20 million that was going from Progress to microfinance and that obviously is not going to happen.
Secularism, hand in hand with religious tolerance, human rights and freedom of speech are values which our Parliament supports with all possible means.
Since the package was presented by the Commission, through the work of several presidencies - most recently the Slovenian Presidency - the Council has adopted six Common Positions on the following proposals: investigation of accidents, classification societies, port state control, traffic monitoring, and the Athens Convention, all while taking account of European Parliament opinions such as those adopted in April last year.
There is a growing awareness in Scotland that discards are a direct result of EU regulation and, in particular, the cod recovery plan.
This may be due to a number of factors.
Overall, the most targeted sectors are agriculture and food products, iron and steel, metal, automobiles, textiles and toys.
(DA) Mr President, at the core of the problems that we are concerned with here is the demographic imbalance in the world.
This motion for a resolution is idle talk designed to make people forget that Parliament can only accept or reject.
However, it is incompatible, under EU law, with the new exclusive competence on foreign direct investment.
I refer to the work carried out by Mr Durão Barroso.
Only a well-informed consumer is able to detect misleading advertising and avoid the disappointment it may cause.
Furthermore, it comes at a terrible moment when Brazil is facing the worst natural disaster in its history.
The Guard's aim is to protect Hungary from attacks from neighbouring countries but its officials are stating that they will never abandon their demand that all Hungarians should live in one state.
He is wrong because he is watering down the position adopted by this House previously in the Berès report.
The debate is closed.
The compulsory buffer zone of 10 metres from surface water is not a good idea for some Member States.
Our sixth point is that there is a direct link between families' social circumstances and children's growth.
The report nevertheless calls for a 'free trade' agreement between the EU and Korea and for trade liberalisation, when it is known that such policies have favoured and will continue to favour the concentration of wealth on the large economic and financial groups both in the EU and in Korea.
That brings us to a question and to seek answers on what we might call market regulation and the way in which we can limit this infamous price volatility.
If we look at corrections to stock markets over recent weeks, they have not been greater than previous market corrections over the last two years; however, what happened recently is unusual in that it gave rise to a liquidity crisis in the interbank markets, which obliged the central banks to inject large amounts of money.
As it did in the negotiation of the SWIFT agreement, Parliament will succeed in safeguarding citizens' privacy.
This is happening while the dictator Mugabe declared that the people were extremely happy.
This situation would benefit both Greenland, which exports 87% of its fisheries products to the European Union, and the Union; Denmark in particular, which is the recipient of the majority of these exports.
You must therefore be bold.
We are in favour of this directive on indications or marks identifying the lot to which a foodstuff belongs, not least because criminals all too often falsify codes for illegal purposes.
(HU) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, although Cancún in itself does not yet represent a turning point, without it, we would not have the chance to reach a turning point one year from now in Durban.
Are they aware of the report by the Italian Carabinieri of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies concerning milk quotas?
(NL) Madam President, Commissioner, it is vital that we set the bar high with these stress tests and that the tests are actually conducted according to the same criteria across the whole of Europe.
I believe a good way can be found to share out the digital dividend so as to take account of broadcasters' legitimate interests while providing as much flexibility as possible for new services too.
However, who forced us into it?
For God's sake, let the centre unite.
Offering these countries a clearer prospect of accession would be a stabilising factor and would act as a catalyst to internal progress in candidate countries.
I work very closely with Commissioner Fischer Boel when looking at trade agreements to make sure that the agriculture side of our agreements represents a real strength and a real opportunity.
Our support for this report does not imply support for the paragraph in the report (Paragraph 56) which calls for the UN resolution on a death penalty moratorium to be implemented.
If wrong decisions and unwelcome developments are to be avoided, statistics must be meaningful, reliable, open to only one interpretation and therefore comparable too.
The European Union, the UN and the African Union must make joint efforts to renew the peace process in Darfur and to help to find a just and lasting agreement that is signed by all interested parties.
We had a good compromise in the Agriculture Committee and it should not be picked apart at this stage.
We should support efforts to make books searchable, readable and downloadable.
2.
This problem needs to be watched closely.
What can the Commission do to assist the survival of those airports and allow them to function economically?
After all, development aid alone will not be enough to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I would like to express my appreciation and admiration for the efficient handling of the Solvency II file by the European Parliament and for your willingness to compromise.
(SK) Madam President, I would like to turn to the head of the Hungarian Government.
That means not just preaching to others in a paternalistic way, but also offering a helping hand.
I will mention three.
Mr President, I would like, first of all, to welcome the report by Mr Goepel and thank him for his hard work and that of all the people involved in this.
If that were true, would not the Commission include some suggestions for abolishing these tax havens?
Interim Trade Agreement with Turkmenistan (vote)
For these reasons, I voted against this report.
It affects young lesbians and gay men - teachers, public officials - and could be used to prevent young people having access to any material - films, books, plays, works of art - created by a gay man or a lesbian.
Anyone can say that they are cutting costs by 25% when no one knows how high the bureaucracy costs actually are in Europe.
The progress in the development of these guidelines is, so far, very encouraging.
The independence of the Central Bank must be protected, but that does not stop us from offering an opinion.
However, I regret the fact that the Commission is receiving no, or only insufficient, information from the Member States.
These targets are accompanied by measures which provide incentives for the industry to manufacture energy-efficient commercial vehicles.
It is a fact that no biometric characteristic stays the same from childhood to adulthood except one: DNA finger-printing.
The action of the government against those who have reservations about the regime has now reached such a level that we must seriously begin to consider a change of policy towards this country and to consider other possibilities for more effective pressure on the Iranian administration so that we can help the Iranian people to breath more freely.
He was driven by a firm conviction that Sweden belonged in Europe.
Here we keep finding weaknesses in the area of space, satellite-based reconnaissance, satellite-based telecommunications and satellite-based navigation.
It is hypocrisy for EU countries to condemn Russian aggression in Georgia, yet fail to condemn the means of that aggression, which causes excessive harm to civilians wherever cluster munitions are used.
It needed the Council to give you the order to act, and I regret that, but that is how it was.
Let us retain our dignity.
I believe we can avoid such an experience with the prudence shown in the European Investment Bank's operations, and I would like to encourage it to further develop its interventions in developing countries, because there is certainly still some margin for manoeuvre there.
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty above all aims to make the public aware of the need to eliminate worldwide poverty, particularly in developing countries, and to stress the fact that combating poverty is our priority.
(RO) The common denominator which the three reports we are currently discussing actually have is that they examine the instruments intended to fund development cooperation and the actions taken to promote democracy and human rights globally.
It makes low rolling resistance tyres mandatory and requires the installation of tyre pressure monitoring systems and gear shift indicators.
I particularly welcome Parliament's additional proposals because they make it easier to decide who, for example, should bear the costs at the end of the day, namely the Member State asking for help, or to decide which regulations should apply if officials are active in another Member State.
If European geographical indications are genuinely to be protected, the Canadian authorities will have to recognise the European concept.
I believe in a powerful Europe that shows solidarity and I am one of the supporters of the vision promoted by the EU Hungarian Presidency, expressed by the slogan 'Strong Europe'.
Let us make no mistake: the road to Copenhagen will be long and difficult.
Minimum coherence between statements and actions forces us to do more than make citizens aware.
I remind you that use of this additional 1% in CDM projects should be in the least-developed countries.
I support the Commission's proposal on the temporary suspension of the application of Common Customs Tariff duties, as I believe that the EU must demonstrate, and not just declare its solidarity with regions fighting the consequences of the economic crisis.
At all costs, we have to avoid a retreat into old-style sovereignty, territorial claims and intergovernmentalism.
I know there is a view that, with the economic downturn, investments in the whole energy issue and climate change will actually yield dividends, results and jobs.
Any success in changes to labour law would be greater if employees felt more secure.
I have also heard others saying 'hands off': the market will regulate itself, we do not need all that.
I think this is very important.
Can the Commission specify if it is going to investigate the issue of supplementary charges for ATM, debit and credit cards used across border areas, especially in light of the fact that many banks have operations on both sides of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland?
I would like briefly to touch on the decisions reached following the review of the Lamfalussy process, adopted at the December session of the ECOFIN Council, and the attached schedule.
Mr President, you said earlier you would not be allowing questions to the Commissioner from people other than from the questioner.
International development aid should not be allowed to become a football for global financial players.
To achieve it, we need to shift our views on our legal traditions, which should no longer be perceived, used or misused to prevent us having minimum standards, particularly in criminal law.
Here, as on the other side of the Atlantic, nobody wishes to see people's health put at risk by food, but if there really are misgivings about the substances used in the United States, then I ask myself why these substances are permitted here in the European Union as an additive to animal feedstuffs, potable water and other foods?
Nowadays, anyone who changes their mobile phone generally needs a completely different charger.
Sadly, we have precedents, notably in Ethiopia where the President also used force to get himself into office, despite the evidence of fraud followed by much repressive violence.
It is not the first time that Mr Farage has said when addressing me 'You have not been elected'.
It was only when the euro zone countries met in Paris last autumn that the crisis could be stabilised and the recovery could begin.
It is time to put an end to the way the CAP separates the old from the new Member States, and it is my sincere hope that you will all support this cause.
The European Parliament wishes to play a constructive part in this process, primarily by fostering a structured dialogue between the EU and government institutions.
Men, women, teenagers, students, MPs and mayors, some 10 000 people imprisoned out of a population of three and a half million; there is a ban on visits for those aged between 16 and 35, with the result that prisoners have not been able to see brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers for years.
This is because the treaty contains no appropriate legal basis for adopting other measures.
Naturally, the most important concomitant of Parliament's credibility is that we ourselves are all beyond reproach.
I would therefore like to thank Commissioner Vassiliou and the rapporteur, Mrs Paliadeli, for their initiative and their hard work, and I would like to take this opportunity to say that, although initially, it was an initiative by the Member States, we now need to give it a clearly EU dimension.
Our Commissioner for Energy, Mr Piebalgs, eloquently dubbed this gas pipeline 'an embodiment of the existence of a common European energy policy'.
In addition, there are the new Basel rules that are now to be implemented in the forthcoming Capital Requirements Directive.
However, I should also like to say this: we are also addressing the Greeks.
EU law has allowed additional aid in similar situations.
This communication bears the stamp of Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner.
As far as infrastructure is concerned, the European Parliament and the Council have adopted legislation regarding safe management and safety requirements for roads and tunnels of the trans-European network.
in writing. - (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I wish to vote in favour of the Díaz de Mera García Consuegra report on the establishment of the European Police Office (Europol).
Caution is therefore called for.
He should then have read the riot act to Italy and France in the way that Manfred Weber of the PPE did earlier in this debate.
I count on your support.
In order to provide the Union with its own capacity to prevent risks of a pandemic, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) must be guaranteed the support it needs to perform this task entirely independently.
China joined the World Trade Organisation some time ago, and has enjoyed many benefits as a result of this, starting with the ban on reintroducing quotas on its textile exports.
Therefore, I remain convinced that it is possible to make Internet users, especially those who hijack copyright, liable without comprising respect for fundamental rights and civil liberties.
That will lead to a reduction in costs and an increase in competitiveness for the economy, and will also create wealth and jobs, which are important in terms of a healthy trade balance.
I agree that VAT reductions must be applied with the economic and social considerations that every citizen should be able to acquire the goods and services they need most and with the aim of strengthening and supporting locally-based services.
How should we revive the European project?
Most towns and cities also struggle to finance their infrastructure and the European Union can play a positive supporting role in all these areas, although - and I readily acknowledge this - the situation varies from place to place.
There is nothing wrong in knowing that we are eating feta from Greece, white brined cheese from Bulgaria or mozzarella from Italy.
Confidence in the social cohesion of the European Union can be achieved only if fundamental social rights are defined as primary European law.
The war of independence was bloody and involved heavy loss of life.
(SL) With his populist and hard-line nationalist rhetoric, President Ahmadinejad is causing great damage to Iran's image and reputation.
Mr President, Commissioner, I support your first steps as Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development because, since your hearing and on several other occasions, we have been pleased to hear you expressing your wishes, as you have understood that the extreme volatility of prices is a serious threat to agriculture and its future.
At the forthcoming summit we need to lay down a credible political policy in support of the decisions that have been taken.
When this review is carried out, it must, in particular, take account of the availability and reliability of alternative products as well as the socio-economic impact.
Iran has signed and ratified this Pact and hence it must allow the offices of the Centre for the Defence of Human Rights to be reopened and it must provide them with the legal status they have been requesting for many years.
The package has arrived at a time of increasing reaction and popular displeasure with the social face of Europe.
First, there is the demand to scrap all non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to trade without any attempt at differentiating what really constitutes a legitimate NTB and what does not.
I believe that we should focus instead on finding ways to increase the consumption of lamb and goat meat. Both are very beneficial from a nutritional point of view.
Both of the Commission's reports - like ours too, perhaps - do of course have their weak points.
The debate is closed.
As regards on-call time, it is clear to me that it is absolutely essential that this time, including inactive periods, be wholly considered as working time.
Therefore, if we do not want anyone to accuse us of those double standards, we should treat everyone equally.
rapporteur. - Madam President, I should like to say a few words in my capacity as a shadow rapporteur on the other two reports and to thank Mrs Kaufmann for the way we worked together, and Mr França for his work.
Organisations which want to gain our approval, our respect, must not hold hostages.
Mr Posselt, please allow me to explain the facts.
What we would like to do, and what I would like to see, is that GBP 48 million a day being kept in the United Kingdom and spent on essential public services, and not handed over, when the EU's accounts have not been audited for 14 years.
(NL) I should like to join previous speakers, including the Commissioner and the President-in-Office of the Council, in expressing the concern we all share about the situation that has arisen in the region - specifically the Caucasus - regarding Georgia and the problems with South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
This strategy must be based on the principle of solidarity aimed at reaching a balance between rich countries and developing countries, which need assistance in reducing their vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change.
The highly disproportionate and biased composition of the Media Council, the exceptionally steep fines for newspapers, and all the factors that led to censorship and self-censorship of the media are still in place.
This would allow the importance of the completion of the internal market to be stressed throughout the European Union.
There is a need for strategic investment to enable cultural and creative industries to invigorate cultural diversity, social and territorial cohesion, growth and employment.
In a few days time, these safeguards will no longer exist and trade in textiles will be subject to joint European Union/Chinese surveillance, which I hope will be attentive and vigilant.
Thirdly, I can confirm that the Commission will provide guidance on the compatibility of multilateral, interbank remuneration with competition rules.
We would like the Directives to be adopted, even, if possible, in the first semester of the Spanish Presidency, but in any case, up and running by the end of 2010.
in writing. - (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to support the Dunn report.
And until you learn about it and apply it, there is no place for you here.
(PL) Madam President, Commissioner, cohesion policy is the most transparent European policy, which means that its successes can be seen very well and very quickly, but that also very quickly visible are its failures and difficulties, which are a result of the weakness of the Brussels administration as well as very often the weak administration of Member States.
We want openness, we want transparency and we want a full insight into how taxpayers' money is being spent.
We are aiming to ensure that 30% of children under the age of three are able to register for and benefit from care services for children in this age group.
If the objective were effectively respect for human rights and the security of the region, it would be necessary to unmask this situation in other countries in the area such as Israel and Saudi Arabia, and to apply the same criteria to those countries.
The Commission fully agrees that it is now very important that Member States adequately transpose the new concepts introduced by the directive on unfair commercial practices and that national authorities also contribute to uniform implementation of the directive right across the EU.
I also welcome the amendment that would make it possible, under certain conditions, to count parental leave as maternity leave.
The main objective of these measures is to revitalise the economies of the Western Balkans through privileged access to the EU market.
Consequently, we have the framework and instruments to enable the European Union to become more actively involved in the region.
That is why we need to raise the matter and talk about it.
Nonetheless, the financialisation of agricultural markets is not called into question in structural terms.
4.
The adoption of this report must not make us forget the need to reinforce the financial support mechanisms for start-ups, an area where many difficulties still exist, particularly for young entrepreneurs who want to start a business experiment.
Nevertheless, inequalities still prevail and there are many battles yet to be fought, not least of which is a persistent wage gap and the place of women on the boards of large companies.
I therefore voted in favour of this resolution, and I hope that the mobilisation of the EGF will contribute to the successful reintegration of these workers into the labour market.
As for road-pricing, which has been much referred to here, including the Eurovignette, I would of course like the Commission to bear the social impact very much in mind.
There is also a lack of social sensitivity, which is quite clear in the proposal to exclude small farmers.
It has not been possible to achieve this ambitious goal.
We hope that this report will turn the spotlight on this serious situation and therefore help to ensure that, in the various countries concerned, the necessary steps are taken to end feminicide and violence against women.
We know that we are in a tough starting position; the crisis is deep.
Let us take a look, for example, at the upbringing of children and at schools.
I believe that the EU's relations with Moscow must be established on a pragmatic basis, avoiding any preconceptions.
(The sitting was closed at 0.25 a.m.)
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, I would like to congratulate you on this package in particular.
There are two other points that I think should be emphasised today.
Europe is making significant progress.
Macedonia is exemplary in meeting the criteria, but we should not cite this to Macedonia as compensation for its justified wish to have a date finally set for accession negotiations.
Industrial accidents can and should be avoided.
It is also important for us to try to find solutions instead of making accusations.
At the second reading of the European budget, the Council of Ministers should not perform additional reductions in the agriculture funds or structural funds.
The Commission has undertaken to assess the impact of all these options to allow the best decision to be taken by 2015.
Of course something is still missing: the question of data protection, for example, has not been clarified sufficiently.
in writing. - I share the view Mr Sacconi outlines in the motion for a resolution on the Commission Green Paper on 'Adapting to Climate Change in Europe'.
Another issue is to ensure that transport matches people's needs.
We would also have set an example by wrapping up this complex issue of the liberalisation of postal services, which has exercised this House for 15 years, without once having recourse to the conciliation procedure.
It is regrettable, however, that the compromise reached in Parliament does not include the temporary suspension of quota increases or other measures to reduce production, which would be very important in helping European farmers to face this crisis.
In this instance, the duty is to accept the rules, languages and customs of the receiving countries.
We must focus on measures that have clear economic benefits in the short to medium term and which lend themselves to relatively fast adoption.
It is glaringly obvious that the European Union must lay down precise rules and actively regulate who will be admitted to work in the EU.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Mr President, the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund is a tangible expression of solidarity with workers who have lost their jobs due to major structural changes in world trade patterns.
For the moment, geopolitically speaking, the course of events takes Belarus away from Europe, and Europe is in retreat as it is in Ukraine.
(The sitting was suspended at 21.10 and resumed at 21.20)
It greatly increases the likelihood of accidents.
Millions will be saved through product approval procedures and mutual acceptance of shorter, simpler and cheaper certification findings.
Security has a price, and the demand for greater multilateralism on our allies' part imposes an added cost.
This is happening in my country, as it is in the majority of EU Member States.
The Tulip revolution in 2005 once again raised immense hope.
It is without doubt the run-up to Christmas that is inspiring us to make this progress, to offer this gift to Europeans.
Ladies and gentlemen, I believe that we all agree that Georgia is a key player in our neighbourhood.
We would also welcome the fact that this report contains - if there is going to be a change in pension provision - adequate time for adaptation for people to reconsider their financial futures.
These include monitoring the implementation of international commitments in the field of human rights, actions to support the ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC and electorate education.
Why not develop a major European tramways project?
Could you please tell us what specific proposals the parliaments of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania have debated with a view to introducing sharia and on what dates these debates took place?
3.
I would stress that this is a project that must succeed, and in this context it is particularly important, in my view, to promote innovation, which brings with it progress and competitiveness.
Edinburgh City Council, financed by European Social Fund money, conducted a campaign called 'Zero Tolerance' in relation to violence against women.
For this reason, in addition to current issues which are very important (such as the release of political prisoners or a slight improvement in the quality of the election process), I believe that we should underline that the important point for us is to answer the question: what can the EU do to promote democracy in its neighbouring countries?
Russia claims it cannot export gas because Ukraine will not transport it, and Ukraine claims it has no gas to export because the Russians have switched the transit route.
I will therefore report back on my side; please pass on the information on yours.
In 2008, rising food prices caused riots in 30 countries.
More specifically, Romania is prioritising the development of the Curtici-Brasov-Bucharest-Constanza railway line.
In particular, I would like to emphasise the need to differentiate between transport modes in the conditions for funding, on the basis of safety, environmental performance and energy efficiency, the need to set up demand-driven assistance at the application stage, taking account of the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises, the recognition of economic recession as an exceptional reason for extending the duration of projects, and product-specific lowering of eligibility thresholds.
It is, therefore, necessary to improve the substance, too, of the framework known as 'synergy' if one wants to maintain its credibility.
This has enabled it to throw off the shackles and to grow in an admirable way.
The role of the European Ombudsman has become more important over the years for the European Union institutions and the citizens of Europe.
The report focuses mainly on transactions that are highly risky and speculative, and it will therefore lead to greater responsibility in the financial sector through the future taxation of financial transactions, which will paradoxically lead to greater stability in the global financial sector.
However, under the EIB's external mandate, this sense of urgency for counter-cyclical action has not been shown by the EIB in developing countries.
It is clear that, while we want to have a role in the world today, our Member States alone do not have the influence required to negotiate on equal terms with the United States, Russia or China.
The penalties for such infringements are different in Member States where, in some, road traffic offences are covered under administrative and formal fines, and in others, like Ireland, they are domestic criminal matters.
Access to energy is increasing.
I also hope that the Commission and the Member States will enhance their monitoring of minimum health and safety requirements in the workplace.
Shame on them.
I think it is obvious that the internal structure of public and private investment will not be the same because of the market proximity, because of the market failures you face in various types of technologies, which would need to be addressed, but I do believe that what is in front of you is a serious case, especially when you start discussing the next financial perspective, and that we have to rethink what our priorities are and how we should invest in the future.
Cohesion policy is vital to an improved socio-economic environment in Europe and is a practical expression of solidarity between the Member States.
(SV) One of the arguments that is put forward for why the EU is not an attractive immigration destination for qualified workers is the fact that there are different entry and residence rules in the different Member States.
However, I cannot understand the scaremongering that has been associated with the phrase 'climate change'.
I should like to add that our Hungarian friends are in the same situation as our Polish friends in terms of floods.
We need to develop a proactive broad energy diplomacy aimed at strengthening our cooperation with all major producer, transit and consumer countries, and to create an energy market based on the principle of reciprocity.
Colleagues, the lively debate today has shown the importance that we in the European Parliament attach to ensuring a successful outcome to the G20 Summit.
Piracy is a problem all over the world and especially off the coast of Somalia, where it has risen to epidemic proportions.
It calls on the European Union to account for what is being achieved through our human rights dialogue and to set clear benchmarks for improvement in moving towards a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Vietnam.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of democracy.
Also with regard to the role of Mr McCreevy, I would say that he should play a smaller role than previously and he should not be allowed to delay now under any circumstances.
These rules have no place in a free trade agreement.
To explain and justify the Treaty to national parliaments and to public opinion, we ought to put greater stress on the social and cultural dimension of the single market, such as migration policy, as well as on the fight to combat climate change.
We will therefore have to invest in innovation and in promoting the renewal of our vehicle fleet.
I therefore consider it my duty to praise the rapporteur, Mr Catania, on his sensitivity to, and his insistence on, protection for human rights within Europe as well.
Adjournment of the session
This assessment of the overall impact of the different research activities will be carried out by high-level experts.
They are essential for the internal market to function properly and constitute a necessary economic and logistical network.
This speaks volumes about double standards, hypocrisy and cover-up.
We heard the Indian President tell us in this House how, in a Christian school, he learned not only to love knowledge but also to distinguish between religion and politics.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, globalisation is not a natural process, even though some may like to present it that way.
The greatest attention must be paid to long-term sustainable growth, providing the conditions for the creation of quality jobs, rather than short-term profit, which has done huge harm to the financial stability of European markets.
I am convinced that the way forward will be found with the United States.
The aim of the ongoing negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is the conclusion of a very wide-ranging agreement, with more ambitious goals than any of the economic and trade agreements negotiated to date by either the EU or Canada. Bilateral trade and investment links are already strong, and this may result in them becoming even stronger.
This is the last plenary sitting in which our Secretary-General, Harald Rømer, will participate.
We must first of all guarantee to protect the ordinary person.
These are the priorities of a government that is facing an enormous social crisis.
We do, however, also have strengths, and we should remember them.
Accessibility of information will undoubtedly play a fundamental role in this change.
If women do not see that they are represented, they will hesitate before they give their support to our different projects and decisions.
It would not have been possible without our joint efforts, as everyone involved played their part.
I hope that the schemes will also produce positive results.
It is too complex.
In the spirit of European solidarity, without any differences or barriers, we should assist them in this endeavour.
A further meeting is planned in April 2011 to conclude the work.
I am sure that the Commission will be able to provide some additional information in response to the questions raised.
Regarding the proposal to reject the fisheries agreements in general on the grounds that they are not sustainable, it should be recalled that the Council, in its July 2004 conclusions, indicated that the aim of the new fisheries partnership agreements (FPAs) is to contribute to the sustainable management of fisheries resources.
The big question is whether this is the best procedure for adopting the budget.
My second question is: At the committee meeting, the Council President mentioned that cooperation with the Balkan countries is also one of the important tasks on which the Council is focusing.
We must really care for the food security of our continent.
I think it is important to retain and reinforce provisions on the prescribing of certain routes for the transport of dangerous goods.
Those are fine words, but here we are with yet another attempt to bulldoze wonderful diversity into a common, harmonised, featureless landscape.
The Commission has made two requests in this matter: besides the united approach, it especially asks for backbone, backbone and more backbone.
The demographic challenge and solidarity between generations are the key points for a better future.
We shall now move to the next speaker.
One example is energy, which is also a red-hot issue there.
The recommendation on the limitation on the civil liability of statutory auditors is part of a strategy to reduce the concentration in the auditing market.
We will make sure that we have the resources to reach our targets.
Some issues can be improved through set regulation without major cost impacts and by working together with the European Forum of Deposit Insurers (EFDI).
- (HU) Serbia had to be bombed to make it understand: the rights of minorities must be respected.
The technical measures that apply to European vessel owners also need to be clarified as they are discriminated against in comparison with other fleets that fish in Mauritanian waters.
As an MEP from one of Europe's outermost regions, my attention is focused on what the new Presidency will do with development policy for island regions.
The European Parliament, as the pivotal democratic body of the European Union, has every reason to promote the symbols of Europe as a means of connecting itself with the voters of Europe.
(The session was suspended at 1 p.m. and resumed at 3 p.m.)
I think there are basically two issues.
In this context of a changing world order, we need close coordination between Europe and the United States.
Turkey must tackle these issues and dismantle these deficits of its own accord.
Yes, we seek clear and closer cooperation and partnership with our neighbours to encourage a process of increasing congruence with those on our borders where there is a genuine mutual commitment to do so, but this will not work if there is an absence of actions when that mutual commitment is missing and things are going wrong.
All of this fills me with suspicion, and only strengthens me in my no-vote for this budget.
I can tell Mr Giegold and Mr Klute that there will be further discussions and that we will be returning in particular to the question of passive marketing and the role of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).
When pointing out a historic date associated with women's struggle for their rights, the series of social problems faced by women cannot be ignored, particularly those of working women: worsening unemployment and insecure jobs linked to low wages, the pay gap, and discrimination based on motherhood.
Mr Stockmann, as rapporteur, you will have the opportunity to speak at the end of the debate.
It is good to have all the relevant scientific information on climate change collected in this report.
Europe's policy of systematically liberalising visas is an ideological attempt to destroy the European Union's external borders, after having first demolished its internal borders.
The wish of many to reduce the number of airports covered by the directive is proof of this.
To return to the subject at hand, though, which other European citizens, albeit victims of poverty and insecurity, and excluded, in their own country, from the social benefits already allocated as a priority to others, are the object of such deep concern on your part?
Financial controls and regulation are already being made more effective, but we still need more measures to ensure that all financial products are brought within the scope of effective and viable regulation.
in writing. - (RO) Timely implementation, accurate transposition and appropriate enforcement of the internal market directives are prerequisites for the effective working of the internal market and for consumer protection, with effects on competitiveness and the economic and social balance of the EU.
There is also no visible progress in the matter of freedom of religion within the territory of the Republic of Turkey.
For this reason, I agree with the rapporteur that it is essential to abandon - and not only here - industrial scale fishing.
These are all measures that highlight once again that those who, often by demagogy, accuse the Commission and the European Union of paralysis or weakness are mistaken, and deceive our fellow citizens.
That is a great success.
It is clear that drilling for oil in the North Sea or the Gulf of Mexico represents an attempt to reduce dependence on a number of countries.
One need only think of the register of interest representatives adopted by the European Parliament in 1996, or of the Commission's 2006 proposal to the European Parliament for a 'one-stop shop' register for lobbyists.
The Commission's experts state that thrombin is not hazardous to health, and this opinion is scientifically based.
I supported the aforementioned report because of the specific examples of how the European Parliament can improve the transparency of the procedures applied to external organisations.
(HU) I would like to mention the Slovak language law, which has raised grave concerns ever since its approval.
Croatia is excluded because it should be in a different category anyway, namely in the expansion category, because it is already negotiating for membership.
The total number of cities committed to the Green Digital Charter has increased from 14 to 21.
The action undertaken will significantly reduce the administrative costs incurred by Parliament, interested parties and those affected by the legislation introduced.
I must point out, however, that Slovakia has much stricter food standards than the 15 old Member States.
'Is this the real life?
Accounts show that the pain is so great that victims often lose consciousness.
As Roma children become more educated, they increase their chances of becoming productive members of the workforce.
The emphasis should be given to prevention, by promoting campaigns to make parents and children aware of the risks of child pornography, specifically on the Internet and, in particular, the risk of sexual exploitation in online chat rooms and forums.
As a good customer, we are in a strong situation.
(Applause)
He at least sent me an email in the last 20 minutes saying that he intended to speak on it.
in writing. - I voted in favour of the European statistics on tourism report today.
Ladies and gentlemen, we must not put ourselves in the position of putting the brakes on the lifting of visa requirements for all the countries of the Western Balkans which have a clear European perspective.
They vary significantly in their present form from one country to another.
We have accepted Turkey as a full member of the Council of Europe for more than half a century.
Similarly, the EU has made extremely limited progress on the preservation of air quality, implementation and enforcement of Community legislation, protection of biodiversity, reform of environmentally harmful subsidies, and promotion of sustainable production/consumption models.
Commissioner, I would refer you in particular to paragraphs 52 and 53 of the original resolution on transparency of penalties.
Think, for example, of house parents in group homes, or weekend in-house respite for carers.
Unity is the most important signal that we can send out.
What is the consequence of this?
Can I please request that we delay this vote until 15.00 so that we can consult both the parties and the groups, and also discover what is actually happening on the ground in Morocco?
However, it also includes elements that might have been relevant in the case of Xynthia as well - a proposal to lower the thresholds and the possibility of paying advances of the expected aid.
Europe cannot however, fail to take responsibility for European interests in the world, particularly today.
In some countries such as the United Kingdom and Ireland, which are by no means the poorest, the rate is zero, and in others, like Luxembourg, it is very low - only 3%.
I regret the presence of the President of Zimbabwe, Mr Mugabe, at the summit held in Tripoli on 30 November, and the absence of numerous European Heads of State or Government.
Unfortunately, thanks to the opponents of the country of origin principle, we lost out on the opportunity to provide a better definition in the Services Directive.
At least 40 Somali human rights defenders and humanitarian workers were killed between January and September 2008 alone.
Two days ago, the Socialist opposition leader of the country, Mr Crvenkovski, was here in this House.
It is not quite as black and white as you might think, therefore.
Job retention and creation should receive most attention.
I would advise you to look at the rules governing access to the European Court of Justice.
The report does not claim that non-violence is the only means of promoting human rights, but that it is the most appropriate means.
The U.S. Government and this Parliament have struggled over how best to protect citizens without yielding the foundational rights on which all of our societies are built.
Of the issues mentioned in the Energy Council Conclusions, I would like to mention the following.
I do believe our resolution should have focused more on major issues such as terrorism, climate change and the economic strengthening of this partnership, which I hope this summit will go some way towards tackling.
2.
There you have it.
I want to stress the importance of protecting bluefin tuna, but we also need to strike a balance that guarantees the continuation of the species without punishing Mediterranean fishing methods such as the almadraba technique.
We must also ensure that this tool, which we are proposing to the ILO, will enable us to define, in this area, what we mean by the notion of decent work, whether with regard to the question of working hours, the question of paid leave, or the question of housing conditions.
I think therefore that it is indeed wise to postpone this vote until Strasbourg.
I express regret that the EPP group did not join the common draft resolution, but it has the chance to support it by vote.
Therefore, I would like to ask Mr Kallas whether next year there will be exceptions within the area of agriculture for which there will not be a full presentation of accounts on the Internet, and for which we will not be able to see who receives what and the corresponding amounts in other areas.
The author, Herbert Reul, has indicated that he is running late.
The beneficiaries of EU funding which has been allocated illegally are only required to repay 10%.
Nonetheless, we are concerned at consistent and widespread reports of a deterioration in respect for fundamental freedoms and democratic principles in Ukraine.
Fish, like other animals, cannot be restricted to certain territories, so assessing whether one country cares more than another would be the subject of endless arguments.
- Report: Cristian Dumitrescu
Yet, as you rightly said, this has not stopped a single Member State from developing its own system or starting to use a kind of embryonic version of ERTMS at an early stage.
Furthermore, this renewables directive is surely sending to Europe's industries a very strong, clear message that will encourage them to act with confidence and certainty.
Your support has been much appreciated.
(PL) Mr President, we need convince no one of the importance of energy for developing countries.
The ENP must continue to be founded on the principles of democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and must support the political, social and economic reforms of our closest partners.
This is what this is all about, after all.
That is why I proposed random checking and fingerprinting at border crossings.
11.
For this reason I would ask that we proceed with this debate, because it is so essential and because we must simply change our way of life.
The first concerns the point raised by Mr Weber as to whether Europe can or should have its own passenger name record data system, and what scope it might have.
The three principal rating agencies rate 95% of economic activities; we are therefore talking about a monopoly, with all the adverse repercussions that can have.
- Report: Klaus-Heiner Lehne
It has thus expressed the will of the Czech people to have the Treaty of Lisbon in place.
We are also clarifying that, under specified circumstances, Member States are entitled to introduce limits on the reimbursement or payment of hospital health care obtained abroad through prior authorisation, if there is a clear risk - even potential - of undermining the national health system.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I will take both questions at the same time because they are almost identical.
What I also do not understand is that it is so easily overlooked that, by banning the AKP and the DTP, about 90% of votes in the south-east were declared invalid, with all that that entails.
People have a right to keep details of their lives confidential, but authorities have not only a right, but a duty, to safeguard the lives of their peoples.
The inability to resolve this situation is highlighted by the fact that according to estimates, almost 40% of the logging in the world is carried out illegally.
in writing. - (BG) Ladies and gentlemen, the timing of the European programme for supporting economic recovery, including the investment of almost EUR 4 billion in energy projects, is ideal and it will have at least a two-fold positive effect: boosting the recovery of important sectors in the economy and resolving the substantial energy problems.
We also called for immediate appropriate consultation with the interested parties. In addition, we asked for a draft flexible framework text to be submitted to Parliament and to the Council concerning collective management of copyright and associated rights in relation to cross-border on-line music services.
It also means better scope for free media to exist across Europe's borders.
That some African countries appear to be ungovernable and central governments have lost control of parts of their territories are, unfortunately, phenomena that have yet to be eradicated.
We should look at the standard applying to the food that we allow into Europe, and the Commission should take action, instead of bothering farmers, who are doing their best in all parts of Europe, and that certainly includes my country, Ireland.
6.
(ES) Mr President, given that I have been mentioned, I stand by each and every one of the words I have spoken.
in writing. - I voted in favour of the Kauppi Report because there is a need for continued detailed debate on the various contentious issues that arise in this report.
In this regard, it has become imperative to institute closer cooperation between the immigration liaison officer networks and Frontex.
But what happened subsequently is that that Committee on Transport view has been altered.
I have also confirmed that the Commission does not intend to propose a further prolongation of this transition time.
Why do we not have in different hospitals coordinators, specialised doctors and nurses, able to recognise potential donors so that transplants can go ahead and we can thus increase the availability of organs?
That is uncontested.
Due to the absence of many fellow MEPs, we have had to break our agreement with the Council.
We therefore ask the Burmese authorities to respect rights of association and freedom of expression and to free political prisoners, and we trust this remarkable woman, whom we are awaiting in the European Parliament, or whom we will visit if she cannot receive her Sakharov Prize, to maintain a spirit of freedom in this shattered country.
It also struck me that the Spanish Presidency is continuing to advocate an active immigration policy at a time of very serious economic crisis, when no one knows how many million Europeans are unemployed.
I should mention that during the negotiations with the Council, Romania managed to achieve a balance between the initiative's accessibility and stipulating provisions preventing its abuse.
At the age of sixteen, I had already taken to the streets of my country to fight against a dictatorship, against the colonial system.
It is an excellent proposal and they have done a fantastic job and should be congratulated for it.
Could I also say, in response to Mr Mitchell's first outburst - his Republican outburst about getting rid of all the British out of the island of Ireland over 700 years - that he should be glad they did not entirely succeed because he did need the help of some British subjects from Northern Ireland to attain the rugby victory in the Six Nations.
The reforms are important for those countries but also for the EU.
We want greater solidarity, not only in financial terms, but also in the form of teams of rapid response experts, created by the office.
In the years 2007-2013 Poland will receive over EUR 67 billion from the European Union budget.
Border areas that have already taken some good initiatives on cross-border healthcare - for example the cooperative arrangement between the Universitätsklinikum Aachen and the Academisch Ziekenhuis Maastricht in my own province of Limburg, which as part of the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion would dearly love to be a pilot area - are becoming far too dependent on mobility alone and thus on the whims of insurers or the goodwill or otherwise of national authorities, because the focus is now no longer on the services themselves.
The Commission needs to think carefully and weigh up the consequences before reacting too hastily to this problem.
Knowing what they knew then, why on earth did they not do more to save all of us from the unbearable impacts of a warming planet?
I think we should.
Many of their nationals are now working to the north of the Mediterranean and their transfer constitute an essential development issue, as has already been said.
(HU) Thank you, Mr President.
On 10 October Hu Jia took part in a press conference on human rights, which was held at the European Parliament in Brussels.
It is my belief that our steady vigilance and open dialogue is crucial to the people of Burma and a clear signal of unity among this Parliament and other global organisations must be sent.
Madam President, there is a natural relationship between the current health of a state's economy and the value of its currency.
I hope that the European Union is luckier in Portugal than the Russian writer was in Wiesbaden.
My point is that we should address this issue with all seriousness.
I would particularly like to welcome the private placement regime, which was also mentioned by the Commissioner.
Does the Council have everything that it wanted?
We should bear in mind that the realities for women in rural areas have changed in recent years and are very highly differentiated.
I would also like to say a word about those who were more critical in their remarks, specifically those who spoke rather sceptically about development cooperation policy, and those who always refer to the taxpayer in order to reject any support for development cooperation policy.
Do not sound as though you are throwing the baby out with the bathwater and adding to the panic which raged on in the financial markets last week.
There are other tools which are also important.
It should be for Member States, and let us call upon the Member States of the European Union to do their bit to help our American friends at this time.
In this instance, a restructuring plan is only seen as convincing if it provides for 1 000 workers to be laid off.
I find it totally unacceptable!
Regarding the proposed exclusion of organ transplantation, I simply cannot agree.
The problems we have seen in post-election Armenia have been compounded by violent clashes, resulting in eight fatalities, and by the imposition of an extraordinary measure in the form of a state of emergency.
Should the same principles function in relation to public aid in social housing?
I shall begin by saying that I did not say 'no' to the Barnier report.
If it materialises, we should see how we can best provide support for this initiative.
Therefore, we need to help this opposition, which is currently not organised, but is democratic, and which is fighting for the values of the Tunisian transition and for the consolidation of those values.
Opening of the sitting
A state will become stronger and not weaker by granting rights to its minorities.
But to do this we need clear evidence about the questions we want to answer.
The fishing industry is of fundamental economic and cultural importance to our coastal regions.
I welcome the creation of a European fund for energy efficiency and renewable energy to support the implementation of this directive.
I should just like to make one patriotic comment in this multinational Chamber.
We also want to take account of existing reporting obligations, provided the information available within the context of the analyses that are to be carried out by the Commission is useable.
Now I will get to the point.
The principal aim of this document is to find a way of determining and comparing different qualifications within the labour market and education system.
These have been respected.
Does the Council not think that we could and should do a lot more in this area up to 2011 than we have done to date?
The European Union has not acted in this way, though.
A great deal has happened and a great deal has changed since the 1990s, and we need to move forward towards this new agreement, in which we are ambitious.
It is in the interest of all of us that the take-up of this programme be good.
I therefore believe that this aspect, which is the most important aspect of democracy, namely representation and not, as we have sometimes heard in this House, referenda, is what is vital and essential in democracy, which is to say, representation and not direct voting.
Are you ready now to introduce rules of transparency, disclosure and accountability which give us a real chance of regulating the market?
However, Commissioner, I would also like to ask whether you can say why, in the EU 2020 strategy, the European Commission has devoted so little attention to the security and stability of pensions and to pension guarantees, since we have to take into account the current situation in the labour market, the current demographic situation and, indeed, this is one of the most important issues, what sort of pensions people will receive in 10 years time.
The additional financing needs in 2011-2013, totalling EUR 225 million, must be addressed in a mid-term review of the multiannual financial framework.
Agreement between the EC and Egypt on scientific and technological cooperation (vote)
I believe that social assistance must guarantee a sufficient minimum income to guarantee a humane life that surpasses the poverty line and is sufficient to help a person out of poverty, and must not further exacerbate that poverty due to its inflexibility.
That involves the dimensions of asylum and refugees, and also compliance with the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum, which was signed in October 2008.
For this reason, I voted in favour of the alternative proposal tabled by the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance.
On the other hand, both the environmental effects and the safety of the technologies used in storage must be thoroughly investigated.
I believe that in terms of a forward-looking worldview, it will be necessary to make greater efforts for the sustainable use of rural areas, which must be efficient both in terms of energy and quality.
The only people entitled to do so are security and technical experts.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I wish to thank the honourable Members for all the efforts which Parliament in general, and the Committee on International Trade (INTA) in particular, has put into securing prompt assessment - and, I hope, ratification - of the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Moreover, it has the advantage of bringing Europe closer to its citizens and the people of southern Italy, which is Europe's true logistical platform with regard to the countries of the Mediterranean.
I know that the situation is not easy, but we need that legitimate discussion in order to speed up the improvement of the situation in Haiti.
The three key areas that promote economic growth are the following: knowledge, innovation, education; or 'intelligent growth' that puts digital society in the centre, sustainable development that promotes more efficient energy use and enhances competitiveness, and inclusive growth that increases participation in the labour market.
We must act with force to stop this violence.
Each Member State - and that is the level on which this should operate - needs to protect children within its own borders.
Could we do more?
There is still a lack of sufficiently reliable and comparable data both at national and EU level determining social indicators, including the poverty of women, violence against women and institutional mechanisms.
It is high time to profile EU policies more clearly in this area.
UN/ECE Espoo Convention (vote)
Of course, this will require major investment, particularly in research.
We also call for particular emphasis to be placed on combating corruption, organised crime and unemployment, especially unemployment among young people.
I can well imagine that the Commission will also have something to say about this when you, Mr Dimas, are able to speak again in a little while.
The IMF examined the funds' current practices, organised a round table focusing primarily on these topics and set up an international working group composed of 25 countries that possess such funds with a view to drawing up a report, which is due to be published at the end of October of this year.
Could we have taken those measures a year ago?
I also wish to recall the principle of sincere cooperation stipulated in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
On the question of discards, we have already started to take measures to reduce discards, in particular within the parameters of the North Sea and of the cod recovery plan.
Another important framework is the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and here too the European Union will continue and, we hope, step up, its efforts to bring about de-escalation.
In other words, these are important proposals - notably on the establishment of an EU-level supervisory body and a European system of registration and approval for asset management and fund management companies (Amendments 6 and 7) and the introduction of a debt limit for capital investment funds (Amendment 9) - which Mr Rasmussen put forward but which he felt compelled to withdraw, understandably in certain respects, in order to secure a majority in the House: that is to say, a majority with the PPE Group and the Liberals.
It will take due process.
The President is considering these two points.
I believe that the Pakistani authorities must demonstrate through action their declared commitment to the fight against extremism in this country by abolishing the blasphemy laws.
This is particularly important if we realise that 80% of EU expenditure is administered by the Member States.
We must keep sexual criminals away from children, and we must take the necessary steps to ensure that.
I support this report because it is absolutely essential at this time that we in the EU make our voice heard on behalf of the people of Gaza.
I consider regrettable the comments that link Ankara's attitude to Nabucco directly with the country's accession to the EU.
The Council could usefully examine ways in which to tackle the crisis and to promote growth and jobs, on the basis of a strengthened mandate.
There are risks as well as hopes.
The more we anchor our partnership in shared respect for our common values, the more strongly we can act to resonate those values in the wider world.
I am therefore pleased that the proposal contains provisions for the coordination, organisation and conduct of investigations and operational activities in conjunction with the Member States' competent authorities or by joint investigative teams.
The European Union's laws cannot only protect minorities and put national communities at a disadvantage because we are allowing positive discrimination.
But the solution is not ethnic profiling, but rather a specific policy that brings together the three pillars of citizenship, decency and security.
Because when something happens the people look to the Members.
I voted in favour of the Cercas report, which opposes some of the proposals made by the Council in June 2008, which were intended to substantially amend the Directive concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time, in place since 1993.
I believe that this question is still pretty unresolved and I am also awaiting the reactions of the Commission and the Council in that regard.
This strategy and policy initiative should also be complemented by broad awareness-raising activities.
Often, with a sometimes exaggerated feeling of responsibility, we and all politicians who are concerned by this phenomenon, try to minimise the significance of such attacks: we must not be alarmed, we say; at the end of the day these are isolated incidents, there are not all that many madmen about, we must not exaggerate, it is not a serious problem.
We believe that technological and economic progress and the widening of the Panama Canal will accentuate the current trend towards larger vessels, and will bring about changes in the international routes.
However, services are a key source of growth and employment.
At the same time that the Commission is sanctioning the pumping of billions of euros into the saving of the Irish banks, we have an Irish Government which is planning this very minute to destroy local development, to destroy community development programmes which are supported by the European Union.
Madam President, on a point of order.
Most of all, I would like to congratulate Hungary on its new constitution.
Written statements (Rule 142)
However, I do consider it unacceptable for the supreme executive body of the European Union to use the refusal, a refusal which is almost dismissive of the European institutions on the part of a private company, to decline to respond to such a request as an argument, especially as its letters contain no information which might activate the application of the relevant article of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and give cause to take the Commission to court.
Small and medium-sized enterprises provide more than 100 million jobs and are a key factor in economic growth.
Georgia is of particular strategic importance in the Black Sea region for energy security, as supply routes such as the Nabucco gas pipeline, the Baku-Tbilisi oil pipeline and the oil terminal at Supsa are closely linked to the stability of this country.
With MiFID, the trading monopolies for exchanges have been abolished, investment firms have better access to providing their services across the European Economic Area using the MiFID passport and consumer protection has been strengthened.
That is why the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament decided, with the consent of Mr Kalfin and of the other rapporteurs, to table amendments in plenary on these two subjects.
From this point of view, the social partners have their rights and can assert those rights, and obviously this has implications which must be taken into consideration.
Technology-related research programmes, trade agreements and nuclear fuels are also things Moscow is interested in.
This strategic review of the European Union's energy policy has therefore, in my opinion, come at the right time.
I am also convinced that it is right to provide for experiments on animals to be kept to a minimum and carried out only in the event of absolute need and for the use of alternative methods to be promoted so that animals are spared needless suffering.
It is extremely important to raise patients' awareness of prescription drugs in order to prevent overconsumption of medicines as a result of commercial considerations.
We wish the representative for Kazakhstan success with his task on behalf of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Therefore, it is crucially important for the EU to investigate this particular case and take action to ensure that such a situation does not occur again.
Parliament has now made it clear that we in Europe must persist with this action, even though the rest of the world may, for the time being, be holding back because they have got cold feet.
I do not know whether there are Members in the House from Germany who would be prepared to enter into a wager with me about whether presumptive German taxpayers would be supporting Opel in this way if such an important election were not taking place in ten days' time.
The World Alzheimer Report published in 2010 states that the worldwide annual costs of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia amount to USD 600 billion.
By the way, this was quite clearly expressed at the last summit.
And to act in a way that we cannot start the political process for economic recovery when jobs are threatened all over Europe is not responsible.
What is also true is that, when we have to negotiate in 2008 in an attempt to secure this regional integration, we must be extremely convincing, and we must of course have arguments.
It must give them rights and a new future.
Thus, the majority of FRONTEX's work concerns that area.
The Kiev ministerial meeting will provide a forum to discuss and bring forward and coordinate EU initiatives with ideas coming from our partners.
I feel that proposals enabling a professional career to be combined with family life are worth considering.
(FR) Mr President, Commissioner, I agree with many of the arguments put forward by Mrs Thyssen, Mr Karas and Mrs Castex.
I think that introduction of the provisions of this directive will increase costs incurred by enterprises which provide transport services.
Since the present report, in my view, is not a suitable basis for the resolution of all these problems, I have voted against it.
Why specifically on textiles?
Now we are faced with a call for eurobonds.
The WTO must therefore be revolutionised in order to curb speculation and support producers rather than a minority of profiteers benefiting the global financial markets, so as to encourage the populations to become independent in terms of food and industry and to urge the nations to cooperate rather than compete.
Why can we not be more realistic with regard to the Structural Funds?
Madam President, I welcome the fact that this report looks at what can be done at European level to stimulate the economies, whilst I recognise that most of the instruments to do so remain at national level: 99% of public expenditure is national, not European; most regulation is national, not European.
Farmers are required to produce more and more with less and less.
Still on the subject of adapting to climate change, I agree that there is an urgent need to implement the new framework directive on soil protection, and that cohesion policy, water protection policy and the Natura 2000 network need to be adapted to cope with the expected impacts.
Do not worry, however, we will have those concerned follow up this matter.
Although we are now waiting with interest and hope to see what political changes the demonstrations in the Arab countries will lead to, we cannot for a moment close our eyes to outrages which contravene international human rights agreements, such as the death sentence for minors.
Mr President, I came down to the Chamber while I was watching the debate in my office just to make, I suppose, a broad point.
The Moroccan authorities cannot even decide how many people were killed in the raid at the camp in Laâyoune.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Madam President, I think it is important for us to have this discussion in the light of the upcoming adoption of an ILO Convention on Domestic Workers.
This is precisely why we should not be in such a hurry in our quest to solve environmental problems.
All the analyses to date objectively state that all these countries are adequately prepared for the enlargement of the Schengen area.
This has a significant impact on the independence of young people living in cities and causes major demographic challenges, because starting a family in urban areas is becoming a difficult task.
If every European citizen could see the chaotic and shambolic way in which legislation is voted on in this Parliament, then there would be a party like the UK Independence Party in every EU Member State.
(FR) Mr President, we cannot seriously discuss the issue of carriage of goods by road without tackling the problem of dangerous materials.
This time we should go beyond superficial policy differences and evaluate our deeper common interests which, until now, have simply been taken for granted.
On International Women's Day, there is one thing we Europeans must all acknowledge: in our continent, we still have not achieved equal rights, but the dramatic injustice towards women in other parts of the world, ranging from genital mutilation to the compulsory wearing of the veil, all these basic fundamental rights that women and, above all, girls worldwide are deprived of, should not only concern us on 8 March.
They have no respect whatsoever for our principles or our values.
I welcome the general thrust of the intent of the banks, particularly in relation to climate control and energy, and I hope the House will support the main thrust of the report which I have brought forward.
Then we can also be constructive regarding the development of a real economy.
Giving these people a legal migration status and allowing them to work would be the one guaranteed positive measure our Governments can offer: it would also mean that, when return is possible, people are going back with active skills and potential financial resources which will help grass-roots development.
That is why we need joint action, not only in the field of customs and excise services, but also close, administrative cooperation between the Member States, which I think currently leaves something to be desired.
The vision of the Stockholm Programme is for a safer and more open Europe where the rights of individuals are protected.
We want competitive companies and confident consumers, in order to sustain the level of jobs and economic growth in Europe, and that will be achieved by having a really effective single market.
In the 21st century we all have to contend with globalisation, which can be an opportunity but also a threat to humankind.
We should respect commitments given at international level.
We do not believe that this is the case.
Decisions concerning certain documents: see Minutes
We, as the Commission, fully share the agreement achieved, which is reflected in the compromise amendments tabled by Ms De Sarnez, Ms Pack, Ms Novak, Ms Prets and Ms Trüpel.
9.
In her presentation Mrs Rajavi clearly stated how important women's rights are for the democratic Iranian opposition, showing once again that the opposition gives us hope that change will take place in Iran.
On a personal level, I feel that I should ask the Commission for a detailed study from which the various systems of information and communication, including labelling, can be drawn up.
Everyone has seen the pictures, and the most important thing with regard to these and other effects of climate change is that the polluter must pay.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (NL) It is the prime duty of any state to guarantee the safety of its people, and that is entirely consistent with international law.
3.
in writing. - (DE) The entry and residence of third-country nationals are an issue, but in the past the rights in relation to these have been extended more and more.
The tone of the report is manifestly dictatorial and the proposals for cooperation given are presented almost exclusively on the EU's terms and with the EU's own interests in the foreground.
Unfortunately, most of the European Union budget continues to be spent on preserving the conditions of the past.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I, too, would like to thank Mr Søndergaard for his successful work, as a result of which the Council ultimately accommodated Parliament in the discharge procedure.
It should lead to more operational management of projects that often involve local authorities and concern environmental protection, innovation and energy for instance.
(SL) Mr President, I would like to commend the excellent work done by the rapporteur, Mrs Sylvie Guillaume.
At this point I would like to state my disappointment, since, if the constitutional treaty had been ratified, it would have introduced a more appropriate legal framework in Article I-3, which had a direct application to the rights of the child.
Last year's decision to suspend visa restrictions after Minsk had released the final prisoners in August 2008 helped bring about some progress in our dialogue.
This will be a better solution for you.
If it had been, the figures - the volume of EU trade with those countries - would be far higher than they are today.
Nonetheless, it seems bizarre that at the same time, some Member States wish to override common understandings and even agreements, such as the EU Common Position 2008/944/CFSP.
Barely 12 months after the European Union's election observation mission declared that the elections had integrity, there was a second coup in two years by the generals in Mauritania.
In this overall context, Frontex is the security instrument on which the campaign against illegal immigration and human smugglers depends, and it is being deployed in those areas where the Member States are finding it difficult to cope.
Spanish Members from all parties have made important contributions to the work of this House, holding distinguished office in both Parliament and in our groups.
We, in our European work, would do well, therefore, to give that sector a shot in the arm.
Certainly combating inflation is and will continue to be our main task.
It is also clear that Member States which have left it to the social partners to fix wages must continue to do that.
This is what has happened with the Stability Pact.
The development of a crisis reaction mechanism will also facilitate a rapid response in larger-scale emergency situations.
The European Parliament points out that better guaranteeing of human rights, including those of women and minorities, is crucial, as is an independent judiciary.
The harmonisation of goods transport, in particular in regard to multi-modal transportation, is an absolutely vital and logical step that should have a positive effect on the EU's internal market.
In addition, the current outbreak of bluetongue and consequent restrictions imposed on the movement and marketing of animals has created additional socio-economic difficulties.
According to the EU Treaty, Sweden has the decision-making authority.
Regrettably, I had to vote against the measure.
I therefore abstained during the final vote.
It has been a great pleasure to be involved in this work.
We must evaluate the experiences of lifting visa regulations for the Balkan countries, bring the Schengen Information System II (SIS II) up to date and monitor the implementation of the visa requirements in Moscow.
Evolve: namely, make the Europe 2020 strategy a positive synthesis of the demands of businesses and those of workers, in support of a labour market where it is the flexicurity of employment contracts that responds to the instability of market demand.
It is only a case of finding some documents relating to the case against General Gotovina, but Mr Brammertz himself has said that he does not know whether these documents still exist or whether they have already been destroyed.
For example, hardly anything is said about posted employees, and the way charitable services and the social clause associated with the Single Market are described is, regrettably, very vague.
Consequently, I would like to ask the Commission whether it would not be a good idea nonetheless to implement veterinary border controls at which the owner of a pet animal must demonstrate that the animal travelling with him or her is free of dangerous diseases, has been vaccinated and has its papers in order in respect of the destination country.
That said, the end result that we have is an open and reasonably balanced one.
In the maritime sector, the European Commission is currently looking into the best way of taking account of discharges from ships, and it is what we are proposing today with this text for the transport of freight by road.
I refer, in general terms, to the type of dialogue that must be established as soon as possible between citizens and institutions at different levels.
Access to the debates in each language would then only be guaranteed by way of the audiovisual recordings available on the internet, though individual Members of Parliament would be able to request the translation of certain extracts.
The more support we have, the more real actions on the ground we will be able to conduct.
Secondly, local permit authorities are clearly in a better position to take account of prevailing conditions, such as an installation's age, location and, for example, its water intake, which is a guarantee of flexibility, in contrast with the totally inflexible ESN.
The Commissioner will tell us whether this is an inadvertent error.
Furthermore, individual Member States will not only be able to retain shorter payment target deadlines in the form that has been customary up to now; we assume that, in fact, they will be retained, because we cannot imagine that the Late Payments Directive will lead to a deterioration in payment practices within the Member States.
I also understand that there are Member States - such as yours, which is why I have just been listening to you - which have not fulfilled their duties, and with this in mind, I voluntarily proposed a date - which has moreover been accepted by the Committee on Agriculture - extending that time-limit slightly, but, as you know, whereas they might pay two pounds an animal in your constituency, in mine they only pay one pound.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Madam President, I thank the honourable Members for these questions and for this opportunity to discuss these issues in the European Parliament again.
In general, Baltic Sea countries are all very sensitive about environmental issues and maritime transport issues as well.
in writing. - The reaction to the conflict in Gaza has to be more balanced than it currently is.
Human rights enjoy a high-ranking importance in the European Union.
There is an urgent need for the principle of secularism to dominate the organisation of our society.

We have the answer: we have Europol in place.
We would also ask the Council to stop thinking like an accountant and put on its politician's hat for once, and not to do its calculations by trying to work out how to cut back on payments, because we could end up in the Court of Justice given that, as you have reminded us Commissioner Lewandowski, the payments are legal obligations deriving from pre-existing commitments.
Member States know, governments know, but do not always agree when it comes to money.
The assumption of the costs of banking deficits by the public purses ultimately led, in 2010, to a deep crisis in national budgets.
In spite of these reservations, I have chosen to vote in favour of the report.
It is a situation which, together with production of more than 70% of the world's opium output and increased activity from terrorist groups, shows the complete impotence of the occupying power.
I am particularly pleased that that the report specifically highlights non-discrimination and equal opportunities.
Like the rapporteur, I firmly believe - and I say this as vice-chairman of the Committee on Regional Development - that many Member States are not fully aware of the significance and use of the European Social Fund and other structural funds as instruments in the pursuit of lifelong learning.
In October, Serbia and Montenegro hosted missions led by the Commission, in association with the experts from the Member States, and those missions confirmed that all of the criteria of the respective road maps had been fulfilled properly.
in writing. - I voted in favour of this important resolution on textile fibre names and related labelling and marking of fibre composition of textile products.
The Council's willingness to promote Article 9 in practice is also evident in the European Semester, which has to reflect, in an integrated approach, a balanced position between the Europe 2020 Strategy and the Stability and Growth Pact.
There is no point saying anything now about the host of difficulties encountered to implement the international force, which was scheduled for deployment in November 2007, finally commenced only at the end of January, and will not be completed until May this year as per the current schedule.
Perhaps, at the end of the year, it will be time to present further initiatives, new agreements: with regard to the multilateralisation of the nuclear fuel cycle, for example.
However, we must not ignore the importance of the cohesion policy in achieving the European Union's economic and development objectives.
I think that there are good grounds to consider and resolve this problem, either as regards the date of the election or the date of the constituent sitting.
(PT) Mr President, the cooperation between the European Union and Latin America has been a success story.
The European Progress Microfinance Facility will make available up to EUR 25,000 to people who want loans to start or grow very small firms, and who have been unable to obtain credit through conventional markets.
There are different health care systems, different social service systems, different support for those families with such a patient.
The microfinance facility itself, although it is very small, plays a really important role in ensuring access to credit for micro-enterprises in the social economy and it is crucial, now that financial institutions are not lending money.
There has been a lot of emotion in Italy following the murder of an Italian woman by a Romanian citizen.
Written statements (Rule 149)
(PL) Mr President, I would like to refer to the discussion which took place in this Chamber on the integration of Montenegro into the European Union.
Two recent examples, outside the European Union, illustrate the level of tolerance of a population which has constantly been forced to make sacrifices in the interests of national governments which pay too little attention to their citizens' needs.
However, I am not convinced either by the alternative presented by the PPE-DE Group amendment that we are supposed to vote on tomorrow.
However, the Treaty of Lisbon allows us to go further, opening the way to creating a true energy community within Europe.
Nonetheless, under European legislation, drilling for oil under the sea is exempted from the scope of the Seveso Directive on major accident hazards involving dangerous substances.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, once again I want to thank the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and Mr Goepel in particular for their hard work, resulting in an excellent report.
So, I believe that the best way is for the budget to finance any agency, but if there is the possibility of supplementary funds being raised, it should be evaluated.
My third point relates to Japan.
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Jean Monnet's death, I would like us to think about the task ahead of us and our obligations for the future, which are to commit to continuing the great work started by Jean Monnet of unifying our continent.
Unfortunately, the present model for effort-sharing proposed by the Council would mean that the European Union would reduce emissions mainly outside the EU through CDM/JI.
This is a key issue, as Brazil has a rich but fragile environment.
I believe that people, whether in Tibet or in the nations of the European Union, do have an understanding of their wishes and desires, and they should be allowed to express that through the ballot box.
Europe must continue to be a continent of production, not only of services, but an area in which we maintain a productive base, and that is also the objective of a number of the proposals that we shall make about long-term investments.
I am glad Parliament has finally initiated an in-depth examination of this issue.
(RO) Mr President, the political crisis in Madagascar has led to this country being isolated on the international stage.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Mr President, with President Obama in the US we now have a political leader who shows foresight and courage.
We have significantly tightened the transparency requirements and set out the details concerning public participation, the information which is to be given to the public and the method of communication and participation in procedures.
Both the National Study Group and the Presidential Commission working in Nigeria itself recommended that the death penalty be abandoned, as it does not reduce crime.
All that is included in the compromise, and I think that, on the basis of this compromise, the work that the Commission and Parliament will be undertaking in the very near future will have a solid foundation that will underline the rights of our citizens and the intrinsic values of our Europe.
We are really counting on you when it comes to simplification and to the important messages we are sending you, Commissioner.
Although Member States remain fully responsible for the choice and organisation of their pension systems, the fact remains that European economies have become interdependent and that economic governance discussions also focus on the viability and sustainability of pension systems.
I want to make the point very clearly that it has not yet been determined whether this measure will ultimately be a success or a disappointment.
in writing. - (SK) Education and vocational training is the moving force behind the Lisbon Strategy.
(EL) Mr President, we should not have been able to debate the proposal to recommend a European Qualifications Framework (EQF) today had not our fellow Member, Mr Mantovani, made good use of the experience of former MEPs working on the subject or collaborated so well with the Commission and the Council.
These were created in response to the 2004 Railway Safety Directive.
We are all aware that the strategy's effective implementation will depend hugely on the way it is devised.
Cooperation between RFMOs is essential, but we should also take the initiative of drawing up a global register of fishing vessels, including all support vessels, which clearly shows the beneficial owner of a vessel.
So far, however, only isolated and national initiatives have been taken.
The low pay sector in Europe must be reduced in size rather than continually being fostered.
Therefore, I believe that the institutions have a responsibility not to underestimate this disease and to take concrete action to support patients and their families.
If we want the South Caucasus to be free from war, we must go for modernisation, because Georgia at least, but also Armenia and Azerbaijan, have recorded such high economic growth in recent years that they deserve our support.
However, there is no room for complacency.
This relaxation reduces the incentive to develop new low-carbon technologies.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, these are my last words on behalf of the Belgian Presidency, so I will be brief.
The proposed regulation is undoubtedly a good step in the right direction, but much more may need to be done in the future as more knowledge and experience is gathered on deep-sea marine biology.
Oral explanations of vote
(The sitting was closed at 4.45 p.m.)
9.
Faced with the global economic crisis, some groups have surely been harder hit than others.
These are simple, common sense measures.
So, we need to act, and to act now, on the basis on which Parliament has worked so far.
(PL) Mr President, the current situation makes us realise and testifies to our impotence before the forces of nature.
I want to stress that by continuing to deny the role of the opposition, the Iranian regime will be unable to convince us of its will to work for the good of the Iranian people.
It would be good if Turkey understood that this is not meant as an anti-Turkish stance.
We also need the exchange of good experiences, and research, product development and pilot projects.
Therefore, Baroness Ashton, we must express our opinion loud and clear.
So we need to adapt our labour markets and introduce flexicurity, that is to say new securities and flexibilities for both workforce and employers.
In conclusion, I will briefly sum up some of my previous points.
Burdening road transport, alongside the taxes which already have to be paid, with the additional costs of excise duty on fuel and vignettes, when we are faced with the problem of a crisis to which no end is in sight is socially irresponsible.
However, research has shown that human impact on climate change is negligible.
2007 discharge: European Parliament (
Yet whether the country will be able to turn a page in its relations with the EU depends largely on the Serbs themselves.
Europe must not be naive and must ensure that there is reciprocity.
I would like to know whether there are really as many unladen journeys represented in the long lines of trucks that we have to overtake on the motorways - or are not allowed to overtake, as the case may be - as we are always being told.
The manufacturing rights of the producers of feed must also be safeguarded, as Mr Mulder said earlier on.
Thus there are two aspects here, I believe.
The truth is that in the last decade, despite the strong - and uninterrupted - international presence in Afghanistan, security in the country has deteriorated.
I have obtained an emphatic assurance that the technicians will be very discreet and will not interfere in any way with the progress of the sitting.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (FR) Mr President, I believe that we must try not to fool ourselves but realise that, although Valery Pal has been released, the Turkmen Government will continue to abduct, imprison and torture other people in Turkmenistan for thought crimes.
Support for, and closer integration with, the Black Sea region as part of the EU's Neighbourhood Policy will be a means of increasing political stability both in the EU and more widely in the Black Sea area.
I will defend this approach personally at the November Development Council, and the global financial crisis will be at the centre of my political concerns during the weeks ahead.
According to what I am hearing, eight other special zones are planned.
This has been an interesting and diverse debate, and I commend you for the continued interest and energy that you put into our engagement in Afghanistan.
Soil damage, damage to biodiversity, oil dependency, greenhouse gas emissions, groundwater depletion and the development of consumption patterns put us in a very fragile situation, more fragile than 40 years ago.
Many people in my country wondered why the Dutch Party for Freedom (PVV) had to be elected to the European Parliament, and here is why.
25th annual report from the Commission on monitoring the application of Community law (2007) (
These questions are not only a matter of politics, but also a matter of conscience.
the Commission should include all euro area sovereign debt as high quality liquid assets, regardless of its specific rating;
Mr President, Baroness Ashton, we have spoken about it all day long: the tremendous hope that has emerged following the revolutions in the Arab world shows us that democracy is something that we all aspire to, and that there is nothing exclusive about it.
It is also important to emphasise that there will be no additional costs for businesses in the sector, which are protected from the risk of unbearable adjustment costs, thereby ensuring a fair balance between passenger rights and guarantees for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The devastation that happened on the ground had enormous impact on the United Nations, which has lost many members of their senior staff, and on NGOs, which have been unable to respond as quickly as they would simply because people of theirs have died.
For them, the common agricultural policy makes a real difference.
The Lyon report defines these tasks of the common European agricultural policy extremely well, and it explicitly acknowledges the two-pillar structure of the common agricultural policy.
As I have already said, we will carry out an assessment of the effects of the BAM on the ACP countries 18 months before the programme expires.
We need to call things as they are, as Putin's Russia is probably where Hitler's Germany was in the mid-1930s.
This openness should, however, go hand in glove with mutuality and respect.
We hear that there are some troublemakers - including in this Parliament - who are already starting to fish in these troubled waters.
'However, the position followed by the Commission in this file shall not be considered as a precedent.
I welcome the rapporteurs' inclusion, in a compromise amendment, of maintaining that interinstitutional balance.
So the current pace of migration is too slow to attain critical mass migration by 2010.
This leads to reduced business confidence in e-commerce and fuels the fragmentation of intellectual property protection rules, which stifles innovation in the Single Market.
Therefore we can do nothing other than regret the decision of the Republic of Korea's Constitutional Court that the death penalty is not a violation of that country's Constitution.
It is therefore essential that the Commission clarify these points before concluding a trade agreement.
In spite of the efforts of the Commission, the Council decided not to follow our compromise suggestion on the broad economic policy guidelines.
The other amendments seem less important to us.
The experience of Lithuanian investors raises reasonable questions over the business environment and the protection of investments in Serbia.
I think it was simply a matter of a formal obligation for the Germans to assist Mr Guardans Cambó and his delegation, if we are quoting Article 20 and the decision as a whole.
(PL) Madam President, the strength of the European Union is the cooperation of states and regions on solving common problems, and also the implementation of development programmes.
Then, there is what I have to tell you from a legal point of view, as well as the two points on which the Commission position, which consists of a legal assessment by our service and by my colleagues, Mr Šefčovič and Mr Oettinger, is based.
We have worked with many candidate countries which have become Member States of the European Union.
There are many reasons for this.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I think we all agree on the approach of the proposal for a regulation under discussion today, especially the aspects concerned with cutting down on bureaucracy, with promoting a more innovative industry, with clarity and, above all, with the consumer - and I must emphasise this last aspect.
(DE) Mr President, economic governance as it is being developed here focuses solely on savings and competition policy.
It is our role as parliamentarians, unencumbered by the weight and limitations of executive power, to show our governments, and therefore the Council, the way in this field.
It also becomes clear that free trade agreements are important and, above all, that we must focus more closely on the transatlantic partnership.
To those who speak of human rights, I think that the application of the rule of law, an independent judiciary and full respect for human rights - including free and independent media - are necessary to promote stability and prosperity in Russia.
We must also ensure that Community legislation does not jeopardise or set aside important constitutional principles, such as those governing freedom of expression.
The European Commission presents the proposed Community budget, this time for 2008, the Council proposes significant cuts to the Commission proposal, and Parliament comes forward with a proposal for reducing the cuts in the Commission's and Council's drafts.
rapporteur. - Mr President, as we did not have a plenary debate on this item and there was no possibility to table amendments following the vote in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, you either have to trust your rapporteur - myself - or reject the whole resolution.
I wish the programme every success.
The EU must cease to subsidise failed European agriculture, end the hidden protectionism which characterises its trade policy and abandon its immoral fisheries agreements.
Finally, as permanent rapporteur of the Parliament for Montenegro, I should just like to add that in my view, having recently visited this country, it is well on its way to candidate status, and I hope to see that happen as soon as possible.
For other sectors and companies, it is absolutely clear that compliance with the legislation is to be monitored by independent authorities, but this does not apply in the sector that produces the very food that we eat.
Despite the severe budgetary restrictions we currently face, the message that the Council will send out in its meeting on Friday will be one of commitment, using positive terms to express the significance of this matter at European level and the vital importance for each Member State to invest in low-carbon technology.
Secondly, as announced in June, work has begun on a review of EU human rights policy.
Nevertheless, in the Parliament text just adopted, this fact was stubbornly and unreasonably presented in the plural, and it was even mentioned six times that allegedly there were many bad amendments.
The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development has proposed extending the funding until the end of the financial perspective and has increased the percentage rate to 6%.
In my own country, there are about 22 000 people employed in the dairy sector.
(DE) Mr President, we must not forget that misinformation and poor decisions made by the US secret service have repeatedly made it possible for acts of international terrorism to happen.
If this viciousness and abuse applied to Muslims or the Jewish community, I would be equally concerned.
The European Union is unquestionably committed to the environment, both internally and at international level.
Mr Medina Ortega has presented us with an excellent report on the European Authentic Act.
The solution lies in reducing bureaucracy to a minimum and finally reaching an agreement on a European patent.
(LT) Probably no one would argue with the fact that gambling, like other forms of addiction, causes serious social problems that affect not only the gambler, but the whole of society.
Sooner or later Mr Lukashenko and his party machine will pay dearly for acting in this manner.
He did sign it, despite the fact that very few changes were made in terms of quality.
It is therefore essential that Taiwan, as an island vulnerable to such meteorological phenomena and as a major global industrial power, is enabled to participate meaningfully and with dignity in appropriate international organisations, not least those related to weather and climate change.
In a time of economic and financial crisis in particular, our challenge is, as a matter of priority, not to send the money we need for energy to the Russia oligarchies and oil magnates, but to keep it in Europe and strengthen rural areas here.
However, I must reiterate that you cannot expect me, and likewise I cannot expect you, to make a decision in respect of the disagreements among scientists regarding methods.
They talked of how they longed for the end of the regime, so let us also be clear: Gaddafi must go from power and must end his regime.
It also 'stresses ... the need to ensure that precarious domestic care jobs are transformed, wherever possible, into decent, long-term jobs'.
This is a Union where everything from workers' rights to environmental protection to migrants' rights is given less and less consideration, where industrial lobbies count for more than citizens, where the European interest is lost, buried beneath the howls of one government or another, where freedom of choice and individual liberties or the arrival of new Europeans are seen as an unbearable attack on the identity of populations which, like those of Italy and Ireland, have migrants scattered in every part of the world.
Of course, we believe that the opportunity to have negotiations and the opportunity of reaching agreement under such an umbrella agreement are possible only if in line with the principles and once the Lisbon Treaty has been adopted, which means jointly with Parliament, with the Council and with the Commission.
We have, therefore, designed the proposals to ensure that the demands on the poorer Member States are realistic: all will contribute, but in line with their capacity to invest.
We believe that in the European lighting and light bulb market, it will be possible to achieve a total saving of 40 billion kilowatt hours, which corresponds to electricity costs of between EUR 5 billion and EUR 10 billion.
Obsessive policing of the borders under these circumstances will not solve the problem.
For us, these are the absolutely key issues in this resolution that we want to address.
The EU Member States may have taken steps towards improving natural conditions, but where is the rest of the world?
(EL) Mr President, it has taken a long time to release the Balkans from unproductive nationalism which is out of step with European standards of behaviour and values.
This is a Communication from the Commission, which in 2005 set up the CARS 21 High Level Group in order to draw up proposals for a future regulatory framework for the EU automotive industry.
It should stress that, as a rule, the purpose of genocide is the liquidation of the feeling of national identity, through the extermination of the intellectual and cultural elites.
The last few months, moreover, particularly in the east of the country, have seen an increase in massacres, rape of little girls and women, and forced recruitment of girls and boys.
This dedicated activist is subject to accusations because of his commitment to the environment, his fight against the dangers of HIV and AIDS and his efforts to ensure that human rights are respected.
And so we have seen that the euro leads to common economic government.
That is why our group will vote against this agreement.
The situation in the Mediterranean is not primarily a border control problem.
Adapting to climate change will require ambitious financing in many areas, and in my view the most important of these are: health, agriculture, water protection, housing and population migrations.
Well, give Europe those powers, at long last!
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, my thanks to all those who have contributed to this discussion.
in writing. - According to European law, 12 plenary sessions must take place every year at the Strasbourg seat of the European Parliament.
A key element in the whole of our discussions has been whether certain airports enjoy a dominant trade position.
Naturally, my group, the delegation of the Dutch Freedom Party (PVV), thought that that approach was quite right.
Thank you, Madam President.
We are relying on the fact that progress will be made by other governments throughout the world during other global conferences and also after the elections in the US in the late autumn of this year.
The vote will take place on Tuesday, 7 June at 12:00.
Firstly, the opposition of trade union and farmers' groups to the free trade agreement with Korea and, secondly, the case of the industrial zone.
I should like to emphasise three elements: firstly, we need precise information on the state of the environment in the Member States; secondly, we need a procedure for renewing that information every five years; and, thirdly, we need to carry out a joint progress evaluation of all environmental actions undertaken in the European Union.
We must therefore not hesitate to provide help to people in these countries in abolishing such mediaeval punishments and customs, if we can do so by means of diplomacy or in other ways.
After all, they provide two-thirds of Europe's jobs and pay 80% of taxes.
The railway companies pay track access charges for every kilometre travelled, but the same system does not apply to buses and coaches, which benefits bus companies.
There will be a time limit for restricting emissions from shipping.
He knows perfectly well that, unfortunately, it is the governments of the Member States who decide on the seats of the institutions and, unfortunately, under the chairmanship of the former leader of his party, John Major, at the Edinburgh Summit in 1992, they imposed a legal obligation on the European Parliament to have 12 part-sessions a year in Strasbourg.
The chapter of the Belgian Presidency's programme entitled 'Education, Training, Youth, Sport, Culture and Audiovisual Policy' states that the Presidency will pay particular attention to the problems associated with the failure to complete schooling, as well as to the role of education and training in social inclusion.
Madam President, on behalf of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, I would like to emphasise two points today.
in writing. - (PT) We believe the report contains positive points in its assessment of the Dublin system in relation to asylum applications in signatory Member States.
Otherwise, it seems that we are returning to the Middle Ages, with despotic rulers granting their subjects only those rights that they are prepared to allow.
That is wrong, and it is why our delegation has voted against this report.
We gained a lot of benefit from having this process in Cancún, because we were coordinating a lot across different regional groups.
The ball is now in the Council's court.
Similarly, I do not in any way doubt that people of Pakistani and Indian descent in London, which I represent, would share EU values.
It is regrettable that hundreds have died, others lost their loved ones, and many more were injured.
It will not be possible to extract this gas without the acceptance of the people in the regions and the local residents.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I believe that none of us has any doubt, we have had enough: as far as Turkey is concerned, the European Union must stop talking and take action.
We Socialists take the opposite view, namely that the economy is there to serve the people, and we must fashion our policies accordingly.
As regards compliance with EU legislation, the information provided has to make sure that the situation is covered by the Data Protection Directive.
We must also make the necessary resources available.
The coexistence of different options, including the infamous third way, now enhanced and clarified, strikes me as being a good thing - which is an obvious statement given that I was co-author of this amendment.
The one in ten which succeeds pays for all the rest, but the motto is 'fail fast'.
Maybe the Commission will start to think innovatively.
Many of them are manufactured from chemicals and, in long-term use, may have a negative effect on health.
As regards the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: Mr Wiersma, Mrs Berès and others have mentioned the danger of political instability in this country.
I therefore invite the Commission and the Member States to increase the amount of aid for translation.
We have had the Stability and Growth Pact, but the problem lies in the fact that the Member States have not complied with it, and so we now have acute deficits in public finances to deal with.
in writing. - The Europe 2020 Strategy is one of the most important projects we've created, yet, there is no guarantee of its success.
Personally, I am worried about the quality of jobs.
If the people who bothered to vote for us in June knew the following: that there is a consensus not to rock the boat on the basis of a gentleman's agreement from 1970; that the internal auditor of the Council would not be invited to the Budgetary Control Committee because then, the Council would be able to invite the internal auditor of the European Parliament, with uncertain consequences; and that the politically appointed Court of Auditors did not have any comments on the Council's internal auditor's report of April 2008, what would they say?
In other words, businesses should not bear the responsibility for the shortcomings of administrative cooperation between Member States.
I would suggest that what constitutes 'discreet' behaviour in Iran is rather different from what that might mean in our own Member States.
Safety does not become an issue only if products reach Europe.
I trust that the Commission, in their discussions with various national authorities, can keep the momentum moving.
As you are aware, in March 2002, the Council and Parliament came to an agreement, through conciliation, on Directive 2002/15/EC, which establishes the requirements that have to be fulfilled for the working time of persons performing mobile road transport activities, in order to ensure their health and safety, to ensure road safety and also to align conditions of competition for all enterprises.
Fourthly, we have to use the next R&D to develop storage technologies and, finally, electric plug-ins.
By delivering stability, by being credible in delivering stability in the medium and long run, we trust that we are contributing to sustainable growth and sustainable job creation.
Madam President, this report expresses concern that the new Kyrgyz Constitution, voted on in a referendum in October 2007 without wide-ranging debate, could alter the balance of power.
The next item is the report by Mr Christensen, on behalf of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, on common principles of flexicurity.
It is also important to consider the nature of the constraints affecting the outermost regions which, by reason of their permanent and pervasive character and joint presence, differentiate those regions from the Union's other regions with geographical disadvantages and/or demographic problems.
This is therefore the second time I have addressed Parliament this year.
It is a good thing that, however timidly, we are now attempting to deal with this problem.
(Applause)
In this regard, the authorities of a state which makes no provision for divorce and which does not recognise the type of marriage in question will not be obliged to dissolve that marriage.
This summit was rather successful: it protected the single market, spoke up against impending protectionism and, last but not least, offered new assistance to the Central and Eastern European Member States, which are struggling with increased difficulties.
Whatever name we choose for this structure, it is clear that the current Neighbourhood Policy must be strengthened and reinforced and that we must invite everyone in the region who has an interest in the integrity and stability of this region, from Turkey to Kazakhstan, to get involved.
In my opinion, collection of the relevant data, which has been voluntary so far, should become mandatory.
We must make it clear in all these cases that the bilateral problems must not be allowed to block the accession negotiations.
I cannot understand - and I think the same can be said of the rapporteur and the entire Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development - why the Commission has not made the simulation results for the effects of these eight criteria available to us.
As a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Mexico pledged to adopt a state policy on human rights and to remain open at international level with regard to human rights.
The increasing gap between the richest and poorest countries, as well as the unstoppable flood of economic migrants, is eroding the world's foundations.
Moreover, not only are all the generals mentioned by name in the Strasbourg judgments not brought before the courts, but they are put forward for promotion.
author. - (FR) Mr President, Mr Vice-President, Minister, 'it is high time to rekindle the stars'.
(FI) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I agree with my fellow Members that the work done by Commissioner Hedegaard at the Climate Change Conference in Cancún is to be applauded.
I listened carefully to the words of my fellow Member from Hungary, Mr Tőkés, and I have to protest against the one-sided view of current events and its presentation as a universal attack on the actions of the Slovak Republic in this area.
Increasing the collection of these appliances and raising consumer awareness about this should reduce the amount of these small appliances ending up in the general waste stream and thereby escaping adequate treatment.
We need stronger protection for intellectual property, a stronger capacity to defend ourselves within the major world geopolitical regions, and to protect ourselves from the large countries which are appearing on the world market.
In this respect, the Commission holds the view that it is important to specify that compensation should not be restricted by any upper limit laid down at the national level.
This has also been toned down, so that people with reduced mobility cannot even find out about where they can get assistance and so on.
Therefore, until we have a set of rules that are internationally recognised, it is crucial that we retain and do not water down our existing trade defence instruments, which are our only effective tools against dumping.
author. - (FR) Mr President, I do not intend to discuss the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo in its entirety, but rather the north-east of the country, and the Kivu region, where a vile war has been raging for years, and even more intensely in recent months.
Whilst the Commission has clearly stated that the directive on misleading and comparative advertising outlaws the misleading practices of these directory companies, it must also look at the transposing of that directive by the Member States in order to clarify whether citizens are protected equally across Europe.
You should not let them get away with this.
The Baltic States talked a lot about cooperation and interconnections with the Nordic market but, until the formulation of this package, we had somehow stopped short of real development on Baltic interconnection.
author. - (PL) Mr President, here in Strasbourg we have considered the situation in Burma on Thursday afternoons almost every month in recent times.
Recently, I read in an American report, but things are fairly similar in Europe, that on 29 November last year, in one day, online trade accounted for a turnover of more than USD 1 billion.
Finally, although it is true that there are many specific cases that we should mention here, which we cannot do due to lack of space and time, I do at least want to take advantage of this debate to once again put on the table the violation of human rights that is taking place in the Western Sahara at the hands of the Moroccan authorities, as it is a clear case of incomplete or badly completed decolonisation.
Resolving disputes by diplomatic means guarantees equality of treatment between countries.
Like other EU member States of the 21st century, whose GDP per inhabitant is not great, Lithuania will have the right to increase these emissions by 15%.
Her quiet diplomacy, rather than an 'ego on legs', has ensured agreements where others have failed and where it has proved difficult in the past.
There must also be support for the establishment and development of innovative rural businesses in the future.
Until now, Directive 86/609/EEC has guaranteed the protection of animals used for scientific purposes: just after it was issued, this directive was implemented and applied in different ways within the various Member States.
They may be adversely affected, for example, if the merger is subsequently cancelled.
European countries must individually - my preference - or collectively protect our industries.
Firstly, it has always been recommended that resources and mechanisms should be made available by the European Union and its Commission to support Almadén in restructuring its activity, so that the people will not suffer as a result of the closure of their traditional mining industry.
In June, it adopted an Agenda for Action.
- (EL) Mr President, I certainly support the resolution because the present situation in Afghanistan happens to be unacceptable and disappointing.
Perhaps that is the key to success tomorrow, too - in other words, that the politicians who are competent here need to achieve the necessary recognition in Belgium, too.
In the 2005 UK general election, all three main political parties committed themselves in their manifestos to a referendum on the European Constitution, as it then was.
If the position of the Commission and the Council on this issue does not change, we will forever have two common agricultural policies: a richer one, targeted at the old Member States, and a poorer one, which will become the lot of the new Member States.
I want to make three points to respond to some of the views expressed in the course of the debate.
I believe that the environmental disaster that struck Romania cannot go unheeded.
Moreover, when we compare this gap in the third year of the current Financial Perspective with the gap in the third year of the previous Financial Perspective, which was only 3%, we simply do not see how such an enormous gap can be justified.
Secondly, we have been used to treating stability-backed rules in a very liberal way.
Thus, a few weeks ago we also announced which objects can be carried as hand baggage and which objects cannot.
This is a matter that crops up in this Chamber time and time again, but it is nevertheless a highly important one!
Where protectionist or trade-restrictive measures are identified, we will take action against them with all available trade tools, such as our market-access strategy or even the WTO dispute-settlement mechanism.
We shall attempt to find out whether you have struck the right balance, or whether there is a need for any further fine-tuning or improvement.
Later, however, Chernobyl became a symbol of effective cooperation between the authorities of the countries affected by the disaster and the international community.
The award of the Sakharov prize to Memorial shows how much remains to be done and demonstrates the close attention that this House devotes to Russia.
It must contribute towards creating a European Union that plays its part in an effective multilateral system and, above all, Mr President, it must help to ensure that human rights and democratic values prevail in every part of the world.
What I am trying to understand, therefore, is this: what is the point of such a statement and for whom is it ultimately intended?
Who should take action?
Since then, the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights - and I believe its Articles 12 and 21 - have come into force, further guaranteeing in law citizens' freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation at EU institutional level.
To be able to get all Member States involved in innovation, the EU should take a more active role in directing the flow of investments required to combat the imbalances between Member States in terms of resources supporting infrastructure and management.
I have never requested or been paid a penny for my work; I do it because I believe in it.
This being the case, should we really be presenting feeble reform proposals such as these in this field at this historic juncture?
Given that it is a framework legislative act, the Ecolabel regulation does not set specific criteria for products.

I believe that the possibility of using the pre-accession funds for that purpose should be studied in depth.
Unfortunately, however, listening to Mr Schulz, Chair of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, I note that such unanimity is not to be found in this House.
In my opinion, given the emergency situation of an estimated 170 000 civilians who are trapped in the battle zone between the Sri Lankan army and the forces of the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Ealam (LTTE) without access to the most basic aid, an immediate temporary ceasefire by the Sri Lankan army and the LTTE is needed, in order to allow the civilian population to leave the combat zone.
There are no longer any formal excuses to abstain from them.
Monetary union can only be maintained if there is convergence in the well-being of Member States and their citizens, regardless of where they were born.
Europe has developed asymmetrically, and there are currently many countries that are at doctorate level in terms of soil policy while others are only doing their A-levels.
Of course, dialogue with Serbia on the outstanding practical issues must be conducted with full transparency and a lot of intensity, but I think that realism should be the guiding principle for us.
The European Commission rightly acknowledged that support was required for both the creation of alternative supply routes and the interconnection of energy networks.
EU strategy on Roma inclusion (debate)
There is such soil diversity in the European Union that the subsidiarity guarantee is essential, while ensuring the protection and sustainable use of the soil.
At the Doha Summit, I was stunned, Mrs De Sarnez, to find myself the only Western Head of State present around the table.
We need a European solidarity and cohesion policy, backed up with specific legislative, fiscal and financial measures.
I also want to thank the two Presidencies involved - the Czech and particularly the Swedish Presidency - for their more open attitude on this than we have seen in some negotiations, as we were able to negotiate rather than feel we were there to do what Council wanted - well, sometimes anyway.
We can simply create a certain environment to keep up the pressure, but it is up to Russia to respond.
Before the Seoul Summit, we were convinced that the toughest and most important test was going to be maintaining our momentum.
Bluetongue is a very serious disease affecting cattle breeding in many European countries. The vaccinations themselves will be better, and they will be easier for cattle breeders to use.
These are politicians that we can never trust, so, Mr Rehn, how are you going to guarantee that Dutch taxpayers are not going to be terribly swindled once again?
Extremist movements of paramilitary groups, ultra-nationalism, xenophobia, calls to violence and local ethnic and religious conflicts threaten the stability of the European Union, characterized by a rich cultural and traditional diversity of its Member States.
The result of this is terrible unemployment figures for university graduates.
During the 'talks', which we call 'EU dictates', we were required to close down reactors 1, 2, 3 and 4 at the Kozloduy nuclear power station.
However, it is not only necessary to make an assessment.
In this regard I view the setting up of a joint EP/PAP (Pan-African Parliament) delegation as crucial for completing the institutional architecture that will have to be put in place.
We have to be very careful when we talk about the fight against terrorism and we have to do it in a very professional and very careful way.
(The President cut off the speaker)
That was all the more reason to come forward with these proposals.
The next item is the vote.
It also has a significant social dimension, insofar as it fosters the social, economic and cultural integration of EU migrant workers and members of their families into the host Member State.
The European Arrest Warrant was trumpeted as the perfect example of mutual recognition in the area of justice and policing.
We should regret the fact that, in Copenhagen, ambitions were lowered in the fight against climate change, that a binding agreement was not signed and that the procedure lacked transparency.
In all this, women, and women's choices of course, have an exceptional role.
One option is, as Mrs Cornelissen has already said, taking responsibility for managing the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) funds away from the government and returning it to the Commission.
It has spent millions of euros on campaigns of lies and misinformation.
I am in close contact with his family.
I thank the Commissioner for her response and for her facilitation of a further question.
In today's vote, I unequivocally supported Doris Pack's report, in which the rapporteur emphasises the partnership approach and cooperation in policy-making and implementation of the Bologna Process.
We must not forget or overlook the massive uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East and the fact that the Muslim communities are turning towards a political Islam.
Today, the time has come for us to be vocal in our demands for Christians and followers of other religions to be free to practise their religion.
Newspapers reported publicly last November that one of our Members, Den Dover, had paid expenses worth GBP 750 000 intended for the employment of staff to a company owned by his wife and daughter and had used some of this money for the purchase of expensive cars and for other matters of personal gain.
The key points of my report can be summarised as follows: with this fourth revision of the Community legislation regulating the activities of inspection bodies, we have succeeded in strengthening the surveillance mechanisms by creating an independent assessment committee with permanent powers and the ability to act on its own initiative.
Or can the Commission explain to us perhaps why it has not initiated any legal product recall campaign, and why it was a voluntary product recall campaign by the toy manufacturers?
That shows it becomes self perpetuating.
I believe that, with the concerted action of all the European institutions, we can achieve more.
There are big problems around the verification, monitoring, reporting and liability regimes.
Violence was rightly fought, the perpetrators of violence have been defeated and there is nothing about violence that can be glossed over.
In conclusion, I wish once again to make the general point that success in achieving the aims of this piece of legislation will depend very much on its proper implementation and to this end the constructive involvement and full commitment of Member States authorities is of paramount importance.
This recommendation on the draft Council decision concerning the conclusion of a protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and of Romania to the European Union, deserves my vote.
In its reports, Amnesty International has described some of the extreme forms of attacks on unarmed civilians.
President-in-Office of the Council. - I definitely agree with the honourable Member about the need for such a directive.
This is because the banks are aware that they are still faced with a series of problems.
Thirdly, the intention is to make the updating processes and the decision-making process more transparent and democratic.
A compulsory set-aside of the present 10% in the old Member States, the EU-15, is not compatible with the present market situation.
President-in-Office of the Council. - As I mentioned in the previous answer, the Council is following the situation in Burma/Myanmar closely and is receiving reports from various sources.
In Europe there are only three states where divorce is not achievable: the Vatican, Andorra and Malta.
However, the internal market cannot function effectively without correctly transposed, applied and enforced Community rules.
This was not the case for many German, British and French banks and that is why we are having this debate today.
We keep coming back to the same situation.
Other issues covered included Russia's pending accession to the WTO, human rights issues in Russia, the climate for investment and ongoing concerns over the upholding of the Conventional Forces Europe Treaty.
20.
This is a particularly necessary and sensitive issue for professional qualifications.
We know, however, that third-country nationals entering European territory without supporting or legal documentation do in fact work for various employers after being released from detention.
Taken as a whole, these texts should enable us to carry out a significant assessment of the European Union in respect of these issues.
Currently, a joint mission of the Presidency and the Commission is leaving for Guinea this Wednesday.
This is the only effective means of changing the way in which people in Europe think in the long term and this is the only solution to reducing smoking in the private sphere.
In fact, certain socialist leaders in the European Parliament and even heads of governments have been misled by this information.
Without wishing to pre-empt any findings as to whether this was murder or natural death, or whether it was a politically motivated murder or not, it is worth pointing out that this sad event is unfortunately not an exception.
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, at their spring summit the Heads of State and Government took good decisions on the fight against climate change.
This is a real step towards the soft totalitarianism that is this new doctrine of political correctness.
My heartfelt thanks go to all my fellow Members for their constructive cooperation.
I believe it is essential for civil servants to be accountable to the general public.
For example, the Court of Auditors states that, for projects in the area of cohesion, the level of error is higher than 5%, which, in my opinion, is too high, despite the fact that there has been an improvement in recent years.
The recovery plan is now a bit Keynes, a bit green, but really underneath it is still the same old thing.
This is a given which we think should be reflected in the Commission's priorities.
The first is discipline.
During the last four years, 40% of its wine producers have either ceased trading or gone into liquidation, while the companies still operating in this key sector of its economy have accumulated losses.
It is also crucial to record the contribution made by this sector accurately in national statistics in different countries.
The aim is absolutely not to encourage cross-border healthcare as such, but to ensure its availability, safety and quality when it is of use or necessary.
In order to reach agreement with the Council, there was, on the one hand, a need for an independent committee to take decisions on places of refuge.
All Member States can benefit from mutual exchanges of their know-how within the framework of best practice.
Pilots are trained to manage extraordinary flight conditions, the commercial airlines' safety manuals are reviewed, overseen and confirmed by regulatory authorities, and airlines have the necessary experience of operating over volcanic areas, as is shown by their safety record.
These measures are geared to scrupulous respect for human rights in reception centres.
What can the Commission do to ensure that States with a larger population have electoral districts which are closer to the people?
I would like to wish you all, ladies and gentlemen, a Happy New Year and a successful 2009 which will hopefully bring us nearer to European unity.
Please look at it again.
Mr President, who were they?
You have the chance to be the first Commissioner - before you eventually step down, and I do not know when that will happen - who can say that during his period of office, the amount of bureaucracy has been reduced rather than increased.
The aim of the regulation proposed by the Commission is to achieve a harmonised legislative framework, whilst retaining flexibility and reducing administrative overheads and costs.
Between the deliberations of the committee and the plenary proceedings, the voting procedure was changed to a joint vote of representatives of both parliaments.
Freedom of movement means the ability to choose.
I should like to take advantage of the Commissioner's presence to ask him if there have been any evaluations on the part of the Commission on the loss of jobs in European aviation companies over the last eight months since the economic crisis broke and, if there are, what measures do you believe could be used to reverse the situation?
REACH offers a good example of such an alliance.
The fact that President Mikhail Saakashvili declared a state of emergency to overcome the riots and conducted a violent crackdown is highly alarming.
Consequently, I voted in favour of Mr Corbett's report.
However, it is a very serious and urgent matter for some new Member States, such as Romania, where there is a very high proportion of rural areas with an extremely low employment rate.
(FI) Mr President, people are worried about climate change and its effects.
I ask my colleagues to support it unanimously.
(Applause from members of other groups)
Concerning the Copenhagen Summit, I fully endorse the position stated by Mr Barroso.
I represent southern Italy, which is located in the south of Europe in the Mediterranean basin.
It forms an excellent foundation for the debate and the discussion on the results of your work over the past year, Mr Diamandouros.
Tuesday:
Although I am a member of the board of a large Slovak national association, the Forum for Life, I know that the volunteers who act independently rather than through specialised associations also represent a ray of hope that penetrates the darkness of loneliness and support the fight against temptations of violence and egotism.
I refer in particular to the targets on methane and nitrous oxide, and the assault on meat and dairy consumption.
Mr President, Mrs Geoghegan-Quinn, ladies and gentlemen, I wish that the Chamber were full to bursting, not on my account or because this is my first report, but because of the subject matter, which is unfamiliar to many people, but nevertheless highly important.
The European Union, due to the openness and transparency of its market, due to being the second world importer of goods and services, and due to its economic specialisation in high value-added products, is particularly exposed to the evils of counterfeiting.
- Report: Belohorská
I have written to the Foreign Minister of Iraq and I spoke to him again yesterday.
in writing. - Notwithstanding the progress mentioned during the debate, and the 'opening', problems remain in relation to women, minorities, freedom of opinion and the press, social imbalances, poverty, rights of the child, education, an independent judiciary and army intervention in politics.
Were we to concentrate our work in Strasbourg, we would both save money and have an independent democratic face in Europe!
Today the Federal Reserve and the US Treasury would like to paper over the cracks by lowering rates.
At the same time, the action plan also establishes common quality and safety standards for the Member States, which not only contribute to the protection of patients but also facilitate cooperation between countries.
Secondly, as regards the issue of lawyers, we cannot make the sweeping assertion that every lawyer is by default a lobbyist because he or she has studied advocacy and all that it entails.
(FR) Madam President, at this stage of our debate, I am inevitably going to have to repeat or to support some of the things that have been said previously.
In these cases, much smaller amounts are sufficient, and that is something that we should take into account in this programme.
The World Bank estimates that it causes an annual economic loss to Africa of USD 52 billion.
I was with Kamal Nath in London last week, debating Doha, and he as Trade Minister for India raised exactly same the point as Mrs McGuinness about the incredible importance of low-level subsistence farmers.
It does not make sense to support democracy in the South by weakening it in the East.
Member of the Commission. - (CS) I do not think that the speech by the honourable Member contained any questions but I would like to endorse the opinion she expressed in any case.
Of course the Portuguese Presidency, as it should, will consider all proposals and suggestions made by the institutions in order to more effectively fight the threats posed by these criminal groups which, due to the type of crime perpetrated, cannot fail to have a major impact on our societies.
Up to now, only one legislature, the Council, had this opportunity.
I did so in the light of new expert opinions that have concluded that the strictest limit values for heavy metals are not strict enough, given the latest scientific knowledge.
I am very pleased that growth that saves on resources and on energy is to be a flagship of the European Union.
I hope that the Ministers adopt this Pact today and that it contains reference to this common responsibility.
I also voted in favour because I am convinced that this assistance complements the redundancy aid provided for in all national legislation and collective agreements.
We can see this as an indication that the German and French governments need to move once again on two significant points.
In this respect, the Committee on Culture made a very specific reference to one of those problems, which I would like to emphasise here on behalf of my colleague Viktória Mohácsi, who headed this topic in the Committee on Culture.
That seems to be slightly at odds with some of the statements we have heard so far, so perhaps he could clarify exactly what those responses were.
In the interests of effective protection, I would like to recommend the introduction of the so-called free family information packages in Europe.
Mr President, I should be recorded as voting against Amendment 7.
Hence, I agree that this issue should be assessed under the Treaty of Lisbon, given its bearing on cooperation policy.
On the contrary, what we want is just the possibility to facilitate the transposition of those decisions into European law.
3.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Mr President, first of all, I would like to say that this is yet another case in which we are debating the fact that different legal cultures obtain on either side of the Atlantic when it comes to personal data and, in particular, when it comes to police and judicial cooperation.
At the same time, it is true, Yanukovych has certainly improved relations with Russia, but has thereby accepted a degree of subordination to Moscow that is new.
The EU should set an example in all its negotiations and call for fair employment conditions and the sustainable use of resources.
The correct procedure is that we vote on whether or not to meet the request by the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance.
For years since I have been an MEP, I have been receiving letters and e-mails from constituents who have inadvertently been misled into signing up for a business directory, then being invoiced for a rather large amount of money.
I support what the resolution says about giving careful thought to the importance of regional development, and taking it into account in the EU budget, and about promoting a strong European regional policy with appropriate funding to achieve social, economic and territorial cohesion.
The second problem is that the Council's and the Commission's current emphasis is on tightening up the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact and budgetary discipline and reform, with no convincing answers or solutions for the effective implementation and financing of the Europe 2020 Strategy objectives.
Is there nothing we can do about this over-allocation for a number of activities within the Union?
Europe now needs to have a comprehensive directive on preventing and combating all forms of violence against women.
It is unacceptable that young people originating from poor families or from a rural environment are obliged to leave school because of their financial situation.
However, I really want to use this opportunity in the House to turn to fisheries agreements in a more general way and to stress the need for cooperation from all of those parties to these agreements.
To explain two of our Socialist amendments: firstly, I do respect his and your position about Gandhi and non-violence and I think it is a very important tradition that you draw our attention to in Parliament.
The 2010 Strategy marks out the direction of the Union's operations and its main priorities for the next 10 years.
Several of you have stressed the importance of aiding small and medium-sized enterprises in the current climate.
What about the rising fuel prices (diesel and especially petrol)?
In order to fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other infectious diseases, these countries need vaccines to which they currently do not have access and which they cannot buy.
German energy providers could soon find it worthwhile generating electricity in Poland instead of at home - if they are not bought up by French providers, that is.
in writing. - (PL) I voted in favour of the report on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of the environment through criminal law because the introduction of new legal provisions and the establishment of a common list of offences against the environment for the entire Community will ensure more effective implementation of Community legislation.
One of the main priorities is to secure a positive and concrete outcome from next year's Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference.
I am thinking in particular in this respect of the supervision of intelligence services.
(PL) Madam President, today is the 61st anniversary of Schuman's declaration.
To close, I should like to congratulate Vladimir Maňka on his excellent report.
It is very good that the Union has declared its support in this matter.
I think we have got to revert to the excellent recommendations made on 10 March 2009, which are worth looking at again.
Kosovo (
Something which should also be a collective concern for our institutions is communicating with the public on matters relating to Economic and Monetary Union, so that citizens have a perception of the euro that is in line with the objective benefits it brings to us citizens who have this currency in our pockets.
Half of all meat products inspected in shops in the US contain dangerous bacteria (MRSA).
We do not need to be reminded of the need for intensive development of the information technology sector and that we must ensure that our citizens have access to digital technology.
(PL) Madam President, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the largest country in Africa.
We are not paying any state assistance for the capacity that remains.
I think that this positive atmosphere has brought us very close to the historic decision of tomorrow.
The report clearly highlights, as often happens in conflict situations, that no single party is to blame for the conflict.
That is why I want to reply to you now.
These Member States have demonstrated solidarity with Greece and determination to reinforce the stability of the currency by undertaking to provide bilateral loans in the event that the country is unable to resolve the problems with its public finances by other means, specifically intervention by the International Monetary Fund.
I think that it is a good idea to set up a task force analogous with that for Croatia, as proposed by the Slovenian Presidency, to help Serbia cooperate fully and effectively with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in The Hague.
I hope that Council will be able to take this decision this spring.
Parliament hopes that all democratic forces, which respect freedom of conscience, arrangements for the democratic handover of power and freedom of speech, will be able to take part in that election.
Mr President, I am pleased that I was present in Priština last Sunday, when, in a truly dignified fashion, independence was proclaimed.
The Commission document entitled 'Towards a new Energy Strategy for Europe 2011-2020' makes an excellent contribution to a comprehensive EU policy for the energy sector in the context of the EU 2020 strategy.
Therefore the European Council in March called upon the Council and the Commission to submit before the June European Council a plan for the development of capacities to manage migration and refugee flows as a response.
I congratulate Commissioner McCreevy on his willingness to take on this issue and to tackle some of these areas.
This mechanism, by contrast, subverts this principle, encouraging the movement of capital and putting economic power before political power, and the interests of capital before the interests of countries and their peoples.
What further measures does it intend to take to tackle this challenge?
Otherwise we jeopardise our progress towards our aim of continued European integration.
Furthermore, a toll may significantly reduce the demand for road transport.
This is something that we need to be mindful of.
In addition, it is silent about the repression of workers, trade unionists and leftist forces in Turkey, as well as of the Kurdish minority.
I have to say to Parliament that this is entirely true - he is a reactionary!
I think that a key factor is how we respond to the financial crisis.
He has a financial and economic crisis at home, bordering on a meltdown of financial markets, that has impacted the world economy and is a still a long way from being resolved.
The many exceptions and derogations will mean that the scope of these rights will be considerably limited, to the detriment of coach passengers.
Taken together, aviation markets in the European Union and the United States account for around 60% of the world's air traffic.
I also oppose individual attacks against Jewish workers that further divide Israeli and Palestinian working class people.
We can cut undue expenses and then debate how we can increase our means for law making.
In the resolution we have tabled and are shortly to vote upon, we point out that relations between Brazil and the European Union are based on mutual recognition and respect of the rule of law and of fundamental rights.
The unacceptable situation of millions of people dying of AIDS every year demands that the European Union face up to its responsibilities.
(Applause and cries of 'Hear, hear' from the EFD Group)
I think it is also important to note, from the point of view of development, that leaders in the G20 also agreed on a trade finance package worth USD 250 billion over two years to support global trade flows, to which Europe will contribute substantially.
This affects the new Member States of the Union in particular.
We greatly appreciate the compromise that has been reached to allow for a second decision from the Irish people with regard to the Lisbon Treaty.
The reform of the global financial system for which we are all hoping and praying will only be possible - I am absolutely convinced - if Europe is in a position to make its presence felt, and, for that to be the case, we will need to find new resources.
Since the Treaty of Lisbon has not entered into force, we felt it was necessary to provide a temporary solution.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Madam President, the business of data exchanges between the United States and the European Union has been fraught with major problems from day one.
In this way, thanks to the Council's and Commission's decision, we can hope to have approval at first reading.
The European Commission has undertaken to investigate these substances further.
However, it was also important for Parliament to be absolutely clear about the legal basis, and we hope that the Commission and the Council will support this.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (DE) Mr President, Commissioner, I would first also like to thank the rapporteur for her help and cooperation.
The Commission must therefore be able to present to us a detailed work programme for 2009 as regards cohesion, which is, I repeat, the European Union's largest budget item and also the most tangible expression for citizens of our achievements, so that 2009 is not a 'blank' year but a year of progress within the 2007-2013 programming period.
However, the Council's conclusions have failed to emphasise this priority.
I would stress the important role of the Comenius, Erasmus and Leonardo da Vinci programmes in the development of European education and training policies.
Like Yitzhak Rabin, I also believe that diplomatic peace is not quite a genuine peace, but it is an essential step towards it.
However, it has now become so militarised that humanitarian issues have now come to the fore.
All the countries of the Western Balkans are important to Europe, to the European Union.
Can the Commission tell us how it intends to adapt to the recommendations contained in the European Parliament resolution on simplification of the CAP in view of the anticipated reform of this policy?
One final point - Mr Groote spoke about a subject of special interest to him, namely the 'Volkswagen Law'.
These are challenges for a stronger Europe and a better world.
I would like to ask you to see to it that the conditions are improved.
However, I refuse to accept the demand for the introduction of minimum wages in all Member States, as called for in paragraph 14 of the report by Mr Silva Peneda, whom I would otherwise like to thank for his work.
They too, by supplementing the monetary policies operated by the Central Bank, have to introduce sound policies capable of supporting price stability.
The internal conflict is still continuing, despite many efforts and substantial international aid. People are losing their lives, livelihoods are being destroyed and cultural heritage damaged.
Unfortunately, Member States have made little use of the Marco Polo programme for the transfer of a larger volume of freight transport from the road to the sea transport system.
This is not a criticism, Baroness Ashton, but rather a question of powers.
That is why this important tool is a good step in the right direction in the recycling of electronic waste, allowing us to guarantee better resource efficiency and the return of raw materials to producers.
Of these innovations, I am pleased to mention those that relate to the procedures for revising the treaties and to Parliament's role in submitting proposals, as well as the changes relating to the role of national parliaments which confer a special responsibility on Parliament: to be able to make this enhanced role a source of democratic legitimacy for European integration, rather than a bureaucratic obstacle.
(FR) Mr President, Commissioner, I think that our goal is the same, we want to achieve parity, but we are not unanimous about how to achieve it.
I fear that I hear you saying 'No, I am waiting; I am waiting because I want a global package, a global package including the President of the Council'.
The problem is that there is no principle for deciding what the EU should do.
The Lisbon Strategy does not work because of the asymmetry in Europe's economies, growing pressure of competition and the hypermobility of the capital markets.
The Hungarians in Romania, the people I represent, are such a case.
Agriculture and Romanian forestry can play an important role in combating climate change, whose impact has been strongly felt in recent years, especially through flooding, high temperatures and prolonged droughts.
We will have the bland leading the bland, but I am not celebrating because they will press on with political union and, whilst our leaders may have saved face for the moment for themselves on the international stage, they have all betrayed their national democracies.
A further consideration is that one thing totally absent from this report is an urgently needed plea for the restoration of the right to freedom of expression in a number of our own European countries, including Belgium.
Europe must not only drastically reduce its greenhouse gas emissions; it must also adapt to global warming.
Concerning peace and security, it is true that we do not have too much conflict, but that is because we have an extremely active external policy in order to prevent any conflict as soon as it starts.
The same applies to symbols.
Welcome back to Brussels all of you.
We certainly noticed that it has not included the pilot projects and preparatory actions in the tables attached to the Annual Policy Strategy for 2009.
The new measures are intended to improve the operation of the retail energy market and provide additional consumer protection.
The European Council broadly welcomed the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative proposing a partnership for democracy and shared prosperity in the southern Mediterranean, following a differentiated and incentive-based approach and bringing together all EU instruments.
Moreover, within the framework of the planned fiscal adjustment, the choice of the mix between expenditure and revenue measures made by the Greek Government takes into account important social and economic aspects, in particular, in terms of potential complementarities with a package of structural reforms and measures to improve the micro-economic environment and the functioning of the public sector.
This is because they think - like we do, like I do, like most people here do - that it is important for the European Union to be able to act in a more coherent and stronger way if we want to promote our values and work towards peace and democracy all over the world.
This is not purely a socialist issue.
It is now time to act.
Mr President, I completely share your viewpoint and, first of all, I would like to thank the many Members who have spoken throughout this debate in support of this directive.
In fact, I have personally supported this in discussions in the European Council.
Mr President, it has in fact been fun.
We want to be involved in this.
If they have an obligation, they should be the first ones to set an example.
When I say 'we', I mean the Slovenian Presidency - and I very much regret that it is not represented here, especially since I put on a tasteful tie in its honour - the Commission and the shadow rapporteurs, to whom I wish to pay special tribute for their amicable, constructive and informed cooperation.
We cannot abandon it to its fate and to the hard and fast rules of supply and demand; these are the very reasons why we now have this crisis in the financial sector and consequently in all other sectors, including the car industry.
The Commission yesterday adopted a strong package of reports and measures on fighting the corruption that is costing the EU EUR 120 billion per annum - roughly equivalent to the total EU budget - but eight Member States score less than five out of ten on the Transparency International index.
In addition, and this is something I must highlight and which I assume Mrs Gräßle will also highlight, it can appear before the Court of Justice, as can the Director General, who can also bring the institutions before the Court of Justice.
We are aware, of course, that we need a low-cost solution which is virtually free of red tape.
Gaza is the largest prison in the world, with 1.5 million prisoners; it is now also a slaughterhouse, unfortunately, with men, women an children dying simply because they are Palestinian.
As developments in this region, which is geopolitically situated between Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia, also have an impact on EU internal affairs, there is a need for stronger involvement in the area.
However, I hold on to what Commissioner Almunia has said, and that is: act quickly and effectively.
Moreover, the draft supports the introduction of a common tax base for company taxation, which will clarify matters both for taxpayers and for the Member States.
The distress of the Sahrawi people should in no way be exploited to incite further acts of violence.
In other words, as we move into the next phase of our relations, Bosnia and Herzegovina itself must assume full ownership of the reform process that underpins its EU perspective.
We Europeans have a duty in this regard, and we shall perform it.
There is no doubt that the constitutional changes make a great impression, and they make a fundamental contribution to the democratisation of life in Turkey.
I think this is really what we have to do now.
I am pleased, therefore, that we can finally adopt a directive codifying Council Directive 86/298/EEC of 26 May 1986, and which approximates the legislation of the Member States on rear-mounted roll-over protection structures of narrow-track wheeled agricultural and forestry tractors.
It increases judicial scrutiny and democracy - and if there is one area where you have to work together, it is this.
We need an objective and transparent report - that is, a public report - on that stress test, the starting point of which has to be the highest security level.
Structural reforms are also helping economic growth and improving the prospects for European long-term prosperity.
The average fertility rate in the European Union is 1.5 children, which is clearly among the lowest in the world.
It seems that aid is granted partly in order avoid dangerous anti-democratic tendencies.
Dementia is a disease characterised by the slow and progressive loss of memory, concentration and the ability to learn, usually in people over 65 years of age.
The opening of a multi-ethnic European university college will receive our support once all local stakeholders reach an agreement to make this effort a sustainable project.
This resolution is an important reminder of the fact that we need to continue the fight against the death penalty.
The Tory MEPs in the European Parliament have one objective in mind with their proposal to reintroduce their discredited health voucher system by the European back door; under their proposals the wealthy few would get vouchers to take NHS money out of the UK for private treatment in the rest of Europe.
Would you tell me where you got these figures from, and do you believe them to be correct?
(PL) Madam President, the unprecedented ecological catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico should persuade the Member States of the European Union to carry out close monitoring of drilling platforms in waters where crude oil is extracted.
I should therefore like to thank Mr Costa for his report on such a dynamic sector of the economy.
Manders report
More adequate and sustainable financial instruments should guarantee that SMEs have better access to capital.
What used to be the trademark European position in international trade was that we at least wanted bi-regionalism; in other words, to discuss things region to region.
We therefore do indeed need a development policy.
That is a good thing.
We cannot allow misguided economic interests from a state neighbouring the EU to cause an ecological disaster in the Danube Delta.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, when we speak of reconciliation, we mean those initiatives which, taking into consideration the needs of the family and the needs of workers, allow a balance to be struck between professional and family life.
As expected, much of the President's agenda has focused on the economic and financial crisis.
We clearly need to make very substantive progress on our top priorities in this semester.
It will also enable the citizens concerned to carry out, from their place of habitual residence, the formalities needed to obtain attachment on wages or on a bank account, to activate the cooperation mechanisms, and to have access to information making it possible to locate debtors and to evaluate their assets.
I would really like to know the outcome of the meeting.
I have spoken to many of my own farmers who find it difficult to find the money to invest in difficult financial and economic circumstances.
In effect, under Regulation (EC) No 546/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 amending Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 on establishing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, the scope of the EGF was temporarily expanded to cover its intervention in situations like this in which there are 'at least 500 redundancies over a period of nine months, particularly in small or medium-sized enterprises, in a NACE 2 division in one region or two contiguous regions at NUTS II level' as a direct result of the global financial and economic crisis.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, it has been great to listen to you here tonight, because I still feel that you have got all the passion, you have got all the energy and you have got all the emotion that I experienced about the wine sector when we had our discussions on the wine reform.
However, it is a fact that the European countryside, which accounts for 90% of European territory, is suffering from abandonment and economic stagnation.
For this reason, my group supports the report's call to make users sign on or register when using the information.
We hope that this potential will be utilised, and that this can become a reality.
However, the questions raised and my previous question to the Commission about the very high cost of this particular endeavour have remained unanswered.
We have constructed an impressive framework of high-level interactions where we regularly address the global challenges that our citizens are facing without, however, neglecting the issues where our views may differ.
The submission of the Serbian Government's replies to the European Commission's questionnaire, which Prime Minister Cvetković will hand over to Commissioner Füle this month, will be an historic step for the Serbian state and for all its citizens.
This would spell disaster, both for our climate and for our credibility.
Poverty is therefore synonymous with a lack of freedom.
After the EP unanimously called on the Council to define the term 'citizens' as provided in Article 9a(2) in good time before the next elections in 2014, I decided, in the interest of my country and the working of the EP, to vote in favour of the report, as this shows some progress in relation to what had been agreed upon before.
We have not seen any benefits from the increase in the number of committee members from 25 to 40.
One, a deep interdependence in political, economic and security terms: technologies, ideas, diseases, money - everything moves.
This will make it possible for payment delays to incur consequences which will make them disadvantageous.
The issue of counterfeit drugs and medicinal products is another very important issue from the point of view of the common market.
Now, honourable parliamentarians, we need to sit together - Parliament, the Council and the Commission - in order to get this telecoms package up and running by 2010.
In order to avoid talking about full membership of the Union, in the case of the left, or of a privileged partnership, in the case of the so-called right, they have struck a deal.
This is not only a danger to democracy and an unhealthy way for the democratic institutions of a state to operate.
At the same time the Member States are members of the World Health Organisation, which has issued the International Health Regulations: they also deal with the fight against diseases that can spread from one country to another one.
Here we also need to act in the international dimension to be most effective.
Thank you very much.
I also have some major concerns, as I have stated before in explanations of vote, about how we do these draft amending budgets.
· The date of its entry into force.
Almost 10 million children under the age of five die each year, and of these, 4 million are newborn infants less than one month old.
In order to prepare for an informed political debate, in 2007, the Commission asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to assess the actual and potential risks associated with the use of this technology in food production and also asked the European Group of Ethics (EGE) to issue an opinion on the ethical aspects of animal cloning for food supply.
Mr President, European action on this issue is long overdue, so I was very pleased to hear Mr López Garrido's remarks on children, the Commissioner's remarks and, this morning, that Commissioner-designate Malmström plans to bring forth a new directive in this area as a priority.
An emergency?
Slovenia is a great example of the success of the enlargement.
I would also want to mention that the Eurovignette directive allows Member States to include an additional tax for certain roads in sensitive areas, such as the mountain regions in the Alps and Pyrenees.
(Applause)
One example is the replacement of the term 'risk area' with 'priority area'.
I have no faith in this chamber's way of handling this task, as I had precisely the same job of examining these seven institutions two years ago and then, ladies and gentlemen, discovered the most appalling things going on in the Committee of the Regions.
I am most grateful for Parliament's support for MDG contracting.
We have listened carefully and are taking due notice of everything that has been said.
These requirements will be broad and flexible, to maximise the number of transplantations taking place.
More must be done in the European Council.
What is even more important today is that the European Union has, through the European project, to a large extent already affirmed itself as a world factor, as a world actor.
Agenda for next sitting: see Minutes
All the European institutions that depend on the European Union budget have to be thoroughly audited by the Court of Auditors and by all entities with that function.
I am therefore opposed to the proposal to introduce an ex ante declaration.
Mr President, Russia's use of interrupting gas flow as a diplomatic weapon has once again proved why we need a common EU external energy security policy by intergovernmental cooperation.
Kosovo's inhabitants must enjoy a viable democracy, with a fair, impartial judicial system, and a society free of corruption where human rights and the rights of minorities in particular are respected.
From another perspective, it is wrong to say that we want all these people to stay outside Europe and we do not want to take them in.
We are talking about a strategic partner here.
in writing. - (PT) In addition to the many other issues raised by this resolution that we value, we consider it essential to stress that we unquestionably support the deepening of genuine and effective cooperation and friendship between the countries of the EU and India.
To this end, it is necessary for every Member State to collect harmonised and comprehensive data and for the system to be fully harmonised at EU level.
Last autumn, this Parliament voted unanimously on a series of recommendations to simplify that bureaucracy.
Mr Fazakas is suspected of being an ex-collaborator of the Communist secret services.
Romania is pursuing and will continue to pursue a proactive policy aimed at supporting the Republic of Moldova's integration into European structures.
Given that 70% of global SALW stockpile is in civilian hands, EU should recognize and support the indispensible efforts of civil society in monitoring SALW trade and production at the local level and in raising public awareness.
Employees in every country must have the unconditional right to take industrial action in order to ensure that migrant workers receive at least the same salaries as themselves.
With reference to other recent EOMs, I can confirm that, for instance in Rwanda, in Cambodia or in Yemen, we have been giving support to the respective electoral commissions.
In answer to Mrs Wortmann-Kool, who mentioned the need for drivers to find a safe place to park and fought for more such places, I would say that the regulation makes it possible to drive for a longer period in order to find a safe place to park.
A new approach must be established on how to bring EU closer to citizens.
- (DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, we have recently had news from Japan that will certainly have delighted the rapporteur, Mr Buzek.
on behalf of the S&D Group. - (RO) The creation of an evaluation and monitoring mechanism to verify the application of the Schengen acquis is an important measure which will put into practice the decisions concerning the area of freedom, security and justice, especially the provisions of the Hague Programme.
For this very reason, whether we are dealing with illegal or legal migration, we must not go down the path of a one-size-fits-all approach.
We know that, when all is said and done, that is what will stabilise the euro in the long term.
The representatives of the European people had gone beyond partisan divisions in order to end this anachronism of the opt-out.
First of all, we really share the Commission view that at this point it is maybe too early to have a far-reaching new horizontal tool to solve the liability issues.
Only two of 161 indictees remain at large.
Viktor Orbán, as the Hungarian prime minister, has ridden roughshod over fundamental democratic principles.
As Europeans, we should not be satisfied with the situation of the European education system.
I would also like to thank the Commission and the committee secretariat.
The Commission's Extended Impact Assessment analysing the options to solve the problem demonstrates this.
The licences lay down restrictions on use and end-use, which are a fixed component of the product and its supply and which the recipient is obliged to comply with.
If there is a crisis, the rescue package will be made available.
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
(SV) Mr President, congratulations on your appointment.
Last Saturday, I stood outside 10 Downing Street in London with my Coptic constituents demanding that the UK Government do more to pressurise Egypt and its government to protect its own citizens.
They were happy with the proposal as a working base and said they could negotiate to overcome points of disagreement.
As I said, we are considering the possibility of using the temporary protection mechanism.
In order to attain better results in Member States in terms of achieving the objectives of the Beijing Platform for Action, reliable, comparable data on the situation of women is an absolute must, both at European and national level.
Last year the European Parliament warned the Council that financing for the European Galileo navigation system was too inadequate.
Thanks to the euro, Europe is now stronger.
That was the reason why we initiated an action programme and I made it very clear to my new partner that what we expect from China is concrete measures and concrete results in the market and I think that he understood the message.
I have thereby decided to support the rapporteur and vote in favour of this report.
The debate is closed.
We Swedish Social Democrats believe that the partnership between the EU and NATO should not be developed solely on the basis of the UN Charter.
The lack of a sense of political responsibility on the part of certain governments and the Commission, added to a kind of blindness in part of the sector itself, has brought us to a scenario in which we have to ask ourselves not whether we will be able to help stocks recover, but when we will stop seeing and finding tuna in our seas and oceans.
In any case, given that the financing of this new cooperation instrument must be compatible with the 2007-2013 financial framework, it is worth pointing out the importance of the mid-term review of the financial framework.
It would be so much better if we did not have to deal with people wishing to deprave and exploit children for reprehensible purposes. I have no compunction in referring to such people as evil.
Regional cooperation and correct neighbourly relations are undoubtedly one of the other preconditions for a successful Euro-integration process.
The main task of this organisation is to foster international cooperation to improve the sustainable management of marine resources in the open seas, based on the fundamental principles of scientific research.
We need this change and we should support it.
Moreover, Regulation (EC) No 736/96, which the proposal in question repeals, is no longer applied consistently and is incompatible with the recent developments in the energy sector.
We urgently need to adopt effective Community measures on immigration and asylum.
It is therefore our duty as legislators to strengthen the right to international adoption within the EU in order to help these children.
I urge the EU institutions to build upon the experience of granting Ukraine macro-financial assistance and avoid further delays.
It is also true that the Commission somewhat regrets this situation.
Trusting the cat to guard the cream is not the way out of this crisis!
I had some doubts in the first few days of the Presidency, when Mr Schwarzenberg said that Israel was exercising its right of self-defence and aligned himself with one party in a period when the European Union was needed as a mediator.
These include dedicated income support and abatements, and incentives to improve the energy efficiency of domestic households.
Clearly, we would have preferred Parliament to have been more directly involved in the pilot project - this has been said and it is the subject of our question.
Turning specifically to the European Parliament's budget, the Bureau's guideline document contained the following objectives for Parliament's budget: developing expertise to Members, as far as research capacities and library briefings are concerned, and adapting institutional aspects deriving from the Lisbon Treaty.
On sheep, the Aylward report has raised huge expectations which we in this Parliament support.
Moreover, one of the most fundamental characteristics of any constitutional state is that they offer access to the courts to any citizen who feels wronged.
The vote will take place today at 12 noon.
On human rights: I want to describe that as a silver thread.
You were hiding somewhere else.
The marketing of medicinal products is prevented by the procedure of enquiry and readability.
12.
This amendment introduces a requirement to indicate the presence of non-textile parts of animal origin in textile products.
We are convinced that these objectives can be achieved, and it is reasonable to expect tangible progress to be made.
This applies especially to the countries at the heart of Europe.
I think that this is something that we should remember, and which, in any case. we should go return to in the debate on relations between the European Union and Central Asia.
The motor insurance expert group, set up by my services a year ago, brings Member States' representatives and stakeholders together and has proven to be a very useful tool to this end.
The cooperation that has been launched between the European Parliament and the national parliaments is immensely important.
This report is not geared as much to animal welfare as I would have wished, but any improvement is something and I shall therefore wholeheartedly support it.
The real competitive disadvantage to our industry, however, would arise if it were forced to jeopardise health, the environment and international law in order to survive.
I hope that when we come to vote on this tomorrow the Members will see the reason why we are asking for a voluntary system and not yet fixing a mandatory date for the introduction of electronic ID.
I would also like to take this opportunity, however, specifically to thank the AFET secretariat and of course also Group colleagues, who should not be forgotten at this point and without whom this report could not have come into being.
2.
Commissioner, is it Europeanist rhetoric if we ask the European Commission to be independent and authoritative and not to have regard for governments that cook the books?
The forthcoming tenth anniversary of this sinister episode will, of course, be passed over in silence, but I am determined to recall it here.
It was a huge mistake to treat detainees as they did.
The CAP was created at the same time as the European Economic Community.
I thank my fellow Members, so many of whom have spoken, especially those who approved the key parts of the report, praising and endorsing its content, but also those who expressed criticisms and who, above all, did so in a desire to overcome the regrettably tragic instances where force has been used, and to dream of a peaceful world.
That concludes Question Time.
If nothing else, the rapporteur's report recognises the problem.
We know how much it costs.
Finally, I do not think we should support the proposal to reduce fleet overcapacity, which could have adverse consequences on fisheries in the context of a severe financial and economic crisis.
Nonetheless, I agree with the view that both parties should negotiate with caution towards full liberalisation of trade exchange.
rapporteur. - (FR) Mr President, behind this obscure title, each person is assessing the importance of the discussion we are holding this evening following Hungary's request for financing, which was first made to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The more active involvement of the European Parliament in this process is also important.
Those speeches did, indeed, run over by some seconds.
I do not think that this is related to equal access to the labour market for women.
This also requires the harmonisation of rules and procedures as soon as possible, which should be done even during the Seventh Framework Programme, but certainly during the preparation of the eighth.
Mr Higgins, I would like to tell you that we very much agree with your reflections and also that the truth is that, in terms of biodiversity, the Spanish Presidency's objective is to intensify conservation and sustainable use, that is to say, to have an advanced, profound vision in the context of biodiversity.
(SK) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the free trade agreement with India is clearly an exciting opportunity, offering tremendous potential for trade with the world's largest democracy.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, nobody can underestimate the importance of water and the need to manage our water sources well.
Mr Booth has really misunderstood this!
(FR) Mr President, through a ruling given on 19 March, the Court of Justice of the European Union has just declared that the majority of our Parliament violated a clear rule of law by refusing to defend my immunity on the basis of Article 10 of the international protocol, as requested by my foreign colleagues, led by Mr Romagnoli.
The call for new nuclear power plants in Europe is unacceptable.
Courts should have the necessary instruments available to act swiftly and freeze the assets of the debtor or alleged debtor, however not under any circumstances.
Even though Directive 2006/114/EC is in place, not enough is being done by the Commission or the Member States to aid businesses affected by the fraud schemes or to eliminate the fraud schemes entirely.
It will also be crucial for a good example to be set in public construction projects.
Today, the side to choose is quite clear: as my colleagues have said, it is the side of freedom, it is the voice of the people.
And please do not take the issue back to the level of national claims or, worse, reduce it to a mere quantitative issue.
That is why prevention, healthcare and job security are essential.
For some time now, in various forums and also in Parliament, the possible relationship between the Community Framework Programme and the EUREKA intergovernmental programme has been the subject of analysis and debate, as both involve considerable aid to SMEs.
Many amendments that are being proposed can be supported by the Commission.
The Mon report raises the subject of transatlantic relations in the aftermath of the presidential elections in the USA.
We want all Member States to build these goals into their existing Roma strategy, if they have one, or to develop a Roma strategy if they do not have one, for the period up to 2020.
(SK) Within the scope of my parliamentary mandate I come across citizens' complaints that during the transposition of EU legislation some Member States impose on them obligations that go beyond the requirements of the laws in question.
That is why we have to reinforce our efforts in terms of economic governance, reinforce our efforts for financial regulation, and also achieve better economic, social and territorial cohesion.
In fact, imported products are often cheaper, but they are also of inferior quality and their safety cannot be guaranteed.
This will be a decision of the European Council, adopted by unanimity, on the initiative of the European Parliament and with its consent.
Maybe we are allowing ourselves to be overly influenced by the French presidency, but please let's not allow the initials EPP to stand for the European Protectionist Party.
The top priority of the Recovery Plan must be to stimulate the economy and competitiveness of the EU, and to avoid increased unemployment.
No one else needs this protection, hence the introduction of models for cooperation with Internet service providers.
On the supply side, the crisis may lead to a reduction in the level of funding for public health, at the same time as it may lead to increased demand for health services.
Whoever makes early use of them will create millions of jobs for their citizens and a prosperous society.
She sold her own little girl.
First, the Commission's forthcoming proposal to reform the EU data protection framework will focus in particular on the challenges posed by globalisation and modern technologies, most of all when third-country operators target EU consumers.
Airlines will also benefit, and the Canadian and European aviation markets will become even safer.
I also sincerely hope that we will finally have an open debate on the purpose and uses of nanotechnology.
This will also be an important message from next week's meeting.
Europe imports 98% of its uranium, and in the statistics, in Europe's statistical yearbook, nuclear was shown as a native energy source because the statistics had not been adapted.
The intelligent approach would be to agree measures there that not only safeguard biodiversity but also combat the effects of climate change, help to achieve the Millennium Development Goals - about which a good deal has been said already - and create green jobs, not least in the European Union.
The impact assessment that you have presented is very good.
I also think that the report contains a few proposals that may sound very appealing but tend towards symbolic policy, such as a year for this, a monitoring centre for that.
Through the sharing of literature, film, music and heritage, doors of understanding are opened and bridges between people are built.
I am referring to the radical price reductions in voice roaming calls and Internet access. This is the first step, and I think that others will follow.
The EU economy is a social market economy, promoting a large degree of competitiveness.
For example, we shall not support a cap of 75%, and we should still like to obtain relief for small and medium-sized enterprises.
I am glad that the European Union has decided to extend cooperation in accordance with the programme of the instrument on cooperation with industrial countries by adding more countries.
It has to be a report for action.
The Union supported the government's efforts to stamp out the para-state.
Public procurement is of crucial importance, especially for overcoming the financial and economic crisis and protecting against any future crisis, because it serves as a catalyst for the revitalisation of the EU economy, and consequently employment and welfare.
The first thing I mentioned was pan-European parties.
In Germany alone am I aware of numerous standards governing the procurement of environmentally friendly vehicles.
According to the estimate of the International Energy Agency, there may be up to 991 billion cubic metres of non-traditional gas reserves in Europe.
Israel can conduct much larger-scale operations in this area than in the past.
That system is very important and is already used in our cooperation with China and other countries, but we really need to enhance it in order to face all the challenges mentioned here.
We must continue to urge the Belarus regime to release the iron grip it has on its citizens.
How can one claim, for example, that some Member States are dependent on third countries when the Structural Funds are not being used for energy at all, or practically not at all!
The current Slovak opposition that deserves most of the credit for Slovakia joining the European family will give its support to the Lisbon Treaty as soon as Slovakia's press law that has been criticised by such European institutions as Freedom House, the OSCE and the European Federation of Journalists is re-written in accordance with their recommendations.
However, I must put on record that neither the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, nor the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats, or any of the other groups were informed about the wish for us to adopt a resolution on Russia this time, even though this has been repeatedly rejected in the Conference of Presidents.
Above all, I would like to stress once again that there is enough money in principle, at least for the time being.
Finally, the way the situation is handled will be a crucial test for European foreign policy.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is an incentive by the UN and the Council of Europe which aims to discuss and give greater visibility to the victims of domestic violence and other types of mistreatment.
This resolution calls for the Commission to analyse options for such a tax and sends a clear signal that Europe will push for a global agreement to deliver on the public's demand for action.
The European recovery plan will have a greater chance of success today if gender equality policies are an integral part of it.
Personally I believe that if we want to respect our partners, then we must accept this.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I would like to start by saying that the deadline of one year for the adoption of national rules was, in fact, very ambitious.
Poor energy efficiency is a sore point with post-Soviet era buildings and many owners do not know how and by what means they can save energy.
(ES) Madam President, I agree with the author of the amendment and suggest that, where the text refers to the regional authorities of Andalucia, the words 'and local' should be added so that the phrase reads 'regional and local authorities of Andalucia'.
They are set to create a better social climate in Turkey, better environmental and health legislation and better labour law for Turkish people.
I am opposed to financial aid for any kind of extremism or disorder.
Finally, my third point concerns the prevention of climate change, which is one of the budgetary priorities for 2009. This will put additional burdens on the economies of Member States, unfortunately without making any allowances for the delays in their development.
Political relations with neighbouring countries are not always good and this might improve them.
I share some of the concerns that run through the report by Mrs Matias, and I support the appeal to the Council to declare dementia an EU health priority.
Northrop Grumman and EADS North America remain under contract, albeit under a stop-work order, which places on hold the work under contract.
We are talking about further enlargement of the European Union, and we are doing so in spite of those who are saying that the EU has reached the upper ceiling of its possibilities for territorial development.
I look forward to the debates that will now ensue.
We need to respect the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact.
Not only must the gap between Member States be decreased but we must also reduce the gaps within Member States as well as the gaps between regions.
Of course they want to eliminate child labour.
My thanks, ladies and gentlemen, may be considered in the context of a stable: the Barroso stable.
In the European Union this implies creating a collective identity between its citizens - regardless of their origins and their ethnicities, languages, philosophical beliefs, political and religious affiliations - to share values, attitudes and projects, and make room for a common future to build on together.
called for a stronger role for workers' representatives in company boards and in fundamental organisational decision-making.
Eradicating prejudice about different cultural models is a prerequisite for the successful integration of immigrants, which also complements solidarity between the generations and cultures.
Nevertheless it is important that this report be debated in Parliament.
Because, whatever we do with sugar, we have to be sure, as I said, that we move in the direction of reducing the amount produced in Europe - but we must still allow the farmers to have a living from the land.
For me, two points are essential.
In the communication, both governments reaffirmed their intention to cooperate fully and work together to combat terrorism.
I think that a thorough discussion involving stakeholders and the Court of Auditors is needed.
The violence that has taken place in the streets of Lhasa and Dharamsala and the censorship of foreign media are intolerable and our institution must, together with the international community, use all of its influence to ensure that it stops and that China respects its international commitments in the field of human rights and minorities.
Also Mr Gaubert, your report suggests new or additional features that the Commission can support.
Mr President, I wish to mention a few issues that I hope will be on the agenda of the summit on 10 June.
The delay resulting from the method chosen - including Public-Private Partnership, international cooperation outside the European Union, essential participation by all Member States, prescribed role of the European Commission - is estimated at five years.
It might be said that the way that some Member States deal with a complex situation depends on their degree of decentralisation, which requires them to identify strategies in the field of territorial cooperation.
I am referring by this to the agreements between the European Union and Canada.
The Commission has also failed to say how it intends to reinforce the producer organisations going forwards.
I am also pleased to see that better communication at all levels is central to the agenda of the Ombudsman.
European institutions are obliged to comply with it, not least during the process of drawing up and adopting draft legislation.
So it was quite a group of people who contributed to today's success.
Romania is by no means a unique case.
It is easy to see that the Heads of State or Government who make these decisions travel by private aeroplane and do not lose dozens or hundreds of hours per year getting to Strasbourg.
Recent events in Libya have shown just how much work remains to be done on this front.
The overall target will be apportioned between car manufacturers in a sustainable and socially just manner.
Overall the report will do much to help small businesses and enterprising individuals to overcome a significant obstacle to their success because they lack the resources of large enterprises to track down debtors and bring legal action against them.
In the 1970s, Haiti was almost self-sufficient where food was concerned.
Stress is the second biggest cause of time off work in the UK: 13 million working days are lost through stress, depression, anxiety, with a cost of GBP 13 billion a year - if we are looking at economics, and some of us like to look at economics in the round, Mr Clark.
An investigation is also warranted into allegations that external forces are instigating violence in Armenia in order to destabilise the country.
I think it is not necessary to respond to some attacks.
Finally, migration inflows represent the third decisive factor since immigration is an important premise for ensuring demographic equilibrium and economic growth.
The directive will be revised before 2017.
The next item is the vote.
It is so much better to work together to overcome crises and resolve problems than to face them alone.
Continuing the debate on the Report on the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, we now move on to speakers on behalf of the Groups.
In anticipation of the forthcoming European Union-US summit, it needs to be reiterated that out of 27 Member States, four, including Poland, are still subject to a restrictive visa regime.
If you do not vote in favour, then I would have to say that you are a person who makes big speeches and then does not vote accordingly.
It is what is going to allow us to meet all of the objectives and guarantee affordable prices for fleet renewal, i.e. purchasing vehicles, and for maintaining them during their useful life.
It must be possible to provide cross-subsidies between various energy sectors in order to secure the energy supply in Europe's most remote regions and valleys and on its islands.
Former ministers have been charged with corruption.
This is a one-sided decision that is difficult to explain and it is damaging neighbourly relations.
That is not good enough, because Article 9 is intended to promote the objectives of the European Union as outlined in Article 3 of the Treaty.
Yet once again, you make no protest when the authorities in Slovakia, a European Union Member State, want to limit the right of minorities to use their own language.
This is a popular revolt because the people are subjected to abject poverty.
(Parliament agreed to accept the oral amendment)
In this way, we - Council, Commission and Parliament - shall prove together that the European Union has the means to effectively take control of its destiny and to do what all Europeans expect, that is, to act as a global player.
That is a very timely message.
In terms of overall cooperation, I think that the European Union, together with many other partner countries, can build stronger links to governments which are really acting more in a preventive mood and sharing more intelligence actions against networks.
What I think is needed is, firstly, to create conditions for stable development for the most competitive sugar producers in the Community, to enable EU production to compete on an increasingly open world market.
Firstly, the draft excludes the need to check the instructions for servicing and use when type-approval is being performed.
Another important new element is including smart meters and control and management systems focused on saving energy.
The oldest MEPs among us will remember that, back when the pharmaceutical legislation was being revised, we wanted to talk about teaching patients about medicinal products and treatments, but that, unfortunately, there was some confusion between information and advertising.
It sets out sound, transparent regulations on the authorities competent to consider international protection applications and guarantees that these applications are handled as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I would like to thank Parliament and, in particular, Mrs Paulsen, for the own-initiative report on the EU Animal Welfare Action Plan.
The citizens' initiative was a very important part of the Treaty of Lisbon being passed in Ireland a little over a year ago, but it did seem for a while that the whole process would be stymied by complication and regulation. Thanks to the work of the rapporteurs, simplification has been brought to the process and particularly welcome is the idea that a seven-member panel from seven different countries would initiate the process.
Let us now come to the report.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (SV) Thank you Mr President.
I voted in favour of the report by Mrs Geringer de Oedenberg on wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors.
Secondly, you also talked about the fifth freedom and the flow of knowledge.
in writing. - I voted for this report.
The numerous amendments presented by my group and by others correct these flaws, and the current text is a balanced one.
In a period of economic crisis these appropriations should be in fact rather increased.
All in all, yesterday's decisions are a critical step forward in the joint efforts to stabilise the Irish economy and thus safeguard financial stability in Europe.
- Report: Papastamkos
The right to religious freedom must be respected and guaranteed everywhere, without exception.
If we speak about frozen conflicts, a good recent and well-known example in this respect refers to the conditions under which the political prisoners Andrei Ivanţoc and Tudor Popa were released, they being living proof of the fact that there is instability in the area, that there is an area of insecurity that affects the entire region.
The current and previous food scandals in Germany have shown that routine state checks on the feed manufacturers and animal producers are essential.
The measures taken in the Commission are totally consistent, as we have already presented the broad outlines of this policy in the communication sent out by the Commission last November.
Our committee's opinion, passed with unanimity, has been largely reproduced by the Committee on Transport and Tourism, in a spirit of cooperation that we succeed in creating on long-term projects.
At the same time, it is imperative to ask misleading business directory companies to cease and desist their deliberately misleading business activities, because they are contrary to the spirit of the Union's competition policy.
I voted in favour of the report by Mr Moreira on autonomous trade preferences for the Republic of Moldova because it is consistent with the Union's neighbourhood policy and the economic agreements already in place with other bordering countries.
It is stated clearly in paragraph 25 that it is possible to transport it overland, so it can pass through Poland purely for political and economic reasons.
This could also be a big opportunity to prove to the people that we are stronger together than we are alone.
Mr Duff, the rule on when there are a large number of amendments in plenary and the President can ask a committee to look at it: it is not a referral back to committee of the report.
As a member of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and, most importantly, as a representative of a country that has earned worldwide recognition and respect for the quality of its agricultural produce - I am thinking of olive oil, wine and cheeses - I cannot help but approve of any action whatsoever that the Commission may propose to safeguard high quality European produce and to promote, where possible, the marketing of this produce both on the internal market and abroad.
My third point is that the money must be spent in Europe.
Mr Oettinger has neglected the area that was managed well by Mr Piebalgs, or - and this is the negative way of looking at it - he has once again chosen not to promote future-proof technologies such as renewable energies and energy efficiency and has reverted to the old energy mix.
The increasing resistance of this disease and insufficient scientific research mean that today almost 2 million people die of it every year.
And my answer to that is that we cannot do anything about this here.
Until now, only the European taxpayer has borne the brunt of the financial and economic crisis in 2007 and subsequent years.
They can be used to learn from each other's best practices and it would be desirable if more women's associations made use of these existing networks in order to connect women in different rural areas with each other.
The Romanian Government and the prime minister personally are committed to improving the conditions for the absorption of these funds.
Studies have shown, for example, that a waist measurement greater than 88 cm for women, apart from during pregnancy, and above 102 cm for men is the definition of abdominal obesity and constitutes a health risk, and this applies irrespective of the person's height.
I welcome what Mr Füle said about providing electoral assistance to Tunisia, but I think that it is even more important to go a step further and support Tunisia through a European Union electoral observation mission.
This is to say that liberalisation of the gas and electricity markets is still a work in progress.
For all my support for the initiatives taken, I must say that we have known for some time that Ukraine is refusing to build the monitoring stations it promised; the money provided by the European Union remains unused, and we have not reacted. We have also known for at least two months that agreement was not reached by the deadline of 1 November that was laid down at the beginning of October.
We are also ready to consider, with the Member States, mobility-related measures and increased market access.
President-in-Office, how do you plan to achieve this together with the Commissioners with responsibility in this field?
Now we need to learn lessons from this.
That is a poor starting point, because the end of the recession does not mean that this is the start of the recovery.
I remember the fines on transport of empty lorries and the so-called 'full-capacity freight transport centres' that existed in the people's democracies.
The rapporteur has certainly put a lot of work into this, but when we see that rules that are implemented by other directives have priority, that is unacceptable: we do not have top-priority directives and then lower-priority directives.
We also need to make it clear that a statutory minimum wage will bring about changes particularly in sectors primarily employing women.
in writing. - I agree with this report that an EU strategy to promote strong and skilled human resources with a strong creative potential and active involvement in innovation and development, new and innovative technologies/processes/solutions which generate added value, R&D geared to the needs of sustainable development, an efficient supply chain for the production of high quality goods and services, more efficiently organised production and management systems, overall greater resources efficiency that leads to a reduced carbon footprint, cost-efficient and sustainable modes of transport, smart and efficient logistics and high quality infrastructure, a consolidated and fully operational single internal market, and a level playing field in trade relations with third countries, is the only means of increasing the sustainability and competitiveness of European industry and thus maintaining its global leadership.
Those who remember the tensions and conflicts that devastated the Western Balkans cannot fail to see that considerable progress has now been made towards the pacification and stabilisation of the region.
Cod is the most valuable fish in the Baltic Sea and the majority of Lithuanian fishermen are dependent on cod stocks.
This is hardly surprising for such a complex subject and perhaps we have not yet reached complete agreement in our views.
Cultural genocide is going on as we speak, because this decision expresses the clear intention to wipe out this people, not only geographically but also culturally, by preventing younger generations from learning about their own culture and, first and foremost, their linguistic heritage.
For decades we have been trying to improve the quality of our wines, and those efforts have been extremely successful, which I, as an Austrian, can say of my own country's efforts too, particularly those of my home province of Burgenland.
Central Asia is a region vital to the EU's political and energy security.
It is different from the Member States' budgets as it is primarily an investment budget that contributes to growth, and we know how much we need this investment right now.
The European Parliament has played a key part in negotiating with the Council over finding the resources, particularly in view of the private sector's failure to commit funds, in contrast to earlier promises.
(ES) Madam President, the crisis has certainly highlighted the importance of industry as the driving force of the economy.
If adopted tomorrow by plenary, it will give the European Union the clear regulatory framework needed to ensure a properly functioning internal market and to promote much-needed investment.
in writing. - I voted in favour of this important resolution on Investing in the future: a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for a competitive, sustainable and inclusive Europe.
In this sector, the effects of working conditions on health are not recorded at all.
The hauliers have cited huge financial burdens, particularly those of tax on fuels.
However, those who have listened to the Presidency and the Commission will believe that this was a genuinely historic event, a moment with a before and an after, which is clearly an exaggeration.
Things like this are usually completely ignored, even though that is just the way it is.
Where do you come down in the argument concerning the percentage of CO2 reduction?
In response to Mr Deprez, I am going to start by thanking you for the congratulations you have extended to the French Presidency of the European Union.
3.
- Before the vote on recital D
- (SK) I would like to begin by expressing my pleasure that right at the beginning of its presidency our fraternal neighbour the Czech Republic has dispelled any doubts as to the ability of a new Member State to manage and administer the affairs of the European Union.
No, they are the same old Tories, still helping the privileged few at the expense of the many, still putting dogma before the interests of the British people.
I am really pleased that the draft conclusions already published show that the Council is continuing to focus on the four key areas of the Lisbon Strategy.
Do we really want to act as scaremongers by telling each other that we prefer not to have a budget, not to implement the policies that are provided for in the 2011 budget and not to make a success of the first budget based on the Treaty of Lisbon, or, in fact, do we want to embark on a positive course of action whereby we obtain, one by one, a number of agreements to enable the European Union to move forward and to allow for the implementation, via the 2011 budget, of a number of policies that we have decided to promote?
Any such silence, unbelievable as regards the oil futures bubble, is worrying, as we know that on Wall Street global finance is trying to plug the budget holes wreaked by the cataclysm of sub-prime lending, speculating on poor people, on people who work and produce.
In many instances - as Mrs Jöns has already said - we were surprised that it has taken an economic crisis to actually make a reduction in bureaucracy possible in the Commission.
We have reduced the field of application to airports with either five million passenger journeys or more a year or 15% of the national passenger throughput in the Member State concerned, for in the case of regional airports with less than five million passengers a year the risk of an abuse of market power is either small or absent.
As protectionist and liberalising measures accumulate, a situation will arise in which they are mutually exclusive and will have no effect on world trade.
Animal epidemics can still destroy the livelihoods of farmers.
Development of a joint migration policy based on the classification of immigrants according to a scale of desirability, and in its most repressive form, the use of Frontex, violates migrants' rights and ignores the human tragedy taking place in many countries.
The EU is Serbia's main trading partner, which speaks volumes.
This measure will only apply in cases where there is an explicit commitment that the enterprises benefiting from it will be included in a restructuring plan within a period of six months.
I should point out that the single market is not in operation yet in the services sector, which is having an adverse impact on SMEs' business activities in the European Union.
I would remind you that the EU's share of international shipbuilding is three times smaller than that of South Korea alone, which subsidises its shipbuilding industry.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I wanted to express, Mr Buzek, how proud I am to be part of an institution as important as the European Parliament, which you chair.
How will conflicting interests be arbitrated?
Tolerance is one of the cornerstones of the European Union and combating discrimination of any kind must be our top priority.
However, we can offer to develop stronger cooperation, together with these countries, and we expect more Commission initiatives on this than have so far been included in the existing papers.
Here, I could also mention the implementation of the Services Directive, which affects a significant part of the internal market, a major element of which is simplified electronic administration.
I await eagerly an honourable outcome of the declaration from next week's meeting of Heads of State and Government.
Other studies talk about EUR 300 billion per year, an amount equivalent to the Greek public debt.
These are all positive elements, and I sincerely hope that Turkey will now apply itself to addressing these reforms with the new negotiator.
China's interest in Africa's oil is another problem facing the country, which is in a deep economic crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people leaving to find a better life elsewhere.
This promotes a move towards the centralisation of powers, with no parliamentary control mechanism, which will turn the EU into a military player on the international stage.
The more developed and wealthiest countries in particular have responsibilities that they cannot shirk.
in writing. - I will be voting in favour of this report, not because I enjoy WTO disputes or have a paranoia about the United States, but because I am fed up with the protectionist actions of the United States over many years, particularly in the area of civil aviation.
In view of what has been said here now, at very short notice, I would urge you to look again at that matter of voting at the next session on 5 and 6 May.
I have to say that the Commission does not of course regard the fund as something immutable which has emerged like Pallas Athena from the head of Zeus.
Thank you.
It is, unfortunately, necessary to act in time and quickly.
It is a great problem.
We will negotiate on an equal footing.
The Youth on the Move programme is an initiative that is central to the EU 2020 strategy.
We already know that small enterprises have been the main engine of job creation over the last decade.
It has a positive effect on the European Union economy in general: increasing efficiency helps create new jobs, stimulates economic growth and improves competitiveness.
The misleadingly entitled citizens' initiative is not only useless; it may prove to be dangerous for the people.
Firstly, is the Commission taking steps to carry out initial analyses of the possibility of exploiting gas from alternative sources in Europe, and is it preparing technical and economic feasibility studies of such extraction in the context of work on the energy infrastructure priorities between now and 2020?
There are some cases where municipalities are now considering the use of cables, which will be ground-breaking cases.
in writing. - (DE) The fight against terrorism requires international cooperation governed by agreements.
History has not given us a mandate merely to engage in political chess games and tactical prestige battles, but to serve a cause, to strengthen cohesion and seek consensus.
Opening of the sitting
However, in a crisis such as the one we are going through, I believe that we must not go overboard with conditions.
Many airports would prefer no change whatsoever to the status quo.
In my opinion, strong ties between the EU and NATO make a significant contribution to the European Union's raison d'être, which is based on establishing peace both within its whole territory and beyond its borders.
None of that has been incorporated into the strategy.
I have only given you one example in the short time available to me.
You will be able to make your explanations of vote after the vote, in the sense that it will be tonight.
Around half of this amount should be channelled into developing the fisheries sector on which around 30 000 of the 800 000 inhabitants of the country depend; it should be recalled that the country has practically no other resources.
The lip service paid by the European Union to religious freedom is not enough.
The banana sector is a vital sector for some EU regions, especially the French overseas départements and territories; that is why, faced with competition from Latin American countries exacerbated by agreements under negotiation, Parliament has adopted funding measures aimed at helping this weakened sector.
Therefore, I do not think that the report can be criticised in this way.
It is essential for us to draw up our budgets according to the guidelines, but it is equally important for the Member States to have room for manoeuvre in an economic and social context.
A measure discussed in this House which is unrealistic for Irish farmers is the set limit for animal transport.
Mr President, we are touching on many different areas here this afternoon, and that is what is so wonderfully exciting about sitting here in the Council Presidency chair.
There is indeed much in the report with which the Council is in agreement.
But we can live with them, so long as the Ioannina Compromise is not anchored in the Treaty for all time.
The Member States should apply uniform procedures for issuing visas, because Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina are waiting their turn.
Now we need proper cooperation and defence against these things too.
Moreover, Internet piracy is not yet classed as a crime in either European law or international law. Therefore the idea of systematically imposing penalties on such a large scale is unjustifiable, all the more so given that Internet access, in the name of one's right to information, is still a fundamental freedom.
However, we must be vigilant on this point and guard against any kind of demagogy.
But whatever it is, we must make sure that we do not discard it out of ignorance.
We have asked for 70 000 m2 to be proposed and we will then examine all the possibilities.
If there is one thing that nobody questions across all parties, it is that we are going through a period of economic crisis, which affects countries and makes government decision making difficult.
There are currently 208 political prisoners in Cuba.
Could the Commission please act a little faster in future?
But we must admit that they are listening to our voice; some corrective measures have been taken, for example, on the issues of electoral law and some electoral practices.
Under these circumstances, and with the data that has been brought to light on several occasions, not least regarding unemployment, what kind of immigration policy does the Spanish Presidency propose?
'They must be worse than blind who do not see with what undeviating regularity of system, in this case and in all cases, they pursue their scheme for the utter destruction of every independent power. ...
I think this is a breakthrough, but obviously there are those of us who would want more liberalisation and a move away from the protectionism which still hinders this industry in many ways.
(Applause)
Composition of committees and delegations
In this report I proposed specific amounts of funding to support new technologies.
In spite of that, however, we have been able to make sure that the European External Action Service can see the light of day.
My concluding words are directed at Minister Samardžić.
The truth is that, in the European Union, it is not states we want to unite, but people.
In the plan that I shall be presenting to you in the autumn, on fighting piracy and counterfeiting, I have provided for several sections that we shall be financing and supporting; on technology for detecting counterfeit goods, on communicating with the European public, and on training personnel in customs or at the external frontiers of the Union.
The parliamentary passage of this report is not over, therefore.
Let me just add though that, for the reasons the rapporteur himself said, the European political parties are important because they express the political choices we face as a European Union.
Indeed, it will only be possible to guarantee the Union's active voice at international level if it has sufficient defence instruments of its own.
(NL) Madam President, Commissioner Hahn, ladies and gentlemen, cohesion is firmly anchored in European policy and in the Treaty, and has been given an even better footing thanks to the territorial dimension of the Treaty of Lisbon.
We have therefore tabled an alternative resolution which contains all the elements of her report which we do support.
Spending someone else's without their permission is not budgeting, it is theft.
It is a signatory to many international agreements; it does not need to be told how to behave by an EU that has overridden the results of the French and the Dutch referendums, which were perfectly constitutional.
I know preparations at technical level are being made.
Thank you very much.
Therefore, all we can do to overcome the humanitarian crisis is to appeal for an immediate ceasefire.
Lastly, could it be that the crisis we are going through will finally make the Commission aware of the devastating impact of an over-valued euro on the European economy?
The Commission and the Council, too, should insist on this; remaining silent is no longer an option.
If, on completion of the impact assessment, the Commission decides to submit a relevant proposal, there is little doubt that this proposal will be approved by the Commission in 2008.
The Commission's Green Paper raises a number of questions about one of the major issues which Member States are faced with at the moment: the education of migrants' children.
If we do not invest in sectors such as energy performance and energy savings, we shall lose twice over.
It is therefore not an acceptable solution to hold new elections, as that would entitle the military junta to use force.
Secondly, I am apprehensive about the proposal to introduce a prior market test conducted by an independent supervisor.
This is all the more pertinent as the Members of this Parliament are currently examining a proposal for a directive on the return of third-country nationals, which could have very serious consequences for the detention of foreigners.
A recent study by two Belgian universities demonstrates the high risk of the bluetongue disease becoming endemic in northern Europe.
This is intolerable for the textile sector, which works with large volumes and low profit margins.
The thankfully small number of times their deployment is required made it clear that a derogation from the maximum working week is necessary in their case.
This House fights for the right of people to emigrate.
I would like first of all to thank the Commissioner and remark that, although his answer was long, it is not the longest we have received in Question Time, but it has the merit of having provoked several requests for supplementary questions.
Transfers of appropriations: see Minutes
The launching of a new governance cycle gives us the opportunity to reflect on the path we intend to follow.
To those who think that this directive is not ambitious enough, I say, 'You are right, I, too, would have liked it to have gone further'.
I cannot do this because this accession, or this date, will in all likelihood depend more on Croatia than on the European Union itself.
This means that it would have the highest number of MEPs and the most significant percentage vote in the European Council; the balance of Europe would certainly be destabilised.
I ask the Commission once again to ensure that these national management declarations are signed by the relevant minister or a minister from the national government.
It is not enough to call for improved governance, or better framework conditions; political bodies also need to become more involved in this matter than they have been in the past.
Voting time
Furthermore, in an act of extreme contempt for our country, a group of left-wing Brazilian members of parliament went to visit Cesare Battisti in prison and took photos of themselves celebrating with him.
It is one of the most effective instruments we can introduce to protect the health of workers in the workplace, and especially children and other innocent victims of smoke.
(SK) I should like to congratulate the rapporteur, Mrs Ries, on her report, which describes the extent of implementation of the Action Plan and puts forward many recommendations for the next stage.
Saleh al-Mutlaq has been an outspoken critic of Iranian meddling in Iraq, and now the mullahs have insisted on his removal from the election.
At the same time, I would remind you that the Globalisation Adjustment Fund was established relatively recently.
It is therefore absolutely vital that we pursue this directive.
I will speak first of all on behalf of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, for which I was draftsman of the opinion, and then I will speak on behalf of my political group.
This asymmetry causes tension and demands a response from the European institutions, from the Commission and from the Council and Parliament.
Such was the regulation.
I do not believe that Europol officials should have any immunity from prosecution whatsoever and therefore I voted against this amendment.
I believe, however, that this programme does not take any account of food safety, which will have to be covered by concrete measures and not just expressions of regret.
The Council of Energy Ministers, meeting last week, also stressed the importance of increasing our investment in infrastructures, not to mention the energy and climate change agreement, which was endorsed by the European Council last weekend and adopted by you yourselves here in this House today.
Mr Swoboda, it can be done.
It is clear that accession to the EU is not to promote the right to development of Croatia and its people, but above all to benefit the great powers and their economic groups.
Let us therefore do everything possible to ensure that they are not forgotten.
Whether it is efficient is another matter.
We did not get all we wanted, but it is still a good compromise which bodes well for the future.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (PL) Mr President, Umberto Eco said that whoever reads books lives twice.
A more significant role should be given to methods of granting subsidised micro credits or interest repayments by the State.
Unfortunately, the resolution only highlights the harmful consequences of alcohol and not the benefits of moderate consumption.
We are today voting in favour of this regulation, bolstered by the increased authority that the Treaty of Lisbon confers on Parliament within the context of defining energy policies.
The first half of the year was marked by a rise in prices caused by an external, extremely virulent inflationary shock.
(The oral amendment was not accepted)
This brings with it greater responsibility as well as a duty to take steps which may be risky but can give hope of a future peace.
The gas crisis between Russia and Ukraine is also giving the citizens of Latvia justified cause for concern.
However, for the majority of Members it is important that we do not give the Commission and the Council a free ride.
in writing. - The Harangozó report makes some important points on social exclusion.
Historical criteria are to be removed and objective criteria are required.
I absolutely agree with the points that have been made in respect of the national standards institutes.
The urgency is great, and decisiveness and energy are the order of the day.
We are open to this process, but the task of convincing us is still to be done by the executive, in other words the ministers.
It is important that such exchanges of experience take place between the Member States.
Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner (who regrets not to be able to attend this debate today) had accordingly instructed her services to lend every support to the rapporteur in her difficult task of scrutinising the functioning of the human rights dialogues and consultations with third countries.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
For that reason, Mr Barnier, I am waiting to see the final texts before making my mind up and possibly supporting you in this major challenge for the future of Europe and of all its citizens.
What we do not want - and I say this as a German born in the 1950s - is for this processing of history and this proper writing of history to deepen the rift between nations.
For the time being, you are aware that the Council is still examining these two issues and that any possible solution must indeed be endorsed by your Parliament.
I will not take lessons from Mr Schulz because Mr Schulz is not the repository of the truth, either in this Chamber or outside it.
Given that the new technologies and, in particular, the constant development of the Internet and the new online methods used by paedophiles, it is of paramount importance that the level of child protection be increased.
I abstained from the vote on this final version of the telecoms package because it is unsatisfactory.
Yet, I think that we do not simply have doubts but also suspicions about the way in which these provisions have in fact been implemented by a number of Member States, by those that wish to unravel European supervision and prevent financial regulation at European level.
Secondly, our strategy must engage all parts of our societies.
The cohesion policy and the use of the funds now and in this subsequent period up to 2020 forms a key part of this.
This is evidence that double standards apply in the European Union.
Many will have questions about EU enlargement in the middle of an economic crisis, and discussions are likely to intensify as we approach the next elections for this Parliament.
It appears that the Court itself is inviting us to make this legislative change, and I think that it is now the responsibility of the Commission, first of all, but also of Parliament and the Council, to change the legislative texts in order to prevent this case law from becoming permanent.
Parliament will be included in these discussions as it will in those needed for producing financial perspectives.
This is why we must enhance efforts to maintain a strong industrial base in Europe.
Well, many of us have indeed considered them and consider them extremely worrying, when we are constantly being asked to justify measures on the basis of their not disturbing markets rather on the basis of their delivering a high quality of services and quality of workers rights etc.
Or have we obstructed it?
Although some headway has been made in this area, the shortages remain to this day.
The Energy Roadmap will be focusing not only on 2050, but also on 2025 and 2030, in other words, the next decade, during which we must invest in technology, power grids and storage facilities.
I would like to emphasise firstly that in the economic sphere, a pragmatic approach predominates but it cannot be merely a one-sided process.
We have quite a range of studies showing that the EU could cut its CO2 emissions by 30% or even 40% by 2020 in a way that would be economically viable and economically profitable.
The Government must end its military campaign that has brought - as others have said - humanitarian disaster to hundreds of thousands of ordinary people in the north of the island.
Several Members have asked whether it is possible to have a European directive on violence against women that would ensure the prevention of violence, the protection of victims and the prosecution of perpetrators.
I can sympathise, however, with the Council when it says it fears that citizens' rights could be abused when it comes to lodging an appeal in order to slow down projects or establish a level playing field for fund-raising campaigns staged by organisations.
But I expect that several Member States will also carry out specific opinion polls to check on public opinion in the respective Member States.
There also needs to be active continued development of higher education in Europe, however, even if it is easy to acquire trained and educated people from elsewhere.
Cooperation, solidarity and innovation combined will ensure that we meet the targets we no longer have the luxury to miss.
This remains an important point.
For the Commission, the implementation of effective, sustainable solutions requires the action of all the key players, including, essentially, the Roma themselves, to develop, implement and monitor the policies that affect them.
My final question is, is the Commission prepared to involve Parliament in the follow-up procedure and to await further discussion with Parliament?
In fact, Serbia is a bridge between the east and west of Europe, a key country for European unity, and, ultimately, even the novel by the great Serbian writer, Dobrica Ćosić, 'A Time of Death', shows that Serbia is of key importance where the unity or break-up of Europe are at stake.
(Applause)
Global development requires the exchange of different expertise and scientific achievement as well as the encouragement of young researchers to take an active role.
My group hopes that this does not occur and I therefore take my opportunity to ask the Council what steps it plans to take to ensure that this convention enters into force.
Obligations of cross-border service providers (vote)
Ladies and gentlemen, since my time spent talking is beginning to border on impoliteness, I will mention only briefly that the topics of the Hungarian Presidency also include the discussion of family policy and the demographic situation, and I would be pleased if Hungary could, without provoking interinstitutional debates, contribute to the European Union forming a clear and firm position on the freedom of religion and taking action against the persecution of Christians, which is an important issue for the coming six months.
These are age-old problems that deserve a less superficial approach and which cannot be addressed with a decree rushed through Parliament to satisfy public opinion.
The best way to increase the resilience of the fisheries sector to fuel prices is to ensure that fishing levels are in line with maximum sustainable yield.
We are simply saying in a reasonable and restrained way that we consider Egypt to be one of the most important partners in the Mediterranean area, but we are criticising by way of a number of specific points and using categorical facts that some things still have to change as Egypt moves forward towards democracy and the rule of law.
This is a starting point.
The Commission places a high policy priority on health and safety at work, and shares your views on a large number of your recommendations.
How much more often do we have to say, 'never again'?
At this sensitive time of not only economic but also political international crisis, not to revise and update the conditions for access to or exclusion from the list is a choice that goes against the best interests of the European Union.
Thus far, a great deal of attention has been focused on the banking sector.
I voted for both Casini reports and I look forward to the strongest possible proposals from the European Parliament's working group on the transparency and regulation of lobbying activities.
That I think is the appropriate way of dealing with this.
The victims of this are, among others, the peoples of Palestine, Iran and Lebanon.
We, as the European institutions, should foster interaction of all kinds between organisations, the academic world, communication media and those active in the social sphere to ensure that this breach can be healed.
Apart from the fact that we adopted a resolution in 2005 which we now see has in fact had a negligible impact, I also consider it important that dialogue should start between the parties as soon as possible, with the involvement of the Commission and civil society.
I should like to stress that there is an absolutely clear understanding that the threshold that was introduced does not exclude small projects, but aims to encourage those projects to group together thematically or regionally to reach the required threshold.
Korea has left the non-proliferation community.
Cancún must signify a global, legally binding agreement, which will help maintain global warming below two degrees Celsius.
I believe that the government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has made significant progress in 2009, as is also highlighted in the resolution on the 2009 activity report.
On the contrary, it might even be a strong incentive to speed things up.
Agenda of the next sitting: see Minutes
We need a bold vision and cooperation, but also financial investment, so that the people who live in the region can sustainably exploit what it may have to offer.
Hungarian Members here are attacking the Slovak language law.
The primary point in the programme was of course the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.
Since that time, Tibetans have not been allowed to commemorate that day freely.
It is not acceptable that these passengers have no recourse if the airline they bought their ticket from goes bankrupt.
Therefore, we ought to involve unions here to protect the interests of our people.
It is right to grant the benefits of the programmes to Switzerland, but it is also right to safeguard all the financial and other interests of the European Union.
As we are all aware, the issue at hand is that of Hungary but, unfortunately, I believe that we must look ahead and therefore enhance this facility of the European Union to provide assistance to its Member States, including those that lie outside the euro zone.
Mr Millán Mon is right to say that Latin America has developed very positively in recent years, both politically - as the vast majority of its countries are democratic - and economically, and also, albeit more modestly, in social terms.
We cannot expect Parliament to introduce lower amounts into the budget, however, and to subsequently plunder other policies in the course of the year because there has been no serious planning.
We would actually be creating a split personality for ourselves, considering that we have adopted resolutions on the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy and that we are drafting reports, as I am doing myself, on implementing the platform to combat poverty.
(LT) I think that all us taking part in this late-night sitting will remember this meeting for a long time to come and will have something to tell our children and grandchildren.
We have also recently heard that Alexander Milinkiewicz was arrested and fined just for meeting Belarus citizens and for discussing public issues with them.
I am in favour of the European Union knowing how to intelligently align its own ambition, which it has laid down for 2020 or for the period 2020-2030, with the demands of other players with regard to reducing their emissions.
Just yesterday we debated the situation caused by the mortgages given out in the United States to groups with limited resources, with high prices, in predatory circumstances and with irresponsible promotions.
(FR) Mr President, the vote that has been cast, although a majority one, is, in fact, a move to undermine the letter of the Treaties, which is very clear and which stipulates that 12 part-sessions must be held in Strasbourg.
Otherwise, we risk falling back into a cycle of delays and procrastination, which was typical of the Voronin administration.
However, the Lithuanian situation is truly dramatic, and also unique, as we do not have a connection to the western European electric grid.
Well, I have got news for them: I do not.
In this case, the President-in-Office of the Council has to take into account the legitimate interests of each of the Member States.
As I said, and I am responding here to Mrs Lichtenberger, the directive allows the Member States to establish charges or taxes on the basis of noise pollution or other environmental aspects.
(NL) Madam President, first of all, I should like to offer Commissioner Potočnik sincere thanks for his commitment to the conservation of biodiversity.
In the conclusions from the Council of Foreign Ministers there is no reference to the Middle East Quartet.
However, these incidents are a constant reminder of the constant risk of destabilisation there.
So I urge that double taxation is ruled out, as the Commissioner has said, perhaps through the mechanism of electronic cooperation.
I would like specific attention to be devoted to the issue of the Eastern Partnership at the forthcoming summit meeting because this is the only way in which we can guarantee success for this new policy of ours.
In that the clause allows for incitement or provocation, both these terms are at worst even a bluff.
Furthermore, the collection of data by type of goods is already mandatory for road, rail and inland waterways transport statistics.
Instead of just doing this, let us also make their lives easier by preventing unnecessary administrative burdens that will dissuade them from participating.
I have a general thought. It is not that protectionism is increasing, but rather that it is a case of not removing rights that already exist in some of the Member States.
Mr President, firstly I wish to thank and congratulate the rapporteur, Mr Alves, for his excellent work on this report.
Two-one down and, despite her best efforts, her team faces relegation; then a goal is scored.
rapporteur. - (NL) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we are discussing the report 'One year after Lisbon: The Africa-EU partnership at work', which is to say the implementation of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy for the development of Africa, as set out at the EU-Africa Summit in December 2007.
The EU ought to invest a great deal in research and development.
I feel that it is particularly important to enhance social partnership and social dialogue with specific measures at all levels - EU, national, regional, sectoral and company.
What I want to do is draw those two things together, to find a way in which we can enhance what we do, to support the work that is going on, to make the Quartet more effective, to bring together what has been, in a sense, the Council and Commission operating side by side, and to meld it into one so that what we do on the ground really makes a difference.
Yet even in these two policies, the basic rights of the child are not being respected.
Today, therefore, I voted in favour of the resolution - a document which gives details of the prospects for this cooperation.
These are predominantly Member State competences.
It is true that current European legislation already provides for controls and procedures to guarantee that the food that ends up on our tables is fit for consumption and that the risks of contamination are reduced to a minimum, but we must now aim to make a daily contribution to improving the quality of these measures.
However, we do need a positive policy for growth and employment.
What madness.
I feel it is important that, using lifelong learning and the framework of the Bologna process, we can promote mobility and continued training for trainers and PE teachers, we can mutually recognise the degrees that attest to their qualifications, and we can assist with more effective cooperation among organisations of sports experts.
Therefore, we have to be very careful and responsible during its setting-up.
We need to see changes in Burma leading to freedom of assembly and association, the release of prisoners of conscience and a full transition to a multi-party democracy.
We have allowed Bosco Ntaganda to take over the leadership of the CNDP from Laurent Nkunda, although there is a warrant against Bosco Ntaganda, and you see what happens.
When I was a university teacher 25 years ago, I taught my students about the rules on equal pay deriving from Brussels and from the European Member States at the time.
They are protesting against tax laws that they consider to be unfair.
(IT) Mr President, as shadow rapporteur of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, I am completely satisfied with the outcome of today's vote.
The fact is that Europe has for some time been faced with internal and external challenges in the international community.
In spite of the rapporteur's denials, the draft regulation assumes that third-country nationals enjoy free movement, freedom of establishment and free access to the labour market throughout the European Union; it must be remembered that these are all things that, thank goodness, have not yet become a reality.
In fact, I shall never tire of repeating: there is no growth, there is no competitiveness, if there is no innovation.
We support this initiative.
These negotiations are moving very quickly.
It must start to be given serious new resources, already in 2009.
The government has set a mandatory long-term target to achieve an 80% reduction in Scotland's emissions by 2050.
The enlargement process was, and is, an enriching experience for every single Member State, as well as for the EU as a whole.
There are European names in the US disclosures, and it would be an altogether healthy thing for EU central banks to follow suit with similar disclosure about support during 2008 and 2009 as an accompaniment to the new stress tests.
It is leading to the continued weakening of the most vulnerable economies, to the privatisation of key sectors of the economy, to the commodification of ever more areas of social life, and to the attack on public services.
According to Article 6 of the EGF regulations, we must ensure that this fund supports the individual reintegration of workers made redundant in new firms.
For its part, Turkey now needs to improve the democratic functioning of its state institutions and work towards the necessary compromises to continue EU-related reforms.
I am pleased that, at the beginning of this term of office, it is not necessary to call on the Commission and the Council to take basic steps in order to combat cancer because we have the Council's clear conclusions of June 2008 and an ambitious project, the European Partnership for Action against Cancer, which the Commission presented in September 2009 and which forms the subject of this report.
The next item is the Commission statement on GM/Opel: current developments.
The EU budget will fund part of the costs of the reforms.
When I hear certain 'declinists' - the 'crisis-lovers' - say that it is now the Americans and the Chinese who are controlling everything, I say to them: be that as it may, but what is President Obama doing?
All these things need to be included in our consideration of aspects of the Security Strategy that may need to be expanded upon.
Since January, 23 000 immigrants have entered Italy.
The debate must therefore be held, and decisions on the debate must be taken not only in Parliament but also among the citizens.
We in the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance in this Parliament have campaigned for the introduction of high, mandatory safety standards.
We might have differences in opinion about how the state of play is today.
This reflects the changes in the Commission's priorities.
We have been dealing with this dossier for over a year now and it was a way forward.
Is it possible that in banks that have been nationalised, these derivatives are still a toxic asset but obviously also worrying for development?
Mr Martin, I did read your question very carefully.
European Protection Order (
The fact that in 2010, the total amount of bilateral trade between the EU and Japan was EUR 120 billion demonstrates that both sides are extremely important to each other as partners.
I congratulate the rapporteur on tackling a difficult dossier and producing a comprehensive directive which, I hope, we will all support unitedly.
Certainly my vote was motivated in great measure by consideration of some of those.
I believe that by using the budgetary instruments we will be more accountable in 2010 for energy and transport networks, and the EU's internal energy networks will be well planned so that they guarantee an alternative to the countries most affected by the energy shortage.
Firstly, a veritable Marshall Plan for Tunisia and Egypt which would provide tangible help across the board but, at the same time, expect in return the full cooperation of the Tunisian authorities in blocking their coasts so as not to allow further illegal emigration by sea.
Let me also thank my colleagues in the committee, in my group and in my own office for their work.
The resolution must be followed by resolute joint action, as Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner has made clear with her encouraging statement today.
Mr President, I should like to talk to the Commissioner about one of the reports on food additives, and in particularly about the food colourings known as azo dyes.
In this draft decision, the Council exceeds its executive powers.
The current Russian leadership has chosen its own path, and it is one which causes great distress to those of us who wish to see freedom and democracy and the rule of law for the Russian people.
On the issue of the amendments to the draft European Regional Development Fund Regulation tabled by Mrs Schroedter, three relate to the recitals and one to the substance.
Mrs Lienemann referred to a news report a fortnight ago that showed that PCBs were bio-accumulated in fish and that man then ate those fish.
However, this seems to bother some people in Parliament and elsewhere, who are critical of what they call an attack on subsidiarity and the suffocating presence of the European institutions, which are using measures such as the Soil Framework Directive to harass groups of farmers or businesses, with unfair laws, unjust provisions and new administrative and/or financial burdens.
A resolution to the problem of banking secrecy in Singapore is essential if there is to be a real prospect of concluding a region-to-region free trade agreement.
I welcome the Commission communication and the report by Mrs Pack.
This is certainly true of the Treaty of Lisbon.
I formally ask the Conference of Presidents to reconsider and to revoke the decision of 14 February 2008, going back to the previous situation of giving freedom to the intergroups.
The forthcoming 'Standardisation Package' will also build on the White Paper of 3 July 2009 on Modernising ICT Standardisation in the EU - The Way Forward.
The world political climate has changed, culminating in Bali with an acknowledgement by everyone of the validity of the IPCC research and, in recent months, of truly important changes in the positions taken by leaders.
We must now ensure by the audit system that we are meeting those targets.
I found in them a lot of things that resonate with what we are thinking and doing.
With the Treaty of Lisbon, issues relating to children will become objectives within the EU and will gain a legal basis.
Until we define these choices, we shall be pursuing a strategy of failure.
I think that it is wrong that you were put in the position whereby you were forced to cut us back, but likewise, I do not believe it is all the leaders' fault either, because the running of the schedule on the day is for whoever is in the Chair.
We need a more systematic and rigorous preventive budgetary surveillance, so that cases like the Greek case will never happen again.
This was in 1939-1940.
Russia has got used to the equivocation of the EU.
- Madam President, for years this House has criticised the United States over the suspension of civic freedoms inherent in the maintenance of the secure facility at Guantánamo.
However, we are not really becoming sufficiently involved.
I must admit that I have specific expectations of this Presidency.
I can also announce that the Commission will be a holding a rapid and in-depth review of the wider aspects of the EU's external policy in energy and that we will definitely make the results of that work public.
Therefore, given its importance at global level, a strategy is required that is ambitious and takes into account its maritime and territorial aspects.
The degradation of aquatic life is full of negative consequences, since it influences the ecological security and the quality of life and health of the population.
As regards the organisation of surveillance; this was one of the items that was raised by Mrs Mazzoni. Here, I have to say that the Commission, as I said, monitors tomato imports from Morocco using a cross-checking system.
The lengthening wait for a judgment of the European Court of Justice in the matter means further fatal road accidents involving pedestrians.
Europe is well acquainted with the tragedy of wars in which, for centuries, Catholics and Protestants have fought against one another, not to mention the Jewish Holocaust.
They allow the Ombudsman to point out cases of blatant bad administration when all means of resolving disputes have been exhausted.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - Mr President, I wonder if I might perhaps offer a few words of wisdom here.
I join with the Commissioner in admiring the actions taken by the European Central Bank.
Thank you.
The CCCTB is scheduled for adoption by the College of Commissioners on 16 March 2011.
(PL) Mr President, presidential and local government elections are planned in the Philippines for 10 May.
Extending the Commission's mandate without any deadline is a terrible signal after these delays, both to the European institutions and to the European public.
Preparation for the European Council meeting (23 October 2011) (
Parliament would have full influence over the entire budget, including the agriculture budget.
We voted on the report, we did not take the final vote, so people may well wish to express themselves on the earlier votes.
This example shows most conspicuously that ideal cooperation between Member States and European institutions is needed in order to achieve transposition in time in all Member States.
Having said that, I think it was a useful discussion because, when there is corruption, someone is corrupted but there is also someone doing the corrupting, so in a way, the G8 members were also scrutinised when we discussed the issue of Africa.
I would like to know why Parliament was not consulted.
Perhaps you will be able to investigate on your way home tonight.
This solution concerning the field of application has many advantages: it accords better with the internal market than the initially envisaged parameters depending on a national/international dimension; it gives the Member States more flexibility because, in defining at national level what constitute urban, suburban and regional services, within the framework fixed by the regulation, it will be possible to take account objectively of the dimension and structure of the territory in question.
Incidentally, I was surprised when I saw this: it is a fact that the active ingredients, the most important components of the medicine, very often, indeed even usually, originate from non-European countries, third countries.
(PL) Mr President, I would also like to congratulate you very sincerely, not only on your election, but also on your speech today, because you have shown that we have one Europe, and that there are no old and new countries.
Finally, I would like to hear from the Commissioner how it is possible that the Commission's website lists Greenpeace as a participant in Implementing Geological Disposal of Waste - Technology Platform, while I am in possession of correspondence between Greenpeace and the Commission which suggests that Greenpeace's application for participation was explicitly rejected by the Commission.
There is an urgent need to adopt reforms that will enable us to take a big step forward in quality terms with respect to economic governance and to introduce transparent and targeted supervision instruments.
Over the years, we have tried to improve the fisheries agreement by saying that some of the money from the agreement should go to supporting local fisheries.
A set of minimum requirements must be drawn up and incorporated into a legislative act which should be part of a comprehensive strategy addressing all forms of gender-based violence.
I ask you: at the Summit Conference tomorrow, as well as utter fine words, will you adopt any specific measures, and what would these be regarding the rules and regulations to reduce speculation over fuel and foods?
We really do not need this, considering the serious problems we are facing with integration and resolving the extremely severe problem of the Roma.
Furthermore, competition must be tightened up both at Community and Member State level, together with measures aiming for an improvement in energy efficiency.
I think that Parliament should back her in these three claims and hope that she expressed these three elements, these three concerns, in her contacts in Egypt.
I think that this also will affect our credibility because it is only when we also fill out these strategic initiatives, the things we have listed as strategic and priority initiatives, with the very concrete follow-up and implementing measures that we gain credibility and that we can also continue to play a leading role within the G20 or in the IMF context or affecting the rest of the world on energy and climate as well; we will get this credibility from delivering what we have promised in this work programme.
In Bulgaria we have a large number of problems which we associate with the Roma and this has driven us to introduce steps for the preparation of a framework programme to resolve the social preconditions causing their ethnic discrimination.
So I too would like to join the call for MEPs to enter into much closer and more intensive cooperation with US counterparts.
Written statements (Rule 142)
One of these is anorexia, which generally has a psychological basis linked to the fact that thin bodies tend to be presented as more attractive. We are all aware of extreme cases in which this disorder has resulted in death.
I think that the proposals tabled by the European Commission will, in terms of strengthening relations between both continents, facilitate the adoption of a specific action plan during the Summit.
Innovation is top of the European agenda and, as it is a pillar of the Europe 2020 strategy, it will have to be served by new financial instruments so that it does not succumb to budgetary constraints in the current situation.
The sum of EUR 50 million was therefore adopted by Parliament during the vote on its reading of the budget on 20 October 2010.
The precise arrangements for their funding cannot be determined in advance and will clearly evolve over time, but the objective is to maximise the share of contributions from the private sector.
However, perhaps in future, for educational reasons, we should agree that the final statement by the Commissioner will only respond to those speakers still actually in the Chamber.
It would be deeply destabilising for the European Union if the College of Commissioners and the European Council were to take the view that these new treaty articles change nothing and continue treating social objectives as secondary to market objectives.
We need to be faster in this regard in general.
This Presidency had two faces.
He must now keep that promise.
This is such a gap in Europe's credibility that we cannot invoke the spirit of compromise here!
The first relates to the budget, of course: 150 million euro is nowhere near enough - and this has already been stated here - for a sector that you yourself said is going to become one of the booming sectors of the future.
This is the spirit of article 6 of the Treaty.
Because I want to make it clear that this is not just a French obsession, as many people have said, and it is not a waste of money, as a previous speaker has stated.
- Newton Dunn report
By contrast, Poland, for example, consists of 16 regions.
Those in the Council who are criticising, for example, the increase in payment appropriations, are being unfair to this budget.
That is why we cannot continue to adopt the watering can principle in European research policy.
Reciprocal investment in the two economies is worth EUR 200 billion a year: the EU is Japan's third largest trading partner and, in turn, Japan is the sixth largest trading partner for the EU.
That is why I voted for the motion for a resolution, given the policy of integration and expansion toward the democracy and market economy of south-west Europe.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - Madam President, I would like to thank our colleague, Raimon Obiols, for his report and resolution.
To conclude, I would like to recall that negotiation on the 2009 budget has required compromise on all sides.
The Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, which was adopted in the middle of last year, is a model of the coordination of EU policy and the financing of macro-regions - geopolitical territorial units defined on the basis of particular criteria.
In a period of 10 years virtually none of the countries in the Euro Zone had implemented all of the Maastricht criteria.
At the same time, however, we need to tell the US that we also have other partners.
I think that the report has also shown all the linkages and the interlinkages between all these issues and we have to look at it from a political point of view.
That is why a single, common European policy will not work.
I am sure that, as democrats, you would all welcome a referendum on the EU in the United Kingdom.
Europe has the necessary credibility and liquidity, and it is on this basis that it will be possible to bring down Greece's interest rates without a single euro of taxpayers' money going to Greece.
They protect them by guaranteeing that they can claim back what they have earned, without, of course, this resulting in a right to remain.
It is a mechanism which contributes enormously to the continuity and smooth handover of the Presidency and I appreciate it very much.
Increased reliability of steel structures and increased operating efficiency of various items of machinery and equipment require considerable volumes of empirical research in this sphere.
They are simply recognised by the institutions.
Today, we could be faced with institutions without effective power: due to the low status of the staff appointed; due to the fact that the Member States did not choose the best, and perhaps because the salaries were not attractive.
From the ethical point of view, there are still controversial matters to be debated and entirely clarified.
Indeed, I fully agree with that sentiment and I become more convinced of it with every committee meeting I attend.
The final point concerns GMOs.
The Commission has heard Parliament's concerns on the decision-making aspects of the GSP regulation loud and clear.
I would like to endorse what has been said by fellow Members about the importance of transparency with regard to air ticket prices.

There is a lot at stake in the budget negotiations for the next programming period.
(The sitting was opened at 9:05)
the report by Mrs Gräßle and Mr Rivellini, on behalf of the Committee on Budgetary Control, on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities as regards the European External Action Service - C7-0086/2010 -,
Apart from this, we must not forget that one of the biggest challenges in Europe in the medium- and long-term is the demographic situation.
Yes, Mr Cohn-Bendit, there were not very many of us in the 1960s and 1970s who opposed your friends at that time and their revolutionary thinking and rejected the Asian people's enslavement to the Marxism so extolled by your friends.
It used all its negotiating skills to brilliant effect during a difficult discussion on the 2011 budget of the European Union under the new budgetary rules of the Treaty.
However, it is more difficult to influence people's actions by calling on them to change than it is by setting them a good example.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported on a private dinner in New York on 8 February, involving 18 major hedge funds, where speculation against the euro was discussed.
in writing. - (SV) The collection of independent and accurate statistics helps consumers as well as business and the public sector to take a variety of decisions.
The end of all and any trade barriers, especially with the developed and emerging economies, is the course of action.
I would like to mention one topic in particular: the delay in setting up the European Institute for Gender Equality.
Tell them where to go.
At the moment, if a multinational company wants to establish itself in Hungary, the way to proceed is as follows: it receives free land from a local municipal government, is given a reduction on taxes and contributions, employs people for minimum wage and does not even allow them to unionise.
This deals with the issue of the property rights of almost 350 000 Thracian Bulgarians, who were forcibly driven out of Turkey at the start of the last century.
Why should we annoy them even more?
We are already suffering as a result of EU legislation, as the EU will not let us exempt non-governmental organisations from VAT.
With regard to those who succeed us, I can only hope that they have such an excellent staff working for them.
The substance here is that we have an integrated financial market and a Central Bank conducting a monetary policy in the interest of the European economy as a whole, but we have no European financial market controller to deal with the challenges and problems involved.
I regret that this measure was not adopted today by Parliament, and I shall campaign, during the negotiations, for this visible eco-contribution to be maintained in those Member States in which it is practised.
Why did you not say thank you?
All the energy sources covered in the report have been given a sufficient amount of attention, while at the same time, the importance of alternative energy sources and new energy technologies was duly pointed out.
Nevertheless, in only a few weeks, it was possible to set up a G20 meeting which delivered concrete results, the most notable of which was the decision to use 2% of GDP to stimulate the economy and help the financial sector.
However, the proposal concludes with the following extreme measure: to combat terrorism on the Internet, we should imprison any citizen who writes anything that could be interpreted by the police as being intended to encourage terrorism - not even 'instigate' it, mark you.
EUR 40 million were allocated to this objective in 2007-2010 and EUR 50 million are planned for 2011-2013.
Look at the issue of Taiwan today, where the progress made by President Hu Jintao on Taiwan is remarkable.
We are not here to run errands for the EU's opponents; we are here to highlight the points that are worthy of criticism and come up with good and constructive proposals for solutions.
The Commission has been a very constructive and cooperative partner throughout the whole period, and thanks are due to them as well.
Agenda for next sitting: see Minutes
This is not a way to decide close to the citizens or the Members of Parliament.
We should not forget that the European Union is made up of 27 very different Member States.
It is not for me to criticise, but maybe you would note the comment.
The problem with Japan is, indeed, not so much tariffs but the fact that EU exporters and investors still face all sorts of non-tariff barriers.
The Structural Funds should be used only to support sustainable projects.
(CS) If European integration is to last, there must be deepening and strengthening of international law.
We are constantly piling on more and more burdens and regulations that force industry out of Europe, and we have no chance whatsoever of meeting any of the goals of the Lisbon Strategy.
This work is crucial for the establishment of a future state of Palestine and crucial to finding a way to a two-state solution.
And two: what on earth has it got to do with the European Union?
These poor benighted parliaments, by the way, are only the democratically elected sovereign legislators of 27 European nations, unlike this absurd consultative assembly which does not and cannot represent anyone but the Commission and its associated elites.
We need independent institutions working at European level that can monitor and guarantee that States commit themselves to the principle of equal treatment not only in theory, but also adopt concrete steps in order to implement this directive effectively.
Agriculture is responsible for 9.3% of the European Union's total CO2 emissions, whereas in 1990 it represented 11% of those emissions.
The European Union is endowed with a Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Let us look at the current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
In view of this, the forthcoming European Banking Authority should play a leading role in drawing up and implementing measures relating to capital requirements and the rules on countercyclical buffer standards at EU level.
However, if we regard this concept of maximum sustainable yield as something radically new, we are mistaken, since that concept, which is a theoretical concept, was always the concept underlying the setting of all quotas and TACs, which could only be set on the basis of that concept.
An amendment needs to be made to the Member States' legislation with regard to harmonising sanctions in order to ensure that the maximum penalties are imposed on traffickers, as they currently vary considerably from one state to another.
There is no point in paying lip-service to disabled people's rights.
Thank you in advance for your support in tomorrow's vote.
Extending the directive would place an even greater burden on those Member States with a high social standard, which already have huge problems in any case, making it harder still for refugees to be integrated.
In all honesty, I only had modest expectations of the report, given the mood of political correctness that normally prevails in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.
We saw from the Ecofin conclusions last week that they want to see a withdrawal of labour market support measures from the end of 2010.
The report, supplemented by the accepted opinion recommendations, is fully supported by my group.
Hungary reported 1 367 tonnes of dead fish.
For the population in the region, it can only result in insecurity, lack of confidence in the authorities, and vulnerability to manipulation.
I voted in favour of the report on mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund in favour of France because I believe this fund helps countries to respond effectively and flexibly to situations created by natural disasters, in this case the storm last January which affected south-western France, causing severe damage.
It is therefore necessary to amend the Regulation on credit rating agencies in order to organise the accreditation and supervision of credit rating agencies by the European Securities and Markets Authority.
The third word is 'effectiveness'.
We should, rather, have the courage to speak out and not fear confronting populism.
In my opinion, this was another fundamental point.
Our response to this phenomenon through the European Union's Solidarity Fund provides important support in the task of rebuilding the areas affected by disasters, along with reducing their potential cross-border effects.
Secondly, as regards Dublin II, I should like to point out the following, to add to what Mrs Koppa said.
Health inequalities vary from country to country and from region to region.
Obviously, that is not something that we can do with our extensive trans-European networks.
In Spain we have seen some extremely negative effects along our entire coastline as a result of very aggressive building projects.
However, we will give a lot of attention to your resolution on this matter and will always bear in mind the human rights aspect when we resort to the instrument of sanctions, within the EU and in the UN.
I requested permission to speak here.
In the context of the resolution under discussion, I call for the immediate withdrawal of Poland from the Protocol on the Application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights to Poland and to the United Kingdom.
in writing. - (PL) As a member of the Committee on Culture and Education, I endorse the report on Europeana - the next steps.
in writing.
The fact is that Adam Smith's invisible hand is a pickpocket.
Environmentally friendly investment should be promoted, along with clean energy and energy-saving installations. Above all, priority should be given to convincing people to save energy, and to increasing their knowledge and awareness.
However, we are not changing the main priorities of the European Social Fund.
In the separation of powers, there are those who decide and those who control.
Our wish is that progress be made as soon as possible in finding solutions for the remaining issues, which are crucial for the Albanian community.
I worked on this proposal personally, and I hope that after acquiring legal basis, this preparatory action will give rise to a programme with a substantial budgetary allocation.
This Treaty adopts, without alteration, the enlargement of the European Parliament's participation in the legislative process, as well as the innovations in the budgetary process, thereby enhancing the Union's democratic legitimacy;
It is a fact that our European electoral spectrum spans an ever-wider variety of opinion, which is good for democracy.
I must say that I am pleased with some key aspects of Bulgaria's position in the CAP debate:
The result is that, owing to lack of solidarity within the European Union and ineffective EU diplomacy, our countries are letting Russia and China push them out of this important region of the world.
It is an island off the west coast of Europe.
I consider it truly important to establish this solidarity.
I am saying this because I would not like our debate to turn into a very political debate, where the European Parliament takes the role of a prosecutor acting against someone.
I should like to start by paying tribute to the role played by the Council of Europe in defending and promoting fundamental rights.
I would like to remind you of the joint agreement by the European Parliament and the Council to designate 2010 as the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.
On behalf of my group, I can say that we are interested in a cohesion policy that will be comprehensible, simple, flexible, unencumbered by excessive bureaucracy, and focused on investment and smart growth.
As I have said to you, the efforts and initiatives to discover the truth of the matter are welcome.
For the medium term, there are three measures to highlight: last week's proposal on capital requirements, our forthcoming proposal on rating agencies and a review of our 2004 recommendation on executive pay.
I have to highlight at this point that for me personally, an increasingly critical issue is the plausibility of forecasts and the quality of the PRIMES model used by the European Union, particularly in view of the failure to achieve a consensus in Cancún.
As stated in the document adopted, information guarantees safety, and consumer safety and informing consumers must be underlying principles.
There are Members who urge the Commission and Member States to take concrete coordinated measures in the spirit of solidarity and who propose to act like the EU already had such a policy.
The Latvian authorities, the government, keep their eyes closed on obvious violations and are not going to put legislation in order.
We consider it to be essential that the decoupling process initiated in the 2003 Reform be extended to all sectors so as to allow farmers to produce what the market demands and achieve a genuine level playing field.
Mr President, Mr President-in-Office of the Council, Mr Barroso, perhaps it is a coincidence - although a happy coincidence - that this debate is being held immediately after the speech by Václav Havel, a man who has reminded us how important this process was twenty years ago.
We need to combine public, private, national and European funds.
I am Sicilian and, unlike many Members who have spoken, I visited the former identification and expulsion centre.
We shall certainly be doing this ourselves, but this is also an appeal to the Council and particularly to the Commission: not only Commissioner Frattini, but also his colleagues.
In my own city of Galaţi, the Damen Shipyard is also facing the effects of the economic and financial crisis, making around 600 workers redundant in 2009 alone.
Nevertheless, we have to reassure the ICCAT parties that the European Community will do its utmost to ensure that quotas allocated to the vessels of our Member States are scrupulously monitored by those Member States and by the European Commission, in order to ensure respect for the quota set for 2008 and the forthcoming years.
Again, this is a case of the Europe of big profits and of small, arbitrary handouts.
Mankind - you and I. Who are we, you and I?
As such, Mauritania urgently needs to demand that third countries with which it also establishes partnership agreements respect these same rules that are observed by ships flying the EU flag.
The cultural and creative sector is a driver for Europe.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (HU) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, first of all, I would like to thank those who commented positively on the efforts of the Hungarian Presidency.
In my country, beekeeping involves around 27 000 producers who manage more than 2 300 000 hives.
If, however, the national electoral system does not allow for such a calculation, we can resort to appointment by the national parliaments.
We are eagerly awaiting these proposals and would urge you to react promptly.
Let me say quite clearly that we are not against financial support.
14.
If only we could learn the rule of law, and if only we could apply property rights to fisheries policies, we would have sustainable fisheries policy not just for the common fisheries policy of the EU but globally, and we would have no need for these agreements.
These objectives are ambitious and we all need to make an extra effort to achieve them for the good of the EU and its citizens.
Usually, we talk of the European Union's demographic problems from the point of view of young people.
As I said before, the adoption of this regulation will enable us to establish more modern and flexible rules, using new checking technologies, to introduce the one-stop security concept for flights from non-member countries, with a high standard of security, to abolish certain duplicated requirements, to codify the participation of stakeholders in decision-making on the implementing measures and, of course, to involve the European Parliament more in the process of decision-making on the implementing rules.
I would like to ask you if that is the case, because it is extremely unfair since this is an issue that has been debated for some considerable time now.
What is more, EFSA itself has decided to issue new assessment guidelines.
Mr President, I would also like to congratulate Mr Lambsdorff for the excellent work he has done and of course his shadows, particularly, Mrs Cederschiöld, but let me also underline something that Mr Toubon said: the fantastic work done by the French presidency in achieving agreement on this directive.
Under these circumstances, the development of policies and capabilities for crisis management and conflict prevention is actually an investment in the security of European Union citizens.
Today they are still fit and healthy.
Written declarations for entry in the register (Rule 116): see Minutes
And what are the major lessons?
It would be useful if the mechanism for Greece had been adopted with the speed at which the support mechanism proceeded for other economies, when Europe finally realised the risk which we were all running.
All these targets are interconnected and the primary concern therefore is to ensure that we achieve the proper legislative framework.
They affect more than seven million Europeans, a figure that will probably double in the coming decades as a result of our ageing population.
This demonstrates yet again how the House views these recommendations.
Significant efforts have been made to strengthen not only political, but also judicial, cooperation, thereby strengthening the ties between Eurojust and analogous institutions in the United States.
(RO) The European Union is founded on the principle of transparency, which is referred to in Articles 1 and 6 of the Treaty on European Union, as well as in Article 41 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Yes?
We specifically ask you, however, for it is the substance that is important here, to relaunch the European social agenda.
I agree with what Mr Tannock said, that President Lukashenko should not be present in Prague.
The green restructuring of the economy will ultimately result in lower, not higher, unemployment.
Both of these things relate to the European perspective, but they use different toolboxes.
I am familiar with the disastrous financial situation of many Member States and I believe that some of them need time to decide what should be done.
Therefore benefits for young people, the disabled and the elderly are relevant.
Mr President, this afternoon, on behalf of the Commission, I want to welcome the President of the European Investment Bank, Mr Maystadt, and the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Mr Mirow.
In order to combat poverty effectively, there is also a need to improve the quality of jobs and salaries, introduce the right to an income, as well as the wherewithal to provide social welfare benefits, pensions and allowances.
We therefore voted in favour.
We have nothing to be ashamed of.
These countries also fail to fulfil international obligations in the area of nuclear safety.
I would like to give you a few more figures: 81% of the funds allocated to research and development were used in the industrial sector, but only 42% of industrial companies are involved in innovation activities.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (PT) Madam President, Mr Vice-President, ladies and gentlemen, the Council will take from this debate the firm belief that the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership must be developed and solidified and that it is right to hold the Ministerial Conference in Santa Eulália.
But I think we need to re-examine the effect these changes have made in the industry.
I abstained from the final vote because it included a proposal to put through a moratorium on new reactors.
(PL) Mr President, many fellow Members have spoken of evidence of the existence of detention centres in Poland and Romania and evidence of the use of torture.
(EL) Mr President, the conflict between supporters of the integration of Turkey and those favouring a special relationship between Turkey and the European Union illustrates the imperialist infighting within the European Union and the competition with the USA and other major powers.
(The President interrupts the speaker)
This would not have been possible without the constructive and responsible role played by the European Parliament and the Council throughout the negotiations.
The Commission will thoroughly analyse the replies to the questionnaires and the steps taken by the Serbian authorities in the coming months to complete its assessment with a view to issuing the opinion in the second half of 2011.
Over the years, the European Union has taken relevant actions in this area, and the measures adopted have ensured an increase in the level of consumer protection in areas such as package holiday services and passengers' rights.
I would encourage you to continue it in the corridors, if necessary.
No one can say that the legal instruments ignore women's rights.
(ES) Mr President, the Universal Declaration of UNESCO on Cultural Diversity recommends that, among other things, we promote the making of high-quality audiovisual productions, particularly fostering the creation of cooperation mechanisms allowing us to distribute those productions; the European Commission has clearly borne this statement in mind when drawing up this initiative.
I remember the sense of hope that came with the Orange Revolution, and the break with the Soviet-influenced past that it brought about for the Ukrainian people.
Mr President, I should like first of all to thank Mr Kalfin for the excellent work we have been able to carry out together and, on behalf of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for which I was the rapporteur, to thank my colleagues Mrs Hautala, Mr Lambsdorff and Mrs Giannakou.
The people in theatre, the people in operations, are those who are most in my thoughts when I look at how we can collaborate together.
The next item is the Council and Commission statements on migration flows and asylum and their impact on Schengen.
Mr President, I should like to highlight another point in this package, namely the improved regulation of maritime passenger liability.
Clearly, global competition, as encouraged by the WTO, is the main reason for the widespread impoverishment and lack of dynamism of Europe.
We are calling for the peace negotiations to be resumed as soon as possible, as we are convinced that there cannot merely be a military solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Mr President, in your speech to us here, you said that it is extremely important to strengthen the single market, and that strengthening the single market is a prescription for the crisis in Europe.
On the Committee on Budgets I note with satisfaction that the responsible committee has adopted a positive position regarding our proposal for an amendment to the legal basis, although that would only be done in respect of future proposals on macro-financial assistance.
I am grateful to Commissioner Lewandowski for already having opened this debate with our ministers of finance.
The other aspect concerns the activities of statutory television broadcasting that exclusively serves the interests of the present right-wing government and is so tendentious in news coverage and journalism that the term statutory does not apply to it any longer.
The next item is the joint debate on the following:
You can certainly count on the Commission's support.
Just imagine if people were suddenly banned from fighting for the equality of all people regardless of sexual orientation.
At a time of economic crisis, when it is essential to reduce public expenditure, I do not agree with the European Parliament going in completely the opposite direction and sharply increasing its expenditure.
I am an optimist and a realist.
No, it is the private sector that will have to do that.
The achievement of the European Union's growth, employment and social cohesion objectives depends on it.
The real problem, however, is to what extent we, today, the Commission and the European Union, are capable of withstanding that outbreak of nationalism, which was mentioned a moment ago, and of autarchic ideas and new protectionist illusions, which is liable to make your work, Commissioner, and the work of our European Union too, very difficult.
The length of stay in the Schengen area is limited to three months during any six-month period.
We can both look back over the 20th century, and you can be sure that the verdict will not favour the ideas that you have loyally followed for decades.
Years ago we were criticised, as Jim Nicholson said, for the over-production of food.
It is the absolute priority of the Swedish Presidency to try to reach agreement regarding the European Asylum Support Office and to improve practical cooperation.
Of the millions of new jobs, more than half are full-time jobs and there can be no question marks over their quality.
In my view, what we therefore need to do is as follows: confirm the Balkans' suitability for EU membership; remember that enlargement and consolidation are inextricably linked; insist, in the case of Turkey, on compliance with the accession criteria; and, in the event of the negotiations' failure, propose a special association agreement.
Currently, our monitors are blocked from Ukrainian dispatch centres.
President Lukashenko's repressive policies must be replaced by greater democracy and greater tolerance.
That is not necessarily a good thing.
Perhaps you will allow him the opportunity for a brief reply later on.
We have also spent some time discussing the amount of funding to be earmarked for this.
We must ensure that antibiotics are used responsibly in all the Member States.
Therefore, I believe that we should aim for a postponement and then ultimately ....
From 11.00 to 13.00, the following items will be discussed: a statement from Mr Barroso on the Commission Legislative and Work Programme for 2010 and a statement from the Commission on coordination of humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Haiti.
I think that the decision should be made by each Member State.
Basically, Turkey is still a long way from respecting the values of the European nations, as demonstrated by the situation of the countless ethnic and religious minorities which make up the country.
Europe must continue to act as a bastion of safety and quality of life.
Climate change is now a first priority in international policy; it is an issue of direct concern to Heads of State or Government around the world.
The bulk of resources necessary will simply be transferred from the sections of the European Council, Council and Commission.
You need to explain this.
The speeches given by my colleagues have covered a number of the issues.
Under those circumstances, the Americans need to shoulder their responsibilities and accept the consequences with us, but I do not see how we, on our own, could have told them to put a stop to this strategy.
Will this ultimately not lead to a situation which is the precise opposite of that intended; that is, there will be fewer jobs available for young women, because employers will simply not be inclined to bear all on their own the consequences they risk entailing should their young female workers get pregnant?
With imports, however, adherence to our own rules can hardly be monitored.
To do this we need data exchange, but we have to ensure that there are uniform standards across Europe for this.
Member of the Commission. - The Commission has actually already responded to similar written questions from the honourable Member Mr Ziobro on the cost of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union by 2020 and on the question of carbon leakage, back in March and April 2010.
As for the Blue Card, we must be able to welcome migrant workers, while making sure we do not pillage countries by holding on to the players needed for their development.
I would ask you, Commissioner, to ensure that this decision takes account not only of performance range and performance level, but that, above all, we also establish a common European market with regard to price level that enables people to use data services even when they are not in their own Member State.
That is called a free mandate.
The new Member States already have national soil protection legislation that functions well.
Anyone listening to this debate would get the impression that I had not spent several months making my contribution to the social dimension of this dossier that we are now dealing with.
Obviously good governance, a functioning rule of law and stable democracy are conditions for stability and development.
Nonetheless, they are only one part of the European response to the crisis.
I urge you, Mr President, to convey this matter to Commissioner Špidla and Commissioner McCreevy, both of whom have a role in this matter.
May I say that, if you are thinking about ignoring it, I would advise you to think again, because it is only through productive democratic dialogue that we can find mutually acceptable solutions for the benefit of the many, not just the few.
My body and brain wanted to go home and sleep, but it has been too good to miss, and too important - because I am Irish - not to be here.
What do you intend to do about this Commissioner?
It is another paean to free competition, although it glosses over its contents to disguise the dynamite contained in this gift sent to workers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and especially the people of countries with weaker economies.
Ladies and gentlemen, at our January meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers, we unanimously invited Serbia to sign the political agreement constituting a new step towards membership of the European Union.
The Babeş-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca is an outstanding example of the promotion of multilingualism.
This can either be because independent repairers do not have proper access to the necessary technical information or because car manufacturers interpret warranty terms in an abusive way.
On 11 March, Japan was hit by a massive earthquake, followed by a tsunami that has caused the greatest nuclear crisis in the country's history, with the Fukushima nuclear plant suffering serious structural damage, and since then having been in imminent danger of triggering a nuclear disaster of major proportions.
However, we also think that the suggestion made in Article 1, point c) that the period between the delivery of the goods and the receipt of notification referred to in the second subparagraph should be two years is fairly short and, in our view, creates additional opportunities for restricting the scope and results of the European Commission's proposal.
Since the Commission was informed of Dell's strategy concerning the existence of two sites, when the prospect of choosing between them presented itself, I believe that a more proactive strategy by the Commission should have led to a negotiation with Dell aimed at the transformation of the Irish site, given that the company's strategy has been to turn a site manufacturing desktop computers, such as existed in Ireland, into a site manufacturing laptop computers, such as currently exists in Poland.
We have taken a very important leadership role in the European Union with regard to food assistance by untying our food assistance or, in other words, not making it a requirement that European food assistance includes food produced in Europe.
The decision by the Czech Republic to sign such an agreement is an infringement of Community jurisdiction.
We also appreciate that the European Commission is prepared to support the training of young players.
We also welcome President Obama's early engagement in addressing the Arab-Israeli conflict, including the appointment of George Mitchell as the special envoy for the region.
We know too that the stocks of 18% of fish species are in a poor condition and scientists recommend that we should stop fishing them immediately.
In any civilian missions of the European Union, this responsibility lies with the head of the mission under the civilian operation commander's leadership.
The retention periods are still too long and, last but not least, I have two questions.
It is a recasting of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2000 in the light of the current international framework.
We have an ownerless capitalism.
deputising for the rapporteur. - Madam President, the Chair of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, Mr Simpson, is not able to join us today and has asked me to read out his statement.
Slovenia has the opportunity to bring them all the self-confidence of being truly equal stakeholders in the European process.
Europe is founded on the principle of free movement of persons; this freedom, this mobility of citizens must apply to patients, too.
That is the outcome of a statement such as the one you have made: nor have you mentioned the Uighur people simply because they do not have a transnational leader supporting non-violence, such as the Dalai Lama, and I believe that that is serious when we are talking about China.
A 'bottom-up' approach, with support for civil society and the processes of democratisation, is a prerequisite for long-term sustainability and growth.
Primary industries and power generation require many years of investment and concentration of capital, which means they need to be subsidised.
In my view, it is very important that both the Ecolabel and the energy label adhere to the same principle, i.e. that the criteria become stricter as our knowledge, our skills and our technology improve.
Commissioner Michel also referred to this complexity today.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I voted in favour of this resolution because I believe it represents a further step forward towards the creation of a well-functioning, integrated single European market.
I would emphasise that the GNSS 'made in Europe' programme has not been carried out simply in the interests of one or another Member State or one or another industrial concern.
I am told that 60% of them happen to be British animals, which may say something about the British character, but we will not go there in this forum.
I see no reason for things to be done differently in this case.
Their marginalised situation is compounded by their lack of awareness of their rights.
So it was not a failure to recognise; I met, indeed, with a gentleman last night.
On the other hand, I must thank and congratulate Mrs Willmott on her report on this strategy.
Commissioner, I should like to start by asking a very simple question: when consumers go to supermarkets to buy milk or yoghurt, why do they buy it?
Procedures to detect and eliminate conflicts of interest are missing. We need a procedure to detect and eliminate these.
Many thanks.
Why is it a small and bitter victory?
Furthermore, the Greek crisis has revealed the shortcomings that are undermining the economic governance of the European Union.
Not only has the organisation not been allowed to register, but recently, the police removed all of their computers, and on Monday - and this is the news I have for you - I started a collection of laptops in Poland to send to them.
We are therefore dealing in this case with rights and commitments at the workplace and a comprehensive system encompassing them, which the countries who accept and ratify the conventions must comply with.
In an industry already constrained by limitations of the number of days that can be spent at sea, time spent catching and sorting fish of no commercial value is regarded by fishermen as valuable time lost.
We now expect this 'Barroso II' Commission to surprise us with its unfailing determination to advance the European Union.
The need for democracy in countries with a long record of political oppression should not become the undoing of future democratic process.
In short, it confirms equality for all in claiming their own rights.
I therefore believe that the EU should reach agreements with third countries on common fisheries policies, or improve existing arrangements.
The Member States and the Commission also agree that the legal status of the External Action Service should reflect and support the unique role, sui generis, that it has within the EU system.
The European Union must first of all find a happy medium between ultra-free trade and protectionism.
Going back to the June Council, many of you were talking about the future Commission.
It is an extensive service, and such an extensive service does not deserve to have the agricultural budget cut if it is at all possible.
on behalf of the EFD Group. - Madam President, one of the totems of a sovereign state is that it controls who can and who cannot come into its own country.
Finally, there needs to be an inquiry into why the price increase is so high, when agricultural commodities only represent a very small percentage of the total price of processed food.
(CS) Mr President, land and sea frontiers have shifted with enlargement, increasing customs officers' work from simple custom duties checks to combating counterfeiting, money laundering, drugs, and evasion of antidumping duties or health measures aimed at consumer protection.
The road that leads to this goal is a difficult one, and deliberate work will be required to complete it.
Last but not least in terms of importance, I believe that the internal market would also be strengthened by the prudent and prompt expansion of the euro area, which will result in the economic integration of European states and make the European economy even more influential in relation to its international partners.
If we simply doubled this, so that 20 per cent of SMEs made 30 per cent of that turnover in the internal market, we could achieve what we want.
We welcome the participation of civil society and human rights defenders, as well as the special procedures, which are at the core of the UN human rights machinery, and play a critical role, especially in the Human Rights Council.
We anticipate that leaders will express a wish to maintain a general balance while paying attention to the complexity of the package in respect of its economic and financial effect.
I thank you that we worked together so well across party and country boundaries and that we were able to advance the European integration project together.
Most of them have not ratified, and they certainly have not implemented - something we have called for in numerous parliamentary reports.
(EL) Mr President, for the second time in six months, Europe is facing a food crisis which has caused serious health problems for many people and has even resulted in loss of life among our fellow men.
You also mentioned the EU's Baltic Sea strategy, which the Commission is currently working on.
One billion.
I welcome the view expressed in the report that ICT products for the elderly should be affordable and user-friendly.
(DE) Commissioner, in the case of road vehicles, noise emissions may not exceed defined ceilings.
For example, it recognises that some fish species are known to have a high survival rate on release and that derogations from a discard ban are possible.
We do not want to see these rights increasingly restrained and constrained, so we will support the widest possible and strongest range of rights in tomorrow's vote.
Mr President, I would like to thank the Commissioners and rapporteurs.
We must therefore encourage young people to vary their diet and to consume more fruit and vegetables.
I am willing to come to your committees as often as you call me, Madam President, and we will discuss this over, element by element.
This will allow the management of 'spill-over effects', such as making local and regional economies more dynamic through small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), social integration or the attractiveness of regions.
We are voting in favour of the report, not because it is excellent, but because it represents an improvement.
The simultaneous consideration of these texts is a challenge and constitutes a heavy workload for each of our institutions.
Nevertheless, the effects of this crisis have repercussions for the EU and the ECB in terms of having to orchestrate a solution, international confidence in the euro model and the future smooth operation of the euro sovereign debt markets.
I think the core issue is: how are Member States going to finance adequate pensions for their citizens?
Texts of agreements forwarded by the Council: see Minutes
Europeana - the next steps (
I hope that the beneficiaries will gain from this simplification, those whom the funds are actually targeted at.
It is often not clear under what legislation those who produce look-alike products might be pursued, whether this falls under unfair competition or intellectual property legislation.
Madam President, it seems we will all live longer but enjoy fewer grandchildren.
In the light of the recent events in the Mediterranean basin and of their direct and indirect consequences for European countries, we must carry out a swift and thorough review of European Neighbourhood Policy.
Blood diamonds are proof of the cynicism displayed by governing circles lacking scruples and respect for their own citizens.
The issue here is mainly the environment.
With regard to the report text, I would like to see tougher sanctions for punishing labour market intermediaries.
On both these, the ball is in the European Parliament's court, for the second reading.
Its purpose is to ask the public about their opinion and their awareness regarding cloning and food derived from the offspring of cloned animals.
The question is how should consumer protection and the improvement of the same be organised?
Heads of delegations, in particular, will have to be able not only to carry out their political role, but also to handle all the Commission activities that are such a substantial part of a delegation's mandate.
I know that the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance and the Socialist Group in the European Parliament have tabled another amendment; ours has the same wording as the decisions of the Bureau and the Conference of Presidents, which all group chairs voted unanimously to support.
The report deals with some very important issues related to regulation of the organisation of sport, and emphasises its economic dimension. I am very pleased to note also the prominence given to so-called sport for all.
The world is currently experiencing a major growth process in globalisation terms, in particular, with the revolutions and transition to democracy of countries that have traditionally been closed and governed by totalitarian regimes, which constitutes a set of opportunities that the EU should not neglect.
It is a sign that we cannot ignore.
Publication and translation obligations of certain types of companies (
For this reason I argued strongly in the past for the publication of parliamentary attendance.
The European idea came about because one day great Europeans reached out to each other over the borders, borders for which so many people had died.
As far as the economy is concerned, you have told us that somehow you are the economic guru; you are the man who can save the world.
There is a need to reduce discards by introducing new mechanisms to encourage fishermen to engage in cod-avoidance programmes.
Naturally, this is a very unpleasant situation for these citizens, and we must come up with a solution and an answer.
In China, for example, people can still be executed for what is purely a crime against property.
The Regulation, in the form proposed by the Commission, only specifies that the suspension is required when the key components of the national control system are not efficient due to the gravity or persistence of identified deficiencies.
We do need to face up to the fact that transport is at the expense of the environment and will continue to be associated with accidents.
You sat many times in this seat, Mr President, and chaired the proceedings of our Parliament.
Each country has its own profile and must be regarded as distinct.
I agree with those who say that our monetary policy has room for manoeuvre, without having to jeopardise the independence of the European Central Bank or other central banks.
A larger amount of annual funding than is allocated at the moment needs to be provided so that this global navigation system is implemented in a suitable, uniform manner in all EU Member States.
The north of the Korean peninsula has become an enormous ghetto, incarcerating millions of Koreans, who, under the militaristic administration of their regime, can only dream of a free life.
Because the truth of the matter is that there is no correct number of species, whether it is on a Cumbrian farm or a Liverpool suburb or even in a Cheshire forest, and I defy the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety to come up with a proper definition or stop using such ragbag words.
Thirdly, the structure of the Supply Agency's Advisory Committee is distorted, having a disproportionately large share of countries producing nuclear power on it, something which will be made worse by the amendment adopted by the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy.
Otherwise they lose all meaning and legitimacy.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (CS) Ladies and gentlemen, unlike many other economic disciplines, marketing is a true science and as such it has its own definite laws and rules, which remain the same regardless of those involved in them.
Commissioner, I think this is going to be the major issue for us this year and the main point of conflict between Parliament and the Commission.
We are also watching developments in Korea and Japan etc.
Up to now, it has been an important forum but it could, of course, be better, not least when it comes to the broader strategic issues relating to the transatlantic economy and common economic challenges.
The next item is the debate on the oral question to the Commission (B6-0480/2008) by Mr Parish, on behalf of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, on the situation in the bee keeping sector.
So I think we really do have to wake up to the fact that we in Europe need to produce food and we need to produce it safely, make sure that we reduce the amount of chemicals we use, which we are already doing, and we have got to make sure that we are training farmers to spray properly, which again we are also doing.
As for the ICC, I would like to express two wishes.
Let me assure you that combating geographical market segmentation, be it the result of state measures or the behaviour of private parties, is a high priority for our policy in the internal market.
I agree that this report should assess, inter alia, the effectiveness of the regulation, the progress made towards ensuring closer coordination between economic policies, and sustained convergence of the behaviour of the Member States' economies, pursuant to the Treaty.
This is not simply a question of commemorating the famine.
To pursue our goals of highest standards on nuclear safety, we interact with Russia both at the bilateral level and in multilateral fora such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the G8.
Celebrating this year is a good time to take that on board.
Secondly, I would like to emphasise again that the EU and the Member States should not incorporate into trade agreements provisions on intellectual property rights which prevent poverty-stricken people in developing countries from having access to basic medicines and which contribute to the high mortality rates in these regions.
It does not look as though the agreements made in Madrid back in June were set in stone.
If it could, we would be in danger of ending up with an indicator that gives nothing more than a distorted, partial and therefore one-sided view.
When it was tabled for debate in committee, it was further shaped by a procedure of 50 compromise amendments, from all the political groups and areas represented in Europe.
What systems will they put in place using some combination of the three pillars to ensure that their pension systems are sustainable?
The main findings of the report are contained in the recommendations which should improve the system for managing expenditure of European funds: improving control systems at various levels - first, second and third - and the links between them, which is a particular obligation of the Member States; and simplification of procedures to make them easier to control, and also easier to implement risk-free.
(Applause)
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, the effects of the volcano ash cloud on Europe's airspace, which, as is well known, caused many thousands of flights to be cancelled, are a good example of why aviation security is important.
The time to assess the way in which the Member States have used European aid will be when any new aid is granted, and it is then that we will perhaps be able to draw conclusions from measures that were unsuitable, particularly in the social sphere.
I do have reservations about the insufficiently flexible approach taken by the Commission to these concessions, but I am also not particularly satisfied with the Commission's stance - not with your position, directly, Mr Dalli, but at one point, one of your fellow Commissioners, the Belgian Commissioner, Mr De Gucht, went behind the backs of the conciliation committee to appear before this Parliament's Committee on International Trade, where he proceeded to present a whole series of sophisms.
Lifting the visa regime in the Western Balkans will benefit security, the freedom of the citizens of those countries and the entire European Union.
The Union, through the common fisheries policy, seeks to make fishing activities more effective, so that the sector, including aquaculture, is economically viable and competitive, ensures adequate living standards for the populations who depend on fishing activities and meets the interests of consumers.
Finally, the third issue is foreign policy.
More than a billion people are currently suffering from starvation.
At a time when there is much thought about the European cohesion policy after 2013, it is indeed important to present it as an indispensable tool of compliance with the EU 2020 strategy, reiterating the statement that cohesion policies are essential for enforcing the original plan of EU integration.
The Swedish Foreign Ministry defined a 'no' to the building of minarets as the 'expression of a prejudice'.
You will notice, Commissioner, that I have mentioned neither my country nor its Prime Minister.
A massive bloodbath has been avoided.
More than ever before, we are plotting a course for a Europe based on results.
In this communication, it will also be made very clear that the Commission cannot and will not accept that the Roma are discriminated against and excluded from our society because of their ethnicity.
Firstly, I think we need to conduct an audit of all the oil platforms to check their state of repair, their level of safety and their compliance with standards.
in writing. - (SV) Demand for organically produced food and other goods is high and growing, and in order to meet this demand, consumers must naturally be able to identify these products on the market.
The joint debate is closed.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (SV) Madam President, hundreds of thousands of women and children are transported like commodities in the EU.
Frustration is spreading everywhere.
However, Europe cannot sit passively by while Moscow and Washington discuss its strategic future.
His effective activities highlight the distinction between good and bad administration, offering guidance on recognising mistakes, and seeking satisfactory solutions for complainants, likely to transform bad conduct into good.
In more than 600 patients, the dangerous haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) was diagnosed, which can also result in neurological disorders.
I personally would like to support this position in the Berès report, as countries which have a huge deficit and debt and, in particular, countries which no longer have access to the international capital market, must reduce their deficits before recovery can take hold.
Looking back to five years ago, 2004 turned out to be the golden year of reforms that brought Turkey really closer to the EU.
One day the territorial integrity of Serbia is infringed by recognising Kosovo, and the next the people of Abkhazia are denied the chance of independence and told that a different set of rules applies to their country.
It is extremely important, it is a symbol, and naturally we need to reduce the institutional crisis solely to the issue of Ireland.
This will, in all probability, involve continued appeals for respect for Georgia's territorial sovereignty and integrity and continuation of the EU monitoring mission, as well as our very important role of mediator in the Geneva talks.
It was also proclaimed that we would make agriculture within the EU ready for increased free trade - and especially for the new period after 2013 when the current agreement period is due to expire.
Ladies and gentlemen, Thursday's European Council brings us one step nearer to achieving a more open, more democratic Europe and one with a capacity to act. And remember, too, that a Europe which guarantees unity in diversity contributes not only to stability within its own borders but also to peace throughout the world.
Texts of agreements forwarded by the Council: see Minutes
Verification of credentials: see Minutes
The fourth idea which I shall take away from this debate is how to move on, to put it a little bluntly, from final documents to tangible action.
In my opinion, we will need to put our own house in order for some time to come before we can send out a more positive image of our Europe.
Countries then transformed that private debt into public debt, and this is the problem Greece is having to contend with now: an unbearable level of public debt.
Mr President, I believe that the events taking place at the moment in Tunisia, and especially over the last few hours in Egypt, are both historic and very tragic.
As fishing rights form the backbone of fisheries management in the leading countries in terms of fishing potential (US, New Zealand, Norway, etc.), it is totally appropriate to discuss this possibility in the Community's fisheries management.
Another illustration of efficiency is the fact that the majority of the new Member States support developing countries on the basis of adding value in specific sectors - an approach informed by their own experience of political and economic transition.
We need to continue with what we discussed in Tampere and the work that we then did in The Hague in order to consolidate what we said: the balance between freedom, security and justice.
Our hope is that the people who are elected in the legislative elections and the president will have the necessary capacities to lead the reconstruction of the country.
With a view to the future, therefore, it is absolutely essential to reinforce cohesion policy with major economic resources to cope with all the challenges involved.
It then unilaterally decided to notify the Commission that it was stopping fishing because it had reached the limit set.
As I stressed everywhere, progress on the path to the EU depends on the commitment to reform at home.
in writing. - The situation with credit ratings agencies must be addressed in Europe.
The Council intends to keep Parliament informed of progress, and it will cooperate closely with Parliament on all those aspects of the preparations for implementation of the Lisbon Treaty which are of interest to both institutions.
Community statistics on the information society (
in writing. - (FR) Although the report on the role of women in industry rightly emphasises the many difficulties facing women in the labour market and certain economic sectors, the proposals in the text raise two questions.
There is a huge number of victims, even among those who should intervene in the event of an accident.
Now we will see whether the Member States have been able to utilise the appropriations in time.
(RO) Madam President, I would first of all like to welcome the commitment expressed by the Commission in the recent communication it presented to continue the process for simplifying the common agricultural policy.
I would like to start by congratulating the Belgian Presidency, which demonstrated outstanding abilities while leading the European Council for the last six months.
Much is happening within various multilateral fora.
I still have doubts about certain aspects, such as the explicit reference to new legislation on resource efficiency, the creation of task forces at national level to manage restructuring operations, and especially enhanced cooperation on the European patent.
Personally, I am in favour of maintaining the best possible relations with Turkey and other Muslim states, but it is not in Europe's interest to allow constant humiliation of a Christian country whilst favouring Muslim ones.
With this document, the European Parliament has once again demonstrated its determination to maintain a strong, ambitious CAP with a high level of funding.
We need to find out whether there has been a breach of anti-dumping regulations with regard to the prices which industry in China pays in some cases for raw materials for processing and the surcharges imposed on European industry.
I am not in favour of creating a new fund because it would simply lead to a lot of red tape, a lot of procedures.
We look forward, subject to the approval of this House, to seeing you on that side.
This is enough for us to strive for a more effective provision of aid.
In my opinion, the automatic application of a 50/50 gender balance policy across the board is not really a sign that we are concerned about gender equality.
Here we cannot and must not avoid difficult questions.
What is stopping us from using it?
Recently, in November 2007, there was a high-level conference in Lisbon which debated the economy and biodiversity within this framework.
We must therefore establish consistency between the realisation of the objectives of the EU 2020 strategy and those of the cohesion policy, and the other policy areas must also contribute to an appropriate degree to the achievement of the objectives of the strategy.
(PL) Mr President, continuation of enlargement of the European Union and the future of the Treaty of Lisbon are among the objectives of the Swedish Presidency.
My scepticism, or indeed my opposition to some of the statements contained in the resolution of the Staes report, should not be masked by my vote in favour of the discharge of the European Parliament's 2008 budget.
(ET) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen.
Insurance is more or less impossible because you cannot describe the product, or you can describe the product but it will be so expensive that it is not affordable.
Instead of tearing children away from their families, we should think about how to support parents and families in their mutual responsibilities.
Only a month ago, I reminded the House that pensions were exclusively the competence of the Member States and here we go again using the same language of coordination and retirement-setting mechanisms.
Ladies and gentlemen, I think that this is a good day for Europe.
What is actually happening?
We must do our utmost to eliminate digital illiteracy.
But my group, the PPE-DE, also wants to see enhanced political cooperation in the many challenges, such as the current issue of global financial instability, that we both face for the future.
The dangerous downward spiral must end.
A Middle East of new horizons and growing hope: for peace among neighbours, opportunities for our people and a future for our youth.
This will be a genuine challenge, because the Member States are busy defining their reform plans, and therefore their policies for achieving the quantified objectives, and, at the same time, they are busy working on their national budgets, which limit their financial freedom.
Initial estimates, Commissioner, suggest that damage will exceed EUR 1 billion, so this will fall within the criteria for the Solidarity Fund.
1.
The EU must also support the process by using the Millennium Development Goals as a roadmap, by keeping to its promises and meeting the financial commitments made by the EU and by the Member States and, finally, by recognising the role played by the African parliaments.
This could possibly be reinforced by a further downward correction in oil and other commodity prices, although this remains to be seen.
Yet when it comes to Greece, it was agreed that the country's situation must reach rock bottom before Brussels would be ready to actually help.
The use of any products of animal origin must be clearly shown on the label of the textile product.
The Greeks and other nations are afraid because they can see the measures that are being taken on the social side.
The Member States of the European Union have already been collaborating for a number of years in the context of intergovernmental cooperation.
Let me only mention the remark that we are responsible for the 'M', but to the extent that the 'E' is in the hands of the governments and of the Commission, we have in this domain, of course, to take into account the 'E', as always, as any independent central bank does: if the fiscal policy is sound and reasonable, the burden on the monetary policy to deliver price stability is light.
(PL) Mr President, I endorse the draft decision of the European Parliament granting discharge to the Secretary-General of the Council in respect of implementation of the budget for the financial year 2007.
We have heard many such arguments, and we have to be honest about it: not all of them are relevant and deserve to be considered.
In the Copenhagen Communication, the Commission has addressed these questions by putting forward concrete proposals - proposals that are not only ambitious but also realistic, and will make a significant contribution to the success in Copenhagen that our planet so desperately needs.
In 1994, a Timeshare Directive was approved which has given the sector a thorough overhaul.
On the other hand, we must not impose unnecessary burdens on small and medium-sized enterprises with regard to off-premises contracts.
In addition, Parliament's role in drawing up legislation on the Single Market can be strengthened further.
These effects have been compounded by the inflationary pressures of the rising oil and other commodity prices and the severe housing-market corrections in some Member States.
I think it is you, the Council, that is delaying it by means of not granting us these rights.
On 21 May 2007, Mr Tomczak again requested that the European Parliament defend his immunity.
At the same time, the Prime Minister of Turkey, Tayyip Erdogan, has said that his Government is ready to give orders to the army to attack the bases of the Kurdistan Workers Party in northern Iraq.
I know that the impact assessment has been completed and, as I said, the Action Plan is in the legislative programme and hopefully will proceed this year.
They have a great deal to hide, and Parliament cannot be a party to the systematic concealment of everything that this repression means.
We want them rather to discuss, coordinate and cooperate as much as possible, because the effects will be felt on the whole economy in Europe.
(Applause from the centre left)
By my side you see my colleague responsible also for much of the response, as well as Mr McCreevy behind us here, and they will know better than anyone else that we have had to work on this from the very first moment.
(FR) Mr President, yesterday evening, my group discussed amendments that the services have told us are unacceptable.
The analysis of the first 10 years reinforces the case for strengthening the effectiveness of budgetary surveillance in good times.
If we wish to renew the debate, we will do so.
While many of us who voted or campaigned for a 'yes' vote are disappointed in the result, I think it is important that we reflect on that result.
There is nothing wrong with seeking care and treatment in other countries, but the practice does need proper regulation.
This study should be available next year and will form the basis for a general evaluation of the Directive, including the notification thresholds.
For this they must be held accountable.
I wish to state very clearly that we need a children's rights approach and need to move away from a common focusing, in this debate so far, on issues such as child-trafficking, abduction and pornography.
(The President cut off speaker.)
Allow me to underline the encouragement of fathers to take part in parenting with a personal remark.
Explanations of vote
This is no longer acceptable.
The abundance of cod is too low.
The institutions of Europe are all focused in the same direction.
It is unfortunate that the Eastern Partnership summit could not take place during the Hungarian Presidency.
It is very important to gain the confidence of citizens of the European Union in the preparation of European directives, especially in a period when Europe is being shaken by the scandal of 'rotting cheese recycling'.
That may be a very good thing in general, but for me, the question is whether South Korean trade and industry has been sufficiently liberalised and whether the roadmap for the free trade agreement can be met, taking into consideration the fact that South Korea still gives extraordinary subsidies to certain industries such as the pharmaceutical and electronics sectors.
I know that in the national parliaments too, particularly the Dutch Parliament, the realisation is slowly but surely sinking in that implementation involving gold-plating and cherry-picking can be detrimental to the operation of the internal market and also to the domestic economy.
We virtually had to make them up on the spot.
But let us think for a moment of the problems facing this summit.
It happens in school, at work, in peer groups, in public and also in private family life, or life with a partner.
This is hardly likely.
The catch certificate has also been considered too cumbersome or complex, and the level and nature of the sanctions have also been fiercely debated.
I should like to add a couple of words about the results of our efforts this year.
She, in particular, should be here, today, and should not only participate in theatrical performances as she did yesterday, when she spoke to the Members of six Committees about her plans on the subject of the European External Action Service.
For we live in an interconnected world, a world that requires solidarity at global level as much as it requires solidarity between European citizens.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue card question under Rule 149(8))
Around 30% of all those in self-employment in the EU are women.
The scandalous manner in which the institutions are trying to make Ireland hold another referendum is a caricatural illustration of their idea of democracy.
I would also like to assure you about the consistency of the Czech Presidency and if the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic defended the Czech President Klaus here in the debate in the European Parliament, then in the area of climate change and climate change policy I must distance myself from these statements and the position of the Czech President.
(SV) Mr President, I would like to thank Mr Belder for a very good report.
I am glad we are to have a report on the human rights dialogue.
They allow us to be optimistic, insofar as we can, that Europe has the facilities and that, with solidarity and close cooperation by one and all, we shall be able to achieve even better results in future.
I abstained on this report, because many of the decisions proposed are socially sensitive and there is also insufficient evaluation of the benefits and risks in the report, particularly when we are talking about increasing the retirement age or Member States losing influence in pension policy.
Fortunately, at least we have finally got round to tackling all the risks now.
Moreover, I encourage the start of discussions regarding the launch of a global mechanism supervising wood cutting and trading.
(The sitting was closed at 11.55 p.m.)
I should like to thank Mr Moraes for his excellent work and I share with him the idea of adopting a constructive approach that includes most of the amendments proposed by the Commission, as well as numerous technical amendments agreed in the Council during negotiations on this instrument.
Evaluation and future development of FRONTEX EUROSUR (
ACP countries will only open their markets gradually, with the possibility to maintain exceptions.
However, there is a lack of funds for the development of enterprise and technical and social infrastructure in rural areas, and this should be the role of cohesion policy.
There has, therefore, been no cooperation, coordination or consistency whatsoever in the application of EU legislation.
Given that context, this issue really needs to be dealt with.
In another, less serious situation, I would not agree with the proposed amendment of the Treaty of Lisbon, which came into force so recently.
Those pretending to understand the benefits/disbenefits of the rebate query whether or not it is more correct and efficient for countries to make direct use of EGAF monies at local level.
It falls short of what is needed in the discussion on the distortions introduced by so-called flexibility mechanisms and the need for their abolition or recasting.
I would like to remind you that 3 912 women stood quite openly in the local elections in Iraq last year. That is roughly ten women standing for each seat.
I would, however, like the content to be put to the test at the first available opportunity, namely during the 2009 European election campaign. I would like us to take advantage of that occasion and take a first step towards contact with European citizens, making them aware of the best the Union has to offer and learning from them what we should be fighting for in this House.
We take medicines to relieve pain, to alleviate the symptoms of diseases or to save our lives.
Nor indeed do I deny that Commissioner Špidla has struggled hard in a hostile environment to get this package approved.
(MT) I had intended to address a question to the President of the Commission concerning the Commission.
Nevertheless, these three countries chose to adopt European values, in the 1980s, by becoming members of the Council of Europe and, later, by signing partnership and cooperation agreements with the European Union.
The debate is closed.
However, I understand the concerns, and to respond to the question at the end of the debate, I want to tell you that in the Council it is on the table, but not as a concrete proposal.
(PT) I very much enjoyed listening to you.
The Commission has indicated that it is in favour of incorporating the fisheries plan and we hope that the Council will also lend it its support.
I think not.
Firstly, let me mention the major elements as regards increased transparency and accountability.
I very much welcome the introduction of origin marking by the European Union.
This is something that we have to talk openly about and we need to come up with strategies to eradicate it.
We Social Democrats believe that it is important for everyone to be guaranteed a decent wage that it is possible to live on, and we think that the EU should encourage this.
The structure of tolls will depend on the time of day, which, in my opinion, will help to discourage people from using sections of road which are at risk of congestion during peak periods.
There is a question mark over the extent to which these values are sustainable in the context of the call for global competitiveness based on reduced labour costs, the loosening of labour law, reductions in social protection for workers and the weakening role of the state.
Agenda of the next sitting: see Minutes
Extending this would cost EUR 17.4 million per year for each further week.
In addition, Europe must look at ways of promoting new technologies, including with European funds, for example, by promoting the construction of CO2-neutral greenhouses that are also capable of producing energy, instead of us always viewing agriculture as a problem.
First of all, at an internal level, it is essential for the local and regional actors to get involved in promoting culture, as factors of economic development and Lisbon Strategy implementation, as well as of consolidating cultural heritage and promoting cohesion in contemporary society.
On the issue of milk quotas, we voted for greater flexibility and a higher percentage increase in quotas, giving farmers the opportunity to produce milk should they wish.
Commissioner, going beyond the report by my fellow Member, Mrs Castex, which I will be delighted to vote for tomorrow, I would ask you, in my capacity as chairman of the Urban Housing Intergroup, to put forward a proposal on towns for us, so a chart can be set up in the near future for each town that enables us better to understand and control the demographic situation in our towns in the medium and long term, so decisions can be taken on housing, transport, schools, etc.
- (PL) Mr President, in view of the particular nature of stocks and the marine ecosystem, deep-sea fishing constitutes a unique micro-climate, a micro-world that most starkly reveals both the familiar assets of fisheries policy and its permanently apparent shortcomings.
Fishing is an important economic sector for the European Union and needs to receive support at a time when the average price of a barrel of oil will remain at USD 80-100.
It is a charter for the policies of failure.
This approach should be adaptive so that as we learn more - or, as environmental and ecosystem conditions change - new knowledge can be applied to the approach.
Why make this sort of proposal?
Let me also point out the responsibility of the media.
It is going to be done immediately, so I will keep you informed in the next few minutes.
Some proposals have been on the table since autumn last year.
The next item is the statement by the Commission on behalf of the Vice-President of the Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on Ukraine.
Without a proper and precise finalisation of the mechanism to regulate the bankruptcy of insolvent countries, activated within the framework of the eurozone, the proposed permanent mechanism will instead become a permanent instrument for European indebtedness.
As far as Europe is concerned, we all know how slow has been the evolution of the parliamentary institution, and how great the challenges are to enforce a specific European model of democracy.
Support for a measure of this nature without being aware of its implications shows that the majority of the European Parliament is on the wrong track.
That would help to establish a level playing field while facilitating the investment climate.
It is not just about money.
The non-gainful employment of women and men who, for instance, educate children, care for the elderly at home, provide inter-generational solidarity and work for the common good, is still not considered economic work to this day.
I assure you that everything is being done, both at the political level and at the technical level, to incite the Ukrainian and Russian negotiators to re-install full contractual gas supplies to Europe and to minimise the negative consequences to our citizens and economies until that is the case.
A third avenue for exploration would be to strengthen the audit committee provided for in our Statute, and to convert it into a quasi-banking supervisor.
I certainly wish the Slovenian Presidency good fortune in its efforts.
If we consider that fact, then, it is clearly better to be a commodity than a human being in Europe.
He is becoming a presidential candidate in Egypt, as I understand it.
Something called 'integrated' is dealt with as a whole, not bit by bit.
(EL) Mr President, the European Parliament is a political body and I think we ought to consider the issues we are debating in a political manner.
It is now time that you did so.
The duration of contracts will henceforth be limited to 24 months, with an obligation for operators to offer 12-month contracts, and in the event of a change of operator, this will have to take effect within one day.
I say this, moreover, as a person who has devoted 10 years of his life to organising sporting activities.
Personally, I believe a coordinated approach should be adopted: while, on the one hand, Europe wants to put some kind of pressure on the Belarusian Government, on the other, it must not completely cut off cooperation with the Minsk authorities, without thereby endorsing their policy.
Mr President, on a point of order, yesterday, before the vote on the motion for a resolution on Georgia, our colleague Mr Schulz - officially, before the whole of Europe - accused President Saakashvili of triggering the whole conflict.
I honestly hope that - aside from one country, and even then I hope that will not be the case - Member States will in fact never make use of the possibility of restricting the opening up of the networks.
We welcome this.
I consider it necessary to include the issue of nuclear non-proliferation among the European Union's priorities and to start a constructive dialogue with all the nuclear powers, not just the USA and Russia.
There is therefore a need for us to have a fundamental debate about the whole issue of cash flows in the EU.
Last year's devastating earthquake brought Haiti to the attention of the global public.
I should like to thank both Mr Andersson and Mr Mann for their reports.
This authority will be endowed with its own supervisory powers, but also investigatory powers, and it will be able to punish failure to apply this Regulation.
Few mainstream politicians dared to follow Salmaan Taseer's lead and suggest a reform of the blasphemy laws and even fewer will be able to do so now.
Let me address the issues which were brought forward by Mr Boştinaru and Mr Czarnecki on the issue of greater cooperation with national ombudsmen, particularly also beyond the EU's borders.
So we have shifted the burden of proof.
More specifically, the one which made reference to the fact that in France buildings were allowed on floodplains and natural wetlands and that housing speculation caused the construction of buildings in vulnerable areas, and the one stating that all Community funds for the implementation of such plans, particularly from the Structural Funds, the EAFRD, the Cohesion Fund and the European Solidarity Fund, be conditional on sustainability measures.
Now more than ever, it is time to give them tangible signs of our ability to reconcile the objective of economic prosperity with that of social cohesion and of our will to defend and promote the European social model.
The strength of the applause is symptomatic of Parliament's backing and solidarity, and of the strong support shown in the debate for freedom and democracy in Libya.
Moreover, in recent years it has done so faster than before.
Mr President, the purpose of this proposal is to reduce administrative burdens on small enterprises.
I would suggest that this uncertainty and these rumours themselves are harming the fight against piracy and counterfeiting.
Furthermore this boosts cross-border electricity sharing and, with that, also protects states and consumers from sudden electricity shortages.
The EU's commitment to effective multilateralism is the guiding principle of European external action.
But this is only going to happen if the international community can work together to step up its efforts and exercise pressure to end the political violence and the political impasse in that country.
(FR) Mr President, the next Council is probably the last chance for Europe's leaders to remember that we founded Europe in order to uphold values and to act together when fundamental issues are at stake.
I now come to the problem of assisting the population.
It is time our Commissioners heeded the message of European workers if they do not wish to widen the gap between themselves and the citizens, who will believe less and less in the European project.
I believe that acting in the abstract, thinking that the little musician, the little composer can defend himself is absurd.
(HU) Thank you for the floor, Mr President.
However, we realise that the high expectations that surround the ECI may lead to disappointment and frustration.
We will not solve the immigration issue by being permissive on all fronts.
Your 3E priorities certainly sum up the current problems facing the European Union, although I trust that in the economy section you will not forget its social aspects which are so important for the majority of EU citizens.
Mr President, when it comes to our position, Europe's position, in the world, we are currently open to blackmail.
The programme also presents an opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises and fully complies with the Lisbon Strategy objectives and our values.
Addressing the Commission and the Council, let me add that in the course of the debate we finally want an answer to the question how we can at last restore health to our foreign and security policy that is suffering from several years of chronic under-funding, to bring an end to the annual disputes in this area that benefit nobody and are also damaging to the Commission and the Council.
How can we produce more without risking the sustainability of resources and what alternatives can be found, especially for animal nutrition?
The next stage will be joining the euro zone.
Their reluctance to increase the EU budget is quite understandable.
Key areas of governance must be adapted to the requirements of the acquis, and some of these changes - let us be clear about this - are likely to go against the grain of tradition and expectations.
Just this morning, I had one relating to property transactions across the European Union.
They will be a credit to the Premier League, to Wales, and will give a much needed boost to the local economy, as fans, tourists and, hopefully, businesses come to the region.
I consider the support for activities related to the sea and the creation of a new category for regions that have between 75% and 90% of EU per capita income to be very positive for Galicia.
The whole world, including European countries, would suffer.
However, the current reality leads us to a single conclusion: to extend the deadline for closing coal mines which are not competitive in order to support them in finding viable alternatives for all those involved in this sector.
The document adopted today will create the conditions to plan a clear framework for information on prescription-only medicines to consumers with a view to promoting more informed consumer choices and will ensure that the direct advertising of prescribed medicines to consumers continues to be prohibited.
Do you think that the budget of one billion is sufficient and that the Fund reacts quickly enough to the various crises that it has to deal with?
Now what about the action?
If infants or children do not occupy a seat they are not recorded in the statistics.
Many years ago, I learned from Milan Kundera and others that the Czech Republic was an important part of Europe; you have demonstrated that and I thank you for it.
Linking ratification of the energy charter with accession to the WTO is a backward step.
We must make sure that they will not see it as another administrative exercise but that they will see it as an approach on how to improve life in Europe and in their countries and regions.
The joint debate is closed.
I applaud the approach taken by the rapporteur, and I agree with her assessment of the proposal from the Commission, and with her views on amendments and additions.
As we know, the EU's dependence on countries supplying oil and gas is increasing.
We consider these results to be very positive as well.
This is without mentioning the foreign students that we train, who thus have French degrees and who never leave.
We should be completely open with regard to the forthcoming major reform of the credit rating agencies and today, we should discuss what seems to be almost impossible or hard to imagine.
Job uncertainty is, of course, accompanied by an increase in cases of bullying.
Ladies and gentlemen, in concluding this brief address, allow me to congratulate Mr Ferber and the rapporteurs of all the political groups involved, i.e. the shadow rapporteurs, on their contributions to our fruitful and constructive discussions.
However, I have to remind you that on most of the issues you mentioned - democratic reforms, social issues, the Working Time Directive, taxes - your Government was on the wrong side.
(SL) This week, overnight from Friday to Saturday, after more than two decades, the citizens of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro will finally again be able to enter the European Union without a visa.
Considering the importance of Georgia, I wonder whether Georgia was discussed during the recent EU-Russia Summit, because Russia is not implementing the six-point agreement and the EU mission is in the embarrassing situation of not being allowed into the separatist territories.
This is why food and animal feed prices have risen.
If this is not achieved, then we are all going to have to have further sittings during the 2008 budget.
Only essential regulations are necessary.
in writing. - This proposal invites Council and Parliament to authorise the addition of a further 718 pharmaceutical and chemical products to the already existing list of 8 619 products benefiting from bound duty-free treatment upon importation into the EU.
In order to emphasise the international dimension of migration, the issue of cooperation with the countries of origin and transit within the framework of the global approach to migration and development should have its starting point in the Stockholm Programme.
Thank you for your attention.
on behalf of the S&D Group. - Madam President, debates on Russia very often divide us into ideologists and pragmatists, confrontational geo-strategists and conciliatorists, Cold War veterans and new utilitarian opportunists.
I am in favour of that, but should we not also inform people of the fact that African nations spend more on arms than they receive in development aid?
We know the results of the voting on this Emissions Trading Directive that took place yesterday in the European Parliament in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety.
Money is allocated here and there, and no longer these days to the poorest regions and where it actually might be needed.
A break with these policies is required, ascribing value to the roles of women, to their rights and to equality, and ascribing value to and strengthening, among other things, the network of services relating to rural resources, health, education and family assistance.
Hardly a ringing endorsement for the Lisbon Treaty.
Member States need to promote the image of their agricultural products, both among Community consumers and with the consumers of third countries, particularly with regard to quality and nutritional information, food safety and safe production methods.
Could the Commission detail the changes to the EU competences held by DG Admin that the Lisbon Treaty would have brought in?
They were laid down in the informal Council statement of 11 February.
I absolutely deplore the fact that, after not having had, for the first time in modern history, a single person condemned to death in Europe in 2009, the Belarusian authorities have condemned two people to death and are likely to execute them during this year.
However, this is a long-term solution.
Madam President, I have to say that this was not an easy report to wade through.
In addition, we support the need for each national parliament to be fully involved, in accordance with their budgetary and control rights, in order to increase the transparency, ownership and accountability of decisions taken, including at European level.
Parliament in particular has already adopted a resolution on the crisis at its last part-session.
This is the only acceptable basis for renewing the Lisbon Strategy.
In view of these circumstances, external assistance to support South Sudan in the fight against extreme poverty, to strengthen local organisations, and to speed up the benefits of peace for its inhabitants, will be more important than ever for a long time to come.
That is why you will often find it difficult to present a credible case to citizens.
Italy's relations with Brazil on criminal cooperation are governed by a bilateral extradition treaty concluded in 1989.
Scientific findings on the 'greenhouse effect' have been available for more than 180 years.
This is the equivalent in payments of just 0.9% of the EU's GDP, which is substantially below the already extremely compromised financial framework, at an average of 1%.
Vulnerable groups and communities should receive our support in the fight against exclusion and inequality.
The success story of VAT cannot and must not prevent it from adapting to new times.
This attack marked the severance of their previous alliance and the secret Hitler-Stalin pact of August 1939, which divided up Europe.
It is a large portion of the EU's budget and the Member States have a clear responsibility in this regard.
Equally I have been ensuring that the EU representatives on the ground are cared for: we have contingency plans in place for their safety, as you would expect.
Secondly, it is not possible for the directive to establish new competences for the Commission because they are not vital.
(DE) Madam President, I am pleased to be able to speak after my successor on the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, because I supported this project for 10 years and the European citizens' initiative was included in the text of the treaty almost at the last second.
Europe must actively involve itself here.
We must use the budget to give citizens to understand that the budget is a political tool with which we not only reply to fears but also provide political prospects for the future.
The greenhouse models predict maximum warming in the high atmosphere, but observations show that what little warming there is is at the surface and largely a result of the urban heat-island effect.
It also represents progress compared with the Commission's proposal, since it improves transparency regarding the funding of campaigns to collect signatures.
Agenda for the next sitting: see Minutes
When I was a newly elected Member, I had the privilege of hearing the speech made here by the French President François Mitterand in his role as President-in-Office of the Council.
What is more, there is little clarity about what the objective of such an intervention would be.
Encouraging sports and religious studies on the curricula at school and outside school can raise considerably the awareness of children of the deadly influence of drugs.
I believe that the new proposal will help instil greater awareness among local decision makers and make them take more robust action to protect the environment.
I would ask you, Mr Jouyet, to ensure that, on the 8th when the President of the Council of the European Union, Mr Sarkozy, visits Moscow, purely in the interests of ensuring consistency in the principles that we apply and value in the European Union, he gives a clear warning and a blunt and credible message that flouting international rules and law and violating the territorial integrity of a sovereign State will have a cost in terms of relations with the European Union.
I call on the governments of the Member States and the institutions of the European Union not to cut resources for education at this time of financial crisis, because high-quality education that is available to all sections of the population is the best weapon against poverty and the best tool for finding a solution to the crisis.
You have a two-thirds majority in parliament and it is a legitimate majority.
Broadly, Conservatives support the aims of this report although we reject the need for a single powerful co-ordinating figure to speak on this matter.
This, of course, is what Rhodesia - now Zimbabwe - successfully did.
The diseases that we are discussing today - Alzheimer's disease, although Parkinson's disease is also referred to in the text - are diseases of the brain which constitute a major challenge for Europe.
As confirmed by scientific advice, this bluefin tuna stock is now at high risk of collapse.
We managed to put through some of the better amendments, or so we thought, and then when we voted on the whole text, we realised that it was not going to work.
I therefore ask you, sincerely - all of you - to support me and the hard work that all of us have done across political groups to bring this matter through as quickly as possible.
2009 progress report on Croatia
This reactionary policy is giving rise to popular uprisings, such as those breaking out right now in Egypt and other countries, thereby proving that the people are the protagonists of history.
If the European Union's aid is indeed effective, then it must be focused on one objective: that of ensuring the growth of this Palestinian constitutional state where the rule of law protects the weak and helps the strong.
in writing. - (PT) I welcome efforts to promote prosperity beyond the EU's borders, because I consider our aid important in order for some third countries to be able to tackle their balance of payments crisis and restore the sustainability of foreign debt.
Last week I organised a round-table meeting back home in Bulgaria.
In 2007, only 5% of the Romanian employees earned more than 2000 RON, approximately 500 Euros.
Yet they were only mandatory criteria on paper.
However, I believe that we need to go beyond the no-fly zones by providing support to those who need to defeat Gaddafi, while also showing solidarity with our southern Member States which will receive a wave of refugees.
It is due to the excellent cooperation of the groups.
However, in terms of political freedom and political plurality, there has been absolutely no progress.
On the way in here he did indeed call me a psychopath.
Given that there is a common strategy, known since Barcelona as the Euro-Mediterranean strategy, and given that some countries are implementing it to a greater extent than others, I think those countries should be given an incentive, some positive recognition.
It is to be welcomed if, under this prestigious title, whole city districts gleam in renewed splendour, and new building works and projects are started - provided sustainability is not forgotten in the process.
The only way of turning the page is to go back to international law and an independent vision that sees the whole of the Balkans in Europe, recognising the right of the whole area.
While apples and oranges perhaps both produce a good fruit stew, that is completely the wrong approach to take in politics.
It all depends on the Czechs.
This aid is essential in helping the unemployed and victims of the relocations occurring in an era of globalisation.
Nevertheless, it is a start, and it is to be welcomed because, as Commissioner Špidla pointed out, financing is the biggest issue at hand.
The EU is dependent on energy imports for 53% of its requirements.
We must also ensure that this kind of behaviour is appropriately punished.
Madam President, there are plenty of examples of sound EU environmental polices which improve the lives of citizens across the Union and there are, of course, also many examples where unnecessarily bureaucratic measures come from the EU and restrict the potential to sustain our rural economy and way of life.
So this money is being managed by the Member State administrations and I think we should definitely show Greece the red card here.
The crisis in Georgia temporarily opened Western Europe's eyes, especially those of our socialist colleagues, to what Russia can be like.
in writing. - (FR) Sovereign wealth funds, these state-owned funds that are invested all over the world, are they a good or a bad thing?
On 25 and 26 March decisions were made in the European Council on issues that will have a considerable impact on the lives of thousands of Europeans, especially those who share the euro.
The new management approach will provide for closer monitoring of the project, thereby allowing for early warning of any potential difficulties.
Some of them are there only because there is no safe country to which they can return.
Is the Commissioner aware of the interest and involvement that bees have sparked and inspired across Europe?
Furthermore, in most Member States, public authorities customarily pay late in situations of financial difficulty.
WE must admit that, being a new Member State, we are confronted with various difficulties in their specific implementation.
(The speaker spoke in Arabic.
The lower standard of living, but also lack of knowledge in using the new technologies, transforms this category in a priority target for future efforts at European level.
And we should not be trying to impose the template of the EU's institutional structure on another continent without reflection on the appropriateness of such a structure for Europe, let alone Africa.
As if the very idea of stress tests was going to reassure our fellow citizens or the financial market.
This should eliminate the existing obstacles to the free flow of information by enhancing the cross-border mobility of researchers, students, scientists and university teaching staff.
in writing. - (LT) I welcome this resolution because we must encourage honest business practices and halt the spread of misleading business practices.
According to this report, we need to cater more closely to the needs of women, particularly in non-urban areas.
We welcome the fact that the assessment by this Parliament has also led to similar conclusions.
I would like to ask you, Commissioner, how it is that we can know the news through reports from Hungarians, yet the authorities see and tell us nothing?
That concludes Question Time.
No one knows better than the European Union how hard it is to build this collective leadership.
In China and India they are now starting to eat meat, which means that they need to import much more cereal than they used to do.
In the UK, last year alone, 325 children were identified as being suspected victims of trafficking.
It is an approach that obviously reduces Europe's agricultural production.
The EU has not been eager to offer Ukraine the prospect of EU membership.
This approach should create the conditions essential for realism, such as technological innovation to reduce CO2 emissions from cars and the development of biofuels, the reform of the taxation system to take account of environmental impact, and accompanying measures to make better use of infrastructure and encourage citizens to change their habits.
Third and last, experts estimate that the average annual inflation rate in the EU in 2009 will be around 4%, which will result in an appreciable increase in Parliament's administrative costs.
(RO) Mr President, I believe that there are certain disparities within Romania's agriculture sector in terms of structural problems, compared with other Member States.
In the case of Belarus, it is not possible to fulfil this aim in its entirety due to the measures adopted.
(The President cut off the speaker)
This serves absolutely no purpose and is also harmful to European construction.
The second group are women over 50, who are seen as less productive and less creative.
I am certain no one in this House is in the slightest doubt as to the important role the European External Action Service will play in the work of the Union.
What is more, we are telling you that the IASB and IASCF work programmes include a second phase in which the entire instrument has to be reviewed, including the conditions under which the IASCF is to be set up, and we would suggest that you make the most of this moment to lay down clear conditions for the stability and governance of this entire mechanism so that we will finally have a system of governance that is equal to the issues that we are faced with today.
Such a finding is not always negative for the complainant, who at least has the benefit of a full explanation from the institution concerned.
Are the Council and the Commission prepared to provide Parliament and civil society with adequate information concerning participation opportunities?
Without competitive electricity and gas markets, an emissions trading scheme will never work properly and our aims regarding renewable energy will quite simply fail.
It seems amazing to me that anyone would wish to deny people their basic rights at EU level just because of their age, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation.
For instance, the reciprocity principle should be applied in the context of the legal remedies available in the event of commercial disputes, and there is a need to improve the protection of intellectual property rights, including trademarks, patents and geographical indications.
Today in this debate I am replacing my colleague Louis Michel, who unfortunately cannot be here; I take this matter on with great interest, both in its own right and also because it affects Europe directly - the need, for instance, to mobilise our navies to combat piracy, and this is only one recent example.
in writing. - We all wish this new Commission well.
The European Union's neoliberal social security policy must be changed.
One of the results of the crisis is unemployment.
The report contains important lessons for us to learn from the financial crisis with regard to risk, boards of directors, supervisory bodies, shareholders and remuneration.
Climate change poses a threat to the Millennium Development Goals.
The report has been adopted by a large majority and contains proposals to require imported goods to comply with the same social and environmental standards as European products.
(DE) Mr President, over the last few days, we have seen great turbulence in the US financial system, and that is putting it mildly.
For those businesses too, and for small and medium-size enterprises in general, we would like to introduce uniform European legislation that enables them to operate within the internal market but that is simple legislation at the same time, as Mr Gauzès stated, in fact, with only one port of call and one set of rules, as is the case with eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL), which means they will not be saddled with an enormous administrative burden as is currently the case.
Secondly, we need greater ambition in the transatlantic dialogue in relation to subjects to which both the rapporteur and the Commissioner alluded: Iran, Iraq, the Middle East, Afghanistan, etc.
It represents both an obvious fact and a step forward.
For the better administration of this process the Western Balkan region should follow the example of the Nordic Council.
There should be zero tolerance of waste, fraud and mismanagement.
If it is going to be, please tell us.
That is not what we are trying to do.
I support the proposals of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) for a definition of common safety standards and for greater vigilance within and around nuclear power stations.
Some of our crown jewels are about to be sold off to China, which is an unwelcome development.
Last but not least, I strongly believe that the involvement of Eurojust in the decision on the choice of jurisdiction is of the utmost importance.
Making the import of GM soya easier will not help to resolve the crisis in the livestock sector.
The country is, we know, an area of Russian influence, and also has an American military base. The European Union's active participation should be based, principally, on building the foundations of a democratic country, and also on ensuring internal security.
Ladies and gentlemen, we need a policy revolution in this area of human rights.
Commissioner, we must establish a Commission delegation in Tehran as soon as possible in order to begin a dialogue with Iran's government institutions on the worsening human rights situation in this country.
The banks need to realise that they need SMEs and have made money from them in the past.
However, I would like to clarify once again that the parallel trade in medicines is an activity which is permitted under the EU Treaty and will remain so.
If you do that, we will not need the money.
The first is obviously the current crisis that has come from the United States, which reflects the fact that we are in the second stage of globalisation, where inflation is back and which is marked by a euro/dollar exchange rate unfavourable to our exports - though it does have its advantages - and which is also marked by an unbelievable rise in the prices of commodities, oil and food.
Why?
(PL) Madam President, I have expressed my opinion many times during debates in the European Parliament on EU policy in the field of limiting greenhouse gas emissions, a policy which is very strongly supported by the European Parliament and the European Commission.
Many people are also ignoring the election results of 7 June 2009 which form the democratic basis for today's debate.
My colleagues in the Bundestag, the lower house of the German Parliament, and in each of the German federal states will have to play their part, as our country has an 18-month period of detention pending removal.
Clearly we are in the midst of a classic debate for all democratic societies seeking to combat terrorism effectively while respecting the fundamental rules of the rule of law and fundamental principles, such as freedom of expression, that govern all democratic life.
Measures that can be considered to alleviate the impact of high oil prices on poorer sections of the population should remain short-term and targeted, and should avoid distortionary effects.
An agreement without China's signature is not an agreement.
Strengthening and promoting a 'well-functioning' internal market do not make it more 'consumer-oriented', nor do they lead 'to lower prices', as they are trying to make us believe.
The option of an independent operator of the transmission network may be used by countries in which, on the entry into force of the new directive, the transmission network will fall to a vertically integrated undertaking.
This was a gesture to help bring about peace talks.
The importance of public services for economic, social and territorial cohesion in the outermost regions, the question of state aid, the maintenance of differentiated tax regimes, the persistence of unemployment and inequalities, ways of overcoming the narrowness of local markets, integration into the European research environment, effective participation by the ORs in European policies to promote innovation and overcome the digital divide, and funding arrangements for cooperation projects with neighbouring countries are all, in my view, subjects that need to be addressed now.
We need to move forward to a common asylum policy by 2012, to have a common migration policy and to facilitate legal immigration for work while combating irregular immigration.
The Belgian Presidency has been very active.
Mr Silvestris, may I respond?
Some of this is positive but that is not always the case as the unaccountable administrations make decisions that maximise short-term profits at the expense of countries, communities and families.
This means that every region must assess the sectors that most urgently need to receive support, instead of nominating all possible sectors without deeper analysis.
I would also like to draw your attention to a view which has been voiced many times today, namely, that the balance in the Western Balkan countries is very delicate.
We have to demand the following from the Council and the Commission: this fundamental principle, and these guidelines, now also have to be implemented in negotiations with the United States.
I am confident that the Council will find a solution acceptable to those countries that have already ratified the Treaty, to Ireland, and also to Member States that are undecided as to how to proceed.
I want to give my view that there is no doubt that stability in the Mediterranean is certainly good for the wider European Union.
Of all the major world economies, Europe is the most dependent on the transport of goods using oil.
We must agree on the Economic Recovery Plan, which is of the utmost importance for Europe's development.
We cannot remain inactive, however.
Member of the Commission. - (CS) Since I am going to try to give a very brief reply to all of the questions together, I will concentrate only on the most important issues.
Economic growth does not automatically mean quality jobs - for that there has to be a clear commitment on the part of Member States.
This document goes much wider and demands automatic exchange in all areas.
There is also the late implementation of the increase announced by the Commission as part of its support for the development of agriculture in southern countries.
Despite these successes, there are more than 69 countries that have not yet abolished landmines.
I think that it lacks financial consistency.
How do the Member States view the idea of introducing a European Border Surveillance System?
European broadband - Investing in digitally driven growth (
As you know, their Parliament prohibits that and they are not ready to do it.
For example, companies could find it more profitable to officially relocate their headquarters to countries outside the EU and then to post their workers to their European branches to avoid having to provide the same rights and conditions for their workers that are legally applicable to EU citizens working in the EU.
This proposal aims to consolidate the existing structure, in the form of a network, without creating, at least for the time being, a new agency or a new observatory at EU level.
After all, there must be compulsory cooperation at European level if maritime safety is to be improved at the end of the day.
One of the success stories of this relationship is NATO, an organisation we should all support and strengthen as it has secured peace in Europe and developed deeper ties between the EU and the US.
Eventually, though, Turkey will need to do most of the groundwork, and the Oomen-Ruijten report contains many points which we have looked at in a critical light and should continue to do so.
All three are competing with each other, to everyone's detriment.
Mr President, I would like to follow on from what Mr Barnier said at the start about the considerable importance of the internal market in the current crisis.
Perhaps you think I am naive, but I am not alone.
Malaysia has a vibrant society and a thriving economy, and it plays an important role within the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In 2005, we came up with an action plan to boost this partnership and, in 2006, a free trade agreement was concluded.
However, it would be a big mistake to turn away before addressing the long-term causes of this problem.
in writing. - (SV) We understand that there may be major problems within the construction sector in Spain and that it may be the case that unsuspecting citizens purchase properties in good faith which it later transpires the construction company did not have the legal right to build.
I am pleased that despite the many complications, it has been possible to agree and adopt the EU budget for 2011 after the modifications made by the Council.
It is clear, however, that, in this context, your report and the study prepared by the European Parliament will be very useful.
Secondly, we will secure uniform treatment and mutual assistance between national authorities for the surveillance of marketed products, effective safety checks on products manufactured by European companies and those entering the EU from third countries, and, of course, more coherent future technical legislation.
We may each have different views on the Treaty of Lisbon.
in writing. - (RO) The EU/Russia Summit to take place on 26/27 June in Khanty-Mansiik, Siberia, marks a double beginning: on the one hand, it is the first contact that the European Union has with the new Russian President, Dimitry Medvedev, and, on the other hand, the negotiation of a new Partnership Agreement is intended, which would establish the framework for the development of relations between the European Union and Russia.
The matter of transit journeys by coach and bus has been dealt with well too.
We can see that the health situation is disastrous, the reconstruction of the education system is an absolute must, not to mention the process of getting rid of the traces of the disaster.
For the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats), an end to the crisis and the creation of jobs cannot be achieved by more public spending but by an economic, fiscal and environmental regime that is favourable to enterprises, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.
The authorities of the Member States must take care to ensure that they do not have schools exclusively for 'elite' immigrants, but ones that serve as models for other immigrant schools.
How is a farmer to produce crops - I am indeed one myself - when he has no seed?
The current protocol to the Fisheries Agreement in force between the European Community and the Union of the Comoros, one of many fisheries partnership agreements of which the European Union is a co-signatory, expired on 31 December 2010.
The disruption caused in financial terms to the entire economy shows that the industrial sector requires a huge amount of support, since it is still a sector of fundamental importance for the economy, especially the real economy.
During the Lisbon debate in Ireland, many citizens said to me that the EU was intent on pushing to have abortion available in Ireland.
Without it, this news would unfortunately be nothing other than a publicity stunt.
However, developments in the region are often unpredictable: tensions accumulate and misunderstandings abound.
There is a wide range of different causes for this.
Do you agree that it ought to be possible to consistently refuse to carry out arrest warrants on behalf of countries where conditions in prisons and houses of detention remain inhumane, that the EAW will be subjected to a human rights assessment and that Cor Disselkoen need not fear even more misery?
First of all, the Commission will be putting forward a proposal next month to relax the visa regime for Taiwanese citizens.
Unfortunately, it prefers lies, manipulation or even force.
The next TEC meeting will take place on 17 December in Washington.
Hungarians were among the greatest victims of this dictatorship.
I agree with the respect of the subsidiarity principle in the proposal, leaving it to the discretion of Member States to decide how intensively 'road safety impact evaluations', road safety audits and safety inspections are to be applied.
Given the above, there must be a European strategy for electric vehicles, supporting industry in developing clean and viable technology and supporting the creation of a single market in electric vehicles.
How can we eliminate tax irregularities and the illegal transfer of profits out of poor countries by various firms?
The truth is that the European Parliament is mid-way through the discussions and negotiations that are ongoing.
At the same time, it is sending out a clear message that the developed countries will continue to set an example.
If thousands and tens of thousands of European families are now to fear for the future of their jobs in the motor industry, the Commission, too, the Commissioner and CARS 21 must all bear some responsibility for this.
Mr President, I have voted in support of the Graça Moura report, as we spend too little time and money on supporting culture.
In my opinion, Parliament has already taken a stand in this question.
In November 2007 Parliament adopted resolution (P6_TA(2007)0507) on an integrated approach to earthquakes by the EU (prevention, response and repairing damage) in which it called for the adoption of specific measures as regards a policy for protection, reinforcing buildings (with special emphasis on buildings of historic and cultural significance), funding, research, public information, etc.
There were many other issues that were discussed at this European Council.
It is, however, full of ideology.
This could not be done under the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The reason why I did not vote 'yes' to the amendments is because they were phrased in a very old-fashioned way, as though we were having a discussion on the Tobin tax 20 years ago.
We in Parliament and all of the groups have called for this to be done much more quickly, because the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations have already been discussing these matters for 15 years.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, after 10 years, the growing space carved out by the euro in international trade and its use as a reserve currency show that it has become a world benchmark.
The strategy is mainly understood as a document that relates to the countries along its shores and their coastal areas, but it definitely has a robust regional dimension.
Member of the Commission. - (ES) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, in 2005 the Commission, with the support of the Council and Parliament, embarked on a process to reform statistical governance in the European Union with the aim of strengthening the independence, integrity and responsibility of the national statistics institutes of all the Member States of the Union and, of course, of Eurostat, the European Statistical Office.
This will turn into a bottomless pit and the citizens in the states that will have to foot the bill will find themselves duped once again.
France and Spain were the first Member States to introduce joint investigation teams within the European judicial area.
After all, a number of delegation members are present here.
If we want to be able to take on the political priorities of the European Union, the new expenditure made necessary by the economic crisis and the new powers conferred by the Treaty of Lisbon, we must support an ambitious draft budget, capable of delivering the investments required for more jobs and a return to sustainable growth, or, in other words, a budget that lives up to the Europe that we want.
The trafficking of children and women is flourishing.
One cannot but note that citizens are only protected if they travel further than 250 km by coach or bus.
Before we begin, I would like to make an announcement.
But I am also equally happy that you, President Trichet, referred to financial stability.
It is a real pity that the European Commission is not as involved in this as it should be.
In spite of the crisis, education budgets announced for 2010 have remained constant or increased in many Member States.
This proposal will be submitted in early 2010.
I hope that one outcome of the forthcoming meeting to be attended by Commissioner Damanaki, who is here today, will be that fishing for whitebait can resume in 2011, at least in certain districts, such as Schiavonea and Corigliano Calabro in Calabria, with a possibility of a review for 2012.
I have also received first notifications from the regulators concerning the third-party access issue, and Nabucco is looking for new supply sources - Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Egypt and in time Iran.
More efficient use of energy and our already scarce water resources is one of the measures which must be taken.
She has put a lot of work into making many serious and sensible improvements to this proposal.
We all know that for all of us, including many people in the United Kingdom, doing nothing in this case would be much more expensive than taking this step.
During the negotiations on the wider 'six pack' a number of suggestions for improving this Council directive were made, many by the European Central Bank and by Members of this House.
The report states that the 'transparency of political institutions is a prerequisite for legitimacy.
I am fully aware of the work of the co-rapporteurs, Ms Jiménez-Becerril Barrio and Ms Romero López, and of both the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, who have added a lot of value to the ongoing work in order to improve the protection of victims.
This is an EU success.
One word on offsetting.
Secondly, since, in the majority of cases, natural disasters are also caused by human acts, it is important to ascertain who is responsible for them, to pursue the culprits and to increase the penalties.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
The potential of the Arctic is impressive.
Twenty weeks is liable to have a negative impact on female employment: it would put a brake on their employment.
I would like to point out that there is nothing the Ombudsman can do in over 30% of cases.
Those flows of data are facilitated by the use of the internal market information (IMI) system, which already allows for the electronic exchange of information on the five main health professions.
This may also lead to the greater involvement of private entities, or contributory organisations, and thereby to the more effective use of resources.
We need to examine the question of what is more sensible in particular cases: the EU Pilot or the previous treaty infringement proceedings.
It is important to note that, while the definitions contained in the MiFID and the Prospectus Directive offer a good starting point, there may be some additional issues which might also need to be addressed.
There has been an intensive exchange of ideas and visits by scientists, even in the times of the Iron Curtain, and the scientific community is almost borderless these days.
It is closing its doors to us'.
Though Croatia has never produced any mines of this sort, there are life-threatening antipersonnel mines along some 1 000 kilometres of its territory.
It is vital to improve communication between the judicial authorities and to ensure that requests for information from Member States concerning criminal records are replied to properly and in a comprehensive, exhaustive fashion.
Yesterday evening, the debate was very spirited, Mr President, and our fellow Members voiced a lot of criticism.
And indeed it is vital to maintain and improve Europe's economic and competitive position and to maximise its social and cultural impact by enabling innovative services for the benefit of citizens.
The Commission has a long and healthy tradition of interaction with civil society organisations.
This is an area where savings can be made that will be evident in the final accounts.
And what progress has been made to date in this area?
One thing we cannot live without, however, is a definition of European citizenship in Article 8 of the Treaty of European Union, because citizenship is a symbol which, unlike a flag or an anthem, has a real life, real implications for over 450 million people.
I would like to use this debate to draw attention to something that appears to have been forgotten.
However, the main lesson to be learnt from all this is that the euro is a millstone round its Member States' neck and that the European Central Bank's policy, like the euro exchange rate, is geared solely towards Germany.
Their migration will become our migration.
We insisted on advanced research and a programme financed at the European level.
The restrictions on spraying by aircraft will surely be welcomed by EU citizens, as will the buffer zones for protecting drinking water and aquatic organisms.
(RO) The European efficiency and renewable energy fund is an innovative solution to maximise the efficiency of public funds used in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources by mobilising private investments.
There is a blue card.
These crises show us how dependent we are on one another, how global, how interwoven the financial world is these days.
As a last resort, the EU delegation actively carries out démarches to halt executions.
It was a provisional system that became a definitive system: the so-called 'Bolkenstein VAT' was not introduced.
There is no reason for bringing all that negativity to this proposal today.
The purpose of this brief review is to underline the essence of this matter.
Madam President, as a new Member of this House, I have listened to the many speakers who have focussed on Mr Barroso's track record in office and have voiced many concerns.
Critical Infrastructure Warning Information Network (CIWIN) (
We have had too many over the last few years.
It seems as though the Eternit trial, which began in Turin concerning the events at Casale Monferrato, where there is not one family that has not suffered a loss, counts for nothing.
On all these occasions, we have said that the peaceful practice of religion is a right and that it should never be considered as a threat to the State.
(DE) Madam President, Mr Cioloş, ladies and gentlemen, it is extremely dangerous to talk about an increase in bureaucracy, because this sort of discussion often backfires.
You have done the right thing.
This can, and must, be greatly improved.
Alternatively, Irish troops currently in the Lebanon could also join this mission.
This idea is today the subject of a consensus.
I believe that only those countries that have land frontiers with the European Union should be included in the neighbourhood policy.
Communication of Council common positions: see Minutes
(The President cut off the speaker)
Deficits are the effect and not the cause of the crisis.
Noels believes this is the reason for the closure of Opel Antwerp.
In summary, the present situation of the maritime transport market in the EU is not a bad one, but the prospects do not make us feel optimistic.
This would take out small and medium winemaking facilities at one fell swoop, and once again leave a market so culturally ours in the hands of half a dozen or so multinationals.
There would be no other changes to the text.
You have to admit that there is something obscene about that.
Transparency and access to information during the course of projects is extremely important, both as regards the actual internal administrative processes between project coordinators and contractors, and as regards the citizens of the European Union.
In this case, those working conditions that are applicable at the place where the work is carried out shall apply.
Finally, I add my own thanks to Commissioner Rehn for all he has done for enlargement in the last five years, not only concerning Turkey but - also close to my heart - the Western Balkans.
I would also like to say - to explain the vote that has just taken place - that when any part of the entire compromise is not adopted, it is the whole package that is subject to conciliation.
For more than two months, 12 000 employees of the now privatised former state tobacco monopoly, Tekel, fought mass redundancies, short-time work and the loss of the social rights they had won.
Under the Culture programme (2007-2013), the Commission is supporting projects and activities which promote cross-border mobility of those working in the cultural sector, encourage the transnational circulation of artistic and cultural works and foster intercultural dialogue.
(Applause)
We assert the right of the UK as a nation state to govern itself and make its own laws, transport and environment laws being no exception.
Today, Mrs Ashton is like Pontius Pilate, who washed his hands.
This is why I did not endorse the report.
In future, policies must not - I quote - 'result in the transfer of individuals to other nations to face torture or otherwise for the purpose, or with the effect, of undermining or circumventing the commitments or obligations of the US to ensure the humane treatment of individuals in its custody and control'.
European cohesion policy has been an example of a successful EU policy, which has abided by the principles on which it is based, and which has helped to remove inequalities.
Documents received: see Minutes
No, the aim of media governance is to uphold pluralism and to guarantee that any initiative in media can be developed.
Hitherto, significant investment has been provided for coal-fired power plants, and this continues to make these poor countries dependent on fossil fuel, which heavily pollutes the environment.
For example, the Commission might at this present point in time be shelving infringement cases against various Member States, when it comes to gambling, to hide this away from the general public for a couple of years.
Wake up and smell the coffee, Europe, before we have food riots on our streets!
The Environment Commissioner has said that this must never happen again.
In this report we call for a ban on trans-fats, but the Commission refuses to propose it.
There is an ongoing meeting that is trying to work out a road map with the opposition, now that European leaders are busy on our behalf talking to other leaders in the region and getting them to put in the calls as well.
in writing. - I voted in favour of this report which highlights ways in which the EU's industrial base may be strengthened. Industry provides roughly a third of employment in the EU, which is why it is so vital that we ensure its ongoing viability.
The aim, therefore, is to use them as best we can, and the Commission proposes a simplification, a harmonisation of our external mandates.
Commissioner, since 2007, 4% of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) has been set aside to improve the energy performance of buildings, but has been used only to a very limited extent.
Putting such a proposal at the top of the agenda would strengthen the signal being sent to our eastern neighbours and to their Community aspirations.
If we do not react responsibly and correctly in the weeks to come, we could see a split starting to form.
(FR) Mr President, I too should like to join in congratulating the Portuguese Presidency.
These two debates are linked.
There is no connection between gambling monopolies and a restrictive gambling policy.
However, this is a step in the right direction and an attempt at the maximum possible protection.
Fortunately, no one was injured but there was significant material damage.
When the Council asks the Commission to put a proposal on the table to harmonise the bank deposit guarantee, the proposal is there three weeks later.
Unfortunately, a different philosophy is being applied to the case of the Polish shipyards.
in writing. - (DE) The Gruber report views immigration, in some parts, solely in terms of the usefulness of the immigrating workers as capital.
Clearly, this also applies to relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The development of the market in terms of demand and the significant development of new products, marketed in a similar way, have created substantial problems for consumers and businesses.
At the Human Rights Council, we are ready to discuss our own challenges, share experiences and offer support to those working to improve respect for human rights around the world.
Scientific advice calls for additional data both in terms of quantity and quality.
I can understand its reluctance to reveal unnecessarily information about people's origins or opinions.
Some time ago, Parliament laid down the requirements that body scanners must comply with if they were to be introduced.
In my view, all dictatorships, whether we are talking about the cruelties of National Socialist or Communist systems, spring from the same source.
Congratulations on your report, Mrs Pagano.
This hinges on training.
We learned this first hand from Senator Piedad Córdoba.
Specifically, how quickly will we be able to utilise this mechanism in the case of serious market disruption?
That was what we had and that fact has clearly done more for bringing Europeans closer to the EU than any public relations strategy or institutional debate.
(LT) I must commend Mr Sacconi regarding the significant additions to the Commission's timely Green Paper on the issue of climate change.
Towards Europe-wide Safer, Cleaner and Efficient Mobility: The First Intelligent Car Report (
5.
In particular, the motion calls for an improvement and facilitation of services to the Roma community, which is defined by the motion as a 'marginalised' community.
All that will happen without the mandatory reallocation of sufficient resources to improve transport infrastructure and the efficiency and environmental performance of the haulage industry, something that should be an essential outcome of this directive.
The most important thing from the perspective of boosting confidence was the way the G20 participants behaved.
For that reason we should vote against it.
The Pakistani education system must be reformed and the preaching of hatred for Christians to young children must be stopped.
The energy summit in February also brought a real breakthrough.
It was people from social democratic circles who came to me and said 'exactly!' - and not only because the title echoed a famous statement by the great Willy Brandt.
The vote in favour of the report on improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers, workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding, is the culmination of a long discussion process in the European Parliament, which was already left over from the last session and in which we have actively participated, contributing to the report's adoption.
Action taken on Parliament's positions and resolutions: see Minutes
I have to admit that it is very rare for me to be lobbied, in Northern Ireland, to vote on an EU directive in a positive way, but I was on this one, and I was delighted to see such a positive vote today.
We are therefore also appealing to the trade unions to do more to prevent this type of wage discrimination when taking part in pay negotiations.
Enhanced cooperation and good-neighbourly relations between the European Union and Russia are of major importance for the stability, security and prosperity of Europe and beyond.
I find this a little fishy, even by the standards of this House, so I do not think she was the right and proper person to be rapporteur for this report.
- Mr President, Mexico has long been a primary conduit into the world's largest market for illegal narcotics, the United States.
As regards the budget side - and now I am speaking on behalf of Vice-President Kallas - the Commission can accept the solution as now agreed by the three institutions, though its approach differs from our initial proposal of December 2008.
(GA) Mr President, since 1973, my country has received roughly EUR 18 billion from the European Union Structural and Cohesion Fund.
Now, Commissioner Dimas, what is rather strange in all this?
Environmental inspections are vitally important.
2011 budget (
We are also going to see a strengthening of national regulatory authorities.
It must also consider that the system of fishing for tuna with fixed nets is also a cultural and historical activity that does not damage the environment and provides employment for thousands of people.
But there is no certainty - not in the outcome in any country - and no quick fix or short-term solution that will create the world so many people want to see.
I call for increased training and technical support for Members, as these provide the necessary resources for Parliament to perform its duties well, with the scientific and technical backing that is so necessary in the 21st century.
These policies need fundamental change; we must finally open a new chapter.
The images from Japan are heart-rending.
In Parliament, we are pushing for more ambitious proposals, but I think the temptation for the moment in the Council is in the opposite direction.
How Hungary represents the fate of Hungarians living abroad is in complete accordance with the same principle.
in writing. - I support this Resolution welcoming the proposed pilot project for joint programming of research activities in the field of neurodegenerative diseases.
Thus, we Latvians, having over many years lost our revenue, competitiveness and, possibly, quality of society, saved the banking sector of the Scandinavians and other investors, at least in the Baltic States, since the domino effect in the event of banks failing would go far beyond Latvia's borders and would reach as far, let us say, as Scandinavian pension funds, as the banks' shareholders.
I am sure you are right, Commissioner, that figures can mean many things and we need to look very carefully at them.
This is urgent and necessary, and we insist it must be done.
A country that is denied greater freedom to trade and new export opportunities will not find it any easier to meet the commitments and the demands that we make of it.
I am therefore also hoping that the Member States which have not yet fully implemented these measures will make every effort to ensure that this process is completed as soon as possible.
However, several days ago, the Commission published the Internal Market Scoreboard for 2009.
Commissioner, I wish to take advantage of this opportunity and debate to reiterate my request to the Commission to capitalise to the maximum extent on the European Union's direct access to the Black Sea, a region of particular geostrategic importance.
Member of the Commission, on behalf of the Vice-President of the Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. - Madam President, I thank this House for a very timely discussion on Western Sahara.
We urgently call for calm and restraint, and urge the national authorities of Guinea-Bissau to fully investigate these events and bring to justice those responsible.
In particular, I fully support the need to strengthen the decision-making and implementation process, providing the Commission with the requisite instruments in the common interest of the European Union, the Member States and all economic operators.
I should also, naturally, like to thank the Commissioners and the members of their staff, and the President of the Commission, who often participated with me in these debates and with whom I was able to establish much common ground in our work, objectives and efforts.
The London meeting is that opportunity, of course, to pull together our thinking and to do so with the United States and with others.
What I can say, to give you a concrete answer to your question, is that my relationship with the Bulgarian Government, when Sergei Stanishev was prime minister, was always characterised by extremely loyal cooperation.
That concludes voting time.
Many pieces have already been put in place, not least, the launch of a new EU supervisory authority as of next month.
It must be based on solidarity and the willingness of Member States and regions to implement their programme objectives as quickly as possible.
The Member States with good governance in tax matters have been able to respond much more quickly and effectively to the economic crisis.
Madam President, I cannot understand why the Socialists are trying to escape from the responsibility of Socialist policies.
Is it right that the 2010 budget provides nothing for this force?
But equally important for us is, I think, the question of voice within this: that those who find themselves excluded should also be included when we are looking at measures that are being put in place and considering whether they are really going to meet the needs of the long-term unemployed, of older people, of younger people trying to gain access to the labour market, or whatever.
Petitions: see Minutes
(RO) In the current situation where the number of refugees has increased worldwide and the European Union is receiving more than half of the asylum seekers, establishing a European Common Asylum System must be an urgent priority.
This one is about qualified majority voting in the Level 3 Committees.
Schengen cooperation can take many different forms.
This activity has an impact on the food supply for the general population and on the cohesion of the outermost regions of the European Union.
In addition to safety concerns, ethical questions in relation to novel foods are also very important.
Thank you for this report, which I promise I will put to good use and from which I will undeniably draw inspiration.
Socio-economic and security indicators have not visibly improved and decisions have often been made without sufficient Afghan involvement.
However, I think that it is necessary to make changes to the systems in Member States in order to eliminate or at least significantly limit this shameful situation.
Thank you. This certainly calls for a separate and far-reaching debate.
It is a highly ambitious task.
For these reasons, I am in favour of the revision of the fourth and seventh directives on company law, because this will lead to consistent regulation and relief.
I voted in favour of the EU resolution on Belarus as I feel that any move capable of introducing more democracy in any country in the world is a positive step.
Serbia is an excellent neighbour to Romania, with centuries of history linking us.
If there are distortions, we can have different opinions - if they are there.
Nevertheless, the cooperation framework still has a long way to go: we could say from Barcelona to Barcelona and looking beyond.
Madam President, I have a question for my honourable colleague.
What about the others, however?
, in writing. - (DE) Ireland's rejection of the Reform Treaty may have been a setback for European development, but it is no reason for the Union to grind to a halt.
Therefore, once again, a new European impulse is needed, because Ukraine is part of Europe, and we must implement this policy in our own interest.
Mass unemployment, social unrest and growing tax pressure then await us.
This means that you cannot blame Israel for maintaining an economic blockade, allowing in only essential humanitarian aid.
The main political strategies of the European Union have nothing to do with combating poverty.
Some six months ago I was promised an exercise where the numbers of the reports and the numbers of the amendments would be shown alongside our voting.
However, I regret to say that the priority measures which will give new impetus to the single market and competitiveness do not include any mention of the need to ensure the free movement of all European workers, focusing only on the free movement of services.
The detection of dioxins above the minimum threshold in a sample of pork fat under the National Residue Monitoring Programme enabled the source of the contamination to be quickly traced to an individual feed manufacturing plant.
(Applause)
In her question, Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou referred to child poverty in particular.
It is necessary that we carry out more work, tailored to our specific circumstances.
Our common objective is to formalise in a joint declaration by the three institutions our vision and our common approach to humanitarian aid policy.
At a time when Europe is facing a deep economic crisis whose final magnitude may be difficult to estimate, it is only to be expected that the birth rate will feel the negative repercussions of the turmoil on the labour market, as many women will tend not to have children because they are terrified of the possibility of losing their job and of the reduction in the material resources required to care for and bring up their children.
As regards victim protection, there is a piece of European Community legislation, which the Commission has promised to reassess by 2009.
We also have to avoid creating loopholes in the legislation when granting derogations to Member States.
I would like to say to all new Members of the European Parliament that the Minister is a former Member of this House, and so is one of us.
I am pleased that it has happened in these two important debates that have been held tonight in this important and mighty Parliament.
I supported Amendment 23 which recognises the need to support the sheep sector at Community level, which is in serious decline.
The services of Parliament must increase their efforts to modernise and rationalise administration, reducing their dependence on external services, and applying strict management of human resources.
Three contracts have already been signed: Zambia and Rwanda - which I signed personally - as well as Mali.
However, I get the impression that instead of answers, there are even more questions raised after the discussions about SIS II.
Even though there was this terrible tragic death of Benazir Bhutto and of many other victims, I continue to believe that Pakistan has a chance to make real progress towards stability and a more inclusive form of democracy by electing a new government which enjoys broader popular legitimacy.
Despite the high degree of political instability in recent years, it can be seen that democracy in Ukraine has solid foundations.
Firstly, I would like to say something about the regime for assistants.
I cannot comment on Mr Mitchell's question because the Council has not debated this phenomenon and does not have an opinion on it.
The EU must shoulder a particular responsibility for maintaining free and fair trade.
As the Chairman of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) has complained, these attitudes are rife with bad faith and do nothing to build public confidence in the European institutions.
Furthermore, I think we are right to emphasise yet again that the EU was actually founded on measures to combat all forms of racism and xenophobia and indeed all forms of discrimination.
Vice-President of the Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. - Mr President, this has been an extremely useful and valuable debate for the preparations for the summit.
This is the reason why, on this matter, the Belgian Presidency, following on from 15 November, immediately resumed contacts to try and make progress on these other points too.
The next item is the statements by the Council and the Commission on preparation for the European Council meeting to be held on 24 and 25 March 2011.
It can provide an income for individuals and their families who would otherwise go hungry, and therefore, ending illegal logging is also linked to ending the poverty and deprivation of many communities in the relevant countries.
This is focused on the promotion of cross-border trade, based on the principle that free competition is what best serves the interests of consumers.
We are pleased that this has been achieved and also quite proud of the result, however I must say that we are not happy with all aspects.
The reference for capital announced by the EBA is based largely on the current provisions of the Capital Requirements Directive, which already takes into account the different banking structures and the management models which exist in Europe.
This would still be supporting the European Parliament, which expressed itself here in the debate and in the vote that took place on the report, for which I had the honour to be the rapporteur, on the EU's negotiations with Mercosur, which was adopted a year ago, and to which I refer.
(GA) Mr President, the European Commission should now review the operation of the Habitats Directive in the European Union.
I support all activities that will help maintain a high level of food safety, and those who talk about ...
This includes making allocations in the first pillar, in particular, fairer.
Mr President, the report on the prohibition of illegal logging, which was adopted by a large majority in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, is a balanced one.
A better relationship between sport at school and sport in leisure time also needs to be created.
However, some of our Member States are clearly incapable of thinking outside the economic box, which considers social and environmental policy costly luxuries to be dropped as a restriction on the market.
However, there is a nice link that connects the two issues, because in relation to the migration issue, in particular Schengen, we also see the same principle at work, namely that one of Europe's major successes is now being called into question as a result of national egotism.
I hope that your visit will give us the opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Europe, Costa Rica and Latin America.
(CS) Mr Chairman, today, after many years, our discussions have come to an end and we have agreed to provide all citizens of the European Union with a fully open market in postal services.
The common agricultural policy and global food security (short presentation)
Vice-President of the Commission. - (DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, three years ago we modernised the industrial policy of the EU and established it as a cornerstone of our entire economic strategy.
That is, once again, a change of paradigm, because if you want to motivate the citizens for the European idea, we have to share with them those priorities and not just think about 'some people in Brussels or in Strasbourg' telling the other citizens what they should or should not do.
It lies with those who speak ill of Europe, and who do so simply because they are afraid.
If we can move forward and achieve results at the summit and later in the autumn, then I believe that it will create a very good basis for increased legitimacy and trust in the European institutions.
Yet again, people have died just because they wanted to live and work in Europe.
We say this because we are at the crossroads of intellectual currents, and it follows that it is our mission to mediate, and especially to mediate between east and west.'
All of these things will mean something when we assume the responsibility in this House to legislate.
This degree of consensus was a message about Greece's acceptance of its responsibility to cut its deficit in a credible way and of our solidarity with it if needed.
Naturally you will understand that, in the light of our experiences with the bank stress tests, we have become more sensitive about stress tests, including those relating to nuclear power.
in writing. - This consists of a simple codification of texts without any change to their substance.
In total, this is a big response in a short time.
In any societies, including Lithuanian society, there are lesbians, gays and bisexual.
In Austria, although the principle of organ removal is enshrined in law, an intensive-care specialist with psychological training will also discuss the procedure with the family of the deceased donor, and this system has been very successful.
Their effort has had its reward in the form of the agreement we finally reached in December.
We need clear guidelines that everyone can have confidence in.
On many occasions the bank has not been as 'nice' as it should be.
I am convinced that the effective identification of existing barriers followed by their removal will do the most to stimulate economic growth.
(RO) Mr President, the European Commission published a report last week about the implementation of the 2007 strategy on nutrition and obesity.
I hope that the recommendations we are going to adopt will be implemented as soon as possible by the European Commission and Member States because we cannot afford to waste time in such circumstances when European citizens are being hit by the effects of an extremely deep economic recession.
Population growth and the reduction in the amount of precipitation in this region, due to climate change, make drinking water one of the main elements at risk in this area.
This will be our guiding principle for the June European Council.
(Applause)
We are not there yet, but the EU has nevertheless taken a huge step forward.
Greece's only reservation has been about the obligation of Member States to provide free legal aid.
In other word, the MSY approach is providing us with a direction and not necessarily with a fixed target.
It is not very common in a Parliament with so many political parties and political groups to nevertheless have unanimous support for what you are proposing.
Overall, this crisis caused by the volcanic ash has shown how vulnerable our highly equipped air transport system now is - that is something that is obvious to all of us already at our airports.
What do we find now in this work programme?
Economic and intellectual relations with ASEAN countries may give rise to an increase in prosperity and peace in the region.
It has taken us a long time and has involved the efforts of many people, many Members and many experts, even people who followed this debate very closely outside the House because it was so important to them.
The general principle governing the use of languages on the webpages is to adapt the language of each site to the target audience.
However, we are suggesting a new way of working, with which we hope to obtain the necessary information more quickly.
The first is that, one year after the solidarity shown by all European states regarding the banks, you must start a European debate on the tax on financial transactions or on the contribution that the banks must make to Member States' budgets to ensure solidarity in return.
I think this is an unacceptable discrepancy.
I hope that this programme will be a success story for the Swiss too, as it has been for us, the citizens of the Member States of the European Union.
Those who hold power in Ukraine today should not be allowed to believe that they can escape just because the broad European public takes no notice or because the previous government admittedly did have failings in relation to good governance and combating corruption.
We cannot, however, allow our Eastern neighbours to be isolated. We cannot deny them the opportunity which we are giving to other European countries.
Yes, good governance and human rights are on the agenda.
Economic literature has been asking for years whether it is necessary to continue using the rate of growth of GDP as an indicator of the progress made by a geographic area over a given period of time.
Mrs Juarez Boal formerly worked in the European Parliament, until 2002.
(FR) Mr President, Baroness Ashton, the revolutions in the Arab world are consistent with the aspirations of the Palestinian people.
The solution to the problem of reviving the entire European economy instead entails (and this is the single market solution) removing the persistent obstacles to the free movement of goods, persons and services, and to equal treatment of economic operators and citizens throughout the EU.
I believe that there is a permanent need at European level to supply consistent statistics on the information society every year.
I want to bring the Minister's attention to the fact that in Scotland, the constituency which I represent, a debate on a minimum pricing of alcohol products is currently happening.
This is due to Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001, which is a very important regulation, and I am proud to have been able to take part in the birth of this regulation.
I am in favour of close cooperation with the USA and exchange of data, but the devil is in the detail.
What I support is country of origin labelling.
Can we afford to risk that kind of relationship?
The economic crisis was used as a lever to force people to vote 'yes'.
As regards trade relations, although the Lisbon summit was not the appropriate forum for technical negotiations, there was an interesting exchange of views.
The resolution highlights that this promotion should not be binding, but rather should be the result of interaction between the stakeholders on a voluntary basis.
I voted for the Zver report.
Without lobbyism, politicians' knowledge, facts and opinions with regard to all aspects of society would be far too limited.
They are excellent measures.
It is essential for the economic effectiveness of road transport and useful for ensuring sufficient income to fund new transport capacities and I believe that the compromise we achieved constitutes a sound basis for discussions with the Council.
Mr President, Portugal urged an EU agreement on resettling persons from Guantánamo, and this is strategic for transatlantic solidarity as well as being a humanitarian gesture towards people cleared of suspicion who endured detention, torture and deprivation of justice.
In addition, Commissioner, the situation is not similar or the same in all Member States.
It is also important to consider the Treaty of Lisbon, which will, I trust, enter into force as soon as possible and be the foundation for new EU actions, and to ensure that one of its outcomes is a set of instruments that are as efficient as possible.
Among other things, the measures proposed in the report are an attempt to redeem slaughter and destruction by using money from the workers of Europe.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to answer them together.
This excludes people who are entitled to asylum, need political protection, or risk mistreatment in Libya, while the principle of non-refoulement applies to everybody.
The target of 20% renewable energy by 2020 is extremely ambitious but necessary if we are to win the fight against climate change.
European action must focus on those challenges where the EU can bring a tangible added value.
Two remarks concerning them raised observations.
It is, moreover, absurd, not to include on-call duty that can be spent asleep as working time.
These models of agriculture have always made, and continue to make, a valid contribution to food security because they often represent the most effective way of utilising land in diverse geographical regions of the EU through the use of methods which have been specifically developed in distinct regions over long periods of time.
I really think that we have laid the foundations for future action.
The aim is to give a crystal clear signal to the Chinese.
The events that took place in August in the sub-prime market highlighted a number of issues for all of us.
I am pleased that Parliament, in adopting this resolution, recognises in principle that the rule of law and democracy do not exist in Russia.
To achieve this, when the airlines are first issued with allowances, for example, this must be done in such a way that the lack of such allowances can be realistically balanced out on the market, otherwise flights would have to be cancelled, and I do not know how much of that we and our society could cope with.
We should note the fears coming from Italy following the recent pressure exerted by Silvio Berlusconi on the Italian and European newspapers, as well as on the European Commission's freedom of expression regarding the Italian authorities' diversion of migrants at sea to Libya, in violation of the principle of non-refoulement.
On this occasion, the Italian police insisted on the removal of a banner bearing a phrase from the Gospel: 'My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves', while the same police force put up posters that were homophobic and against common-law couples.
We left the more difficult questions for the strategic ENP review.
in writing. - In order to succeed in this era of globalisation, the European Union needs to develop a Foreign Direct Investment Policy for Europe.
In addition, in order to avoid 'dummy companies', further guarantees must be supplied as regards companies' registered offices.
You spoke of the ecological rehabilitation of the environment.
Since then, the area has progressed dramatically.
We must put a stop to the export of waste to poor countries.
Let me give an example.
It appears to me that the call for a European multidisciplinary network to be set up for specific training and learning problems, which is part of the written declaration, goes some way in this direction.
In other words, apart from insurance, we need one centre and we need greater capabilities for giving help.
Our rapporteurs have done an excellent job.
Violence against women in conflict zones is often an extension of gender discrimination; also considering that this year, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women coincides with the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325, this could and/or should mark the start of a reinvigorated agenda for the implementation of that resolution, which cannot be advanced without political leadership at the highest levels and increased resources.
Clearly, the crazy world of finance is today speculating on the food markets, without ever wanting to touch the goods themselves, which are constantly bought and sold.
Given that the Internet is the main instrument for creating better conditions and development and knowledge for citizens in cultural terms, particularly through the broadcasting of audiovisual content, I welcome the adoption of this report and hope that the EU will play a leading role in the radio spectrum and in the creation of development and innovation software.
Nor could we identify better targets than we did during the 2005 review.
Energy security is a priority area, and the establishment of a common energy market should be a common European objective towards which we must strive using integrated measures.
The European Union continues to be engaged with Morocco on reforms in areas such as good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
The decision on financial market supervision has still not been finalised.
I would say to you that we have to be very careful.
Following numerous contacts with the Nicaraguan authorities which gave credible commitments that corrective steps would be taken, the Commission proceeded at the beginning of October with a single payment of EUR 10 million of our budget support programme to the education sector.
Some of the lessons it teaches us are still valid today.
We cannot negotiate for weeks and then have the compromises undermined at the very last moment.
I cannot, therefore, comment on that.
It is important to mention that EU Member States and the EEA associated countries comprise more than 50% of the membership of the Arctic Council.
It is essential to abide by the principle of partnership at all levels of management when implementing regional policy.
There are two aspects to that question: how large will we be in ten years and what will our surrounding environment be like?
We see this as being part of developing a comprehensive and integrated energy policy for Iraq.
I should also like to draw attention to another somewhat neglected aspect of this debate: appropriate training for health service professionals, notably as regards caring for diabetics and the treatment of diabetes. Such training has been somewhat neglected, especially in the new Member States.
Moreover, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that this is not about stealing a hen but this is a case of murder, and so here I prefer to be a little restrained and more measured than the speakers so far.
Technocracy, however, is not about having technical knowledge; it is about never putting any feeling into it.
We all know that the most important issues are peace, democracy and human rights, but for every one of us, what is of more direct relevance is something which makes our everyday lives easier - the common market.
If Amendment 943 on the EPSO budget line 26 01 20 is adopted, the corresponding budgetary annex for this Office should be adjusted accordingly.
I would like to stress that there should be an ongoing review of the EU's human rights policy when it comes to the elaboration of a comprehensive human rights country strategy and to the evaluation of the EU guidelines on violence against women and girls and those EU guidelines concerning children and armed conflict, as well as combating all forms of discrimination against them.
This is a joint debate on the whole package, but right now we are talking about the renewables directive, and I would like to highlight some points specifically about this subject.
Moreover, I am shocked by the practice of guilt by association that results in the imprisonment of entire families, including children.
There is a plan to privatise the beaches, so that Greece's debt can be serviced.
EU - Russia Summit on 18 November 2009 in Stockholm (vote)
Whichever way you look at it, this, once again, is an additional channel for immigration, which, as far as I am concerned, is in itself more than enough reason to vote against this resolution.
Some of our partners are announcing their intentions by press statements; but we have announced our intentions by law, law that is already agreed by all the Member States.
Common, comparable and reliable indicators are essential to present a realistic analysis of progress and to meet the requirements of effective monitoring.
Finally, I would like to apologise to all those members of the Committee on Budgets who have, at times, felt that I have provoked them.
Certainly, we agree with the opinion already presented by MEPs that the biggest horizontal cuts... I would like to repeat that the method of horizontal cutting was applied again in all categories.
The ban on political activities has subsequently been lifted.
Unfortunately, I am unable to agree with him on the issue of International Financial Reporting Standards for SMEs.
They should be viewed in a broader context - in a context where women's participation in the labour market is supported and encouraged.
Last but not least - it is worth repeating - the base at Guantánamo must be closed, and Cuba must regain control of its entire territory.
This shows that postal service providers can gear themselves to new market requirements while continuing to provide their universal postal service.
In addition, both parties are dependent on each other in both economic and political terms.
Accordingly, we feel it is essential to alter the legal basis.
I have seen the European Union Landfill Directive, which has had industrial waste - laughingly called 'compost' - thrown upon the land.
In August 2008, a package of security measures was adopted which aims at reorganising the Mexican law enforcement and justice system.
However, still you insist on continuing this now meaningless debate.
I received 3 830 complaints in 2006.
Our Irish fellow citizens also realised that the European train does not wait indefinitely for those who miss their appointment with history.
I voted in favour of the joint motion for a resolution on the recent earthquake in Haiti.
I would like to ask you, Commissioner, what the Commission is doing about this matter, whether the Commission has acted or is intending to act; because we are very concerned about what might happen to those people who are still on board this freezer tuna vessel.
This means we need measures but primarily we need to raise awareness of what it is like for women in rural areas.
(CS) Allow me to make use of this one-minute speech to call on the Council of the European Union and the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy to discuss the American anti-missile defence system at European level.
(The President cut off the speaker)
The effects of this policy have helped to stabilise and mitigate State aid.
I would ask the competent authorities to be more proactive in the fight against corruption, organised crime and the trafficking of people, arms and drugs.
(EL) Madam President, Commissioner, my congratulations on the completion, to all intents and purposes, of negotiations on these two agreements.
For the same reason that we have a strategic partnership with China, India and Russia, and not having one with Brazil is a mistake, because nothing is achieved in the world - I am just stating the politically obvious - nothing is achieved in the world in the environment, or in trade, without Brazil.
The Rural Development Fund contributes, together with the other funds, to the economic and social cohesion. The efficient use of the rural development funds represents a timely solution to these problems.
Indeed, very many infringement procedures had been initiated against Italy over the years and the Court had ruled against Italy on many occasions.
The EU climate package passed in December 2008 was important in showing the seriousness of our commitment to climate change, and what has been agreed in recent months under the Swedish Presidency has also been important - particularly the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which will slash the carbon footprint of both new and renovated buildings.
I would mention JEREMIE, the joint initiative of the Commission, the European Investment Fund and the European Investment Bank, which is aimed at improving access to funding for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, through the channels of risk capital, loans, securities, micro-credit and other forms of repayable aid.
In the end the legislature did not incorporate these proposals into the final document.
I need to make the point that with regard to cephalopods licences were utilised on 22 occasions and in the new protocol there is provision for 25, so we are actually catering for creating a buffer, allowing for utilisation.
The question arises, therefore, as to why we are amending the Treaty today at express speed to transfer these competencies - at least in part - to Union level.
The European Commission will submit a proposal to this effect within a year and we should be able to implement such a system of our own within three years.
(CS) The current state of the digital content market is unsustainable, fragmented and rigid owing to monopolies.
We know from the interim versions of the Commission's document that in an initial phase, within the EUR 1.24 billion, EUR 150 million was for the east and all the rest was for the south.
Let us in conclusion together assert once again: the PPP is therefore not ultimately washed up.
We cannot but vote against this new Commission.
The committee and I therefore propose that we postpone the granting of discharge until Cepol has provided a full declaration in this regard.
The programme of the Swedish Presidency is truly very ambitious, especially, among other things, on trans-Atlantic dialogue.
I would like to congratulate the committee on its work.
My point is this: the European Union will only be able to achieve its objectives if we activate all policy areas; if we capitalise on the relationship we have with all our key partners; if we use the leverage available to us in an integrated way at all levels - at national, European and global level.
Mrs Lulling asked a very specific question.
More than 70% of children ask their parents to buy them the foods they have seen advertised on television.
As far as the experimental laboratory is concerned, we have four interesting questions to resolve.
In the course of this short period of time, barely one and a half years, Montenegro has made appreciable progress.
Thank you and my apologies to the interpreters if I was speaking too quickly.
We of course urge her to do whatever more she can.
I understand that we may, in some specific cases, have different views.
It has resulted in an enormous pressure for rationalisation in the industrialised states.
Unfortunately, that is not the case.
It is not merely a matter of arresting criminals; it is about dealing with them afterwards.
There has not been a single step forward.
As a result, since 1993, the number of non-citizens has fallen by 59%.
Previously, we would have described the members of the governments of Russia and of Ukraine as friends, but the way in which Russia is now behaving towards Ukraine is far from fair.
In April the Commission issued the communication on clean and energy-efficient vehicles, which is to say on the European strategy for encouraging the development and eventual widespread use of vehicles that are 'clean and efficient' in terms of low emissions of carbon dioxide and pollutants.
Ladies and gentlemen, when we experience an hour such as this, it is good not only to look to the present, but also to remember what a long, broad path it has been for us to acquire a fellow Member together with other fellow Members from Estonia - and from Latvia and Lithuania, if we are just confining it to the Baltic States in the first instance - who were elected Members of parliament and whose countries, free countries that were ruled for decades by totalitarian communism, have been represented here since freedom was gained in Estonia.
This instrument should offer a means of reviewing the human rights situation in all the Member States under the same conditions.
An improvement in statistics will not directly provide an increase in the funds for agriculture, but it will improve thrift, there will be transparency, greater trust in people, and we as parliamentarians will be in a position to draw our own conclusions and to search for common solutions, which would in fact build a common agricultural policy on the same democratic and partnership principles for all countries of the European Union and for farmers, regardless of the region where they happen to work and live.
Mr Simpson's absence demonstrates that the issue is indeed still current, and that the consequences of such eruptions are unpredictable and can be far-reaching in terms of our citizens' mobility, and also in economic terms if the situation is protracted.
in writing. - Ria Oomen-Ruijten's Turkey 2007 Progress Report is a comprehensive and encouraging analysis of the country's progress towards accession.
Like Bernadette Vergnaud, some MEPs regretted the fact that this text does not cover all the difficulties encountered by patients within the EU, and more specifically in their country of origin.
I am saying that the proposals must be made public by 2013.
European agricultural policy is currently facing, and will in future face, great challenges.
Yet this does not mean we should throw the baby out with the bathwater.
The unresolved conflicts in regions such as Nagorno-Karabakh, Transnistria and Abkhazia and South Ossetia should be ended as soon as possible, in accordance with international law and the obligations undertaken by Russia.
In that regard, it is indeed true even within the European Union that, if culture is in competition with internal market law or competition law, it always draws the short straw in case of doubt.
At the same time, the solution of a European common energy policy could supplement the incapacity of the Bucharest right-wing governing people to promote Romania's energy interests in the relationship with Russia.
Worst of all, though, is the conclusion of the report.
This applies to the European Union above all because there is no way we can acknowledge a stolen victory but neither is there any way we can stop exerting maximum pressure on the Ivorian leaders over this massive fraud.
In these circumstances it would be difficult to suggest that any carmaker would be able to exercise a dominant position, be it individually or collectively.
I also think it is very important to monitor closely how local culture is preserved, especially Orthodox monasteries in the area.
In 2008 alone, the EIB paid out EUR 10 billion more than it anticipated.
It would be desirable for Slovakia, regardless of the Nagy-Duna matter, to cooperate with Hungary in stabilising the water supply to this area.
Elected representatives enforcing a slashing of living standards for workers should, at the very least, accept that their own privileges undergo the same treatment.
The objective is to improve the functioning of the market for consumers and undertakings, boosting consumer confidence and reducing the reluctance of undertakings to operate at a cross-border level.
Yet despite everyone's best efforts, these disparities persist.
I shall accept no more blue card questions.
Finally it is worth emphasising that the proposed solutions, particularly as regards the introduction of the European Reference Network, and also the European Network for Health Technology Assessment, provide an opportunity to raise the standards of medical care and also to make more effective use of healthcare resources in the European Union.
First, I believe that we should move towards innovation and new technologies in both areas - the energy efficiency of buildings and, above all, the energy efficiency of transport.
Harmonised risk indicators and reliable data from all the Member States will now make that possible.
The UNHCR's figures confirm this.
The debate is closed.
What is currently happening in the Economic and Financial Affairs Council shows that among them there are a huge amount of scattered, incoherent and inconsistent ideas.
It is the threats to freedom of expression that concern independent and free journalists throughout Latin America and in particular in Venezuela and which led to the closure of Radio Caracas Televisión.
19.
Let us be firm and act politically.
The ERTMS will, therefore, probably coexist with national systems for a period of 20 years.
The question therefore arises as to how we should deal with such situations in the future.
For instance, we will certainly ask for a gesture of clemency on the part of the Vietnamese authorities in favour of the two journalists who were recently imprisoned and have been judged in Hanoi for having used their freedom of expression.
The Interim Partnership Agreement signed between the EU and Papua New Guinea and the Fiji Islands is the result of shameful pressure.
Thank you for your attention.
I would have liked to ask him then whether he has read the Treaty of Lisbon because, if he has read it, he would probably be familiar with the article on minorities which I have just mentioned.
The Irish Government should learn a lesson from its people; it should learn to lead.
The Communist Party of Greece condemns this report and believes that the interests of the Balkan peoples will be served if we do not forget, but struggle against the EU and the barbarity you are nurturing.
The next item is the joint debate on the Council and Commission statements on the EU Annual Report on Human Rights and on the French initiative at the UN on the decriminalisation of homosexuality.
in writing. - (IT) The new European stability mechanism requires an amendment to the Treaty of Lisbon, to ensure its legally valid inclusion within the institutional framework of the European Union.
In addition, one of the aims of the European Disability Strategy for 2010 to 2020, which the Commission adopted on 15 November, is to give impetus to Member States' efforts to ease the transition from institutional to community-based care.
Mr Mitchell, when I give the floor to an MEP for a 30-second speech, I do not know whether he will ask a question or make a comment on the questions which have already been put.
The Commission should adopt a more open and proactive attitude towards information relating to infringement proceedings.
I supported the vote of the European Parliament, which today, Tuesday 14 December 2010, approved the release of EUR 35.6 million for France, whose Atlantic coastline was partly devastated by storm Xynthia in February.
I demand the retraction of this accusation, an apology and a condemnation by the Presidency.
What sort of effect will EU exclusive competency on bilateral investment have on Member States?
To that end we need intelligent solutions, and we need network security, for security is paramount.
The Council and the Commission are trying to counter that by looking to the private sector.
In many respects, this has been very successful but there is equally little doubt now that, without the active support of the citizens, the integration process runs into obstacles.
They have made it possible, in just seven months, for a very important proposal for the free movement of citizens and the bringing down of excessive charges to become a reality.
I want to express my gratitude to Parliament and in particular to the rapporteur, Ms Jeleva, for their support for the European Community's conclusion of this UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its optional protocol.
This is the goal of the talks currently under way in Geneva.
In June, the Council asked the Council Secretariat and the Commission to put forward specific recommendations and political priorities to strengthen and enhance our commitment in the region.
Episodes such as this have been occurring in Calabria for a long time now, possibly due to the effects of climate change.
I welcome the fact that relevant sections of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament also felt unable to endorse the final version of the report, as the outcome of the voting shows.
(DE) I welcome the fact that the Commission is dealing with this subject from a competition perspective.
The debate is closed.
The next item is the one-minute speeches on matters of political importance.
The EU may have the best intentions, and it may prepare the best legislation and support measures, which all of the countries might even implement to the best of their ability, but if firms and entrepreneurs are not aware of this, the outcome will always be mixed.
How do you intend, do we intend, to fashion ENISA's mandate in such a way that it can operate like an agency that deals on equal terms with the agencies that exist in the United States, Japan and China?
I say this with the utmost respect, and from the outset, I offer my complete solidarity with all victims of terrorism in all corners of the world, not least this one.
From Korea to Australia, Bulgaria to Sweden, film makers head to Sarajevo; co-productions take place.
Finally, I would like to wish John Bowis a speedy recovery.
We need this period of time, of course, to look forward.
As far as the Globalisation Fund is concerned, it is as open to the textile sector as to other sectors.
The morbidity and mortality rates resulting from drinking water unfit for consumption remain, in these circumstances, alarmingly high, especially among children.
For this reason, Mr Barroso, I expect you and, more particularly, your Budget Commissioner Mr Lewandowski to produce a committed and ambitious draft budget for the EU that actually facilitates the developments that it demands.
When we had this discussion on the redistribution between Member States' envelopes, we made a positive correction for three Member States so as to limit their reduction in view of the important divergence for these Member States between their share in historical expenditure and their share in the two other criteria.
This is an opportunity, politically and economically, to actually change that regime and move things in the right direction.
The number of abortions is at an all-time high and a large proportion of women use hormonal contraceptives, so the number of women who are actually physiologically capable of conceiving children is very small.
Yet, no solution will be good unless it is controllable.
With regard to the problems mentioned in connection with Parliament and the information given to Members of Parliament about the agreements, the Commission has given all information - even restricted information - to Members of Parliament and this is what we will do in the future.
A new improved regulatory system will deliver benefits for all patients, for the approval bodies and also for the pharmaceutical companies.
Let us say it plainly - we know from international experience that this is not the first time this has happened.
A number of actions at least are required to do this.
We still have the same old pack of paper that shows what is going through plenary this week.
Nevertheless, the revision of the European Works Council directive has long been an important matter for both companies and trade unions.
Therefore, for the second time today, I would stress my utter lack of understanding why the Commission has completely ignored the project proposed by Bulgaria for further expansion of this storage facility.
That leads to credible results, as we can see.
We therefore needed to hold the summit, or at any rate the first one, in November, regardless of the timetable in the US.
I should like briefly to answer the question raised by Mr Pribetich as regards timing.
Lastly, I should like to congratulate the Centre on its contribution to the measures to fight the H1N1 virus pandemic of 2009.
Of particular concern are grievances voiced regarding freedom of the media and freedom of assembly and of association.
This draft directive aims to fill a gap in existing legislation regarding the victims of crime, which does not address the issue of preventing crime and the need for a rapid and effective, Europe-wide early warning and prevention mechanism to protect victims.
We continue to talk about the importance of reducing CO2 emissions, even while the theory of man-made global warming is falling apart in front of our eyes.
These experts have been brought together in the Expert Panel for the Review of the European Standardisation System (EXPRESS), which delivered its recommendations in February 2010 in the form of a report entitled 'Standardisation for a competitive and innovative Europe: a vision for 2020'.
Of similar importance is the maintenance of visa exemption for the Hungarians living in Vojvodina, for those citizens who live on either side of the border, speak the same language, and cultivate close family and cultural ties.
This Treaty signs away our ability to rule ourselves, yet a BBC poll says that 84% of the British people want no more power surrendered.
Death by means of a brutal and illegal rule.
This ultimately ensured, since we were also under time pressure, that the funding could be made available and could be used.
President-in-Office of the Council. - Madam President, I think this debate is a timely one and that Mrs Neyts-Uyttebroeck's report includes a number of important recommendations.
I look forward to Parliament adopting this directive for two main reasons.
(Applause)
At the same time, there is a strict ban on discrimination.
It expresses its deep concern regarding the imposition of the death penalty on minors and on persons with mental or intellectual disability and calls for their immediate and definitive ending.
The opening of discussions on territorial autonomy would also fundamentally threaten the unity and successful progress of the European Union.
Commodity price hikes have become a destabilising factor in the global economy, which have helped spark riots and unrest in a number of developing countries and most recently in Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt.
in writing. - (RO) I voted in favour of Armando França's report on the enforcement of the principle of mutual recognition to confiscation orders and of the Framework Decision 2008./.../JHA on the recognition and enforcement of the principle of mutual recognition to judgments in criminal matters imposing punishments or measures involving deprivation of liberty for their enforcement in the European Union.
Clearly, the provisions on animal experimentation must be amended, but European research must not, however, suffer negative consequences from this new legislation.
Unfortunately, in a situation where we most need solidarity and well-functioning European cooperation, the threats to the European idea are also growing.
We welcome the success in reaching a compromise on the sectors in which adaptation to new conditions will take time.
How would the citizens of major EU countries feel if a non-democratic country built an insufficiently tested nuclear power plant close to Brussels, Berlin, Paris or London, without consulting its public or sharing reliable information with its neighbouring countries?
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, may I remind the honourable Members that what I said was not that we cannot impose rules on third countries.
We voted for this for air transport last June, when aviation was integrated into the ETS system.
Establishment, operation and use of SIS II (decision) (vote)
Fourthly, the systematic refusal to consult with groups that want to change that situation, even though they once won the only free elections this regime dared to hold.
It is a fact that today, our farmers are faced with overwhelming obstacles when it comes to achieving a fair price for their produce.
But you should not conclude from this that we regard the spring summit and the Lisbon Strategy as less important.
The Commission has always supported dialogue between the social partners and it has therefore welcomed this initiative.
Reducing differences in payments in different Member States is essential to achieving this objective.
in writing. - I supported the Thomsen report and strongly believe that more effort should be directed towards the promotion of renewable energy.
What we need - as Baroness Ludford rightly said - is the International Criminal Court, and common rules.
Although all the Member States have been implementing reforms since 2005, some are doing better than others.
in writing. - (FR) I fully support this excellent report and would like to add three comments of my own on the subject.
How many times has Europe watched passively whilst the one of its own laureates was detained?
Furthermore, in order to enable people at different times of life and specific groups to have access to vocational education and training, financing opportunities should be broadened, simplified and made more readily available under the Lifelong Learning Programme and by implementing Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs.
To achieve all this, we need to mobilise available resources and focus research, coordinate our efforts and fund specific projects.
It is therefore essential to develop and promote the diplomatic aspect and to make use of the options afforded by the Treaty of Lisbon to prepare the way towards the next COP with ambition, speaking with a single voice and creating strategic alliances with our potential allies on this subject such as, for example, the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.
This group is carrying out close monitoring of this pilot initiative so as to define and specify certain matters and, therefore, to enable much more specific decision making, such as you raised in your interventions.
I think it is important for requirements in the proposal regarding notification of investments not to place an excessive administrative burden on the authorities of Member States.
In addition, the Bangladeshi Minister for the Environment has three months to lay down rules, complying with the Basel Convention, for the recycling of ships for scrapping.
I also welcome the calls in this report for closer cooperation and contact between local and regional authorities and other levels of governance, especially with the European Commission.
A number of speakers referred to inequalities in health, for example Mr Janowski, Mr Adamou, Mrs Belohorská, Mrs Doyle, Mr Kuźmiuk and Mrs Westlund.
On behalf of the European Parliament, I would like to join the President of the European Council, and the President of the US, in demanding Roxana Saberi's immediate and unconditional release.
Thirdly, the energy and climate package is the result of a historic compromise.
We were reflecting then on the new opportunities available both to the two new Member States and to the European Union as a whole.
Such health questions are once again going to raise the question of the quality of the controls at our external borders as regards both people and goods.
Your report makes important recommendations, and we agree with you that it is vital to do more to monitor the compliance of legislative proposals resulting from the Charter, to improve the reception conditions of migrants and asylum seekers, to ensure that the fight against terrorism is conducted fully in compliance with fundamental rights, to redouble our efforts to combat discrimination, to improve the situation of the Roma throughout the European Union and, I would also add, to cooperate more closely with the Council of Europe.
President-in-Office of the Council. - On behalf of the Presidency I would like to stress in a concluding comment that the Presidency is aware of the fact that efficient monitoring of the application of Community law is essential if the law is to be universally respected and if the general legal principles on which the running of the Community is based are to be safeguarded.
In case of a disease outbreak, our rules facilitate the tracing of potentially infected animals to limit the spread of the disease.
This resolution by the European Parliament approves and supplements the commitments of the Commission, which is why I supported it.
The defence budget has been building up over recent years in Georgia, which is then short in other areas, such as social issues, civil society and media freedom.
This will allow all patients, and not only the best informed or richest, to benefit from rights that have already been recognised over the years in judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
(CS) Mr President, I am glad that what we have always been saying here has proved to be true: no one has infringed obligations arising from their agreements, EU legislation or the competences of the Union, and bilateral negotiations can take place alongside multilateral or pan-European negotiations.
It is high time civilised countries discontinued the practice of abortion.
It is done through a phased market opening in four phases.
- Remek report
However, to put the icing on the cake of what will be not so much a democratic ballot as a complete electoral farce, political prisoners and monks have now also been excluded from the ballot.
While it has been argued by the Member States having ex-post DG systems that this is a problem specific to Scandinavia and Nordic markets, this is not.
In fact, we tried this at the end of 2006, during the Finnish Presidency of the European Union.
This very balanced compromise text will hopefully facilitate the adoption of the proposal at a single reading.
In August, the President of this Parliament participated at the congress of the German Landsmannschaft.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (NL) Mr President, Europeans are entitled to safe food.
I should like to thank Mr Costa for all the work he has done preparing the report.
You know you have Parliament's support: you said so yourself.
We shall see shortly whether Scotland Yard police agree.
Of course it is unacceptable that some of the guarantors of OLAF's independence, in other words the Council, are not taking part in this debate.
No one replied and even France - please excuse me Mr President - even France refused when we called for OSCE forces on the border.
I support the proposal, which calls for a complete overhaul of European legislation on animal feed, to involve not only simplifying existing standards, but also bringing this legislation into line with food law.
From July 2011, the real victors in this agreement will be the consumers and citizens of both sides.
Finally, the rapporteur also covered one fundamental issue: opposition to absolute strategic autonomy as the final outcome of the CSDP.
In the framework of the current economic crisis, it is crucial that social policy goes hand in hand with economic policy, aiming at a recovery of the European economy.
Denying innocent children the opportunity of being loved and guided through life by loving parents who are there for them would be cruel and unjust.
However, I feel that we all made a major effort to reach agreement and allow this regulation to be amended.
Who will provide us with healthy, cheap foods in the future?
In the face of scourges such as racism, mafia-style groups, violence inside and outside sports facilities, doping and the purchase of young disposable players from Africa or elsewhere, action is needed!
For the first time for many years, the European Parliament is not proposing anything more than what was planned as far back as in 2006 in the multiannual financial framework.
Compared to native pupils, many migrant children perform poorly at school and have higher school drop-out rates and lower rates of enrolment in higher education.
As a result of the harmonisation of payment periods for public bodies, which will have to pay their invoices within 30 days, I think we will inject a substantial amount of extra cash into companies' coffers.
However, I was rushed from the office when I heard comments made about standards, and I think paragraph 10 is particularly important in this resolution and should be read and perhaps added to.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, it gives me particular satisfaction to open today's discussion on the proposal to include aviation activities in the scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading, known as the ETS, within the Community.
They need to go back to the origins of a river that has spent centuries being governed.
They will respond if they have two basic elements: one is decent prices and the other is stable incomes.
I also wish to thank the Ombudsman for having shown the strength to fight, almost in vain one might say, for greater transparency in the administration of the European Union.
Similarly, labelling and traceability are not enough to enable consumers to make informed choices (para. 28).
We must not lose sight of the fact that, although the bluetongue situation has improved greatly in recent years, the disease has not been eradicated.
There is already talk of increased taxes in the near future to keep public finances afloat.
Europe needs this so that it can stop simply being a donor and can have political convictions that promote peace, and so that, instead of just being content to pay out, it can also call for peace, a balanced peace, particularly between the Palestinians, who have the right to a modern, democratic, secure state, and Israel, which has the right to security for a country that is a miracle of democracy.
The debate is closed.
The package of climate measures that we have taken perhaps could have been better, but they were a start - they were a step forward.
By including energy among its three major priorities, the Czech Presidency fully grasped what will be one of Europe's major challenges in the years to come, namely our energy independence and the necessary diversification of our energy resources.
Butter is cheaper now than it was 20 years ago.
They have put in a great deal of commitment and political will to improve enforcement in a number of key areas.
Let me highlight two main issues: the Lisbon Treaty and all institutional matters on the one hand, and the fight against climate change and the prospects for Copenhagen, on the other.
I would like to thank all my fellow Members for their willingness to compromise on this matter.
We have to appreciate them dearly.
Finally, I would invite the Commission to call on the Member States to revise their national action plans.
I had to find the answer out for myself in the EU Observer on 10 December.
in writing. - I welcome this proposal for a regulation on population and housing censuses.
There are of course many different types of expert groups.
I believe that this will reveal many of the main pathogenic ingredients of cigarettes.
These rules state that no treaty can enter into force without unanimous agreement and we do not have such agreement at present.
Ladies and gentlemen, I should also like to say just one thing: we have rightly complimented the Portuguese Presidency, we have commended the Commission, but without the European Parliament, this Treaty would no longer even be on the table and therefore we also have cause to be proud that we have always held our course with the great majority of the European Parliament.
It was, of course, here in Parliament that the idea of the Baltic Sea Strategy was born, so we are very pleased that it is now in place and in force.
Someone said earlier that this is a package of two parts.
That was why, when we opened this debate on cross-compliance, we commissioned from Rambøll Management a report on simplifying the CAP that was specifically linked to cross-compliance.
Work with us and the Commission to ensure that solidarity means solidarity, burden-sharing means burden-sharing.
Four years on, we see lists drawn up in France in relation to the expulsion of Gypsies.
Future of the CAP after 2013 (
I think that, if a person does not make a good impression on his or her own Members there should be little chance of that person being posted abroad.
In the plenary sitting of 6 April 2011, the President announced, in accordance with Rule 6(2) of the European Parliament's Rules of Procedure, that he had received a letter from the National Anti-Corruption Department (Prosecutor's Office of the High Court of Cassation and Justice of Romania) on 5 April 2011 requesting the waiver of the parliamentary immunity of Adrian Severin.
I find all that discriminatory towards our female workers.
What instruments does it have at its disposal to facilitate the adaptation of the Mediterranean area to climate change and avert the serious risks arising from flooding, coastal erosion and further land deterioration?
It then became very complicated as we found ourselves negotiating whole new delegated acts without precedents for future acts, so congratulations to her and to the Council and Commission.
The EU budget is fixed at about 1% of EU GDP; the Commission and Parliament say, 'that is not enough, we want more money'.
It left much to be desired and we hope that it will not be repeated.
Today, we must answer the question as to whether this goal is attainable.
The Ukrainian people have freely elected a change because the democratic orange powers have run the country into poverty, hopelessness and decay.
At the same time, they are often required to work at a greater intensity and speed than other workers.
It also has to be about intellectual property rights.
(SK) Ladies and gentlemen, I regret very much that Amendment 3, identical to Amendment 18, concerning free postal services for blind or partially sighted people, was not incorporated in the Ferber report.
We could have completed the negotiations this year quite easily, as the European Parliament has demanded on several occasions and will probably demand again tomorrow.
We must safeguard access for all Europeans to the artistic and cultural treasures of Europe that constitute their heritage.
Are you prepared to bring about an urgently needed change of policy to put people ahead of profits and social interests ahead of competitive ones?
I hope that this unanimity will continue, because we are now entering into a very original process, and there is a very short timespan during which we can try to achieve this better legislation that all the Members who have taken the floor from all the political parties want to have.
Our primary concern was that the individual citizen should not be hindered in any way from benefiting from his or her rights.
They bombed, shot and murdered their way to success at the ballot box.
The second important reason for tax evasion is the opacity and complexity of tax systems.
I think and hope that values for Africa do not come from China, with its aggressive economic invasion that we are witnessing at the moment.
It is unfortunate that the Irish Government has not done likewise in relation to those six counties.
So we very much rely on national efforts.
(FR) Madam President, I thank Mr Ortega for his constructive, pertinent questions.
We are expecting some clear signals from the Commission and the Council here, especially in the next few days.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Mr President, on 1 June, on the basis of information received through the European Community Urgent Radiological Information Exchange (ECURIE) system and guided by the principle of precaution, the Commission released a public statement about the alert message from Slovenia at 17.38 local time.

(Applause)
For these reasons, as well as the methods requested by the rapporteur, I would welcome the support programme for increasing the birth rate of qualified people with a responsible approach to life, rather than the maladaptive, as is currently the case.
(SV) The possibilities for culture have changed radically with the emergence and spread of the Internet.
The system that has been in place until now must be changed.
When my mother reached 80, she needed a fax machine for communication.
A review of the regulation will also need to be considered in order to move further towards creating an autonomous status for this type of company.
We have a debt to pay there, namely that we owe it to the people of Kosovo and of the entire region to provide them with quite intensive help them along their route into the EU.
Bulgaria has also contributed in this respect.
(CS) Ladies and gentlemen, I expect the upcoming Transatlantic Council to seek first and foremost solutions to prevent further rises in food prices.
We need, therefore, to have the contract law project, the common frame of reference.
It is therefore impossible to agree with the frequently-heard argument that discouraging the use of PVC in electrical and electronic equipment is justified because of dioxin emissions when it is burned outdoors.
The Council has therefore sought to demonstrate the particular importance it attaches to the issue of human rights.
It is indeed vital to raise awareness among European citizens about the cultural elements which are important to Europe and which form points of reference for our European culture and common values.
And it would only result in frustration, bitterness and a worse outcome for everyone if we must come back to these files in September.
What is irresponsible, on the other hand, is shifting the responsibility onto Egypt, which is completely blameless in terms of the escalation of the current situation.
We can argue whether this is sufficient or not, but the main thing at the moment is to check this legislation and be absolutely sure that Member States are complying with it, because we know, for instance, that there are problems in some Member States between national governments putting the legislation in place and the regional governments having to implement it.
Narrowing disparities in those regions must be perceived as a long-term undertaking.
This will be the first task of the new Commission.
I think that the legal and practical situation in Germany is shameful from a health policy perspective.
The decision to extend the suspension of the visa prohibition list sent a signal that we are serious about rewarding positive steps that are taken.
The right to abortion has been banned and highly discriminatory laws against homosexuals have been introduced.
in writing. - (DE) Greater coordination and closer monitoring of economic policy in Member States is essential if we are to learn from the mistakes of the economic and financial crisis and combat the current debt crisis in some Member States.
If they ceased to benefit from this concession, they would be forced to raise their prices, which would impact on their activity and the employment that it generates, with dire consequences for the region.
(RO) Madam President, the exceptional migration flows, such as those from the southern Mediterranean, must not pose a threat to the Schengen area.
Instead, they have created a single economic area with Iceland.
Nor can he look the other way as cooperation on Venezuelan soil between ETA and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia grows, which has already been condemned by the Judge Eloy Velasco.
For example, the role of the Frontex border agency needs to be strengthened and also better funded.
To seize the opportunity offered by setting up the EAS, we expect the Council to take into consideration the position of the European Parliament adopted this week in the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, and especially the following.
in writing. - This was a crucial report and I am glad the EP has adopted it, mainly because it points out the gendered nature of precarious employment and recalls the shift in the labour market from standard to non-standard types of employment, making it necessary to prevent non-standard types of employment from becoming precarious work; considers that, in order to combat these problems, the Member States and social partners must be asked to align to a large extent their legislative and contractual rules on standard work and atypical work, so as to prevent the most convenient and least expensive forms of work from taking precedence, taking into account, however, the risks of a possible increase in undeclared work; and urges the Council and the Commission to identify the characteristics of precarious employment in the guidelines for the Member States' employment policies and in the new gender equality strategy.
Some countries will be challenged by the reviewed ETS legislation, some by the effort sharing targets.
IAs show legislators the possible consequences of their policy options and help them to make a decision.
It is not therefore by weakening the implementation of these instruments that we will be better able to adapt the European Union's trade policy to a changing global economy.
What is needed, therefore, is a social Europe which provides secure jobs with decent wages, which offers the same training opportunities to all and which also ensures that the development is good and even across the regions.
Let me turn now to the Lux film prize: Mr Itälä has made several comments on this prize in his report and, by the way, I congratulate him on the work that he has done.
The importance of health to the economy is clearly stated in the Lisbon Strategy.
This is the heterogenesis of purpose.
It is therefore advisable to coordinate the actions of the Union with those of other major powers such as the United States to avoid duplication of funding in the same areas or dispersal of financial resources, as has often happened in the past.
Madam President, I too would like to thank all the speakers who talked about financing instruments in general and about those relating to the report that I have submitted to you this morning in particular.
Finally, the second challenge is the challenge of effectiveness.
I should also like to express my warm thanks to the Commission, as it was proactive and admitted that the legislation on liability is not clear and that, quite simply, there are gaps between European and national legislation.
I will tell you what our objectives are in terms of external relations for all the summits that we are going to hold.
According to the text agreed between Parliament and the Council, before the end of 2020, all new buildings must have zero energy consumption, producing as much energy as they consume.
This was clear proof of discipline and rigour.
Do not worry comrades.
Another very important point, which has concerned me for many years, is additives.
This is the main challenge facing us.
There is often a lot of scope for foreign companies to get involved, which then maltreat and exploit the environment and their employees to ruination.
In other words, the European Union forced the privatisation of a sector that is strategic to economic development and is now trying to take steps to deal with the serious problems created by the economic groups that have taken over the sector.
The EU should focus its efforts specifically on women.
Although the world's eyes are on China because of the approaching Olympic Games, its government is now using harsh means to silence anyone who criticises its policies and to quash peaceful demonstrations.
I have also called for more open recruitment procedures.
We do not know whether it is lawful for the Member States to decide which services they would like to have under private or public control.
All EU Member States have ratified the Rome Statute.
Regrettably, that is what the motion for a resolution aims to achieve.
We need to grasp this reality and make it central to our approach to this strategic continent and our relationship with it.
While ambitions should be high, a fully open aviation area with India may take time to develop and may best be developed in stages to allow a smooth transition and market integration based on a gradual implementation of new rules on a level playing field.
However, if we can agree on this, then we will be on the right track.
The EU's responsibility is not to impose and/or increase taxes, but have the courage to face the market.
Therefore, Ms Thomsen's report will play a crucial role in the formulation of the Commission's proposal for promotion of the use of renewable energy that I intend to present to the College by the end of this year.
First of all, if Europe is what it is today, it is thanks to the men and women who have built it with us.
We need to hear stakeholders' opinions on which option is the most attractive for companies.
Nonetheless, it will also not be difficult to recognise that, as Qimonda is considered one of Portugal's main exporters and as it is also an essential part of the conversion of the economic fabric of the region, we cannot accept that only market forces should decide its future on their own.
I also propose to amend paragraph 8 linguistically because the term 'practitioner' is a bad translation; in French it is even 'médecin'.
Finally, I would like to once again apologise to my fellow MEPs from other Member States who are here, for wasting their time in this, unfortunately, very Bulgarian pre-election debate.
Changing the budgetary and therefore political priorities does not come under the management of current business.
Cooperation between Parliament and the Commission on the label has been extremely constructive over recent months and I am delighted that our approach coincided on numerous basic issues.
Perhaps it would be best if the Commission put people on bread and water.
The amendment would have been essential to understand the scale of the debate on lobbying, not just as a reminder to the Commission but also to a wider audience.
Most importantly, Europe must lead the Member States in a strategy comprising certain key ingredients: a decent level of continuing training, adequate welfare measures, quality services beginning with childcare services, and social security systems to support workers during periods of inactivity.
It should begin its work as soon as possible, to increase Europe's importance in the world.
The presence of Saudi and other Gulf forces in Bahrain was requested in the framework of that agreement and was provided for by more than one GCC Member State.
The fact that many projects do not go beyond the planning stage must be taken into account.
In my view the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights ought to be adopted without reservation, and also by my own country, Poland.
Commissioner Kovács insisted on the concept of centralised customs clearance insofar as the customs union constitutes a single unit.
This is in the common interest of all of us, and thankfully it is in the interest of the entire European Union.
I am grateful to the Members of the House for adopting my amendment, which points out that the interests of overseas communities lie at the heart of these preferential, reciprocal agreements with the ACP countries.
On the one hand, they must be able to develop quickly and to maintain their competitiveness, whilst on the other hand they must fulfil their social and regional responsibilities by anticipating changes, ensuring that the parties involved are properly informed as early as possible and, in particular, introducing mechanisms to prepare employees and regions for the foreseeable restructuring.
Written declarations for entry in the register (Rule 116): see Minutes
Not only are these people poorly paid, but they are also working without any social protection or health insurance and are under constant threat of expulsion from the country where they are staying.
I would like to thank the INTA draftsperson, Mr Kazak, for the constructive ideas presented by his Committee, and the contribution of the ITRE Committee, many of whose suggestions found their place in the report.
It did not mention the protection of workers.
I shall not repeat what many of you have already said.
Only then can we talk about more financial resources.
However, I must conclude by saying that there will surely be no need for a third relaunch.
This makes the clone susceptible to diseases and parasites.
This legislation is too complex for that.
However, as Mrs Gebhardt said in her speech, these rules for the liberalisation and development of the market also provide real guidance on safety, which is of great importance for construction sector workers, but also consumers.
The Gini coefficient is a good example of this type of criterion.
However, just two years into the five-year programme, only 18% of project funding has been spent because the local development companies who manage the projects have found themselves caught up in red tape and excessive bureaucracy.
On a personal level, I hold you in high esteem and I have read all your books.
Furthermore, in view of the positive progress that the Council has already made, support for this report would throw a spanner in the works with regard to the Council's work.
They comply with the following: they comply with the data protection requirements, they comply with the Schengen Information System (SIS), they comply with police cooperation, they comply with the issue of visas and they comply with the control of external borders by air, sea and land.
The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs has produced a balanced document on this subject.
As far as my own report is concerned, I would like to say the following: the existing Dublin Regulation is also the product of a fragile political compromise reached in the Council.
I note with satisfaction that the resolution proposed by Parliament on the review of the Rome Statute requires the crime of aggression to be officially included as a war crime and that no jurisdictional filter will be necessary to determine whether such a crime has been committed.
These causes, which are rooted in the capitalist relations of production, cannot be eliminated as long as these relations exist.
Mr President, tragic information about the disastrous earthquake in Haiti reaches us every day.
I ask the Sittings Service to make the necessary corrections in the Minutes - if the plenary will support me.
Over the last few years, it has become crystal clear that what Member States need is a carrot-and-stick approach.
(The President cut off the speaker.)
We have been pioneers when integrating that principle into our proposals for a fairer and more sustainable development, not only economic, but also social and environmental, knowing that we are strengthening international security in the process.
They are wrong.
We should take forward these measures, for they said that they were facing very directly what the consequences would be, in so far as climate change will not stop.
It is part of a general solution introducing common rules for all Member States on every type of aeroplane that enters the European Common Aviation Area without a flight plan.
The next steps, after an initial decision from the Council, should then be taken by Parliament.
This programme promotes excellence and the equal representation of the sexes and also enables people with special needs to participate on an equal footing.
Collective bargaining and the role of the trade unions are severely weakened in this new model.
The package indicates a forward step, but only a small one, because it is only natural for Governments not to relinquish protecting their citizens - Mrs Hedh summed it up exactly - for as long as firstly, there are Governments which fail to establish the highest level of control, and secondly, there is no control system operated by the European Union.
We have had considerable quantitative success.
I therefore voted in favour of the report.
Additionally, I think that micro-credit should be targeted mainly at projects in the less-developed European regions in the same way as cohesion policy, and also towards disadvantaged groups of citizens or highly innovative projects, in accordance with Lisbon strategy objectives.
The role of the High Representative, according to Article 18, is to conduct the European Union's common foreign and security policy, as mandated by the Council.
It is crucial that we launch this legislative instrument, which is essential for adaptation and, in particular, for tackling the risk of deterioration and desertification.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, I think this has indeed been a very constructive debate.
The more warranted criticism, in my view, relates to the percentage of women, which is very low.
It is the first step towards the regulation of data exchanges for legal purposes within the framework of the European Union, the application of which can be controlled much more effectively than within the Council of Europe.
The customs services are therefore responsible for maintaining the smooth flow of trade and the controls that are needed to provide for this, while at the same time ensuring that the safety and security of EU citizens is protected.
I do not think so.
I would like to draw your attention to two problems.
My abstention backs Parliament's stance, which is critical of the position of governments that seek greater European powers with less money, but does not endorse poor agreements or a mediocre budget.
The European Union must have a clear objective in relation to these issues, namely, to make finance less dependent on ratings.
The prompt definition of adaptation measures for agricultural activity, water resource management, land-use planning and public health forms part of a desirable attitude towards defining Community-level environmental policies.
The construction and transport sectors feature among the large consumers of energy and may accelerate the implementation of state-of-the-art technological systems.
in writing. - (FI) I want to say how satisfied I am with what we have achieved today with regard to the regulation on cosmetic products.
We need to make stronger efforts to set up a tangible common energy policy.
Do we need to change existing structures?
The agreement being discussed today is more than welcome as a means of accelerating economic cooperation between the EU and this country.
We should try to find a reasonable, pragmatic solution in the spirit of what you are always telling us you want also.
Instead, it is a natural result of the fact that the countries are different and public democratic elections have resulted in different political systems being voted through.
In order to increase the global competitiveness of the European Union, particular attention should be paid to small and medium-sized enterprises, providing them with the required assistance and financial support.
It is certainly not restrictions and bans that will help strengthen the Schengen area and establish stability in it.
in writing. - On 9 November 2009, the report on the request for the defence of the immunity and privileges of Tobias Pflüger was voted and adopted in the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) in the European Parliament.
It is important that every government makes significant national pledges to improve our competitive position.
We agree with the creation of a strategy for the Danube Region, based on an earlier consultation and cooperation between the countries and regions that are located along its course.
We would stress the need for measures which value work, which give priority to employment with rights and a fair distribution of wealth, which help to overcome pay differences and stereotypes linked to certain tasks and business sectors that discriminate against women, and which value the professions and activities in which women predominate.
The budgetary framework is very tight, and the Commission's lack of initiative has led the European Parliament to create new PPs and APs that will underpin future innovations.
However, problems of its implementation have dragged on for far too long and in my opinion this needs to be resolved as soon as possible.
First and foremost, however, the increasing pressure to perform which characterises the contemporary workplace creates not only physical problems but psychological problems too.
Citizens must be able to move freely and to make full use of their rights in this area without internal borders.
We have also advocated it whenever we encountered antagonism at home.
In principle, anything that does not directly disrupt our work does not have to be banned, but if the House thinks that these placards are disrupting the work...
This is what I wish to address.
What we are talking about now seems very strange to me.
Dates for next sittings: see Minutes
The question of values was raised.
So we see that if we proceed on a particular course with profound faith and conviction, then those impossible things become possible.
It calls on the Member States to better implement the 2002 framework directive, in particular, by:
Defending every country's right to produce in a sustainable way has been necessary for the future, in the name of a new economic, social, energy-oriented and environmental rationality that the neoliberal model not only fails to deliver but even renders impossible.
I can tell you, Mr Gargani, that I have commissioned a comparative study for the 12 new Member States to ascertain whether the legislation, not just Polish legislation, but the legislation of the 11 Member States which acceded to the European Union between 2004 and 2007, whether the national legislation in those Member States complies with the provisions of the European Act of 1976.
(EL) Mr President, for some months now, we have been talking about the need to strike the right balance between maintaining security and defending citizens' personal rights, emphasising that citizens must be at the epicentre of the Stockholm Programme.
Talking about women is important but letting them talk is even more important in order to improve the political climate, peace processes and to reduce corruption all over the world.
Agenda of the next sitting : see Minutes
The decision to open borders to these Member States will provide improved freedom of movement and, on a more practical level, will enable Bulgarians and Romanians to feel more integrated with a Union of which they are fully-fledged members.
So no, 2010 was a very hot year, climate change is real and the measures we are taking are good for the economy.
Therefore, it was no wonder that in the 1970s the rest of the world was very critical of suggestions that Europe was going to undertake such a venture.
We ought instead to be worrying about the fact that the anti-discrimination directive we have today is being changed and watching to see how it pans out.
It can be said that the policy is a list of successes - different kinds of success - because it is not possible to say in a word what has been achieved in those years by Moldova in comparison with Ukraine and, for example, with the tragic situation in Belarus.
Commissioner, I would be interested to know how the Commission is attempting to confront these issues in the long term.
This risk remains as the agreement between Ukraine and Russia is a one-time agreement and the situation will undoubtedly be repeated.
President-in-Office of the Council. - Let me react to Mrs Harkin's question.
Like her, I too observed that, earlier, a majority in Parliament voted to defer the vote for the reasons she raised.
We know that the cause of this is some financial instability coming from the other side of the Atlantic.
The population has very high hopes here, particularly in the 'live a long and healthy life' sector. Do you too see totally new opportunities here in the medical sector for being able to live a long and healthy life?
The report before us on EU security and defence policy is a manifesto for EU military integration, deliberately confusing military and civil crisis management in order to justify an EU role.
There is a probability that Malta has fossil-fuel reserves beneath its seabed.
However, I feel the situation clearly demonstrates the dire straits of the agriculture industry, certainly in my region, if farmers have to queue for days outside, during winter months, in an attempt to secure modest sums of EU funding.
We have to ask: who does the EU represent if it is not the Member States?
Incorporating bluefin tuna into Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) would ban international trade without solving the underlying problems.
Today, more than ever, the European single market needs regulatory instruments that will establish uniform controls on the safety of goods sold in our countries.
However, in the issues that emerge in impact studies, we have the criteria used in those IAs.
In order to provide better support for the different types of wines, not only traditional types but also those referred to in the present report, we need however simple, flexible regulations which comply with European principles for promoting quality.
I say so again today.
We are convinced that free trade and the market economy benefit economic development and we are therefore, in principle, opposed to financial assistance for countries or regions.
I welcome the report's positive comments about the improvement in cross-straits relations.
Finland outside NATO is in good company with Sweden, Austria and Switzerland.
The importance of this issue was outlined.
The Commission is currently opening investigations into the British, French and Belgian postal providers as well, since these postal markets will be liberalised this year.
Srebrenica's future can be best secured through economic development and job creation to improve economic and social conditions of the population of the Srebrinica region.
Some political figures and specialists have raised the possibility of achieving an agreement between the Member States which would combine the monitoring of the Union's external borders with a new 'revolving door' immigration policy to allow legally established immigrants in the Union to return to their countries of origin without fear of encountering a closed door when returning to the EU.
I also have a question: you, Commissioner, promised Latvian farmers that direct payments would be evened out with this budget.
Finally, the proposal for coordination between the European agencies responsible for maritime surveillance would discourage and prevent attacks on European vessels and at the same time combat illegal activities such as smuggling, drug and human trafficking, thereby rendering international waters decidedly safer.
Already in Greece, the debate by distinguished economists at international level and the markets has taken off again.
The current system of domain names and registrations works brilliantly.
It is intended to avoid toxic waste once this equipment is thrown away, to ensure that Europe's unwanted mobile phones, computers and fridges do not damage the environment or human health by the seepage of chemicals in landfills or by giving off toxic fumes at incineration.
We do, however, live in exceptional times.
in writing. - (RO) The beginning of the new 3-year cycle of the Lisbon strategy was a central part of this European summit.
This is a good example of how cooperation between the Council, the Commission and Parliament can help countries to overcome their problems.
The no-fly zone must be implemented urgently and we should use all other possible means to assist the pro-democratic Libyans to defeat the forces who, through bribery, intimidation and tribal manipulation, are still supporting Gaddafi.
In that spirit, ladies and gentlemen, I ask for your confidence and support to enable us to carry out that process.
I would now like to move on to three points with which I believe the Commission should move forward.
Madam President, grinding, mixing, cheating - these are the three buzzwords of the feed industry in Germany.
The backbone of any democratic polity: a well-functioning - and I stress well-functioning - civil society is essentially absent in all of our eastern neighbours.
Subject: Taking account of biodiversity in the reform of the CAP
(Parliament agreed to accept the oral amendment)
As is well known, there were several spillages of fuel and oil from the vessel between August 2007 and February 2008.
Mr Reul's report is extremely important in the context of the current economic crisis and the challenges linked to climate change.
The failure today inside and outside the EU to comply with basic international social standards constitutes a form of social and environmental dumping detrimental to European enterprises and workers.
This undermines consumers' confidence and can sometimes put lives at risk, particularly when it comes to children, who are extremely reliant on the products sold in shops being safe to use.
It is interfering with our work as parliamentarians.
Unfortunately, I have to say that, today, we are also facing a problem which is seen so often in Europe, namely that ideology and politics are more important than the economy.
When we draw up the balance sheets to see which countries of Europe have got into difficulties there is no need to defame anyone; it is easy to see.
The entire statute book serves no purpose if consumers cannot assert their enshrined rights, be it because there is a cross-border dimension which makes the law very difficult to enforce or because there are many small claims for minor losses, although these can certainly suck people dry over time.
We should only be afraid that the ECI is used not in the spirit of the Treaty, not for its intended purpose but abusively or not at all.
The radio spectrum is a natural and hence a public resource.
So several of my amendments aim to be more forward-looking, highlighting the advantages and benefits, alongside the need for further adaptation, both to the standards themselves and the IASB that oversees them.
The Commission's effort to adopt a multi-year approach towards the strategy for preserving fish stocks and to place greater emphasis on finding an appropriate compromise between fishing and the environment is particularly valuable.
Therefore, it calls explicitly for a new strategy from the international community with a focus on civil reconstruction.
I would like to emphasise the fact that you are doing an excellent job and we will continue to give you an occasional nudge, perhaps a little roughly, in the right direction.
In my group, there is one Member, Mr Miguel Angel Martínez Martínez, who was subjected to torture in Spain because of his opposition to the Franco regime.
In line with the European Council conclusions, most of these policies focus on vulnerable households.
The European Neighbourhood Policy of the future must be founded on cross-border relations between people; this particularly applies to the Eastern Dimension, as the countries involved in the Eastern Partnership also have the prospect of obtaining candidate status.
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This contribution should also enable it to increase its capacity, particularly in the field, to hire more scientists and to fund more equipment as necessary.
It must also have instruments available to allow necessary projects to be undertaken which would otherwise gain no financial backing from commercial banks, and which would find it very difficult to obtain funding on favourable terms elsewhere.
9.
I would also like to thank Commissioner Barrot for his fundamental role in achieving a step along the path towards improving the efficiency of rail transport in Europe.
I am talking very specifically about the Europe 2020 strategy.
As regards stress tests, I would simply point out that now, based on the current regulation, there is a voluntary option for these.
rapporteur. - Mr President, thank you firstly for your tolerance and for your presence.
That is absolutely essential.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is really not that far behind Serbia in complying with the criteria.
3.
I am grateful for the privilege to address this august institution, the embodiment of Europe's rich cultural diversity and its democratic political culture and institutions.
EUFOR, of course, is an essential contribution by the EU to the protection of the civil population in eastern Chad and to regional stabilisation.
The reasons why the Council has blocked reform of the Solidarity Fund, given its inability to reach agreement on a common position that would allow the legislative process to continue, should be spelt out.
All Europeans, as well as the European institutions, should feel satisfied about all this.
We need someone in this position who understands the significance of the present crisis.
In 1918, the Romanian National Assembly held in Gyulafehérvár proclaimed the right of the Hungarian minority of Transylvania to self-government following the annexation of Transylvania to Romania.
The proposal follows the principle of diversity.
Greater assistance will be required from the EU, focused on institution building through reform of the police and the judiciary and guaranteeing media freedoms and plurality.
(ES) Mr President, by congratulating the rapporteur, Mr Cornillet, and also the Commissioner for his proposal and his speech, and echoing the words of my group spokesman, Mr Hutchinson, at this time of night, I am wrapping up my speech and donating the minute saved to you, Commissioner.
67% of European citizens feel that job losses are their main concern.
We were thinking of introducing a pilot project and putting aside a bit of money, under the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, to run this and to finance the impact assessment from EU funds.
It would be more appropriate that we in the European Union set ourselves limits - over and above the Treaty and its detailed provisions - and make decisions in Europe which manifestly need to be taken at European level.
That is why the Commission is proposing that the experts from the Member States be fully involved in planning the visits, the in situ visits, and in drafting the evaluation and follow-up reports.
Written Statements (Article 142)
Certainly there is still a great deal to be done to combat the harmful environmental and health effects of pesticides.
Thank you for your answer.
Whilst cohesion policy plays an essential role in efforts to combat the economic crisis and climate change, the Council had proposed substantially reducing the payment appropriations allocated to it in 2010.
Can we do more?
We all know that the credit crunch has had a direct impact on strategic projects.
This is the case with student mobility, the cornerstone of a richer and more competitive education and an essential contribution towards developing the concept of European citizenship.
This is why I believe that it is our duty to encourage interethnic dialogue.
This, I think, is a great challenge, because we all know that the education institutions in our own countries have in many cases developed as a result of traditions going back a long time.
However, I would rather have seen the social dimension given a more prominent role in relation to energy prices, food prices and local involvement, but these are just some of the areas that we will be working on further in Parliament.
I believe that we can manage this globalisation not by force but with inspiration.
This is therefore an ambitious but flexible model, in that it attempts to meet the targets for reducing polluting emissions while, at the same time, allowing undertakings in the automotive sector to gradually adapt.
Legal immigration and illegal immigration are two sides of the same coin and it is not possible to combat illegal immigration without at the same time establishing channels for legalised immigration into Europe.
The proposal to fund a study on means of preventing waste is totally inadequate in this regard.
We must establish an ambitious electrical and electronic waste management system which involves at the same time public authorities, manufacturers and consumers, all of whom must be reminded of their responsibilities.
However, there may be specific medical needs.
It is especially important now, when, since the relaxation of the visa regulations for the Balkans, there is a real threat of a wave of immigration, when, within seven weeks, almost 150 000 people from Macedonia have made use of their new freedom to travel and, according to estimates, almost two thirds of them will probably not make the homeward journey, to whip the enforcement of the visa regulations into shape.
Let me repeat that the Lisbon Treaty should be put to a referendum.
Furthermore, in some Member States, minimum income schemes do not meet the relative poverty threshold.
The EU's involvement should therefore be reconsidered without delay.
Responsibility is still the best guardian of security.
I look forward to hearing about improving Europe's competitiveness, about progress towards Europe's ambitious goals for tackling climate change and about Europe's commitment to working with the developing nations to alleviate poverty.
Homes, churches and monasteries in Christian communities are being ransacked and destroyed.
If that becomes a reality, you will be able to count on the full support of our group.
Of course we must patrol Europe's borders.
We need to make sure that there are adequate transition periods for small and medium-sized enterprises because, quite frankly, apart from some mining enterprises in Papua New Guinea, they are all small and medium-sized enterprises.
This proposal for a regulation provides only for the collection and compilation of data regarding air emissions, environmental taxes applicable to economic sectors, and economic material flow accounting.
More than 70% of young Internet users have accessed pornographic or erotic material, and more than half of them have viewed cruel and violent scenes.
For them to become integrated effectively, apart from the issue of education, their living conditions also need to be improved and they must be actively included in the labour market.
- Report: Herbert Bösch
This is an important moral issue.
However, as always we find the same shortcomings just beneath the surface.
The Council's budget only partly concerns administration, as a large share of the funds go on operations, such as the Common Foreign and Security Policy.
We really must carry out research to find the necessary technology, because today, it is only a visible observation by the police, who then send people for medical testing, and only then can it become clear that there is a problem.
Will you tell us please, Commissioner, that you will insist on precise commitments in an EPA to development programmes and that trade liberalisation has to be linked to development benchmarks?
You are on the right track.
But we cannot ignore the reality of coal.
The contribution of air transport to global emissions of greenhouse gases is equivalent to the total emissions of the UK or Canada.
Congratulations, therefore, and good night.
Unfortunately, this is not the case with the citizens of most of the new Member States, including Bulgaria and Romania, who are facing restrictions.
The Treaty of Lisbon ensures not only that Parliament will be listened to with regard to international treaties, but also that it has to agree to them.
Madam President, allow me to thank all my colleagues for their contributions and to request the adoption of a report by means of which the Committee on Fisheries wishes to call on the European Commission first to clear up all these uncertainties before forcing the introduction of a type of model for some species of great economic importance whose effectiveness is, for many fisheries, scientifically and economically questionable.
Montenegro is a major hope for the process of European Union enlargement across the Western Balkans.
One is to provide assistance following the misfortune that has recently befallen it. We cannot react otherwise.
On the basis of this wealth it is entirely possible to build a decent life for all the people of Nigeria and on that basis also overcome the communal divisions.
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Member of the Commission. - We are aware that the Commission is not a price setter.
in writing. - I supported this report which puts forward proposals to tackle violence against women across Europe and calls for all Member States to prioritise this issue.
Our conflict has done nothing to harden feelings between our two peoples; I want to tell the Russian people that they will always be welcome in Georgia as partners, tourists, students, businessmen, journalists or simply as friends - but not as occupation forces.
We have therefore abstained in the final vote.
I therefore propose to you that the debate this evening be included as the last item, and the vote will take place tomorrow at 12 noon.
It is defamatory towards these people.
Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the Internet service SOLVIT has been in operation for eight years now and has succeeded in resolving 83% of complaints from citizens and enterprises caused by the incorrect application of European law in the Member States, and it has managed to do this within 10 days.
2.
Fifthly, Parliament will produce a separate report assessing the potential utility of a European legal framework for hedge funds and private equity.
Lastly, there is a series of interrelated matters.
in writing. - There is not much to say on this report that is not self explanatory.
Are these real errors?
A hearing with EMEA has been scheduled to this effect for mid-July.
One of the main criteria for evaluating the degree of civilisation of a country is the way it treats its youngest members, its children; the Member States of the European Union and all of us Europeans aspire to lead the world in terms of the way we treat children and the opportunities we offer them.
As has rightly been pointed out, timber and fish are two key products for the economic and social development of West Africa.
The Services Directive also imposes a series of clear obligations on the service provider, including ones related to conflict resolution.
The second concept is that humanity is itself the guarantee of dignity, and therefore nobody may be treated in an undignified manner, not even the worst of criminals.
It is undoubtedly essential that, by way of an authorisation process, the Member States' existing BITs remain in place and that, under clear conditions, Member States be allowed to renegotiate existing BITs, finalise pending ones, and enter into negotiations for new ones.
Certainly, Commissioner, stepping up work with our trading partners is one measure.
The report provides an important instrument for financing and implementing projects in the energy sector that will aid economic recovery at difficult times and help to complete the internal energy market and attain the climate and energy targets set by the European Union for 2020.
That is what the Iraqi delegation which was here this week also confirmed to us, while assuring us that the Iraqi constitution binds the Government of Iraq to fully respect the human rights of the residents of Camp Ashraf, who, with the help of UNHCR and ICRC, wish to leave for Iran or any other destination, or wish to stay as political refugees abiding by the laws of Iraq.
Safeguarding enhanced protection for geographical indications within the framework of bilateral trade agreements and the WTO is of primary importance.
So I would urge the European Commission to take a different approach which combines competition policy, consumer protection and the protection of personal data or privacy into a single whole.
What does a rapporteur do when everything I and the different committees requested is there, although perhaps not in the form we want?
This is why, by adopting Act no 263/2010, Romania has introduced a series of major reforms which will ensure the sustainability of the public pension system in the medium and long term.
Right now, we are debating the future of the common agricultural policy and we are asking that policy to deliver more for Europe in terms of environmental issues, food security and the territorial dimension, and yet all of the debate thus far has been about how can we shrink the agriculture budget.
However, unfortunately, she is mistaken in saying we are unanimous on this.
Where would we be in Ireland today if the euro and the European Central Bank were not in place?
I therefore think that the tourism statistics are necessary and also relevant in terms of assessing the social aspect of this sector.
In France, as Mrs Lepage pointed out, eight licences were signed without any debate, without any consultation, without any impact assessment.
As it is impossible to mention all the aspects raised in the report, we welcome the adoption of our amendment that 'points out that the impact of small-scale fishing on discards is minimal, and therefore calls for greater Community support for the promotion and development of small-scale inshore and artisanal fishing'.
Indeed, we marked its anniversary only four days ago when we celebrated International Civil Aviation Day.
I believe that global trade has been beneficial to the world economy, but at the same time I acknowledge that more needs to be done, especially in the transport sector, to reduce harmful emissions.
If there is one African country that has made considerable efforts to try to resolve this question in everyone's best interests it is South Africa.
On economic, social and environmental issues, the European Council will review the work that has been done in the relevant areas with a view to the preparation of the next cycle of the Renewed Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs, to be approved at the European Council in Spring 2008.
Not a single Member State of the European Union has voted in favour of adopting the Goldstone report as part of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
My plea to Israel is: For goodness' sake, you are not winning friends by doing this.
I will now listen carefully to the comments from the various speakers.
It has to be possible for every European Union citizen to live and work in surroundings that are free from tobacco smoke. This must be emphasised particularly in connection with public institutions and premises.
We must now ensure that the implementation of this directive is overseen properly and that it yields real healthcare results for patients in Europe.
I wish to give the following explanation of vote on behalf of the Christian Social Union of Bavaria (CSU) delegation in the European Parliament.
In his interview for Die Welt Söder demanded that an investigation be carried out and the EU funds be stopped for Bulgaria.
In the opinion of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, democracy and the role of Parliament are being undermined.
The fight against the violation of human rights is the main goal of the EU and its institutions.
The German Presidency had set three objectives - the 'triple 20' - and, at its heart, the agreement that we sealed at the European Council, and that I hope will be adopted by the European Parliament tomorrow, meets the objectives you set yourselves.
The Commission is also committed to protecting privacy and the personal data of citizens.
The far-reaching effects of globalisation are resulting in more and more people losing their jobs.
Governments propped up their postal provider just before entering the private market.
This is the procedure applied by the US and other countries which have managed to deal with volcanic eruptions without major disruptions to air traffic.
For the sixth day yesterday, millions of people marched throughout France, with the backing of 70% of the population.
in writing. - (NL) The Dutch People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) delegation in the European Parliament voted in favour of the Siekierski report, as we support food distribution to the poorest population groups in the EU.
The next item is the report by Jan Andersson, on behalf of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, on challenges to collective agreements in the EU.
It is an appeal to citizens, because European civic identity develops when it is put into practice; not simply when a right is obtained, but when that right is put into practice and exercised.
In our thoughts, we are with the people who are working day and night in the nuclear reactors at Fukushima in order to prevent a nuclear disaster.
The European Parliament cannot agree with the use of capital punishment, and Belarus is the only country in Europe which applies this kind of penalty.
I believe we could have reached agreement there.
With this debate and the vote which will follow, we will conclude a task and a period of negotiations in the working group chaired by Mrs Wallis and composed of fellow Members from all political groups, as well as a Commission delegation led by Mr Šefčovič, which has resulted in the drafting of an agreement for the establishment of a common Transparency Register.
I am, however, dissatisfied with certain elements and I would like to say a few words in that regard.
The decline in the number of colonies is therefore regrettable, and we need scientific data to enable us to understand the mechanisms that help the spread of this species and develop ways of ensuring its preservation.
I believe that the transparency register will also contribute towards the greater credibility of the political environment.
The passage of time has not yet resolved these conflicts and neither has it healed wounds between the three nations that make up Bosnia Herzegovina.
How can we have free and fair elections when print and electronic media are censored, other civil rights and liberties suspended and the independence of the judiciary has been undermined?
The aviation markets of the European Union and the United States, taken together, account for around 60% of world air traffic.
I agree with you about the support and the issues of debt.
You have not given me an answer to match the consequences of these accidents and the problems created in addition to the tragic effects on human lives.
There are many countries among the Member States of the European Union, including my homeland, Hungary, which would like to play an active role, as full and equal members, in cooperating on European security and defence policy.
Hungary and Budapest, the city selected as the centre of the institution, have a great tradition in the field of scientific research.
We were elected to defend the interests of European citizens, to defend our peoples' interests and to ensure that money reaches the people, not the bureaucrats.
Thus we have not only made it possible to process visa applications quickly but also ensured that security screening prevents abuses.
Professional users will only be granted authorisation after they have completed a training course.
It is true that a week after the elections, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi, was released. However, nothing suggests that the same fate will meet the other political prisoners in the country, numbering over two thousand.
Do not complain that the Union...
Today we are adding even more pages by incorporating Regulation (EC) No 479/2008 on the common organisation of the market in wine.
This negotiation was launched on the basis of evidence that we could achieve those things if we were willing to be ambitious.
Recital F of the report makes reference to the European External Action Service, which is likely to cost more money.
In connection with this, I would again like to draw the attention of my fellow Members to the fact that so many of the gypsy settlements in Europe are still targets for extremist forces, even today.
Worse still, you are now so fearful of public opinion - you know that you are losing the argument - that you have sunk to abuse.

The European Union as a whole is and remains the main producer of food.
That is fundamental for any open and democratic society and it is fundamental also to further discuss such sensitive issues as the Armenian issue, the Kurdish question or the Cyprus problem.
Also, we need a disaster management fund.
It is therefore hardly surprising that no precise figure appears in the text numbering forty or so articles, not even the USD 44 billion that the FAO says are needed annually in order to sustain the agricultural systems of the poorest countries.
(BG) The condition of dairy production in Bulgaria is an example that there is something wrong in the economic system of the European Union.
Secondly, a clause on the legally binding force of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and a clause on the accession of the European Union to the European Convention on Human Rights of 1950 have been included in the Reform Treaty.
The battle for hearts and minds requires us to avoid demonising whole communities of religious believers.
(ES) Mr President, Commissioner, on behalf of the Committee on International Trade, I should like to thank Mrs De Sarnez for the way she has worked with us.
Quarterly data on job vacancies is the only one of those indicators for which a legal basis has not yet been developed.
in writing. - (PT) The common fisheries policy (CFP) groups together a series of measures designed by the European Union to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the European fisheries sector.
This proposal was tabled by the Commission in June 2007 using the same legal base as the act it was supposed to amend, i.e. Articles 63(3)(a) and 63(4) of the EC Treaty.
The first aim is to recover from the crisis.
Sam Rainsy, the opposition leader in Cambodia, has been subjected to serious persecution.
(Applause)
The very poorest countries have the right to fair access to our market and the stopping of unfair competition on their markets.
We must ensure this, and I can assure you that, together, the European delegation will do whatever we can to achieve this, and we will do so in such a way that the world can hear that we are speaking with a now famous 'one voice'.
The rules on which Parliament is about to vote will permit a wider use of by-products of animal origin, which currently cannot be put to any good use, but does so while ensuring appropriate safety conditions.
Take my own country, Germany, for example: the individual Federal Länder are currently transposing this directive.
The absolute is what we all understand as support for the poorest regions, but the relative dimension, within individual states, is equally important.
And to add to this we have the June elections to the European Parliament and the latest military conflict in the Gaza strip.
Millions of people who work in family businesses will at last gain the ability to benefit from voluntary social protection based on affiliation to a system of social insurance, without which they have been in a worse situation.
It stands to reason that the governments of individual countries and also the European Union should endeavour to support these areas of manufacture, in the hope that it might be possible to exploit the cutting edge solutions discovered across the economy as a whole.
It is in this spirit that I invite you to undertake the tasks that await us, in a spirit of comradeship'.
The objectives are well known: it is up to Montenegro to meet the required priorities and, once ready, to engage in the negotiation process.
Moreover, I agree on the need for the agency to put in place more precise mechanisms for setting its objectives and for evaluating the results.
Madam President, could I have assurances from Commissioner McCreevy that the single set of global accounting standards - with the consequent drive for increased standardisation of procedures - will in no way increase the justification, or even the requirement, for an EU common consolidated corporation tax base?
I would point out that, just a few days ago, when I was on a mission to Tunisia with Mr Panzeri, the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Maghreb countries, we noted that the provisional government is introducing profound changes to the legal system and to the laws governing this subject as a whole.
We need to have the courage to say this to our fellow citizens.
That is why I would like this new directive to give me real freedom of choice as a consumer.
In addition, the Regulation provides that when Member States pass a decision on maintenance obligations, such a decision will be binding in all Member States.
Then perhaps you would see the change and the challenges being experienced in Tunisia, and you would be able to monitor the situation and be their champion in the Commission.
In this context, the treatment of small and medium-sized enterprises is especially important.
We are, therefore, also of the opinion that a substantial reassessment of the budget is absolutely necessary, along with an immediate review of the maximum limits of the current MFF.
This and the strategy for the Baltic region will function as pilot projects and will provide best methods and mechanisms for their application to other 'macro-regions'.
There are many issues of interest at global level.
However, the Commission cannot justify the priority given to only one area proposed in Amendments 37-41 and therefore cannot accept those amendments.
The new challenges of climate change, water management, renewable energies and biodiversity were not fully taken on board at the time of the CAP health check.
A 16% increase in the number of officials for some years, as in the EU, would never be authorised; nor would an increase in pension costs of more than 10% in one year.
The initiative for this to be done came from Hungarian MEPs, myself among them.
There have been long and difficult discussions during the trialogue which the rapporteur has steered with great dedication and skill, and I thank her for that.
All the Schengen acquis conditions have been met.
My question is whether the Council would like to respond to those amendments.
How do we otherwise intend to speak about democracy in the Mediterranean with any credibility if we do not implement it ourselves in Europe?
We considered this with regard to human medicine.
Another thing which has been overlooked, Mr President - and which is perhaps our greatest failure of all - is the matter of marketing.
Helping them to get to safety, mostly in Egypt, has also been a priority.
For that reason, my party supports the continuation of this dialogue.
The internal market represents a huge opportunity for all of us.
The Treaty of Lisbon gives Parliament new budgetary powers and new ways of working and Mrs Guy-Quint's report provides the forthcoming Parliament with an excellent basis for this work.
We want simplified rules, not only in words, but also in deeds.
My apologies to whomever has to come up with an interpretation of that at this late an hour but, although we in the Netherlands have hardly any monks left these days, we still use that proverb when we want to say that you have to apply the same standards in equivalent situations.
However, if we do not have a strong EU agency, these regional markets will be a regulatory no-man's-land: E.ON, RWE and EDF are too big for a regional market - France, Germany and the Benelux countries.
There are important lessons to be learned in this regard.
However, the time has come for them to be coordinated at EU level, for example in relation to the functioning of the internal market and the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact.
High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy. - (ES) Mr President, as quickly as possible and given that the contributions of the various speakers have, in general terms, been along the same lines, allow me to mention to the House three or four issues that come to mind having heard the speeches.
There is a general agreement that the economic crisis was a logical outcome of a widespread crisis of values.
I tabled amendments on strengthening equality bodies, which already exist.
I ask Parliament and President Hans-Gert Pöttering to keep a close eye on further developments concerning the referendum in Romania, and to extend protection to the local governments that are under threat from the authorities.
This criterion is used whenever it is shown that the damage caused has affected the majority of the region's population and that it has had serious and lasting repercussions on living conditions and economic stability in the region in question.
A week ago the Commission announced a proposal to take cash away from administrative bureaucracy and to support agriculture, wine and potatoes if you like, and to put it into innovation.
You show that even in the dark days of recession, one can dream of Utopia.
Either is preferable to an institutional life, provided, of course, that there is no corruption or exploitation involved.
Space has, from now on, multiplied its spheres of action and application.
I consider it necessary that Member States prepare further coordinated strategies and methods, and implement them effectively in practice, and also that they provide real political support.
(PT) Mr President, Commissioner, I must firstly congratulate the rapporteur and the shadow rapporteur of my Group, Mr Guellec and Mrs García, on the quality of the report and their openness to dialogue on cohesion.
I welcome the proposed Small Businesses Act and I trust that we will move beyond the stage of ideas so that in the European elections we will be able to say to the European citizens that we have fulfilled our objective of achieving a more effective and secure economic area.
This kind of provision was exceptionally useful as a stick for beating not only individuals but also, and above all, the press.
Trafficking in human beings is going on in all countries in Europe and the human traffickers move their victims across national borders every day.
Mr President, it has always been economic nonsense for a number of differently performing economies to share the same interest and exchange rates.
It is also very important that the interests of investors and of transparency should be considered too.
How is it possible that in a united Europe, there are cases like this?
So, as well as looking at racism and xenophobia, is the Commission focused on how it deals with the abuse of the Internet by terrorist parasites?
Madam President, the closing of European airspace was doubtless a necessary preventive measure in the interests of safety.
Preparation of the informal summit of heads of state and government (Lisbon, 18/19 October 2007)
Mr President, I would like to thank Mr Cadec warmly for such a bold report, which is of extreme importance to the common fisheries policy currently being constructed.
9.
I shall make it clear now that nobody is interested in regulating the internet.
It is our ambition to continue this work at the seventh and eighth working sessions.
It is, I believe, supposed to end next March.
I think it is a disgrace that the European Parliament adopted this report, albeit by a narrow majority, because this was a very biased move, and it has to be said that there was a considerable amount of internal disagreement in this House.
We too will insist on Amendment 14, concerning Article 6, because we believe that to make optional for the assisting spouse or life partner that which is, however, obligatory for the main worker is to lower protection and to open the door to conditions that undermine the Commission's aims.
In a week where we started with only three women in the Commission, we finish with nine.
We should also ensure that the burden of rebalancing global growth is shared by all G20 members.
Should we not be implementing this process through work in the field of culture?
In the Netherlands this is used to buy nature areas.
She cannot be here today. She arranged everything together with you, and was also completely satisfied.
People can come in here and speak at all sorts of great length.
Many people also believe that it is possible to play off Europe and democracy against one another.
We are fully aware of the appeal made in Parliament to the European Union to deploy a military mission in this region of the Republic of Congo.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I could have limited my speech to simply recalling the images of this summer in Russia or southern Asia, to reminding you of the absolutely urgent need to combat climate change and, since we are talking about Europe, to move immediately, or as soon as we possibly can, to a target of 30% by 2020 for greenhouse gas emissions.
Without trying to underestimate the environmental issue, this does not seem to me to be the time to burden European companies with another charge.
Undoubtedly, of course, there are possibilities for the EU itself because questions which relate to migrant workers also relate to their social security, the transfer of social contributions and a range of other issues.
Efficiency of the European agencies linked to employment, working conditions and training (debate)
Some 25 million people in the European Union are unemployed.
Russia - disregarding Georgia's territorial integrity - wants to bring the two breakaway regions of Georgia gradually under its control.
I come from an outermost region which currently has a level of energy self-sufficiency of around 27%, and which aims to achieve a figure of 75% by 2012.
Finally, there is the question of taking a credible, firm stance on unlawful conduct.
That is because we have had to balance many different things here in this package: classification societies have had to be brought together with marine equipment; all interests have had to be put clearly on the table; and, above all, Parliament has had to show leadership.
Meanwhile, closed-minded protectionism should be left to fall by the wayside.
From an economic perspective, it is, of course, a disaster for an industry which is now suffering its third crisis, following 11 September and the economic crisis.
Therefore, providing drinking water is of the utmost necessity.
This directive will thus help protect Dutch consumers and improve the internal market, and the PVV is fully in favour of that.
(BG) I should like to draw your attention to the problem of the renewed schism in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
I agree with and support the measures which you are proposing because, being aware of how important trade is in the current economic crisis, we need to realise how important the measures are which we need to take to protect jobs.
All of these will be crucial factors in whether or not the elections can be counted as a true record of the will of the people and whether or not Pakistan can start to emerge from the long shadow cast by that assassin's bullet on 27 December 2007.
For this reason too, on behalf of my group, I support the proposal that Mr Moreno has put to the Commission: let us try to design a Blue Card that is not linked solely to the 3% of highly qualified immigrants, but one that seeks to find specific legal instruments with which to open up the market to immigration.
Job vacancy figures are part of a series of major European economic indicators and they are needed for evaluation of prevailing conditions on the EU labour market and within the euro area under the EMU Action Plan.
Naturally it is related to the Baltic Sea, but it is not part of the strategy.
I agree that it is regrettable that considerable differences still remain in the application and enforcement of Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport.
States make a solemn, but usually unwritten, covenant with their troops to send them into battle and risk their lives, but only when the vital interests of the nation or nationals are at stake.
I believe that the European Commission should play a greater coordinating role in order to ensure the timely and safe closure of these nuclear reactors, to guarantee transparency as regards the use of funds, and to encourage these countries to develop alternative energy and create new jobs.
I think that cutting our budgets on education is a very short-sighted policy.
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I had the opportunity to experience the independence referendum in South Sudan as an electoral observer for Parliament and I was impressed by the major backing given by the South Sudanese people to the idea of deciding on the fate of their country themselves in future.
If anybody in the world - including the Chinese Government - has any doubt that you are a personality of dialogue, your speech today was the proof that you are a personality of dialogue.
Twenty years ago we could still laugh if someone bought a 'Rolex watch' for USD 10.
This means that in the future we have to be even more careful to ensure that the Ombudsman has sufficient resources and that the code of practice under which he operates is relevant to the current climate.
However, this report is very welcome.
The introduction of penalties for this kind of activity under the criminal law of all Member States is essential.
In my view he has put forward intelligent and realistic proposals about the need for the institutions representing the Union to be more proactive in this process of setting standards which are to be incorporated into the Community legal order, also concerning the internal operating rules of those private entities.
I deplore the fact that the conservative majority in the European Parliament has refused to face up to this state of affairs by rejecting an amendment which highlighted the European Parliament's concerns over the use of children for work, children who are frequently exploited in dangerous and unhealthy conditions.
Closure of the sitting
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I support the spirit of the ETUC call for a social progress clause to be inserted into the Treaty I believe that the only way to secure workers' rights into the future is to reject this Treaty and send Member States back to the negotiating table.
The Council and Parliament should be prepared to do that.
Since the EU now wishes to side-step referendums so as to avoid another rejection of the Treaty, as happened in France and the Netherlands in 2005, in principle only Ireland will have a referendum.
Selecting Romania as the host country for the European Institute of Technology would stimulate economic development in the entire region and would contribute to balancing the gaps still existing in the European Union.
In Sri Lanka, the civilian population was bombed, among other atrocities.
Are the EU decision makers adequately addressing the problems of national and ethnic minorities in the potential candidate countries of the Western Balkans, when some Member States are incapable of doing so at home, and in fact their practices are diametrically opposed to this policy?
However, the resolution is not only about the election, but also about what happened after the election and what has been going on in Moldova for quite a while.
It is a question of the health and safety of the EU's women and children.
Then the question of why we need binding CO2 reduction targets was raised, and why the Member States cannot do this.
The nations of Europe balance the rights and responsibilities of children, parents and the State in the light of their own history and political situation.
The vote will take place on Wednesday.
Yet even the most ambitious target the EU is currently proposing - a 30% cut by 2020 - will give us only a 50/50 chance of avoiding the worst of climate change.
The EU also supports the initiative to create a Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, as proposed by several countries and regions.
This should be done in the same way that environmental impact assessments are now taken for granted as a way of informing legislators, and are a prerequisite for the formulation of most EU policies.

(FR) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I should, of course, like to thank Commissioner Dimas for his presence and his answers and for the attention that he continues to pay to all these disasters.
We have progressed from conceptual goals and several lines of text in the Treaty of Lisbon to a directive through which the EU will be regulated.
Europe's fiscal and monetary policy makers must be ready for this.
The present report is a typical example of the meddlesomeness and zeal for regulation that characterise the European Parliament.
By November of this year, all Member States should put into place criminal penalties for racist and xenophobic crimes, as laid down in the framework decision.
The Irish Government has already turned our country into a vassal state of the IMF, which is acting blatantly on behalf of the speculators and the financial markets.
The Ombudsman has said very clearly that we can keep documents confidential, and what we have been doing is making a large additional step in the direction of transparency.
It can therefore count on my wholehearted support, because respect for all people and their fundamental rights lies at the heart of the Greens' policy, irrespective of gender, age, nationality or socio-economic background.
It would therefore be all the more inconsistent, if not indeed harmful, to adopt 'political' amendments to the measures implementing the Europol decision that do not follow the legislative procedure envisaged by the Treaty of Lisbon.
Mr President, banks were once revered in Ireland.
The Treaty on European Union lays down Member States' responsibilities in connection with the application of EU law, while the Commission, as guardian of the treaties, is granted competence and responsibility for ensuring that the law is applied correctly.
Politics for the countries that had ratified it, and I want to pay tribute to them and the parliamentarians here who had supported the draft Constitution, meant agreeing to open negotiations on a new, less ambitious text.
In 2005, the EU Member States jointly became for the first time the top arms exporter in the world.
This is why the recitals in the 2005 decision refer to housing for disadvantaged citizens or socially less advantaged groups which, due to solvency constraints, are unable to obtain housing at market conditions.
Let us hope that Prague Castle is soon occupied once more by someone as European as this.
(Applause)
Finally, the Burmese government must respect the rule of a secret ballot, and must allow the elections to be monitored by international observers and Burmese media.
I will never tire of fighting for equality for the smallest, the poorest and the defenceless.
It was established in 2002 when the floods happened.
Perhaps Mr Cohn-Bendit overestimates the significance of a resolution, but with the Security Council's resolution we have a basis which we should support and, as the President of Parliament has already said, we should require both sides to seek peace, to lay down their arms and to comply with the Security Council's resolution.
Let me conclude by focusing on the motion for a resolution on the European integration process of Serbia as a well-prepared contribution to today's political debate. I am therefore grateful to the rapporteur, Jelko Kacin.
Firstly, all of the world's parliaments make their plenary debates available in written form and archive them so that people can consult the records to find out what has been discussed in Parliament.
Continuing with this subject, I would like to point out something of which we are all aware, but which there is no harm in saying: the energy situation in Europe is not exactly an optimum one.
However, crises can spread.
That data must be handled safely, because the safety of the EU citizens and Member States depends on it.
I would like to welcome our new Member and to remind Members that pursuant to Rule 3(2) of the Rules of Procedure, until his credentials have been verified or a ruling has been given on any dispute, Heinz Becker will take his seat in Parliament and on its bodies and enjoy all the rights pertaining thereto, provided that he has previously signed a written declaration that he does not hold any office incompatible with that of Member of the European Parliament.
Tobacco smoke: policy options at EU level (debate)
I agree with the criticism made by Mr Mulder regarding the Strasbourg building programme: in our view it will be a swindle if we have to carry out renovations due to asbestos.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (SV) This report has the support of the Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left.
The key is to change consumer motivation.
Do you have any information on this issue?
It is true that this was not a success on the part of Georgia which had been very widely warned, in particular by the Americans, against provoking this reaction, even if Georgia itself was provoked, as this reaction would be well-prepared, something of which I was completely unaware.
The Commission is demanding measures of a permanent and lasting nature: additional measures to cut social spending, especially on public health and care, while at the same time the private sector in this sector is growing richer.
The situation of the American economy is going to have an impact on the economies of all the EU Member States and the economy of the euro zone in particular, perhaps.
However, we should keep our poise because there is no infallible local or national economy in this world, and however much we believe in social justice, not all citizens can always be winners at the same time, in the same place and all the time.
For over a week we have observed the spread of infections in Mexico, in the USA, in Canada, in EU Member States and in other countries.
Europe needed Ireland, not only for technical reasons relating to its mechanisms and organisational structure, but also for Ireland's contribution to what we are all seeking: the essence of Europe.
Nor would it appear that the Commission has coordinated this crisis very well.
However, the amount of waste generated depends on the specific features of the consumption market, products' different life cycles and the habits of the population in each state.
We will see how we can do, but really I am doing my best to be fair to all concerned and indeed to the Commissioners who are waiting to participate.
I fully support the remarks made by Mrs Flautre, and share her alarm at some of the comments made.
We cannot accept your leading role and that of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, which goes even further and wants to see 2010, because this completely overlooks the global dimension of aviation, the nature of the competition between airlines.
A Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base in Europe would not improve the competitiveness of the European Union or the operation of the single market and, on top of that, the CCCTB could interfere with small open economies, like that of Ireland.
Therefore, two packages of changes in regulations have passed from the Commission and I hope it is already somewhere in Parliament, at least in the Committee on Regional Policy and Planning, and in Council and we hope that it will be passed very fast for Member States to use it.
Poland, Lithuania and Latvia used to issue 400 000 visas to Belarusians, i.e. three times more than the number issued by the old Schengen countries.
Could you also make a promise that you will issue a separate report on homophobia in the European Union as soon as possible?
It was not easy to reach the compromise, and therefore I too would like to congratulate the rapporteur and all members of the negotiating team for the work carried out.
The challenges which the strategy for the Danube region needs to address clearly exist in other, broader, geographical areas, such as the Balkans and the Adriatic.
The more Europe there is in Belarus, the faster the last dictator in our continent will fall.
The multi-level approach must stimulate the integrated development of disadvantaged areas by involving local and regional authorities as well as civil society.
They are the real conduits of change, and that is why they, too, should be able to benefit from this aid.
I would also like to highlight the concern with the need to prevent situations of public debt, apart from public deficits.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, equal treatment is a fundamental principle of the European Union.
Mr President, may I express my warmest thanks to my colleagues who have taken part in this debate and say that they have certainly made clear what a perilous and difficult job we have had to complete this telecom package.
It also contains the abolition of the national quantities for butter as an eligible criterion for aid, removal of the obsolete aid for military forces and abandoning the compulsory use of import licences.
Secondly, I think it is important that we carry out an SME test in connection with all regulatory impact assessments and also examine the effect on industrial competitiveness in Europe.
As the content of the renewed agreement will be identical to the content of the agreement which expires on 20 February 2009, there would be no sense in continuing talks on the renewal of this agreement in the usual manner.
The most problematic paragraphs as far as I am concerned are those advocating binding targets for the Member States with regard to gender quotas.
It moves me to hear the calls and renewed calls for economic policy coordination that are mainly expressed in the language of Voltaire.
As they are amended, it becomes difficult to understand which provision is currently in force.
We must not forget that these, too, are crucial areas in the forthcoming EU negotiations.
Then Mr McCreevy said yesterday: 'By the way, I do not intend to do anything about private equity'.
The efforts made as regards Bosnia have been inadequate and insufficiently successful, and by this I mean both our efforts and theirs.
Many hundreds of people were put in prison and had sham criminal proceedings brought against them.
We should vote in favour of this report - provided that Amendment 15 is rejected - as it is a sound report.
Farmers suffer enough red tape and bureaucracy at present and they see this all emanating from Brussels.
We know full well, however, that there are contradictions in this area too.
I think we need to tackle the problem of governance, the stability of institutions and economic development in the region.
This must also be taken into account when we are talking about including these aircraft emissions.
I support this document and agree that it covers the most acute health-care problems.
We also think that it is positive that it stresses that the administrative burden is relatively higher the smaller the company is, and therefore calls for differentiation between micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
I must conclude, however, and so I will finish by saying that this resolution exposes a problem that it is worth examining in more depth, in other words, the problem that we have already highlighted many times of the relationship between the Courts.
If we fail to handle the demographic changes and make rural areas more attractive to young farmers, we run the risk, within a certain period of time, of this situation becoming a real obstacle preventing stable, high-quality agricultural production.
The Portuguese Presidency was therefore well advised to focus on Africa.
If I may say so, Mr Chatzimarkakis, your report falls behind what Chris Davies produced, because instead of footprint you are now giving priority to vehicle weight, and because instead of 125 grams based on vehicle technology you are now calling for an integrated target of 125 grams.
Social security, health, welfare and education systems are being laid on a Procrustean bed, with sweeping changes being made to the detriment of workers, further paving the way for the penetration of monopoly business groups in these wealth-producing sectors for capitalism.
This debate is not just about showing our support in Parliament, but is also about appealing to the Council to get on and agree to this now.
What is important is that we break the silence and that we show that there is support for these vulnerable people.
Although it was not possible to achieve total consensus, I welcome this further advance towards the EU's final commitment on this matter to be included in the next round of negotiations, and I express my full agreement with the revocation of the tariff rate established in Council Regulation (EC) No 1964/2005 of 29 November 2005.
I would like to say a few words about paternity leave.
The Member States are aware of this and fully intend to safeguard them.
Moreover, the ad hoc delegation that recently visited Palestine documented serious violations of humanitarian law and human rights, clear violations of the Oslo and Annapolis commitments.
We fully support the work of the EU's representative, Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger, and we will leave no stone unturned in seeking a negotiated solution.
And in the immediate future these things must be done on behalf of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Firstly, we consider that the practical difficulties pose an obstacle in themselves.
He undoubtedly set the tempo of dynamism that has clearly contributed to the success of these six months.
Consequently, we are now bound to steer the process to its conclusion.
Once again, we have not seen any evidence of a joint, let alone firm, European response to the Kremlin's power machinations.
It seemed that the times when Washington acted unilaterally in the international arena were coming to an end.
However, although the Commission has the right of initiative to set up such advisory groups, it is not necessary for any such provision to be included in the regulation.
I am talking about human rights, property rights and obstacles to economic activity.
According to this Communication, the particular beneficiaries of energy efficiency measures are SMEs, and it adds that an average household could save an average of EUR 1,000 a year through energy efficiency measures.
At the end of this week, I am going to Lampedusa and Malta to look at the practical requirements and at how the Union can offer its support.
- (MT).
In four countries - Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania - the disasters qualify as 'major natural disasters' according to the definition given in the EUSF Regulation; in other words, the damage is estimated to exceed 0.6% of their Gross National Incomes.
However, the Treaty of Lisbon is a great step forwards.
I believe that credit ratings must serve the purpose of increasing information to the market in a manner that provides investors with a consistent assessment of credit risk across sectors and countries, and consider it important to enable users to better scrutinise CRAs.
Since the TDCA entered into force, the trade in EU goods with South Africa has increased steadily.
This needs to be based on a sustainable and ecological concept if we are to ensure that fishing continues to provide food for future generations.
Therefore, I voted against the progressive abolition of the right of workers to opt out from the maximum 48 hour working week.
author. - Mr President, Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit has now been held hostage by the Jihadi fanatics of Hamas for over three years.
These famous words, most often attributed to Jean Monnet, who worked so tirelessly for European unity, remain strikingly relevant today.
In view of the size of the economy of the euro area and the fact that the majority of its trade is internal, the euro area has proven to be much better equipped to withstand economic shocks than the Member States previously were with their national currencies.
The majority of our citizens want the Union to deliver a strong and growing economy.
Bearing in mind:
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Europe must not deviate from this path.
Mr Juncker, this is not an issue of sincerity; it is a political proposal for organising our Community instruments.
in writing. - (SV) The legislation addressed by Alejandro Cercas is not uncontroversial.
This is what we are trying to do now.
I sincerely hope that, as a result of those comments, the overall report will receive widespread positive support across and within political groups, because making patient needs a priority should surely be above party politics.
The EU has certain advantages to draw on by comparison with the new players in the Gulf region, provided that political will is shown at the highest level.
I would first of all like to thank the rapporteur, Mrs Estrela, for her report and the effort she has put into this.
I would also like to stress that it is very important that cooperation actually works and that we also conduct surveys and studies on how well these operations have succeeded.
With this directive, Europe is taking one more step towards the full implementation of the decisions taken at the G20.
The example of Serbia showed us that the result was a great influx of asylum seekers.
Apart from that climb-down, I have to acknowledge that Mr Itälä has done a very good job, and in particular it is one of the greenest budgets I have seen as it contains many provisions, particularly provisions to reduce carbon emissions, offset our carbon impact, a desire to have a fleet of vehicles that includes hybrid cars, the desire to cut the number of meetings by holding videoconferences, and even by reducing the amount of travel by officials, who do not necessarily follow us to the places where they are needed.
I am one of those who believe that these are the foundations, the cultural foundations of Europe, and can act as a secure, stabilising factor for further dynamic support for the process of European unification.
I see that the tough version has still not been adopted today.
If Azerbaijan wants to be a nation respected in Europe, it must uphold the fundamental principles of a democratic state subject to the rule of law.
Europe needs to protect - but it must avoid the temptation of becoming protectionist.
My father was head of Voralberger Kraftwerke, the power generating company for the Austrian Province of Voralberg.
Next time this figure will probably fall below 40%.
I was also concerned with safeguarding the incomes of Madeiran and Azorean producers of wine from hybrid varieties banned by the common organisation of the market in wine, enabling them to continue growing these varieties for consumption by their families, which means that they are not forced to grub them up.
When we met with delegations from other countries in Cancún, with NGOs and with the leaders of UN institutions, we emphasised very many times how important it was for us here in Parliament to have shown the way and how much we hoped that we, as a European community, would decide as quickly as possible to take on the commitment of the 30% reduction.
We expect that additional business risk capital will be drawn from the private sector, amounting to at least EUR 300-500 million, or perhaps as much as EUR 1 billion, in the slightly longer term.
Many people fear that the small EU Member States, for example, my home country of Austria, will have less influence, because the large Member States will be able to decide everything as a result of the new voting methods.
The objective of reducing pesticide use, and not only the dangers associated with it, has been added to the list of commitments to be met under the respective national plans only.
Of course this initiative, in my opinion, will provide a suitable stimulus for the further development of national policies aimed at greater protection for the health and lives of citizens.
We are able to support this motion for the reasons stated.
There is, of course, the issue of standardisation, technology, but also the question of the integration of electromobility into the whole transport system, because we may need new forms of mobility, particularly in urban areas.
Dates of forthcoming sittings: see Minutes
When parties there are not permitted to take part in elections, that is something that you can criticise even before an election, as, in such circumstances, the results of the election obviously cannot meet democratic and European standards.
Explanations of vote
The Spanish Government has urged that goods from Japan should be checked carefully for radiation, the Netherlands has cautioned dock workers to handle all containers from Japan with care, France is demanding a check on all goods before being exported from Japan and German customs is demanding random checks for radiation on all goods, including cars, imported from Japan.
Once the negotiations are over and that chapter is closed, the European Union must concentrate with increased consistency and renewed confidence on the challenges that are of concern to the citizens of Europe: economic growth, employment, security, the environment, energy, and globalisation.
On the other hand, let us not forget that in the agricultural sector, we need to identify and use alternative fuels, a strategic area for the whole world.
Will this era really come to an end, though?
Lamentably, the report limits itself to proposing a residual increase in current EU budget values of 5%, despite opposing the freezing of the post-2013 EU budget, as advocated by some Member States.
Most airline passengers are decidedly against this, seeing in this form of search a violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to intimacy and protection of personal dignity.
We cannot consider that strategy without using the tools at our disposal.
The approach taken by the US authorities and the fact that the courts do not view the publication of names, e-mail addresses and banking details as a violation of privacy are certainly symptomatic of overseas data protection provisions, which are obviously still in their infancy.
The former assist in interpretation of national law adopted, guaranteeing its implementation and supplementing binding Community provisions.
I would like to mention one example: in my particular region in Eastern Germany, cohesion policy has had a significant effect since 1990.
I think that even if we authorise the reforms we need to make policy once again the focus of the monitoring procedure.
We must share with them this political need for effort and dare to tell them the truth about what is missing.
I would therefore like to thank Commissioner Barnier, who has provided us with valuable information in this connection.
We must be glad that, for administrative expenditure, we have a positive opinion, with low error rates and, from what we have been told, no fraud.
For only then can joint discussion and common evaluation of the situation lead to our reaching appropriate conclusions - this is what the involvement of Parliament in making these decisions is for, and I hope this will happen.
It should certainly be the main criterion, but not the only one.
In a generation, in the next 20 years, we must create an alliance of civilisations between Europe and Latin America, and why not even integration!
Firstly, it is a tragedy that the events themselves have taken place, due to their cruelty and the loss of human life.
The omnipresence of the market and the defence of economic interests which aim to achieve their own objectives within their sectors are not compatible with the defence and safeguarding of the common good.
I would say that these documents have been approved at the right time, at the start of Baroness Ashton's term of office, and that we have demonstrated in a detailed way what we want from the European Union's foreign policy.
Here in Strasbourg this report is also accompanied by an irrational fear of mentioning the country of origin principle, notwithstanding the fact that in many professions service providers do not have to know the neighbouring country's legislation in order to provide cross-border services.
In any case, these costs should be within sensible and comprehensible limits.
Mr President, obviously we have limited influence on the situation in Lebanon.
in writing. - I voted for this report, and particularly welcome the oral amendment adding a new paragraph 7a, which 'calls on all member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council to recognise a continuing popular movement for democratic reform within the wider region and calls for the full engagement with emerging civil society groups to promote a process of genuine peaceful democratic transition, within their own countries, with partners in the region and with the full support of the European Union'.
But is there any other solution?
In addition, universities need to be more receptive to the business world so that they can better adapt their education offering to the labour market's demands.
the report by Marie-Thérèse Sanchez-Schmid, on behalf of the Committee on Regional Development, on Objective 3: a challenge for territorial cooperation - the future agenda for cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation;
All this requires direct participation on the part of local authorities and civil society, and the involvement of cities' political representatives in strategic planning and in defining and negotiating partnership contracts.
President-in-Office. - (SL) The European Union is committed to multilateralism in many forms, including the World Trade Organisation, which in our view is an excellent example of a multilateral organisation.
I voted in favour of the report, because I believe that it is important to monitor not only the development of technology to ensure active safety, but also to consider the possibility of introducing stricter provisions in the area of passive safety, relating to vehicle construction.
By integrating people who are capable, professionally qualified and willing to contribute to its future and its welfare Europe can gain considerably.
However, I can maintain that as the Presidency we will strive for a detailed and mindful debate of all the amendments to be approved.
The second Irish referendum shows what can be achieved when we are truly inclusive.
We have therefore made provision for a safeguard in any case.
What is left over from the manure will be an even better fertiliser that is more versatile than aggressive fertilisers.
Let me also say that the report, firstly, underlines the need to further develop consultations with civil society and local authorities, which is what we are already doing.
We want an agreement with sound guarantees to protect the rights of our European citizens.
Let us also remember that management of the Strategy's guidelines from a free-market position has worked much better than management from Member State level.
I seriously wonder what else we can expect in the year to come and what more needs to happen before Europe stops all too casually selling its system of values in return for economic interests.
If people are not aware of the problem and use counterfeit medical products, the consequences may be tragic.
It is worth pointing out that the Baltic Sea has been classified as a 'particularly sensitive sea area' (PSSA) by the International Maritime Organisation's Marine Environment Protection Committee.
The Porsche affair is very significant in this regard.
The two-pillar model that was introduced for private and public television and audiovisual media services has developed very well.
Forty-eight of the 50 states in the American Union have a deficit budget.
We would like to contribute to the strengthening of the realisation that the Roma, like all peoples and ethnic groups of Europe and the entire world, are not a problem, but an economic, cultural and human resource.
Combating poverty amongst women is a moral obligation but also a social investment.
With regard to external trade, the most recent figures published by Eurostat show that, for 2007, the initial estimate talks about a trade deficit in the European Union of 27 of EUR 185 000 million, which is a substantial trade deficit, but in any event lower than many of the other areas of industrialised countries, and the euro area has a trade surplus of EUR 28 300 million.
Prioritising youth in connection with the training and mobility programmes is a very worthwhile investment, with good opportunities for development for the labour market.
I also want to congratulate Mr Mitchell and thank him for his report.
It is not about the song: it is only about its recording by a performer, so Mr Holm can sing Happy Birthday any time he wishes and he will not be in danger of being penalised in any way.
Madam President, when the EU talks of a common foreign policy on energy, you need to be very aware of exactly who you propose to do business with.
It is true that we need considerably more input, but this is a good place to begin.
There is also a complete lack here of a clear standpoint on the plan to construct elements of the US national anti-missile defence system in Central Europe, which by the way has become a bone of contention in international relations and is sparking off a militarisation programme in space.
My country for instance, Sweden, has taken a national target of a 40% reduction until 2020, and this is true for Germany as well.
in writing. - (HU) It is important that in a difficult, critical period in the life of the whole of Europe we appraise the objectives ahead of us and the positive changes made towards them together.
Moreover, EU support will certainly help to broaden people's horizons.
The capacity of the forest to recover from these threats and resume its normal development in the face of the impact of climate change depends on biodiversity, not just of trees, but also of all the other organisms that live in the forest, particularly wild animals.
We need common, uniform definitions for access to 27 labour markets.
What we need are legal immigrant workers with rights and obligations, not slaves.
in writing. - (DE) I voted against the Catania report.
It is extremely important that information about the directive's main instruments reaches business operators.
These materials must be prepared according to the current stringent regulations for protecting human health and the environment.
With more qualified majority voting, the Council is taking on more overall responsibility, as co-legislator, for its legislation and thus for the execution of these laws.
This means that Parliament has the power and the duty to monitor negotiations - in this case, trade negotiations - and to intervene politically using the parliamentary means at its disposal, such as hearings, resolutions and oral questions, in order to stay informed on the progress of these negotiations.
That is why we must be practical.
I must highlight the fact that the Court of Auditors found that none of the formal conditions required for the award of a direct grant of EUR 1 399 132 (0.31% of the available operational budget) to an international organisation had been fulfilled.
The European Parliament should be proud of a job well done.
At this moment and in this debate, I would like to respond that we need less centralisation, we need more confidence in the market and we need more of the market and of market mechanisms, because what is actually happening today, not only in the EU and not only in the euro area, but also in the United States and in other countries of this kind, is a story of unbelievable failure of all state intervention.
In order to deal effectively with this phenomenon, Member States need to criminalise every form of coercion of children to take part in sexual activities.
in writing. - (PT) I voted in favour of this report because of the importance it attaches to issues that I consider to be fundamental, i.e. the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union.
So I am happy that this quest for cooperation between stakeholders in the area of sport is now much more visible and fruitful.
Indeed, last week, four people were condemned to death because they were involved in post-election incidents.
In this context, and looking in particular at Africa, we find that certain emerging countries have an extremely large presence there.
Recognition by everyone of the symbols of the Union constitutes an initial step towards the shared intent of building a common European home capable not only of giving Europe's citizens political answers but also of restoring to politics the pride of place it deserves in our understanding and management of the 'public good'.
Over the last year or two, we have had many examples of such State protectionism being extended to the producers of various goods, and also a variety of reactions and decisions from the European Commission.
Perhaps I should have had the floor to raise a point of order on the matter regarding Mr Arlacchi's report.
In reality, not all reports are equal.
While there are still people in the world who need goods and services, there will still be opportunities for growth.
The electoral rights of their parents are being restricted.
Also, the FRONTEX border security organisation must finally be expanded so that it can be deployed efficiently.
Firstly, the political context.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, to begin with, it is right that common procedures should go with a common currency.
It is crucial for market regulation measures and intervention mechanisms to be implemented, in order to ensure that products are fairly priced and that farmers receive an adequate level of income that guarantees the continuation of production and a regular supply of food.
The establishment plan of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (Frontex) is increased by 25 posts, from 69 to 94, having regard to the budgetary increase already made for that Agency - approximately EUR 30 million - approved during the debate on the 2008 Community budget.
They have a complex role to play because they have to respond to global challenges.
I wanted to use my vote to reaffirm my confidence in this extremely ambitious scientific adventure, which is expected to have significant benefits.
It is only interested in the profits of the economic and financial groups, even if it occasionally refers to small and medium-sized enterprises, which the neoliberal policy of the European Union is putting in jeopardy.
I have received two motions for resolutionstabled in accordance with Rule 115(5) and Rule 110(2) of the Rules of Procedure.
I devote more energy to this probably than to anything else that we do.
The European Parliament must redefine the cohesion policy for the future to meet the needs of the European regions.
The only policy that can consolidate and raise the level of consumer protection is one that revolves around man and his prosperity and not around increasing competition.
60% cofinancing would be good if it can be obtained, and I regret that the Commissioner was unable to be as forthcoming as we hoped she would be in that regard.
Thank you for your attention.
It is not a referral back.
To reiterate, I by no means feel the need to turn up for a resit in June.
Commissioner, traceability to the origin worked, but how much time was lost in directing attention to the origin, focusing on agricultural production, whereas other forms of contamination, such as handling or distribution at the point of destination, were dismissed?
The draft resolution is a response to the concerns of public opinion over issues of animal welfare during the culling and skinning of seals.
Corrigendum (Rule 216): see Minutes
In the past, Europe was described as a political dwarf.
Their accession will not be able to take place in the near future, but each of these countries has this prospect.
It is true that, in recent years, improvements have been made in this respect as, through Parliament, the Commission and the Council working together, the comitology procedures, for example, have been amended.
in writing. - I voted for the Oomen-Ruijten report on Turkey's progress towards membership of the EU in 2007.
Firstly, we really need Europe as a whole.
This process will take years.
The usefulness of statistical information depends on its comparability in time and space, which entails the adoption of a common set of definitions and classifications.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question under Rule 149(8))
There are more than 600 displaced persons who have lost their homes and personal possessions.
Insofar as this is a cut-and-paste of the European Constitution, it deserves to be put to a referendum on ratification in each country, starting with France and the Netherlands.
This is the only way to successfully cut bureaucracy for micro-enterprises and create a balance.
I personally am glad, on this occasion, that she is single-minded when it comes to monitoring the transposition and the proper implementation of this directive, which is a prerequisite for completing the internal market in services.
History has proven the beneficial effect of our culture on the world.
Neither should the release of funds for the reform of banana production - Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) - be at the expense of current development programmes.
However, the debate we are having today shows that the real facts have now been confirmed: Member States of the European Union have been complicit in the programme of secret detention and return that has been set up within the territory of the European Union by the CIA and in doing so have broken the law.
On the other hand, we also know that progress is being made at state level, in business circles and, more generally, in the way in which public opinion perceives this issue.
The next item is the continuation of the debate on the Council and Commission statements on the preparations for the European Council meeting of 23-24 June 2011.
We should not forget, however, that the global fight against the death penalty is a success story.
It is surely not fair for taxpayers to bear the full burden of the financial crisis, as some of this burden should be transferred to the financial sector as well, so that it can share in the costs.
They deserve our full commitment and it is incredibly important for the international community to help in matters relating to human rights quickly, efficiently and in a targeted way.
We must ensure that children have the opportunity to do more exercise than is the case today.
Thus they should act according to their own Constitution, which is not respected.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon last week indicated a belief that a solution for Cyprus is possibly within reach.
There is only one recipe for an economically strong Europe, and that is less bureaucracy and fewer officials in Brussels, and also less bureaucracy in the Member States; tax cuts instead of tax increases; and putting a stop to mass immigration.
However, the purpose of the question was that the difference of outlook between the US Administration and the European Union, with regard to finding solutions and building partnerships around the world, seems to have got greater; the distance between the two seems to have got greater in the last number of years.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are now seeing the importance of energy self-sufficiency for each State in the European Union.
This is a particularly shocking situation, when such young people are awaiting execution.
in writing. - (DE) This report concerns the bringing together of four different directives on consumer protection and thus contains the acquis communautaire since 2004.
(FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, on 4 November, Parliament was given the Council's guarantee that any restrictions on internet access can only be made if certain conditions are met: prior, fair and impartial procedure; a guarantee of the principle of presumption of innocence and the respect for privacy; and respect for the European Convention on Human Rights.
The European Union must, without question, be responsible for defining Europe's political aspirations in terms of space, by using it for the European people and economy, and by guaranteeing independent and reliable access to it.
Afghanistan and drugs have been mentioned.
So I agree with Mr Burke that there should be more positivity about the good things that we do here in Europe.
There are, of course, quite a few areas where they could be made - I am thinking of the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, and the trips between Brussels and Strasbourg which cost EUR 200 million per year.
It is not perfect, it is a compromise.
(The President cut off the speaker)
They speak about: one, the parliamentarisation of the Union; two, the communitarisation of the European institutions; three, the establishment of an interinstitutional equilibrium as a guarantee for a transnational checks-and-balances system; four, the assurance of legislative coherence and cohesion at European Union level through Europeanisation of the national parliaments and not nationalisation of the European Parliament; five, concentrations of instruments and policies for the good of institutional efficiency; and, six, the improvement of representation, transparency and participation at European Union level.
Adult education is one of the most important parts of the education system.
As regards the European institutions, European citizens can also assert their fundamental freedoms and rights in accordance with the fixed jurisdiction of the Court of Justice.
Mr President, I welcome the moves for Switzerland to increase its cooperation with the EU in the fields of education, training and youth.
Specific proposals are needed on the European Monetary Fund.
08 07 01 (Research Cooperation - Transport) to EUR 348 922 000
This is not a failed state; it is a state with failings that we must support.
I therefore think, and I support the previous speaker, that it is important for the Commission - and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Commissioner for being here - to act and take measures: that there should be investigations and the necessary means put in place to bring an end to these practices, which are unfair, and in many cases abusive.
There is widespread poverty affecting almost 80% of the population, unemployment, disenchantment and illiteracy. All this is having a negative effect on the people, leading to despair and inciting revolt.
This outcome was foreseen by Polish MEPs, as witnessed by our speeches both before the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and in the plenary of the European Parliament.
Its five main indicators are surely crucial in evaluating how the internal market is functioning generally and from the point of view of consumers.
Over the last two days, they have discussed a wide range of topics, including the environment, immigration, equality, the role of citizens, education and many other issues.
As the rapporteur, Mr Arif, emphasises in his report, Lebanon is in a very difficult situation both politically and economically.
Around four to five years ago, I was in Kampala and one evening I met a group of lesbians, gay men and transgender people in a pizza restaurant, where the owner allowed the meeting to take place.
The Irish people, by a resounding majority, recognised the importance of the Lisbon Treaty, a Treaty that offers a more democratic and effective Europe, a Treaty that gives us the right platform to deliver the modern, successful European Union our citizens wish to see.
Meanwhile, we in the European Union are still unable to draw up a legislative document or adopt a charter which, as a Charter of Fundamental Rights, would be a binding document.
Finally, Mr Maystadt, I believe that I can say, on behalf of my fellow Members, that you can count on the European Parliament's support in the future.
(The House rose and observed a minute's silence)
Within the European Union, I would like to reiterate the importance of two aspects: first of all, the negative consequences of migration and the precarious condition of children left behind in their home countries by migrating parents.
The pesticide passport will make it possible to trace, through wholesale and retail outlets, which pesticide was used when.
The first development I would like to mention is that the European Union has made good progress in 2008 in consolidating its external policy instruments, in order to tackle discrimination and violence against women.
If the number of migrants exceeds a certain percentage, they lose interest in becoming part of European society and, on the contrary, create their own society within the EU.
Of course, the emphasis is on competitiveness and the need to respond to the global challenges which we are now facing, but we should do that in conjunction with promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion in the European Union.
Adjournment of the session
We also need to update the WTO rules to ensure that environmental sustainability and climate change are taken into greater account in WTO negotiations and that social and labour clauses are also included in WTO negotiations.
The bottom line is that the European Union, the United States, India and China must work together to ensure that there are common rules and standards in place to control international financial services from now on.
It goes without saying that creating a suitable infrastructure must be a priority.
At the European Council, we made significant progress on strengthening financial supervision.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the proposal currently on the table is to be welcomed.
At the same time, the number of students in the new Member States is much lower.
In addition, the VAT system, as currently designed and implemented by Member States, has weaknesses that fraudsters use to their advantage.
Decisions concerning certain documents: see Minutes
The response from the Irish Government was lodged on 28 September 2007.
Madam President, President-in-Office of the Council, Commissioner, the Western Balkans need Europe and we Europeans need stability in the Western Balkans.
2008 discharge: European Railway Agency
The availability and safety of these transport routes are therefore of the utmost importance.
The European Union can assist by offering every type of help if a ceasefire is agreed to achieve the stated aims: closing the smuggling passes, closing the tunnels, guarding the sea etc.
Opening of the sitting
We are pleased that it supports the essential aspects of the Commission proposal, which is intended to be an important building block in the development of a comprehensive European legal and regulatory safety system at the highest possible level.
What we can do and what we are committed to doing is to make prices transparent.
Now in the present crisis in which the country finds itself, more than even before, that rings out as a cruel lie.
The Bureau shall pass this matter on to the relevant services, so that the lift service can be improved, by one means or another.
I would also like to urge Serbia to make a firmer commitment to employment policies and social cohesion.
Removing the Ukrainian elite's sense of impunity may provide an opportunity for the beneficial reforms which will bring the country closer to the European Union and offer its citizens prospects for the future.
The compromise found for Article 5 represents a step forward for consumers.
(RO) I welcome the initiative supporting the European Parliament's resolution on the major natural disasters which have taken place in the autonomous region of Madeira and the effects of the storm Xynthia in Europe.
These people queue for long hours, for dozens of hours.
That is because all of our amendments have been rejected by the socialists and the liberals.
Is this not a shortcoming of the EURES system?
Without this bottom-up approach, we will fail to use the opportunities that exist.
It is a question of finding the right balance.
Firstly, because this resolution links this catastrophe and this crime to Ukraine and people of Ukrainian nationality alone.
Thus, things must be done differently with the EU 2020 strategy.
The Action Plan is, in fact, included in the Commission's work programme for 2009, and I know that Vice-President Tajani is personally committed to progressing with the Action Plan.
According to the resolution, women's rights should be included in revisions of codified law (constitutional law, criminal law, family law and all bodies of civil law), and should be included in the dialogue on human rights conducted with the ENP partner countries.
Investment projects in energy infrastructure within the European Community (
As underlined in the report, negotiations and collective bargaining are vitally important in the fight to abolish discrimination against women, in particular with regard to access to employment, wages, occupational health and safety conditions, career progression, and vocational training.
Of course, we are not indifferent to the fate of the al-Kurd family and we want to discuss their fate.
Irrigation systems and clean desalination units are the solution in this case.
New priorities are necessary, however.
This arm-twisting by the EU, which has undermined the environmental integrity of Korea's vehicle emissions rules, is nothing short of scandalous.
In addition, the Commission justifies this in the Green Paper, alleging that proceedings may now be delayed, given the codecision procedure that Parliament is going to apply to the area of fisheries for the first time, once the Treaty of Lisbon comes into effect.
This scandalous utterance was a comment on the statement made by the Polish President relating to not signing the Treaty after the Irish referendum fiasco, as this would be irrelevant.
I believe that by taking this kind of action we are fulfilling our duty not only to the current generation but to future generations as well.
This is why I believe that we must focus very closely on respect for human rights in Colombia before liberalising trade with this country.
I was yesterday informed by an insider of a potential new hotbed in Serbia.
When we transfer that from national to European level, we are treating the EU as a single jurisdiction with its own external borders and the other trappings of nationality.
In conclusion, pollution and the post-Kyoto scenario, oil prices, moral and human rights imperatives, political and economic instability due to dependence on hydrocarbons, the potential of new environment-friendly technologies to stimulate a new industrial revolution in Europe and throughout the world, everything around us means the EU must develop a multi-faceted yet coherent external policy.
A similar list already exists, however, and the industry uses this existing list to classify and label mixtures.
This work programme really must be consistent with that of the European Union and must - this is my hope - be monitored by our three institutions.
(IT) Mr President, this is not a point of order; I simply could not understand what you just said.
It would, therefore, be very difficult to define a comprehensive Community strategy and a detailed action plan addressing all these diverse situations.
India and China will not forego progress in the name of climate alarmism.
The Member States cooperate in the area of the protection of public figures within the legal provisions in force in the country concerned as well as in accordance with international agreements.
Everyone here knows that the cooperation of the Member States on economic and financial issues is long overdue.
I think that the public would like us to help in a generous way with food aid.
Above all, 2009 is an election year, in which we must strive for rigour and financial discipline. An expansion of European bureaucracy - European administration, in other words - is not the best message to send to people whom we are asking to renew the mandates of members of the European Parliament.
on behalf of the ECR Group. - Madam President, Serbia's progress towards EU membership is gathering pace, and rightly so, as evidenced by the excellent Kacin report.
We should be enthusiastic about what is being achieved in these countries and what is going well, but, at the same time, we need to be very clear about what still has to be done.
As to the specific proposals on the table, the Council welcomes the start of the trilogues between the Parliament and the Council concerning the Qualification Directive.
This process must be resolutely continued.
I am aware as someone who has behalf on the UNDP on advising the new Indonesian Parliament in 1999 on revisions to their Rules of Procedure, of exactly how useful this can be.
I would like to comment briefly on Mr Gargani's report.
I should like to illustrate this with an example: Uzbekistan is the world's third largest exporter of cotton.
In his report, Mr Susta makes a number of very pertinent remarks on the practicability of compulsory licensing.
I would like to point out that, with regard to the imposition of sanctions, the European Union should cooperate more closely with other countries and international organisations and coordinate its policy and actions with a view to making the sanctions more effective.
For the individuals concerned, we want to see a clear improvement in the quality and consistency of decision-making.

They do not participate.
We are being accused of all sorts of outrageous things, and we are entitled to proper conduct and ethical behaviour by our colleagues here in this House, and indeed outside the House.
That fact that, as part of this minor revision, we are prepared to make funds available for the European Institute of Technology is, for us, worth only passing mention, due to the size, well, actually the smallness, of the amount initially required: EUR 2.9 million from 2008 to 2013.
We are talking about transparency and there is also a need for common courtesy.
Obviously, the Justice Forum, which is a meeting place for the various networks of legal professionals, will also be used to play an essential role in raising practitioners' awareness of the European dimension of their activities and, with the Union's help, these practitioners will have to cooperate to ensure a true exchange of best practice.
This point aroused concern and controversy.
We have to tell Canada to back off.
To ensure that vocational training matches labour market needs, I feel that it is advisable to incorporate information about changes in the labour market into national education strategies and programmes.
I do not say this in order to make the European Parliament ill disposed towards Montenegro. On the contrary, I believe the European Commission and all the EU institutions should do a great deal at the present time to help that country prepare properly for closer relations with the European Union, especially in combating corruption, strengthening the rule of law, building a market economy and countering the black market.
The fact is that it is the Bosniaks who have been omitted from the visa liberalisation process.
Besides, for non-formal and informal education, because of its diversity and the special circumstances under which it is acquired, automatic certification is not possible, but a mere reference.
However, the Commission's position seems to me rather unambitious in this direction.
On 4 December, Russian public prosecutors organised a raid on the offices of the Memorial organisation, during which a database containing the details of thousands of victims of Stalin's regime was seized.
War, concentration camps, genocide - never again!
The outbreak of another epidemic in Haiti was to be expected.
We had to put an end to the double standard that existed when a substance was strictly regulated in the European market to protect the environment and the health of European citizens, but could be freely traded with third countries without any precautions or any obligation to provide information on risks.
The debate is closed.
Allow me to quote a few that have been at the heart of the agenda for the Commission of which I am President: the internal energy market, maritime security, measures to strengthen the regulation and supervision of financial markets, and the EUR 5 billion package of recovery measures to transform Europe into a sustainable economy.
From each according to his means, to each according to his needs.
This is not just a problem for women.
No one knows the true effect this is having on our health.
Instead, we call for a fundamentally different approach to tackling social challenges.
The current challenge, as mentioned in the report, is to ensure that EU funds are fully absorbed and are used in a way that will benefit the Roma people.
It comes down to the question of whether it will be binding or non-binding.
The European Union will face major difficulties in relations with Russia unless the two partners rely on the same values and principles.
We need to show that we can take certain issues very seriously and can make the changes necessary to bring about the lifting of any unfortunate barriers, which are basic harbours for national protection.
2009 will be a year that will bring much change to the way the Parliament works and we believe that, in order to maintain this discipline, it will be necessary to closely scrutinise all spending proposals to ensure that they deliver value for money to the taxpayer.
This way of thinking pervades the resolution that is before us.
We agree with the general spirit of the present report: to bring Ukraine's economy as close as possible to the EU by means of a new enhanced agreement, of which the deep and comprehensive free trade agreement will be a key pillar.
Also, not only is our resolution addressed to Hungary but notes that, unfortunately, freedom and pluralism of the media can be undermined in countries with conservative governments.
Although I supported Thijs Berman's report, I have serious doubts about reaching the targeted Official Development Assistance level in the next couple of years.
I am saying this, Prime Minister, because all this relates to Europe, in particular European credibility.
To cite an example, we would call your attention to the various funds channelled towards the enlargement policy - sometimes we do not know where they end up.
My second point concerns parental, paternity and adoption leave.
(Applause)
Member of the Commission. - The Commission adopted a report on the first year of implementation of the Black Sea Synergy on 19 June 2008.
Given that the Netherlands has requested assistance in respect of 598 redundancies in eight companies operating in the NACE Revision 2 Division 58 (publishing activities) in the two contiguous NUTS II regions of Noord Holland and Zuid Holland, I voted in favour of the resolution because I agree with the Commission's proposal and with the amendments to it tabled by Parliament.
By accepting this, the Commission would lose a very important instrument for the protection of stocks.
In addition, the Member States need to change their attitudes.
The next item is voting time.
The policy mix at national level is mainly responsible for the trade-off between austerity and growth.
Although the European Parliament's motion for aresolution makes some criticisms of the policies that have been followed and calls for the very limited social objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy to be met, it does not get to the root of the problem of unemployment and job insecurity, it does not seek to eliminate their causes, it does not resolve to revoke these austerity programmes, and it does not make serious criticisms of the demands being made of the Member States with the most serious difficulties in blindly complying with the ridiculous criteria of the Stability Pact.
We need to remember that, although this is a highly competitive industry, what is most important is not the competition in itself, but the end result.
I am honoured, but to be honest, I am also slightly disappointed, because this report should really be called the Corbett report.
The joint resolution between the European Union and Serbia, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, is mentioned, but at no time is it spelt out that this cannot be regarded as an official recognition of the independence of Kosovo by Serbia, or by those Member States of the Union that have not recognised it.
There is no reason for pessimism ahead of the G20 discussions, as Mr Rasmussen fears.
The first challenge, of course, is to start protecting and restoring biodiversity.
This report deals with that extreme violence, with the death of many women in Central American countries and Mexico.
We also discussed justice and home affairs.
However, it is clear that we are paying the price, as are other industrialised countries, emerging economies and developing countries.
We can also remember how well representation of the Union worked in the World Trade Organisation or in the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
It said that internationally coordinated macroeconomic responses, based on promotion of environmental investments, including in developing countries, are important.
This is a point that we have to take.
It is about values more important than party differences.
They did not look right or left to see if anything was coming - they looked up because they were afraid of what might come down from the sky.
And we will want to ask Mr Musharraf this himself next week at a meeting of the international committee in Brussels.
Mr President, I think that if Mr Cohn-Bendit,
This draft amending budget proposes inter alia to carry part of that unused amount forward to the budget currently in force (EUR 772 million), and to carry the remainder forward to subsequent years.
I welcome the Swedish Presidency's proposal to focus on questions of policy instead of constitutional questions during its presidency.
That is a task that all Europeans must take on together.
We take pride in the fact that human rights are the foundation of the Union.
13.
The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs voted by an overwhelming majority across all groups to continue to develop the EU strategy for combating poverty and social exclusion and I hope that the entire plenary will do the same tomorrow.
For, although the proposal has been halted for the moment, the ideas must not be buried.
Mr President, at the beginning of this week, Ukraine made headlines in the Dutch press - and I will say it in this auditorium - not very flattering headlines, unfortunately.
That will enable the citizens themselves to exercise influence and help shape a sustainable society.
This specific motion for a resolution, which I supported, emphasises and highlights specific policies to reverse this situation, both at national and at international level in numerous sectors, such as trade, fisheries, the environment, the agricultural sector, climate change, energy, investments and the financial sector.
Thanks to the amendments which the members of the presidential majority tabled in the Committee on Regional Development, eligibility for the fund is vested not only in the new Member States of the EU, but in all 27, all of which face the same difficulties.
Lisbon stands for growth in employment rates, significant increase in the employment of women, demand for the provision of proper conditions for the employment of female employees, and wide-ranging support for equal opportunities - over and above the positive role of women in the economy.
The reinforcement of political ties and greater closeness to this giant must be regarded as strategic.
This proposal is well balanced and calls for a wide range of instruments to be developed to deter people from breaching the rules, including individual liability, transparency and accountability of firms, the right of defence and due process.
Before moving on to the next speaker I would like to inform Members that Mr Bronislaw Komorowski, President of the Polish Parliament, is in the official gallery, accompanied by a delegation.
The Polish delegation of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament voted in favour of extending a vote of confidence to the new European Commission. We are, however, conscious of the weak sides of the newly-appointed Commission and of the reservations expressed over the competence of some Commissioners.
I would therefore like to ask you to examine new proposals, speed up procedures and adjust the European budgetary framework.
Then, on the issue of the supervision - the road map you have described - I do not think we disagree on the measures, but I would have expected - and I said this very clearly in the level three committee at the annual joint meeting held in November - that these measures should also have been the elements of a clear proposal for legislative measures from the Commission.
The ICAO is the organisation which deals with aviation matters at an international level.
I therefore drew attention, during the debate in the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, to the fact that that no information was available on what is happening with the Unilever group at European level, and I proposed that this issue be taken into account during the review of the Regulation, so that there can be an examination of the financial situation, including state aid, of the multinational companies whose restructuring is the reason for EGF interventions, without compromising access to the fund for redundant workers.
I am leaving Parliament tomorrow - this will be my last legislative report for the European Parliament - so please accept my sincere apologies if I am a little bit emotional tonight.
Speedy ratification of the amendment is in the EU's interest and I therefore commend it to the House.
Situation in the Horn of Africa (vote)
Same-sex couples: well you know perfectly well that it is the prerogative of subsidiarity, the competence of Member States to regulate the way they treat same-sex couples.
Explanations of vote
What is happening increasingly is the transfer of commercial data, notably passenger data but also banking and telecom data, to public authorities for security purposes.
(Applause).
I ask Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development, and the Council to attempt to end the fighting and establish peace.
A dialogue on visas is another measure that would have a clear stabilising influence that would also promote reforms.
in writing. - (PT) I voted in favour of the report on discharge of the budget of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) for the financial year 2009, since it contributes to scrutiny of how funds are used by the European institutions.
Now that the Bulgarian people have voted them out of office, there is nobody to step forward and take their place to help Bulgaria absorb European funds effectively.
Nobody is stopping them finding better solutions - where is that written?
Food security is a central issue to which the European Union must respond effectively.
The European Union is both the main investor in Latin America and an important trading partner.
Finally, the new arrangements make allowance for the calls the European Parliament has hitherto made for more information for consumers.
I believe that Romania, as a European Union Member State neighbouring the Republic of Moldova, must contribute, under the terms and on the basis of an agreement promoting cooperation, good neighbourliness and mutual respect, to the economic and social development of this country.
Likewise, it is our joint responsibility that the individual and community rights of national and ethnic minorities are rendered unquestionable, not only by prohibiting discrimination but also through the requirement for positive law enforcement.
Our primary objective must be to ensure high-quality and sustainable food production in Europe and for our rural areas to be active and vital.
Today, we are debating a country in the context of the 'Spring of Nations' in Africa, and although Harare is 6 000 kilometres away from Tunis, the most recent case of Côte d'Ivoire shows that sometimes, democracy knows no barriers at all.
I would like to make a little joke here.
in writing. - (IT) I should like to stress the importance of safeguarding pluralism in the media (already cited in Article 11 of the Charter of Rights of the European Union) in order to underpin a democratic process through which the various citizens of Europe can be provided with information in a transparent manner.
I congratulate the rapporteurs on these results.
(DE) 'The rejection of the Treaty text by one European Union country cannot mean that the ratifications which have already been carried out by 18 EU countries become invalid.'
Fuller harmonisation at this stage would not have been possible.
Active steps should be taken to repatriate illegal refugees and political refugees whose applications have been rejected.
The other method is to invite and organise all stakeholders or those who have responsibilities in this area, to get them to cooperate and contribute to the efforts to protect intellectual property rights while developing access to electronic networks in modern communications.
This relates entirely to further facilitation with regard to documentary evidence and the length of the visa application procedure, the extension of the provisions for the issuing of multiple-entry visas and a visa-free waiver for a number of well-defined categories of applicants.
The main risks are rabies, echinococcosis and diseases transmitted by ticks.
Specifically, we need: the issuance of common European bonds, the outright rejection of competition between the bonds issued by the different Member States, the establishment of a genuinely European treasury and the harmonisation of fiscal policies to ensure equality, combat tax fraud and help to define a progressive European social policy based on efficient public services.
This accounted for approximately 50% of the Fund's total resources.
I declare the session of the European Parliament adjourned.
in writing. - I support this own-initiative report because it supports the creation of a European Order for the Preservation of Assets and a European Order for the Disclosure of Assets.
The hunting methods fail to comply with even the most elementary principles. The animals are skinned whilst still alive and their bodies then dumped in the water.
While merit is an essential component of efficiency, it is unacceptable that research should be hindered because researchers have to deal with bureaucratic requirements of doubtful value.
However, this requires adequate means and Europe must not merely discuss, merely criticise, merely look at the problem through binoculars.
In the wake of the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, Parliament will have to give its approval to the text of the ACTA Agreement before it enters into force in the European Union.
The Commission will continue to give its full support to Croatia, which is working hard to achieve its goal of accession to the European Union.
The request made, on the rapporteur's initiative, to adapt the Financial Regulation to the new rules in the Treaty of Lisbon in the shortest possible time is another measure which is an immediate necessity.
I therefore agree with the rapporteur on the need to improve the transparency of estimates and responsibility of projects; to strengthen their procurement authorisation at the financing decision and work-programme level; to correct failings in the recruitment of personnel, and increase its objectivity and transparency; and to implement and comply with the Financial Regulation to which they are subject.
The decision proves how slow and sporadic the action has been in creating an area of freedom, security and justice because this decision is only one of many measures that should have already been taken, and because it took such a long time to prepare.
As regards the governance-related aspects, respect for the rule of law and for everything related to our traditions is not a dividing element; we must also tell the Afghan authorities this.
And it should not be underestimated - I am addressing this particularly to one side of the House - that, above all, these binding rules will help to prevent corruption.
We cannot afford to wait until 2012 for this to come into force.
I cannot find any of these things in your programme, Mr Barroso, which is why I cannot vote for you.
For many years, in my work, I have represented thousands of people who needed my help in front of the Courts.
The two states have a lot of issues to resolve.
The events of these last days show failure on the part of the government to bear criticism.
The global overview of this practice of IUU fishing can result in better monitoring of fishing activities overall.
in writing. - I voted for this report on the Protocol to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EC and Moldova.
All attempts so far to establish a generally accepted unity government and to help Somalia function again as a state have failed.
The European Union is a major international player on issues regarding the management of fishing.
The European Court of Human Rights should administer justice and not become a puppet for ideological and anti-Christian interests.
Given the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the appropriate financial resources must be put towards improving their operating conditions.
Child trafficking and child laundering - the stealing of children who are subsequently sold to adoptive parents as legitimate orphans - is a phenomenon which does not receive adequate attention at an international level.
I am therefore appealing to the European Commission to set up a special fund that will help districts in border areas to manage this infrastructure for public utility purposes, including trans-border purposes, thus promoting cultural integration.
I should like to welcome the representative of the United Nations.
As a result of the screening of the Commission's human resources carried out at the request of the European Parliament, the Commission confirms the need identified in 2002 and 2005 for additional staff exclusively in relation to enlargement-related tasks: 890 new staff for 2008, broken down as 640 new staff for EU-10 enlargement and 250 posts for EU-2 enlargement.
We do not want mere token gestures.
I would also stress the Lithuanian authorities' reaffirmation of their determination to respect the European legal framework and not go against it, as well as to promote respect for human rights.
I want to keep the tried and tested Community method - with the Commission as guardian and judge of common European interests - from which the exclusive right of legislative initiative stems.
Education, vocational training and lifelong learning are increasingly important.
We are opposed to the European Parliament attempting to determine how the individual Member States should, for example, structure their national childcare or apply a quota system.
Too often, that issue is literally kept behind closed doors, because that is where most of the violence happens: in the family home.
To his credit I must say that this is the second modification of the Rules of Procedure.
European solidarity is being shown with difficulty and sparingly.
This can be achieved through effective cooperation between bodies at national, regional and local levels.
This justifies an increase in staff for Parliament's and the groups' secretariats.
In a similar vein, it is crucial to improve the status of women engaged in a self-employed capacity.
While the EU has facilitated freedom of movement and the right to live and work in other EU countries, clarification regarding patients' rights to access healthcare in other Member States was urgently required.
Another factor to be taken into account is, of course, the economic crisis, and the new functions of the budget intelligently targeted could serve as an anti-crisis small sectoral and local package.
(HU) Madam President, I am once again compelled to ask a fellow Hungarian Member a question.
Kenya's political leaders urgently need to size up their responsibilities and immediately and seriously commit themselves to finding a political settlement.
Such common ground can be found, in my view, in the emissions trading mechanism.
My question to you, Mr Barroso, is can you confirm that this is also the position of the Commission?
Madam President, the issue of food security needs to be mentioned in this debate on climate change, for the developing world in particular.
Thirty-eight thousand Turkish soldiers are garrisoned in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the island is divided in two by walls and fences that even divide towns and villages.
As part of the budgetary conciliation procedure scheduled for 19 November, the European Commission, European Union Council and European Parliament must reach an agreement on adopting transitional guidelines.
Obviously in Europe, in terms of Cancún, Kyoto, etc. we want to push the renewable agenda, and that is absolutely correct.
The next topic is the European response to the tragedy in Japan.
This applies particularly in regard to possible regulations for social services.
It may be stated quite unequivocally that cohesion policy is a great success for the Union and for all its Member States.
1. it is time to recognise all mass media in the Internet;
rapporteur. - (DE) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, five days ago we celebrated the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day.
I think that the interest in the report in the Committee on Constitutional Affairs was kindled by the notion of the European party system becoming even more flexible, attractive and logical, not to mention suitable for the processes in Europe, by establishing a general political, legal and fiscal status for European parties.
The agreement we have on the table now gives the EU a clear mandate to negotiate with third countries in the run-up to next year's agreement.
I would very much like our activities to serve this true European Community, this unity, and every euro to be spent for a good purpose, not for the wealthy to become even wealthier ...
Statistics plays an important role in the development of more effective tourism policies and in making business decisions.
Internalising external costs for pollution and noise is a positive measure.
(ET) I also supported this report, the adoption of the report, because the result from the Conciliation Committee - apparently the Conciliation Committee does not proceed very straightforwardly and quickly - was positive: to implement the recovery plan for the European economy, to implement the stated aim of this plan.
We also know that the distribution of costs varies widely, depending on the size of the enterprise.
Without that, we cannot hope for success.
That is why I voted for the report on the European Environment Agency.
I would ask the Commission and the Council to help these countries.
(PL) I voted in favour of adopting the Belarus resolution.
The proper functioning of the Internal Market depends on the stability of the financial system and on the trust put by European citizens and consumers in financial institutions and transactions.
I will try harder to pronounce your name correctly in future.
In my opinion, under no circumstances should the debate on the financial review anticipate the review of the common agricultural policy for the post-2013 period.
Instead, however, many of them are shedding jobs, partly due to the recession, but also due to a preponderance of regulation and red tape.
'7a. Calls on all Member States in the Gulf Cooperation Council to recognise a continuing popular movement for democratic reform within the wider region, and calls for the full engagement with emerging civil society groups to promote a process of genuine peaceful democratic transition, within their own countries, with partners in the region and with the full support of the European Union;'
Documents received: see Minutes
The recent onerous legislation on hedge funds is the clear signal of this.
This right should soon be embodied in a law that honours all those who make this possible, whose first article should state that support to victims of terrorism entails recognition of their right to justice and that no government should ever pay a price for this.
Most mental health services, at least those which generate a profit for capital, are being privatised within the framework of the Lisbon Strategy.
I think the economic crisis has forced us to take a long, hard look at our past economic behaviour.
Firstly, I would like to stress that I think you have either misunderstood or missed something when you tried to convince me that modulation means taking the money away from the farmers, which is definitely not the case.
This is quite an important issue, and its complex nature needs to be taken into account when it is analysed.
If they wish to mobilise society fully, national and regional authorities must aim to include and engage local residents, both in planning changes and subsequently in monitoring use of structural funds.
Recent events have obliged the European Union to give new impetus to proposals for supervision and to implement a strengthened strategy of economic coordination.
Instead of a debate about the future of the Union, we should have a debate about the convalescence of democracy in the institutions of the European Union.
If Lukashenko does not understand the language of European values, he will certainly understand the language of sanctions. However, not sanctions which hit at Belarusian society - we do not want sanctions like that - but sanctions which make life difficult for politicians and officials responsible for discrimination against Poles and the democratic opposition.
This applies to the national parliaments of the Caribbean as much as it does to the European Parliament.
The social control of market processes is indispensable, not in order to thwart competition but to place it under necessary regulatory oversight.
Passengers are also concerned that different airlines behave differently towards passengers, and to always obtain compensation from these airlines through the courts is not the easiest thing.
I do not have the power to do some things, but what we can do is use our economic and political muscle - in the best sense of that word - to be able to try and support this process going forward.
To give just a couple of examples: the massive-scale, uncontrolled printing of additional ballot papers in many regions and the photographing of ballot papers, and what about the massive pressure on officials, teachers, doctors and professors to refrain from standing for opposition parties?
European External Action Service (
- The next item is the vote.
If it was not such a tragedy, it would be a farce.
(CS) Mr President, I too would like to express my irritation that we have not managed to agree today on the condition that European funding in the development aid budget must not go towards activities such as family planning through enforced abortions or mandatory sterilisations.
And I want to ask the colleagues who have gathered in this hall: "What are you waiting for, colleagues, that my throat be slit open in actual fact?
I can reassure you that we want to support 12 demo plants.
The Greens hope that the EU Energy Summit will also address this crucial issue.
Unless we look at the package as a whole, we shall leave here with a 'hobbled response', because the only way to stop another 'Erika' or 'Prestige' happening again in the near future is to take the package as a whole, and this is the only approach through which we can effectively ensure maritime safety.
We are right behind you.
Corporal Gilad Shalit, who has been held hostage for 1 355 days, must be released as soon as possible.
First it was Greece, Spain and France.
(HU) The supporters of the Treaty of Lisbon are celebrating not just a victory, but a victory for democracy itself on the pretext of the current 'yes' vote in an imposed referendum.
This is laid down in the European Convention on Human Rights.
I am waiting and hoping.
What were the main achievements of the Commission at the Seventh WTO Ministerial Conference?
Whilst it is true that the European Commission is one of the most important institutional organs of the European Union, it is also true that the College of Commissioners is composed of commissioners nominated by the Member States of the European Union.
We will continue this cooperation.
With regard to the debt issue, work is under way as part of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative.
As a human rights activist in France, I am well placed to know what has caused these results.
This report promotes the eco-innovations associated with reduced CO2 emissions, supports research and innovation into reducing emissions, and also promotes the biofuels and filling stations needed for that.
Given the fact that we are now looking at climate change legislation, that is very serious.
Either in expectation of more flexible rules, or simply to be able to put pressure on the politicians to relax the rules very quickly.
Much as I appreciate that you have to deal with the regulations as they are written, we are here to rewrite the regulations - and that is what we are looking forward to doing.
In its 2007 communication on the Black Sea Synergy, the Commission stated that 'Community accession to the Convention on the Protection of the Black Sea against Pollution is a priority'.
I consider amendment 5 extremely important, which calls for universal, accessible, sustainable and affordable public services, with high-quality standards to be ensured for all and amendment 10, which calls on the Commission to take stronger action against counterfeiting, particularly via the Internet and requests the Commission to submit to the Parliament and Council a proposal with a view to providing the Community and its Member States with qualitative and statistical data at European level on counterfeiting, particularly via the Internet.
In the same way, a high-level seminar on the issue is being prepared as part of the ASEAN Regional Forum under the co-presidency of the European Union and Indonesia.
The knowledge-skill-till chain is encountering increasingly strong competition worldwide and requires even more intelligent organisation.
In order to make sure that antibiotics remain effective in combating disease in animals and in humans, we must take a coordinated approach at an EU level.
These differences are apparent here in Parliament as well.
Now, as then, we pay tribute to these people for their heroic commitment despite their enforced absence.
Today, we have to congratulate Rapporteurs Jean Lambert and Emine Bozkurt because, by solving the issue of details, we are expecting a fluidization of the information flow, under conditions of data security and more efficient coordination.
Creativity, however, will be the same one year on.
However, as far as I am aware, none of the EU Member States has recognised Taiwan.
What measures will the Commission put in place to ensure that the commitment to reducing EU emissions will be increased to 40%?
A few days later, on 23 September, Commissioner Kroes approved more than EUR 54 million in State aid for the creation of a Dell factory in Poland.
It is quite unbelievable that no progress has yet been made in this field, because it is a relatively simple matter.
Today, in the midst of a recession, this will not be an easy debate.
It strikes me that the parties have an excellent opportunity here to improve relations by turning their attention to practical issues such as the trouble-free crossing of borders.
Our resolution, which expresses concerns over the erosion of a democracy, is of course directed at the government and the authorities, particularly in connection with these protests, in particular the interior authorities of Ukraine, to urge them to allow these protests to continue.
The European Union is endeavouring to take steps in the case of companies like Opel, and if any plan is implemented, it will also involve direct help.
The second goal is to ensure that it is a budget which provides added value.
It is clear that much data is still lacking and I believe that this is an area in which the Community, with its research problem, could yet do something specific.
The third point is that, in order to find a long-term solution in Somalia, the Council lends its full support to the Djibouti process within the transitional Federal Government and the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia, and there is no plan B to this process.
So we must combine efficiency with price if we are to deal with this matter adequately.
The second point concerns the application of permanent bans.
The debate is closed.
Lastly, I would like to wish the Commission good luck.
This issue is of course linked to the strategy on biofuels.
Transferring a key economic policy mechanism from Member States to the control of the ECB has helped capitalists to reduce the cost of labour and multiply profits.
The Black Sea is a border of the European Union, a geostrategic crossroad and a transit region, an area of cooperation trade, fishing, tourism, shipping, a strategic area in the European energy policy.
What steps is it taking to prevent additional problems in connection with the Roma gypsies and the nuisance and criminality associated with them?
I am among those who will strive to see that it does this, because I believe it is very important, a few months from the elections, that our citizens know that European solidarity does exist and that Europe is not just dominated by the market.
In fact, 48 hours ago, the Competitiveness Council examined and supported the plan put forward by the Commission in July, while our Parliament is still considering it.
Secondly, are we looking - as Mr Skinner said - at best practice in the different Member States?
Let us have this sort of discussion and see what we can do to stop this gender-based abortion.
So there is a real divergence between those two sets of views.
There are best practices, specifically in Portugal, as regards crèches and nursery schools, improving maternity, paternity and parental leave systems, as well as policies to balance family and working life.
China's policy in Africa, for example, does not hold any reference to human rights or democracy.
(The President cut off the speaker)
Madam President, we welcome the lack of agreement between the European Parliament and the Council on the amendment of the Directive on the organisation of working time, because what was proposed was worse than what currently exists, in relation to both the average working day and on-call time.
I am not blaming the Commission, then.
Mr Sarkozy, the first steps have been good.
We must not forget, however, that in the interests of protecting the environment and limiting climate change, we will ultimately have to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.
Finally, I appeal to our Greek friends to demonstrate good will and flexibility to reach a reasonable compromise that would enable Macedonia to free itself from the stigmatisation of Tito's communist federal state.
Some of these people even have bogus self-employed status.
Although there have been many voices during these weeks which have protested at a European and global level, unfortunately, the situation in the Republic of Moldova has not improved.
Will you offer tangible assistance, i.e. expertise and material resources, to the central government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to help it achieve its roadmap and the criteria needed for its citizens to travel freely within the European Union?
I doubt that these provisions, and more broadly those in the energy and climate package, will encourage the European economy to make the necessary changes and put the European Union on the road towards a society that is abstemious in terms of carbon.
If we are able to help to bring together an abandoned orphan child and a family that is longing for children, we will have made a very important contribution.
Lebanon is also one of the few Arab states which have accepted a European Union election observation mission.
The conflict cannot be used as an argument for such violations.
That would have created new problems, not only for investments, but also for industrial development.
The announcement last week that the Euro Zone is in recession now means that urgent action will have to be taken both within the EU and globally, but the one thing we cannot do is blame the euro for the current crisis.
With regard to citizenship, the Union should put the citizens back at the heart of the European project, and the increase in financial allocations should not only focus on security aspects, in particular, on managing migratory flows.
We support the joint motion for a resolution, but we do not wish to be associated with references to a proposal for a directive by the Commission on concentrations in the media and the protection of pluralism, because we consider that this competence, on such a serious and necessary matter, should be vested in the Member States.
Very small enterprises account for more than 85% of European businesses; in other words, they are the backbone of our economy, which urgently needs a boost.
We must focus sharply on securing the supply of raw materials to European industry.
Only the European Union has approved binding climate change reduction targets and intends to adopt even more ambitious targets.
Yes, we need to examine other tools such as risk insurance and future markets.
However, continuing the reform of the Bologna Process is even more important.
I believe thanks are due to Mrs Berès for initiating it, enabling us to join the ILO initiative, on the one hand, and, on the other, making us think about all that needs to be done for a category of workers whose conditions we often do not know about and, when we do know something, it tends to be depressing.
It is a right that we all have.
At the same time, I regret that this report was not prepared in accordance with Rule 39 of the Rules of Procedure, requesting that the Commission submit concrete legislative proposals.
Trade creates the prosperity we need in order to meet future environmental challenges.
Parliament's report clearly underlines the benefits of biogas production to the agricultural sector, but also to society.
These are very specific examples which would allow the Belarusian authorities to show goodwill and a desire to conduct real dialogue.
It would also be advisable to implement European institutional reforms under which the children's rights coordinators reporting to the Commissioner would provide links between institutions, NGOs and governments, to give continuous dialogue and cooperation.
That concludes this item.
The next item is the report by Maria Da Graça Carvalho, on behalf of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, on simplifying the implementation of the Research Framework Programmes.
We have heard all about this.
The real function of politics is to establish the legal framework to ensure that such a situation never arises.
There are two distinct categories of contract agents.
This means I have made a mistake, and therefore I apologise to those involved.
I would also like to emphasise that the United States and Canada are leading the way in the field of development and manufacture of hydrogen powered vehicles, while Japan is catching up, and we ourselves should not fall further behind.
However, this détente makes little sense unless it is accompanied by Taiwan's integration into international organisations, especially those related to trade, like the World Health Assembly and the International Maritime Organisation.
The American way of producing chickens does not meet these standards.
We have reached a turning point, however.
The co-location of consular facilities is also under consideration.
Unfortunately, none of these issues have been dealt with appropriately in the draft resolution.
Secondly, I agree with the assessment of both Commissioners that the manufacturers and producers have to bear the brunt of the responsibility for managing a supply chain where they do quality checks and they ensure that they are producing consistently high standards of product.
(Parliament accepted the oral amendment)
Fortunately there is one free nation that has a sense of its own freedom in its DNA.
Giving Europe an identity through an anthem, a flag and a motto gives the citizens living and working in Europe an opportunity to see themselves as part of a single entity united in diversity.
Against this backdrop, one main principle must be applied: social rights and objectives take priority over economic freedoms in the event of any conflict.
This text is an acceptable compromise for the Socialist Group and, during the negotiations, we succeeded in adding some valuable provisions to preserve the European audiovisual model.
Furthermore, in the event that an air carrier is on the blacklist, does the Commission have any information about how travel agencies and ticket sellers have notified and compensated travellers, or offered them alternatives?
Mr President, it is not just the Members of this House who have been outraged by developments in Gaza.
However, the way the mandate has been used has also led, as we have all said, to abuses and abusive practices: abusive practices when it is used for petty crime, and here I am not talking about the myriad farcical instances of thefts of bicycles, piglets and the like, and rather more serious abusive practices when there are disproportionate detentions, when innocent people are jailed and when the right to appeal these decisions is abused.
You have therefore understood perfectly.
In 2009 the Commission will continue to promote the exchange of best practice by supporting, among other things, existing activities such as MEDIA 2007, the MEDIA International preparatory action and the directive on television broadcasting activities, the AVMS Directive.
Integrity of online gambling (
That proves that it was at least possible to perfect the Barcelona Process and we will all focus our efforts in that direction.
For that reason we have to future-proof the decisions that we take today.
Firstly, it is important to review Europe's security strategy every five years, since we can see that in recent years, such security issues as energy security, cyber security and climate security have become very topical, and also the possible conflict zones have moved from one region to another.
Pursuant to Rule 4(1) of the Rules of Procedure, Parliament notes the vacancy of her seat from said date.
It is unacceptable that in May 2009, there were 22 directives with deadlines that had expired more than two years previously, and for which the transposition had still not been completed by one to five Member States.
As I finish talking to you, I will head back to Brussels to be with my colleague, Commissioner Cioloş, during this extraordinary Agriculture Ministers' Council.
I, too, would highlight how important it is for all 18 MEPs to take up their seats in the European Parliament at the same time, in order to avoid upsetting the delicate balance between the nationalities represented in the House.
Repackaging the cosmetically enhanced EU Constitution as incomprehensibly as possible after a deal done behind closed doors and avoiding referenda is also certainly detrimental to the envisaged and much-vaunted objective of generating enthusiasm for the EU among the citizens.
The excuse of the alleged plot of a coup d'état, implying some Russian influence, is highly controversial to say the least.
In order to do this, we have had to perform a delicate balancing act, all the more so because it is sometimes difficult in practice to work out where freedom of expression ends and the violation of people's rights begins.
It is important that victims of violence should not only be prevented in their country from being harmed by offenders, but should also have these kinds of preventive measures within the whole of the European Union.
It is able to adapt to changing circumstances.
Media law in Hungary (motions for resolutions tabled): see Minutes
By the same token, the Union is ready to provide all its technical expertise in the nuclear arena in order to help Japanese and international experts to take control of the situation in the proximity and in the very heart of the Fukushima power plant.
Migration from the Schengen Information System (SIS 1+) to the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) (amendment of Regulation (EC) No 1104/2008) - Migration from the Schengen Information System (SIS 1+) to the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) (amendment of Decision 2008/839/JHA) - The establishment of a joint EU resettlement programme (debate)
°
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - Mr President, we see in Haiti one of the hugest humanitarian aid operations ever.
Of course, part of this is spent honouring its obligations as a member of NATO.
As the Commissioner said earlier, to enable consumers to become better informed and more confident and to exercise that critical choice, we want innovative and safe products and services.
But the only legal base it has at the moment is a flimsy cat's cradle of communiqués, of press releases, of resolutions in Council.
The Council and the European Parliament are largely of the same view concerning this.
At this stage, I cannot claim that there has been a lot of activity with the Chinese.
Secondly, as Europe we should understand once and for all that we are not competing alone on the market; we have to ensure that the systems used by other Member States - and by the European Union as a whole - are attractive to serious companies wishing to enter the market and establish themselves as true European operators.
Mr President, as the shadow rapporteur on the active inclusion report, I shall concentrate mainly on that one.
It is equally important to realise that there have been failures as it is to acknowledge progress and offer support for it.
This WTO order allows the poor countries, the poor in the rich countries, to make the rich in the poor countries even richer.
The creation and funding of a permanent European structure, which will gather and spread good practice in this area, as well as promote dialogue between the interested parties from every region of the European Union, will mark a new, important step towards encouraging sustainable mobility in urban areas.
Thank you to the Czech Minister and congratulations through him to the leader and all the members of the Czech Senate.
Lessons have been learned and debates have taken place in Parliament and in the institutions.
Here again, I am looking in the direction of the Commission, which ought to examine whether we should introduce insurance solutions in order to be able to provide appropriate compensation to people who have suffered damage.
The producer does not have to come from the country in which he wishes to register and, finally, we want close monitoring of shipments.
In Europe there is a great variability in popular sports in different Member States - from skiing in Finland to soccer in the UK, from hockey in the Czech Republic to cycling in the Netherlands.
That would have a certain institutional logic.
Slovakia can learn from many of Slovenia's experiences and can use them in its own preparation for the introduction of the euro.
My party, Fine Gael, has recently made a number of concrete suggestions, following the subcommittee's report on its analysis of the Irish 'no'.
Good supervision: yes!
(EL) Mr President, Jean-Claude Juncker said yesterday that we have been putting pressure on the Greek Government to take appropriate action since 2008, but that we have not gone public with the problems, because Eurogroup is an unofficial body.
(FI) Mr President, as I come from the gold country of Northern Lapland, I want to make my contribution in this debate.
For this reason, it is important for us to know if the environmental costs, such as climate changes, will be a part of this proposal.
in writing. - Recent elections held in Belarus can be described as anything but free and fair.
If we are to have a reinforced High Representative for Foreign Affairs, the main task should be working closely with Member States in coordinating common policies where they have shared objectives.
I would like to mention two other aspects of this directive that I think represent progress.
They are desperate, dangerous criminals who need to be brought to book.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, about a year ago now the Commission adopted the mid-term review of the European Environment and Health Action Plan 2004-2010.
At the same time it still expresses its concern for the situation regarding freedom of speech, gender equality, the Kurds and other minorities, and the use of violence by the authorities.
So these are the crucial issues to deal with.
(FI) Mr President, Commissioner, unemployment and exclusion among young people are a big problem.
There are no black holes.
I believe that future cases will demonstrate the need for clarity and will demonstrate the need for the sort of guidelines that we have originally drafted.
Thanks to today's vote, employing illegal workers will henceforth cost employers dear and may even put them in prison.
In this regard, let me point out that, in my view, what we need to do is to strengthen regional development.
If the Council concludes this is the case, it would make recommendations to Cyprus and would establish deadlines for effective corrective action to be taken.
In this respect, we look forward to the resolution that you are planning to adopt on the India FTA, which I believe is very timely.
We see neither the financial investors nor the members of the political class, but we see the employees: the workers are fighting this accident.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, as you are well aware, the New Year started with a serious incident of dioxin contamination of animal feed in Germany.
Anyone rejecting the view that each individual woman in those countries should be entitled to full control of her own destiny is obviously refusing to regard these women as the equals of men.
We should remember that enlargement is about a better future, not about a better past.
I support the report of Mme Aubert.
Cooperation within and between regions and gathering and exchanging good practices in the area of regional policy will improve the ability to absorb European funds.
It is a pity, therefore, and I address this little aside to the Commission, that we still have to wait for the publication of both the recast procedure and the Recognition Directive.
If the unresolved question of the name is added to this unfortunate internal environment, this will severely try the European prospects of this country.
This is that we are coming up with a proposed solution well ahead of time, creating conditions for modernity.
Firstly, we plan to establish an effective partnership with our African partners; this partnership must also prove to be effective in terms of ownership.
When introducing new market instruments a number of basic guidelines have to be followed: the public have to accept them, the taxes cannot be seen as yet another obligation imposed by the European Union and also the taxes have to be introduced gradually.
Madam President, Mr Papastamkos is asking about governance in the euro area.
We simply need sufficient sanctions for misuse of the existing CE marking.
The reason for a bank refusing to give mortgages to anyone other than residents of the same Member State (even when the relevant bank is a multinational and is represented in a number of Member States by subsidiaries or branches) is that, in the event of a default on the loan, the bank is obliged to proceed with a forced execution procedure in accordance with lex rei sitae (the law of the state where the property for which the mortgage has been arranged by the lending bank is located) and not with the law of the state where the creditor has its registered office.
Media law in Hungary (debate)
I believe that the wine industry is very important for the EU economy, since a number of countries, including Italy, France and Spain, rank among the world's leading wine producers and export their celebrated products all over the world.
in writing. - I applaud this resolution, led by our colleague, Eva Joly, where it states that it welcomes the fact that in 2009, the JPA continued to provide a framework for an open, democratic and in-depth dialogue between the European Union and the ACP countries and calls for an enhanced political dialogue, welcomes the new Commissioner for Trade's positive response to the request by several ACP countries and regions for a review of the contentious issues raised during negotiations on the EPA, in line with the statements made by the President of the Commission, and underlines the need for close parliamentary monitoring of the negotiations and implementation of the EPA.
Another totally new aspect is the provisions covering allergenic fragrances, to which, surely, we do not want children to be exposed.
This is especially so because in a contradictory manner even the Commission's impact assessment itself considers the original collection target realistic for the old Member States and not for the new ones.
The reason - and, Mr President, you might wonder how I am going to get to the report, and so do I sometimes - we do not need the Lisbon Treaty is proved within this report.
Returning now to the contentious question of Article 5, it has to be said that Parliament won an outright victory here, reflecting the close and friendly cooperation between the rapporteur and shadow rapporteurs.
Neither party to the conflict is interested in peace for the other party.
For example, compensation payments for minimum pensions were fraudulently claimed by EU citizens from nine Member States, with these compensation payments clearly exceeding the actual pensions.
One of the most difficult areas to understand is how to access these funds in the fields of regional policy.
This is why misleading business directories cause harm to the people who use them.
Most would agree that this is excessive.
New rules on textile labelling are proposed which will help customers avoid the risk of buying textile products which contain natural fur or leather.
The agreement lasts for three years.
That is our strategy.
As regards animal welfare, this is an excuse for serving external interests, mainly those of the transport companies, at the expense of stock breeders and consumers, since the cost is being increased with no substantial benefit to the community.
Whether one's pension was EUR 100 or EUR 1 000, 10% was taken off.
It extends the duration of the regulation until 31 December 2013 in order to allow sufficient time for the new regulation to be drafted by the Commission and for Parliament to exercise its new powers in international trade policy.
We have done that and thus protected the ongoing recovery in the real economy in Europe.
Here, the European Commission has done noteworthy work.
For these reasons, in April 2005 the Commission adopted a proposal for a revision of the Regulation.
I think he recently visited Cuba but, of course, to date, we have not had the chance to develop this context.
In their opinion, is ACTA a binding or a voluntary agreement?
I cannot assume this responsibility.
The main questions we have to pose now are, first, where we want to bring Belarus and, second, how we can do it.
Good progress has been made, and the texts have come along very well where the vast majority of points are concerned.
The European Council will endorse the broad economic-policy guidelines and adopt the conclusions on employment policies.
I am myself an example of the fact that in today's Czech Republic there is no anti-German aggression since I was elected as a German citizen to represent the Czech Republic in this Parliament.
This freedom is among the key European values and it cannot be called into question.
in writing. - I voted against this report as I have serious concerns in relation to the EU's economic and political approach towards the countries that are covered by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement.
I am very grateful for your suggestions.
Despite all the difficulties and mistakes, we have adhered to this principle in the initiative.
That is the picture.
We know that the poorer people are, the greater the proportion of their income they have to spend on food, and that they are more seriously affected.
We need to balance these connections by facilitating and strengthening the alternatives that are currently severely lacking in comparison, such as railways and sea transport.
2.
It is estimated that more than 2500 women living in Ireland have undergone FGM in other countries.
I therefore understand why numerous posters calling for a referendum were held aloft in the House today, as the Treaty of Lisbon itself, of course, gives us the option of offering the European people such a referendum.
They very often pay the price of having poorer qualification and education structures than the rest of the population, and this naturally has very negative consequences for their chances of integrating into the labour market.
There are some positive aspects, but I have no need to go over them again.
Since the first reading in 2007, the Council has rejected most of Parliament's recommendations on the other five.
I believe that when revising the Energy Efficiency Action Plan, the European Commission must seriously take into account the fact that the Member States are not exploiting energy saving opportunities sufficiently, which is preventing an increase in energy independence.
Secondly, I ask you to reaffirm your commitment to European targets and guidelines that allow for the massive participation of women on the labour market, especially the Barcelona targets for daytime childcare, which we know, are far from being met in the EU.
The third and final thing I would say is about legal certainty.
The first cases were reported almost two years ago - on 25 March 2009 - and the WHO declared a phase 6 alert level on 11 June 2009.
We must, of course, be sensitive about forcing our more liberal and tolerant values on others, because it can sometimes be counterproductive.
To this end, the Commission's initiative is a step in the right direction and has the merit of concentrating on specific regional projects, which will make it possible to provide an effective response to the needs of the citizens of this region.
Madam President, 2009 started with disruption to gas supplies for Bulgaria and Slovenia, along with a sharp reduction in volumes for other countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
in writing. - The Greens/EFA voted against this report, although Green MEPs voted in favour of the Gauzès report in the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.
I voted in favour of the draft Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1339/2001 extending the effects of Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001 laying down measures necessary for the protection of the euro against counterfeiting to those Member States which have not adopted the euro as their single currency because this extension is beneficial in the fight against counterfeiting of the euro across the whole of the EU.
If the Scientific Committee is unable to produce an estimate of the current biomass because it lacks sufficient information, the sector must not be doubly penalised with a 25% reduction of the TAC on the previous year.
In the first of these amendments, we emphasise the importance of reducing the 'black' or 'grey' economy.
I support a dialogue with China on harmonising policies in Africa with a view to reducing poverty, but I am not holding my breath.
It is clear, therefore, that the WHO definition is not binding on or even accepted by governmental and parliamentary institutions.
We need more purchasing power.
Commissioner, you have also emphasised that we need to have the same standards in all Member States.
Secondly, we will argue the need to take full account of the changes envisaged by the Treaty of Lisbon when we present proposals, both for future budgets and for the multiannual financial framework as a whole.
In order to achieve this, several major challenges have still to be overcome.
In that case, will the Irish taxpayers get some, or all, of their money back?
We should reinforce this respect for the consumer with labelling that includes details of the wine-making practices followed.
They have been discussed in detail in the dialogue on counter-terrorism and international law.
I voted in favour of this report.
in writing. - The 2011 budget has been decided in challenging and unstable times.
I welcome the fact that the KAD project in Luxembourg is making progress, that it would seem that the costs are under control, and that things are going according to plan.
I would like to draw attention to the fact that the shortage of jobs and difficult working conditions have an impact on the life of every individual, and young people in this situation are particularly vulnerable.
The vote will take place tomorrow, Thursday, 26 November 2009.
It is now vital that we begin to think seriously about the energy issue and about investment in renewable energies.
At the same time they allow it to be controlled, ensuring that users have greater security and feel better about their lives.
We should aim at a set of concrete action-oriented measures which can deliver confidence and trust in the process and bring us closer to our final goal.
Needless to say, we have discussed this 10% objective in great detail.
The reason for differences is the spread of extreme poverty, social exclusion or deliberate exclusion, regions with multiple disadvantages that have been left out of the information society, and whose citizens cannot even be expected to have a common European awareness.
I therefore agree with the issue tackled in the European Commission's report on the need for gender equality to be integrated into all policies, as well as into the education of European children from the very beginning.
With an explosion in population and food prices, we cannot dismiss the opportunities offered us by biotechnology and genetic engineering.
This is particularly important in view of the new competences to be acquired by the European Parliament pursuant to adoption of the Lisbon Treaty.
(DE) Mr President, I would like to highlight once again the European Union's transport strategy.
To translate this new framework into action, a major task for the Commission will be to help establish the European External Action Service - all this for 2009, if all the timetables, as we hope, are respected.
For that, I need the Council to take some decisions.
It has been a challenging process, mainly due to the very restrictive nature of the recast.
Colleagues, you cannot do all this without having mutual trust.
In order to be more competitive in external trade, we also need to stimulate high-quality internal demand.
I am asking you now, Commissioner.
Member of the Commission. - I just want to thank the honourable Member for this information.
What happened in Turin happens to some extent everywhere and, on the basis also of the very good Willmott report, underlines the need for a commitment to a very real reduction of accidents and deaths at the workplace.
And if anyone, in any country or continent, is in any doubt about how the human will and the courage of representatives with a mission can build a new future out of past decades of despair, let them simply reflect upon how, 60 years ago, Europeans talked of enmities that were forever entrenched and relationships that could never be repaired.
Could the Commission provide information on the current situation with regard to the counterfeiting of euro bank notes and coins as well as an analysis of what the EU is doing to combat counterfeit fraud?
Conflicts also deepen because the Airport Users Committee does not establish areas for ground handling service providers.
Mr Ortuondo, the Presidency will seek information on this matter, even though it is something that we have discussed many times and the answers are well known.
It must also support agricultural communities which provide European citizens with a wide range of high-quality and wholesome foods.
If we want to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, it is one of the very efficient ways, but we need to make sure that our gas supply is competitive.
We have information exchange systems and the facilities to deal with any problems.
Order of business: see Minutes
EULEX itself cannot do this job.
We have discussed the expulsion of and discrimination against Roma people in France and Italy, and there have been many other examples of debates about fundamental rights being under pressure in one Member State or another.
If the ESF is to remain in existence and play an effective role, we need to have a clear overview of this issue in advance.
First, let me commend Ms Gomes and all the other Members of Parliament involved in the preparation of this important report.
This said, I should like to make a small digression as someone who unfortunately has had first-hand experience of these matters.
We wanted recognition of the gap between the emission reduction pledges of the Copenhagen Accord now being anchored in the UN text and the challenge of keeping global warming below 2 °C. It was very important, to state the obvious, that we are not there yet.
Ladies and gentlemen, some of what is being called for here is quite simply nonsense, and I will therefore be voting against the report.
They expect the international community to support their national systems, mainly in the fields of education and health, as these systems also benefit Iraqi refugees.
Governments have rediscovered the need for state intervention in the public interest, the need for flexibility and discretion in responding to their people's needs, and they have learnt a costly lesson.
Despite the fact that the paper was non-existent, a press conference was held on the subject during the European Council summit.
We therefore need to assess this agreement from this viewpoint.
We have produced a number of effective, practical solutions to the problems concerning the collection and transfer of fingerprint data by Member States.
I too, as a European, am nostalgic for the future and I am nostalgic for the time when Europe discussed the future, showed leadership, and I am nostalgic for those days and I believe that this Treaty provides the conditions to enable Europe to do that.
The road still to be travelled is, however, not just long, but extremely long.
In spite of what you said - that we managed to achieve something - I would still like to ask whether you really would not have expected a somewhat greater result in Cancún?
Specifically, the 65 new posts planned were integrated into the estimates, with some of the money placed in reserve.
The purpose of this report is to establish at an early stage Parliament's position with regard to a new financing instrument for EU development cooperation, based on the lessons drawn from our scrutiny of the implementation of the DCI.
On the one hand, the EU must continue its policy on the consolidation of the education, training and innovation system, and 2009, declared the year of innovation, must be fully used to this end.
Had that money - that USD 880 billion that escapes out of developing countries and is deposited in our banks - been left in those developing countries to develop those countries, how much better would it be that they would grow faster, have capital formation abilities, have property rights and commercial practices?
I would like to say a few things about the report, which details the problems in the sheep sector and does it particularly well.
This money could be between EUR 30 billion and EUR 50 billion every year, and we have recommended - and I hope that the European Parliament will agree - that part of it should go to adaptation policies.
It is of key significance that the resolution establishes compensation rights for passengers who have been injured in coach accidents.
The high-level group is meeting and its members are, as I understand it, high-calibre individuals: it is not just producers who are represented, but distributors too.
The blame that was put on those same people was wrong - we must be clear in saying that the biggest victims here are people, the innocent people of Gaza.
Do we have similar figures for the Third World and developing countries?
As we are currently seeing, these days, nobody is impervious when the desire for freedom explodes like this.
Most of the perpetrators are soldiers from both sides, members of the Congolese security forces and the police.
Together, we have a range of problems.
Devastated, Japan and its regions need all types of aid and support - humanitarian, financial and technical.
Belgium is about to fall to bits and the rest will follow.
It was also a debate looking to the future.
Some even say that we have already gone past the point of no return.

I would not have spoken again at this point if Mr Wathelet had not made these remarks.
In accordance with the legal basis of Article 165 of the treaty, the Council Recommendation on measures to combat neurodegenerative diseases calls for Parliament to be consulted.
The Commission published a green paper on the transparency of debtors' assets in March 2008, and all the replies - including a summary - can now be accessed by consulting the public web site.
It is entirely essential; the African countries need to have the resources to become self-sufficient in terms of food, and undoubtedly part of the money that we have dedicated to developing large infrastructures needs to be invested in agricultural micro-projects.
The next item is the debate on:
However, this cooperation and the facilities that we have prove that we can move forward even more efficiently.
We are, after all, able to organise various kinds of training or workshops, during which we can provide real help in accessing EU funds earmarked for the development of rural areas.
Mr President, Commissioner, I would prefer to use five minutes to start with and leave one minute for my conclusions.
At present, solidarity between Member States is of paramount importance.
It appears to me that such a flexible system, which lends itself well to the diversity that exists within Europe, would stimulate healthy competition between universities and between research projects.
Today, the teaching profession is not attractive.
Once again let me congratulate the rapporteur, Mr Vakalis, on his excellent report.
I welcome the Commission's proposal tackling the problem of late payments which is becoming a serious issue, particularly in cross-border commercial transactions, because it violates legal security.
Although the second reading of this report and the final agreement with the Council include some positive aspects, we must not forget it focuses on the principle of consolidating the single market.
I think that the dispute which we in Europe - here in this House - are having about Israel and Palestine is always very difficult.
It is therefore necessary to build on the sustainable aspect of agriculture.
5.
In this regard, I wish to take up a few ideas that have been voiced, ideas with which, I might add, I am in particular agreement.
Mr President, I agree that tailings dams such as the one that caused the accident in Baia Mare in 2000 should not be created.
Social innovation supports people with disabilities in finding their own solutions to their social problems, a work-life balance, equal opportunities for men and women, quality of family life and the ability to care for children, the elderly and the disabled.
Twenty-five years on, the wealthiest one per cent has 17% of total income in the European Union.
The current state of the negotiations on data transfers still does not ensure effective legal protection of the data in the United States, as they can be retained for years after the security checks have been carried out and there is no legal protection for anyone who is not a US citizen.
Now it is time to act.
First, regarding our priorities for 2010 to 2020 and the launch of the European industrial initiatives, those six initiatives really match our priorities - wind, solar bio-energy, sustainable fission, smart grids, and carbon capture and storage are priorities that were strongly endorsed by Parliament and the Council.
Another possibility is nuclear power.
I think that the 2011 budget is not the place to translate into a budgetary instrument the conclusions of those important debates and difficult decisions that will have to be made for the future financing of the European Union when the next multiannual financial framework is negotiated.
You must make sure that we receive the results of the investigation soon, otherwise this debate will place a heavy burden on the Hungarian Presidency.
The Commission's website should indicate very clearly that travel and accommodation expenses will be reimbursed and, also, that a reimbursement scheme exists for other costs directly associated with work in expert groups.
The regions hardest hit will be the poorest countries in Africa, Asia and Central and Latin America, where environmental migration is envisaged.
in writing. - All EU Member States must play their part in making possible the closure of the Guantánamo Bay prison.
Meanwhile, you have spoken about bringing the guilty parties to justice.
They have used pressure and intimidation in attempts to break the opposition movement, which now has a majority in the lower house of parliament.
The Lisbon informal summit is going to be a crucial event, having had the publication of the draft Reform Treaty, which heads of state and government will focus on when they meet there.
The Commission firmly believes that it is important to include price data, since prices are one of consumers' principal concerns.
I should also like to take this opportunity to thank, in addition to Mr Liberadzki, the dangerous goods committee for their work, bearing in mind that that work has been carried out continuously in accordance with the international agreements in force in this field.
President-in-Office of the Council. - Mr President, I welcome this opportunity to speak on these three important legislative proposals, and am grateful to the rapporteurs for the extensive work which has gone into their reports.
Europe is not alone in having problems activating its bureaucracy - the Americans have the same problem.
In light of this, I believe that the proposed new Protocol for the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EU and Seychelles serves the interests of both parties.
The work required to ensure compliance with the Union's standards and membership obligations is difficult and demands continuous efforts and determination.
Fortunately, however, Parliament can give opinions and can do so openly.
The adoption of this strategy will allow for cost-effective, value-added development of new and innovative solutions, and so I supported this proposal.
I find it appalling that anyone should behave towards me in such a downright aggressive manner.
This should be rectified.
They are, first and foremost, the problems of our citizens, the residents of Europe.
The vote will take place on Thursday, 21 January 2010.
There is also good news, though.
It is not a conflict between Palestinians and Jews, it is not a conflict between Israel and the Palestinian authority, it is a conflict between extremists and moderate forces in the region.
We are delighted with the energy and commitment that the Commission has shown on this and are pleased that the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety has made clear, firm proposals.
Up to now, surveys by NGOs have shown that 20% of the Congolese timber imported onto the European market is of illegal origin, whether it is for production, sale, processing or export.
I urge you, Commissioner, to pay a little less attention to the newspapers and more to the documents that the Italian Government officially forwards.
Today, we are also raising the issue of the famine in Ukraine to manifest our conviction that this fragment of the dramatic history of our common Europe is still not sufficiently well known.
I do have a question for her concerning the role of Sberbank, the Russian savings bank.
There is, therefore, an urgent need to develop a programme of research to document the protection and development of regional culture in all its spiritual and artistic expressions.
Poor use is being made in Poland, for example, of money from the Cohesion Fund earmarked for public communications projects, such as railways, trams and the Internet.
We insist on compliance with the fundamental standards of the International Labour Organisation as a preliminary condition for entering into trade agreements.
I support the excellent report by Mr Fernandes, because at a time when we are experiencing a severe financial, economic and social crisis in which so many sacrifices are required of the public, we must be the first to set an example by adopting guidelines for a budget marked by restraint and austerity.
It would be a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul.
(The latter solution was chosen)
At the same time, I would like to express my reservations regarding the order of preference of standards examined during the process of drawing up technical specifications for the purchase of defence equipment.
We are living in a time when we have been given a reminder of what can happen; we are discussing a community of 500 million people who for the most part consume foods from abroad.
The Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) has taken the initiative for this debate because the problems in the euro area countries make a strong European approach very urgent.
We need more, not less, Europe.
I refer in particular to cooperation in the areas of transport, the environment and economic development.
On the key threats that the strategy contemplates, I think those identified in 2003 were the right ones.
In a context where European economies are mutually dependent, the adverse effects of the crisis affect every economy.
Therefore, I am calling on my fellow Members to support this new intermediate category when it comes to the vote.
Healthcare is after all a specific sector requiring a specific approach.
The cooperation of the Member States is of vital importance.
We should keep this in mind when we take account of the torments women have to endure in armed conflicts.
Mr President, we are about to make some important and necessary revisions to the limit values for radioactive contamination of foodstuffs.
In the meantime, however, I welcome any steps in the direction of giving people greater rights to know what they are sharing the roads and waterways of Europe with, and that they are safe.
The men wait for a sign that a war is beginning, in order to take up arms and begin fighting each other.
In the ensuing crisis, we then rack our brains about whether we should export agricultural produce to the developing world at dumped prices, therefore ruining the market over there, along with the situation of smallholders and producers.
The process will be a painful one not only for the individual Member States but also for the Union as a whole. The latter may be faced with losing its competitive edge and with a fall in economic growth compared to the situation in other parts of the world characterised by swift demographic growth.
Deals can only be done if there is an established law.
Of course, we support, too, the creation of the Airport Capacity Observatory because we believe that with the Commission's support it will be a positive tool for the future.
(SL) The events that will take place in Lima in April and May on the parliamentary and governmental line must strengthen the southern dimension of the transatlantic cooperation.
However, food scarcity means hunger in the world, and if we have a system which makes it possible for hunger in some regions of the world to generate profits in others, our 700 billion dollar rescue package will not help us.
However, greater fairness is needed in the distribution of direct payments, both among Member States and farmers.
Mr President, my thanks to the rapporteur for this report.
I feel that it is especially important for the process to progress via good cooperation with neighbouring countries.
Further animal welfare standards that have negative effects on the competitiveness of producers must not, therefore, be introduced until our trade partners in the WTO sign up to them.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, my Group has expressed valid criticism of the Marty report and voted overwhelmingly against the Fava report.
This good news does of course give rise to a whole series of questions.
The question which my fellow Members and I asked the Commission today calls for the Commission to clarify its intentions and to ensure that the decision it takes will be based on full consultation with European producers of rosé wine.
We currently have a 20% target.
Taiwan is, as we all know, a well-developed and stable democracy.
Secondly, use of cross-border healthcare must be based on the informed choice of the patient, and not on coercion.
Although they have gone down, prices will not return to the relatively low level they were at before.
But we must be very precise in defining the purposes so as to ensure proportionality and to ensure adequate legal safeguards.
Some previous speakers have criticised both the President and the High Representative, which I consider quite inappropriate.
We have had considerable difficulties with this in the past when dealing with other legal acts under company law.
If we compare the situation now with Copenhagen, we can say that we went to Copenhagen with high expectations and we were very disappointed.
Blind faith in untrammelled markets and competition has failed abysmally, and now is the time for Europe to be more courageous in creating a new social contract between workers and businesses, and indeed for Member States and Europe to build a new social market economy, as provided for in the Treaty of Lisbon.
All of us take an oath, when we assume our duties, saying that we are not there to represent countries, and, in fact, the credibility of the institution comes exactly from that fact - that we try to be independent and to serve the general European interest.
May I ask those who bang on about the EU being this magnificent machine to ask themselves that question?
The Court also took a historic decision in 2004 to refuse to recognise the applicability of a national amnesty for the perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Directive 2004/22 was an important step in this movement.
I have been told that, in accordance with our Rules of Procedure, it is only possible to vote on Wednesday.
The Presidency is currently endeavouring to find a compromise solution in the Council.
This year will clearly be a test of our ability to demonstrate our commitment to the sustainability of this endemic stock.
(RO) I would first of all like to congratulate the rapporteur for her efforts to create a legal framework which will provide the basis for implementing the biometric identification system.
Are you not concerned that this actually undermines national parliaments and democracy across the European Union?
Our UK solution is to mechanically stamp eggs with the code numbers that represent their method of production at the laying farm itself.
The Commission believes that the most productive approach to Belarus will be one based on pragmatism.
I wait to see with interest how the Commission reacts to those proposals.
The dual pressure exerted by the issue of global warming and the inevitable increasing difficulty in obtaining oil supplies and to a latter extent gas, is forcing us to think of new solutions.
A whole raft of states have adopted the Minority Languages Charter alongside their own legislation in support of this diversity.
For hundreds of years the history of Poland has been intertwined with the history of countries like Ukraine and Belarus, where a significant Polish minority lives. These people do not hold Polish citizenship, but they often cross the border to visit their relatives.
In our committee, as elsewhere, one of the most hotly debated issues is that of the purpose of corporate social responsibility.
Since we believe it is important to have a permanent stability mechanism, the Commission played a constructive role supporting this limited revision of the Treaty.
DCM is used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and as a paint stripper and degreaser, amongst other uses.
I therefore call for long-term political, social and legal measures to do away with gender-based violence and to achieve true equality between the sexes.
My thanks to the rapporteur for drafting such a comprehensive document.
Pressure must first be exerted, of course, to ensure that the winner is acknowledged.
Today, as the CIS talks about diversity, only Russian troops are present.
(NL) Madam President, I have voted in favour of the Susta report, because counterfeiting is, of course, a serious problem, and the text before us shows evidence of common sense.
With the creation of a framework for sustainable soil use, and with the adoption of measures at source, this policy will prevent further degradation of the soil, whose vitally important social, environmental and economic functions will be preserved.
I should point out that every state is responsible for deciding its own fiscal policy.
I voted in favour of this report as I believe that trade policy should act as an instrument in the service of the European Union's overall objectives, and that it is therefore important that trade is seen not as an end in itself, but rather as a tool for the promotion of European commercial interests, and as an instrument for fair trade that can bring into general practice the effective inclusion and implementation of social and environmental standards with all EU trade partners.
Member of the Commission. - (EL) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to begin by thanking you for this opportunity to debate both the results of the climate change conference held in Bali late last year and plans for what is to come after agreement on the commencement of negotiations has been reached.
This is a report created by Parliament in the course of an ongoing legislative procedure.
Poverty amongst women is a really serious problem that the EU needs to solve.
We politicians need to step in here.
However, like the rapporteur, and given that one of the fundamental conditions of achieving sustainable fishing is ensuring up-to-date, accurate knowledge of fish stocks, I regret that it has not been possible to raise the co-financing rates as regards data collection, management and use.
It is, indeed, important.
Both ways are, ultimately, ways of achieving the same objectives.
The whole situation could be described as a permanent state of emergency.
As regards the internal political situation in Georgia, I would like, at this juncture, to express the European Union's hope that the forthcoming parliamentary elections on 21 May will be free and fair.
In my view, both the European Commission and Council should introduce a census of the generations as a means of providing information.
So, rapporteur, thank you for this very fruitful and very encouraging debate and I look forward to a very strong vote tomorrow in plenary.
It is true that there is concern, serious concern, that, despite good intentions, the proliferation of networks may lead to abuse and possibly to serious mistakes.
We have already heard about possible challenges to the results in the courts.
I expect a lot from this new cooperation and, personally speaking, her presentation in the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety convinced me of her qualifications and her appetite for solving certain problems, for example those related to smoking, which is a subject dear to my heart.
However, I should like to point out to her that public opinion in Europe is unfortunately not aware of the European Union's presence.
The recent crackdown on peaceful protesters, who were demonstrating their right to associate, has merited yet another condemnation by the European Parliament.
We outlined all our main criticisms to him.
We have banks that are 'too big to fail', as the catchphrase goes.
We must not permit such unequal terms of competition for European farmers.
The pitiful GBP 50 million she put into Axis 1 - and only GBP 15 million of that into the modernisation fund - is what caused the spectacle of Tuesday.
We want to see better working conditions, with particular emphasis on working hours, and maternity and paternity leave - here responsibility is shared on both sides by the couple or the family - thereby guaranteeing working men and women the opportunity to take up their posts again after such leave.
Can the European Council outline the initiatives that it is pursuing so that closer political and economic relations can be built up between the European Union and the United States of America?
Madam President, as one of the other co-sponsors of the original written declaration nearly three years ago, which called for this ban, I should like to congratulate everyone who has worked to bring this draft proposal forward.
In the Youth in Action Programme, the European Union has launched the European Voluntary Service.
Those rights, in particular, apply to persons with a disability, or indeed, persons with reduced mobility.
It is true that imported inflation, especially in the case of energy products, can be kept somewhat in check by this means.
Madam President, I think this report is too optimistic by half.
The report by Mr Schmidt - an excellent report, on which we worked well together - specifically welcomes that.
Unfortunately, the world's developed countries are closing their eyes to a tragedy which will affect us all through its complex implications.
This is an important first step in strengthening relations between the EU and Brazil in the aviation sector, which has allowed them to continue to strengthen their cooperation at this level and proceed towards negotiating a comprehensive air services agreement between Brazil and the EU.
This report deals with the decommissioning of nuclear power plants that have fallen into disrepair and present an immediate threat to the health of all EU citizens.
For this reason, I am convinced that the European institutions should rise to the common challenges, such as the protection of consumers - and more specifically of children - and the prevention of crime and fraud, but also to the challenges concerning the fight against the illegal and unauthorised supply of services, which the national governments alone cannot cope with.
However, structural funds should be used only within the Member States to which they have been allocated.
This means that should one EU Member State be faced with a threat to cut off its energy supplies, all the other Member States would have a duty to support it.
I almost reached my limit yesterday evening when I put the Aarhus Convention debate ahead of asparagus consumption on the famous asparagus evening.
At this point, however, I would like to emphasise that not all countries will be able to pursue this policy in the short term.
Motion for a resolution:
People watching the decision-making from outside are not interested in the smallest detail.
We should be encouraging the uptake of new farming technology and not vilifying it.
The main aim of the Council's draft proposal on patient safety and the quality of health care, including the prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections, is to define an integrated approach under which patients can transfer safely to high quality health care centres and where all factors having an impact on this will be taken into account.
Mr Cercas's report seems to have attempted to reach an acceptable compromise.
There, civil rights, such as freedom of expression, of marriage and of demonstration, rights of which we in the West do not even realise the importance any more because we are used to them, are not even vaguely close to the concept of inalienability guaranteed by our Constitution because, quite simply, they do not exist.
in writing. - (HU) We must not allow Europe to pay the price of the financial crisis and speculation that originated in the United States.
If climate change is not dealt with, it will result in disasters all over the world.
I think this has helped us a lot: we have learned from it, and national parliaments have an opportunity to anchor better and explain better what happens at European level.
in writing. - (PT) It is of course desirable and necessary to reduce unwanted by-catches and discards, but it should not be done by legislation.
Thank you.
In this regard we would appeal for the Erasmus Mundus programme to be better resourced and for the Euromed Audiovisual programme to be refinanced.
These concerns have arisen once again in this case and demand an appropriate response which we believe can be given.
This meant the elimination of the leaders and elites of a nation fighting for its own, and Europe's, freedom.
Mrs Aubert, I obviously agree with your concerns and the need to exert maximum pressure on President Déby, and in fact on everyone concerned, to ensure that human rights are respected.
In Africa it is certainly the case that the leading cause of poverty, hunger, insecurity and the enormous social and economic problems in developing countries is actually the fact that they are very badly governed by totally corrupt regimes.
- Report: Ioannis Varvitsiotis
The example of Eastern Germany shows that where these companies received adequate investment, they joined the ranks of the some of the best operating companies in the world.
All due respect to Mr Albertini, however, for taking a brave position.
When we know that we have to get agreement from a number of Member States for any new idea, this does not appear today to be the best possible solution.
My second point is that the European Union plays a particular role in the second pillar, as well.
What are we really talking about here?
Instead, the stress tests should be conducted by independent experts and in full transparency.
Mr President, three years ago Richard Corbett and I presented the Constitutional Treaty to this House, and we are now European Parliament rapporteurs on the Lisbon Treaty.
(FR) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we are talking today about improving the safety of nuclear power, not about calling civil nuclear power into question when it is an essential component of energy independence and of the fight against greenhouse gases in many Member States of the European Union.
Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (announcement of motions for resolutions tabled): see Minutes
Unfortunately, in the European Union, we still have several sectors where there is no real competition.
You have ensured, by dint of an oppressive tax burden, that Flemish workers cost significantly more than their counterparts in other countries and that, at the same time, they have less to show for it - this is also a factor - and it is time you gave this some more thought.
Therefore, it is so important that this programme be given high subsidies, not forgetting, at the same time, how important it is to continue to promote it and maintain an appropriate information policy.
So we need to support the creation of a smaller, more fuel-efficient fleet that is better matched to fishing possibilities.
Outside this Chamber, equality means the right of people to be treated the same.
This is not just about one euro country competing with another, but about us being able to hold our own against the USA and Asia.
on behalf of the ECR Group. - Madam President, sovereign debt spreads have widened dramatically over recent months for certain euro Member States, leading to much speculation in the markets about defaults, bail-outs and even the viability of certain Member States within the euro framework.
The Western Balkans needs a clear European perspective.
On that occasion, the issue of minorities in Pakistan was raised.
Polish fishermen have joined the increasing criticism of the archaic data base that is too heavily based on estimates.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to congratulate Commissioner Verheugen on having taken the initiative to create a high-level group, CARS 21, to examine the European automotive industry.
(HU) As a Hungarian living in Romania, I would like to congratulate President Jerzy Buzek, in the spirit of solidarity, a worthy successor to our former president, Hans-Gert Pöttering.
I was the rapporteur for the ERTMS.
Probably for the first time, I support the proposal made by Mr Panzeri for continued dialogue within the parliamentary committee on certain matters that bind us to our Moroccan colleagues.
So I do not want to go further because we will have a number of occasions to be in contact with Parliament.
24.
We want to delete this because the authorities have already abolished this system of exit visas, so it is obsolete.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to welcome to this House the new Commissioner, Mrs Androulla Vassiliou.
For this reason, in addition to current diplomatic activities, the European Union must continue its efforts to build the Palestinian infrastructure, with the training of security forces and reinforcement of the authority of the Palestinian administration.
I would, however, like to express some reservations.
Europe's cities are its centres of economic activity, innovation and employment, but they must face up to a number of challenges.
on behalf of the EFD Group. - Madam President, there is an ideology that is gaining ground in Europe that teaches inequality between men and women.
If I pick up two of them, the first is - and, in a sense, Mrs Salafranca began with it - about how we should support regional initiatives, which are often dominated by individual countries but do not include all the members of the region, and how best to try and provide the kind of support that ensures we engage with all the countries of that region.
However, we must not, under any circumstances, allow the US to monopolise Europe in economic terms.
We also need to ensure the utmost respect for privacy and data protection.
To this end, the European Council must decide on several important steps.
This decision was accepted for two reasons, firstly to allow evaluation of the new political and security situation, and secondly to carry out an unhindered evacuation of the Europeans and of civilians from other countries.
But can I address another issue which has not been raised here yet?
In order to achieve an internal market for electricity, we need to establish harmonised rules and regulations, ensure that all the players are using the same rules, promote interconnections and have independent regulators with sufficient powers to guarantee investments.
Please submit a written request on this matter.
The crisis has also highlighted a marked contradiction at a time in which the ECB has been forced to make financial movements in the market and at the same time to raise interest rates to tackle the risk of inflation.
No country can combat tax evasion effectively on its own.
A major distinction therefore needs to be made: on the one hand, we are combating ideas with which we do not agree.
Missing traders then fail to remit the VAT to the national exchequer.
Conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement with Korea is part of the strategy to provide Europe with a global dimension.
In my view, it is necessary to launch a comprehensive analysis to obtain a more precise identification of the possible scenarios and means for operation and exploitation after 2013.
However, the Council is the most conspicuous by its absence.
This is not possible, because the constitution does not allow it.
Therefore, Parliament's vote naturally carries the appropriate weight and the issue of the Integrated Guidelines was fundamental in the debate we held with Parliament.
Following the Lisbon Treaty, however, the European Parliament has much more power and the task as MEPs sitting here is really to defend the interests and rights, the fundamental rights, of the 500 million citizens of the EU Member States.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, this was a very interesting debate.
Manufacturers of active substances based in third countries should be subject to inspections by the Member State to which those substances are destined, to be mediated by the competent authorities of the third country in question.
These trade preferences were granted for the period that ended on 31 December 2010 and which currently apply to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo.
Pierre Werner, a former Prime Minister of Luxembourg, along with Valéry Giscard d'Estaing and Helmut Schmidt, when they were still Finance Ministers, submitted blueprints heading in this direction.
We have identified these differences specifically in the approach to children with learning difficulties.
I would once again like to thank Mr Galeote for the report and the Committee on Regional Development for its attention on this very important issue.
We need balanced or pluralist information since we were elected to serve all citizens equally.
What I do not think the report conveys sufficiently well is the reason why people, mainly young men, become or are lured into becoming terrorists and place themselves outside democratic society.
However, it is very important to note that the objective is to protect the electronic format of works per se, without allowing users to modify them.
We have therefore tried to do some tidying up, to clarify and to consolidate, but that does not make it a revolution.
If we want to achieve something in maritime transport and aviation, however, it is necessary to re-intensify our negotiations with the 20 Annex I states. What has taken place in aviation with ICAO has so far failed to produce any results.
Who creates the legislative framework, who creates the rules for such businesses?
We could unanimously adopt a different text.
The next item is the report by Petr Duchoň, on behalf of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning a European rail network for competitive freight - C6-0509/2008 -.
It is also important that these solutions do not only benefit our citizens today and tomorrow, but also provide for our children's future.
Also necessary is improved coordination between immigration policy and development aid policy.
In fact, tuna boats are particularly vulnerable, insofar as, on the one hand, they have a very low freeboard and, on the other, they are immobile and not manoeuvrable during seine fishing: that is, during a four to five hour period.
It is indeed right that it is the task of the Member States to ensure that market surveillance functions properly.
It will be difficult and expensive to respond to this wave of immigration after it starts rapping on the doors of Europe.
Any re-admission agreement between the European Union and Libya has to exclude all those who claim to be asylum seekers, refugees or persons requiring international protection, and it must be applied completely in accordance with the principle of non-refoulement.
That is clearly a contradiction in terms.
With this in mind, a task force has been created, which is going to meet for the first time this Friday, 21 May, chaired by President Van Rompuy.
Secondly, I agree totally with the Commissioner when he said that we must transport our safety standards throughout the world, because if something happens in the Gulf of Mexico or anywhere else, we are not immune to the fall-out from it.
Parliament and the Council should work together to define the status of a party at European level and their foundations, and should establish rules for funding both parties and foundations.
In the age of electronic communications, I cannot understand why a 'report' on an agreement requires work trips and participation in meetings on the part of specialists and officials from the EU and Ukraine.
I want to validate the notion of necessary statistical instruments even if I reject the policies that they may serve.
Furthermore, it is unacceptable that they intend to replace the term 'illegal immigration' with 'irregular immigration,' thereby attempting to further legitimise this otherwise illegal act.
I completely agree with this report, as I believe that following the Joint Declaration of the Prague Eastern Partnership Summit, the EU should strengthen its partnerships in the East, particularly with the three southern Caucasus countries, through a clear and well defined strategy.
Secondly, rescuing Opel is in the common interests of Europe as a whole.
But in the face of the recurring violence, we have recycled those tired phrases so often that they have lost whatever impact they once had.
(EL) First of all, I should like to take ten seconds out of the proceedings to restore the truth.
The conclusions drawn by Mrs McGuiness in her report about global food security are now also evident in Romania.
That will be complementary to the Energy Council, which we will re-energise as well.
Compatibility of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights: see Minutes
It is not right that you should call this lobbyism.
Lapsed written declarations: see Minutes
The Treaty also encourages cooperation with relevant international and regional organisations and groups of states, offering the Union an opportunity to become an effective global player.
(NL) Mr President, nearly a year ago there was an uprising in Burma.
What we are referring to here are respiratory diseases, asthma, allergies, cancer and endocrine disruptors, especially those that affect the most vulnerable sections of the population, as Mrs Ries has already pointed out, including children, pregnant women, the elderly and the disadvantaged.
In reality, Mr Barroso, I pity you somewhat because you are now part of this system of the Treaty of Lisbon - Lisbon being the capital city of your country, a wonderful city and one that deserves better than to lend its name to such a document.
The ILO's conventions are an example of this approach.
I do not think there is any particular reason for this.
Mr President, according to the report, timber and fish are two of West Africa's most important resources.
That they became victims of a clash of bureaucracies is now a matter of history and hopefully this report will compel an equitable solution.
Those are crucial issues and they are indeed addressed in the dossier.
1.
Borders, at least on the continent, are mostly rather artificial.
I have one announcement to make.
The crisis we are experiencing is the crisis of European policy's inability to govern the market.
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) represents the fastest-growing waste stream in the EU and we therefore face a range of challenges.
The second volet, of course, is employment.
However, if we are honest with one another, we know what will happen and this is why my group decided against an amendment.
Therefore, it is extremely important that this motion for extradition be adopted.
Impact Assessments (IAs) are a key instrument for the legislative process, of which European legislators should make greater use in future.
The Europe 2020 strategy has been agreed, its priorities are clear and its objectives are measurable.
I believe that we have reached a good compromise, as Mrs Grossetête has said.
We have brought together these facts in numerous thematic strategies, during which we invited two Nobel Prize laureates to Brussels and Strasbourg.
This attempt to water down the enlargement strategy and blend it with the European Neighbourhood Policy poses problems.
We also adopted the addition of sugar to wine.
(SK) In March 2003, when Castro's regime unjustly convicted and imprisoned 75 Cuban dissidents, the European Union introduced sanctions against Cuba.
I want to hear the state of play from the Council this morning.
In this way, the European Union will also address the objectives which it has laid down in its neighbourhood policy.
By refusing to countenance in the report any consideration of, or reference to, the problems of contraception, the UEN is effectively refusing to recognise that women in the southern hemisphere are entitled to a decent life.
Nevertheless, I would like to encourage a broader view of events and to recall that Parliament, as early as the beginning of this year, put forward some valid proposals which were not accepted by the Council and the Commission.
It would be nice if we could acknowledge his existence in the budget, too.
Written declarations (Rule 142)
However, there is also a name for what is blocking this comprehensive action: the hypocrisy of the Member States.
The situation is worsened by the fact that the refugees are now also bringing disease into South Africa.
I would like to express one more wish for the future above and beyond the Lisbon Treaty.
Of course, there needs to be progress in Europe and, in this respect, it is unfortunate that there has been some slowness to act.
The ECB lowered its own base rate too late, after a short-sightedness that has already cost the more fragile economies and those who are in debt to the banks dearly.
Nonetheless, the Commission feels obliged to fully inform Parliament about the social, environmental and economic consequences of any new proposal.
11.
Member of the Commission. - I hope the honourable Member will respect the fact that I will not go into detail about one draft out of many that has been leaked.
Rights do not exist in this form.
EC-Swiss Confederation Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation (vote)
Former world powers, in particular, obviously find their nuclear weapons much more attractive than an ambitious European policy for nuclear disarmament.
(DE) Madam President, I would like once again to point out that the Kurdish Democratic Society Party ban means that a total of 27 Kurdish parties have been banned by the Turkish Government in recent years.
(SL) Ukraine is a large and important partner of the European Union and a country which undoubtedly has a European future.
Moreover, the Ombudsman serves as a resource for the institutions.
Is it a lot to ask for this technological breakthrough?
Furthermore, the European Union is in a position to ask Ukraine to tackle more decisively vital reforms which will help consolidate the rule of law.
In this context, I think that the European Union needs to implement an independent system for assessing pandemic risks, as well as better coordination in terms of managing these risks.
EU policy in areas such as climate change, energy, transport and fisheries have a direct impact on the Arctic.
All this must also be reflected in the European budget, however, which is why new priorities are necessary.
This proximity also relates to our institution, however.
We must take notice of what our citizens are saying to us.
If your response to our three requests is positive, our approval of the agreement might then be a possibility.
We need to remove the threat of indigenous coal mining coming to an end, and instead enable this strategic sector to survive in a reasonable manner.
Firstly, the rapporteur not only draws the wrong conclusions; he also starts from the wrong premise in formulating his proposals, given that he claims that 'the single European market, along with the euro area, best illustrates the true meaning of EU economic integration and unity, and is certainly the most visible achievement of European integration for EU citizens'.
I am convinced that the current Irish law that is operating in this regard is in breach of the European Union Directive of 2004 on mobility and on residency and also in breach of European Union anti-discrimination laws, because this is being applied only to the spouses of non-Irish EU citizens.
What is needed instead is a systematic approach and coordinated, long-term solutions in the areas of education, healthcare and, most importantly, labour market policies, since employment and education facilitate social acceptance and integration.
Urgent, too, are steps to curb IUU fishing, not just to help maintain the price of legally caught fish, but for stock conservation.
This is what the report states.
Let me concentrate on three issues that are very much linked with our responsibility.
I firmly believe, fellow Members, that this report marks an important step towards improving SOLVIT's operation.
It is essential to facilitate women's access to farming and agricultural credit.
We are working with the US side on delivering tangible results in priority areas.
in writing. - (IT) International public opinion has been shaken by the recent tragic events in Rome.
We also need to be looking not just at reducing poverty but reducing inequalities, because that has known demonstrable benefits, and we need to make sure that our financial institutions do not undermine the ambitious goals that we might put in place.
This is not a question of ideology.
Mr Stockmann has always distinguished himself as an impartial politician who listens to all sides.
The serious problem of the lack of identity documents was raised even by the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe on 19-20 June.
The second aspect I wish to emphasise is the volume and complexity of the European rules: another issue that has already been raised by many fellow Members.
Not just seat belts or ecological engines.
The regulatory procedure with scrutiny was thus introduced. This must be used for adopting measures of general scope which seek to amend (by deleting or supplementing) non-essential elements of a basic instrument adopted in accordance with Article 251 of the Treaty, i.e. under the codecision procedure.
As far as the procedure is concerned, the Commission believes that the conditions have been met for undertaking a simplified revision of the Treaty such as that envisaged in Article 48(6) of the Treaty on European Union.
We have to provide better protection for our fishing and merchant shipping fleets in international waters and we therefore need European as well as global action.
The organisation which is supposed to provide translations often instructs external translators automatically without even checking whether there is any spare capacity available in the internal organisation.
And it has - by proving that together the member states are strong enough to not only survive globalisation but even gain from it.
However, I am confident that the regulation that we present today tackles many of the challenges that we could imagine during the preparation of the regulation.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, this is a really important moment, because today, for the first time in the European Parliament, we are commemorating the Roma and Sinti victims of the Holocaust.
Naturally, Greece's fiscal effort must be continued; it is the only way to secure a lasting reduction in the cost of debt financing.
There were always problems that went far beyond the need for fulfilling the strict criteria for accession.
18.
(PL) Madam President, women are discriminated against in every area of life; they are beaten and raped.
The autocratic regimes in Libya, Tunisia, Egypt and other countries have been in place for years and we cooperate with them.
I would like to point out another failing of the compromise.
Madam President, in view of the historical fact that the founding fathers of the European Union were Christian Democrats: Konrad Adenauer, Alcide De Gasperi, Robert Schuman and Jean Monnet, who based what they built on Christian values and symbols, I will remind you that the flag adopted by the European Union, which shows a circle of 12 gold stars on a blue background, and which is hanging behind you, Madam President, refers to the 12 stars upon the head of the Holy Virgin Mary - the Revelation of St John, chapter 12.
(RO) Nabucco will provide for a large part of the European Union's demand for gas.
Thanks to this database it is now possible to gain online access to all documents relating to each petition.
Composition of Parliament: see Minutes
The secretariat, which will be located in Barcelona, will promote the projects.
The terrible risk is that, despite the talk about building Europe, it may in fact be undermined, and while hoping for a stronger Europe, the failure to address its underlying economic problems will in fact just make it weaker.
Once more, I would like to stress that the OSCE must be led by countries that respect human rights and defend human rights and democratic values.
In the meantime, we can advance on concrete issues, such as fast-start finance, reduce emissions from deforestation, and facilitate adaptation to climate change for poor and developing countries.
author. - Mr President, I am sorry the Socialists have chosen to vent their old prejudices about profits and social issues in what is, essentially, an economic and industrial question.
We cannot fail to consider the data supplied by Interpol reporting that at least 500 000 new original child pornography images are put online each year.
Like Parliament, the Council places the utmost importance on the democratic process in Afghanistan.
We should all do our best to make its accession to the programme as quick as possible.
While I carefully monitor the adoption of measures in this regard, I am aware that there are legal relationships that, because of their nature, are more likely to call on the laws of more than one country.
(SV) Mr President, I would like to say a big thank you to the rapporteur for his excellent work on a very difficult subject.
However, the development of intelligent transport systems can certainly help to minimise these negative effects of transport.
Another reason why this strategy is good is because the Danube links the old Member States and the new Member States, and this provides inspiration for us to homogenise these regions and lead them towards development.
We have an unfolding humanitarian disaster and a diminishing humanitarian space in Somalia, including a crackdown on the independent media and journalists, who are dying in targeted killings.
This should be the case when a Member State, even with a deficit below the 3% of GDP reference value, deviates significantly from the medium-term budgetary objective or the appropriate adjustment path towards it and fails to correct the deviation.
The Spanish Government did not give me any visible support on the subject of the thorough stress tests.
The Committee on Budgets was able to obtain all necessary additional clarification at the meeting in May attended by representatives of the countries that suffered natural disasters in 2007. The countries concerned were Greece, which was affected by forest fires, and Slovenia, which was affected by floods.
There is no Macedonian ethnic minority.
Therefore, surely it is clear - and here is the nub of the matter - that in a market as large as the European Union, which encompasses 500 million European citizens, we need more vigilance?
It is to be hoped that the debates such as the present one in the European Parliament will contribute to achieving a consensus in the Council.
Nevertheless, the choice made in Ireland is a sovereign decision of the Irish people.
I do not believe that what we have before us will help us particularly in that great challenge.
Climate change grabbed the headlines and popular imagination.
And Mrs Ţicău's question?
The incidence of some kinds of cancer can be predicted by genetic predisposition, lifestyle and so on.
I believe that action is needed and it is the European Union's task, as part of the current security policy, to create an initial code of conduct to be used in both conflicts and post-conflict operations, although we have a convention, in the form of the Geneva Convention, which condemns violent conduct during conflicts.
I take note of your remarks.
The correct 'concerns' included in the report do not tackle or respond to the main causes of the problems identified, particularly with regard to economic policies, job insecurity, liberalisation and privatisation of public services, and so on.
Neither is it a country which enjoys an independent judiciary.
We absolutely must make use of them.
Rather than thousands, we have only dozens protesting, possibly because we are attempting to include in our free trade agreement an associated political cooperation agreement - social, political and labour clauses that will help protect labour standards in the south and may well enhance them.
I do, and you have also, set very strong demands for Turkey as regards the reform process and rightly so.
Of course, the proposal to establish the group has not been subject to questioning.
Europe needs it.
I would stress again that, unfortunately, the EGF has been very sparingly utilised in the face of Europe's high rates of unemployment.
It is hard, here, not to mention the decision to build Nord Stream, the Northern Gas Pipeline, which was a political decision which did not take account of the dangers this investment may present to the Baltic Sea ecosystem.
I therefore elected to abstain.
The society of football saw how a referee chose a team that will take part in the World Cup finals, but society as a whole failed to see or to understand how and why certain arbiters chose the champions for European office.
(NL) Mr President, I just wanted to let the Commissioner know that Mrs HennisPlasschaert is no longer here, as she had to attend another meeting.
rapporteur. - (PL) Mr President, in autumn we embark, as usual, on the decisive phase of the budget procedure, this time for the year 2009.
My second question is as follows.
I am informed that they are making available additional capacity for testing so that this is done and finished in the shortest possible time.
They pointed out a paradox whereby, while there is reinforcement of the reliability and security of visas by introducing biometrics on the other hand, if you have means of collection which are not of the same level of security as can be ensured in a consulate or consular section of an Embassy, this weakens the reliability of the whole process.
On behalf of the European Commission, I would like to congratulate Mr Busuttil on the important report he has drawn up.
What is even more serious is that the Hungarian Government is using the EU Presidency not to contribute to the construction of a united Europe, but to support the resurgence of a nationalism which we thought had been forgotten.
Mr Frattini and the Minister have both said the same.
The euro's success therefore means success in the process of building an entity designed to promote European values at international level and confirm the European Union as the main player in business and financial relations within the global economy.
Suddenly the European Union's commitment looks a little on the weak side.
Aid for less-favoured rural areas is an essential element of the second pillar of the common agricultural policy (rural development policy), as it is natural that regions with natural disadvantages should be targeted by specific tools and policies.
During the last 30 years we have brought prices down, but what has happened during the past year has trumped all the warning signals.
However, according to Mrs Schaldemose, that EUR 3 billion is only 5% of the total gambling market in the European Union.
The Commission will monitor textile imports from China in as close to real time as possible.
15.
This does not augur well.
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union ban discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation.
If they do give you what you want, it will need to be reratified in 25 Member States, which will mean that the British will have a referendum, and I am sure, as democrats, you would all like to see a British referendum on this Treaty.
Mr Schulz, I have been informed that this motion was tabled an hour earlier, from which I conclude that it was done as a preventive measure.
I would like to begin by emphasising that the Presidency genuinely regrets that your institution and ours, the Council, were unable to reach agreement.
The European Union ought to set an example by continuing its traditional protection of citizens' private lives.
in writing. - (FR) The Lynne report on combating discrimination in the Member States, in particular in employment, is entirely in keeping with the texts adopted by Parliament on this subject.
The European Commission firmly believes that the key to the process of reconciliation is for the parties to take responsibility for their own actions.
Mr President, we will not overcome the deep financial, economic and jobs crisis - or climate change - as independent, protectionist nation states.
A balance needs to be struck.
We can also work on finding substitutes for rare raw materials.
As a result of joining the European Union we had to 'offer', so to speak, 100% of our markets and, in exchange, we received 25% of subsidies.
The way forward should be a new policy of global commitment, in which the EU will play its key role.
The key priority of the EU's Black Sea strategy should be to secure energy supplies to the EU, and related support for energy projects which are in the interests of the EU and which focus on diversifying gas supplies to the EU.
Where is our opinion on the reunions and actions of former members of SS units in EU countries?
You have to keep the big stick in reserve, but preferably reach a solution through coaxing and self-regulation.
There are two points I would like to stress here today.
This is the most important question of our generation; we cannot fail.
We have made specific proposals for the training of civil and military personnel.
After all, last year the discussions of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy on the budget were concerned primarily with two major areas, Galileo and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.
Its official task was to defend the Member States' common territory against foreign invasions, without taking action outside of that territory.
This is about global warming; it is about global climate change and not just about climate change in Europe.
We have to give our citizens reasons to go out and vote.
For example, it contains provisions ensuring protection for victims of discrimination and dealing with harassment and victimisation, as well as provisions concerning the establishment of equality authorities.
Lady Ashton says there are storms in the neighbourhood.
This is why I voted for adoption of the resolution.
This poses a challenge not only to car manufacturers but to all stakeholders.
Nevertheless, the reasons for which they were imprisoned have not been eliminated.
If on the other hand the whole of Parliament focuses on solidarity - as envisaged by the Commissioner - then I believe we might be able to find solutions and get results.
We therefore demand an independent investigation under the aegis of the United Nations.
They relate to the political objectives of the time in which we are living.
Agenda for next sitting: see Minutes
For these reasons I abstained in the vote.
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania are using a clear roadmap for the lifting of visa requirements and are aware of all the conditions that need to be met before that can happen.
I would be very sorry if this is the position of the PPE-DE Group, because we all agree on the need to maintain development aid at the level it is today, and we all know that it is shrinking with the economic crisis.
The only drawback is that they will not be compulsory.
Otherwise, our dear European Commission will be caught with its pants down.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, let me congratulate the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, and in particular Mr Karas and Mr Schmidt, for their excellent work in producing a thorough and consistent report.
Before introducing a new tax, the European Commission must examine very carefully the pros and cons this tax will entail.
However, apart from a few words of solidarity, the Italian Government has been left alone to handle this biblical exodus of such unforeseeable dimensions
You have struck the right balance and it is an intelligent one.
With regard to research and the Seventh Framework Programme, as in previous years, we have demonstrated prudence and asked that, now that fisheries research no longer has its own heading in the budget, at least the percentage of investment should not decrease, as all decisions on fisheries management hinge on knowledge of the environment and of marine species, especially given that one of our new objectives is to apply an ecosystem-based approach to all legislation in the Common Fisheries Policy.
With the experience Mr Landsbergis has of the political preconditions for a region to be created and shaped in a climate of security, I think we all have reason to listen when he speaks.
You spoke of minimum standards, Commissioner, but that is not enough.
This event is aimed at strengthening public perception and knowledge of issues relating to all antimicrobial resistance.
We are witnessing an extraordinary contradiction.
I agree with the rapporteur when he insists that both the EESC and OLAF keep the discharge authority informed about the progress and outcome of the case in question.
Commissioner Barnier, in December, I raised the issue of SOLVIT in the Chamber when you were present and mentioned that in the autumn in committee, we were told that in your own Member State, the person running the SOLVIT centre was an intern.
Finally, the European Union must fully uphold the action required with regard to combating illegal drug importation, people trafficking and in particular the diminution of respect for individual human lives.
Do you have this impression as well?
This process is linked to the high crime rate and violations of law and social rules.
The integration of all EU policies so as to combine all aspects that have an impact on industry is crucial.
The Protocol covers a period of three years from the adoption of the Council decision on the signing of the Protocol and its provisional application, and the expiry of the current Protocol on 17 January 2011.
Mr President, I am sorry.
The Lisbon Strategy is being energetically implemented as a result of the last spring summit.
Whilst we must look outward for future energy supplies, Member States must also make the best use of the resources and potential they already have.
I should just like to address a few points.
Therefore, we must not forget about them, because violence is not only physical; it is also cultural.
Given that Ukraine's gas debt to Russia is USD 2.4 billion, the debt could have been wiped off in about five years by scrapping this payment, which, allegedly, according to the deputy prime minister of Ukraine, ends up in the pockets of corrupt politicians.
To finish, Madam President, I hope that many of my fellow Members will heed the voice of reason and vote for Amendment 28 by my group, which will lead to no less than allowing the Member States a free choice between withholding tax and exchange of information.
Its responsibility is to provide a concerted, effective and sustained triple response to stimulate demand and the real economy with future investments, to re-establish lending and to promote robust international financial regulation and supervision that provides transparency, stability and appropriate incentives, that eliminates systemic risks and that ensures that we do not go back to square one.
The output per head there is USD 714 a year.
At the same time, this report reveals that Europe is dependent on supplies from third countries.
This is essential particularly in the case of cross-border services which is where equal treatment is needed.
There are governments which take no interest in certain sections of their population and which refuse to tackle their problems.
Although a compromise was found to resolve the situation temporarily, a long-term solution must be sought.
Given that some exceptions for the recreational sector are being proposed, I feel it would at least be good to see Member States commit to providing the necessary information rather than be forced to do so because, I repeat, we either share responsibility or, in the end, we will all - the recreational sector included - find ourselves affected by the lack of regulation.
The calls to support cultural and creative industries through better qualification, education and training systems, in particular by seeking to provide students at all levels of education in cultural and artistic disciplines with professional training, reflect this situation.
We reject the one-sided version of flexibility which is presented.
You should keep your energy because we need another stimulus package and we will need it quite soon, already by the spring.
I am also alarmed that thousands of people have been obliged to abandon their homes due to the clashes on the border between Thailand and Cambodia.
This need for a violent struggle has laid the foundations for continued violence and intimidation.
The whole package which we are signing today will start to apply in the European Union from 1 January 2011, so very soon.
In this regard, I would like to ask the Commission and the Council whether they believe the objective of prevention has been achieved.
As a matter of fact such criteria already exist.
This is of particular importance for the citizens of my country, Poland, who, enjoying the benefits of the common market and freedom of personal movement, live and work in many EU countries.
The CSD has also been advocating the possibility of compensation of claims between state debts to companies and corporate debts to social security or the tax authorities for several years, attempting to make life easier for companies that, not being paid by the state, are still being confronted with the obligation to pay its social and tax contributions.
Thus, I regret that the Striffler-Ponga amendment has been rejected, as it proposed a tax on financial transactions to be added to official development assistance, so that the least developed countries could benefit from it.
These technologies are part of everyday life in the contemporary world.
We do not accept this.
Based on the above doubts, I voted against the proposal.
If the Commission is to help Europeans obtain healthcare services within the EU, they must ensure this is universally and equally applied.
This very simple benchmark is still not being sufficiently recognised by GPs.
All this will have to be considered in the future in the context of sustainability and effective spending.
Most of all, though, it is a strategy, not just for the present, but for the future, too, a viable future.
I would like to know what your opinion on this is and what you think are the chances of the Tobin tax being introduced.
Over 1 400 victims in the Gaza Strip are obviously too many.
Explanations of vote
Structural reforms have improved the foundations of the European economy.
On behalf of the entire Commission, I truly can promise you that in all the instruments that we are applying, we completely respect the rights of Parliament and will keep Parliament fully informed in the interests of mutual respect between our institutions.
It is not just about the market, but also about the public importance of our public broadcasters, which is universally acknowledged, not least by the Commission.
Our goal is to promote ACTA standards to key emerging partners, namely through our future trade agreements, but also in multilateral venues.
As a matter of fact, it is essential to ensure that VAT facilitation measures for businesses would not be implemented at the cost of the consumers.
I would therefore urgently call on the Commission to closely monitor the application of this derogation and to submit a report to Parliament in a timely manner on the impact on Papua New Guinea's development and on the European canning industry.
For example, the EP:
That is why we need greater capacity, and it is obvious to all members of the Petitions Committee that the Secretariat has too much work and needs more resources.
For me, education must be a political priority.
At this time, it is also important to stress the topicality of this fight for equality in law and in life, considering that the crisis of capitalism has specific consequences in the lives of women, as the main victims of insecure and underpaid jobs, and of poverty!
In an era of globalisation, capital subject to taxation is more mobile and barriers to trade are being abolished, which reduces tax revenue and poses a challenge, not only to the poorer countries.
We are constantly being told that a minimum revision of the Treaty is needed and that its potential must be fully exploited.
We do need this new tool.
Each is valued for her contribution.
It is possible to consider the establishment of specialised centres in countries of key importance for the trade with third countries or regions respectively.
What would be desirable is for universities, especially those receiving public funding, to be more receptive to the needs of the SME sector.
It is important for all Union citizens to become aware of the important part the soil plays in the ecosystem and also in our daily lives and in the economy.
Following the attacks in Spain four years ago and those in England three years ago, this is a very relevant message.
It is a real problem.
It brings considerable advantages, and all studies show that it could increase trade significantly.
We succeeded - not without difficulty - in finding formulas to which a large majority could subscribe and which conveyed the message that airing these ideas is part and parcel of a full debate but that the decision to adopt or reject them is a matter for the Member States.
Secondly, as recognised by the Greek Prime Minister and emphasised by the public perception recorded in Eurobarometer in 2009, corruption was a key factor leading to Greece's economic situation.
(DE) Madam President, I am pleased that all sides of the House, including the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats), which includes Mr Sarkozy and Mr Berlusconi, have made it clear that new rules are not required and that it is not necessary to alter the Schengen Agreement, but that something else is needed, namely a common asylum and migration policy that is worthy of the name.
The EU has committed itself to defining and pursuing common policies and actions to preserve peace, prevent conflicts, consolidate post-conflict rehabilitation and strengthen international security, in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter.
As we can see, energy imports from Russia are likely to increase, bearing in mind that many European nuclear power plants will be closed down after carrying out the stress tests.
Therefore, optimising the management of this rare, public resource will no doubt bring important benefits, particularly in this time of economic crisis, and is sure to help us to emerge from the crisis.
European citizens have also fallen victim to waves of legalisation on the status of illegal immigrants that certain countries have decided to carry out.
I am missing the Fifth Cohesion Report in the plan for next year: it was promised for June 2008.
I would, of course, like to thank personally the rapporteurs for the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) and the Committee on Petitions (PETI), Mrs Gurmai of course, Mr Lamassoure, Mrs Wallis and Mr Häfner for their efforts and constructive contributions to drafting this regulation.
Certainly the document's tone of solidarity and mutual help is a step in the right direction.
This distorts the market in haulage flows and, in fact, whereas the roads are maintained by payments by taxpayers in these Member States and the European Union taxpayers, the benefit is gained by third-country carriers, the infrastructure stays undeveloped, and external costs are not recovered.
We would not have achieved enough if we handed on the baton after a year with the same number of people still in the camps.
The result was a large tome amounting to several hundred pages, in which one could seek the pertinent information in vain.
Well, the writing is on the wall.
These systems are important for controlling emissions while vehicles are being used.
I want to thank Mr Vlasák - I hope I am pronouncing the name correctly, because my Czech is non-existent - for his remarks, because it gives me the opportunity to say that I am actively looking forward to the possibility of making use of the facilities of the Eurobarometer in order to be able to find out more about what citizens think and feel about the Ombudsman and about the handling of complaints.
I believe that the Member States which have nuclear fuel cycle activities and also contribute the most funds are entitled to an additional member on the Advisory Committee.
In addition, the existing practice of declaring the holder's religion on identity cards is currently resulting in discrimination in the job market and in people converting to other religions, amongst other things.
A security agent compared it aptly with filling a water glass with a fire hose, in other words, particularly inefficient.
I am in favour of starting discussions on the accession of Montenegro to the EU, inasmuch as I am in favour of expansion on principle.
In summer 2007, the same system was used to identify the financial activities of Germany-based members of the Islamic Jihad Union.
The 27 Member States are now building a new social Europe which will bring prosperity to all citizens of the European Union.
Hungary will thus be the first country where the Charter of Fundamental Rights will be an integral part of the Hungarian legal system.
As regards voluntary adjustment of the additional levy scheme, commonly referred to as 'fines', intended to secure internal funding to restructure the dairy farming sector, I believe that it is a measure that creates national responses although, in my view, it would be more appropriate to adopt European responses to a crisis that concerns Europe as a whole.
In addition, the actions of the Burmese military regime and the acts of violence against the Rohingya minority should be strongly condemned, and calls should be made for them to have full citizens' rights restored.
This shows that there is still a great deal to do and that the market is not functioning properly in terms of openness.
Potential for growth is rising, although we would like it to rise further.
in writing. - (PL) I voted in favour of the report by Mr Reul on conventional energy sources and energy technology.
First, the benefits from efforts to reduce errors need to be weighed against the costs.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, in the Globalisation Adjustment Fund, the European Union has a budgetary instrument that provides financial support to workers affected by major structural changes in world trade patterns.
Despite the involvement of experts from the Commission and the Member States, SIS II continues to come up against various obstacles.
They originate from the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment and from the Technical Supervisory Association (Technischer Überwachungsverein).
This money from the Commission will help defray some of the costs that arose at the time of the crisis.
This increase reflects the great importance that the Council attaches to efficient implementation of the Lisbon Strategy which, as I have already mentioned, is an essential element in the economic development of the European Union.
Furthermore, in the political declaration the Council made a clear commitment, if I may quote: 'The Council states that the implementation of this Directive should not be used in itself as a reason to justify the adoption of provisions less favourable to persons to whom it applies.'
As coordinator of the Committee on Legal Affairs, I would therefore like to draw particular attention to the importance, during the legislative procedure, of observing the principle of including small and medium-sized enterprises in ex ante and post ante impact assessments. This would make it possible, as early as during the law making process, to identify and eliminate obstacles which may be posed by new regulations for a sector which, after all, is the flywheel of the European economy.
At the same time, we have also made sure - in accordance with your proposal - that these two new bodies in the European family can function properly and with more independence from the Commission and Eurostat.
The Russian Federation must therefore work very closely with the Court, and must respect the Court's judgments.
In the present crisis, this stabilisation is very important.
United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief. - Madam President, distinguished Members of the European Parliament, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, it is a great honour and an immense pleasure to be here with you today.
You are Italian, I am French, I respect you as an Italian.
The Commission's figures suggest that, currently, consumers are paying a 6% to 10% premium for these spare parts in Member States which provide for design protection.
We then voted on Amendment 27, which has been adopted.
The Council of Europe issued statements on these cases earlier in the year.
It would be desirable for the review also to take into account the Danube Strategy which, although not mentioned directly in the Presidency's programme, is a European Commission commitment for 2010.
(PL) Mr President, the European Union is founded upon respect for human rights.
We have been debating the issue of the Roma in this Parliament for years, and we have to admit - even on our visits to the various countries - that there are still very major problems, that the cycle of discrimination and disadvantage has still not been broken and that many children are today still being taught in separate schools.
The European Commission has withdrawn two proposals intended to put in place statutes for European mutual societies and associations.
No chance!
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (ES) Mr President, Commissioner, it is eight months since the shipwreck of the New Flame and there is still a risk of further oil spills, especially oil emanating from the cargo contained in the wreck.
However, once all environmental reservations have been dispelled nothing else should stand in the way of the Baltic pipeline, for the EU is reliant both on the diversification of energy sources and on the diversification of energy transit routes too.
However, the package also contains some very unfortunate aspects that the previous speaker considered.
Helping someone does not mean replacing them, it means contributing towards a better solution to problems!
I would like to thank Mr Mikolášik for the clear commitment in his report to achieving results and for the explicit references to the importance and the future development of the strategic reports, the impact of these reports and the way in which they can be used.
Dates of forthcoming sittings: see Minutes
However, it inevitably raises serious moral and strategic questions as well.
I saw her shortly after she had heard the news, so my sympathy goes out to her.
Clearly, if a member automatically forfeits his or her seat as a result of an event for which immunity cannot be upheld, there is obviously a further problem, a further uncertainty.
In actual fact, it is the central idea that, in my opinion, we should follow up on or pursue in the near future.
Other steps that can be taken are, for example, offering a choice of different working methods, technical measures to reduce the emissions, changing the design of workplaces and workstations, limiting the duration and intensity of exposure, making adequate personal protection equipment available, etc.
The Presidency will conduct the discussion in the European Council in this way to make it clear that Europe has not ground to a halt, that Europe continues to function, and for this reason we will be addressing numerous other topics in line with the planned agenda.
The prospect of accession, and especially the obligation to comply with the Copenhagen criteria, has been a huge motivation for the candidate countries to modernise and develop into constitutional states.
It is, in fact, absolutely right to say that intelligent traffic systems, intelligent traffic management systems, cutting-edge, innovative solutions for the personal and mass transit of the future must be found and that this crisis perhaps offers an opportunity to push such solutions forward more strongly.
In any case, the choice of mechanisms must simply be decided on at a later stage.
(FI) Mr President, a growing European trend at present is rightwing populism, whose core ingredient is opposition to the EU.
As for the second question, which was a double question, the answer to the first part is 'no'.
Let us not forget that governments such as those of the USA and Britain have for years supported, armed and kept in power the well-known monstrous dictatorship of the Shah of Iran.
Why did the Pakistani authorities deny the Minister's request for a bullet-proof official car, as well as his request that he select his own bodyguards that he trusted?
On the specific issue of a legal statute for European political parties, I am aware that this is not the first time that Parliament has called for such a statute.
Also, a significant contribution to the restructuring plan must be made from own resources, including the sale of assets that are not essential to the shipyard's survival, or from external financing at market conditions.
In order to make that possible, I think that the European Union might again be a facilitating factor.
It was in order to encourage the Member States to join this movement of collective solidarity that I voted in favour of this report, which aims to encourage the reception and resettlement of refugees in Europe.
I support this report because I believe that this Union will end up being what we manage to make of it.
I wish to emphasise today that the participation of women in these elections and balanced gender representation in the European Parliament are particularly important both to the democratic development of the European Union and to our society as a whole.
The Commission, in its proposal, claims that the EU has been able to assess the value of PNR data and to realise its potential for law enforcement purposes.
Every armed conflict has a political solution, but there has to be a will to find such a solution.
Up to the present day, the Internet does not forget.
rapporteur. - (SV) Thank you for the debate.
The current economic crisis has had an enormous impact on increasing unemployment, on unchecked impoverishment, and on the social exclusion of people all over Europe.
If it fails to do so, Parliament could reject this text negotiated in secret, just as it rejected the SWIFT Agreement.
(HU) Madam President, the issue of the social exclusion and the economic and social situation of the Roma has provided the grounds for debate since the accession of the Central and Eastern European countries.
(HU) We must face up to the fundamental question of whether free trade, the current system controlled by the WTO, is good for the people, or whether we should be contemplating a new guiding principle, which I would rather not call protectionism but economic self-determination?
Not a single document refers to the Anna Lindt Foundation, which for some years now has been striving to promote cooperation.
Governments which use guns against their own citizens lose all democratic legitimacy.
3.
I support the present proposal to mobilise the sum of EUR 6 199 341 to assist Germany, in response to the German request made on 13 August 2009, with the intention of providing assistance to workers made redundant within the Karmann Group, an automotive firm.
in writing. - The ECR Group is very much in favour of all efforts to minimise the suffering of combatants and civilians and thereby voted in favour of this resolution.
This is a commitment from Commissioner McCreevy that I am happy to pass on to you.
This has not been a neutral crisis but a crisis inflicted by specific policies, mostly by right-wing governments.
Secondly, the important thing is how it is used.
I should also mention that the European Council plans to debate the issue of migration at its December session this year.
More precisely, it is a concrete responsibility of every Member State to bring about the ratification in accordance with procedures laid down by its national constitution or legislation.
The Convention is binding on all the Member States and performs its function well.
Particularly during this economic crisis, we must do something for the citizens in the fight against unemployment and similar problems.
(FI) Mr President, the fight against terrorism is important, and the EU must be part of this.
It is money coughed up by you and me and all taxpayers and so it has to be subjected to proper scrutiny.
It thus maintains the specific characteristics of our sports organisations, which, after all, largely work on an autonomous basis and wish to continue doing so, especially as they tend to be highly reliant on volunteers' input.
In cases of immediate expulsion, the urgency must be duly justified.
Our primary role in this Parliament is that of legislators, but, in order to be good legislators, we need to be aware of the impact of our legislation so that we can improve our efforts in Parliament.
Member of the Commission. - (CS) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the Commission welcomes this own-initiative report on the principle of equal pay for men and women and I congratulate the rapporteur on the quality of her work.
I voted against this report, because the EU budget continues to constitute a minimum percentage of European GDP (0.97%), which does not cover the need to strengthen weak economies and societies and finance enlargement.
It is unacceptable because the scale at which it gives undue preference to students from outside the EU compared to European students is too great.
Europe was thus able, and I believe this is very important, to speak with one voice at the Washington meeting on 15 November.
As Mr Busuttil, Mr Coelho, Mrs Cederschiöld and Mrs Vălean put it so well, it is clear that FRONTEX has saved many lives up to now, and I cannot allow it to be said that FRONTEX is therefore in some way a militarisation of Europe.
I am glad that the reports are strong on the need to avoid debts and deficits, and they have certainly been drafted according to an economic philosophy that I support.
However, we need to remember that the protection achieved by legislation is not the same as that actually enjoyed by citizens, as we have seen from its application to date in the two sectors of air and rail travel.
Finally, we would like to see the European budget be given its own resources and a tax on financial transactions finally introduced.
I believe that in this respect, we can take account of the Treaties in their current state and also the needs for market regulation.
Mr President, thank you for your congratulations on the anniversary of the enlargement of the European Union.
Common EU rules to prevent exploitation and the employment of illegally staying workers are therefore one way of raising the bar for many EU countries.
Decisions concerning certain documents: see Minutes
If this error rate is to be reduced, the European Commission must strengthen its supervisory role in relation to local and regional policies.
Welcome Commissioner Šefčovič!
With regard to the amendments, I would say that Amendments 27 and 28 make changes to the civil liability regime of the recognised bodies, and these seem to us to be inconsistent in practice.
As shadow rapporteurs for Mr Buşoi's report, we have created a clear road map for the Commission.
The Council has taken a different position to Parliament here in both the gas and electricity sectors.
We wish the Slovenian Presidency every success.
I think Geneva is the place to continue talks about the political solution.
This is no reason to triumph over the failing opponent, but to help the people of Zimbabwe.
Mr President, you fought against the Soviet Union.
I would refer you to the previously mentioned letter addressed by a hundred distinguished scientists to the UN Secretary-General last December.
This is also what the European Parliament and Mr Ehler want.
In the face of new challenges the European Union has to find ways of tackling them quickly and flexibly in order not to lose in the dynamism and competitiveness stakes.
in writing. - This report highlighted many of the problems facing Afghanistan.
May I also thank you for allowing Mr Corbett an extra half a minute to make a political aside that might not have been truly relevant to the subject of the matter?
The last seven years have not been easy for Georgia.
Today in Lisbon José Sócrates and Durão Barroso spoke against the death penalty.
These include climate policy; jobs and growth; and foreign and development policy.
In that new context, the ETF's tasks therefore need to be adjusted, while remaining guided by the clearly established priorities.
In these tragic days we have seen victims; we have seen a great tragedy of society in China.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (FR) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would first like to express my delight at this communication which - as you said, Commissioner - is indeed tinged with real pragmatism from the Commission, and which enables us today to debate a problem of concern not only to the citizens of the EU's partner countries in the south of the world, but also our own fellow citizens who often, quite legitimately, ask how effective the European Union's development aid is.
The gender pay gap is still there.
President Bush admitted six European countries to the programme at a lavish ceremony two days ago, but stated that he would not admit a further six, including Greece.
So fishers are faced with this enormous problem.
Join it. Join the world market of an ever-growing population.
I therefore voted in favour.
The EU should not just be ensuring a high level of protection on its own doorstep but should also be advocating the same for the rest of the world, and this paradoxical softening of the export rules would have done nothing for the EU's credibility.
Signature of acts adopted under codecision: see Minutes
Liberalisation of the visa requirements that apply to citizens of the Western Balkans is an important measure that will strengthen ties between this region and the European Union.
The third contribution that I want to mention here is our experience with the crisis in the banking sector which we went through at the end of the 1990s.
What Iraq needs and what Iraqis are asking for is technical assistance and institutional empowerment so that the State and civil society can function properly and so that the country's vast resources can be put to good use for the population, including the millions of internally displaced persons and refugees in neighbouring countries.
The market is there.
I would like to point out that having harmonisation at European level is necessary in order to ensure a level playing field across the European Union so that its citizens can fully benefit from the single internal market.
Here too we are respecting agreements in the sense that we have the result of a referendum of the Swedish people in 2003.
The issue of climate change, for example, is split between a number of portfolios; that is most worrying.
During the 20th century Arctic air temperatures increased by approximately 5°C, which is ten times faster than the observed global mean surface temperature.
What are you doing here now, Mr Corbett and Mr Leinen?
Given the fact that only 17 years ago it was a republic of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan's presidency of the OSCE in 2010 will further consolidate the momentum towards greater political freedom and human rights in that country.
Equal opportunities must be underpinned in every area of industry: in employment, pay, promotion, the provision of vocational education and training, the availability and monitoring of different forms of flexible work, and the reconciliation of work and private life.
Today we not only have to improve safety conditions, we also have to strengthen the European Atomic Energy Community and move towards a European Energy Community.
It proved - if anybody needed further proof - that collectively and with strong leadership we can achieve an awful lot more than mere military might or economic wealth can bring to us, simply by the example that we give and the tactics that we employ.
Real progress in the field of human rights is now crucial.
The crisis that this country has been experiencing for several months obviously goes beyond the challenges of a simple presidential election or the formation of a government.
That is the conclusion.
Written statements (Rule 142)
Firstly, we need to have a much sounder basis for the requirement for a proportionality check, so that minor offences are not covered.
I am sorry for my pronunciation - my Spanish lessons are continuing.
We condemn global warming, yet our monthly peregrination between Brussels and Strasbourg generates hundreds of thousands of tons of greenhouse gases.
Now, however, beyond this cohesion, we must move forward with implementation, for it is all well and good to achieve cohesion among ourselves, but this must produce some specific results.
In view of this, we will be voting in favour of this proposal, because we have already come so far in the subsidy process that if support is not provided, then competition would be distorted.
I would inform you that we have established a contact group between the European Parliament, the Russian Parliament and the Ukrainian Parliament.
This is a moral and ethical problem that undermines the credibility and efficacy of health systems.
The EU should finally face up honestly and openly to Communism's enduring legacy and to Communist regimes still surviving today, which includes China.
I voted in favour of this important motion for a resolution and I agree that combating tuberculosis should be included in the Europe 2020 strategy.
This Commission is not just any Commission and this Parliament is not just any Parliament, not only because of the Treaty of Lisbon, but also because we are experiencing a crisis that is unprecedented in the European Union: an economic and social crisis.
To this end the action plan on disability has urged and supported access to social services and it has increased access to goods and services.
Will we really contrive to make legal provisions stricter and tighten them up so as to prevent inappropriate lobbying and corruption? Sadly, the answer is obvious.
Forwarding of texts adopted during the sitting: see Minutes
First of all, climate change.
I share the concern, through this resolution, of making progress in the battle against passive smoking imposed on those who do not smoke.
That is why I welcome this resolution.
That is making the Afghans disillusioned and that has to change.
A series of caucuses bringing together Heads of State or Government who say to each other, 'I would definitely put forward such and such a person'.
Given that European creative works are being undermined by the growing plethora of pirated copies, what measures does the Council propose in order to afford real protection?
On 2 March 2009, the Environment Council, and later the ECOFIN Council and the spring European Council, will be the first opportunities for further developing the EU position in this respect, on the basis of the Commission communication towards a comprehensive climate change agreement in Copenhagen, which we received a week ago, and on the basis of your input.
I welcome the creation of this food facility for the world's poorest farmers which has finally been agreed after long negotiations.
We need to convince those countries' governments that it is ultimately in their interest to cooperate with the European Union.
It is because we are entirely aiming at anchoring, preserving the solid anchoring of inflation expectations, that we have taken the decision which has been mentioned.
(FR) Mr President, yesterday the President, quite rightly, made much of respect for the Community method.
But let us keep the policy as it is.
But in Europe as well people are infected with the virus daily.
We are strongly in favour of a robust and effective Non-proliferation Treaty.
It was clear that it would not be possible to incorporate something like this into the Staff Regulations systematically.
Also, will the United States really do the same for us?
Today's resolution is a relatively mild call on the Sri Lankan authorities to respect the rights of their citizens.
The incidents in Italy clearly show that measures taken so far against exclusion and discrimination have had little effect and have not been implemented.
European satellite navigation programmes (EGNOS and Galileo) (signature)
Mr President, perhaps there will be a new majority in the new Parliament, but we are certain of one thing: the long fight for strong, respected, pluralist and sympathetic European democracy is not over, and at least in this we will always have you by our side.
It is important that our citizens see that our updated institutions are capable of providing solutions to real problems.
As regards public services, the Commission's chosen 'negative list' approach is dangerous.
Europe's environment remains in peril as climate chaos draws ever closer and voters must see that the European Union can lead the fight back.
I voted in favour of the motion for a resolution on passenger compensation in the event of airline bankruptcy, since I believe it is necessary to increase protection of European passengers in the event of airline bankruptcy by introducing new legislation or revising existing legislation, and by creating a reserve fund for compensation.
Essentially, it is a billion-euro business that is all too often associated with criminal activities.
rapporteur. - (RO) Madam President, the air transport agreement between the European Union and Canada can be described as the most ambitious air transport agreement between the European Union and a major world partner.
We are talking about criminal networks that have no consideration at all for human dignity, as the lives of these people become a bargaining chip.
That is why the existence of a long-term agreement between the European Union and the United States dealing with the prevention of terrorism financing should be welcomed.
The debate is closed.
The credit crunch is having a particularly tough impact on the small and medium-sized enterprise sector, which provides the majority of jobs and is sacking employees in huge numbers as a result of the contraction of export markets and reduction in development opportunities.
Firstly, the burden of combating climate change has been distributed very unfairly within the European Union.
I regret, however, that our Parliament did not express itself more clearly on an issue that is undoubtedly sensitive but no less important: I am talking about the Armenian genocide.
Then, it will be up to local authorities to decide what is more suitable for them, according to their own objectives and needs.
This represents a guarantee for sheltering them from market globalisation and for ensuring that the 'informed' consumer can reject produce that does not bear the obligatory geographic indication of origin, that is not certified clearly, and that does not comply with marketing and anti-counterfeiting rules.
A fourth is local armed conflicts.
After all, the role of Brazil has until now predominantly been the achievement of individual successes in relation to agriculture, whilst the country is not truly prepared to compromise with regard to NAMA and services.
On the Lefrançois report: in 2002 we adopted a framework decision in which we harmonised the definition of 'terrorism' and the applicable penalties.
We believe the EU would have a stronger leverage on Syria if the association agreement was signed.
I believe that the 'polluter pays' principle is not a solution, as it limits itself to leaving the decision up to the market.
The way of setting the inflation rate based on non-euro area countries is actually not right and should be revised.
Seven years ago, Georgia was formally an independent state, but it was still part of this world of fear and hatred.
Third, when preparing the framework of the next financial period, it will be important to engage, in time and on an equal level, representatives of the regions and the business sector.
Certainly, the honourable Member is right in saying that we must take particular care in maintaining our cultural heritage and especially that of our architectural masterpieces.
Mr President, on Thursday this week, this House will vote on the 2008 budget.
Another important matter is the ability of women to participate in public life.
This is something we already have for pharmaceutical products.
It is, in fact, unreasonable to change a general rule to suit a specific case.
The Commission cannot accept Amendments 18 and 19, since the provisions proposed are already in force, subsequent to a political agreement in Council on a proposal from the Commission based on scientific advice, and no new information is available to justify any modification.
The priorities set out in these documents make Europe and the regions more attractive in terms of investment and jobs, increase the level of knowledge and innovation for growth and create more jobs of better quality.
(For the results and other details on the vote: see Minutes)
The first page declared that the Council took note of the Irish referendum result, and then promptly proceeded to ignore it.
I do not believe that we can measure who has suffered more in this conflict.
On the other hand, I am concerned that no one has challenged the practicability of six-year-old children travelling unaccompanied.
(FI) Madam President, Mr Barroso, renewable energy sources are not only a cost but also a process that creates jobs, innovation and competitive ability.
Profound changes are going to be needed to face stiff competition in a globalised economy and to safeguard long-term employment in the EU.
Finally, and this is the most important thing, we must agree on the future financing of the Union.
But what we should be talking about is an entry strategy, a strategy for positive intervention in the labour market, not just at Member State level but at European level.
Decentralised power supplies are in the hands of the people.
This is why the effects of the crisis are being felt extremely hard.
The temporary cessation of fishing activities mentioned in Article 6, with the obligation of inclusion in fleet restructuring plans, the non-inclusion of engines in Article 7, all of Article 9, and Article 12(3), which merely defends the interests of trawl fisheries, seem less successful points in this proposal.
His legacy to Britain will be not only to leave us bankrupt but also to deny the British people a vote on this latest transfer of power from Westminster to Brussels.
SMEs need a solid technological base to enable them to boost their contribution to economic growth and development.
I have been pleased to hear a unanimous opinion expressed here.
This text is the first binding European legislation on the subject.
However, the development of a culture of animal rights and animal welfare has been hard-won in Europe over the past 30 years, and we should not sacrifice it on the altar of political correctness.
Now in Europe we are faced with several approaches: the two-tier system of Sarkozy, the Atlantic nationalism of Gordon Brown and the rather formal but very sincere pro-Europeanism of Romano Prodi.
With regard to the measures we are advocating here, it is not only a question of penalising dishonest bosses but also of defending a specific number of social rights such as the right to be represented by a trade union.
It appears that the Latvian Government and the Saeima have chosen an ombudsman - Mr Apsītis - who is convenient, silent and devoid of initiative; someone who is actually blind to serious infringements in Latvian legislation.
Nevertheless, cigarettes are still dangerous.
On these grounds, I believe that the European Council must address the issue of energy security and successful implementation of Nabucco project, while taking account of the alarming situation in some of the neighbouring countries following the recent elections in the area.
This diplomatic service, for which the Commission has called so enthusiastically, will be a total departure from national heritages.
It is not about endowing the fund with more money.
We would also like education and health to be priority action areas and to be allocated 20% of EDF funds.
As has been pointed out, the Chinese ambassador has responded to the criticism expressed.
My wife works in the management of a car company in Germany, and in Austria people are pleased that Opel appears to have been rescued in this way.
This is another kind of project that we need in Europe, because the European Union is regarded as a community of values, but it is also a strong cultural community.
No to persecution and bludgeoning.
These differences should be rectified with the help of development programmes financed by the EU.
Mr President, much has been written about the Northern Ireland peace process and this is another non-legislative report.
Airports in unfavourable regions will be able to apply the relevant preferences.
I get a sense from this that this is what you would like to do, and I think my committee would give you full support in coming up with such a proposal.
Mr President, the French Presidency has tried to base all its actions on two convictions: the first is that the world needs a strong Europe, and the second is that Europe cannot be strong if it is divided.
I am referring to the document entitled 'Structural Funds: Guidelines on the principles, criteria and indicative scales to be applied by Commission departments in determining financial corrections'.
In order to improve relations, this resolution argues that Belarus should become a country without political prisoners, that the government should guarantee the free expression of opinion, and so on.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (PT) Mr President, Mr Ó Neachtain, as the honourable Member is certainly aware, following the presentation by the Commission of the Mid-Term Review of the European Road Safety Action Programme in March 2006, the Council adopted conclusions at its meeting on 8 and 9 June 2006.
I would like to start by thanking you all for a fascinating debate, for many interesting ideas, and for the enthusiasm and support you are showing for the EU 2020 strategy.
We have been firmly supporting the Arab League's Initiative since it was launched in January 2008 and our Community instruments have allowed us to provide a targeted response to some of the major challenges.
In the EU, the preference is still for bilateral, rather than multilateral, action which diminishes the efficacy of our approach.
This is a domestic competence, and the Member States are free to take their own decisions in this respect.
In essence, it is now possible to monitor the application of these rules much more rigorously than it was in 1985.
I presume that a similar passage will be written again this year at the next summit, and also at all the other summits.
The lack of information, distorted reporting and, occasionally, downright lies from EU states' governments, has led to dreadful results.
Under the new Presidency, there is perhaps a chance that it can act a little more independently than previously.
Europe has been making environmental policy for more than 25 years and it needs to review some of its methods, because this is not the only thing that explains the failure of some policies.
By working together we have been able to come up with what, I believe, is a good compromise.
Without a doubt the pensions problem at this point is a 'bomb ready to explode', and it will be worse in the future.
This is often a matter of life or death for them.
However, this amendment is not worded appropriately for meeting this objective and, moreover, adoption of this amendment would result in the demise of the whole compromise.
The great success of the past weekend is that we are now finally able to concentrate on what needs to be done politically and on what the people expect from us.
I advocate measures to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis on the health sector by investing in infrastructure.
in writing. - The current RoHS restricts the use of six hazardous materials that were once contained in certain electrical and electronic equipment.
This is because it offers companies the opportunity to establish the right to apply a transitional regime, in other words, stagger the times specified for registering substances.
Too often I seem to sense a lack of awareness within the Commission, by its President and its Commissioners, of which initiatives should be implemented to aid the recovery of European industry, the recovery of the European manufacturing industry.
Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights declares that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; and freedom of thought, conscience and religion applies not only to adherents of religions but also to atheists, agnostics and people without beliefs.
When discussing this Passenger Name Record (PNR) agreement, we all remember what happened in the case of SWIFT; it has already cropped up several times in this debate.
in writing. - Malta is the only state in the EU where divorce is not possible.
Yes, Mrs Doyle, I do think that we have respected the confidence pact.
Mr President, the internal market is the EU's absolute greatest contribution to freedom and prosperity in Europe.
The seas provide the environment for a multi-directional communication among countries, people, activities and policies.
India is an important developing country and a significant trade partner for the European Union.
Firstly, I believe in tax competition.
The cars must be sold in order for the bonus to be granted.
The margins available have already been spoken for and we in the Committee on Budgets do not know now how these priorities are going to be financed.
The ban on the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP) is an attack on the infant democracy in the country and, in particular, on the Kurdish minority, which represents as much as 20% of the population.
This also means that, without additional steps by Member States to fulfil their individual targets, the collective targets for 2010 will not be achieved.
For their part, the EU Member States have already set out to do this and on 26 May expressed their determination to work together to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia.
Mr President, I have no doubt that you will try to cut me off, as usual when it comes to freedom of speech, but I really want to talk about the hazardous substances and toxicity.
I therefore welcome the motion for a resolution on the future of the European Social Fund (ESF), which we are debating today, because this fund plays a crucial role in achieving the Europe 2020 targets.
In my opinion, we should be bolting the door against Brussels' creeping desire for ever more centralisation.
It is necessary to check whether Union funds are being well used, whether these institutions are meeting the objectives outlined for them, and whether any resources are being wasted.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (ES) Mr President, from the outset the INTERREG initiative was the germ of a truly polycentric idea of the European space through cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation.
This is an area in which the European Commission and the European Central Bank does not really have any remit - the supervision mechanisms are essentially national in nature.
Quality must come before timeframe.

They will also be looking at the particular challenges facing developing countries.
The partners are providing their financial contributions to the budget of the ITER organisation and are pursuing conscientiously the necessary joint technical preparations for the technical and scientific contributions to which they have committed themselves.
Fortunately, matters concerning family law fall within the competence of the Member States, and it is therefore absolutely illegitimate and a blatant attack on the subsidiarity principle for Parliament to seek to coerce them towards a common understanding on these issues by seeking to promote radical agendas.
(RO) First of all, I wish to thank the rapporteur and those who have worked on perhaps the most important piece of legislation from this last parliamentary term.
Last year, at least 714 people were executed by states.
The Europe 2020 strategy is going in the opposite direction of such a claim.
I spoke to him not long ago.
This project confirmed the hypothesis that front-loading the asylum process - in particular, by providing access to competent legal advice for asylum applicants at the start of the procedure and allowing the legal representative to interact with the decision maker - leads to significant improvements in the quality of first-instance decisions.
Without change ...
Subject: UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
in writing. - The Treaty aims to maintain an economic union with healthy competition and properties that are similar to those on the domestic market.
We will take the necessary steps as quickly as possible to confirm the agreement between our institutions on the basis of your position adopted today.
Parliament has also stressed the necessity of having an initiative in all three sectors - electricity, heating and transport - and I am also pleased to see that the Commission will require the Member States to set sectoral targets.
I therefore want you to know that we will follow this discussion very closely.
Let us not forget the small and historic peoples of the Caucasus, the Abkhazians and Ossetians, whose right to self-determination should be taken into account in the framework of multilateral dialogue with the Georgian authorities.
We must show leadership and keep our promises.
That would also solve a lot of political problems.
Since young people are Europe's future, it is our duty to help them by applying a well prepared strategy for youth.
My vote could not be anything else but in favour.
I would like to emphasise the importance of making better use of the potential of renewable forms of energy in the EU, along with putting EU consumers and the public at the heart of European energy policy.
(PL) Our debate is taking place literally two days before a meeting of ministers of the 27 Member States of the European Union on the same subject.
I would like to say that the robustness of euro-denominated CDS markets is of direct relevance for the Eurosystem as regards control over its currency and financial stability in the euro area.
I also think that young people are extremely important at the moment and in the EU's future.
Therefore, I think that the European Union needs to combat speculation involving food prices through regulation and transparency.
It must be stated objectively that the situation in Europe at the time of planning this document is very complicated and that the document has come into being against the background of one of the worst economic crises in living memory.
(FR) Mr President, I would like to draw the European Parliament's attention to the arrival of the President of Belarus, Mr Lukashenko, in Prague.
We do not need to be lectured about democracy by those who have plenty of homework to do in their own backyards.
This system will contribute to better performance in the areas of public health and safety, as well as administrative operations.
The end-product may not be exactly the same and therefore you will have to adjust, and I am afraid that does entail some cost.
(PL) Madam President, I would like, above all, to say something to Mrs Ferrero-Waldner.
The only people responsible for these standards are the people sitting in the offices of this private organisation in London, who are undoubtedly influenced in making their standards by the desire to keep themselves in a job.
Mr Chairman, in conclusion I would like to bring up one technical issue.
The Commission, certainly, considers that this approach and methodology is unsound, particularly in categories 1a and 1b, where we talk about innovation and research, even more so as we have an additional problem with the European Institute of Technology and the Galileo programme, which has to be solved as an additional parallel problem of the annual European budget procedures.
The Gaddafi regime undertook an unprecedented lethal repression using air force, helicopter gunships and ruthless mercenaries shooting to kill unarmed civilians.
The Brazilian Supreme Court has granted the extradition of Cesare Battisti, who has been found guilty in some seven trials and sentenced in absentia to four life sentences for as many murders, with definitive judgments issued by the Italian judicial authorities.
Who brought us to this point?
Concerning our second focus of work: I must of course mention the proposal for a directive on protection from discrimination beyond the workplace, which the Commission also adopted on 2 July.
in writing. - MEP Queiró has responded to the Commission's communication 'An Agenda for Sustainable Future in General and Business Aviation' and has highlighted several areas where policy considerations for the non-commercial air transport sector in general and business aviation have additional impact.
Estonia has experience, for example, with revolving funds, which guarantee risk, rather than giving out grants and direct assistance.
I welcome the areas of action identified, namely: improving quality and safety, increasing organ availability and making transplantation systems more efficient and accessible, in addition to a mechanism to strengthen cooperation between Member States and the adoption of a Community legal instrument setting quality and safety requirements for organ donation, procurement, testing, preservation, transport and allocation across the EU and the resources needed to meet these requirements.
One of the fields in which women are hugely underrepresented is scientific research.
I think it is acceptable to raise the opinion on GM, but there are no GM crops grown in Ireland - and I think the same is true of the UK - yet we have problems with bee populations, so I think we need to be very careful about comments we make in relation to the causes of the problem.
The third point is financing.
Madam President, I repeat what I said in my opening speech: the Commission and I are taking very good note of all the arguments that have been put forward here by all of you, and we will take very good note of Parliament's position once Mr Rapkay's report is adopted.
Mr Lehne, this amendment raises a question that could very well be open to different interpretations.
Let us not forget, however, that there is still a great deal to do in terms of simplification.
Moreover, the European reference framework should be supplemented by programmes that would establish veritable European qualifications, recognized over the entire European Union territory.
This is a completely ludicrous argument which only a Belgian Member of the ALDE Group could possibly have come up with.
If we can work together to raise awareness, we can tell all the citizens of Europe the story referred to by Mr Chichester, the story that European space projects can be the cause that brings us all together.
That is why we should support the European Parliament's initiative aimed at reversing the present situation.
Mr President, Commissioners, I think we must note the convergence of this Parliament's Committee on Fisheries and its Committee on International Trade on this matter and on the proposals presented in connection with it.
We are sending the message that a society can only have a healthy economy when its members are able to contribute fully to its development.
Written explanations of vote
The situation between Georgia and Russia is indeed increasingly tense.
We therefore support the rejection of this shameful Council position and call on Members, in their voting, to listen to the protests of workers and prevent more serious social tensions, more backward steps and a return to a kind of slavery right now in the 21st century.
The International Monetary Fund needs to become much more democratic and focused on human development, education and employment.
Tuberculosis is, unfortunately, one of the main causes of death in the world.
This is directed at global initiatives and programmes aimed at improving the shantytowns, namely the 'Cities Alliance' and the UN programme 'UN-Habitat'.
How many Member States have such an institution as the one in Hungary that is actually functioning and is mentioned in the Hungarian constitution?
Another point I would criticise is the fact that the objective here is free trade that is not based on standards.
For the most part these are countries that require considerable expenditure and considerable support funds for modernising and transforming the economy.
Lastly, the Commission, as guardian of the treaties, will be the final judge of whether the proposed legislative procedure should be undertaken.
This is another thing that I would certainly emphasise.
The second point is the inclusion of EU staff pensions in the budget.
Mr President, we have taken another step towards European integration.
I would like to draw your attention to some of the things my fellow Members have expressed.
It may also show its passivity and risk marginalisation.
The Irish delegation of the PPE-DE Group is firmly opposed to any harmonisation of direct taxation, including corporate taxation, and we will continue to reject any proposals which weaken that position.
We now recognise that we have many more international competitors to deal with.
The support of public/private partnerships is vital to achieve this goal.
President Medvedev's proposal for a wider discussion of Euro-Atlantic security has led to a new process of talks under the aegis of the OSCE.
The Commission intends to propose an action plan with 10 priority actions to meet the challenges of organ donation and transplantation in the EU.
During a period of deep economic crisis like the one we are just going through at the moment, rating agencies should remain, regardless of the economic conditions, transparent and credible instruments, providing support as Europe steers through these troubled times.
Our position on this matter does not mean that my colleagues or I do not have our reservations and concerns about the proposed agreements themselves.
The low national income it proposes will bring law and order to the EU.
That would make Europe grow in stature, and it is urgent!
In 2050 it is likely to account for only 5%.
He dreamt of a society where the colour of your skin did not lead to discrimination.
I should like to stress the important role that the European Aviation Safety Agency will play as regards the monitoring not just of aviation but also of company practices.
Ladies and gentlemen, we support reforms.
Questions which have not been answered for lack of time will be answered in writing (see Annex).
In particular, cooperation between Belgrade and Pristina, especially at a local level, is fundamentally important to citizens, above all in the worst-affected sectors such as the environment, infrastructure and trade.
In debating the proposals that have been tabled today, both in the Council of Ministers and in the European Parliament, we must bear in mind our own commitments, of which the most important is that we take care, that our objective is achieved when we decide all the details, in other words that the global temperature does not rise by two degrees in comparison with the pre-industrial era.
They have been supported by their banks; however, these are controlled by their board of directors, auditors and regulatory authorities.
Certainly, we might have hoped for a little more, in the sense that some issues have been left in the background of the report, such as the creation of an observatory or the laying down of provisions on traceability.
This is how the first President of the European Parliamentary Assembly, Robert Schuman, addressed this respected House for the first time on 19 March 1958.
Or is there another hope for Gilad and all the other victims?
I voted in favour of Mrs Ţicău's report as Canada should be seen as a priority partner for agreements of this kind, given that both Europe and Canada have world-leading aircraft manufacturers.
A prerequisite for such an initiative will, of course, be a globally accepted agreement on the maintenance of fisheries.
I agree that coordination is required at EU level, with the best arguments for this provided to us by the effects of the crisis, which we hope we have emerged from.
in writing. - (PL) During the last few days and weeks the Russian authorities have taken some provocative steps with regard to Georgia, causing a conflict with the threat of war.
As a member of the European Economic Area, Iceland already fulfils a large proportion of a Member State's obligations.
IAs merely contribute to the preparation of the specific content of a political decision.
At the same time, the European Commission values highly the regional ownership of the agreement and acknowledges that CEFTA is fundamental for deeper regional economic integration and for preparing the ground for the eventual full participation of the Western Balkans in the EU single market.
I was also ready to go up to the north to start mediation, like my predecessor, Chris Patten.
The debate is closed.
Moreover, looking at the device, I would like to know - although I can imagine the answer - why certain companies have no interest in a different product coming onto the market.
The Member States were not sufficiently consulted during the negotiation period, resulting in a protocol under which fishing opportunities have fallen considerably while financial compensation is held at virtually the same level.
Please could you answer this?
The same day, 4 June 1989, the Chinese regime crushed protesting students under the caterpillar tracks of its tanks in Tiananmen Square.
In all the eighteen years when Mr. Dimitrov was in politics, to all of us who knew him, he served as an example of honesty, openness and a man who to the very depths of his soul believes in the European, Euro-Atlantic choice of our country, in the freedom of speech, in democracy and human rights.
If I had miracle powers or healing power, I would not have needed surgery in the first place.
That is all well and good, so let us see how it works out.
Immediate steps must be taken as a matter of urgency to put a stop to this degrading treatment, and to ensure that all the security and army forces are clearly told that torture and other forms of ill-treatment will be the subject of a thorough investigation.
This partial improvement of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund falls short of what is needed in this serious crisis that we are experiencing.
Subsequently, under Article 174 of the Treaty of Lisbon, territorial cohesion has become one of the three components of cohesion policy, alongside economic and social cohesion.
Therefore, I fully agree with you that this instrument must be used as efficiently and effectively as possible.
I would like to add that, on 10 chapters, we have agreed opening benchmarks - or they have been agreed by the Council, to be more precise - which have been communicated to Croatia.
That has to be protected, and I believe we have obtained a very good compromise on this point.
This report is important in terms of extending the Single Market to the area of cross-border pre-financing.
It is totally unacceptable and liable to cancel out the culture of welcome we have had for thousands of years, and the deep roots of a European identity that has been forged through the practice of hospitality.
(FI) Mr President, over the centuries, people have left Europe for reasons of work and to escape war and political and religious persecution, and now Europe, with its stability, attracts people from outside Europe, and that is a good thing.
Urgent issues should not be overlooked, of course.
However, in contrast to the USA, the Commission has omitted to do a number of things.
Composition of committees: see Minutes
I believe that the partnership with the mass media aimed at raising the profile of the European programmes and projects for young people is a key factor in helping us achieve our objectives.
What power!
I voted to extend this regulation until 31 December 2030, as opposed to 31 December 2026 proposed by the European Commission.
In a Europe of independent states, every country must have the right, in accordance with the Helsinki agreement, to join an alliance or not, as it sees fit.
This is particularly true in certain Member States that joined the EU after 2004.
I am satisfied that the Kauppi report strikes the correct balance.
We can achieve that aim by ensuring a linkage between the various policies conducted in these areas and targeted at these fragile groups and, therefore, drawing more on the complementary nature of the various available financial instruments.
I would like to point out that members of the Tibetan community organised this process with the aim of making their institutions democratic.
For instance, some of the 9th EDF 'B' envelope funds will be allocated for housing programmes in close coordination with our humanitarian support.
However, that will be our starting point as we do this thoroughly.
Pace vouǎ!
When it comes to the order of speeches and speaking time I would, however, like to stress the need to keep the principle of equal treatment of Commission and Council.
The current debt is not, therefore, indicative of a lack of prudence, but is the effect of changes whose long-term objective is the reduction of budgetary expenses allocated to making pension payments.
You have got a commitment from the Commission to do a study on euro securities within six months of the entry into force of this legislation.
When we are talking about security, political games should be set aside.
in writing. - The sentencing of Roxana Saberi on 18 April 2009 for 'spying' was done without her having any access to a lawyer and on the basis of a trial that was neither fair nor transparent.
I naturally welcome the greater role given to Frontex and the additional human and material resources for the agency, along with the reinforcement of the Schengen evaluation mechanism, but not the new requirements imposed on Bulgaria and Romania and the obstruction of their membership.
Many of these irregularities are detected and/or reported belatedly, jeopardising the protection and proper usage of the public purse.
The penalties must be clear, transparent and, above all, comparable.
We should remember that the objective of, and the assumption behind, European regional policy is the reduction of development differences between individual areas within the European Union, and the phenomenon of territorial exclusion has not yet been taken into consideration in policy instruments.

I was one of the MEPs who abstained.
Work is also ongoing in the regular framework of the Four Common Spaces and all its technical dialogues.
That is the PPE-DE's approach and we will take part in the debates on the long-term financial perspective - referred to in part two of paragraph 13 - and take the lead in possible reallocation or reprioritisation, but not at this time: that can be done more successfully by committing budgets and sectors than by redistributing at the moment.
We must also point out, however, which areas of the report we particularly approved of.
(PT) Madam President, fossil fuels currently provide the vast majority of the world's primary energy needs: more than 80% of the whole, with oil at 34%, coal at 26% and natural gas at 21%.
There is a reference to a wide range of new proposals for the end of 2008.
It is of far greater importance for Europe's consumers that consumer protection should be improved at EU level.
This concentration of activities calls for serious thought to be given to the issue of managing maritime safety in that area at European level, as part of a joint strategy.
Yes, those elections were not conducted in the way we wanted.
The panorama is always the same: the persistence of stereotypes in the choice of educational and professional guidelines, over-representation of women in certain sectors such as the textile industry, the pay gap, working conditions and career prospects.
In a changing world, our Union needs to be more than a purely economic Union.
To this end, the Greens pushed for greater transparency as regards the relations between industry representatives and the authorities and their chairs, and we are happy that all three candidates have committed in writing to ensuring this.
Every recall of dangerous toys is a cause for concern, and an immediate examination of each case must be made.
Resumption of the session
Thank you very much, Mr Martin, for your interesting views.
Kosovo is not ready.
While there is a modest approach to limit common agricultural policy expenditure, there is a more radical attempt to eliminate the British rebate.
I hope that we will be able to bridge the last differences over the next few weeks so that we can finalise an agreement before the summer.
The next item is the vote.
The aim of the proposal is to add a further, simpler, method of spending the European Social Fund, so that its contribution to addressing the economic and social challenges facing Europe during the crisis can be faster and more effective.
I thought and hoped it was all just a bad dream, but today we have got you, Mr Barroso.
When I look at how many of the claims contained in your draft resolution were then immediately denied by the people in question, it shows how much false information is often passed on here.
I congratulate the rapporteur for the work done.
At the same time, however, I should like to make it abundantly clear that what many fear or believe they should fear will not happen.
Firstly, I would like to thank all honourable Members for the energy and passion with which they have conducted this debate.
It is almost certain that these will not impact on the UK, and I have a number of questions surrounding them, particularly in that I feel it will create an uneven playing field between the regions of Europe and it seems contradictory in the light of the Commission's current policy.
I might mention that in my own country, in Denmark, we have just adopted a plan to allocate EUR 40 million for ITS over the next five years.
This fund is utilised precisely where society needs it most, namely to help the affected people themselves.
I also ask for your understanding on this.
Let us put a stop to that waste!
Our actions must always be well conceived so that citizens can see specific benefits from them.
We believe that this is a major step, but we also believe that further small steps are needed in order to really make the horizontal approach of this legislative project complete.
The International Monetary Fund puts the cost of the financial crisis at USD 4 000 billion, two-thirds of which can be attributed to the banks.
Explanations of vote
Allowing them to follow the most suitable educational pathway, to make it easy for them to learn foreign languages, to approach the world of work equipped with the appropriate skills, or perhaps to enter a new educational or working environment, means building a future for all the countries of the European Union through the energies of university students and young workers, who come together in the same economic and cultural melting pot.
It seems to me extraordinary that this continent, which exported the idea of representative government and parliamentary democracy, which carried the seeds of democracy to far continents where they found fertile soil, should now have taken the axe to the ancestral tree here in Europe.
Innovation may result in the development and reinvention of the European Union once the current crisis is over.
The concrete steps taken and planned by the EU are important.
It is therefore of the utmost importance that Europe continues to be seen to be engaged with the environmental impact of this proposal, and a heavy burden therefore falls on the shoulders of Commissioner Dimas.
The capital that sovereign wealth funds bring to the global market is needed to keep investment flowing.
The Court's judgment states, and I quote, 'In the case in the main proceedings, it must be pointed out that the right of trade unions [...] to take collective action [...] is liable to make it less attractive, or more difficult, for such undertakings to carry out construction work in Sweden, and therefore constitutes a restriction on the freedom to provide services'.
In my view, the issue is one of those in Turkey, Turks and Kurds who know that the only solution to the problem is a political one - the AKP and the DTP - versus the radicals, on the Turkish side and on the Kurdish side, who are not interested in a political solution at all and who think that military violence can help: on the Turkish side the army and a section of the opposition and on the Kurdish side the PKK.
I therefore believe that if, during the implementation of the strategy in practice, the interests of water source protection and energy production, or water source protection and inland shipping and transport, potentially clash, concessions must be made to this as the number one priority.
That is why it is important under the presidency now to expand this idea of partnership with the East, that we look to the East and to the Balkans because they are the fault lines within the European Union at the present time, not only because of political instability but also because of our interdependence on energy and economic activity.
The information is there.
Let me say a few words on specific policies and initiatives in the area of volunteering in which the Commission has been particularly active.
For example, the Commission's paper makes no mention at all of the word 'speculation'.
I hope the Chinese authorities will use the opportunity of the Games to show their people that rules apply not only in the sporting arena, but above all to the duty incumbent on officialdom to respect human rights and freedom of expression.
Despite the fact that approximately 500 000 hectares of EU forest are lost every year as a result of forest fires and illegal logging, the long-term trend of increasing forest coverage in the EU appears stable.
That is why I am voting for this resolution.
Why?
Secondly, with regard to the energy dossier, I believe that joint action is required to coordinate research efforts and identify new clean energy sources.
Like Thailand and Brazil, why does Europe not start by introducing a tax on foreign currency, to ease currency tensions?
(RO) We are living in a world where we have gone from getting around using one horse per person to getting around with tens or hundreds of horse power.
As an Englishman, I find it absolutely incredible that people would eat their horses.
Last but not least, we are very focused on results.
The vote in Parliament on the proposed directive on the European Protection Order for victims sends out an important signal for the protection of people who have suffered from violence.
It is these improvements which, hopefully, this House will adopt tomorrow and which, let us hope, the other institutions will take into account.
Meanwhile, Mr Barroso, the summit did not even place it on its agenda.
in writing. - (PT) The toy safety directive represents an extremely important step towards ensuring our children's safety.
I consider it unfortunate that Article 95 has been chosen for this purpose.
We therefore regret the rejection of an amendment tabled by our group, asking the EIB to extend its strive for transparency to disclosing the financial beneficiaries of global loans lent through financial intermediaries.
Further positive developments include the fact that many Member States have revised their mental health strategies or are setting up action plans, for example, in Finland and Hungary.
I welcome the report's firm commitment towards their membership perspective.
in writing. - I voted in favour of the protocol amending the agreement on TRIPS and Access to Medicines because I strongly believe the EU should be a key actor in the promotion of public health and access to medicines to all in the third world.
However, we can find alternative solutions, provided that we have the political will.
No.
I would also like to congratulate Mr Swoboda, the rapporteur, on his report.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, in thanking the rapporteur, Mr Manders, and the shadow rapporteur, Mrs Comi, I would like, with all due respect, to disagree slightly with Mrs Rühle.
Moreover, in exceptional cases, where this is specifically provided, this will be extended for a further12 months.
There have been some calls from our SNP and Conservative colleagues to vote against the mandatory introduction of electronic and DNA-based genetic identification and registration of animals at EU-Level.
I shall finish here - please excuse me for my rather lengthy speech, but I really wanted to give a detailed account of the progress of SIS II and VIS.
We cannot reward Serbia for holding back from a violent reaction over Kosovo.
Draft Amending Budget No 5/2012: Solidarity Fund response to earthquakes in Emilia-Romagna (Italy) and modification of the budget line for the preparatory action for the European Year of Volunteering 2011 (
This is why, in close concert with international partners, the EU has been, and will remain, very actively involved in trying to defuse the crisis in Yemen.
This incident raises many issues regarding future cooperation.
I am certain that one of the European Parliament's fundamental roles is to uphold human rights.
Our presidency may not be on such a large scale as the French and as high-profile as the German, and perhaps our civil servants do not have such long-standing and excellent traditions as the British.
Welcome
I also wish to thank the rapporteur, Mrs Zdravkova, and the Committee on Petitions for their excellent and constructive report.
I hope that this new pesticides regulation will enable us to raise health and environmental protection to new heights in Europe.
The fact that the EU and its Member States have signed the UN Convention on Biological Diversity is of course good and it can act as an important tool.
rapporteur. - (ES) Madam President, at this late hour on a Monday the Commission will probably have other things on its mind more worrying than this report.
Nevertheless, we believe the report could and should have gone further, on each of these points, especially in advocating consistency between the goals stated in the area of development cooperation policy and the EU's various sectoral policies.
This also demonstrates, however, that the data being collected does indeed transcend the domain of agriculture.
I hope they will be accepted by the other institutions to give this process the democratic legitimacy it needs.
Given the situation regarding the consumer acquis, the approach in favour of complete harmonisation in this proposal is not practicable at present.
Mr President, I would question why, if the Lisbon Treaty is such a good thing, it is so inaccessible.
The risk of disease spreading - if the animal epidemic situation remains as it is, we must always presume that - no longer exists in this form with pets and domestic animals.
One: we have to work more, nearly as much as the Americans.
Forests provide 2 million jobs, many in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and represent an annual turnover of EUR 300 billion.
We should indeed remind the Council of its responsibility in this.
Mr President, firstly, let us be clear that this Parliament will today support the UN Security Council Resolution 1860.
Thirdly, I fully support Mrs Muscardini's suggestions concerning the establishment of a WTO parliamentary assembly, changes in the classification of countries into developed and developing, the need for closer cooperation between the WTO and the UN, and departure from the principle of consensus especially at the level of working groups and committees within the WTO framework.
It is a problem that, to be sure, would not exist if the European Union - as well as condemning it so many times - had truly rejected it, rather than passively and, at times, actively, collaborating in the very existence of that black hole of international law.
Neighbouring countries which are interested in the construction of the pipeline are also saying so.
We must be ready for the early provision of additional payments from budgetary resources, especially in the event of an accelerated implementation of structural policies.
I urge that a package of political measures be prepared in order to remedy this problem, which in any case must take into account national differences and tried and true practices.
The affordability of energy for consumers throughout Europe is also highlighted in this area.
We feel that modernisation and additional simplification must be carried out for the future framework programme.
The conduct of the diplomats of some Member States in Mumbai did not only violate the rights of the EU citizens, but also pointed out deficiencies in the EU integration process.
I would also like to draw attention to the fact that it is very important for the Commission to distribute EU money allocated to the ESF in a targeted manner, because only then will this instrument directly help people to gain employment, find better jobs, overcome poverty, avoid social exclusion and lead life to the full.
I would like to say that we would rather look to the present and the future than back to the past.
What does the word 'pact' mean?
(NL) Madam President, I abstained on the motion for a resolution on aircraft safety and body scanners, not because I object to the reservations it expresses with regard to the right of privacy for travellers, quite the reverse.
If such a delay was meant by some colleagues as an attempt not to disturb too much the new Ukrainian administration, it is certainly a short-sighted policy.
Some might say that if you object to this, why does your Foundation accept funding?
I do not believe it is plausible to speak of the death of the Tibetan language.
In the international domain, EUR 880 billion come out of the developing countries through all sorts of corruption and other activities which are not recorded or taxable or deposited in proper banks.
Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to begin first by thanking Parliament for allowing me at this key moment to address this sitting with a matter as unquestionably sensitive as the Economic Partnership Agreements.
Such an important legal act, of constitutional rank, should be adopted in this particular form.
All of this indicates that the Member States should both plan carefully and discuss the issue of minimum standards, and in that way contribute to the elimination of poverty.
Parliament will merely be consulted, which reflects the anti-democratic nature of the scheme.
In view of the large number of verifications to be carried out and the constraints on time, it was considered appropriate for the Committee on Legal Affairs, and therefore its Chairman, to present an oral report to Parliament.
So what will happen under the Swedish Presidency in 2009?
That gives you an idea of just how important his role is, and I would like to salute the excellence of the work done by President Costea, and at the same time draw your attention to the fact that he will be replaced in June.
We also raised the problem in the three hearings with Commissioner Verheugen and with the President of the Commission, Mr Barroso.
on behalf of the EFD Group. - Mr President, yesterday indeed was Europe Day and in the courtyard here we had armed soldiers, we had the Luftwaffe band and imperial eagles, we had the flag being paraded, being raised, the European anthem; it was the display of militarism and EU nationalism.
I was not shocked by your defence of industry in general and German industry in particular, because I see too often - I say this to Mr Schulz, as well as to Mr Daul - I see too often the devastating effects of the financial crisis in countries that have not defended their industries strongly enough.
The Commission proposal updates the ETF's tasks and governance to ensure that its activities are founded on a solid legal basis.
As climate change and other factors increasingly impact on our fish stocks, our management will need the necessary flexibility, based on sound peer-reviewed science, to adapt to the new conditions and ensure sustainability of resources.
It is crucial for the European Parliament and other responsible European Union bodies to demand an immediate end to the attack on Gaza and an immediate end to Israel's blockade.
Perhaps we sometimes tend to forget, but we are speaking here about the common destiny of 1.5 billion human beings and it is they who are the most important actors in the partnership that we are now setting up.
A lasting peace in Darfur cannot be achieved without justice and reconciliation.
Mr Brown should have attended the conference and taken the opportunity to tell Mr Mugabe to his face that he is a bloodthirsty tyrant who has no place in the modern community of civilised nations.
Therefore, the first thing we must do, as many colleagues have already said, is start to establish relations with the Interim Council in order to legitimise their activities.
By 2012 carbon dioxide emissions produced by passenger cars should not exceed 130 g/km.
This is happening firstly as a result of people working abroad being sent back home and then due to the reduction in the number of jobs being offered by foreign companies, which are scaling down their activities.
We might already have passed the point at which we have used over half the world's supply.
(EL) Madam President, the historic NATO Summit in Lisbon was a turning point for the future of the alliance.
There are some doubts about whether that cooperation is always satisfactory, and whether the Council's response to the threat that has been described many times today is always adequate.
- Regarding the Lisbon Strategy we stressed that a new integrated strategy for sustainability and solidarity is needed to replace the current Lisbon Strategy and provide an effective implementation tool.
While I agree with much of this report, I am wary of proposals for a corporate consolidated tax base and voted against accordingly.
The time has come to wake up.
Lastly, the proposals should be treated as a single package and not separately, since they both represent common aspects of the same issue and have the same shortcomings.
on behalf of the IND/DEM group. - (CS) Mr Chairman, the proposed wine sector reform puts the Czech Republic at a disadvantage and discriminates against it.
It is the history of how moral will took root in the institutions and transformed the old political paradigms.
We recommend the Council and the Commission should enhance the prestige of Europe's classical heritage and the historic contributions of national cultures in all their dimensions down through the centuries, while also allowing for the needs of the culture sector in the future.
(Applause)
Firstly, the Strasbourg-Kehl-Appenweier and the Munich-Mühldorf-Salzburg cross-border projects are also highly complex.
However, of what use are the euro and the Eurogroup if they do not promote a culture of responsibility and stability?
Vice-President of the Commission. - I can assure you that the Commission always tries to be balanced.
It is important that Europe presents a coordinated approach to the G20.
If it does this, there is reason to fear recession.
The rights and the freedoms which I have referred to form the heart and the centre of our society and of the European Union and our community of values.
He was a Member of this House for over two decades, or, in other words, nearly five parliamentary terms.
We should be delighted with this situation.
In this, Commissioner, you have the full support of MEPs.
Voting time
It is not as simple as that, however, as pensions are, and will remain, the responsibility of Member States.
The black economy, which exists in all our countries, is something which is disadvantageous to the taxpayer and something which we should all be concerned about, because it means that the taxpayer loses out.
It was reopened in January 2010, just five years later.
The resolution sets a positive tone for future discussions and illustrates this Parliament's willingness to engage positively with our oldest trading partner.
We cannot draw on past experience, particularly with regard to arrangements relating to third countries, but I think that we have made a good start towards providing an effective supervisory framework.
The rapporteur successfully argues the need for a better coordination and division of tasks between civilian and military forces in crisis management.
(PT) Mr President, Commissioner, Mrs Merkies, this strategy is important to all European countries, especially those whose economies are not competitive enough.
It has exploited every single line of defence and has shown no inclination to take part in constructive cooperation.
Precious few, because pigs will fly, as we say, before Ecofin ministers agree on EU-level fuel taxation.
Furthermore, as leakages from pipes result in much wastage, I suggested that Member States could use the Structural Funds to improve and renew existing infrastructure and technology.
However, I do not believe that this justifies indefinite support for coal mines that prove uncompetitive.
However, these agencies present certain problems, in particular, concerning their lack of competition, their oligopolistic structures, the excessive trust placed in them, and their lack of transparency and accountability.
My second point is that what we are doing here is establishing a mechanism outside of the Community method.
In the Commission's view, such decisions should preferably encompass all additional protocols and should be taken together with the decision concluding the accession agreement itself.
In 2006, we, in the European Parliament, launched an own-initiative report on the harmonisation of vehicle tax, which we hoped would be based on CO2 and consumption.
Thanks to this 'maritime safety' package, the Member States will finally have to fulfil their obligations in the International Maritime Organisation and, in particular, carry out technical audits before issuing a flag to a ship.
We need fast Internet access throughout the whole of Europe, and not just in cities, but also in rural regions.
I therefore think that we need to provide all possible support and that our review package regarding the regulatory framework can boost the revitalisation of this sector by providing a stable, solid and effective legal framework.
I think - as the philosophy of Mr Lehne's report shows - that a large part of this growth is to be found in the five million very small businesses in Europe, if we are happy to make their work easier.
As this initiative can only be yet another pure pro-EU-Constitution campaign, on which enough money has already been spent, I voted against the Grabowska report.
That is the object of the 'General Affairs and External Relations' Council decision of 17 November 2007.
This marks a new development in which we must all make greater and more cohesive efforts.
We can do this during final negotiations in Council.
This will keep the debate on track.
This leads to many wrong decisions, especially by those less well off.
We in Europe must say 'our view is to go beyond that'.
I can tell you today that we now have in place the test criteria, the methodology and the timeframe, which, in my opinion, will meet the expectations of European citizens with regard to this stress test.
The alert was made public via a procedure that has been described as unusual, but its causes and its consequences are still totally confused and unclear.
It is therefore essential to promote the diversification of modes of freight transport, particularly with a strong commitment to rail.
The second section discusses the Commission's IAs and highlights scope for improvement.
However, time has shown that Europe is closely linked to these countries in the Black Sea region.
Following the advice of the committees, we move on to the speakers on behalf of the party groups.
This would have a negative impact on the freedom of access to the countryside, which is an important part of the everyday life of people in a country like Sweden.
We need to be able to hold on to our best researchers and innovators.
In reality, if we do not remove paragraph 20 from this motion for a resolution, we will be adding to the Council of Europe's European Convention on Human Rights, to the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights and to the brand new European Institute for Gender Equality a fourth instrument which would take the form of a special new charter dedicated to the promotion of women.
This is a joint action at several levels - global, European, national and local - which means that the main priorities that we have indicated are of course energy saving, energy efficiency and the development of renewable energies, since the European Union's potential in this area is great.
I would like to say that I am generally opposed to sanctions, whether they are imposed against the Palestinians or against Israel.
But I remember his condition the summer he first came to stay with my sister, and it is this experience that allows me, personally, to understand the difficulties, especially of someone disabled, raised in an institution in such an unstable environment.
I feel that protecting the environment and security of energy supplies are not mutually exclusive.
I am convinced that the provision of equal rights cannot stop at the prohibition of discrimination on the labour market.
I just want to stress that Parliament is very interested in the outcome of the ongoing peer review at the Court.
The next item is the explanations of vote.
A person closely associated with the Chinese Embassy in Poland attacked a woman distributing the opposition periodical The Epoch Times.
So, what can we do?
They are exclusively a matter for the Member States.
The embargo has brought poverty and oppression to the people of Cuba, as many different speakers have highlighted.
We must complete the missing energy links and establish an EU coordinating mechanism, aimed at reacting to similar crises.
author. - Mr President, Bangladesh is a country that I have visited many times and one of which I am very fond.
We might say that the Neighbourhood Policy was once designed as a kind of 'consolation prize' for countries which were not going to accede to the European Union.
In many countries, the food supply situation has improved.
This report argues that rising life expectancy must not have the effect of reducing employees' rights.
It is definitely part of my agenda to assure coherence on the issue of consumer acquis.
The EU should now concentrate on giving our neighbours our backing and support.
We are in close cooperation and monitoring this very closely, and you can count on the Presidency to demonstrate understanding and tolerance, as you indicated.
Europe has faced many challenges in the past and it has overcome those challenges through mature and wise leadership.
These are things that we have to push further and bring conclusion and finality to.
Questions are put in an order to suit the Commission and the Council, not Members; then questions are amalgamated, and supplementary questions are taken together.
We therefore need more energy efficiency in the area of transport.
I believe that the proposed system of codification drafted using a data processing system is more efficient.
The report legitimises not only the occupying armies, which it terms a 'Multi-National Force', but even the private firms of murderers active in Iraq, provided that rules are set for their criminal activities!
on behalf of the EFD Group. - (SK) Mr President, since October 2005, when the decision was taken to commence talks over Croatia's accession to the EU, the Croatian Government has made extensive changes to the running of the country, with the aim of best preparing Croatia for EU accession.
This Treaty is not the treaty of our dreams, and it is not a treaty that illustrates the visions and dreams of Europeans today.
The European Union must also increase its expenditure on agriculture, since the 4% allocated to development policy so far is decidedly too little.
Will we, one day, have the will?
I agree with you that it is important to provide accurate and objective information to citizens about the advantages and limitations of the use of cord blood stem cells.
EU-Canada cooperation has extended to other fields such as foreign and security policy and closer cooperation in the field of justice and home affairs.
I am going to tell you how the Spanish Presidency should not be measured.
We can lecture the entire world on human rights but we are incapable of enforcing them on our own territory.
We had a problem with designating an additional 18 Members of this House because certain Member States did not actually plan for a procedure, but we decided that representativeness is the most important issue, that this is the principle which we should be guided by and that this House should have a balanced representation as quickly as possible.
These are unacceptable developments that show how retrograde, reactionary and anti-democratic this European Union really is.
We are not able to avoid natural disasters but, at the same time, we must not simply allow them always to have such tragic effects on the lives of the people.
Mr President, I am extremely concerned that the Commission is adamant in continuing trade talks based on a mandate from 1999, which will undoubtedly have a negative impact on agriculture across the EU.
If he lives near a school or a youth club, for example, the police and the public should be given that information.
Investments in prospecting for raw materials, particularly in mineral deposits, involve a long and expensive process with a long wait for returns.
In this regard, there is a great need for the national regulators to take action, as this is a starting point for a future expansion in the field of digital communication in Europe and beyond, and for Europe to take a leading role in this field at international level.
Making people feel guilty helps no one and is, moreover, a poor policy, but the facts have to be stated.
The Committee on Budgetary Control calls on the EIB to play a more active role and to introduce a more active policy to combat fraud, involving zero tolerance for fraud, corruption, money laundering and terrorism financing.
(ES) Mr President, I must thank all my fellow Members who have understood the problem of the Mediterranean region, the Spanish delegation, and all those who understand that we in the Canary Islands, Murcia, Valencia and Almeria, in addition to being frustrated at the Commission's failure to honour its agreements, and to having seen many companies forced out of business, remain the entry point for immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa, the entry point for Moroccan immigrants, and a buffer against the crisis.
In fact, my group proposes that Parliament limit the time granted to the Council by demanding that the required information be supplied to us next month, not in May as requested by the Council.
In this situation simply saying our citizens are stupid and calling for a general lesson in 'financial education' is a real slap in the face, particularly because not even the self-appointed financial gurus were able to see through the various layers of speculation.
'Let us examine the Barnier proposals': this is hot air, for you have kept these proposals filed away a very long time.
What I am seeing is a head of state, certainly, but also a somewhat frank Prime Minister.
We consider that document to be a red line: it reiterates what can and cannot be done.
Therefore let us not forget that the cheapest and cleanest energy is saved energy.
I am convinced that this package of actions, which will be soon undertaken at EU level, provides an important basis for moving forward in the field of urban mobility.
As always happens with new phenomena which must be considered and assessed, there is of course a procedure to be followed.
I therefore voted strongly in favour of this resolution.
The destruction of the smallest and most defenceless individuals in the shape of unborn children cannot be considered a way of confirming women's dignity and freedom.
I hope that repressive measures will not be used against them.
So it is important that what we do should also have the backing of neighbouring countries and of the Zimbabwean people themselves.
(FR) Madam President, to correct what has been said, Mr Arlacchi is quite right, the final text proposed to us no longer contains, in Recital B, the words 'occupation force'.
The next item is one-minute speeches on matters of political importance.
In the first three months of this year alone, there were 175 disruptions to the operation of drilling platforms in the North Sea, of which 8 were described as very serious incidents.
So for me, promoting wilderness tourism is a mere contradiction of the term 'wilderness'.
However, it is very clear that there is an African Union.
We also need clear labelling and products so that consumers can make an informed choice.
We also need to improve vocational education and training.
If the companies responsible cannot be located, the country of origin in the Union must pay a fee to have the waste repatriated and treated.
The new constitution needs to lead to a strong and common state if the country is to be able to continue to draw closer to the EU.
That is clear.
In conclusion, I believe that, before we go ahead with this, we should have a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.
This should be a dialogue based on respect for international law and the territorial integrity of states. The report points out too that events in the Caucasus and recognition of the independence of both enclaves, Ossetia and Abkhazia, cast doubt over whether Russia really is ready and able to build a common area of security in Europe together with the European Union.
They are available in the political groups for you to see at any time.
It will be available for the Council on 3 and 4 June.
Action taken on Parliament's positions and resolutions: see Minutes
This process was untransparent.
The Presidency will keep you informed about progress in the talks that are underway in the Council.
Firstly, the text does not affect the protection of fundamental rights, privacy and data protection.
That is a first stage.
I therefore voted in favour of this decision.
I wish to stress, however, that, in order to reach agreement with the farming lobby and the pesticides industry, we had to make a few concessions.
The new directive on timeshare properties will entail much better protection if the same rules apply anywhere at all in the EU to the purchase of timeshare properties.
I agreed with this report, because one of the main advantages of innovative financing tools is that they can bring a double dividend, as they can contribute to the achievement of important policy goals, such as financial market stability and transparency, and offer significant revenue potential, but the effects of these tools on the negative externalities produced by the financial sector should also be taken into account.
Most of them are trafficked for prostitution.
Mr President of the Commission, we listened to Commissioner Andor and we have this dream, this hope.
It is a good initiative and, the sooner it is introduced, the better for everybody.
In this, the Commission will be able to count on the support of the European Parliament.
All these factors impact strongly on the implementation of the Lisbon Agenda, through complicated, unavoidable trade-offs.
Consideration should be given not only to the pupils but also to the position of teaching staff.
We also supported the amendment that called for every increase in a budget line to be matched by a reduction in another line.
This is not only a great virtue, but, more than anything, a huge advantage.
A voluntary system of registration was introduced; it was quite ineffectual.
Why did it refuse to host EU observers if the elections are as democratic as it says they are?
We also support the fight of workers from Pirites Alentejanas, in Aljustrel, against the halt in mining activity which the multinational decided to suspend six months after it was resumed, sending more than 600 people into unemployment.
More specifically, we ought to set up consistent approaches, together with Ukraine, on important issues, such as the reliability of energy supply, nuclear safety, agricultural matters and environmental sustainable standards.
He rightly emphasised that the countries were not all, dare I say it, in the same boat regarding the economic or budgetary situation, but that this does not exempt them for making a really coordinated effort.
on behalf of the EFD Group. - Mr President, I agree with what has been said until now and also that we have to think about the moratorium tomorrow, as Mr Chichester suggested.
Furthermore, consumer protection measures alone are still not able to encourage any suppliers - and we know this - to go beyond the borders.
It also pays clear and explicit attention to those that find themselves in great difficulty, such as North Africa in particular at this time.
Dutch legislators, however, have laid down this limit of their own free will, probably because they were afraid that otherwise, the Commission would, at some point, require clear criteria to be put in place.
We therefore have potential, and we estimate that, by 2020, between 20% and 30% will be coming from the second generation, and we might be able to do better if we push the research investments.
Our citizens have been waiting for this new instrument, which will give them some influence over EU policy.
This parliamentary report on lobbying will be a valuable step in strengthening transparency, accountability and citizens' participation in the democratic process at the European level.
It is a rehash of earlier proposals.
Together with the African partners, we need to support a structural policy that promotes growth and climate protection in order for the African people to escape from the poverty trap.
The report before us is very welcome and should serve as a warning. The so-called fast food provided for school pupils on outings and trips is a danger.
the report by Amalia Sartori, on behalf of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, on a proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directives 76/768/EEC, 88/378/EEC, 1999/13/EC and Directives 2000/53/EC, 2002/96/EC and 2004/42/EC in order to adapt them to Regulation (EC) ... on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures, and amending Directive 67/548/EEC and Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 - C6-0347/2007 -, and
They also contribute to investment for the longer term.
It is, indeed, the high price of innovative equipment which is the greatest obstacle to its coming into use.
I do not have to point out that it would largely benefit only a small group of Member States.
So I cannot accept the accusation that these are just words, because I was speaking about specific measures already adopted and those that will be addressed at Council level, primarily the Agriculture Council and also the Economic and Financial Affairs Council.
It is a major challenge to which we must all contribute, in each of our respective Member States, to ensure that the forthcoming French Presidency can put this new common foundation definitively in place before the European elections in 2009.
However, I do not think that this intervention is really a good means of achieving this, because it will result in stocks piling up which could burden a recovering market later on.
Faced by the ageing of European society, it is essential to achieve the professional activation of people of retirement age.
Finally, let me refer to this morning's speech by Sergei Kovalev who said, citing Sakharov, that the Western world should offer and demand.
Hopes are high regarding the very important and sensitive matter of the common agricultural policy.
Such derogations should be part of the regional regulations.
rapporteur. - Madam President, I would just like to make a clarification, because several different terms are used in the report and in the amendments, and I would like everybody to know what we are going to vote on.
Agricultural policy must be adjusted by promoting traditional and local agriculture, not least, organic and locally sourced food.
First of all, the Union should, of course, address the Iraqi authorities, who, sadly, are still in a weak position, and support them in taking action.
Instead of going all out to tackle a common energy supply, create a functioning common market, improve the general education system and attract investors to the country with credible policies, party political bickering and boundless mistrust rule current politics.
Madam President, would not Ms Harms accept that her position and the position of her group is that they are not interested in the stress tests: they are not interested in any objective evidence at all.
The rules in force condemn us to slow, muddled procedures where the most effective measure - a fine - is rarely applied and only after a very long time, decades even.
That is a huge difference which we envisage.
We consider the creation of a Eurobonds system to be an interesting and promising idea, but we believe that the matter must be investigated properly before it can be considered appropriate to go on to actually implement it.
(SK) Mr President, although we have been drawing attention to violence against women and the violation of their rights for several decades, it has not proven possible to stop this reprehensible form of criminal activity.
I voted in favour of the report on the amendment to Parliament's Rules of Procedure following the establishment of a common transparency register because the principle of transparency should govern all those involved in decision making and in implementing EU policy.
If there has to be a CAP, let it assist farmers and not hinder them.
It is fairly clear that the Government of Chad is supporting rebels in Darfur.
However, if you look at the policy 60 years later, let us look at the cost to the EU citizens.
So allow me to draw a parallel with the licences of professional and private pilots - a text which will be debated before the summer - because pilots, of whom I am one, face a dilemma.
I voted in favour of Mrs Haug's report on the amending budget for the financial year 2009, which takes account of the serious damage caused by the floods that hit Romania in July 2008.
They would ensure the continuation of indigenous production and the preservation of thousands of jobs on which significant regions of Spain and of Europe as a whole are largely dependent.
The things that have been achieved here within that framework are very interesting and important.
This prize is awarded jointly by the Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen and the European Parliament.
The issue of consultations and worker participation has been much discussed here - and not only today.
I can only agree with colleagues around the House that, when we look at the attempts, time and again, to make changes in Burma, we see nothing but failure instead.
Although the Court of Auditors believes that the revenue and commitments are free from material error, it is, however, concerned about the high incidence of non-quantifiable errors in budget support commitments and the material level of error in the payments.
In the first half of 2009 the Presidency was held by a second country from the group which acceded to the European Union barely five years ago.
On the contrary, the result will not be a patchwork of subsidies.
(FR) Madam President, it is obvious from this debate that there is still some way to go where this matter is concerned.
The European Union has asked the Chinese Premier to appreciate their currency and put an end to unfair commercial practices which have, for years, fuelled tariff wars, highlighting this as a basic condition before addressing the issue of recognising China as a market economy.
We may, in fact, see an avalanche of similar requests from other countries whose traditions regarding data protection and respect for human rights give greater cause for concern.
It is essential that there is independent third party verification of compliance, and I am glad that this report highlights this.
It is a structural policy which must have as its primary and principal objectives, as has already been stated, the reduction of disparities between the levels of development of the various regions, the encouragement of the least-favoured regions that are lagging behind, the promotion of real convergence and the stimulation of growth and employment.
That means, first of all, that we need figures, perspectives and forecasts that have authority.
Where is there controversy, however?
(NL) I am very pleased to be allowed to speak using the catch-the-eye procedure.
To his parents' knowledge, he is held in a cell where there are 26 prisoners, but only 6 beds and people smoke in the cell constantly.
Concerning the second issue, customs cooperation is an important part of the EU-China strategic partnership.
(EL) Mr President, it is important that the Treaty of Lisbon has finally entered into force.
I say this because the last proposal that you submitted to us on alternative funds and investment funds was unreasonable, and the fact that you will not even agree to come and discuss it with the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs proves it.
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance (continuation)
It so happens that we are doing this at the expense of Europe's majority religion.
draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality. - (SK) As draftsman for the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality I would like to thank Mr Bowis for his close cooperation and our many discussions when preparing this report.
I hope that the European Parliament's decision will be approved by the Council and that the new provision will even enter into force this year.
Ukraine was on a very good path.
However, in setting up a European database, it is important that we take care not to introduce an unnecessarily rigid framework or create additional red tape that would hamper the current perfectly proper and efficient process.
Above all, we need to put a stop to the self-controlled tests.
For this reason, on 14 November 2007, I am launching a written declaration in the European Parliament calling for more research and resources for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Thirdly, each country should indeed come in based on its merits.
Turkish situations, Turkish self-disqualification.
What we have to do is to persuade and help developing countries to invest in agriculture and to abide by their own declarations that 10% of the national budget will be designated to the development of agriculture. It is only in this way that we can increase the agricultural potential of poor countries and help in an effective fight against hunger.
I do not know whether the Commissioner is aware of the structural difficulties that have arisen in the Saharan fishing ground since the last agreement.
Council and Commission statements on preparations for the G20 summit (11-12 November),
oral question to the Council: Beijing +15 - UN Platform for Action for Gender Equality, by Mrs Svensson, on behalf of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality - B7-0007/2010), and
Turkey is the most Western of Eastern states and the most Eastern of Western states, so its unique role is not only European but also global.
To the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania, the European Union sometimes seems a lot further away than it really is.
They have to show the political will to do what is necessary; and if they do not, I say to the honourable Members, we will have to do more to keep the pressure on.
Gender equality is a fundamental principle of the European Union, and is enshrined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
I think today's report gives us a great advantage in achieving this.
For a long time to come, assistance from neighbouring countries will be more important than ever to South Sudan as it seeks to fight poverty, strengthen local communities and accelerate the benefits of peace for the population.
The rapporteur, Mrs McAvan, added valuable additional modifications.
in writing. - (PT) The gender pay gap is a problem throughout Europe.
We have adopted the Leipzig Charter and now we must gradually start putting it into practice.
The opinion of the Committee on Economic Affairs underscores the improvement of competitive environment, overcoming existing barriers for new market entrants to access the network and promoting investment which is crucial for national economies and individual consumers.
Together, the people who have been in the region in the last few days have made this point consistently that we need to see the importance of reform as central to what happens next and I agree completely about the political stability of the region.
(The President cut off the speaker)
In short, it must be focused on those who are furthest from the labour market.
I believe we could hugely increase the effectiveness of our aid if we had a better division of labour, if we were more coherent, more coordinated, and if we could indeed cut back on some of the intermediate, and often entirely useless, controls.
- (CS) I consider it necessary to add biometrics to the security features of travel documents.
The euro and Economic and Monetary Union have undeniably been a success.
Citizens are guaranteed the right to healthcare both by their national constitutions and by European Union law.
Calls also for an agenda to eradicate the pay gap that exists between women and men.'
This is about people's health.
Last night in the Environment Committee, Members voted by 55 to 1 to back an ambitious negotiating position of the European Union in Copenhagen.
Naturally, I would also like to extend my sympathy to all those who have been so badly affected by this horrific violence.
Commissioner McCreevy brought up 15% and was then beaten down to 5% by the industry.
Lastly, for the future, we propose in this report to double the amount of research funding in order to create this European research area, with the help of the European Research Council.
More than ever we have to be belligerent in defending our values, using and strengthening the instruments available to the European Union and its Member States.
You asked Paris and London to ensure that the deported Afghans did indeed have an opportunity to seek asylum, that this request was rejected and that their lives were not in danger in the region to which they were returned.
That is a way of making the Barcelona Process and our neighbourhood policy more ambitious.
We should also be considering which tasks the Commission itself can take responsibility for and whether an agency is needed at all.
You are quite right.
Actually it is not uselessly. It is not just useless.
We can accuse Mr McCreevy of many things, but being overhasty is not one of them.
Mr President, firstly I just want to say that everybody would agree at this stage that the car is no longer a luxury: it is a necessity.
'calls on the Member States, the Commission and the Council ... to assist in ascertaining the truth by opening inquiries or collaborating with the competent bodies, ... and by ensuring effective parliamentary scrutiny of the action of secret services';
We shall continue the discussion, and in this section the discussion will be opened on behalf of the political groups by Mr Fatuzzo, on behalf of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats.
After all, we are not merely talking about the passengers in the air, but also the people on the ground.
We are sending a signal to the outside world that the European Parliament considers gender-related violence to be a violation of fundamental human rights.
The magic word is prevention.
To claim a place at the table of the great international powers, Iran must now present itself not as a military superpower, but as a country capable of protecting the human rights of its citizens.
Yesterday, the European Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to the Cuban citizen Guillermo Fariñas, who was absent.
However, I do not agree with Mrs Estrela's proposals on obligatory paternal leave and the length of maternity leave.
Bilateral issues need to be resolved by the parties concerned in a good neighbourly spirit and taking overall EU interests into account.
While strict regulations apply to foods produced in the EU, goods are being imported at give-away prices which are not subject to these regulations.
Mr Fleckenstein raised the problem of the sulphur emissions.
(DE) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I support the compromise reached for the resolution.
When Germany was going through a period of stagflation several decades ago, Chancellor Schmidt said that for him 5% inflation was better than 5% unemployment.
The Albrecht report brings up for debate the list of third States and organisations with which Europol is intending to conclude agreements.
Concerning the general health conditions of clones, the EFSA opinion states that there is no indication of adverse effects for the sexually reproduced progeny of cattle or pig clones.
We consider there to be a big risk that the stabilising effects that we hope a financial transaction tax will have on the financial market will not be realised if the EU introduces such a tax independently.
My second point is about secrecy.
In many places in the world, the problems are even greater.
In 2003, the ILO Office and its tripartite constituents began working on drawing up updated and comprehensive international labour standards for the fishing sector, aiming to provide appropriate protection for fishers around the globe, in view of the special nature of the sector and its specific living and working conditions.
I am there two weeks a month and like you, ladies and gentlemen, I have a good time there and I do a lot of work there.
I agree, too, that it is essential to improve relations between the government and the opposition, to respect freedom of the media, including the Internet, to make improvements in the area of civil rights and the right of freedom of assembly and to carry out a thorough reform of the electoral system.
As you also said, we have a lot to do and must work together on this.
The funds are needed, the investment is needed, but we need rules of play and regulatory systems applicable to all, under which transparency must be exemplary.
Once again we have crucial developments going on along the EU's borders, catching us unawares.
I hope that by the time the next summit takes place in June, there will be genuine proposals on the table for more concerted action.
Of course, we also believe that there is a general need for us to have a good dialogue with the customs authorities with a view, among other things, to ensuring that there are better and safer products on the internal market.
Unquote.
It is a reminder of the evils and of the human cost of war, a warning to those generations and a safeguard for peace and against conflict for future years.
On the point of underspending of the budget or the fact that the budget has been decreasing, it has not been possible to spend the money, because there has been no interest on the overseas markets from producer organisations.
This would weaken the role of the Commission as the guardian of EU law ensuring that all Member States are able to take full advantage of their fishing opportunities.
No, it is not 'failure' - although it could be.
Apart from falsified medicines, the problems which patients face include a lack of reliable information on the contents of packaging, and also the issue of repackaging, during which the contents may change.
Unfortunately, reports and surveys done by independent agencies reveal that minorities in Pakistan are deprived of basic civil liberties and equal opportunities in jobs, education and political representation.
Since this is extremely doubtful in my opinion, I have voted against the Cashman report.
in writing. - I welcome the report and what it seeks to achieve.
That is the problem, and that is the point originally raised in relation to the recast versions under review.
I think that the history of the draft directive on works councils is proof of that.
Sri Lanka has a double challenge to overcome.
Unfortunately there are some amendments tabled by some of the spokesmen for Tehran, those who believe the lies told by Tehran.
Quite a few farmers said to me this was nice as long as it lasted, but the result was that because of increased production responding clearly to the higher prices, we then saw a very steep drop in prices.
Although it is acknowledged that small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the European economy, the measures provided for in the report will, however, create difficult conditions precisely for these small and medium-sized enterprises.
For our part, we in the European Parliament are responsible for making the public aware of the daily decisions taken in the interest of the people of Europe.
As is often the case with the web, the picture is one of stark contrasts.
President-in-Office. - (SL) Mr President, Commissioners Almunia and Verheugen, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for this debate.
I consider it essential that we recognise that the phenomenon should be called by its correct name.
This must include an increasingly strong emphasis on environmental, social and indeed employment policy aspects.
(Applause)
In this context, I would like to highlight, in particular, the current Mercosur negotiations and those with India.
It is paradoxical that in a lay and democratic State, as Italy is supposed to be, public freedom of expression is suppressed by the authorities in order not to offend the papal sensibilities, while Prime Minister Berlusconi is able to swear in public without this representing a problem for the Church.
They are trying to regroup, taking revenge in Afghanistan for the defeat they have suffered and are still suffering in Iraq.
I am also happy that the Spanish Presidency of the Council gave high priority to this file.
I am also happy that I see more openness now when it comes to the Member States for this purpose.
In an open Europe, it offers an effective means of combating the scourges of trafficking in human beings and illegal immigration.
But the first step must be to turn the 1998 code of conduct into a legally binding instrument.
We could improve these checks if we had more employment inspectors in each European country with wider roles.
in writing. - (DE) I am voting against the report because there is no longer a clear line between the various amendments, which I consider important.
Thirdly, the spectators must be civic spectators: they must go to the Olympic Games to watch their countries' athletes running, jumping and swimming, but at the same time without wanting to see gold medals hanging round their necks and blood on their shoes.
However, Mr Coelho, this enhanced role is being challenged strongly by the Council.
The flexibility that is essential if we are to reach, and I hope exceed, the 20% target together is provided by genuine cooperation mechanisms.
It is our common philosophical heritage and safeguards the principle of civil peace around which the EU was built.
I think that part of the compromise is being voted on by the Committee on Transport and Tourism - the part relating to the use of earmarked taxes - but the plenary sitting will clearly be voting on a certain part, such as congestion.
As we have said, albeit in a very moderate manner, the report makes some relevant points, which are in line with what we have been saying for a long time: the current Community budget is less than what is needed, and every year significant amounts are unbudgeted for (about EUR 29 billion short between 2007 and 2009).
We have this energy dependence, but we can only defend our interests effectively if we send out a strong and clear message.
(RO) Madam President, the EU-Russia Summit is taking place against the background of regional developments which influence this partnership.
The subject matter of this report and its scope mean that it inevitably ends up tackling important issues, in some cases correctly, in others, incorrectly or very insufficiently; it is contradictory in some places.
That is a conditio sine qua non.
It represents an important step on the road towards the third industrial revolution in Europe, to the transformation of our European national economies into national economies with low-CO2 production.
All these measures must be accompanied by a clear timetable which is easy to implement and monitor.
This is something we reject, but, unfortunately, exactly the same thing is being attempted right now in Macedonia.
I am convinced that the Council can very usefully take on much of what has been debated here and will be agreed.
Let us establish a complex, long-term energy infrastructure plan for the entire Union, based on the principles of cooperation, trust and solidarity.
It is not enough to espouse common principles only to allow the Member States full freedom in the end - common principles must be adhered to through common rules.
This is due to the not very pro-European atmosphere among the governments, which contrasts with the polls that President Barroso referred to concerning the will of the European people, and also because the Lisbon Treaty ultimately includes many made-to-measure elements for governments that want more and more for themselves and less and less for Europe.
So I think that will be when we have to discuss that.
It is time that we, as the European Parliament, reminded all 27 Member States that they made those commitments back then and that they also have to keep to them.
It is obvious that true democracy can only exist when all citizens of a nation are given equal rights and equal opportunities.
(PL) Madam President, the United Nations and numerous non-governmental organisations continually report information to the international community about the repression which is being imposed on tens of thousands of North Koreans.
However, a solid economic basis must be created in order to enable the European Union that we have envisaged to really serve its citizens.
They can follow a similar life path to their parents or do the exact opposite.
Ten years ago, no one would have believed how quickly and how dramatically the production of gas from rocks, which is extracted using water pressure and chemical agents, would transform the market.
(The sitting was closed at 11.55 p.m.)
After this disappointment, it is important to regain the initiative.
Thirdly, and now I am coming to the heart of the matter, the 2006 directive only covers unfair practices in business dealings between businesses and consumers and not between one business and another.
If we are serious about protecting the rights of Iranian citizens, we need to be prepared to cause the dictators real pain.
Parliament's report also recognises the importance of fairly redistributing income among sports associations, however small, and between professional and amateur sport.
At the first step of paying our tribute ...
The rapporteur recommends balanced relationships with NGOs and international organisations to facilitate the ratification of conventions.
What is the EU doing to ensure that all political prisoners are released immediately?
Voting time
I would also to thank the team working for the Hungarian Presidency of the European Union for their cooperation.
Therefore, it is likely to be very efficient.
Our aim is to provide high-quality parliamentary services.
I support the measures adopted by the European Union in a situation where the transition to a democratic system is being jeopardised indefinitely by the illegal and, by extension, unconstitutional way in which Rajoelina took power.
These are the two Pacific island states that have the highest levels of trade with the EU and have key exports destined for the EU market: tuna and sugar respectively.
I join my colleagues in condemning the Zanu-PF party's behaviour throughout the elections and would also stress that the elections of 27 June cannot be regarded as legitimate.
A working visit by the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection in China from 16 to 21 March in which I participated confirmed my belief that it is high time for Europe to kick-start its knowledge-based economy, and to encourage the creativity and innovative abilities of small and medium-sized enterprises for the future development of the European economy.
By creating an External Action Service that utilises men and women recruited from all of our Member States, we are also utilising Europe's greatest strength and resource.
Both initiatives involve ground-breaking projects of vital importance in terms of policy on innovation and industry that deserve our full support.
(Applause)
They do not see what the Union does to invest, to support growth, to integrate those with fewer opportunities and to make up for development imbalances between regions.
The starting point is to recognise mass redundancies by companies which report a profit in the same country as an abusive practice.
Documents received: see Minutes
Our European Parliament delegation mentioned Tibet at every opportunity, at every meeting with the Chinese, in the Chinese Congress, at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
People will tolerate a lot from incompetent, corrupt governments, but push them too far and they will rebel.
The murders of both Mr Bhatti and Governor Salman Taseer must be investigated thoroughly and the perpetrators have to be brought to justice.
The implementation of the Instrument for Stability reinforced the EU's potential to respond to crisis or emerging crisis situations.
(DE) Mr President, I rejected this report because it misses the target on three important points.
Yes, indeed, in relation to Europe the Africa Summit has given back to Africa part of that dignity of which we Europeans have deprived Africans for a long time.
They include stress, depression, sorrow, heavy drinking, a poor nutritional state and medications.
With the two amending directives that have now been agreed between the Council and Parliament we are improving rail safety and also have a chance to improve interoperability and advance towards our aim of actually shifting more freight from road to rail.
I certainly regret what the EPP is asking for on paragraph 26, in which we were proposing a minimum Community tax on CO2.
The first of these is flexibility in the sense of fully exploiting the options for asymmetric arrangements, timetables and protective measures within World Trade Organisation rules.
Covenants belong to families, communities, charities, which are arenas of cooperation.
A recent European congress on the family at the University of Ružomberok ...
I am also just as convinced that consumers will favour companies, producers, which have a conscious advertising policy and which do not permit gender-stereotyped advertising.
Moreover, the report fails to mention a single word about the legal uncertainty which will arise as a result of the fact that no clear alternative has been formulated for the principle of the country of origin.
The debate is closed.
Written statements (Rule 142)
Composition of Parliament : see Minutes
I will quote from one of them: 'The European Parliament proposes to introduce changes to the law which will affect my access to the Internet, and which may restrict or create conditions for the use of certain Internet pages and sites.
I think Mr Schulz said it first, but it was repeated very often: we need to be very clear-headed about what we do and very determined on what we should do.
It is therefore clear to me that a review of the directive is necessary and would undoubtedly be useful, but whatever happens, we must not replace a legislative vacuum with worrying ambiguities.
Lastly, I am delighted by my fellow Member's initiative, the aim of which is the legal regulation of a topic that is of paramount importance to the Community.
Poor sections of the population are especially affected by the reduction in biodiversity and the loss of ecosystems, as they often rely on natural products in order to survive.
As a result, this country has become one of the European Union's most important and significant partners.
The current directive is hopelessly out of date.
Prevention of age-related diseases of women (
We have, on the one side, consumer organisations, and on the other side producers, who would also like to follow the same goal of providing more energy-efficient products to consumers.
I voted in favour of Mr Moreira's report on customs security measures because I feel it is important that well-defined trade rules be established for a country which, while not part of the EU, is an enclave within it, and thus perfectly placed for commercial integration.
There are problems in other Member States, but in Italy it is at its worst.
We hope for widespread involvement of civil society and social partners, not least because the economic crisis can worsen the already endemic and terrible problems such as unemployment and increasing migratory pressure, making this phenomenon even more difficult to manage.
The debate is closed.
In fact, the strengthening of growth and employment, to be achieved through equal access to education opportunities and the labour market, is, in my view, a step that needs to be taken in order to attain certain important growth targets, such as improving competitiveness and innovation potential.
You do not need a lot of money to teach skills like this and others.
Commissioner, you emphasised just now this good work that has been done with Parliament's Committee on Regional Development, in particular.
This is a difficult and sensitive issue for all of you, as it is for Member States, and I would emphasise the need for agreement by both Parliament and the Council.
(The President cut off the speaker)
Now a second: if someone is absent, there are no grounds for doubting whether or not there is a quorum.
The most frequent types of errors are missing documents, failure to respect eligibility criteria, inaccurate declarations and failure to comply with procedures.
The fight against terrorism and its financing is an inescapable reality and deserves our full attention, so transatlantic cooperation is imperative.
Obviously, the EIB can monitor and improve these efforts, but it cannot be a substitute for EU budgetary policies.
Examination of the harm caused by alcohol abuse gave an extremely bleak and worrying picture: very high mortality among young people, in particular as a result of road accidents, ill-treatment in the family, growing numbers of cases of foetal alcohol syndrome, increasingly widespread liver disease and alcohol dependence, among young people as well, in all the Member States.
I am sure they are looking at that very carefully.
This is both a clear demand by consumers and a requirement that must be respected in order to develop the internal market.
These days, changing consumption patterns equal a change in our lifestyles.
President I fear that these concerns have been exacerbated for political ends by certain factions here and elsewhere in Europe and I wish to make a clear stance regarding our future energy mix that is free from fear and panic and approaches the subject of nuclear energy based on science and evidence. I would like to thank the rapporteur and my friend and colleague Ms Edit Herczog for all their efforts on this.
Therefore, when balancing these interests, we must continue in future to consider whether higher CO2 emission reduction targets are feasible, whether they will help to retain jobs in 'old industries' and whether we can prevent these jobs from being moved elsewhere.
Therefore, now is the time to act.
Thus in view of such occurrences, I am very reluctant to accept the transfer of personal data from one country to another.
The fact is that nuclear energy and nuclear research will be a part of future energy demand and that's why I've voted the way I did in order to ensure that the waste and spent fuel is dealt with in the appropriate way.
I already mentioned yesterday that we must give proper consideration to the Court of Auditors' report and set about implementing a policy aimed at the long term and that we need to look at what the Court of Auditors has said.
It is crucial that we have uniform European standards, since rivers cross borders and cyanide is, of course, also an environmental hazard that crosses borders.
We are also planning a dialogue with Uzbek civil society on freedom of the media, which should take place in Tashkent early next year.
To finish, I think we need to take the final step to complete the single CMO.
Eighthly it requires a guarantee for victims that the attacks suffered will not be repeated, which can also happen.
Let us continue the process; this is what we have to continue today.
- Report: Robert Sturdy
I also want to say that we have always considered support for flood victims in Pakistan an ethical and moral imperative.
And lastly, a third matter - our success depends to a large extent on relations with our neighbours.
One of the main issues in our discussion was to find an appropriate balance between the flexible and effective implementation of our goals.
However, the CCTB is a long-term project, the realisation of which lies far in the future.
For its part, by offering genuine development projects, the European Union will be a key partner in the future of both countries.
Legalising illegal immigration will not solve any problems: managing immigration in accordance with a uniform set of rules even less so.
The need to guarantee employment with rights for women working in industry and to keep facilitating their access to jobs in this important sector of production also requires more attention to be paid to the situation in various industries in the European Union, to the challenges facing them and to the appropriate responses which must be found, including in international trade and in monitoring the situation of imports of sensitive products such as those in the textile sector.
(ES) Mr President, I would first like to thank you and your officials for your patience during these explanations of vote.
EU cooperation should be reinforced and the EU should lead the way in creating effective international agreements to combat tax evasion.
Certainly, when I met with the Prime Minister of Pakistan on 22 September, he was very appreciative of the EU's response to date and he believed it to be a very courageous response; courageous in the way that Commissioner De Gucht has described it.
In that country, as in many others in Africa, the European Union is demonstrating its political impotence, and we are not going to change things by calling for harsher economic sanctions to be imposed on that country.
The Treaty of Lisbon enhances the EU's capacity to join various international organisations, entrusting it with a wider range of competences in its external action and offering it an opportunity to have a clearer and stronger single voice in the world.
20.
A revision of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund is under way and the European Council of March 2009 called for a swift agreement to be reached.
I hope that both the European Commission and Member States will make every effort for information about the new regulations to reach manufacturers as soon as possible, so that they can start to prepare and adjust to the resolution's new provisions as soon as possible.
Excluding the symbols from the Treaty was the umpteenth act distancing the European institutions from the citizens.
We must press ahead with a ban on these weapons.
The situation in Romania is not unique in the European Union and that is why we have to act together based on the principle of solidarity which the European project is founded on.
On this subject, the Italian government complains of having difficulty in identifying the exact date of entry.
I would like to endorse fully what Mrs Goulard has said.
Freedom of expression and, hence, freedom of the press, are some of the most important fundamental rights.
We want to contribute to solving problems, so I want to make one thing very clear.
I also find it bizarre that Germany of all countries, which benefited so much from solidarity in our distant and more recent common past, is no longer able to lead us away from a debate that is today characterised by egotism and small-mindedness and towards a discussion of why it is right that the Member States in Europe have linked their fate so closely with one another and why the Council and you too, Mr Van Rompuy, no longer succeed in explaining to citizens, whose uncertainty Mr Daul described so well, why it will only be possible to overcome this crisis if we work together rather than competing against one another.
Let me now turn to the fifth and last point regarding the Commission's role in promoting exchanges of best practice involving policy on domestic workers.
At the same time, we would like to have a clear view that the proposals for the citizens' initiative have a genuine potential to be successful.
We speak of European Union expectations and standards, but meanwhile there are persistent problems within the EU itself with regard to democracy and human and minority rights.
Instead, we have concentrated on our own interests and on our ideas of how neighbouring countries should develop.
However, Prime Minister Cameron was absolutely correct to ask for trade preferences to be granted to Pakistan.
Ladies and gentlemen, I feel it is absolutely necessary to stress that this is a very fundamental issue.
In recent years, the value of private pension fund assets has decreased a great deal.
Many of my constituents would profoundly disagree; they would rather that the EU were kept well away from anything to do with employment policy.
This approach is also supported by the European consumer organisation BUC.
The government has indeed introduced harsh measures, and the European Commission has indeed ratified the government's programme and a very harsh programme has indeed been ratified in order to monitor the application of the measures, which the government instigated and which it wants.
Lastly, it is essential to improve access to redress by proposing a European system of collective redress that will allow consumers to exercise their rights in full where there is proven harm, while at the same time avoiding the pitfalls of the US system.
This means that we have a duty to manage the soil, precisely to combat these challenges, to increase water retention times across the entire territory to prevent flooding and encourage groundwater absorption, particularly along the coasts, and prevent saltwater infiltration, most likely due to rising sea levels.
I finish by quoting Famiglia Cristiana: 'Today with digital fingerprints, the police state shows its harshest face to Roma children, who are Italian citizens after all.
Mr President, during your 10 years as Prime Minister of Portugal, you consolidated the country's democratic institutions and successfully promoted its economic development.
If we granted citizenship, that would probably solve a large part of the Roma problem in Italy.
Indeed, two amendments were submitted to us: Amendment 812, which perhaps had the Council's backing, for only EUR 300 million, and Amendment 70, for EUR 600 million.
It is time for a different strategy.
Macedonian citizens' entry into the EU countries has become an urgent problem.
As I reach the end of my speaking time, I must also mention those areas that the majority of my group find regrettable.
The Commission is ready to support initiatives to set up partnerships in the textile and clothing sector designed to anticipate restructuring with the aim of protecting employment and, overall, the sector benefits from the fact that there is a long-standing framework for social dialogue.
I am sure that you, Commissioner, will be the first to complain if that happens.
We cannot accept this.
The package itself actually illustrates the tensions inside the Barroso Commission, between those, on the one hand, who want to stick to the neoliberal agenda come hell or high water, and those on the other who see an urgent need to make Europe matter to its citizens.
During our presidency we will organise four summit meetings: with the United States, the Russian Federation, Japan and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.
If we required it recently of meat from Brazil, we must also require it of chicken from the United States.
As a result, fresh plaice is sold at far below the cost price or withdrawn from the market and auctioned off.
I voted in favour of this report.
One of the sector's challenges is to improve the range of tourism experiences on offer for the whole world without discrimination.
The internal market scoreboard is an effective way of displaying the relative performances of Member States in implementing this legislation.
This will take account of experience in applying the rules on public services, and of the differences between Member States.
The conference was organised by our friends from the Swedish Parliament, and also from the Spanish Parliament, which currently holds the presidency of the European Union.
Therefore, I appeal for the appointment of an independent, international expert group, which will compile a thorough report stating whether human activity really does affect climate change and if data has been falsified.
That is a strategic mission to promote stability, well-being and prosperity in our eastern neighbourhood.
We need better coordination of fiscal and budgetary policies, not only for the short term, but also for the medium and long terms; we need coordination - which so far has been very weak - of non-fiscal macroeconomic policies, to improve the ability of the euro area economies to adjust themselves and to improve the preparation of countries aiming to join the euro area in the next few years, since more and more are applying.
The EU's acquiescent stance on the Georgia issue gave rise in Russia to a real explosion of enthusiasm.
The Commissioner said a great deal, but he spoke in general terms and about matters of secondary importance such as racism at football matches.
Liberalisation, in fact, means that the number of operators on our networks is continuing to grow, and we must therefore continually assess the quality of the operators present.
I would like to congratulate Mr Casini on the excellent work he has done.
I would ask the Council and the Commission not to give way in this area, just as I would ask the rapporteur to support our other amendments on respect for the rights of minorities and of Chechnya, which have been somewhat forgotten in the report.
Why on earth have we got this situation now, within the European Union?
My suggestion therefore is as follows: let us begin at the point where we can demonstrate that a sensible administration will use money sensibly, that is, with ourselves.
The development of European industry will not happen without ambitious funding, especially in the areas of research and energy, telecommunications and transport networks (TEN), and therefore in the public services which sustain the business environment.
It is obvious that this kind of conflict cannot be solved by armed force.
In short, it will advocate a Europe of greater solidarity, preparation and effectiveness; a Europe for all, with different voices but singing from the same hymn sheet; a Europe with Council, Commission and Parliament positions.
For example, EU-funded cross-border projects are tools for resuming dialogue and increasing confidence between the parties, but that requires the relevant countries to agree not to hamper the programmes and projects designed to bring this about.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Madam President, as rapporteur I would first of all like to thank the shadows for their excellent, pleasant and fruitful cooperation resulting in a joint resolution.
You have to have read it to believe it.
I, personally, do not agree with that, and, I suspect, neither would most of my group.
(ES) Mr President, Commissioner, Mr Pribetich, in my opinion your proposal is very comprehensive and balanced.
Finally, I have another specific question for the Council and the Commission.
The Commission's draft came somewhat earlier, but it would have been nice, of course, if it had been subsequently reworked.
We are most concerned that this partnership should preserve, in particular, the consistency of all European Union policies - trade policy, budgetary policy - with objectives in the area of development, but also in relation to the promotion of peace, security and democracy and human rights in ACP countries.
All the European institutions that depend on the European Union budget have to be thoroughly audited by the Court of Auditors and by all entities with that function.
In terms of the lack of control mechanisms for financial markets, we do not need to go into greater detail here.
I also believe that it is important that the Council and the Spanish Presidency clearly demonstrate a willingness to collaborate with the Commission and Parliament, so as to clarify how relations between the Commission and Parliament will play out in the context of the Treaty of Lisbon, as the Spanish Presidency now has a unique opportunity to set precedents.
I believe that this is justified given the non-contradictory nature of its subject matter.
Thirdly, they also have to involve themselves clearly in the division of labour proposed by the Commission.
Secondly, how do the agencies perform against the criteria?
We shall see, in two, three, four months' time, whether the governments - and the political parties to which you belong are very often part of the governments that you would address - have done what you demanded of them.
Second, Christians have become the single most persecuted religious group in the world.
The final compromise that emerged from the trialogues this weekend evidently bears the hallmark of this commitment, be it on the emissions trading scheme, the division of labour, renewable energy or carbon capture and storage, in which connection the arguments put forward by Parliament have made it possible to increase the quota volume available for this funding to 300 million tonnes.
Rest assured that I shall report them to today's Council and to the Council of 11 December.
In line with the renewed enlargement consensus approved by the European Council, the Council confirmed in its conclusions of 14 December 2010 that the EU firmly supports the continuation of the enlargement process in the Western Balkans countries on the basis of the principles and conclusions adopted.
Common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals (debate)
We must now return to it.
They do not, in fact, lose anything at all, but gain the opportunity to benefit from particularly generous rules of origin.
(DE) Mr President, as far as our oceans are concerned, time is running out.
Here we have something that has been developing for quite some time, but we have to continue along this path.
Mr President, although you were in favour of the idea, we are not suggesting that the euro should be used as a symbol.
I hope that no one is deterred by stringent measures for fear of the European Union being depicted as the bogeyman by the Member States, as the truth is that Member States need external pressure, possibly even a bogeyman, because they cannot cope with the task alone in the age of globalisation.
These freedoms became even more important after EU expansion to the countries of Eastern Europe, as once the Eastern European countries had joined the EU, economic migration from the new Member States to Western Europe intensified greatly.
I also think that some of the practices, such as pair trawling and others, which do have an awful lot of by-catch, again, will emphasise what is happening.
These mentalities can be seen in all countries, but in particular in disadvantaged regions.
However, where it is technically and politically feasible to conclude these, visa facilitation agreements do help, as I have said, with the 'human dimension' or 'humanitarian dimension' of the Neighbourhood Policy.
Secondly, a dialogue must be established with all the insurgents, and note that I did not say 'with the Taliban', because the word 'Taliban' is very restrictive.
The main reason for this is that a large number of primarily European, Romanian and Bulgarian citizens, and other citizens too, live in the Republic of Moldova.
We need this message at the range of ongoing talks to which we are committed, whether on Doha, with a number of ASEAN and African partners, or with the Mercosur countries.
It is interesting that when food prices are rising, the Commission will act to look at it and I would urge the Commission to come up with statistics that show us the share-out of the final retail price between producer - and I mean farmers - and consumer, because that information is not available.
It should be possible to identify those cases in which the Ombudsman can observe that an institution or other EU body has not complied with the rules and principles applicable to it.
It is crucial for the minority communities living in the Member States that legal regulation of the protection of minorities in the Union be established.
This was a very difficult process and really did require a huge effort to bring about an understanding.
This has achieved a more integrative text in which logistics should not only contribute to the sustainability of transport in general, and of freight transport in particular, but also to improving mobility by including logistical solutions for all modes of transport and support for green corridors as models of mobility and convenience.
Of course, we hope that the mediation efforts by Egypt and the Arab League can continue.
There are different Member States who have different problems: disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
I remember the optimism of 2006.
The Union's effort on the social front is, however, particularly puny.
In addition, we need to ensure European dynamism today.
Now it has a deficit of EUR 2.4 billion euros, because private industry is unwilling to get involved in the project, as has happened in the United States of America.
Secondly, what negotiating mandate will the negotiators have in terms of agricultural products?
There is also 'smart productive debt' - intelligent debt if that debt is invested in people.
These should be complemented by facilitating social inclusion like housing, education, training and lifelong learning as well as income support schemes for individuals and families.
In spite of this objection on grounds of principle, I have chosen to vote in favour of the report.
Now that we have reached this point, I fear that we have few solutions left to save the tuna, although there is one that we can still use: we must work to have the tuna included on the CITES list as an endangered species and thereby, by banning its commercial use, guarantee its future.
We need to give the Americans the impression that we are not necessarily reliant on them.
We must all be particularly careful on the subject of Kosovo.
When Israel took non-violent action, such as imposing blockades or cutting electricity, it was castigated.
For example, in 2009, the Chinese authorities adopted a system of accreditation of innovative local products, which restricted yet further access on the part of international businesses to the Chinese market.
(NL) Mr President, it is a matter of fact that anyone who denies a problem, who denies the truth, will obviously be unable to solve that problem.
It must also build the economy, and the Commissioner rightly states that good progress has been made with regard to the ENP, although much remains to be done. It is a difficult task for the Georgian Government at a time when the country's territorial integrity is at issue and is threatened by Russia.
I think it is at least unlikely that all have been fully implemented, and it is important to bear that in mind when we start making demands of others.
As I said at the beginning of the debate, we will set the wheels in motion tomorrow.
We held a hearing at which mayors complained that they often receive instructions from Europe and then, when it comes to implementing them, find that the Member States have left them out in the cold or, to be more precise, left them without funds to implement those European measures.
However, I find it extremely regrettable that the resolution fails to mention and criticise the illegal fisheries agreement between the EU and Morocco, which allows European fishing fleets to operate in waters within the occupied Western Sahara territory.
I hope, however, that you are not discouraged by this and will develop further initiatives in these six months, too.
Let me illustrate what I have in mind when I say 'comprehensive approach' with a couple of examples.
It is a result that puts Europe at the forefront in this field and shows that, even on such a complex issue, we can reach agreement unanimously, between 27, in record time.
I would also like to emphasise that when misfortunes of this type occur, it is much more difficult to address their consequences if they occur in poor countries and poor regions.
Then Mr Batten confessed to us that the parliamentary group's money has been used to interfere in national referendums.
An estimated two thirds of major ecosystems in the world are over-utilised, and we are depleting natural capital.
During this serious economic crisis which has hit Europe and affected all the Member States, housing problems are now even worse.
What is clear is that there should be no new - or at least completely new - instruments, but rather better ones.
Composition of committees and delegations : see Minutes
However, the recent report on fundamental human rights presents a few problems in this respect.
In 2006, European investment in research and innovation amounted to a mere 1.84% of GDP, compared to the 3% target set by the Lisbon Strategy.
Even though we might frown on it, nobody should be criminalised for personal use of copyright material.
However, oil extraction operations must be appropriately insured to cover worst case scenarios.
That is clearly of great significance.
The car models that were supposed to be manufactured in Antwerp are now most probably going to be manufactured in South Korea, and European workers will ultimately have to foot this bill through pay restraint.
However, to have a real impact on the human rights situation, we expect the Council's rapid and positive reaction.
That is the first point I should like to emphasise.
I appeal to you to ensure that this unfortunate case, for which Václav Havel has already gone on hunger strike, is resolved under your Presidency.
Madam President, when the Commissioner answers, could she say something about the possibilities of increasing the tolerance level from zero to a higher percentage, say 0.7%, 0.9% or whatever it is?
Some wanted the series of provocations that probably preceded the bombing of Tskhinvali to be denounced.
(The President cut off the speaker)
The clear aim of these reforms was to improve the competitiveness of the European fund industry, to enable it to reduce its costs, to develop and make use of economies of scale, to ensure that all fund providers do indeed have access to all markets in the European Union, and to achieve all of this without reducing protection for investors: on the contrary, we wanted to improve protection for investors.
I am delighted that EU Member States have headed off protectionist tendencies for now.
This is what we will judge you on again.
I call for the recovery of organic waste to be given greater emphasis, particularly in this largely agricultural region, for data to be verified, and for a system for exchanging best practices to be established.
Some butchers' shops have ceased trading.
However, I would like to highlight what was said by the Commissioner in particular, comments that are very much worthy of approval.
All of them are going to be involved in this.
(PL) I would like to begin by correcting something which was said by a fellow Member.
These considerations have formed the basis for Amendment 34.
With this common agricultural policy, we are facing precisely this task of fulfilling these expectations of European citizens in us as politicians, but also in politics in general.
Its businesses, workers and public services rely on that possibility.
The Spanish cotton growers want - we want - to continue growing cotton.
We have now included inspection requirements in our proposal to revise the IPPC Directive.
Written Statements (Rule 142)
An amendment of this article might negate a fundamental principle of the functioning of the EU, in other words solidarity, and this might lead to a loss of solidarity.
Is it the International Monetary Fund?
Now that is exactly what happened.
The demand for a more socially responsible Europe has long been on the agenda.
(Heckling)
The Council has accordingly seen to it that better use is made of new technology in managing our external borders.
For example, you tackled the opposition head-on when you wanted to sort out mobile phone roaming rates.
For this reason alone, we should support Europe's initiatives as best we can and push for further relaxations in the Communist system.
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
The search for Mrs Boal continues.
In other words, it is undermining the role of the elected representatives of EU institutions, which should, however, demonstrate greater awareness in their demands of the citizens' fight.
This would also improve cooperation on issues such as transportation, energy security, scientific exchange, the development of tourism, security and the fight against illegal immigration.
Due to abuses of their market dominance by large retail chains, the prices paid by European consumers are, on average, five times higher than farm gate prices.
It was fine in its own time but now it is certainly not equipped to meet the modern challenges of the travelling public.
It is further harmful to European agriculture because the level of risks increases, the danger of resistance increases, production costs rise, and because, as many of my fellow Members have mentioned, we will not be able to monitor the products of third countries.
We should ask at this point what difference this has made in reality.
For decades, these were two sides of the same coin, until the neo-liberal mainstream began to tell us in the early nineties that lower wages, longer hours and less say in company management were the basic recipe for faster economic growth.
This evening the outgoing Parliament is handing over to the new Parliament, which will be elected from 4 to 7 June.
The new institutional framework must, however, fully include Parliament in the legislative process aimed at modifying the legislation in force.
(BG) Ms Bowles, I admire your desire to overcome tax fraud at European level.
As for the 'fair value' principle, it favours a short-term approach and makes financial results the dominant factor in company management.
In view of the ever-growing number of Internet users, better regulation needs to be put in place in this expanding area.
In view of the fact that problems concerning small and medium-sized enterprises and the economic context of integration are of particular interest to me, I shall take the liberty of referring to several important points that are contained in the strategy.
When you speak of enrichment with grape must or sugar and say that there must be a shift in the balance between these two methods, that is fine by us, because it basically means that chaptalisation will remain legal.
If this is the case, I would like to know whether you agree with the company having the freedom to revise the distribution and restructuring of Opel according to its own economic and production criteria and maintaining the greatest possible number of jobs.
It also includes EU support for milk and fruit in schools, which in itself is important, but we believe this matter should instead be dealt with at national level.
What we require is action for the long term, rather than short-term reactions.
We therefore need to step up work on the creation of a unitary patent market.
The proposal also incorporates provisions concerning equipment for transport operations in the internal market, thereby creating a general framework for marketing products on the single European market.
Japan is faced with an intensive task of restoring its devastated territories, which will require significant resources, including inward investment.
I agree with this new regime; the role of the European Parliament has become more substantial in terms of the rights of individuals, as decisions will now be taken under the codecision procedure.
The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty changes the procedure for the adoption of the budget and therefore requires even closer cooperation and dialogue among the institutions.
The introduction of harmonisation of the three-cycle system of higher education in the countries of the European Union, quality assurance and, above all, the recognition of qualifications represent a fundamental objective of this intergovernmental initiative.
Another essential factor will be the modernisation of electricity grids.
First, I want to raise the 'Nelson Mandela' question.
The report emphasises the importance of the switchover from analogue, which is on track in the UK but lagging in some other EU member states.
It has been tried before and failed, and this Parliament would ensure it would fail again.
Opel is clearly not a manufacturer of large vehicles, but of energy-efficient vehicles.
We need to concentrate on legal security in an umbrella agreement instead of - and I quote a Member of this Parliament - 'fire-fighting on each individual data sharing agreement'.
The European Union has become the main actor taking specific measures by adopting policies which tackle head on the global challenge triggered by climate change.
(SV) We say 'yes' to transparency, but we want to avoid the naivety that can expose people to danger or abuse.
Indeed, our requests for increased protection of European citizens' privacy have been granted, with Europeans being offered a dual guarantee: firstly, complete transparency as regards the way in which their data are accessed and used, and, secondly, proper appeal procedures to ensure that their privacy is protected.
- (CS) I have supported the regulation on vehicle CO2 emissions in the version which has resulted from the complex trialogue negotiations.
The preservation of the forest is crucial to the interests of the whole of humankind.
I would like to say a final word to this industry as a whole.
Documents received: see Minutes
The multi-annual financial framework will become mandatory, the classification of expenditure into compulsory and non-compulsory expenditure will go, and budget proceedings will be shorter.
They are of no benefit to anyone, nor do they resolve fundamental, structural problems.
The measures we are debating today represent the greatest collective flight from reality that we have ever seen.
The EU budget needs to make full use of the financial margins to respond to the economic crisis.
Where are the post-Kyoto commitments?
Such an attack on solidarity, which can already be witnessed in a dangerous form within some Member States of the European Union, should not be permitted between the States of the EU.
My last comment relates to the fact that members of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament have said that we should implement the 2020 strategy, and not merely cut spending.
in writing. - (PT) We voted in favour of this motion for a resolution given the current situation and the estimates of the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (NL) Mr President, Palestine is Islamic territory, inalienably so.
(EL) Madam President, Commissioner, as I have said in my question, there are three companies making a profit.
The principle of subsidiarity is, after all, one of the pillars of the Union and it is important that the Member States themselves should in future still be able to determine which potentially hazardous substances are allowed to cross their borders.
We have had an opportunity to listen to their views and debate matters with them, even at times when there was great uncertainty about the future course of the European Union.
At times, we negotiate with the US Administration and we subsequently discover that Congress does not follow exactly the same line as the US Administration.
With regard to regulation mechanisms, we can in fact go down the road of insurance, but we must also retain public mechanisms that enable prevention and regulation; this is what is in this report, and that, in my view, is very important.
I am much obliged to all my fellow Members.
The economic crisis tested our faithfulness to the idea of integration to the full, adding an even more urgent significance to the Czech Presidency's motto.
We also believe that there are many improvements in the present regulatory and supervisory framework, the so-called 'Lamfalussy Framework', and we support completely the Commission's work on that area.
(FI) Mr President, the motion for a resolution is good, and it adopts a position in favour of democratic and peaceful forces of change.
I therefore fully support Croatia's participation so that it can play an active part in combating this problem, the scale and devastating effects of which are dangerously on the increase in Europe.
The European Union - and here I can refer to various European Parliament resolutions - supports every initiative to prevent the weaponisation of space.
Anything else would threaten the strict quality and safety requirements of the European agricultural sector and would therefore have a negative impact on European producers and consumers.
We are not at all convinced that what is currently on the table is enough to combat the growing poverty within the European Union.
Its intention is to strengthen employees' positions following the Laval judgment, but the content of the report is, unfortunately, very far from being on a par with this intention.
To that effect, it calls for a White Paper which would trigger a public debate and raise the profile of the CSDP, establishing a clearer relationship between objectives and interests, on the one hand, and the means and resources to attain them, on the other.
I am also astonished that European parliamentarians and journalists were refused access to Western Sahara and call on the Moroccan authorities to allow the press and non-governmental organisations access to the region.
Today we are analysing European Union strategy towards Belarus and the strategy of openness pursued over the past few months.
For example, the French human rights commission expressed, and I quote, its grave concern about the amendments made to the articles on social rights - I am still quoting - that threaten to remove the social content of the Charter.
Finally, one last thing, Mr President, do not forget that the reason that Europe has a unique influence throughout the world is because it is a cradle of culture; because it is culture that cements our differences; because culture is the platform for our political systems, and that is why we are viewed in a completely different way.
It concerns instead activities of a purely regional and local nature of Bruno Gollnisch as regional councillor for Rhône-Alpes, a mandate which is distinct from that of a Member of the European Parliament.
It is important for Parliament as a whole also to devote its attention to this subject.
Basically, it reflects the real significance of the much-proclaimed role of the EU in the world, in particular in the current proposed Treaty: its ambition to achieve political and economic domination.
However, the core of the issue is that the technical standards must be upheld; the criteria must remain.
So please consider timetabling this earlier to give us the possibility of participating, as we did previously.
It is true that, as Mr Savary says, completion of the Single European Sky is not progressing quickly enough, given the importance of the objectives: competitiveness, sustainable development, combating climate change and promoting safety in the air.
The new agreement should facilitate the creation of low-carbon plans on a national level, supported by legislation.
There are still a number of countries in the EU that are applying the transitional rules.
rapporteur. - Madam President, I apologise for taking up everyone's time and delaying lunch but I do it only once in 10 years so maybe you will not mind.
Finally, the issue of the job market, as Mr Andersson, Chairman of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, mentioned, is an important issue in the demographic question.
Europeans have, however, had a mandate for access to Gaza since 2005.
Of course, that will also play a very important part in increasing the confidence of citizens.
His report notes that the approach to development aid needs to be reformed.
This coordination also encourages compatibility and interoperability.
The EU, furthermore, should not boycott the dialogue.
The Commission, for its part, is doing its job, and it will do it in such a way that by the end of next spring, we will have submitted to you and to the Council all the texts that are expected of us for implementing the recommendations of the G20.
It is primarily the result of the production-driven rationale of modern-day globalisation and is therefore still perfectly legal.
The idea is to maintain the harmonised fiscal structure, with two obligatory rates of VAT and harmonisation within a 10% band: in other words, between 15% and 25%.
It concerned the establishment of cooperation between EU Member States for combating disasters in the North-East Atlantic.
However, there are many other points with which I fully agree, and for this reason I abstained, not only because I believe that the text was substantially improved by the excellent work carried out by Mrs Gál, but also because I could not under any circumstances, in all conscience, vote against a report in defence of fundamental rights.
I should once again like to thank all the Members who have spoken, those who followed this dossier -particularly the shadow rapporteurs - and those who played an enthusiastic part in the final negotiations.
For instance, DDT and lindane have been banned in the EU for many years but their presence can still be detected in the blood of our citizens.
The report calls for the Commission to present a strategic plan for introducing binding minimum standards at EU level for these priorities, including penalties for Member States that do not comply with the objectives.
All of this, Mr President, argues in favour of a revision of the guidelines.
One minute.
In earlier times, we experienced any events in Soviet Union as ideological pressure but now we discuss trade under conditions of absolute individual freedom.
I am deliberately looking at it through the eyes of the citizens in our home countries who are concerned because after residing for five years in a Member State, refugees are then to be granted long-term resident status. This will then apply throughout the territory of the EU.
We must give the industry a second chance and the industry must grasp this second chance.
We face trade and investment restrictions, rampant counterfeiting and regulatory barriers in virtually every sector.
We agree with the actions in the six priority areas, but a large majority of the respondents of the Commission's own consultation said that it was necessary to fix an end date in order to incentivise the reluctant.
Several generation changes will probably be required for this minority to assume certain rules of social coexistence.
The Northern Dimension has been missing in all this, however, and I hope that you will do a lot to promote it, although you made no mention of it.
We believe that this is the way, the only possible way, to move on from a form of solidarity which, hitherto, has all too often been just a façade, to proper solidarity between European Union Member States in the overall management of migratory flows.
This will also help citizens to know what is it you can and should ask for in order to get full information.
That is why it is vital to create synergies between the national budgets of Member States - I would have preferred the Commission to have expressed it in these terms - which is why it is probably vital to reform our tax system and to direct it more towards development and growth and to harmonise it.
Statement by the President
The European Parliament's increased powers following the Treaty of Lisbon are very important for further cooperation with the European Commission and for future relations regarding the implementation of further agreements.
Expenditure on health care will also rise.
In 2009 we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of communist dictatorships in Central and Eastern Europe and the fall of the Berlin Wall and I therefore believe that all EU governments should take this opportunity to declare August 23 European Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Stalinism and Nazism.
I would therefore like to thank Richard Corbett for his collaboration and cooperation, which has always been loyal, and has always, I would like to stress, been aimed at doing things together, building, not at being negative or destroying.
Today, we must listen to the vast majority of Israeli citizens who seek the accession of Israel to the EU and are disregarded by the Israeli, and also European, ruling classes.
That is something that I would like explained in more detail, as it is absolutely justified to say, in relation to the textiles industry, that the aid does help Pakistan overall, but whether it reaches the right people, I am not so sure.
Very efficient buildings, whether they are called low- or zero-energy buildings, or next-generation buildings, are a new feature introduced into the Directive by the Commission.
The tension that existed on the food products market prior to the current economic crisis has demonstrated the fragility of the balance across the world between production and consumption.
(PL) Mr President, the way in which protests have been dealt with in Xinjiang province has provided further confirmation of the authoritarian nature of the Communist authorities in Beijing.
I must say that I am not an expert on cancer.
Adjournment of the session
We must do our best to slow down this process if not to halt it.
Recognition is all very well, but what are the solutions?
The new model being promoted by manufacturers would be the equivalent of continually calling a record in sport going back decades the world record, and when the record is beaten, calling it the world record minus 5%, the world record minus 10%, the world record minus 20%, and so on.
The Committee on Development opts for a narrow interpretation of Article 179 and must therefore resort to articles intended for domestic policies as a legal basis.
The EGF has been used in the past by other EU countries, so it is now appropriate to provide aid to the Netherlands, which has submitted a request for assistance in respect of cases concerning 650 redundancies in 45 companies operating in the NACE Revision 2 Division 18 (printing and reproduction of recorded media) in the two contiguous NUTS II regions of Gelderland and Overijssel.
A financial transaction tax could provide Member States with sufficient revenue to balance their budgets and keep their economies going.
Nowadays, transparency means publication on the Internet.
Why spend time on a report that is unnecessary and not easy to comprehend just to put a 'tick' for a rapporteur?
This undermines faith in European institutions, especially in the smaller countries, and creates fertile ground for nationalist political groups.
The amendments initiated by the European Commission are aimed at allowing interested Member States to devise a relevant programme where the organisations involved in drawing up proposals do not wish to present programmes to be implemented in third countries.
It is a further step in support of an open and inclusive Europe 2020.
The efforts of the PPE to delete the paragraph concerning nuclear free zones, including in the Middle East, was defeated.
If we do not do this, the basis of our democratic society may erode.
Mr President, I shall try to be brief and, of course, I must begin by also extending my warmest wishes to Commissioner Kroes in the hope that she recovers from her fall.
Therefore, she knows what Parliament is all about.
The truth is that without European cohesion funding, the gap between rich and poor regions would widen.
These are some of the independent newspapers that I bought yesterday at the airport: this is Il Manifesto, a communist newspaper; this is L'Unità, a newspaper founded by Antonio Gramsci, of the Democratic Party-Democratic Party of the Left; and this is L'Europa, the newspaper of the Margherita party, which has joined the Democratic Party.
However, even those of us who are not cynical naturally admit that Schadenfreude is a form of joy, and it is this sort of joy that I am feeling now.
(The order of business was thus established.)
As representatives of the European taxpayer, we have the task of ensuring compliance with this agreement.
Eight Member States already have legislation along these lines in place, but we also need to be able to regulate relationships between subcontracting chains at Community level.
The Belarusian opposition is united and possibly stronger than ever.
Germany decided to take a similar step immediately after the disaster in Japan.
Thank you very much.
I find this unacceptable.
I believe that it ought also to be considered in terms of its legal and penal scope within our globalised world.
As a clergyman and member of a Hungarian minority subject to discrimination, willing to compromise if necessary, I voted in good conscience for the Catania report on fundamental rights, as I consider it a significant step forward in many respects, for instance as regards social rights.
(NL) Madam President, as has already been said repeatedly in this House, it is ultimately Parliament's credibility that is at stake in this debate.
The proposed penalties are proportionate and necessary, and it is hoped that they will discourage the improper commercial practices that have been adopted by commercial operators.
Mr President, we need to offer concrete help, as has been said many times, but that concrete help must also have real substance.
In conclusion, there is a series of amendments emphasising the scientific impact of the consequences of climate change on the world's oceans.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (SV) Madam President, in the debate on the recall of the toys in question it has often been said that responsibility for the fact that dangerous toys are on the market rests with the country of manufacture, in this case China.
I want to emphasise that the existing distribution criterion for EU cohesion policy support - GDP by purchasing power parity per capita (up to 75% of the EU average) - is an appropriate, tested and safe criterion for defining the arc of regions qualifying for support within the convergence framework, because it reflects the genuine disparities between EU Member States and regions.
That is shameful!
(FR) Mr President, Mrs Győri, Commissioner, the primary merit of this agreement is that it provides a degree of legal clarification, as my fellow Members have said.
Beware!
The later you intervene, the more painful is the treatment and there comes a point when it is even too late for treatment.
I want to call that into question.
Secondly, tools such as employment guidelines, integrated recommendations and common principles on flexicurity, and political guidance of the Member State in the transposition and implementation of their policies.
This has been opposed by the British and Polish trade unions as they believe that this is an attempt by Cadbury Schweppes to race to the bottom, with people prepared to take the lowest wages being taken on board.
It helps us to view culture as a creative part of society, not as a consumer, not as 'something, sometimes', but as a permanent part of the economy-creating process.
In the previous debate on that subject, a member of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats said that what is called European solidarity must take precedence and that that just has to be explained to the people of the Member States concerned who are the victims.
I believe a new reality is emerging.
Situation in Belarus (debate)
This partnership is extremely important to our Arab partners, who are looking to the European Union to support the democratic transitions in the southern Mediterranean.
In 2011 the priority has been on young people, and this will no longer be the case in 2012 with these guidelines.
Without the proper protective mechanisms, this important European project of creating a single market will not be completed.
We need more money in the crisis instrument, otherwise we can forget any ideas of providing assistance to Spain and Portugal in the near future.
There is already a new US administration, currently defining its foreign policy priorities.
The European Parliament should today declare its solidarity with Georgia and, more generally, with all the nations of the Caucasus.
Immigration policy across Europe must not add to the loss of vital skills, the 'brain drain', in developing countries, Member States and the EU Commission must not pursue policies which undermine development.
Unfortunately, it is rather a sick joke.
So from that point of view, as in the case of renewables, we should also have incentives for the first movers on CCS.
I am satisfied with the rules on GM products.
But if a doctor is on call in a hospital, for instance, and a patient with a life-threatening condition could arrive at any moment, that cannot be regarded as a rest period, which would be possible under the Council's compromise.
in writing. - (EL) Tax policy is used to redistribute income for the benefit of capital.
I think it was interesting.
(DA) Mr President, the Court of Auditors has my heartfelt thanks for a sound and very serviceable report.
Is that consistent, Commissioner?
We might get the odd committee visit to them, or express general opinions on what their mandates should be, but, in general, the role of this Parliament is to vote through the necessary supply, annually and unconditionally.
The alarming fact is that, if at the beginning the users of this method were small enterprises, now there are well known names which avoid taxes and social security contributions resulting in a very small pension for the employee which will bring him/her close to the poverty threshold.
I voted in favour of all the amendments which significantly improved the original text, by shifting the focus of the legislation away from the right of the pharmaceutical industry to advertise their products to the right of patients to have reliable, objective and independent information.
We need to support sustainable tourism in these areas and teach the site managers how to preserve and protect the wilderness.
This cooperation is important not only to get us out of this crisis but, even more, to avoid another one.
Having worked on this resolution, both at the working group stage and in Parliament's Committee on Regional Development, I have secured significant progress on two fronts: that more consideration be taken of the needs of potential beneficiaries and that the concept of GDP not be held needlessly sacred.
As enablers for democracy these political parties must have a uniform legal and fiscal status, which would ensure that European citizens have a better understanding of political parties and are better represented.
That point - not interfering in the competences of the Member States - is something that I believe is extraordinarily important.
The European Union has shown good will, partially lifting visa sanctions against Belarusian officials.
The designation 'mountain produce' is therefore particularly important.
Mr President, Mr Rehn, first of all, I would like to say that the situation is indeed getting worse, as you have described.
As other speakers before me have said, we need food produced locally by local farmers.
There have been some very important successes, but unfortunately these have been dragged down by this lack of good transposition and good implementation of what could be a very important directive for the future in the field of justice and home affairs.
On the mandate, let me say that a mandate dating back to 1999 is way out of date and indeed most of the current Parliament would not have been around in 1999.
By creating jobs and increasing investments in these countries, the Union would encourage their citizens to become involved in their own community.
These should undergo the necessary impact assessments and scrutiny, and should not be a shot from the hip, which could be counterproductive, increasing the barriers to entry into the markets and the risk of more conservative ratings, with subsequent effects on the real economy and lending.
Trusting Member States is fine, but trust has always to be earned and if there are concerns, I believe they need to be dealt with.
It is also possible to identify other topics that the European Parliament and the Council have in common: the importance of providing full and correct information to patients about options for receiving cross-border healthcare or the emphasis on ensuring high quality and safety in the provision of care.
The agreement will ensure that EU citizens have access to non-discriminatory administrative and judicial rights.
That is why it is so important to conduct this coherence review in order to ensure that the other policies we pursue do not impair and undermine our development policy.
Needless to say, Europe should press for a stronger and better MONUC mandate and more troops.
To this I add the hope that the Commission will rectify its behaviour and, at the very least, will provide some precise answers concerning the issue of the asthma device's withdrawal from the market, so as to clarify what happened.
(The President cut off the speaker)
We also share the rapporteur's concern about the problem of piracy in the Indian Ocean, which is increasingly affecting fishing.
On Burma, the report reflects the position of the EU that, although part of ASEAN, we are not negotiating FTA commitments as such with Burma.
I am referring to what Mr Barroso said, which I almost completely agree with.
It was a very important ceremony: a European ceremony, and one which was important even beyond the borders of Europe.
Voting time (continued)
Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me, finally, to express my most sincere wishes for prosperity and success in the new year 2010.
The 2020 Strategy is based on important priorities - namely research, innovation, development and growth - that were not initially contained in the report by Mrs Balzani, but which have been strongly emphasised by the PPE Group, as well as achieving the employment objectives initially set out.
The European social model will not in any way be damaged by implementation of the new Lisbon Treaty - on the contrary.
Even though the EU's policy has been pioneering, the pay gap has remained stubbornly wide since 2000.
It must be based on goals that will help citizens to understand why we need a common agricultural policy.
For that the ECB deserves praise.
We appreciate the Chinese authorities' latest efforts on the path to attaining the political, economic and social standards of the free world.
That is in the joint statement too, Mr McMillan-Scott, and if you hold the opinion you have been expressing, you are against the joint statement.
The second industry affected is that of poultry, sheep and cattle farming.
Composition of Parliament: see Minutes
I voted in favour of this agreement as I believe that its renewal contributes to strengthening the creation of the common European Research Area.
I would like to share a few comments on the multi-annual programme 2010-2014 regarding the area of freedom, security and justice (the Stockholm Programme). Ensuring the citizens of the European Union freedom, security and justice is one of the main responsibilities of Member States.
First of all, I think that the elements of the Commission's proposal relating to the sales, service and repair market are very much aligned with the consumer interests which we have raised in our committee - not specifically on issues related to DG Competition, but for example particularly in the areas related to information on service and repair where we worked, in this instance, with the Environment Committee on the provisions concerning technical information linked to environmental standards for motor vehicles.
2.
This cooperation has never weakened.
This wording has shocked many people, and not only the ethics experts and the representatives of disabled groups, but scientists, too.
12.
A number of honourable Members quite rightly raised the importance of the Balkans.
As Europeans, we share the aspirations of Tunisians and want to go with them on the road to achieving these aspirations in full.
I am very pleased that the Swedish Presidency has been able to play a part in putting this in place.
in writing. - The debate on an integrated policy on climate change is vital if we want a 50% cut in carbon emissions by 2050.
And there is a third double standard, which raises the question of our credibility and whether the European Union has the right to criticise third countries with regard to human rights and minority rights when there are some countries in the Union where several hundreds of thousands of people do not have nationality, like two of the Baltic States, or when there is a leading power in the European Union whose constitution still rejects the recognition of regional languages.
Persons acting as contact points should certainly have good foreign language skills in at least one other EU language and should have gained experience in international cooperation in criminal matters as well as have served as a judge, public prosecutor or other official in the justice system.
One more question: is it right that the EU's main priority for the future would be the development of technologies?
If it meant that a master's course had to bear the name of Mercedes or Sony or some other corporate brand, so be it!
Do you think that, while there is such high unemployment and all these problems in Greece, we can get back to growth with new cuts and new redundancies?
I would be most obliged if, as soon as these negotiations are concluded, as soon as there is an agreement, you would update us.
Could the President of this House, in addition to his message of sympathy read out earlier on today, send a very stern warning to the junta of Burma and indirectly to their guardians in Beijing telling them to stop frustrating international assistance efforts and start at least trying to behave, if not democratically, at least humanely towards their own people?
The first step to combat this terrible disease is awareness.
We have to be careful in our statements and criticism because, while insisting - as I do - that decisions be made on the basis of well-sustained evidence, we should not terrify those who are called upon to take risky decisions, sometimes in very difficult situations, fearing that afterwards they will be put in the dock and everyone will pass judgment on their decisions. I think this aspect of situation management is very important.
I have already had an opportunity to speak at the plenary session in January, when Czech Prime Minister Topolánek presented the priorities of the Czech Presidency here, and I am speaking today as Czech Prime Minister Fischer submits the report on what the Czech Republic has achieved.
(RO) The recent gas crisis refocuses attention even more sharply on the importance of developing alternative routes and sources of energy by developing transport infrastructures and establishing interconnections.
I must, however, stress how important it is that all medical devices brought onto the market in the EU comply with all Union safety standards.
The report does not involve any change of substance but brings together a number of different directives into a coherent text.
And yet the stakes we are playing for in Copenhagen are a lot higher than that.
In my group, what is paramount is that the capacity is kept at the same level to finalise the cases that are still in progress and to bring the last two suspects who are still on the run, Messrs Mladić and Hadžić, before the Tribunal.
I do not know whether the solutions put forward by the rapporteur are the right ones.
Like Caesar Augustus, Mr Barroso is sending his emissaries to tell the Irish people what they should do.
Approval of Minutes of previous sitting: see Minutes
With our responsibilities, our doubts and our mistakes, we are on the brink of momentous events and I think we should shoulder this responsibility to the full, making sure that that the decisions taken by the Council tomorrow and the day after tomorrow are reasonable, but above all bold.
While it is important to prevent illegal immigration and the exploitation of illegally staying third-country nationals, we must also ensure that we increase the opportunities for people to settle and seek work within the EU on a legal basis.
(Applause)
This is not merely an abstract concept; it is one that affects people's lives.
It is time that we reached the necessary agreement in Copenhagen for the sake of the planet.
Currently, the figure is 3 employees per pensioner.
The Commission will make every possible effort to support the Rotterdam Convention to enable these goals to be achieved.
You will have a second European Council in June.
Our resolution is an expression of our shock and outrage, and of our solidarity with those who are being persecuted.
I have not been given the floor for six months.
The tabled document represents a good start, but it must now be promoted and publicised as much as possible.
As a result, this capacity - which is what guarantees life on Earth as we know it - is at risk of ending up in the hands of the very corporations that are defiling the planet, its natural resources and the climate.
What a fast changing flexible firm needs - a firm changing its production line every six months, its IT configuration every four months - is an adaptable, skilled, loyal and dedicated workforce, not a casualised and fragmented labour market.
The European agricultural model should genuinely make us stand out in the world and be an example to it.
I should like to say that the Slovenian Presidency is making efforts for a new common platform to be adopted at this session.
It is imperative that the means provided in the joint draft budget be restored.
I am happy that Parliament's main recommendations for further simplification have been taken on board.
The ECURIE system requires that Member States promptly notify the Commission and all the Member States potentially affected when they intend to take counter measures if necessary, in order to protect the population against the effects of a radiological or nuclear accident.
It urged support for vulnerable groups, namely children at risk due to abuse and lack of education, healthcare, proper nutrition and opportunities to develop and achieve their potential.
However, I must at the same time express my disappointment and that of our group that the report was significantly altered during the voting on amendments in the relevant committee.
Seventhly, a review of existing import quota management regimes by the European Commission so as to ensure that EU-produced lamb is not exposed to unfair competition and that the option of sensitive produce status for sheep meat products be available to the European Union.
But should it not be for the people of Greece to have their say, not the dictators in this place?
However, the courage of Madeira's people in overcoming adversity was equally striking.
Gross domestic product must remain the principal eligibility criterion, but we must take other indicators into account to provide a more complete picture of the regional situation.
I welcome the prospect of having a country with a strong democratic tradition and a solid civic culture as a new EU Member State.
Against the background of the impressive progress Macedonia has achieved I strongly suggest that the Commission could start accession negotiations already in 2008.
Therefore, it is with pleasure that we note the progress being made concerning the countries of the western Balkans and Turkey, as well as the fact that Iceland has submitted an application for membership.
However, our recommendation and claim are extremely well formulated in paragraph 8 of the resolution, in which we call for exactly the same thing, in other words for research work on links between bee mortality and the use of pesticides to be stepped up with a view to taking appropriate measures in terms of the authorisation of these products.
(ES) Mr President, Commissioner, I would like to begin by congratulating Mr Turmes on his report and the Commission on its initiative.
on behalf of the S&D Group. - Mr President, the model of power sharing between the state and the members of society determines the content of political decisions, while the predictability of the decision-making process and the correct enforcement of decisions are guaranteed by the honesty, professionalism and independence of the judiciary.
I am ready to look at it and see what the Commission can do to help.
Fourthly, supervisory rights should be defined more precisely at EU level, such as in the case of possible intervention into the activities of financial institutions, which will include the right to stop paying dividends or stop activities that pose unjustified risks.
This death sentence came as an enormous shock, even in countries with a large Muslim population.
We know that, however small the amounts of money we are talking about, if malpractice starts to appear, our reputation will be damaged for a long time.
It is in this spirit, ladies and gentlemen, that I intend, together with French ministers, to shoulder this responsibility.
There is no universal solution to the problem of low aid effectiveness but one step should be serious and swift changes to the administration framework through further centralisation, as we are continuously losing time and human lives.
Discrimination of this kind has no place in a modern society and I reject the efforts of some political groups to weaken the legislation in this regard.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (CS) Ladies and gentlemen, Belarus is the last European country with which the European Union does not have an agreement on mutual relations.
This will lower costs for companies in this sector.
Since then we have been working out a whole series of new proposals to begin to reply to the challenge of high and growing oil prices: on energy efficiency, on cars, on fuel quality, on renewable energy.
The electorate has given you a clear mandate to do this.
I welcome the strategic approach of the smoking issue, including passive smoking, as well as the proposal of concrete and exigent actions to fight against it and its negative consequences at a European level.
Before authorising a ship to fly their respective flag, Member States have to check that it complies with international rules.
the oral question to the Commission by Michael Cashman, Monika Flašíková Beňová and Claude Moraes, on behalf of the S&D Group, on violation of the freedom of expression and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in Lithuania - B7-0005/2011).
Nor, indeed, has any attempt whatsoever been made to ask the question of whether Europe would not be wiser to confine itself to a number of carefully defined core tasks.
I would simply like to mention that I had a meeting with the Tunisian Prime Minister yesterday.
Transparency is essential so that policy-makers and investors can make informed judgements; so is the willingness to follow through with tough indispensable decisions.
We have completely rehabilitated the national drug quality control laboratory.

The western stocks are, economically speaking, the most significant stocks of horse mackerel living in EU waters.
Ship inspection and survey organisations (Directive recast) (
(NL) Mr President, Jerusalem is the only, the eternal and the indivisible capital of the Jewish State of Israel.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, it is a great pleasure for me to have an opportunity to speak to you this morning.
However, we object to the wording in paragraph 8, which states that a gradual and sharp reduction in the tax burden on mid to low-level salaries and pensions must be introduced, with tax deductions, revised tax rates and compensation for fiscal drag.
We need to bring protection and production together in the management of our forests in order to ensure the viability of their environmental, social and economic functions.
There was a time when Europe knew who was good, who was bad and why.
As an integrated strategy, it is, in principle, not bad, but ...
In absolute terms, it seems that most of the defendants are Muslims, but I am aware that the blasphemy laws have often been used against religious minorities, and that false accusations have been made as a way of settling personal scores or for reasons of financial greed.
That is the reality!
We shall keep an eye on you, and shall support you again if further proposals are needed.
So, between these two extremes, what should we do?
I think it is unanimously agreed that logistics should be developed and made more efficient, more environmentally friendly.
It is essential as I said in my report from more than a decade ago that we have a binding legal basis for our code of conduct on arms exports.
But we have plenty of time to come back to that, should the Treaty indeed come into force.
The first one, as you will remember, was in July 1988, in Brittany.
Fifty seven people were killed, women were raped, people were injured - they convey a bloody message.
Combating deforestation and forest degradation, as well as the sustainable conservation and management of forests, are key elements of a future international climate change agreement.
The University, which is appealing for financial support, provides education and training in a universal value system, and particularly for students from poor families.
Preventing this threat is obviously a political priority.
We have work to do now and we must not waste any time.
As Europe, we are well schooled in concluding intra-Community agreements.
However, we do need to ensure that the situation does not get completely out of control.
I would like to highlight the work of Marianne Thyssen, who has managed to secure agreement at the first reading.
I would like to look at two elements of the media law.
Commissioner, indicating 'rosé wine' on the bottle is pointless, since good rosé wines, such as the Bandol that I have brought you, do not specify the word 'rosé'.
It also involves the provision of interpretation services at meetings of coordinators, trialogues, delegations, parliamentary assemblies and others.
We must therefore strengthen all possible control procedures. The CE system must be reinforced both on our borders, as some Members have said, but also in our internal markets, and especially in the commercial networks.
It was prevented from unloading in Durban, but there are reports of it heading to Angola to deliver those weapons to be used to harm the people of Zimbabwe.
So I will submit a report towards the end of 2007 on the development of service quality and on suitable measures to tackle the problems.
Consumers should be provided with all the details regarding the trip they intend to make.
Mr President, the Belgian Presidency has rightly received praise from all quarters.
I do not understand why we are not taking the following route. Eurobonds are a sensible solution.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, tomorrow, you will adopt the resolution on the 2010 progress report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
We believe that the EU also has to be honest about itself, and really to consider to what extent it was also implicated in corruption.
Cohesion policy resources must be made available immediately and promptly to the real beneficiaries at regional and local level.
This is not the position taken by farmers in other Member States.
The whole of Europe, except for Belarus, is already on board, and more and more states from all continents are joining an ever-growing list of abolitionist countries.
It is a catalogue of all the rights, privileges and exorbitant rights of ordinary law which, according to him, should necessarily be granted to minorities, especially if they are non-European.
Mr President, it is both good and necessary for this House to concern itself about the fate of the Roma.
The vote will take place at 12.00 noon.
If, however, we want to take a real political decision, then we must strengthen Frontex further with a logistical infrastructure and proper jurisdiction.
You have my sincere thanks.
(PT) Yesterday was International Women's Day.
I am going to finish, Mr President, and to conclude I would like to thank sincerely all those who worked on this report.
The European Union has the power to ask it - and I believe that there is an urgent need for this, both in the interests of security and in the interests of the policing of shipping and climate preservation - to continue initiatives which could produce surplus energy.
Due to the changes that have taken place in the meantime, particularly as a result of the 2005 World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, the removal of the first proof of origin for products seems to be justified, and I therefore voted for the repeal of this regulation.
It is therefore even more important to adopt appropriate rules for the markets quickly.
I have thrown the full weight of my support behind this agreement.
I would like to thank Mr Watson for his excellent work.
I personally hope that inspections are intensified right now - before Christmas.
Regarding global governance in particular, efforts aimed at implementing the UN reform agenda should intensify.
There has to be a break with the free movement of persons, which has led us, which has led you, to accept and even to recommend, as the only means of replacing future generations, a mass immigration policy, the disastrous consequences of which we can clearly observe today.
It is purely a propaganda term.
We should be alert to this.
These are public political commitments.
I voted against the report.
The vote will take place tomorrow, Thursday 31 January 2008.
I think they are among the worst as regards mortality, and very tough measures are therefore needed to enable these very valuable stocks to recover.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, I appreciated the exchange of views on the report, which testify the commitment of Parliament to the cause of human rights.
What part of the research from the 7th programme is to be used in the areas you have mentioned - that is, in furthering knowledge in the fields of language, culture, history and linguistics?
It is easy to predict that if the promised USD 5 billion does not arrive, then it is people who will arrive.
We, as Europe, can take the initiative, as was suggested by the Slovenian Presidency at our Human Rights Subcommittee in Brussels only last week.
I doubt it.
Violations of children's rights, violence against children, the trade in children for illegal adoptions, prostitution, illegal work or for begging on the streets: these continue to be an enormous problem for the EU.
It is very clear that in certain circumstances, better exchange is needed, and indeed, like the savings tax, the automatic exchange does have benefits.
It is clear that the major players for the future of cohesion policy are the regions and not the Member States.
The implementation, especially in large urban concentrations, of intelligent transport systems in order to control traffic will prevent traffic jams which cost the European Union approximately 1% per year of its gross domestic product.
They were negligent.
Thank you.
22.
The Commission is not convinced of the need to put in place a specific and separate post-electoral protocol mechanism for that purpose.
I hope that he will continue the work with the same impetus.
The fight against climate change is an absolute priority globally.
The EU's trade policy plays an important and decisive role in allowing agriculture to continue providing a positive contribution to the accomplishment of objectives.
Finally, the defence of the EU regime for authorising and marketing GMOs is a point to which I attach particular importance.
Our group would expect the presidency and the Commission to undertake swift and radical actions and measures vis-à-vis our energy partners, Russia and Ukraine, to restore gas supplies.
If we are talking about a low-carbon economy, how are we going to deliver that?
We should listen to their demands.
Some MEPs are mistaken when they proclaim that 'the Europe of health is now a reality'.
Increased attention needs to be focused on defining a new digital agenda, 2015.eu, which is intended to be more competitive and innovative than the i2010 strategy launched recently, especially with regard to its educational and cultural aspects.
Madam President, I would like to thank the Commissioner for his response.
Europe's vision must be freedom and opportunity for all.
Currently, all of these areas are significantly under-funded.
in writing. - (RO) I supported, by voting, the proposal for a decision regarding the designation of the year 2010 as the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.
This is repeated constantly.
That is the credibility of a statesman and a politician.
Two hundred and fifty thousand people are being held in overcrowded camps with poor drinking water and medical supplies.
Mr President, like many of my colleagues in the House today, I welcome the amendments that are intended to improve the Commission's proposals in line with the rapporteur's proposals.
Those responsible should not complain if this fear of citizens again goes against official Europe in the subsequent European elections.
The rest has gone to developed countries, European ones in particular.
If we are to get off on the right foot, the first thing we need to do is to establish solid cooperation on these issues with Turkey, as the basic country of origin.
It re-establishes the double penalty for Internet users denied access to the web but required to continue to pay their subscription.
Whether you are a believer or not, looking back into history, it is thanks to international trade that our countries have become prosperous.
We need everyone who is in favour of this common Europe to make it clear that President Klaus, too, must sign the treaty and that we do not need anything to undermine the process leading to the realisation of the Treaty of Lisbon.
It represents an appreciation that the EU is rooted in strong values such as freedom, democracy, respect for human rights, cultural diversity, tolerance and solidarity.
(EL) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, over the past few days, we have experienced an unprecedented upheaval in our lives.
Consequently a new kind of crime emerges.
1989 was a year of profound change in many parts of the world, with, as I recall, the fall of the Pinochet dictatorship in Chile and the Tiananmen uprising in China.
Over the course of its history, mankind has to a large extent developed in line with each society's ability to accept the priority of agricultural policies.
Almost every family in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, as well as in other former Soviet republics, suffered as a result of the horrific violence perpetrated by the totalitarian, Communist regime.
This document is important as the interconnection of the energy infrastructure must be a priority.
Seventy percent of the protein rich crops required for animal feeds are imported from Brazil, Argentina and the US.
On Thursday we shall adopt a set of rules that promotes trade in goods in the internal market to best effect while at the same time - and this is so important - protecting consumers by means of better surveillance.
Migration from the Schengen Information System (SIS 1+) to the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) (without the United Kingdom and Ireland) (
Together, we should make the most of this opportunity because we can provide an excellent example here.
If the Commission would like to come and look at my farm, it has been farmed for 3 000 years before Christ was born, and continues to be farmed.
Despite some populist measures against poverty when he was in government, Mr Thaksin represents the capitalist elite and deceives the masses.
In times of economic difficulty, such as those we are experiencing just now - incidentally owing to serious erroneous decisions by incompetent managers - there is ever increasing pressure on workers.
We must not dilute it by using it for other purposes, such as debt cancellation, where money is simply moved from one post to another in the donor countries.
The reason for this is that we have got some new proposals from the European Commission and maybe it is possible to polish up some of the wordings of the resolution.
(Applause)
I believe that it is necessary to improve governance in the area of regional policy with a view to making the management of the Structural Funds and of cohesion policy not only more effective, but also more balanced.
There are two new challenges.
I therefore welcome the Commission's intention to assess the results of the German or British model first and only then to consider the possible way forward, not being pushed into a blind alley by the Socialists.
For the wife, it is considered normal, but the husband gets asked why he spends half the day changing nappies and does he not feel this has set him back career-wise.
Last, but not least, I want to tell you that, at the end of November, we held, organised by the Commission, the first European Sport Forum in Biarritz, where people from sport - 300 participants from different associations, federations, but also the Commission and Member States - met.
The main objective of this exercise is to align the timetable for presenting the stability and growth programmes and the national reform programmes, with a view to ensuring consistent structural surveillance at every level of budgetary discipline, macro-economic stability and growth, whilst preserving formally separated individual procedures.
As far as we are concerned in France, our consumers can continue to take advantage of the protection offered by the 'latent defect' guarantee or the preservation of our very protective legislation for door-to-door selling.
Romania and Bulgaria, which joined the European Union on 1 January 2007, only now have the opportunity to propose a commissioner for an entire five-year term.
We shall also be voting against the amendments by the Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left, as they are contrary to sound proposals by the Greek Government, and it is wrong for the European Parliament to put paid to these.
(Applause)
We have a number of questions because we feel, quite honestly, that the European Union - and this applies to the Commission and perhaps also to the Council - has devoted too little attention to oil price trends.
However, it is right for us to give guarantees for investments, for example.
However, the question I wish to ask you relates to the question that was asked by my colleague, Mr Tavares.
What we are lacking is a social union.
What the world has learnt from the last few weeks is that our approach to market regulation is outdated.
Mr Costa is therefore putting the following question to the Commission.
This is why the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs was keen for the whole package to be based not only on Article 121 of the Treaty, which deals with the coordination of economic policies, but on Article 148 also, which deals with employment policy in terms of coordination between the responsibilities of Member States and the European level.
In the opinion of many eminent scientists, however, man's influence on these changes is not very great.
It is an identification system which enables us to know the provenance of any animal transiting Community territory and be assured that it is in good health; it is a guarantee for the consumer and that has to be good for the farmer, because he is going to get more for his meat.
I am generalising on purpose because I do not wish to point the finger at individual Member States that refuse to express their opinion on this important issue.
This has a significant economic and social dimension.
Additional funds must also be allocated, taken from the contributions made by the states signing the global agreement, which reflect the economic development and solvency of these states.
I must say that I am also personally pleased by the introduction of a European rail driver's licence - for that is what is meant by 'certification of train drivers'.
I would like to remind you that 8 000 Russian troops are currently stationed in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, including in places where they were present before the start of the conflict.
Surely this compromise risks the result that the vast majority of European industries will be exonerated of any ecological constraints?
I thank the rapporteur, Mr Romeva, for his political sense and cooperation.
We cannot continue to stand by and remain indifferent to the play that is being enacted, to the sideshow of sexual exploitation that is unfolding before our eyes.
We have the basis on which to act.
By the end of September 2008, around 12 000 SMEs had received financing through the SME Guarantee Facility, with applications received from 17 Member States.
This leads to financial and legal problems for these women in relation to the right to maternity and sick leave, the acquisition of pension rights and access to social security.
There will be teenagers in council estates in my constituency who are now facing higher charges so that a number of businesspeople, MEPs and Commissioners can talk more cheaply when abroad.
The EU ought to be a frontrunner, as it is so splendidly put - in other words it should take the lead and set a good example.
I count on your support.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (PL) Mr President, I congratulate Mrs Lynne on a very hands-on report on this important subject.
(SL) There is nothing more destructive and humiliating than a feeling of exclusion, insignificance and impotence.
What is your view of these unplanned liabilities within the euro system?
We were never meant to be the policeman for the farmers within the Union and the fairy godmother for the farmers in the rest of the world.
The trans-European networks have not always been successful.
Participation by citizens, therefore, and issues dealt with at European level.
I believe that the Commission's Declaration, especially what it said about negligence and the establishment of liability, will help us to continue making progress on this issue.
How can we finally bring an end to the inefficient and wasteful allocation of funding and to the political connivance in this area?
It is therefore vital that the proposed stress tests take into account the multiple, complex, geometric consequences of a disaster event.
I am fully confident that the review will be carried out by the Irish Government in a way that recognises the importance of social dialogue, includes all the social partners, and complies with Community law.
In the economic recovery plan approved by the Commission and endorsed by the Council, we propose that, between now and 2010, an additional EUR 4 billion from unused Community budget resources be mobilised for trans-European energy networks and related investments.
Is that what it is?
As has been said, spectrum is a scarce resource, but it is also a public good, and we have the responsibility to use it as well and as efficiently as possible - a point that Ms Trautmann also made.
Guaranteeing independent impact assessments (
I am therefore pleased that we can now also give our support to the oral amendment, which I hope will gain the support of everyone and which will give us more resources to be able to provide to countries like Egypt and Tunisia.
I think that this absurdity is unacceptable in Europe.
In the event that a project is altered as a result of changes to the ownership of infrastructure or the ending of production activities and this change influences the nature of the project or the conditions under which it is implemented, or where the changes provide the firm or the public body with an unfair advantage, the grant must be returned.
Remaining obstacles call for a policy response, and that is why we still need policies geared towards gender, both at national and European level.
The efforts made by these states through improving their own economies and fiscal policies in order to adopt the single currency must be welcomed.
I sincerely hope that, together with Guillermo Fariñas, another Cuban laureate from 2005, the Ladies in White - Las Damas de Blanco - will also be able to collect the Sakharov Prize in person.
But what I would say to my colleagues in the House is, actually, let us look at what the real problem is.
Therefore, long-term development strategies are often lacking.
The law also makes it hard to justify the international community's massive military and financial assistance to Afghanistan.
in writing. - Whilst the ECR Group supports much of what is contained in the Stockholm Programme, such as cooperation and solidarity over issues of policing, fighting cross-border crime and corruption, protecting fundamental rights, and finding solutions for immigration by seeking to assist those countries in southern Europe that face serious immigration problems, we do not support proposals for a European Security Strategy, or measures which would hand over control of our criminal justice system and asylum policy to the EU, or calls for 'compulsory and irrevocable solidarity'.
Experience shows that cars are an early indicator of economic trends.
The next and last item is the debate on the report by Frithjof Schmidt, on behalf of the Committee on Development, on policy coherence for development and the effects of the EU's exploitation of certain biological natural resources on development in West Africa (INI/2007/2183).
I think that is a further step in the direction that you have pointed out.
Who would ever have thought it?
This is something that far too many signatory states seem to be ignoring today.
So, Mr Hans-Peter Martin, who has also asked for the floor, can see an example of how we can deal in a very efficient way with this type of co-decision procedure.
In other words, the causes of a number of supposed terrorist activities must be tackled.
In light of the delays and of the general mismanagement, Parliament is calling for the Commission to put together a coordination team to oversee planning and scheduling, review the use of the funds allocated to date and decide whether EU aid will still be required after 2013.
The Directive legitimises up to 18 months' detention for people whose only 'crime' is to seek a better life for themselves and their family in Europe.
It is therefore also fitting for the motion for a resolution to highlight the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal as one of the specific cases on which to focus in the coming period, among other things, by representatives of the EU taking up the case with the US authorities, the US administration and, of course, the US President too.
We deleted the name 'Macedonia'.
The purpose of the directive cannot be to throw the book at everyone who commits even the most trivial environmental transgression but rather to combat significant offences.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to express my sincere thanks - including specifically to the President for giving me one minute longer.
The fact that the construction of the European judicial space finds such a broad consensus in Parliament is important.
(DE) Madam President, President of the European Council, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to briefly address two points.
We in the Socialist Group in the European Parliament have to concede that we have not achieved everything we would have liked, and to those who are now screaming again that this is now in fact the Constitution - I read in some British newspapers that a few of our fellow Members are asserting that this is essentially the Constitution - I must unfortunately say that they have neither read the Constitution, nor have they read this Treaty.
Very many European companies have invested in China, building or acquiring factories there.
Instead of learning from this fact, EU bodies have approved an incredible 519 regulations and 68 directives since 1 July last year, in other words over the space of 9 months.
The Agency will in fact have to play a crucial role in the introduction of the ERTMS system, not only by laying down the specifications of this harmonised signalling system, but also by guaranteeing the technical compatibility of fixed equipment fitted with different versions.
Mr Bhatti was the only Christian in the government of Pakistan and a well-known advocate of respect for human rights and religious freedom.
The June List is therefore of the opinion that the updating of current legislation in the area is welcome, but at the same time I would like to warn against ill-concealed protectionism.
Every one of us in this House knows that even if the Slovak Parliament adopts a resolution of this kind, the Beneš decrees can no longer have any legal effect.
People are quite simply afraid of mass immigration to Europe following the major events in North Africa recently.
For the time being, though, we need to concentrate on real change, and that is why I urge the Commission, and in particular the Council, to support the modification of the European Solidarity Fund.
Under President Ma, Taiwan has made great strides towards normalising its trade relations with China and trying to end the obstructionist attitude that Beijing's communist rulers have previously taken towards commercial relations with Taiwan.
Written statements (Rule 142)
At the same time, I would like to point out that many women consciously and freely choose to work in the home on behalf of the family.
I would give only one example: crisis distillation, which has now become a routine structural measure and is no longer a means of responding to emergency situations.
As the report stated, these losses and frozen resources were basically imposed due to irregularities regarding invitations to tender and eligibility of expenditure, failure to use investment funds for their intended purpose and to a lack of administrative capacity, amongst other reasons.
(The President cut off the speaker)
I want to join my colleagues in their initiative to introduce consistent implementation of the Posting of Workers Directive in all Member States.
Because it is a collective body that can reach decisions with due regard to the pros and cons in each case.
In our group, we are of the opinion that amendments are very much part of the political culture and political debate and, particularly, of the rights of individual groups - and this right of the groups should not be curtailed.
in writing. - (RO) I voted this report because it renders very well the moment of the intervention required to reduce the negative influence of marketing and publicity on equality between men and women, namely: the first years of a child's socialisation.
Yes, there is a need to control the use of agrochemicals - we all accept that - and, if not used sustainably, they can be hazardous to the user and the environment.
Not many jobs will be created immediately with that money.
The second point naturally concerns the energy issue.
Outstanding features of European poverty are child poverty, growing youth unemployment, the inferior position of women in the labour market, the exclusion of immigrants, the status of ethic minorities such as the Roma, and the plight of the unemployed of preretirement age.
in writing. - UKIP is totally opposed to people-trafficking as it is a modern day version of slavery.
That was a mandate that already existed in the Treaties of Rome.
What came through in those speeches was a fear that patients from Member States with a lower standard of living or a lower national health budget would clog up doctors' surgeries in the richest countries, meaning that patients from those countries would be squeezed out.
It also means continuing to see Kosovo within the wider framework set for the Western Balkans at the Thessaloniki Summit in 2003.
250 km is clearly too large a distance, since it completely excludes Malta, Cyprus and Luxembourg.
It is very important to us that we quickly reach a new negotiating mandate and, if possible, before the summer break, so that we can quickly gain clarity in detailed questions on how we should handle this data and what data should be included.
I am voting against it for two main reasons: because the pact it aims to regulate is responsible for a decade of mediocre growth in Europe, and because its disciplinary measures are founded on sanctions that aggravate the problems it aims to solve.
in writing. - On the Pieper, Sanchez-Schmid, Stavrakakis, Vlasak and Mikolasik reports: Conservative MEPs have elected to reject these reports on the future direction of Cohesion policy, with the exception of the Vlasak report where we have abstained.
They strike in places where ordinary people should feel safe in their countries.
Or perhaps it is the politicians who have lost touch with ordinary people?
One recent example of this from Bulgaria are the events which took place on 20 May, when representatives of the nationalist party Attack became involved in clashes with Muslim worshippers outside the only mosque in Sofia.
I support this report, mainly because it talks about a common energy policy, and in particular about a common foreign energy policy.
This, in particular, is something that you need to disclose, because as yet, we have only seen the tip of the iceberg in terms of responsibility and we have not seen the system of irresponsibility that lies beneath it.
Without protection for victims, we will never be able to prosecute the human traffickers.
in writing. - I abstained on the vote on Amendment 80 because, while the case for national governments to scrutinise the control of EEAS must be guaranteed, this amendment also guaranteed the right of the European Parliament to do the same.
We also have, as several Members have said, a club that not only accepts the largest and most developed countries, but also welcomes anyone who is prepared and ready to accept the rules of the European Union.
The success of the EU to date is due among other things to the fact that the opinion and voice of every Member State had the same weight in voting and thus could not be ignored.
I therefore call on everyone in this House to assume his or her responsibilities.
Can the Commission comment on the views expressed by some food producers that the registration process is long and bureaucratic and therefore discourages applicants?
They are also crucial to our future, because the food security of Europe and of the world depends on them.
In the last few weeks it has been abundantly clear that those who are sick of hearing about human rights are often the same people who apply that other principle of Realpolitik, namely erst das Fressen, dann die Moral, or 'food first, then morality', as Bertolt Brecht put it.
It is a great privilege for Slovenia and for Europe and I wish you great success in the Presidency.
At the last plenary session, we discussed the crisis in the car industry with Mr Verheugen.
Turkmenistan is one of the Central Asian countries the rapporteur mentions.
(DE) Mr President, Mr Tannock referred to the Iranian ships that passed through the Suez Canal.
Madam President, in its neighbourhood policy, the Union's objective has always been to export stability and not to import instability.
Today I have added some complements and clarifications, but it is the same programme.
In other words, to put the tyrant and the oppressor in a good light, while condemning their victims and the ones they oppressed.
Does the man on the street know when it is possible to appeal to the Commission?
It has been said a number of times that if you increase energy efficiency, you save money.
I believe that we can expect a fruitful cooperation with all groups.
I suggest the Commission, through the efforts of the High Representative, should develop an international agreement on this matter, which would be a guarantee of our common security.
Here gender policies have been imposed consistently, and gradually stereotypes are being overcome.
One issue of transatlantic cooperation concerns a healthy environment - novel foods and the use of new technologies in food production.
This matter will have repercussions for generations to come and so requires firm, guiding, immediate and sensible action such as the EU has taken with other issues, for example, the financial crisis.
The next item is the vote.
The committee meets this evening, and the debate on the report remains on the agenda for Wednesday.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (CS) I first of all wish to thank my fellow Member, Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, for her good report and pleasant cooperation.
The Commission has made this commitment and it is included in the statement that I have submitted to the Presidency.
Air travel has changed dramatically in a very short period of time, benefiting passengers in a world that is becoming ever more globalised.
From this year on, however, 28 September will be a day marking the massacre perpetrated against opponents by the government installed by violence in Conakry.
Finally, Prime Minister, well done on your initiative to stamp out gender violence; I look forward to hearing the details.
The important role of public authorities in guaranteeing quality, access and sustainability of social services is mentioned and it is stated that investing in social services, in particular during the present financial and economic crisis, pays and can strengthen the growth potential and the cohesion of economies and societies.
The Commission is aware of the confidential nature of the information relating to planned projects.
When we get to Cancún, let us not be distracted by arguments about form.
I therefore expect that the published document will not only include new trends but will also evaluate new approaches and measures such as support for healthy forms of transport, for example cycling and walking.
We are aware of the extent of the current crisis in the motor industry, and doing this at this point in time sends an extremely important signal.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
However, it does not refer specifically to domestic violence.
These reassuring statements are naturally consistent with our thoughts on the application of Article 5 of Directive 2001/55/EC.
This seminar, together with the meeting of Directors-General of compulsory education, which incidentally took place the day before, focused on the difficulties pupils experience in acquiring basic skills, that is to say, their mother tongue, sciences and mathematics, as well as on the experience of Member States and the policy guidelines to be developed as regards the prevention of early school leaving.
For example, if one of them is Fessenheim, a power station which, as the French supervisory body has said, is not adequately protected against high water or earthquakes, then you should publicise the names of the sites which represent a risk.
This is firstly the case because they are going to respond to the type of crisis that occurred as a result of this serious economic situation affecting the whole of the EU and, in particular, the euro area system.
How are we to implement it?
However, in spite of this progress, this regulation's scope of application does not enable us to tackle completely the problems relating to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
There are indications that mortality and morbidity rates in clones after birth are higher than in sexually-reproduced animals.
The EULEX mission, the largest mission under the common European Security and Defence Policy to date, is already underway.
Nevertheless, I emphasize the fact that this act refers only to countries that are not part of the European Union area; therefore, the measure cannot be justified in this way.
We have taken the difficult step of allowing product placement so that private TV broadcasters, in competition with Google and other rivals, will be able to offer free-to-air TV services in future.
We need this cooperation at local, national and international level.
On what we said about India, Prime Minister Singh has made it clear he is very committed.
With this in mind, I can therefore fully support the text before us today.
Thank you very much.
There should be an emphasis on decentralising the public sector and extending transport networks.
I have to say I am astonished at how things are presented here.
Just because Turkey is a NATO member state does not mean that the country should also be able to join the European Union.
Like any change, there are some concerns about its outcome.
Since 1990, approximately 6 000 companies valued at EUR 700 billion have been privatised fraudulently.
Ensuring that animals are healthy is the best means of avoiding infection and the use of antibiotics.
The inappropriate russophobia of the text is partially redeemed by the objective statement of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, which should become the guide to formulating a new document.
I would just like to mention one thing, which has not come up throughout the debate: 50% of the survivors recovered from the rubble during the first 78 hours were saved by teams from Europe and the Member States.
Regarding inclusion, I would like to draw your attention to the Commission communication on active inclusion, which is one of the documents outlining the Commission's strategy in this area.
In the context of energy security, it is particularly important to promote energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy, and secure the required financing for such projects.
That is why I have pleaded for moderation.
In addition, in connection with language rights, I would consider it important that along with making buildings accessible, documents (including electronic versions) should also contain appropriate information about how the visually impaired can gain access (what the recommended software packages are).
This report allows us to make the aid we grant an already devastated country dependent on that country's undertaking to give up all forms of trade protectionism.
in writing. - GDP (gross domestic product) is the aggregated added value of all money-based economic activities.
(GA) Madam President, without a doubt, this is a much more important question than the publicity it will receive.
This is something that we need to weigh up together.
A nice sum of EUR 3 000 per member for a staff allowance, a good job on the side in the House of European History (for those fortunate enough to have the right connections), a totally unnecessary and terribly expensive European TV channel, a prestigious satellite project called Galileo, all of which is leading increasingly to financial disaster.

Despite the good harvest forecasts - the fourth in a row now - stocks at the beginning of the harvest stood at a low level.
He is a Head of Government whom I value and who has been extraordinarily helpful in the battle against the financial crisis, but he decides, for his country, to reduce VAT.
Furthermore, we must not merely be happy for Europe to be a continent of consumption.
The increase in the number of reported cases was caused by the introduction of new communication technologies.
(CS) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I welcome the enterprising report by the rapporteur, Mrs Jensen, because the decreasing quality of ground handling services has, over the last while, become an increasingly urgent issue and the true Achilles' heel of the aviation industry.
This in no way reflects our views on the content of the report.
Quite a few of us know the Freedom of Information Act, and quite a few of us have experience of the way in which things are done in the USA.
in writing. - (NL) Madam President, the tax authorities face a challenging task in the globalised, all-digital world.
(FI) Mr President, I find it odd that people here have spoken of visibility and have doubted the motives of the United States of America, because right now help is needed.
It is very important for stakeholders to take the initiative, and I expect cities to put forward proposals and put pressure on Members of the European Parliament and on Member States to create Europe-wide instruments in the areas concerned.
They also wanted to protest against the intolerance and repression of a flawed regime.
This means the end of the European spirit.
In my opinion, the creation of a joint foreign and security policy cannot be achieved in the absence of dialogue with Russia.
Will the protection of our common borders be more effective?
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, a short time ago I heard some very serious and even slanderous statements made by a Maltese fellow Member against the Italian Government and Minister Maroni in particular.
There is no obligation for the countries to do anything new if they can prove that the objectives of the directive have been met.
Symptoms include diarrhoea and dehydration.
I welcome the call on the Somali Transitional Government, in collaboration with the United Nations and the African Union, to treat piracy and armed robbery committed from the Somali coast against vessels carrying humanitarian aid as criminal acts to be pursued by arresting the perpetrators under existing international law.
Opening of the sitting
There is also a need for dialogue at grassroots level and participation in civil society.
Why did we not seize this opportunity?
It is the Commission which is charged with assessing and acting on such issues as are laid out in the Treaties, and as requested by this Parliament only a few months ago.
I myself took part in drawing up the alternative resolution, and it is perhaps apposite to mention why we set about drafting an alternative to Mr Graça Moura's highly commendable work.
Mr Barroso, the PPE Group has faith in you; it asks you to be bold, to reform.
Madam President, I, too, wish to speak about the current economic crisis, but from a different perspective.
It recognises the prime role of Member States in promoting the health and safety agenda.
If you had said that women had to work for 46% of what a man earns, we would have said that this was discrimination.
It is a symptom of the success of programmes such as 'Youth in Action' that Switzerland requests that the mobility of our European programmes be extended to their young people and therefore, it is of significant importance that Switzerland is not only requesting a larger economic area but also a larger educational area.
Ladies and gentlemen, it has very frequently been said over the past year that relations between the European Union and Russia should be made more pragmatic, and already I myself have heard people question this point: whether therefore, the European Union is just throwing aside human rights, basic values and the subject of democracy.
I accept that, and that is why I have suggested that Mr Gollnisch makes his point of order when the President is present.
This is a very big problem - not only for Third World countries, but also within the European Union, as there is a very serious brain drain from the east to the west.
- (FR) Mr Borloo, Mr Piebalgs, Mr Dimas, ladies and gentlemen, first of all I would like to congratulate the French Presidency on the efforts it is making to conclude this climate change package.
Thirdly, reforming the Trans-European Energy Networks (TENs-E); here, the energy security legislation package approved by the Commission in November 2008 also includes the Green Paper on European energy networks.
(NL) Madam President, Commission President, President-in-Office of the Council, ladies and gentlemen, these are difficult times, transitional times, times of change - but interesting times too.
What is more, I would like to remind you that Benazir Bhutto spoke of this in an interview for Al Jazeera on 2 November 2007, and also named bin Laden's assassin, Omar Sheikh, whom President Musharraf in his latest book claims was a former agent of the British MI6.
I also agree with the request for the institutions involved in the process to make the necessary efforts to speed up the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) and with Parliament's position, deploring the Commission's serious shortcomings in carrying out programmes for competitiveness and innovation, particularly during an economic crisis which greatly increases the need for such support.
The UK has been politically taken over.
We need to remember that, although such new approaches as these applied in the fishing sector are necessary, woefully little is known about the recovery of deep sea fish species, and all in all the threats to the deep sea ecosystems are much greater.
I warmly congratulate Mr Schmitt on his election to the Hungarian Parliament and on his being elected speaker.
The tourism industry plays an important role in the economies of every European nation and is absolutely vital in many rural areas such as the Scottish Highlands and Islands.
Today, however, thanks to the tenacity of our rapporteur - and I should like to pay tribute here to Mr El Khadraoui - and of the shadow rapporteurs in their negotiations with the Council, we have a compromise before us at long last.
I would now like to address the issue of the House of European History: I am all for this idea in principle.
I cite these because I believe that all the arguments that have been advanced are ultimately spurious and have not provided clear answers to the fundamental question.
As you have rightly said, it is estimated that by 2050, the number of people with dementia will have doubled in Europe.
Finally, I have to say that I do not agree with the section on immigration, because anyone who thinks that the concept of circular migration can put a stop to the brain drain from Africa and the pressure of immigration on Europe is, I fear, seriously deluding themselves as far as this is concerned.
This committee is chaired by Professor Jane Grimson of Trinity College, Dublin, an eminent academic in her own right.
Emissions rights at the exchanges will also be added to the price of the electricity for whose production they are not needed.
Outcome of the European Council (18-19 June 2009) - Term in office of the Czech Presidency (debate)
We stand up to China over Tibet; we stand up to China over human rights; it is time we stood up to China over Taiwan.
Such is the case with the polluter pays principle, which may just serve to protect those who have the money to pay for pollution.
Naturally, this is not to say that GMOs, which are artificial, are bad, but as yet we do not have conclusive scientific data proving beyond any doubt that they are good for you.
From the perspective of national health, it is of the utmost importance that the medication should be effective, high quality and safe.
This is a false problem because there are not two armies in our Member States, a NATO army and a European Union army.
Objective 2 programmes must focus in future on strengthening the regions' capacity to contribute effectively to sustainable economic development in Ireland and Europe that is greener and smarter.
What actions are you intending to take, then?
I wish to point out that there are rules on small businesses and combined heat and power that are very important for the industry.
We have a register of documents.
I call on the Commissioner to make DG SANCO's policy mandatory for all DGs.
This is why the Commission wanted to put forward a balanced proposal and why it has outlined 10 key principles so that we can go forward together.
The problem that arose most often in this debate, apart from the specific challenges of 2009 and the need to manage European taxpayers' money frugally, was definitely the problem of Members' assistants.
I believe it is wrong to treat privatisation and liberalisation of public services as the standard response to globalisation.
In my opinion, this Parliament would do better to reflect on the impact of such decisions on ordinary Europeans for once instead of thinking about the day-to-day practical worries of foreign students.
Perhaps we should do the opposite.
The current situation in Bahrain - which is of strategic importance with regard to the equilibrium in the Gulf - and which, underneath the appearance of normality, is very tense, with the ongoing detention of people who are accused of nothing more than violating the right to free expression.
What we actually expect, in the greatest economic crisis for decades which is combined with environmental challenges, is a Presidency which shows leadership and vision.
An overwhelming majority of the public are finding this difficult to understand, and they are increasingly refusing to accept such powerlessness.
So it serves no useful purpose to decry it as some kind of 'Bolkestein directive'.
The debate is closed.
All of us - the Council, the Commission and individual governments must strive to ensure that the first thing that young people experience in the labour market is not unemployment, but training and further education, so that they are better equipped for the labour market.
To begin with, I should like to congratulate Mr Swoboda and Mr Meijer for preparing the two reports on the progress achieved by Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
In these cases, either we will very quickly rise to global level with the help of scientists, or by the end of the twenty-first century, we will be going to the cinema to fish for the last Nemos.
The potential agreement covers a broad range of topics: trade in goods and services, intellectual property rights, public procurement, regulatory cooperation, investment, temporary migration, competition policy and employment and environmental standards.
This is the DRUID project, of which you are well aware.
Holding people in detention centres is an extremely restricted measure of last resort and the 18-month detention period is the absolute upper limit to be used in very exceptional cases only.
in writing. - (NL) As a lawyer, I cannot possibly accept the imposition of a reversal of the burden of proof at European level, as proposed in the new anti-discrimination directive.
Last but not least, the EU is doing too little at the moment in terms of research into this disease about which too little is still known.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Mr President, as regards the regulation on additives, my group welcomed the proposal to modernise and harmonise European legislation and supported the rapporteur Mrs Westlund in her efforts to secure sustainable protection of consumers and their health, in particular the vulnerable groups of the population.
From a global point of view the situation around the world is not encouraging.
Solidarity is not so necessary when all is well and everyone is happy.
The Committee on Development approved my report unanimously.
Instead, the Council and the European Parliament are in fact proposing the BERT recommendation, with fundamental responsibility for better implementation of the regulatory framework for telecommunications services, without getting involved in issues of network security or integrity.
If, every year, we lost an asset with the value of the New York Stock Exchange, I am sure everybody in this room would be up and running around, but because it is biodiversity, nobody seems to care.
Mr President, I should like to start by conveying my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this report.
For various reasons, this Statute did not enter into force in this form until 8 October 2004.
Where there is a risk that the harvest might be lost, ignorance and the lack of proper assistance to farmers can lead to the uncontrolled use of pesticides.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
The EP rightly calls on the EU to eradicate abuses of tax havens, tax evasion and illicit capital flight from developing countries.
Even so we must make every effort to get democratic conditions restored and the rights of the opposition reinstated.
The Commission is conducting an intensive debate with the international community and the Thai Government, in a search for possible solutions.
The authorities are systematically persecuting opposition activists. They have brought in restrictions on travel abroad by members of the clergy and religious instruction teachers.
Anyone who says that it is not possible to distinguish between information and advertising is insulting hundreds of thousands of journalists who clearly demonstrate every day in their work in newspapers, on the radio or on television that there is a difference between information and advertising.
However, changes are also needed and I shall mention two.
He has also announced giveaways of GBP 20 billion, while taking back GBP 40 billion in higher taxes.
Under the original regulation, Article 31 EAEC (which focuses on the group of persons who might be subject to radioactive contamination) was considered the most appropriate legal basis as Article 168 TFEU (which regulates public health) did not exist.
Energy efficiency and a sustainable energy supply must become long-term EU objectives.
The European Union recognised the particular nature of the cooperative movement in 2003 in adopting the Regulation on the Statute for a European Cooperative Society.
Those organisations provide essential services to millions of Sudanese in Darfur and in other areas of Sudan.
That spirit is the context for the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.
This means fighting piracy and therefore strengthening Operation Atalanta.
In response to today's crises, the national dimension and intergovernmental decisions are not sufficient, nor are simple solutions, even if they are based on statistical models.
However, particularly in the area of human rights, as well as social and environmental standards, the EU repeatedly hits a brick wall when other countries with which it has concluded bilateral trade agreements have different opinions in this regard.
(PL) Mr President, it appears worth pointing out during the budget debate, too, that the law is a fundamental element in the life of society, and its cohesion unites our continent.
The importance of improved energy savings is undeniable.
There is no prospect of an opening up in 2014, as per Parliament's request.
We voted against the Sacconi report on cars, as the agreement severely weakens the Commission proposal.
Debt restructuring would, it appear, be a catastrophe - for private investors.
Are we responsible for the Convention on Human Rights?
We should therefore take prompt measures to change this situation, since the guarantees we have given that European food will be safe, healthy and of high quality will otherwise be proved empty words.
Secondly, I would like to say that it is important to aim for two-way mediation between large and small systems, because concentrating on large systems will not bring the desired results.
The ENPI country programmes underpin the implementation of ENPI action plans and reflect the ambition of the EU and the partner countries.
There are technologies that do meet all of these requirements, meaning that x-rays, radiographs and naked images must be outmoded, which is where we are going wrong at the moment.
The result achieved in the trialogue will create the preconditions for this.
However, I believe that the CAP should make its priority the production of the so-called first generation of public goods, and its guiding principle food sovereignty, so that Member States can be self-sufficient.
These rules, which are carefully modelled on the rules the Council and the Commission already apply, define limits on the public's right to access to documents, just as Article 255 requires, and there is nothing in the Treaty to prevent the institutions adopting these in the regulation.
Meanwhile, air traffic over Europe continues to increase year-on-year.
As a result, we need to analyse, for example, what happened in Detroit to try to prevent mistakes, but we must not respond with a knee-jerk reaction after every attack because this would probably result in us adopting measures that, in some cases, would simply not make sense.
I really think that we should take a stand on this and consider whether we should not have tightened up the rules.
Sarajevo deserves a European spring.
This is a blemish on your Presidency.
However, experience shows that it is also a good thing to publish contracts on the Internet, as this makes it possible to familiarise the broader public with these contracts and to convince them of the advantages of the contracts.
My second point concerns ageing and the top-heavy age structure in this society.
The creation of a new EU strategy for youth is of crucial importance.
A working party was also set up between the three institutions specifically to deal with the technical aspects of the proposal in a number of meetings with the Belgian Presidency and the Commission.
The vehicles in question include, in particular, service vehicles (special trucks and buses for operational support, infrastructure maintenance, road sweeping vehicles, etc.)
Lastly, I would like to recall that this problem is not restricted to a single sector or a single country.
Question Time (Council)
We Social Democrats are absolutely clear in our opposition to this kind of arms race, this increase in weaponry, and also the laissez-faire attitude towards corruption.
The European Commission originally called for a 15% retention in the consultation process but then bowed to pressure from industry and proposed 5%.
My final point is that I am very surprised that EUR 450 million from the agriculture budget is being transferred to the ITER nuclear fusion project.
ENISA's mandate expires half-way through next year by rotation.
One thing is certain, however: the rules of the system have to change.
The Dess report also calls for the development of food quality policy with geographical indications (protected designations of origin (PDO) and protected geographical indications (PGI)), a necessary measure if we are to ensure the authenticity of local and regional food specialities.
They are not luxury goods that are only relevant to a particular gender or only to adults.
However, this also strengthens the need for the establishment of a peace and reconciliation commission as a confidence-building measure.
Indeed, I would like to thank you and draw your attention to the need for our work together to keep the Galileo project as a great European project, and I would also like to thank you for support for the EIT project.
An operational plan is needed; sea and air forces must be used in order to allow effective action.
I therefore encourage everyone in this Chamber to show sympathy with the hardworking taxpayers and with small-to-medium-sized businesses and put this prospective law in the waste bin.
I voted in favour of the report amending Regulation (EC) No 861/2006.
I therefore support Parliament's position which aims for a clearer definition of information and advertising.
A lot of money, of course, is involved in this decommissioning process.
There must be transparency within public bodies, but not within the parties, the privacy of whose debates must be guaranteed.
Dozens of participants in the protests have disappeared without trace.
If we want a Europe that produces results, we cannot tolerate such projects. Hence my question: what is your view of the funding of this project out of European resources, to which Nord Stream representatives recently referred?
We should also set an example.
The European Parliament has always been the driving force behind ambitious European policies.
It may be relevant in future debates of this nature to listen to the opinion of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development also.
In a debate like this, when we are dealing with such a topic, I believe that we should focus rather on the future measures intended to ensure that we avoid similar situations and, if you permit me to say so, it may even be more important for us to ask ourselves the question whether such figures, once they have come to public attention, are not somehow likely to reduce citizens' trust in the work of the EU institutions.
In other words, the Union does not prescribe or order, but helps.
The second problem was linked to Frontex, especially to the agency's ability to use the resources allocated to it.
Here they might get 300 votes, but that is about it.
We must strive to achieve the best results regarding these grey areas.
(For outcome of the vote and other information on the vote: see Minutes)
This applies to the European Commission too.
Accounting as it does for a mere 5% of the ENPI's total budget, it is overlooked by central government and its programming is subject to alarming delays.
That is for one simple reason: the outermost regions are almost exclusively dependent on air transport and any increase in the price of that service, which would inevitably arise from the implementation of the directive, will make access more difficult, increasing their isolation, which was a determining factor in granting the outermost regions special status at European level, as enshrined in Article 299(2) of the EC Treaty.
Firstly, I would like to say thank you, because you have fought to ensure that it was not EUR 114 million, but EUR 146 million, and that the Member States were prepared to go slightly beyond their rather restrictive limit.
The next item is the joint debate on
A lot is spoken about the Portuguese situation, but a report this month by the International Monetary Fund concluded that Portugal has been one of the countries putting the most reforms in place to ensure the sustainability of the public finances and social security.
Will European powers once again be deciding the fate of African people as they did in colonial times, but this time with the support of the UN?
I personally shall do so.
It could decimate our economy; make us uncompetitive while the developing world gallops ahead.
(ES) Mr President, it is curious that in every parliamentary term, we have pointed out the non-existent or fragile legal and material protection of one or another minority group within Member States.
After all the discussions we have held, you will be aware of how much this means.
(Applause)
Absolutely not.
Offer more help than was promised in 2007 for reform of the judiciary in Afghanistan;
Nevertheless, it is good that we are dealing with these issues.
(IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the abrogation of the bilingual system in Tibet is an illiberal act that runs counter to respect for the cultural identity of a minority and respect for human rights.
I will be very brief.
This threshold means exercising great responsibility.
In that report, as you may remember, I highlighted the fact that too many Member States have still not transposed that 2004 framework decision, dating back four years now, on the sexual exploitation of children.
I welcome the scope of the proposals in relation to social and economic aspects, the environment, spatial development and territorial cohesion, and likewise the close attention paid to proposals intended to improve the report submitted by our Socialist Group.
This massive exposure explains the vicious austerity applied by the Commission and the European Central Bank to working people in the peripheral economies.
Thank you for your reply.
Consensus building is vital to justify necessary, yet unpopular reforms.
The review merely expresses concern that progress is not being made as quickly as envisaged in the timetables.
I wish to assure Parliament that the Commission will continue to follow developments in Venezuela closely.
If, however, we want to invest more in crisis prevention and responsible action in hot spots around the world, we need appropriate resources, which we currently do not have to an adequate degree.
When we began discussions on the new interinstitutional agreement a year ago, we stressed the point that in view of the strengthening of Parliament by the Treaty of Lisbon, the time had come for a new quality in our cooperation with the Commission.
Arithmetic is not always right, and laws and geography cannot be outvoted.
On the one hand, it now enables us to seize opportunities for proper competition, for growth in this sector, and also, in economic terms, to seize opportunities for jobs and economic advantages.
This, like all other matters, should be the prerogative of independent, democratic nation states.
We all remember the attack against Coptic Christians that took place over Christmas, right there in Egypt.
After all, many of us in this Chamber and many of our ancestors have very often paid a high price fighting for their national languages against the will of an invader or dictator, because we knew that the loss of our language is the loss of the last hope that one day we will be able to be ourselves in our own country.
Thank you very much for the invitation.
I voted in favour of Mrs Ries's report on health concerns associated with electromagnetic fields.
However, we are utterly opposed to several of the far-reaching wordings relating to the Member States' criminal law.
I must add that despite the obligations on consular services most Europeans do not know their rights and it is a sad fact that even the employees of these organisations are unaware of this.
They know that these radical changes are also complex.
We have learnt the lessons of 2005, and I hope that we can enter the next 50 years of the Union with, hopefully, much more confidence.
It is not a totally new process, but a preliminary procedure in which we require additional procedures or in order to achieve a solution more quickly without instituting treaty infringement proceedings.
In strengthening our neighbourhood policy, how can we ensure continued cooperation with Russia while showing that a full 'strategic partnership' is no longer credible?
Mr President, on a point of order, I would like to reply to Mr Howitt under the 'catch-the-eye' procedure, because he was incorrect in what he stated.
We must start now if we are to have any chance of achieving anywhere near zero emissions by 2050.
In this case we are considering a price increase from a health perspective among others, but we cannot be so fanatical as to introduce a price increase that certain Member States simply cannot sustain, or that would increase smuggling, especially in Member States on the periphery.
The directive opens up European borders to consumers looking for the best credit deals: they can choose the best offer and be guaranteed the same rights and the same standards of information, comparison and, above all, protection against getting into too much debt.
Please do not paint too rosy a picture of Europe.'
If we managed our own fish resources at least according to the maximum sustainable yield (MSY), European catches could increase to double what they are today, while at the same time we would have strong and viable stocks.
The only official information which has been given out is that he died as a result of being involved in a supposed plot to assassinate the President of Bolivia.
It is very important, however, that we define our object correctly, because an equation that is poorly expressed is impossible to solve.
I understand that it was very difficult to get an agreement in Council.
in writing. - EU-US relations in many issues have been through substantial changes over the last years and are moving into a phase of consolidation for many items of cooperation.
Furthermore, the meat industry is seriously helping to hasten climate change.
Why?
We have also led a European delegation to the area of the Middle East conflict.
We therefore have to reflect further on the question of a possible election observation mission.
Under the treaty, the responsibility for the organisation of the Commission falls to its President, and I have no intention of renouncing it.
A high level of protection of human health is one of the European Union's objectives.
The exchange of best practices is very important.
As has already been mentioned, I believe that, based on the Cooperation Agreement signed with the European Union, the Cambodian authorities have to abide by their clear commitments linked to human rights.
The European Parliament will also have to be more involved regarding data protection.
Nevertheless, of great concern is paragraph 6 which deals with abortion.
There is one major risk in this affront to sovereignty.
That also means that we need to invest more money in research and development.
Agreement between the EC and Israel on certain aspects of air services (
In order not to allow this, the Commission will certainly need the help of Parliament.
Conclusions of the G20 Summit (debate)
What is needed, then, is multiple and cohesive actions in all Member States, including in our universities.
(PL) Negotiations with the Mercosur countries were suspended in 2004. This year, they have been reopened, and are being conducted on the basis of a mandate dating from 1999.
So a European solution was there.
Accepting this report means voting in favour of abandoning the policy of concerted stimulus that was implemented in 2009.
So it is up to the citizens to assume their responsibilities.
I voted in favour of this document, which aims to strengthen patients' rights in cross-border healthcare.
During the summer, Commission officials remained constantly available and gave feedback to the Polish authorities on the draft submitted to them.
I should just like to repeat our call for a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty: Pactio Olisipiensis censenda est!
Worse still, in 2005, the European Commission defined social housing as housing reserved exclusively for, and I quote, 'disadvantaged citizens or socially less advantaged groups'.
(Applause)
It is very unfortunate that websites, including YouTube, are still not available in Turkey, and there is unacceptable pressure from the government on parts of the media.
Above all, though, do not let yourself be discouraged - I say this frankly, both to you and to Mr Moratinos - by the German Minister for Economic Affairs, who did not hesitate for one second to criticise your proposals.
I share your view that we must continue to reform policy delivery.
In these circumstances, the EU's European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) has a vital role in its strategy for development and growth.
He also refers to his colleague, Mr S. Kanakaratnam, who is living right in the middle of the 'safe zone'.
We have seen the potential for the political abuse of the dual-use list, particularly in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
The report calls for continued investment in youth education, mobility and employment, supporting and promoting small businesses, scientific innovation, social integration and poverty reduction.
The vehicles are available but the customers, the drivers, are still holding back from purchasing them because availability of the fuel is not guaranteed.
You have managed to maintain a high-quality debate, taking into account very short deadlines for rather complicated legislation.
I have voted in favour of the appointment of Mr Montalvo.
We must focus on ensuring that we apply the best available technology that exists globally.
Secondly, we wanted an EU foreign minister, not as an embellishment but as a genuine mouthpiece of the European Union.
Economic theory never tires of telling us that international trade makes the world as a whole richer.
This is a new threat which was not known to us before and which we were not used to fighting and tackling.
In any case, dependency on Russia will for the most part remain.
I am convinced that we will be good hosts to this institution.
Finally, it uses the European dimension to best effect through appropriate coordination to ensure that action in one Member State has a positive knock-on in the others and sparks a positive interaction.
In this context, let me stress that I fully agree with the political ambition to place the proposals on industry-generated information on medicines, which we are discussing today, in a broader and more comprehensive agenda on patient information.
The President of the Council, Ambasador Costea, was in Brussels last week to brief the Council and Parliament on preparations for the Seventh Session.
Although we have the Hague Adoption Convention and a Council of Europe convention, these are not enough.
No one said this was going to be an easy undertaking.
I have twice appealed at least for a mission to be sent there.
I did it myself as a kid actually.
in writing. - All European countries which fulfil the EU accession criteria should have the prospect of EU membership.
At the same time, there was an incredible response in the city of Cologne to the same issues, to the issues of racism and discrimination.
Under the new system to be adopted by Member States participating in enhanced cooperation in this area, the unitary patent will fall under a much more affordable translation regime consisting of solely the French, English and German languages; resulting in the cutting of costs.
The European Union has to foster the dissemination in the Member States of market-based instruments that make it possible to internalise the environmental costs of products and to promote energy efficiency and the thermal insulation of buildings.
This is actually about the rights and the protection of children and young people.
This matter will be addressed in a totally new way if, as laid down for the first time in Article 11(4) of the Treaty on European Union (EU Treaty, new version n.v.), citizens are directly involved in the European legislative process.
They relate, for example, to living conditions, education and training, occupation, the prevention of disease and services that promote health.
As there is a lack of reliable scientific data on the basis of which fish catches in industrial fisheries can be assessed, it is essential that full documentation of catches should be introduced immediately, together with full monitoring on the vessels engaged in these fishing activities.
Mr President, I wish to thank, firstly, the shadow rapporteurs, who really cooperated very effectively with me in order to draft this report, and, secondly, all the members of the Committee's secretariat, because this was a very demanding task.
No one knows at present how best to plan this gigantic transformation.
Finally, let me thank you, Ms Kinnock, for a very fruitful collaboration on children and child-related issues, not only as regards this report, but also over the years.
In the light of the Copenhagen criteria, the Council, the Commission and Parliament have no other choice either.
In short, I am convinced that if we want to defend the person from the outset and in their entirety, we must also defend those aspects that characterise the person from a religious point of view.
Action must be taken against the Internet as a virtual training camp, as the new information and communication technologies mean that it is becoming increasingly easy for terrorists to disseminate their propaganda.
As the Commission does not wish to comment, I note that the budgetary procedure went ahead in accordance with the Treaty and the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006, and that, pursuant to Article 13 of that Agreement, the Council and Parliament have established that they agree on the maximum rate of increase for non-compulsory expenditure resulting from Parliament's second reading.
This means that we are not in the business of giving a free ride to those who do not respect certain key principles.
(CS) Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the collapse of the airline company SkyEurope has focused attention on the general problem of poor consumer protection for airline company passengers.
Particular attention should be paid to products arriving from third countries, where hygiene and health standards, production processes, and the use of materials not permitted in Europe, carry the risk of contaminating items that end up on our tables or in our hands.
We need reform of our structural policy to ensure that the EU remains strong.
That is why other forums - also having started with higher retention proposals - are tending to settle on 5% too.
Finally, with regard to the issue of non-discrimination, it is well known that during the course of its term, the Spanish Presidency, and indeed the Trio of Presidencies, intends to promote the adoption of a directive which, for some time now, has not been adopted or brought to its final conclusion in the European Union: an integrated directive on combating discrimination and promoting equal rights; this is vital, precisely for those groups who suffer particular discrimination and, specifically, the Roma community.
Using eight compromise amendments, Ewa Klamt was able to come to an agreement with the other groups in the Parliament on the essential criteria.
In order to assess whether a rule breached EU competition rules, its effect must be proportionate to the legitimate genuine sporting interest pursued, so this proportionality test can only be applied on a case-by-case basis.
I went there for a democratic debate.
North Africa, especially Morocco, is of strategic importance to the European Union.
Instead of mentioning that such and such a section of the border is in dispute, it simply marked the border as it sees it.
Creating a European bond market is the only way out of the crisis.
Therefore, Mr Füle, there needs to be a thorough reflection around why the Neighbourhood Policy, in the spirit of the Barcelona Process, has not had the intended democratising effects, and how we could or should make adjustments to it.
Moreover, the Office can help by coordinating the deployment of officials from other Member States to Member States under particular pressure.
The draft EU Reform Treaty is, in the end, too important a document to be smuggled through in the secrecy of political meeting rooms.
But if, at the end of the day, it is not enforced in the way that our citizens expect, we might ask ourselves: what is the point?
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, after many years of work involving this Parliament, today we are going to adopt, to universal satisfaction, a measure designed to have a significant effect on work within the Community institutions.
We cannot, and this is a risk that comes with our jobs as politicians and it is one that we cannot avoid.
When, in addition, we bear in mind the changes to parental leave made last year, we may conclude that protection of the family is improving in the EU.
The Commission would also like to point out that Structural Funds, and in particular the European Social Fund and the European Regional Development Fund, could be used to cushion the social consequences of job losses.
If we speak with one voice, we will be effective and listened to; if we do not, we will not be listened to or effective.
On this point, where the digital divide between small and large nations and between small and large economies remains, overcoming it between generations is the most economically difficult task.
While demanding an expenditure of EUR 30 billion annually for clean technologies in developing countries, Parliament expects countries with coal-based power generation, such as Poland, to pay double for CO2 emissions: once in the form of a fee under the system for emissions trading, and a second time in the form of a contribution to help developing countries in the area of combating climate change (point 18 talks about the contribution, which should not be less than EUR 30 billion annually).
on behalf of the S&D Group. - Mr President, in 2010, we mark the 15th anniversary of the launch of the Beijing Platform for Action.
If the body scanner is a sound instrument, then it is presented in the wrong manner.
At the same time, a number of elements of measures already taken, planned or tested to improve aviation safety already exceed the strictly aeronautical or aviation safety requirements.
I support continuing the negotiations in the 5 + 2 format.
British Conservatives opposed the creation of this service, fearing it would erode Britain's prerogative to exercise an independent foreign policy.
The motion contains useful ideas and should surely be seen in a positive light, yet I am convinced that we need to provide adequate financial resources in order to properly tackle the challenges posed by the Copenhagen Process and the EU 2020 strategy, for instance through the Structural Funds and, in particular, through the European Social Fund.
Member States shall establish the necessary rules among themselves and start the international negotiations required to secure this protection.'
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, we are aware of the structural causes of the crisis in the automotive sector and its subcontractors.
It is estimated that the CAP causes prices to be at least 23% higher than those prevailing on the world market.
The destruction of the environment, the disappearance of the village, the displacement of the inhabitants, churches and cemeteries and a death warrant for the priceless remains dating back to Roman and pre-Roman times.
On the other hand, traceability rules applying to third countries exporting to the EU are aimed solely at ensuring that imported meat does not pose unacceptable risks for the EU.
It is a corrupt scandal.
Thank you for your comments.
In so doing, we must concentrate on the procedural and also the technical aspects, by imposing the necessary safety systems.
Member States who have failed to present summaries will be subject to legal action as provided for in Article 226 of the founding Treaty.
In fact, European citizenship is highly artificial in nature.
Written Statements (Rule 149)
Nevertheless, I call for a reform of the European Union Solidarity Fund so that it will become an effective tool for responding to crises.
Renewable energy has a high priority in our energy and climate policy, in particular, with regard to reducing our dependency on imported fossil fuels.
And yes, Mr Busuttil, the Commission does monitor this very closely and the expert missions are composed also of experts from Member States.
We even agreed that it was necessary to avoid a blanket approach and to proceed on a case-by-case basis for each bank and each country and we considered the one-size-fits-all approach to be dangerous at this point in time.
Only if there are watertight rules for these things will the revision have succeeded and better protection be afforded to millions of EU consumers.
It shall ensure the application of the treaties, and of measures adopted by the institutions pursuant to them.
This being so, it provides a solid platform for achieving ambitious results.
The starting point for our policy is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) findings.
I abstained from voting on the alternative resolution on Europeana - the next steps because this resolution was tabled by the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) in spite of the vote that took place in committee.
This proposal is aimed at tackling the crisis in the industry, resulting from the exponential increase in imports from third countries, particularly in the regions most dependent on the sector.
Fast policy reaction is likely to be a bad reaction.
The report also makes clear that such regulation must be proportionate and non-discriminatory, as set out in the EU Treaties.
Thirdly, by being both principled and creative because we must be both: principled in the defence of our values and creative in how we forge bespoke solutions to complex problems.
The strategy's high profile will facilitate wide-ranging, intensive, simultaneous development in the various sectors, which is also a condition for rapid, high-quality growth.
We also believe that by encouraging Turkey on its course towards Europe, assuming that Turkey simultaneously fulfils its obligations to the EU, we can exert pressure on it.
What is of paramount importance is who counts the votes.
However, following the referendum in Venezuela, we should also like to have a resolution, during the December part-session, on the situation in that country.
At the same time, I would seriously welcome a much higher allocation for energy efficiency and renewable energies - currently EUR 9 million - as well as a higher allocation for measures to combat climate change, which, at EUR 48 billion, is less than required at the moment.
But this particular city is probably the headquarters of the world lobbying industry.
The selection of projects to be financed by the Eurostars programme shall be made according to the scientific excellence and economic impact.
Urban cohesion is essential in delivering sustainable economic and social progress.
Smart Cities are planned for the following year.
There are also many options whereby the EU may provide back-up for national responses in this area.
What does surprise me is that the Commission cannot figure out that the cross-border group model cannot survive during downturns in the economy.
And as part of that, the talks on World Trade Organisation membership, which have been going nowhere for a long time, could be a way in which we could find the kind of debate and discussion and support to enable the regime to move forward.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (DE) Madam President, Mr Vice-President, Minister, before I begin I should like to thank Mr°Díaz de Mera García Consuegra for his constructive and outstanding cooperation.
I thank the European Parliament for appointing the rapporteurs within the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and for setting an indicative timetable scheduling the submission of the report for the end of September, and the votes within the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and then in plenary, for October and November.
I have received six motions for resolutiontabled in accordance with Rule 110(2) of the Rules of Procedure.
We also think that it sends out a bad signal when four Members agree to a text in trialogue and the whole House simply follows suit.
This report opens the way for resolving many of the technical legal problems that are going to arise, because we must not forget that the convention was designed to be ratified and applied by Member States.
With regard to the national quota buy-back scheme, which I note will include powers to raise super levies from producers exceeding quotas, I have reservations.
After all, just now a clear signal from us is of particular importance to our friends in Ukraine, especially at a time when there are further threats from Russia.
One is the reorganisation of the milk support and the other is the school milk programme which is an excellent initiative by the Commission.
Thank you for your attention.
I would like to draw attention to the fact that tuberculosis is a sensitive world health issue and the second greatest cause of death among infectious diseases worldwide.
But I will inform Commissioner Reding about the question and perhaps, in contact with Member States, we can find a solution.
I would like to conclude this brief comment by reiterating that, at the global level, we are working on establishing a network of protected regions on land and sea.
It also helps to show whether Member States are doing enough to enforce new consumer law and to inform, educate and empower consumers.
Matters may be 80% agreed, but we need the other 20%.
There is no confrontation of ideas.
Thirdly, on the matter of deforestation, which I would point out accounts for 20% of today's greenhouse gas emissions, it is absolutely imperative that we uphold the target of zero gross deforestation by 2020.
To achieve a social market economy which is sustainable, more intelligent and greener, Europe must define its priorities, agreeing on these together.
It seems to me that Mr Saryusz-Wolski is absolutely right in that we must have an institutional representative, whether it is yourself or whether it is, as we foresee, a double-hatted responsibility - both the Commission and Council.
Of course it is very important for the quality of the CDMs to be high; we discussed this in United Nations conference in Poznań and we made some progress.
(SV) Thank you very much, Mr President, Commissioner.
For my part, I admire your rhetorical skills.
In view of this, culture urgently needs to be restored to its rightful place on the Lisbon agenda.
Thirdly, in 2006, the socialist liberal government of Hungary of the time ordered shots to be fired into crowds of peaceful demonstrators.
We should not therefore succumb to the illusion that winding down coal mines is a sort of political end in itself.
I would like to see the US remove its barriers or its restrictions on foreign ownership, and I think passengers across the world would benefit from more open skies agreements.
There is undoubtedly a tendency - and we have heard from some of its exponents here - to underestimate, probably in good faith, the effects and effectiveness of lobbyists' work, possibly in ways that none of us can even imagine as serious Members who operate in good faith and are decent and respectful of others.
We must stop saying that the social dimension is not part of the European remit.
However, I regret that we have heard far too often today the message that Israel is a democratic state.
I would therefore call on you not to make use of the EU institutions to solve problems which should, under our Treaties, be solved at national level.
It is time the United States and the European Union lifted Israel's impunity and went beyond words and suggestions.
The number of unemployed in Lithuania this February was 16 times the number of jobs available.
(ES) Mr President, Commissioner, we agree with the aims of this 'health check', but not all the proposed measures.
As we have said on several occasions in this forum, and as Europêche said in a letter to you, Mr Borg, there is not much point in negotiating marvellous fishing opportunities - which is not the case in this Agreement - if we then accept technical conditions which prevent us being able to take proper advantage of those possibilities.
(FR) Madam President, it is clear that this topic of genetically modified organisms is a democratic urgency, an economic necessity and a legal imperative.
Then there is this: some are arrested and will not be entitled to asylum.
We had been debating this topic but it was left in the air when the Swedish Presidency ended.
Several instruments and resolutions have been adopted to this end, particularly the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) and the crucial choices of the common foreign and security policy.
(SV) Mr President, as a Swede it is with pride that I listen to the Swedish Presidency's priorities and I am also proud to be able to welcome the Prime Minister of Sweden back here again.
That is why we opposed the proposal for trading these guarantees of origin.
Mr President, Baroness Ashton, you said a moment ago, Baroness Ashton, that we must respect peoples and their desire for freedom.
It must be of some reassurance to the UK that we never joined the euro.
in writing. - (IT) Mr President, I welcome the report by Mr Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra on an EU-Mexico Strategic Partnership.
The European institutions were silent accomplices of this attack on the people and on the ecosystem.
Small and mediumsized enterprises, in particular, are at risk of facing difficulties.
Russia, a State that is not a State with a rule of law and where human rights are flouted on a daily basis, does not deserve the attention that France pays to it.
The EUR 26.5 billion which are available under the Structural Funds are not being utilised as they should be.
(DA) Mr President, firstly, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the rapporteur, who has tabled an extremely good report.
However, I believe that there are a number of problems with this particular fund.
On the contrary, medium- to long-term solutions will have to be considered, and the reasons why this market is not working properly must be assessed, together with the best ways to maintain sustainable production, not forgetting the consumers' right to a fair price.
I agree with the rapporteur's position that we must urge the Commission to ensure that any readmission agreement signed by the EU and its Member States fully respects human rights and the principle of 'non-refoulement' and does not put at risk any persons in need of international protection.
A number of projects that had been started up in those countries now lie in ruins.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, 2 October was a great day for Europe thanks to the Irish who voted in favour of the Treaty of Lisbon.
This should simplify the market for construction products.
(PL) Mr President, in relation to the critical remarks of scientists concerning the reliability of the IPCC's conclusions and the revelation of falsification of data, and this undoubtedly influenced the outcome of the Copenhagen conference, I asked the Commission about the possibility of conducting research to verify the disputed findings.
All the partnerships must be characterised by an efficient and intelligent approach to natural resources, and must start with the most urgent problems: energy and the depletion of raw materials.
We owe our voters that openness.
A fifth is being prepared.
Mankind established all of its orders and prohibitions in the Ten Commandments, and they are spelled out there in succinct form: thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery.
We must also, finally, persuade the United States to urgently re-engage on the same basis we outlined last week.
Consequently, free trade in services plays an important part in all development strategies, because it facilitates swift and effective transfer of know-how on a large scale.
Mr President, only one remark: I think Ankara's increasingly active foreign policy poses new challenges and opportunities for European foreign policy.
Can the Commission state whether it has any permanent indicators that can alert it to an explosion in certain consumer prices, and also whether any investigations have been conducted recently into distribution channels, following the sudden price rises recorded in certain Member States?
We should give priority to tackling all indications of failure to comply with this principle.
But, as honourable Members know from the letters I have received individually and collectively in this House and beyond, there is no simple solution here.
The Committee on Agriculture considers that biomass and biogas have a crucial role among renewable energy sources; however, in the case of biomass, it is unacceptable if it involves the destruction of forests or the removal of land that is suited for the production of food.
These include Europe's approach to climate change mitigation in coastal regions and to sustainable coastal tourism, support for greener, safer and more competitive shipping through the common maritime space without borders, and further action on maritime safety and accident prevention.
So the measures in place so far are not adequate.
While respecting the common rules, the Member States must be allowed to keep their current systems for levying charges.
Indeed, we believe that this initiative is important because it will allow all citizens of the European Union - men and women - and all European residents to travel freely across borders, taking their human rights and their rights to protection and security with them, as stated in Article 3 of the Treaty of Lisbon, which we in the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament intended as the legal basis, in order to give a more coherent direction to the structure of the proposal.
The Commission very much expects Parliament to be actively involved in events such as the annual forum.
After all, Europe is already home to between 15 and 20 million Muslims.
Could the Commission outline its position in relation to this aspect of the abovementioned and similar projects across the EU?
There are other laws against homosexuals in Africa.
(HU) In the new Member States, in times of stress the old reflexes of those in power, unacceptable under the rule of law, still operate.
In these circumstances, I consider that it is now a matter of urgency to implement the Banana Accompanying Measures contained in that agreement, which will enable the ACP countries to modernise this sector and to cope with global competition.
People actually want to save energy, and mostly do this for two reasons, economic and environmental.
People who celebrate their birthday in public hardly dare sing that song in certain places in the United States out of fear of reprisals and fines.
It is extremely rare for me to say that I fully agree with the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance, but in this case, I have to admit that I do.
in writing. - (PL) We are today debating the future of the European Union.
These two groups are the most vulnerable and the most susceptible to violence or sexual abuse and it would therefore be very positive if a decisive step were taken on this matter at the upcoming ILO conference.
The result of the negotiations is the compromise package submitted for your vote, which amounts to simplification and modernisation of the current legal framework.
Written statements (Rule 149)
What is innovation?
Firstly, may I congratulate the rapporteur on his excellent work, completed in a very short space of time.
We voted against the report.
Finally, there is a counter economic argument to the economic argument made: the linguistic diversity of the European people and the mastery of numerous languages has to be a competitive advantage, not a cost.
I would also like to emphasise that I think that the Commission and the Commissioner have made extremely good and constructive contributions to this issue in recent years.
It is their development that we are talking about.
Mr President, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided in July 2007 to grant the right to host the 2014 Winter Olympics to Sochi, Russia.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (DE) Madam President, let me begin by thanking the Commissioner for his remarks.
I believe that the peoples will respond by stepping up the fight against the repressive measures and imperialist interventions against them.
The same applies to minor projects implemented with cofinancing from the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund.
In my opinion, as well as making up lost ground, the new strategy should focus on development - on forms of development clearly determined by the concept of realising our potential.
2007 discharge: EU general budget - Council (
In addition, it values training as a very important factor for the success of professionals in the artistic and creative sector, since artistic studies that focus on developing a career and profession require of the students, in addition to talent, a solid cultural basis that can only be acquired through multidisciplinary and systematic training.
Experience shows that, where assisting spouses have to take it upon themselves and apply to join a social security scheme, the large majority of them do not do so.
Consequently, the Presidency cannot, at the moment, adopt a position on the content of a future general scheme for the data of passengers who are on a list to travel outside the European Union until the Commission proposes a directive on the use of such data and there is a debate with this Parliament under the codecision procedure, which is the procedure we have had since the Treaty of Lisbon entered into force on 1 December last year.
I call, Mr President, on you and on all wings of Parliament to do as the Greek parliament did in memory of this fifteen-year-old boy and for the European Parliament, as the guardian of human dignity and human rights, to observe one minute's silence now in memory of the young, fifteen-year-old boy who was murdered in Athens a week ago.
(ES) Mr President, Commissioner, nothing that we do here or in the European Union is going to bring the dead back to life, but I hope that what is being done will prevent more deaths and halt the chain of people who are ill and who are suffering without having done anything to cause the problem.
(The President cut off the speaker)
So the national authorities of the relevant Member States can address this issue if they want, but at that particular stage there was no majority of Member States in favour of action at EU level.
Let me tell you something.
That is why the parties involved need to be as clear as possible on the procedure to be applied and the material content of the law.
Consequently, the current initiative needs to be consolidated by a policy to encourage young Europeans.
Thirdly, I believe that the EU must use the European security and cooperation policy to strengthen stability in the Western Balkans, following the clarification of Kosovo's status.
It is also the Achilles heel of the European Union.
The president in the chair right now is certainly Italian, but the debate was far from being purely Italian.
In conclusion, I, too, would like to thank Commissioner Reding for all the actions she has taken to strengthen the procedural rights in criminal proceedings.
Similarly, we shall have to revisit the issue of financial regulation.
Full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague is an important prerequisite.
Prison administrations must ensure decent conditions for persons serving prison sentences or under temporary arrest.
Will we say 'yes' or 'no' to these?
I therefore abstained from voting.
Let us make sure that is delivered upon.
We must guarantee the issue not only - it is right to deal with it not only in the seas closest to the European Union - where there are also fishermen operating and Mrs Fraga told us, with concern, about events that are taking place even closer to us.
Lastly, the infringement procedures opened in recent months against some Member States for their failure to respect the 2007 catch quotas are undoubtedly called for and necessary, but the short period for the entry into force of the current provisions during this year should also be borne in mind.
In particular, I want to stress the fundamental aim of saving lives, whilst recognising the important scientific advances in organ donation.
A flexicurity approach should contribute to making transitions pay, not least by providing the necessary element of security.
Agriculture must be supported in this evolution.
I would like to extend our thanks to the Commission staff that I have worked with, as well as members of the Committee on International Trade, such as Mr Musquar, and rapporteurs from the political groups, such as Mr Assis.
We need a Europe that protects, a Europe that reassures and a Europe that provides opportunities to Europeans, to citizens, to consumers and to businesses.
After the election, Delhi's incoming administration, whether new or old, must put up, or we the EU must move on to those who want not just to talk, but to arrive at a conclusion.
I would recommend that everyone walk to Parliament for three reasons.
But first of all they have to stop acting as a terrorist organisation.
We need to provide patients with information, but we also need to help them through the medicinal product jungle, for example by agreeing on the daily routine, package designs or special labelling.
Mr President, in July 2007 I went to Castletownbere in West Cork, which is in the south-western part of Ireland, and met with the fishing community there.
In view of this, I cannot press the proposal further or do more than I have done.
There has been an agreement, an agreement was finally reached, a consensus in the Council, which was not easy.
I think that is a very good point.
I hope that it will be a good example of a new way of cooperating.
The increase in consumer confidence brought about by a compulsory system would be outweighed by the increase in the cost of the insurance itself and the delays resulting from settlement of cases by the courts.
It was indeed the Commission's wish to have these points in the agreement.
If you read the dossier, you can find where we made the changes, so I will not repeat this here but will stick to my wish that these two bodies will really bring some consciousness and some improvement in the way the statistics systems function, and will help us to really have reliable figures and base our economic activities on reliable data.
This is shown, in particular, by the statements made by Members of this House on homosexuals, for example.
With regard to the draft Council decision (07853/2010), the draft agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Iceland, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on supplementary rules in relation to the External Border Fund for the period 2007-2013, and to the request for consent submitted by the Council in line with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, within the legal framework and according to a recommendation made by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, I support the conclusion of this agreement.
We want collective redress for citizens so that they are also genuinely able to assert their consumer protection rights.
The issue of simplification is essential to promoting innovation in European industry and increasing the amount of information given to consumers.
If we conduct a national comparison, we will see that there are only a few Member States of the European Union who have already established a transparency register at this level.
Therefore the European Union must support the awareness campaigns promoting gender equality and human rights.
Indeed, we need to find a way to involve as well the international state actors which are more reluctant to follow our lead.
We must call a spade a spade.
The debate is closed.
The third point is that for any new policy priority we must also have new possibilities of funding.
Subsidising disadvantaged areas is a core element of the common agricultural policy, with the aim of maintaining the universal spread of agriculture throughout Europe.
Nevertheless, the presidential elections in Tunisia have just been held in lamentable conditions that are unworthy of the provisions contained in the agreement with the European Union.
We have to avoid any changes to the final text of the resolution that would complicate the situation or endanger the lives of these defenceless people.
As far as our institution is concerned, then, there is no before and after 11 March 2011.
In relation to the conclusions of the summit, President Barroso and I have proposed the creation of a platform for Roma inclusion.
Cross-border programmes under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance within the Western Balkans started in 2007.
I would also like to say that Mrs Reding, Commissioner for Information Society and Media, to whom I put the same question in a recent interview, admitted that she had not been convinced by the French President's proposed reforms unveiled in January.
The Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left supports this improved territorial cooperation programme.
(IT) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the exceptional flow of immigrants besetting the Italian coast and, hence, the whole of Europe, must spur us on to developing a common approach at last for managing this phenomenon.
CRAs should not be seen as a scapegoat, given that equally at fault were the banking and regulatory culture that relegated risk strategies to the back rooms.
For that reason, one topic I shall raise at this conference is how our policy on visas and the movement of persons can be used as a political incentive for those countries, for example in terms of greater mobility for students and business people.
My fear is we cannot do it twice.
We want to maintain this agreement and help it to be fulfilled, but we also want this agreement to be used to benefit the development of Papua New Guinea and Fiji and not to damage the Spanish industry.
It is, however, not easy to regulate web content in a globalised digital environment.
The aim is to define mechanisms of cooperation between institutions and processes that would simplify and speed up calculating and paying social benefits to their recipients.
There needs to be a substantial change in the international order so that the EU can better overcome its challenges using concerted global action.
Personally, apart from support for the diversification of transport routes for the import of gas, I consider the appeal to expedite the achievement of internal market energy in the current legislature and the necessity to revisit the entire problem of gas storage as major contributions of the report.
This is in complete contravention of the principles of the internal market and, in addition, indirectly pollutes the environment.
The Chinese Government certainly has shortcomings in its policy towards minority groups and it has its failures too. However, it is also showing the will to improve in many areas.
The right to be properly informed is fundamental, because it forms the basis of all other rights.
The second area that was prioritised is support for small and medium-sized enterprises: we increased our loans to the banks so that they continue to lend to small and medium-sized enterprises, with a new product that will allow us to have better control over the actual use of the funds that we lend.
Member of the Commission. - With regard to the application of the Community rules regarding aircraft operations, the Commission has no indication of weaknesses or safety-related loopholes in the respective air safety legislation which only recently became applicable in the Community on 16 July 2008.
I believe in your desire and determination, which you have expressed to us on numerous occasions, to work towards genuine, suitable geographical representation for the new service so that you can be the High Representative of the whole EU.
Although the EU 2020 objectives are defined at Community level, it is vital that the local and regional authorities are involved more in their implementation; a bottom-up approach is essential if we are to implement the economic objectives of the EU 2020 strategy efficiently.
Our overall conclusion is that, because of the need for confidence among everyone involved, we will continue with the gradual implementation of the regulation.
I believe that it is our moral obligation, and I am glad that this resolution has been passed today.
I cannot find any justification, or any mitigating circumstances, for those who, in this way, trample underfoot all those values which are so important to us.
This last point was covered in last October's resolution.
That, Mr President, is simply ridiculous.
(LV) Mr President, Commissioner, the extent to which this debate interests the authors of the question can be seen from the fact that not one of them is in the Chamber any more, and so they will not have heard what Inese Vaidere has just said - that Russia's real visa policy was a weapon it used not to foster the naturalisation process in Latvia, but to achieve quite the opposite.
I am also mindful, on the subject of mobility, of the need to reach agreement on the implementing regulation on the coordination of social security schemes.
Imagine if we simply did not agree with anything you or I said with regard to this catastrophic, inhuman situation in Gaza and behaved as if nothing were happening there?
It is necessary to check whether Union funds are being well used, whether these institutions are meeting the objectives outlined for them, and whether any resources are being wasted.
in writing. - (HU) The situation in the Middle East fills me with anxiety.
It is necessary for us to start a study as thorough as possible in this regard: to show its causes, what keeps the terrorists so fierce and capable of giving up their lives in order to become martyrs, whose martyrs they are, how the recruitment is done, who finances it and how we can intervene in any way to discourage this phenomenon.
The resolution also condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the attempts by ex-President Gbagbo and his supporters to usurp the will of the Ivorian people by fomenting violence and undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
Deputy Prime Minister Vondra, 20 years ago you personally contributed to the fall of a regime that oppressed its neighbours, held its citizens in contempt and lied to its people.
The first is the need for a new vision of the Neighbourhood Policy.
I voted for this report since it proposes appropriate measures for combating poverty in the region: education and a reduction in the disparities between the richest and poorest countries in the region.
The Commission already involves Parliament in the process of democratic scrutiny of strategy papers.
Composition of Parliament: see Minutes
I would like to ask you: What is the situation with financial liabilities?
As a result, without resorting to measures contrary to WTO principles or the UN climate change principle of a common but differentiated effort, we shall be able to provide the necessary guarantees that there will be no carbon leakage and that this kind of migration of enterprises will not occur.
in writing. - I note that the Court of Auditors has once again drawn attention to a large volume of carryovers and cancellations of operational appropriations by several agencies in the financial year 2009.
The EU must appoint at least five women to management positions in the European External Action Service and comply with the gender balance in terms of specialists employed.
We did not even manage to adopt a resolution on the subject of safety because you wanted 150% and were not satisfied with what was actually possible as a result of the various responsibilities involved.
The visa policy of the USA and the accompanying requirements have, however, somewhat shaken these principles.
I believe it is important, at least for all those who believe in the European project - and I think they are in the majority - to be more upbeat in conveying the European message and not to keep succumbing to cynicism or inertia.
Well, we are talking about inventions and processes which can be widely introduced in the world of business.
We have a responsibility to ensure that events in this country do not 'fall off the radar'.
Other countries, which nonetheless state that they are very content, as am I, with the result of the Irish referendum and are keen to see the Treaty of Lisbon implemented, have still not done their duty, as far as their own will is concerned, by stating their method of appointment.
It is very important for them and, above all, for their own economy, but it is also important for others.
This might be a possibility if China respected international intellectual property rights.
The question is, how much are we willing to pay for it?
It is true that we have a particular link with this remarkable woman, who won one of the first Sakharov Prizes here, in 1990, and who, over 20 or 21 years of her life, spent nearly 15 years in prison.
I believe that once this programme has been adopted, it will be possible to do this even better.
It also recognises that taxation through a progressive tax system is essential to democracy.
Now more than ever, we need to help each other in this field.
In addition, the High Representative will, naturally, be a well-known figure, but I believe that the other members of the service should also be people who inspire a high level of confidence.
I hope that an agreement between Parliament, the Council and the Commission can be found on the increased aid level for school milk, up EUR 18.15 per 100 kilograms.
We have already been able to debate the various ideas and positions regarding the report made earlier by your fellow Member, Mr Grech.
We can see that the United States has mobilised a significant economic aid package and has developed a policy that is producing results.
In relation to the products previously mentioned, it is also necessary to inspect actual samples, and to integrate this with verification of locally used agricultural processes and resources.
Let us stop scaremongering with this notion of duplication.
I am very satisfied that we agreed on amendments regarding the emergency number 112 and, after the directive has been adopted, Member States will make further efforts to inform and educate the public on the use of 112.
The countries of Central and Eastern Europe have felt the effects of the economic crisis exceptionally hard.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, mutual fear and mistrust - as Mr Mauro was saying just now - are guiding the decisions made by European governments on the crisis.
There is a piece of old and practical wisdom which says 'better' is the enemy of 'good enough'.
I support the proposal to convene a European Conference on Non-Violence in 2009.
The Commission cannot accept Amendments 1, 2, 3, 8, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 23, 28, 30, 35, 37, 38, 40, 42, 44, 47, 48, 52, 55, 58, 60, 65, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 81, 83, 85, 86, 88, 90, 91, 97, 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 110, 111, 113, 117, 118, 120, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 132, 135, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143, 144, 146, 147, 148, 150, 151, 152, 154, 158, 161, 162, 164, 165, 166, 168, 171, 172, 173, 174, 178, 179, 182, 185, 186, 187, 191, 192, 194, 198, 200, 202, 204, 205, 207, 208, 210, 211, 214, 216, 219, 221, 222, 223, 224, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 245, 246, 247, 249, 250, 253, 255, 256, 257, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 275, 276, 277, 278, 280, 281, 285, 287, 288, 289, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 298, 299, 303, 304 and 306.
That is out of all proportion.
China is a big and powerful country and it is inevitable that our governments must maintain political, diplomatic and trading relations with them.
The European Union's 27 Member States have different pension systems.
Equally important, it will enhance the European perspective for the wider region.
Situation in Georgia (motions for resolutions tabled): see Minutes
Instead of what we might describe as a culture of subordination among clients, farmers and officials, we need a culture of cooperation.
I am voting for this Parliament resolution on the process of integration for the Republic of Montenegro, which recommends that the process of integration be speeded up.
If, in the next few months, by the end of this parliamentary term, we have acted sensibly, we will have closed the gap between the business world's perception and what it views as the real world, and what the ordinary people, the people in the companies, perceive as being the real world.
Furthermore, it constitutes a forum for contact between Europe and Asia.
During that time, I argued with all the top officials about the need to fine-tune the South Korea-EU FTA, so as to get on board deeply dissatisfied industries, particularly the EU automotive industry.
What will prove possible, however, depends on the Croatian Government and the cooperation between it, that is the ruling coalition, and the opposition in the Croatian Parliament.
We should add to that the fact that the inability to overcome the situation by military means alone predestines the European Union, with its extensive range of tools, to play a special role.
Do you not think that 30 years - because many years have passed since these people were killed - are not enough to ask urgently for justice, at last?
Any legislation in this field must avoid the creation of any and all new administrative bureaucracy, which could add to already existing costs.
Mr President, Gazprom and the Nord Stream consortium have been laying what is known as the Northern Pipeline since 9 April.
This is why the indicators for monitoring macroeconomic development and their thresholds must not be adopted automatically by the Commission, but must be analysed from an economic perspective.
In this respect, the Commission welcomes the resolution on Korea voted by Parliament in December 2007.
Exceptional circumstances are frequently cited for this bilateral cooperation.
The sectors most under this stress are agriculture, construction, house maintenance, and the hotel and tourism services, where uncertainty and unfavourable wages are typical.
With regard to the point made by Mrs Stihler concerning the fact that these could be harmful subsidies for new construction, I need to underline the fact that we will not be paying one cent for decommissioning for vessels whose capacity is maintained.
One significant factor is the continuing exposure of war crimes, in which Croatia is fully cooperating with the International Criminal Tribunal.
On this issue, in searching for at least some convergence on basic rules from both the majority and the opposition, it is necessary to guarantee, in all possible ways, that the next round of elections is hallmarked by the highest possible level of transparency and democracy.
For example, one of my constituents, Jeff Stockdale from Hull, a former fishermen, has invented a revolutionary pot trap that would encourage fish to enter it in order to escape from the tidal flow, but it would allow small fish to escape and larger ones to be released before being brought to the surface, if that should be necessary to avoid exceeding one's quota.
I also agree with the objectives and principles applied in the common fisheries policy, but I think all coastal Member States must guarantee the right balance between protection and the socio-economic value of ecosystems.
However, that must not mean that we leave everything as it is.
Commissioner Verheugen has already said on certain occasions that in future it may make sense to make more use of the regulation instrument for internal market legislation, in order to avoid all kinds of problems such as cherry-picking and gold-plating during the transposition of directives.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
The next item is the report by Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra, on behalf of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation (EC) No 377/2004 on the creation of an immigration liaison officers' network - C7-0055/2009 -.
The vote will take place today.
Today the economic crisis is growing into a social crisis.
I am therefore convinced that the real number of violations of human rights is much higher than our information leads us to believe.
In view of the Court of Auditors' statement that it has obtained reasonable assurances that the annual accounts for the financial year 2009 are reliable, and that the underlying transactions are legal and regular, I voted in favour of granting discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Joint Undertaking for the Implementation of the Joint Technology Initiative on Innovative Medicines for the financial year 2009.
It should be noted that, although using an out-of-date cosmetic product does not pose any risk to consumer health, it also does not bring the suggested benefits.
I firmly support this simplified regime since third country nationals holding a visa issued by another Member State who would benefit from this system, have already been subject to a strict screening process in that Member State and were not considered a threat to public order or a risk in terms of illegal immigration.
Internet cafes could be used for this in very remote parts of Europe, where several computers are put into a single room, and all the inhabitants could use this location.
As soon as we have finished reviewing the consultations, if you would like, I will inform you straight away, and in any case we will be presenting our report on this whole sector before the end of the year, as I said earlier.
We might just as well organise a lottery.
We do not have reports on the damage to air transport.
Such an agreement was easier to reach in Bali, Indonesia, than elsewhere on our planet.
This urgent problem can be debated and the best solution found by complementing the regulation adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on general rules covering the supply of air transport services.
Madam President, on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Commission would like to reiterate its strong political commitment to combat violence against women.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, Mr Romeva i Rueda, yesterday in a touching press conference held in Parliament, the relatives of the victims of the indiscriminate murders of Cesare Battisti spoke fairly and with dignity to once again present the issue at the heart of this tragic affair.
We Swedish Social Democrats today supported the call for the Commission to carry out a more detailed investigation of the conditions for establishing a European Credit Rating Foundation or a public European credit rating agency.
Either we find a good digestive quickly or we will be obliged to starve for a long time.
(ES) Mr President, thank you very much for your compassionate and supportive words.
Approval of the bill being tabled by the Romanian Government will only serve to make life more difficult for people with disabilities, making them dependent on the state, instead of enhancing their protection and promoting their social inclusion.
As a new colegislator on this issue, the Treaty of Lisbon now guarantees us the right to full information at the same time as it is received by the Council.
This extension of the previous system significantly threatens the rights, freedoms and guarantees of citizens by adding new elements to a database which is, in addition, shared by numerous bodies.
We are clearly seeing Islam becoming a state religion.
In my opinion, reducing emissions in this industry will be a very difficult task.
Before the vote on Amendment 3:
I believe that the European Union cannot allow reference to be made to such documents.
I would like to thank all those who have contributed their work and ideas.
We are calling for more resources to improve the infrastructure in our border regions and to strengthen the Trans-European Networks.
The Union needs to diversify its supply of crude oil and natural gas.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue card question from Mr Martin under Rule 149(8))
on behalf of the UEN Group. - Mr President, I should like to ask the Commissioners for their response.
Secondly, I would like to say that the method of self-regulation in the banking area that we have chosen for SEPA is a method in which the organs work well and several hundred banks have joined the SEPA area in a very short space of time.
This recommendation for second reading concerns the Council position on the adoption of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on textile fibre names and related labelling and marking of fibre composition of textile products.
We have heard them here tonight about the car industry.
- (DE) Madam President, I should like to make a verbal declaration regarding the very good Angelilli report on the EU strategy on the rights of the child.
They have bowed to the power and influence of the tobacco barons and have continued to hold back on taking effective measures to protect their citizens against the plague of smoking.
We must ensure that the market works as well as possible and that consumers are offered services whose price and quality match their expectations.

The European Union immediately and forcefully condemned these brutal and shocking events.
(RO) Honourable President, eradicating poverty and social exclusion is one of the major objectives of the European Union.
It means simplifying the technical measures, and it means embracing flexibility.
The report provides for the possibility of using the ERDF for the renovation and replacement of existing buildings and for new structures designed to help marginalised communities in rural or urban environments in each of the 27 Member States.
Prime ministers have cancelled the results of two referendums.
My understanding, therefore, is that there would be nothing to stop me using your passport, Minister - providing you were to lend it to me - to go through a check, because there is nobody there to see whether the picture and the person is the same, or I could be using the passport of a distinguished person like Mr McMillan-Scott.
I am, of course, in favour of the right for defendants to have proper representation, but there is no need for harmonisation.
You yourself were often present during the trialogue negotiations.
It is sufficient to recall the examples of countries like Denmark and Finland.

The euro is also an important stabilising force.
in writing. - I voted in favour of the Coelho report.
It was then that the Commission also prepared an integrated approach in the sphere of the industrial policy.
I am pleased that the European Parliament was able to ensure this money did not come from the 'Progress' programme, which is designed to help vulnerable people, but was created using money from the 2010 budget for the first year.
The resettling of refugees from this region should be the responsibility of the states which the refugees head to, and if the influx becomes unsustainable, the response should be to tighten up EU asylum and immigration policy.
Last Monday, the same committee adopted the report on regulation of hedge fund managers by a large majority.
Far more of a problem are multiple contracts and the definition of autonomous work.
The role of culture in the development of European regions (vote)
With the exception, perhaps, of Daniel Caspary's contribution, it has been rather negative.
Eurostars should become the starting point for relaunching the European economic activity, a programme of European innovative stars, a transparent, flexible and non-bureaucratic programme.
Written Statements (Rule 142)
(DE) The terror list has obviously been produced on the basis of information which is not always reliable.
I think the summit has come up with a number of important decisions, but at the same time I am of the opinion that we need more, and we need to move faster.
It is an under-recognised, under-diagnosed and under-treated disease, neglected by health care providers and the public.
This proposal will achieve the best possible balance between an effective approach to illegal practices, the facility to apply these measures without encumbering operators unnecessarily and, finally, their compatibility with the rules of the World Trade Organization.
Let me go straight to one particular point of concern for the agriculture budget, namely, the clearance of accounts line.

We need general standards for this.
This will be a splendid opportunity to show that the agenda to combat climate change is not an agenda against economic growth. On the contrary, it will perhaps be an agenda that encourages modernisation of European industry.
However, as regards supply infrastructures, I must regret that, in the end, we have not been able to use an instrument from the field of transport which has been rejected to a certain extent by this Parliament, namely trans-European energy networks, which were previously proposed but not in the end accepted.
Thank you and good luck!
There is also the Turkish issue.
I should like to believe that long-term positive results will emerge from the European Parliament's effort to draw attention to the inadequacies of the European educational system in this regard, and from its suggestions for remedial measures.
Nothing new emerges from this report.
That is why, for example, we recently proposed that our smallest business should be exempt from excessive burdens in terms of accounting rules and statistical reporting.
Undoubtedly, your report will be a valuable contribution to a future debate on this matter.
No, what did we go and do just now?
Is there anything more ridiculous?
We need greater clarity.
When evaluating the reduction in one of the highest minimum wages in the European Union - it is, for instance, the second highest in the eurozone - and although there was significant wage adjustment in the economy, with the minimum wage, in common with wages in general in Ireland, falling by 3% in real terms in 2008, followed by a rise of 0.3% in 2009, it should be noted that most of the labour market adjustments took the form of job losses.
We have been presented with legal excuses.
The steel and car industries are worried about this, and not entirely without reason.
What is the benefit?
Of course, there are still some ambiguities, and of course we should have liked to go further, but still.
The European Council next week will be key to reaching agreement between the Heads of State and Government of the 27.
What the IFRS organisation then presented - regarding providing its own governance - is a correct, but long-overdue step towards appropriate legitimisation and governance.
Until the emergency services arrive, however, each of us should be able to administer first aid.
the oral question to the Council on the European area of freedom, security and justice (FSJA): Progress in 2008, by Mr Deprez, on behalf of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs - B6-0489/2008),
I think we need to focus on the results.
The EU should also call on the countries neighbouring Burma to bring their influence to bear on improving the human rights situation.
They also contain a number of key provisions that aim to ensure that the chair and executive director of each authority are selected in the most objective way, on the strict basis of the criteria set out in Articles 48 and 51 of the regulations.
As far as the United Nations is concerned, we can warmly commend UNRWA for its work and perseverance and underline that the European Union will continue to support all its efforts.
Following the agreement with the African Union and after opening a debate with the Russian Federation on the issue of raw materials, I shall travel to Latin America at the beginning of June to discuss the raw materials issue with Brazil, Argentina and Chile.
the report by Gabriele Albertini, on behalf of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, on the report from the Council to the European Parliament on the main aspects and the basic choices of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) in 2008, presented to the European Parliament in application of Part II, Section G, paragraph 43 of the interinstitutional agreement of 17 May 2006,
This office risks being a dangerous first step towards European competence for aspects of criminal law and the focus on its creation is a distraction from making existing systems and bodies work effectively.
For reasons of logic, I oppose this new consequence of the legal personality of the EU, as provided for in the Treaty of Lisbon.
What I would ask is to use the words 'safety assessments' or 'risk assessments'.
After such a period, the techniques have moved on far ahead of us.
Turkey's 2007 progress report (debate)

In compliance with the Commission's proposal, Member States should therefore be provided with a methodology, common standards, definitions, classifications and accounting rules, which should be put together within a binding framework for each of them.
Explanations of vote
This takes around nine months.

I am very glad that Europe is playing a leading role by providing for an energy and climate policy that aims to reduce emissions by 20% in 2020 compared with 1990.
Let us guard that advantage; let us strengthen and protect it.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, to tell you the truth, out of the three urgent debates taking place this afternoon, this really is the one in which we feel the most impotent.
So far you have not said precisely how you intend to set about this task.
I am not afraid of emphasising that nuclear energy is an important resource for electricity generation, because it contributes to greater energy security, particularly for states with limited reserves of solid fuels.
It is regrettable that the Court of Auditors was compelled to comment on the budgetary and financial statement of the Foundation, especially to the effect that the initial provisional accounts presented by the Foundation contained serious shortcomings, pointing to significant weaknesses in the financial organisation of the Foundation.
When green, efficient transport choices are made, especially in our cities, this benefits citizens' health and the environment.
The objective once again, though, is an increase in the powers of the Brussels bureaucracy.
Thank you everyone for signing this written declaration.
Throughout the reporting period, the EU took numerous steps on the death penalty, trying to convince countries to change their positions on this issue and also trying to save human lives.
In my opinion, this is much more important than the debate about posts and people.
You have to face up to it: the enterprise aimed at introducing pure and perfect supranationality, launched eight years ago by the great Giscard convention, has well and truly been aborted.
On the other hand, what we are seeing today in Italy is the ugliest face of the dangerous phenomenon of the renationalisation of Europe.
Examples of such initiatives could be: providing tax incentives for the companies employing young people or extending the range of flexible labour contracts.
We are all currently seeing a demonstration that the oft-cited phrase 'external energy policy' stands for a common strategy that does not exist in Europe.
At the same time, the EU is using health as a pretext to promote its expansionist, imperialist plans by proposing the involvement of health services in the CFSP, international trade and relations with third countries.
Has it increased cooperation in different areas and expanded too fast?
Amendment of the Directive will bring the European Union's provisions into line with the most recent technological advances.
Climate change makes it particularly difficult to draw up a list of criteria and fixed standards for subsidies.
He would have noticed that economies are stagnating, jobs are being lost and industries struggling to compete in a fast-changing world.
Here, we value and protect each and every life; we severely punish anybody who endangers human life; and the punishment is more severe if attacks on life are against any minority and motivated by hate.
As a confirmed philhellene, I believe Greece has contributed massively to our Union.
I voted against the Coelho report for two reasons.
Enzymes can improve the texture, the appearance and the nutritional value of food, and can be used as alternatives to chemical-based technology.
The debate is closed.
It is important that new functional blocks be implemented following consultation of all the relevant parties, and Member States take effective actions in order to achieve an integrated management system.
You have given me a mandate, an exceptional and strong mandate, and at an exceptional time.
In addition, we are in the grips of a cruel financial, economic and social crisis, which has had devastating effects on goods transport.
The EGF is among them.
on the oral question to the Commission on the volcanic ash crisis, by Marian-Jean Marinescu and Mathieu Grosch, on behalf of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) - B7-0015/2011);
Mr President, while European Central Bank President, Jean Claude Trichet, has repeatedly expressed concern about inflation indexation of wages, he has failed to take into account the plight of workers, particularly the low-paid, struggling as the cost of living escalates.
However, if, in addition to our work on the internal market, on competition, on State aid policy and on other policies, such as external trade policy, there is no social dimension in Europe, we will have difficulty in ensuring the legitimacy of the European project.
We are counting on you to live up to your reputation in this dossier, too, and ensure that the authority of the European Commission is not undermined.
However, I am very proud of the fact that a Roma strategy was devised during the Hungarian Presidency which determines clearly the obligations of every Member State in connection with the community of this difficult fate.
Perhaps they are not comparable with the terrible injustices committed in other countries, but there are shortcomings internally within the EU.
In the context of inspections, it should, however, be pointed out that there is no uniform system of distributing quotas or reporting catches by individual Member States.
(Mr Mann begins to speak without a microphone.)
(CS) Ladies and gentlemen, I should like first of all to acknowledge the speed and effectiveness of the French Presidency in brokering a truce between the parties to the conflict.
Therefore, I do not think that we can separate the two issues, although I know that other interested parties are also holding important debates on the subject.
There are many technical and financial questions that are yet to be definitively resolved.
My Group remains opposed to the system.
We continue to be alarmed about the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, against the background of reports of extrajudicial killings, abductions and serious intimidation of the media.
(DE) I appreciate that Mr McCreevy has a tight schedule, but others have pressing engagements too.
We do not need this bureaucracy, nor do we need the gilt-edged soil-protection system that Europe is now demanding from us.
As someone who hails from a large region heavily hit by the crisis, when it had already been affected by industrial restructuring, I have listened to the message of the unions, which have constantly challenged us.
The Commission will prepare a new European Union Energy Savings Action Plan that will strengthen and better focus European Union actions, helping EU Member States and EU businesses and EU citizens to save energy in a cost-effective way.
Mr President, yes, I am replacing Mrs Sartori, who is in fact detained in Italy, and I pass on her full apologies because she was particularly keen to be present here today.
I voted in favour of the recommendation on the EC-Comoros fishing agreement, since the parties undertake to promote sustainable and responsible fishing in the Comorian fishing zone and since it provides for a suspension clause in the event of human rights violations in the Union of the Comoros.
(DE) Mr President, the Irish people have said 'no' to the Treaty, and the EU grandees' response was to infuriate the Irish by summoning the Taoiseach to the European Council in order to give an account of their 'misconduct'.
The Security Council must send Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to Burma.
After 2006 I was given the honour of drafting the opinion of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety regarding the implementation of the budget of the five European agencies coming under our jurisdiction for the 2007 financial year.
The idea of a multilateral agreement to combat piracy and counterfeiting may be an effective mechanism for curbing such activities.
I think that, drawing on its internal experience of cooperation among nations and institutions, the European Union has a global responsibility which it should continue to uphold.
It is clear to us that we need to join efforts and increase our pace towards achieving the European Union's basic standards.
A flood of petrodollars is making Russia a resurgent power but, regrettably, it sees everything in zero-sum terms.
We welcome the open attitude President Medvedev has taken in discussions with the EU concerning these issues.
To make its presence felt, Europe must be seen to be stronger in this area.
Central planning has never shown to produce positive results; nor will it do so in the wine sector.
Much remains to be done and we will see it through together.
We have all seen the dispiriting images on our television screens.
Impact of tourism in coastal regions (short presentation)
There has been criticism regarding their policy in China over the years, questioning the motto.
In its most serious form, it is known as 'carousel fraud' which is a criminal activity carried out by expert and professional fraudsters.
6.
The 2009 budget is also making a significant contribution to this solution.
There is only one solution for the challenge of our ageing society: to respect older workers and provide proper jobs for the older generation as well.
Only when we have completed this process will we be able to say to what extent we can give what is technically known as a 'discharge' - in other words, the extent to which we approve the accounts and the implementation of the budgets for 2006.
In any case, I would like to thank the Commission for the proposal it made after the discussion we had here in Parliament, because it is really urgent, on account of climate change, to protect the only area that is sheltered from human predation.
To be honest, however, the reason for that lies in the vote we ourselves held in this Parliament on 18 January this year.
As regards non-proliferation and disarmament, the cooperation between the EU and the United States has been reenergised and the Obama administration has been very keen on this.
New skills and competences acquired by graduates of various types of educational institutions have strategic significance for economic growth and open up new possibilities for people, creating a basis for sustainable development.
I should therefore like to stress this question anew: is it not time for the Commission to review the procedure for its own fund and funding model?
(ES) President Chávez, Judge Afiuni must be freed immediately.
I hope we can resolve this issue very soon in order to avoid an impact on our relations with Greenland.
2.
The fear of death must not be the key in which the future of our people is written.
The harmonisation of value-added tax and the corporate tax base that we are now discussing will also give a boost to the internal market.
It seems that this system did not generate debt.
Is there a new proposal of the European Council for Copenhagen with a 30% target - a greater offsetting than the 20% target - for 2025?
Let us look towards our future, Mr President, and accept our duty to build it.
I agree with you that for the policy to be more effective we also need a stronger focus on results, stronger monitoring and an evaluation culture.
I look at the climate change conferences, the enthusiasm with which Saudi Arabia supports the idea of carbon capture and storage being put in the CDM.
This judgment by the ECtHR will not lead to the improved integration of refugees and is not an effective way of resolving the asylum challenges faced by the EU.
We can endorse the proposal.
We shall have pressures in agriculture, not only because we are using codecision for the first time, but, above all, because we are intending to use it through Parliament and we will not agree to further cuts to the agricultural budget to fund other areas.
Indeed, our sympathy goes out to all those who have died or are lying in a hospital bed.
Therefore, as has been said, we need to be prepared for this by enhancing civil protection.
The EU and the Member States should therefore create a favourable environment for these enterprises.
Furthermore, the day after the G20 summit, the Europe-United States summit will represent an important opportunity for taking these results on board and developing a common approach to several current economic issues.
The treaty means sweeping changes and I therefore support the proposal for a pan-European referendum, an interesting alternative to a Swedish referendum which I think is necessary to give the citizens the opportunity to express their opinion on matters which are of crucial importance for them.
The arrangements apply only in a qualified way to goods vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes.
(PT) Mr President, this is an important debate, since I believe that it is the last in which we will be discussing names.
We need to clarify certain points.
Consequently, there must be an efficient control and monitoring mechanism, and a reduction in bureaucracy and the administrative burden.
(BG) I would like to congratulate the rapporteur Mrs. Jäätteenmäki for that fact that since the Lisbon Treaty and the Charter of Fundamental Rights were signed a new framework on the Ombudsman's role in modern social relations has been proposed.
Indeed, they are damaging not only to my country, Poland, but also to Europe as a whole.
The economic crisis has made poverty considerably worse.
The most common manifestation of discrimination in the labour market is employers being guided by prejudices and stereotypes when selecting a candidate for a job - nearly 62% of respondents saw that as a major problem.
It is simply different, and as a Hungarian, I would be grateful if you could respect this in the spirit of unity in diversity.
Voting in favour of this proposal would preclude any future, more effective, measures.
Then you have to find a lasting, sustainable and systemic solution for the longer term.
It is now up to activists in France and in the UK to make sure that their governments respect this.
The first is that, contrary to what one of you said, we do not use taxpayers' money.
Only in this way can these nations and societies become long-term parts of the global ...
Thanks to amendments from this House, which I wholeheartedly support, this information will have to be provided on a standardised information sheet, which will make it easier for consumers to assimilate the information.
This way, we will be able to combat poverty and ensure economic, social and territorial cohesion, by means of sustainable economic growth.
So everyone agrees on the diagnosis, but clearly we are not in agreement about what we need to do to extricate ourselves from this financial deadlock.
'Anxiety to maintain internal control', with 'little interest in seeking popular consent' on which to base the rule of a political elite.
Thirdly, you referred to the issue of innovation.
This looks to me like political editorial control over things on the Internet - the new medium.
You can imagine the implications of this.
The study shows that this is technically possible.
Back in February, in the resolution on the revised framework agreement between the European Parliament and the Commission, we asked the Commission, and I quote: 'to make available to the European Parliament summary details of all proceedings in matters of breaches of regulations on the basis of an official request, if the European Parliament so desires', end quotation.
What are we doing in Europe?
The 'cooperation' and 'communication' principles appeal to me.
The proposed strategy will allow a coordinated and integrated policy which can achieve synergetic effects, promote cohesion and foster economic growth and competitiveness, all while protecting the environment.
The report calls for the creation of legal cooperation mechanisms between the EU and signatory states and under trade agreements in order to guarantee recourse to the justice system for victims where multinationals and their subsidiaries fail to comply with social and environmental legislation.
We need more cooperation and coordination, not least in light of more Europe with respect to economic practices.
I hope that we can continue to work together in this way in future.
Mr President, this is not the first time we have discussed the method of governing employed by Robert Mugabe and his party.
That is not good enough.
In some cases we have had heated arguments and have gone into very great detail. I should like to emphasise, however, that you have put the discharge at the top of the agenda in the College, in the Commission.
It is against this background that a European Council was held which, to top it all, has just deferred by four months consideration of possible measures to combat rising oil prices that, as has been said, are strangling tens of millions of ordinary people.
I voted for Amendment 1, which proposed combining the two October part-sessions and holding them in the same week in the European Parliament's session for 2012.
I had also mentioned the French Presidency in my notes, but regrettably its representative has already disappeared.
Secondly, I thank my fellow Members for having supported the numerous important recommendations I made to the budget package.
I welcome the fact that these two are now being joined by key political figures each fasting for 24 hours.
The Commission's proposal before us should nevertheless be welcomed.
The situation of migrant workers must be regularised by guaranteeing their labour and social rights, which is a necessary condition for ending unacceptable situations of exploitation.
I approve this report, taking into account the amendments proposed by the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament.
It is important for the Treaty of Lisbon to enter into force as soon as possible so that, among other things, we can continue the work of appointing the new Commission.
I also know that the basis for agreement must be a long-term vision and not hastily drafted plans.
They have also been in touch with the competent authorities in third countries, providing a clear picture of the incident to our trade partners.
May I assure you of the Commission's willingness to look again at the various points in this report in close cooperation with Parliament.
This recommendation by the European Parliament is over-prescriptive at the EU level.
It does not mean challenging the independence of the European Central Bank or artificially coordinating economic policy decisions, which must continue to be made according to the circumstances of each country.
He does not say a thing that he thinks will make life harder for Israel.'
Murder, which has been deeply rooted in Turkish tradition for generations, is often interpreted favourably for men, who are supposedly acting to clear the disgraced honour of their family.
I cannot deny that a few problems still exist, in particular the clauses relating to unfair contract terms in Chapter 5.
After all, ordinary citizens rightly expect the European Union's institutions not only to help the banks, but also to provide them with social security.
We can do it, if we want to.
Having a single patent will significantly reduce administrative costs for small and medium-sized enterprises, stimulate innovation and help create new jobs at a time when the EU has an ever-growing need for them.
Investments in sustainable energy, in infrastructure for green energy and energy efficiency in buildings create millions of jobs, and this is not to be sniffed at.
We must reconcile ourselves to the fact that the Slovak Republic will lose one Member as a result of the agreed principle of digressive proportionality.
The purpose of the report on the revision of the directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment was to encourage the separated collection, recovery and recycling of this kind of waste.
This is a signal that this issue has begun to be seen in its true dimension: the European one.
Mr President, I welcome this report on public finances.
That is a perverse system.
However, a country which - despite international support for the securing of its borders - claims the right to violate international law as it sees fit disqualifies itself from accession to the European Union once and for all.

If you really were concerned about safety, and not purely about money, it seems to me that the facts to quote should relate to foreign drivers responsible for fatal accidents, and not simply the offences they commit, the number of which, by the way, increases in direct proportion to the proliferation of automatic radar devices.
I find it shocking that many errors are occurring in procurement with regard to projects.
Its response was 'no follow-up'.
As a founding member of the EU, the Netherlands has almost always been the largest net contributor to the EU budget.
The publication by the Council last December of guidelines on the implementation of the consular Lead State concept in the event of a crisis is a first positive step and they contain important ideas.
That is the President of the Commission, but I have not heard a word from him on this matter.
I think that it not always quota, but also quality, that should also be important.
The amendment would, however, tend to weaken the impact of the measure in providing incentives to beet processors to dismantle their plant.
Ladies and gentlemen, the initial aim of the European Union - the security and wellbeing of the people of Europe - has not altered.
Nevertheless, it is important to ensure that geological capture and storage technology for carbon dioxide, which has been little tested, is applied in accordance with the strictest safety standards, as set out in the directive on this issue.
This is hampering significantly the operation of the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission, the main body tasked with the efficient management of the resources released by the international community.
Fiscal sovereignty must remain with the Member States.
Mr President, democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms are what the EU stands for.
GNSS are important for developing Intelligent Transport Systems (ITSs), because ITSs can provide more efficient, cleaner and safer transport solutions, and proper implementation of a number of ITS services requires fully operational GNSS systems.
I thought you were finishing, then suddenly you continued your speech, so I did not know whether or not to bang the gavel.
Undoubtedly, our hard-pressed farmers will be faced with yet more bureaucratic headaches.
This concerns both the level and the scale of healthcare, and it is evident that more fears are being expressed by the poorer countries, which are at a stage of transformation and are trying to catch up with the wealthier ones.
Oral explanations of vote
This is due to several factors, such as limited financial resources, the lack of qualified workers and inability to respond quickly to change: hence the need for additional funding.
The EUR 50 million made available by the Commission will not be enough.
This is something which it would be good to discuss with the new Commissioner for External Relations.
However, nobody can say that tomorrow we will be passing a package that includes equal competitive conditions.
In the immediate future, the urgent problems concern the measures to be taken for the fateful date of 1 January 2008.
Many political elements are appearing and exerting pressure to bring about the partition of Kosovo, which is not an answer.
(ES) Thank you, Commissioner, for your highly relevant, correct and complete answer.
The Spanish Presidency's main interest is the Mediterranean area, which can bring major benefits to Romania as well.
Now that Gordon Brown has bottled out of an election, the need for a British referendum is greater than ever.
(PT) This debate is about road safety.
(PL) Mr President, I am glad that one of the specific measures to bring about development through knowledge mentioned by Mr Barroso was the provision of an Internet connection for every school.
The text on which we have voted not only proposes to combine the three directives on the labelling of textile composition into a single European regulation applicable to all the Member States, but it is also designed to simplify the procedure for recognising new fibres.
It is a summit that perhaps may not even be very high profile, but we need to make that relation thrive.
Nonetheless, this is a measure that we applaud, having advocated an extension of parental leave to six months in our 2009 government programme.
We know that the situation there is far from satisfactory.
Madam President, I am touched by the words 'smart' and 'intelligent', which are very much part of this debate, because the solutions we try and use in our house to reduce energy consumption are certainly not working and they are neither smart nor very intelligent.
The US demand for an end to subsidies to Airbus, as a condition for holding negotiations, falls outside an acceptable framework for settling the dispute.
I find it regrettable that the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) have not thrown any weight behind this text.
There is a danger that Ireland will no longer be perceived as neutral.
In the context of the European Union, it is also necessary to state that the definition of marriage and the family belongs to the family law of individual Member States, and the EU should not interfere in this area.
The European Union as a whole has been extremely active in recent weeks both on the political and practical fronts.
Decisions are taken by the Council and the European Parliament - not by the Commission.
I hope we will reach agreement on the idea of going over possible areas where savings can be made for each individual institution.
Global problems require coordinated solutions on a global scale.
It has been widely reported that, at that meeting, several of our colleagues, in particular Mr Daniel Cohn-Bendit, addressed the President of the Czech Republic in insolent, insulting and intolerant terms, in such a way as to bring this House into disrepute.
However, free movement is significantly hampered by concerns about the possibility of recouping the cost of medical treatment abroad.
This allows us to approve an appropriation of the necessary funds without eroding the other budget lines dedicated to financing important actions among the Union's objectives and programmes.
I voted against raising the retirement age because I think that people who pass a certain age, but who will and can work, should be encouraged and not forced to work, especially at a time when the unemployment rate in the EU-27 is 10%, and 20% among young people.
These risks are of direct concern to investors in those funds and to the stability and integrity of European financial markets, as well as seriously affecting financial market participants.
They cannot cope alone.
in writing. - The Fine Gael MEPs do not support the proposal for a directive on a common consolidated corporate tax base but did not see this as grounds for voting against this important report as a whole.
The first is the institutions' policy on buildings and property.
This will give all stakeholders an opportunity to consider how the first months of the strategy have gone and what lessons might already be drawn at that stage.
This is the beginning of a new era for us and, therefore, we are asking, in accordance with Article 60, to be admitted to the EU coordination meetings and not to be left standing outside the door.
Of course, we will be faithful in our application of the Lisbon Treaty, and I would like to point out that it was my government that promoted the use of Spanish co-official languages in the European institutions.
That did rather disappoint me, I must say.
in writing. - (PT) I voted in favour of this report since I welcome the fact that the compromise changes introduced into the proposal initially presented by the Commission will have contributed decisively to guaranteeing patient access to reliable and independent information on prescription-only medicines that are available on the market.
Those responsible for the post-election violence a year ago must be brought to justice and a period of reconciliation and tolerance is now essential for Kenya.
For years on end Bulgaria was required to make greater efforts in the fight against crime.
Why not harmonise those?
With this report, the European Parliament is proving that the EU, far from wanting to sacrifice childcare in the name of free competition of services, lets Member States choose their educational model.
The situation is a sensitive one and the conflict between the parties has become polarised.
The European Union is nevertheless prepared to take on its role of coordinating, supporting and facilitating national policies.
It is they who make the decisions, they who are in charge of their own firms, they who decide what to do and how to spend the money and they should not suffer discrimination.
Although they were inspired by the highest intentions, I do not think that at the European Parliament we ought to support a rule that is restrictive and that is directed against a single person.
It is excellent that we are adopting a clear position against passive smoking.
Honourable Members, indeed, there is still work to be done, but we certainly place our trust in the dialogue and what we could refer to as the impact of the dialogue and its effects.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for around 99% of all EU businesses and make a key contribution to economic growth: as well as a source of jobs and wealth, they are particularly suitable vehicles for innovation.
The 26th, the Czech Republic, has just taken an important decision, in that the Constitutional Court has stated that the Lisbon ratification process can take place, and Prime Minister Topolánek has indicated, in a courageous and responsible statement, that his ambition is to propose the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon.
However, the current discussions in the Council suggest that a system of prior authorisation is likely to be limited to specific types of health care.
They have done none of those things and the report should be rejected by this House.
We have recently witnessed the results of deregulation in the United States, which allowed the financial sector to self-regulate, with extremely serious consequences for the whole world economy.
Like you, the Commission believes that all Member States face significant challenges as they seek to improve their educational and training systems, especially vis-à-vis higher quality.
It is estimated that the peak in the unemployment rate will be recorded only in the next two to three quarters.
My thanks also go to Commissioner Reding - Commissioner of the Year 2007, congratulations! - who tabled the proposal for the revision of the Directive with great resolution and willingness to cooperate, in equal measure, and worked on it with us.
With the Koralm Tunnel, the EU has a unique opportunity to shift traffic to the railways on a scale that we have been striving for for decades.
This also relates to the question of the source of supply and transport routes.
Our response cannot be to carry on as if nothing has happened.
It is not practical to start a debate, today, in the very few hours that remain, on a subject that will only be concluded in 2012 or 2013.
Therefore, we must ask the Commission to pay serious attention to national action plans and their implementation, and to ensure that the EU directives adopted thus far are transposed into national legislation, as the implementation of the 2020 energy strategy and the achievement of the CO2 emission reduction targets can depend on this.
Equally the proposal to invite the Dalai Lama to the General Affairs Council is absurd to anyone who is not deliberately trying to undermine the EU-China relationship.
Although we have to define our position on certain points raised in the amendments in more detail, the report undoubtedly represents a step forward, on clarity in particular and on safety.
Apart from this, all EU countries have ratified the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
I support the rapporteur's idea that the fulfilment of key priorities can work as a catalyst for boosting investment, growth and job creation throughout the Union.
Now, of course, we cannot simply imagine nuclear power away.
(EL) Mr President, Minister, Commissioner, I understand why numerous members take a stand against Russia.
In keeping with the commitment it made right at the outset of the mission, my country will not withdraw its troops until Afghan territory is completely secure.
We welcome the development of a peaceful and democratic Lebanon and are keen to see the EU Member States contributing actively to the peace process.
I should just like to state again that the draft directive respects Community preference fully.
We asked, and will continue to ask, the Chinese authorities to put an end to the harsh treatment imposed on Falun Gong followers.
As part of the trialogue, the Commission, which has now spoken in detail, has already finished its work, at least in large part for the time being.
Together with my fellow Members in the Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left I have therefore drawn up a number of amendments in favour of civil rights, to protect citizens' rights on the Internet.
Secondly, it talks about a so-called leading role for the EU in the world and blindly believes that the rest of the world will develop in line with the EU's own wishes.
I do not think that we would be having this debate if everything had gone well.
This is the big challenge.
In reforming the CAP, we must not forget the principles of integration, solidarity and community.
Lastly, Mr President, while it is vital to restore confidence among savers, it would be a fatal mistake to impose unviable solutions.
I would like to remind you that the military coup in Fiji in 2006 was unanimously condemned by the European Parliament, the Council and also by the Commission.
The great debate concerns the areas in which the aspect of equality should also be included.
As a result, I am going to support the amendment which proposes a longer transition period for discontinuing the subsidies granted to unprofitable coal mines.
A project has been tabled before us which may assume the same strategic importance as Nabucco.
A vital element of ideological ferment has been introduced.
Discrimination, of whatever kind, cannot be tolerated.
I am also excited, particularly as a British citizen, that the new government in Juba is committed to recognising the independence of the Republic of Somaliland - the former British Protectorate of Somaliland - and I am convinced also that many other African and European states will shortly follow thereafter.
The dialogue between Member States and between regions is also very important, and I am delighted that we have managed to include a number of comments from the Committee of the Regions as well as other organisations, such as the European Youth Forum, for example.
In conclusion, I wish to send out a clear message. We have to act and we have to do so immediately.
Thank you.
I have voted in favour of Mr Wijkman's report on building a Global Climate Change Alliance between the European Union, the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS); I believe that we cannot postpone taking tougher action outside of the EU in respect of the joint challenges of climate change and the reduction of poverty.
(DE) Mr President, yesterday we received very sad news from Grozny in Chechnya.
All that remains for me to say is that, from our point of view, there are some reservations regarding the guarantees needed in order to ensure that ports of refuge are the ports that we all need.
There is no point in us having common standards if there are major deviations between the different Member States in their practical application.
I am sure that you are counting on the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in all countries this year.
2007 discharge: Community Fisheries Control Agency (
The decisive factor for us is once again parliamentary control, including control over the External Action Service and the foreign policy drawn up by the High Representative, although, of course, we acknowledge the role of the Council.
How is it possible to draft the projected new so-called 'horizontal directive', which at the moment is nothing more than an extension beyond the workplace of protection in a number of areas, when the question of positive action is still being regarded in terms of safeguarding non-prohibited measures rather than seeking new measures?
(ES) Thank you, Mr President-in-Office of the Council, for that response, which I consider quite comprehensive.
I trust it will prove possible to reach agreement on all cross-border issues.
I advocate a realistic and feasible budget, but one that provides the various institutions with the material means necessary to carry out their duties.
When the demonstration was over, the group was attacked by about a dozen thugs who beat them up and snatched banners with the logo of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament.
I am not.
I would like to express my appreciation to the rapporteur, Mr Castiglione, who has taken such a balanced approach to a topic as emotive as wine.
Taking into account border permeability, we need high standards when putting the Schengen acquis into actual practice in order to be able to maintain an increased level of mutual trust between Member States, including in their ability to implement measures accompanying the abolition of controls at internal borders.
With the changing climate in Europe and throughout the world, there is an increasing number of natural disasters resulting in loss of human life and major damage.
Nevertheless, much needs to be done along the road towards genuine religious freedom in Pakistan.
I am, therefore, pleased that the report puts an emphasis on the need to analyse the impact of the existing EU provisions and of additional Member States' rules in this field before one embarks on introducing any new legislation.
I believe we should first deal with the situation in our immediate vicinity.
- Mr President, first of all I would like to thank Mr Deutsch for his excellent report.
As of 31 January 2011, 23 FAO Members had signed the Agreement and two instruments of accession had been deposited.
We must also remain vigilant as to the potential harmful effects of promoting biofuels over world food supplies and deforestation.
To grow biofuels by cutting down whole areas of rainforest, burning the timber where it falls to get a few years' worth of nitrates and then moving on, gang-raping the precious forests, is criminal.
You have the monetary report.
What is politically useful is not always politically correct and after listening today to the Grand Mufti we have to decide in a manner that is clear and unequivocal for all of us whether we in this Chamber follow the democratic provisions of the Rules of Procedure or follow the interest each individual may have according to circumstances.
So much for the consensual issues: the question which in my view will undoubtedly arise is whether we will still be able to work together when it comes to substantive issues concerning the policy course that we should take, and when we start addressing points of detail.
Having said that, problems still exist, and we in the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe have also pointed that out all along.
Georgia is an integral part of our neighbourhood policy and so we have an obligation to ensure the maximum support necessary for rebuilding the country.
There are various reasons for this, ranging from its geographical location to its long coastal border.
I believe that the report is necessary in view of European Union objectives relating to global warming and emission reduction.
The second I would say is Islamic totalitarianism, above all in connection with Sharia law.
You have to have a sound EU food policy.
Furthermore, I encourage new Member States to continue to build up effective partnerships and to consistently reinforce the partnership principle while implementing the operational programmes.
Under today's conditions it is no longer possible to obtain that kind of picture without the use of space technology, because otherwise the other side would have it.
Public opinion is very sensitive and completely opposed to unnecessary, painful practices.
On the Council travel website it says 'under construction', which I think is a metaphor for the fact that we are failing our citizens in failing to put flesh on the bones of the promise of European citizenship.
That is why the European Parliament has repeatedly called for all the institutions and organisations of the European Union to be given the financial and human resources needed to ensure that citizens receive immediate and in-depth replies to their complaints, questions and referrals.
(RO) Madam President, this debate is taking place at a critical time for the future of the European Neighbourhood Policy.
Now there are real deals to be had at bargain prices.
What we do need in Europe is a clear commitment from the Commission as well that Europe is socially responsible.
I believe it is time for us to realise the fundamental importance of Serbia for European unity.
Children below that age are more vulnerable and require greater protection.
So keep quiet and leave the politics to other people who have a better understanding of the situation'.
I would like the Minister to comment on the experience to date of Czech farmers and the Czech agri-food industry of the common agricultural policy, whether they are satisfied and whether it has made good improvements to their particular lots in different enterprises.
I believe that we are gradually making ourselves look ridiculous.
In Afghanistan, I hope that we have learnt from the mistakes of the past and that we will adapt our policies and structures accordingly.
I want to talk, in particular, about paragraph 29 of the motion on which we will vote on Wednesday.
(PL) Madam President, the climate change conference in Bali was a test of whether there is generally a chance of worldwide cooperation to combat climate change.
It is here, ladies and gentlemen, that we must act.
Therefore, they must objectively and rigorously account for how the public funds made available to them have been used.
I also support the provisional implementation of the agreement pending its entry into force.
Mr President, I would like to address the issue of democracy building with regard to our eastern neighbours.
European citizens are in favour of development aid.
I hope that Parliament will now stand united and that we can proudly say to our voters in the EU elections in June that the EU will become increasingly open - that we have no hidden agendas and that we want to be scrutinised on and judged by what we do - and with a transparency of which we can be proud.
Well, if you insist, we will record it in the Minutes.
The next item is the joint debate:
It is the tax with the least negative consequences for the global competitiveness of the European economy.
We have also gone to great lengths to reach common positions, as Mr Staes has rightly demonstrated, and this has also been amazingly successful.
As you all now know, that is what we got.
the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) should support the reintegration of individual redundant workers into employment, and I would reiterate that assistance from the EGF is not a substitute for measures that are the responsibility of companies by virtue of national law or collective agreements, nor is it intended to finance the restructuring of companies or sectors;
A further result of the improvements is that we still have a separate, independent directive - independent of REACH - obviously with the necessary coordination between the two.
A body empowered to award public funding must be entirely above suspicion, if only for the sake of people's trust in public administrative authorities.
In 2001, EU Member States accounted for 79% of Russian foreign investment to the tune of nearly USD 30 billion.
This incident is now being considered by the UN.
Forwarding of texts adopted during the sitting: see Minutes
The EU 2020 strategy also goes in this direction.
The directive provides legal safeguards for mobility and at the same time offers a statutory basis for existing initiatives in the area of cross-border healthcare.
This recommendation is based on a draft Council decision on the conclusion of a protocol between the European Union and Jordan, the aim of which is to implement a dispute settlement mechanism as part of the Euro-Mediterranean agreement.
Better regulation is a top priority for this and we have made significant progress in the years of impact assessment, simplification and the reduction of administrative burdens.
Yesterday, we voted on the role of national parliaments and their powers on proposed EU legislation in the area of subsidiarity under the new Lisbon Treaty, so we have to be very careful that we are coherent in the way we vote.
Subject: Canned fish products as part of food aid
The inclusion of two weeks of paternity leave is also an important step in the struggle for equality between men and women.
Risks and costs must be apparent and comparable from the outset.
Secondly, there is the issue of the House of European History.
In spite of this, accession negotiations have not yet begun.
You may say that, in the current situation, nothing more can be done.
Will the Commissioner look seriously at Oxfam's proposal, which has had an indication of support from the British Prime Minister, and put his weight behind it as a European Commissioner for Trade?
We cannot allow any uncertainties when it comes to these.
Those guidelines should take into account the demands of families with children.
I am confident that this House will rise to its responsibilities and we will come up with a good package tomorrow.
It is not the only body of laws we are proposing.
Forwarding of texts adopted during the sitting: see Minutes
Sweden has applied for assistance from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund in respect of redundancies within the automotive sector in Sweden.
I wonder, therefore, if the procedural representatives who made the compromises have a real mandate from their group and I shall bear this in mind in future negotiations.
Mrs Patrizia Toia's report can help eliminate the suspicion legislators and market stakeholders have that the money and products generated by the social economy are simply organisations seeking to evade competition rules.
In the draft document, there is not even a repetition of the sums which the European Commission is proposing - that the needs of developing countries in this area are estimated at EUR 100 billion annually to 2020, and what the EU's contribution to that amount might be.
It has been a fantastic event, and I am delighted to have had the opportunity to meet you.
It is very true that in the Council the right-wing governments have adopted the same position, regardless of whether their geographical location is in the east or west.
We, as the European Union, have a unique opportunity here to show that we are on the side of the workers - of the 200 000 Opel workers in Germany, Poland, Austria, Spain and Belgium, to name just a few.
It explains the tragic situation of the people of that country and the powerlessness of national authorities, international institutions and the peacekeeping forces.
We take the view that the surveillance of arms exports is best achieved by each Member State working through its national legislation.
However, we depend on the cooperation of the Polish authorities to arrive at a viable solution.
The scope of public services concerned covers healthcare, education, security, climate change and energy efficiency, all issues which benefit the entirety of society.
I agree with the rapporteur that it is necessary for Parliament, along with all Union institutions, to find the most cost effective ways of using financial and staff resources, including possible savings, as well as electronic tools and methods, to provide efficient services.
That is where it all starts and then moves down the chain.
Policy must lend itself to implementation, and so simplification is in order.
We have put in place, for example, legislation on barometers.
Diversity and compatibility in the job market and in society are fundamental.
We are concerned about the situation of the refugees, who have had to leave their homes under pressure and cannot return to them, and we appreciate the efforts made by the Georgian Government towards securing dignified living conditions for all of the refugees.
Opening of the sitting
The vote will take place during the next sitting.
Because the yard has received less aid in the past, we can be less demanding in this respect.
However, the interim results with the car, for example, where we have found a responsible compromise which does not suit the industry but ensures adequate transitional periods, we can endorse, even if a few Greens protest against it or a unified lobby of different interests tries to disparage this useable compromise.
Codification of the directive on marks identifying the lot to which a foodstuff belongs aims to achieve this approach and to simplify consumers' understanding of the legislation.
Go on then, I dare you!
So whether this directive becomes law is now in the hands of the co-legislators.
We only have to imagine what would happen if a disaster struck a Member State in a difficult financial situation.
The perfect example is the Globalisation Fund: a little poke of financial sweeties.
But a currency is also far more than a means of payment.
You will not be speaking again but you will nonetheless be staying here to listen to further speakers.
We are, however, unhappy that Parliament supports a voluntary, as opposed to compulsory, 2% increase in milk quotas.
Due to its excellent financial standing, it was able to do so even at a time when it was difficult to raise finance from the markets.
The ideal scenario would be for the reverse charge to be applied as a rule rather than the exception.
Religious intolerance is becoming an increasingly frequent phenomenon in various parts of the world, and the terrible attacks against Christians in Egypt and Iraq over the last few weeks are the latest dangerous challenge posed by fundamentalist terrorism.
We do not have the right to ban, but we do have the right to protect.
The report ought also to point out the responsibility of Roma families who, instead of sending their children to school, send them out to commit offences and keep them in such a way as to prevent their integration.
I call, therefore, on the Russian leaders to make the choice of the future.
That is why it is proposed to distribute the resources in such a way that really effective use can be made of them.
Member of the Commission. - (EL) Madam President, I welcome the opportunity that we have this evening of debating the proposal to revise the directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.
We are, however, being stretched on the basis of the present Treaty texts to tackle these problems.
Does she envisage the possibility of launching some specific programmes or projects that we might begin to consider in terms of university exchanges, cultural and artistic exchanges, and, if so, what?
Member of the Commission. - I admit that, but of course this is of such importance, and this is such an urgent issue, that the leakage from last week's meeting was discussed in the College.
We have done that several times, and I sincerely hope that they will take advantage of our flexibility to bring us a concrete proposal.
I would remind the House that the 2007 slogan for this day was: 'Global Air Transport - a driver of sustainable economic, social and cultural development'.
The first is how we must deal with excessive antibiotics prescription, which is handled very well in the report.
The European Union is committed to the absolute prohibition of torture and of cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment.
However, the Commission will play an active role in the stock-taking part of the conference, and we count fully on the Spanish Presidency to lead the European nations so that their voice will make a big difference in this conference.
It is thus important that we focus on the role they play in agricultural businesses and in rural areas.
Again, I would state that the decision was taken by the Council of Ministers, and that is it.
Furthermore, the Resolution states that any strategy relating to macro-regions must be incorporated into the cohesion policy, which is the coordinating policy at European Union level.
The main factors which contributed to the failure are double standards and a tendency to think in military terms.
Finally, we come to the lotteries.
The area is an integral part of the EU's energy strategy, so that this new strategy is an implementation of the higher energy strategy and will bring synergy and continuity to our work at European level.
However, it emphasises that the country needs to complete the remaining section of the journey towards full membership.
I think that it is excellent that the report mentions the importance of an Arctic Information Centre and also states that the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi, Finland, would be a good place to locate it.
But these responsibilities should be seen as having a subsidiary character.
I believe he is the right person for the job and his track record has been impressive.
This will mean that no burden will be placed on the EU budget.
The conclusion was to replace all other terms included in amendments by 'former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia'.
Most consumers would therefore reject products from seal hunting that does not come close to meeting requirements corresponding to those to which Swedish hunting is subject, results in unnecessary suffering and takes place on a large scale under uncontrolled conditions.
The recovery framework plan, due out on 26 November, is supposed to include short-term measures to help head off a recession.
Relations between the European Union and Russia are of enormous importance for stability, economic growth and security in Europe and the whole world.
We have witnessed repeated threats and boycotts which we absolutely cannot accept.
Only the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty will enable the more effective management of European priorities in the energy sphere and these are now changing.
Alzheimer's is an insidious disease for which there are no effective drugs, despite extensive research.
The Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi, on the Arctic Circle, has indicated its willingness to function as the EU Arctic Information Centre.
The 'made in' stamp on knives has been demanded for some time by social groups such as Aprecu, and the government of Castilla-La Mancha has been fighting for it with the unanimous support of its regional Parliament.
Article 1 lists the European Union's institutions.
This looks, in particular, at the so-called comitology aspects.
I believe, however, that all these issues will be successfully dealt with and that Europe will not in the process become some sort of enclosed fortress.
I refer to the EMU because, whether we like it or not, it is the strongest link between the European nations that share the same currency, with the rights, but also the obligations, that this entails.
Georgia lost the war but should win the peace, and we have to do our utmost to make this happen. It means two things: helping Georgia with strong financial support for reconstruction and helping to consolidate democratic reforms.
(ES) Mr President, I, too, of course, would like to add my support for the residents of Lorca.
Commissioner, it is not true that workers can decide for themselves.
You have split up some of them in such a way that it will, in future, be very difficult to conduct specific negotiations in the committees.
In my opinion, we need an emergency measure for this case of urgent need, which should unite the European Commission, the Member States and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Because it has still to be accepted in the Council: I have heard about four Member States objecting.
We are using the means we have to send a friendly signal to Israel, saying, 'Please get a move on!' -.
However, I have the impression that this is just an umbrella concept to disguise your lack of action.
Improving the energy efficiency of buildings is the most effective way of reducing energy consumption and emissions.
- Before the vote on paragraph 20:
in writing. - (HU) The report entitled 'Towards a common European foreign policy on energy' makes the important point that Europe's energy supply depends to a growing extent on unstable and non-democratic countries.
Results in the immediate future will depend on how we prioritise existing obstacles.
in writing. - (IT) The situation in Chad has now become critical.
I shall vote in favour.
He had discovered that a subcommittee of a committee of a subcommission was meeting in the House of Commons, and so he could not be present at the signing of the thing he did not want to sign but intended to sign nevertheless, but then later, at the meal, he signed it after all.
The EU as well as the USA were caught by surprise and still have to improvise in reacting and accommodating themselves to these revolutionary developments.
14.
Following the negotiations, the draft protocol on Liechtenstein's accession to the Dublin agreement with Switzerland was presented.
in writing. - (IT) Export controls of dual-use items, meaning goods which can be used for both civil and military purposes, have been the subject of EU-level actions for around 15 years.
We have been in discussion for months with the Commission, with the European Central Bank, with the Slovak Government as well as with the whole of Slovak civil society to ensure that the process can truly help Slovakia to meet all the criteria laid down in the Treaty.
(ES) Madam President, I am also going to talk about Venezuela, because there are some people who do not understand that democracy is not just about casting votes.
(RO) Mr President, the international community, which also includes the European Union, has been appealing to the Belarusian authorities for a long time to respect the international commitments which they have assumed, to stop the repressive measures used against opposition representatives, to free the protesters arrested during various demonstrations, to end the repressive measures against the free press, civil society and human rights activists, and to allow fair, transparent trials to be conducted.
Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mrs Jeggle on her excellent report and all the hard work that went into it.
Integration can proceed quickly.
Think about that, and let us base your majority on a pro-European majority in this House.
Please answer this question.
While it is true that the area around the temple was not demarcated by the Court, I believe that Thailand and Cambodia can reach an understanding by means of negotiation and not through the use of weapons.
From now on, we need to observe closely how accountable the new parliament and government will be to society; whether the new institutions will ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and whether they will deliver better policies to improve the economic and social situation of the citizens.
I agree with her that we must also be more forward-thinking regarding the status of these regions and Russia's neighbours.
We all know that the European Union had a fairly unpleasant experience this winter, finding itself to a large extent without any gas supply.
Their suppression is a matter for all of society in the European Community, even if we know that everyday racism and xenophobia are concealed by citizens who otherwise demand democracy and human rights.
The 2007 Decision establishing the Daphne III Programme, which has been so important in combating violence against children, young people and women, has also been significant.
An important element in the strategy should also be a consolidated approach to the question of strengthening the role of European states in the field of research on the maritime economy and the development of technology and maritime engineering as well as the development of maritime resources.
Let us not fool ourselves.
This is why we have other instruments, other occasions, and other frameworks in which we can fulfil our duty of dealing with fundamental questions such as pensions and the dependence of Europe's citizens.
These reports have all proved to be false.
We have inherited a large number of years of management of fisheries, in a way whereby it was overtaken by the scientific advances, by the enormous increase in the number of vessels that went beyond any limits of capacity so to speak as a counter to what can sustainably be caught.
I also agree with Mr Moreno that we wish to help countries with a high level of emigration develop so that their citizens are more inclined to stay at home.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, many thanks for finding the time to be present here this evening despite the late hour.
But this can only be decided at the national level because the support - apart from the European Investment Bank mentioned by Mr Verheugen - can only be provided by national taxpayers.
Only forty or so amendments were tabled.
The policy conditionality established under an enhanced surveillance or a macroeconomic adjustment programme will be consistent with the European Union surveillance framework and must guarantee the respect of European Union procedures, and thereby also the role of the European Parliament.
I firmly believe that it is important to create a clear, comprehensive and flexible legal framework in this sensitive area.
I think there are too many agencies, and so there is no need to create new ones.
It is true that I have referred to the public hearing requested by the Committee on Petitions in January, in which both I and my colleague, Mr Piebalgs, Commissioner responsible for energy matters, spoke, and I have repeated what was said regarding the need for natural gas imports, as my colleague Mr Piebalgs said.
There are even organisations that seek to defend them!
The Commission has addressed that.
Without protection against discrimination on these grounds, our ambitions for a social Europe will be meaningless.
Opel Europe has a significant role to play in industrial policy in Europe and this is not only about jobs at Opel, but also about jobs in many automotive supply companies in a number of European countries.
Rest assured that as far as the European Council is concerned, the ministers shall convey this message to the Heads of State or Government, and that we, as the Presidency, shall argue for the most stringent application possible.
It seems to me that the European Union, too, should do something to ensure that the dialogue is genuine.
The people who are bringing up future generations and educating the young people who, in the future, will govern us, provide us with medical treatment, build our bridges and look after us in hospital are not fairly paid.
We also have to change our policy, and I will be discussing this later today with several MEPs responsible for this region within Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs.
While some of the report's recommendations are already becoming part of normal practice, such as those concerning briefings and debriefings, the three institutions should carefully consider the different suggestions and find solutions, while taking into account the EU legal framework and the arrangements between Parliament and the Commission, which are foreseen in the framework agreement of May 2005.
You cannot make a plant grow by pulling on its leaves!
This will help eradicate more effectively the lack of job security, the low level of wages, in most cases, not declared for tax purposes, the lack of social protection for people employed on a casual basis, as well as a working environment devoid of minimum health and safety standards and of protection for workers against accidents.
For this reason I would like to repeat once again: the European Union should have its own forces to be able to intervene in cases such as Burma.
In view of the talks between the European Union and Russia on the subject of human rights, and as the EU is still committed to strengthening and further developing EU-Russia relations, with respect for democratic principles and fundamental rights, I believe that Russia remains an important partner for the EU, in line with greater development of cooperation between the countries.
The large number of injured and arrested is also a cause of great concern, and all parties have to show restraint and stop the violence.
The fact that the African Union has suspended the country's membership, declaring the political regime illegal, along with the suspension of assistance by the IMF and the World Bank, have led to the government's international isolation and deepened the problems of a population deprived of foreign aid.
I have therefore decided to vote in favour of this proposal, as enhanced by the amendments introduced by the European Parliament.
Yet what happens?
Madam President, President-in-Office of the Council, Commissioner, following Mrs Berès's question, I should like to focus on the economic model on which we in the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) base ourselves: social market economics.
There must be no political and social pressure on parents in Europe to consciously decide against having a disabled child.
in writing. - Having regard to the draft Council Decision (11365/2010), the draft agreement between the European Union and the government of the Faroes on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, associating the Faroe Islands to the Union's Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (2007-2013) (05475/2010), and to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 186 and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C7-0184/2010).
Mr President, I would like ask the Minister if he is happy that, whereas there is sufficient and advanced testing for driving with alcohol, the same advanced testing is not there for driving with illegal drugs.
In early 2007, human rights activist Yang Chunlin was collecting signatures for a petition in China entitled 'We Want Human Rights, not the Olympics.'
The question arises, for instance, as to whether increasing the proportion of people with a university degree to 40% is worthwhile everywhere, or whether we are not simply increasing the number of unemployed university graduates.
Nobody believes that!
We certainly cannot divert our brave troops from their vital task of fighting terrorism, but it might just have some beneficial effects all round.
Dichloromethane, in fact, has many adverse effects on human health: it has a narcotic and depressive effect on the central nervous system, as well as causing cardio-toxicological effects at high exposures.
That is the condition governing transparency and it is also, in my view, the condition governing the citizens' support.
There has also been a very lively discussion here - and not only here - on licensing nanomaterials and of course the elimination of carcinogenic materials from cosmetic products.
I would urge the Council and the Commission to address these matters urgently at the coming summit.
I have heard what our colleague has said.
Some are more private-oriented and some are very much State-funded.
How can we improve our technologies in the interests of aviation, the people and goods?
These values cannot be allowed to sink into oblivion on the pretext of stabilising our relations.
All in all, this is a very cautious step forward.
I am chairing this sitting, not Mr Cohn-Bendit.
In fact, by means of the open declaration, the compromise protects the rights of purchasers to be informed and of manufacturers to retain ownership of their know-how by indicating that information should be provided without prejudice to the 2004 Directive on intellectual property rights.
The first is ensuring a safe, sustainable, competitive supply via an effective, operational and interconnected network.
While the text does not encompass all that I would want, by supporting it and strengthening the rights of all disabled passengers, I believe that an important step will be taken towards enabling Europe's guide dog users to move across the European Union on an equal footing to other citizens.
It is important that Parliament takes its responsibility for international agreements very seriously.
The case of detention...
This is a welcome initiative, but in its external policy the European Union should aim to make other banks, operating in third countries, implement or carry out their activities based on these principles as well.
In January 2009, the Commission adopted the proposal for a new regulation on textile names and related labelling of textile products.
Although we can see certain ambiguities in the examples or in the definitions, I believe that all steps will be taken to obtain as much information as possible from the social partners, all of the provisions have been clarified and the Council has therefore adopted the agreement as a whole.
Currently it is trying to wriggle out of legal requirements that it uses air-conditioning coolants with a much lower global warming potential than those used at present, and already it is lobbying to try and weaken the Commission's proposals on CO2 emissions from vans and light commercial vehicles.
My son is seventeen years old and is studying English very intensively, because he knows that English is the working language, and he hopes that it will help him to get an appropriate job.
As the European budget is constrained, and Member States have seriously ailing public finances and cannot allow more money to be sent to Brussels, it is also necessary to state clearly where cuts might be made.
On the other hand, European legislation on trafficking in human beings should also include organ selling and trafficking, even if it is still hidden but becoming an increasing global problem.

We need a mechanism that is stable, which means it will be able to prevent and discourage speculation and have the capacity to respond as and when needed.
The Minister said he had not received satisfactory answers from the Chinese authorities so far.
This is a disgrace, Mr President!
On 2 January 2009, he violated the provisions of the Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter of Human Rights by sanctioning amendments to what is known as the Kenya Communications Bill of 1998, giving the national authorities new rights, including the right to dismantle broadcasting and communications equipment, as well as to control and alter the content of mass media publications.
I would like to remind you about the interview you gave during the waste crisis in Naples.
I ask you to take that commitment forward and to do that.
Mr President, as EPP shadow rapporteur I would like to start by expressing my gratitude to the rapporteur and to the other colleagues from the political groups for their excellent cooperation.
However, Europe will only become more dynamic if it has a stronger involvement on the part of its citizens.
It is becoming increasingly urgent to reach an agreement on issues relating to climate and energy matters.
The energy strand of the European Economic Recovery Plan contains some striking proposals.
This context projected to the top of the European Parliament's agenda the necessity of a gender approach to poverty, in the report on the face of female poverty.
It is of huge importance for these new emission requirements to enter into effect very soon.
Thus, both sides profit from the Chinese model.
Guaranteeing a minimum level of protection for temporary agency workers is part of constructing a social Europe.
I hope that we are on the right track here.
We need to strengthen our legislation to protect victims of trafficking from two perspectives: prevention and protection, and integration into society and the labour market.
After all - and as the resolution points out - the Euro-Latin American partnership has an overall population of more than one billion people, who make up one third of the UN member states and account for more than a quarter of world trade.
The Commission is fully committed to the promotion of a high level of protection for intellectual property and respect for intellectual property in countries outside the EU.
I shall not discuss economic cooperation, as Commissioner Verheugen has already touched upon that point and we had an extensive debate on the issue a few weeks ago.
(FR) Mr President, pursuant to Article 1 of the code of honour of the European Parliament, on behalf of my group I should like to thank you for the sittings you have chaired.
Documents received: see Minutes
The governments tell us that it is a diplomatic conflict.
I have also spoken to the French Presidency of the Council this afternoon; the Council Presidency will address the issue and ensure that the Council produces an analysis of the Commission's proposals as quickly as possible so that the new provisions can enter into force on schedule on 1 July 2009.
The secession of Kosovo, which remains a deeply controversial subject, has heightened tensions in the region and continues to have an immense potential to cause instability.
I want the timeframe in which complaints are dealt with to be improved as we go forward.
This is a work in progress and the Commission will present a report every three years on the implementation of the initiative.
The Brueghel economists have really lost their faith and now plead in favour of more spending.
Statement by the President
It is clear that there is a definite link between certain financial activities and increased volatility and prices for raw materials.
I hope the key messages will not be lost because it is so long.
We should limit them to a manageable period, so that we in Parliament can also get our hand back on the tiller.
What direction the ECB's decisions will take in future, I cannot say.
Eight years after Laeken, we are now on the threshold of a new treaty.
Balanced growth and employment must be understood in a wider sense, not just in strictly economic terms but with regard to the social, cultural and environmental aspects.
It was also discussed with the Commission and with the Council.
Madam President, the Court's value is considerable, not least because there is still so much work to be done in the judicial system in the Balkans.
However, I have voted against the report because the proposed measures, particularly the import controls, do not, in my opinion, go far enough.
As the head of a police authority, this minister should pack his bags and go.
EU law bears witness to this, but so do constitutional provisions of each of the Member States.
Judges who are not elected and who therefore do not have to account to anyone, are increasingly interfering with the legislative and executive powers of Member States.
I would like to delve further into the subject of CE marking.
Therefore, the development of a Member State or region cannot be assessed solely by an economic indicator such as GDP: quality of life, which is determined by factors such as health, education, culture, employment, housing and climate and environmental conditions, must also be taken into account.
Sam Rainsy, as the main opposition leader, must be allowed to resume his duties in the Cambodian Parliament as soon as possible.
Protectionism is doubtless another of the reasons.
Keeping a sense of proportion means ensuring that the great objectives that we want to achieve are also feasible.
At present, the producer price bears no relation to the consumer price.
Regions and cities carry the key to re-energising Europe in order to overcome its extraordinary difficulties and to successfully achieving the transformation of our economy.
I therefore hope that specific financial instruments for social housing and other housing policies will again be among the priorities of the new Commission, to which I offer my sincerest wishes for its work.
(PT) The 'yes' vote in Ireland is good news for Europe and for me personally, as a Portuguese citizen and a committed pro-European.
We have lived the greater part of our lives, perhaps the best part, at a time when the doors and windows of opportunity have been open.
An analysis of the experience of several Member States shows us what an important role minimum incomes play in fighting poverty and social exclusion, and that is why I voted for Mrs Figueiredo's report.
It is also important for the resolution to be adopted tomorrow by all the parties that make up this House, so that unity might lend the decision more force.
It is necessary to develop diagnostics, promote healthy lifestyles, exchange information effectively and invest in modern technologies, since it is better to prevent in advance.
For this reason, I sent a letter to Prime Minister Berisha one week before the January demonstrations, in which I set out a road map based on these 12 priorities, to help Albania emerge from the current impasse.
Clearly, if this goes ahead, there would be an onus on the coalition government in the UK to hold a referendum.
God created religion, but we create cultures.
(NL) Due to the very limited time allotted I can, of course, only pick a few of the very many reasons why we did not throw our support behind this European Commission.
They need to define clear, healthy and viable foundations that will ensure a better future.
(GA) I do not have much time, Mr President.
The process of educational reform requires the involvement of not only State institutions but also of non-governmental organisations which no longer need to make it their main objective to identify acts of discrimination, but to educate ethnic groups.
This report seeks to cover all the dimensions of immigration, supporting the establishment of a common European immigration policy founded on a high level of political and operational solidarity.
We are engaging with the United States.
She was an hour late for a dinner because she expected her question to be taken.
Clearly, those worst hit by this are those in disadvantaged areas, such as the outermost regions, but also farmers in mountainous regions like we have in Austria.
For the European Union, and especially for a country like Portugal that has a calling to the sea and to fishing, as well as large-scale fishing and canning industries, it is essential to maintain fishing as a viable and sustainable economic activity.
Closure of the sitting
It will be invited to adopt an operational programme, which will last over several years and consist of a series of actions that the partners concerned with the migratory flow along the western African routes will be asked to implement, especially related to the prevention of and fight against illegal immigration and human trafficking.
Our group feels that media pluralism is not just an Italian issue.
Long-term commitment from the international community will not prevail if Haiti quickly slips back to a 'business as usual' approach.
I just want to reassure him that from our side of the House we will certainly give full support to the strategy that he is talking about.
But I think that, for Afghanistan, it is maybe not useful at this stage.
In a time of crisis, it is not by means of a new tax that one can solve any problem.
This proposal refers to the conclusion of a new protocol to the Partnership Agreement between the EU and São Tomé and Príncipe.
In the Black Sea region, it is vital to continue the European objective of guaranteeing the EU's energy security.
Mr President, I rise in support of the Costa report.
rapporteur. - (NL) Madam President, I, too, would also like to thank everybody who has participated in the debate and everybody who has supported us with such clear arguments.
in writing. - (RO) I voted for this report as I think that we need to guarantee external competitiveness and uniform treatment for all EU investors.
They do not a priori pose a threat to global financial markets or the European economy; rather they are very beneficial to it.
As a result, the first micro-loans will be provided starting from this month.
I personally support the positive conclusions of the report and praise the author for them but, although I can understand the political reasons for amending the recommendation - the basis of politics is, after all, compromise - I cannot ignore the fact that the new conditionality suggested might facilitate a subjective interpretation of it.
Without a concrete improvement of the human rights situation, our common objective of developing substantively the relationship between the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Iran is hindered.
(SK) Lobbying is a legitimate part of every democratic system.
Here, Linate has 126 000 on its waiting lists, while Alitalia-Air France does not want to make these journeys.
Let us not get our enemy wrong.
Through the appropriate means we must ensure that media and advertising professionals respect human dignity and oppose direct or indirect discrimination or stereotypical depictions.
It is crucial to increase public funding with a view to developing energy saving, energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
However, the significant increase in the level of arrivals underlines the need for this policy to be strengthened and further developed.
in writing. - I hope that the written declaration on ACTA that I submitted two weeks ago together with my colleagues, Castex, Alvaro and Roithová, and today's debate will serve as a belated wake-up call to the Council and the Commission.
- Before the vote on Amendment 1:
Now, in an all-new phase, the idea is to draw up a harmonised set of infringements to be sanctioned by criminal law in all the Member States and to harmonise the criminal penalties in cases of environmental infringements.
on behalf of the EFD Group. - Mr President, this oral question is not about the guilt or innocence of Mr Assange in the rape accusations against him in Sweden.
I therefore share the view of Mr Cadec: investigation and monitoring is required so that the development of EU policy in this area does not result in differences in treatment between producers from the Member States and those from third countries.
It also supports the EU emergency and crisis coordination arrangements which may be implemented in order to help coordinate an EU level response to serious crises, which would potentially include terrorist attacks.
No more 'reflection' thing.
As we all remember, two years ago, in November 2009, Mr Havel was a guest in the European Parliament.
I will be bringing it up with the group leaders because, I am sorry to say, that is where the problem lies: in the Conference of Presidents when they set the agenda.
Britain's asylum system is already a mess, with thousands upon thousands of cases pending and applicants simply lost and gone to ground.
I am pleased that we still have the good old Danish krone in Denmark!
I would also like to mention timber logging in West Africa, where only 5% of forests are managed sustainably.
Therefore it is the priority duty of politicians to protect children from any abuse, in particular, to free them of the risks of sexual abuse.
In anticipation of legislative proposals, I should like to point out that, unlike what some Members have said today, this issue is clearly still a concern for the Council.
In truth, I believe that there are weighty arguments against the current three-language solution, using English, German and French; I therefore believe that it would have been preferable in every way to have opted for the English-only regime.
However, I would also like to point out that in 12 years only 86 applications have been submitted, 28 new food products have been licensed and 3 rejected.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - Mr President, I had the privilege almost a decade ago to visit Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest in Rangoon, when she made it absolutely clear that the way forward that she saw for Burma was for the EU to impose rigorous sanctions against the regime.
We have laid down certain organisational principles for world trade and indeed for the environment, too.
Thirdly, the report offers greater legal certainty with regard to the application of EU legislation to sport.
Will the Commission, therefore, say how European policy is formed to protect consumers in regard to the quality and price of such products?
Explanations of vote
The European Union itself is the best example of this, along with the internal market and enlargement, in other words, with the renewal of ties between Europe's geography and history, and along with the Economic and Monetary Union, whose 10th anniversary we celebrate today.
in writing. - The Hegyi report concerning the promotion of a dialogue with EU citizens is based on the assumption that people's sceptical attitude towards the EU is due to the fact that they lack adequate knowledge.
What recent scare stories have taught us is not to overreact and ban some toys altogether, but rather to ensure that we step up our enforcement of rules already in place.
Programming implementation of the 10th European Development Fund (debate)
Since we are at the beginning of the proposals on this issue, we are in the process of preparing an energy package and we know how much resistance there will be to achieving the level of results we desire, which is nonetheless a minimum minimorum.
Has there been a change in the Rules of Procedure?
The debate is closed.
It is a limitation of a fundamental freedom of the Treaty.
I would, therefore, like to stress again the importance of reaching first-reading agreement on an issue which is so important to European Union citizens.
It needs to be said that Europe must find a way to speak to Russia with a new, different, stronger voice.
In 2010, the Commission intends to present several proposals in key areas, such as the derivatives markets, deposit-guarantee systems and market abuses.
It must better exploit territorial cooperation potential.
Measures to tackle discrimination should remain the exclusive competence of the Member States.
As Mr Toubon said, it is absolutely right to issue a strong call to all of us and particularly to the Commission in its work on a new strategy to come up with some radical, new ideas and particularly to raise the whole political profile of the single market and its importance to all of us.
The risk that many businesses will not be in compliance alarms us.
Firstly, on the institutions, I would like to remind everyone that the Polish President's decision to sign the Treaty means that every country but one has cleared the way for Europe finally to move forward without wasting time.
May I reiterate my thanks for the shadow rapporteurs' hard work and collaboration; I am certain that tomorrow's adoption of an agreement at first reading on such an important regulation that is sure to complete the work of the third maritime package, is a success for this Parliament and for the three institutions of the European Union; once again, it justifies the useful codecision procedure which enables us to hold a constructive dialogue to the benefit of all the citizens of the European Union.
I voted for the report on the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund (flooding in Madeira, Portugal, and a storm in France).
The potential of the services provided by farm businesses in addition to their own food output depends on the creativity of the people involved, the women among them having already contributed a great deal.
But surely the European Parliament should be setting an example.
I am not only talking about Iran, Iraq or Afghanistan.
They are people who have had enough of being ignored by the current UK Government, by people in this place and by the European Commission.
In particular, the Interim Partnership Agreement has been concluded with Papua New Guinea and the Republic of the Fiji Islands, which hope to achieve the objective of protecting their sugar and tuna industries.
If we can achieve that, Mrs Kuneva and Mrs Patrie, we will have done a lot of good and we will be making real progress.
This directive takes certain steps in this direction.
Otherwise, the problem will arise that the freedom offered by the internal market and the principle of equal treatment on the ground run into difficulties.
The debate is closed.
We also need to do more to promote fair trade, so that the developing and emerging countries finally get a fair chance.
(Parliament agreed to accept the oral amendment)
Using the language of fables is not the way to move from promises to action.
Teachers must benefit from remuneration which reflects their importance to society.
Therefore, the European Union will have to respond to increased demographic pressure as well as growth in demand from the internal market.
I would ask you to consider the fact that, if too many farms in too many regions are forced to cease operating because we are not able or prepared to take the necessary short-term measures that are called for in our resolution, the cost to the EU and the Member States would be many times greater than the cost of taking appropriate short-term measures within the framework of the common agricultural policy.
The abhorrent assassination of Benazir Bhutto is proof of this, if it was required.
But then, I would not be surprised, because, after all, you are prepared to ram through a constitution without asking anybody either.
The subject we are discussing has another aspect.
(EL) Madam President, today we are honouring the struggle by women through the ages and female achievements.
Our companies need workers who are capable of responding to new challenges and the demand for change.
The EU also supports financial police cooperation with Ukraine through a twinning project, increasing the capacity of the Ukrainian police and the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM).
It will ultimately be the Commission and the Court of Justice that decide whether the Member States' prior authorisations are proportionate.
deputising for the author. - (NL) Mr President, I would like to thank the Czech Presidency warmly for answering my question.
So now I do not know what we are talking about, after all.
in writing. - We support the general thrust of the report on the Health Check on the CAP.
Draft amending budget No 7/2011 - Mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund - Spain and Italy (
Regarding cooperation, in early 2009, there was a big operation against counterfeiters together with the Italian authorities, so cooperation is working.
Otherwise the idea of competition will certainly be harmed.
That is why I endorsed, in particular, the two oral amendments tabled by my colleague, Mr Brok, which stressed the need for better coordination of monetary policies within the context of transatlantic relations.
I fully agree on the need for counterbalancing.
But our concern for the fate of the Palestinians remains alive and well.
The Commission has adopted five legislative proposals relating to the Small Business Act, two of which have already been implemented: the block exemption regulation on State aid and the directive on reduced VAT rates; the other three, the directive on late payment, the directive on VAT invoicing and the regulation on a European private company statute, are still under discussion here in Parliament and in the Council.
(DE) Madam President, I have followed this debate very closely.
We can perhaps postpone them until the week after next.
It is quite right that we stand back and examine it.
However, I do not agree with the part which condemns the Russians for blocking the gay pride march in Moscow and not giving same-sex couples the right to marry or adopt children.
These arrangements will be binding and Parliament will make sure that they are complied with.
The level of payment appropriations must be sufficient but without being overestimated and must take into account past implementation and real needs for 2011.
Such a move would please me all the more because the Commission has already taken that step, as has the Committee on Fisheries.
To those of us interested in social policy, it would of course be ideal if the ESF funds were spent entirely on ESF objectives and the EGF funds came from other residual funds; then we would be able to do twice as much good for workers.
in writing. - (PL) I would like to express the hope that the six months of the French Presidency will be marked by fruitful, effective work for the good of all citizens of a united Europe.
It is particularly important for the EU to demonstrate to Moldova's young people the benefits of future EU membership.
Today, 8 March 2011, the centenary of International Women's Day, Parliament had a duty to adopt, by a large majority, this report on equality between women and men in the Union for 2011.
A wide-spanning media system is essential for nurturing democracy and free thought.
Unfortunately, I also have some regrets about the way in which the EGAF works.
The fact that the European Parliament is now rejecting this initiative is precisely so that this measure will have even stronger legitimacy under the Treaty of Lisbon and that we can become more actively involved in it.
To be specific, the use or the threat of use of military means, especially as regards Iran, is extremely dangerous, will not have positive results for peace, and contradicts the perception of the left on military action by the EU.
As the aims of this regulation cannot be satisfactorily achieved in our Community just through action on the part of the Member States, we need to address the problem globally, in the context of the global economy.
Not long ago, there was a conference on the Borsa Merci Telematica Italiana, an online stock market system, and so we have to examine to what extent the stock exchange systems can be used.
In our resolution, we would therefore urge the Czech Presidency to negotiate with the Belarusian authorities about an EU-wide solution.
The major common objective is to ensure the European Union's energy security, with Romania entering on the agenda in this area: Nabucco, the Constanţa-Trieste pan-European oil pipeline and the interconnection of gas networks in neighbouring states: Romania-Hungary (Arad-Szeged), Romania-Bulgaria (Giurgiu-Ruse) Isaccea and Negru Vodă.
The Iranian problem is at the heart of the debate in preparation for the Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty (NPT) review conference.
This horizontal approach is a prerequisite for successfully achieving the targets proposed within the Europe 2020 framework, as well as for achieving social, economic and territorial cohesion.
As required by the principle of subsidiarity, Member States should, when determining the target group, be granted sufficient flexibility to enable them, in keeping with their needs, to supply school fruit to as wide a circle of consumers as possible.
The Greek Government has come along and announced another fragmentary approach: a fence in Evros, but we have no overall solution to the problem.
In this context, we must regard the AKP's victory more as a commitment to economic reform than as a vote for Islam.
I also believe that the adoption in March 2010 of a five-year strategy represents progress in terms of its actions and improvements to future work.
This is because, if as a result bioethanol/biodiesel becomes a scapegoat, we will see a situation where nobody wants to invest.
The Schengen Convention abolished checks at the internal borders of the signatory states and created a single external border with common rules on external border controls, a common visa policy, police and judicial cooperation and the establishment of the Schengen Information System (SIS).
Despite this, I voted in favour of the submitted report.
Secondly, as you have mentioned, financing models.
This report aims at proposing solution for improving the operation of EU dialogue and consultations with third countries in the field of human rights.
The point we are at today is the following: we believe it is important to set priorities for the future, to see what we have to spend at national level and what we have to spend at European level, and then to have a discussion about the fair way of sharing that investment.
Moreover, we are trying to promote this concept through the Commission's active participation in global initiatives such as the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, as well as by interacting with other public and private players active in this field.
It is also pursuing convergence objectives (despite the damaging changes in this field since the last enlargement).
However, these measures should be targeted in the right direction.
The measures will combine increased energy efficiency with lower costs.
We have consensus at first reading, and that is a good sign.
We will be calling for this now and in future from the Commission.
Commissioner Kuneva is leading a wide-ranging review of Europe's consumer protection laws.
The CFSP relates to our values, to your values, to the values of our people.
For this reason, I have decided to abstain rather than voting against the report.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting: see Minutes
(Applause)
The Commission had also issued a document listing the various technical methods for making data secure.
Also, how does Mr Netanyahu propose to stop the rapid colonisation of Jerusalem and the West Bank?
In that case, ladies and gentlemen, it is necessary to be in favour of the Treaty of Lisbon, because the Treaty of Lisbon establishes, for the first time, an exit clause.
To my colleagues from the ECR, I would say that this is not grandstanding but legitimately asserting our role in this process.
I voted in favour of this recommendation because I fully support its contents, particularly in terms of the desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of South Africa.
- Madam President, there is a further dimension to this debate.
I first of all want to congratulate the rapporteur on the presentation of her report on financial assistance for energy projects.
(EL) Thank you, Minister, for your reply.
We do not feel that is appropriate for the current situation.
This time, the conditions exist for having a reinforced system of governance in this strategy.
I am convinced that in our efforts to secure this, Europe must speak with one voice.
Forestry is a natural part of an integrated rural and regional policy, and this must be taken into account in the discussions on the future of the common agricultural policy after 2013.
An end must be put to high risk speculation through a financial transactions tax.
This is, in my view, a very important step, which will pave the way for a global governance system of food security based on sound scientific advice but one also more open to key actors in the public and private sector and non-governmental organisations.
I congratulate my fellow Members for the work they have carried out, and they can count on my support tomorrow.
I hope that it is true that this directive will have been revised by the end of this year, or even before the end of this year, so that we can actually bring it completely up to date.

Nothing less and nothing more than that.
We must decide whether or not it is right that, when buying a product, a consumer knows where it has been made.
This proposed modification is restricted to public provocation to commit terrorist offences, and recruitment and training of terrorists, which now covers traditional and modern methods for sowing terror.
However, it should not budge one inch on the conditions put forward regarding emissions.
These initiatives from the Presidency and the Commission must encourage all of us to focus on what should be done, rethink what we have achieved and discover where the current deficits are.
There are Israelis who understand that one day an independent Palestine will be their neighbour and that actions of this kind are unlikely to make it a benign neighbour.
Careful consideration is also needed here.
Therefore, our aim with the directives must be to regulate temporary agency work for the European Union as a whole, and particularly to stipulate that temporary workers be treated as equal to the employees of the user undertakings in terms of working and employment conditions.
Unlike the Soviet Union of 30 years ago, in the European Union we have very good legal instruments to enforce our safety standards.
The Commission and Member States must finance public awareness campaigns and create conditions for training people for new careers adapted to the specific challenges of the labour market brought about by structural economic changes, which are accelerated by climate change and its effects.
As it is not really possible to change the shape of the vehicles, the engineers will have to focus on the engine and the mechanical components, which, according to the experts, is a long-winded process.
These are regarding property owners in Spain.
Perhaps I can give you an example: it used to be possible to use washing-up liquid only in large bottles containing several litres.
Is it to be applied to all Member States?
Little to nothing!
We can achieve this and I believe that we can live peacefully.
Mr President, Commissioner, the possibility of strongly stimulating the economic and social development that is so necessary in our times is, in fact, integral to innovation.
However, I would like to bring my question up to date.
First reading agreements may be a very good thing, but when they basically result in all majorities being changed and the roles and functions of the individual institutions being brought to bear in a very unbalanced manner, then I do not think it is a good thing.
This is what those who died fifty years ago gave their lives for; their sacrifice was not in vain.
I have always been in favour of market liberalisation, as, in my opinion, it is the main prerequisite for competition among market participants, which is always beneficial to consumers, enabling them to choose and purchase goods at the lowest possible price.
That is why the Commission has put forward a communication setting out the steps needed to reinvigorate international negotiations.
It is also to denounce an unfair and dishonest attack on the government of a European Member State in which the rule of law is applied as rigorously as it is in the rest of Europe.
That is encouraging, but it is not enough if we want to respect the 2 °C target.
If we take these clean development mechanisms, in other words, these joint implementation measures, and the other measures out of the equation and consider only our own measures for reducing CO2 emissions, then we can see that our balance sheet is not as good as we maintain.
I believe, in fact, that the limited trade policy measures applied by the EU in the textiles sector can be managed entirely without imposing the excessive burden of presenting proof of origin for all imports.
Against the background of these developments it is important that the EU approaches the Arctic in a comprehensive and strategic manner covering a whole range of issues, such as environment, transport, biodiversity, climate change, maritime affairs, energy and research, as well as protection of the livelihood of the indigenous peoples.
The participation of women is necessary for positive development.
It cannot be the task of research alone to protect the world from such catastrophes.
They should seriously consider these things before deciding which way to vote in their referendum.
This way was blocked one year ago by Members of your political group, among others.
- Report: Françoise Grossetête
As every year, we, along with other institutions, will be asked to adopt the EU budget.
It has been through strong cohesion policy that the Union has succeeded in reducing development disparities between the various European regions.
Supporting democracy underpins our foreign policy goals of preventing conflict and reducing poverty.
In a state governed by the rule of law, and only in such a state, the death penalty is not a state crime.
I therefore think that the particular reference in the resolution to research into this disease is very important.
Focus rather on the Orwellian Ministry of Love bit of the title 'Perspectives for developing civil dialogue'.
At the same time, I call on the Commission to release as quickly as possible cereals from the intervention stocks to support this sector which has been hit hard by the crisis.
We have to reflect on the recent negative signals sent by China on human rights that are damaging our mutual trust.
Therefore, we have an opportunity now.
(PL) Mr President, Ukraine should have priority as regards the European Union's foreign policy within Europe.
I think that we must ensure that cancer screening is accessible to as many people as possible so that achieving the target number becomes feasible.
Madam President, Commissioner, just as in 2007, world cereal prices are soaring, and farmers are seeing a sharp rise in their production costs as they did two years ago.
We call for efforts to be focused on extensive, large-scale studies, aimed both at diagnosis and at identifying cures.
The Commission is financing CSFP joint actions establishing planning teams in Pristina.
5.
They went to stock up with emergency goods.
The violence that took place in Kishinev is no justification for the cruel measures imposed by the state authorities.
Hospital acquired infections are also attracting ever more attention from the media and politicians.
Worse still, it no longer even offers protection against unemployment.
The aim is to enable the EU to respond to the great societal challenges that concern all Member States and to which they cannot respond alone (ageing population and health, energy, water and food supplies, sustainable development, climate change, and so on), as well as to develop the knowledge to enable our businesses to innovate more and enhance their competitiveness.
These were the guiding principles of the opinion that I presented to the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, on behalf of the Committee on Industry.
I am also going to say this to the future Commissioner responsible for climate change.
This is something that is done by many of our governments of all political orientations, but that this report avoids.
Let me be clear: this crucial transatlantic friendship is not a one-way street.
Obviously, I am not insensitive to specific cases that some people have raised.
I wish you a very warm welcome!
(DE) Mr President, the United States and Europe are the West's companions in fate.
Having not allowed these students to train and thereby creating an artificial shortage, we then, of necessity, bring in medical personnel from third countries - even the poorest countries - leaving their own people without medical help and creating a brain drain.
We must help Serbia to deal with its loss by speeding up convergence with the European Union.
The European Parliament is not asking for a generally ambitious budget, but for an instrument that is strong on all the priorities that are today clear and easy to see.
Nothing is closed from this point of view.
We need effective measures to adapt human society to new living conditions.
(NL) Mr President, I voted against the Martens report.
8.
The link between the report under examination and the first European Maritime Day celebration is pleasing.
It was a small loss that he fittingly celebrated with his colleagues as being the first to break the psychological barrier of USD 100 a barrel.
This means that the immigration problem is a European one; it concerns us all, and we must address it jointly.
At the same time, relations should be strengthened with national parliaments, who are the mirror image of these activities.
Croatia has come a long way in its efforts to achieve membership and has taken many difficult decisions in order to deal with the European dimension.
I believe that they will be sincere and support adult education that is accessible and of a high quality.
Sri Lanka deserves to live in peace, as we in Europe do.
For more than 15 years we have been trying, or rather the Commission has been trying, to lay down a regulatory framework in the form of an EU directive on airport charges.
The area of human failure is incomplete.
That will give them enough time to conform to these new provisions.
It astonishes me that the French socialists, communists and greens in this Chamber do not think it is worth using this debate to denounce the dubious practices of 'sarkozia'!
We place great importance on an overall analysis of the impact on nature.
The CAP must assume responsibility for how EU money is spent by focusing payments on cultivated land areas only and, in the case of the livestock sector, only on the animals currently on the farm in the year relating to the payments.
In this connection it is also relevant to ask how things stand with regard to safety.
It is their only way out of this tragic situation, almost unprecedented in Europe, which they have had to live through.
All this is in the communication from the Commission and I am very happy to see that, although the details might vary, your communication is very much in line with this.
The people who killed Ronan Kerr are trying to block the progress of the peace process and we will not allow them to do so.
This situation is as stormy as the Bermuda Triangle, and dependence, climate problems and prices that the poor just cannot pay are making the sea churn - not to forget the speculators and the price of food.
Since the situation in the region has deteriorated significantly recently, with this resolution we appeal to the government of the South Sudan to ensure democracy in the country and to demilitarise its territories.
Regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding (debate)
Now I would like to say something about this word 'protection'.
I voted for the European Parliament resolution on preventing trafficking in human beings as I believe that it is extremely important to step up the battle against human trafficking, which has assumed alarming proportions and constitutes a serious violation of fundamental human rights.
Organised crime, corruption, drug trafficking and terrorism, as we all know, do not respect national borders.
Europe and the UN have a wealth of objectives and interests in common, which, in my view, justifies even closer cooperation and resource synergies.
If there is evidence that Western missions are not living up to this standard, then their presence and practices must be urgently reassessed.
Naturally I hope that tomorrow Parliament will accept the proposed amendments that help to harmonise cabotage services in the European Union and, in particular, will accept the proposed abolition of empty road traffic, as I have already emphasised and which I wish to stress once more at this point.
It is high time to set the right priorities.
In the last two years, we have witnessed around 100 prison sentences and other punishments meted out to people who have signed the movement's petition.
We were discussing this a year ago.
The flood which hit five areas of north-east Romania in July 2008 caused serious material losses (0.6% of GNI) and disrupted the lives of over two million people in 214 districts.
We believe that predictive profiling and data mining are issues which have long been unexamined and I very much welcome the Commission's positive approach to both recognising this issue and understanding the possible indirect discrimination that can be caused by ethnic profiling.
It has to be the right Europe, however - not the wrong package.
in writing. - (DE) The removal of borders very quickly and demonstrably makes itself felt in a massive decrease in turnover from cigarettes, not only in the border region but in the interior as well.
It is of vital interest that this is realised in all European countries, including my home country, Hungary.
The majority of Roma in Europe live in poor social conditions and the problems they struggle with have remained unchanged for years; the chief of these are the problems of social exclusion, lack of employment, school segregation and the multiple disadvantages faced by Roma women.
The minimal use of Irish in this Chamber is self-evident, although Miss de Brún, as part of her aggressive Republican agenda, may regale us in that dead tongue, with the only relief being that hardly anyone who tunes into Parliament on line can understand a word she says.
In its work on its proposal on the fight against counterfeit medicines, the Commission has been guided precisely by the deliberations presented by you, honourable Members.
Education must be designed to reach out and capture people's attention, to address tailored messages to specific target groups in their own vernacular.
With this Framework Decision, the Union is contributing to improving the situation of individuals from minorities when they suffer certain types of behaviour.
It is all delusional stuff.
So the problem we are facing with a view to addressing this situation is the need for a public consultation, and we have now already had a public consultation for some months.
In my opinion, the EU should campaign within the WTO for the preference system to be given priority as part of its work on harmonising the rules of origin.
The Council has not done this task justice in the past.
This will be the key to success.
Many of the issues that I wanted to mention have already been raised here.
Secondly, he talks as if every disaster that befalls us comes from the European Union.
We should not only be discussing whether a merger should take place.
- Before the vote:
It claims that, in 2002 and 2003, only 4% of expenditure was approved, compared to over 45% at the moment.
Dying forests throughout Europe represent both an environmental problem, in terms of natural habitats and climate change, and an economic problem.
He held confidential talks with Commissioner Füle, and afterwards - which is against all of the EU rules - a press release was issued from these internal talks, claiming that the Commissioner had agreed that he was right to pursue his internal political polemics.
Encouraged by the debate between the Heads of State and Government at the recent Lisbon Informal Summit on Europe and globalisation, which clearly showed that climate change is an EU priority area, and also by the Environment Committee's 30 October conclusions on the preparation of COP 23, we will go to Bali committed to contributing actively to achieving a result that can be translated into concrete, perceptible progress on the future of the climate regime.
Is this a practical response to the expectations of 12 million workers in the sector and to the concerns of 6% of the European Union's working population?
Let me close by mentioning Eurosecurities, which were one of the things that I championed.
What we must also see is essential reforms of the way the emissions trading scheme works.
We are all sure that 2008 is going to be very exciting, to say the least.
The Treaty of Lisbon provides us with the legal foundations to do so.
We must encourage the immediate inclusion of young people in the labour market and their ongoing training to promote professional growth.
Heightening our cooperation with a view to increasing international security and stability is without a doubt more necessary now than ever before, in view of the current tense regional situation in southern Africa and, especially, the crisis in Zimbabwe with which we are all familiar.
To conclude, I would like to reiterate the words of the French philosopher who said that if a law is not essential it must not be written.
Why is it that instead of condemning terrorism and human rights violations, they use economic and trade packages to encourage Tehran to condemn the victims of terrorism?
This should be done through an amending budget to be submitted to the Commission.
The EIT is like a rose in the garden of Europe.
While we have rightly expressed our support for the popular desire for an open society, we should be aware of the complex, and yet unsolved, problems in Egypt and in the Middle East.
Secondly, we all agree that what is happening, whether we like it or not, marks a break and that, as Mr Watson stated, we cannot go back to business as before but must be imaginative in the ways in which we respond to this crisis.
We should work together to ensure the existence of conditions which enable people to earn enough to participate in the life of society and to support their family, especially where they have many children. We should also tackle discrimination in the job market, especially as it affects people with disabilities.
Thank you.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting: see Minutes
Because of Lisbon, investment treaties can become an instrument for the Commission's political objectives - and not just the Commission's: we can be absolutely sure that the Greens will try to advance their political programme, and we have seen that in the trade treaties time after time.
Within the context of these reflections, we must equally take account of the socio-economic criteria in managing GMO-related risks, and look into how we can improve the application of scientific expertise, establish harmonised labelling thresholds, and finally take into account the fragility of certain sensitive or protected areas.
I am sorry, but that is a bit much.
It is time to replace idle talking by real work.
In this Chamber several weeks ago, we talked among other things about special legislation for the coal market. On that occasion, however, we did not hear Members talking about free competition, but could only hear the voices of people demanding protectionist principles and the possibility of subsidising, for example, closed mines - that is what it was called - while in fact, the real issue was assistance for mines which are not going to be closed at all.
I feel certain that the new instrument will enable us to perform what is one of our fundamental duties - the effective saving of human life.
Mr President, the Berès-Langen report is an excellent one because what it does is give us the history of the EMU over the last 10 years and say how it should go forward in the future.
Consequently, it will be possible to apply the European Union's cooperation mechanisms referred to in the 2002 framework decision.
Concerning possible changes to the system for ultralight aircraft, the Commission will ask the Agency for its opinion on this matter.
In particular, it notes that financing of priorities in connection with the future EU 2020 strategy through a possible reallocation of funds must not be detrimental to fundamental EU policies, such as the cohesion, structural or common agricultural policies.
The conclusions from the European Council meeting which took place on 25 and 26 March 2010 certainly highlight the major ambitions which Member States have for the forthcoming period up until 2020.
General safeguard clauses are currently in place for major market disruptions and for the duty drawback system.
(ES) Mr President, I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight two matters that have already been mentioned, but which I consider to be fundamental.
Respect for human rights should form the basis for political dialogue.
Such a decision would pave the way for funds to be allocated on a sectoral basis, thereby creating an undesirable precedent for this.
A few days before it began, emissions trading fraud worth EUR 5 billion was exposed.
Five years ago, on their accession to the EU, every new Member State committed to adopting the euro.
However, a cautious approach should be adopted here, taking account of the cultural characteristics and circumstances in the individual Member States; otherwise, overregulation will be the result.
(RO) Madam President, Canada is currently the European Union's 11th biggest trade partner, with trade relations between the European Union and Canada accounting for 1.6% of the EU's total external trade in 2010.
A potential tax on financial transactions could reduce the immense volume of speculation capital that has again had a detrimental impact on the real economy recently, and thus also represent a step towards sustainable growth.
Madam President, I entirely agree with the sentiments expressed by the previous speaker.
Can I take this opportunity to briefly express my concerns about the administration of EUR 60 million of funds in Northern Ireland.
In July 2008, the European Commission adopted a proposal on applying reduced VAT rates after 2010.
We therefore think a more careful approach to these issues is required.
As Mr Florenz has said, there is more than one way to tackle climate change but we know that it is right to begin with improvements in efficiency and in the management of resources.
Some Members have said that not enough substances were listed, that Parliament had backtracked in relation to the first reading.
I think, however, that it must have taken a great deal of time to achieve this proposal.
On partnership, the report rightly insists on the centrality of inclusive processes and full ownership.
Let us await its report, and only then will we decide on further action.
Written statements (Rule 149)
Sanctions are an instrument.
The development of the new service should spring from the same spirit which brought together these two foreign policy roles and which will result in the unification of the Council's and the Commission's foreign policy efforts.
This sum of EUR 280 million sends an important signal from the European Commission, but it is inadequate compared with what producers actually need to overcome the crisis.
I also have great faith in other things mentioned by some of you, such as investing in human skills and ensuring mobility in the labour market.
But it becomes more and more complicated in this very rigid atmosphere.
And its core features retain the essentials.
Citizens need to buy into that process, but it is there for them to do.
In response to Mr Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra's question about the 50 detainees whose fate is not decided yet, we believe that the US Administration will proceed with those 50 cases and they will achieve a state or solution similar to those achieved in the previous ones.
This is the only way to prevent the citizens of Belarus from becoming increasingly isolated.
This is because it increases integration and security.
With the adoption of the package, Community control mechanisms will become available.
Once she has left the labour market, returning to it is yet more difficult.
As stated in the communication from the Commission, this relationship can and must be a driving force for developing dialogue with Mercosur.
I would like to thank Mrs Tzampazi for her report on mental health, which I voted in favour of.
Iran has signalled that it might run in the elections for a place on the Council.
The right to access to water is already being denied and is likely to be denied more and more for millions of people.
That does not mean money leaving the region: oh no, it means money being spent.
I would like to remind you that economic growth itself did not reduce poverty and social exclusion and the hard times are only increasing poverty, but minimum income schemes allow us to defend the most vulnerable people.
Thursday: no amendments.
in writing. - Conservatives abstained on this report as it forms part of the European objective to develop an area for freedom, security and justice - instead preferring an intergovernmental approach.
Petitions are about bringing to light the wrong or non-application of Community legislation.
Today, the mines are closed.
The Commission always emphasised its importance under your predecessor and I also believe it to be the case.
It is estimated that the increased cost of borrowing and the reduction in the flow of credit are responsible for approximately 10-15% of the slowdown in trade.
The European Union condemned the violence in Kenya.
The debate on violations of human rights and democratic standards should therefore cover the entire region of the South Caucasus.
It should be noted, however, that those services linked directly or indirectly to companies are an integral part of them.
(Applause)
I will therefore ask you again: when Mr Oettinger says 'We suspect that some of the plants currently connected to the network will not survive the stress tests', I interpret this to mean that you are aware that safety at these plants is so poor that they will not meet the criteria.
Today also, we are talking about the automobile industry and the construction industry, in other words, two male-dominated industries.
In this case, too, there is a world of difference between the law - which is sound and guarantees the freedom of the press - and the reality on the ground, where journalists have to impose restrictions on themselves.
The Internet in particular provides details about our private lives, something which was unimaginable a few years ago.
We are discussing the issue of how to do our citizens a favour, and make the vehicles we use as environmentally friendly as possible.
This is the context for the agreement we are examining today between the European Union and the United States concerning the transfer of financial messaging data.
Whether people support or criticise the PMOI, in a human rights debate no one in this Chamber should disagree with amendments which seek to support human rights obligations on any or all parties anywhere in the world.
The Council needs to adapt its logic and spend the resources efficiently, targeting specific individuals and focusing the time on them instead of going for ethnic registration, which is in complete violation of any human rights standards.
It was an excellent collaboration and I hope that we can also use it to achieve what we need to achieve for our fellow Members.
(SK) Mr President, I would like to point out one danger.
This redistribution of financial power is also shaping our political discussions.
(ES) Mr President, next weekend the Council of Agriculture Ministers will likely take the political decision on this reform of the COM in wine.
The Commission should produce an assessment of the impacts and consider the possibility of increasing the ceilings for EU public contracts, which would allow SMEs to take part in contracts that would otherwise be subject to special requirements, on account of which SMEs would not be able to participate.
Rule 45(2) was recently amended to prohibit amendments to motions for resolutions contained in own-initiative reports.
In any case, we must emphasise that these are serious crimes, and that in order to detect them, it is essential to remove any obstacles in the way of the smooth exchange of law enforcement records among Member States, to allow the creation of centralised databases for information on offenders.
Congo started out as a colonial mining project in the poorly accessible interior of Africa.
I would like to say that in many issues in this debate Parliament and the Council expressed very similar opinions, which are too numerous to list here.
in writing. - (DE) In Germany, between 20 and 30 clinics annually are being forced to close because doctors are being driven into insolvency by claims for damages for supposedly prescribing drugs which are too expensive, and entire swathes of the country are at severe risk of healthcare under-provision.
Neurodegenerative diseases pose a major health problem in Europe.
The Budget Committee recognises the importance of these proposals and their urgency.
In particular, we need to address the major global economic imbalances which can compromise growth.
The Chaldeans in Iraq and the Copts in Egypt are in danger of disappearing from regions in which they have lived for centuries.
Huge advances are being made today in photovoltaic technology.
I have had a long dialogue with your colleague Ms Wallström about citizens' summaries, so that citizens understand our law.
Despite these threats - or possibly because of them - a large number of Irish people voted against this Treaty.
As children develop, one difficulty generates another, and each complex leads to the next.
Fishing is an important economic resource for this small country, and its financial contribution represents a very significant part of the State budget.
(Applause)
However, our amendments call for further steps towards harmonisation and liberalisation.
We rightly call for improvement in that area.
Madam President, the single CMO Regulation has been in force since December 2006.
Yes, we are in a Europe of austerity, meaning socially painful savings, politically costly and economically necessary, but challenging to some extent for the very fragile recovery of the European economy.
However, while this approach is quite attractive at first sight, it presents important practical and political difficulties.
It does seem, however, that inflation and interest rates are inter-related.
Yes to greater choice in health and to patient mobility.
(LT) As shadow rapporteur, I would firstly like to congratulate my fellow Member, Mrs in 't Veld, for preparing an excellent report.
The EU-Africa Summit is imminent.
When I was in Serbia last October, I was impressed with the commitment and effort of Serbia's dynamic, western-orientated democratic government.
In this respect the European Union will provide him with every support.
That was wrong, because what was needed was to strengthen the size and mandate of this mission, especially since the centre of organised crime in Guinea-Bissau targets Europe directly.
Mr President, we have a special debate today on three major reports on foreign policy, on security and defence, and on EU-NATO relations.
(PL) Mr President, Polish farmers and farmers from Central and Eastern Europe joining the European Union have been treated as second-class citizens, and this applies, inter alia, to subsidies and milk quotas.
In this particular instance, the main purpose of publishing companies' annual accounts and other financial statements is to apply the principle of transparency and publicity in commercial activities.
We welcome the EU's initiative to simplify and harmonise the current regulations.
This anti-labour travesty divides the concept of working time into active and inactive time - the latter is not considered to be paid working time - and gives employers the right to employ their workers for up to 13 hours a day, 65 hours a week, while paying them nothing whatsoever in overtime.
I wholeheartedly support the principle of including energy and environmental impacts in tenders for vehicles.
We are now reaping the rewards of this!
However, the directive does not apply to activities which fall outside the scope of the EU treaties.
I would like to take issue with someone who said we have not been clear enough.
When it joined the euro, Greece was as unpredictable as the Oracle at Delphi.
To reduce these differences and to make the regions more competitive, the European Union implemented a regional cohesion and convergence policy based on solidarity and endowed with the appropriate financial resources: the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the cohesion funds.
I am delighted that the European Union is undertaking this pioneering work to protect the environment - it will benefit each and every one of us.
What about eggs, cheese, vegetables or fruit?
Within this spirit, the nomination of the individuals of which it is made up must be governed by capability and independence criteria.
It states that the EU Commission should immediately publish all project documents and define a clear and strict mandate for the research goal, the application and end users of INDECT.
Hence, we can see how, on the one hand, Turkey has launched reforms, incentivised, no doubt, by the European perspective, but, on the other, inadequacies still clearly persist in the specific area on which this debate is focused, the area of democracy and respect for fundamental liberties.
I wish to emphasise the responsible attitude demonstrated by this sector and its total cooperation with my country's authorities.
It will ban the use of weapons by young people under 18.
This compromise does not fully satisfy me, however, particularly because the proposed modulation of over EUR 10 000, even if it is apparently only 1%, cannot reasonably be expected of farmers in my country.
Even though the single patent will not cover the entire EU, I do not doubt that it will be a beneficial instrument for development, and for boosting the competitiveness of SMEs.
(Applause)
My colleague from the French Government, the Minister for Housing and Cities, and the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, paid tribute there to the exceptional way in which Europeans from all backgrounds rallied around this summit.
As regards the external dimension of the euro, let me only say that our currency has established itself internationally.
Of course, the Treaty lacks the simplicity of its late, lamented predecessor, but it preserves all the principal reforms.
The report also identifies further areas where reforms are required in order to build the critical mass necessary to ensure fiscal sustainability and economic recovery.
If you ask a question, then at least wait for the answer'.
Nonetheless, promises once made have to be kept, as in the case of the protocol concerning the conditions for the accession of Bulgaria to the European Union, which contains the EU's commitment to finance the decommissioning of Kozloduy.
Moreover, I should like to emphasise that the European Parliament has always been in favour of granting financing measures for the banana sector to the 10 ACP banana-producing countries.
It is true that, exceptionally, this year there were severe forest fires in northwest Span and in Portugal as early as March, and that conditions for forest fires are therefore favourable, but the problem itself lies not in any progressive change to natural conditions, but elsewhere.
A selective approach to visa lifting will not strengthen the European prospects of any Western Balkan country whose communities are divided, because selectivity brings with it new divisions.
President of the Court of Auditors. - (DE) Mr President, Vice-President Kallas, ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to be able to take part today in your debate on the annual reports of the Court of Auditors for the 2006 financial year.
The Internet transcends national borders, however, and there is no common Union legislation to deter potential perpetrators and penalise those who commit actions of this kind.
Since we were the ones that gave ourselves so many airs and graces as leaders, if we cannot put this money and these measures on the table, we will not succeed in obtaining a deal and most of the responsibility will lie with Europeans.
That is I think the right policy.
What I want is for all our countries to come together and discuss a neighbourhood policy as ambitious and successful for the South as the one they were able to make in the 1990s for the East.
He quite simply trusted her. Just as we human beings do not always trust doctors, that horse did not trust the vets, but he did trust a familiar person.
I supported this report, just as I support the economic governance package as a whole.
The EU, meanwhile, should improve the coordination of the currently fragmented system of development aid and step up the fight against tax havens.
The joint motion for a resolution expressly supports and welcomes these training missions.
Levels of youth unemployment in some Member States, even in good times, are a scandal.
For a start, instead of the budgets of Member States being aimed at social justice, they are aggravating the struggle to control the markets regardless of the means.
Twenty-one chapters were opened, of which three are provisionally closed.
I believe the version we have agreed with the French Presidency in relation to parent companies offers adequate protection against positive discrimination in favour of certain airlines.
This issue will not be discussed at this summit, but we will discuss enlargement later in the autumn, with a possible decision being taken in December.
The solution, which we will surely approve tomorrow, will therefore also be an interesting test for other directives, as to whether the mutual recognition of regulations at the national level will be sufficient and will not lead to legal uncertainty, and will therefore be more advantageous than an amendment or full harmonisation.
In actual fact, many Member States have already been applying this principle.
in writing. - British Conservatives believe it is unfortunate that paragraph three appears vague in seeming to support "any" initiative in the enforcement of Community law.
The European Commission has undertaken to elaborate the Baltic Interconnection Plan and to present it to the EU energy ministers in December.
Therefore, the planned contact points will give patients all the required information, more clarity, confidence and self-care.
I would like to assess not only the role of the European negotiators, and the mission led by Karel Schwarzenberg which has departed for the region, but also, of course, the role of the Arab states in the region, which has been positive.
Nonetheless, my Group has been extremely concerned, since the adoption of the Frontex Regulation, about the serious incidents in the Mediterranean area, in which people who have set out in search of a better life often lose their lives in the attempt.
In external affairs, we are working hard with the countries of the western Balkans and Russia to prepare regional assessments of threats from organised crime.
Madam President, I would like to thank the Commissioner for his work to date on this matter.
At the same time, Latvia, with considerable financial help from other countries - with the exception of Russia - has made significant efforts to facilitate the naturalisation process and integration of non-citizens in Latvia, bringing the percentage of non-citizens down to 16% at the end of 2008.
(The sitting was suspended at 1.05 p.m. and resumed at 3.05 p.m.)
The inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen area is very important both for these countries, their economic growth and investment development, and for the whole of the European Union, for increasing integrity and solidarity among Member States.
This necessitates, forces even, a mini-revision of the financial perspective.
The only references - which anyhow are already in the Commission's proposal - concern the Roma population.
By now Polish skiing resorts are empty.
At the beginning of February the Chad rebels advanced on the capital N'Djamena and took the larger part of it.
The Commission's work is centred on three main areas following this agreement of the road map adopted last December.
With this decision, the bulk of the money goes outside the European Union in the form of CDMs, while our legislation contains too many exceptions, too many flexibility mechanisms and too little compulsion.
The only way to overcome the democratic deficit whereby the citizens of Europe do not feel part of the European project is to build real European politics.
Mr President, along with many Members of this House - perhaps most Members, in fact, given our resolutions - I am dismayed that the European Union intends to allow the Zimbabwean tyrant, Mugabe, to be invited to the EU-Africa Summit in Lisbon in December.
(PL) Madam President, I would like to make sure I am understood correctly.
It is true that we passed a vote of confidence and what you say in your letter is also true in that not even the new checks on liquids that are being trialled will be able to absolutely stop all possible explosive liquids.
The obligation to give full pay for on-call time, including rest periods, whether in the health and emergency services or in the fire service or in any other sector of activity, therefore remains in force, in accordance with existing law.
(SK) Mr President, Baroness Ashton, I would like to address you and to make a strong appeal to you in this matter, as it is simply unacceptable to us that Christians in the Middle East continue to face such merciless attacks.
In this report, we are concerned with two things: firstly, respecting the details of the Economic Partnership Agreements and the parliamentary monitoring institutions which they have established, such as the Cariforum, and, secondly, making use of synergies while respecting the autonomy of both institutions. Respecting the synergies, in other words, within the Joint Parliamentary Assembly, which acts between the European Union and the ACP countries and the new inter-parliamentary institutions for the Economic Partnership Agreements.
For the sake of clarity, I think that what we have to do is not to write a new text but to maintain as much as possible of the core, i.e. the mandate we have, and try to add elements.
(CS) Madam President, I was also hoping to speak under the 'catch the eye' procedure about this report but I understand that there will probably not be enough time now.
Activities surrounding the deployment of the EUFOR mission resumed after a temporary interruption.
Through a well considered, balanced regional policy of this kind, we might finally also help to make the new Europe 2020 strategy truly successful.
Concerning education and training, which is the subject of the second question on Europe 2020, I would just like to say the following. As early as the crisis recovery plan of November 2008, the Commission called on Member States to retain investment in education and training, and we will maintain this focus.
The second phase of the consultation of social partners on work-life balance concluded in July.
These fears were allayed through declarations adopted by the European Councils of December 2008 and June 2009.
I assume from this that the Commission will take our amendments seriously this time instead of largely ignoring them, as in the case of the own-initiative report on reform two years ago.
While they contain nearly 70% of the population and produce four-fifths of the Union's GDP, urban areas need to become highly competitive zones with a dense economic fabric, poles of attraction for technological excellence, and they must be directly connected to their regional support base.
When it comes to freight transport in Europe it is probably right to say that we must rank these three priorities differently, according to reverse alphabetical order, no less.
Trade and development issues are to be dealt with within the wider regional framework.
However, states that demand annual financial statements from micro-enterprises because they do not have effective tax administration and exercise no control, apart from the receipt of the annual financial statement, should hardly be surprised if they have missing tax revenue or tax fraud.
We have to enhance and promote further activities aimed at climate change treatment.
You are obviously a good politician.
Moreover, land-based pollution of the seas constitutes a significant proportion of overall maritime pollution.
Each year, because Turkey is a candidate country to the European Union, the Commission assesses in very objective terms the reforms made by Turkey in the rule of law and all matters related to fundamental rights.
A group of parliamentarians today, in a hooligan manner, called for direct so-called 'popular democracy' which would replace elections with referendums.
The next item is the joint debate on:
I have a sneaking feeling that what took centre stage in Rome was the political interests of the wealthy countries, rather than the interests of the one billion hungry people in the world.
I say this because we are at a historic juncture.
However, in reply to Mr Ortega, I know of no direct link between low-cost flights, if that is your question, and the number of accidents; what is true is that there is a link between companies seeking to reduce costs, especially in terms of maintenance, security and the lifetime of aircraft, and the number of accidents.
As a second point, I would like to recall something that Commissioner Barrot said when he mentioned that the negotiations with the Council were difficult.
We also demand the implementation of technological safety measures: weight controls in ports, improved lashing equipment and stacking strategies, and adequate marking to locate the containers in case of loss, traceability being one of the services potentially provided by the Galileo project.
I agree with Commissioner Rehn that the message to Serbia must be that the time has come to turn the page and, as others have commented, in that context it was somewhat disappointing to listen to Mr Jeremić, the Serbian Foreign Minister, this afternoon.
I am well aware of the difficulties associated with the goal of achieving an unambiguous outcome of the negotiations.
Important steps have been taken to respond to the threats posed by counterfeited, pirated and dangerous products.
We can see this in the regional policy, but we should also be able to see it in defence.
Europe has an abundance of fertile agricultural land.
We call on Israel and the Palestinian Authority to abide by existing cooperation agreements and to abstain from unilateral measures that could hamper progress and further reforms'.
Also, if one looks at other key performance indicators, the employment optimism index has fallen by three points from +4 to +1 in the last nine months.
Our investments in the green economy will create new job opportunities and drive growth in the decades ahead.
Unfortunately, the amendments, which were largely tabled by the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats), heavily diluted the original intention of the report.
I would like to know whether the French presidency finds itself isolated at the Council table in any way in terms of its historic fondness for regulation of the market and, in this particular instance, for financial services.
In a democracy, it is inconceivable for electoral law to be changed between the two rounds of an election.
Every effort should be made to implement the pan-European programme known as the School Fruit Scheme.
Finally, the EU acts through the financial instruments of the European Commission such as the African Peace Facility and Instrument of Stability.
in writing. - (RO) I believe that the fight against climate change can be won only if we manage to ensure global solidarity.
I am glad to see that the hard work of the last few years on the revamped Lisbon Agenda has helped foster a broad consensus on where we stand and where we want to go.
Moreover, the Commission should, as a result of the European Transparency Initiative and the Corporate Governance Codex, ensure that all companies covered by the Works Council Directive also form European works councils.
I think the President is right and we should consider this procedure of discharge with the committees, the Commission, the Council, Parliament, the national parliaments and the national courts of auditors, which are very conspicuous by their absence from this debate.
The big task for us all in the next few weeks or months is to find common ground.
Efforts are also being made in the field of judicial cooperation The EU is providing EUR 17.5 million to fund a technical assistance project for the modernisation of the judiciary.
in writing. - I voted for this report on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on rear-mounted roll-over protection structures of narrow-track wheeled agricultural and forestry tractors (codified text).
With regard to the catalogue of prevention measures itself, I have to say that mainstreaming is surely crucial in this regard; in other words, that we try to take these aspects into account in other policy areas.
Mr President, first of all, many thanks to the rapporteur.
The European Union must therefore establish measures to provide the required funding in a timely manner when such disasters occur.
More than anything, I was surprised by the original budget that the Secretary-General produced, which put forward an increase of over 5%, much as I was also surprised by the fact that he is not here today.
The upshot of this will be a fall in productivity in certain sectors, such as the cereals sector.
I consider it to be the European Union's duty to make sure that aid gets to the people of Pakistan quickly.
It is in order that we can build democracies, support human rights, the instrument for stability, development and so on, which I know you and other members of your group - and I think everyone in this House - absolutely supports one hundred percent.
Patients, too, are to have their rights in the internal market.
We understand that Commissioner Michel, the EU Presidency, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, President Obama and many others have involved themselves in trying to affect a reversal of this decision.
I believe it is also possible to reach this win-win situation based on political will and far less prejudice.
They need to know that we care and that we will not ignore them.
The enormous State aid that shipyards have received in the old Member States has bypassed the Gdańsk Shipyard. This does not create a level playing field for competition and also takes no account of the differences in the methods used to calculate the profitability of shipyards.
This situation is disastrous and requires effective measures, particularly on the part of the wealthy European Union.
This applies to investments of up to EUR 50 million which, until now, have been evaluated by the EU, because we are responsible for taxpayers' money.
We shall start now with the agenda and after the agenda, we can start again with all your questions about the part-session on 5 and 6 May.
Is any progress being made on that idea, because I think citizens want us, as politicians, to take action?
Some Member States - although it is not compulsory - will provide information on working rights and labour laws at their contact points.
in writing. - (SV) We four Swedish Social Democrats in the European Parliament have chosen ultimately to vote in favour of Mr Moreno Sánchez's report.
That was the whole idea behind the proposal.
It is interesting to reflect that what we achieved in our agreement in May 2001 was somehow historic, amongst 15 Member States moving from different traditions and cultures, and different approaches, to openness and transparency.
I will not need to remind you that what we do in the first half of next year will also set the scene for the European elections.
- (FR) Mr President, Commissioner, Mr Barnier, ladies and gentlemen, I am extremely grateful to our colleague, Mr Capoulas Santos, for this tremendous work he has done, and in good humour, it has to be said.
Malta prefers to keep it as it is so that it can keep its request for contributions from the European Union high as well.
It is time for Europe to develop a common vision and strategic planning for space exploration.
However, we very much welcome the Hungarian Presidency's focus on seeking a better solution regarding the integration of Roma, and on the Danube strategy.
How will they go about distributing the nearly EUR 4 billion for projects in the area of energy and the nearly EUR 1 billion for - apparently - the promotion of broadband in rural areas?
Can I reinforce that the Copenhagen criteria are non-negotiable, especially when it comes to minority rights and human rights, and Macedonia and Croatia are therefore failing to reflect the Community acquis, especially as regards non-discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
It welcomes negotiations on the EU-Libya Framework Agreement with a view to eventually bringing Libya into the Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area (EMFTA) that eurocracy has been preparing for the past 15 years.
That description could apply, with respect, to university professors in the past as well, as they lived in their ivory towers immune from the world and the world immune from them, but, thankfully, that now has all changed, and changed utterly.
One of the pillars of the proposal before us is the 'polluter pays' principle.
Alternative fuels are also treated with far too much restraint.
To close, I hope for the European Commission's cooperation on the proposal for the new directive.
A total failure, in other words.
Honourable Members, as you can see, cluster munitions are an issue that presses the European Union to act, and it must continue to press at an international level for the adoption of a universal instrument.
If we are failing to deliver on the commitments, then we must put that right as a matter of urgency.
As this resolution today illustrates in graphic detail, Lukashenko has intensified his campaign for persecution and harassment against those who dare challenge his iron-fisted rule.
The current European Parliament report and the Commission's Green Paper on the review of the consumer acquis are essentially well balanced, however, and create a simpler and more predictable regulatory framework.
I think that is the overlying situation that we should support.
Concrete steps have been taken to make European citizenship a reality.
I hope that the forthcoming European Council will officially confirm his appointment and that Mario Draghi will be able to lead the ECB from November for the next eight years with the same high-level and unquestionable professionalism that he has shown in the past, and accompany the economy of the European Union towards a phase of recovery that will guarantee stability and strength in Europe's finances.
With all due respect to Mrs Le Pen, leaving the euro is simply not an option.
It is therefore right for there to be prior authorisation for certain kinds of treatment.
At the international level, one of the instruments that the EU can use to promote good governance in tax matters in third countries is to negotiate tax fraud agreements with them, which include a clause on an exchange of information.
The use of solar energy to generate electricity in the south of the Mediterranean can become, if we so wish, one of the major North-South projects, in response to the economic crisis, on the one hand, and the climate-change crisis, on the other.
I think we, the European Parliament, have to take the initiative in this field.
(DE) Madam President, President-in-Office of the Council, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to congratulate the Czech Council Presidency on its assumption of office.
That also means taking our share of leadership and leading others to lend their support and provide means towards the goals set.
The turnaround has also been spectacular in countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland and Spain, which were cited just now as an example.
Finally, the last item of information.
The citizens of these countries will have great difficulties in understanding the binding nature of taking over those European norms involving economic sacrifices into the national framework, as well as a series of public policies that citizens consider much too restrictive for the economic stage in which these countries are now.
This report, in fact, covers a good many of the replies received during the consultation, or some of them at any rate, which the Commission decided not to include at the time.
Lastly, our Parliament, I believe, condemns the death penalty, no matter who it affects - children, women, adults - or which country in the world carries it out.
For what is often forgotten in discussions of biodiversity is the role that animals and plants play in our ecosystem.
I do not see that any other position would be possible.
A common concept would prevent the 'migration' of refugees within European States, while allowing more appropriate management.
I will allow myself one joke today.
I am referring, in particular, to the security problems affecting the areas in the immediate vicinity where the alliance can play a key role in the creation of democratic defence and security institutions in the Balkans and extended region of the Black Sea.
These must be opened to European citizens.
I would like to call for this in the strongest possible terms.
I am worried about the fact that, while hundreds of billions of euros' worth of electricity, gas and CO2 emissions quotas are changing hands on the markets, there is a clear supervisory and legislative gap.
If that is not possible, I regret to say we shall have to vote against it.
I shall, as I said, inform the Commissioner responsible of the view expressed by several Members this evening.
(EL) Mr President, I too should like to comment on the question of natural gas, given that we have become witness over the last ten days to the conflict surrounding this issue, a conflict in which many of the Member States of the European Union who are dependent on natural gas for their energy have been caught up, causing problems for citizens, businesses and industry.
The Germans themselves agree with this view, as the White Paper on security in Germany clearly shows.
I voted against the report.
This is why the Dreamliner is the most subsidised aeroplane in the world.
With regard to mobile satellite services, fundamentally the final result offers a balance between political ambition and economic feasibility.
That freedom demands tolerance and equality of treatment between all faiths and beliefs, so that democracy can be complete democracy.
As we know, in many third countries, very poor and vulnerable people are being exploited for the purpose of organ extraction.
We voted to abstain on this resolution, as although we support many of the points contained within, we could not support a call within the resolution for there to be a single UN Security Council for the European Union.
Of course we welcome this initiative.
However, I think there has been a certain election fever today in Parliament, and it seems to me that much of the criticism we have heard here, especially about the European Commission, is entirely unjustified.
The European Union should cooperate with the government of Mauritania and with the African Union in order to resolve the situation.
The Czech Republic, one of the smaller countries in the Union, sees the Galileo project as an opportunity for the future.
Where are we going to find coal for steelworks all over the world if the emerging countries develop in line with existing technologies?
(PL) Mr President, for the third year in a row, I am acting as rapporteur for the Socialist Group in the European Parliament regarding the progress report for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
The agreement today with the Commission is not bad, but lobbyists must be obliged to put their names and their real interests in a register.
The damage it causes is jeopardising the existence of many fish farmers and fishermen.
We have therefore chosen to vote against this report concerning, among other things, the European Parliament's budget for 2010.
Madam President, today is 25 November, which marks the tenth anniversary of the establishment by the UN of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
I would like to start by thanking all the rapporteurs on the electronic communications package for their work, starting with the organisation of hearings and ending with the preparation of the reports.
End of story!
Like the Council, the Commission has concluded an agreement with its staff trade unions, putting a certain amount of human resources at their disposal.
This new legal basis must ensure that civil rights are respected.
Now we in the Committee on Budgets, however, have voted against this money by a majority, and we Members cannot spend any more money on inviting the local media here.
The EU must take a strong position in order to protect consumers and their health.
That is the aim.
It is not just the European Union that will implement reforms.
According to official figures, there are 2 113 000 displaced persons in the east of the Republic of Congo.
We need to back Parliament's proposal to mobilise EUR 9 593 931, which will provide specific personalised services such as assistance with job search, training for job interviews, assistance with self-employment and individual vocational training.
Unfortunately, this is due to the fact that the European Council did not take its decision any sooner, with the result that we cannot have the Commission in place.
The time of cheap energy, at least that from fossil sources, is probably over for some time, probably for a long time.
This means that, in the European Union, we remain bound by the principle of unanimity.
Once again military force is destabilising countries which are trying to free themselves from Russian influence.
Thirdly, we ensured that the information on medicinal products coming from companies is checked and is reliable in that it must have passed through a pharmaceuticals authority somewhere.
Even if they can afford a car, they are not allowed to drive it.
I have no doubt that it will not be easy to convince our partner across the Atlantic of our concerns in detail.
The adopted report helps to improve the functioning of the internal market, while at the same time bolstering consumer confidence.
Obviously, every subsequent expansion will encounter an increasingly strict application of the criteria.
They suffered with low interest rates, a false boom and a massive bust.
The next item is the debate on
Mr President, let me first mention the action taken during the crisis.
The explosion in oil prices has triggered an orgy of speculation in raw materials, including foodstuffs.
(PL) Madam President, in my view, this directive is an example of sound and effective dialogue within the European Union.
This directive concerns more than 52 000 industrial plants which account for a large proportion of emissions in the Member States of the EU and are even jointly responsible for the failure to achieve the targets set by the European Commission itself for reducing atmospheric pollution.
However, the problem is that there is no flexibility in this respect in the Community budget.
On the other hand, it is far from clear whether there will be sufficient oil production to satisfy global demand.
That is why we must all support the Commission, so that Europe continues to be a major force.
Indeed, international adoption should have a framework of specific rules in order to avoid abuses, such as child trafficking for example.
in writing. - (PT) I voted in favour of the motion for a resolution on the 2009 progress report on Croatia, as I believe that Zagreb will succeed in surpassing the challenges put before it and conclude negotiations for the country's accession to the European Union in 2010.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is also called upon to make immediate contact with the people currently being held hostage.
Premature, because the outcome of the investigation into the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is not yet known, and some preliminary conclusions confirm that it was due to a combination of behavioural, organisational and technical errors.
As a part of this Commission programme supporting the judiciary, a specific component is dedicated to feminicide.
The screening process was completed one year later, in October 2006, and all 33 screening reports have been submitted to the Council.
It is hard to imagine how the United States could otherwise pay the enormous debts it is only now incurring and how, in a time of inflation, the weakening of the value of money, it will respond to its own worsening ability to pay off its debts and normalise its overpriced assets.
I proposed that food and all drink should be taxed at the same reduced rate, if it is applied.
It is positive that agreement can be reached at first reading.
We are lacking a major economic recovery plan, we are lacking in major areas such as the revival of the infrastructure policy with Eurobonds, and we are lacking a high-profile European approach.
This means that clear rules should operate for every manufacturer, exporter and importer.
Frontex's role in ensuring the effective control by Member States of the EU's external borders is becoming increasingly important.
I am pleased to learn that Parliament fully shares the Commission's philosophy.
(PL) Madam President, in Mr Tarabella's report on equality between women and men in the European Union, several very important suggestions have been made to the European Commission and the Member States.
I think that the work in relation to early school leaving has got off to a good start under the Belgian Presidency and that subsequent presidencies, the Hungarian Presidency in particular, will certainly be able to initiate a draft recommendation, not only to reduce the early school-leaving rate, but also to draw conclusions from this mapping of the 27 Member States about what becomes of those pupils who leave school early, in particular, when they are marginalised and when they are not picked up by a more vocational education system, as you point out.
It is estimated that across the UK one dairy farmer is leaving the industry every day.
The Galileo question, of course, is very sensitive to all of us and I fully understand the concerns of the Committee on Budgets.
Specialists make proposals about how existing scientific mentality and culture can be broadened and made more open, but the challenge now is to put that into effect.
Therefore, the Commission must also press for our European standards to form part of the WTO negotiations and to become a global standard - then we need not fear this global competition.
The first step, which should apply for all Community resources, is to simplify procedures and make allocation of funds more flexible by reducing bureaucratic barriers, the excessive administrative costs and other obstacles that hamper policy goals regarding employment and the fight against poverty.
Verification of credentials: see Minutes
I fear that this is what happens when groups do not coordinate and start acting out of order.
I believe that the financial and economic situation is much more serious than he described.
The aforementioned pilot projects are completely insufficient and will hardly do anything to relieve the pressure that is already affecting Italy and Malta, but will affect other Mediterranean countries in the near future.
Finally, I hope that this Parliament will stand with our citizens this week in supporting the citizens' amendment package, thereby standing in favour of the freedom of Internet users and civil liberties across the Union.
I, too, would like to appeal to the Member States to be guided only by the integrated guidelines when they draw up their national reform programmes, as these enable a much better balance between social protection and economic growth.
During an economic crisis there is a risk of increasing the level of protectionism.
The Commission's proposal for a 'soft landing' policy and a 2% increase in quotas every year until 2014, when the current regulation expires, amounts to an intensification of the unequal distribution of quotas between Member States.
Thank you all for your patience and, as it is the last Question Time before Christmas, may I wish you also a happy Christmas and New Year!
What is the answer to this great demand?
She belongs to the Coptic Church and was unaware of the fact that her father, also a Coptic Christian, had converted to Islam for a time, and then returned to the Coptic faith.
They are not decision-makers and they clash with each other.
So are we voting and are we deciding with our hearts rather than with our brains and our heads on this?

This state, at the European Union's border, will not be able to get through the current deadlock without such messages which inspire the belief in Moldova's citizens that Europe is the right option.
Being located at the EU's eastern border, Romania is aware of both the risks and benefits accorded by this geo-strategic position.
We must be vigilant and try to convince Russia that an intense relationship of mutual trust between true partners and European neighbours requires us to share basic principles and rules.
It is important that we, as elected representatives, now take charge of the debate.
Little Slovenia has got in ahead of great big Poland, and that should be food for thought for us Poles.
The last European Council showed this clearly once again.
Acting as the European Parliament, we must put pressure on the authorities in Burma.
There is an urgent need to prevent overdevelopment of the coastline, and land and property speculation must be curbed.
Teaching at schools and universities and continuous training must be reviewed, and certainly enhanced.
Moving on to the substance of this issue, the immigration liaison officers' network was created by Council Regulation (EC) No 377/2004.
Therefore, I do not agree that my British constituent convicted there in his absence should have that conviction automatically recognised in the UK.
in writing. - (PT) I must say first of all that our vote against is a protest against postponement of the entry into force of a directive on workers' health and safety, a directive that in this case was adopted in 2004 which lays down the exposure limit values of workers to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields, and prevention, information and training measures.
We need more public services whose role is to provide childcare and care for dependants.
A few legislative measures are already planned, there will be communications from the Commission and it is worth debating.
in writing. - (PL) The Agency's work programme for 2010 is a matter of some concern to me.
I believe it is a very important institution that can strengthen and develop European disease surveillance, and assess and communicate current and emerging threats to human health posed by infectious diseases.
The children's self-image can suffer serious damage and their potential can be squandered.
In the future, such enforced cooperation must be used as often as is necessary.
(EL) Madam President, Commissioner, thank you for your kind words about the measures being taken by the Greek Government.
There is still just one person left who believes that ratification of this Treaty must be blocked, even when the parliament of the country he is leader of has ratified it.
In this sense, our Parliament is voting on its position on Mr Brok's report.
We must do everything in our power to prevent another tragedy in Africa.
My question about this is, are we really treading risky ground here, or is this fear unfounded?
Dwindling cohesion policy funds will continue to crush our economy.
The European institutions seem to be preoccupied with appeasing the most fanatical and the worst offenders, those who are butchering the human rights of all Muslims, because Muslims are - and we need to realise this - the main victims of this situation.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I would like to thank you for raising the human rights situation in the North Caucasus.
Mr Takkula, one moment: the procedure... we are going to give you the floor soon as an additional speaker, because the representative of your group was indeed not present.
I consider it extremely important, however, for the EU to take on the task of coordinating national strategies and supervising them, with the aim of ensuring the quickest possible genuine integration of the Roma.
I welcome the Commission's proposal.
(HU) In my opinion, nuclear energy has not received the place it deserves in this report.
The European Union is a democratic institution which comprises many Member States.
The Irish are denounced for the way they exercised their powers but no one is laughing at the Hungarians, although the parliament there voted yes even before the unreadable treaty had been submitted to it.
While we welcome the Czech Presidency's inclusion in the work programme of improving the transparency of Trade Defence Instruments, this is not enough.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - Madam President, education is the bridge from misery to hope.
As long as the European Union refuses to admit that it cannot accommodate all economic migrants from every conceivable quarter, hundreds of thousands more will make their way here.
We should not allow this to happen, and that is why I think that legitimacy is good.
Regular consultations between the ambassadors of the Member States and those of the EU will be an important step along this path.
In the debate earlier today, Mr Booth reminded us of the Oregon Declaration, which 30 000 relevant scientists have signed, challenging the whole basis of climate alarmism.
2.
The nomination of the President of Burkina Faso, Mr Blaise Compaoré, as facilitator in the crisis on behalf of ECOWAS and the International Contact Group, is a very positive sign, and the European Union has welcomed this appointment via the Presidency.
As the United Nations has pointed out, the parties involved in the conflict need to agree to seek a realistic political solution that is fair, sustainable, acceptable to both sides and in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The road transport sector is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the European Union and its emissions are continuing to rise.
Sheep farming plays a vital role in many parts of rural Scotland and the EU must act in such a way as to protect these rural economies, not impose additional burdens on sheep farmers.
I would like to express my thanks to the Belgian Presidency.
Until today, the Commission has refused to launch an investigation into the very serious human rights violations in that country.
How can we be the guardians of others when we dare not address our own problems?
They need to have growth and investment and we can deliver on that within the European Union.
Legislation is unfortunately not enough to achieve efficiency.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, I think our aim has to be to keep things as simple as possible for our stakeholders and to ensure - insofar as we can - that beneficiaries can directly apply their usual cost accounting practices for personnel costs, avoiding the need to implement a parallel accounting system as they had to up to now.
The cautiousness with which some regard this new country will certainly be based on political and strategic motives, but also on reasons of a more practical nature, resulting above all from the worrying way in which corruption and organised crime are rife in that territory, preventing Kosovo from truthfully claiming that it has rule of law.
The next item is the statement by Mr Barroso, the President of the European Commission, on the Legislative and Work Programme of the Commission for 2010.
That is what we do.
Yesterday and today, these young people surrounding us now were sitting in your places.
As you pointed out, Commissioner, much of this will depend on the Member States themselves, in terms both of application, in particular, and also of follow-up in due course.
We should have resolved the matter with high compensation payments at the time, which would have achieved an effect similar to that achieved for denied boarding.
In this connection, I would stress in particular the importance of the small and medium-sized enterprise sector and the innovations that come from this, as it can be truly inventive.
The next item is the Commission statement on the restructuring of the European car industry, in particular the Opel case.
As a teacher, I would like to remind that positive results in education cannot be obtained by fear, constraint and physical punishment.
on behalf of the S&D Group. - (DE) Madam President, we in the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament already voted against this amendment at the committee stage.

I am pleased at the adoption of this report, which welcomes the Stockholm Action Plan and, more specifically, the elements it contains in relation to civil law, commercial law, family law and private international law.
Subject: Gender equality in decision making
Establishing European research infrastructures guarantees that research will reach a high level.
I voted in favour of this report because anything that improves road safety has to be welcomed.
In France, professional fishermen are blockading the Atlantic, Channel and Mediterranean ports in reaction of course to the sudden rise in diesel prices and the quotas policy imposed by Brussels.
This would undoubtedly have helped show the separation of powers, which works very well at European level, in its true light.
The capital, the talent and the individual enterprises are highly fluid.
The next item is the statements by the Council and the Commission: Conclusions of the European Council held on 25-26 March 2010.
There cannot be a first-tier neighbourhood policy and another, second-tier, neighbourhood policy.
With respect to the Pacific, for which I am the rapporteur, we have a collection of 14 - plus one if you include East Timor - very small nation-states.
Nevertheless, clearly Moldova is not the same as Morocco.
If we in the Commission were to put forward a binding target for each Member State, these would, today, be rejected by the Member States, of which we are all also citizens.
So far, we have heard only about slogan-like targets, and an extremely tight schedule for adopting it.
I have big concerns for the future of the Spanish tourism business now that the press is writing about the bad fortune of these people.
What I would say is that cultural monuments, such as the Acropolis and other monuments in Greece and other Member States, are a source of inspiration and cross-cultural wealth and just today, the European Commission adopted a new system for labelling the major cultural monuments of the European Union, including the Acropolis.
This at least will not be too hard, considering the low number of fines recently imposed.
The text, as arising from the trialogues, can be supported and adopted.
Zero tolerance of drivers who commit offences, whether or not drink-drivers, would be more effective in fighting the increase in the number of road accident victims.
We must then also consider whether or not derivatives should be traded compulsorily on the Stock Exchange - possibly with the exception of interest rate swaps.
As you will know, we are also hoping to improve matters with the reform working group, but thank you for your comments, and thank you to our interpreters.
One branch of our culture is now disappearing before our very eyes and we are witnessing the obliteration of one of its sources.
Forwarding of texts adopted during the sitting : see Minutes
Finally, the report should have suggested that the Commission examine the possibility of prior European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) approval of all 'structured financial products'.
We are coming to the end of a long road of negotiations, and I would like to congratulate all those involved, in particular my fellow Members from my political group.
This is what I meant when I referred to the European Parliament's calling card: limited increases, as well as clear self-restraint.
But, given that you have not answered the question that was asked, I want to put one or two others to you.
We, too, can have the kind of assurances the Swiss enjoy.
These improvements concern the expansion of open application areas, though we would have preferred them to be introduced more quickly.
in writing - (FR) Human rights are not negotiable.
I supported this agreement and the participation of the Republic of Croatia in the work of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, which will allow factual and objective information to be collected from Croatia at European level concerning drugs and drug addiction and their consequences, and will enable the Republic of Croatia to gain information on best practices to understand the nature of its drug problems and improve its response to them.
The European Court of Auditors has stated that it has obtained reasonable assurances that the annual accounts for 2009 are legal and regular, and the revision of a multiannual work programme carried out in 2010 as well as the start of an initiative to review its budget procedure convince me that the Community Fisheries Control Agency is implementing the recommendations it has received.
In addition to this matter, we were also unhappy that the energy efficiency improvements were completely left out of the support package.
Without a climate check of this kind, the co-financing must not be increased.
That is why I voted for the report.
This is only partly true.
(PL) Mr President, despite having been reformed several times, the common agricultural policy is still not living up to expectations.
Before Parliament can give the approval that is required for the ratification of this agreement, significant improvements still need to be made, and not only in terms of content.
Such victories were only possible because we cooperated across political lines.
The European Union is about security in the broadest sense and this is part of the whole exercise of opening up minds, of fighting nationalism, of fighting ethnic conflict, of building a continent on peace and prosperity, and that is what we want to open up the eyes of the citizens of those countries to.
What I am therefore appealing for is for us to work together.
Commissioner, I would like to ask you once more about our famous Ignalina atomic plant.
The fact that those who try to introduce counterfeit goods into the Community choose the European ports that are not equipped with advanced technologies, such as scanning and registering the pallets of merchandise, is a reality.
In fact, the main problem is not related to criminality.
There is one thing that I would like to add.
In mountain areas, the Directive aims to internalise the external costs of environmental damage and congestion through an additional toll of up to 25% of the infrastructure toll.
Therefore, although it is true that the Moroccan Parliament has set up an investigative commission, I think it is essential that an international commission be set up, that European and politicians and journalists have freedom of access to the area and that the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara extend its mandate to the protection of human rights, both in the area controlled by Morocco and in the area controlled by Polisario.
There is no denying that this is the case.
(HU) Madam President, I suggest that we speak clearly.
The rulers of the European Union, who wish to break up the nations of Europe, cannot in fact forgive the Serbs for having resisted the destruction of their state, and in particular the secession of Kosovo, the historic heart of Serbia.
If we do not wish to still be setting up bad banks in ten or twenty years' time then we must get banks and credit institutions to assume a significant business risk if they continue to deal in critical products.
Logically, this new edition follows the strategy of the Turkish Minister for Foreign Affairs.
All these measures can help reduce the incidence of these activities.
We are in a situation where it seems increasingly obvious that the reality of the current team's chosen strategy, under the leadership of Mr Barroso, is a strategy à la japonaise: in other words, acting too late, and thus in an inefficient and costly manner.
Parliament is now once again throwing its doors wide open to a type of all-encompassing European anti-discrimination policy, which leaves barely a single social domain untouched.
The three tuna processing facilities in Papua New Guinea which are authorised to export tuna to the EU employ around 5 700 people, most of whom are women.
As already stated, as a farmer, I believe wholeheartedly that the first priority should be to produce healthy food, the second priority to produce fodder and the third priority to produce energy materials.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to congratulate Mr Duchoň on his brilliant report.
We have not had any discussion, so it was agreed that I should comment briefly.
You therefore need to make an effort in this respect.
in writing. - (FR) If, despite a certain amount of reluctance due to a totally unbalanced text, I eventually voted for it, this was because an oral amendment tabled by the Group of the European People's Party restored the truth to a certain extent as to the current situation in Gaza.
My political group has therefore decided to support inclusion in Appendix II as a compromise between the proposal of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and those of us who think that fisheries management cannot be snatched away from regional fisheries organisations.
Within the internal market, international transport between the Member States has been fully liberalised, although a number of restrictions still remain for cabotage.
The directive on inland transport of dangerous goods updates four Commission decisions and combines them in a single legal act.
They should not be allowed to succeed.
This, in terms of Europe's decision-making process, is very fast.
We must use these funds to improve our ability to work in an integrated way by improving public/private partnerships, incentivising inter-regional clusters and ensuring good coordination between cohesion funds and funds for research and innovation.
I voted in favour of the Casa report on the adoption by Slovakia of the single currency on 1 January 2009, in which the European Parliament is won over by the positive recommendations of the Commission, the ECB and the Council.
in writing. - (FR) The EU Blue Card, which it is claimed is reserved for highly qualified workers, offering cardholders freedom of movement and establishment in all the Member States of the European Union, will be a new suction pump for immigration which will be no more controlled at EU level than it is today in many countries at national level.
The first person to be awarded the prize was Nelson Mandela, whom I will be meeting next week in Johannesburg as part of an invitation to speak before the Pan-African Parliament.
The current, well advanced, project is intended to strengthen OLAF's role by first, streamlining its working conditions, second, improving the quality of its operations and third, as noted by previous speakers, strengthening its independence - may I at this point thank the rapporteur.
We wholeheartedly reject this.
Many thanks for your request to speak.
If this were to take the form of fundamentalism, the results could be catastrophic for us.
There is an urgent need for a functioning government.
Why is this?
I should like, in this sense, to make an observation that stems from my having seen, as so many others have, on television screens everywhere, the crowds that in some way stirred up the protest of the last few days.
The only things that come in are food, medicines and a few humanitarian goods - but people cannot live on just flour, lentils and medicines.
The first is, naturally, to implement Kyoto and to sign, at long last, the post-Kyoto agreement, a multilateral agreement providing the frame of reference for a different future.
Together we sought European solutions to European problems.
My second point concerns the particular situation of urban areas - I speak here as Chair of the Urban Intergroup and I see a number of my fellow members of the Intergroup here this evening - because it is in urban areas that the problem of unemployment is concentrated, unemployment at three times the mainland European level.
I wish to congratulate Mrs Patrão Neves on her excellent report on the reform of the common fisheries policy.
In order to address this problem, we need to invest more in the education and training of young people so that they are equipped for future challenges on the labour market, which is becoming more and more demanding.
In offices, schools and homes we all spend the overwhelming majority of our time in enclosed spaces.
There have been calls, including in the G20 last September, to make the financial sector pay for setting up stability funds and recompense for the damage that they have caused to the real economy.
Let us recall that, in the context of establishing the financial backstops last 9 May - Schuman Day - and the following night, the Commission made a proposal for a European Financial Stability Mechanism, a Community instrument, which in fact was adopted up to EUR 60 billion, based on loan guarantees by the Union budget under the own-resources decision.
This was a task that required discipline and concentration and that could only be achieved by adopting an approach characterised by openness, solidarity and mutual trust.
The Commission makes the final check on the admissibility of a citizens' initiative.
As has been stated by the rapporteur, the JPAs have a central role in monitoring talks and creating links between the two sides: the EU and countries of the South.
The Commission has a completely clean record on that matter, and we are ready to work with the Parliament in full transparency on all those matters.
Thus, industrial policy is central to one of the most important political issues: work for everyone, full employment.
(RO) One of the main objectives of the European Union is to develop a low-carbon economy.
I was particularly pleased to note that the Commission is now obliged to introduce measures to define specific criteria for awarding the Ecolabel for each category of products within nine months of the start of consultations on the Ecolabel with the Council.
In a sense it is my baby, as I was the rapporteur on the system itself.
The number of transplants in the European Union has increased, saving and prolonging many lives.
The compromise reached in this second reading process is the result of cooperation between the Commission, the Council and Parliament.
(The speaker stops again)
It may have been quite good yesterday because feelings were not running so high there as they would perhaps otherwise have been.
It was simply what the Council agreed at the time.
However, I would like to talk about something which has not been mentioned in this Chamber.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, for decades now, the European Union's common fisheries policy has controlled fishing within the Community and in the territorial waters of third countries.
- Report: Christopher Heaton-Harris
the report by Mr Rangel, on behalf of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, on adaptation of Parliament's Rules of Procedure to the revised framework agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the Commission.
It is a personal decision that prompts women, after considering the facts, to move into urban areas or stay in the villages.
It is important, as we have been talking about the problems of reducing VAT for three years.
Allocation of FISIM for the establishment of GNI (
What is more, we have been appalled by reports of the torture and ill-treatment of people detained on political grounds, including ex-presidential candidate Mikhalevich.
In addition, Parliament calls on the Commission to propose a legislative initiative on media freedom, pluralism and independent governance before the end of the year with a view to defining at least the minimum essential standards and in order to ensure, guarantee and promote an adequate level of media pluralism and independent media governance in the EU Member States.
I know that we will be able to count on strong support for this from Parliament, and I thank you for this support.
It was a central theme of my joint visit with Commissioner Michel to the African Union and a number of African countries earlier this month.
Nor do they call for the obligation for the European Medicines Agency to exercise total transparency with regard to its research and to the collusion between its officials and the pharmaceutical companies.
The Biometric Matching System must be the same for SIS, VIS and Eurodac to ensure their interoperability and keep costs down.
(CS) As far back as 2000 the Council of Europe expressed its wish to transform the European Union, within 10 years, into the most dynamic and competitive part of the world.
The American trade unions also fear losing their grip on the sector through foreign interference, chiefly because it is felt that they could be successful and because there is an assumption that the European airlines are better organised and will easily be able to grab chunks of that market.
The rapporteur is proposing a compromise that deserves praise for its sharpness, but it contains an obvious legal weakness which the Commission denies, even though it can see it, not to mention the confused message that we send out to citizens when we establish European rules that the Member States are free to implement or not as they see fit.
This is our first and greatest responsibility.
Secondly, it is also regrettable that only 15 out of the 27 Member States are prepared to sign up to this enhanced cooperation, which will be detrimental to the citizens of the countries that do not do so.
No such legislation yet exists.
Faced with this new information, Parliament calls on the authorities of South Sudan - whose independence will be declared, starting from 9 July 2011 - to make efforts towards bringing together the essential foundations for establishing a democratic state anchored in human dignity.
Subject: Irish as an official working language of the European Union
The experience of implementing the European Union Emission Trading Scheme has completely discredited the value of regulation through the market and clearly demonstrated the ineffectiveness and perversity of its instruments.
Children need good fresh food, grown as locally and naturally as possible.
The Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Lavrov, said explicitly last Thursday that the reform of Europe's security architecture is a priority in Russia's foreign policy for 2008.
We disagree with a budget that focuses on supporting the reconstruction of monopolies and the growing militarisation of the EU, on the liberalisation in numerous sectors of economic activity and the lack of job security, as advocated by the EU 2020 Strategy.
Some of you asked me - sincerely, I believe - to show more boldness.
(Applause)
It is very important to have a budget in place, so that we can carry on the discussions in the other areas without the additional complication of working under provisional twelfths.
It would bring necessary and substantial added value to efforts made at national level, according to the subsidiarity principle, and would allow better protection of Europe's energy interests.
That is why I have a problem with paragraphs 2 and 4 in the Virrankoski report.
(The President cut off the speaker.)
I would like to give a few words of explanation.
In what way does referring to these allegations help us identify the means by which we can prevent capital punishment?
This holds true not only in Europe, but also in Egypt, Libya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries in Africa and the Middle East referred to in this resolution.
Mr President-in-Office, I am grateful to you for the fact that we are utilising the opportunity afforded by single legal personality and are acceding to the Strasbourg Convention.
The introduction of biometric identification data as part of VIS marks an important step in establishing a reliable link between the visa holder and the passport, thereby preventing the use of a false identity.
This area must also be supported in order to improve the economic conditions so as to help resolve the problems in relation to the minorities.
Creativeness that is undermined is creativeness that is doomed to disappear.
Indeed, you made your desire for this charter very clear, and I believe you did so, Mrs Jiménez-Becerril Barrio, by drawing on all the painful first-hand experience you have had.
We need to clarify in the research where exactly there are risks and where there is also a certain scope of responsibility.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I very much welcome - personally, as well as in my function as the rapporteur for multiannual financial planning - the report by the chairman of our committee, Mr Lamassoure, as it builds the necessary bridges, including in terms of legal certainty, that we need until we have agreed on the necessary adaptation of the interinstitutional agreement and on further technical procedures that we need to clear up under treaty law.
I agree with the purposes and goals, which are to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment.
On the one hand they get paid less for the same job, and on the other their shorter period of employment because of the responsibilities of motherhood are both reasons for the poverty of women when they reach retirement age.
(LV) Mrs Malmström, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the formulation of a strategy for the Baltic Sea region is a very important achievement for Parliament, in which the members of the Baltic intergroup have played a leading role.
Milk quotas are like a pressure cooker: you cannot keep the pressure on right to the end and then take it off, because it just bursts.
I just wanted to agree wholeheartedly with both Mr Corbett and my group chairman, Mr Daul.
It is down to the EU to preserve its image by strengthening its commitment to ITER and demanding that its partners do the same.
The proposed changes relate to: firstly, the optimum exploitation of fish stocks; secondly, the correct method for fisheries management and appropriate fishing methods; and, finally and thirdly, preventing illegal fishing.
Institutional reforms, the dynamism of civil society and respect for freedoms and civil rights have contributed to political stabilisation in Taiwan.
Admittedly, certain precautions have been introduced to ensure that it affects neither the 20% target nor Member States' control over their national support systems, but to me they do not appear sufficient.
Nuclear energy is an important component of a European energy policy mix, and today we are witnessing a renewed interest in nuclear energy, both at European and international level.
Therefore, I very much welcome the fact that the Hungarian Presidency is following up this issue and making it one of the focal points of its work.
This requirement is made clear from Commission data, which shows that, every year, in the EU alone, an estimated 9.3 million tonnes of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) are sold.
We are talking about new resources - we need money - and I should like you to tell us whether you will indeed be raising money by these means?
Everything should be done to support the country's progress towards genuine democracy and economic development.
But we need to be mindful that we are legislating for the real world, not making a wish list for an ideal world, and that Parliament should stick to its areas of competence in future.
Long-term care for older people (vote)
My second remark, Commissioner, is that the 'monitoring system' currently only monitors the volume of the imported goods.
Why do you then think that, if quotas are imposed on companies, that one-third will include just those illiterate women that may also exist in our society?
Would it be in order for the Commissioner to send me a copy of his reply to Mr Cappato, because I have an interest in this subject?
However, I have discretion, and there is also the way in which the request is worded: it concerns the vote on urgencies, which is all the urgencies; not just one of them but all of them.
Let me also say that we have read with great interest Parliament's resolution on the recognition of agriculture as a strategic sector in the context of food security, based on the report by the honourable Member, Daciana Sârbu.
However, it is equally important for me to say again tonight that the technology used in the system to register the field crops does not make it possible to use the same system for control purposes.
Concerning policy implementation, I generally agree with your suggestions, with a different focus, however.
Moreover, this will not cost us taxpayers in the European Union anything, as Switzerland is itself paying for its involvement.
In the UK a general reduction in VAT has led to a fall in inflation of 1% and an injection into the economy of GBP 12 billion.
As I have said, the E3+3 is already considering these options.
In this case the rapporteur has no official speaking time, which I believe is an appalling situation.
Given the incomplete resolution of certain disputes under the trade provisions of the Euro-Mediterranean agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, I acknowledge that the diplomatic approach has been ineffective in this context.
I wish the Congress every success in its work.
I put my name forward at 17:00 and cannot quite comprehend the procedure.
We must work to create a pluralistic world that keeps its aptitude for creation intact and that can give rise to the new and to diversity.
No, Mr El Khadraoui, at the beginning, some initial accounts appeared, from which it was clear that, through the problems of the tax burden, there was an increase, and then they simply disappeared.
Honourable Members, several of you have rightly pointed out the importance of the conference in Nagoya.
Angela Merkel and President Sarkozy were also here, and they did not pursue a domestic agenda; they talked about Europe.
(DE) Mr President, first of all, as regards Mrs Kallenbach's report and the Leipzig Charter, yes, we must consider spatial planning in a European context to a greater extent.
In view of their importance, a delay in adopting them would not be justified, especially as we have already approved them and harmonised them among the Member States and among all three institutions to this current level.
I am also hearing from the Member States today that there are indeed complaints about the bureaucracy.
I agree with a wide-ranging approach in order to include the victims of several types of crime, and with the amendments that provide for arrangements for revoking the protection order, for ensuring continuity of legal protection, for laying down a deadline for execution of an order and for clarifying the position as regards victims moving from one Member State to another.
The Commission therefore knows that it can count on these agencies also effectively swinging into action.
It would also be a welcome step towards its inclusion in the international community.
(NL) First of all, I welcome the warm words the Council has spoken about the cooperation with Parliament, but I should prefer to see it taking on board Parliament's recommendations.
There is an identical Media Council in Poland, where it is dominated by the governing party, and it is responsible today for dozens of people - journalists with conservative leanings - being thrown out of the Polish public media. No one in Europe, Mr Schulz least of all, is defending them.
In this European year for combating poverty and social exclusion, it is particularly important that women who are barely above the poverty line should receive suitable protection, since a change in their employment or family situation - such as job loss, divorce, widowhood and even childbirth - means that the danger of impoverishment threatens them exponentially.
I think the question of geographical balance, which is emphasised so often, could have been resolved in a much better way.
Member of the Commission. - The Commission uses all the instruments available to ensure the effective enforcement of consumer rights across Europe.
We also need a framework for adapting to climate changes as well as for technology transfer and capacity building.
I urge to you to vote 'no' on 12 June, just as we should do in Parliament tomorrow.
It is essential for the Member States to use this fund to invest in training and retraining activities with a view to improving people's qualifications and creating more and better jobs.
However, I regret the fact that this House has postponed the vote already two times, which has resulted in a situation that the EU-Ukraine summit, for which the resolution was drafted, has taken place before our vote.
The European Organisation of Military Associations, EUROMIL, is closely monitoring this issue and its position, based on information received from military personnel throughout Europe, is categorical: depleted uranium munitions must be abandoned as soon as possible.
Any future strategy must be built on a comprehensive and concrete approach and cooperation between the Commission, the Member States and, in particular, Roma organisations.
Either we address the situation and redouble our efforts at mediation, or unfortunately we will have the terrible responsibility of not having desired or been able to do enough.
I ask you to accept that there are deep-seated reasons for our differing positions, but also that this position is not irredeemable and that in conciliation, there will undoubtedly be formulas that we agree on, and that we will be able to accept a formula that everyone can understand that provides a solution not only for the countries that have vessels, but also those of us who suffer because we have coastlines.
However, it must be pursued independently of this strategy and we must ensure that it does not appropriate or absorb any of the funds allocated to cohesion policy under the pretext of regionalising a specific objective of the EU 2020 strategy.
Especially during the current crisis, public funds, and in particular Structural Funds, must be used by Member States to ensure economic development and increase the number of jobs.
So, the members who are absent but will receive a written reply, in the order in which the questions were submitted, are Mr Balčytis and Mrs Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė.
Public trust in the EU is low.
So please push those who you are close to so that they give us the information.
I was glad to find such a level of ambition around the table.
Many people believe that smart regulation is bad regulation, or that any regulation is not very smart regulation.
As we all know, after the European Parliament won a case before the Court of Justice, the respective Council decision was annulled, but to remain in force for one year until a new decision is adopted.
I make no secret of my cynicism.
Like the other elements of the reform programme for the financial sector, the directive also aims, on a more global level, to prevent, or at least limit, the scale of further financial crises.
It is too soon to say what the new instruments will look like because they are subject to extensive consultation with stakeholders and to Commission proposals.
For this reason, the preparation of our proposals is taking longer than we would wish.
The reason for this is obvious: the ECB is and will remain independent in conducting its monetary policy, but independence does not mean a ban on constructive dialogue between institutions tasked with defending the interests and common destiny of 500 million Europeans.
Even if he now tries to promise to remedy the serious attacks on social and workers' rights that the European Commission, of which he is still the President, carried out in the previous term of office, he has never got to the bottom of those issues or the causes of the current crisis of capitalism that we are experiencing.
It is not about the niceties of correct procedures: it is about the effect.
They must be replaced by a UN mission geared solely to guaranteeing security; all belligerent activity must cease.
The text includes a call on the EU for the strategy to deal with maritime and territorial issues.
If we consider the training situation today, looking at continuing training and adult education, we notice that it is those who are already well educated who get the most training.
Member of the Commission. - I very much share the concerns expressed in this question about the welfare and well-being of Europeans, the questions on employment and social protection and fighting poverty.
The quantified targets for this 2020 strategy - increasing the employment rate, reducing the poverty rate, and so on - are just pious hopes, because they use the same model as the Lisbon Strategy, which failed.
Mr Deprez is right: if you read all the articles together, then what we can achieve here becomes clearer.
in writing. - Mrs Niebler has presented the report on renewal of the existing agreement between the EC and Russia on cooperation in science and technology.
I would like to express my very sincere thanks to the Council in particular for the position it adopted as part of its work with the European Parliament.
Together with general aviation, where it is calculated that there are between 30 000 and 50 000 aircraft, the sector represents around 9% of all recorded air traffic and boasts the fastest growth in Europe, twice as high as that of all other traffic.
However, it is regrettable that total ecological footprint labelling for products is not proposed anywhere, when we really should implement it as quickly as possible.
They have inferiority complexes in relation to those children who have grown up in a normal family.
That is clear and the mutual legal assistance agreement would also really like to go there.
As I stressed earlier, the first-reading agreement on the proposal in the area of applicable law has an impact on the other proposal in the area of family law, given that the two texts are largely identical.
in writing. - (RO) I voted for this report because what we all want is a stable, prosperous neighbourhood.
This would amount to around EUR 3 billion from 2020 onwards for a country like Germany.
(SL) Ladies and gentlemen, the conference in Copenhagen will soon be upon us and yet we have only moved a small step forward since last year's conference.
The fight for human and civil rights has always been at the heart of my activity.
But, despite the fundamental importance of preserving biodiversity, progress to date has been limited.
In order to tie these countries to the EU in the long term, the development of their market economies and regional cooperation must be fostered.
It is also vital that opposition parties participate fairly in these elections.
The EU is the largest importer of agricultural produce from developing countries, and imports more than the US, Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand taken together.
I must also ask to be excused, as I have to be at the press conference.
May I say, personally, that I support your proposal for a European regulator: it makes sense.
(FR) Mr President, a law on women's rights which, according to the Afghan senator Humeira Namati, is worse than that which was in force at the time of the Taliban, has been signed by President Hamid Karzai.
If the technical preparations make good progress, maybe we shall be able to open two new chapters at the EU - Turkey accession conference in June.
2009 can be regarded as a key test year for the functioning of the Human Rights Council.
Well, cohesion policy with thousands of small-scale regional and municipal schemes is the most visible form of action of the European Community.
This learning from past experience was indeed a key element in defining the priorities in the Framework Programme, as you suggest in the third part of your question to which now I turn.
First of all, it must be made clear that human rights do not mean that we should ignore the concept of, say, subsidiarity, or that we should trample upon the different values that Member States embrace.
I voted against the report on the creation of an immigration liaison officers network because it is designed to further reinforce Frontex, which does all it can to promote the idea of Fortress Europe.
Therefore, this FTA - whether its intellectual property rights chapter, its investment chapter or any other chapter - will not undermine the capacity of India to promote, produce or export generic medicines, including through compulsory licences.
On Croatia, I find that the Swoboda report addresses the main issues where Croatia will face challenges on its path to the European Union, focusing particularly on the political sphere.
For example, can anyone explain how we can currently be discussing the implementation of guidelines against torture with Jordan in the Subcommittee on Human Rights, the first subcommittee to be set up under the neighbourhood policy, today held up as a model, when we know that European Member States have covered up the subcontracting of torture by the CIA?
It is a well-known fact that there are more than 15 000 lobbyists active in Brussels trying to influence the legislative texts that are adopted there, and that they intervene at all stages of the legislative process.
I would also like to support the idea that, along with the EU's accession to the Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, serious consideration should also be given to the wide-scale adoption of legislation setting out the area of social rights - the adoption of a revised European Social Charter at a Europe-wide level for the Union as a whole, for example, would clearly be a welcome step.
Our role should be to safeguard respect for our principles, respect for the environmental integrity of the area, the prevalence of principles such as international competition and respect for UN institutions under whatever new regime arises in the Arctic from the huge environmental catastrophe under way.
That is also an area where you see a lot of European countries acting in a way that is lacking in other parts of the world.
I received confirmation from the Commission, in response to my questions, that the waste discharged into the environment from the accident in Hungary, including into the Danube, was actually toxic, even though this had initially been denied by the authorities.
We are the leading donor of development and humanitarian aid.
This ambitious agenda requires building on the success of the Lisbon Summit in 2007 and on the results achieved since then by the Joint Africa-EU Strategy and its first action plan.
As a consequence, the sector suffers, we have unfair competition, and the Member States receive less revenue from customs duties.
I hope and believe that the Commission will quickly finalise a proposal that can be implemented.
I am pleased with the outcome of this report, which stresses the importance of a clear commitment and ownership by Member States to relaunch the Single Market, which is vital for its success.
The willingness of the most disadvantaged to vote is falling, since they lack information and at the margins of society there is less awareness of the significance of the fact that of all the EU institutions, it is only the composition of the European Parliament that they can directly influence.
That is exactly what happened.
In particular this instrument should be used for dairy farmers in disadvantaged areas and in areas completely given over to grazing land and pasture.
When we have a major piece of legislation coming through this House in the next few months, I hope that colleagues will bear in mind the natural disasters of this summer and make sure that we make our contribution to tackling the long-term issue of climate change, and I hope there will be no more of these natural disasters on the scale we have seen this summer.
Efforts should concentrate on ensuring the rule of law and equal treatment of ethnic minorities, as well as fighting corruption and organised crime.
Our meetings with the students of the European Institute at the university in Auckland and at Canterbury University in Christchurch were very inspiring.
That applies in everything we do, whether it is the sanctions we impose - where we need the 27 because we need unanimity - or whether it is in the approach that we take on support for the countries of Egypt and Tunisia.
Why is this House hypocritical?
I welcome the adoption of the Audy report on the mid-term review of the Seventh Framework Programme, taking into account the impact of the recent economic crisis, which has particularly affected the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises to invest in research and development.
Remarkable progress has also been made regarding the promotion of gender equality, especially the adoption of the gender equality law and the national action plan for improving the position of women and promoting gender equality.
The joint motion for a resolution that will be before the House is one that, I think, reflects representations that have been received on this occasion from all of the parliamentary committees.
It would be a laughing matter if it were not so serious.
We need to make it quite clear to Russia that aggression does not pay.
I followed it very closely and there are many things which we will certainly take into consideration when developing our future work.
It is very important, as you say, that we address some of these critical issues: the Balkans and the transatlantic relationship are absolutely core and central to what we do.
The legacy of these last five years is very important.
Does one need further arguments to do more?
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (PT) I congratulate the rapporteur, André Brie, on his careful analysis of the serious problems that we are facing in Afghanistan and, in particular, on his efforts to find a wording that would allow all the political groups to vote in favour of the compromise amendments.
Likewise, we shall do all we can to finance the necessary technical measures in full within the international community with the involvement of the European Union.
I very much hope that this will not be done maliciously, just as the Member States may not defer implementation of this directive for four years twice over, until the latest possible date.
Please be aware, however, that aid from the Solidarity Fund cannot be paid out immediately.
This means that our task is clearly to help in ensuring that the existing legislation contributes towards solving this long-standing problem in such a way that the labour market becomes a fairer place.
Other factors will come in to that particular equation.
It did so out of consistency as long as Europol continued, in the intergovernmental context, without being subject to democratic and jurisdictional control.
Looking at the situation from the perspective of the economic and financial crisis, I think that the strategy proposed in this resolution is a necessity, in particular, the point about achieving greater coherence for the European common external trade policy.
In accordance with this judgment, from 21 December of next year, it will no longer be possible to distinguish between buyers of insurance on the basis of gender.
14.
Today, many of those businesses have gone bankrupt or closed, not least because of unfair competition, as the students from Barletta who are here today are well aware.
Or, let us say, German schools in France?
It is an important agreement for the EU and our aviation sector.
A badly made road is so often all it takes to cause the death of a person who may have been travelling at a normal speed merely because some of the structural elements are faulty.
in writing. - (SV) We Swedish Social Democrats support the conclusion of the Geneva Agreement on Trade in Bananas between the EU, the United States and several Latin American countries and the fact that the ACP countries will be guaranteed support through the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) programme.
On the figures, let us be very clear.
The penalties provided for by the Stability and Growth Pact must be implemented more actively in order to enforce compliance with the rules.
The European Council that took place on 24-25 March made a number of decisions which I believe to be important and which could not be put off any longer.
Concerning Article 9, Amendment 102, if all of them are adopted, Amendment 60 will fall.
Nevertheless, this is an important step towards better consumer protection and trade.
The Human Rights Council is a forum for debating the human rights situation in all the regions of the world, and the efforts of the international community to improve the human rights situation, which is one of the principles, one of the elements, one of the essential characteristics of the spirit of the European Union, the thing that gives it its true identity in the world.
(The President cut off the speaker)
In my opinion, rural development is about supporting active farming communities, especially young farmers and farmers who wish to diversify their businesses.
This tragedy came a few months before a very important summit between the EU and Japan, scheduled for 28 May 2011, which is set to define the direction of our relationship for the years to come.
Mr President, agrofuels are not the main driver of this crisis, but boosting inefficient first-generation agrofuel production at such a moment is not a good policy choice, so 10% mandatory agrofuel is a bad policy choice.
The S&D Group has decided to support the Commission, because at a time when Europe is plagued by an endless economic and financial crisis and ever increasing unemployment and its citizens are disillusioned with Europe, the European Parliament and Europe in general must not become the place where there is division into camps of position and opposition.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to add a paragraph to the resolution, which we feel is important and will not affect the structure of it too much.
The report emphasises the role of culture in Community politics, and also the role of cultural education in the development of personality and a sense of identity.
It is necessary to strengthen a stable neighbourhood area, which would have a positive influence on the Union's internal security and would be a prerequisite for the economic prosperity and development of the countries concerned.
One by one, its most contentious articles and provisions are being brought in: the foreign minister and the foreign policy, the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the harmonisation of justice and home affairs.
I would like to see that violation brought up and resolved as a priority item within EU policy towards the PRC.
I am grateful to Mr Moreno Sánchez.
Firstly, to line up with the position of Parliament itself, which had been hiring freelance interpreters over the age of 65 when it was deemed convenient or necessary.
Incidentally, criticism of the proposal is shared by all groups across their dividing lines, and I think that this unequivocal message should give the Council food for thought.
I fully subscribe to the description of lobbying provided in recital D of the report.
They should sort it out themselves.
As a result of the constitutional reforms necessitated by the Treaty of Lisbon in 2010, the ruling parties in Austria introduced a kind of standardised nomination procedure for some EU posts.
Under the double pressure of demographic growth and climate change, the water crisis has been made worse by the inadequacy of the political reaction.
(IT) Madam President, the plague of trafficking in human beings is a phenomenon that has taken on particularly worrying dimensions.
4.
In doing this, we must also guarantee employment for a good proportion of the more vulnerable part of our workforce and their families.
However, there must be clear rules, otherwise the money will not get spent.
Market surveillance - and I have to say this very clearly at this point - is the sole responsibility of the Member States.
This verdict is the last of six rulings by the High Court and the Court of Appeal in Britain, as well as the CFI, in favour of the PMOI, all of which emphasise that the PMOI is not involved in terrorism and does not plan to engage in terrorism.
(IT) Mr President, Mr Barroso, ladies and gentlemen, Directive 2001/77/EC lays down the definition of renewable energy sources with the aim of identifying those for which public incentives may be provided.
According to Community legislation, there are three possible schemes: the general scheme, with organised accounting; the option of the scheme for small and medium-sized enterprises; or the flat-rate scheme in which there is no repayment but there is a right to compensation.
We have acknowledged the progress made with the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy since spring 2006, and we support the continued efforts aimed at adopting directives on issues relating to the overall economy, but even more importantly, ensuring that these extend to all Member States.
It is not the case that economic growth and social welfare are mutually incompatible.
Shall we, as the European Parliament, brook this violation, Madam President?
It is unacceptable, in fact, to go ahead with advanced status.
We cannot hide the fact that both the Commission and the Council were even ready to start discussions with Tunisia for an advanced status agreement.
This pollution response vessel, the Mistra Bay, is still on site, ready to assist on the basis of instructions given by the Spanish authorities.
in writing. - At the heart of the financial crisis were banks taking excessive risks and failing to hold enough capital to cover those risks.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
Europe's prosperity must be a long-term concern.
In particular, I should like to emphasise the constructive role of the European Parliament in shaping this satisfactory agreement.
It is crucial that the Member States take responsibility for the proper use of EU funds, and develop serious and transparent control and simplification policies.
Alongside the diverse measures which the Union is taking, I would like to propose two specific measures, because it seems to me they are missing.
The Baltic energy market initiative now falls under the wider umbrella of the Union's Baltic Sea Strategy, which was one of the Swedish Presidency's main priorities.
It is also about providing European financial markets with better conditions for expansion and growth by providing a better credit market for small businesses through the efforts of the European Investment Bank and others.
Closure of sitting
(SL) Mr President, Commissioner, today we are deciding the course of energy development up to the year 2020, but this period is much too short.
3. increasing its operational coverage by reinforcing its relations with other providers of similar services - or with the private sector - and gradually opening up its activities to workers from other parts of the world, as I already explained in my answer to your first question.
There are two conditions for that.
No more and no less.
The Commission and the governments of individual countries also need to lavish particular care on generators of this type of energy and support this development through the mechanisms of specific financial incentives.
In Katyń, thousands of Polish officers were murdered on Stalin's orders.
The CAP is an artificial, expensive and unnecessary burden on farmers and consumers.
As for Mauritania, Mrs Isler Béguin, it participates only in multilateral relations, namely the Union for the Mediterranean, but is not involved in the neighbourhood policy.
France has a central role in this force.
I would therefore like to thank the rapporteur and Mr Menéndez del Valle for their social conscience in this matter that is so important for my region.
Attached as I am to the Blue Angel ecolabel that we have in Germany, it must not be a question of personal preference, at the end of the day, but rather it comes down to conveying to consumers at a single glance what specific qualities a product has.
We all support this process, because we believe that democracy and democratisation are values which are worth striving for.
It is indeed essential to institute a dialogue between the Council, the Commission and Parliament so that action taken in the area of human rights can be better coordinated, and to prevent contradiction and duplication from interfering with the message to the outside world.
This is why I hope that in the future, the European Union and Member States will invest more in these care facilities for children of a very young age.
It is to no one's benefit if Europe is threatened with 'carbon leakage' and businesses move elsewhere, when businesses here in Europe produce twice as energy-efficiently as those in other parts of the world.
It means supporting a civilian surge.
This situation has arisen because of the unrestricted industrial and commercial turf-cutting right across the EU, which has resulted in virtually all of Europe's raised bogs being destroyed.
It is therefore important to guarantee that, in the International Year of Biodiversity, the fundamental strategic objectives of the European Union in the context of the forthcoming Conference of the Parties to CITES will address the objective of protecting biological diversity, something which is fundamental for the well-being and survival of humanity.
The Commission has contributed to the information need of both traffic accident victims and motorists through the publication of a number of motor insurance leaflets placed on the 'Your Europe' portal.
We are all aware of the ups and downs which the EU-Mercosur Association Agreement has gone through.
For dialogue and debate, however, we need instruments, and some of the most important and indeed essential instruments - although not the only instruments - are political parties.
With initial data that is more precise we can reduce the probability of errors in the scenarios forecast.
I hope that the European institutions, Commissioner Rehn and the Czech Presidency will take note of the letter.
This is indeed very good news.
One billion people do not have access to safe drinking water; two and a half billion people do not have access to sanitation; five thousand children under the age of six die every day from diseases caused by lack of clean drinking water or sanitation, or by their poor quality.
In our view it constitutes a very positive result for consumers and businesses, and is an eloquent demonstration of the highly effective contribution that Parliament can make in the codecision procedure, even on very tricky issues such as this.
Mr President, after 10 years in this Parliament I did not think anything could surprise me any more, but I was shocked by the fatuity of the proposal of extending the common fisheries policy to recreational sea anglers, requiring them to log every catch and count it against their national quota.
2006 discharge: European Network and Information Security Agency (
The tangible results achieved in this respect are being applauded both by Bulgaria's international partners and civil society within the country.
Additionally, the failure to meet with the Socialist Group in the European Parliament sends out a very bad signal: it has never before happened that a President-in-Office of the Council has not found the time to hold a dialogue with a large political group in Parliament.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, I wish to begin by thanking the rapporteur, Mr Golik, for his excellent report on the Commission proposal for a single Council regulation for the promotion of agricultural products on the internal as well as the external markets.
I will present three of them to you in one minute.
By helping the developing countries, we will also help ourselves.
The second aspect in the implementation of the programmes is the procurement process during the Galileo development phase.
Let us hope they will accept that.
There are currently over 23 million people in Europe who are without work.
These levels offer the best potential for a meaningful and well-targeted use of EU means.
However, as this report rightly points out, negotiating such an ambitious agenda on a region-to-region basis is not the easiest, nor the fastest, route.
The second field in which we must do this - in which we must keep up the momentum - is that of the Union's role in the world.
I shall gloss over, then, the pace at which we in Parliament have dealt with the dossier, which I hope will serve as an example for the future, because we have broken records of some significance in favour of a speedy and efficient legislative passage.
You say that you support the proposal, but when we voted on it in the committee, you abstained.
Although the texts being proposed by the Commission mark a step forward in the development of transport which respects and protects the environment, they can and must be improved.
Fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for by the EU-Seychelles Fisheries Partnership Agreement (
We must prevent illegal immigrants arriving by sea; these immigrants are also risking their lives.
It is all about conformism.
What we advocate is a healthy balance between security and personal freedom.
Second, the report suggests that certain Member States have failed to take any action in promoting European works in broadcasting.
That is why I can also agree to temporary border check arrangements, as my fellow member Mr Iacolino suggested.
We need to act quickly, not just with regard to Azerbaijan or Turkmenistan - which we will be discussing shortly - but also in relation to Iraq.
The provision of paragraph 5 makes the Italian system more consistent with the scheme of the directive, enabling current procedures to be maintained, provided that the independent regulatory body provided for in Article 10, which monitors the correct application of the charges, and the body which approves charging levels nationally are combined into the same authority.
One illustrative element is the measures announced recently for cars.
What is it exactly that we expect we will be able to achieve with the citizens' initiative?
All Member States should ratify the Council of Europe Convention and implement in full the framework decision in order to establish a united approach at European Union level.
That is just a start.
An important role in combating harmful behaviour on the Internet should be played by hotlines serving to gather information on illegal content.
It is very unfortunate that, in one country, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Commission proposal permits a disparity between different sections of the population: those able to benefit from visa-free travel to Europe on Croatian or Serbian passports and those - the Bosnian Muslims - who are not in possession of such a passport.
Oral questions and written declarations (submission): see Minutes
To do so would be to open Pandora's box.
It looks like the attempt to organise this punishment between 2000 and 2010 is set to fail.
The possible exchange of good practices and preparation of analyses cannot justify a greater levy in areas that call into question the principle of subsidiarity.
This is one of the six priority areas of the Presidency.
Furthermore, we would like to see the words 'the European Parliament emphasises the positive effects of tax competition on economic growth in the context of the Lisbon Strategy' deleted from the report.
It damages the environment, causing serious climate change with devastating consequences for mankind.
Let me just tell you that in our programme there are many legislative and non-legislative initiatives in this area.
Commissioner, we also await the results of the White Paper to which you have referred.
We must make sure a similar approach is taken to the collateral in the derivatives language.
Our objective is indeed to get this abolished, for all the reasons that honourable Members have quite rightly indicated.
Governments will receive more details by early December, when the Commission is to present the findings of its audits.
Resolving problems relating to the transit of natural gas across Ukrainian territory is strategically important.
I believe this would be the time for Parliament to come in and provoke a real debate on how the charter is being applied in practice.
I have my doubts about that.
The Stability Pact would be an excellent tool for this.
Yet within this proposed climate change package we have emission-reduction demands which, if met, would reduce food production when we need it most.
The Treaty of Lisbon was a step forward for the EU.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I voted in favour of this report, which proposes to review the General Product Safety Directive.
There will be no reconciliation if the sides consider their own sins to be taboo and do not allow them to be mentioned.
The contents and achievements of this Treaty can be seen in detail, and few they are not!
It is important that we bear in mind that this EPA is a stepping-stone agreement, which means that it is only a temporary solution.
I am, furthermore, in favour of the provision for an additional pre-financing instalment for 2010 for those Member States that have been worst hit by the economic crisis.
There will be a new situation following the referendum which is about to take place in Venezuela.
Therefore, the development of the Danube as an inland waterway, the modernisation and improvement of its ports, locks and passability will provide an environmentally sound method of transport.
The Committee responsible has kindly adopted all our respective amendments.
However, if we want to tackle it successfully, we also need to back up such action with robust and decisive political measures.
(ES) Mr President, President-in-Office of the Council, Vice-President of the Commission, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to welcome the report by my colleagues Mr Corbett and Mr Méndez de Vigo, because it is a report that is consistent with what the European Parliament has done from the start.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank our rapporteurs as well as all the teams from the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament.
The principles must be retained. There are individual items which must be amended and tailored to more recent realities.
Is that the way we should deal with this very difficult issue?
in writing. - (FR) Although I voted in favour of the progress report on Croatia's potential accession, I must stress that no future accessions can take place in the near future.
The Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left agrees with the general parts of the resolution, but has serious doubts over the points specifically mentioned, and therefore will not support the resolution.
Who is responsible for this?
I think it is great, especially for the new changed reality in which we live.
The EU is an area of solidarity, and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) is a part of that.
We will have plenty of time to debate the sensitive political choices ahead of us.
The consequences of the crises will undoubtedly affect every citizen of the European Union, whether Slovak, Pole, Hungarian or German.
Following the earthquake, there was genuine political will to reconstruct Haiti differently, and there were many promises of donations.
I would like to know why the Conference of Presidents has chosen to interpret intercultural dialogue exclusively as an interreligious monologue and whether it feels a part-session is an appropriate platform for religious messages.
In the case of liquids, Parliament has already suggested the alternative of scanners specifically to avoid all these difficulties.
As we know, along with the CAP, regional funds represent the biggest part of the EU budget.
But let us be clear on this, ladies and gentlemen, some Member States, notably Greece, are refusing to be part of the system.
I agree that it is necessary to move away from badly conceived agro-fuels to policies of sustainable energy use from biogas and biomass and that it is necessary to motivate conservation technology innovation so that it can be as efficient as possible as well as of the highest possible quality.
Mr Rogalski, you saw that I asked for it to be checked immediately whether it was true or false.
This is done not out of solidarity, nor charity, nor even generosity, but purely to comply with our international commitments.
Instead, as has been the case on a number of other occasions, it is some stubborn ideological remnants of the Left that prevail, who, in pursuing the indiscriminate opening of borders, end up denying the need to protect honest foreigners who come to Europe for work.
I hope the European Commission will not drag its feet over taking the appropriate steps to protect small and medium-sized businesses from these dishonest practices.
The most important revelation to emerge from the financial and economic crisis was that we have an extremely greedy system.
The level of duties that Korea can refund under the duty drawback are gradually being reduced.
Just recently, as some of my fellow Members have already mentioned, the Christian, Asia Bibi, has been sentenced to death for supposedly having insulted the prophet Mohammed.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the economic crisis is far from over, although membership of the euro zone has given Europe a certain stability.
We must, of course, give our full support to the peace initiatives by displaying a continued, rather than a sometimes indefinite, political interest
I believe that SOLVIT offers consumers a practical solution.
May I ask you what solution can be envisaged in view of that situation?
In conclusion, I will say that it is the diversity of culture that makes it rich and not the other way around.
The opposite can also be the case, and it can prove a source of disquiet and conflict.
Then you will see that the compromise most definitely does contain statements - and indeed very strict, legally binding statements - on this matter.
Sudan and South Sudan (
Mr Kovács, having listened to the other reports as well, we need strong commitment by the Commission and we now also need these priorities to be emphasised to the new Commission at the time of handover.
Mr Wielowieyski, who has just left us, has criticised that point, but at the moment there is no right to amend initiative reports whatsoever.
I voted for this report because I advocate reform and stronger coordination of the economic policies within the euro area, given the dysfunction that the financial crisis has caused in the current system.
I am glad to see that Parliament's report also argues in favour of this.
Chancellor Angela Merkel is an obvious example that we women also have our own firm position in world politics.
The number of accidents at work is also reported to have increased.
Just recently in Portugal, there have been various curious situations where news programmes have been suspended, and news anchors and heads of television stations have been replaced without any apparent plausible reason, suggesting that this is taking place on political orders.
And if they have eased sufficiently, what sort of timescale are you talking about for the necessary reforms to be implemented in full so that the full negotiation process can get back on track?
What a contrast between them and their colleague.
Certain sectors within this market were not regulated, and that is what sparked the crisis.
Multilingualism is an essential element of European integration, allowing EU citizens to choose freely their place of residence and where to find work.
Calendar of part-sessions: see Minutes
In this context, it is necessary, Baroness Ashton, to be aware that the funding for the work of all European institutions is provided by the individual Member States of the European Union.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, can I say to Mr Simpson that the number of speakers on a very technical report shows what important work he has been doing and how important this is.
In other words, it establishes and affirms the EU as a political-economic-military bloc which hopes to share control of the world (by seeking to rebalance its relations) with the US.
It was for precisely this reason that the Commission presented its Green Paper on Urban Mobility in September 2007, and the consultation that followed the adoption of the Green Paper has demonstrated that there is broad agreement on the fact that the European Union has a role to play in this area.
I have a second comment to make.
In addition, we will also have to implement, within a maximum of one year, clear, stringent and costly slaughter rules.
I have no other comment to make apart from to say that we must work together intelligently, Mrs Rapti.
In Germany a young man killed 15 people and then killed himself.
And here we are talking about a relatively small amount of money to promote all of Europe's food, both throughout the world and internally.
I do not understand the contradiction, nor do I understand why, if someone does not want to use an instrument, the solution must be to prohibit it for everyone.
Therefore, it is very important for us to change the time a complaint takes to be resolved and for the Committee on Petitions and the European Commission to work to shorten those times so that Member States do not evade the need to implement the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive.
In the face of the dangerous and severe build-up of actions, which, instead of helping to reduce tension, are aimed at preparation for acts of aggression by the US and NATO against Libya, the majority of Parliament is endorsing acts of interference, aggression and occupation in Libya.
Prime Minister, Spain - you put this very well - has won out as a result of its integration into Europe.
I therefore believe that we can continue to work practically on this issue, and I thank everyone for how the work in Cancún has been pursued.
What is also true, however, is that sanctions are an instrument that must remain political in nature.
He notes that, according to the Commission, energy-saving benefits could amount to over EUR 1 000 per household per year.
We need a system of global governance which includes transnational regulation of the financial markets.
I want to point out even so that the PNR exchange of data is governed by the 2007 agreement between the European Union and the United States.
Inequality between men and women is a contributory cause of the vulnerability that leads to human trafficking.
This form of management is also the best way to protect the agricultural landscape and the environment.
This effort begins in schools, where the alarmingly high number of drop-outs must be sharply reduced in order to prevent any further widening of the gulf between those people who have qualifications and those who have none.
Many people would not believe that could be possible in 2007.
Subsequently, in October 2009, 1 192 people received redundancy notices.
We therefore think it very unfortunate that the European Parliament is seeking a single seat for the EU in the UN Security Council in future.
In the new perspective, it is explicitly possible for the first time.
These deportations were chiefly designed to deprive Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania of their social and political elite.
This is not only because of the Commission's inertia; it is also and, above all, because of the petitioner Mr Klein's inability to take legal action.
The third area that we were asked to prioritise is the fight against climate change.
I voted in favour of the resolution to ask the European Commission to prepare and report on the negotiations on the planned strategy no later than June.
The vote will take place on Thursday, 27 September 2007.
Well, I would prefer to say that the course has been set for improving the liquidity of SMEs, the small and medium-sized enterprises, and for securing investments in new products, new jobs and new processes.
in writing. - (PT) Prior to their accession, the rules regarding nuclear energy and radioactive waste in place in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe were less stringent than the rules applicable in the EU at the time.
We also need to implement a precautionary policy through the principle of compulsory substitution of hazardous materials in ships, because ships that leave to be dismantled in Asia are not a means of transport.
in writing. - I voted in favour of the Szájer report on power of legislative delegation and Speroni report on Ransdorf's immunity.
Therefore, it is unacceptable that in schools for indigenous national minorities, instruction in a language other than the mother tongue should be introduced from the first and second years, something which was recently decided by the Lithuanian Parliament.
Those professions and sectors in which women predominate, such as the retail and services sectors and some industries, need to be valued more highly.
It is true that in emergency situations, it is even more difficult and there is a need and also the room to restructure available ESF funding.
Who depopulated villages where they tended vines and reared cattle, Madam President, in Greece, where they produced tobacco, cotton and olive oil?
When disasters happen - be they man-made or natural - we must stand together in Europe.
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The point is not to prevent laws from being enforced in the Member States, to ensure reconciliation with fundamental rights, and not to prevent new technologies and the new economy from acting for the benefit of our cultural diversity, our cutting-edge industries and the intelligence and talents of European citizens, for these are our most important weapons and our greatest assets in global competition.
There is also, of course, the aspiration to regain the citizens' confidence in politics and politicians, which is somewhat lacking in Europe.
(PL) A European Union that is united in diversity need have no concerns about its future.
However, we disagree with other points, such as maintaining emissions trading.
I should like to ask you, Mr President, to be honest enough not to deceive us tomorrow, but to tell us how many Members have in fact legitimately taken part in this vote.
We have always kept the citizens of Europe informed. The Schengen Information System II will be functioning perfectly and on schedule and now we find out that problems have arisen and that there does not seem to be an end in sight to the dilemma.
During a time when emissions trading, according to the Commission's calculations, will cost EUR 70 to 90 billion per year, which must be raised by those affected, we cannot seriously believe that this entire structure will not be affected by the financial crisis and the crisis in the real economy.
Development of the services and Internet market and changes in consumer attitudes require a reaction on the part of the European Union.
Furthermore, if we create a pocket for terrorist networks, we would expose the country once again to a trial of strength with the foreign armed forces.
Noble intentions have not always translated into effective use of the Synergy, and it is very good that the rapporteur stresses this.
The next item is the debate on the oral question - to the Commission by Neil Parish, on behalf of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, on the cloning of animals for food supply.
Not merely governments and the European Parliament, but also individual citizens must play their part.
The Annual Statement of the Commission on the euro area aims to stimulate a broad debate on euro area economic policies.
There is a growing need for mobile, flexible employees with international experience.
The evolution of distribution in Germany, for instance, is symptomatic of this trend, with 67% of cars sold through dealer networks, as opposed to 90% before the Regulation came into effect in 2002.
The European Parliament has reduced the scope of the directive.
It is crucial for the Foreign Office in the UK to send their top people to the service rather than their discards.
Baroness Ludford is right - that is what is definitely lacking the most within the European Union.
We have attempted - and we have succeeded somewhat - to get a European response in some of these particular areas.
Without this campaign we would not have been successful in delivering the very ambitious targets on raising employment and reducing poverty in Europe.
Nevertheless, Monday's decision by the General Affairs and External Relations Council was not easy.
The report states that Mr Gobbo's behaviour did not comply with Article 9 but Article 9 refers to the words and acts of the Member in the exercise of his functions, notably in this Chamber.
The measures to reduce transport time and handling costs in ports are certainly positive initiatives.
It is clear that the best structure to guarantee safety is to maintain the rail infrastructure in public ownership with democratic control and necessary investment.
One of the most important tasks will be the containment of piracy and, in this context, we strongly appreciate the effort of the French presidency that accomplished the difficult start of deploying the first EU naval mission.
However, the Directive does not include self-employed drivers.
I would like to thank the rapporteur, Mr Casa, because in his report, he took into account the objections that were raised.
Our common goal is to limit global warming to the celebrated 2 ºC.
Nonetheless, I have to say that we in Europe are naturally dissatisfied with many areas of the interplay between the institutions of the European Union and that is why we have negotiated this reform treaty over the last eight months.
It has no respect for the principle of free, prior and informed consent by locals to projects being financed, nor has it integrated (and it should integrate) a full cycle analysis of the projects it finances.
Double standards are being applied to religious freedom.
(DE) As far as this discussion is concerned: we would just like to establish and hope that all groups can agree that this debate should include a discussion on the fact that Slovakia wishes to illegally reopen a nuclear power station.
I believe that in welcoming the plans of the Slovenian Presidency for tomorrow's Council I would propose that it also discusses this - a new communication strategy for dialogue between citizens and the European Union - not just with a view to concluding the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, but also in other respects.
With such an approach, the development of alternative clean transport fuels must be part of the EU's response to the challenges of oil prices and climate change.
Just last week I was present in the Netherlands at the launch of the first EU-supported microfinance facility and there are more in the pipeline in order to support potential entrepreneurs, perhaps after the experience of being unemployed: women coming back to the labour market after childbirth or people who have already been working and want to seek a new form of enterprise beyond 50, or even 60.
The question is, how do we utilise them?
That is according to the IEA, not a green grass-root organisation.
In fact, we need more effective tools.
Clearly Council and Parliament had a very different understanding of what should be a serious return directive with sufficient safeguards.
In the case of toys the situation is further complicated by the fact that the manufacturer does not have to issue a declaration of conformity.
We have chosen to focus on one of the most vulnerable groups: early school-leavers.
Mr President, Mr Brok's endeavours are indeed commendable, and I wish to thank him for his speech, in which he provided some very useful explanations.
On the eve of the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, this hierarchical arrangement is totally unacceptable: the Union must at last incorporate the conclusions of the many studies which show that the benefits - both individual and collective, economic and societal - for host countries and countries of origin alike go hand in hand with the full and effective exercise of migrants' rights.
Many of them are arriving in flimsy craft, and several thousand Africans are drowning without anyone protesting.
The difficult conditions for agricultural production, high transport costs, inadequate transport and communications networks, as well as the cost of transporting people and services, affect the economy and everyday living conditions of citizens living in hill and mountain areas.
The only people who complained to me about it were from New Zealand, which is not a developing country.
Citizen-friendly solutions are where we want to go.
Inadequate bus frequency, two light-rail lines that do not interconnect either with each other or with the main-line rail system, no link to the airport, no metro and still no integrated ticketing system - so much for efforts to reduce hydrocarbon use and greenhouse gas emissions!
On the basis of the recommendation made to the European Parliament in the report by my Polish fellow Member, Mr Czarnecki, I voted in favour of granting the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget for the financial year 2008.
Unfortunately, the main victims of the military pressure that the DRC is exerting at present and which is aimed at cutting these extremists off from their bases and their sources of income are the civilian populations, who are victims of collateral damage but also of the condemnation of some and the violent acts of others.
Well, a quick glance at the scoreboard will show you that Ireland has misapplied EU directives on no less than 67 occasions and is in danger of missing out on the 1% transposition deficit target as agreed.
We support the statement that Mr López Garrido gave us this morning.
This is nothing to do with populism, nor is it to do with fear.
It would be naïve to say that there were no illegal domestic workers in Europe.
the report by Mr Moreira, on behalf of the Committee on International Trade, on providing macro-financial assistance to Georgia - C7-0269/2009 -
Marilyn Monroe once said 'lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself'.
This was the Rüffert ruling.
Outcome of the European Council on 29 and 30 October 2009 including the mandate and attributions of the President of the European Council and of the High Representative of the Union for the foreign and security policy/Vice-president of the Commission, as well as the structure of the new Commission (continuation of debate)
Is that proportionate?
These include, above all, the coordination of financial support, not just between EU Member States and the European Commission, but among the Member States themselves, as well as coordination with other donors.
(DE) Madam President, the European Union, together with numerous other countries, has recognised the catastrophe known as the Holodomor which took place in Ukraine in 1932-1933 as a crime against the Ukrainian people.
We should also take this into account, as the resolution was carried by such 'representatives of human rights and democracy' as Cuba, Nigeria and China.
For a year the price of fuel has been stifling our fishermen economically.
Islam and democracy do not mix.
The Council says the American visa waiver programme should finally create the same rights for all EU citizens.
7.
Despite constant changes to the common agricultural policy (CAP) - seen as a symbol of European integration - the situation in this sector continues to be very precarious, as it is required to comply with exacting environmental protection and product safety standards, exacerbated by the current financial crisis.
However, I also want to stress that the Commission cannot launch a major reorganisation exercise during the last year of this Commission and, therefore, there will be no action plan in this regard.
This report was created in this new era, and I believe we in the European Parliament and the European Investment Bank will have to respond to the most important questions and challenges of this new era.
The auditors have refused to clear 92% of the European Union's expenditure for 2009, and they estimate that at least GBP 6 billion should not have been paid out - a similar amount to that of last year, which has not yet been recovered.
Specific issues relating to all the areas - disability, age, religion or belief, and sexual orientation - can, I believe, be covered in one comprehensive directive.
Firstly, in all our countries, the crisis has made people withdraw and has given rise to nationalist and protectionist temptations, and we in Parliament are therefore particularly vigilant when it comes to respect for the internal market and its non-fragmentation.
In any case, I should ask the proposer to modify the amendment with the words 'those who have the right of asylum'.
This is a genuine citizen's initiative, and will show how citizens can guide Europe to a better future.
- (SK) As a Member of the European Parliament and a physician, I welcome the Commission's plan to reduce industrial accidents within the European Union on average by 25% and I am aware of the need to implement more effective measures in all the Member States, among which there are huge disparities.
As the largest combined aid donors, the EU Member States must fulfil their Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitments, improve aid effectiveness and coordination and strengthen their efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.
(PL) Madam President, today one of the most important challenges facing the Union is the creation of an effective mechanism for project coordination and information exchange among participants in Afghanistan.
Through our analytical institution, ESPON, which we have strengthened very substantially, including financially, for the years to come, and which now has a significantly higher budget, we will endeavour to measure some of the new dimensions and some of the existing dimensions of territorial cohesion.
Many will say that it did not go far enough in terms of certain aspects, while others will say that it has gone too far in other respects, or even the same ones.
(PT) I am neither an expert in criminal policy nor a Minister for Justice.
This, unfortunately, did not happen, and the Commission has not been willing to put pressure on other countries that tie their people to certain pensions.
I regret the fact that the Commissioner cannot respond to the amendments that we have drawn up.
We therefore also need to consider cases of domestic violence, crimes of honour and female genital mutilation which stem from the Muslim vision of the roles of men and women.
The country which the chairman of my group, Mr Cohn-Bendit, visited carrying the European flag in his rucksack so that he could give it to the President was in reality weak.
Although the budget strikes a delicate balance, I, for my part, regret the Member States' failure to take account of strong political signals sent out precisely to those people experiencing difficulties.
I can tell you that, with respect to the energy projects, we intend to launch the call for proposals by the end of May, and I expect first decisions on support by the end of this year.
So regulation for cars is in place.
Eight committees have done so, and you know as well as I do that it is very rare for eight parliamentary committees to prepare opinions on one set of reports.
I voted in favour of this report on trade, economic and financial relations between the EU and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), namely Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman.
I am fully in favour of that.
11.
The Christian traditions which shaped Europe are generally being questioned today, and it seems that Europe does not have another conception of its own identity.
It is vital in my opinion that, even though China has turned its spotlight on the hitherto forgotten continent of Africa, its conduct must be kept within limits so as not to slip into a potential new form of colonialism, which has after all marked and written shameful pages of our own, European, history.
Mr President, the volcanic ash crisis last year prompted the cancellation of close to 100 000 flights, resulting in absolute chaos for passengers.
Some groups are disunited; we are united in that position.
It should design policies and bodies which will safeguard an autonomous and peaceful role in international relations, far removed from US military opportunism and intervention.
(FR) Mr President, I am very sorry to hear the consequences of the earthquake in your country.
I was in Islamabad not long ago and I would like to report on that trip, if the sitting allows me the time.
The signing of bilateral fisheries agreements between the European Community and third countries has always been a practice of the common fisheries policy and, hence, a central aspect of its foreign policy dimension.
Madam President, first of all, I, too, would like to welcome Commissioner Füle to this House.
This does not only mean its own citizens, but also its reliance on the contribution of thousands and thousands or even millions of citizens of third countries who pass through the European territory, who reside here, and who come here for long or short periods in order to work and to study.
Tax competition is why we have lower taxes.
The United Nations is backing us in this process.
I am speaking on behalf of these perhaps 100 or so people in the gallery who have come to hear people speaking and all they are going to hear at the moment is me rabbiting on for two minutes about nothing - but making a very serious point.
First, the role of national parliaments in shaping development aid in the new Member States needs to be strengthened.
I voted in favour of the report.
It is therefore essential to consider the presentation of measures for the mobilisation of information and communications technologies, in order to make the transition to a more efficient energy economy possible at the least possible cost to the public and to companies.
It is still possible to place unregulated products on the internal market by using passive distribution.
As such, Europe urgently needs to finish what it started.
This means that we need to focus on reducing the amount of bureaucracy.
However, the motion for a resolution also includes important liberal requirements for pragmatic thresholds for GMOs in imported feeds and a review of the ban on feeding meat and bone meal.
However, it was true that the Austrian state prosecutor's office did not want to follow up on the results of OLAF's investigation.
The joystick is no equivalent to an hour spent with one's grandfather in the garage.
Instead, we are trying to provide an analysis and invite the Members of Parliament and the Council, among others, to take part in the debate.
in writing. - I supported this Interim Economic Partnership Agreement with Papua New Guinea and Fiji as it is important to develop strong links with exporting countries in the Pacific Region.
This work has allowed us to reach agreement at first reading and furthermore, has been an excellent running-in process for the codecision procedure that will be standard practice in our committee in the near future.
Farmers and workers are fighting against this policy, fighting to overturn this system of exploitation and secure sufficient, healthy, safe food for everyone.
But in recent years they have reached common agreement on several measures proposed by the Commission that are designed to tackle the erosion of tax bases and investment allocation distortions.
What we have, then, is a report that intends to expand liberalisation in basic sectors in order to improve people's living conditions, but without thinking about the effects on employment, prices and people's lives.
The financial system is international by nature, and we need international supervision of these markets in a global context.
So the question I ask is whether these huge fines, which always make the front page of the newspapers in which they are delivered, really have any role in terms of prevention.
It stresses the importance of the separation of powers and the respect for an independent judiciary, calling for particular progress to be made on the issue.
In countries where the market has already been fully liberalised, experience to date is anything but positive.
The new Directive on renewable energy sources requires the Member States to provide support and to introduce reforms at administrative level and to infrastructures, so as to facilitate the development of renewable energy sources.
I must repeat our request that the rapporteur take account of these.
The existence of a 'pseudo-state' under 'supervised sovereignty', protected by the EU/NATO, specifically by means of their 'EULEX' and 'viceroys', the 'International Civilian Representative' and the 'EU Special Representative', who have judicial, police and customs powers, as well as 'executive functions' and monitoring functions, constitute unacceptable acts of neo-colonialism.
I would like to underline the importance of reaching an internationally binding agreement on climate protection, and I strongly support the launching of a public debate on the establishment of a World Environmental Organisation.
(FI) Mr President, one of the most common proverbs in my country describes alcohol as the drink of the wise.
It is difficult to define the scale of the problem on the European market.
I believe that you are on the right track, Mr Diamandouros.
The GUE/NGL Group strongly recommends voting in favour of the report.
2009 discharge: EU general budget - Council (
The balance, the just and fair balance between large, medium-sized and small countries, is lost here.
I support the establishment of a solid legal framework for European environmental economic accounts and encourage the need to compile reliable, harmonised statistics.
I would also welcome the development of EU educational programmes that teach children and other vulnerable groups how to understand the pitfalls of advertising.
We have countries in Europe that are under balance-of-payment support, so of course we cannot have a one-size-fits-all approach.
(RO) The automotive industry in the European Union, including both car manufacturers and car part manufacturers, must remain economically efficient and innovative.
It is only in this way that the doubling of funds available via the European Neighbourhood Instrument and the principles governing the Structural Funds, such as partnership, sustainability, effectiveness, non-discrimination and decentralisation, will yield the beneficial effects that we all expect.
Policies relating to young people, whether they concern early, continuing or vocational education and training, must be seen as an investment, not a cost.
Let me point out that, in its efforts, the Commission has relied on the negotiating framework, which is the very foundation of the EU accession process for Croatia, agreed by Croatia and all the EU Member States, including Slovenia.
We can and must fan that spark into a blaze of confidence, action and tangible results.
We also support the highlighting of the morbidity and mortality burden of health-care-associated infections and the need to recruit more infection-control nurses.
Is the Commission expected to contribute to help these countries and provide them with financial assistance so that they do not have to bear the entire cost of providing these services to illegal migrants involved in legal proceedings?
I also believe it is correct to include airports and require them to be integrated with railways and to place emphasis on developing the new concept of 'green corridors'.
I have received six motions for resolutions tabled in accordance with Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure.
In general, the respect for fundamental rights and European values are always mentioned in this regard so there is no exclusion for Turkey in that respect.
Our discussion on Tuesday showed that there are other challenges before us, for instance, a greater accountability for the key financial actors, in particular, the Member States, and a cost-effective control policy based on risk and performance.
Mr President, the benefits of trade and economic integration are evident, particularly in an increasingly globalised world.
Thus we have never before lent so much to countries such as Hungary, Lithuania and Romania.
the report by Hans-Peter Martin on behalf of the Committee on Budgetary Control on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control for the financial year 2006 (C6-0386/2007 -,
The European Arrest Warrant offers the perfect expedient.
in writing. - After several dramatic experiences with energy supplies, it has become clear that energy is a key factor of EU security.
- (LT) Last summer, prices started rising in all EU Member States.
I am willing to believe them, but this claim has to be substantiated: we need proof of necessity, proof of proportionality.
How can those demands be justified in relation to a Treaty that requires the Union to aim to eliminate inequalities, promote a high level of employment, guarantee adequate social protection and fight against social exclusion?
Our citizens are worried about climate change, about energy supplies and about the curtailing of their individual rights in the fight against terrorism.
It will be the result of our efforts, not an instrument.
The case of the Bulgarian Government appears to be completely different, since it seems that it was using wiretapping to criminalise the opposition, causing widespread fear in complex societal organisations and attempting to link the opposition to common criminals -which allows it to act with no respect for human rights and to install a police state.
Now this represents between 13% and 20% of all undiscovered oil in the world.
This will lead to the development of a modern social agenda which will contribute to fostering opportunities in the field of education and employment.
On all continents and increasingly often, honey bees are dying in large numbers at the end of the winter.
This is particularly true on some of the work that we are doing internationally.
The euro will have a key role to play in this new stability.

But I have to say that ultimately, it will be the consumer who will pay because, if all the farmers stop producing, you are going to have to import this food from abroad, with all the problems this entails.
Please tell Mr Barroso this, on my behalf.
Trade is the key to greater prosperity.
This is part of a very comprehensive set of proposals that is creating, for the first time, a real European energy policy, but we want this energy to be secure and also sustainable.
They offer concrete signs to the citizens of the region that the partnership works in their interest.
I cannot take decisions solely on the basis of personal opinions.
I certainly held the view that we should thrash out our differences here in Parliament.
Greater fiscal coordination linked to macro-economic stability is an option.
Cost of examining asylum seekers' applications in Member States (debate)
Current challenges are pressing and new challenges will arise.
The fisheries sector is not independent of the wider economic situation of each Member State, nor do the working methods of professionally active fishermen remain unaffected by social and political developments, both locally and internationally.
This report follows on from the evaluations carried out under the auspices of the Council's Schengen Evaluation Working Group.
It is the net contributors which finance the EU, are responsible for restarting the engine of the economy after the crisis and which are rescuing the countries with large budget deficits, as well as the euro itself.
It is important for us to resume the negotiations on this dossier and to achieve a result by the specified deadline.
Let me focus on some specific points: I have written a letter to the members of the European Council outlining the positions of the Commission on what I believe are the most important items on the agenda, and I would like to share our positions with you.
As Parliament, it is our job to bring about the combination of what the research produces and what can be done with that in terms of innovation.
Why on earth would any EU Member State want a common system for the application and processing of visas for third-party nationals?
Other factors, such as actually giving proper weight to German as a working language, as laid down in the treaties, have been ignored.
In this context, only a temporary moratorium on all new offshore drilling in EU waters could have reduced the risks, and also sent a clear signal regarding our dependence on fossil fuels.
in writing. - (PT) People who administer public funds are expected and required to exercise the utmost rationality in managing them, the utmost rigour in presenting the results of the activity carried out, and total transparency.
Devastation will come to agriculture.
The budget is small, and is not keeping pace with the enlargement of the European Union.
There was an approach to building Europe that people said was a bit distant, a bit technocratic.
In this respect it is necessary to strengthen civilian democratic control over the military, and to additionally strengthen the Parliament's control over defence spending.
What is the situation with regard to the European train driver's licence?
It is, therefore, essential to build a common foreign policy, to include a security and energy policy, and therefore also a common policy towards Russia.
The Copenhagen Summit has come and gone, but why is Mrs Hedegaard still trying to have us believe that the EU is the leader on climate policy and the one to show the way in the world?
EU - Canada Summit (debate)
Although the role of the Commission is strengthened, the report should clearly support the reversed qualified majority voting as planned in the first place to ensure independent and fast procedure of applying needed measures.
It is not the first time and I request the Presidency of this House to write to the Council and complain about this.
The directive will make very ample provision for seasonal patterns, production peaks and the needs of certain activities.
Overall the EPLP feels that this report did not enhance the capabilities of EU States to deal effectively yet humanely with the returning of third country nationals residing illegally in the EU but has instead added extra burdens to an already complicated and highly emotionally charged issue.
Coming out of an election campaign, we know what this is all about.
The next step will be a memorandum of understanding between Germany and Austria on this section and the infrastructure management planning process will have to start.
In 2007, around 11 000 migrants arrived in Lampedusa.
Throughout 2009 we are going to see exactly which improvements could be envisaged and whether we will need a Community initiative on this subject in order to make it easier formally to implement the provisions of the Hague Convention.
It is also worth recalling what was mentioned too by some of you, that Chile is a good example of development.
The solution is found in the treaty, which ought to be appreciated and respected scrupulously.
Once again I refer specifically to the facts which, under your responsibility, Mr Weber, have thankfully been placed on record at long last in points 10.9 to 10.12 inclusive.
The additional protocol, which found a solution to the conflict and an acceptable wording for subheading c) of Article 3, was only signed in May 2008 by Portugal, Spain, France and Morocco.
Unfortunately, I live on an island where there is a lot of smuggling and much of the alcohol and tobacco which people think that they can use for their own particular purposes is in fact later sold on to other people through commercial resale.
The motion for a resolution on the state of affairs in Ukraine addresses the current state of affairs in that country and the situation around the presidential elections extremely well.
15.
This is also why we are singling it out for communication in connection with the legislative proposal.
But we cannot be asked to open everything up while Russia is closing everything down.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for this debate.
The great strength of this popular uprising is that it is happening across Egypt.
All of the public opinion polls indicate that they want President Klaus to sign the Treaty quickly.
The joint resolution we are proposing today asks for a clear commitment from the European Commission and the Member States on several points.
in writing. - (PT) We voted against this resolution because we are opposed in principle to the communitarisation of Justice and Home Affairs, an area at the heart of state sovereignty.
We have to work together with the authorities, the opposition and civil society, but also with Russia, which has an important presence in the region.
We should not adopt this resolution.
All the measures have a precise objective: to value human dignity.
Mrs Merkel dared to say it and she was shouted down.
Some Member States, such as France, have been doing well, but the problem is that there is a divergent level of funding across Member States.
We are sceptical about these proposals.
Mr President, I would like to thank all the Members who took part in the debate and expressed their support for my report.
The Commission does not claim to be able to solve the freight transport problems facing Europe on its own, but, on that point too, the report by Mrs Ayala Sender sends a message to the Member States to encourage them to develop their own logistics initiatives, especially by investing in infrastructures, in close collaboration with the European Union.
It is realistic and achievable.
The Convention regulates matters such as minimum age, medical examinations, the location of the crew, rest periods, employment contracts, repatriation, the recruitment and location of workers, pay, food and accommodation, medical care and social security.
Rural areas can implement projects aimed at developing broadband Internet links.
Proportionality, protection and redress are the key to reforming this tool.
The US is one of our most important trading partners and one of our main allies, and as a German, I am acutely aware that what the US has done for us is something that can never be repaid.
The definition of 'least developed country' used by the United Nations is not based exclusively on per capita income levels, but also takes account of human capital and problems with economic development.
Finally, by seeking to intervene between the Coptic Christians and their fellow Muslim citizens, we are adding fuel to the fire of the extremists, who want to portray Eastern Christians as agents of the West.

According to this programme, trade policy remains a very important tool for addressing the opportunities and challenges of globalisation and fostering economic growth, jobs and prosperity for all citizens in Europe.
The next item is the joint debate on:
I cannot guarantee you that we will succeed with that because a Presidency has to listen to all the capitals and find candidates who can achieve a consensus among the 27 Member States, but I would very much welcome the candidacy of a woman; it would make Europe much more representative than today.
Indeed, after several years it was rather overdue.
Now it has become 12 months, but I am nevertheless pleased to have a compromise, because I am essentially a positive person.
co-rapporteur. - (SV) In 2010, people are being bought and sold as slaves in Europe.
Mr President, Mr Chastel, Mr Barnier, after the comments that you have heard, you can draw two conclusions.
Thrombins would only be of benefit to producers, who would be able to bring to market pieces of meat that would otherwise be of no use to anyone.
Israel's behaviour is an affront to humanity, to civilisation.
The third major transformation is the change to how things work in practice.
The European Union has a responsibility to convey clear messages on the importance of democracy, human rights and respect for the rule of law.
The rights of the child - they concern the Union's policies as a whole.
For 20 years, British trade unions, having being seduced by Jacques Delors, thought the European Union was in their interests.
We are ready to do the same.
May I take it is as PPE-DE time?
Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, Montenegro has made a considerable effort in the attempt to fulfil the criteria set out for successful integration into the European Union, and it is therefore time to consider granting candidate country status.
The Commission's commitments to supporting development of democracy and the promotion of human rights will continue to be reflected in our cooperation policies and relations with Venezuela.
It also shows how they can help to make our pension and health care systems sustainable.
It is therefore urgent to launch Europe 2020 at the June European Council and make sure that both the EU and its Member States start the implementation immediately thereafter.
Striking an intelligent balance in the Basel measures themselves and the way in which we transpose them into our legislation.
Anti-government protests - clearly inspired by the events in Tunisia and beyond, and organised mainly through social media and word of mouth - have, I think, taken the whole world by surprise.
There is much work before us, but we now have the essential tools, so let us not hesitate to use them.
Consequently, my recommendation to the authorities and institutions that are concerned with the issue of media concentration and pluralism in the EU is to pay increased attention to the situation in the Czech Republic in particular.
The question of food provision has now become absolutely crucial, as has the future of small farmers who are all too often neglected by development aid policies.
Is there support for this proposal?
Cars are the bogeyman, and drivers are squeezed dry as taxpayers - often as a result of policies championed in this House.
We will now proceed to today's explanations of vote.
That will depend very much on how it is implemented.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, we are living in unprecedented times.
Bad news: China has arisen, yet we have slumbered away.
The same naturally applies to freedom of religion and many other issues which will be covered by other colleagues later in the debate.
The fact is that even now the lobby register only covers 2 800 of the 20 000 lobbyists in Brussels.
This is really important and we need to develop synergies between research and innovation funding, on the one hand, and structural funds, on the other.
Since criminal law is the responsibility of the individual Member States, we voted against the paragraph concerning the introduction of a directive at EU level.
The question which we have already asked in the discussions within the Committee on Fisheries is why the Commission has threatened to terminate the fisheries agreements with Mauritania barely a year after they were signed.
(FI) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, we can actually congratulate ourselves.
(EL) Mr President, a year has passed since the decision of the group for the revision of the European Parliament's rules of procedure made it hard for intergroups to operate by deciding that they should only operate on Thursday afternoons.
I want to get to the situation where we can adopt IFRS standards in the EU with full confidence that the process and content of these standards are exemplary.
Although vehicle manufacturers may be in a strong commercial position vis-à-vis dealers, they compete fiercely with each other, and today there is no need to deviate, to preserve competition on these kind of agreements, from the Block Exemption Regulation for Vertical Agreements, which was adopted recently by the Commission and will also come into force at the end of this month.
With the contribution made by the European Parliament, we have accelerated the application of the directive by one year, broadened the scope to service stations in residential areas, strengthened information and control mechanisms for service stations and information mechanisms for citizens.
After all, we have, here, the opportunity to help our citizens to both a better environment and new jobs and to help our small businesses.
This priority will also reduce CO2 emissions and should be included in the strategy.
It is interesting that both the Council and Commission concentrated on internal travel.
However, and this is my message this evening, although Parliament has been able to react quickly and well, it is important now for the Member States to organise themselves so that they can rise to the challenges, as delays, representing billions in aid, can be seen in the administrative inertia of the Member States themselves, in their difficulty in deciding on their strategic objectives and in their refusal to cofinance projects.
These are what we need to highlight and stress the importance of if we look ahead and want to build a better and healthier Europe.
I have been personally involved in fascinating talks with many members of this House.
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to finish by saying that cooperation and mutual respect, rather than unsubstantiated and often populist criticism, are the only successful way forward for the Union, in all respects.
That is Icelandic: 'We have to solve the problems together'.
This does not augur well, in particular in the context of the continued protests following the closure of a broadcaster critical of the government, in which students and opposition members have time and again clashed violently with the security forces.
Relations between the European Union and Moldova remain very important to us, but one should not hope that the European Union consists of blue-eyed naïve people who believe everything that the Moldovan authorities present to us as the truth.
In poorer countries such as Haiti, food shortages have already led to incidents of riots and civil unrest.
Airspace is therefore gradually being opened up, but this will naturally depend on the conditions and on nature.
Any delay in finding solutions that ensure the fairer and more consistent application of measures in this area is unjustifiable in the present economic situation!
in writing. - Whilst many people within the EU live reasonably comfortable lives, the reality is that across the EU, and including within the very richest areas, numerous people are living in slavery.
At the same time, important opportunities will be created for our foreign trade as markets for clean technologies rapidly expand.
That was all I wanted to say in my brief speech.
In the situation of economic and financial crisis that we are currently experiencing, combined with the problem of ageing, young people are one of the most vulnerable groups.
As rapporteur for the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality, I do believe, though, that more thought should be given to gender issues when dealing with this group of people who are staying in the European Union illegally and, as has already been stated, are often the victims of exploitation.
One issue that is causing concern to providers of social housing in Northern Ireland is the rules around public procurement.
We already have price regulation in place as a result of the Roaming I Regulation. The result has been that operators cluster around this price ceiling, which does not benefit consumers.
I, too, would like to separate my comments on the process from the actual contents.
12.
We finance security in quite difficult conditions through the government.
The Member States need to take full account of these groups.
There have, however, been too many drawbacks associated with this alliance and mutual solidarity.
One of the worst consequences facing the Member States is the reduction in employment and the corresponding rise in unemployment rates and the extreme difficulty of creating new jobs that are stable and of good quality.
International cooperation in this major climatic challenge will ensure that European industry is able to remain competitive and is never placed at an economic disadvantage.
The liability of carriers of passengers by sea in the event of accidents (
Frontex cannot be a substitute for a comprehensive migration system - which we still do not have - which covers illegal immigration and legal migration and which has proper legal migration channels, as well as preserving the asylum channel.
I think what we have is a very good compromise package for water quality standards.
To be honest, this place would be very much better served to talk about growth and jobs if at least more than 1% of this Chamber had had any experience at all of commerce.
In these days not only the priest, but all adults should learn during their adult years.
(RO) As has already been emphasised in this Chamber, violence against women is really an extremely serious issue to which we do not always devote the appropriate attention.
It must not be the goal of this rapid reaction unit to promote the EU throughout the world.
First of all, there is the monitoring of State aid measures.
The fear and uncertainty arising from the current economic situation must be countered by decisions rather than by words.
Education obviously requires the investment of money, but if you do not support making this investment, then you will have to accept ignorance, which I think will be more costly for us.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, we have now been debating the subject of Turkmenistan for three-and-a-half years in various committees in this House.
It should, when implemented and taken up by EU citizens, lead to people availing of cheaper credit.
We also consider the unblocking of the accession talks with Croatia to be important.
They need to give everything in order to ensure greater economic competitiveness within the global market.
I would ask the Commission to investigate that heatwave, investigate the level of deaths and realise that France did nothing about it, and yet when the autumn came and all those people had been buried, there were 14 000 fewer people on their social services register.
Immigrants come because it is easy to get here and no one sends them away, but precisely for this reason we have decided on a change of tune': these are the words of the Italian Minister for the Interior, Mr Maroni.
Female prisoners belong to a special category; they probably represent a minority of the total number of prisoners in Europe, on average only 5%.
One priority will be to step up efforts to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our cross-border networks, which must send strong messages to traders that there is no safe haven in the EU where they can hide from pursuit.
We particularly welcome the fact that the Commission gives a positive assessment of the results of the Copenhagen study that was commissioned by the Commission itself.
Thus, we must find means of developing an appropriate and effective tool to complement GDP, which could be applied in a practical way, using clearly defined indicators and relying on high-quality data.
Entrepreneurs and companies that are not in the picture yet will have to do some rethinking, because a good and motivated workforce is a company's most valuable asset, and can give it that fine but all-important competitive edge.
I fear they simply have not understood so many of the lessons of the last 30 years in politics.
After Fukushima, the first victims there were the workers and the firemen.
EU budget money cannot be used for that: it has to come from elsewhere.
We need to have a guarantee that the standards of criminal justice and the prison conditions in the European Union do not result in a lack of confidence among the judicial systems in Member States.
It is all the more sad for the fact that children from disadvantaged families should benefit the most from the opportunity to use these services.
Certainly, we cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of these people who are subjected to a treatment of exceptional cruelty.
It will be this group that decides which countries may be traded with, removing this power from Member States, thus calling their sovereignty into question.
How will this change the structures in our countries, for example, with regard to the bookshops in the regions?
EU trade policy has an essential part to play in combating poverty and achieving the Millenium Development Goals.
These recoveries to the Community budget continue to be funded by national taxpayers and not by the beneficiaries who have obtained Community resources by irregular means.
The entire organisation needs to be reformed from the bottom up.
An ambitious goal, to complete the transatlantic market by the year 2015, has been set.
Nevertheless, the Commission is following technology development in the sector and, if alternative techniques emerge in the coming years, the debate might very well be reopened.
Under the Treaty of Lisbon, the common policy on visas in relation to third countries is the exclusive remit of the EU, so it is up to the EU to negotiate this agreement so that it ensures equal treatment of all EU citizens.
I would like to finish by thanking Commissioner Špidla for everything he has done in promoting gender equality and for his involvement with the European Parliament.
This will be an international conference involving - and why not, because, for nearly 20 years, the United Nations have been involved in this issue, although more so in Abkhazia than Ossetia - a number of partners so that the political negotiations can begin.
The proposals submitted by the IMCO Committee for the 2009 budget follow this direction.
As I recall, when Thomas Ilves visited Parliament in Strasbourg, he pointed out that Russia has a neighbourhood policy and an external energy policy.
For my part, I have been blessed with Mrs Merkel's solidarity and friendship, and I should like to pay tribute, once again, to her actions when she had the Presidency.
Do not use this as a weapon to beat farmers with.
Employment remains the most important problem.
It is also important for information to be accessible via other channels, in addition to package leaflets, and I therefore welcome publication on the Internet.
As for the transparency of oil stocks, this question was broached at the time of the second strategic analysis.
Madam President, Article 208 of the Lisbon Treaty states that the main aim of European Union development policy is poverty reduction and eradication.
Furthermore, what solutions does the Commission envisage, if it should not withdraw its proposal to lift the ban on blending, in order to prevent the collapse of this fragile market in rosé wine, which has a short shelf life, and the weakening of the economic fabric of a whole region, which offers a whole range of cultural and tourist activities based around the wine-growing industry?
Official letters offering assistance were sent both to Ukraine and the Russian Federation and, while Ukraine answered positively, requesting assistance, Russia declined the offer.
This is simply a matter of fulfilling Article 12(2) of the Council of Europe's European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and the Audiovisual media services without frontiers Directive.
I voted in favour of the report precisely because we need a new European legal framework that includes measures to combat discrimination and protect human rights, to integrate Roma in the various Member States with a plan that guarantees their education and health coverage.
5.
However, there are also foreign policy aspects to immigration.
Such events undeniably instil optimism about the future of our common European project.
Since their customers are putty in their hands, they will simply pass on the extra cost to them.
This working group included Mr Friedrich, Mrs Lulling, Mr Nicholson, Mrs De Vits and Mrs Wallis - I hope I have not forgotten anybody - and I must say that there was a great deal of solidarity within this working group, which is why we have succeeded.
Firstly, they should accept that the Lisbon Treaty is dead and that any pressure on the Irish citizens to make them change their opinion is unacceptable, and they should halt the ratification process.
It is not only power stations lying within the Member States which are a potential danger, but also those located in countries which are neighbours of the Union.
Is there an intended use for these data other than that of combating terrorism, and what is it?
The next step must be visa facilitation, for which this House has called on several occasions.
They are good for Spain and what is good for Spain is also good for Europe.
However, the Presidency has made a commitment to try and complete the negotiations as soon as possible, in order for the Convention to be concluded soon by the Community.
We must learn - and I believe we have learnt - the lesson from the crisis of the twenty-ninth that the stimulus measures cannot be withdrawn too quickly, when the economy - as some of you have said - still needs crutches.
In this way, he will once again strengthen the democracy of the exiled Tibetan people, who are spread across all of the continents of the world.
3.
Madam President, this is the harsh reality: thousands of prospectless immigrants from Barbary are abusing the instability in their region in order to seek a better life in rich Europe.
There is the problem of trust accounts.
Bans are now in place in Russia.
One day, Europe will arrive at a situation where the selling of rights can also be done at a European level.
This fine result would not have been possible without the involvement and assistance of my colleagues on the Committee, the shadow rapporteurs and the cooperation between the political groups, for which I would like to thank everyone.
Should we now tell them that they have been deceived?
The Framework Programme is only partially a solution for that.
Today I have heard social democratic speaking: Nicolas Sarkozy, long-standing leader of the UMP, conservative French President, speaks like a veritable European socialist.
Some people are arguing for sanctions, penalties and a show of toughness.
Multilingualism contributes to improving the transparency, legitimacy and efficiency of the Union.
The report contains some important points, including increasing the quota of women in work, recognition of informal learning and promotion of languages with the goal of providing mobility programmes.
Commissioner, apart from the boost and the confidence that we can give our farmers with these new measures, we are on the way to future reforms, major reforms that will be discussed further in Parliament.
However, compliance with these regulations incurs significant additional costs for Europe's farmers.
Corrigenda (Rule 204a): see Minutes
Such agreements would, of course, constitute considerable progress, and if those countries do their homework - and at least some of them are really trying seriously to do it - then the prospects for intensifying trade will be much better.
That is three times the budget of the European Union!
However, the aim of this report is to increase financial aid.
What exactly are you telling them, in terms of what they are permitted or forbidden to do?
I am very sorry, Mr Higgins, I have taken two supplementary questions, which is all I can take, and we have dealt with it as appropriately as we can.
We hope that the Second European Roma Summit focuses on strategic policy commitments that demonstrate a political will to close the gap between Roma communities and majority populations in various countries.
I would like to apologise on his behalf since the problem is that he has a train to catch.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue card question under Rule 149(8))
Thirdly, thanks to this proposal, it will be possible to integrate the railways into the freight transport system more successfully, and to develop co-modality in Europe.
The sex industry today uses the Internet and the sexual violence that many women and children suffer.
Composition of Parliament: see Minutes
I actually welcome the free trade agreement with South Korea.
on behalf of the S&D Group. - Mr President, Commissioner, you are right that this is a public health issue, a very serious one, and our focus should now be on caring for the sick and identifying the source, but then we have to look to the long term and find out how we stop it happening again.
This proposition has definitely been a key element in the debate here and one that should be given consideration.
However, I am aware of the problems of people in many other Member States and I feel ashamed about this, because it is not worthy of the European Union.
Is the ambition contained in the words of the 2020 Strategy compatible with the budgets cuts that have been announced?
So I say to myself - I couldn't care less about their photosynthesis, what I want is to go skiing, to sunbathe and to lead a normal life.
The EQUAL programme, which focuses on support for marginalised groups, has proved that it has a good practical use.
This debate concerns not only the rise in food prices, but also deaths caused by hunger.
The benefits of e-learning have also not escaped the attention of terrorists.
The management, staff and governance structure of the new ECRF would be fully independent and autonomous.
Parliament and the Commission have declared that a strict deadline would be set.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (PL) Mr President, Mr Alexander Kazulin, the former Belarusian presidential candidate, has served two of the five and a half year prison term imposed on him for vandalism.
Parliament has always stressed the significance of questions such as human rights, energy security and minority rights, and so this time too, these matters cannot fail to be raised at the summit.
We hear a lot about the Lisbon Process, but very little indeed about the Lisbon Treaty, which, as we all know, is in effect the failed Constitution.
These include the technical and administrative barriers to trade, the registration requirements, the import licences, state aids, the assertion of intellectual property rights and other discriminative practices and provisions.
Let us not forget that 70% of people in Europe currently live in cities and it must be our aim to secure as soon as possible urban transport which offers greater levels of accessibility, safety and especially reliability while also taking far greater account of the environment.
(EL) Madam President, I thank the President-in-Office of the Council for his reply and wish the French Presidency all the best in attaining its goals.
Although some countries are still living in the Middle Ages as regards compliance with human rights standards, Europe would be well advised to give up on adopting too arrogant a stance.
We discussed very thoroughly the questions of organising the vote on the resolutions on the Europe 2020 strategy.
In particular, the Commission's assessment of progress in the field of the judiciary and fundamental rights in March will be very important as regards the possible closing of Chapter 23 later in the semester.
Junilistan has therefore opted to vote against this report.
On the contrary, in our view, cross-compliance should even be strengthened in certain areas, such as water use and management and water quality.
It would be a mild punishment for the behaviour he has exhibited.
in writing. - The European Union wastes more than 20% of its energy due to inefficiency, representing about 400 Mtoe (million tonnes of oil equivalent) less energy, and would also represent a huge cut in emissions.
In a compromise the various concerns have to be taken on board, while of course respecting the treaties.
Agenda of the next sitting : see Minutes
It is very well balanced between these challenges and I hope very much that in the House it will find broad support, because this broad support would mean better support also for the Commission proposal at the end of the year.
In fact, I believe that the European Union must propose decisive action on certain subjects that its citizens hold close to their hearts, including that of the safety of nuclear power plants.
The ball is now in Parliament's court, and Parliament does not have to start from scratch.
The European Union must not play the part of a supranational fruit police.
They also look to us, however, to guarantee their food supply and food security; yet only last summer a sharp rise in cereal costs sent consumer prices rocketing.
The solutions may emerge through research, particularly biotechnology, bearing in mind, of course, the principle of food security.
If I may give you my answer: I will take what you have said very seriously.
Consequently, I am unable to support the present agreement reached between the Council and Parliament, and I regret that the Commission proposal came to nothing.
As for explaining the causes, I would like to draw everyone's attention to the fact that the document which we have before us shows that we have very serious improprieties in the public procurement system.
It has also been doing so for some time in relation to existing nuclear power stations.
Mr President, in my opinion, this debate is fairly fundamental to democracy in the European Union.
Adam Smith, in the Wealth of Nations, foresaw many things, and there are many lessons there for us in what he said.
This report also lays down important markers underlining the importance of the principle of decentralisation (the 'bottom-up' approach) with a view to improving the 'partnership principle' with local authorities who are often best placed to recognise the needs of citizens across the EU, and especially in Wales.
For these reasons, I voted in favour of this report.
What we do want is to end the trade in animals that have been slaughtered inhumanely.
We corrected this mistake with the Africa summit.
I am referring to the cases where the children have stayed behind with their grandparents.
On this subject, a Council directive of 2001 had laid down common rules at European Union level as a means of simplifying, modernising and harmonising VAT invoicing rules.
Mr President, when we speak of governance and partnership in the Single Market, we in Parliament consider that one of the major requirements for putting the Single Market into practice is to ensure that it has political leadership at the highest level.
Here too, we are working with the Commissioner along these lines, just as we are going to look for solutions to improve financing conditions.
It will not be enough actually to provide the transparency and consumer protection promised here by many well-meaning Members of this House.
When is the Commission going to base all its decisions on the scientific research that his department is executing and to counter the public opinion that militates against the use of GMs, that is disadvantageous for our farming community and indeed for the cost of food, and is negative for the economy of Europe?
Finally, I voted for Amendment 107, seeking to maintain compulsory distillation.
Women cannot be expected to feel they are in the wrong, or to expose themselves to poverty, every time they bring a child into the world.
I believe that this mess is the unfortunate result of a tragic lack of political strategy on our part.
First-class work by the Commission - I warmly congratulate you and Mr Uusitalo.
I should have liked mine to have been here too, but that is no longer possible.
Your report, Mr França, underlines the need to harmonise the existing instruments and that the right to be heard during proceedings must be guaranteed.
We need a global Europe which sets a completely new agenda for globalisation, resting on the principles of openness, fairness and the importance of cooperation between Member States.
Again I appeal for some type of rational approach, and at least some coherence.
The cultivation of protein crops, along with extended rotation of other crops, brings great benefits, not just in environmental terms, but also because it reduces costs by enriching soils in terms of nitrogen.
People who wish to take part in such organisations out of a love for their country and nation, protecting their environment, must be allowed to work and must be valued members of society.
I also consider it necessary for the European Union to cooperate with the US, including coordination of their policies towards countries that export raw energy materials.
The rationale is therefore completely different, and that is why patients are the priority.
We believe that the regulation reflected in the compromise text is citizen-friendly and does not create cumbersome obligations for, and frustration amongst, the organisers.
We need ladies at all levels and I wish them well.
If the financial system, responsible for reckless trading and speculation, is being held up as one of the major causes of the financial crisis, then it is right that those responsible should have to pay their share by offering the most significant economic contribution.
The US has just put in a free trade agreement on that.
They are united by the common fate of the worker, the exploited, the producers of the wealth seized by capital.
Another purpose of the directive was to improve competition in the area of payments, and Title II made provision for the creation of payment institutions, which were intended to break the monopoly of the banks.
All that interests us here, and it is a point that is clearly also a little divisive, is the issue of whether or not the targets are binding.
It should be emphasised, however, that our vote in favour does not mean that we are satisfied with the formulation of the current legislation.
I believe that this proposal fits in perfectly with the European Action Plan for Sustainable Production and Consumption and, consequently, with the general aim of developing a voluntary, integrated system that will encourage companies to improve their products with a view to improving product quality in terms not only of diet and consumer protection, but also of the environment, by achieving higher standards of energy efficiency and environment-friendliness.
Can the EU really trust a state that selectively applies international laws?
Our engagement in the Black Sea region can develop into a long-term endeavour with clear potential to enhance stability, progress and prosperity in the whole region, and Parliament's support is extremely important for that success.
In that sense, I would, of course, urge this Parliament and the European Union, and I would ask the Commission, to resume or revive still further their efforts to revisit the areas required for membership where we have seen steps forward, in aspects relative, for example, to the need for consensus between political parties and that, of course, this should lead to a call to the Turkish Government to satisfactorily resolve the situation that the Kurdish political party, the DTP, finds itself in.
What is most surprising, Mr President, is that we are here to applaud the proposal made by Mr Botopoulos, because we think that it is a good proposal, a consensus proposal, a proposal which, I can announce, will have the approval and political support of my Group.
Responsibility means walking.
The intention was to do this at a conference on 20 November when the Permanent Intergovernmental Group L'Europe de l'Enfance is to meet, but I have now heard that the Presidency will not be raising this issue.
I hope that the European Parliament resolution, which we will adopt in a few minutes' time, will fill the gap created by the absence of the much-anticipated ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly resolution.
In our opinion, the following keywords must play a leading role in the maritime transport sector in the future: efficiency, environmental friendliness and equal market conditions.
A longer sentence was suppressed and all that remains is 'proposes that the Commission should check if existing sites in protected areas have been extended and if some of them are in Natura 2000 protected sites'.
An amendment to create a 10-metre buffer zone has been approved in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety.
Fourthly, foreign aid: here, I would like to mention Kosovo in particular and the issue of cooperation with the United Nations.
I voted in favour of this resolution as it strongly condemns the regimes in Libya and Egypt for resorting to sexual aggression in the course of the conflict which is part of the current revolutions.
The European Union should adopt a wide-ranging approach to this challenge, because demographic tendencies affect many areas of politics, including employment, housing, education, social assistance and health care.
I believe that this is a fundamental point.
And we agree on the need for enhanced international cooperation to face a global challenge.
All the reports being debated today will certainly present us with enormous challenges, and we know that in order to respond to these challenges we also need a sound budget, but we must make a clear distinction between budgetary aspects and policy objectives.
While seeking the legalisation of adequate compensation for damage experienced, I agree with the proposal to set limits for compensation which the Member States will have to follow.
In some EU Member States, parents regard physical punishment as a normal method of education and children assume this as being normal.
Therefore, I am delighted with the result, and hope for strong support from my fellow Members in tomorrow's vote.
The directive is correct and necessary, and must be implemented.
What is key here is that the plan must provide stranded passengers with not just safety, of course, but information and help, as well, so that those who are affected, at the very least, have someone they can turn to and are guaranteed shelter.
We are caught up in our procedures, we have no flexibility and so we cannot offer a rapid response to these countries' reconstruction needs, for this is where the real problem lies for Burundi.
Please respect my freedom of speech.
In the three stated areas, Europe purchases four times as much from the Americans, and so, to that extent, we already have a very intensive mutual 'partnership'.
Of course, it is important not to undermine the competitiveness of Europe's agri-food industry.
There are people, now statesmen, who have been honoured guests in this Chamber, who have a past as freedom fighters.
The Greek Cypriots have made a very brave move by showing moderation and compromise but in order for things to move forward Turkey must now reciprocate with an appropriate goodwill move such as the return of the ghost city of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants or the withdrawal of a significant number of Turkish troops of occupation from the island.
Question 1 will not be taken as the subject to which it refers already appears in the agenda for this part-session.
The report on collective agreements strikes a blow at these judgments and also at the compromise reached in the debate on the Services Directive in the European Parliament.
Emphasis has been given to the need to give assistance to women who want to set up their own business.
The causes of these allergies are chemically treated foods and polluted environments.
In my opinion, the original Article 7 of the Council proposal was prudent and balanced, but Parliament - whose political correctness is legendary, of course - amended it.
I believe it is important to strengthen the fight against corruption, and ensure that it extends not only to more minor cases, but also to the 'big players', as Croatia has not made much progress so far in this regard.
I think it was John Maynard Keynes who wrote 'He who controls the currency controls the country'.
It is a question of energy efficiency in homes, which provides jobs now, but which also makes homes better for the future.
This applies not only to Ukraine, but to all other countries which lived under Soviet communist rule and, of course, to Russia itself.
We Europeans keep learning from His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.
For the energy market, this means not holding back.
But other measures are needed for a realistic assessment of what is happening.
Latvia is grateful for this expression of solidarity.
The fact is, such disparities are incompatible with a common asylum system which ought to offer equivalent protection throughout the EU.
An agreement which I regard as a very important step, one which I hope will enable us to move on from a period marked by a certain erosion of the process of European construction.
However, Member States departing from the hierarchy would need to provide a sound justification.
Only 10% of Roma women use contraception.
It makes sense, and here I do agree, that one should never be dogmatic.
Producers will also assess risks in respect of processing aids, all of which has been happening for years in the Czech Republic, for example.
Could you, as President of our Parliament, demand the Czech Council Presidency, on all our behalves, to make good this serious omission before its Presidency is up?
On 16 September 2009, the Swedish Presidency stated in its answer to my question that it 'shares the Honourable Member's view on the importance of increased transparency in the work of the Union'.
We welcome the joint investigation by the United Nations and the East Timorese police which has already been launched.
The new rules will facilitate the processing of petitions, thereby supporting citizens' interests.
I would like to clarify one thing - the report is from the European United Left, nothing else.
This by no means signifies disrupting the ACP Group, and our ACP partners largely share this approach.
Anyone wishing to work in an EU country needs to be well aware of their rights and responsibilities; similarly, Member States need to protect the social rights of their citizens and ensure most favourable working and living conditions.
Civil society urgently needs to have a stronger voice in all areas, in order to remind the politicians of their job.
I congratulate the rapporteurs because, with these two proposals, we are taking a qualitative step towards a common immigration policy and we are promoting legal migration which is a key element of our global approach.
Are there any mining technologies that endanger our waters and our environment?
Although the purpose of creating an EU patent is positive in the sense that it would help to revitalise and promote innovation in Europe, nevertheless, I would argue that this cannot be pursued with the violation of the fundamental principles of European citizenship itself, with the breaking of Community cohesion and fragmentation of the internal market or with the introduction of new factors of discrimination, inequality and imbalance.
The report here says that editors and journalists complain about undue political pressure.
Indeed, the generation and maintenance of a culture of service to citizens lies at the very heart of the principle of good administration.
This is something that takes place right under our noses, but it seems there is a certain reluctance to talk about the problem using the correct terms.
(ES) Mr President, sexual exploitation is a reality endured by boys and girls all over the world, since there is a supply of child sexual exploitation, particularly in poor countries, and a demand for Internet pornography and sex tourism on the part of rich countries.
This is where the European Parliament comes in.
I am pleased to welcome the European Commission White Paper on healthcare strategy although, like the rapporteur, I am of the view that the White Paper does not set specific quantifiable and measurable objectives whose attainment could and should produce tangible results.
Restrictions in the Regulation aim, in particular, to reduce the likelihood of social dumping and to ensure that within the framework of the European Economic Area carriers operate more transparently.
I believe that the ownership unbundling of natural gas production assets and transmission networks is necessary for this, but not per se a sufficient condition.
As we are living through rather unstable times, and we can see certain examples where man's negligent economic activities are often the cause of major accidents, we must pass legislation laying down clear provisions on how to react in critical situations.
(ES) Mr President, while not wishing to take the comparison between terrorism and immigration too far, I have observed that unfortunately, EU action is driven by emergency situations, such as a serious attack or a mass landing of immigrants, as is currently happening in Lampedusa, where the exodus of Tunisians to the Italian coast could culminate in a chronicle of a death foretold.
At present, whilst tax demands continue to be intensified in every one of the Member States, mobility is almost impossible.
Mr President, my third, fundamental point concerns the implementation and the enforcement of legislation that has been adopted.
Japan is in an extremely sensitive position with regard to food security, and there are many reasons for this.
I believe that the concept of solidarity is connected to the idea and values underpinning the European Union.
The first is the ideology of dismantling protection at our borders, thus placing our workers in unfair competition with Asian slave labour.
Finally, the most important thing is that the European Union is itself a simplification process, because by having one set of rules instead of 27 we have cut business costs enormously in comparison to what life was like before many European Union laws were passed.
We should have spoken out much more loudly.
In Libya, there is a civil war in which the divided Europeans are intervening half-heartedly with half of their resources.
The European Parliament's Temporary Committee on Climate Change has now submitted a report on how the EU should act in connection with climate change.
In effect, we have come up with a response which not only offers an effective form of protection, at a high level, for members of the public, but also makes it clear that we cannot have a scenario of competition between Member States' social systems; what we want is cooperation between the different social systems, based on the highest possible values.
There should also be considerable flexibility as regards foreign policy, taking into consideration the political complexity in Ukraine.
It is not up to us to dictate to anybody what advances can and cannot be made.
Everyone obviously understands that there are some areas, such as matters to do with a private individual's health and so on, which need to be kept private, but in the legislative process, everything should basically be transparent, and in this respect, I am happy with this result and believe that honest and open decision making are the way we will be able to gain the trust of the people.
Anti-Hungarian, racist and xenophobic displays have been getting more numerous, chiefly due to Mr Ján Slota, the chairman of the ruling party.
Smoking is expensive for society, and, furthermore, the 70% of Europeans who do not smoke end up paying the bill.
We time it up here and he started at 18.32.
Even though it is illegal, however, that country is the source of half of the raw materials needed to kill our young people or make them fall prey to drug traffickers who, as we know, draw them into the use of drugs, which harms them and society as a whole.
This is an extraordinary anomaly.
We have some different views on a few things - how to define documents, etc. - but these are still the kind of negotiations that we should engage in and make sure that we move things forward.
I also supported amendment 30, which sought more restrictions on GMO crops, noting that it is impossible for GMO crops to coexist with conventional and/or organic crops, and calling for the withdrawal of the GMO species already introduced by some Member States.
We need an integrated strategy policy and an action plan cutting across all areas relevant to economic and social belonging.
We are finally, a decade overdue, but finally building the mutual trust necessary for mutual recognition.
(DE) Madam President, I have a question for Mr Chatzimarkakis, if he will allow me to ask it.
The crisis has shown that complete freedom of movement for goods, services, capital and people leads not to prosperity but to catastrophe.
As regards financial regulation, I have one piece of bad news and two of good news.
For a start, it goes to the heart of problems that many small businesses are experiencing in an economy in which they are finding conditions very difficult at the moment.
However, we now need to go much further.
There is little doubt that a coordinated approach in this area makes sense.
We need to ensure that new plants in Kaliningrad and Belarus are subject to the same standards and tests as such facilities in the European Union, especially now that Russia wants to invest in nuclear power plants.
The fact that families live in a Member State must permit them to develop their capacities as sources of wealth production.
The European Investment Bank mainly got what it wanted.
in writing. - I support the waiver of Bruno Gollnisch's immunity so that he can stand trial for the offence of incitement to racial hatred.
3.
Risk-based controls alone are not sufficient.
The European Union is of course France, the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, and Italy - all members of the G4 - but it is also Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Luxembourg and so on, which were excluded from an important phase in the decision-making process in 2008.
In addition, a more open migration policy combined with effective assimilation and integration could mitigate the results of insufficient population growth.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - I will continue a bit on what the previous speaker said.
However, I also see the irony in the fact that in this House it is also still very difficult to even criticise - not offend, criticise - religions, and one main European religion in particular, and there is another amendment tabled by myself and my colleague Cappato to the Obiols i Germà report criticising the Vatican for its position on condoms in the fight against AIDS.
Lisbon is not dead.
I personally would like to say, being fully aware of the disagreements between certain countries, that I cannot imagine someone explaining to me that, in the face of the financial crisis, we needed a united European response, but that, in the face of the economic crisis, we do not need the same united European response.
This is why we wanted to ask the Commission and Council these questions.
The EU peace-keeping mission has unfortunately suffered its first fatality, after a French peace-keeper mistakenly strayed into Sudanese territory.
They are weak but they are there and they need our support, and that support will continue.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question under Rule 149(8))
I believe it was absolutely right - and I say this advisedly as a Green German MEP - for Angela Merkel to meet the Dalai Lama, because it shows that we mean what we say about respect for human rights.
Thus, only by tightening animal protection legislation and its implementation can we ensure animal protection and avoid animal products that do not comply with the conditions laid down by the general law being offered on the internal market.
Dates of forthcoming sittings: see Minutes
However, this became an issue for debate, naturally, on the priorities of the Union's environmental policy, which unfortunately faces mutually contradictory issues.
Access to all categories of cultural material, including that which is protected by copyright and related rights will be another major problem.
Finally, within the framework of various studies, independent experts expressed their reservations, particularly about the definition of 'public provocation' and about the level of legal certainty of the text.
The image of European politics remains male.
These reports have been modified, but not for the better.
They will not flinch.
He has worked extremely hard on this.
I have one more thing to say.
We would have liked a robust choice in order to meet the challenges set out in his report, the choice of a green economy, of a green new deal which is the only choice capable of moving Europe and its regions upwards.
Added to this inequality in productive capacity and in the development of the production process are other measures, policies and instruments that have made the situation worse, most significantly the creation of the internal market, international trade liberalisation, the Stability Pact within economic and monetary union and the neoliberalism of the Lisbon Strategy.
I am disappointed that Parliament has not shown any backbone to the Council and has told the Council: this is what we have voted on and we are going to stick to our guns.
Furthermore, today's vote instructs the Commission to work out how to implement a 'targeted global system of food stocks' with emergency stocks to reduce hunger and other stocks to be used to regulate commodity prices.
I think it could send the wrong signal to the sector to continue production and thereby prolong the pain to the point where we see an increase in prices - here I am talking specifically about the pigmeat sector.
In the draft budget, the Council has automatically cut 36 lines on administrative expenditure, among other lines accompanying the instrument for pre-accession assistance (IPA).
We have also asked the Court of Auditors to act promptly.
Once the agreement has been ratified, which will be tomorrow, I hope, we must move resolutely to the next stage, which is its implementation.
I have cases of that in my constituency in London where community-led organisations have been crowded out by local government.
This was the main objective of liberalisation.
(PL) Mr President, the Eastern Partnership is a complex set of proposals which should support our eastern neighbours along the path of democratic change.
However, Mrs Lefrançois, you have also expressed concerns about the proposal, and the wish for a number of amendments.
(PL) Mr President, I had the pleasure of being an observer during the presidential elections in Ukraine, at both the first and second rounds, as, indeed, I had several years ago.
Despite this, the European institutions need to be vigilant and ensure that neither human rights in the region, nor the environment, are sacrificed to energy needs and trade agreements.
This method is based on improving cooperation with the Member States before it gets to the stage of instituting official proceedings, except, of course - and this is very important, Mrs Frassoni - in the event that it is obvious from the start that, in all probability, a treaty is being infringed.
It is also important that there is no renationalisation of the CAP through cofinancing.
We should rationally scrutinise this programme, which prohibits the creation of fire belts and access paths for fire-fighting vehicles.
The problem here was enforcement.
13.
First, it affected developed economies, then it spread to developing and emerging economies.

Having said that, the Directive offers some Member States the opportunity to detain illegal migrants for longer with a view to their deportation.
What we want, Mr Barroso, is the publication of raw data.
The vote will take place tomorrow at 12:00.
Employers and workers will have to pay the price, while emissions continue to increase beyond our borders.
There are a few tiny, remote settlements in the far north with a population of just 10-20 people who live from hunting seals.
Unfortunately, the measures proposed may have a negative impact on the Czech Republic.
It is a shame that the Commission, on approaching this anniversary, has failed to do enough work or make much progress in creating a more effective and comprehensive evaluation mechanism which would be able to respond not only to the concerns raised in the early years of the Schengen area, such as efficiency and cohesion among Member States and a certain equivalence of procedures, but also concerns about transparency, control by citizens (democratic control) and, finally, concerns about respect for human rights, which are extremely dear to this House.
I am counting on you.
The European Commission is the only body in a position to request this information, in order to be able to stop this environmental disaster from spreading to the other Member States bordering the Danube and take immediate action to combat the effects of this disaster where this has already happened.
The aim is to focus on prevention through better integration of immigrant families and to raise awareness by promoting educational campaigns and initiating dialogue forums on traditional practices.
At best, you could say that they have embraced democracy by taking two steps forward and one step backwards.
It has done so boldly; naturally, there will always be those who think that the time is never right, but I believe that the debate has at least helped and will continue to help us to clarify some of the difficulties we have in achieving greater and better regulation of this sector.
Minister, we must maintain our leadership for the sake of the climate, for the sake of the European Union and for the sake of all humanity.
This is a man who is already in prison for life.
That is the reason why, in the last 20 years, tens of thousands of migrants have died in an attempt to reach Europe; faceless, nameless men and women reduced to food for the fishes.
Mr President, I think this report is going to be a test case whether the European Parliament has to serve the interests of the citizens first - and citizens are really worried - or yield to the pressure of big companies, a pressure that has become really embarrassing.
Provisional entry into force of the agreement pending the debate in the European Parliament in February would constitute a huge violation of the fundamental principle of democracy.
Europe's citizens are expecting concrete, tangible results from the EU.
The first is long-term innovation for supporting the ecological transformation of economies.
I am grateful to colleagues for their cooperation on this very important resolution.
This is part of the package of six legislative texts on economic governance and aims to strengthen surveillance of budgetary positions, and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies.
That is why we are calling for the following three-pronged approach.
The Council always emphasises to the Commission and the partners that these agreements are a development instrument and that the advantages for development can be exploited to the full only through comprehensive regional agreements.
(For the results and other details on the vote: see Minutes)
I must underline that the spirit of cooperation amongst the Transport Ministers was high and we have had several telephone conversations where everybody stated they were ready to take responsibility and cooperate.
Such changes of use, which sacrifice vital environmental functions, are the opposite of any definition of sustainable development.
I support the creation of an independent, sustainable Palestinian state, but a reasonably good economy and a proper political plan must be but in place.
However, Conservatives remain concerned that the report's call for further Commission proposals on internalising external costs should not begin until the impact assessment is fully completed, and the Parliament has properly debated the issue.
Those are contrary not only to the norms and values that we represent but also, obviously, to the wishes for a more open and more reform-oriented society expressed by so many Iranians.
Cohesion policy is extremely important, and it cannot be a measure for adapting, or a measure or policy which suffers, for example, if money is taken from it in order to be given to the Europe 2020 Strategy.
It shows political will, and that is very important, but the achievement of this goal can only be very technical and very strict.
An important objective will be to create market opportunities for the European GNSS technology and applications industries.
That does not mean a total exemption, however.
That being the case, we need to rethink how we might genuinely encourage people to take part in political decision making.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (LT) Ladies and gentlemen, learning is an inseparable part of the European social dimension, because it reveals the significance of solidarity, equal opportunities and social inclusion.
And this is the same Ministry that is trampling on teachers' rights, leading to the largest demonstration of teachers in Portugal - the 'March of indignation' - with 100 000 teachers, mostly ...
A wider interpretation of security is needed.
The Commission has concluded the negotiations on an agreement to facilitate a visa waiver and ensure readmission, the text for which is available in the Council.
The report contains measures which will help open up new markets and make our farmers' agricultural production profitable.
The European Commission is conducting the negotiations.
Madam President, thank you Mr Fernandes for this excellent report.
The al-Kurd family has been expelled for the benefit of a Jewish family which only recently emigrated to Israel.
It will thus make other countries' qualifications more readable and so enable individuals to move to another country if they wish to work or study.
I would like to stress the crucial importance of the non-governmental sector in this area.
Finally, I would like to thank the rapporteur for his work and Parliament for the importance it attaches to this issue.
Nevertheless, I should like to respond to certain things more generally.
The previous Commission left a considerable amount of work prepared, including the general outline and what is termed the public consultation over the strategy which will give continuity to the so-called Lisbon Strategy.
The existence of EU countries with sustainable fisheries and aquaculture sectors is, from an economic, environmental and social standpoint, incompatible with the trade policy which is being conducted by the EU.
This report also reminds us of the need for a strategy for the future of education and, above all, for guidance on all the professional needs that Europe will have in the near future.
Concerning the other Eastern Partnership countries, there have been other steps as well.
Let us not forget that this package goes hand-in-hand with another decision that you adopted in December: I mean the proposal for a regulation on vehicles, which in a sense forms part of this package.
I lose to an ideal candidate from each group.
I would like to highlight something that other fellow Members have already pointed out.
I am therefore going to be quite clear.
I hope that this will also help to simplify the cooperation between countries and, therefore, I am very pleased that we have voted in favour of this report with a large majority.
In its statement, following the NATO summit, the Slovenian Presidency has called for the negotiations on the name issue to be continued, and to be concluded as soon as possible.
It is the principle of foresight which must be applied appropriately.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, thank you very much to all Members of Parliament for the recommendations they have conveyed.
What path would reunited Germany choose?
We talk about the milk market, but these are real people and the rural areas that we discuss and that we are always saying we want to protect when we are debating other subjects.
(FR) Madam President, as a result of the austerity policy conducted by the Cameron government, the United Kingdom has just decided to stop funding the large tugboats designed to assist and rescue ships in the English Channel, a unilateral decision that has been condemned by the port, maritime, trading and political bodies of that area.
The Treaties do not give you the power to come up with tax proposals.
I fully support the part of the resolution which addresses the need for human rights in North Caucasus to be observed.
I think that two very important things are needed, as my fellow Members have also mentioned before me, or we could do this simply to support mutual trust and transparency.
(RO) Mr President, dear colleagues, the measure of simplifying the common milk market is, also from the Member States' perspective, a great initiative that brings the European Union closer to the farmers' real needs.
The EU must stress at the G20 meeting in November the importance of having a supervisory and regulatory system whose actions will include making it compulsory to register financial transactions and instruments.
Contrary to the advice of their own legal experts, the majority of the Member States are refusing to accept the European Parliament's right of codecision - a full year after the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon!
Mrs Mikko's original proposal - which, among other things, covered the possibility of registration, a right to reply and facilities to prosecute authors of blogs - was far removed from the conception I have of freedom of expression and opinion-forming.
Instead, however, the report essentially focuses on punishment, namely by suggesting infringement proceedings and the suspension of interim payments to Member States.
I also very much hope that the situation regarding ratification of the Treaty will change soon and that attitudes will be significantly better by the end of the French Presidency than they are at present.
It is nevertheless important to focus attention on pointless test requirements and eliminate them, so that we can reduce the administrative burden.
The 'generation check' is intended, firstly, to introduce a statutory impact assessment of the desired effects and the undesired side-effects in connection with the burdening of the generations.

The presidency of that Board will be held by the president of the ECB, and we will need to ensure that countries within the euro area - as well as those outside it, such as the Central and Eastern European states - receive equal voting rights in the new organisation.
I have written to all the Heads of Government on this.
These crimes are spreading throughout the country on an alarming scale, despite President Kabila's announcement of a so-called zero tolerance policy.
With regard to the report by Mrs Ţicău, I am in full agreement with a strict approach towards people who are starting out in the business.
I therefore firmly believe that together we democrats must stand up for genuine transparency and in particular we must stand together in the fight against the extreme right.
There are other possibilities, but I think we should try to find the right balance because, if it is only a question of prolonging the pain, then we gain absolutely nothing.
Consequently, one has to emphasise right now the importance of a common agricultural and cohesion policy for the next seven-year budget beginning in 2014.
These industries are in real danger because their production levels have been steadily declining for a number of years.
First of all, the establishment of national contact points is extremely important for obtaining information - that is, obtaining information by patients.
It is essential to bear in mind that the fisheries sector is extremely important to the Mauritanian economy, and that this is one of the poorest countries in Africa, which is financially dependent on foreign aid and subject to severe political instability.
Ladies and gentlemen, the report duly notes that steadily decreasing populations in the European Union and the continuing tendency of low birth rates are creating numerous challenges for Europe's economy and society.
Based on this information, I believe this is a positive agreement for my country and I vote in favour.
Thank you.
I want just to assure you, Mr President-in-Office, and assure France, that we found the solution for Denmark and we will find a solution for the Irish people.
People have objected to the definition of marriage, the definition of life and so forth but, as I have said, if there are flaws, they can be addressed in a referendum.
On behalf of the Italian delegation of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, I call on the Bureau of this House to be more vigilant with regard to the topics debated and the speeches that are made.
I would like to send out, today, before this House, an optimistic and purposeful message, which somewhat contradicts what we read in today's press.
In the mean time, I thank Parliament for its support for our approach as expressed through this report.
Under the impetus of a handful of national delegations particularly concerned about the protection of fundamental rights, the Council itself added a number of safeguards to the text of the framework decision.
I met with the families of those who have been imprisoned and I know that he left us with no other option than to adopt strong sanctions in response, targeting those in the regime responsible for the crack-down, including President Lukashenko himself.
Removing these women from assistance aimed at helping these most vulnerable people is as illogical as it is inhuman.
In our view, that also implied a strict disclosure obligation for the authorities and provisions on public freedom of information.
This is why I welcome regulations that indicate the place of immigrants in our labour market situation.
The mission launched in Afghanistan must be brought to a conclusion.
Today the net has tightened somewhat from an economic point of view and the progress made in a short space of time by the Chinese, one of the most intelligent and industrious races in the world, has helped to mask the political reality, which is that it is still a dictatorship: no freedom, no real elections that are representative of the population, no independent judicial system, persecution, imprisonment, execution of political, intellectual or religious dissidents.
As you know, Commissioner, we have been having this discussion about the assessment of external costs since the 1920s, and we Members also proposed various models when we were adopting the Eurovignette Directive.
For the rest, and in this regard, we should be pleased that Europe - the European Union in general and the Eurogroup in particular - which is today faced with one of the most serious crises that it has had to tackle over the past few decades, has competently managed the crisis in which we currently find ourselves, not least by avoiding making the mistakes that were made in Europe during the 1970s.
I wonder whether I might ask Commissioner Kallas, at his next meeting with the Council of Ministers, to have a particular word with the British Minister of Education to see whether or not it is possible that he might learn some of the lessons of the successes of the European School model.
Indeed, as a result of this report, from this day forth, the rights of bus and coach passengers - the only ones hitherto not specifically protected at European level - will also be guaranteed.
Then those nations that have the lightest and simplest taxes will attract the most businesses.
We have more victims coming from Member States and, in addition, we have more children among the victims.
However, the system did not work properly, and before we come up with another one, I believe that we must carefully and comprehensively look at the reasons why the problem was discovered so late, and we must ask ourselves about the causes of this delay.
They wanted a free market.
I am particularly pleased that the Member States can say, as is currently the case in France, that no compensation may be demanded for credits of less than 10 000 euros, and that is why I voted in favour.
On the subject of the Union's priority energy projects, I should emphasise the importance of the Southern Gas Corridor.
So I am afraid I cannot share Mr Sarkozy's celebration of compromise, not when that compromise is made up of countless corporate concessions which put the profits of industry literally before the liveability of this planet.
I am very pleased to see that, with the rare exceptions who have admitted their obvious ignorance of the situation in the Balkan countries, the vast majority of this House agrees that it is time we supported the tearing down of visa walls in the Western Balkans.
In fact, the European left is interested in discussing own resources.
Here we may see a real challenge: creating the basis for a new, long-term technological era in the energy sector.
Whether we need a fourth package or not will depend on the Commission ensuring implementation and good policing of these new laws by national regulatory authorities and competition authorities.
The north-eastern part of Romania was severely affected.
I also regret that the compromise on the table is not more ambitious in increasing the level of coverage.
This is unacceptable when it concerns the protection of nature.
That is why I am so disappointed by the information I got yesterday in the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs under the leadership of Mrs Berès.
Soil is the only element of the environment that we have not yet been able to regulate, so there is currently no Union instrument to halt the pollution of soil and the erosion of its quality, even though this causes many tens of millions of euros' worth of damage for all of us.
As far as the outside world is concerned, beyond specific interventions in developing countries, about which my colleague will speak a little later, the fight against violence against women has become an important focal point in the EU's human rights policy, and the action is reinforced by the specific guidelines adopted in December 2008.
This approach remains crucial today as we face one of the worst economic crises in recent times and also has its part to play in this week's summit.
I would like to thank the two rapporteurs, Ms Anastase and Ms Polfer, because I think you have brought about a very interesting debate.
I wholly subscribe to what my colleague, Renate Weber, eloquently said: I do think it a bit rich for those of the same political persuasion as the ruling Fidesz party in Hungary to accuse critics of that constitution of being politically inspired.
Clearly, this is a tragic situation.
The debate is closed.
- Before the vote on Amendment 1:
What are the main points?
Establishing European statutes for mutual societies, associations and foundations (written declaration): see Minutes
As far as the business environment is concerned, some of you advocated the internal market without protectionism, that is to say that an efficient market is what gives Europe a competitive advantage.
The truth is, the supervisory authorities are national authorities.
One is the rather political issues that you quite rightly raise.
We would, of course, like to continue with this same effort.
Mr President, we are changing one word: 'all electoral material' should be replaced by 'the electoral material', so 'the' instead of 'all'.
It is the Court that has said that the right to strike and the right of association are fundamental rights, but not as fundamental as the economic freedoms.
The treaty says that a Member State cannot be forced to take on debts.
I think that the programme Mr Dehaene has produced for the legislative period is very good.
In the Europe 2020 strategy, the priority is first and foremost investment in work.
The proposal shows the effects of the emergency gas supply situation that emerged in January 2009, when the Commission realised that the Union's energy infrastructure was not fit for purpose.
On the substance of the matter, it is right and proper to protect the freedom and pluralism of information as a core value of all European Union countries, but freedom of the media must not contradict public morals and, above all, must not invade anyone's privacy.
We have called a halt to the way, unlike the Americans, we have been locating the institute out on its own and pumping a lot of finance into it.
It continues by advocating the successful conclusion of the Doha Round.
This gentlemen's agreement has never applied to the operational part; indeed, at the time the agreement was made, there was no operational part.
The joint debate is closed.
Of course, security is not just some technical process.
We export USD 30 billion to Korea, only USD 20 billion come back in the form of cars exported from Korea to Europe, and USD 1.5 billion will be the indirect aid that accrues to Korean cars in Europe, without mentioning the textile and other sectors.
I would like to give Mr Andor a clear message.
For instance, we already know that most of the costs go back to a very small number of rules.
From the Congo-EU VPA concluded on 9 May 2009, I would stress the fulfilment of the criteria derived from VPA definitions, including those applying to the negotiation process, which culminated in an innovative agreement, the aim of which is to combat effectively the bad governance practices from which illegal trade in timber, and corruption, stem, and to establish an effective, transparent system for monitoring the legality of timber and derived products.
It is a region of fantastic natural beauty and a wealth of natural resources, on the one hand, and appalling suffering, on the other: natural disasters, war, expulsion, famine, disease, massacres, mass rape and ethnic conflicts - worse than almost anywhere else.
While this information can be gleaned from environmental accounts, it is essential for this purpose to ensure the cooperation of all Member States and full data harmonisation at EU level.
The need for an integrated and more coherent approach to the transport network should therefore be underlined.
The best idea in that situation is to have a siesta and not to disturb a debate where respect for the speaker should prevail at all times.
Its mandate, it declares, is to save and preserve life, to find sanctuary for the displaced and to help the world ensure preparedness for natural disasters.
Why is there this scandal in Bulgaria?
In a similar way with regard to the recruitment of Moroccan seamen, we have raised this issue with the Moroccan authorities - with the Minister himself - and there has been a widening of the list of persons that are included and from which the European Community vessel owners can choose.
There are currently 13.6 million citizens in EU Member States employed directly in the agricultural, forestry and fisheries sectors, with an additional 5 million people working in the agri-food industry.
Only the first six weeks are paid at 60%, while 33 are at only a token rate and there are 13 weeks unpaid.
The Arctic is also 'cool' because of the lucrative possibilities emerging on the horizon, even though they bring with them very complex and difficult problems.
I believe that the draft from May 2010 contains some important changes, particularly in the areas of standards and the exchange of information, as already discussed.
We must create the conditions for them to be creative in the area of culture and awaken an interest in art, science and new technologies.
As a result, commitment to the correction of inequalities at source, by reinforcing development cooperation, is the first point.
If we consider just these few points, we realise that we could achieve a great deal if only the European Commission gave us its backing.
There continues to be an alarming lack of knowledge both of the risks of cancer and of the opportunity for cancer screenings, and only through continuous education of these facts will this initiative enjoy the success that it and European citizens badly need.
We support President Obama's commitment to multilateral engagement with the European Union.
We have identified the areas where we need this: at national level.
Bearing in mind the importance of protecting personal data, I would like to welcome the cooperation between the European Data Protection Supervisor and the European Ombudsman.
Nevertheless, I will gladly begin my speech now.
Given the erratic behaviour of the clock, I shall not go back over some of the provisions that were achieved in accordance with Parliament's wishes.
Every time I ask Mrs Ferrero-Waldner or anybody else in the Commission, they close their eyes, they close their mouths and their ears and give no proper answer.
After all, the wolf may actually appear one day.
I invite the European Commission and the European Central Bank to review once more the Economic and Monetary Union's principles, government, and the Maastricht criteria, asking whether they are being implemented in the current global economic and financial situation and what the future holds for the Economic and Monetary Union and candidates to the Euro Zone.
Improvements can be made in relation to insurance and in the structural adaptation measures relating to disabled entrances, and the requirement for a law on class actions could be eliminated, but we foresee serious problems for the Member States if, for example, we were forced to include the concept 'belief' in the prohibited grounds for discrimination.
But with respect to the ESA we need to look at good-governance issues in particular.
I would like to thank very warmly the small but select band of colleagues who have contributed to the debate.
With some further improvements, I am confident that these enhancements to the IASCF's governance will improve the quality of accounting standards and ensure that they meet the needs of all stakeholders - including the European Union, which to this date remains the largest user of IFRS.
This not only includes the fight against terrorism and crime; it also includes addressing the very important priority of a common approach to migration.
I agree with you that normally, it is quite often the case that it is the implementation that is lacking, and there is not always necessarily a need for new regulation.
Silesia is the area most affected.
Commissioner, we are delighted that you were so resoundingly endorsed as a Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection DG.
Those who are reluctant to acknowledge the situation perhaps have unfinished business with the minorities in their own country.
Unfortunately, we need to be prepared to face even more natural disasters.
The Lisbon Treaty is the Treaty for the Europe of the 21st century, with strong institutions which are able to deliver concrete results in the Europe of 27 and more members in the future.
We are in a time of crisis, and I think this is exactly the time when we need a strong institution, and it is a great opportunity to raise the importance of Jean Monnet as one of the founding fathers of European integration.
The global financial crisis has swept through Europe, and the accompanying economic shakeup once again severely affects the most vulnerable social groups, and in particular the Roma.
How can we divide up the portfolios so as to take account of the lessons learnt from this crisis?
That would spark innovation and bring it to the fore, whilst also providing clarity to consumers about the future strategy of the motor industry in Europe.
But Hungary is also entitled to have a constitution and certainly this is far better than the old constitution of 1949 brought in by the Communists.
With this motion for a resolution, we call upon the Russian Government to do its utmost to ensure that the road to democratic reforms taken by Russia, and its consequent cooperation with the EU, are not put in jeopardy by the human rights violations still occurring in that country.
In fact, I believe that a Treaty cannot simply be ratified by the national parliaments, but it needs a referendum.
in writing. - (PT) I obviously supported the creation in February 2007 of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights as I believe that this Agency could significantly help to increase the coherence and cohesion of EU policy on fundamental rights.
However, differing economic potential has led to a situation where, for some Member States, the link to the common currency complicates the options for using standard procedures for handling insolvency.
There is a problem in relation to the differences of approval methods between the European Union and the US and we need to look at that.
The next item is the debate on the presentation by the Council of the draft general budget for 2009.
No database has been set up.
You are going to have Baroness Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who was an out-and-out pacifist in her youth when it came to the true Soviet threat, but who we have no doubt will be extremely combative towards Iran.
Therefore, show a new culture of subsidiarity!
During the hearing process I have therefore asked the candidates to commit to the highest standards of transparency and open government.
Commissioner, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow at Patients' Rights Day, because this is extremely important for all patients' groups, and your commitment matters to all of us.
There are no other options available to us at the moment.
The UN Council of Human Rights is hereby rightly going against its own official objectives, the protection of the right to free expression of opinion and thus also the protection of human rights itself.
We are lacking that vision.
It is supposed to be an opportunity to debate the progress made in the application of asylum and immigration policies, and the consequences of the Arab revolutions, at Europe's borders.
We must reverse the trend towards radical restructuring, prevent job losses and stave off further pressure to cut salaries and social security payments.
(Before the vote)
(RO) I would first of all like to congratulate Mrs Stavreva for the quality of the report which she presented to us today.
Simply lost.
This is the night of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats. Four members of the PPE-DE Group speaking in the debate on the Botopoulos report!
At a time when governments across the EU seek to cut public expenditure, you seek to increase employment costs, which will hit a sector where women are disproportionately represented and therefore more exposed to the possibility of job cuts.
The cradle of global wine production is here in Europe.
I do not look on this as a race.
I was very surprised by this judgment and I would very much like to know the Commissioner's point of view on this matter, in the context of the lasting impact of the fundamental rights guaranteed in the Charter on current and future EU legislation.
I voted once more against the SWIFT agreement on the processing of European banking data and its transfer to the United States under the pretext of the fight against terrorism, as I believe the United States' claim to be unacceptable and to be a threat to the freedoms and rights of European citizens.
Even small contributions from biofuels result in less dependence on fossil fuels and a change in prices.
Madam President, I must say that 15 Member States have notified the Commission of their instruments transposing the Data Retention Directive, and the Commission has initiated infringement proceedings against all Member States who had not notified it of these measures by the end of November 2007.
Most of the sometimes wistful memories of the old currencies, whether the mark, the guilder, the schilling or the franc, have given way to the conviction that the introduction of the euro brought advantages not only for the economy as a whole, but also for individual citizens.
This used to be perfectly OK when we had massive surpluses - milk lakes, butter mountains and beef mountains - and were required to distribute this food to the poor, using the CAP budget to finance that distribution.
The stocks, particularly the eastern stock in the Mediterranean, remains critically low and there is a very real risk that we will soon witness the extinction of this endangered species.
The Council has received its share of criticism for not addressing this issue.
I expect a rise in the quality of life and numerous good and inspiring ideas.
We shall therefore have to ensure that a general change of political direction takes place, a change of direction that will actually put the European social model back where you want it, Mr Bertrand, so that every economic advance achieved by the European Union will also have a beneficial impact on the lives of all citizens of the European Union.
The failure to award the Sakharov Prize to the North African opponents during the years of the regimes that are today in trouble attests to the blind ideological nature of the anti-communist Eurocrats.
If the Conservative Party had ever thought to patent lies, deceit and hypocrisy, they would have made a fortune in royalties and would perhaps be in a position to pay off the national debt!
If we do not want our rural areas to continue to decline and the numbers of farmers to continue to reduce, posing a serious threat to the self-sufficiency of the EU Member States, then it is high time we stopped paying agricultural subsidies to the big agricultural concerns and instead gave the money to those who really need it in order to survive - in other words, to small farmers.
It is certain that simplifying technical provisions and an enlargement of purely administrative provisions will have a beneficial effect on the growth of competitiveness of the EU feedstuffs sector and on food safety, which Mr Parish has just spoken about.
I believe it is absolutely vital that everyone understands this because this draft Common Frame of Reference (CFR) that was presented to you at the end of last year must be considered in relation to all the work done on this issue, and not just the draft presented to you.
Which means, as I have already quoted from Saint-Exupéry, that the Little Prince tamed the fox.
In this way, an authoritarian federalism is established.
Our respect should go to those who did not give in and conducted themselves with honour.
In the face of figures like these, it is urgent that we act to combat this violence against women in the European Union.
If we really want to successfully carry off the objectives of the 2020 agenda, we first need to attend to the job in hand.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the work of the rapporteurs.
It is time we finally stated clearly that Croatia can and should join the EU within the current decade.
Colleagues, I urge you to look seriously at what is proposed and think how this will affect your constituents and their right to a fair trial.
Today, it is the Union for the Mediterranean that is stagnating, and the political disputes that have gone unmentioned have come back to haunt it.
So that was the proposal in favour.
6.
The situation has been the same this year too, when we have huge commitments regarding food aid, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Palestine, which have been mentioned frequently in this House, as well as Georgia, where the question is not just of the country's orientation, but also of the security of alternative energy supplies, has been raised.
The Member States are conspicuous by their absence today even though, as I would remind you, Mr President, we placed this item on this afternoon's agenda especially to accommodate the Council's scheduling problems.
In April I am to present the first assessment of how the code is being implemented, a year after its adoption, with analyses and proposals for increasing aid and making it more consistent.
Firstly, we Europeans are technologically advanced people.
in writing. - Social developments in the Balkans in terms of gender equality have unfortunately been notorious for the lack of improvement in this field.
I welcome this fact as proof of the modernisation and democratisation of politics in 21st century Europe.
It was a strategy that was too much for Africa, but without involving Africa, and Parliament and civil society were not sufficiently involved in the development of this strategy.
(Applause)
Political groups like yours have stirred up feelings against the European Union, have said very little about the importance of the currency and the opportunity, the political will ...
I have not joined the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats); I am still with the Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left.
It is difficult not to be suspicious that the Commission felt it was going to be too difficult to negotiate modern sustainability, development clauses and labour clauses with the Gulf States.
After ten years, it is high time that we looked at the aspects that have not worked.
This directive is already being prepared and is in response to the possibility established by the treaty for governments to take this initiative, and which, in our view, has a correct, adequate legal basis, because it concerns judicial cooperation on criminal matters.
We are not in the business of prohibition - that does not work - but we need what is proposed in this report, and much more.
We also spoke with Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia and others.
I think you will like the document we adopted today.
In addition, the European Union also cooperates closely with UN agencies, as well as Israeli and Palestinian NGOs, actively involved in monitoring, reporting and advocating the rights of the child.
(FR) Mr President, I myself was not a friend of either Mr Ben Ali or Mr Mubarak.
We had so much information at the end - conflicting and otherwise - that I, and I think many others, would have welcomed the possibility of a third reading, or of conciliation, to make sure that we have protected all interests.
We will need to invest in quality education and basic research in the future but, as we all know, innovation is Europe's Achilles heel.
At the same time, special attention must be focused on the humanitarian situation of these immigrants.
Data must not be used for a purpose other than that for which it was collected.
The Commissioner will be aware that the Shadow Home Secretary in Britain, former Minister of European Affairs, David Davis, resigned his position in Parliament last week on a principle in relation to the intrusion of the state into the privacy of the individual.
In order to prevent another blockade of gas supplies to the EU and ward off the temptation of using monopolistic exporters, our primary requirement is greater diversity in terms of energy sources and transit networks.
The results are there: the common fisheries policy has been a failure when it comes to conserving fishing stocks.
In the EU today we continue to see inadequate outlay on scientific research and academic education.
Regarding the specific provisions of the agreement to be voted on tomorrow, and most particularly the new safety features to be implemented, I would like to ask the Commission to clearly monitor the impact of this directive.
I simply pointed out - and you have noted my group's position, so I have in no way taken sides here - that Members must rise and remain standing because if they stand for a split second and then sit down again it is impossible for us to do a count.
It is therefore important for us to ensure that it is signed as soon as possible.
It was a long and very controversial debate and the question at issue was essentially to decide whether extending the Ombudsman's powers was a rational step.
We currently have a community of values and principles, reflected in a complex system of human rights protection, which includes the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the most progressive regional code of human rights.
I glanced up at the public gallery for an instant as I have the good fortune that a visiting group from Hungary also happens to be present right now.
It also embodies such European values as solidarity, civic participation and non-discrimination in sectors as varied as education, culture, the environment, social welfare or health.
I would like to thank the Secretary-General of the European Parliament and all of the representatives of the Directorates-General of the European Parliament; we have been working together since January looking for the best solutions to help us make effective use of the financial resources of Europe's citizens.
Having announced 575 job losses at Gandrange in Moselle on 4 April 2008, Arcelor-Mittal is agreeing to keep 124 jobs on the site provided that it can have CO2 emissions certificates.
In addition, almost EUR 3 billion - 2.77 to be precise - from that allocation goes to supporting self-employment and business start-ups, and the beneficiaries are very often women.
I would like to draw attention to a problem that very many women are dealing with every day and in relation to which very few of them receive a favourable sentence, namely sexual harassment.
Nevertheless, the most important thing is to create conditions for patient mobility, to provide the opportunity to be a European Union citizen, i.e. the most important thing is to also be able to obtain services easily while moving freely throughout the European Union.
Let us look at our energy policy and let us attune it more to countries like Belarus and Ukraine.
The text that Parliament is about to adopt is, therefore, an important addition to the third maritime safety package signed by the presidents of both Parliament and the Council at the end of your last plenary session.
In the light of the existing agreement, I also think it is right that the relevant evaluation of the functioning of the existing interinstitutional agreement - I would say technically as well as from a budgetary policy point of view - should properly be integrated into this process of the overall package to implement the Treaty of Lisbon.
We wanted to save the process.
I ask you to clearly define what this State aid is going to be and what the criteria are going to be for granting it, and that we monitor and control the consequences that this crisis could have for airline workers.
We are also waiting for them to present the measures they will be taking to correct the continuing macroeconomic imbalances and to improve competitiveness and growth for jobs.
As the world confronts the issue of global warming impacting on the melting of the two caps and causing rising sea levels, and as frozen Arctic maritime passages re-open to navigation, it is important that an analogous arrangement be found for the frozen - or should I say thawing - North of the Arctic.
As if we didn't know that there are 3-4 million Roma living in difficult circumstances in Romania; as if we didn't know that there are 12 million Roma living in Europe.
European responsibility means paring back national expenditure in order to pool resources at European level.
I have heard many of you speaking about schooling.
Based on the opinion of the Consultative Working Party of the legal services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, this proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to units of measurement concludes that the proposal in question is restricted to the straightforward codification of the existing texts without any change in their substance.
I would say that that is largely unjustified if we look at the major issues and not at the other matters on which Mr Leinen and I are divided.
The rules therefore provide that any measures taken regarding access to, or use of, services and applications must respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of natural persons, including the right to privacy, freedom of expression and access to information and education as well as due process.
Kathalijne Buitenweg cannot be here, but I will represent her views.
Where do we want to be in 10 or 20 years' time?
Only binding international rules can guarantee that there will be no repetition of the casino economy we have witnessed in recent years.
Allow me to explain in greater detail the conclusions of the Ecofin Council.
This is fine if it is a one-off.
I will give you five reasons: more innovation, greater competitiveness for Europe, the environment, obviously, because this could have saved us raw materials, and it would have been cheaper for the consumer, too.
Let us have a new European treaty and let us put it to a referendum in lots of countries, particularly in Britain, and the British people will conclude that this is a very bad deal for Britain.
The investigation concerns a substantial amount of operating aid to the Szczecin, Gdynia and Gdańsk shipyards.
From it we learn that in order to guarantee the success of this agenda, we also need to strengthen economic growth in Europe.
Now, if you will, let us get to the heart of the matter.
Assistance provided to a euro-area Member State should be based on a rigorous programme of economic and fiscal assessment and a thorough analysis of debt sustainability conducted by the Commission together with the IMF, and in liaison with the European Central Bank.
I am sorry but the questions by Ms Harkin, Mr Cashman, Mr Mirsky and Mr Crowley will not be reached tonight.
It takes time, effort and especially commitment and strong will to overcome the scars of a conflict.
(SK) The motto of the Czech Presidency 'Europe without barriers' should not be just a slogan, but must be a clear response to current challenges.
In the case of Central America, as a region, the country where the issue is most critical is Guatemala.
Historic decisions have been taken to fight against climate change and to strengthen our energy security.
Another cause for concern is the cavalier manner in which some transport operations are carried out.
Accordingly, we should focus attention on the case of human rights defender Yevgeny Zhovtis.
He was thus directly opposed to the Bundesbank. It turned out that the policy of the Bundesbank to combat inflation immediately and decisively was the right one.
That is why we have voted against.
It is the European Union's duty not to restrict itself to promoting these values only within its own territory.
Since the activities of the Fund are important for the citizens of the Union, and will continue to be important in the future, as the Commission has underlined, we consider that its continued financial support is necessary for 2007 and for 2009.
This is, as the honourable Member said, a very big problem and it causes enormous suffering and has economic costs as well.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, we are part of an industrial system, at European level, in which the good reputation of goods greatly depends on the integrity of the production system.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, it is difficult.
Women are greatly disadvantaged in top-class sport, and it is high time that we made sure that fair play applies to everyone in this regard, too.
The developments in America have demonstrated that the market itself is not capable of dealing with these and similar crises.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, although they have a growing importance in the European economic landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises still do not have sufficient incentives at their disposal.
The vote will take place on 11 October.
The Commissioner mentioned, quite rightly, sustainable development.
It is important for the European Parliament to make its full pressure felt on the Commission and on Member States - Member States that do not conform should be penalised - and for the European institutions responsible for controlling corruption and the fight against organised crime to be strengthened.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (NL) Mr President, as has already been said, Kenya has been an important example of democracy and stability in the region since 2002.
We must develop it further, but it is not an end in itself.
It can be seen, then, that the common agricultural policy needs to increase food security by increasing efficiency, while at the same time promoting an environmentally sustainable food policy.
Over the last few years a series of highly significant political acts, such as Georgia's accession to the Council of Europe and to the European Convention on Human Rights, have brought it closer than ever before to the European Union.
In my opinion, if we are to exit the crisis then we need greater economic integration within Europe, not additional sanctions or restrictions.
Indeed this latest stage of the financial crisis is proving increasingly systemic in nature, which calls for an equally systemic response from the European Union.
They are disappointed with the lack of support offered by the United States during the recent heavy economic crisis.
Therefore, given the confusion that had arisen from this Communication, Parliament needed to ensure that this point would be clarified and that we would be kept informed.
My Group attaches great importance to encouraging the European Parliament to give far more priority to this policy in future than we have done in the past.
Particular thanks to the rapporteur for this.
These reforms are good in their own right, but, those of us who say in this Parliament we want accession: we have to make their pain worthwhile by ourselves doing what we say, opening and closing chapters on merit, delivering the promises of the Council, ourselves acting in good faith.
Let me just mention one of many examples: the follow-up to the Copenhagen conference on climate change.
in writing. - (LT) We must strive to make Community law simpler and clearer so that it becomes more comprehensible and accessible to all citizens, who would then acquire new opportunities and would be able to take advantage of particular rights which they have been granted.
A great Greek philosopher, Plato, said that only the dead will see an end to war.
I would like to stress that I could not vote in favour of the final text of the resolution because of its ideological and radical attitude to the question of abortion, an attitude which conflicts with Christian values.
, in writing. - (RO) One of the fundamental principles of the European Union is the free movement of people.
(The President cut off the speaker)
7.
However, pensions remain a national responsibility and the purpose of the subsidiarity principle is to establish the limits of European intervention.
Finally, I would like to say that the confirmation of the Union's participation in EXPO Zaragoza 2008 - Water and Sustainable Development - is the right decision and is a good opportunity to bring European policies closer to the citizens of Europe, which we need to do.
Because it is precisely those states with no true media pluralism which most want tighter control over the Internet.
(HU) Mr President, first, I would like to express my deep sympathy, second, my respect for the Japanese people and the Japanese nation, and third, my greatest admiration for and appreciation of the Japanese heroes who are working at this moment in the power station.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we must not go backwards, but neither must we allow the huge vacuum in fruit and vegetable policy that means that, today, distributors are the only ones calling the shots.
Otherwise, the split vote would not make sense.
I am concerned that, because of the dominant position of certain airports, passengers will pay excessively high security charges with no direct impact on the level, speed or quality of security measures at check-in.
The main task of the agricultural policies has therefore always been, and still is, to eliminate this instability.
Today, we are debating the first post-Lisbon energy strategy, which the Commission has prepared for the years 2011-2020.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, unfortunately, everyone is now well aware of the situation that Campania and particularly the city of Naples have been living through for years, and the European Union has had to deal with this issue many times.
So, to conclude, and in the interests of efficiency, pluralism, coherence, fairness and liberalism, please support the committee's position and reject the amendments.
(LT) Madam President, safeguarding nuclear safety is an issue relevant for all countries, whether they have nuclear power plants or not.
However, Commissioner, the problem is that we are dealing with a major problem, which I regret very much was not even mentioned in your speech.
Illegal immigration must be combated above all by seeking agreements with the countries of origin, which cannot stand by and watch the unfolding of a tragedy that is no longer just national but also European, and by sending out a strong signal to those preparing to enter Europe illegally.
Employers are dragging their heels as regards opening a dialogue.
They think in terms of strategic balance.
Of course, this is another of the baleful consequences of the Lisbon Treaty.
( Applause)
It is time we combated illicit financial flow from developing countries and reformed European Investment Bank (EIB) policy in the direction of greater transparency with regard to tax havens.
Computers have been confiscated with a complete disregard for legal guidelines and without any expert record made of the data currently stored, allowing the authorities to falsify evidence and settle scores again with political opponents.
(DE) The last few months have demonstrated another advantage of the euro.
When our committee had the opportunity of talking with Mr de Vries, it was admitted to us that the function was completely devoid of content or tools.
We should estimate these costs and use them as an argument to finally, after years of debate, place restrictions on animal transports and alleviate the suffering of animals.
We have to try to create a situation where, at the end of this year, we have some report, some specific data, on the situation in individual Member States, what is missing, how can we make comparisons, because we have never made this type of comparison on the European level, not properly.
For ten years there has been a debate about whether this Code of Conduct is legally binding.
The military have a phrase 'no names, no pack-drill'; however, a member of the PPE Group voted against this report in committee.
Combating tax fraud falls largely within the competence of Member States, but they should not act individually.
I want to be perfectly clear on this: the Council believes that it is absolutely transparent in the way in which it implements its budget and therefore that it correctly applies the requirements that have been made, as demanded by the Financial Regulation.
I will speak in English.
It also demonstrated that the numerous subsidiary budgets which have come into existence make it more difficult to control the situation and also result in the Commission losing its overview.
The Parliament, like the European Council up to now, refused to take the hard decisions.
Cooperation with third countries is obviously very important, and is paramount for us as well, and I know that developing pilot projects with third countries is on the Commission's programme.
I myself like to debate everything with people with different views, different attitudes and different assessments.
Taking inspiration from Nordic cooperation, the Balkan countries could establish a cooperation forum along the lines of the Nordic Council or the Baltic Council.
Compounded by the social situation, this has resulted in the recent unrest, and I hope we are now strong enough to ensure, together with President Saakashvili, that a dialogue is initiated and that transparent and free elections are conducted with genuine freedom of expression, resulting in truly democratic choices.
Fourthly, I would like to thank the Belgian Presidency for its very hard work during the trialogue negotiations; finally, my thanks go to Jos Vervloet and Isobel Findlay from the ENVI secretariat, who have provided some incredible support throughout the process.
In many areas milk production is, as you know, the only agricultural option, therefore this system has helped...
'Several hundred cases' remain to be investigated and prosecuted; the fact that the Croatian judiciary is ignoring these cases ensures the continuing distrust of the Serbs.
Otherwise we have to vote on the corresponding part of Amendment 60.
It is a proactive response by Parliament and not a reaction to recent events - which unfortunately have just served to confirm its relevance.
The Commission should show its result in an annual report to Parliament with particular attention to the ODA eligibility of all projects.
We want to ensure that compensation is awarded, but only to those who actually sustained losses.
We are also pleased that the Dalai Lama remains committed to the middle-way approach and to dialogue as the only means for achieving a mutually acceptable and lasting solution.
Yet what is remarkable today is the great disparities between the Member States with regard to the implementation of our waste requirements.
This uncertainty creates risks and we must not create additional space for these risks.
Work on human rights often takes place under very difficult conditions.
The final version of the draft agenda for this sitting, as drawn up by the Conference of Presidents at its meeting of Thursday, 30 April 2009, pursuant to Rule 132 of the Rules of Procedure, has been distributed.
Everyone shares the view that the rules are good.
I would like to say to you that the logic of this new procedure dictates that we go beyond technical budgetary matters and discuss real budgetary policy.
Finally, I am aware of the concerns expressed by many of you, and can promise you that, well before the end of the five-year period, I would be ready to make full use of the Commission's powers to request the Agency to go beyond the scope of Article 2, namely in the field of justice and security cooperation.
Let us hope it will be resolved by political means, although that is not at all certain.
I am particularly proud of the Scots, for their voluntary system of real-time closures.
I think the European Parliament has shown latterly that it does that.
Every accident is one too many.
We shall all have to bear in mind that the spread of music piracy has the greatest impact on small countries where the music industry is mainly of a local and regional nature.
A dual approach of politics and consumer economy is needed.
Bearing in mind its objectives and actions, the specific programme 'Drugs prevention and information' developed at EU level may help to increase knowledge, improve the exchange of information and prevent drug use by supporting and complementing the measures taken by each Member State.
It cannot engage, as has already happened in this Chamber, in crude, theatrical performances in the argument over what the Italian Government or other governments are doing.
(The oral amendment was accepted)
We can therefore say that this is an important resource for Greenland, in addition to what Europe offers in terms of financial support in exchange for maintaining their fishing rights in Greenland's waters.
Situation in China after the earthquake and before the Olympic Games (debate)
Georgia, led by Saakashvili, is a committed partner to the EU, and despite numerous problems it is showing significant progress in the areas of reform and economic growth.
Hopefully, the Commission will now come forward with a proposal to revise the directive on residence permits for victims of trafficking so that we get a truly holistic approach to tackling this hideous crime, as envisaged from the beginning.
These costs will still admit of some exceptions, provided that the Member State requesting them has a good reason for doing so.
Even then, it applied only to the administrative part.
The money which can now be released to benefit the population of Europe through tariff reductions, removal of export restitutions and reduced national support must not be frittered away in more appropriations for sales promotion measures and information campaigns.
You are very popular here.
Criteria of transparency, information exchange and fair tax competition are fundamental.
Such a requirement could lead to a situation in which some Member States are left without anyone to represent their interests in negotiations.
I feel that the general level of budget line implementation in this area, which is 94.6%, is satisfactory overall.
I should like, first of all, to highlight the fact that, in recent days and weeks, the country which I come from, Greece, has been under attack from a specific credit rating agency, a consultancy firm, as regards its creditworthiness.
We believe that this area is nothing to do with the European Parliament and have therefore voted against it.
Research shows that two-thirds of European fish stocks are under threat, including very well-known species such as sole, plaice and cod.
UKIP opposes the way CAP has historically been used in corrupt ways (e.g. phantom vineyards) or the way it is used to top-up the income of certain politicians in EU countries who own 'farms'.
The UN report at long last publicly acknowledges the crimes that were committed against the Tamil people.
The current situation is that 60% of graduates are women and only 40% are men.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, the idea of a one-stop shop is to be welcomed, but it is a paradigm shift for some European countries - including my own, Austria, where residence permits are issued by the authorities dealing with third-party rights and work permits by the authorities responsible for the labour market, the Austrian Employment Service, with the involvement of the social partners.
It is time that we put some of the people who are attacking Europe on the defensive.
This is the first annual report presented to you since the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon.
In this instance, I consider the proposal to set up a European observatory on pirated products to be a good idea, so that we can achieve better coordination between the competent authorities, Member States and Commission services and also conditions of effective cooperation with the private sector.
We will continue to play our role in peacekeeping, once we have a United Nations mandate, and if the European Union steps into the breach, we are quite prepared for, and have in the past been involved in, that peacekeeping role.
If you talk to people in the field, however, it seems that not enough people or resources are being deployed in order to protect children's rights in armed conflicts.
Unemployment is the Commission's main concern.
The own-initiative report did not just deal with the issue of a financial transaction tax, but also with the smooth functioning of competition policy in the EU and the introduction of a carbon tax following the VAT model, to be charged on every product in the internal market.
The army derives most of its strength from the support of the West.
Madam President, Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner opened her remarks a few minutes ago by stating how serious this situation is, a view also expressed by Mr Lenarčič on behalf of the Council.
Nonetheless, in my report I have criticised several points.
During this preliminary phase, moreover, the Commission should concentrate on removing the barriers hindering European small and medium-sized enterprises.
This is the wrong way round.
Fourthly, the call for greater transparency when awarding resources should also be noted.
They account for almost 99% of all enterprises in the EU.
I will just make three remarks.
I am pleased that you have launched a number of actions and also that you are going to present your report.
Sometimes we need to consider what happens when we say to the markets, 'We need to change the Treaties, it must all be done by this date', and then hope that it will be done.
On each litre of milk, some small farmers are losing up to 30 cents.
The question is: what is the Commission going to do to ensure that this initiative is more than a mere flash in the pan?
We must find a joint solution, since youth must be considered a precious and essential resource that must be mobilised in the pursuit of social and economic objectives, particularly in an ageing society.
I sincerely hope that, following on from this excellent report, we see significant and coordinated action at Community level to support the invaluable work that is being done by and for microenterprise at local and national level around the European Union, as it is a very important part of our economy today and a very important part of our economy into the future.
Mr President, I am glad the Commission's 2020 Energy Strategy refers to the ongoing review concerning the impact of indirect land use change.
I have encouraged Parliament to convene an interinstitutional exchange of views on better regulation in the near future at the highest political level, be it in the context of the high-level technical group for interinstitutional cooperation, the Conference of Presidents or the Conference of Committee Chairs.
Mr Lechner's report certainly reflects a tremendous amount of work, on which I congratulate him, but I think that the task now, in the final stage of the process, is to strike a compromise that will enable us to demonstrate the importance that we as parliamentarians ascribe to the consumer.
(Applause)
The first thing we need to do as far as I can see is to establish a dialogue.
We should take a more differentiated approach to the factor of debt leverage.
Another related problem is the transfer of factories to countries outside the European Union, where the workforce is cheaper.
I voted for this report which sets out such a coordinated approach.
Clear and secure methods of conducting transactions over the Internet are required.
Moreover, the topic was not even included on the agenda of the plenary at the beginning of last week.
The compromise also strikes a balance between protecting patients' health and the costs which the new regulations will incur for pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Finally, there will be another Transport Ministers' Council as soon as possible to discuss all of these issues.
I would argue that a two-pillar common agricultural policy (CAP) should be retained, with each pillar's structure and objectives being clearly defined and designed in a way that allows each to complement the other.
The fact that a TAC is set does not mean that the stock is in good shape because most of our fisheries are regarded as being fished above sustainable levels, and you set TACs which would be on a diminishing scale.
The S&D Group will support this Commission.
That would be very important to us.
I am a member of a Swedish organisation - I actually helped to found it - which aims to increase contacts between Sweden and Azerbaijan. I therefore say this as a friend.
According to current projections, even at a low rate, an FTT would generate almost EUR 200 billion per year at European Union level and USD 650 billion at global level.
The EAS should be based on the Community method with the clear involvement of the Commission and the European Parliament.
It has a highly negative impact on human beings, particularly on civilians.
On a recent visit to the country as a member of the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee, I noticed enormous progress within civil society.
Those who seek financial gain from the Brussels juggernaut by making false claims are sometimes seen as latter-day Robin Hoods rather than as criminals.
Under paragraph 22, it calls for getting rid of fixed-cost systems by which people buy their energy, be it electricity or gas.
For example, we have succeeded in providing EUR 1 billion more for food aid; that is, for the poorest of the poor, and hopefully for sustainable agricultural policy in the poorest countries.
On the contrary, it is agreed that these are existing formalities which will be retained and we obviously reject the introduction of new formalities.
Agricultural land accounts for 45% of the EU total and is a valuable habitat containing a wealth of biodiversity.
The Energy Charter is a multilateral instrument.
The new Member States are able to support the West in North Africa in a unique way because the West does not have the necessary credibility.
Across the world, and in Europe in particular, food prices have been rising far more quickly than inflation.
(NL) Mr President, I abstained in the final vote on this resolution, although I did do so with some reservation and a number of doubts, as this text does, without doubt, include many positive elements, things that no one can really oppose.
The rate of unemployment amongst young people: Romania ranks second at Union level, with an unemployment rate of 21% among young people.
Depending on the outcome of the final reading, this regulation has the potential to contribute to that process.
The Committee on Budgets and the Committee on Foreign Affairs urged this very strongly and managed to obtain it.
This mini court where everything and nothing is discussed is quite important but also interesting, and different from what we do.
Figures like these have not been seen since the 1980s.
It should be said that, in their time, some Members of this Parliament were advocates of paedophilia in the name of universal freedom and of the right of all, no matter how young, to sexuality.
On the network implementation side, we fully agree with the view set out in the report that Member States have a crucial role in deciding, planning and financing transport infrastructure.
I would also like to thank all the shadow rapporteurs of the other groups for their very good cooperation.
I should add, by way of a reminder, that he won 90% of votes, but that the elections were neither free nor democratic.
What is important is not, as some are asking, for the High Representative to be present wherever the European foreign policy is involved.
So why do we not include privacy protection in competition policy?
Arbitrating between these two necessities is something governments do not know how to do.
I hope that we will be able to deliver on this plan.
In order to manage immigration it is vital to adopt an approach that is based on respect for human dignity, realism and a solid legal framework.
Parliament is now sending a clear political signal in this regard.
I will not discuss the disgraceful, short-sighted decision taken by the Bulgarian Government that has made my country a hostage in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as this is obvious to everyone.
You said that there is a strategic study, but has Pakistan's industrial capacity been evaluated?
I would add that we are in the process of establishing passengers' rights, based on the notion of European citizenship.
After all, a solution to this problem is in all our interests.
Even though the purpose of this review was to help Member States combat the economic and social crisis, it took the Council six months to reach an agreement.
This shows, to some extent, the influence of European employment policies on the labour market.
Just to remind you, ENISA is the European Network and Information Security Agency, which we, together with the Council, brought into being five years ago.
We considered similar exclusions on all members but that is not really practical.
(DE) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for this debate, which has been highly productive and constructive.
Public consultations on the fifth report on cohesion policy reveal an overall desire to pull away from the Brussels-dictated policy.
I also want to express my long-held view, which is a view of the vast majority of Europeans as well, that the EU should not offer Turkey the prospect of full membership.
(PT) Mr President, I believe that the political direction taken by this proposal, as well as its timing, are absolutely right.
And we should continue to fight on for final agreement to a treaty - a binding treaty.
It is, in fact, our duty to intensify efforts to promote transparency within the Community institutions by increasing awareness regarding the use of the Community budget and by making the European institutions and, first and foremost, the Council, more answerable to the public.
There is one point, however, on which we as Social Democrats must withhold our approval, and that is the 'Internal Market Test'.
The next item is the report by Ivo Belet, on behalf of the Committee on Culture and Education, on public service broadcasting in the digital era: the future of the dual system.
I know that the Council in particular, but also the European Consumers' Organisation (BEUC) and the Danish Consumer Council, would have preferred that to the compromise we currently have with regard to these two chapters.
We are getting new powers in environmental protection and climate change.
The Commission should find a solution that will deal effectively with the situation in the foreseeable future to assist consumers and to boost confidence in the sector.
Pre-accession assistance funding has proved to be especially susceptible.
Sudan: Killing of African Union peace-keeping soldiers (vote)
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (application EGF/2010/017 DK/Midtjylland Machinery from Denmark) (
I should like to see more commitment in this area.
All the Member States which are now in charge of the new external borders of the European Union have invested great efforts in securing these borders properly in order to protect them and ensure that the infrastructure is suitable and facilitates implementation of the Schengen standards.
I can only agree that our situation is very fragile.
I am therefore of the opinion that this report is on the right path, for what we must do is secure our Lisbon agenda and strengthen our social model.
However, it did have one particular, fundamental cause: the liberalisation of rail transport and the separation of the management of the network from that of rail transport itself.
It seems to me that such a strong warning will be understood in Moldova by the opposition as well at the moment.
In practice this will help to create a safe working environment and to protect health workers from blood-transmitted infections caused by sharp injuries.
3.
This is not the system we should be bringing in, with a bureaucratic Europe and major corporations and multinationals that want to invade Italy and overpower our enterprises.
Changes should only be made where necessary, or where such changes arise naturally from the practice applied over recent years.
This is only supportive action so the Union will not have any power to decide but only to support Member States in the promotion of the integrity of sportsmen and sportswomen.
If no progress is made in Cancún, the entire negotiating process will be in danger.
President Rajapaksa declared last week that only 100 000 Tamil refugees would be released.
Against this background, it is astonishing that the Commission is proposing a EUR 5 billion recovery package while, at the same time, it has not even used up the funds budgeted for structural policy.
Another measure which Mrs Lucas touched upon is to attach conditions to trade agreements and ensure that both European businesses and producers in the south have a responsibility to live up to, and that international conventions and agreements are observed.
Madam President, I have read the report by my fellow Member Mrs Oomen-Ruijten with great interest and respect, and I congratulate her.
I agree with what Mrs Vlasto just said.
Paragraph 19 is about disregard by the Council and Commission of the ruling of the European Court.
I am also satisfied with and support the decision that Member States must take account of national and regional labour markets.
(LV) Ladies and gentlemen, Mr President, I would like to draw your attention to the very dangerous economic situation in the Republic of Latvia.
Together with Vice-President Verheugen and with all the College, I very much look forward to deepening our joint work as we move into the next cycle of Lisbon.
Unfortunately, in parallel to the Temporary Committee on Climate Change, climate policy is being pursued in the European Parliament's other committees as well: in the Committee on Industry, in the Committee on Environment and in the Committee on Development.
I would like to say something briefly about the criticism that too much money is being spent by Parliament on human rights and the development of democracy.
Under the terms of this agreement, the Opel site in Antwerp was given the assurance that SUVs would be produced there.
I should now like to ask you and Commissioner Rehn and the rapporteurs to come to the table where I and Minister Nečas will sign the acts in your presence.
I hope many of my constituents who have been badly let down by the Labour government's mismanagement of the NHS will be able to benefit from the ideas in this report.
Member of the Commission. - In response to the first question, from Mr Tarabella, on energy prices, I can state that with the adoption of the third internal energy market package, the importance of the citizen in the internal energy market has been elevated considerably.
I would like to explain to the parties that if we concentrate now on other topics, such as the financial crisis, the goal of Macedonia's accession will be pushed further into the background.
This was a major piece of work, and many European Parliament committees also contributed.
It is also the case that the EU is one of the chief global players in terms of humanitarian aid, and it is important that this role be maintained in spite of the crises that we are experiencing.
I think the only instrument by which we can respond efficiently to the situation is the common agricultural policy.
It is charging farmers a global warming levy on their electricity bills, whilst those same farmers have lost thousands of tons of sugar beet and potatoes in the ground due to very cold weather.
Tomorrow, though, we cannot avoid discussing Europe's strategy towards the whole of Africa.
The debate is closed.
On the economy, you have said that barriers to the market - internal and external - must come down, and that Europe's answer to recession must not be Keynesian spending alone, but that we must strive for fairer competition, trade liberalisation, and freer movement of people and goods across national boundaries.
Madam President, I am not an illustrious film critic, as the previous speaker is.
rapporteur. - (DE) Mr President, Commissioners, Mr Pittella, first of all I should like to emphasise once again that the Commission proposals, Members' aims and demands in the two reports and the effects of these reports on Europe's citizens deserved a better time for debate and a bigger audience.
By this I do not mean the fact that 80% are carried out by agencies, but the fact that those agencies have a distinct lack of accountability for the monies which they handle on behalf of the European Union.
Today President Sarkozy said, and I quote: 'I have tried to make Europe move, but over the last six months Europe has actually changed me.
On Thursday, the people of Scotland voted in the Scottish parliamentary elections and the Scottish National Party won an overall majority of seats.
I am sorry that you cannot attend this workshop.
It is essential that the Member States adopt political strategies aimed at combating this problem that are based on the objectives set by the Europe 2020 strategy of reducing school drop-out rates to below 10% per year, and of enabling at least 40% of young people to complete higher education.
Countries which adhere to such voluntary schemes are able to give certain guarantees about the legality and environmental sustainability of their timber sources.
Europe is the cradle of an exceptionally rich and varied culture.
The second strategic priority for the European Union is to conclude negotiations on the Protocol on access and benefit sharing as a key contribution to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity beyond 2010 and in line with the commitment taken by all the parties at COP 8 in 2006.
That is our task in the coming weeks.
Life is changing before our very eyes, career women are a new phenomenon, fathers are increasingly busy, and women are fighting for their rights.
Obviously, problems should not be shifted to areas where there are none.
I understand some of my colleagues' concerns about allowing on the market new products that might present a danger or mislead the consumer.
I do not think that this idea is crazy because it is in our DNA, in the nature of our political project: in the nature of our political project because it embraces solidarity.
The crucial thing, however, is that we do not magnify and heat up conflicts that often fundamentally only exist between political powers and not between the people themselves, who get along well.
Updating our tourism statistics database can, in turn, play an important role in giving policy makers a good basis for implementing successful tourism policies.
(EL) Madam President, Commissioner, President-in-Office of the Council, we all agree on this, and we all want to see the land protected.
In 2006, for example, 202 foreign families decided to take care of 311 of our fellow citizens - 214 Polish children found Italian parents, 25 found French parents, 22 found American parents, 20 found Dutch parents, 15 found Swedish parents, seven found German parents, six found Swiss parents, one found Belgian parents and one found Canadian parents.
However, I do not wish to speak again about the objectives and obligations stemming from the Lisbon Strategy.
Guaranteeing reciprocity in bilateral relations is one of the European Union's basic principles.
Tuberculosis is currently a fully treatable disease.
The Council Decision referral for the European Parliament for consent procedure constitutes the legal instrument for the conclusion of the Protocol between the European Union and the Principality of Andorra extending to customs security measures the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Economic Community and the Principality of Andorra concluded on 28 June 1990.
The greater emphasis now being placed on governance and the rule of law is intended to reinforce the action in other areas.
In February the Council, on the basis of the Commission's guidelines, Commissioner, adopted conclusions containing a number of operational elements, which I will mention here.
Furthermore, on the basis of scientists' decisions, it clearly concluded that the criteria for the inclusion of bluefin tuna in the CITES Appendix I have been met.
Action at Community level is therefore needed in order to encourage the investment needed for the manufacture of vehicles that are more energy-efficient and less polluting not least because, in the long term, the cost of this type of alternative will be lower.
Commissioner, please do not just fob us off with the same old line that Member States are responsible for implementation and checks.
In the midst of an economic crisis and with galloping unemployment, we must provide incentives to keep women of all ages in the countryside, to support female entrepreneurship and to invest in their training, in order to achieve development and innovation in the agricultural sector.
We have to think about the pace, and convince Member States.
This is our position.
We are calling, first and foremost, for the agricultural policy that we want to be defined, to finalise the contribution of the agricultural sector to the production of public goods, and then to decide on the resources to be made available for the targets set.
Those who lose out will be small producers, who can no longer cover their production costs owing to such low prices.
Given that a five-year delay on the onset of Alzheimer's means 50% less prevalence rates, I welcome the focus on prevention and early detection by the European Commission.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the European Parliament has been called upon to express an opinion on whether the amendment to the WTO agreements on intellectual property - the 'TRIPS Agreements' - can be made permanent, as this would represent a swift solution to the problem of access to medicines by developing countries.
If the Stockholm Programme is to be successful, EU citizens have to know their rights.
I admit that the words from the Swedish Presidency and from President Barroso are encouraging in that respect.
However, when cases such as this one on dioxins occur, it clearly emerges, as we have heard today, that there is, in fact, a need for certain control systems that are currently in place.
According to the Eastern Partnership, the External Relations Council agreed in September that the directives on negotiating new agreements must be prepared for all three countries in the Southern Caucasus, including Georgia.
And that is all I have to say about dialogue, and yet I want to add that dialogue may not be quite enough.
The logic behind Schengen is unchanged: ever more efficient management of the external border is the precondition for travelling without border controls within the Schengen zone.
17.
As I already said earlier it was possible to move forward thanks primarily to the good cooperation and synergy we achieved between the Council, Parliament and Commission.
Unfortunately, the answer is no, but an increasing number of targeted programmes have been set up to improve the situation, including, for instance, the Danube strategy.
We voted in favour of this own-initiative report which highlights the aspect of gender in unstable employment, denounces various situations and insists upon a set of measures to combat discrimination against women.
He has been banned from participating in the forthcoming elections.
This is patently obvious from the different definitions of democracy that exist, and I would like to draw your attention to the fact, for example, that the United Nations attempted to define democracy in 2005.
We all want sustainable fisheries, but that means sustainability for fishermen too.
It is refusing to talk to the anti-Castro dissidents in Cuba.
Again, Europe will provide leadership on this issue and we hope that our global partners will follow.
The University of Lapland deserves praise for being the only university, the only agency, that has really worked to ensure that such a centre would be established, and has devoted much time and effort to this.
I will support these amendments, as I have already emphasised during a meeting with the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection.
It is in the Lisbon strategy that we first linked technological and economic issues with artistic issues.
in writing. - I was Parliamentary rapporteur when discharge was being granted for the last time in respect of the European Coal and Steel Community's activities.
It is therefore high time that we put this matter on the agenda.
In Russia last year, Stalin was voted one of the 12 greatest individuals in history.
Ultimately, the pace of Croatia's progress towards the European Union will be determined by its own ability to meet all the necessary conditions on the basis of its own merits.
That is the situation in a distant country court on the outskirts of Europe, where the big landlord esquire cannot be sentenced in any case - but she can.
Today's vote clearly demonstrates that all citizens desire a better, safer and more secure working environment.
He, too, must focus on achieving this social Europe.
However, what I think we are doing at the moment is being reactive.
We shall try to facilitate entry into Poland for their citizens within the framework of the Schengen commitments. Allow me to emphasise, however, that we shall only do so in accordance with our commitments as members of the Schengen area.
With this document the European Parliament confirmed that Croatia has made significant progress in the talks on integration into the European Union.
I think that this is something we have got to give very serious thought to.
Naturally, we send our condolences to Mrs Klamt and thank Mr Weber for assuming the responsibility of acting as rapporteur in this debate.
These decisions are difficult.
However, EFSA has already put in place new guidelines that are much stricter.
Precisely for that reason, the Commission has indicated its intention to start a dialogue early next year, with each of the countries of the Western Balkans, on a roadmap for visa liberalisation, by defining its requirements and conditions.
(RO) In the case of the former Communist countries, one way for girls from this region to escape from the state of oppression they were subjected to was to get married, sometimes actually for love, but in most cases for gain.
We have already heard that only 20 states have so far done this, including European countries such as Sweden and Great Britain, but also African countries, for example, Liberia and the Côte d'Ivoire.
Skills are at the heart of Europe 2020 for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.
rapporteur. ? (PL) The main idea on which the Animal Health Strategy is based is that prevention is better than cure, which is obviously the case.
In the other direction, very little progress is being made with regard to repatriation.
The combined forces of Bosnians, Serbs and Croats, through their main political parties, should therefore aim to strengthen the administration of the country at all levels.
I am wondering why we have to apply this fast-tracked procedure when there has been an agreement in place between the EU and the United States since 1 February on provisional legal assistance, Article 4 of which describes precisely how bank data is to be passed on where there are justified grounds for suspicion.
These policies risk nipping growth in the bud when it has barely become positive again, even though capacity utilisation rates remain low.
It is therefore scheduled to end at 2 p.m.
However, I once again agree with my friend Mrs Berès: how about some competition between our institutions?
I have been following with concern the flare-up of tensions in Transylvania, where the small communities are turning inwards as a result of tension, harassment or fear, shutting out the communities living together with them.
Lastly, does anyone need reminding of the tragic fate of the Kosovo Serbs, persecuted on the now colonised land of their ancestors?
Institutionally, it is inclined to side with other anti-democratic empires, not free nations.
I think they show that the European Union has the capacity, the will and the intelligence to take measures arising out of the lessons we have learned from the economic crisis.
I have the impression that there is the possibility today of ending Mrs Haidar's hunger strike and finding a solution for her.
The time has come for Europe to reward the efforts of these states for coming into line with the democratic and economic requirements which are typical of the EU-27.
For once, I can say that, broadly speaking, I approved of Mr Schulz's cautious speech.
Since Parliament had - as I said before - already adopted the text using the consultation procedure without any problems, such manoeuvring was uncalled-for.
The needs of citizens, of individuals, will form the basis for future cooperation in this area in a way that is much more evident than it was previously.
If this House takes itself seriously, it must stop this practice.
This anomaly could soon end, as indicated by the proposed strategy of the Council and the Commission on Belarus.
(DE) Madam President, I too would like to thank Mr Blokland.
This text establishes exclusions and unequal treatment in social security, pensions and access to employment and training for legal migrant workers, which runs contrary to my values.
After several months, I am still waiting for these guarantees.
Composition of Parliament: see Minutes
That in itself is something to be proud of.
This enters surface and groundwater along with the rain, and ultimately ends up in our bodies.
Your security is important for us.
I hope they do so in practice now and live up to the expectations of our colleagues in ACP countries.
in writing. - The EU took an important step with its political decision.
Yet this sector is one of the most fundamental elements in the fight against climate change.
However, the central feature of the democratic nature of the Union remains the European Parliament.
Composition of committees and delegations: see Minutes
The idea that the Commission should be advised only by investment bankers, and US investment bankers at that, with regard to changing banking rules seems totally surreal to me after the financial crisis we have gone through.
Community financial aid in the field of the trans-European transport and energy networks (vote)
His approach to its production was a very collaborative one.
Of course, I do not mean that entirely seriously.
I am afraid, given past experience - and please allow me to be pessimistic here - that this may be a process that is very much money driven, funding driven.
If the Council would agree to attach it to the Minutes or give it some kind of legal status and transparency, then that would help further the process on this issue.
The French Government also deserves praise for its constructive role, but the rapporteur, Mr Lambsdorff, has, of course, been the most important contributor.
To this end, the Commission intends to propose a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council based on Article 136 of the Treaty clarifying the necessary procedural steps in order to enshrine the policy conditionality in Council decisions and ensure consistency with the European Union multilateral surveillance framework.
Thus far, 22 countries have submitted an Annual Summary, meeting the basic minimum requirements of financial regulation, but not all are satisfactory.
They should support the opening up of the markets and make sure that we support the entrepreneurs and support poor citizens.
This is a clear sign that Ukraine is continuing its integration with the European Union.
I should point out that Moldova has employed for a period of one year nine senior European advisers who will provide assistance to the main ministries in Chişinău.
I pay tribute to the speed of the action of the Finance Ministers over the last week and I underline that this illustrates the level of determination of our concern to safeguard the stability of the euro.
Special attention should be given to last week's far-right rally in Prague, which attempted to celebrate the 1938 anti-Jewish purge known as the Kristallnacht on 9 November.
The world is going through a serious crisis, with its epicentre in the financial system, which has already contaminated the real economy.
We therefore choose to invest our taxpayers' money in a much cleverer way, in the foreign policy of the Member States, rather than in the foreign policy of the European Union.
It means arguing for squandering public services, which are a public resource, as well as transferring them to private groups.
This is not a conflict between the EU and the Member States.
We are talking here about regions that will be, or might be, affected by a high level of unemployment, but, on the other hand, we need to remember the regions that have already gone through restructuring in this sector of the economy, and which have endured high unemployment and coped with it.
They must be defined according to each country's particular situation.
In addition to its other activities, the main tasks of the joint undertaking are to oversee the preparation of the site for the ITER project, to provide the ITER organisation with material, financial and human resources, to coordinate scientific and technological research and development activities in the field of fusion, and to act as an interface with the ITER organisation.
For a very long time, the European Parliament one-sidedly rewarded the Albanians and punished the Serbs in every statement it made on Kosovo.
I particularly appreciate the idea of linking the industrial world with universities in order to boost European universities, thereby harking back to the EU 2020 objectives.
Follow-up to a request for the defence of immunity: see Minutes
The European Union can support these policies, but it cannot completely replace them.
Perhaps it would therefore be wiser, Commissioner, to conduct a thorough analysis as soon as possible into the reasons why the previous challenges did not produce the desired result, and then to come up with a pragmatic definition of new and genuinely effective measures for achieving real cooperation of a high standard between universities and manufacturing companies.
Written statements (Rule 142)
Baroness Ashton called for the ceiling applied to the European Investment Bank to be raised.

The 'polluter pays' principle must be applied to all vehicles as well as in emissions trading and the incorporation of external costs.
The availability and use of harmonised, comparable Community statistics on pesticide sales play an important role in the drafting and monitoring of legislation and Community policies in the context of the Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides.
This is a good thing.
The Member States of the European Union must support demographic renewal, incorporating their action into the renewed Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs, in line with the policy of equality between men and women.
In addition, I should like to welcome the recent ruling by the Court of Justice to the effect that a postal service provider is entitled to enter into an agreement regarding the distribution of social welfare payments.
I wanted to know whether the Presidency and the Council are aware that certain regions of Europe remain uninhabited.
Do these personnel decisions convey an important message to us?
I am French.
For all these reasons, and because I have few illusions about the outcome of today's vote, given the wonderful unanimity...
This is, in my view, a serious matter and I would urge the President of Parliament and the Vice-President of the Commission, who is here today, to make it clear to the Irish Government and to make a public statement to the effect that they are free to charge or not to charge schools for water and that they should not be taking risks with the future of Europe with cowardly political tactics.
How would the indigenous peoples view it if the European Union were to tell them what to do from above?
Let us not delude ourselves: the example of Kosovo may be used by Georgia's northern neighbour as a pretext for infringing the territorial integrity of that country.
It has been a pleasure working with all my colleagues in the Committee on Culture and Education for these past two years.
There are, as you know, two funding methods under discussion.
Over time we have sought and claimed the success of the capitalist model, which has allowed us to produce more and better and to offer better living conditions.
This report uses the term 'minimum income', which is a controversial term defined as an instrument that makes it possible to accompany beneficiaries in moving from situations of social exclusion to active life; it also underlines the importance of broader policies that also take into consideration other needs: healthcare, education, training, social services and housing.
That is one of the reasons why the Commission adopted the third internal market package on Wednesday.
The consumer will not have to pay any more for their milk.
I would ask the Commissioner, when he brings forward these proposals, as he suggests, next year, to please bear this in mind.
(DE) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, this is a really interesting, good debate - for the simple reason that, looking at the reports, we are combining two aspects that do not, at first, appear to be directly linked but which are related to ways of coping with the crisis and reviving the economy.
We furthermore agree to temporary relaxation of the OECD rules on medium- to long-term credit insurance.
I would like to go back to the request for solidarity that many of you have made.
(DE) Mr President, Mrs Győri, Mr Füle, I was one of the first or perhaps the first rapporteur on Macedonia in this House and I am watching with regret how the situation has and has not developed.
I can see three cases where the European Union is applying double standards.
Thanks to the excellent cooperation between Commission, Council and Member States in handling national reform programmes and recommendations, the first European Semester has lasted a semester, and not a day longer.
As is well known, the EU and ACP countries have today agreed on areas and articles that will be revised in the Cotonou Agreement, in which the above has also been partly taken into account.
I am happy to say that I called it correctly.
We would like the Commission to see the Lamfalussy process as a good experience that has opened up financial markets in harmony with reality.
We are all deeply shaken by what has happened.
All languages are equal, the same way that all human beings are equal.
We have already seen within Europe the positive impact that low fares airlines have on the aviation sector in terms of the huge increase in passenger numbers.
At least 14 journalists are currently in prison and I should like here to highlight the case of Hla Hla Win, a young 25-year-old journalist, who has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for illegally importing a motorcycle because she dared to visit a Buddhist monastery.
I am confident that the objectives of both Parliament and the Council are the same, namely to strengthen the economic governance of the EU and the euro area, prevent future crises and build a stronger framework for economic governance in the euro area and the EU as a whole.
The objective of the two FLEGT VPAs with the Republic of Congo and Cameroon is to provide a legislative framework which aims to: (i) detect and ensure the traceability of timber, (ii) put in place independent verification procedures to certify all timber exports from the partner country to the European market, in order to provide a basis for the legal management and exploitation of the Congolese and Cameroonian forests, and (iii) reinforce the application of forestry regulations and governance.
The application of funds is not helped either by the fact that Latvia counts as one region.
Data roaming is extremely expensive.
It is important for us to support this when we vote tomorrow.
It is clear that belonging to Europe, sixty years on, is still an attractive possibility.
But today, humanitarianism cannot let politics be forgotten.
In the event, a large number of bilateral contacts between Member States and myself, the conclusions of the meeting of the eurozone ministers on 15 March, proposals by the Commission on loans by the Member States and intense negotiations between France and Germany helped pave the way to finding a compromise acceptable to all.
Each of our countries has different climatic conditions and different traditions.
However, we are convinced that this Regulation should be significantly improved so as to avoid another case of continuous blockade of transport between Member States in total breach of the fundamental principles of the internal market, such as free movement of goods and persons.
If we are going to continue with this kind of asylum lottery, we are not paying attention to the realities of asylum numbers going up.
Lastly, as regards tax havens, some very simple measures must be taken.
The losses incurred by the violation of intellectual property rights amounted to EURO 62 million in Romania in 2007, according to the analysis conducted by the International Alliance of Intellectual Property.
The answer is 'no', and this is why we have proposed the mandatory reduction by 2012.
in writing. - This postpones Parliament's decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Medicines Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the 2009 financial year.
Thus, the ACTA agreement will leave the existing legal situation in Europe almost unchanged.
So far, the hasty integration of the CNDP into such an ineffective and totally chaotic army as the FARDC; the obtaining, by Bosco Ntaganda, of increased autonomous power resulting from the implementation of a parallel chain of command within the FARDC, for which the irregular payment of the soldiers and the absence of any form of discipline or hierarchy provides fertile ground; MONUC's insufficiently controlled and gauged support for the military operations against the FDLR; and the non-existent response to the demands of the Rwandophone minorities are factors that are liable to create even more serious problems than those which we faced a year ago - problems that neither Rwanda nor the DRC will be capable of managing any longer.
The proposal on the table involves the development of 27 national PNR systems, not a European PNR system.
The disaster also caused an extremely serious nuclear accident which is affecting the Fukushima nuclear plant and constitutes a new threat.
It would be self-defeating and against our own interests if we were to go down the road of protectionism.
I want to point out that this economic governance package brings greater transparency for the institutions and a better and larger role for Parliament.

The concentration on larger airports is sensible, therefore, and so I disagree with some of the previous speakers.
These objectives, Commission President and President of the Council, have already been formulated in the 2020 objectives.
It is also important to strengthen the position of renowned European wines that boast centuries-old traditions so that they do not lose out to wines from the so-called New World.
They demanded respect for human rights and democracy.
There are signs of opening up and of a civilised attitude, which are quickly followed, even at times in the debate within this Parliament, by signs of rigidity, particularly from the Council, and of considerable protectionism.
We confirmed this in 2006 with the adoption of a resolution on chemical weapons and inhumane conventional weapons.
This is an important point: the Member States must show that they believe in the sites and therefore manage them in an educational way, involving the people.
This legislation took as many as 40 years to be completed, although it naturally has many exceptions, from 1967 (Directive 67/458/ΕEC) to 2007, when the REACH Regulation entered into force;
We must not forget that if the European workforce is affected by alcohol, it will not be very competitive in a global world.
Over the last 10 years we have seen enormous growth in the interdependence between the European Union and Russia.
Convention to Combat Desertification (debate)
As far as this is concerned, unfortunately, Europe also obviously bears responsibility as regards the fight against terrorism.
I do not understand why the College of Commissioners has introduced environmental reasons which are completely irrelevant.
The fact that the Social Democrats chose to jeopardise our Swedish system in favour of more EU legislation is strange and calls into question their support of the Swedish labour market model.
I believe that Scotland's efforts have a vital role to play in the EU's targets for renewable technology.
The French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, introduced a noteworthy argument into the debate when he wrote to the Commission President that the ability to spend a lot of money on a car - in other words to buy a big and expensive vehicle - did not entitle you to produce more pollution.
Of course, we also need to have honesty on the markets.
I welcomed the fact that Mr Manders considered other aspects too, such as the reduced administrative burden for Member States resulting from the transposition into national law of the technical adaptations required by the addition of the names of new textile fibres to the harmonised list.
(BG) I voted in support of the report on territorial cohesion because I firmly believe that this concept should be developed and applied as a horizontal principle underpinning all the Community's policies and actions.
I want it to be part of everything that we do: a silver thread, not a filigree thread, a silver thread that is strong but that shines and is there for everyone to witness.
It is therefore right that the regulation on new foodstuffs includes a ban on the sale of cloned animals and their offspring.
Thus, competitors share the risk, costs are saved, investments, know-how and product quality improve and variety and innovations can be more quickly implemented.
I think this is another example, where we are looking at safety measures and at using the most modern technology to help them when they come into difficulties; we are trying to argue that cars should be better equipped.
During yesterday's peaceful demonstrations which took place in many towns throughout Belarus, hundreds of people were arrested and have been put on trial today.
However, violence, intimidation, threats of attack and blackmail did not deter millions of courageous Iraqis from going to the polls.
I voted in favour of this motion for a resolution on innovation partnerships because I consider them an essential element of the actions committed to as part of this flagship initiative.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (PL) Mr President, I should like to thank Mr Sacconi, the rapporteur, for an excellent document which I fully support.
I would also add that it is through simple, tangible and sensible actions such as this that people will learn to like Europe again.
We do want to legislate, and we are legislating a great deal and successfully with the Council of Ministers.
We have to act in solidarity with Italy and we can do so.
You talked about access to towns and cities by urban transport.
Also, the cutting of red tape and bureaucracy by the Commission has to be welcomed.
I am sure that the Year will help to promote the exchange of best practice and see the launch of new initiatives in every field, especially in connection with poverty prevention, monitoring, financial mechanisms and combating child poverty.
Opening of the sitting
Does the Council finally intend to act in a unified, perceptive and uniform way?
However, I should like to conclude on a very positive note, which I am particularly pleased about, and point out that the framework decision on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law, to which the report refers, was formally adopted by the Justice and Home Affairs Council of 28 November 2008, after seven years of extended debate.
This item is now closed.
However, what can we ask for in return?
At the risk of being described myself as a fascist dictator, I have taken certain actions this morning.
I believe it not only protects consumers but is also good for investors.
Only strong, representative and effective non-governmental organisations can succeed in increasing consumers' awareness of their rights.
And who is lecturing us on extremism?
Delegated acts (Rule 87a): see Minutes
The EU heads of mission have raised this issue with the Ugandan Government on several occasions at the highest level: with the President, the Prime Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Justice and the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
To our knowledge, the Commission will publish the Energy Roadmap 2050 in November.
There were some questions on the EU criminal procedures.
One of the key directions in job creation in the coming decade will be towards so-called 'white jobs' - jobs in healthcare and long-term care.
There is now talk of a 'two stage solution'.
Finally, I would like to draw attention to the rise of extremism, anti-Semitism and xenophobia in Europe.
We should improve the help available to our SMEs and reduce their costs; we should strengthen European patents and the fight against counterfeiting with 'made in' origin marking.
The assets would be put into bundles following an open, unconditional and non-discriminatory tender; and the remaining shell company would use the proceeds from the sale of the assets to repay the aid received over the years and would be liquidated, and the buyers of the assets would then be able to speedily resume economic activities at the shipyard sites, without the burden of having to repay the large quantities of state aid received by the yards over the years.
I must make it clear that today we are talking about additional funding for R&D based on an existing fund, based on a protocol - to be more precise, we talk about the technical guidelines.
The strategy actually aims at inclusion and not merely integration.
The debate is closed.
The emergence of tendencies is very worrying.
Mr President, honourable Members, young people - I see that the future of Europe is sitting up there in the gallery - it is a great honour to be present here today at the debate on Parliament's first reading of the budget for 2010.
Of particular importance is reviving the SBA in accordance with the objectives of the EU 2020 strategy and all actions to facilitate SME growth through simplification and support, not only for investment, but also for the challenges that globalisation and climate change bring today.
The question is whether it will be possible for this money to be absorbed.
I congratulate Mrs Roth-Behrendt, Mrs Grossetête and Mrs Wallis, who have tabled the motion for a resolution - they have done an excellent job.
I am therefore very conscious of this and you can count on the Presidency and on myself to ensure that your words will be followed by action, without, of course, there being the slightest conflict of interests, I say that before you all.
They are being followed.
If we get this right, we will be laying the foundations for a common agricultural policy continuing well beyond 2013.
The text completely overlooks the situation of degradation in which the Roma communities live, in certain states such as Italy, not due to lack of integration policies but, quite the contrary, due to a deliberate decision to reject any rule of civil living.
It does not do justice to this policy and its importance in any way.
As such, on 5 March 2007, the Council adopted a general approach intended 'to enable ENP partners to participate in Community agencies and Community programmes'.
Doctors are now also telling us there is a serious connection between obesity and dementia/Alzheimer's disease.
It is vitally important to us that supplies are guaranteed.
What is this debate for when everything has been arranged and done?
The EU must not require others to do things which it cannot do itself.
The variety of proposals clearly shows that we need broader debate on the activities of the European Investment Bank and the direction in which those activities should be developed.
The other critical point is that this transport is slow because it has to wait for passenger trains, which have priority.
It is not the Trade Commissioner who decides what agricultural offers will be put on the table.
Let us not forget that we are speaking of a common policy for 27 different Member States with different energy mixes, different priorities, sometimes different concerns when it comes to security of supply, also - let us be even more frank about this - very often with different levels of awareness of the problems of climate change and environmental commitment.
The joint debate is closed.
Personally, I fully endorse the idea of ownership unbundling, but I am well aware that unbundling could under no circumstances be imposed in my country at this time.
Why is this interest important?
When we adopted the second version of the Schengen Information System, SIS II, with the agreement of all the political groups, this Parliament refused to allow private companies to have access to the data, even though at the time this merely involved car registrations.
I stress the special intellectual and political importance of the Czech presidency.
Belarus (vote)
Thank you for your attention.
I firmly believe that the European citizens' initiative will, in future, become a true expression of European citizenship.
It is what the electorate of Europe now expects, and will enable us to act together with strength.
This policy must guarantee the defence of our interests in the world and protect and provide security for our citizens.
It is unfortunate that the Council has yet to grant the Commission a mandate to open negotiations on a global air transport agreement with important trading partners, such as the People's Republic of China and India, despite the proposal dating from 2005.
In addition to guaranteeing the fundamental rights, this strategy should also promote access to education, especially to education for tolerance in the context of the 2008 Year of Intercultural Dialogue.
From the very beginning he set out to make his name known and he has certainly been successful in that regard.
However, even though the weapons have fallen silent, the legacy of the war lives on in politics and society in the region.
Concerning Kosovo, we are working with UNMIG and supporting all the activities there.
I declare resumed the session adjourned on Thursday, 12 July 2007.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (FR) Madam President, thank you for allowing me to speak at this point; I must apologise for having to leave shortly to return to Paris.
I welcome that amendment, and we have put it in my report.
For legislation that is easy to understand and apply , impact studies and consultation of the relevant parties are essential, especially with regard to the social impact of the legislative proposals.
(HU) I have been involved professionally for 25 years in protecting human rights.
Also, a significant number of disabled people are simply unemployed.
The thinking behind it slots perfectly into the overall 'philosophy' of the package in question.
Europeans deserve nothing less.
In the merciless price war that is currently raging, companies are using outrageous methods to improve their profit margins.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, first I should like to thank both rapporteurs on behalf of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament.
I need not remind you that, on 5 September 1972, 11 Olympic athletes were massacred in Munich.
While the decommissioning team, dominated by military experts, monitored the rapid and successful disarmament process, the civilian team of AMM worked to turn the process into a platform for further political dialogue and for both parties to credibly commit themselves to permanent peace.
Mr Tannock, the point of order raised by Mr Schulz is the ongoing point of order.
(EL) Madam President, Commissioner, two proposed measures that stand out are those of grubbing up the vines and adding sugar to wine.
There is a quite unanimous view that, for the sake of the quality of the project, there should be an element of national financing as well.
in writing. - I am delighted that the European Parliament has today approved a scheme for ensuring that additional loans will be made available to small businesses.
This dual use means particular care is needed with regard to their export, to prevent the proliferation of weapons and, above all, of weapons of mass destruction.
We have taken action on some of the worst abuses on the internet, such as paedophilia.
The Committee stated in its reply that since there was less than a month, which is the normal cooling-off period, between 28 April, when the Committee voted on this report, and this plenary, this report could therefore not be tabled at the May plenary.
After all, when all is said and done, how many jobs have been created with all the State aid that Ireland, Poland and the European Union have pumped into Dell?
After all, it is abundantly clear that this all centres on stimulation, knowledge sharing and monitoring.
If such people and, above all, those who ordered these actions later say that they only did what the law stated at the time and it was not possible to prosecute them later on, that would demonstrate an unbelievable weakness in the law and in humanity.
We regularly come up with umpteen 'Christmas lists' in this Parliament and they do not necessarily go much further into actual reality.
What we are doing right now, namely comprehensively and quickly abolishing duties and barriers to trade on all 75 different tariff lines, corresponding to 27% of Pakistan's exports, is an excellent response to the disaster that this country is facing.
I would like to ask the European Commission to give extensive aid from European Union funds to the modernisation of these buildings and entire housing estates, especially in Central and Eastern Europe.
- Report: Adamos Adamou
For example, the trial being held against Chiranuch Premchaiporn for comments on his website criticising the Royal Family.
We need to evaluate the operational efficiency of the agencies objectively if we are to get away from opinions and assumptions and get a clear overview of what the agencies are actually achieving.
European Space Policy (vote)
That goes without saying.
Firstly, all the requirements issued by the Organization of American States must be met.
The first is that this debate has demonstrated as much division on this issue as in the Committee on International Trade itself or even more, and the second is that the merits of the proposals adopted by the Committee on International Trade, some of which the European Commission considers inconclusive ... the plenary sitting tomorrow will decide on the merits of these proposals and the Commission's objections.
I would like to conclude by emphasising the importance of vocational training, a symbol of excellence in our nations.
I would like to say to the leaders of the political groups and to members of parliament that we in France, with Bernard Kouchner and Jean-Pierre Jouyet, have taken a decision that was not easy to take.
This would enable us to determine even more effectively the repercussions for the economy, jobs, the environment and so on, and hence to respond to a number of issues in all political fields connected with tourism.
It will take joint efforts worldwide to preserve the quality of our world and safeguard our future.
On this issue, I believe that the Council has taken into account the legitimate request from the European Parliament for it to be more involved in the formulation of broad guidelines for the management of radio frequencies, but, as you know, the Council also wants to avoid a situation where there are too many bodies responsible for this resource and to preserve the responsiveness required by these markets and by radio frequencies as a strategic resource for innovation.
It is neither appropriate nor necessary to restate this.
The Commission hopes that the bold step taken by the European institutions to mobilise the one billion euros which will complement other financial instruments which have been earmarked to respond to the food crisis - of both a short- and medium- to long-term nature - is followed up by other donors.
A large part of them live in settlements on the outskirts of Rome, Turin, Milan and Naples.
It is the Member States' right and also their responsibility to choose their priorities and projects.
(ES) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Mr President-in-Office of the Council, Commissioner, as you said, Frontex works.
I would like to express my opposition to the report, which, in denying the aims for which the Council of Europe was set up, amounts to the promotion of murder of the most defenceless and of contraception.
These are just a few examples from this excellent report.
In addition to these measures, geographical financial instruments such as the European Development Fund and European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument also help to give practical expression to the Global Approach to Migration.
What we need are activities that inspire a high level of ecological awareness.
On 18 May, the journalist, Fahem Boukadous, will no doubt be sentenced to four years' imprisonment.
When we return to the matter in 2010, I can guarantee that disposal in solid form will be a safe method which complies with the EU legislation.
We have, rightly, embarked on a procedure for codifying such legislation - putting it in a single, readable, manageable text.
For all these reasons, Mr President, and once again appreciating the efforts of the rapporteur, the Council and the Commission, I ask for the return directive to be supported.
(DE) Madam President, there is not much point in playing Realpolitik and Moralpolitik off against each other, as Mr Watson has said.
We would emphasise that there is also a need for consistency in this area between other EU policies and the objectives of this Regulation.
Civil society organisations for allergic illnesses and many millions of European citizens who are affected expect us to act against allergies at European level too, and for us to do something towards prevention, stopping the triggers and ensuring that such illnesses are symptom-free.
The first question that arises is, of course, how we can guarantee that the US will abide by the agreement.
The complete opening up of the markets of the developing countries to exports from industrialised countries has sometimes resulted in the destruction of the local economic structure, an increased level of poverty for the people and, as a consequence, more people wanting to migrate to Western countries.
In this respect, it is proper to acknowledge Mr Sterckx's tenacity in carrying through this difficult undertaking.
This step may seem nowadays, in the post-Lisbon period, to be completely obvious, but it has been hoped for on a regular basis during the last 30 years.
One of these is the single euro payments area (SEPA).
(The sitting was suspended at 11:30 and resumed at 12:00)
Therefore, what we are saying is that this Parliament must not put pressure on the legitimate authorities in Brazil.
That would enable consumers to have access to competitive cross-border offers, benefitting from better choice, better prices and the clear advantages of the internal market, whilst also enabling them to place greater trust in a high level of protection of their rights.
The starting point for targeted action is an analysis of economic data from the female labour market, all of it negative.
This matter is inextricably linked to the following issue - I would like to express my concern regarding the way in which the German youth services, known as the Jugendamt, operate.
Adequate exceptions must therefore be included in the directive, hence the proposal that, for airports situated in these regions, the rules laid down in the directive will not apply where they will not guarantee compliance with the universal public service obligations.
Ladies and gentlemen, there is no doubt that the Commission implements active policies for disabled people and that we have achieved significant progress within the European Union.
In addition to structural problems, the acute discrepancy between the import tariffs of the European Union, on the one hand, and of its most important competitors, on the other hand, is playing a negative role.
The seven-year framework for the EU's budget is devised in such a way that the framework becomes steadily tighter during the course of the seven-year period, particularly in the area of agriculture.
When I took office, there was no crisis mechanism, and we had to rectify that.

Therefore, by limiting themselves to an informal meeting on the subject of employment, the European leaders have backed away from the crisis, and are running the risk of a very serious social and political crisis.
What we want is a first real analysis of cohesion policy programmes for the period 2007-2013.
This has been slow to happen due to Germany's disastrous management of the crisis.
Civil protection structures have to prioritise preparedness for floods and droughts.
I agree that reforms are needed, the regulatory framework must be revised and we need to make an enormous effort to achieve greater cooperation among European regulators, so long as we do not have a single European economic regulator.
I have seen today in the press - and not only in the Eurosceptic or Europhobe press, not only in the tabloids, but also in the quality press - that the European Union now admits that it was mistaken in deciding to suspend flights.
A rushed approach which might result in a negative note on PNR agreements with the US and Australia would stop the flow of data and that might result in landing rights being cancelled, with disastrous consequences for the airlines.
We need, above all, to get to work on education in this regard, as we did, for example, for the football World Cup in Germany, in order to bring the issue of forced prostitution to light, and to show that this really happens everywhere, and also to inspire debate amongst the populace so that there is an awareness there which will lead to the victims being helped.
Long-term investment, the principle of solidarity, market access, regulation of cross-border flow - the important objectives of these regulations are all about this.
Here again, as I have mentioned, we will ask for a special field mission.
That is the issue, if there is to be stability in the Middle East and any prospect of peace.
I also believe, particularly in view of the current economic situation, that Parliament must review its expenditure and identify savings and ways to increase efficiency.
I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to them and thank them for their work over the last five months.
As a result, as long as regional policy and social policy are interconnected policies which operate successfully together, I believe that we should not agree, under any circumstances, to the separation of the European Social Fund from the Structural Funds.
It has also considered the need to appoint a European Union judge to the Court, the participation of this Parliament in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and the participation of the Union in the Committee of Ministers when it exercises functions relating to the application of the European Convention on Human Rights.
In the debate on biofuels, it must not be forgotten that their production in Europe, where fuel crops are grown on two per cent of all arable land, has an extremely minimal effect on food prices.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, the proposal we are debating today is a tangible sign of the commitment of all EU institutions to promote integration of extremely marginalised and deprived communities into mainstream society.
This is why educational work is also so important.
The outcome of the present constitutional crisis in Côte d'Ivoire will send a strong signal to all forces on the African continent, both those in favour of democracy and those who are against.
This contradicts common sense and the basic interests of the environment.
To have cancelled the mission would have sent all the wrong signals to Bangladesh - and the Bangladeshi community I represent in London - which is bravely seeking to strengthen its fragile secular democracy after two years of quasi-military rule.
Repression has been brutal.
But we have had to agree to the process being slower than we had actually wanted, for example the provision that allows a five-year exemption for long-distance services which may be extended twice more.
That was clear, but what is less clear is the identification of investors and counterparties which may be, and continue to be, under stress, and that identity is absolutely vital for us to clear up.
We therefore voted against this report.
What we need instead are reasonable conditions for food production in Europe, decent animal protection and incentives for farmers to produce green energy.
We must aim to further diversify transport routes and acquisition sources.
That makes it seem like a project for legal migration but also for a multi-layered European labour market, where each category of workers would be assigned, according to their worth, a sort of portfolio of rights.
We are nevertheless going to try to enable everyone to speak, among other things, until the President arrives, as he has stepped out for a moment and I am replacing him on an impromptu basis.
In general the management of migratory flows in the EU and in individual Member States requires the effective management of borders.
Mr President, Mr Bussereau, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, today we are returning once again to the debate that we brought to a close at first reading a year and a half ago.
The report seeks to ensure that not only consumers but also small and medium-sized businesses buying and selling cross-border services can benefit from additional legal certainty, simplicity and reduced costs.
The Lisbon Treaty has once again made Europe ready for a new era.
It should be coordinated by the key economic actors, in particular, the G20.
We need a new strategic vision and new targets that take into account the consistent species loss and reflect the importance that we attribute to this problem.
The emphasis on quality will allow European production to strengthen its position.
It is an extremely important issue, and I think one we should perhaps give more prominence to than we have done, but in the context of a Europe which is changing.
We have lodged some amendments and we are looking forward to some support from fellow Members.
Of course, it is better for there to be some regulation of financial transactions by private brokers and/or financial institutions.
The risk of territorial aggression, implicit in the classic conception of defence, has largely been superseded by the dangers arising at regional borders in areas adjoining the territory of the EU.
For many refugees it is not a matter of choosing to improve their circumstances but purely a matter of survival.
(ES) Mr President, this is indeed a point of order.
The enforcement of EU data protection rules is generally the responsibility of Member State authorities, and, more specifically, data protection authorities.
In addition, the following changes have been requested:
Money that is not used can be allocated to other beneficial projects by means of this type of revolving fund.
The requirements of the market operators call for a flexible regulatory procedure.
It was not easy to find a balance between maintaining competition between the airlines and guaranteeing the independence of travel agents, while enabling passengers to receive useful, unbiased information.
The Commission must do more to address social dumping.
Will talks even take place?
This step is especially important as cohesion policy is the most powerful instrument in terms of granting aid to the real economy.
A political resolution is the only way to re-establish peace and reconciliation in the area.
Turkey is an important neighbour, an important, respected NATO partner.
The European Council is playing an active role in this, along with the Commission and Parliament as the legislative and controlling body.
I should like to make a few suggestions, starting at European level, which might frighten some who have already spoken.
However, solidarity could be expressed by making more flexible the criteria for ERM2, the eurozone and the adoption of the euro for those countries wanting to join.
A compromise is therefore necessary.
To help alleviate the growing problem of food shortages, I strongly urge the European Commission to include food aid - such as processed canned fish products - as part of the EU response for the people of Haiti.
The report states that 'these imbalances pose considerable difficulties for a suitable monetary policy within the eurozone' and reiterates that 'the financial crisis in some countries within the euro area is a serious matter for the area as a whole', reflecting this 'dysfunction of the euro area'.
It has adopted a proposal for revisiting the VAT directive to remove barriers to electronic invoicing, with cost-saving potential amounting to billions of euros in the medium term.
However, what will happen if they receive this confirmation, whereas in practice, the products, after a certain time, do not comply with all the requirements or all the parameters described on the labels?
In my personal opinion, these concepts that we have developed, whilst very important, are not suitable for a security policy, as they can be misused to justify military intervention all around the world.
This strategy forms an integrated framework for dealing with the challenges we face and contributing to economic, social and territorial cohesion within the EU.
We can show what has been done.
Other very important cases (and at this point I would like to thank Commissioner McCreevy, who is here today) were the Valencia urban development law, where Mr McCreevy and his team acted effectively to defend the Public Procurement Directive.
It will give the new Commission a chance to create a new momentum on this difficult dossier and it would also give the European Parliament more time to see how we intend to process this further.
Having followed many of the Commission's infringement proceedings, I can assure the Commission that, when it intervenes, citizens, and even the public authorities, feel strengthened by the action of the Commission in this area.
Investments in improving energy efficiency will result not only in lower energy bills, but also in creating 2.7 million jobs in the EU by 2030.
I note, Madam President, that at this very moment one of the groups has withdrawn its signature from this compromise.
This at the same time as imports of shellfish and fish have become increasingly available.
Vice-President of the Commission. - (DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the rapporteur, Mrs Roth-Behrendt, and her two shadow rapporteurs, Mrs Ries and Mrs Grossetête, for their constructive and intensive collaboration, which helped us to reach consensus at first reading.
The problems affecting the global economy - and therefore the European economy too - are deeply-rooted and long-term in nature.
At the same time, I think that we need new business models which will support these industries, by leveraging the benefits offered by the single digital market.
I also have to say that at this time, in the wake of the Fukushima accident, our work has been extremely difficult and I am pleased that, despite these difficult times, the text adopted by the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) has been prepared to an adequate standard and that we did not get carried away with ideological debates.
This threshold will hit particularly hard regional airports such as Newcastle.
I would have liked the proposal to go further on this front.
You made it clear that freedom of movement was obviously very desirable.
I voted in favour of the joint motion for a resolution which highlights the importance of strengthening cooperation between the EU and Ukraine.
In the wake of the events of the last few years, it is no coincidence that the agenda for the negotiations reflects the growing role of energy exchanges.
The level of unemployment in the EU could be around 10% in 2010.
Do you have any proof, and if so, what?
In the UK, our Government gave a written promise, now denied.
I voted in line with my expressed views on this issue.
Each place in the market has its role.
I welcome what the EU's 2020 strategy contains about encouraging high quality jobs and training to help and support the development of the industrial base, and therefore I voted in favour of the report.
I am pleased with the Commissioner's promises on this.
In addition, I wish all of us a positive and, above all, a forward-looking outcome.
Written explanation of vote
I therefore welcome Europe's decision to commit to providing financial assistance for the reconstruction process in this country, amounting to roughly EUR 1.2 billion, as well as the proposal from the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton, to adopt an economic plan for the next 10 years, focusing on both development and growth in the region, along with the country's reconstruction.
It is a good coincidence that we are talking, today, about the fact that the resolution is not for one or other party in Ukraine.
So we always have to be sure that what we are doing is helping people in the most effective way.
What was the signature act of the revolution?
I would emphasise this once again beyond the limits of the groups.
What we Europeans can and should do is to make our position clear and to help to build these democratic structures in order, ultimately, to be able to bring the rule of law as well as a free market economy, which are necessary for a democracy, into these regions.
Now we have to shape the right future for Europe, its economy and its society.
Naturally, I welcome the fact that the proposal has been passed at first reading, and I did not fully understand the comments by our fellow Member just now, when he said that he preferred second readings.
I was this Parliament's general rapporteur for the enlargement round of the 12 countries and now seeing a country from this line-up take over the Presidency for the first time personally gives me great pleasure.
It is a good thing that they will now get the chance to exploit their competitive advantage of greater environmental protection in the internal market.
In spite of the positive confirmation that the European Ombudsman is playing a more functional role, given the increased number of successfully resolved cases, we as Parliament, having received around 10% of the complaints, and as a committee, having received 60%...
However, the funds allocated to those programmes can do nothing to counteract the consequences.
That is impossible.
Thank you, Madam President, and I offer my sincere wishes to the Czech Republic for success in its work.
By voting for them, solely on account of their support for European integration, this House is judging itself.
Dates for next sittings: see Minutes
We need greater clarity as to what commitments the European Union assumes in such situations.
Madam President, I just wonder if the speaker appreciates that just this one time, we are actually not discussing aid but are actually simply discussing trade preferences.
As an initiative it meets with my full approval, and I acknowledge the effort made by the rapporteur, but I beg to differ with the way the issue has been elaborated.
For years we have been told that the effects generated by the market would 'trickle down' and that in the end, everyone would benefit.
The targets which the Commission has put on the table were carefully chosen.
The Assembly plays a crucial role in monitoring the implementation of legislation and implementation of the Peace Agreement.
There can be no exceptions: commercial vehicles will also have to go green.
The EU has a responsibility to incorporate aspects of environmental policy relating to trade into its international trade policy.
In my report, I strove to make it clear that Parliament insists on these rights.
It is regrettable that we are not able to make binding our opinion on our priorities relating to the provision of European funds to the countries concerned, in spite of the fact that Parliament has the power to exercise financial control.
They must understand what they are paying for.
(PL) Mr President, women do not get equal pay for equal work.
in writing. - I voted for this report, which welcomes the Commission's recent proposals on legal migration for non-asylum seekers, and urges it to develop further instruments to establish a common immigration policy, to manage economic migration with a view to promoting economic and social progress in receiving, transit and origin countries, and to enhance social cohesion by improving the integration of migrants. It emphasises the need for adequate information to be provided on possibilities for legal immigration to the EU, in order to prevent illegal migration, make better use of the EU schemes for legal immigration, clarify current prospects and opportunities within the EU and give the lie to the false promises made by traffickers, thereby limiting the profits generated for organised crime and human traffickers by the need for people to move.
I am pleased that the majority of this House voted in favour of the proposals that I made as rapporteur for the opinion of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, such as the need to give greater encouragement to public-private partnerships to stimulate research and screening, particularly in the field of medical imaging.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Mr President, the tragic events in Japan have not only revealed mistakes and flaws in Japanese reactors.
I support the recognition given to small and medium-sized enterprises in the construction sector, just as I support the particular attention paid to the need to recycle construction products, which is an issue of the utmost importance in the fight against climate change.
(LT) I voted for the report on the Regulation of European Statistics prepared by Andreas Schwab.
Poverty eradication is highly important and this is one of the major parts that we focus on in the country strategies.
In other words, EU legislation that is primarily based on statements by banks and large groups is irresponsible and dangerous for EU citizens, and should therefore be stopped immediately.
I voted in favour of this resolution which sets out the general framework and priorities for the 2012 budget in the area of funding the EU institutions.
We hope that fate and God will have mercy on these disaster-stricken regions.
When it comes to the so-called new Member States, it must be taken into account that they became Members after many years of intensive transposition of Community law into their internal legal system, since when they have found it easier to continue the process on a smaller scale.
The debate is closed.
Documents from trilogues in the first and second readings should be fully accessible throughout the whole processes.
A common European market means, above all, that we give the national regulators more opportunity, more power, and that we establish common European criteria, so that no one regulator makes completely different decisions to the others and we do not have a situation where one is dependent on the government and the others are not and we have a European agency, which, in cooperation with the Commission, can really work towards forming a European market.
It is sowing the seeds of its own destruction, because the legislation will allow us to fund the referendum campaign that many in my country have for a very long time been waiting for - the one that gives us the opportunity to remove ourselves entirely from its control.
The Member States have made political commitments at EU level and must now make the commitment to adopt the legislation needed and ensure that this legislation is effectively observed.
Finally, I would like to say a few words on Parliament's discharge.
But of course the devil is in the detail.
This is one of the main points of our document.
I would like to make one last point.
Mr President, the condemnation of the use of contraceptives and the prevention of legal abortion has been one of the most malicious crimes committed against humanity, as some contraceptives also provide protection against sexually-transmitted diseases such as HIV.
If there were a genuinely fair referendum that asked the British people if they want ever-closer political and economic integration with the EU or to leave, an overwhelming majority would vote to leave.
It is very strange, however, that this decline (or alleged decline) in democracy in Italy should arise only now and in such a striking fashion, given that the centre-right, but also the centre-left, governments - of which I too have been part - have taken turns in governing my country.
It is therefore vital that the revision of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) reflects these developments and allows an adequate response to the challenges that these present, with an emphasis on the uncompromising defence of democratic values and fundamental rights and freedoms, with a commitment to greater involvement by civil society and local communities.
It is therefore a political statement that can also be regarded as a roadmap for the coming years.
The Chinese Government is extremely ill advised to talk only of terrorists, to claim that these people want to destroy the unity of the state and to say that outside forces like Al-Qaeda and others are behind this.
And I am certainly very pleased that the exchange agreement has been signed with Hezbollah.
Montenegro has everything that it needs to bring this process swiftly to a conclusion, starting from its status as a candidate for accession.
The first outcome of this stalemate is the increase in bilateral trade agreements, which are often even more unfavourable to the countries of the South.
We have a strong foundation: young Europeans have never been so well prepared, and yet we lack engineers, we lack young entrepreneurs, and we lack innovative policies for managing human resources.
However, in order to avoid misunderstandings, may I remind you that it is not up to the Commission to lay down rules for Parliament.

The next item is the Commission statement on the reform programme of the Polish shipyards.
The challenge is now to transform this political support into practical action.
The second aims to concentrate on a few urban areas and from there to launch large-scale operations against Al-Qaida.
Is there a time limit to this bilateral agreement?
That is the point.
The Commission has rejected the plan to abandon this airport regulation with cryptic statements which indicate that it will still be possible in future to turn away asylum seekers at the border, if they come from a safe country.
As far as I am aware, this is the first, or one of the first, directives to be adopted which introduces this requirement, and I think it does so quite rightly.
To conclude, I wish Kosovo and all its citizens every success and all the best for the future.
Moreover, the Belarusian power plant is to be built on a site that experienced a seven-point earthquake, the biggest in Belarusian history.
Thus, they are well placed to contribute to Community policies and objectives, particularly in the field of employment, social cohesion, regional and rural development, environmental protection, consumer protection and social security.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (PL) A few months ago Mr Lukashenko freed all political prisoners with the exception of Mr Kazulin, who was offered the possibility of leaving the country. This is reminiscent of the methods used by the Communist authorities against the opposition in Poland.
I believe that the freedom to make political decisions really stops where human rights are violated and people die.
At present, we have 28 000 flights each day in the European Union.
If consumers decide to change providers, comparable offerings are often unavailable and the process of number transfer still takes far too long.
The opposition parties are rightly going to boycott them.
The 2003 and 2004 reforms were important stages in the reformation of the common agricultural policy (CAP).
Mr President, it will be up to the new College to take up its responsibilities.
Thirdly, I assume that the process launched will be dynamic rather than static in nature, which is why this problem will need to be brought before the European Parliament at regular intervals.
This financial reform package will hit the poorest in Europe the hardest, while leaving the cause of the crisis - the financial sector - untouched.
Even in countries where anti-retroviral treatment options are severely limited, important contributions to health can be achieved through the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections among HIV-infected persons.
It is reported to me - from the USA - that 10 EU Member States are not taking part in the 24/7 emergency contact network for cybercrime.
The groups have a statutory responsibility to participate in the debates.
In this area, Mr President, the role of the European Parliament as the House representing citizens is inalienable.
The position of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, adopted by a large majority, finds it unacceptable that a significant portion of the Roma population lives in conditions like those in the developing world.
However, it raised serious concerns in business quarters, and respondents argued that because of the complexity of the issue further careful analysis was needed.
(RO) In the coming years, in addition to the impact of the crisis, there are numerous other major challenges to be faced.
It is true that in order to reduce these constraints, we need to diversify the forms of our dependence, from the viewpoint both of energy sources and of supplier countries.
We cannot discount the possibility that there is a breach of international law in relation to criminal proceedings.
Without a thorough and rigorous review of this financial framework, the budget that we are set to approve at the end of the year will be condemned to stagnation and mediocrity even if we adopt the best priorities in the world.
There are different capabilities for obtaining and purchasing this raw material.
Secondly, I must say I am rather taken aback that the strategy fails to mention the Economic Partnership Agreements.
I think that the European institutions realised that returning to stable and balanced budgets by 2013 would take time, particularly in view of the recession and the Member States' situation.
Children with foetal alcohol syndrome are damaged for life.
As Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, he presented the initial proposals for the creation of a European economic and monetary union within the framework of the Barre Plan in 1969 and 1970.
It is thoroughly incomprehensible why the actions being taken in response to the crises are not much more consistent.
All parties need to take their responsibility and to take it seriously.
I will finish by calling for this debate and discussion to be undertaken with the proper level of calm, and not on the basis of the ideologies of those little concerned with the growth of the economy and of businesses, and with public wellbeing.
Restoring slots to the concept of public goods that can be authorised for use but cannot become the property of companies is a fundamental issue, although it must be handled with great care so that it does not instead become an instrument that threatens the viability of many of the airlines that we all depend on.
AMR in humans is often caused by inadequate doses of antibiotic medicines, whose transmission of pathogenic bacteria constitutes a particular threat to farmers and farm workers, who are in daily contact with animals.
The fact that there are only a few ratings agencies, their area of operation is global and their head offices often lie outside the EU causes me to wonder how effective European legislation can be in this area.
(DE) Mr President, Mr President of the European Court of Auditors, Mr Vice-President of the Commission, ladies and gentlemen, it has now become a tradition that once again no statement of assurance can be issued about the relationship between spending at a European level and administration at a national level.
The Council has yet to adopt a position in this respect; it will only adopt formal decisions on the basis of the legislative proposals it receives from the Commission in 2011, and it will do so in accordance with the rules on the ordinary legislative procedure.
We shall now move on to the order of business for Thursday.
(HU) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the political analysts and politicians - for example, Henry Kissinger - who predicted decades ago that besides the United States of America, the European Union, Russia and China, and India, too, would have a leading role in the new world order were right.
That is why this report argues in favour of adding a thirteenth indicator to the Paris Agenda.
As a rapporteur on VAT fraud, in my report that was approved on 4 December, I clearly asked the Council to answer a number of questions.
This will be headed by my colleague Martin Říman and Vice-President of the Commission, Günter Verheugen.
Just some of the priorities in terms of the development of the region's transport infrastructure include the modernisation of ports, the integration of the Danube's navigation systems, the elimination of bottlenecks on the Rhine/Meuse-Main-Danube waterway to improve navigation, the improvement in intermodality in the region and increased connectivity with the Black Sea through road and railway routes, by which I mean railway freight corridors and high-speed trains.
Prominent among them was the desire for food to be as natural as possible.
The first fundamental issue is the field of application of the new regulation, which relates to international railway passenger services.
Nevertheless, the time series is too short to draw any conclusions or to allow us to forget all about the earlier warming pattern.
Cesare Battisti is a convicted murderer in Italy, and the stance taken by the Brazilian authorities to protect him from the reach of EU justice is not only unacceptable but also condemnable and deplorable in the strongest possible terms and we, and any other authority and any other body in the EU, have every right to say so.
I would point out, too, that it is precisely the lack of control and current laxness that allow, both legally and illegally, European weapons to end up in the hands of terrorist groups, dictators and armed factions, who mortgage the present and the future of millions of people, to whom, as needed but not without a certain cynicism, we subsequently send our development aid teams.
It is hardly surprising, consequently, that the German Government continues to oppose CO2 limits on vehicles, that it is not in favour of the single market for energy as proposed by the Commission and that it is attempting to organise an alliance against the 'new definitions of emissions trading'.
Preventing and reducing poverty is an important component of social solidarity and I strongly believe in women's solidarity.
I would even say that I would have no problem with subscribing to it personally, but we must admit that it goes against recent practice in the Member States, with their cuts and austerity measures.
Too often over the last few years we have witnessed sudden decisions to make collective redundancies without the possibility of employees really being consulted or their representatives really being able to have their say.
in writing. - This report highlights the importance of the free trade and fair competition principle and affirms the importance of what was signed in the Treaty of Rome.
The Parliament's team have a mission to increase Parliament's power and influence, and they have had a measure of success.
As Parliament, we have to be disciplined, because we are going to have - to put it simply - only one chance.
Therefore, I would urge the strengthening of the pillar that was agreed back then: not only the negotiations, but also the investment in getting to know each other.
The fact is that there remains a great deal to be done in our Member States to sweep our own backyard and make the fine words that constitute our common values a reality.
The rapporteur has produced some good work.
Turkey is a nation-state, one of the last of its kind, one of the strongest and one of the most aware.
To give but a flavour of the pace of activity we have all been involved in: for instance, I was at a working dinner of the Paris Co-Chairs on 15 January, the Summit meetings in Sharm el-Sheikh and Jerusalem on 18 January, and EU ministerial meetings with Israel on 21 January and with a group composed of Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, Jordan and Turkey on 25 January.
We all agree - and the Commissioner also touched on this point - that product safety is a matter of credibility.
They will not agree with some of them.
These include the energy agenda 2020, our communication on energy infrastructure priorities.
And so I urge you, the fight against poverty ...
As usual, we will look carefully at each case and will present our opinion at the beginning of November through the so-called 'executability letter', which will come in time, well before conciliation and the second reading.
In my view this is clearly much more important.
(IT) Mr President, Commissioner, Minister, ladies and gentlemen, through this new regulation on textile product labelling, which we will vote on in plenary tomorrow, Europe will reach an objective it has been pursuing for years.
There is also, in terms of public health and communicable diseases, a major factor: the global fund on AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, where, again, the Central Asian countries are eligible.
Mr President, first of all my thanks go to our rapporteur.
It is expected that the approaching G20 Summit will place a predominant emphasis on the Copenhagen climate talks.
Introducing new debts will exacerbate the European debt problem.
Now we need to strengthen Europe's role in the supervision of the financial markets.
The unemployed and people from social groups which are in an unfavourable situation need active support and advice if they want to become independent.
The distinctive nature of different models is recognised.
Seventeen per cent of accidents are caused by failure to wear a seat-belt, and approximately 4% by jumping red lights.
In the western region of Darfur, the government seeks to prevent such a secession by all means.
This is therefore an excellent example in the health sector where Europe can add particular value, which is why the Commission has approved the strategic action.
(LT) I would like to congratulate my colleague on the preparation of this important report.
We can impose tolls according to the number of kilometres travelled or according to types, or we can impose tolls uniformly for the whole of Europe.
I wish to thank Commissioner Orban in particular for mentioning the Council of Europe's Charter for Regional or Minority Languages among the rights and useful documents he referred to.
A business must therefore wait 18 months before receiving permission to place the product on the market.
The fact that we simply authorised the addition of this tariff charge to the existing surcharge, decided in 2006 to fund the great tunnels through the Alps, amounts to a double tariff charge and this is an obstacle to achieving a single market in my opinion.
You know that I am in one of those minorities that would have liked the Lisbon Treaty to also have been submitted to a referendum in Spain and in all the Member States.
I have no problem with this.
Firstly, we have not been lacking in respect for anyone, especially not people who might be victims, but we considered that compassion, moral indignation and insults do not add up to a policy.
The statute also benefits Members of this House.
The aim should be to raise the status of access to high-quality education so that it becomes a basic objective of the Community's policies.
With this new regulation, we will at the same time succeed in both offering better protection to users of these substances and in making our firms more competitive and efficient.
The present government, headed by Mr Chávez, obviously has an axe to grind with the USA and its supporters and allies, but that must not lead to such gross violations of the Venezuelan people's rights as the institution of so-called 'administrative disqualification' from elections or the persecution and murder of opposition activists.
I should mention, too, that the implementation of the EU Gas Directive in Lithuania is closely followed by other Member States where conditions are similar.
The European Union must decisively increase its involvement in order to resolve the conflict in Somalia and should call on the parties to the conflict to take all possible steps to provide humanitarian organisations with unimpeded access to victims in that country so that they can bring them aid.
When we go to the climate summit, there is one important thing that we must remember to take with us: realism.
(LV) I would like to commend the attempts by Mrs Flautre to strengthen the European Union's capability and increase its authority.
I wonder whether this is the tip of the iceberg.
However, I also voted in favour of the final directive, even though these amendments were not approved.
Things must be coordinated internationally.
This is truly unacceptable.
We are going to need a lot of courage in the years to come if we want to strengthen our countries in the arena of global competition and if we want to use taxpayers' money in the most effective way possible.
Alternatively, the chips might set off security alerts at airports.
It would not be right for this to be just discrimination against European carriers and European passengers, particularly in the new Member States.
In fact we must do the opposite.
It is certainly essential for the European Union that these fractures are healed and so this is what we are going to work towards.
What is this bureaucratic term?
In addition, I think it is necessary to provide this country not only with emergency aid, but also with the tools required to stabilise its situation and ensure there is no repetition of this type of event.
Its findings will be useful for setting acceptance conditions for the final disposal of mercury, as provided for in Amendment 56 to the proposed regulation.
Firstly, then, we need to invest in something that will keep demand high.
If we advise young people to express their views violently, then we must fear for the European Union.
I have one reservation, however: micro-credit is necessary only because the 'banksters', who are so quick to pocket State aid, are not doing what they are supposed to be doing: pumping money into the economy.
(The sitting was closed at 23.40)
I consider that the policy of consolidating Community law should be one of the European Commission's priorities and that the current situation is not in order, particularly in relation to the Member States and Europeans.
This is also what my director reported to me.
(Applause)
Thank you.
The Treaty of Lisbon gives the EU the means to undertake far-reaching reforms to achieve this.
With regard to EU-Brazil relations, it should be remembered that the strategic importance of this country has long justified the establishment of a specific delegation, as already happens with the other countries making up the quartet of Brazil, Russia, India and China, as well as with countries that are objectively less important in the international arena.
This is also a discussion on the adjustment of the emissions trading system.
My speech today is directed to all those ...
No, they are not farmers' funds: they are granted to farmers.
Mr President, I would to thank everybody who contributed to this extremely important and high-profile report on media pluralism and concentration in the European Union.
On the other hand a 2% increase in quotas does not necessarily imply the same increase in milk production in all regions.
They also continue to work together on common challenges such as climate change - the major issue for us - the fight against drugs, in which we are relying greatly on President Calderón, who has a major fight on his hands, and the sensitive and difficult question of migration.
The European Parliament once again expressed deep concern at the delays in commencing operations and requested information from the Commission and the Council on the results of the technical tests, demanding full transparency regarding the implementation process for the SIS II.
Unfounded accusations, improvisation, lack of coordination, millions in losses, attacks on the honour and credibility of a sector: is it not sufficient reason to demand who takes responsibility?
A strategy for the Atlantic region in which the Member States and their regions participate should also prioritise new areas of innovation in the economy and science, in particular, new products and services linked to the environment, to renewable and marine energy, to food-related marine biotechnology, to health and smart technology-intensive products and services.
Please allow me, ladies and gentlemen, to raise with you and the Commissioner, albeit briefly, the well-known and serious problem that is threatening the connection between the Iberian Peninsula and the European rail network, particularly in the Mediterranean area.
Transport providers must, moreover, provide basic assistance in case of an accident (food, clothing and medical assistance), and lodging for up to two nights.
I can assure you that this impact assessment will be conducted very thoroughly.
I have a few issues I should like to raise: a humanitarian emergency, protecting the dignity of refugees and, at the same time, remembering that this crisis could quickly turn into a public health emergency; excessive concentrations of displaced persons without adequate healthcare; putting a stop to violence; the hypothesis of a no-fly zone to work out; a new and different kind of solidarity - Mr President and Baroness Ashton - for a Mediterranean policy that genuinely protects the significant group of people who are standing firm in the Mediterranean; changes to Frontex and, why not, let us remind the Council (which is not here today) that there are two directives to protect seasonal workers and intracorporate transfers of third-country nationals, which could also provide a response - including in employment terms - to these exceptional demands that we really have to tackle more effectively.
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (FR) Mr President, Mrs Dati, Mr Barrot, firstly I should like to commend the efforts of the French Presidency and the efforts that you personally have made, Mrs Dati, to promote a better area of legal freedom and effectiveness for the benefit of our fellow citizens.
On behalf of my Group, I welcome the fact that the Council acknowledges that the guidelines on an integrated economic policy must be revised.
Each EU Member State is an autonomous member of the UN and therefore has the right to express its own opinion.
Written statements (Rule 149)
Secondly, in the case of my country, Belgium, the position of consumers is likely to be weakened, in that the database has to be consulted but there are no related sanctions for the banks.
In this situation it was important for the new Member States to receive not only moral but concrete, tangible financial assistance from the European Union, and for the EU to extend its protection to those countries that have not yet joined the euro area.
Madam President, yesterday the IND/DEM Group asked for all the votes to be roll-call votes.
Mr Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra was right.
Women are fighting and deserve all the support and all the protection of their country.
I believe the margin currently stands at 121 or 123 million.
We will, of course, maintain a close dialogue with the European Parliament throughout this process.
It is vital for free, democratic elections to be organised as soon as possible so that legitimate constitutional order can be established and the country's reconstruction can get under way.
Resettlement is, without doubt, one of the durable solutions for refugees whose protection cannot be assured in countries of first asylum.
Therefore, the objective of this proposal cannot be limited to harmonising European legislation, but should also promote health, through the improvement of knowledge in the area of health.
The international community unanimously denounced the methods used.
These negotiations reached a stalemate in July 2008 and I regret Pascal Lamy's stubborn insistence on securing, at any cost, an overly ambitious agreement, forgetting that Doha is first and foremost a development round aimed at helping the least advanced and developing countries.
We need to be more confident than before that they are able to build a society and a state on foundations that are close to their definition of freedom and their traditions and values.
Finally, since there is no time to mention any more points, I welcome the Commission's communication and its approval by the Council.
The subject should be debated at the Justice and Home Affairs Council of 9 and 10 June.
EU experience of nuclear decommissioning is limited.
The European Union must size up the situation and support the democratic process without prevaricating.
It is very important that the Palestinians can carry the people with them.
Thirdly, Article 7 of the regulation should include not only the risk analysis but also the audits and reports on the security inspections carried out by the Member States in accordance with the rules introduced by the statutory instruments of the SIS and the Visa Information System (VIS).
Furthermore, I would like to know what progress has been made in the negotiations on the bilateral agreement between the EU and Libya, already underway for a number of years.
Provided it is implemented in a professional and transparent manner, regional policy easily proves itself to be a strong pillar of the EU.
The Belgian Presidency has been excellent.
The Commission needs to speed up the procedures, to issue delegated acts, so that the countries know the details and what they need to do to adapt.
Mr President, the EIB is providing up to EUR 1 billion for the construction of wind turbines and other renewable energy projects in the UK.
We have to face the challenge of an ageing population, and this will put even more pressure on the European health workforce.
The report by Mr Feio is dedicated to the central issue of European economic coordination.
As I mentioned, there were many more people requesting the floor than we were actually able to accommodate.
(SK) Mr President, I would like to talk about the vote on the bilateral safeguard clause.
I do not know whether a vote will be held tomorrow, whether a consensus will be achieved on governance.
I have spoken with both research workers and fishermen.
I have just been down to the press room and I note that eight journalists are actually listening to the vote - others may be watching on the screens, where every single vote is being broadcast.
We therefore welcome the political signal given by the Commission with this package of measures.
I end by echoing what was said about Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, and the fact that his final words as he went into his last surgery were on Afghanistan.
Consequently, I made some public statements saying that, in our opinion, the task was therefore not as difficult as negotiations concerning certain restructuring plans for other financial institutions in many Member States.
As it is merely a codification of a previously existing legislative text and does not involve any substantial change to the text itself, I believe that we should endorse the Commission's proposal and the recommendations of the legal services of Parliament, the Council and the Commission itself.
I would like to thank our fellow Member, as well as all of you who signed this declaration.
Therefore, the unique ability we have enables us to go to any crisis spot and be a doctor or a referee.
Obviously we speak of cod because that is of particular relevance to the North Sea, but we have various other stocks of fish that are discarded, and this is a very sensitive issue around the European Union where public opinion is mounting in a very negative way.
These weapons are not only immoral, they are increasingly useless in military terms.
Europe's ageing process continues and decisive action is needed in the following areas, among others: protection of human rights and employment rights, promotion of a pro-family policy, medical care and social aid, and improvements in human resources management, and immigrants must be included in this.
I hope that we can achieve our objective.
We have worked for this for many years.
That is something, at least.
Modification of concessions with respect to processed poultry meat between the EU, Brazil, and Thailand (
Our disagreement with you is about policy.
Finally, citizens are today facing the cold.
This is not right or normal, so the Union needs to give women a greater role in the rural sector and find suitable solutions for the combination of economic activities that they carry out.
As an instrument of economic purchase by public authorities, procurement law is clearly designed to be related to the product, its suitability and its performance.
The peoples are also particularly at risk from the fact that the enlargement process continues to rely on a change of borders and the creation of protectorates for the imperialists, such as the protectorate of Kosovo, which will lead to a new cycle of imperialist antagonisms and clashes, with the peoples of the area as the victims.
The other is to tax speculative capital movements and financial transactions.
When, since that wonderful photograph with you embracing him, Mr President, did you suddenly come to realise that he was a "wrong'un”?
We had one microphone for the EU.
For example, 112 000 illegal immigrants entered my country, Greece, last year, and 58 000 return decisions were issued.
We are now talking about around 30% of the costs.
This is important, not only in order to keep prices down and to allow more competition, but also in order to ensure that the various Member States who, as a result of the climate package, may find themselves in a more vulnerable situation, do not become isolated.
I believe that the adopted report makes an effective contribution to these objectives.
I come firstly to SIS II.
They also want more information on the economic impact of the proposal, not only on the impact of the information requirements.
These days, stunning equipment is complex and difficult to evaluate in relation to their welfare efficiency.
For the many medium-sized companies and, in particular, small contractors in Saxony these measures go significantly too far.
12.
This is why it is important that the European Union reacts and helps the Serbian and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonian authorities to adopt sufficient measures regarding the requirements that must be fulfilled to benefit from refugee status or subsidiary protection status, thereby avoiding improper or fraudulent use of them.
At the upcoming EU-US summit, both partners must cooperate on moving forward with a common agenda based on shared values such as the defence of democracy, of the rule of law and of human rights.
The crisis has been going on for a year now and we have failed to notice it; no measures have been taken.
in writing. - (NL) Patient mobility is a fact, but the necessary legal certainty for patients and healthcare workers is not yet here.
Support for the development of educational systems, with the assistance of interdisciplinary investment, is also strongly justified. The money must be invested in enterprises which guarantee that graduates will find employment.
in writing. - (PL) Growth and employment are key elements in the Lisbon Strategy.
The problems of agriculture have no sympathy for the whims of the political calendar, however, and farmers are expecting us to provide solutions to their problems, difficulties and anxieties.
However, as well as expressing my regret about what is happening, which is well described in the resolution, I would like to emphasise the specific measures targeted by this resolution, which I think that both the Council and the Commission should put into practice immediately: the application of economic sanctions; the freezing of all financial aid granted through the International Monetary Fund and also through the European Investment Bank and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; support by all possible means for the efforts of Belarusian civil society with a view to achieving a society with greater freedom and democracy; restoring the ban on awarding visas to the main Belarusian leaders, extending it to top officials; suspension of the participation of Belarus in the activities of the Eastern Partnership at the Eastern Partnership summit to be held in Budapest; and, finally, intensification of the work relating to the directives for negotiating agreements for facilitating visas and readmission, with a view to strengthening contact between populations.
Particular attention must be focused on removing all those difficulties that hamper access to Community funds and discourage people from obtaining EU financial support.
The reality is that the EPP in this Parliament has the same agenda as the coup conspirators: they want to overthrow Hugo Chávez's government because this government has not carried out the bold dictates of world capitalism implementing privatisation and deregulation across the board, and they want no opposition to the neoliberal agenda.
Now free trade agreements, bilateral agreements, are the norm at this point in time and I think we have much more in common with Canada than any differences.
To that end, it would be wise to think about new North-South partnerships, particularly in the area of alternative energy production.
I almost have the impression that we should be handing out membership forms for the Social Democratic Party to the PPE-DE Group: it seems that they cannot change their opinions fast enough, and the Liberals, I have to say, are even worse.
Even if it means overriding the strict criteria for fund activation and even without the approval of the 2011 budget, we must respond immediately to our fellow citizens who are still experiencing, even now, the effects of such a great crisis, and who are entitled to feel that Parliament is behind them and the European Union is providing substantial support.
A detailed analysis of the budgets of the decentralised agencies was also carried out.
The Commission asked for this last week.
If we are to impose restrictions on emissions, let us introduce a specific emissions system, as we have with cars.
In the Commission's White Paper on Sport, which was adopted on 11 July 2007, issues such as free movement of sportspersons were also exhaustively addressed, especially in the accompanying document entitled 'The EU and Sport: Background and Context'.
I am referring here to the European Semester, the growth survey that has already been mentioned.
No one is seeking to prejudge the outcome of the implementation of the Hungarian constitution but I do think that this Parliament is concerned that the Hungarian constitution must also adhere to the rule of accreditation of political pluralism and the alternation of different political projects under the same set of rules of play.
The foundations have been laid for a new state and a new constitution has been adopted.
I believe this European approach is a core element of our strategy to promote peace and security in our neighbourhood, but also beyond.
Initially criticised for being over-active, the European Central Bank was able to note with satisfaction that all the other major monetary authorities had adopted its instruments and methods.
On the other hand, it is now my conviction - and I would simply like to share it with the Members of the House, Mr President - that, once the Directive has been adopted, the Member States will have 18 months to transpose its content into their national laws and it goes without saying that the Commission will scrutinise the transposition process in great detail.
Colonel Gaddafi must relinquish power immediately.
I would like to make another three brief comments on the keynote debate that has taken place here today on the subject of globalisation.
It could fulfil its purpose if the individual countries of the Union were starting from the same place.
Commissioner Damanaki has also made reference to the incapacity of the Mauritanian Government, which will need to develop its administrative structure so that it can assimilate the funds provided by the EU; this will also be a contribution.
That is far too long and does not inspire trust in the notion that the Member States are acting with sufficient vigilance.
What should be their response to Israelis who are perfectly justifiably applying for permits to build in an area where they are quite entitled to live?
The European Union must help this country to turn its back on this trade by fighting it both here and there and by a return to development based on that country's own resources.
I should like to ask a specific question: how do you rate the plans already under way to decontaminate the Mediterranean and for energy transfer, how do they fit in with maritime policy and what added value do you expect the new policy plans and programmes which you mentioned to have?
in writing. - Madam President, The Gulf of Mexico oil disaster serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in maritime oil exploration.
The definition to which he refers has been somewhat superseded by the criteria listed.
in writing. - (LT) I endorsed this report and discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy for the financial year 2009.
Again this week in Scotland, it was revealed that so far this year, Scottish police have seized half a million CDs and DVDs with a street value close to GBP 5 million.
The debate is closed.
The report tackles cross-border issues between Member States and will increase regulatory oversight at European level.
I have therefore voted in favour of the Agreement in which both parties undertake to adopt environmental and social standards that will considerably reduce noise pollution and mitigate the effects of air traffic emissions on air quality, whilst also committing to developing sustainable alternative fuels.
Indeed, the famine, which killed millions of Ukrainians between 1932 and 1933, did not result exclusively from the economic and social absurdity of communism; it was the fruit of an extermination plan fitting the definition of a genocide, that is to say: 'the intention to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such', and also 'deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part'.
Meanwhile, the real beneficiaries are almost exclusively the greedy fleets from China and South-East Asia and their processing industries.
The gravity of the financial crisis is clear to all of us and it is absolutely right that it should be at the core of the European Council meeting next week.
I am convinced that it will strengthen the process: cultural dialogue as a process, rather than as a one-off event.
At the same time, the motor vehicle industry in Japan, which is focusing its efforts greatly on manufacturing clean cars, poses a threat to the European Union market, which needs to invest more in the technological development of vehicles which emit less carbon dioxide and in promoting alternative fuels.
We are following developments closely and seeking ways to promote dialogue and reconciliation between political forces in the country.
The resolution also calls on Israel to take steps to ensure the free passage of humanitarian supplies and essential utilities.
To enable them to do so, we need a legislative framework and legal certainty.
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, in the face of the financial crisis, enormous amounts of money are suddenly being freed up, including sums to ease the economic crisis.
I would also like to emphasise the importance of providing support for NGOs fighting for the rights of women in the Balkans, to be undertaken both by governments in the Balkan region and NGOs in EU Member States.
This year, the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection agreed the new goods package, which created the new framework for market surveillance and for the enforcement of all EU law to ensure the safety of goods available on the internal market.
The European Parliament has already shown that it has a broad vision of the future of the European Union.
I wish like to stress, however, that this programme will require a comprehensive approach.
DNA databases and digital fingerprint records are a very important tool in the fight against crime.
They seem to be based on the idea that these states can deal with the difficult situation themselves, and that they are capable of improving their situation by themselves through a 'disciplined' approach.
We, more than anyone else, want these authorities to set to work, since we have contributed personally to their emergence.
EC-USA agreement in the field of higher education and vocational training (vote)
Eight years after Nice, decision-making on these issues in the area of police and justice cooperation unfortunately still takes place behind closed doors, not subject to any meaningful democratic scrutiny.
However, there were also arguments saying that we need a strategy which we will adopt by a huge majority.
On that basis... yes indeed, I am quite right.
For the simple reason that EU external policy already included annual summits with India, Russia and China but has never had an annual summit with Brazil.
As regards fiscal policies, the ECB shares the view expressed that all Member States must fully respect the Stability and Growth Pact.
in writing. - I voted in favour of the Van Lancker Report dealing with Member States' employment policies.
Entry into the euro zone by the other new EU Member States seems to be just a matter of time.
I said that we are prepared to accept the definition that is proposed in one of the amendments.
Due to its enhanced role in the area and its active involvement in the UN, Brazil can, I believe, play an essential role in preventing and resolving regional conflicts in Latin America, thereby helping to consolidate peace in the area.
However, I have not noticed any mention of a couple of matters which are, in my view, extremely important and which I have included in the report.
The proposal for a directive and the report aim to eliminate the high level of centralisation that still exists in certain countries, in order to complete the penetration of EU monopolies into the market, thus accelerating the implementation of liberalisation, while also imposing sanctions on the Member States that have not yet fully implemented it.
We talk a great deal about extreme weather conditions and their consequences and hazards, and how they increase the risk of natural and industrial disasters.
This proposal, which is in line with previous measures, aims to make the lives of major European importers, which are its main beneficiaries, even easier, as they will be able to access raw materials and low-cost finished products, while sacrificing national industry and thousands of jobs.
I voted against and so I am very pleased with the outcome of this morning's vote, in which Parliament has given the green light to the appointment of the Chairperson of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).
This proposal is confined to the codification of the existing texts relating to access to the driving position and the doors and windows of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors, without any change in their substance, so I am voting in favour.
Was it that the structural funds and cohesion policy were no match for the CAP?
It is therefore important for every Member State to implement existing directives consistently and for the Council to extend protection to every group at risk by accepting the new, comprehensive draft directive.
You have mentioned several areas where new Member States are developing their activities in both programmes.
The Commission has assured us that it allows for an assessment to be undertaken in the two years after the directive is implemented and for new aspects to be introduced as appropriate at that time.
Given the changes that await us, regionalisation is extremely important, as is ensuring that this policy is built on the basis of this very regionalisation.
In my opinion, this is clear from the relevant passages in the conclusions of the summit, which state that, in the current crisis, the renewed Lisbon Strategy, including the current Integrated Guidelines, remains the effective framework for fostering growth and jobs.
I personally have always supported the efforts made by the UN and its envoy, Mr Ross, aimed at holding bilateral political, negotiated and sustainable talks between the two parties.
The initial disturbances in Lhasa and elsewhere were orchestrated attacks on people and premises with arson, injury and murder of Han Chinese and the Muslim minority.
A Commission which will guard, above all, the common interest, and which will undertake bold reforms of EU policies, which we have to embark upon after the years spent reforming our institutions.
The first major objective to be attained is that of the air quality standards, to be met by 2015.
Pakistan: murder of the Governor of Punjab, Salmaan Taseer (
I also predict that the Members on the left, who are arguing against this Directive today, will tomorrow ask the Commission, or Commissioner Barrot, to implement what we have passed here.
We have heard that there are 8 million illegal residents doing illegal work; we must assume that as soon as these measures enter into force, we will have 8 million illegal immigrants on the streets, and we will have to deal with them.
I regret that the reference to the right of non-EU nationals to vote and to the guarantee of access to health care for ill migrants has been left out of the resolution.
We intend to continue to respect its organisation and hope to have the discussion, and I hope that this will not be misconstrued as anything else when it is discussed around Europe.
However, one governing party in Germany is constantly calling for tax relief, while at the same time, the Greek Government is being called on to increase taxes.
Moreover, we can see that effective application of the legislation and actual redress mechanisms are of crucial importance for the proper operation of the market.
Madam President, 8 March 2011, the one hundredth anniversary of International Women's Day.
These stereotypes continue to represent one of the instruments of discrimination against women on the labour markets.
Though I might not experience it from this place, I can guarantee that I will keep an eye on you when you take upon yourselves the new responsibilities for the agricultural sector.
Due pressure needs to be exerted on Israel.
My response would be yes, we do need a kind of Marshall Plan for the whole region.
We also need to enhance the Competition and Innovation Programme (CIP).
We should be clear about this.
In fact, the slight recovery that we have seen cannot reabsorb the number of people made redundant over the last three years.
I fundamentally disagree with this type of criticism.
The people remember their country's violent past.
The current regulation is not in line with technical development or the possibilities and challenges created by Internet.
I should like to start by expressing my sincere thanks to the rapporteurs and shadow rapporteurs for their cooperation on the devil of a job this has been.
The European Union Police Mission (EUPOL) has failed and should not be extended or developed.
Not far from these, however, one can see poverty-ridden old people's homes, the inhabitants of which struggle to survive.
I totally support the report, especially in the context of human rights violations in the Latvian Republic.
The current turbulence on the financial markets also shows that enterprises are all too quick to turn to the State for help if they run into difficulties.
This is what is known as 'winning every which way'...
That was a first initiative.
Georgia is part of Europe.
The irony of short-term thinking, of focusing exclusively on the economics of a society, is that it is the welfare of the people and the family at a human level that ultimately has the greatest impact on the economics.
This will take time, mind you, and we may not manage to approve them before the end of the legislative term.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
Subject: Environmental damage caused by lignite mining in the Czech Republic and central Germany
A foreign policy like the one that the Union is proposing to develop cannot neglect the cultural dimension, but rather must keep it in mind as an asset; as a value that is not always tangible but is particularly important in a world increasingly susceptible to the 'soft power' of states and international organisations.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all four rapporteurs in particular for preparing, negotiating and conceiving this collection of clear-cut measures, as well as the entire Parliament for its active and positive contribution, the Commission for providing support and preparation throughout the approval process and the French Presidency for its exceptional level of engagement.
This way, it will be possible to get the aid to its destination and achieve the best possible result.
3.
A thriving market with job security are not achievable within the context of the CFP and control of fisheries management must be returned to the nations dependent on fisheries.
I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a successful start to 2010.
We succeeded in agreeing the wording for all of this and for arrangements relating to the implementation of Article 290 of the treaty in relation to this dossier, and we kept all of this as consistent as possible with regard to the European Parliament's powers under the Treaty of Lisbon.
Finally, for the Railway Agency, the use of expired contracts and irregular extensions to regular existing contracts means that it cannot be stated that all transactions were legal.
The utmost attention should indeed be given to the most vulnerable groups in the population, those who suffer the most from the consequences of the economic and social downturn, to avoid further asymmetric impact of the crisis which jeopardises the balanced development of all territories within the Union.
Seen in this light, the primary importance of the fund as a policy tool and its double value, in supporting employment policy and cohesion policy, on the one hand, and in real and harmonious regional development, on the other, can be understood.
If the European Parliament does not defend this fundamental right, who will?
I would be interested in finding out about this, because companies have come to me in the past with their concerns.
We agree that it should be made a major political objective because it also lies heavy on our consciences.
As long as these Member States (Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania) are not part of the Schengen area, the visa waiver confers a right on Brazilian citizens to stay for three months on the territory of each of them, irrespective of the period calculated for the entire Schengen area.
The overall budget level for 2009 will have to meet the challenges despite being below Parliament's traditional voluntary limitation to 20% of outlay on administration.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an animal health issue for the European livestock sector, especially when treatment failure occurs.
Obviously this agreement is a significant breakthrough and it is to be welcomed.
Constantly increasing the use of renewable energy resources is one of the main pillars in European policy to achieve sustainable, competitive and secure energy supplies.
We do not have enough knowledge at this stage of the consequences in terms of risk abuse, higher costs for consumers and businesses and more regulation.
As Mrs Roure mentioned, the question of SIS II is ultimately a question of the Union's credibility when it comes to guaranteeing internal security within the EU.
We are asking that they do not reduce their contributions as a percentage of their reduced GNI.
Technical studies have also backed this up.
(DE) Thank you, Minister, for that sound and exhaustive reply.
This is the only way in which Kosovo will flourish.
The integration of the so-called new Members is not complete, the Treaty of Lisbon is not yet ratified by all Member States and our dependence on imported energy is increasing.
This is a barrier that we must overcome with a policy of services that, via the new common agricultural policy (CAP), will facilitate the processes of development and activity in the rural fabric of many areas.
Mr President, I thank the Commissioners for their presentation and for all the effort they are putting into the Haiti case.
in writing. - I support the recommendations outlined in Jean-Pierre Audy's report 'Implementing trade policy through efficient import and export rules and procedures.'
A similar situation now seems to be evolving in European waters.
We have flexible guidelines, as I have just mentioned, and, in particular, this year has seen the introduction of best practices.
Unfortunately, that is not currently the case.
Better safety and more environmentally sensitive and sensible proposals are always welcome.
As a Hungarian, I will be very happy if the Hungarian Presidency is as successful.
I would like to thank the Commissioner for his cooperation in this area and put on the record the urgent need for review of the Veterinary Medicines Directive.
The representative edifice has firm foundations, but from time to time it needs reforms and new ways to express itself with greater quality.
The former deterrent effect of nuclear armament is thus out of the picture.
May I draw your attention to an important amendment, namely Amendment No 3, which I support and which calls on Britain and Poland to redouble their efforts to rethink and reverse their decision to opt out.
Under these circumstances, it is tempting to consider the implementation of a tax on financial transactions.
4.
The problem is that the European Union produces lots of fine talk on the subject but never puts it into practice.
I am thinking of certain diseases in particular, such as rare diseases.
For, like us, the people of Iraq demand democracy and have a right to good governance.
However, the so-called rescue operation also has some absurd elements.
Now Iran plans to build 5 000 more centrifuges.
It should be a minimum of 1% of the gross budget of the European Union.
In Germany, on the other hand, we have two Federal Ministries that are responsible and these ministries clearly could not agree on who was to take responsibility.
That is disastrous for the Lisbon process overall.
draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Culture and Education. - (DE) Mr President, I am speaking here for the Committee on Culture, which is responsible not only for culture, but also for education, youth, media and sport.
(SK) I believe that Ukraine is one of the closest potential partners of the European Union.
They turned down offers of international humanitarian aid, claiming that the famine did not exist.
It is hard to rejoice in the creation of six million jobs, as this took place during a period of cyclical growth acceleration during the last two years.
However, if we can manage to agree on more safety and more Europe, we will be sending out a signal to the Member States.
To this end, the European Commission and individual publishers should ensure that disabled people are provided with special digital versions of works, such as audio readings.
Measures should be implemented even at primary school level to ensure that adequate media literacy is provided so that children acquire the skill sets required to take an active part in society.
Domestic violence is not a private family matter.
I agreed with the report and the requirement to submit annual reports to the European Commission and the European Parliament, because currently there is very little data showing what ECAs finance or have financed in the past, and some national ECAs do not even report the overall balance of their annual operations regularly, which violates the principles of transparency.
Madam President, I have a short comment and two questions to put to Baroness Ashton.
Today's reports have shown that help is needed both by countries in economic difficulties like Spain, and by one of Europe's richest welfare countries, Denmark.
This will be a programme of exceptional harshness for our economy.
From this stems my support for a report that is necessary in order to evaluate advances made in the common security and defence policy following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon and to identify what scope there is for improvement.
This is simply not true.
In the midst of an economic and social crisis that is having terrible effects on employment and people's living conditions, it is unacceptable for the Community draft budget to have EUR 11 billion less in payments than was projected in the financial perspective.
I intend to make this a regular feature of the European Council meetings.
Through specific measures it seeks to control a difficult problem in a branch of the economy where effective policies have not hitherto been successfully developed.
I believe, in fact, that what transport does is to improve and promote tourism and that, therefore, just now when we are reviewing the trans-European transport networks in Europe, we should bear this very much in mind, as there is evidence that better, smoother running transport, with greater capacity and less environmental impact, is a key element for the tourist sector.
I come from Portugal, from the other end of Europe, and next week I shall be going to Russia.
I would also like to mention here that the joint declaration from the presidents of Romania and Turkmenistan has marked the establishment of an energy partnership for exploiting and transporting natural gas and crude oil, including through the transfer of experience and equipment.
(PT) Mr President, Commissioner, I should like to begin by thanking Mrs Castex for her excellent work.
Prostitutes are not just victims of wars that took place 50 years ago; it could also be women of today who are being exploited, in the Belgian Congo, for example, as reported in the press, and indeed in many other countries, even rich ones.
Despite this, considering the importance of the instrument under discussion, I will vote in favour.
The elections, which were monitored by the United Nations (UN) and the European Union, took place in a generally satisfactory way.
If we knock down that 'nomination' wall, whereby the future candidates are selected on the basis of balances among nations and not of their personal qualities, then we will have finally built the nation of Europe.
We therefore draw special attention to the clearly defined exemption in the Convention for the next generation of "smarter” munitions which are designed to self destruct and present a minimal risk to civilians.
I think that there is rather large support for such a policy in the European Union, that it is growing and that we need to live up to the responsibilities that this gives us all.
I think we have made some progress, but not very much.
While I welcome these regulations and these proposals, I think we also need to implement the regulations that are there for the product that is coming in from outside the European Union.
The report notes that there is an additional need for more money for the Visitors' Centre.
Several Member States are making a contribution, either bilaterally or through various coordination mechanisms operated by the Commission or the International Atomic Energy Agency.
In general, I voted in favour of the efforts to simplify the common agricultural policy (CAP).
Are there any comments?
Everyone can benefit from it.
I find the willingness of employers to give women allowances to help them with childcare and thus facilitate their further professional and career development to be very unsatisfactory.
But carry on the fight with us and do not accept this procedure or the proposal that is on the table for the time being, as it will not do the job and will not stabilise the euro in the coming months or years.
My response to Mr Herczog about the waste of money: administration accounts for only 5.7% of the total budget of the European Union.
However, this report called for the naked politicisation of volunteering for EU purposes, and for the use of the British taxpayers' money to achieve this politicisation.
The legislative process must speed up.
Mr President, three weeks ago, the global financial crisis that had threatened America's banking system with meltdown began to take its toll on this side of the Atlantic.
Madam President, I would like to ask our fellow Member a question, if he accepts it.
I want to know from you, Commissioner, what steps you are taking proactively to ensure that the rights of individuals to go about their business and their privacy is protected.
This, in brief, is what I wished to say, dealing with each speech point by point.
Enhancing the quality of life of older people (debate)
So the security of Europe is directly connected to the Middle East.
My objective was to talk about strengthening the role of school PE and sport in education.
Either they will be held in accordance with standards which we accept and will indicate significant openness, or they will not be held in this way and we will simply have to stop thinking about openness from Belarus, because it will be obvious that Mr Lukashenko knows what he wants, while we do not really know what we want.
Many of the deaths from cancer could be avoided by prevention measures, such as access to information and to comprehensive screening programmes.
The ÖVP Europe Club in the European Parliament welcomes the proposal for a regulation on a modernised Community Customs Code.
It is not acceptable that at present, depending on which country they live in, not all victims of these hateful crimes enjoy the same opportunities to obtain justice and reparation for the violence done to them.
This problem is at an appalling level in developing countries, especially in countries ravaged by wars and conflicts.
We need a critical mass of players involved.
It is good that a proper investigation is being carried out at EU level into how a tax like this could work.
At such a dramatic moment for Europe, a recommendation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% is consistently being put forward, for example - something which will stifle the economies of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland.
May he continue to do so.
The size of the state alone is something akin to that of Europe; the governance for much of that state is non-existent; corruption levels are quite extraordinary - Transparency International puts the Republic of Congo almost bottom of its league table.
We will have to improve the way that it operates, we will need to have more of a development model and less of a free trade model, certainly, and we will, of course, need to have political will.
We must set the priorities for the strategy which we are launching so that the reforms which will be generated by EU 2020 will survive in the medium and long term.
(FR) Mr Jouyet, when Nicole Fontaine was putting her question, the Council was already answering.
It will pay special attention to further measures relating to the reliability of supply and to external energy policy.
This is precisely where we have a contradiction - the money that is to be used to stimulate the Tunisian economy is also used to finance and support a dictatorial, anti-democratic apparatus.
It is, of course, a major change that will see the ordinary legislative procedure being replaced by one that gives the European Parliament a stronger role in the legislative process in a number of areas.
We must also, as the organisations themselves agree, set up a forum at which regular meetings are held to facilitate communication between donors and recipients, and not only donors from the European Union, but also from elsewhere.
I would like to make three points in this respect and the first concerns the rules of origin.
The Commission has always been prepared to consult the stakeholders involved, as it remarked, moreover, in its statement of reasons.
These rights concern non-discriminatory access to transport for persons with disabilities, as well as awarding compensation in the event of the passenger's death, physical injury or of loss of, or damage to, luggage.
The use of new technologies can cut energy consumption in buildings by up to 17% and carbon emissions from transport by up to 27%, while introducing smart metering could reduce energy consumption by up to 10%.
It is a victory for road safety and social Europe.
We will therefore continue to explain our view that the political and economic stability encouraged by the Eastern Partnership is, finally, in the interests of all parties.
in writing. - (PT) The Commission proposes to exclude pet animals from the scope of Council Directive 96/22/EC which would enable their treatment with substances having a thyrostatic action and with beta-agonists.
I have voted in favour of this resolution which seeks to identify a number of important issues that should be addressed in Tajikistan.
Does the Commission accept that under the Treaty - as opposed to the Stability Pact - the 3% is not a limit, it is a reference value?
In the case of the eurozone, the foundations, the stability foundations, were laid with the Stability and Growth Pact.
Full consultation with my colleagues involves two days' work - this is fantastic, but it takes time.
Our mandate to work towards less costly EU cooperation leads us to reject this frivolous treatment of taxpayers' money.
In my opinion, the European Central Bank should cut the interest rate tomorrow by one percentage point.
It is a sign that serious problems are diverting global trade from what should be its main objective: ensuring the development of all, notably the poorest countries on the planet.
So we probably do not need to create a new Community - a new institutional - framework, but we do need to commit decisively to the goals that we have agreed and even, if agreed, to set more ambitious goals.
If we are rejecting illegal, clandestine immigration, it is because of all the trafficking and all the organised crime behind it.
I voted in favour of the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on coordination of safeguards which, for the protection of the interests of members and others, are required by Member States of companies within the meaning of the second paragraph of Article 48 of the Treaty, in respect of the formation of public limited liability companies and the maintenance and alteration of their capital, with a view to making such safeguards equivalent.
In a nutshell, guaranteeing EU citizens' security.
The European Community should continue to support the measures that have already contributed to progress in the country, especially those that help to provide for the basic needs of the population and make health care available.
Now I believe that we are hopefully over that.
But I know that when preacher of hate Terry Jones, who threatened to burn the Koran, said he would come to Luton - also in my constituency - to stir up religious hatred, he was told he would not be welcome.
Trade can provide an excellent contribution in this case.
There are already indications that it may be profitable to control such production, just as the designations of origin are strictly controls.
Linked to that is making sure that they are prosecuted and treated properly by reference to our own judicial standards in the countries of that region.
This is the culmination of the determined work that we have done in collaboration with the Council and the Commission.
The mandate of the EP delegation for the trilogue should be much more modest, and at the same time more realistic, if Parliament wishes to remain relevant in the light of the huge challenges the EU faces for the future.
Today, we have repeatedly heard about the illegal trade in organs - about an illegal activity and about trade.
I support the report because it gives smaller companies the opportunity to attract better custom.
Anyone who does not love animals does not love people either.
We continually assert that solidarity is of particular importance in the current financial crisis, especially coming as we do, as I do, from a country which is brimful of bank branches, affiliated organisations and subsidiaries, so what is essential here is how the head offices in their key positions, and their supervisory bodies, react to the problem facing us.
No, we are not being overly critical.
If that is how you see the situation, why do you not go to the relevant committees in Parliament?
However, many of these places, funded by public money, have disappointingly not been taken up.
The advantages are huge in terms of both economic growth and job creation.
Already at first reading, Parliament came out in favour of this directive, but, unfortunately, the Council did not take all of Parliament's amendments into account.
I therefore voted for this report because it respects these balances.
However, some have pointed out that education is a national or indeed, in many states, a subnational or regional responsibility.
Obviously it is up to the individual to act responsibly in this regard, but it is also up to financial institutions, and increasingly retailers, to act responsibly in offering advertising and granting these cards.
Now I see democracy failing here in Europe.
In connection with the unquestionable need for exploitation of rare earth elements by industry in the EU Member States and the need for research into them, I would call for dialogue with the People's Republic of China on increasing exports of these raw materials and for our efforts to be focused on searching for alternative sources for their extraction.
The conflict in Libya has shown the importance of Europe's ability to mobilise a range of resources for rapid reaction.
Statistics point to a higher survival rate and lower mortality in the old EU, and I therefore appeal to the European Commission to apply special monitoring to the implementation of the EU programme 'Europe Against Cancer' in Central and Eastern Europe in particular.
Over the past few years, I have sought to promote a green transport policy in order to secure the future of the transport sector.
Given the institutional changes to come and, in particular, the end of the legislative term, the Commission has made every attempt to ensure that the new legislative proposals included in the 2008 work programme are scheduled for adoption by the College before the end of 2008.
The 10 reports from the Committee on Legal Affairs focus solely on the codification of various acts, as established by common accord by the Legal Service.
In some countries, like my country of Lithuania for example, the government is also hurting pensioners, as pensions and benefits have been cut.
And we will continue these negotiations and continue this fight, so he can count on us.
As for the general issue you raised, the situation of the euro area was also discussed.
We will therefore highlight the objectives and principles that the EU must respect in relation to our energy partnership, in particular reciprocity, transparency, openness and creation of an effective legal and regulatory framework.
These are under discussion.
If this proves successful and if the first initiatives that are being launched prove successful, then we can go to the Member States to see whether there is a willingness to proceed further in the direction of greater integration of maritime affairs.
If the Irish have understood the situation properly, it seems to me that they have been happy for all of Europe to stand alongside Ireland when the financial storm almost carried Ireland away, and very happy for the President of the Commission to find a solution - something that was not easy - when first off the Irish Government had gone so far as to guarantee all the banks, all banking products, forgetting, just for a moment, that foreign banks in Ireland had to be treated in the same way as the Irish banks in Ireland.
The Court also gives an unqualified opinion on education and citizenship, estimating that the error rate has fallen below 2%.
Mr President, the package has been a very difficult one for Parliament and the Council.
We must come down on those rules which seek to favour businesses in their countries which have foreign operations and which act against other foreign players.
These are the directive on bank capital requirements, the directive on deposit guarantees, solvency II, and the directive on Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS).
This is also why I fully support the Commission's proposal to have the national budgets inspected in advance by the EU, with the proviso, however, that the national parliaments and the European Parliament are involved in these inspection arrangements.
With this first experience of the ordinary legislative procedure, my colleague, Commissioner Cioloş, and his services have learned a lot, and this has set an excellent precedent for future work.
Through its political manipulations, the Constitutional Council confirmed in office the outgoing leader, who unfortunately continues to be the acting representative of Côte d'Ivoire.
The limits of the intergenerational contract have been reached.
I think we should place emphasis on the principle of an even geographical distribution of the Knowledge and Information Communities.
If we now agree to an increase because of the Treaty of Lisbon, then this is the only occasion on which we can use that argument.
The proposal adopted by the Commission last October is the outcome of extensive consultation, a process that started before the financial crisis.
I would remind the Commission that they informed the European Parliament in 2006 that the 2004 directive on residency should be interpreted by Member States in accordance with the European Court of Justice decisions in July 2002 (Case No C/459/99 (MRAX)) and again in April 2005 (Case No C/157/03).
They happen unexpectedly.
Freedom of movement is a sensitive issue, particularly for people who have borne the yoke of occupation and have been deprived of freedom.
Why does nobody see that we have written a whole section, a whole article especially for children and families, in order to set minimum standards?
Commissioner, we have already heard you and we appreciate the strong stand that you have been taking on this particular issue.
Joseph Daul rightly said that we have an initial agreement in connection with the Car Emissions Directive.
All of this leads me to believe we are going to have a different financial services sector when this is all over and we will have a different regulatory framework as well.
There are some challenges, particularly the possibility of a freeze on oil and gas connections. It has put the brakes on investment in renewable energy.
in writing. - (PL) The purpose for which the World Trade Organisation was created was to bring about free and multilateral trade.
in writing. - (PT) I voted in favour of the Busk report on the proposal to set up a scheme to distribute fruit in schools because I feel that Community support for the free distribution of these products to children is vital in promoting healthy eating habits in the European Union and, consequently, improving the health levels of Europeans.
Nearly zero energy buildings are buildings with very high energy performance.
They guarantee high quality information and thus make a significant contribution to the functioning of our democracy.
Welcome
This compromise became the basis for the subsequent request for a WTO waiver.
Negotiations should be taken in cooperation with other national governments, not forced upon from above by the EU.
We believe that these decisions, taken together with the decision to close Guantánamo, which I have already mentioned, will further strengthen cooperation with the US in countering terrorism.
The Commission's main contractor for developing SIS II has performed a series of operational tests on the central system running interactively with some national systems.
The European Union and the United States are an important, the most important, system which has a considerable effect on international relations.
Whether Irish sovereignty is represented by UKIP's ideology is debatable, in my view.
I join my colleagues in expressing my profound regret for the suffering of the civilian population in Gaza and I believe that the only possible solution, not only in this territory, but throughout the Holy Land, is dialogue, negotiation and diplomacy, and never war, which can only exacerbate hatred.
We know how important biodiversity or, when it comes down it, nature protection is for our own survival because we can see that, despite the measures taken at European or global level, the erosion of biodiversity is continuing; the extinction of species is continuing.
Honourable Members, what does the strategic partnership mean for us?
Regional Strategy Papers and Regional Indicative Programmes for Mercosur and Latin America (vote)
This is why it is so important that they are also included, and Parliament has worked, through all the amendments from the shadow rapporteurs, to ensure that all these victims are also included in this legal instrument.
The second point is the question of the place of origin.
(IT) Mr President, it is highly significant that Parliament is using this resolution to send a strong message to both the Member States and the younger generations to ask for greater commitment to European cooperation on learning, vocational training and higher education in order to bolster the Europe 2020 strategy.
These are not normal goods - they are not sweets or leisure goods - but objects that need to be carefully controlled.
However, some of our partners, like the United States, Russia and China, have not joined the International Criminal Court in its work.
I believe that we should not remain idle on this transit issue.
Written declarations included in the register (Rule 123): see Minutes
We want to use this neighbourhood policy, of course, to project our stability and to encourage reforms.
In my opinion, what is now happening in Belarus and the kind of actions that Mr Lukashenko has dared allow himself to take when it comes to the Polish minority in this country are signs that he also is looking more to Moscow than to the West.
By supporting the report on the European Urban Agenda and its Future in Cohesion Policy, I am advocating a new approach to urban policy based on close cooperation between operators at the various levels of decision-making: EU, national level, urban areas and peripheral urban areas.
If you have something private to discuss, you can do so outside.
(DE) President-in-Office, I think that the Czech Presidency is taking a very positive and proactive approach to this issue.
However, more international cooperation and cyber controls are needed to eradicate falsified Viagra, slimming products, dermatological creams, and so on, which are available at the click of a mouse.
If this is not the case, could the Council outline what the outstanding issues are?
(PL) When we accede to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights, we must, at all costs, avoid a number of serious dangers.
I would like to conclude, then, by stressing the need to guarantee an equal gender mix in the decision-making and consultative bodies involved in recruitment, promotion, rewards and funding, as well as in the other branches in the sector, in order to introduce statistical monitoring to produce comparative analyses of the working situation faced by women in the various countries of the Union
I have no sympathy for the Liberals' proposal to postpone all these measures to strengthen Europol to provide more security in the interest of citizens until the Treaty comes into force.
Two fundamental principles are being called into question: solidarity and the unity of the internal market, due to protectionism.
Investment in energy and, in particular, in energy infrastructures, should promote job creation, drive innovation, encourage the development of new activities and the use of new technologies, and foster economic confidence.
In March 2000, when the Lisbon Strategy began to be implemented, the Council instructed the Member States and the European Commission to take measures to radically reduce poverty, leading to its eradication by 2010.
These are the people most at risk of disease and death due to the record prices of their staple foods, namely cereals such as rice, corn and wheat. This has a direct impact on the number of starving people, which increased by another 50 million in the year 2007 alone.
As on so many other occasions, however, the report lacks the capacity to state clearly that, if there is to be free competition, there absolutely must be equal conditions for cabotage and compliance with social and environmental standards.
Europe is subject to intense pressure of all kinds, such as pressure on the euro and the pressure of the conflict between EU and national perspectives.
Economic growth and an atmosphere of job creation should be incentivised as part of this programme, in order to reserve a particular role for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), which are the engine of European economic growth.
They do not double- and treble-tax the funds that decide to locate there.
Turning to Mr Désir's report, we could not agree more with him when he names the transnational corporations as a source of negative effects on the environment and on our social standards.
The good thing about the Irish 'no' - trying to see the positive side - is that Europe is being talked about once more.
Please pay no attention to Mrs Merkel's simplified financial ABC, Mr Trichet.
The current crisis has also shown that the European car industry is strongly interconnected.
While I note that the Commissioner says that it was a sincere and in-depth exchange of views - and I am sure that was true on the side of the Europeans - I am not convinced that would be the case on the side of the Chinese.
Can this new partnership bear fruit?
In this period of economic and financial crisis, it is imperative to have leaders and people in charge who can show composure and independence.
For its part, Europe is still sending ambiguous messages about accession, which are doing nothing to help.
And yet Europe is filled with millions of Muslims who have come here from all sorts of backgrounds and causations; just as Europe would still be filled with Jews, had it not been for the horrors of the Second World War.
What was once the engine of European integration is today a stumbling block to a liberal European economy.
When liberals and left-wing politicians assert that day-to-day work with refugees is sufficiently covered by non-governmental organisations and state funding, it reveals their short-sighted cynicism and hypocrisy.
My personal opinion is that the situation we have already been tackling for some months now in Greece is not a unique situation, and it seems to indicate that a new approach is required in terms of adhering to, or, as the case may be, not adhering to the Stability Pact.
It divides rather than unites men and women.
To do as this report does and categorically reject the work done by private care providers and non-governmental organisations is definitely not the right way to go about things for someone who genuinely has the welfare of the poor in mind.
Parliament has also improved the text by highlighting the importance of training legal professionals to cooperate and to bring our legal structures closer together through mutual recognition and trust, so that we can integrate the response instruments in order to make the European Union a true area of freedom, justice and security.
We must now work to build on these good intentions and this consensus to put in place real improvements in teacher education.
For example, Germany has increased its production from what was around 240 000 tonnes a year and France from what was 350 000 tonnes a year.
This is a key issue which demands the ability on our part to define a social vision for Europe and to translate that vision into concrete action.
My second criticism concerns the extension of the concept of sexual and reproductive health, as is done in recital X, beyond physical and mental aspects, to include social aspects as well.
However, I must also express my rejection of the improvised procedure of this Chamber, which clearly had not thought of formally inviting either the Court of Auditors or the Council until 09.00 today.
The European Parliament, through the Committee on Regional Development, is constantly calling for greater simplification of administrative rules.
The third part deals with future crisis and risk management.
Subsidies which continue to be paid to agriculture should be given in the form of direct aid entirely decoupled from production.
Serbia, after all, is ready to engage in talks with Kosovo even though the EU's attitude is manifestly inconsistent: in Bosnia, multiple ethnic groups are to be forced into a multicultural State while in Kosovo, it is deemed legitimate for a single ethnic group to hive itself off from a State.
The report correctly emphasises the need for Member States to implement guidelines in a way which seeks to combat discrimination whether it is based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation.
This time, moreover, the fact that we have six political groups participating in writing a resolution means that we intend to use the voice of Parliament in a clearer and more united way.
The case that you mentioned dates back to 1995, which means that I had nothing to do with it.
It is wrong to say that ending subsidies for coal mining will help to protect the environment.
I welcome the report's call to establish our own independent rating agency, which, according to the proposals, would initially be called the European Credit Rating Foundation.
This will make it possible for anyone in possession of a document showing that he is legally resident in a Member State to move freely in the Schengen area for short periods of no more than three months in any half year.
It is the over-generous and therefore tempting conditions for asylum seekers that are to blame for this. They literally provoke abuse of the system.
In other words, Greece must regain its credibility.
It is a fact of life that our children are often more computer literate than we are.
We have to bear in mind that we must address the concerns and demonstrate that Europe is serious about creating a social market economy and not a single market on its own.
Europe and its institutions must do all they can on the ground in the countries in question to neutralise and fight the evil, obscurantist influence of these agents of intolerance, who are instigating a new wave of hate crimes in Africa.
This is just to underline the legal basis of the question but, of course, the whole question is a 'what if' question, because nothing concrete is on the table.
The main operational tool is the EU Joint Situation Centre (SITCEN) of the Council Secretariat.
Under the amended Directive 1999/62/EC, Member States will also be able to charge road users for some (limited) external costs, so that finally, the 'polluter pays' principle is introduced in road transport.
The Commission proposal for a successor regulation can therefore be expected to be ready during the first quarter of 2011.
We have a highly attractive way of life.
In view of these changes, the United States' negative attitude is increasingly difficult for those citizens to understand.
We can also use funds from the European Regional Development Fund.
In this instance, even Mr Lukashenko has adopted such a stance, but events speak for themselves.
Yet human beings are not machines, able to work through without a break.
We should have a Community budget that prioritises real convergence, based on social progress and on protecting and promoting the potential of each country, the sustainable use of natural resources and environmental protection, with the aim of economic and social cohesion, in addition to effective development aid.
Optimising existing systems and introducing processes for the more efficient use of these systems are to be welcomed, but other issues are problematical for the reasons stated, and I have therefore voted against the report.
We are on time, for the first time in a long while: Parliament is going to draw up a report that can be used by the Council to determine its ultimate political decision this weekend.
I have consistently opposed the federalism of the Lisbon Treaty and the ceding of powers from nation states.
We are making a contribution to the best possible financing scheme for our films and to access for Europeans to premium content schedules on free television networks: so it is this evening that, with you and thanks to you, I have the feeling that our mission has been accomplished.
There was no serious debate in committee.
Firstly, on the extraction of oil sands, which damages local diversity, we insist on the EU's right to use the Fuel Quality Directive to inhibit their use.
I would even say the opposite.
There is a rumour going around that the Commission would pay its employees a salary during a strike.
The wage disparity significantly influences women's position in economic and social life, both during and after their active working lives.
(PL) Madam President, the Employment Guidelines are and should be treated as a fundamental tool in the process of economic governance as expressed in the concept of the European Semester.
We condemn the recent escalation in hostility towards the Roma (Romaphobia) in a number of EU Member States, regularly displayed in the form of hate speeches and attacks against the Roma population.
Single market forum (
I shall start with our common assumption that combating crime is not just a national issue; it is also a European issue.
25.
With this vote, Parliament is thus showing full solidarity and unity with the affected populations.
It is vital, therefore, to press for more effective criminal prosecutions, and to ensure that the subsequent punishments reflect the seriousness of the crime.
In this context, I would particularly like to congratulate your Delegation for relations with the Maghreb countries for the agreement reached during the visit to Tripoli, which indeed provides for regular consultation with the Libyan Parliament.
The further development of qualitative and quantitative metrics should be based on the European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS) indicators, covering the core areas of quality of life.
on behalf of the S&D Group. - Mr President, our S&D Group joins Commissioner Rehn in expressing our condolences after the death of the Nigerian President, Umaru Yar'Adua.
The objective is to reduce the negative effects of plant protection products as much as possible by reducing the risks.
The particular ways in which the influence of European cultural heritage has over the course of history found expression in other continents must lead to special measures emphasising those factors which serve to build civilisation, mutual understanding and a constructive approach uniting the peoples represented.
What this means is that the Commission does not go into the detail as to how Member States are to conduct such assessments, but rather we fix the minimum standards relating to scientific information and then leave it up to Member States to see how to achieve the required results.
The debate can take place.
We are now ready to introduce this operation for the next period.
But do you know how that comes across to our citizens?
This is a very delicate subject where we need to give rights holders adequate protection and a reasonable return on their investments without, on the other hand, infringing civil liberties, restricting access to medicine or criminalising individuals for trivial breaches of copyright.
We are doing so by establishing a European model for donation and transplantation around values and principles that we all share: solidarity, fairness and cohesion, which are the symbols of the Union's identity.
Because we must be able to show our citizens, economic actors and the international partners that the European Union really can in future prevent a fiscal crisis such as the one we have recently experienced, in the case of Greece for instance.
We shall be returning to this subject in due course.
We also need to keep a strongly funded CAP - pillar one to ensure that the rural society is not denuded of people, and pillar two to ensure the delivery of public goods.
I am grateful to him once again for the work he has done on the issue of urban transport.
However, for that to happen we must fill the gaps enabling illegal operators to profit from their activities.
Climate change is happening, it is happening fast, and therefore we must act promptly and, as Karl-Heinz rightly said, it is not only a problem but an opportunity.
As you know, the Commission has proposed a 12-point action plan to support the Millennium Development Goals.
(CS) Mr President, the report on early years learning is not and cannot be an attempt at the unified arrangement of this highly individual matter.
Unfortunately, the leaders of several Member States are behaving as if Russia's invasion of sovereign democratic Georgia had never taken place.
I was in Portugal just a week ago and that country could serve as an example of how to develop a sustainable, dynamic programme for a renewable source of energy, which is very important for the Mediterranean region.
Nevertheless, I would like to draw attention to another problem, namely the way in which some Member States implement important instruments, such as the European arrest warrant.
Its action in favour of small and medium-sized enterprises, education and vocational training is essential to the success of the EU 2020 strategy.
Coordination and clear lines of information and communication remain the core of our ability to be effective in such situations.
(Applause)
Such a ban would only multiply closures and job losses.
Written declarations (tabling): see Minutes
Deciding who are the good Palestinians and helping them to get rid of the bad?
One of the most important aspects for strengthening Belarusian civil society is the European Union's visa policy.
(CS) Today it is no longer tolerable for serious environmental crimes and crimes concerning public health to be considered merely an offence, as they have been to date in some countries, for example in Italy or Cyprus.
The report also called for a review of Parliament's expenditure in order to guarantee savings are made in future.
It is a matter of days, perhaps even hours, before the point of no return is reached with a land offensive, particularly in Gaza town.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question under Rule 149(8)).
The significance of the European Union's motto - unity in diversity - is worth stressing here.
Mr President, before speaking, may I be allowed to join in the grief that this Chamber has already expressed for the death of the two European soldiers killed this morning in Afghanistan, following a terrorist attack.
The challenge facing the international community in the following months is to support Guinea in its transition to democracy and in the arrangement of free and democratic elections for a law-making assembly and a president.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting: see Minutes
Together, we have said, 'This was actually already an agreement under the Treaty of Nice'.
Globalisation has fostered an unprecedented exchange of ideas and contacts between people.
Exceptions are allowed only in special circumstances.
I believe that our help, help from the European Parliament and the European Union in general - and I agree here with Mr Füle - must be supplementary, must be auxiliary and, obviously, must not be coloured by party affiliations and political friendships (if you will pardon the expression).
EU funds should not be used to promote programmes and projects which damage the climate.
More than half the EU's Member States are affected by Russia halting the supply of gas.
The experts of this agency support a one-sided policy agenda, without trying to reach balance and objectivity.
I voted in favour of the initiative on Italy.
No, quite the contrary in fact.
Customs cooperation came after the event and the European Union is paying to establish customs cooperation.
It is very disappointing that the Lithuanian Parliament has gone as far as criminalisation of the dissemination of information about sexual orientation on the pretext of protecting minors, religious feelings and political convictions.
If you look back to the Renaissance, one of the greatest ages the world has ever seen, we cannot attribute its impact on the world to a single date or person or breakthrough.
This commitment will support public awareness activities and the fight against illicit content and harmful behaviour, in order to promote a safer environment.
After six months of procedures, it will be up to the Member State in question to prove that the applicant is not being persecuted, making the task much more complicated for the relevant authorities.
Responsibility for the eastern land border of the European Union rests on the new Member States, and they are meeting this obligation extremely well.
However, I have mixed feelings regarding the conditions for implementing this procedure, which could present risks of unequal treatment among patients from the Member States.
On the issue of human rights, we all know that at the root of our Union lies respect for rule of law, democracy and human rights.
It is almost as if Croatia, another candidate Member State, were to attack Montenegro.
I find this to be an extremely serious allegation and call on the President to somehow highlight what has been said and establish whether this can be considered appropriate in such a sensitive debate that touches on the suffering of human beings, who are clearly not considered to have the right to eat, as it has been said of them 'they even demand food and are lot of freeloaders'.
The Council has examined the European Parliament's resolution that was adopted on 24 October 2007 on the Green Paper 'Towards a Europe free from tobacco smoke: policy options at EU level'.
Despite all the political differences between the various groups, our work was characterised by a struggle to find joint European solutions.
I also wish to tell our colleague that Belgian workers have been on strike on many occasions, and so where would this Parliament go if the Belgians went on strike?
Part of the context for that cooperation is, however, the power to present a special report to Parliament.
This does is not an automatic process, as we have heard several times today from the floor, of 18 months.
This case has little implication on the wider issue of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Clarity and consistency is required on our side because the European Union does have the ability to influence Ukraine, which has a neighbourhood policy status, right across the board, including the rules and regulations regarding national minorities.
Last week, Mr Tőkés, Vice-President of the European Parliament, hosted the official inauguration of an office representing the Székely Region, which does not exist in Romania, in the Hungarian House of Regions.
The Italian authorities have already provided the Commission with a plan to restore legality.
Our task, then, is to establish a framework in which lobbying activities can be conducted in a fair and acceptable way.
The insertion of one word: 'sincere cooperation'.
The use of several centres for collecting and supplying this information will improve the risk evaluation and relevant flight scheduling.
My view is that it would have been better if the EU had just signed up to the Council of Europe's European Convention on Human Rights.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
I thank you, Madam President, and I thank Parliament in particular for the high standard of this debate and all the contributions it has made in the course of the debate.
Determined action has succeeded in preventing the worst.
It is clear that the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) cannot put an end to over-exploitation and illegal logging on its own, since the main reasons for these often come from outside the forestry sector.
Cyanide is an extremely dangerous chemical used by the mining industry, despite the risks that it poses to the environment and human health.
We voted in favour of this report, which endorses the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to assist six countries: Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Croatia and Romania.
You cannot spend your way out of recession or borrow your way out of debt, and when you repeat in that wooden and perfunctory way that our situation is better than others, that we are well placed to weather the storm, I have to say you sound like a Brezhnev-era apparatchik giving the party line.
I would like to remind you that in modern history, during periods when freedoms and rights were curbed in the name of security, policing and strict control, and when persecution based on stereotypes was allowed to gain ground, ideological bigotry, racism and xenophobia intensified and unspeakable crimes were committed.
On several occasions in this Chamber and elsewhere I have asked the Commission and the Council to now apply Article 9 in their proposals on economic governance and, of course, in their response to the current economic crisis, which is a real test of their commitment to the social clause.
The treaty for which I was the rapporteur was scrapped with the agreement of the various parties on grounds of obsolescence.
The Berès report conducts such an analysis, and it is excellent.
It is right that you should work together with the Council.
As you are aware, and as the rapporteur said, the Commission already presented this report in 2007.
This is an aspiration that the European Union supports, but it must be translated into concrete agreements.
For my part I think the French will do as they always do and look after themselves.
Identification and registration of pigs (
The Green Paper that we published precisely addresses some of these real concerns.
There should be no question at all of the Council not being authorised to remove an elected Member's right to vote - irrespective of position.
(HU) Mr President, Commissioner Malmström's response was reassuring in respect of Serbia and Macedonia in that we do not intend to throw the baby out with the bath water.
Let me make one final comment that I think is very important: I believe that in a situation such as the one facing the people of Greece today, it is very important for them to feel that they are not alone.
We have to engage directly on our human rights agenda with the authorities, and we will continue to do so.
A further EUR 200 million is to be added to this for the coming 16 months, but that will not suffice.
Hopefully, the Iranian authorities will not order Mistral aircraft carriers in Saint-Nazaire, but will be able to acquire them a little later in Russia, built under a French licence.
It is very important that we strengthen and coordinate cooperation between the Member States on asylum issues still further and, ultimately, that we try and arrive at a uniform approach from among the various national practices, especially as we all recognise the huge differences which exist.
Finally, in paragraph 15 there is a call for the Commission to establish clearly that the state with jurisdiction over waste is the responsible state.
We call on the European Union to supplement the funds allocated significantly.
As a consumer, I would be extremely unhappy to have to experience a situation of this sort, as would all European consumers, because it threatens to shake our trust in the safety of European products.
in writing. - (PT) I abstained in the vote on this proposal because the Portuguese Constitution provides better protection for Fundamental Rights and because the opinion, held by some, that Community law has primacy over Member States' domestic law could lead to very damaging legal disputes.
I voted in favour of this resolution.
This is not, of course, in accord with our law, which assumes that before scanning a book and making the scan available, it is necessary to obtain the author's consent and to pay the appropriate fee.
To better monitor the impact of my criticism and advice, I have this year launched a study of the follow-up to all critical remarks made in 2006, as well as to the 38 cases involving a further remark made during the same year.
(NL) You have described the fact that a number of Member States are opposed to the increase in the 2011 budget, and that, as a result, fewer projects will be possible, as 'alarming'.
(NL) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to start by expressing particular thanks to our rapporteur for his tremendously hard work, and also for his perseverance in this extremely crucial dossier.
(FI) Mr President, in February, the EU Foreign Affairs Council adopted conclusions concerning the situation in Zimbabwe.
Please do not make matters worse.
in writing. - (LT) I believe that appropriate financial sanctions should be imposed on Member States which fail to comply with the fiscal framework of the Union.
(IT) Mr President, I was unsure as to how to vote on Mrs Schaldemose's report on the integrity of online gambling and for what reason.
Action taken on Parliament's positions and resolutions: see Minutes
The Member States are the main players. The EU only has a supporting role.
I have a question for Mr Hahn: does he not want to follow this good example with another?
I believe that the mandatory collection of data by type of goods with a view to collating maritime transport statistics is vital in order to promote co-modality and the possibility of combining different modes of transport.
I have received letters signed by many organisations in Sweden, such as Amnesty International, the churches through Diakonia, the Red Cross, UNICEF, Svenska Freds (the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society) and the United Nations Association of Sweden, demanding that Bombkapsel 90 (BK90), carried on Swedish JAS aircraft, should be treated as a cluster bomb and included in the international work on a comprehensive ban.
I think that is the challenge.
The crucial point here is that the Chinese approach is definitely incompatible with Western standards.
Subject: More flexible interpretation of the Stability and Growth Pact
I want to assure you that I and the college that is present here are committed to subsidiarity.
The critics should understand that there are problems in the existing system. A High Representative with no direct responsibility to us in Parliament, duplication of functions between Council and Commission, splits between EU Special Representative and Commission heads of delegation, human rights sometimes ignored for trade and geopolitical interests, etc.
Mr Harbour gave you some ideas, but what I want you to do is to raise specific things that I did actually raise in my intervention at the beginning.
There, it was not democracy that had triumphed, but a small group of people who had gained experience in the old state apparatus and the security forces.
My country, along with others, has experience of this.
Opening of the sitting
This is arms for bonds.
This includes, inter alia, the Danube strategy, a strategy on the Roma and issues relating to the Eastern Partnership.
(SV) Mr President, violations of human rights in Iran are extensive and are also thought to be on the increase.
Better maternity protection would help spouses in agriculture, commerce and small businesses and encourage women to become involved in these vital industries, where they are now currently under-represented.
How much equality do the Dalits really enjoy?
On 23 July the Council approved the conclusions setting out the European Union's priorities - those that the EU must uphold at that Conference of the Parties, which is the eighth conference since the Convention was approved.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (DE) Madam President, this report was strongly disputed in several Groups and, to guarantee the fairness of the vote, I would ask you to give me the floor before the vote on Recital 3 so that I can give my opinion on the voting order.
There should be a system of the protection of religious values, not active persecution of people of other faiths.
Without touching on the issues related to the enlargement process, I would like to address a message to all the Black Sea sceptics.
I would like to underscore what Mrs Pack said: the ability of the country to function must be established.
I therefore warmly support the decision of the authorities in Wrocław who are seeking to get the Governing Board or one of the knowledge communities to set up their offices in the city, where as many as 140 000 students are studying.
On the other hand, it is well known that the language of 'reproductive and sexual health' is used to surreptitiously include abortion, understood as a right and as a social service.
So this issue is still looked at very much from a national perspective: 'my fair return'.
The way to get around this is not merely to prevent it, but to publicise our work in full, foiling the people who want to peer through keyholes and opening our doors by broadcasting parliamentary committee work, meetings and all the proceedings of this Parliament over the Internet.
The Council's Hungarian Presidency has also committed itself to adopting and launching the implementation of the EU Danube strategy.
In view of this, I recognise the need to call upon UN agencies to propose the creation of a mechanism to monitor human rights in Western Sahara.
Correlatively, your proposals for 'positive action', as you do not dare to use the real words, are well and truly reverse discrimination, the first victims of which would be, and already are, Europeans themselves in their own countries.
Thirdly, I would say that it is something that gives extraordinary encouragement to the connection between institutions and citizenship, something that we are always demanding and never achieve.
So let us wake up!
That said, I endorse what has been said by other Members, who believe that we need to vote in favour of this, as otherwise, everything will go down the drain.
Let me take two examples from our discussions.
Through your various contacts with colleagues in other parliaments around the world, with representatives of industry and with civil society, we are counting on the support of the European Parliament in promoting the EU's ambitious aims regarding the issue of climate change.
Subject: Lessons from the financial crisis
In Latvia, SS punishment battalions destroyed 130 villages and killed more than 150 000 people in Latvia, Belarus, Poland and Russia.
Agenda: see Minutes
You may think that you are outsmarting the competition authorities but, in reality, you are doing harm to the consumer.
Principles supporting effective protection of intellectual property and equitable sharing of intellectual property rights are actively promoted.
The issue that will be on the table in June is crucial, and not only for the Alpine region.
We will start with the agenda.
In addition to all these measures, there is also a need for better coordination between the financial support allocated to rural development and the other regional policies and for the maintenance of CAP funding at a level ensuring that all the proposed tasks can be achieved.
History teaches us, after all, that the Balkans, for example, were the source of many conflicts in the 20th century.
I can also say that I am delighted at how lively this debate has been, which was in fact just what I had hoped for.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (PT) I will be as brief as possible, but this debate involved many contributions and various questions have been raised.
Thus, the report on developing a new European Union strategy for the Black Sea represents our commitment to the region and to our Member States who belong to this area by giving them our full support in facing the challenges linked to their specific geographic situation.
In several respects, Croatia has achieved a higher degree of development than some EU Member States.
Member of the Commission. - I believe that producers can be induced to produce healthy foods through market tools.
Therefore, the focus on the role of sport in education is important.
It certainly does not add a lot of quality to the work-life balance if people are too tired to read to their kids when they get home.
New developments in public procurement (short presentation)
This is crucial.
Naturally, Sweden and the other countries neighbouring the Baltic have a great interest in the strategy for the area, but we also believe it could serve as a model for other regions and other regional strategies that would be useful to the entire EU.
The second is that there is overwhelming support for the requirement for all parties involved to accept the state of Israel's right to exist within peaceful borders.
Serbia's market has now been opened up to European Union exporters.
I would like to highlight the fact that Ireland has a long-standing tradition of tripartite consultation on economic and social policy and that the successive pacts between the government and the social partners since the 1980s have been widely recognised as major factors in the success of the Irish economy.
Sheepmeat consumption is in decline, as some feel it is too expensive and difficult to cook.
It is clear that the European Union will only attain the ambitious targets in its climate policy if it succeeds in ensuring broad use of CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) technologies in power stations.
We need a common policy because gambling transgresses borders.
I believe that this can be seen in microcosm in Norway, for example: they catch fish, they drill for oil and gas, they practise the highest environmental standards on land and sea and they develop their northernmost regions for the people who live there.
Therefore, let us also rethink our old, very old mistrust when it comes to Russia, or rather mistrust of this country which is, whether we like it or not, one of our partners.
Mr President, the report by Justice Goldstone provides the most blatant proof of the crimes and of the infringements of international law and international humanitarian law by Israel against the Palestinian people.
For this reason, we must carefully consider ring-fencing at European Union level some of the resources exclusively for bringing some of the LAU level l statistical units up to standard.
I would like, in the time I have been allotted, to speak about Nigeria's prisons, which are full of prisoners whose rights are systematically violated.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Mr President, honourable Members, let me almost in telegram form answer some of your detailed questions and add a couple of points.
Incorporating CSR principles into the rules governing international trade would enable the EU to exert pressure on undertakings to improve their behaviour and on the States which sign trade agreements with it to comply with labour and environmental standards.
In voting for this draft resolution on the process of including Albania in the EU, I have chosen to back its two principle ideas.
We will also hear from Commissioner De Gucht, but the first to take the floor will be Baroness Ashton.
Particularly now that banks are being much more reserved than they were when the debate started - which, in the Netherlands, was in 2005, when the situation was quite different - it is clear that some people are really getting into difficulties.
I am all in favour of the transfer of technology, but our enterprises must also see the sense in investing in it, and therefore the intellectual property must not be watered down.
on behalf of the PSE Group. -(ES) Mr President, I am one who always listens carefully to Mr Stevenson whenever he speaks, and I have been listening to him for several years now, but this speech surprises me, because it is one which would have been better made in 2003 and not 2007, nearly 2008 in fact.
in writing. - (PT) The establishment of a 'network of contact points' in a framework of cooperation between the various Member States, with the aim of sharing experiences and good practices, could form another asset in the fight against corruption in each country.
It expressly rejects a 'three-strikes' regulation, which has been discussed as a measure to be used in the event of copyright infringements.
In January we called again for an integration strategy for the Roma, and today we have debated and passed the Framework Directive on Anti-discrimination.
So I would urge all Members to vote for it because we want a really resounding result in the morning.
It is a citizens' right that you cannot simply relativise.
I voted for the report on the impact of the Treaty of Lisbon on the development of the institutional balance of the European Union.
We also have to deal with the protection of personal data, which is recognised by Article II-68 of the draft constitution.
Gordon Brown has also said so in the past.
The residents of Camp Ashraf are protected persons under the Geneva Convention.
The report by Mr Ferreira on Community financial measures before us today deals with key issues as far as the reform of fisheries policy is concerned.
A mechanism is provided to deal with those situations where the Commission, on the basis of its assessment, reaches the conclusion that the negotiation or conclusion of an agreement should not be authorised.
Because we are dealing with a mixed fishery where the cod is caught together with prawns, whiting and haddock, we have all these discard problems that we have just heard Jim Allister talking about.
Transparency is the key to European democracy and its principal construction material.
It is obvious that the two big political groups have now found a point of contact in this matter, but we in the ALDE Group will fight for our views in this Chamber.
In fact, the EU was virtually inaudible during the final negotiations.
Our Member States should expect results....
This is a particularly sensitive issue, with reservations on the part of the Member States, which have always reaffirmed their sovereignty over their airspace.
Instead, the European Union and related organisations, including the European Investment Bank (EIB), should take the lead in this.
The report also mentions other important factors that need attention.
Otherwise, we will have medical problems.
We keep the Palestinians going when it should be Israel footing the bill, not our taxpayers.
While we should welcome this Court of Auditors' special report, its conclusions are worrying in many respects, particularly in the light of the observations that Regulation (EC) No 1798/2003 on administrative cooperation in the field of value added tax is not an effective administrative cooperation tool, given that several Member States are standing in the way of its implementation and that the Commission's role is limited.
Government organisations understandably place emphasis on the practical virtues of the communities, treating them as a kind of uplifting force for the triangles of knowledge: education, research and industry.
Education is not less important, as a premise of a prosperous future, as well as the policies of promoting protection of young people and children, intercultural dialogue and mutual tolerance.
This statistical survey would also enable a greater understanding of the costs associated with the outermost regions, both in terms of goods and passengers, which may influence decisions on other policies such as trans-European networks and, more particularly, the 'Motorways of the Sea', which should include maritime transport between islands, as well as between islands and the European mainland.
One day, you should have a European budget that is strong enough to compete out there in the global world; the guys are going to be very tough out there.
My commitment to the protection of the weak and women afflicted by violence compels me to vote in favour of legislation to guarantee the protection of victims of violence.
Of course, talks are continuing, but they have become bogged down by Turkey's maximalist claims.
Therefore, unfortunately this part of your programme, which for us is substantial, does not change or alter anything and does not introduce anything new.
He received DKK 1.3 billion and was the biggest Danish beneficiary of EU funds.
We now have some studies on the potential of tax incentives for energy and environmental purposes, and the Commission is preparing a proposal to amend the VAT directive to allow reduced rates of VAT to apply to certain environmentally-friendly goods and services.
As noted by Eurostat, we must not forget that Europe also has two or possibly three speeds as regards the spread of the Internet.
The provisions of Title 10, social policy, cannot be disregarded.
We can observe similar tendencies in our countries now.
It is of important environmental benefit throughout the EU and will contribute to the development of a sustainable and competitive agriculture sector.
It is therefore also right for the Commission, on the basis of our proposal, to once again carry out an impact assessment in respect of the sulphur emission control areas in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea because, if we want higher requirements here than elsewhere, we need to take international competition into account and ensure that, if possible, we do not cause the transport of containers to move back to the roads, which would be counterproductive.
I have voted in favour of the joint motion for a resolution on the EU-Canada Summit, held today, as I think that it is important not only to maintain relations at a high level, but also to deepen and improve them further.
Mr Chávez's new Left-Wing doctrine is known as Christian Socialism but it has little in common with the social teachings of the Church. That is why representatives of the Venezuelan bishops have criticised the lack of democracy.
The view that the construction of buildings constitutes the provision of building services and not the marketing of products, and that construction activity also includes the incorporation into a building of any non-serial manufactured components, has finally prevailed, which is something I welcome.
I have tabled a parliamentary written question to the Commission in the hope that the European Union will stop this unacceptable aggression.
We should strive to combine openness and maximum access to the Internet with safety not only for children but anyone else who might be as risk as a result of Internet abuse.
We need a major change of course and this calls for an act of considerable humility on the Commission's part in reopening the debate on foreign policy towards the Mediterranean and taking a fresh look at the Union for the Mediterranean, whilst at the same time ensuring that Europe has a role within it.
In order to meet the two degree target that the European Union has been saying for years it wants to meet, rich countries must reduce their emissions by 40%.
While developing the creative industries economically, we must not forget those who work in this sector.
Countries which today are part of our neighbourhood may lose their stability and slide towards other principles for establishing regional order.
2.
I also want to thank the members of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy for having adopted this report by a fairly large majority and I hope that tomorrow many of the Members will vote for it here in this House.
(DE) Madam President, I, too, should like to thank the rapporteur, Mr Dess.
We have heard a great deal.
We have a responsibility to the economy and we must first of all be strong at European Union level to enable us to lead the way globally.
(PL) We are all aware that due to the continuing food crisis many people, especially those living in the very poorest developing countries, are experiencing great difficulties.
Many heating and cooling renewable technologies are highly economical and there is a lot of potential in this area.
I understand the problems and I am proud of Commissioner Michel who, instead of wringing his hands and convening working groups, just got down to it with the motto 'deeds, not words'.
In particular, these deficits will always have to be close and also temporary.
We are not doing people any favours in the end.
Therefore, since this additive does not pose any risk to health and has a genuine role to play in food preparation, there was no reason to oppose its authorisation.
Many Latin American countries long insisted that this import regime illegally discriminated in favour of bananas from ACP countries and violated WTO rules on quantitative restrictions.
We will identify the key challenges for the future and set out our response.
I am sure that here, in this chamber, the necessary vision, will and energy will be found to pursue this admirable aim of uniting the peoples of Europe and strengthening Europe's position in the world.
This fund can provide for those who have lost their jobs to retrain and acquire qualifications to get back into the workforce.
I am also glad that many European citizens are listening to this very important matter for our everyday lives - the so-called 'Green Paper', which perhaps sounds a little distant.
This means that energy conservation, or using less energy, is a target that we are going to fail to meet.
The new threats to our environment and our health caused by climate change must be met head-on and in an effective way.
The Commission is providing urgent measures of limited duration, and mainly of a social nature, which are welcome.
Follow-up to the Monterrey Conference of 2002 on Financing for Development (
The aim is to strengthen the Union by allowing the Member States to have a greater involvement and increasingly to pool their currently separate efforts in relation to the CFSP.
You are indeed the face of the fight for this particular regulation and for openness and transparency in Parliament.
Solidarity within the community will be assured by an agreement between Member States with the consent of stakeholders.
We can use it to back up our arguments worldwide.
In fact, for the time being, we are not going to pay (applause) the corresponding financial contribution.
I will come back to this again later.
There is therefore no reason to suspect that Croatia is a nation hostile to the LGBT minority.
We have drawn up a list of measures that must be regulated by the rating agencies.
We must prevent all distortions of competition.
OLAF provides intelligence to its partners about the emerging threats and cooperates with Member States, so this is really an area of international cooperation.
But, in the second place, at a more global level, in 2008 the Commission will organise the ex-post evaluation of FP6.
The agreement with the Russian Federation to put raw material agreements on the agenda is another definite result - not just an announcement - and two meetings have been held.
They were very humble people.
Only then should we take a look at how best to give shape to the Stability and Growth Pact.
Frankly speaking, I do not understand why Fidel Castro's European friends are so doggedly defending the idea of a bankrupt and demoralised revolution.
in writing. - The Maltese delegation in the S&D Group will be voting in favour of the motion for resolution on the subsidiarity principle as presented by Mr Mauro, Mr Busuttil and Mr Weber.
After the negotiations, the question of funding has still not been resolved.
I voted for the report because the transmission of pathogenic bacteria carrying AMR genes constitutes a particular threat to people, through the intake of said bacteria and/or through daily contact with animals.
For this reason, I have asked for time to work with all the countries of the European Union, with all the Member States, to look at whether we need to incorporate this type of consideration into the new agreement.
This report establishes a set of recommendations aimed at enabling the EU to respond effectively to this challenge.
Therefore, the European budget must have funds reserved to support language learning, intercultural dialogue, increasing the mobility of young people and integration of graduates in the job market.
The Buşoi report concerns the SOLVIT network, created by the European Commission to give citizens and businesses free help in asserting their rights within the Union, particularly in cases of dispute.
Explanations of vote
Firstly, we must acknowledge the limitations of the Financial Perspective agreement adopted in 2006 by the Member States.
We cannot say about people who have fled from their country and sought asylum in Europe, for whatever reason, and about people who have voluntarily climbed into an overcrowded boat and put their lives at risk: 'We want to send these people back before they have even arrived'.
Report: Mojca Drčar Murko
(PT) Tomorrow the Prime Ministers and Heads of State will sign the Lisbon Treaty in Lisbon.
Parliament has an official car service which most of us use and which works very well.
The Council has also invited all Member States to continue their support for UNHCR, the International Organisation for Migration, the Red Cross and all relevant actors, the efforts of which are paramount in helping those displaced as a consequence of protracted violence in Libya.
Of course, approving measures and procedures to deal with the crisis does not in itself take you immediately out of the crisis.
A repeat of a situation similar to the experiences of the recent past must be prevented.
Secondly and importantly, the reputation of European wine will be damaged yet again.
Halabja was not a one-off; there were many Halabjas throughout Iraq.
Thich Quang Do, the leader of the church, is still being held under arrest, and the land belonging to the Catholics is still confiscated.
Both the European Parliament and patients' organisations have for some time been asking for an adjustment to the current regulations which, as they stand, do not guarantee the necessary information.
They do not do this because they have to, but because they want to.
We have already done a lot together.
However, before arriving at a definitive wording of this draft directive, I will be careful to consult those MEPs, yourself included, who are most involved in this issue.
We have to build a new economic model based on knowledge and high employment.
Nor do we consider it appropriate for every disabled insured person to be entitled to the costs of travel and stay for an accompanying person.
Once again, what message would we send if we failed to conclude this conciliation with an agreement?
Our flagship initiatives are all construed in a way that means that European Union-level action complements those actions by the Member States.
The two regions account for 60% of world trade and have been able to mobilise 75% of the world's net investment.
The other element we want to concentrate upon is the six legislative texts.
We are notably looking for child development and child education, and not only female child education - if you teach the woman, you teach the family - but also primary education.
The EU will see to and encourage further freedoms for all Burmese citizens and remains concerned about Aung San Suu Kyi's wellbeing and safety, as she is being kept under surveillance by state security services.
Europe must focus its creative and innovative abilities for both social and economic reasons.
Subject: Commission's communications strategy for the Irish referendum
A storm of protest erupted in some parts of Germany a few days ago over the issue of fruit and apple wines.
In financial terms, although there is no additional financing from the EU budget, the strategy proposes a more coordinated use of existing funds and a more imaginative approach to other funding sources such as the European Investment Bank or the Nordic Investment Bank.
rapporteur. - (DE) Mr President, Commissioner, President-in-Office of the Council, you just said that we are at the start of the budgetary process.
I also endorse the importance of an energy market development strategy for the EU, as advocated in this report.
That is why we have to develop a whole policy in order to bring this barrier down, because we will need ICT to enable older people to stay active and productive for longer, to continue to engage in society with more accessible online services, and to enjoy a healthier and higher quality of life for longer.
This new approach, this breath of fresh air that you want to bring into European policy with this ambitious programme, is therefore the right one.
I welcome the efforts towards the effective liberalisation of national gas markets and third party access to the network, which increases the level of transparency.
We know that this measurement is very complex and can be manipulated, since fossil fuels, after extraction, are transported and processed, and their by-products distributed and used in many ways, at thousands of end points.
This is not the moment for those who bear primary responsibility and are to blame for the entire policy to evade or deny it.
I protest against this rule of the lowest budget proposal at the expense of farmers.
Firstly, it seemed to us that the Maastricht criteria were going to drag Europe into at least five years of pro-cyclical recessionary policy and, secondly, the way in which the monetary policy was incorporated into the general economic policy by the Maastricht Treaty was not satisfactory.
First of all, it differs from the European Social Fund in both its methodology and its objectives. The two instruments cannot therefore be confused, either formally or in practice.
Because they happen to show that Europe is not built on flawed legal texts, which are necessary but are difficult for the various nations to understand.
Calendar of part-sessions: see Minutes
They not only constitute the main source of state revenue, but also allow social objectives of the utmost importance to be achieved.
The threats posed by new climate, financial, health and other risks indicate that the common agricultural policy, far from being obsolete, is needed to play a fundamental role in global food security and the preservation of our rural communities.
A final remark on Iran: Mr Solana, I wish you good luck in Iran.
The Charter of Fundamental Rights must be legally binding in full and for all because the Charter of Fundamental Rights is the application in practice of our shared values.
In view of future needs, there is no doubt that agriculture has to become a strategic sector, or indeed a crucial sector for the economic development of the EU and the whole world.
It is also the Member States' opportunity to show that they are not merely paying lip service to this, but that they do indeed have competent, capable candidates who are women and who they are prepared to put forward.
(DA) Mr President, democracy, for me, means posing a question and then getting an answer.
Concerning the increase in GDP, statistically of course it is not possible to have a direct link, but you can do correlation analyses from which you can find out that this is correlated in the long term.
Finally, I would like to say that the Commission believes that this proposal will also enable it to improve budgetary control.
It is worthwhile recalling that Turkey is a modern, secular country and that in Turkey, women got the vote long before women got the vote in some parts of the EU - something we should remember as we look back over one hundred years of feminism.
Up to now, 20% of the Congolese timber imported onto the European market is of illegal origin, whether it is for production, sale, processing or export.
The Energy Labelling Directive has a crucial role to play in the achievement of the EU energy efficiency target of 20% by 2020.
After more than a year of negotiations with the Council, Parliament has quite responsibly decided to bring the reports to first reading with the aim of exerting pressure to break the current deadlock, which affects not only these two proposals but also all the others that are to be put before us in the near future.
Despite efforts made and initiatives carried out by the IWC (International Whaling Commission), the situation with regard to numerous species of cetaceans is still worrying, as a large number are threatened with extinction.
While these developments create suitable conditions for economic activity, we can also see that capital often takes precedence over people, endangering their health and even their lives.
I do not doubt that they mean well but the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
To hear President Sarkozy argue the case, before this House, for a mission to protect Europe, one would almost think he had never accepted either Maastricht or the Lisbon Treaty.
Otherwise, we run the risk of becoming irrelevant.
We need a more active labour market policy and one which covers many areas.
Women, unlike men, still bear the main responsibility for the care of the child and other dependents, and are often forced to choose between motherhood and professional development.
Look also at the Euro Emergency Fund, which is beginning to resemble a Ponzi scheme.
This position makes provision for active ingredients used in pesticides to be approved following an assessment of the dangers and risks which they pose to human and animal health and to the environment.
Romania and the Republic of Moldova have particularly close economic relations.
The content of this proposal is both wrong and unenforceable.
in writing. - I believe that the EU's right to regulate in the public interest needs to be protected and also that we need to ensure the responsible behaviour of European investors outwith the EU, which is why I supported this report.
The rights of our citizens have to be respected by the Commission, the Council, and obviously Parliament too - by all the EU institutions.
The report presents convincing arguments in favour of the gradual implementation of this project.
I shall try to judge it on its merits and demerits.
The integrated approach provides a unified policy framework which makes it possible to coordinate efforts aimed at solving the impacts of the crisis on employment and the social area and may help to establish a balance between short-term measures aimed at solving short-term needs, for example, temporary reductions in working hours, and long-term reforms involving, for example, better qualifications and active policies on the labour market.
It is especially important to agree on economic partnerships to strengthen the compatibility of EU policy for the good of development and, inter alia, the promotion of suitable work, welfare and job creation and ensure the appropriate implementation of trade commitments and the application of a suitable transition period for these commitments.
For Luxembourg, Article 5 of the regulation is vitally important.
Which are the right mechanisms to avoid damage to competitiveness, or for consumers to have a choice?
Turkmenistan is a country that matters as the European Union seeks to diversify its sources of energy supply; that much is beyond dispute.
And of course the whole issue of globalisation is one that will concentrate our minds over the next number of years - not just in the short term for 2008 - and I welcome the initiatives taken in particular by the Commission to prepare Europe to deal with the effects and impacts, both positive and negative, of what globalisation will mean.
There is a danger that protectionism will increase because of the current world economic crisis.
I believe that we should be on our guard.
In the end, it is the two sides who come together to make the decision and to find the peace.
I believe that the answer to this is as follows. Accession provides an additional external check at EU level in terms of respecting rights.
Nothing.
Europe occupies a smaller role in current American plans and concerns.
As a full member of the Committee on Budgets, I am particularly interested in developments in the area of increased financial supervision and the permanent crisis mechanism.
We must be quite clear about the fact that we do not want cloned meat to be approved in Europe, for both animal welfare and ethical reasons.
Here I would like to mention three examples of measures that have either already been taken or are due to be taken in this regard.
There is also the question of the composition of the expert groups.
We are not here to re-found the EU.
The new partnership and cooperation agreement will provide us with an instrument to deepen our dialogue with Tajikistan in this field, and there is the human rights clause.
Thousands of Tibetans have campaigned against the possible end to bilingual policy in peaceful protests in schools and universities.
I would like to mention just one of these discriminatory measures, which affects traditional national minorities.
The papers that I have so far ...
The decision to travel to Europe is not a decision which is influenced mainly by price but by the quality of what Europe has to offer.
For me, and the majority of Lithuanians, it is therefore important for the new rules on the labelling of textile products mentioned in this report to help protect the reputation of our textile sector.
The effect of sanctions in Zimbabwe, Sudan and Burma, to name but three countries, has been very detrimental to ordinary people in those countries.
The rapporteur, Mrs Jackson, has been getting money from a recycling company or a waste-disposal company, which was undeclared, when she was actually rapporteur of this committee.
Human rights violations in Russia, and especially in North Caucasus, can no longer be ignored.
Of course, we would not get by on our EUR 116 billion in payments, but the whole of Parliament would be standing by to guarantee the relevant payments in supplementary and amending budgets.
I therefore believe that it would be useful to embark on a path with the aim of guaranteeing appropriate solidity of public finances to maintain confidence in the markets and ensure that the public can again believe in the worth of the European project.
We still have another 10 minutes' 'catch the eye', each with a minute at the most.
We cannot talk in generalised terms about the overcapacity or the overfishing or the lack of compliance.
With regard to the financial crisis and the need for the economy to go on functioning properly, I am in favour of Member States using their financial strength to intervene in order to restore confidence.
There is a need for the production of food - we saw that clearly last year - and we need to free up farmers from bureaucracy; we need simplification.
I believe that the small and medium-sized enterprises package contained some of these elements.
The Court of Auditors judged that the Authority's annual accounts for the financial year 2009 are reliable and that the underlying transactions are legal and regular.
What is the Commissioner doing to promote knowledge and understanding of consumer rights, which vary across the Member States of the European Union?
These tests have been restricted to life-threatening illnesses and brain diseases.
Regarding the last mission to Brazil, there were indeed problems, but I challenge you to look at all the reports of our FVO missions to any of the Member States and make a comparison.
We will continue with the joint debate on the report by Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, on the 2006 annual report on the CFSP, and the report by Helmut Kuhne, on the implementation of the European Security Strategy and ESDP.
It required the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) to be made permanent.
If the President is not a President per se, then say he is a Chairman; why not call him a Chairman?
As a result of many years' research, not least by Lord Pearson - at his considerable expense - it has become obvious that the BBC has, in effect, been bought by the EIB on behalf of the EU.
What has happened in Madeira has dramatically shown us the importance of strengthening cooperation and solidarity in the European Union as well as in the area of disaster prevention.
However, this is a new challenge which calls for well-balanced efforts without giving way to the natural human temptation - inevitable, given the attacks we have suffered in the years since 11 September - to generalise or to build a Fortress Europe, or to sideline a priority that is central to the process of EU integration, namely the safeguarding of fundamental rights.
These objectives should be pursued alongside the Millennium Development Goals, which are closely linked to political stability, and should frame the entire process.
The 30% emissions reduction target will now appear in the legal text, following the international agreement.
I also want to remind colleagues that our new power of control over the EU executive requires from us more work than before.
On the other hand, we have to stress the fact that different scenarios involve different costs.
However, I can speak on the financial assistance to those affected.
Georgia should also be allowed to go on the path for NATO, eventually for full membership.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, I wish to thank Members for their contributions.
Exactly 70 years ago, on 17 September 1939, the Red Army - in collusion with Hitler - occupied one third of Poland, which was then fighting against the German invasion.
For that reason, these are the right proposals.
I know that votes took place in the different committees, but I also know that there are many colleagues in the two big groups who feel deeply uncomfortable with the current position.
At the moment there is no European fleet competing with the non-industrial fleets of these countries in West Africa, although the same cannot be said of other foreign industrial fleets.
It is therefore only natural that a large number of questions should arise concerning the safety of nuclear power plant in all EU countries and of the nuclear power plants to be constructed in Turkey and other Balkan countries and the guarantees provided concerning their safe operation.
To this end, we need clear policy lines, coherent economic policies and stable social criteria.
We had banks being nationalised in the United Kingdom, banks going bankrupt in Belgium, an Icelandic system - outside Europe but so close to Europe - that was collapsing, very bad news in Switzerland and, little by little, contagion: Germany, France, all swept along.
The atmosphere in Cyprus is full of renewed hope, but one thing is threatening to destroy the euphoric climate.
author. - Mr President, the persecution of Nobel Prize Laureate Mrs Shirin Ebadi is only one example of many that are taking place in Iran currently, and such persecution should come as no surprise to us considering the blinkered vision of the anachronistically theocratic rulers of that country.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - (NL) On the afternoon of Wednesday, 18 June I had an appointment with three respectable, peaceable Chinese citizens at a hotel in Beijing.
In Egypt the Muslim Brotherhood, which could potentially win 30% of the vote, is the only well-organised opposition force; the EU should have no illusions here, but should instead give serious consideration to how it will deal with an electoral victory by Islamists.
Likewise, agricultural methods that prevent the compaction and erosion of soils should also be supported.
I heard various examples of what is happening right now, for example in the important issue of water.
Georgia has practically eliminated the cancer of corruption in state institutions and the civil service by means of a series of public sector reforms (concerning the public prosecutor's office, the judiciary and the police) and political reforms.
You, as a Swede, understand what this is about.
(PL) Madam President, Commissioner, we would all like European Union policy to be effective, but for it to be effective, it must be fully consistent both in terms of the Eastern Dimension of Neighbourhood Policy as well as the Southern Dimension.
I am convinced that, at the time of the economic recession, it is essential to strengthen institutional mechanisms for gender equality.
This is the level below which a family is deemed to be living in poverty.
We made proposals to improve the text.
(SV) Madam President, having listened to the debate today and read all the amendments, I get the feeling that certain people believe that only dialogue is good and helpful and that any military presence is bad and counterproductive.
The vote will take place tomorrow.
Tensions that are turning into open conflict are threatening to overshadow South Sudan's independence and plunge the region once again into chaos.
There is more awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing across all sectors, compared to a few years ago.
The organisers will have to be identified: who they are, what they support, for whom they are working.
The VVD believes, in fact, that Turkey must first adhere to a number of firm commitments.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sittings: see Minutes
Again, I think it is regrettable that no one from the Council is present at this important debate.
(SK) Ladies and gentlemen, I have been enjoying today's very good atmosphere during the debate on the internal market and I would like to thank all those who have contributed to it.
Can we please marry these two concepts?
A major concern for me and the people I represent is that these animals travel in inhumane, crowded, filthy conditions, with limited food and water.
Such organisations should be dissolved and attitudes similar to those expressed by the Hungarian Guard should be forbidden and punished by law.
The chaos and the diplomatic disaster at home will distract the government and the European public eye from Europe.
The vast majority of the European Parliament is an ally.
This report therefore proposes finally giving the EU the resources to match its ambitions, by arguing for a substantial increase in the EU budget of a minimum of 5% and a mobilisation of the budgetary resources of the Union for the benefit of the EU 2020 strategy.
In paragraph 13, the report suggests the need to strike a balance with regard to investors' rights.
However, it is absolutely vital that we admit only skilled labour and I propose that we select professions which are in short supply on the labour market in Europe.
it is essential for the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament to work together on the matter;
The second element, clearly, is the economy.
Let us revere and honour them.
We believe that only a Europe that makes full use of its economic, human and cultural potential can hold its own, economically and politically, in global competition.
It figures in the priorities of the Barroso Commission and the Commission is vigilant in exercising its role as guardian of the Treaty.
I consider it a disguised subsidy for the re-election of a number of our fellow Members and I will be voting against this provision.
These services are already being used.
Finally, concerning Afghanistan: not only have we already delivered a lot in the past, but, as I have said before, we are ready to contribute to the civilian search, and there will be some additional funding that we will find from our Asia budget for the elections, the police and, most probably, for agriculture because it is important to have additional alternative livelihoods.
I hope that all interested countries and institutions will pay appropriate attention to this report and will adopt its valuable recommendations.
Ukraine must also, as a matter of priority, have good relations with its neighbouring countries, the countries of the Eastern Partnership and EURONEST.
(PL) Mr President, I voted against the report on equal treatment of persons, despite, and perhaps precisely because, I am opposed to discrimination.
At present Russian and Belarusian intentions to build nuclear power plants are a major cause for concern for the countries of Eastern Europe, in particular the Baltic States.
It remains blocked in the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, and all the international pressure exerted did not manage, in the end, to bring about this effect, namely, the withdrawal of the project.
That is a democratic right.
Furthermore - and it is worth recalling because it is rare - this was the conclusion reached by all the European countries, none of which have supported it in front of the worthy prosecutors and great defenders of freedoms and of human rights that are China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Cuba, to cite just a few examples.
This should bring us one step closer to a more sustainable transport system.
Evaluation mechanism to monitor the application of the Schengen acquis (
In response, the aim of this proposal is to adopt a new regulation with the aforementioned dual legal basis.
Our fundamental concept is to make individual European social policies compatible in such a way that will ensure competition and development from the bottom up, with a view to progress that always includes a social dimension.
Subject: Transparency with regard to management pay
To achieve all this, we need to raise awareness, and this is a very important factor; this is something where we are lagging behind - I will come back to that in a minute.
I welcome the report by my colleague, Mrs Doyle, and I voted in favour of it today.
This is why I think that forest owners should be given a direct payment per area.
To ignore Libya and the Maghreb would truly be a very serious mistake.
Mr President, I would like to congratulate the Swedish Presidency on its historic opportunity to steer the EU toward implementation of the Lisbon Treaty.
It is to connect the European project to the concrete needs of our citizens.
In order to resolve these problems, it is essential not only that the EU should cooperate more effectively internally, but also that it should operate in a coherent manner worldwide.
Unfortunately, this has met with only partial success, since the Council and the Socialist Group in the European Parliament insisted on the excessive - ultimately 80% - use of Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM).
However, it is also important for us to take a long-term view and to meet important challenges in both the medium and the long term.
Lenin said that extremism is the infantile disease of communism; we could paraphrase Lenin and say that extremism is perhaps an infantile disease of all political, religious, economic and ideological programmes.
The high standnards that we, Europeans, wish to have, are achievable only through solidiarity action.
France expressed its regret and disapproval at the time.
G20 labour and employment ministers meeting (Washington, 20/21 April) (debate)
Interpretation of the Rules of Procedure: see Minutes
How can you justify this distinction?
However, it is just as important that this targeted approach should also look at how matters are implemented in the regions, so that these funds do not impede one another, so that we do not duplicate subsidies, so that we do not promote nonsensical programmes - in other words we must coordinate the objectives pursued with these funds.
In the long run the conditions for world peace and a response to the greatest security threat to the modern world cannot be created without it.
Both are bound to grow in the future.
At the same time, we are aware that so-called reformers are promoting new solutions, such as, for example, renationalising cohesion policy. In essence, that would amount to negating the policy of solidarity.
It must be emphasised that the aim of the scientific and political world should always be to phase out the use of animals in research if and when alternative and effective methods not using animals are made available.
The importance of the European Parliament and its role in adopting European legislation is irreplaceable.
However, fisheries partnership agreements should not simply be a legal way of allowing European vessels to have access to fish stocks in third countries; they should also be a tool to promote sustainable exploitation of all maritime resources.
(ES) Mr President, I would be grateful if you would use your authority as President of this sitting to call to order a group of Members who seem to think they are at the circus and not Parliament and are spoiling the quality of this debate by their joking and cheering.
I thought you were going to ask me whether I was speaking in Lithuanian at the beginning!
It is becoming necessary to adapt the budgetary instruments to the new reality of the European External Action Service (EEAS).
I am delighted to hear that there is a will to develop this special relationship at parliamentary level.
The European Commission deemed this request for printing and recorded media reproduction companies justifiable, and was backed overwhelmingly by the relevant parliamentary committee.
You have often heard about communication deficit.
It will not be within the power of the affected countries to fund this exclusively from their own sources.
The condition for doing so, of course, would be the creation of a post-Kyoto system or support from the European Council and the Commission in our efforts to get proper value for our remaining climate resources.
I think it is good that, in our report, we establish a system for dealing with countries that fail to fulfil their commitments, in other words a requirement for the problems to be remedied directly.
The Commission and the European Investment Bank have the most comprehensive ethical rules of the EU institutions.
I worry about Article 69.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (CS) Ladies and gentlemen, first of all I should like to express my admiration for the way the Chinese authorities have been dealing with the aftermath of the destructive earthquake that shook the province of Sichuan and affected almost 10 million people.
Mr President, I welcome the debate tomorrow on the air crisis because we need to remember that this has an impact not just on this Parliament, but on individuals and businesses across Europe.
However, we are also concerned that there are still forces at work that are trying to destabilise the country.
Also, during my time at the Council of Europe, I was a rapporteur for a report on maternity in which it was found that, in the developing countries and also in Europe, women were often not given basic protection during pregnancy.
Such is the case with Mr Amato, the former Italian Prime Minister, who said that the text was made unreadable because if it had been a simple text, everyone would have realised it was a Constitution and would have called for a referendum.
I think it exceptionally important for the start of the discharge exercise that you explain to us clearly and unequivocally what is really involved here.
Member States are also going down this road, and I am convinced that the private sector will do the same, once the framework conditions are right.
It would be correct to supervise the implementation of Parliament's recommendations to Montenegro, and if these recommendations are implemented, I believe that the accession of a country like Montenegro can only be a benefit to the EU.
So there are vulnerable ecosystems - as shown by scientific evidence - at that depth.
(Interjections from the floor)
Asylum policy should be an act of humanity and solidarity.
I disagree entirely with that view.
For that reason, and with the imminent entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, this report was referred back to the LIBE Committee.
You are delighted that the Commission - listen to me, Mr Barroso - was invited to sit on the Financial Stability Forum.
Our proposals are clear, but now I think the crucial issue is another.
- (CS) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, as a member of the Committee of the Regions I had a chance to see with my own eyes the storm-damaged forests in the Slovakia's High Tatra mountains, the fires in Portugal and the floods in the Czech Republic.
I say this because the representative of the Council and the Spanish Presidency said that, in fact, the Americans still have not done everything they promised.
Eighty per cent of Irish mothers drink.
However, the key competences continue to be at the Member State level.
Only with this attitude and with people who have sound qualifications can we, after the crisis, look forward to the future again.
I would like to remind you of the controversy which has surrounded the report and the amendments to the directive concerning the correlation tables proposed by the Commission.
Today's debate conveys the message to the countries concerned that the long list of tasks that lies before them as a result of their commitment does not end after being granted visa exemption, and that they still need to provide their citizens with information about what visa-free travel entails in order to prevent abuses of this opportunity.
It has simply increased the dependency of the states in question on external aid.
It is time that the Posting of Workers Directive was amended such as to prevent requirements on wages and on minimum standards being limited to minimum requirements.
In the current period of uncertainty it was also vitally important that the G20 participants confirmed some of the fundamental economic paradigms: the core or the heart of our global recovery plan must be the jobs, needs and interests of people who are not afraid to work, and this applies across the whole world, not only in the rich countries but also in the poor countries.
in writing. - I support De Keyser and Salafranca's report as someone who has been on two occasions a Chief Observer on behalf of the European Union; Indonesia 2004, Aceh 2006/7.
I am sure that Parliament's support today represents an important step.
I know that there are a lot of challenges, questions and even criticisms here and there, but I am confident that these changes will deliver on a more coherent EU policy on external action.
We know how to prevent human error, we know how to train workers and we know how to provide good automatic protection, and we must strive to ensure that we provide such mechanisms in the future.
What we have before us is a compromise.
The Women's Charter will be followed, in September 2010, by a new comprehensive strategy for equality between women and men.
This fills me, personally, with very great optimism.
If these amendments by the left were to be adopted, the European policy on the return of immigrants would be finished before it even started.
The draft has been aligned with omnibus proposal EU/2008/0032.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, as you know, last week there was a European Council meeting and once again, as has been the case for several months now, MEPs were not able to enter.
Virtually unaltered, apart from a few cosmetic changes.
(Loud applause)
The Commission therefore very much appreciates Parliament's approach, focusing on the long-term benefit of investing in early years learning.
The Commission has recently released a very disappointing report on the implementation of this directive.
The issue is the inhumane way in which seals are being killed and the inability of professional hunters to deal with that.
They have a deeper political basis.
To conclude, Madam President, I am disappointed with the Commissioner's response, in which he leaves the areas of consumer rights to Member States in the name of subsidiarity.
I am thinking of measures like bans on pursuing certain occupations, compulsory psychiatric or sexological treatment and the whole area of supervision of people released from prison on parole.
In Pittsburgh, the leaders invited the US Labour Secretary to convene a meeting of G20 labour and employment ministers.
On this point, cooperation ought to involve not only customs authorities but also the police, the judicial authorities and, in general, all those who are capable of taking action on surveillance and the control of counterfeiting and piracy.
Mr President, the gas crisis has left hundreds of thousands of households across 17 European countries without heating during freezing temperatures.
The vote will take place on Thursday 6 September 2007.
For Roma women, life expectancy can be up to 10 years less than those of the majority.
That is why the European Union remains firmly committed to concluding the negotiations and is keen to advance in negotiations once there is more clarity in the Doha Development Round.
A strategy which includes culture, creativity and art will contribute enormously to improving quality of life for inhabitants of cities and rural areas.
Otherwise, in a year's time we are going to have to repeat many of today's remarks.
I would also like to say that I think the measures are necessary, like everything that we have done, and everything that Mr Frattini says is going to happen, and that the work done by the police is also very significant, but not sufficient.
(Parliament agreed to accept the oral amendment)
Without the necessary structural changes, this money has clearly seeped away and, despite years of funding, the country has been brought to the brink of ruin.
Using this instrument, the Commission, applying its own criteria to decide what is meant by promoting democracy and human rights, and what constitutes the risk, abuse or repression of those rights, has the option of using its own discretion to finance and support associations, political parties, foundations and even specific individuals from third countries without communicating or coordinating with the government of the country in question.
Religious wars replaced the bridge that had been there with a chasm, but in a way, that bridge is still there.
I call on the United States to carefully consider the criteria on the basis of which visas are granted to citizens from the eastern part of the European Union.
This is a serious problem, as the rapporteur said.
We voted against the references to the Lisbon Treaty in line with our long-standing policy of opposing it.
Furthermore, the low temperatures this winter have caused serious operational problems to electrical power suppliers who have registered record consumption levels.
Since the initiation of the political dialogue with Cuba last year, the EU side has brought up the issue of political prisoners at each and every meeting.
It requires a step-by-step approach, whereby we first reach a stage of 3% and then, in the medium term, budgetary equilibrium.
In future, there will no longer be 27 national licensing authorities but only 3 licensing zones for licensing plant protection products.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (NL) Mr President, Mr Barroso's slogan is 'delivering results for Europe', but these results must also be in the area of intangible business, not only in the market.
A few weeks ago, I was in Haiti to follow up the visits made by my colleagues Baroness Ashton, Mrs Georgieva and Mr Piebalgs, and it was clear that, even outside Africa, there are challenges to be overcome in disease prevention and public health in the poorest countries.
(HU) Madam President, Madam Commissioner, 150 years ago, a countryman of mine by the name of Ármin Vámbéry was the first European to bring news of the closed societies of Central Asia to the wider world, and information on the cultural, administrative and economic situation of this region prior to the Russian conquest.
(FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, it is often said that money forms the sinews of war.
The increased frequency and intensity of disasters in Europe should also provide further incentives for Member States to invest in preparedness and build up their capacity.
These 80 per cent include nuclear energy which is currently underestimated and continues to be overshadowed by apprehensions and dogma over the past two decades.
According to the Court of Auditors, as much as 11% of the total sums spent on cohesion policy are sums that should not have been spent at all.
The Commission should increase its efforts, ensuring that Member States apply directives correctly and that citizens are informed about their rights and, most importantly, that they are able to exercise those rights in practice.
This is the only way in which the EU can maintain its credibility with regard to the promises it has made - the goal of accession, with all the criteria being met.
(MT) I would also like to congratulate my fellow Member, Carlos Coelho, for his report on this initiative which is granting third-country citizens the possibility of greater freedom of movement within the European free zone.
(GA) Mr President, without a doubt cancer is a terrible disease, and as they say in my own country, it is killing the country, as both young and old people are dying from the disease every day.
We should bury the ideas of a military victory once and for all.
What do you think about the statements of Tony Blair?
I am also very pleased that this proposal for a directive allows the application of reduced VAT rates to some services linked to the construction sector as well as catering services.
The changes to financial market regulation and market supervision represent a whole chapter in the effort to combat the current financial and economic crisis.
We want, in the long run, to make it easier to travel to the European Union - we want the visa system to be easier.
Mr Bouazizi, who immolated himself, is the Jan Palach of Tunisia, and when Jan Palach immolated himself, this whole Parliament was behind him.
The main task the European Union has to address is to draw up a credible security strategy based on the various facets of possible European action: cooperation and development policy, regional programmes, coordination strategies for highway security, and security training policies.
Now this initiative has come in response to what we have constantly been requesting in this plenary, with the aim of converting Europol into an EU agency, financed from the Community budget, and strengthening our role of democratic control.
I will take all the supplementaries together - remember that you have 30 seconds for the supplementary - and then I will ask the Commissioners to answer all the supplementaries en masse.
Nowadays, Member States are facing economic, financial and social crises, creating the need more than ever for solidarity and respect for the Union's basic principles.
draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Legal Affairs. - Madam President, the Legal Affairs Committee supports the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on cross-border payments in the Community.
Mr President, I just want to touch on two issues as far as assent is concerned.
I too, as a Member of Parliament and as a European citizen, expect to obtain full access to all the correspondence that has taken place with France and possibly other Member States.
The following questions are addressed to the Council.
The implementation of this inherently toothless directive must be legally strengthened and this should be linked to sanctions in order to ensure that it is possible to implement the directive.
Only then can the EU achieve its goals of growth, employment and social cohesion.
Among other things, the report proposes the introduction of a single student ID card in the EU.
Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou has drafted a very good report - I can say that on behalf of the PPE-DE Group and on a very personal level too, Marie - which gives us the green light for the designation of 2010 as the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.
Then I think we should have a glass of wine, or port, to celebrate what the Portuguese Presidency has achieved on this very important file.
This will certainly not reduce the disgraceful trafficking in human beings.
For the same reason, this kind of commerce also guarantees greater participation by the least developed countries in international trade.
What exactly is its purpose?
Protection of fishermen depends on protection of catches.
Mr Vondra has already gone into this.
The Commission furthermore strives to promote a responsible use of media and the Internet.
In paragraph 127 of the original report there was a proposal which called on all the EU Member States to ban the wearing of headscarves and the hijab at school.
Women must be involved in the measures taken to try to prevent conflicts and promote crisis management and peace negotiations.
This model has clearly been unsustainable, resulting in the build-up of significant fiscal, which means a high general government deficit and growth debt stock, increasing interest payments and macro-economic, which implies a high current account deficit and external debt outflow of income imbalances.
The Commission will issue a report on these areas in October.
Some concerns arose in the Council about certain aspects and parts of the proposal.
I agree that we must define the division of powers between the EU and the Member States more clearly.
This is why we need to make more headway.
I believe that the multiannual work programme will improve cost-effectiveness through enhanced regional cooperation and the pooling of means under joint deployment plans.
Therefore, we have to attack the root causes which make medicines big business: one of the biggest businesses on a world scale.
Any direct application of the previously-mentioned safeguard mechanisms based on the bilateral safeguard clauses of the EU-South Korea FTA would be a very sensitive matter, and the result could contrast sharply with the euphoria surrounding the adoption of this agreement.
I am pleased that my proposal to call on Turkey to retract its plans for the expropriation of the Monastery of St. Gabriel in Tur Abdin has been included in the motion for a resolution.
We must, today, take action to mitigate these effects.
At its worst, this could even appear counterproductive.
The European Union is ready to do its part by keeping Member States united and respectful of European common legislation and competence.
In addition to the human suffering, Madagascar's biodiversity is under threat.
What would an auditor say to a set of accounts if he did not have access to all the annexes?
Thank you very much for your attention.
The Commission will therefore be asked to carry out a more in-depth analysis of the issue of mandatory 'made in' labels for textile products manufactured outside the EU, and by 2013 it will produce a report on the possible launch of a system for country-of-origin labelling for products.
As you know, there is no resolution and no vote.
However, we all need to be proactive in seeking those, with emphasis on the small rather than the medium.
Trust is good, control is even better.
I would also like to remind our liberal fellow Members, and, in particular, Mr Rohde, that the reason he was in favour of free trade was because of its devastating effects, since he maintained that the fact that the British bourgeoisie was driven by dishonourable interests was of little consequence: Indian society needed to be destroyed in order to precipitate the dawn of the global revolution.
Such an imbalance is an increasingly serious practical and moral obstacle for further progress.
She was then my special representative for the Caucasus.
Again, that is pretty important in the current situation.
Small Moroccan producers are not the ones who benefit from our agreements, as they do not have the capacity to produce in conditions acceptable to the European market.
And so to the wedding that Martin was so keen to describe. It is indeed an interesting state of affairs, for the bridegroom is marrying the same bride for a second time.
I have also tried to prevent what I see as a precedent which would exclude the older Member States, particularly Portugal, from this funding, and possibly from using other additional sources of Community aid.
Meanwhile there is time for discussions, which I know José Manuel Barroso has also stated, and to have this type of dialogue concerning how European policy is to develop in the years ahead.
Internally, Europe has a big task ahead: it needs to implement the energy and climate package, to invest in clean technologies, scientific research and energy efficiency, to invest in a new industrial policy based on innovation and the efficiency of natural resources, to promote policies on low-carbon cities and sustainable transport and mobility.
So, for example, are we going to support proposals that appear to be on the table, according to what is on the blogosphere, that MP3 players and laptops can be confiscated at borders?
First of all, I agree with those who say that those employed in this sector - and they are mostly women, of course - are entitled to fair pay and fair social services.
I am counting on this and I am already looking forward to seeing what you are going to do in the near future.
We need to support our security forces with the equipment they need to prevent terrorism.
1.
I agree with your idea that the Global Programme Management Board must not be an assembly.
The transparent citizen is increasingly becoming a reality and all of this is based on data and information from the secret services whose role and reliability have become highly controversial, not least since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Improving the quality of our ambient air remains a major challenge to be addressed.
It is important for it also to consider the changes that the Commission's 2000 report identified as necessary.
It is extremely difficult to open new chapters.
Can I conclude by informing colleagues of some good news from the United States which I have just received, which is that the US Administration has decided to put the Revolutionary Guards on the terrorist list.
I said 'in the middle', Mrs Harms.
We want to develop a financial framework that can sustain our solidarity commitments with third countries in the Copenhagen Green Climate Fund and, at the same time, foster improvements in accounting rules and our response in terms of both reductions in emissions caused by deforestation and technological cooperation.
- (CS) Mr President, in times gone by, the slogan that the 'customer is king' held true, lifetime guarantees were not the exception, and quality was a matter of honour.
Examples of these countries include Israel, Columbia and Morocco, to name but three, on different continents.
In your response you spoke about forthcoming summits on climate change.
They run up against the new United States policy, if they consider that the Obama administration, in particular through the statements of Vice-President Joe Biden, has changed its style, then the European Union will fall behind the new American policy, although this would not be in our interest.
The increasing mobility of EU citizens is leading to any increase in the number of marriages in which spouses are of different nationalities and live in different states, or live in a Member State of which neither is a national.
It is only natural that they should be concentrating on other measures, such as agriculture, services - although not by questioning the right of developing countries to regulate public services - and industrial tariffs, but not at the expense of a successful outcome to this development round.
Meanwhile, how is the corps of the European External Action Service being created?
The Commission considers that such differences, some of which the Commission is solving through cooperation with the Member States, are marginal, and that the desired level of harmonisation seems to have been attained.
The fact that the Czech Republic, which will hold the EU presidency in the first half of next year, is the only EU Member State that has not yet ratified it is, in my opinion, an embarrassment to what, unfortunately in this case, is my native country.
Examples of this are the recent resolutions on Pakistan and China, which were not nearly as strong in tone, nor was there such evident support for the internal opposition.
I am very sorry about this.
With its EU 2020 strategy, the European Union must, therefore, give an effective response to the economic and financial crisis and ensure that the economic capacity of this bloc of 500 million people remains competitive, in other words, that the EU27 do not fall behind their economic and political rivals.
There is a long way to go to achieving European standards, but some progress needs to be made.
Germany and France have been blackmailed by the United Kingdom.
The question of ownership, industrial management and network security has not, in my opinion, been sufficiently analysed.
The conclusion of the agreement will result in increasing opportunities of economic and social development for the air carriers and passengers as well.
Some countries of the European Union have been members for 20 or 30 years and are still part of these programmes, and we all have the same rights.
If it has nothing to hide, the inquiry should be carried out.
The point has been made, but needs to be made precise, that the US and Europe are totally different.
Public confidence in Europe will decline even further as a result.
I also think that the Horn of Africa is possibly the poorest region in the world.
As part of the discharge report, we took over, word for word, passages provided by members of the main Groups expressing opinions that were critical of the agencies.
You will have heard many stories, largely put about in eurosceptic circles, of how the European Commission and the European bureaucracy want to regulate a whole host of minutiae.
I have witnessed earthquakes in Turkey.
I have no illusions about this.
You proposed quartering the assets of Poland's shipyards, selling them in an unconditional tender, and then putting them in the hands of private investors.
It fully deserves to be included in the existing TNT network of Pan-European Transport Corridors.
They are an essential component of truly open, innovative and competitive societies.
We cannot accept a resolution that welcomes the intention to develop an external dimension to the Lisbon Strategy, specifically the promotion of market liberalisation on a worldwide scale, accentuating its neoliberal nature and interference in the economic guidelines of third countries.
I would testify to this under oath if it were the practice of Parliament.
But I would like to give you a word of warning.
The recent international financial instability, which put a severe strain on international and European banking systems, was a cause for deep concern among ordinary European citizens, who did not see any solutions proposed at EU level or any sign of European solidarity during that critical period.
Only then will we also be able to relaunch the European budget.

I am moved by the view that we cannot behave unreasonably towards these human beings.
That is something we should and must respect.
Mr Schwab's report has the aim of merging four different directives: those on off-premises sales, on distance sales, on guarantees and on unfair contract terms.
Many of those were UK citizens trafficked within the UK, not externally sourced, if I might use that expression.
If we give this matter even a moment's serious thought, we cannot deny that a parliament which sets itself apart from all other parliaments in the world by no longer archiving transcriptions of its debates is thereby sacrificing much of its parliamentary identity.
However, child mortality also depends on other factors such as nutrition, housing, access to safe water, sanitation and education.
It is important to ensure that money earmarked to combat illegal immigration is used as it was specifically intended.
However, let us now look at what we could do in the future.
As you have already pointed out, there will be a lot of very concrete examples: concrete examples which will help the citizens because - and this is something new - they will now have a double guarantee.
Iraq should understand that the Iranian regime has no future and is holding on to power for repression and executions.
This is a regrettable fact.
Another aspect which was addressed, for example, in the Tagliavini report on the conflict between Georgia and Russia, is the need for disarmament on an intellectual and linguistic level to counteract inflammatory language and the manipulation of history.
Vice-President of the Commission. - As I said, I have had personal experience and I do not see any reason to start changing the system again or to make some changes to this system.
However, the concept of the Mediterranean diet goes further than that, and in this respect my comments complement his.
Perhaps I will have the chance to see you again.
This not only damages the sector economy, with serious implications for employment, but also undermines any possibility of developing our rural areas.
In practice, in order to meet the strict limit values, it is necessary to install specific equipment destroying most of the cyanide before its storage in the pond.
The use of a unique system for communications with a legal character will provide for rapid, safe, integrated and easy access by interested parties to the information required.
In the context of the scandalous judgment of the European Court of Human Rights, which ordered crosses to be removed from an Italian school, it should be stated emphatically that no group of judges appointed by politicians, not even the Council of Europe, can order the removal of a cross, which has universal and religious significance.
in writing. - (PT) I voted against this joint motion for a resolution.
As we take the principle of subsidiarity seriously, we are of the opinion that Parliament should vote against this report and that Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education should be abolished.
Finally, I would like to thank Mrs Estrela for the work she has done with such enthusiasm.
The period from birth to the age of three has a fundamental effect on the development of thinking, and on physical and cognitive development.
To conclude, the European Union is one of the most successful peacemaking organisations in the world.
The struggle against monopoly interests to overturn this policy is the only way to meet the current needs of working-class families.
in writing. - (PT) I could only vote in favour of this report.
In Romania at the Arcelor Mittal sites in Galaţi and Hunedoara, several thousand employees will be made technically unemployed in rotation, receiving just 75% of their salary or will just be made redundant.
(CS) Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come at last: yes, those who want the independence of Texas to be recognised by the United States, those who want to see the west of Romania separated from it as a purely Hungarian territory, those who want an independent Scotland, Catalonia, Basque Country, and all the other states that will no doubt come into existence in Latin America and Africa.
Insisting on ratification of the Treaty is an anti-democratic attitude.
Indeed, the debate on legal migration is being held elsewhere.
But what steps should the Union take now?
If Iran had had a real chance of becoming a modern nation under Prime Minister Mossadeq in the early 1950s, it would never have become a breeding ground for the rulers of today.
They should not be in conflict: both deserve protection from our Constitution.
As for its claim to draw a partner country's attention to the need for a separation of powers when this House demands no such thing within the Union, it is, in fact, unbearable.
For a country which has made much progress towards democracy in recent years, this coup is a setback to such advancements.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
Secondly, we need a long-term plan - which I call a Marshall Plan - for each country that, like Tunisia and Egypt, plan to take the road to democracy.
We need a functioning Galileo system as soon as possible and, what is more, our own European system.
In addition, we are urgently putting into place changes to our accounting rules to ensure banks in the EU can avail themselves of the same flexibility that is offered to banks in the United States, namely the option for individual banks, if they wish, to move assets from their trading books to their banking books.
I know that this has only just started, so my question is probably premature, but I wanted to ask the Commission the following.
Analysing the various causes of the financial crisis has shown that there was an urgent need to enact legislation on rating agencies.
The only thing I find regrettable is that it has been considered indispensable to formally table a new proposal, leading to a delay in formalising the agreement at first reading.
This report meets the needs of the industry by creating simplified, transparent legislation through replacing no fewer than 50 basic directives, thereby reducing the administrative burden.
It must not be restricted only by a clause saying that it is permitted when essential and that safeguards are sufficiently guaranteed - this is too general, exceptions must be spelled out.
(Applause)
None of this has happened, and during the debate within the Committee on Petitions, the European Commission unfortunately avoided answering our questions once again.
That is why I am asking the Commission to ensure that the Member States assume their responsibilities, for once and for all.
At this point, we are assessing what has been achieved and how to proceed.
A framework of Commission guidelines should be established; binding sustainability criteria should be introduced, including mandatory national forestry programmes; payment for ecosystem services should be formalised; and forest protection policies should be strengthened by reintroducing the fire prevention regulation.
In the European economic recovery plan, the Structural Funds and Cohesion Fund measures laid down, the simplification of the rural development fund procedures and the speeding up of fund acquisition, the payment of EU fund advances and the increase in the share of EU co-financing have not yet been reflected in the amount of payment appropriations set out in the European Union's 2009 budget.
For this reason, although the peculiarity of the moment has brought many views to the surface, we shall refrain, for now, from submitting further amendments for the sake of the swift procedure and real benefits to the public intended by the proposal.
Piracy causes victims and generates huge revenues for the practitioners of this 'profession'.

The European Union must not only ensure that an impact assessment is carried out in relation to these agreements; it must also amend its legislation accordingly so as to promote sustainable production and sustainable economies.
(SK) Madam President, the European Union wants to become the most competitive economy in the world.
They are a major political issue.
I would like, at this point, to reiterate our gratitude to the French Presidency of the Council for the success of Europe as a partner.
On the one hand, there is the rule that since the entry into force of the Amsterdam Treaty in 1999 the Council has been responsible for establishing the rules on EU visa policy.
Nonetheless, there has never been a more pressing need to resolve the Yugoslavian crisis once and for all, be it the Kosovo issue or speeding up the accession of its Balkan neighbours.
Therefore, they need to be modernised with a long-term perspective, while also preserving their original values.
The current EU legal framework on the scientific information provided to European consumers presents many problems, particularly as regards the different interpretations of the directive by individual Member States.
The agreement reached in the Council and the will of the European Parliament send out a positive message: we cannot tackle this serious economic crisis without changing our strategy.
Similarly, the year should take innovation into all spheres: innovation which reaches all Governments, and here I do not mean only the governments of the Member States, regions or non-State bodies which have plenty to say during the year.
The European Commission, the Monitoring Information Centre and the Crisis Platform are working together and are keeping the Member States and China up to date with EU assistance.
When vessels are designed and built, the perspective of future recycling should be incorporated, and facilities for recycling boats should be provided.
It is about using our leverage to bring about the maximum possible in terms of a global effort to cut emissions.
Was the United States happy years ago about the close proximity of Soviet missiles in Cuba?
(FR) Mr President, my speech relates, in fact, to Monday's agenda.
Mr President, on 15 February 2007, we discussed the state violence of dictator Lansana Conté in Guinea as a matter of urgency.
The report proposes improvements for half a billion citizens when exercising their rights concerning withdrawal from a contract, delivery of goods, statutory guarantee, methods of calculating the withdrawal period, unfair contractual terms, contracts providing digital content and on-line auctions.
Those who oppose reform should stay at home in their nation-states and support those who are working for Europe.
Producers in other parts of the world have managed to produce wines which appeal to the tastes of European consumers and at the same time are cheaper than European wines.
Illegal ship-owners exploit underpaid crews and sell fishery products at very low prices.
Within this time, we have managed to find a political solution to the complicated problem of Russian gas, and to negotiate an agreement between the two sides in the dispute.
At the same time, it was noted recently that the judiciary in this country has shown a clear repeated tendency towards the abolition of the government along the same lines as events two or three years ago with Erbakan.
This strategy proposes a series of measures aimed at fostering cooperation between Member States to fight against crimes such as child pornography, terrorism, attacks on information systems and fraud.
There are going to be even more opportunities when the complete reform of the European Union budget is discussed, which, as we already know, will be done on the basis of the total analysis to be conducted by the European Commission itself in 2008 and 2009.
The Commission is also called upon to bring forward incentive-based measures to promote the cultivation of fallow land, which could contribute significantly to reducing the protein deficit in the EU.
What this means, of course, is that it must take action against fouls and violations of the rules.
It is all the more astonishing that, during the vote at first reading of the Breyer report on the placing of plant protection products on the market, in other words on the reform of Directive 91/414, many of those who today voted in favour of a resolution spoke out against the amendments guaranteeing better protection for bees.
You simply go to iTunes and buy songs for 20, 30, 40 or 50 cents.
Perhaps the Commission can explain to me how I, as a politician, can tell the general public that we can consume a whole lot of products here that we are not allowed to produce.
Sovereign wealth funds can make a global contribution to financial stability, as we have seen, and also to economic growth in order to ensure solidarity between generations.
Those Member States in this Assembly who have lived through occupations will know what a word like this means.
You will find that it is people with the lowest level of education, perhaps living in local authority complexes, lacking access to education and on social welfare who have the highest levels of unemployment.
Chávez has, therefore - unashamedly - identified himself alongside China's authoritarian and hard-line rulers.
The adopted conclusions reflect the positions of the European Parliament and European social partners.
Now, it is not enough to have the right approach; we must apply it.
There is one thing I am sure of, however, and that is that your party is a right-wing extremist, neo-fascist party.
The effects of globalisation make social protection even more important for workers and for communities.
Secondly, as someone who grew up with the movement for more equality, I worry that young women think the battle is over.
There are parallels - both cost lots of money, and Copenhagen will be about reaching an agreement on the financial tools for the third world and the developing countries.
I think it is necessary to develop a new conception regarding the functioning of the EU's external service in which the areas of the Community's operation and the principles of establishing the service are defined, as well as principles for the division of roles and for cooperation with Member States' diplomatic services, to make clear what roles are played by individual EU institutions.
We must take consistent measures to combat Islamist terrorism, but we must put a stop to EU citizens constantly ...
Finding an answer to the question 'what should the school be like' is very difficult.
We also have to ensure the safety of these vessels.
We also need to protect farmers, especially those from the new Member States who still do not enjoy the same support as farmers from the other 15 Member States.
You are thinking more about deceiving the citizens, the voters.
The next task now will be to set up the European Union's foreign service.
The fall in the number of employees and companies has a powerful impact on the budgets allocated for public expenditure, as well as on European citizens' quality of life.
I would therefore welcome the introduction of a solidarity clause among Member States on such issues.
Of course the written answer is also very detailed and correct, but it is easier to ask and make inquiries verbally and it makes the result even more interesting still.
In the meantime, the Schengen evaluation of Romania and Bulgaria on all chapters was completed in March with a positive outcome.
Cross border selling will become easier, helping both consumers and traders alike.
On the third question, the priority of the Commission is to ensure correct and consistent implementation of the directive.
I am voting for this report, given that the current Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and São Tomé and Príncipe has been in force since 2006 and that the protocol for this agreement expired on 31 May 2011.
(The sitting was suspended at 11.35 a.m. and resumed at 12.05 p.m.)
For the first time, the 2 °C objective is acknowledged in a UN document, the pledges are anchored and the obvious has been stated, namely, that countries need to do more for the world to stay below the 2 °C rise. We also started a process to strengthen transparency and, as we said in Cancún, it is not enough just to say that you are in favour of increased transparency.
It is very clear that the first directive has failed to meet that objective.
Cross-border crime-fighting cooperation has been developed, but we still have more to do to achieve effective European police and criminal law cooperation.
The rapporteur was right when he talked of the need for a frame of reference: publication alone is not enough.
Finally, I would like to stress that national parliaments will need to strengthen their administrative capacity and ensure there is adequate funding so that they can fully exercise their new powers.
From a text that initially stigmatised Islam and Muslims in a quite disgraceful way, the progressive, centre-left majority managed to craft a balanced document highlighting the whole range of factors (economic, social and so on) that favour support for terrorism, asserting the need to respect fundamental rights, and emphasising the importance of combating discrimination and promoting equality of opportunity, especially in education, training and employment.
However, since a new EU body is involved, we must examine the new agreement on cooperation with the Council of Europe to ensure that what appear to be two similar institutions do not compete with each other but cooperate.
Here the Commission has from the beginning actively supported and facilitated the investigations launched by both the Council of Europe and the European Parliament into the renditions and the secret detentions.
They can find no direct link to climate change as yet.
I think it would deal a crippling blow to their vibrant activities.
As you can see, we have other reasons for not considering the Europe of these treaties as ours and for hoping that we will soon be celebrating the De profundis of the ridiculous Prodi Government.
Secondly, centres at local level should develop action programmes which take account of differing life situations and needs in the area of early childhood education and care.
Thirdly, we need to combat tax havens, the black holes of globalisation.
Achieving open, competitive and reliable markets is not something that occurs by happy chance; this is shown by the experience in Europe.
I therefore think it is a step backwards, as is automatic alignment without any time limits from the old comitology system to the present system in the agricultural field, which strengthens the role of Parliament.
(PL) Mr President, by mobilising the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, the European Union is once again jointly facing up to economic difficulties.
To mention just one of these, are we going to further arm the rebels - the collective term for a diverse bunch of people, some of whom by European standards have not yet mentally outgrown the Middle Ages - and if so, what guarantee do we have that such weapons would not be used to plunge the country into greater chaos, as happened in Iran after the Shah was expelled?
(ES) Madam President, Commissioner, we have to be careful how debates develop.
This means that it is out of the question for every country to continue to insist on its individual privileges against a background of parochial politics.
After intensive consultations based on the political guidelines that I presented for the next five years, this Parliament entrusted me, in September, with the responsibility of a second mandate.
Each of these policies would achieve less by itself than they are all achieving together at present in the integrated system of programme planning and fulfilment.
At this time of crisis, it is important to strengthen the European Union's trade defence system.
I know that human rights are a high priority, and I am at a loss to understand why the European Union, which prides itself on being the champion of human rights in the world, should even contemplate a trade agreement with a regime like that of Colombia.
If directives are not complied with, if the Stability Pact is not complied with, it is natural that there should be sanctions.
It is a very bad thing that many of the leading members of a party that was democratically elected to the Turkish Parliament have been arrested.
There are many reasons for developing new standards in the area of domestic work.
Nonetheless, this report plans to establish more instruments, thereby expanding development aid.
(IT) As the statements by the government representatives of numerous States demonstrate, the extraordinary zeal with which Julian Assange is being investigated is clearly designed to punish him and WikiLeaks for having revealed certain top secrets to the world, such as the concerns of the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, who asked the US embassies in Rome and Moscow for information on any personal investments of Mr Berlusconi and Mr Putin that might influence the foreign or economic policies of their respective countries.
I would ask you to read the whole report through once again - you will most certainly not find the words 'European army' in it.
Some weeks ago a number of us had the opportunity to visit Washington and to speak not only with under-secretaries at the State Department but also with our counterparts in the Congress, the Senate and various scientific institutions.
Finally, it must be understood that the material situation in Europe is quite different, since most of the drilling in the Gulf of Mexico takes place at a depth of 1 500 metres, which clearly makes it difficult to shut down operations in the event of a disaster such as that which occurred.
The following step is to ensure the recovery of sums unduly paid.
They face ever-rising taxes and ever-rising prices.
It is now clear that it would have been better if the European Parliament had held an extraordinary session earlier on the subject of Georgia.
in writing. - Mr President, although the result of the Irish referendum was a great disappointment to the European Union, it is not the proper time to panic and look for a scapegoat.
The agreement on trade in bananas will also have a significant impact on other developing countries aiming to export bananas, and we will have to help these countries adapt to the considerable changes in the competitive environment on the world market.
Please help me answer this question: what are we supposed to tell the people in Borsod or Szabolcs County?
My second question is as follows. The French Government has put forward a proposal to incorporate importers from developing countries into the ETS system in order to make the market bigger and to allow these countries to participate in this system.
This country has made huge efforts to be part of Europe and therefore, we must assess them accordingly.
Nevertheless, for the sake of compromise, I regard this situation as progress mainly because the current compromise also advocates that the draft regulation on the integrated supervisory system should be produced quickly based on the De Larosière material, which will already be good, in our opinion, as well as providing a very significant benefit for communitarisation.
During the economic crisis, public service broadcasters should better exploit the opportunity to obtain soft loans from the European Investment Bank which would help to modernise infrastructure and would raise the level of public service broadcasters, thus helping them to adapt to the challenges of the 21st century.
(CS) I would like to make a few comments ahead of the European Council meeting concerning the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in my own country, the Czech Republic.
The EIB should immediately be given an additional EUR 500 million mandate for microcredit financing to increase access for the poorest people to bank finance in eligible countries.
The amendments adopted by the Committee on Legal Affairs, which are quite numerous, are designed precisely to prevent the European private company formula from forming a basis for, as Mrs van den Burg was saying, the emergence of a European Delaware.
Let us defer.
I am confident that democracy cannot be built in non-democratic and violent methods in any country of the world.
I supported this initiative on the creation of a European professional card for service providers by voting for it as it represents a new way of ensuring the free movement of persons and services.
The rapporteur finds it regrettable that the 2020 strategy has not duly incorporated an assessment of the Lisbon Strategy, and we share that opinion.
There is no lack of ideas and investments from the developing countries themselves, but there is a need for stability.
In the case of unleaded petrol, unfortunately, there will be no change by this means.
President of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste. - Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I will start by remarks in English, and then I will switch to Portuguese, and then back to English.
However, I often wonder what these individual areas of policy themselves achieve.
I am therefore in favour of the request for an instrument of criminal law which would define violence against women as a crime in itself, through the development of a directive against gender-based violence, to be brought in line with the multiple training, prevention and awareness-raising initiatives in order to fight all forms of abuse against women.
Firstly, the regulation should not apply to overseas territories of EU Member States.
The protection of public safety and order, which includes maintaining order in railway communications designated for public use, should be one of the basic tasks for which the EU is responsible.
This creates serious obstacles in the way of the social development of Europe.
Regarding the commitment on the EU side, we have made a political commitment and we will deliver.
That is why there are two things that I regard as being important.
Today, when we have the technological means to transcend the horizon of our own cultural self-awareness, we nevertheless continue to witness the terrible effects of human fragmentation.
This viewpoint is very focused on the 2008 conflict between Russia and Georgia, and on issues of territory and Russia's sovereignty over South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
In the European Union, around eighteen thousand eco-friendly vehicles are in operation, while the number of hydrogen pumps available is not even worth mentioning.
(PL) Madam President, I have heard the debates on the Polish shipyards with satisfaction, and believe that the majority of the Polish delegation has proved up to the task and put forward water-tight arguments, whilst at the same time refraining from pinning the blame on anyone.
Child pornography is a delicate subject which should always be a main focus for European and national authorities.
We are very pleased to note that Mrs Kosor, the new Croatian Prime Minister, has quickly and successfully taken steps in the areas where we have met the greatest obstacles so far: in the fight against corruption and organised crime, in implementing a programme of administrative reform, in addressing war crimes and in ensuring legal or constitutional protection for ethnic and other minorities.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Mr Tabajdi, respect for minorities is an essential principle among the conditions to be met before a new country can accede to the Union.
Finally, in order to bring these principles into being in a better and more cohesive fashion, Parliament and the Council decided to establish a European organisation bringing together 27 national operators.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, Azerbaijan is important to the European Union as an energy producer and transit country, and also as a contributor to regional stability in the Southern Caucasus.
The report by Mrs Trautmann is based on shared responsibility.
The PPE members of my Group hope that the European Council will ask the Member States that have not yet done so to continue with their ratification procedures as is only fit and proper.
A few days ago, on the occasion of the start of Mr Sarkozy's Presidency, which received such a lot of media attention, MEPs were given gifts.
Yet we are also worried about the attitude of resignation and shirking of responsibility on the part of the European institutions, which does not give us any greater power in negotiation.
The things we should be doing are common things that individual Member States cannot manage, to build the EU into a common market, a real common market.
The initiative to create the most favourable conditions for SMEs to obtain funding (risk capital, micro-credits, etc.) is very important.
It has already struck far more people and in far more places than a normal outbreak and, unlike in normal outbreaks, it has not been rapidly traced to one or two food suppliers.
The measures contained in the package lie so far in the future that they are more likely to create jobs during the next recession than this one.
Even though trade between these two regions has intensified, mutual trading between the EU and Latin America is less dynamic compared to trade relations with other regions of the world.
The EDF is the main Community instrument for development cooperation aid to the ACP (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific) countries.
In other words, what we have today is a compromise - we are not completely happy with it, but in my view, it is a way for us to move forward.
According to published statistics, the European Union earmarked funds of EUR 972.5 million for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria between 2002 and 2010.
in writing. - (PT) Georgia has faced serious problems recently, particularly after the military conflict between the country and Russia due to the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
This is a sad role.
The effects of the new administrative system therefore need to be explored primarily at regional rather than European level, because every Member State's fishing fleet has its own distinctive features.
in writing. - (PL) I am in favour of the rapporteur's view concerning adoption of the Council common position without any amendments.
Parliament has also secured a significant improvement in passengers' basic rights on both international and national lines: there are provisions for liability in the event of accidents, and rights for people with disabilities or reduced mobility.
In this regard, naming this year the Year of Intercultural Dialogue sounds almost like a mockery.
I have just spoken to Baroness Ashton - or Commissioner Ashton as she is now - and I do believe that she is taking us forward in a progressive and futuristic way.
I hope that this directive shall be adopted - as soon as possible - so that it can be implemented by 2010 as a support for local authorities and for public bodies who value the environment.
Obviously we must remember not only, as our colleague reminded us, that Georgia is vulnerable - and we do know that - but also that Georgia has to compromise with a 'big brother' constantly lying in wait to catch it out.
Overall, though, there is, again, a negative DAS concerning the legality and regularity of transactions.
I regard it as important to encourage stable employment relations in which there is a high level of confidence.
It is our moral duty and it is possible.
We must be more ambitious in our police and judicial cooperation.
Today, the rules are changing, and we need to use the conclusions of the G20 to go back to an equal departure point.
The place for information on passenger rights is at the ticket counters themselves, or on board the buses, coaches, aeroplanes and similar modes of transport themselves.
I am delighted that these two considerations have enabled a balance to be struck, so that this matter can be reopened.
(Applause)
I myself have received some of their accounts.
A few manufacturers use cadmium, which is a toxic substance, in their solar modules.
Many Members will recall that the Directive was adopted in 2002 following an arduous conciliation procedure, on the basis of which a complex clause was approved.
In dealing with disruptive events such as this, a key element is collaborative decision making between Member States and industry.
(FI) Mr President, I would just like to say that one important point in the Finnish version of this resolution has been translated wrongly.
Firstly and most importantly, you say that General Motors bears responsibility, as though no responsibility lies with either the regional, Belgian, or European authorities.
in writing. - (SK) The aim of this proposal is to ensure that consumers in all 27 Member States of the EU can rely on a high level of consumer protection, and that companies of all sizes are capable of supplying goods and providing services to consumers in all 27 EU Member States without unnecessary legal obstacles.
I would advocate leaving drinking water supplies in the public sector.
For this reason I would also like to thank Commissioners Kuneva and Verheugen, the Commission staff and our negotiating partners from the German and Portuguese Presidencies and particularly from the Slovenian Presidency for their intensive, constructive and considerate cooperation.
Moreover, all too often, we wait until the press drags a scandal into the public arena and the statute of limitations has run out on offences.
In 1998 a special session of the General Assembly of the United Nations set itself the goal of creating a drug-free world in the course of 10 years.
in writing. - I voted for this report because, according to the Consultative Working Party of the legal services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, the proposal in question contains a straightforward codification of the existing texts without any change in their substance.
Europe must also continue to do everything it can to meet today's challenges, and I believe that we have reason to be confident.
The only treaty-based dialogue consists of a meeting of a joint committee at officials level once a year.
Many thanks for your attention.
This means that everything the institutions do must be measured against social rights.
It drew attention to the far-reaching implications of environmental change for the Arctic and it recognised that these could have consequences for international stability and for European security interests.
The demand for total transparency, mandatory individual registration of everything under the sun, an ethical control committee and so on, are, in the best case, expressions of something naive and, in the worst case, part of a populist political agenda that will do more harm than good.
In public, discussion of the crisis is limited to the state of public finances, although the rapidly increasing unemployment in some Eastern European Union Member States has already reached a critical level.
I know that it is different in some respects in Spain, but this is so that it can combat home-grown terrorism.
Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the customs union, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2008, was one of the first stages of European integration.
The embargo affects the Cuban population and is a constant and recurring excuse for the shortcomings of the Castro regime.
These aspects have survived throughout the whole long history of punishment until today.
This is a particularly weak argument, but any stick will apparently do to beat a dog and to hold debates, to provide real arguments for an issue such as pay for stay-at-home parents.
author. - (PL) Madam President, Commissioner, the Members of the European Parliament who are concerned with the issue of Belarus and who are monitoring the situation in Belarus are faced with contradictory information.
Ladies and gentlemen, I really must insist now that you keep to your speaking time.
This is an important step towards a new beginning in US policy.
Documents received: see Minutes
I want to reiterate that I am talking about fees and not about bank interest.
This story, going back to the late 1940s, is a sad story which ended in creating a false idea about them.
Now, because of a poor European Union policy, we have become a net sugar importer; that is the result of incompetent decision-making in Brussels.
in writing. - Due to the vast quantity of European legislation, it becomes essential that any defunct material is efficiently repealed.
It is a development that has continued with particular intensity within the new Member States.
This is how it happens, with half a minute here and 5 minutes there, and these delays do add up, so let us feel jointly responsible for keeping to schedule.
Spain and Italy are responsible for the highest number of cases of irregularities.
(LT) Mr President, I really believe that all European Union Member States are now experiencing the greatest headache over their energy and first of all I would really like to thank the rapporteur and the shadow rapporteurs for the fact that practically all of us, the representatives of all of the Member States, had the opportunity to offer our own proposals, and thanks to some intelligent compromises, a very good document was born.
This will promote their recognition in Member States and thus increase opportunities for consumers to access foreign service providers more easily, thereby helping to increase integration in the European internal market.
Attention has been given to incorrect statistical information in the case of Greece, but the core of the problem is a badly managed economic policy.
Secondly, we also have a growing requirement for energy within the European Union.
Thirdly, the principles of equality between men and women and non-discrimination will be abided by.
A number of recent developments have shed more light on Member State involvement in the US rendition programme.
Of course, here, today, the Council and the Spanish Presidency, which I assume has a particular interest in the Union for the Mediterranean, are absent and I must say that that surprises me, because the Council should have heard everything the rapporteur and co-rapporteurs said and everything highlighted here, in other words, that this is an endeavour which overcomes the specific difficulties which have prevented programmes from progressing as they should have done.
Indeed, I believe that sport is an indissociable element of European culture and citizenship.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Mr President, if you will allow me, I will start with some figures because they were referred to by several speakers in their statements.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, let me first thank Elmar Brok and the committee for a highly interesting report.
I did not agree with postponing the vote on the resolution because the situation is urgent and the fingerprinting of children must stop.
I think we need to remain very aware of that when we make a balanced assessment of our negotiations with Turkey.
It is a fact that individual local authorities, municipalities, and regions must cope, on a growing scale, with the impact of European law and European policies.
For example, a proposal was made by the Committee responsible to remove Article 37(2) and incorporate Article 175(1), by removing Article 37(2), retaining Article 152(4)(b) and adding Article 175(1).
Finally, Mr President-in-Office, you spoke earlier about how you felt the legitimacy of your position in bringing the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty before the parliament was the only way to do it.
How can the Commission support the Committee's 'Red Card to Forced Prostitution' campaign?
There is, then, one matter which has not received enough attention: what are you going to do about the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency in response to the Fukushima disaster?
In order for all of this to be fulfilled, the European Union must be ready and able to complete the job of integrating these countries into the new Europe through political and financial support and other mechanisms as well.
I can find no definite opinion on the current global economic crisis and the approach of the EU and the US.
Indeed, if it did, it would be corrected by the Council of Ministers.
I am convinced that if the nations of Europe were given a voice, the treaty being signed tomorrow would share the fate of its predecessor.
When a producer consciously uses the CE marking, he is saying that he abides by EU rules.
At the conclusion of this debate I have received five motions for resolutions tabled in accordance with Rule 115 of the Rules of Procedure.
As I have said several times in this House, a crisis signifies an opportunity for change, and we must not be afraid to change some of our customs, which have not had the positive effect we were counting on.
I voted for this report, because with the complicated economic, financial and social situation, it is more important than ever to implement one of the most important fundamental principles of the European Union - equality between men and women.
A prosperous and dynamic internal market depends on our capacity to put forward policies which can support growth, employment and innovation.
Here, too, the principle holds that cooperation is more productive than confrontation.
We have to recognise our responsibility in upholding international obligations when dealing with people seeking protection within our borders.
I believe that the proposed directive will improve access to organs for European citizens requiring a transplant, increase trust in the donor system and encourage the exchange of good practices which can be applied at supranational level.
Experience shows, though, that when everything is a priority the result is that nothing is a priority.
The Hungarian Presidency's aim is to close the first European Semester by the time of the European Council in June 2011.
The government has received the support of the main opposition parties and the main trade union - the Tunisian General Labour Union.
The violence in Guinea received worldwide condemnation.
Let us hope that this report will not go completely unheeded and that all the European institutions will be able to refer to it in order to forge other relationships with the ACP countries.
Donors, partner countries and civil society have been aware for a long time of the need to be more effective in particularly unfavourable situations in order to meet the objectives of sustainable development.
At first the term 'flexicurity' frightened people, alarmed them.
The Africa summit.
They evolve into a language of distrust and hatred, pass into everyday usage, become a model to imitate and mould a certain attitude.
(Parliament approved the request)
2011 budget (debate)
Firstly, corporate registration, so that a company or organisation with more than one site can actually register once in one country, which is very important.
Another failing is in relation to the child trafficking for adoption, prostitution, illegal labour, forced marriage, and begging on the streets or for any other illegal purpose, all of which continue to represent a serious problem in the EU.
In relation to Schengen suspension, the Commission is proposing an EU mechanism instead of Member State decision, but this has been widely (mis)interpreted to mean that the reintroduction of internal borders will actually be easier in practice.
However, that is precisely what distinguishes us from terrorists: the fact that we regard human rights as universal.
Please be honest and say what you are really doing instead of giving the public the opposite message.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (NL) Madam President, I have signed the compromise as coordinator for the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe in the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection.
It is not possible to say in a general way' 'it is this group's fault, and this group has to go, because none of its members have work permits, or because they do not fit in with our idea of our culture, or because they are all unemployed, or because they are begging'.
This budget line will be allocated about EUR 65 billion for next year.
It is not necessary, therefore, to go too far in punishing them, but banking activities should be based on what is happening in the real economy, not on an inter-bank virtual market, which was the main reason for the recent crisis.
Living together in Europe is about learning to change one's habits slightly for the benefit of Community and general interest.
As far as vocational education and training are concerned, the key factors listed in the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth need to be translated into practical steps at European Union level and in the Member States.
Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (announcement of motions for resolutions tabled): see Minutes
The enlargement process of the European Union continues on exclusively geographical premises and, as I have already stated in this House, the Council is being hasty in granting the status of candidate country for accession before the countries in question reach democratic quality standards that at least approach a basically adequate level.
The Commission's proposal for a directive is a welcome clarification of pan-European rules.
Some complaints are wrongly lodged with the Committee on Petitions, and others fall outside the competence of the institutions.
The fishery sector must be able to use any fishing opportunity there is just at present. One possibility, for example, might be to switch the Mediterranean tuna fishery to Mauritania.
It forms the ideological and spiritual foundation of a struggle which we must take part in during this parliamentary term.
I wish to say a few words about the background.
But we do not manage any better with our birds either.
The internal market thrives on the fact that the consumers can depend on what they perceive to be valid legal norms.
Not only is this an infringement of the doctor's employment rights, but it is also an infringement of the patient's rights.
As far as I am concerned, the debate on pro-cyclicity is too brief at the moment.
In terms of timing, it fits exactly in the current window, which we should use, because in the area of package travel, there is a whole range of issues when consumers are not properly informed about their rights.
By way of conclusion, therefore, Mr President, I should like to emphasise that the Presidency is striving to have the negotiating mandate for this comprehensive agreement dealt with at the same time as the three mandates for the PNR agreements with Australia, Canada and the United States, and that we should very much like to discuss the matter at the Council meeting on 2 and 3 December next.
Romania has supported unreservedly the expansion of this region towards the EU and NATO, with a particular mention for Serbia.
With regard to hospital care, the State of affiliation may ask patients who decide to seek treatment abroad for prior authorisation, and this is obviously necessary to protect the stability of its health system.
The Markey-Waxman bill has been voted on in the House and is now going to be voted on in the Senate.
Moreover, let us not forget the serious precedent that this measure is setting, and will set, for future European Union negotiations.
I believe that the tax system must remain under the competence of each Member State, and it is consequently inappropriate to oblige the Commission to put forward a set of proposals on a fully fledged common European system of taxation.
The Court accepts that, as it explicitly expressed once again in its judgment last September.
Those who are trying to make globalisation out to be a threat are quite wrong.
I voted in favour of this report as I agree that, in order for the EU to meet its responsibilities to preserve peace, prevent conflicts, strengthen international security and assist populations facing disasters, it is vital to foster better coordination between civilian and military resources and to ensure that the necessary resources are available to strengthen their global crisis management abilities.
This enables people to help the environment directly and to reduce emissions in their everyday living and buying.
Those who are HIV-positive today have a good chance of a long life, in western Europe at least.
I welcome especially the transparency as regards both political and financial support.
(ES) Mr President, the tomato growers of the Canary Islands, Murcia, Andalusia and the Community of Valencia, all of them European Union producers, need the Commission to take robust action with regard to an unfair situation which is causing them serious damage.
We of the Committee on Petitions, perhaps more than any other members of this House, must show respect for the legal realities and the democratically expressed voice of the people, in this case the people of Ireland, who have consigned the Lisbon Treaty to the dustbin of history.
I can refer to one of the latest cases where human rights were included in the trade agreement with Montenegro.
However, I should also like to have a section - and I have asked my colleagues for this - on cooperation with the countries where these counterfeit goods originate and where they could cause considerable harm to health, particularly if they are counterfeit medicines.
However, the Commission should not now simply sit back and do nothing.
(DE) Mr President, on behalf of the Social Democratic Group, I too would like to thank Mr Toubon for a report which, overall, we can support because it contains a great many positive aspects of particular importance to the members of our Group.
That is where we have to react.
Parliament's priorities for this budget may be considered to be the affirmation and strengthening of funding for education and innovation.
It is an essential tool for strengthening coordination of economic policy inside the EU-27 and, of course, within the euro area.
It does not concern a ban on displaying religious symbols in public, but only in a very small section of public space, in state schools.
Violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (vote)
There are concerns that Member States are being over cautious in their implementation of no-flight zones and that aeroplanes are safe to fly amid higher densities of ash than are currently allowed by EU rules.
We are afraid of finding ourselves in a somewhat similar situation to Burma after the tsunami in 2006, where the junta prevented access to humanitarian aid.
However, precisely because we cannot yet fully trust the Government of Kazakhstan in respect of the rule of law, we must insist that the case is investigated in an objective manner.
Nevertheless, I believe it was impossible to achieve more at this point in time.
This is why I understand the regulation as the next step, to simplify implementation.
A new statistical classification of products by activity (CPA) (vote)
In fact, I note that, just this month in Ireland, a number of training courses are under way for drivers of vehicles transporting cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and poultry - a point raised by Ms Jeggle - and perhaps other Member States need to do the same.
One of those possibilities will be our new Eastern Partnership idea where we will want the eastern partners to work together.
That concludes the item.
Under Article 20 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, every citizen of the Union, when in the territory of a third country in which the Member State of which he is a national is not represented, is entitled to protection by the consular authorities of any Member State, on the same conditions as the nationals of that State.
The Energy Strategy for Europe 2011-2020 sets out general guidelines which seek to strengthen the recently defined internal energy market.
Of course we support a resolution that contains not only our opposition to the persecution of the Nobel Laureate, but also the proposal to release other political prisoners and to carry out an investigation, under the auspices of the UN, into the allegations of killings of prisoners by the army during the recent disaster.
3.
Documents received: see Minutes
It was also in the context of these guidelines that we presented a declaration on the death penalty in 2006 to the United Nations General Assembly which led this year to the adoption of the resolution against the death penalty on 15 November.
However, the shops were empty.
Our duty is to use all our new parliamentary prerogatives to influence the policies that will result from the new powers guaranteed to us under the Treaty of Lisbon.
Obtaining the best service for our constituents is, I am sure, in the interests of us all.
This is a sound and positive document. As I stated earlier, it is part of the ongoing work of the European Parliament aimed at improving road safety for our citizens.
I have been there many times.
2007 discharge: European Data Protection Supervisor (
Apart from the fact that the current financial framework would need to be sufficient to cover these objectives, if there were to be an increase, significantly smaller amounts have been planned.
I hope that Commissioner Michel will provide an answer to the questions 'Where do we go from here?' and 'How do we move forward?'
It is true that this report foresees much less than we initially strived for.
That is a question to which our citizens are quite rightly expecting an answer.
It is perfectly possible to do both things at a European level and not to deepen ideological differences which, if we do not handle them correctly, will only help populists at the extremes in their stance against the European project.
The presidency intends to promote their progress in this direction.
Like this Parliament, I share the views of so many on the issue of human rights in Iran.
Oral questions (submission): see Minutes
If they were home-grown, then it is a matter for the police in China and we must support them.
Europe must not underrate the strategic value of maritime transport to its economy: 90% of the European Union's foreign trade goes by sea, as does 40% of our intra-Community trade.
Psychologists say that aggression is much more prevalent during the crisis than at other times.
The old agreement has already generated numerous jobs both for the population of Seychelles and in Europe, where it has induced jobs in areas related to the sector.
Secondly, where animal health is concerned, the common agricultural policy is one of the most integrated areas of European Union policy. That is why I believe it should be a priority when allocating funding from the Community's budget.
I am unable to respond to her in any great depth but would simply say that I am the rapporteur for the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, the terms of which are known to her, and that when I presented my views just now I was basing them on paragraph 10 of the report that was adopted by the committee, which states quite clearly, Mrs Ludford, that the committee, and hence Parliament, calls for open discussions on amending Framework Decision such and such in order to include the justification of terrorism within its scope, and so on.
Our resolution of today is another appeal by this Parliament to end attacks on civilian populations in the eastern provinces of Congo, and for the victims to be provided with basic health, social, humanitarian and legal assistance.
I would like to understand which of the two statements is true.
Prominent persons in Moldovan society are asking for an explanation.
This same justice also applies to resolving the situation of minority ethnic communities.
In this regard, the talks in Geneva are extremely important, even though they will be difficult.
Certainly I never spoke to you when I was drafting the report on them.
Under the pretext of the crisis, they want to force another noose around the necks of the more economically fragile countries, using the established conditions for the application of a European Stability Mechanism to, in fact, transform sovereign states into mere protectorates.
I did so after lobbying from supporters and opponents.
(DE) Madam President, I consider the debate on the reintroduction of border controls and the modification of the Schengen mechanism to be absolutely excessive and superfluous.
European cities are so diverse, and there are so many good ideas, that we should not just try to apply a top-down approach to each and every city.
Signature of acts adopted under the ordinary legislative procedure: see Minutes
According to the Act of Accession, verification, by means of evaluation procedures, that the necessary conditions for the application of all parts of the Schengen acquis (data protection, the SIS, air borders, land borders, sea borders, police cooperation and visas) have been met by the new Member States is a precondition for the Council to decide on the abolition of checks at internal borders with those Member States.
In particular, we need to form a consensus on certain basic issues and then tackle them together with the other players.
You cite the eruption of the Icelandic volcano in order to amend at last the regulation on air passengers, but for 10 years, we have been calling for a comprehensive regulation on the rights of all passengers.
This overturning of a ruling and judgment of a case by the Court of Cassation became part of our legal history for the first time during the Dreyfus affair.
This range is unacceptable to me because it offers the prospect of payments to few areas that require support, including in the western part of the EU.
This is a fundamental right, as well as a vital condition for achieving Europe's goals in the areas of growth, employment and social cohesion.
It is the Commission which is naturally in a position to properly answer the questions that you have just asked me.
Such was recently the case in the voting on my report concerning the relationship between Macedonia and the European Union.
So there were a lot of worries and a lot of real concerns and mainly, I would say, a lack of information and a need for their concerns to be taken seriously.
The first is on the question of combining a response to immediate priorities with long-term reconstruction and our staying power.
This tragic scene of Israeli incursions and aggressions in the West Bank, including Eastern Jerusalem, confirms to us and to the world that what is going on is an aggression against the entire Palestinian people, its future and its legitimate national rights.
(RO) Mr President, I would first of all like to express my admiration and respect for the attitude of the Japanese people towards the extraordinary situation they are going through.
I do not, however, share the opinion that we have a different Union or a new Union.
There is therefore a genuine problem with the way in which the euro was constructed with the Maastricht agreement, and we need to address this.
That is why a proactive approach to creating jobs and addressing the scourge of poverty are essential.
Unfortunately this type of approach has become more common in the run-up to the European elections.
Questions which have not been answered for lack of time will be answered in writing (see Annex).
One institution which does much to promote intercultural dialogue is the British Council.
The liberalisation of international trade and globalisation stimulate destruction of the environment that spans the continents.
But this change has not happened with some other religions, unfortunately.
It is perpetrated by criminals and murderers who detest our liberal democracy and freedom.
These regions are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, on 13 and 14 January, a referendum was held at the Fiat plant at Mirafiori in which both blue- and white-collar workers were asked to vote for or against the recovery plan for the plant in Turin.
How do you think we can create a Union for the Mediterranean, bringing the northern and southern shores closer together, if the southern shore does not come?
This is an essential policy for a prosperous and sustainable society that is prepared for the challenges of climate change, energy security and globalisation, and that is a world leader in the sphere of clean technologies.
The failure to involve civil society and NGOs, or to develop materials on prevention such as books for schools, makes this network completely ineffective.
The aim is no longer to supply food products at the best price, but to make as much profit as possible out of them.
In more recent years, of course, Yemen has both developed as a terrorist incubator, where terrorist acts have taken place, and exported terrorism to other countries.
That pressure is coming from various quarters.
These companies make and break governments according to their own needs and to the detriment of the needs of the country's population.
Why is there an exit procedure for the European Union itself, via the Treaty of Lisbon, but not for the euro area?
The main bone of contention was the proposal by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety to ban the use of pesticides within 10 metres of water bodies.
What is not happening, however, is any budget increase for the EASA, nor are other sources of financing being identified.
We need to instil confidence in the expert working groups.
Much as I love the Member States, I am afraid they often adopt a practice of 'I'll scratch your back and you scratch mine', which means they do not criticise each other, so actually they are not good people to evaluate each other.
The Republic of Belarus is one of the European States for which involvement in the European Union's Eastern Partnership marks an important step forward in the development of bilateral relations, as well as in the relations between Belarus and every EU Member State.
It has still not ratified the Kyoto Protocol.
We have tried to implement several general recommendations that appeared in previous reports and which have been recast very well in the report that we are studying today.
I shall tell you - a civil war will break out in Latvia.
The European Parliament cannot pretend to be immune from this.
Special transitional periods are planned, up to a limit of seven years, during which Switzerland will have the right to maintain quantitative limits for workers and self-employed persons from Romania and Bulgaria, in order to gradually ease access for the two nationalities to the Swiss labour market and increase the number of these new workers admitted each year, bearing in mind market needs and the availability of work in Switzerland.
This concerns, for example, the social dimension.
We will work as much as possible in a comprehensive framework and I am convinced we will find the necessary consensus.
I would like to make it clear to everyone that these proposals were drawn up with the aim of enabling the internal market to operate more effectively.
That is why I have chosen to speak again now that this package is to be concluded because I have an important question to ask about this package on behalf of my group.
This action can restrict those concerned in some of their rights, such as the right of access or the right to information, if this is necessary for the protection of important financial or economic interests of the European Union or of a Member State.
I regard such a course of action as discriminatory against Member States such as the Czech Republic, which, for historical reasons, have larger farms than elsewhere in the European Union.
I an convinced that, with this report and its proposed measures, we are heading in the right direction.
According to European Environment Agency figures, not only have carbon dioxide emissions not fallen since 2000, they have in fact risen somewhat, by 1%.
The next item is the vote on two reports by Mrs Gräßle:
However, we also need to work on underdevelopment as a form of prevention.
This report rightly reiterates that NATO is the cornerstone of transatlantic security and proposes a new transatlantic parliamentary assembly, which will reinforce a mutual commitment to our common values of democracy, liberty and human rights.
Written declarations included in the register (Rule 123): see Minutes
We cannot ignore the difficulties of legislating in an area of shared competence where harmonisation is only infrequently an option and overlapping needs to be avoided.
Turning people back at the borders is a reactionary utopia, and I believe that it is very difficult to curtail the natural need for free movement of men and women.
All this, of course, constitutes acts of legal barbarism which, however, are measured by the numbers offered to us by newspapers.
The EC-Moldova Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was signed on 28 November 1994, and since 2004 Moldova has been covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy.
It is extremely important, and I am glad that both you and your Minister for Foreign Affairs have mentioned recently that you want to look carefully at our neighbours and take what I hope will be a sympathetic view of the idea of enlargement of the EU.
This morning, the Commission acknowledged that we do not know where the WTO is heading at this point, and therefore how it knits in with the strategic partnership.
Today, however, we are talking about someone for whom diamonds may become a curse.
Respecting constitutional constraints: yes.
These targets should be given a central place and these targets should also be used for the budget review.
Multiannual plan for western stock of Atlantic horse mackerel (
I voted for the resolution because the Europe 2020 programme considers research and innovation to be central for emerging from the crisis by means of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.
Many of those detained in the last few weeks have been released.
in writing. - (DE) Before long the population pyramid will be turned on its head in the EU: the over 55s will represent the largest proportion of the population, life expectancy will continue to increase, the birth rate will remain low and young people will start their working lives ever later.
At least in this one respect, with their cross-border mobility, the people we call gypsies are ahead of us.
These useful acts include investing in clean energy and improving energy selfsufficiency.
The directive meets the needs of patients better as they can receive medical assistance in another Member State in a situation where this cannot be provided in a hospital in their country of origin or there is a delay in providing it.
Parliament now has greater opportunity to make demands as regards the content of the agreement.
At the same time, it cannot be defended at any cost.
A mature democracy also recognises the rights of minorities.
Mr President, Prime Minister, Commissioner, Kenya is more than just the problem of President Kibaki's electoral abuses.
The motto and goal of the Hungarian Presidency is a strong Europe.
Of the key areas of the strategy, education and access to education must be highlighted.
It is by no means a new text, however, because it has already been debated by Parliament and the Commission, with the resistance of Member States.
Nevertheless, respect must be had for the different financial cultures and traditions of the EU's nations and I believe that the Karas report strikes the right balance in recognising the need for subsidiarity in this area.
History has shown that every financial crisis is followed by a technological shift.
So I give my full support to this important and cogent report.
It is therefore an extremely important programme.
After all, it is not credible to stand up for the health protection of workers on the one hand and advocate a continuation of the opt-out on the other.
The EU blindly followed the WHO in its response to the swine flu outbreak, and this clearly needs to change.
I see there are still many limitations and colleagues underlined the problems in Tajikistan in terms of human rights, poverty and so on, but I believe this agreement is Europe at its best and I am very much in favour of it.
Social inclusion of prisoners must be prepared during and after imprisonment with the cooperation of social services and other relevant organisations in order to ensure a smooth transition from prison to liberty.
As you said, the Commission has committed itself to ensuring that migration to the SEPA instruments does not result in a more expensive payment system for the citizens of the European Union.
We cannot set figures in stone ten years ahead when we do not even know what the European economy is going to look like in two years.
So please accept that it is part - and a fundamental core - of the structure, but I will be determined to make it everybody's responsibility.
Written statements (Rule 142)
The use of the fake passports in this situation has jeopardised that position, especially in Dubai.
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, the negotiations with Canada are being conducted with a country that has a strong economy and a highly developed legal system.
There is a consensus on how to assess the anthropogenic influence; that is covered in Article 3.
(FR) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I wish to say, Commissioner, that as I listened to your reply to the two reports by our colleagues Mr Guellec and Mrs Kallenbach, I felt there would be no need for me to say anything at all, since it was so obvious you were showing you had fully understood us.
The high quality of Israeli researchers and Israeli universities makes Israel a highly interesting and valued partner.
Furthermore, great strides have been made in the fight against corruption, a topic which often has been associated wrongfully and, to an exaggerated extent, with accession to the Schengen area.
Written statements (Rule 142)
If we truly wish to move towards real equality, then paternity leave must be introduced at European level.
This sums up the racket in the rosé market.
I conclude by adding something that I also consider to be of immediate importance, in order to generate results: optimisation of the use of the Solidarity Fund and of the Civil Protection Cooperation Mechanism.
in writing. - (PT) Access to quality information relating to medicinal products that are subject to medical prescription will contribute to achieving better results in terms of patient health, because the better informed they are, the more likely they will be to better understand decisions related to their treatment.
We had more than 74 requests to speak under this item.
We also believe that it is important for the EU to have the resources it requires to be able to carry out its new tasks under the Treaty of Lisbon.
(ES) Mr President, we approved the Lisbon Agenda with its very ambitious objectives in 2000.
But we still face the risk that unemployment will continue to rise, and we need to make a judgment about when to switch the focus to restoring our public finances.
Care must also be taken to ensure a reasonable timetable for practical implementation.
Before that, I shall perhaps let Mr Barrot - is it my job to say this, Madam President? - take over the floor.
To what extent are these facts influencing the development policy of the European Union?
On the basis of this assessment, the Commission will submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council in 2011 and, if deemed necessary, will propose additional measures.
I will be committed to the speeding up of the granting of visas for my friends and people there until we get it next summer.
I would like to warmly thank the rapporteurs and all those who were involved who helped us reach the position we have today.
Oil production in the short term is unlikely to keep pace with the sustained strong demand of developing economies.
The trading of foodstuffs on international exchanges has resulted in spiralling price increases and, hence, spiralling profits for the food multinationals, a perceptible reduction in rural output and global food reserves and an increase in the number of malnourished people.
It concerns a sensitive subject: the dialogue between the European Union and the ACP countries on immigration, fair treatment of immigrants, the principles of non-refoulement, the underlying causes of immigration and, finally, the fight against illegal immigration and readmission, and it is these two aspects that the European Union has mostly concentrated on.
For that reason, I voted against the motions tabled by the committee responsible at second reading.
Part of the credibility of and the confidence in the capital markets relies on the ratings produced and published by these agencies.
The Serbs in Kosovo must ensure that they avoid this type of situation.
This is a good thing.
Coupled with Africa's rich natural resources and biodiversity, these could prove highly effective.
I am wondering whether the establishment of an agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice would be of help in implementing this strategy.
This is why first we must call for the prompt, full, thorough and concrete application of the Directive in each Member State.
It is high time that this game came to an end.
However, in order to minimise the distortion of competition in the internal market resulting from aid, the Commission will have to ensure that precise and effective conditions of competition are established, maintained and observed.
I am therefore delighted that the financing of investments in the housing sector, and particularly in the area of energy efficiency, is increasingly being covered by the Structural Funds, but we must go further.
The report adopts a highly selective approach to the voicing of criticism, as the choice of countries selected for criticism and the scope of this criticism demonstrate.
They look to us to play a pioneering role.
The difficulties in forming a government in North Rhine-Westphalia highlight how current this issue is even at the moment in Europe.
I support the communication system which mentions various strategies that could be implemented, such as supporting the development of teachers' competences, updating assessment methods and introducing new ways of organising learning.
However - and my third point is very important - repeated minor ship-source pollution should now be regarded as a criminal offence, because it contributes to the overall pollution of the oceans and that is not a trivial matter.
There needs to be some glimmer of hope, and above all these reforms have to be carried out fairly, so that all Member States get treated the same way.
Special thanks on behalf of the Council are owed to the rapporteur Mrs Jäätteenmäki, the chairman of the AFCO committee Mr Leinen, and Mr Méndez de Vigo MEP.
(EL) Mr President, we returned last week from Palestine where we in the Committee on Development were fortunate enough to see the current situation both in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip.
The rapporteur also mentions something to this effect, suggesting that pilot studies into their practical application should be carried out.
I think I can allow myself to say that it is also thanks to us, the Commission, in a small way, for the proposals that we have put forward.
Those départements have been French since the 17th century.
Maybe, over that period of time, the electronic tagging technology, which at the moment is far too expensive, may, like many other areas of technology, become more affordable with a combination of lower costs and better returns to the sheep producer.
I would also like it to remain that way.
The Hellenic Capital Market Commission should therefore be able to supply the data for Greek companies.
These interconnected topics are of concern to a great many Europeans.
What measures are planned for offshore oil exploitation at greater depths and, in particular, in the Far North?
The Council decided to pursue the dialogue with Cuba because it provides an opportunity to discuss open issues of mutual interest and concern, including the human rights situation, but we remain seriously concerned about the situation in Cuba and we will continue to follow individual cases, particularly prisoners with serious health conditions.
However, the crises of the recent past have also illustrated what can happen when the fate of people is approached from a purely financial or technocratic aspect and the major objectives, the principles holding things in place, are forgotten.
In order to enable security, stability and peace to be maintained in the future, the EU therefore needs to have a greater presence in the region than we have at the moment.
This is also in accordance with the Treaty of Lisbon.
European parties should grow politically, organisationally and financially from the bottom up.
So let us take a global view and find constructive solutions in the EU and the UN together with Afghanistan, to support peace and democracy and to combat terrorism and drugs.
Access to funding is therefore one of the greatest obstacles confronting SMEs today.
On administrative burdens, the mapping exercise of the main EU information obligations which is being carried out for the Commission by an external consortium has been completed and the costing of these obligations will be finished by the end of the year.
While most carers are unpaid, in that particular area, does the Slovenian Presidency have any initiatives to put forward on the issue of carers and, in that context, family-friendly policies?
(PT) Madam President, what is contained within the NATO Strategic Concept, adopted in Lisbon, with regard to the doctrine of nuclear deterrence is not new, it is old.
In all cases, we want to take a positive and constructive attitude towards the new US administration.
I am sorry to have to disappoint further questioners, but in view of the time I am afraid we are going to have to leave it there.
The proposed resolution is a good one and it merits our full support.
Energy security is also covered by the report.
All this will be destroyed if we do not equip ourselves with the instruments provided for in the Treaty of Lisbon, especially those pertaining to social rights, namely the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the 'social clause', which states that social issues must be taken into account when defining and implementing all policies.
That, to my mind, is the core of both the Rasmussen and the Lehne reports: the need to establish European financial regulation.
Let me stress once more the importance of cooperation with the European Parliament.
I would respectfully ask that you abide by the speaking time allotted to you.
I ask the Commission to pay particular attention to the call in the report for improved statistical tools to allow more accurate measurement of the extent of cohesion and better assessment of the contributions of local actions aimed at achieving it.
Consumers, entrepreneurs and businessmen all accuse us of imposing barriers that impede things from functioning smoothly.
Thirdly, and this is the question that I believe needs to be discussed most urgently, the need for coordinated action to stimulate the global economy and minimise the consequences of the crisis for the jobs and purchasing power of our fellow citizens.
Allow me to emphasise again the need to provide the resources to implement the future regulation effectively.
We should nevertheless achieve more, for example - and this is where the value of a Green Paper lies - where the actual free movement of health services is concerned.
Finally, I should like to thank the Commission for the Eastern Partnership project, which it is going to propose to the Council.
Ideally, we will be able to decide on a common solution at European level.
Corrections to votes and voting intentions: see Minutes
This is not a problem specific to the European Union.
That is the purpose of this new Regulation: to inject some flexibility into financial management.
It is not a badge of honour that in 2007 Latin America's military expenditure amounted to 36 billion dollars, in a region that, with the sole exception of Colombia, is not currently experiencing any armed conflict.
The vote will take place tomorrow.
This will still allow you to give your constituents the reasons that prompted you and others to vote in a certain way on the various issues.
I think that, on this point too, we could take matters further after the debate.
Moreover, I note that in Jeddah at the end of June, where Commissioner Piebalgs and I attended a gathering of all the producer and consumer countries, the common message was absolutely clear.
Ukraine is part of our neighbourhood.
Sanctions such as these must be the last resort available to Member States and international organisations, yet the report hails them as the principal instrument of EU foreign policy.
Considering that the Treaty on European Union and now the TFEU obliges EU States to respect the ECHR, this is shameful and unacceptable.
The Commission will continue its efforts with a view to finding, together with Parliament and the Council, an appropriate solution to this horizontal institutional issue'.
An agreement must therefore be concluded with the government of Southern Sudan regarding the readmission of its own nationals who have entered the European Union illegally.
The sitting was closed at 11.45 p.m.
The Barnier document and others submitted by Parliament have already been mentioned here.
There is a charge on the physical recipients.
The most significant progress is the recognition of a European passport for management companies.
That is good, as I interpret it as meaning that we do not need to take a roundabout route via the European Commission and still run the risk that it will be thrown out by lobbyists from the tobacco industry.
We have tried, over the last six months, to ensure that Europe is united and strong, and that it thinks for itself.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, Minister, I want to keep my contribution brief and would like to focus on the fact that we are responsible first and foremost for 500 million consumers in the European Union and then for the farmers in the European Union, who produce food for these consumers.
And it must be said that small countries are often the most successful as regards the Presidency of the Council because they get fully involved in this business.
However, in order to address these challenges we need concrete proposals and solutions.
We will now take what will be the last question this evening, and indeed the last question of your presidency.
Otherwise they will be in opposition to the European Parliament and the elected representatives of the 27 countries of the EU.
In civil law we have seen it in cross-border matters.
The plan is ambitious, diversified and comprehensive and it will solve the problems of growth and employment differently according to the situation in each country as well as problems linked to the economic situation of course.
4.
We have disagreed before, we will surely disagree again, but I am equally convinced that the United States and Europe can meet the challenges of the 21st century - as we did in the 20th century - if we talk and listen to one another; if we are honest with one another.
If we have made a questionable decision, we have the right to amend it ourselves, but the amendment must be made in accordance with the proper procedures.
in writing. - I am pleased to see that Ana Gomes' report on the EU's role in Iraq looks forward and formulates a strategy to build a robust democratic Iraqi state that respects human rights and the country's rich ethnic and confessional make-up.
We in the Commission have made a declaration that is contained in the minutes of the JHA council meeting of 23 October 2009.
The main challenge is how we can guarantee fair and genuine remuneration for every right holder and each individual cultural industry for the work done, at the same time ensuring that consumers have choice and easy access to cultural products.
We do need to support SME finance, but the European Union can and should also take other steps to support this sector.
Given the potential for illegal migration from these countries, as well as alarming radical Islamic tendencies, in particular in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania, I am voting against the adoption of this report.
I voted against Resolution because I think that piracy is not a military problem but a development problem.
(PL) Mr President, President-in-Office of the Council, first of all I would like to offer you my sincere congratulations on taking over the Presidency of the European Union.
The conflict in Georgia in 2008 caused a serious worsening of the economic situation in the country.
It is tragic that so few Member States have made use of these, and personally I would be in favour of legislating in this regard.
I am voting for this report, as I agree with its proposals and hope that culture helps find solutions for emerging from the crisis, and that it will be an asset to the welfare of the European public.
Although the use of cyanide is banned in certain Member States and allowed in others, Member States must consult each other and aim at forming partnerships.
I therefore also assume that the vote on the matter this week will have a positive outcome.
This is a highly symbolic act, if there can be such a thing, demonstrating how keen Croatia is to join the European Union.
But above all, I invite you to explain to our fellow citizens how the European Union is providing protection, not by taking action on behalf of States, but quite the reverse, by increasing the effectiveness of the actions taken by States, combining our efforts to stimulate demand and restore confidence for the benefit of all our citizens.
Only in this way will they be able to defend their rights.
At current prices this is approximately EUR 4 billion.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Madam President, the ALDE Group firmly and consistently supports the goal of EU accession for all the Western Balkan countries.
The reason is that we started this whole exercise in the aftermath of the Nice Treaty, with a declaration in Laeken, and it has taken eight years - so I promise not to restart this whole process, Mr President.
The Final Report of the High-Level Group on the Alliance of Civilisations contains detailed, useful proposals on both subjects.
Can I just raise one typical example of an area in which we have no comeback: that of a Member State failing to act on a European Union directive.
Not really.
This is fundamentally wrong.
Most of the 85 million people living in poverty within the European Union are women.
These recommendations result in an increase in transport costs, and hauliers with older vehicles will obviously be in a worse situation.
The only practical thing that this Parliament can do is to seek the freezing of the association agreement with Israel; anything else is just talk - positive and attractive - but just talk.
For this reason, I request that the European Council examine very carefully, in December, the issue of the free movement restriction in the European Union for the new Member States and that it adopts a mandatory common position to reduce at a minimum the barriers to free movement of labour.
It has been said that this action was excessive, that this was not the way to solve the problem, that this town should not have been bombed at night and that such a heavy attack should not have occurred in reply.
The report as a whole is a step in the right direction, and future social developments will oblige us to pay more attention to this topic.
(PL) Mr President, if the objective of our actions is the reduction of poverty in third countries and economic integration, then the European Union's tariff preferences programme really is the right way to go about it.
Section II - Council
I am pointing out these facts because the relevant paragraphs merely look good - in reality, they change nothing.
Back then to the subject of our debate: Mrs Jeggle's most excellent reports.
Otherwise, I really find the question quite relevant.
Now we also have the opportunity to request that the Commission goes further in providing consumers with greater power.
Europe needs policies which are motivated by a real desire to strengthen the Union.
With these changes, I think that Regulation (EC) No 55/2008 can contribute to supporting Moldova's economic recovery, providing workers in the country's wine sector with better prospects for the period 2011-2013.
I also believe that ill people should benefit from bone marrow transplants according to the seriousness of their condition and not their nationality.
The report seeks to provide a framework highlighting the integrating role of cohesion policy and the contribution it makes to increasing the EU's global competitiveness.
The language law creates an imbalance.
We wish that the Bavarian Government also knew how to respond to this situation with a great sense of responsibility.
To conclude this debate I have received six motions for a resolution1 tabled in accordance with Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure.
The Caucasus.
Cross-compliance could be a force for good, and those who do the inspections should have clear and proper training and know their responsibilities.
And finally, the only industrial activities allowed in 21st century Europe should be those which ensure the decontamination and recycling of their waste.
We have them already, but now it is a matter of implementing them and, of course, working, as I tried to tell you, on the seven points that we aim for in the negotiations, to make sure that we also work internationally with partners to ensure we have a good scientific basis which we will move into very concrete implementation.
Given that demographic changes are fuelling the need for training and adding to the necessity to participate in lifelong learning, workers must be provided with a means of determining and planning their own training needs.
Differences in the development rates of different European Union states are becoming increasingly more pronounced.
I know that one of our most successful Irish businessmen, Denis O'Brien, is playing a leading role in that regard.
rapporteur. - (HU) Mr President, on 22 March, I received a reply from the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs to my request that this report be tabled at the May plenary.
By resolving issues linked to the rights of persons with reduced mobility and also by laying down clearer rules in the event of death or injury to passengers, and also in the event of loss or damage of luggage, this report helps to increase the security of both passengers and undertakings.
The amounts will be allocated mainly in 2008 (approximately 56%), and during 2000-2013 the influence of this transfer will be insignificant.
Thirdly, the fact that the common agricultural policy system is distorted, it over-subsidises grain farmers, and supports neither pig nor poultry farmers or livestock farmers in general, is another factor contributing to the current livestock crisis.
Madam Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to congratulate Mrs Kallenbach and Mr Guellec on their excellent reports, both of which are milestones in the debate on cohesion policy.
Our verdict on the Swedish Presidency is that it has been an almost total success, basically in four fundamental areas.
It is important, although for one proposed theme, communications technology, the funding has already been found.
First, if the times are tough for everyone, we need to work together.
It must be able to tackle, and keep up with the pace of, the phenomena that fall within its remit: migration and illegal immigration, organised crime, smugglers, trafficking in all its forms.
As the first policy to have been implemented and the main item of expenditure until recently, agriculture occupies a central place in the European project.
The real problem is the existence of nuclear weapons generally.
Energy, food and raw materials are not just products like any other: people's survival depends on them.
Furthermore, I should like to say the following - and with this, I am reacting to the comments made by Mr Casini - that it is actually very harsh that the same arguments used to rule out certain systems of law - sharia for example - are also used, or referred to within the European Union, not to recognise totally legal marriages contracted within the EU, purely on account of the couple's sexual orientation.
In the case of the Czech Republic, there is a sum of CZK 125 million to cover some of the damages caused by the floods in Northern Moravia last May and June.
She is considering improving the content and looking at the conclusions to be drawn from misleading practices.
The second matter is that certain duties are applied to a number of basic items from which the poorest people benefit, such as bananas.
The Commission, like the Council and Parliament, is satisfied with the speed with which the European Central Bank and other central banks have acted today, with a coordinated reduction in interest rates, which should relieve some of the tension in the market.
I very much hope that Parliament and the Council will be able to reach a compromise.
Furthermore, better access to the European funds could be facilitated by temporarily reducing the national cofinancing requirements.
I believe that the necessary conditions for the existence of a single electric vehicle market must be created, while at the same time guaranteeing efficient coordination of policies at EU level, in order to avoid negative impacts, particularly on employment.
This would mean the end of national legal traditions and the laws that every Member State has laid down on issues as sensitive as civil and contract law.
As for the content of the report, which I regard as fairly balanced and capable of responding to current challenges and providing good guidelines for the future, I must say that Parliament acknowledges as positive and accepts many of the Commission's proposals.
Sometimes calmer, at other times violent, this crisis has no end.
This package would finance the creation of national resettlement programmes where they do not exist already, as well as the coordination of activities at the central level.
But in a series of contentious judgments - Defrenne v. Sabena, Barber v. Guardian Royal Exchange, and others - the definition has been progressively widened, first so as to include holiday entitlements and pensions and so on, and then so as to include work of equivalent value.
The value of the citizens' initiative will not be measured in terms of the interinstitutional compromise reached between the Council and the Commission, but in terms of whether it is really used.
I assume that the decision will be that both parties have violated applicable WTO rules.
in writing. - I supported all the amendments to the Committee on Transport and Tourism's report on the amendment of Regulation (EC) No 881/2004 establishing a European Railway Agency.
It may, however, be easily extrapolated to any other terrorist cause that may be invoked amid patriotism and flags.
Finally, on the scope of the Atalanta mission, we note calls in the resolution for its expansion to be considered.
Since Gertrude Mongella's visit on 6 March 2008, marking International Women's Day, I would also say that we have a lot to learn from African wisdom with regard to gender equality: it is something that is lived there and is passed on in oral traditions among women and men who are blessed with good spiritual and mental health.
Tuesday:
To combat demographic decline in Europe by accepting immigrants from other continents, while at the same time destroying the institution of the family and family values, is suicide, since it increases the likelihood of culture conflicts in the future.
Why do governments have to keep their statistics and their budget procedures secret?
The EU has committed to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, such as reducing the maternal mortality rate by 75% by 2015.
With what degree of probability that the necessary unanimous agreement of the 27 Member States will be secured?
I think, however, that some of the amendments adopted in the Committee on International Trade go too far.
I should have preferred the Committee on the Environment to have gone further and requested similar guarantees from other European non-Member States such as Norway, 90% of whose GDP is linked to oil extraction from the sea.
Written declarations included in the register (Rule 116): see Minutes
Furthermore, any evaluation needs to be made on the basis of quantifiable social targets.
I voted in favour of this text on migratory flows.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Gaddafi, the Libyan dictator, has defined the International Criminal Court as a 'new form of world terrorism'.
I agree that the Member States should be represented in the structure of the new service and that a large proportion of women would be appropriate.
I hope the Member States will know how to react to the strong message being sent out by the European Union at this time of particular economic downturn by speeding up the transposition of the European directive into their national legislations.
I view this as a process, a step towards a more global role of the EU as a whole rather than of any single country.
If a Member State is unable to meet its external border responsibilities, support measures and the involvement of Frontex are required.
The European Union is working to create a 'European judicial area', and that area is based on the idea that judgments, like people, must be able to 'move' within the Union, in order to help European citizens gain access to justice.
For this reason, I can assure you that, during the final discussion in the Council, the Commission will support most of the amendments tabled by Parliament.
The recent disastrous stream of migrants from North Africa and the trouble we have been having with the failing Schengen Treaty indicate that asylum and migration policy should be handed back to Member States.
A few days later Fortis Bank and Dexia Bank were also caught in the stream of the financial crises.
Furthermore, the authorities responded to the recent protests which took place on 11 March and 2 April with arrests and harassment.
But it could also have grave implications for the operation of the Suez Canal.
Our humanitarian assistance in East Chad is ongoing (an average of EUR 30 million each year), and needs are adequately covered.
In my opinion, the environmental and social circumstances must also be taken into account.
Why should this principle be restricted to sovereign debt, however?
There are very many internal administrative problems associated with it, and the administration of Russian programmes, at least, should be transferred to the DirectorateGeneral for Regional Policy.
It is clear that Member States that now have to make great efforts to maintain a stable currency exchange rate need more support to be able to pass all the necessary steps to become members of the eurozone and thus prevent the effects of the economic crisis.
We need the know-how in order to build systems such as these independently in Europe and we also have to do something for the owners of our medium-sized enterprises, for small and medium-sized enterprises, which will then, if the infrastructure has been set up, benefit from this by developing the applications in many sectors, to which we perhaps do not give much thought at all today: in the logistics sector, in the road haulage sector, in maritime, rail and air transport and in the security field.
This means that there is widespread illegality, which cannot be tolerated as it generates a strong distortion of competition between companies and territories and makes work and workers less secure.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting: see Minutes
Seriously, though, committees meetings here in Strasbourg cannot continue to clash with plenary sittings and group meetings to the extent that this has been happening, especially over the last two years and in spite of all the declarations that such clashes were to be avoided.
Health, education, agriculture, the development of transport and energy infrastructure and investment in research and innovation and in the modernising of public services must be priorities, both for the Member States and for the EU.
On the US agreement, let me start by thanking the rapporteur, Mr Zasada, for his very positive recommendation in relation to the outcome of the negotiations with the United States on a second stage air services agreement.
However, there are some delegations, some politicians and some Member States who want the Agency to fail.
Hence, these programmes are important and so we were a bit concerned when we did not see them on the Commission's Work Programme for next year.
For the Commission, it is clear that the international community must maintain its full support for the ICTY to complete its remaining tasks.
The reference to specific groups should therefore be deleted.
These will be highly relevant in many of our areas of activity, be it in research policy, in the area of freedom, security and justice or in our permanent quest for good governance.
For example, agriculture in Austria consumes approximately 2.2% of the energy generated.
The issue with regard to the International Criminal Court is a matter for another day.
We do, after all, continue to be the greatest donor to African countries.
We will need time and resources to carefully prepare these measures, to consult stakeholders and adopt them.
We are well aware that one of the problems we must face is that of Italy's organisation in cofinancing the funds that the European Union is sure to grant, and on this point we Members must be extremely vigilant.
This vote represents an important step towards creating a genuine European policy on asylum, which we have long requested.
And, finally, when will the Spanish state revoke the international treaties which prohibit flights from twenty three countries into Barcelona airport?
It is therefore particularly important for the EU to speak with one voice.
Therefore, if these rights are not acknowledged, it cannot stand aside and look the other way.
We therefore really need to very closely monitor what happens.
There, US strategy has freedom of manoeuvre, but if President Obama listens to his hawks, he risks another Vietnam.
At the same time we have done little to change the situation and increase women's opportunities for better employment.
Some time in the future, and it is still not clear when, bilateral investment treaties will fall under the Commission.
This mainly resulted from speculation engaged in by companies which have made very high profits from the speculative valuation of oil stocks purchased at lower prices.
We in the EU must be able to react quickly to the challenges that await us.
Moreover, I consider it fitting that the European Ministers of Energy have decided to give priority to safety in European nuclear plants, emphasising the importance of greater European coordination during the modernisation of nuclear facilities.
Systems in this area continue, however, to be assessed as only partially effective.
I think that setting it before the European elections is a reasonable target.
Strengthening passengers' rights makes a considerable contribution to promoting rail travel, which will result in an increase in the overall share of this mode of transport.
Such suffering is inflicted particularly on so-called low-value animals such as animals for slaughter.
We are confident that the future of the Treaty of Lisbon and the EU will be defined not by the rekindling of collective disenfranchisement from the Second World War, but by safeguarding the rights of minorities according to the customary European practice of guaranteeing autonomy in cultural life.
I already had a very good discussion on the South Caucasus with the members of the Foreign Affairs Committee on 28 April, shortly after my visit to the region.
People were pushed into a Utopian vision, and despite its horror and its cost, many still find it attractive and it is defended by some members on the left side of this House.
It is vital that this afternoon in this House we put aside our prejudices and we defend those who have no one left to defend them.
Yet, sadly, you want to have a Europe that is not based on those decent values, a Europe that believes and respects that all human beings are born equal.
Now things are getting easier, the help is getting out, but do not underestimate for one moment how difficult the circumstances have been on the ground.
Again people are shouting about the EU being in crisis, because the Irish rejected the Treaty of Lisbon in their referendum on Thursday 12 June.
Firstly, I disagree entirely with what was said by my fellow Member Mr Czarnecki, that this issue is the subject of differences within the European Union.
As soon as the Commission submits its proposals concerning the Procedures and Reception Conditions Directives, work can continue on these two laws as well.
It was in 1893 that New Zealand gave women the vote.
The measures proposed here are somewhat flimsy, but they are nonetheless necessary and imperative.
These motives include dissatisfaction with their own situation, discontent with what is happening in international politics or with the polarisation of their own society, a need for meaning, and frustration with world politics.
It is not a far distant place of little relevance which occasionally comes to our attention.
This report is part of the package of six pieces of legislation on economic governance and reveals the contradictions that exist in the European Union.
In view of the amount of work ahead of us, we should work as quickly as possible.
Identity is not a disease in Europe and so really any surplus energy ought to be put towards unity.
The response can be seen on the streets of university cities throughout Europe, where students are protesting not against the idea of a European education, but against the deterioration in higher education ostensibly in the name of a European idea.
However, it should not become a precedent in all other cases.
As Mrs Bauer has said, the topic we are debating is as old as the Treaty of Rome.
The upside is that it facilitates the punter and it makes it easier to get and to place a bet.
The activities carried out under target 1.1 of ROP ERDF 2007-2013 and measure 1.7 of ROP 2000-2006 have been greatly restricted by the spending conditions imposed as a result of the infringement procedure launched in relation to the waste management situation in Campania.
The other issue that this Parliament is working on this week is human trafficking and violence against women.
The Europe 2020 Strategy aims at an employment rate of 75% among men and women aged between 20-64.
If the other regions of the world have the right to protect themselves against dumping, why shouldn't Europe?
We must now look at the negotiations with the Council to resolve a few differences of interpretation on several points.
There has been a worrying deficit in the production of protein crops in the European Union over the last 10 years and the situation now is one of considerable decline.
Unfortunately, though, as only three subjects may be dealt with, the motion relating to Mr Gao Zhisheng could not be included.
And that is serious, as the Commissioner knows.
It is for these political reasons that my group has withdrawn its signature.
The answer to that is still not quite clear.
Also, Article 19 of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights mentions explicitly that collective expulsions are forbidden.
That is why a better European policy in relation to the United States, inner strength and one voice in foreign and security policy are conditions for creating a genuine partnership.
Why, I ask myself.
So we need to step up the pressure.
In reality, the European Investment Bank is the only international financial institution that answers voluntarily and that is accountable to a parliamentary institution.
In this context, it emphasises stronger activation regimes, retraining and improving qualifications and better links between skills offered and the needs of the labour market and stresses the need to support the most vulnerable.
Transport seems to be the most appropriate way to implement modern, energy efficient solutions.
Pardon me.
That is a significant step backwards in the pursuit of the goal of devoting 0.7% to development but also - and that is very important - in the pursuit of the Millennium Goals and, more generally, in the battle we say we want to wage against poverty in the world.
We should, however, also continue to help the authorities build the institutions that they need to function as a democratic and modern state, support civil society and, most important of all, continue our commitment to the security of Afghanistan.
In this context, the review of the Neighbourhood Policy is absolutely necessary.
However, it is not the trading in itself that leads to reduced emissions, but the total emissions ceiling which we choose to establish.
Tomorrow's debate is about the credibility of the European Parliament and whether we can take a rational, logical and fair decision.
I am pleased that the Nabucco project has been declared a priority energy project and that our efforts as Members of the European Parliament in support of this project have yielded results.
In an organisation of sovereign and independent states which have joined together as a means of ensuring, through cooperation, the best advantages for their citizens without having at any stage waived their status as free and sovereign states, multilingualism is the recognition of the relationship of equality between all the members.
That is more than in the whole of 2008!
In addition, the European Commission needs to improve budgetary transparency so that we can properly monitor the use of public funds.
As the Apostle Paul, whose 2 000-year legacy both the Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Churches are celebrating this year, says in one of his most famous epistles, the Epistle to the Romans, 'For we know that until now, the whole of creation groans with us and shares our birth pangs'.
decisions on pension systems are political decisions and are fully and exclusively the responsibility of the individual Member States;
That is the information I wanted to pass on to you today and I look forward to listening to the comments here in this House concerning these difficult problems.
For the establishment of practically all PDB lines, I would like to express my thanks to Parliament.
Here too we must - particularly when we are talking about universal services - ensure that it goes ahead, and that too is very positive.
We must therefore support all measures aimed at making better use of money granted under the Structural Funds and at making more effective use of its integrating role, all the more so because the effects of cohesion policy measures are most keenly felt at local level and, therefore, to a significant extent in rural areas too.
All we need is sufficient time, which is why we should also be allowed time on Thursday afternoons.
I fully approve of the need for timeshare retailers to increase the cooling-off period for buyers, as well as the obligation to provide full details of the purchase before the contract is signed.
A slight ambiguity that I have noticed in the report by your committee relates to the external representation of the euro zone.
It is why what we have seen happening in Cote d'Ivoire is so important, seeing President Ouattara finally take his place, and the role we have played has been significant in supporting that process.
It is essential to help the least favoured areas to develop; to enhance the efficient allocation of funds for innovation, technology and education; and to implement measures to stimulate employment and competitiveness, in particular.
We already have a plan; now we just need to ensure that it is implemented consistently.
However, the June List is critical of the establishment of a new European agency in this area and of the desire to conduct an 'external policy'.
I would like, therefore, to ask the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic to speak and to present the opinion of the Presidency on the past six months and on what should happen in the near future.
We do not think that legally binding standards should be avoided in the field of corporate responsibility.
It is a useful and necessary measure, in that sporting activity constitutes such a significant dimension of European society.
The European Banking Authority is the result of that.
I am very sorry.
I would like to add another point: gender equality has been mentioned, and you raised that, and I think we really should invest heavily in that.
Mr Commissioner, after having been in our respective posts for some weeks now, it is time to roll up our sleeves and get to work so that these objectives are reached, which will increase employment within the European Union.
14.
Questions from 24 committee members were dealt with en bloc in a cursory manner.
Given the wide range of topics covered by the two reports, I would like to limit myself to several aspects that are particularly relevant for the Commission, that is, the implementation of the Lisbon Reform Treaty, the European Security Strategy, the Neighbourhood Policy and the issue of joint action, particularly the Commission's role within the framework of crisis management.
We are also counting on the new President of the European Council to embody the Union on the international stage, to initiate and chair meetings of the Heads of State or Government, and to act as a reference point.
This is not how things are done in the European Parliament!
The benefits of the internal market should be in the interest of the Member States.
Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (announcement of motions for resolutions tabled): see Minutes
The health and well-being of freight transport drivers as well as the safety of other road users depend on clear rules concerning issues such as working time, driving hours and periods of rest, as well as on effective inspections and penalties for non-compliance.
We are thus increasing the level of protection afforded by Community law.
I can compare the discussions this time with the discussions five years ago when we were discussing the Lisbon Strategy.
We urge the European Commission to contribute to this task.
Subject: Programmes and initiatives to modernise higher education
A sovereignist, nationalist, anti-European way of thinking is emerging and developing on our continent.
But the mind inside was good and needed to be protected and stimulated if she was to have a real and full life.
It must, however, make every effort - and so must the Member Countries of ASEAN, as Hartmut Nassauer stated - to ensure that the international teams of experts and aid materials, which have been in place for some time now, are allowed to enter the country.
I am pleased that the report emphasises that fishermen and other stakeholders need to take responsibility and ownership concerning any policy to eliminate discards.
A similar figure is given for the proportion of the workforce engaged in service provision.
Therefore, more specific attention should be directed at the most vulnerable groups of people, including women, children and people who have been forcibly displaced (whether internally or as refugees).
This is an objective which I fully support.
If, however, public provocation is included in this legal act, there is the possibility of intervening if general disobedience to a law is provoked or action is provoked that is punishable in relation to terrorist activity.
This is because the Roma population is the largest marginalised community in Europe, with a high level of cross-border mobility within Europe.
Crises generate opportunities.
I call on them not to use ultra-nationalist and chauvinistic elements or 'head speeches' just to win a few extra votes.
However, the citizens in the European Union equally expect security.
This will last a few more months and then it will be over and done with.
I therefore propose that the Commission should encourage the introduction of such an approach and should facilitate inter-regional exchanges of experience, whilst at the same time ensuring that European laws are properly applied.
However, with greater power there should be greater accountability and transparency.
I voted in favour of this Agreement because I learnt that the Agreement concluded by the Commission replaces, for the better, certain provisions in the existing 17 bilateral air services agreements concluded between EU Member States and Vietnam.

Even though the EU does not have any direct intervention mechanisms, Member States must be allowed to take the necessary measures to prevent the collapse of an industry on which the jobs of thousands of European citizens depend.
Therefore no overhaul is appropriate at this point, nor is it the wish of most stakeholders.
Every woman should have access to shelters, to free legal aid and to psychological aid.
We have to do more for SMEs; I think it is a priority.
Why list the problems posed by the poor and say nothing of those caused by the rich?
I ask people on that side of the House not to be blinded by their own dogmatism either.
The banks persuaded the weak and needy that with loans at 1% they could live the good life, while failing to point out that this 1% was for a limited period only and would soon shoot up.
Reducing and simplifying the rules and making fair, open trade simpler can only improve its relations with Europe.
The future of Europe depends on the demographic performance of the generations living now.
France followed this two-step approach, so as of next year will have a similar situation.
If we do not start this work now, the costs will be enormous, and what we have to do now is to take responsibility in the vote tomorrow, for the environment, for industry and for the population of Europe.
This makes European industry more competitive and means less administrative hassle.
Modalities of Iceland and Norway's participation in the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (vote)
(Applause)
We must bear in mind that when poultrymeat is sold as 'fresh', the consumer expects that it has never been frozen before, even quickly, which is a guarantee of quality for the consumer.
In 2007 the ECB operated in a challenging environment with rising and volatile commodity prices and, since the second half of 2007, heightened uncertainty stemming from the ongoing correction in financial markets across the world that was mentioned by the rapporteur.
The Treaty of Lisbon acknowledges the outermost regions' disadvantages and constraints, and that is exactly why we must now adapt and update the current system, taking into account the challenges faced by the outermost regions, in terms of both its dimension and its content.
Together, we have achieved a great agreement and I am happy to commend it to you.
Not 27 different plans, as we have today, but a common, consistent approach set out by the Commission.
In addition, the situation is made even more difficult by new, strong challenges, such as climate change, the declining population or the global economic recession.
Dip into the flexibility instrument?
At least here in France they have got the right idea, generating at least 70% of their electricity by nuclear power, and it is about time the EU formulated a policy to promote that right across the Union.
We therefore call for a genuine social package that rejects the new proposed working time directive, promotes a reduction in the working day without loss of pay, revokes the stability pact and the liberal Lisbon Strategy, changes the European Central Bank's criteria and false independence, creates an employment and social progress pact as an alternative, promotes investment and support for micro and small enterprises and public services, and respects the dignity of working people.
Petitions: see Minutes
In short, the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe will be backing this compromise.
Furthermore, the chemistry industry is a strategic sector in Europe, with 25 000 companies that employ, directly or indirectly, five million people.
Therefore, what we have to do is continue our ongoing work and never lose sight of our long-term projects.
I think that is very important, because the European Commission should not only intervene when market rules are being violated but also, and in particular, when European values are being violated.
The PNR system will remain unchanged, the same as it is now, the same as it has been adopted and approved, and this is not about fingerprints being taken at travel agents' or anywhere else.
That is a scandal.
Finally, I would like to ask the Commission if it has any further information on possible European Union cooperation with the Security Council to guarantee maritime security in this area.
It should be noted that India has a clear legislative framework, especially as regards the procedure for the registration of geographical indications and their coexistence alongside trademarks.
We will debate this matter and conclude the parliamentary procedure with the necessary speed because we want security, but not only for the security bodies; we want security for the citizens who are supposed to be protected by these security bodies, too.
We must promote all forms of synergy between the actors involved, such as enterprises, schools, associations, employment bodies, youth workers, researchers, families and also the social partners.
There were sceptics at the very highest levels of this Parliament, which I find absolutely incomprehensible and totally unacceptable.
In four minutes it is impossible to do justice to what is in the report, but let me just highlight some of the issues which I believe are of importance.
In other words, when numerous farms in the Union are in danger of going out of business, due to enhanced animal welfare standards, products will be imported from third countries that do not even meet the specifications which apply in the Union today.
(PL) Mr President, Commissioner, we are today discussing very important issues of employment, social rights and health protection.
Drugs that are grown and produced in Afghanistan find their way onto the streets of Europe.
We work through the United Nations: the General Assembly adopted a resolution condemning the situation only last month.
This has nothing to do with party politics; it is simply a fact.
This is not budgetary efficiency; it is quite simply an accounting trick.
Precisely because the Common Frame of Reference (CFR) needs to take account of the SME sector as well, over recent months the Commission has been holding workshops on selected problem areas in the business-to-business (B2B) arena, and the outcomes of these workshops need to be taken into account in the forthcoming Commission text as well.
(HU) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the destiny of Europe is affected significantly by whether it is capable of developing societies that include and support children.
Negotiations with Croatia are now in the final phase.
As for small companies, we all know that the EU, its economic partners and the World Trade Organisation will continue to crush them.
Once again, the resolution places the aggressor and aggressed, occupier and occupied on the same level, thereby ignoring the terrorism of the Israeli State;
on behalf of the Committee on International Trade. - Mr President, I have a mandate to ask for the postponement of the vote on the legislative resolution.
I make no secret of the fact that it is my great hope that this additional protocol will make it possible to combat a great many forms of pollution of the Atlantic.
Cheap products are produced in countries outside the European Union under completely different conditions and are then imported cheaply into Europe, putting pressure on European wage levels and weakening our economy.
All this needs to be done.
Since 1990, emissions from the European transport industry have increased by over 30%.
These tasks should be implemented within the framework of functioning institutions that have in any case already been expanded.
Likewise, the call for the UN Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrants and Members of Their Families has been removed.
In Kosovo and Afghanistan, it is more difficult because of the political issues.
In the same spirit, here too, we would also like to think more proactively about improving our regulation system, out of respect for the principle of subsidiarity.
They represent our suggestions.
The major challenge for poor countries is food self-sufficiency, so we must help them establish agriculture which is economically viable.
Whilst we almost never vote for any legislation, we would like to point out that we did vote in favour of Amendment 75, which rejected the Commission's proposal for a common expulsion policy, but not for the reasons/justification given by the group which tabled the amendment.
These obvious measures will contribute to creating a strong Europe, making it a community of half a billion citizens who profess the same values and are guided by the same ideas.
Such events will also affect our own security and we should, therefore, also think of the problem in entirely selfish terms, namely the interests of the European Union, so that our neighbourhood will be an area of stability and affluence.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (PL) Mr President, Belarus is a neighbour of the European Union.
As was the case in central Europe in the 1990s, the agreement will boost investment, in particular, for indirect investments.
I also regard software-defined radio as a joint project that offers great opportunities; it sets a common standard for protected telecommunications that could lead to interoperability between armed forces on the one hand and the police on the other, and also with the forces that have to stand by for disaster aid.
(PL) Mr President, this week is a good one for EU-Ukraine relations.
This situation can also reinforce mistrust of these NGOs, which can sometimes see their action confused with the geo-strategic positions of the donor countries or the Union.
What are you going to do about that?
Written statements (Rule 149)
What remains is the important homework that the service needs to do.
author. - Mr President, thank you for allowing me to ask for clarification on two points.
The aim is to keep all administrative costs as low as possible and to work with those who have responsibility locally and nationally for the various flagship projects.
The Commission has also organised several informal meetings with the European ministers responsible for this matter.
It is economically fragile because the global financial crisis and the devastating floods in the country have set back its development by several years.
One point we have stated is that fair competition must be restored; in other words, the Blair House Agreement must be brought into question and ultimately abolished.
In times of financial instability, it is crucial to ensure that our economy uses all the resources it has.
on behalf of the EFD Group. - Mr President, there is an anecdote going around the bazaars of Karachi roughly as follows.
Can we expect any additional proposals?
I think that the current globalised world hardly allows one to determine the country of origin; in the end, a guarantee of the quality of this or that product is far more important than its trademark or country of origin.
We must answer the question as to where the money comes from.
Sharon Bowles rightly points out that tax fraud has serious consequences for national budgets.
I think it is appropriate that the European Parliament appreciates such a disparity and that we refrain from formalising the precise methods of collaboration and response to the operation of the subsidiarity mechanism at the present stage of affairs.
I hope such a summit may be held with Mexico this year.
Did you know that the Netherlands has been the biggest net contributor to the European Union for years now and that the Greeks have been the biggest recipients of Dutch money for years?
As a socialist, I do believe that a framework directive is indispensable for effectively tackling poverty, which affects 17% of the European population.
I believe we must all show our sympathy and offer our condolences and our solidarity both to the families and to the areas that were hit.
That is why I feel we can say that this is the moment of truth for Europe.
The European Court of Auditors has stated that it has obtained reasonable assurances that the annual accounts for 2009 are legal and regular.
Moreover, I agree with the development priorities and believe that the accounting procedures are perfectly calibrated for the ex-ante prevention of errors, fraud and hoarding by subjects with no entitlement.
I therefore wonder, although I am not biased in any way, about the motives behind this decision by the Hungarian Government.
What this means is that the policy would be disastrous for the economies of many developing countries. It would not be a good example for the rest of the planet, which is supposed to implement this principle at global level on the basis of the results achieved in Europe.
Together with Mr Sócrates you are going to open the borders.
The quality of soldiers and equipment is very poor and the size of the DRC is enormous.
Your neoliberal guidelines do not reveal a strategy for more social justice, nor do they provide better protection for Europe against crises.
There is virtually no reference to it in this report and only a passing mention in the Commission's comprehensive strategy for achieving a climate change agreement in Copenhagen.
Like the rapporteur, Mrs Gomes, I have no doubt that we need to adopt an EU Action Plan but I regret the fact that the Commission has not been more ambitious, because the proposed Action Plan shows a lack of strength and coherence on certain matters.
However, let me stress that maintaining or even increasing capacity of these fleets is not the solution and can indeed be part of the problem.
As Mrs Jeggle has already said, the report was adopted unanimously in the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.
We appreciate that the taxation debate is not closed and I should like just to mention three points at this stage in the discussions.
In fact, our negotiating guidelines provide for a conclusion with fewer than 10 members as the LDCs within ASEAN - Laos, Cambodia and Burma/Myanmar - are not required to take on commitments in the FTA but will be following the negotiating process.
In fact, we can do everything it takes; we can condemn all this time and again.
Crime in this area is not restricted by national borders.
I should also like to pay tribute to Mrs Niebler, Chairman of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, your rapporteur and those leading Members of the European Parliament who have made the adoption of this Regulation possible.
I believe it is crucial to give citizens this freedom of choice and also to give them the opportunity to complain when malpractice occurs.
It is in the same spirit that I will present to the European Council some of the major challenges for the G20 that will take place in June in Canada.
I voted for this report because I think that an EU-level strategy for integrating the Roma minority is a positive and welcome step.
This is implemented by Article 15(1) of the same text.
However, the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, together with decisions designed to boost European integration, such as those adopted last week in the European Council and this morning by you here, create the necessary framework for economic and monetary integration to forge ahead in the direction in which it needs to go.
Mr President-in-Office of the Council, I congratulate you on presenting a truly high-quality, realistic programme for Europe and also on your personal growth.
For sustainable management, the economy, ecology and social aspects must be in harmony.
As to the last question, regarding dialogue between the European Council and the USA, non-governmental organisations and individuals, I can only say that until now in the dialogue with the United States this issue has not been raised - nor has it yet been raised with the other parties mentioned in the question.
Those of you who visited the Children's Pavilion in Jerusalem would agree with me that you leave the pavilion shaken and you cannot believe that such events were possible in Europe and only 60 or 70 years ago.
This means that demand will not be met, even with all the projects currently in hand.
I will briefly point out some of the contributions that the report makes.
I am pleased that the rescue succeeded.
It took office with a very heavy agenda and has been able to achieve a great deal, much of which we welcome.
That is a great success.
Marketing of the meat of bovine animals aged 12 months or less (vote)
Firstly, agency heads must continue their efforts to observe stricter compliance with budget discipline.
For we cannot rely solely on monitoring systems, Ms Rühle, relevant though they may have been in relation to some toy manufacturers' recalls: we also need to appeal to the pride and the characteristic quality of our own European manufacturers because we shall never be capable of monitoring everything.
I doubt it, because everything has been prepared to manipulate these elections and to obtain results in accordance with Mr Putin's wishes, including artificial opposition parties and the creation of phoney NGOs.
It was born in the United States because of their lack of regulation, their lack of supervision and their lack of proper implementation.
It opposes the dispersion of funds by confining its use to a limited list of high-priority countries.
(DE) I have only one brief question.
Is it flexible enough to reflect changing times?
That would be our task as the EU; NATO can take care of the military side.
(Applause)
At this time, we ask the EU and Russia to take full advantage of this summit to step up negotiations on a new partnership and cooperation agreement and to resolve the latest issues on Russia's World Trade Organisation membership.
in writing. - (LT) The Commission communication on 'Supporting early demonstration of sustainable power generation from fossil fuels' is a very important step towards further discussions on political and financial measures.
- (DE) President-in-Office of the Council, you have rightly pointed out that bilateral contacts can help in resolving problem cases such as these.
Given the amount of money that governments are currently taking away from hard-pressed taxpayers, surely it is time to encourage more tax competition to reduce the burden on working families across the European Union.
The majority represent projects which in fact are of no particularly great benefit.

The European Union will be judged on this contribution and on this commitment.
Replacing, on political grounds, local administration policy-makers during the current economic crisis highlights a lack of responsibility on the government's part.
How can we exchange all the good ideas that form the basis of associations in small and large cities so that we can learn from them?
The European Parliament is encouraging the Croatian authorities to overcome these obstacles and step up their efforts to resolve all the border disputes with neighbouring countries.
I would remind the House that expanded access to essential vaccines is a key lever to achieving Millennium Development Goal 4: a two-thirds reduction in child mortality by 2015.
I would ask the Commissioner to do his job, as he did, and ask the Bulgarian Government to stop this kind of wrong implementation and wrong law enforcement tending towards a very restrictive practice concerning these interceptions.
This resolution calls for a targeted and coherent EU policy plan to combat all forms of violence against women, as stated in the EU Roadmap for Equality between women and men.
I voted in favour of this report which authorises the addition of a further 718 pharmaceutical and chemical products to the existing list of 8 619 products benefiting from duty-free treatment upon importation into the EU, which is due to be implemented on 1 January 2011, as I believe that it is vital that duty-free treatment begins straight away next year, given that the US will make the implementation of the update conditional upon its entry into force on 1 January.
As far as this specific situation is concerned, I recommend Mrs Kallenbach to request the minute under the 'catch-the-eye' procedure because that would make things significantly simpler.
I would caution against this belief, certainly with regard to fisheries.
I would like to thank him for being personally involved in this project.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting: see Minutes
It is unacceptable that to date, there is no concrete schedule in place.
They are in oil, they are in the North of Sudan, but it is definitely a great help when the broader international community tries to find a solution to the issues.
We took measures, we tried to tighten up our use of antibiotics and to understand what could happen.
Bearing in mind the interest which Parliament has shown over time in this area and the importance of this dossier, which is a pilot project for the joint programming of research activities, it is vital that Parliament's position is taken into account when drafting the Council's conclusions.
We support the greater dissemination of information on medicinal products, if this improves patients' awareness.
We will compare notes on the G20 results, especially financial and banking reforms and the need to deliver a global trade deal, and look for EU-US added value there.
As regards the data protection aspect that was addressed here, Prüm has its own data protection rules, and then there are the implementing rules and the treaty rules.
At the same time we must strive to make the European Union open and accessible.
Development of the second generation Schengen information System (SIS II) (vote)
Famines which already exist will worsen drastically.
(NL) Madam President, this is an important moment for stability in the Balkans.
One piece of fruit one day a week is not sufficient to change eating habits or to have an effect on public health.
European states are bombing their recent partners; at the same time, however, they are bombing and destroying the arms they themselves sold.
on behalf of the PPE Group. - Mr President, I would also like to thank the Commissioner.
I hope Parliament will think twice about going as far as that.
It unites us in the community of shared values of the European Union.
What action is being taken to address the shortcomings?
The anti-discrimination principle must also be introduced in other areas, such as inheritance taxes and wills, and the Commission must recognise modern family set-ups in this respect.
It is a country with a great European tradition and great European commitment, in its government as well as in all its political forces and in public opinion, and a President, José-Luis Rodríguez-Zapatero, whose European credentials are unquestionable.
But we also sound a warning on activation measures, particularly those that sometimes introduce penalties which can have an indirect effect, for example on the families of those affected, or indeed where you find people undergoing several training programmes for work that simply does not exist.
Why hide behind the Commission?
It is to propose setting up a simplified cooperation system that allows the Commission and Member States to supply the aid they have promised to partner countries in the throes of particularly grave crises more rapidly than they can today - and I will not dwell on these crises because Mr Deva has just explained them at length.
However, it did combine correct scientific data and false polemics.
Further, we call on Uganda to prosecute those who call for the public murder of gay people.
We all witnessed the unrest which occurred after the elections in Moldova, but one month on from the elections, I think that it is particularly important to emphasise once more that relations between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova must continue to be developed and that we want this as we strive for greater European stability, security and well-being, and as we strive for new dividing lines.
It is obvious that bee health is an important matter and that it must be protected by the most suitable actions, while taking into account the sector's particularities and the different players involved.
A lot of concerns were voiced.
Have we taken note of the fact that the political and economic weight in this world has shifted sharply in the direction of Asia?
China currently accounts for 6% of world trade.
This is a moral and ethical question.
On behalf of the majority of Canadians who are opposed to the hunt, thank you for the leadership you are taking on this issue.
That applies, as I have said, in all environments of life.
We should be careful, because the negotiation on these amendments might delay the adoption of the decision, and we might consider not engaging in lengthy and complicated negotiations in the framework of this decision.
When the Soviet Bloc collapsed, presenting a united front, we all gave practical answers and easily dealt with the problem of the thousands of Poles who arrived on our streets, because we looked at the problem of integrating the whole of the East into Europe.
The debate is closed.
The actions of the EU cannot, however, impinge on the economic interests of sovereign states, for example by making unjustified restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions, which will bring serious harm to the economies of countries such as Poland.
Mr President, let me, on behalf of the Group of Socialist and Democrats, express our concerns about the human rights situation in Belarus, and particularly with regard to the recent developments with the Union of Poles.
Without common rules, those border crossing points where the VIS is not systematically used could be exploited by illegal immigrants and criminals.
I voted in favour of the Niebler report as scientific and technological cooperation between the EU and US is an absolute necessity.
In the Commission's view, this could translate into agreements to move forward quicker in negotiations on selected initiatives of particular importance to attaining our political objectives.
In short, the Directive creates a basis for the stigmatisation and criminalisation of migrants who, without having committed any crime, will be deprived of their liberty and held in detention facilities in conditions unworthy of human dignity.
SEPA is primarily a market-driven project, but given the substantial benefits to the wider economy, the Commission has sought to encourage SEPA migration, for example by acting as a catalyst to raise the political profile of SEPA through our SEPA Progress Report and by encouraging early migration by public authorities.
And it seems that owing to this decision Croatia may be rewarded with fast-track negotiations.
Soft power is the capacity an international player has to influence others by non-coercive means, such as cultural dynamism.
All the main Christian Democrat parties support it.
This is why it must be stipulated in the permanent guidelines that such reallocations cannot be made any more than twice a year so that we can preserve the budget's unity, stability and transparency.
Most of the countries in the Baltic Sea area are small and are dependent on exports.
However, these uniform standards must apply throughout Europe, otherwise they are pointless.
It is the responsibility of all of us, all colleagues, to maintain that decisive competitive advantage on behalf of all our citizens.
At national level, budgetary discipline is based on stupid penalties like those that the Franco-German communiqué is attempting to state and ratify today.
Finally, I would like to go back to sources.
Our joint assistance of EUR 78 billion shows the strong commitment to help Portugal and safeguard the financial stability of Europe.
Consequently, I give my full support to the rapporteur's suggestion to invite the Commission to submit a new improved proposal to the European Parliament to provide Parliament with the opportunity to assume its role as colegislator.
I look forward to delivering that message next week in Australia.
However, we do not want to fund these measures in developing countries either.
This is a fair way of encouraging hauliers to clean up their act.
On the questions of energy, energy security, climate change, and the European Union's role in the process: it should be obvious to everyone that if the European Union's leadership on the issue of climate change - whatever my own views on the subject - does not gain support from economies and major players such as the USA, the Russian Federation, Brazil, India and China, then this initiative by the European Union is isolated, a voice in the wilderness and, on a global scale, worthless.
As regards ECDC ratification, I also support the rapporteur.
We need a fully joined-up approach.
It is a country which can be seen as a future member of the European Community.
Commissioner, together with us, with the European Parliament and the Member States, you are committing yourself to an increase in creativity and innovation in Europe in 2009.
Our policy towards these countries must be based on the principles of solidarity, dialogue and cooperation.
I would like to warn against the danger that meetings, conferences and information, in the broadest sense, and after its involvement, will focus on a few main cities, while the remainder are left outside these processes.
What we are arguing about is the route, and that must be a legitimate subject for discussion, even by the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats.
Mr President, I feel much the same way as Mr Duff.
This has nothing to do with racism or discrimination.
That will continue under the Lisbon Treaty.
We draw attention to the carefulness necessary to ensure the best possible transparency as regards the reassignment of frequencies released and the investments in next-generation infrastructures, so that all the European Union countries could have access to them.
Turkey is an Islamic country and the Islamic ideology is completely at odds with our Western culture.
Sick and neglected animals, most taken far too early from their mothers, are transported to the West in the most deplorable conditions to be sold here for a lot of money.
Every case of suffering is unique and deserves our respect, whether the people involved are Jews, Tutsis, Kulaks, Russian prisoners of war or Polish priests.
I should therefore like to welcome a delegation of mayors from this region.
We should return to our society's traditional economic vision of social justice and genuine production.
In relation to the EU's new priorities - the EU common energy policy and the fight against climate change - the current amount of EU budget resources for these objectives is obviously insufficient.
The job of the EFSA is to determine whether something is dangerous.
The commission tabled a proposal for a directive on consumer rights in 2008, has drafted two progress reports and has now tabled a series of measures in the form of a Green Paper, to which this report seeks to respond.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (NL) Mr President, I should like to start by expressing my warm thanks to Mr Seeber.
However, the environmental problem is not the only issue with Nord Stream.
Nevertheless, the idea of a moratorium on current and future oil drilling in our waters is clearly premature and inappropriate.
Against this backdrop, it is important to increase the mobility of young people in the EU so that, where necessary, they will have more chance of finding work on another labour market.
They show that they have double standards when they refuse the proposal to include cases from other countries, such as Germany, Hungary or Portugal, where the unjustifiable cancellation of Jornal Nacional on TV1 was mentioned.
This decision makes the EU part of the international system of protection of rights, thanks to which it has strengthened its credibility in the eyes of third countries, and also of its own citizens.
In this area it seems that legal regulations are not adapted to the current situation and the developing Internet service market.
Furthermore, I would like to highlight the fact that training and education, research, innovation and the transfer of knowledge are vital to the Europe of today and of tomorrow and should therefore command joint effort at national and Community level.
The EU and the governments within the UfM must prioritise the setting up of its institutions and infuse them with a coherent political strategy which keeps at its core the promotion of democracy and the advancement of human rights, including social rights.
During the eight years of her presidency, Latvia became a Member State of the European Union and of NATO.
The particular significance of this transparency is that it can help to overcome the remoteness that exists between individuals and those who exercise power.
Mr President, today's message should be that the CFSP should more than ever be based on common European values.
We have said that three countries are not directly affected.
Nearly one year ago, when marking the 10th anniversary of the creation of the European Central Bank (ECB) and Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), we highlighted the fact that: 'In the ten years it has been in existence, the results achieved by EMU are a resounding success.'
(Applause)
Regarding the core issue of defending human rights, we are in agreement.
Everyone knows that a military solution will not work in the Middle East.
in writing. - (SK) The European Union has a commitment to solidarity, which arises directly from our Christian heritage.
Our thoughts should be with Adam's family and all those families, European, Afghan and Pakistani, who have suffered such loss.
(PT) Madam President, Commissioner Malmström, ladies and gentlemen, we have all been saying how we are faced with an increase in migratory flows, in terms of both scale and complexity.
The weakening of the previous common policies cannot be allowed to be the price paid for stronger cooperation in the above areas.
However, the proposal which we have before us today is one that is only the first part of a long process if we compare it with the programmes of China and the United States; it also fails to define its goal sufficiently clearly, and this goal must be employment; finally, a European programme cannot be an amalgamation of national agendas.
I call on the President of the Commission to produce an ambitious set of requirements for the commissioners and the Member States.
Faced by demographic problems, the EU must not allow itself to have a low percentage of educated young people, because this would lead to a still greater rise in unemployment in that age bracket, which is something the EU simply cannot afford.
(Applause)
Contrary to what the report claims, it is clear today that the process of liberalising markets and privatising public services, which is still ongoing, has not brought any appreciable gains in terms of prices, quality of service or reduction in public spending.
Economic governance and, potentially, EU matters are other factors in resolving the financial and economic crisis that is currently plaguing some of the euro area Member States, and therefore, the Council should be aware that the fund does not solve everything by itself, and that it must be integrated into economic governance mechanisms and into the Europe 2020 growth strategy.
The Commission is considering the scope of proposals to this effect.
As I read the Hebrew Bible, I hear from the very beginning God's call to dialogue.
In 2006, half of the loans granted were made without a check on income.
Therefore, when the Committee on Budgets voted for mobilising the EGF for the Danish employees mentioned in the Matera report, I pointed out, along with the Belgian Socialist MEP Mr Daerden, the need to work towards defining a separate budget heading for this funding.
Once more, we are witnessing here a squabble between emerging countries, on the one hand, and least developed countries, on the other.
I will attempt to concentrate on two points in particular, two points that I feel are crucial.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - Mr President, I would like to congratulate the rapporteur on the excellent work he has done and for his concrete proposals.
I voted in favour of the proposal for a European Parliament recommendation to the Council concerning the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and Australia on the processing and transfer of European Union-sourced Passenger Name Records (PNR) data by air carriers to the Australian customs service.
I hope that the Greek Members will see the sense of this.
The only honest answer to that is that these things cannot be reconciled, and the problem is that these things have now, as a result of the Annual Growth Survey, become the general rule.
(ES) Mr President, the increase in asylum applications on behalf of citizens of Serbia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia requires measures protecting the amendment of Regulation (EC) No 539/2001.
We should renew our commitment to LDCs and show that in 10 years, we have learned the lessons of the previous period and are in a position to provide effective, quality support that will enable us to meet our objectives, not in 2021 but in 2015, by fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals.
It is already quite late in the day ...
A loan at prohibitive interest rates, with decreased salaries and continued fiscal dumping in terms of large companies.
(PL) Thank you very much, Mrs Malmström, for your answer, and especially for emphasising that the Council will oppose all forms of discrimination against national minorities in the European Union, including the Polish minority in Lithuania.
This reminds me of a time when, in Europe, the construction of motorways was used to justify the construction of concentration camps.
Firstly, that it should be clear and simple.
With regard to the advancing integration process in the Cariforum States it was natural that you should also draw attention to the compatibility of these agreements with other regional programmes, such as the Single Market and economic space of CARICOM.
We must make substantial efforts to successfully help enterprises and users adapt to climate change.
Many Member States have not defined homelessness at all.
Ninety per cent of all European films shown outside their country of origin are promoted by the MEDIA programme.
It is a dangerous situation, partly from the perspective of the states that border Russia and partly because Putin and his men have created a dangerous precedent for themselves.
In the coming months, we should watch the development of the political situation there carefully.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, I would very much like to thank the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs in general and, specifically, the rapporteur, Mr Díaz de Mera García Consuegra, and the shadow rapporteurs for the work done on this very important dossier and I welcome the agreement reached with the Council.
This is a fundamental first step in the process of national reconciliation that is required if the 2010 elections are to be able to be regarded as free, fair and credible.
These amendments must also be line, as far as possible, with the various situations that may be encountered in practice.
Article 8 concerns protection against exposure to tobacco smoke.
In addition, particular importance must be attached to monitoring and analysing sets of areas with direct budgetary implications, and every way of distributing and saving resources must be identified.
That is why my group is asking you, Mr Reinfeldt, to do everything it takes to obtain an agreement as quickly as possible on the names of the Council President and the High Representative, and that is why my group is asking you, Mr Barroso, once the Member States have nominated their candidates, to divide up their responsibilities as quickly as possible before they are questioned by the European Parliament in hearings, which we also want to be as in-depth as possible.
I call on the Commission and the political parties represented here to be resolute and help make prostitution a thing of the past and support a ban on purchasing prostitution services in their home States.
The situation is no longer deteriorating and stability is taking hold.
Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (motions for resolutions tabled): see Minutes
We should pay attention to the need for balancing the policies aimed at the development of professional and amateur sport.
So I would like to ask the Swedish Presidency when such a strategy for the Black Sea region will be delivered, and when Parliament will be informed and involved in this issue.
I voted against this report as the EU should be seeking ways to improve our competitiveness in line with the Europe 2020 strategy instead of introducing legislation which threatens our competitiveness.
A second aspect of the Regulation was frontal protection systems.
The International Energy Agency regards it as necessary to come to an agreement in Copenhagen in order to direct the investments which were delayed due to the crisis into investments in the environmentally sustainable energy sector.
There is therefore going to be a need to concentrate on that level; we could perhaps use the open method of coordination to look at best practice across Member States.
No fair and sustainable solution to the problem of climate change or other environmental problems can come out of the irrational system that caused them in the first place.
Until now, farmers would have lost the right to vaccinate their animals if the UK was declared entirely free from bluetongue.
I am afraid that in reality, in countries as lax as France in this regard, all this will not limit the influx of illegal immigration.
rapporteur. - Mr President, with regard to the four reports to be voted on, let me point out on behalf of the Committee on Culture and Education that the multiannual programmes in the field of culture, education, youth and citizen participation in community activities are some of the most important activities of the EU and especially of the European Parliament.
You talked with pride of Slovenia and you talked with some emotion of your experience in the prison cell.
That is why I voted as I did.
Financial stability is a sine qua non of a competitive and economically safe Europe.
(ES) Mr President, I think that it is clear that the judgment of the Court of Justice threatens the very foundations of the European Union.
We will not change this, and we will ensure that ACTA parties can continue to apply such an exemption.
I also expect that stronger support from the Member States will help the Commission in further shortening the time line of the authorising process.
This crisis was already at the heart of the French and Dutch 'no' votes; it is expressed differently elsewhere but it is always an underlying element.
Welcome
Finally, I would ask you to support our Amendment 16 in which we make it clear that we would appreciate a legal and academic appraisal of the instrument of class actions.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (FR) Mr President, I am honoured and privileged to be speaking here before the European Parliament for the first time.
In this connection, I note that the scope of Member States' competence will not be limited thereby, with regard to Article 176 of the EC Treaty.
That is what we all here want to achieve, and I think that the many and varied views that have been expressed by this Parliament are directed along these lines and are calling for the adoption of balanced decisions in order to make it possible to reach a consensus.
The PASOK parliamentary group voted against the motion for a resolution because it compares Nazism to communism in an unacceptable manner.
This year's Commission report highlights the topics of risk analysis and risk management, exclusion databases and early-warning/whistleblower tools.
Europe needs to set this problem within the context of COP-16, because a change in international policy on this issue offers a serious opportunity to drastically limit emissions of greenhouse gases straight away at a very low cost and to ask countries such as China, which is currently pumping huge quantities of HFC-23 into the atmosphere, which could be reduced to zero if China used some of the money it makes in taxes on these unwarranted profits, to become involved more actively in efforts to combat climate change.
Democracy and human rights are founding principles of the EU, and they should be at the heart of the EU's policy in relation to other regions.
Registration should be made mandatory and the Council should also join this agreement as soon as possible.
We consider that maternity leave must be linked to paternity leave.
A decision was taken to prevent the temperature from rising to a point of no return, but it was taken in the knowledge that failure to act would create other costs for the global economy, while investing in efficiency and renewable energy sources could be profitable.
However, it is up to the Member State concerned whether to include this item of expenditure within its operational programme for the European Fisheries Fund.
They have also repressed journalists and activists. The arrest of Hu Jia, a leading human rights activist who was nominated for the Sakharov Prize in 2007 sent shock waves through society.
We did not do that; instead we changed the rules.
I do not really see that there is a need then to have yet another accounting advisory group that advises the monitors that monitor things.
(EL) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the report by our fellow Member Mrs Harkin on volunteering is a way for the European Parliament to demonstrate its social aspect to European citizens.
The advent of new electronic means of communications is having a fundamental influence on changes to the structure of the demand for postal services; liberalisation will thus lead to a better, and in particular more flexible, response to a wider range of services for postal items.
It is important now to make this solidarity tangible, by quickly mobilising the necessary means and resources to relieve the damage caused by bad weather.
The current crisis and the heavy burden of public debt lead to an urgent need for self-restraint, taking into account the principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (FI) Mr President, Commissioners, the objective of the report before us for discussion is the liberalisation of energy markets, this time for gas.
Poland is losing the most in the Council with the transition to double majority voting, and it also loses out in Parliament.
For many reasons which I do not want to go into here, the European Union is still primarily a Western European institution.
Trust in the EU will only return when our citizens are convinced that the Union serves their values and interests.
I still remember the debate on renewable energy, heating and cooling and all the issues we discussed.
This report is a true reflection of the consensus possible between Members from all 27 Member States and various political families, which is particularly significant in itself, and even more so in the context of Parliament's new co-decision powers.
The investigation will determine the responsibility of the company, but I think we can already draw one conclusion.
With the clear legal framework provided by the draft directive concerning citizens and the various issues we are trying to give clear information to the citizen about their rights and how they can exercise them.
I think we are still struggling with that in some cases.
So be a little bit patient.
Here in our Parliament, we complain all the time about citizens' disinterest in the European Union.
Finally, a policy of naming and shaming shipowners and Member States who have their ships dismantled according to methods that are unfriendly to the environment and people would be an effective initial step that we could in fact commence tomorrow.
This is therefore about strengthening the role of the European Parliament.
Political power should not be usurped by superstructures such as those we have here, and in that respect the failure of the Treaty of Lisbon should set you thinking.
You wanted to start your part-session with a joint debate on justice issues.
However, I regret that the objectives of the migration policies have been ignored again and have taken a back seat behind the issue of combating illegal immigration and strengthening the Frontex Agency.
You cannot expect them to be available in a week or in one, or indeed several, months.
It must result in fair prices and security of supply.
That is why this directive is an important step, but no doubt it is not the last word on the matter.
Then the Council comes up with nice little resolutions, such as the fiscal stimulus of 1.5% of GDP this year or next year.
As you pointed out, in the absence of a framework, either couples go 'forum shopping' or the dominant partner has the final say.
Therefore I welcome this debate and the clear confirmation of the commitment to future expansion.
I hope that the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy will be met, in particular, the EU's commitment to invest 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) in research and development by 2020.
Discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS must be effectively outmoded across the European Union.
This represents a very material, very qualitative development of regional policy over the forthcoming financial period.
Mr Hannes Swoboda has an excellent understanding of the complexities of the Western Balkan region.
We have no alternative.
Currently, many vehicles that are homologated as passenger cars, such as SUVs, are registered as LCVs, often because this latter category is subject to reduced taxation or because of other fiscal incentives.
Rather than expending efforts on that cause, the EU's interests and objectives are better served by building greater multilateral cooperation and making better use of the existing legal instruments.
If so, can the Court send those declarations to Parliament, and if not, why not?
Who can and should interpret the limits imposed by the principle of subsidiarity in this field?
It found they were likely to be more beneficial to businesses than even the Commission had estimated.
Madam President, Commissioner, the incidence of tuberculosis worldwide remains a cause of great concern, despite the progress made.
This applies in particular to Amendment 69, which refers to maintaining duty-free shops at customs points in the Union other than at ports and airports, until 2017.
It also means the adoption of a firm stance in the negotiations on trade facilitation procedures in order to lower the costs of customs formalities, which can account for up to 15% of the value of the goods traded, as well as effective recording of the origin of goods and updated customs controls.
We welcomed what Commissioner Verheugen said and we hope that none of his colleagues hold him back too much in this determination.
Dink's death was, of course, a great tragedy, and as a friend of Turkey, I did not hesitate to point out the damage to Turkey's standing of restricting freedom of expression and being oversensitive about criticisms of the Turkish State.
The return of France to the military structures of NATO, together with the energies devoted to European security and defence policies, provide an excellent opportunity for harmonising European security strategies and potential new strategies for NATO.
We know that the Commission has proposed a reform of our rules and we will deal with this in the Cashman report, but this resolution is our first opportunity to lay down some points of reference for this Parliament.
Montenegro is at the start of a journey which will neither be easy nor simple, but it has a prospect of accession and a road map, and it can benefit from the experience of the countries in the region which have completed the path of accession not very long ago.
Democracy will, I hope, one day be the norm throughout the whole of Asia.
in writing. - (SK) I would like to comment on the report by my colleague Mr Ouzký on the International Health Regulations, which I supported with my vote.
As for discrimination against groups in China, such as trade unionists, there is rightly cause for concern, but criticism coming from those who want to stigmatise Italy's Roma community is a little rich.
This is a serious matter.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take a few seconds to express my disapproval of the Council's decision to reject the report by Mrs Estrela on maternity leave.
It was quite simply about at least reviewing compliance with the existing minimum standards governing working hours in the European Union.
As for the rest of the report, the general approach appears to be going in the right direction, and I will support the rapporteur's excellent work.
I must reply on one specific point to Mr Lambrinidis, who was rather vehement: in the agreement between the United States and Europe, the purpose is terrorism and crime, full stop.
I would like to stress the need for more suitable legislation, with the aim of reducing systemic risk and ensuring fair competition on the market.
The first is that, while there was some confusion in the Conference of Presidents as to what types of amendments should be adopted or accepted, based on whether they are as a result of the Treaty of Lisbon in the strictest sense, I would like to express our desire for it to be the President of Parliament who decides whether any of the reforms of the Rules of Procedure are not appropriate.
Everything points to the fact that nuclear energy will become a significant source of energy in the near future, and therefore it is absolutely crucial to ensure that the highest feasible level of safety is achieved in the energy sector.
I find it difficult to understand the Commission's action for two reasons.
It is true that the crisis is putting the Member States' budgets under pressure at the moment.
I am therefore minded to vote against a ban, since otherwise we risk not getting either a ban or a warning text, which would really not be in the interests of children.
The agreement will be renegotiated if it transpires that it entails detrimental consequences.
I would call on the Ugandan authorities to apprehend the perpetrators of this crime.
We also had to ensure that the adoption of this legislation did not disrupt the architecture of the insurance market and, in particular, that it enabled mutual associations to occupy a place within this legislation.
(HU) We would like to make the addition 'but with its own rules' to proposed Amendment 1, which was submitted by 40 members.
This Directive has already been transposed into the national law of the Member States and it is for the Commission to ensure that the provisions set out in this Directive are properly and fully applied.
In view of the current conflicts in North Africa, for example, which are causing repercussions on the fuels market, we should therefore ask questions about whether such alternative sources may be found in Europe itself.
It is irresponsible during a global economic crisis for someone to feel the need to provoke ethnic minorities.
There is an urgent need for the European Union to establish a water policy that enables us to guarantee for the people of Europe, businesses, public bodies, flora and fauna, etc. that we will have sufficient water of an appropriate quality to meet their needs.
Thanks to our critical stance, we have managed to reduce electricity consumption by 25% over three years.
I also support the provisional implementation of the agreement pending its entry into force.
However, I am pleased to inform you that the fifth, i.e. last, conference on the shaping of the forces was successful and the European Union now has all the necessary capabilities at its disposal.
It should be noted that the EU Member States were also faced with the complexity which, in this respect, typifies the system of sorting and processing requests for overflight, landing and on-the-ground inspection authorisations.
Perhaps, in the context of a revisiting of the Eastern Partnership, things would improve.
15.
I think that is a deeply held belief that we all share.
Technical measures used in the individual sea basins differ according to local conditions.
Is this really a country that we can do business with?
Nevertheless, we have to make sure that a bigger share of this money reaches every student.
Thus I reject this contrivance of European citizenship, which of course is a complement to the ongoing efforts to be advanced by the Lisbon Treaty to build the statehood of the EU and thus this notion that we all have to be, whether we like it or not, want it or not, EU citizens first and foremost.
This inevitably requires priority to be given to deep burying solutions, such as permanent storage in dry rock or permanent storage in deep cavities (3 000 to 5 000 metres deep), which are still being examined.
Parliament came up with a number of suggestions and proposals on this matter, whereas there was no such proposal forthcoming from the Council and Commission which would have helped reach agreement.
I think that, in striving to improve the quality and attractiveness of education, what is important is actions taken at both European level (the European Parliament treats mobility as a priority issue) and national level.
Fifty years ago Robert Schuman presided over a new single Assembly.
Without funding for civil society programmes, those who believe in the importance of the European project will have a hard time confronting criticism of democratic deficits and unresponsive institutions.
This must be the starting point of a new Israeli policy.
In view of the ongoing issue between Libya and Switzerland, Mr President, hundreds of European Union citizens and workers are being prevented from entering Libya to work.
Labour rights must not be violated.
Appropriate financial resources are required if these ambitious aims are to be achieved.
I appreciate as positive the development of sport tourism over the last years, and the promotion of winter and nautical sports.

Documents received: see Minutes
I hope European constructors will contribute to making the ideas of the 2020 strategy a reality, creating modern solutions for connecting electric vehicles to smart electricity networks.
I would invite Mr Davies to examine what we would be proposing and, if he has any specific comments to make, I would certainly welcome them.
These very exacting rules are necessary to restore the confidence of the market in the ratings business in the EU.'
It is absolutely essential that human rights are respected and observed.
From the point of view of their rights and dignity, their situation is much more like that of women in Third World developing countries than that of their sisters in Western Europe, who are fellow citizens of EU Member States.
I am calling for a suitable hierarchy to be established when it comes to the priorities; I cannot make one out at present.

I believe that our economic and social situation demands a radical shift from the status quo, and the new treaty allows this.
The strengths of multi-level governance were also stressed by the Committee of the Regions in its White Paper of June 2009, where it called on the Union to strengthen mechanisms of multi-level governance and pointed to the leverage effects generated by cohesion policy, which contributed to the implementation of other Community policies as well.
We shall follow his position, with the exception of Amendment 1, for which we can find no reasonable explanation why it does not meet with Mr Blokland's approval and for which we shall vote positively, and we trust that others will do the same.
Next, the government will eventually have to produce reforms, which will inevitably have to lead to a new draft constitution.
I should like to call on all citizens to vote in the elections and to cast their votes for the future of Europe in the 21st century.
That is why our cooperation should be closely linked to improvements in the fields of human rights and the rule of law.
As does Parliament's resolution, I welcome this commitment made by Member States, which shows true European solidarity.
I wish to emphasise the need for action to prevent psychological violence as well against women.
However, the reduction in demand for such products in the European Union as a result of the crisis promises to threaten yet more job losses, not only in Spain but throughout the Union, and, as a consequence, it is important that utilisation of the EGF can effectively assist a sector which is so important to the European economy.
The directive is still sound, but there is a need for improvements.
It is true that women suffered particularly heavily during the wars, but we must bear in mind that they are not solely victims, but play a constructive, active, useful and indispensable part in democratic stabilisation and reconstruction.
The EU welcomes the fact that both parties continue to hold talks even if we note with regret the lack of results and the lack of momentum.
We are hoping that the new action plan just announced by the Commissioner will be implemented as soon as possible in order to improve existing mechanisms by extending technical and human support, guaranteeing financial support and increasing planned budgetary resources.
Certainly one of the issues on the ground that I came across when canvassing was that people do object to different standards.
The HACCP system was officially accepted by the World Health Organisation in 1975. In 1993 it was adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission as an appropriate tool with which to regulate the production of food.
We must not wait for a new Rwanda before we react; human rights must be defended in Africa just as they must be defended everywhere else in the world.
If there are other ways that equally solve the problem but, in fact, invite us to get a better trade agreement, then I will explore them.
Let us just say that that route carries the risk of being objectively useful for dictators.
Food additives should be constantly monitored and reassessed on the basis of changing conditions of use and new scientific information.
All of our Member States have ratified Kyoto, and we are in favour of a binding treaty for the future.
That would be a way for us to take forward matters which are important to people.
The response from European citizens and their record generosity and solidarity have been immense.
We hope that by 2020 renewable energies will make up 20% of the overall European energy mix, and we would like that approach to be included in the second Energy Action Plan for 2010-2014, which we hope to see adopted under the Spanish Presidency.
It is this kind of concern that must always be present when discussing EU budgets, so that everyone in the Member States is able to have a say in EU policy and see that their contributions are being properly implemented.
(FR) Mr President, President of the European Council, I have four comments.
The purpose of this proposal is to provide additional economic stimulus to certain Member States, which had seriously suffered from the economic crises.
To be more specific, this subject requires us to reflect on a fundamental question: the direction impressed on the EU's cooperation policy.
Even so, it has already launched an integrated waste collection and disposal plan, which also includes putting the necessary facilities in place and reaching agreements with five regions of Italy for the temporary transfer of waste until the plan becomes fully operational.
The implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement continues to constitute a fundamental element of democracy and the rule of law in the country.
This data needs to be aggregated at national and regional level.
(RO) Mr President, at the European summit on energy taking place on 4 February, the European Union needs to reach agreement at the highest political level on priority measures aimed at establishing the internal energy market and developing the energy infrastructure, as well as on measures for reducing energy consumption, boosting energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy sources.
As man-made greenhouse gas emissions rise, the scientific prediction is that dramatic changes such as warmer oceans, melting of the poles, rising sea levels and ocean acidification will pose severe threats to marine ecosystems and the fishing community.
in writing. - (PT) I voted in favour of the motion for a resolution on the Commission Green Paper on 'Adapting to climate change in Europe - options for EU action' as I share the belief that adaptation measures constitute a guarantee against the negative and unavoidable effects of climate change.
Once ENISA has been modernised, the latest information will be gathered from European countries, there will be encouragement to share best practices and the European Union and the Member States will be better prepared to prevent, detect and respond more effectively to network and information security problems.
It relates to family laws that Member States have and develop, and therefore it is appropriate that it should be addressed at that level.
With regard to the revised directive on electronic money, this is a particularly ambitious piece of legislation that will offer a well-received second chance for the establishment of a market in electronic money that will be genuinely useful.
As regards the most relevant types of impacts of the various policy options, the assessment will aim to assess: (a) the economy-wide effects of the alternative tax reforms on the competitiveness of the EU, on growth of the EU economy and welfare; (b) their respective effects on companies' compliance costs; and (c), notably, their respective impacts on national corporate tax bases and on tax administration costs.
The vote will take place at 11.00 today.
Other aspects will need to be dealt with by national legislation, but I absolutely cannot agree with those who say that this proposal undermines the ability of Member States to organise their healthcare.
Support for women and their plans would lead to progress in the development of rural communities as a whole.
The EUR 400 billion European aid programme will help us overcome the crisis.
Most people would agree with that, which is why we welcome this discussion.
This new version enhances transparency by providing new and more accurate information, notably on the type of entities listed and the procedures used to select members.
The costs of long-term pit closures continue to be incurred years and even decades after coal mining comes to an end.
Nobody can expect good administrative work, be it from the Commission or from decentralised agencies, if they do not provide a large enough budget for staff, and we therefore cannot accept the Council's cutbacks.
It is clear that the financial crisis we are now facing can be avoided if consumers are well informed of the risks that various types of credit entail.
In addition, with regard to including the 'territorial' concept, we must be aware of the need to take account of the specific features of certain regions, such as their geographical disadvantages, their outermost position or the depopulation processes in certain regions.
The first of these is the composition of the Governing Board, and the second is the procedure for appointing the Director of the Foundation.
After all, these women are not fighting for themselves, but for a better and more humane world.
As to the first tranche of the secretarial allowance increase for 2010, this will be voted tomorrow as part of the Maňka report on the amending budget No 1/2010.
Russia should uphold the legal commitments which it has entered into as a member of the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the OSCE.
Secondly, access to public contracts.
Finally, I also voted for - again thinking of Portuguese textiles - the introduction of a safeguard clause, which provides for the re-establishment of common customs tariff duties on a given product at any time if it is being imported from Pakistan under conditions that cause, or threaten to cause serious problems for an EU producer of similar or directly competing products.
How will this be policed?
Thank you.
It is high time that the Europe 2020 strategy put a stop to hedge fund speculators.
The so-called 'second instrument' provides funding for data collection, and control measures, scientific advice, common fisheries policy control systems and enforcement.
There are modern, viable, smart and efficient ways for countries in earthquake zones to satisfy their energy balance.
I do not believe that this is religious freedom: this distorts the true sense of religious freedom; we are dealing with a negative right, or rather the right to be free of the obligation to perform religious practices.
I have one final comment to make, and that is that the programme is being complemented by corresponding national programmes in all the Member States.
The Commission's action plan for saving 20% by 2020 is not a stand-alone plan.
The humanitarian crisis, ladies and gentlemen, will not be resolved by the political agreement that is currently being hammered out.
in writing. - (IT) Women are the backbone of the agricultural sector in rural areas.
And the Committee of the Regions does the same in a report brought out at the same time.
Particular attention was focused, among the topics discussed, on the 'Europe 2020' economic strategy, as well as on the preparation for the international climate change negotiations.
Eastern European countries experienced a true demographic shock after the fall of the communism.
So I invite Parliament to discuss this seriously and I invite Parliament to respond to this question in an own-initiative report adopted by a majority of Members.
Meanwhile, the political situation in Haiti remains alarming, following the first round of presidential elections.
We also have further tasks ahead of us in ensuring the free movement of services and respect for the rights of posted workers.
Subject: Burma
This means artificially creating new Russian citizens to be defended according to Medvedev doctrine, so preparing new international hotbeds of crisis.
We know this much: fewer priorities, pinpointing bottlenecks, tighter economic policy coordination.
However, our votes should not in any way be seen as us pre-empting the individual Member States' ratification processes.
By their nature, such activities do not qualify as development assistance.
I can tell you that seeing the new message, strategy and philosophy that I detect at the World Bank makes me quite optimistic.
I am referring here to ecological issues, global warming, ACTA, CETA, the banking sector, bringing stability to financial and economic markets, the CITES conference and the EU-Canada agreement on PNR information.
It has nothing to do with science and everything to do with the globalist common purpose to tax and control us, while making billions for corporations in the green industrial complex.
After all, the mood can turn again just as swiftly, and we would be deluding ourselves if we believed that the European Union's image has already fundamentally changed.
The 32 crimes included only relate to organised crime, unless piglets or ties are being stolen by armed and organised criminal gangs.
The next item is the report by Mr Dumitrescu, on behalf of the Committee on Legal Affairs, on the law applicable to contractual obligations (Rome 1).
10.
The directive lays down a training and certification system for distributors and professional users of pesticides.
Well, we have found out today that there are still Member States, such as Belgium, which reward illegal immigration, for political and ideological reasons.
Shame on you, cowards!
It is important to give attention to the mid-term review of the budgetary framework for the years to come in 2009, even though the outcome of the new negotiations will not yet have an impact on next year's budget.
If we are to conduct a dialogue in Europe on contemporary challenges to humanitarianism, we cannot restrict ourselves to the death penalty, on which we do, after all, have a common opinion.
They see this Darusman report as a weapon in this campaign, and just want to put the Sri Lankan Government in the dock.
Our overriding aim was to facilitate the provision of services throughout Europe.
At the very least, consumers must be able to identify eggs and egg products produced in compliance with European standards.
Second, it is in the European Union's best interests to promote culture and intercultural dialogue at an adequate level in its foreign policy.
The second directive, on common rights for economic migrants, will naturally be equally important, since we shall have work permits and residence permits in a single document for the first time.
Many of us thought that this was already in place, and we were surprised to find that a lot of data does not exist at all, and that in the statements we make with regard to the state of the environment in the European Union, we are therefore actually completely blind.
We are not trying to harmonise health, now is not the right time for that and maybe it cannot be done anyway.
How do we move forward from this situation?
The Arctic region is attracting more and more attention, due to the effects of climate change, the main trigger of developments.
in writing. - (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I am voting in favour of the report by Mr Panzeri on stepping up the fight against undeclared work.
If we truly want to protect fishermen, we must support the inclusion of bluefin tuna in Appendix I to the CITES Convention.
We need to move forward in the world trade talks in the fields of industry, trade, and services.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (PL) Mr President, dictatorships and regimes that employ violence, or regimes that persecute their populations seldom fall as a result of some general diplomatic pressure.
Worse still, the report does not call for regular monitoring of the effects of the subsidy, leaving this evaluation to the general assessment of the programmes within the process of the 2007-2013 multiannual financial framework.
Amongst these negative aspects, two stand out.
I differ from some of my colleagues here in the European Parliament in that I do not believe the solution to the challenges facing mountainous regions is to throw more CAP money at these regions.
However, we believe that a life free from poverty can be achieved by political means by developing social security systems in which pensions and minimum wage levels above the poverty threshold are guaranteed and working hours are generally reduced.
Yes to greater labour mobility, yes to greater joined-up social security, but yes also to fairness and non-discrimination.
The consensus is only superficial, as there is a huge difference in interpretation regarding this economic governance.
The swift and timely adoption of the package could prove that the Community method is the right approach to use in going forward.
I also want to answer the specific question that was raised about the sanctions.
Terrorists continue to be supported and trained and, on top of this, the main socio-economic indicators are unsatisfactory.
A fact that should not be ignored is that an unprecedented increase in fish mortality has been noted recently in the Black Sea.
What specific measures will the Commission take to support this dialogue and to make full use of the powers relating to sport laid down in the treaty?
The earthquake also caused damage to 391 reservoirs.
The Commission is aware that such a problem exists, and in our forthcoming proposals we will try to address that issue.
In cross-border situations fiscal competence must be fairly distributed between the Member States concerned, avoiding the double offsetting of losses and risks of tax evasion.
The new provisions are to apply to 67 large airports.
To introduce and empower a European immigration policy, we must do together what others cannot do, in other words, achieve the consensus of governments.
We are debating meat glued together with thrombin and we are debating driving times for self-employed drivers, as if the major problems of the Union will solve themselves.
As Mr De Castro is not present, Mr Le Foll, who is replacing Mr De Castro, has the floor.
Five thousand.
(RO) On a different note, I would like to reply to Mr Preda.
I would especially like to draw your attention to the need to increase transparency and to adopt indicators for given benchmarks in order to achieve practical results that could be supported by other EU foreign policy tools.
90% of our external trade and 40% of our internal trade passes through our European ports.
This will be achieved by making responsibilities clearer and reporting obligations more effective.
Taking these circumstances into account, I decided to vote against adoption of the joint resolution at the final vote.
I voted in favour of this report as I believe it to be essential for guaranteeing that all products placed on the single market are safe, ensuring a high level of consumer protection.
Mr President, my report is a contradiction because I have used a contradictory expression: 'soft law'.
There is some concern that if the proposers commission an environmental assessment it might lack objectivity.
by Mr Fjellner, on behalf of the Committee on Budgetary Control, on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Food Safety Authority for the financial year 2007 (C6-0440/2008 -,
This proposal, therefore, contributes to promoting a common approach from the 27 Member States with regard to economic migration, which is why I reiterate my vote in favour.
The European Union is the world's largest market, but we are not exploiting our huge potential.
You are perfectly aware that, again, between the somewhat disembodied big ideal and all of the technical issues of daily life, the problem for each of us is having to constantly decide on what to do about the big ideas that sometimes go far beyond the day-to-day difficulties experienced by our citizens, and what to do about resolving the technical issues that affect their daily lives.
That poses a huge difficulty.
Poverty is the biggest polluter and the ambition to mitigate climate change does not conflict with growth and modernisation.
Allow me also to refer finally to the situation within the West Bank, which should not be forgotten.
The proposed European stabilisation mechanism itself raised new questions on the financial markets and the existing Financial Stability Mechanism is now regarded as insufficient.
They relate, for example, to ship inspections and coordination of the various national control systems by the Agency.
The fact is that the EU response to the financial crisis has been sluggish and minimalist.
16.
First, through ensuring that there is a clear and proper legal framework in place that provides confidence that information supplied will be treated in an appropriate manner and, secondly, through stimulating as many shared international experiences as possible, including joint training exercises so that people working in the field get to know and appreciate each other.
These people are not train drivers but they nonetheless save lives because, on board trains, it is their job to do so and it is very important that there should be a system of certification for them, even if it will naturally be at a different level from driver certification.
Unfortunately, these recent events have shown us that we need to make more effort to consolidate these rights and ensure they are enforced adequately throughout Europe.
They have a quota of 15% for books that can be censured.
I voted in favour of this report because, with regard to the implementation of the directive in question by the Member States, it puts particular emphasis on unjustified delays and failures, as well as a number of issues relating to its interpretation and application.
The OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities, Knut Vollebæk, praised the Slovak Republic.
The Europe of values cannot accept that those starting their careers, the elderly, those who are isolated by poverty, those forced to learn new skills, and the gypsies who carry the burden of many kinds of disadvantage, will not have work.
There are some significant differences between NATO and Russia when defining security.
Many domestic electrical appliances could also consume much less energy during use, and energy waste caused by keeping appliances on stand-by must also be avoided.
However, this crisis should not make us backtrack, nor lessen our diplomatic firmness or the political and military commitment consistent with our obligations as allies, nor turn our backs on the collective economy nor allow the reappearance of protectionism, which would be fatal to the recovery of our economies.
The purpose of these measures is to help countries in the process of stabilisation, such as the countries of the Western Balkans, through preferential trade measures with the EU compared to third countries.
Despite this, I consider the clause to be backward and needlessly submissive to the populist pressure of the French and Italian premiers.
A medical examination established 34 injuries sustained from the thugs in police uniforms.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Transparency, open bookkeeping and supervision must render tax havens impossible.
Serbia is not just a part of Europe's geography.
The citizens and the economy of the EU require rapid and specific decisions and action which will ensure relatively low and stable energy costs over the next 15 years: decisions which will lead to the most significant savings possible in industry, transport and homes; decisions which will in large measure reduce the dependence of the EU economy on the import of hydrocarbons and ensure their correct supply; decisions which will lead as quickly as possible to the development of a programme and plan of specific research-based measures and how to finance and implement them.
author. - (ES) Mr President, we have a new episode today in this tragic serial set in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In my opinion, it could be much more effective if we could count on support from the states which surround Central Asia.
(IT) Mr President, the problem of falsified medicinal products is one that is having an ever greater impact at international and EU level, in terms of the increased number of cases as well as the advances in the development of these products.
In addition to the systematic persecution of religious and ethnic minorities, human rights activists are regularly being murdered.
Secondly, we will need to invest heavily in innovation, research and training, particularly if we want to move towards a green economy.
Even when desperate times call for desperate measures and simplified procedures, in the long run, it is not possible to ignore transparency, parliamentary scrutiny and democratic accountability.
Mr President, this is on the question of the discharge to the Council.
The second option, proposed by the French Government on the American model, is counter-cyclical regulation.
I await your response.
France is a great country and a founder member of the EU.
Rising food prices in the European Union and worldwide pose a major problem in 2011.
That is why I do not agree with Proinsias.
In my homeland of Hungary, the picture is typically two-fold: on the one hand, there is land of excellent quality and a high degree of legislative protection but, on the other hand, there is industrial pollution caused by forty years of Communism, and cleaning it up will take at least another forty years and EUR 4 billion.
I would like to remind the House that the LTTE refused a supervised international surrender offer and preferred instead to choose a bloodbath as their kind of exit strategy, which was appalling.
• on-the-job training is compulsory only in 11 Member States (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, Malta and the United Kingdom),
That is why I would also stress that, in the period of transition from Nice to Lisbon, we need to remain in close consultation with the European Council as well if we want to avoid beginning the next term in a state of absolute confusion.
It will be followed by a proposal for amendments to the Savings Taxation Directive, and we will do our utmost to strike a proper balance.
The Member States possess the main instruments for ensuring balance between the generations and ending unfair discrimination.
If the European Union wishes to assume the global role described by the Commission President, among others, in the matters of energy security or the Gaza conflict, it cannot allow itself to disintegrate; we need the Union of 27 as a strong economic and political bloc.
(Applause)
I am not surprised that our citizens are asking with justified scepticism what exactly the European Union's position is on this issue.
It is only right that this should be made clear for once.
We will bring more transparency on skill needs and promote better matching, namely through the EU skills panorama to help people see more easily which skills are most needed now and in the future.
Transparency and information are among the most fundamental principles of a democracy, particularly in respect of fundamental freedoms and citizens' rights.
I am in favour of Mr Feio's report because it supports the Commission's proposal, which, to my mind, is a balanced compromise proposal.
Its costs have an effect on the price of all the products we consume.
Secondly, I would like to thank all the colleagues who participated in today's debate for their positive assessment and for their critical remarks.
The European Union imagines itself to be an active force in international relations and a global political player.
Mr President, I voted in favour of Mrs Petre's report on ensuring food quality and harmonisation of the relevant standards.
I believe that the Union for the Mediterranean is not only about trade, but also about defending international law and human rights.
Let us wait and see what happens.
I supported the report on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as it sends an important message to the Macedonian people.
Parliament for its own part promises to enforce this declaration.
The Commission is in favour of it and I think that, both from the point of view of the economic development of Pakistan and from the point of view of the security issues that are certainly linked with Pakistan, it would be a major mistake on the part of the European Parliament not to take up this responsibility and vote this down.
With the change of regime which is taking place, we cannot miss any opportunity to facilitate a move towards democratic values in Kyrgyzstan.
In conjunction with a ministerial conference that the Presidency is holding in Brussels on 19-20 October, which will focus on overarching EU measures against human trafficking, the report from the Agency for Fundamental Rights will be presented and discussed in detail and the conclusions will be presented to the Council.
Like my colleague, I, too, would be concerned about rural development policy - albeit not as part of the cohesion policy, more in line with the CAP - but, at the same time, it is absolutely vital that it is not squeezed in any future proposals because rural development, and particularly the family farm, is vital for the social infrastructure of society.
I want us to be able to deepen our relations with the State of Israel.
I am reminded of that terrifying closing scene of Orwell's 'Animal Farm' where the animals look from man to pig and pig to man and find that they cannot tell which is which.
However, they are useless if we cannot compare them, and this report by Brian Simpson goes a considerable way towards ensuring that the information which is now being collected, and will be collected in the future, is easily accessible and can easily be used positively for the benefit of the industry itself.
I am a bit discouraged by the delays put forward by the French presidency.
Although the incidence of each rare disease is very low, millions of Europeans are affected because there are many rare diseases.
In your question, you indicated at the outset that the Swedish Presidency made significant progress.
In order to ensure legitimacy and openness, the Commission and the Council will therefore be wise to include Parliament in the ongoing work of the 2020 strategy.
Regarding higher education institutions, I want to ask the Commissioner whether she is satisfied that the European institutions have both the will and the capacity to raise their game, improve their ranking on the world stage and develop their ability to cooperate with one another in order to avoid duplication in research.
Thank you for your attention.
We all know that on energy and climate change we face an enormous challenge.
It is now time for the European Parliament to approve the introduction of CO2 limits for new light commercial vehicles.
The Schaldemose report last year built on the work Council had done under the French Presidency and the same line has continued also under the Swedish and the Spanish Presidency.
The agreement applies to books from all over the world published in English in countries which are covered by the Convention.
The forthcoming Employment Summit on 7 May is being prepared on the basis of this strategy of serving the interests of capital.
Just as every gram of CO2 emitted must be regarded in the same way, the reduction of emissions, too, has the same effect everywhere.
I should, however, like to offer my sincere congratulations to Mr Marty.
Society does not take revenge against an offender and does not want to degrade his or her dignity.
But we also need a good policy on democracy and promoting human rights.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, President Doyle warns us about the risks of simplistic solutions.
I would therefore like to make three proposals.
I do not need to read it out, as you have the motion in front of you in writing.
They relate to a non-binding text which is the subject of a debate in the parliament of an EU Member State.
Ladies and gentlemen, I believe that it is only through an integrated package that we will promote maritime safety.
A first step might be to appoint a number of banking supervisors, who would bring to the audit committee the necessary experience to check that the EIB is actually applying best practices in this matter.
Second point: in Angers, the delegations from the 27 countries all praised the quality of the work done over these past months and agreed that they had been listened to during the recent consultations.
The Stockholm Action Plan often mentions citizens and their rights, but very clearly emphasises the freedom of business without sufficient regulations, which is at least surprising, particularly in the context of the current financial and economic crisis.
That is also very important.
We shall work on more favourable accounting and fiscal conditions, on progress in innovation, patents and copyright, which Mr Manders mentioned, on access to investment and also, I believe, on public/private partnerships.
in writing. - Poor corporate governance in financial institutions - and particularly banks' murky pay culture - was a key factor in creating the conditions for the financial crisis.
In saying that, I know we imply that the Government was behind the bombing; I do not believe that, but we need to make sure that the security of all the candidates is guaranteed and the Government does its best to protect Ms Benazir Bhutto.
We must maintain Pillar 1 payments, rewarding farmers for work, securing the industry with direct payments.
Mr President, honourable Members, I would like to start by endorsing Mr Swoboda's comment that implementation takes place on the spot - regionally and locally.
As you informed us, with these agreements, citizens of these six countries and, reciprocally, EU citizens, will, in future, be exempted from the short-stay visa requirement - at least some of them will be, since excluded from this exemption are those who wish to work or to perform a paid activity, as an employee or as a service provider, in short.
The EU must support all efforts made leading to the democratisation of this regime and an improvement in the lives of its population.
Certainly, the vehicle itself is the most important aspect of this, as well as ensuring that vehicles are of a safer standard.
This latter lacuna should not, however, be laid at the feet of the Commission, as neither the industries concerned nor national administrations could provide the necessary data.
Mr President, far more freight is currently carried by road than is good for the quality of our air, our protection against excessive noise, our safety and the amount of space we need.
I fully share your views and the views of other Members who talked about this issue.
I support elected politicians in the UK having control over our own borders.
If that means Member States, and indeed the EU itself, repudiating other international agreements, then so be it.
Given the influx of refugees from North Africa and the uncertainty in our neighbourhood, we are seeking additional EU policies and we do not want renationalisation.
The WTO will not grant us an exception for the ACP countries - and it is all very well pretending that they might - because our current system is harming other developing countries that are asking to be treated in the same manner as the former colonies.
Studies of the January crisis clearly show how different the situation was in the western and eastern parts of Europe.
With the continued application of strict criteria for entry and with constructive assistance available to all those who become members of the euro group, the EU's economy will become even stronger.
That message has come from me while I am also sitting here talking to you.
Documents received: see Minutes
The rapporteur's recognition of this idea as a strategic objective is no surprise and has my full support.
When Mr Mingarelli goes to Tunisia - something that I view very positively - inform us so that we are aware and so that the public is aware that Europe has a presence there.
The primary question - as the report we are going to vote on correctly identifies - is the fact that 'there can be no stability or peace in Afghanistan without the state first of all guaranteeing security for its citizens on its own responsibility'.
Whether we like it or not, all human activities have an impact on the environment, and such a provision is disproportionate in this context.
I would like, today, on this second day, to thank you very warmly once again, to thank you for the trust which you have placed in me.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, honourable Members of Parliament, Europe is very concerned at the devastating impact of the floods in Pakistan, which destroyed livelihoods and communities throughout the country.
Furthermore, certain events are given undue prominence in the text, whilst others are totally overlooked. This is particularly true of the period of the Second World War and also of the most recent two decades.
From 1 May 2009, the scope of the EGF was broadened to include support for workers made redundant as a direct result of the economic and financial crisis.
What I am asking is whether it is important to change legislation that is really only in place and only working effectively for two years.
Added to this, the report supports the creation of a budgetary structure for the Research Executive Agency and the European Research Council Executive Agency.
Particularly relevant here is support for projects involving sustainable energy sources and the improvement of energy-network links with third countries.
Although at times he does well, Mr Andersson is too attached to the ultra-liberal principles which gave rise to this situation for his report to secure our support.
We are very interested in what you are going to say.
In addition to these clauses, the preamble of the agreement refers to the need to strengthen the process of economic and social development in the GCC countries, while protecting the environment.
Suitable mechanisms should be devised, allowing Member States to support each other if energy crises arise.
Long before the elections, the Communist Party managed to gain and consolidate its absolute control over all the mass media channels.
Firstly, European consumers must be able to know what they are eating.
in writing. - Alexander Graf Lambsdorff has presented a proposal concerning the Commission's 'Defence Package', covering procurement for both military and non-military security purposes as well as covering public contracts concluded between EU operators.
We know what is at risk, so why is it then so difficult to act?
It is absolutely impossible to get a realistic picture of this country, mainly because its government does not let us take a proper look at it and because we, as the European Union, unfortunately have no foreign office to take the necessary action there.
Much is being said at present about the improvement in conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises in the internal market of the European Union, especially in the context of the proposed Small Business Act.
You are therefore considering whether you should say that at least 50% must in future go to these alternatives, because my home city of Berlin argues, for example, that EU funds should not be spent on local public transport.
The current rotating presidency gives priority to strengthening this partnership.
Should we in this situation therefore introduce legislation on energy taxation that is progressive?
We do not yet live, I am afraid, in an ideal socialist society, where no one has a different view, no one has a different need and no one has a different interest.
I would say that most people know the singers of their favourite four songs or records, but I doubt very much that many of them know who actually wrote them.
According to the international credit rating agency, the rise in unemployment and the fall in disposable income may cause additional pressure on the Greek banking system, which is already facing lower profits and further depreciation of its assets.
They also called on demonstrators - in Bahrain that is - to refrain from any acts of deliberate intimidation.
Italy is truly a champion of liberty, indeed of libertinage - so to speak - as one can infer from reading its newspapers, which Mr Berlusconi wants to gag, which he is suing because they reveal, among other things, his personal relationships, through which channel he also chooses political candidates.
For this reason, I should like to ask: What is the Commission going to do now?
Let me run through our criticisms once again, by which I mean our criticisms of Russia, just to be clear.
If we look back over the debates in Parliament or the reports on financial stability by the Monetary Fund or the Central Bank, the analyses by the European Commission and our own speeches in the recent past, we did not know where or when, but we did know that turbulence of this kind could occur, given the evolution of the financial markets, and the sophistication of the instruments and techniques used by financial institutions.
We tried to see what could be done on the ground in order to make the situation move forward, not to have only negative experiences.
I would also like to make reference to some comments made about imported food.
You are right. It is very difficult to hold together different cultures.
The first is piracy, on which the recommendations are all good, but inevitably general.
If we want to be successful, we must seriously consider using all the technologies available.
What is the Commission's position on this issue?
Particular attention in relations with Turkmenistan should be paid to the fact that if there is no economic cooperation between the EU and Turkmenistan the standard of living in that country will fall.
Subject: European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion
I hope that these powers will be used not only for feel-good policies, but also as part of the responsibility of governing Europe with the other institutions.
I should like to ask you when the Commission intends to launch such an evaluation.
In CEPOL we were expecting to find problems dating back to last year's report.
What is the European Parliament doing, besides what the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection is doing, as Mrs McCarthy has told us?
However I believe that there are some demands that are essential if we in Europe are to ensure high levels of animal protection and I fear that today's result goes against this thinking.
It will just happen.
However, efficient market surveillance would also enable toys manufactured within the EU to be tested to see whether they, too, comply with the limit values.
We also need to ensure a level playing field, fair competition and the future viability of European agriculture.
The fund to secure the external borders is to receive 12% more funding next year.
What will be the role of multilingualism in this context?
in writing. - (LV) A new financial transaction tax will not solve European Union Member States' budgetary problems.
I voted for this report because the European Union has strengthened its economic and trade relations with Latin America, becoming its second most important trading partner and the leading trading partner for Mercosur and Chile.
It would be more appropriate to regulate cloning in a separate regulation.
The European Commission - Commissioner Verheugen - has already responded very promptly to our question, which asked for action to be taken to standardise this equipment, and so today we are here to ask the Commissioner what point we are at.
Secondly, I think that this is an absolutely crucial sector and we do need to keep it under review, as many colleagues have said, to make sure that there are, in effect, no market barriers put in place that are going to stop it contributing vitally to the European economy.
I am therefore thankful that, after the difficulties during the start-up phase of our new service, the External Action Service and the Commission are clearly now making progress and coming up with sensible proposals.
And here I would like to say that the convention we are debating includes a specific article applying to women, so multiple discrimination has not been forgotten here.
It has been a long process for us to reach the point where this internal market, although unified, is not homogeneous.
Among them is a line in the definition of EMAS which I saw as particularly important.
At the same time, I also believe that it is very important that this money, if it is paid to the national Parliaments, the nation states, in other words, must not just disappear into the budget, but it really must be used in order to build a durable structure, that the money, in fact, even has to be passed on to the local authorities and to the towns and cities where the integration actually takes place, where the nursery places and housing are provided.
However, it is still a source of great frustration.
However, what we need to agree and put greater emphasis on is the importance of prevention rather than cure.
The EU cannot have a romantic vision of the political regime in Cuba, which is a genuine communist dictatorship, based on the logic of a single party that violates human rights, oppresses its citizens, persecutes and eliminates political adversaries and imprisons countless people simply for the offence of having an opinion.
Mr President, as rapporteur - of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats, that is - I wish to say that tonight we are discussing an issue that concerns the organisational autonomy and sovereignty of the European Parliament.
I would remind the House that the right to an eight-hour working day was won before the Second World War.
An energetic, growing cultural sector is clearly necessary for Europe's success as a creative, knowledge-based economy. The cultural sector also attracts well-qualified, creative people.
It will deal with three fundamental elements of the reform, namely governance, stock management and the differentiation between large-scale and small-scale fisheries.
Madam President, Mr Medina Ortega, you ask me about the course of inflation in the euro area and its consequences, in terms of how the euro area has reacted.
We could also establish a relationship on another more ambitious level.
The next item is the statement by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission on the situation in Yemen.
It is important that the Commission quickly finds a solution which will resolve this problem once and for all.
In other parts of the world, such as Africa, it is a different matter.
It is this dynamic and progressive definition that we are defending today in this sensitive area of electromagnetic waves.
And there is also a need for compassionate words, which can efface the humiliations.
I think they have been very consistent and very restrained.
This strategy is a specific response to the European Commission's White Paper on health policy for the period 2008-2013.
Priorities include medical personnel and other personnel specialised in water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as medical supplies, beds, water purification units and tablets.
Before we can talk about establishing a tax on international financial transactions, though, we need to carry out a study on its potential impact.
To achieve the desired result, which is, as we have said, an international agreement, the EU really must continue to play a leading role, as it certainly did up to and of course during the Bali Conference.
White Paper on damages actions for breach of the EC antitrust rules (debate)
At the same time, I call on the Thai Government not to resort to unwarranted and unjustified violations of human rights during the declared state of emergency.
However, we should add that the advantages of market liberalisation can only bear fruit where a diversified supplier market already exists today, and that means most of the countries of Western European.
In practice, this approach is not effective and has led to situations where disputes remained unresolved or were blocked.
As rapporteur for the opinion of the Committee on Fisheries, I believe we need thorough clarification of the progress being made in the current framework.
I myself submitted an amendment in this regard.
From now on, I will pay particular attention to which sittings are conducted by you, and I will attempt to attend all of them.
the report by Mrs Guy-Quint, on behalf of the Committee on Budgets, on the financial aspects of the Treaty of Lisbon, and
I think that support needs to be given to the efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution under the auspices of the United Nations, rather than making biased statements.
1. the extra costs incurred for extra rights will translate into permanently higher ticket costs across the board for all passengers;
You make no connection with public investment and raising the level of private investment, and you seem to lack any connection with the workers and their demands, workers who - at least in most European countries, the core countries that have been the bedrock of economic growth - are suffering from the lack of any margin of distribution.
Anyone who compares the key figures for the debt crisis from different countries can only be surprised at how successful the speculation against the euro has been.
We have to work with our international partners to promote the Union's energy interests.
When it comes to implementing the commitments, what we believe is lacking is a serious approach.
To be quite clear, the state aid investigation in these cases has been pending for around four years.
The churches, which used to be your partners, are now coming to us and saying that they have difficulties with certain wordings.
This is the top priority task for all of us, for every Member State.
But let me just say that those of us who thought they were educated have been prone to the odd financial accident.
This amendment completes the new European supervision framework.
We should tell the people of Europe that we cannot be sure that the environmental legislation which we are adopting is being complied with.
Madam President, the renewable energy directive is a milestone in European energy policy.
in writing. - The liberalisation of postal services is an important area of the European internal market.
in writing. - I support the Fava report on sanctions against employers of illegally staying third-country workers.
They also form an essential instrument for clarifying the European perspective.
Thank you also for the guidelines that will help the Member States.
We have achieved almost half of this already by means of our enlargement to the east, where emissions are lower in absolute terms, and there remains the target of a 12% reduction below 1990 levels.
The Summit will also provide an opportunity to assess progress with the implementation of visa facilitation and readmission agreements.
I am pleased to see that the Commission, the Council and my fellow Members concerned were determined to come up with a good solution quickly.
I would remind those who are watching Europe that there are 27 countries here, and that it is not easy to give those 27 countries the same policy at the same time, when any country could be subject to electoral pressures - because we do not all have elections on the same day - and in this House, the temple of European democracy, everyone understands that upcoming electoral campaigns are not exactly conducive to obtaining a consensus.
For this reason, new deposits, such as gas in rocks, will be a useful supplement to existing deposits and will therefore reduce our dependency on imports.
In the meantime, there is a tremendous amount to do and I can also confirm that many Member States are doing a tremendous amount, as everyone in all the Member States has been made aware of the effects that alcohol consumption has on health.
These are just a few of the ideas on which the SOLVIT report is based.
This regulation concerning statistics on plant protection products will plug existing gaps relating to the use of pesticides in Member States.
Its objectives were to facilitate cooperation and exchanges of information and experiences at national and European level; to collect and analyse relevant information aimed in particular at the exchange of best practices; to organise conferences, seminars, meetings and initiatives with the objective of facilitating the exchange of experiences and best practices; and to provide its expertise to the Council and the Commission concerning crime prevention.
The gender pay gap in the UK is wider than the European average and women have recently received the dire news that this gap is now increasing.
Although the rapporteur also tries here to gloss over the consequences of his support for liberalisation by advocating the social clause in all legislation on the Single Market, in line with Article 9 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the truth is that he is not unaware that neither the Commission nor the Council comply with it.
I could also add some other points and underline some that sometimes have deserved less attention but are also important.
As the Russian Government has failed to prove that it is not giving the orders and even refuses due cooperation with the British investigating authorities, this shows, consequently, that Russia's official involvement in the murder is politically proved.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I would like first of all to congratulate all the rapporteurs, Ms Morgan, Mr Chichester, Mr Vidal-Quadras and Ms De Vits, on their excellent reports, as well as the shadow rapporteurs and all the members of the committees involved.
There was no need to create super-systems, and this is clearly spelled out in the amendments.
We frequently discuss the renewable energy sources, but it is very easy to forget our electricity consumption.
It is therefore the task of labour inspection bodies and trade unions to draw attention to the crooked practices that go on in some countries and not to allow any restrictions on the right of agency workers to join trade unions.
The transport sector is one of the key sectors contributing to the European Union's economic and social development.
The free movement of persons is one of the fundamental rights of the European Union's citizens.
Mr President, not for the first time and assuredly not for the last, I find myself asking what any of this has to do with the European Union.
In that context, it holds a key role regarding the fight against climate change, the transition of the EU to an efficient, sustainable and competitive economy, and the strengthening of Europe's energy security.
We are in favour of a firmly based and meaningful trans-Atlantic relationship, but we also want to develop a policy of good neighbourliness and to pursue EU enlargement.
The free movement of citizens without internal borders is a very positive thing and one of the most important freedoms of the European Union, and I welcome the fact that the inhabitants of the nine new Member States will now be able to enjoy it.
What we need, then, if we are to do more than simply pay lip service to equality, are quotas - but they must be ambitious quotas, so that they really achieve something.
The September legislative elections are widely seen as a milestone for the future of the country and it is now timely for the EU to underline the importance that these elections be held in a peaceful, transparent and fully democratic environment.
I am convinced that Croatia's accession will encourage the other Western Balkan countries to launch and implement new democratic and transparent reforms, and also an excellent neighbourhood policy.
There is no point in their existence if they do not.
For instance, the standards that I have just referred to have been turned on their heads by the vote in the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.
I trust that our Turkish partners will continue with their efforts and that we will soon be able to see results.
What is the confidentiality requirement?
The large majority today sends a powerful signal to the Council, and I look forward to adoption in the near future.
In conclusion, I would like to express my warmest thanks to the shadow rapporteurs, who have collaborated on this report in a truly cooperative manner.
Whilst I believe that all the emission allowances should be auctioned as early as 2013, the compromise that is before us is still acceptable.
We know perfectly well there is too little, so I would put in a particular plea at this stage, as we look towards the budget review, that maybe we should actually use a little imagination to see how the European Union will be called upon in the future to meet the global challenges of the future and to play its part in global assistance and the functioning of the global economy, and then make sure we have the means to be able to implement what we wish to take on as our policies.
Although it has been stated that the proposed level of increase does not jeopardise the EU wine industry, we believe that there are still some doubts as to whether this is indeed the case, and that is why we have abstained.
It is important that we avoid more cases like this one.
In other words, anyone at all can employ people and there are virtually no controls at all over the activities of some dubious employment agencies.
That is why a common framework for regulating railway safety must be established.
It is essential to create European projects designed for pupils with special physical qualities.
The EU is not here to create social engineering with its policies.
Will the United States and China cooperate?
Low-income countries are offered a lump sum payment and, in return, they open up their waters to commercial fishing by EU Member States, mainly in Southern Europe.
In the last plenary sitting we once again discussed and criticised the failure by the Commission to fulfil its commitment on transparency and parliamentary scrutiny in the context of the financing instrument for development cooperation.
Today, we have just a single indicator, gross domestic product, which is an excellent indicator and an excellent instrument for measuring economic growth and the production of wealth.
I met not only our own servicemen, but soldiers from Estonia and Denmark who are sharing their camp.
Since then, inflation in the euro area has risen further and, in the wake of renewed sharp commodity price increases, arrived at the worrying level of around 4% in mid-2008.
I think it is a bad sign that two of the parties in this conflict - such as Morocco and Algeria - are not cooperating with each other, on top of the unstable situation in Tunisia.
I therefore believe that these aspects of the Podimata report deserve our support, and I would at this point like to call on Parliament to be true to itself, reminding the House that introduction of the levy was approved by this Chamber in March 2010 in a report on the impact of the crisis on developing countries.
Cases often arise where consumers are disappointed when they do not obtain the services for which they have paid in advance.
What kind of dictatorial, racist Europe do we live in then, where the Beneš Decrees can be regarded as a basis for negotiation?
I can recall some of the heated debates on this subject; they were often interesting and, at times, slightly irrational.
Firstly, there is already a framework at EU level laying down exposure limits and production standards and also a defined level of protection in terms of known effects.
1) Based on the demands for full transparency in financing for the coastal regions a database of the projects supported from various Community funds will be created by the autumn of 2009.
On the eve of the European elections, this report would have been more welcome if certain objectives were not suffering from a clear lack of ambition.
You put forward this proposal .
Mr President, finally, I would like to reiterate, once again, that, this year, too, my aim is to produce a report that offers a very clear message that is critical, but also balanced.
I have therefore always advocated the deepening of relations between the EU and Turkey through the gradual implementation of partnerships in various areas.
In addition, the aggregate value of EU investments in the Mercosur countries in 2005 was around EUR 100 billion.
We have noted other initiatives that can improve the functioning of Parliament, namely in the Parliamentary library, particularly the Knowledge Management System.
Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus only partially apply the Schengen acquis at the moment and checks are therefore still carried out at the borders with these three Member States.
Written statements (Article 142)
I am actually grateful that the Commission has reopened negotiations.
Given the countries that make up the Danube region, such a strategy can contribute to mending previous splits and prevent old disputes from being reignited, enabling increased European cohesion and opening the doors to future expansions of the Union.
More and more countries are becoming involved in space projects, with space having started to play an increasingly large role in our lives.
The strength of the euro against the dollar, which makes EU exports less competitive right now, is also a disruptive factor in the European market.
I have sat down with the Indian and Chinese leadership.
I would conclude by mentioning our Amendment 1, as presented in plenary, and would call on you to support it, as it has been put forward by most of the parliamentary groups.
(RO) I wish to congratulate Mrs Vălean for this report.
Domestic coal will be replaced by imported coal.
Tobacco is a crop that requires little water, little fertiliser and few pesticides; it is grown in infertile soils by poor farmers.

Furthermore, Parliament intends to improve the Commission proposals in order to establish a robust and coherent legislative framework guaranteeing economic growth and employment for the next decades.
And it is our duty to give them proper answers.
Is the Commission considering the introduction of competitive funding mechanisms for the late-stage clinical development of innovative new vaccines that address the neglected diseases, such as TB?
These measures are targeted and must resolve a crisis here and now.
The poor compromise - in my opinion this compromise is very poor - that some of my fellow Members will vote for tomorrow - without me, because I will vote against - is being put to the vote on the eve of the EU-Canada Summit.
Incredible as it might seem, the Lisbon Treaty limited the role of the European Parliament in this particular case.
It is in our common interest to have these alignment instruments adopted as soon as possible.
The report introduces several important aspects of the mid-term review of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) of the European Union for research and technological development.
(PL) Madam President, this debate reminds me of another debate, held several months ago, on the media laws in Hungary.
It is common knowledge that it is the European Commission's duty and responsibility to ensure effective implementation of European law and to intervene to remove barriers which may hinder its implementation.
A few nations that are focusing on protecting the environment have at last realised this.
Some of these issues are extremely sensitive from the point of view of the markets, so it does not seem prudent to me to be announcing intentions that have not become definite, but it is a work in progress in terms of the euro area.
It signals 27 States' agreement on a Treaty and it marks their acceptance of a common commitment to Europe.
Mr President, better economic governance is required with earlier warnings and earlier actions.
rapporteur. - Mr President, I look forward to this debate, and particularly to hearing from those who are not so keen on enhancing transparency and public access to documents.
There are enough powers already that would be better regulated at a national level instead of at EU level.
The Russian Federation is one of our most powerful partners in political, economic and military terms.
For these simple reasons the European Union should try to establish a relationship of dialogue and cooperation with Russia.
(Applause)
I hear some dream of a new Delors, while they forget that we have changed the world... and Europe.
The conditions are thus created for better information to be provided to passengers, before, during and after the journey.
I believe that aid for emerging countries, while promoting sustainable economic growth, should still focus on reinforcing the partner country's fiscal policy and promoting mobilisation of domestic revenue which should lead to the reduction of poverty and aid dependence.
I am certain that we will still be able to address one or two of these specific issues directly today.
The standard says that the 1985 toxicity data are sufficient.
I am very pleased to see that the Council, the Commission and Parliament have stuck to this position by deleting the relevant clauses and maintaining the status quo.
The forests and the forestry industry are already making a significant contribution to the production of local raw materials.
Parliament will also be represented by a delegation delivering well thought-out proposals, although its observer status will not allow it great visibility, and I hope that this represents a significant boost in winning the 'battle' of sustainable development and equitable growth for these countries.
We are setting an example to the rest of the world, which will give a positive dynamic to the international negotiations.
The ACP delegates, with the connivance of the Socialists, Communists and Greens, succeeded in removing all of them from the report.
The extension of airport capacities is inevitable and should mandatorily be correlated with solid regulations on noise reduction, as well as on reduction of aircraft emissions.
The country's actual human rights situation, however, is poor.
We Europeans therefore have the right to tell others not to take that path.
The EUR 1.1 million will target almost 1 000 workers in this highly sensitive and hard-hit sector.
The first issue to address is that of governance: how transparent is this organisation?
Please, Minister, take these banks in hand, tell them we are giving them taxpayers' money and we expect them to take the public interest into account, not just the interests of their shareholders - some of them very wealthy shareholders.
If not, Member States will be given too many liberties.
What other evidence do we need to provide in order for you to act and react given this failure to uphold the principle of non-discrimination?
I voted for the new EU-Vietnam Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which will include a clear clause on human rights.
The work on the report on the A/H1N1 virus pandemic in 2009-2010 lasted nearly one year.
In addition to improving efficiency, there is a need for other transport models.
The Commission remains committed to following up the report of October 2010 which, I recall, proposed the following: a temporary suspension for five years of the use of the cloning technique in the EU, of the import and use of clones for food production, and of food from clones, which would be combined with the introduction of traceability systems for imports of semen and embryos from clones.
On this point, then, no-one disagrees.
Cooperation between the Fundamental Rights Agency and the Council of Europe (vote)
Inflation and the fight against inflation are also a concern and obligation for the euro zone governments.
Now I believe that we have reached a turning point.
Even though we no longer have our smokestack industries, we are full of small, innovative businesses in the creative industries and fashion industry, creating jobs all the time in a real growth area.
The truth is, on the contrary, that it is essential for the EU now to focus on getting its run-away debt under control.
I would like to draw your attention to one such case.
The images of suffering and of death that have flashed across our screens non-stop for three weeks now are unbearable, as are, I hasten to add, all the images of war, all the conflicts, including those that are spoken of much less, if at all, such as Congo, Darfur, Zimbabwe and, before that, Chechnya, the horrors of which took place amid a deafening media and, I would stress, political, silence.
The first concerns the independent scientific opinion that is due to be published in October 2010 and approved by the CITES meeting in September 2011.
That is the most important point.
I have in mind in particular a study of the situation regarding human rights in Russia following the elections in that country. I am also thinking of the situation in China in the run-up to the Olympic Games due to take place there next year.
It would be justified to develop increased professional and social supervision, similarly to the practice which has evolved in recent times at other non-bank financial institutions.
Twenty-six of the twenty-seven Member States of the European Union will ratify or have ratified it, and that includes the British Parliament.
Changes leading to the elimination of the procyclical nature of decisions on mortgages are also needed, however.
A good deal has been discussed, but if one subject is absent from the report, it is the appalling inequality between men and women in the European Muslim community, where women are totally subordinate to men on the basis of the rules in the Koran.
It is thus necessary, too, to ensure that we manage future conflicts with neighbours over noise, pollution, even spatial use, and I think that in this regard it would be very interesting to be able to assess the new demands: the types of shuttles, private jets, open-air leisure aspects, etc.
Now you all have a calculator tool on your mobile phone; if Europe is to lose 120 000 jobs because of an additional EUR 50 million of imports on the European market, then there is really a serious problem with the European textile industry, regardless of what happens with Pakistan.
This experience, which is shared by our countries, regions, churches, parties, civil organisations, etc., is also valid at EU level.
This energy is safe, environmentally clean and will reduce our dependence on imports.
For that we will do the prudent work and then come to our authorising environment, to the Council and to Parliament, for your approval of the approach we are proposing to fill gaps.
Construction work on the Bystroye Canal in Ukraine continues.
These analyses were carried out in accordance with the EN 71-3 standard.
The institutions are not the only subject in Europe, and it would be very wrong to devote ourselves too much to this issue, to the exclusion of everything else.
Mrs Aubert, I believe that, fundamentally, through your question or suggestion, you have given voice to what, for me, is also probably one of the negatives, one of the few real negatives, of the agreement, clearly, because, when considering the stability instrument, you have seen perfectly that what is taken from the stability instrument is money that is not necessarily available for other things and that, at root, this is, to tell the truth, a shift.
We should anticipate events, but we do not.
An arbitrary percentage reduction across the entire range of plant protection agents runs counter to the aims of good agricultural practice and integrated pest management.
Unfortunately they are not faring too well at present and are not highly ranked, in contrast with the situation just a few decades ago.
The initiative is particularly praiseworthy, as the rapporteur and several other MEPs facilitated an interesting dialogue with Arctic third parties and civil society, in which we participated actively.
The Council has stated that it would be willing to help think things through, if the result is positive and attainable.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (PL) Mr President, Commissioner, our debate occurs on the eve of the tenth anniversary of the establishment of OLAF.
The problem of abandoned children is becoming more serious in Europe.
Over the last few days, it has become clear that the Member States want to retain these powers.
Regarding the proposals now on the table, I believe that Parliament has an enormous responsibility in the coming months.
That means that one child in every 10 either suffers from motor disorders, cannot express their thoughts or cannot do so clearly.
A year has passed since the launch of the Black Sea Synergy initiative.
If we really take our principles concerning the protection of refugees seriously, we must first make sure and, if necessary, check in individual cases what situation these people are in and then guarantee that their human rights will be protected.
Words were at the beginning of human communication.
Improvements can be made to the way in which the European Payments Council governs, which would encourage transparency and the recognition of users' concerns.
These are: the safety aspect; whether there is a reasonable technological need; information aspects; and advantages and benefits to consumers.
If this is to be repeated, I shall be inclined to side with those opposed to Parliament's seat being in Strasbourg. After all, situations such as the one I have described do not arise in Brussels.
It is regrettable that exporting spent nuclear fuel to Russia and Ukraine for processing is not prohibited.
Due to the broad and vague nature of this formulation, it is an attempt to exclude homosexual circles from the democratic right to free criticism.
We are making very slow progress in combating the crisis in the financial markets.
However, I would insist that the Member States have sole competence to organise and fund health systems.
Instead of more freedom, hauliers are faced with more restrictions.
I welcome this report and I have voted in favour of it.
Finally, I should like to draw your attention to the problem of the people who went missing in Cyprus following the Turkish invasion and events between 1963 and 1967 which led to the partitioning of the island.
The committee advocates restrictions on competition.
I think that the contents of a report touching on such a sensitive theme should remain neutral.
That is our policy.
We must have comprehensive and flexible guidance on best practice in reporting, in testing, in treatment and in care.
It is the practical embodiment of Robert Schuman's saying: Europe will not be made all at once or through overall integration; it will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity.
For a quarter of a century, he was a Member of the European Parliament and presided over the Group of Liberals and one of Parliament's committees.
The text must be in black lettering, with a black border of minimum 3 mm and maximum 4 mm thickness, the font must be Helvetica, and so on and so forth.
The evaluations will be far more frequent and will be clearer.
Would you possibly be prepared to take a look at the link between Sombor in Serbia and Osijek in Croatia?
It is merely that these changes have not yet come to an end.
In recent months, we have witnessed an upsurge of violence against Christian minorities around the world, particularly in countries where Islam is the majority religion.
For that reason, the EU must help the new state to maintain its independence and to protect its sovereignty, because development aid for Southern Sudan may also play an important role with regard to Europe's oil supply in the future.
Raising the profile of this issue among the public through education and awareness campaigns implemented in areas of everyday life is a vital step in this direction.
In the 2007 Green Paper, the Commission points to the legitimacy of the debate concerning the need for it to be involved in the issue of increasing mobility in cities within the Union, on the basis of the principle of subsidiarity.
This statement would apply rather well to the European Council today.
Secondly, some sort of temporary institutional framework must be created for the decision implementation mechanism.
Quite the contrary, the EU should particularly support the new direction of biomass production.
(SL) Ladies and gentlemen, it is, of course, clear to us all that passenger safety must be our top priority and that we are having this discussion today primarily because nature has reminded us of this.
I should also like to point out that we shall debate product standards in Brussels.
Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) whereby a customer purchases a guaranteed energy saving creates leverage as the investment is paid back over a time span of 2-15 years.
This is more than a crisis; it is a structural issue for the fisheries sector that we must tackle at European level.
It cannot be evaluated according to such a criterion.
Following the earthquake, the international community decided to reconstruct Haiti differently, without repeating the errors of the past.
I know that the Commission can count on strong support from this House, and I hope we will have a final agreement by June.
I too therefore welcome the efforts which everyone has made to achieve the Commission's objective, which is none other than maximum safety in the use of the Internet, especially by children.
Other aspects which are equally important, however, are strengthening and protecting civil rights, expanding research, and finding a solution to climate change.
(PL) Mr President, Mrs Schauvliege, Commissioner, adoption of a resolution for the 16th Conference of the Parties in Mexico is the first step in a global discussion.
Another good feature is the greater emphasis on support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Fourth, begin the important task of implementing the 12 priorities outlined in the 2010 Commission opinion.
Madam President, if ever there was an issue that cried out for subsidiarity, it is surely that of smoking.
Firstly, we need to demonstrate maturity and make it easier for citizens from the state of Belarus to have access and come to the European Union to have contact with the European Union's values, with what the European Union stands for, with the European Union's politics, with everything that we represent.
Many questions pertained to the integrated guidelines and whether they solved current issues.
Many aspects of the Treaty are of fundamental interest to you, to the European Parliament and - as we are talking about foreign and security policy - on that particular issue.
Last Wednesday the steel roof of the 1 100-seat capacity municipal theatre of Nicosia collapsed, suddenly and without warning.
As you stated not long ago, proposals have already been prepared on derivative products and short selling, and we are also discussing taxation on banks and the levy on financial transactions while awaiting the Commission's final proposed revision.
Emergencies often involve a high human, financial and environmental cost.
We should work together because this is very important for Europe; it is very important for the world.
The Union's population is getting older.
In fact, in order to enjoy a solid European defence, which we do need, the Lisbon Treaty must be accepted, which brings us back to our own institutional difficulties.
The Social Democrats and Greens have quite unnecessarily proposed amendments which would mean a less controlled way of spending money.
In January 2008 a study published in the US magazine Consumer Report revealed a 70% increase in the incidence of zoonosis in chickens treated with antimicrobial processes in the United States, compared to 2003.
Only legislative reform and multi-party elections can bring democracy and, at the same time, a respect for human rights in the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
It must include the strengthening of the common agricultural policy, an appropriate fiscal policy and maintenance of its budget, in consideration of the many beneficial effects of agriculture on the environment, health and climate change.
Madam President, the accession treaties of the three Member States, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Lithuania, included the request to decommission a number of nuclear reactors which no longer met the safety conditions and could not be upgraded in a cost-effective manner.
I would like to congratulate the rapporteur for an excellent piece of work, and to thank her for accepting my amendment proposals.
draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Culture and Education. - (DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Committee on Culture, I would like to state that our goal is to promote cultural diversity in Europe.
An adequate response to crimes committed in the name of religion is only appropriate.
It is the furthest point before you go to the United States.
author. - Mr President, the judicial system of Nigeria is fraught with inadequacies, neglect and corruption.
Mr President, Mr Barroso, ladies and gentlemen, we are fully aware that we need a provision in the Treaty in order to bring about legal certainty.
I trust that the forthcoming EU-India Summit will help to weaken the caste system in India and to improve standards of human rights and citizens' rights in the world's largest democracy.
A single market that functions properly is the key to a healthy economy and, in all certainty, economic recovery.
A hospital has even come under fire and, according to humanitarian organisations, the overall situation is disastrous.
(LV) Mr President, unfortunately, Ireland is not the only country, and Greece is not the only country either.
The quality of democracies and societies, of course, is demonstrated time and again by their treatment of minorities.
However, they further tighten international agricultural markets to the detriment, especially, of the food-importing developing countries.
The cohesion policy has its supporters, but also its critics.
The relationship between the quality of teacher education and the quality of teaching, and consequently the level of knowledge of pupils, is obvious.
Save the Children say that the killing of 139 children since the conflict began, with 1 271 injured, cannot be justified as self-defence.
I should like to draw attention to the work of REPER, to mention the skills of Ambassador Mendonça e Moura and to express thanks for the effective liaison with the European Parliament provided by Dr Alexandre Leitão.
Now, we are aware that the key question will be how much we can do regarding capacity-building.
Should we relieve the burden on large companies and high wage earners although they have benefited from tax concessions across the whole of Europe for years?
The benefit is an expansion of Class A, allowing distinctions to be drawn among the constantly increasing group of energy-saving appliances while, at the same time, motivating producers to make appliances that are as energy-saving as possible.
(BG) President, Commissioner, the report on Women in Science is very well scoped, and it deals with the participation of women in one of the most important development processes, scientific research.
Cutting subsidies is certainly the wrong approach if we wish to safeguard vital rural areas and lower middleclass structures.
I trust it will prove possible to resolve it in due course, through investment in technology.
(IT) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we are tackling yet another debate on the violation of human rights and democracy in Iran.
It also means explaining to our partners on the international stage that a High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who will also be Vice-President of the European Commission from 1 January 2009, will be the primary contact, along with the President of the Council, who will be elected for two and a half years and will facilitate cohesion and consensus within the European Union so it can finally speak with one voice.
We have a very clear long-term energy strategy for the whole of the European Union.
I will now listen with interest to the contributions from the Members and I again thank your rapporteur, Carlos Coelho, who has done an excellent job.
America's anti-missile defence system would increase the risk of nuclear war.
That is not sustainable.
I particularly welcome the emphasis on encouraging young people into agriculture, which is absolutely vital; that there should be no renationalisation of the CAP; that the Commissioner said the two pillars should be maintained because without pillar one there will be no need for pillar two since it would be unprofitable to farm and therefore public goods would not be guaranteed; and, as Mrs Dodd said, we need to look at what we mean by 'fair', particularly taking into account varying costs and purchasing power right across the Union.
We cannot in any way endorse the military solution for the Libyan crisis or for any other crisis.
Every year, the European Parliament adopts a report on the European agencies to accompany the debates on budgetary discharge.
Let us not fool ourselves: nobody pays EUR 100 000 for a bull only to put it through the mincer and sell it as hamburgers.
It is worth emphasising that the amendments will automatically apply to those Member States that are not in the euro area; this is an excellent point.
I support the request for the Commission to present a study every five years on the added value of each agency and not to hesitate to close an agency if the analysis concludes that it is not useful.
In the same way, the reports on the investment facility should include information on the results of programmes financed.
When consumers are preparing for the important decision of going to a dealer - because, as one of you said, it is a major expense for all consumers and households - they want to find out about prices and quality, to be able to make comparisons, and they can do that.
I agree with the rapporteur when he emphasises the need to educate customers on how to approach innovation in public contracts, since the profession is highly skilled and needs well-trained staff.
It follows that, as some of my fellow Members have already said, the reduction in the number of Russian soldiers in Abkhazia and Ossetia to the level before the conflict in August should clear the way for effective negotiations.
Let me give you a concrete example.
Countless factors have a bearing on this growth, which is not unconnected to the deepening of the crisis of capitalism and its social effects in many countries.
We already have the technology to help us meet these targets and there can be no better example of this than the cutting-edge work being carried out at Loughborough University, in my own constituency, which is world-renowned for its development of green technologies and has recently unveiled a new hydrogen refuelling station, one of only two in the UK.
2008 budget guidelines (Sections I, II, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII(A) and VIII(B)) (vote)
It is even worse in my country, where we do not have a minimum wage.
Yet the universality of that respect is failing across the world.
I also welcome the Commission's commitment to a communication on hospital-acquired infections.
This new protocol provides fishing possibilities for shrimps and for fish, in particular cephalopods, up to a total tonnage of 4 400 t per year for each of the two categories.
It will have to identify the various national procedures and technical rules currently in force for the approval of locomotives. It will then have to draw up the list of equivalent rules and thus requirements that, once verified by a national safety authority, no longer need to be verified by the authorities of the other Member States that a locomotive may have to enter.
28.
You will remember that when this Commission proposed a 'globalisation adjustment fund', a new instrument, there were some arguments against that instrument concerning subsidiarity and questions why something that should be done was being done only at European Union level.
As long as I hold my position in this House I will, of course, fight for unity between the North Atlantic democracies in promoting a common vision for the future.
The latter implies protecting nature against exploitation. In my view, nature needs to be protected, but through human action.
(CS) Ladies and gentlemen, Europe is facing two challenges.
I expect the Commission to take a legislative initiative on this matter very promptly.
Yet all the progress that comes with this technology of course has side effects, like everything else in life.
That order made nations prosperous.
The Treaty of Lisbon lays the foundations for the European Union to establish itself as a credible and influential player on the international scene.
There are also commercial renewable installations and companies are doing business - nothing else - and I very strongly support these incentives for renewables.
Finally, with regard to Turkey, a great many speeches have been made and I would like to begin by saying that negotiations are continuing at a reasonable pace - they have not been halted - and I say this in response to Mr Van Orden's comment concerning the speed of those negotiations.
It is precisely this principle, which exists, indeed, not only on paper, that distinguishes the EU from other international organisations.
The Egyptian people are out on the streets at the moment to make their voices heard, just a few weeks after a similar scene in Tunisia.
It is women, often the very elderly or the very young, who are the victims.
District heating is mainly a social question in many new Member States.
For the financial year 2009, almost half of the money carried over to 2009 was not spent, and 43% of the 2009 budget was carried over to 2010.
It is clear that we must do much more in the area of funding.
The workshop that we have arranged for 6 November, which will include representatives of the Member States and MEPs, will be an opportunity - not that it is the only one, since it might be the first of a series of specific meetings - to assess all aspects of the use of body scanners, starting with what I consider to be the most important, human health.
It does not provide those who had stopped believing in Europe with any reasons to renew their faith in it.
But for me, the most important message is that, when the Lisbon Treaty comes into force, we need to reduce the complexity, to provide better conditions for our expenditure at local level and to get the money in time to those who are applying for it, whether they are small- and medium-sized enterprises, researchers or farmers, back in our countries.
After all, a good vaccination policy stands or falls on the willingness of livestock farmers to take part in these vaccination programmes.
Do we want to bring into play Eurobonds, European investments and treasury bonds so that we can politically enhance this Europe, without which we will go nowhere?
It is not just a question of increased resources, but also of having the political courage to reprioritise aspects in the budget and utilise the skills that women have.
I would like to ask the Commission about its stance on illegal betting, the illicit bets that are such a feature of football and other sports competitions, and if it intends, as part of the programme we have just heard described, to devote special attention to this aspect, which risks blighting every competition and spoiling the fairness that should characterise sporting competitions.
I believe this plan to ban cluster munitions globally to be a matter, as I was saying, that goes to the heart of civilisation and humanity.
This is a fast-growing phenomenon in many armed conflict zones.
It is important to remember that hazardous goods are also transported by rail, which could have devastating consequences in the event of an accident.
Under the terms of the Homeland Security Act, data can be stored for up to 90 years.
It will also establish an independent audit to analyse the legality assurance system and its effectiveness and efficiency.
I also welcome the postponement of a decision over financing climate moves.
That brings me to Uzbekistan.
Parliament has a clear view on the Dublin regulation and we are now waiting impatiently to be able to start the negotiations.
It appears to us that a system of preventive measures - reduced exposure to heat, an early warning system and of course aid for the elderly - needs to be put in place here.
There is an urgent need for broad-based confidence and the banks must play a role in this in their own interests.
Mr President, I have four quick questions on climate change.
Indeed, one of the interesting aspects of France's initiative aimed at creating a Union for the Mediterranean - which, for that matter, I supported from the very start - is that it brings a stronger element of regional cooperation.
There is also the issue of cybercrime, an entirely new problem affecting many people.
The burdens placed on employment law and economic activity are too great, tax rates are too differentiated, and the regulations are too complicated.
There is only one thing I cannot do, and that is to promise them the money promised by the Member States at Gleneagles.
When you look at the details in the Americans' election manifesto, the talk is of billions in support for industry, to really bring industry up to world market level.
It would appear that the governments do not basically understand how critical the situation is.
There are also plans to include new, innovative products and, for example, certain types of life insurance policies in the directive.
I voted in favour of this report because, although it concerns important environmental issues such as energy sources and climate change and economic issues such as the durability of uncompetitive production units in the economy, at a time of economic and social crisis, it is important to stand up for the social issues.
Every member of the PLC that we met, both in the West Bank and in Gaza, wants secure Israeli and Palestinian borders based on the 1967 green line.
Secondly, I am addressing in particular the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats - I am sorry that my friend John Bowis is not here, as we solved a great many issues during this parliamentary term with him as coordinator of the main groups of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, and I too, of course, wish him a speedy recovery - I would ask the PPE-DE Group and also, I think, the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe: do you consider it better to proceed to the second reading without the vote of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament?
I would like, first of all, to excuse the Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr De Castro, who is unable to be here with us this evening for reasons that you know.
It is an entirely different kind of document.
It can be said that their safety is ever more theoretical: everything will be fine, as long as nothing happens.
author. - (PL) Madam President, Saudi Arabia is a country in which the law is put into effect according to Wahabi principles, this being the most radical Sunni trend in Islam.
In my view, the port sector, as any other sector, should be allowed to operate on an equally competitive basis.
The specific form of the accession process itself will certainly create some problems, and it is therefore important that we find the best solutions for the extremely difficult technical and legal problems quickly and constructively and with open-mindedness and creativity.
The Union will have to re-engineer this operation, and the foreign affairs ministers will have to debate it at the Council of 10 November.
Who can pick them up?
This service has largely been supplied by INN in recent years.
However, ten years after the end of the conflict, the graves are still deep and ill-feeling is still simmering beneath the surface.
We have built up a very high level of credibility in respect of animal welfare, and this is something we must also defend.
In Rwanda substantial aid was given after the genocide.
You know yourself that all European elections since 1979 have been held on the second or third weekend in June.
If the other groups assert themselves, however, and the demand for a framework directive persists, I see myself being forced to vote against the report, not because I am against protecting against discrimination, but because a framework directive at European level is the wrong way, in my opinion.
I believe it is vital that the Tunisian people see the strong support of the EU, and in particular the European Parliament, in what is a critical moment of transition towards democracy.
That is why I voted against this indigestible and pointless report.
I should like to thank the rapporteur, as this is a genuinely good and comprehensive report.
Written statements (Rule 142)
The European Union does not need only to reform its own institutions quickly, but must also provide its citizens and businesses with a policy which alleviates the side-effects of intense competition and the opening up of the market.
With this in mind, the new regulations must take into account the need, in the medium and long terms, to create conditions for the sustainability of the European automotive industry, allowing it to remain at the forefront of technology and innovation, and economically sustainable.
The Internal Market is without doubt the most important instrument that the European Union has to foster growth in the wake in the recent financial crisis.
If we create a protectionist climate, then the whole question of trade, not aid, to help alleviate poverty will be blown off course and thrown out of the window.
(GA) Mr President, I welcome what was agreed at COP 16 in Cancún.
This requires the payment of excise duty in the recipient country for distance selling of alcohol, for example.
Let us prevent the destruction of a noble, heroic people group that is a friend of Europe.
I therefore welcome the European decision to reopen negotiations on the association agreement with Mercosur, although I regret and condemn Argentina's recent protectionist actions, which are totally in contrast with the spirit of openness shown by the European side.
This means that Croatia's involvement in the EMCDDA's work programme requires a link to the European Information Network on Drugs and Drug Addiction and an exchange of data with the EMCDDA.
The next item is the report by Alejandro Cercas, on behalf of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, on the implementation of social legislation relating to road transport.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (IT) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to thank both of the rapporteurs for their work, which has been valuable and absolutely to the point.
Without getting preoccupied with the past, we would like to see clear actions in the future and observation of the agreement signed between our two countries; that is why I supported the report.
Although the Hungarian prime minister said that 'Hungary is strong enough to overcome the consequences of such a catastrophe on her own', I would like to thank the European Commission and the Member States for the support extended and offered so far to overcome the consequences of the disaster.
'that the public authorities must take the initiative in promoting the legislation and arrangements required to ensure access to water by all'.
This is a new step in the direction of a more advanced and effective policy of responsibilities, which will be more respectful of the rights of victims and more effective in imposing liability on the infringer.
Ladies and gentlemen, I firmly believe that the idea of creating a joint European Union strategy for the Danube Region is a good one and deserves our political support.
To be honest though, Mr Zapatero - I said that we have to tell the truth - I am not sure that the solutions that you and the political family to which you belong are proposing in order to end the crisis and to make social Europe a reality are the most suitable.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the European budget starts with a zero; 0.89% of gross national income is to be spent in the way of payments next year - EUR 116 billion.
More people in work means more resources to build welfare solutions for people who are not able to work.
There was a Palestinian exile who took Latvian citizenship.
Explanations of vote
Mrs Lichtenberger is right to say that the blocks are essential for a much more efficient and environmentally friendly sky.
(FR) Commissioner, after everything that you have said, let us examine China's presence in Africa.
Most importantly, the issue is about human lives and about regional stability.
In addition, practical measures, such as the use of electronic invoices, should be encouraged in parallel with the implementation of the directive.
Gradually and progressively.
In order to ensure the success of the EU 2020 strategy, the regions also need to be more involved, and the European Commission must continue to simplify the procedures for accessing funds.
These new components stray from the principle of focused and proportionate legislation based on a scientific approach.
The relationship is based on deep economic integration: 40% of Turkey's foreign trade goes to the EU and 80% of foreign direct investments in Turkey come from the EU.
I would inform you that the EPP-ED Group has now withdrawn its motion for a resolution.
I call on the Italian authorities to cooperate fully with intergovernmental institutions, international organisations and domestic civil society to swiftly and effectively end the human rights emergency of the Roma in Italy.
Effectively, what we are doing is to simplify the process so that we can actually address proper control, instead of issuing pieces of paper that really do not make a single bit of difference to the SMEs concerned.
You are pretending to be naïve here, when you call for a better future for Egypt, but at the same time refuse to acknowledge the dangers which Islam represents.
The application of civilian and military expertise should not be restricted by the technical labelling of the nature of operations, but should instead be decided on the basis of appropriateness and cost-efficiency.
The Commission does not intend, of course, to force the Member States to offer incentives, but it does wish to coordinate the exchange of information and to propose a set of guidelines on this subject in order to prevent, precisely, fragmentation of the market.
In addition to simplification and making use of the concept of tolerable risk, in its response to the Commission communication 'Reforming the Budget, Changing Europe', the Court suggests applying the principles of clarity of objectives, realism, transparency and accountability when designing arrangements for European Union spending.
The points made by the Court are the motivation to amend the listing procedures of the regulation.
This directive is part of the legislative package on so-called 'economic governance', which is made up of six legislative texts, and which is a veritable attack on social and labour rights, as well as democracy itself.
Regional cooperation with the EU in the Union for the Mediterranean must not, as some powers would like to see, become a substitute for integration into the EU and membership of the European Union.
Towards Europe-wide Safer, Cleaner and Efficient Mobility: The First Intelligent Car Report (debate)
It is a big step forward for environmental protection.
It has been said that his speech was an ideal speech.
I believe that we need to understand clearly that the situation in Libya will have many serious consequences for the neighbouring countries too, if the current situation continues for a long time.
The overall budget of this programme is EUR 1.36 billion.
The absence of a genuine penalty mechanism if the objectives are not met, or even if insufficient efforts are made to that end, means that this '2020 strategy' is flawed in the same way as its predecessor.
Hundreds killed and injured is the price paid by unarmed civilians for this conflict.
If the European Union forgets this, it acts against itself and weakens itself.
Fausto Correia will be sorely missed by his family, his friends and by us, his fellow Members.
This is what defeated the Lisbon Strategy and it will defeat this strategy also.
However, all Member States should give strong support to low-carbon technologies, energy saving and renewable technologies.
I would add that the Commission will be present in the governing bodies of the authorities and that, in this regard, it will, of course, be vigilant so as to ensure that any decision that is taken in the interest of the Union.
This is a time for all of us to fulfil our responsibilities and our commitments.
We need to take note of the fact that cohesion policy is a very special instrument, because it combines, on the one hand, reduction of disparities with the support of measures which lead to greater competitiveness.
Madam President, I think the three institutions have made their viewpoint in this debate very clear.
I do not want to draw a veil over the many problems which exist and which have to be resolved; these have to be addressed as well.
I am very happy I was born, and I am sure my colleagues are happy that they were born.
It is up to individual countries to decide their own tax bands and these bands encourage competition in the single market and not the opposite.
Since the beginning of July 10 vessels have been captured and 250 seamen have been taken hostage.
Of course, I would also like to congratulate our fellow Members, Mr Andersson and Mr Mann.
We need a more automated system.
Then again, in my view, we need to make better use of the instruments we have available as part of the global approach to migration in order to encourage synergy between migration and development.
I also think that there is room for the proposal made by the second speaker within these directives, which you will be able to debate in this Chamber, for example, in relation to the regulation of hedge funds, which is within the supervision requirements which have been discussed, or something which the current President of the Council of the Union mentioned here this morning, the eradication of tax havens.
We cannot, 20 years on, allow Mr Le Pen a second opportunity to bring Europe into disrepute.
For this purpose, the second paragraph of Article 3(e) of the amended directive includes a requirement that all Member States and the Commission encourage media service providers to develop such codes.
As Mrs Lepage pointed out, there is a wide range of European legislation: the Mining Waste Directive, the directive on emissions from certain industrial installations and the Environmental Liability Directive.
There are significant challenges, and honourable Members are right to remind us of those significant challenges.
One area that is particularly important, it seems to me, is the question of civil society.
The process must be evidence-based, impact-assessed and with full parliamentary involvement, and on that basis, as I have said, the time for talking is over and we need to move forward.
I therefore call on the House to vote for the proposals and to support my report, because it will give the citizens more reasons to go out and vote in the European elections.
Most cars will in future be sold in India and China and other developing countries, and they want low-energy cars. Our planet wants low-energy cars and Europe's consumers want low-energy cars.
in writing. - I welcome and support this report.
It can help to maintain the diversity of our agriculture, and can do so in a competitive way, because farms that can sell their produce are competitive.
With regard to the Fukushima accident, the European Union will push for equivalence of approaches regarding stress tests for both existing and planned nuclear power plants.
In conclusion, I think that the result reached in the trialogue between the Commission, the Council and Parliament on reducing long-term CO2 emissions is still out of proportion with the special characteristics of the automotive sector and I should like to express my concern about the risk of damaging the industry and employment levels in the sector.
Coming up with a European solution to the problems which the Roma are facing requires us to take into account that they are citizens just like we are, even if they are subject to exclusion.
With the exception of seasonal and highly qualified workers who will be covered by specific directives, all migrants will benefit from a set of labour rights equivalent to those enjoyed by nationals of the host Member State.
(IT) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, over the last decade, beekeeping has made great advances from a financial and entrepreneurial viewpoint.
As far as I am aware, this will affect some 80 airports in the European Union.
Mr Romagnoli is no longer here to take the discussion further.
The next item is questions to the Council (B6-0013/2008).
Have the Greek authorities re-examined the list of sensitive regions and identified other waters to be designated as sensitive?
This gives rise to all too familiar consequences: an explosion in migratory flows and cross-border traffic, without even mentioning the extraordinary opportunities offered to terrorists of all persuasions.
What other impact can that have than to decimate services of general interest, and in particular social services of general interest?
This is not true, as we have seen that, given good work, a good understanding of matters, good groundwork and good political opponents, things can be staged very quickly.
When my wife asks me to do something, and wants to know if I will be sure to do it, I always say, 'Yes - after all, I am a politician.'
The questions have been justified, and that is why it is very important that the Portuguese issue should be made a model example of how a crisis can be held in check, dealt with, and prevented from spreading.
We have strengthened the internal market, we have improved food safety and we have increased the responsibility of food producers and suppliers.
Mr President, in Azerbaijan, for fairly mild and delicate criticism of the government, two people have gone to prison after being given stiff sentences.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is therefore quite right for us to engage in a solution to this problem and, together with the governments of the affected countries, to help to find a civilised solution to the problem of the Eritrean refugees.
For example, we feel that this means banning wage dumping and tax dumping, or setting minimum standards to stop competition being distorted on the labour market.
What can I say in conclusion?
It is only because of these underlying problems that I am not voting for this resolution now.
They are the building blocks of what is called the 'knowledge triangle'.
If he is preparing his future, we are interested in that too.
Mr Kasoulides: the action plan takes the regional perspective as its starting point.
For my country, Bulgaria, being a border of the European Union, this is an opportunity to integrate actively in the European electricity network.
Vocational education and training are a crucial part of Europe's efforts to tackle the social challenges presented by ageing societies and to realign its position in the global economy and resolve the economic crisis.
It is now, especially, that the citizens of Georgia require our help and the feeling that they are being treated in the same way as other countries which are working with the European Union.
My final point is in the form of a question to Commissioner Barnier.
This was done in order to safeguard a level playing field for of all European Union citizens and, beyond that, as an expression of solidarity.
Madam President, Commissioner, we have already held a debate about the ash cloud and the associated problems for aviation in the immediate aftermath of the volcanic eruption.
In this reform, however, the role of the Committee on Petitions has been killed off, in the sense that it will no longer be possible for the Committee on Petitions to find its way directly to the Chamber except after unspeakable complications and possible conflicts with the competent committee.
As I experienced myself during my recent visit to Tehran, a very strong and active civil society exists in Iran.
Ukraine has borne much grief throughout its history, and I do hope now that the next stage in that glorious history involves Ukraine rightly taking its place, in the not-too-distant future, as a full member of the European Union.
(RO) Vocational education and training are essential tools, offering Europe's citizens the ability, knowledge and skills required to become an integral part of the labour market and a knowledge-based society.
We are delighted that the EU's education programmes are so attractive and effective that other countries are joining them.
These Poles were born on 4 June, on the day of the first partially free elections held in our country. A meeting with people born on 4 June may not allow us to feel young any more, when we see that they are now adult people.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to begin by taking up what Mr Schulz said.
It was recognised and valued both culturally and politically.
Whether this is the way to avoid the problems that Mr Barroso has quite rightly described is doubtful.
(NL) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the debate about design protection of visible spare parts has indeed been going on for almost an entire generation of Members of this House.
On the other hand, we must beware of slipping into a situation in which we attempt to reduce road risks to zero, as it is impossible to exclude all risks.
We also have a responsibility to the unemployed.
It is really important that Parliament should unanimously call on the Council not to limit the scope of the CFSP annual report to a mere description of policy activities but, as the report rightly points out, to 'make it a policy- and solution-focused tool'.
Yes, the science is complex and dynamic, but with a ratio of five to one of the scientific community supporting the case we make, we must challenge, we must question and above all we must respond - and respond adequately - to the peer-reviewed work of some of our best and brightest in the fields of climatology and meteorology.
The death penalty is a matter of conscience for each Conservative MEP.
Good progress was made at last week's Council meeting with the Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers.
How can we achieve this?
There is a consensus on the need for coordination at EU level and for establishing EU rules on cross-border issues.
Examples of this include the projected reductions in the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund, the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance - Community programmes from the previous Community framework, 2002-2006 - or LIFE+, the Financial Instrument for the Environment.
What contribution will the Council make, in the context of discussions to update labour legislation, to combat discrimination so that men and women have access to quality jobs offering flexibility and security?
Increased attention should be paid to monitoring public debt developments while medium-term budgetary objectives should be strengthened to address implicit liabilities.
It welcomed the Commission's preliminary commitment of EUR 100 million for early non-humanitarian assistance, for instance, in rehabilitation and reconstruction, and it took note of the Commission's preliminary indication that EUR 200 million would be available for longer-term responses.
There must be no more rejection of migrants through violent collaboration with countries like Libya.
Of course, it is also important to take into account that Canada has a different legal tradition and a different legal system.
On the contrary.
There is no escaping this.
The report reminds us - and Mr Elles said this a few minutes ago - that the most important strategic relationship that the European Union has is its relationship with the United States.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, at a time when circumstances dictate the need for exceptionally responsive policies, the subject on which I am going to speak to you shows that perseverance is also a virtue.
Such meetings were held under the Austrian and German Presidencies.
The people of Europe are waiting for clarification that competition rules and single market rules will not suddenly just be imposed on them.
13.
(The sitting was suspended at 11 a.m. and resumed at 11.30 a.m.)
How can we have a debate without the question, and without the author of the question?
Other regions in the world, too, must do more.
(FR) Mr President, I am going to focus my comments on the report by our colleague, Mr Itälä, who has done a good job.
However, as I have already said, I think that at the earlier sitting of the European Parliament, when I received a similar question.
The Charter has become a standard for the creation and application of EU laws by both the EU institutions and by the Member States.
It is also important that international standards be respected in these temporary camps.
There ought to be enough time before tomorrow's vote for the Commission to make an appropriate statement of some kind.
It is glaringly obvious that if we do not provide suitable resources, we may face extremely serious consequences for the environment and human health.
This need is even more pressing and essential at these times of crisis.
Nevertheless, our group strongly opposes the extensive introduction of biometrics.
Common approach to the use of the spectrum released by the digital switchover (
This situation must change without delay.
President-in-Office of the Council. - (PT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, in answer to this question I would say that, as you know, the current European Union Solidarity Fund was established to respond to disasters of major and extraordinary proportions, following the floods which affected Central Europe in the summer of 2002.
The basic Regulation dates back to 1960, when our countries were separate, and when rules on hygiene and food could mask discrimination and obstacles to competition.
This is why I voted in favour of the report, in the expectation that regional policies will be given the importance they deserve.
Putting the proposals of this report into practice will therefore mean obtaining a text as soon as possible to resolve the current problems of European legislation, where several directives overlap, sometimes without covering all fields of application and all possible case studies on the safety of the marketed goods.
So the reason for putting forward this proposal was to reduce administrative costs for small business.
For example, there is no provision at all for sanction mechanisms.
One of the issues to be addressed in combating obesity is the effective labelling of food products.
The policy is one of every man for himself, which is regrettable, and decades of political corruption in Greece are also responsible for this situation.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (PT) Mr President, Mr Juncker, Mr Trichet, I would first like to say that this report's main objective was to analyse the European Central Bank's activities during 2007.
Therefore I am happy to note that Mr Chatzimarkakis received 100% support in the committee.
It is interesting that the regulation applies only to the transport of animals undertaken in connection with an economic activity.
author. - (FR) Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues, after losing ten men in the raid at Haskanita, the head of the African Union mission in Darfur, General Martin Luther Agwai, sounded an alarm call, highlighting the fact that his forces were ill-equipped and too few in number, and that they could be defeated in a very short time.
I should also like to thank the commissioner for the file he submitted to us.
Billions are being spent on pet subjects of the left, such as the climate and development aid, whilst in the Netherlands, people are failing to receive treatment in care homes, the qualifying age for the state old-age pension (AOW) is being raised to 67 years and the police force is having to make cutbacks.
We will start with the Green Paper to see what the different opinions are. I welcome this.
In our negotiations, he just dismissed and laughed off as propaganda allegations of rape by Sri Lankan soldiers, so what you can expect?
We need to stimulate private sector research funding through a variety of measures, such as venture capital financing initiatives.
A roaming system for oil products: that would be quite something!
I am encouraged by the fact that the Chinese Government has informed the Commission that it is now organising a foreign press trip, including European correspondents, to Tibet for coverage from 26 to 28 March.
Simply because - and I do not want to be naïve - the market demands it.
Ecofin has been following and continues to follow the measures which have been adopted by the Member States.
Experience has now taught us that corruption has actually increased in a number of countries that have acceded to the European Union before they were actually completely ready to do so.
At the same time it is ever more urgently needed, due to the spread of hunger and disease.
I am looking forward to proposals regarding the entry and exit systems because it will be very interesting to find out how many overstayers we have in Europe.
It needs to be objective and transparent as to how money is allocated between Member States.
Illegal phone tapping has become prosecutors' investigation method of choice.
The majority of these cases relate to Articles 6 and 8 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and concern proceedings on infringements of competition rules, such as the cases involving National Panasonic, Hoechst AG, Niemetz, etc.
(DE) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, during the public minutes of silence ordered by the Chinese authorities, people stood still - people in the streets, on buses and in shops - and their facial expressions left no doubt of the sincerity of their feelings.
Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I very much welcome the positive and supportive reaction of Parliament to the new Animal Health Strategy.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the Commission regularly monitors the development of the situation in Iraq, particularly in relation to Camp Ashraf.
Member States have to specify what level of income they obtain from the charges and what they are going to do with that money in order to bring about a better transport system.
The peace process launched in Annapolis must not be destroyed by violence and terrorism.
We must recognise it and praise it.
The third thing is enriched material, which is in breach and is continuing to be produced.
the report by Mr Catania, on behalf of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union 2004-2008,
In recital 21, in particular, Mrs Balzani has rightly pointed to that fact.
Our country is an island without land borders and we are perfectly capable of reaching sensible proportionate bilateral or multilateral agreements with each other.
However, it is a fact that this is attributable to one particular year class - the 2005 year class - now that the cod has matured to sizes whereby it is caught within our nets.
We have consistently passed this message on to our Chinese counterparts and listened carefully to their views, and we make every effort to understand their position in a spirit of mutual respect.
Building efficient, environment-friendly cars is a necessity, given all the evidence of climate change.
We have very often discussed, both in the chamber and in other bodies here, how ENISA might perhaps be further developed.
Indeed, the European Union must equip itself with exemplary legislation on the protection and assistance of victims of terrorism as part of this multiannual Stockholm Programme.
We began development work, trusting in our own strengths as we took advantage of globalisation.
As we know, the external audit of the EU's budget is carried out by the Court of Auditors itself.
I think that sometimes there is a tendency to forget how much we have already done in Europe.
I believe I should add a specific note on the subject of the surplus.
It is important to note that the objective of the fund is not to compensate private damage but to repair infrastructure and is a tool for refinancing.
The European Union must protect its social model, the social market economy, and must promote the implementation on the world financial markets of a market supervision system similar to that which prevails in our countries.
The old Labour government did not opt in, and the new Lib-Dem/Con coalition government must stay opted out.
Under the present proposals, alternative investments such as hedge funds and asset-backed securities, which are often also exposed to sub-prime risk, will be subject to own-capital backing of 45% as a standard consequence of Solvency II.
This is why I agree with the researcher that actions must be taken to change the stereotypical ways of thinking in these countries.
The Treaty of Lisbon strengthens European foreign policy: there is a President of the European Council and a High Representative, and there is going to be a European External Action Service.
The past few weeks have proven this to be the case: the previous model does not work and the current model does not work properly.
Those who carry out illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing are in a more advantageous position than legal fishing operators, whom it is our duty to protect.
You tell us that the European Social Fund cannot be the only source of funding.
If this comes about, we may well find ourselves in a difficult situation if we recall the statements made by the Prime Minister of Chad, who recently called upon the international community to remove the refugees. The Prime Minister also threatened that if no action was taken, the Chadian authorities would remove the refugees from Chad themselves.
Three years ago, I was sure that at the end of the present Parliamentary term, we would be able to talk about success in negotiations with Macedonia concerning accession to the European Union.
We will have to reflect on improving the way that the WTO operates and its legitimacy, and the role in this Round of the 'emerging' countries, who choose whether to be developing or developed countries as it suits them.
The mass migration of Han Chinese and the arrival of the high-altitude railway at Lhasa have further consolidated Beijing's hold on Tibet.
The people of Myanmar deserve a better future.
And once given residence in EU Member States, those illegal immigrants would find it easier to enter Britain, thereby adding to the burden of illegal immigration in the UK.
In the past five years we have seen a huge influx of US think tanks into Brussels telling us what we should be doing on particular aspects of policy, but there is very little about Europeans in Washington being able to communicate to the Americans what our ideas are on the shaping of European policy.
Regarding Eurobonds, again, there are possibilities here for major infrastructure projects.
It says in this document, about the annual growth survey, that the Commission considers that the effective financing capacity of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) must be reinforced and the scope of its activity widened.
Therefore, we have learnt some lessons from the major crisis that we have just experienced.
As Horst Schnellhardt has already mentioned here, we have been campaigning since the last legislative session for progress to be made over this standard.
That is why I think that for once I am nevertheless going to continue to speak in that language.
As it stands currently, I am voting against this report.
These should show the extent to which the power plants are capable of withstanding similar disasters.
Oral explanations of vote
As Mr Billström explained very well, the European Council wanted the border control operations coordinated by Frontex to be strengthened.
In accordance with the spirit of the treaties, these features demand the application of a regional policy at EU level throughout the entire EU area, covering all European regions.
The violence against them just goes on increasing, despite their shrinking numbers.
The EU can only achieve its objective by being active and organised on the world stage, and this is particularly true of migration.
On the contrary, it offers every possible support to Georgia's policy and its accession to NATO.
Foreign policy is about acts that change the course of events, not about words, series of meetings, fruitless persuasion and floods of statements.
Regarding the economic dimension, priority must be given to the need to ensure energy security in the European Union in particular.
Our aim is to help create a multipolar world.
No!
The next item is the report by Mrs Fraga Estévez, on behalf of the Committee on Fisheries, on the implementation of sustainable fishing in the EU on the basis of maximum sustainable yield.
This change could have been the precursor of an improvement.
That now has to be discussed politically, and it will be the task of the High Representative to then develop the details.
In addition, more efforts ought to be focused on incorporating gender and protection against sexual violence, which is increasingly being used as a weapon of war, into humanitarian responses.
VAT on insurance and financial services (debate)
It is something that we must change.
The practical result is the transfer of these increases to real market prices, even in a year when cereals are widely available.
In order to have a real effect in halting gas-induced climate change, two further goals must be achieved.
Some Member States have missed the deadline for preparing action plans by months or more; for example, there are seven countries which, to date, have still not submitted them, even though they are already 7 months overdue.
However, I would also like to mention the points which I believe are problematic.
I could say that I think you and your two colleagues will probably owe me lunch after this.
It has facilitated cross-border investments within the Union in a way that the Member States could not have managed to do if left to their own devices.
I want to stress, once again, that marine transport and aviation must be included and that, of course, the forests and agriculture have their own, significant share.
To overcome this situation, international rules and Community legislation are already in place.
You say that anti-Europeans ran up and down steps, went out canvassing.
It is the most sensitive and fragile place in the Union.
Commission's Legislative and Work Programme for 2009
Mr President, with this in mind, I would like to ask you to allow Mr Weber to speak when I have finished in order to clarify the following matter.
Good luck!
It is now high time we finally started looking for alternatives to coal resources, which are beginning to run out.
Thank you and may God's help be with us.
Notwithstanding its relatively modest share of the farm budget, it must be said.
These are the successes.
I think the European Council achieved very important results, namely on two matters.
I will, however, stress that we still particularly need the following things: to extend the scope of the 2003 Savings Directive, to fight VAT fraud, to create an EU public register listing the names of individuals and undertakings having set up companies or accounts in tax havens and to give new impetus to tax harmonisation projects, beginning with the common corporate consolidated tax base.
It appears that in September this year two prisoners' wives were once again refused permits to visit their husbands, whom they have not been able to visit for nine years because of successive refusals.
Iceland's accession to the EU offers the Union a unique opportunity to strengthen its presence in the Arctic region in general, and on the Arctic Council in particular.
I, as an academic, would claim that there has to be more justice and evenness.
The Treaty is also changing, and with it the opportunities for the European Security and Defence Policy.
In contravention of the agreements adhered to since the beginning of the Olympic Games and signed by the Chinese authorities and the International Olympic Committee, and religious symbols such as the Bible, the New and the Old Testaments, places of prayer and even the crucifix on a chain round the neck of a male or female athlete will be banned.
An erupting volcano?
Crisis in agricultural sectors other than the dairy sector (debate)
I will, in the meantime, propose a set of three recommendations for negotiation directives to the Council as a part of a PNR package.
I look forward to our continuing discussion tonight.
However, the Commission cannot accept other amendments, such as introducing systematic and automatic exchange of information in the area of recovery, because it could lead to a disproportionate administrative burden, as it would also cover unproblematic recovery situations.
I am informed that next week you are to meet with the responsible Greek Minister with whom you will be discussing these matters.
In our globalised markets, CSR entails much more than making a donation to the local football club.
SMEs must be able to operate without hindrance and to act quickly.
Of course, this requires cooperation with other countries, especially China, India and Russia.
We do not have the luxury of acting only in the interests of our own nations; we need to strengthen the Union which every one of us represents.
As Members of this House, we do not want a service that is the result of intergovernmental checks and balances, but a service that belongs to the Union.
The debate will undoubtedly rumble on.
The resolution adopted by the European Parliament is our first contribution to the debate on the future financial perspective.
The complementary tool should have practical use and be based on clearly defined indicators and reliable data.
Mr President, I would like to raise the issue of the travel ban imposed by Belarus, which prevents children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster from travelling abroad.
In view of the fact that the European Union is Canada's second largest trade partner, and that Canada is a major partner for the EU in the field of foreign direct investment, I voted in favour of the motion for a resolution on EU-Canada trade relations.
This proposal is another step in this direction and therefore is to be rejected in the strongest possible terms.
In any case, I repeat, on 25 January, you will have the agreement and we will be able to discuss it as much as you like.
Solidarity and subsidiarity are the basic principles of the European social model.
We hope that the European Council will be able to urge all of the relevant players to start implementing the strategy very quickly.
The Economic Committee would therefore urge the Commission and you personally to adopt a more active policy on this matter.
in writing. - I welcome this report as an important step forward in the battle against dementia.
We are going to re-examine this concept in the coming weeks and it will be very good if, by that time, we are ready to respond in a constructive manner to a very important problem on which we are engaged, the European Union is engaged, the Member States are engaged, and I think we should maintain this engagement.
These benefits must take into account the fact that women have less earning power and that this affects their pension entitlements.
20.
Regarding the economic situation, I think it is too soon to make an overall assessment of the damage caused, and it is probably better to avoid very dramatic - or let us say, panic - scenarios.
To that end, we have drafted guidelines describing our idea for a Europe-wide child alert mechanism.
In addition, the provisions of the future multiannual financial framework should include specific provisions for macro-regional strategies.
I do not see how we can give explanations of vote when the vote has not taken place.
Commissioner, your statistics are well put together, they prove that the road is long and laborious and that you have done the right thing by introducing quotas for nominations in committees, because, without a proactive policy, we will not find women, because in order to find them we first need to have the will to find them.
The EPP has been talking on behalf of big business, of the manufacturers, instead of on behalf of all the businesses which use light commercial vehicles and which need more fuel-efficient technology to drive down costs.
The motion for a resolution on the subject seems to be skewed in favour of a ban on the use of many resources.
Actually, the Romanian Government deals fully with the integration of this minority.
Two important steps have thus been taken.
With regard to products, businesses and states, we have the right, considering the importance of these ratings, to expect and to take steps to obtain an evaluation or rating which is objective and credible.
We can develop lifelong learning as a cooperative process between Parliament and the foundations working on these matters.
The present draft budget eliminates a number of the Council's savings and gives a more realistic assessment of the needs for payment over the coming years.
However, the fact that you do not include your strategic weaknesses, as it were, over recent years - your inability to get behind environmental innovations - on the balance sheet, that I find dishonest.
Negotiations on an EU-Libya Framework Agreement started in November 2008.
Particularly the part allowing the introduction of border controls in the EU, even if they are only emergency ones and on a temporary basis.
I voted in favour of the Bureau's proposal for a decision extending the applicability of Rule 139 of Parliament's Rules of Procedure until the end of the seventh parliamentary term.
in writing. - (PL) Madam President, I supported today's resolution because I think that we must be tough on violence in Zimbabwe, increase sanctions and call for recognition of the Mugabe regime to be withdrawn.
I am especially pleased to see that private companies and public authorities are now placed on an equal footing.
Mrs Jensen spoke of 24-hours transport - not necessarily.
In order to achieve this, we need greater political coordination between the Member States and strong supervision at an EU level.
Let us all hope, therefore, that the new directive will bring the expected improvements, and that the deliberate holding back of funds will become a thing of the past in the European Union.
in writing. - I and my British Conservative colleagues are supportive of a number of the general principles outlined in this report, including support for carers, work-life balance, and parental leave.
While the pioneering European approach is a duty, it should nevertheless also be seen as an opportunity to gain environment-related technological and innovative comparative advantages.
Apart from these new provisions, the proposed Directive will entirely recast and update the old Horizontal Excise Directive of 1992.
Do we really want to be subject to a court that wants to ban the cross in classrooms?
Things have largely depended on the sending country's very latest regulations.
I will remind you, if I may, of some of the important ideas, the main one being maintaining the level of the CAP budget during the forthcoming financial programming period.
This is why I am calling on the Commission to present a proposal in the autumn which will not only cover the period after 2013, but will also include a review of the Financial Perspective and open up new prospects for the future.
I did not have the opportunity to mention in my introductory remarks that for me - and for us I hope - Afghanistan is one of the challenges that we have on the table and we have to be able to construct a resolution that has to be political.
He has talked about industrial lobbies.
Many European countries have introduced scrappage schemes and efforts in this direction have now begun in the UK.
They are now responding. For example, we are now being asked to provide greater strategic input on Afghanistan.
Those responsible for the education and supervision of children should regard what is best for the child as their guiding principle.
I think it is time for an update of the Convention on the Law of the Sea, so that we can improve the legal basis for implementing various methods of combating the problem.
Over 150 million EU citizens live outside the euro area.
Through their support, they were confusing the European Parliament with the political groups and endorsing elections run by a de facto Government that were held under conditions that did not guarantee their legitimacy.
So that is your first task.
I hope that in the future, the Bureau will come forward with recommendations and proposals, not only about spending, but also about ways in which we can make efficiency savings in the future.
The review of this list of products is necessary to cater for the rapidly changing product environment in the pharmaceutical industry.
I am pleased to see the representatives of the Commission, including Mr Figel', who is among the most active and enthusiastic in his work, because there is a real need for commitment, since this issue - that is, the education and learning of younger, working or older people - is one that could really bring citizens closer to Europe.
In order to achieve the best possible neighbourhood policy it will now be important to pursue tariff preferences, with the aim of halting the decline of Moldova's economy whilst at the same time reducing fiscal losses for the EU as much as possible.
Dumping works through illegal employment practices and circumvention of the directive.
The emergency in Campania has become a European emergency, and that is a decision in favour of the people of Campania.
(CS) Allow me to add to Monday's debate on protecting children using the Internet and other communication technologies.
Your debate takes place while the EU is reflecting on the situation created by the Irish 'no'.
The separation of train operators and separation of the rail network is leading to major problems, courtesy of the EU.
I welcome the plans now to strengthen that Directive.
Yesterday I visited the Institute of Technical Thermodynamics, not very far from Strasbourg, in Stuttgart.
It is also essential to improve budgetary control.
Documents received: see Minutes
I would therefore like to express support for the Commission, which has roundly condemned the use of force against innocent civilians, who have been, and still are, the victims of intervention by the Sudanese army occupying this region.
I believe that it is vital for us to implement the European directive to ensure that discrimination against women on the labour market is eliminated, at a time when additional efforts are required to change the attitude towards this issue, especially in rural areas.
When we talk about the reliability of the policy, we will defend the long planning periods for the structural funds.
Whichever tool we choose, Mr Barroso, I expect to hear one sentence from you.
This is in response to the deplorable attempts by some to manipulate the conference for anti-Semitic ends, attempts against which the European Commission has reacted strongly.
It has drawn up a new map and a new set of regulations in which the Member States and the social partners now have their tasks taken away from them and, contrary to all regulations, find themselves dictated to.
As a member of the Delegation for relations with Switzerland and Norway, I voted for this report as I think that the agreement signed between the Commission and the Swiss authorities is completely appropriate and in their mutual interest.
Finally, I was also very pleased that Erasmus and the importance of educational programmes in that context were mentioned.
My final point concerns compromises and Mr Turmes's attack on me: the first reading is not a time for compromises, but rather a time when we fire off all our amendments and ideas and discuss them.
The Libyan situation also confirms the inadequacy of Europe's military capability, which is well below the overall high level of national defence budgets.
Although the report acknowledges this need and suggests some important measures that we consider positive, it nonetheless opens the door to solutions that we view with concern and cannot accept, such as lifting the zero tolerance for the presence in imported feed of GMOs, which puts the strict application of the precautionary principle at risk.
In the European Union, we only have limited gold mining capacities.
'Hopenhagen' may have largely failed, but we must set to work again, as next year will see new opportunities, first in Bonn and then in Mexico.
Nor should we forget the continuous ratcheting up of the tax load on diesel and, recently, the biofuels adventure.
The southern hemisphere and the US were calling on the WTO for a monopoly on wheat and oilseed.
(PT) Following Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence, the worst thing that could happen now would be for the political impasse to place us in the unwelcome situation of looking on as tensions mount.
If a result is not achieved, one must ask why that is.
For the sake of consistency, I do not believe that we can forbid our farmers from using a technique that we then tolerate in the production of imports.
I think that the European Union has an excellent opportunity to take on this role.
Our farmers need certain plant protection products if they are to combat resistance.
If nothing else, tendering and public procurement must also be made more SME-friendly in order to give these companies a chance.
In addition, in recent years, the number of cases in which employees have been dismissed while on sick leave or following an accident at work has risen.
Delegated acts (Rule 87a): see Minutes
I have to end by saying I was very struck by the phrase that President Obama used in his Nobel Prize reception speech when he said that, when we look at the value of continuing with engagement, 'engagement with repressive regimes lacks the satisfying purity of indignation.
In effect, according to Article 328(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, 'When enhanced cooperation is being established, it shall be open to all Member States, subject to compliance with any conditions of participation laid down by the authorising decision.
First of all, what action should be taken to prevent the crisis deepening?
The current government is attempting, by means of a series of initiatives, to improve both the legislative foundation and the effectiveness of the battle against corruption.
(HU) - Mr President, the Coelho report determines that both Romania and Bulgaria have proven that they have prepared properly for the appropriate application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis.
- Before the vote on Amendment 8/rev:
May I ask the rapporteur to comment?
Through this report we are helping to create a European market by removing obstacles.
The point is that, when looking for the supreme symbol of temporal authority, the absolute sign of sovereignty, it is the coin!
The creation of a European civil protection force provides a clear structure for this kind of rapid response.
When, in addition, some candidates are prevented from standing, when only the government-endorsed candidate has access to press, radio and television, when the opposition or foreign observers are not able to monitor the count properly, when peaceful protests against the officially declared results are broken up by army and police and opposition leaders are arrested, there is every reason for very serious doubt that the will of the electorate has been upheld.
I would also like to respond to Ms Liotard's comments, which go beyond the WTO reform.
Barely one third of the 32.5 million self-employed are women.
After all, our own experience - gathered from the referendums in the Netherlands, France and, last but not least, Ireland - has taught us how the eurocracy responds to the will of the people and expressions of this will.
(DA) Mr President, I would like to take some time to talk about the social and employment aspects of EU 2020 and the Commission's efforts in this connection.
Therefore, what matters is the skill capital that workers manage to build to sustain their inclusion in the labour market, not the name or type of enterprises providing the training.
We have a general product safety law, we have a toy safety law but we need to step up enforcement and inspection regimes.
Violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (debate)
There is no mention whatsoever of the principle of preserving and improving the ratio of exploitable water reserves to available water reserves and the precipitation rate.
I was talking about it in a Conservative meeting in the village of Harpole at the house of a man called Michael Orton-Jones who raised it with me personally, about the consumer credit directive and the money-laundering directives that are passed in this House.
In terms of energy dependency, we are not in the position to miss any opportunity.
I am talking about colonies held by EU Member States, for example Britain and France, which between them have dozens of colonies around the world, two of them in my own country, Cyprus, yet these people have no democratic rights to elect a government to govern them.
Defence ministers should be responsible for establishing implementation priorities.
In 2007 Myanmar's Peace and Development Council continues its oppression.
That is why, among other things, I wish to thank you for your suggestions concerning the organisation and structure of the Commission.
For instance, two elements of the programme, the freedom and security of EU citizens, clearly should be included in the evaluation of the Schengen project.
We might well ask ourselves whether wine from these countries is better.
The WTO is necessary; the regulation of international trade is essential.
Member States must be strongly committed to protecting and supporting their own cultural heritage.
Hungary is taking over the Council Presidency from Belgium.
The crisis of confidence in the markets and in our financial sector has got even worse over the last few days.
Another good thing is that the report refers to hedge funds and private equity, because more and more asset managers are investing in alternative investment products.
In Rome, Naples and throughout Italy, a disgraceful television campaign has emerged.
Meanwhile, subject A does not pay VAT, as he is not the end-seller.
Mr President, Commissioner, exactly one year ago, we adopted a resolution in this House concerning gays and lesbians and the Bahati Bill in Uganda.
The labour clauses in the contract are good, but they do not go far enough.
All the major economies must be involved in this post-2012 framework. The framework must be ambitious and effective, environmental integrity must be guaranteed and progress must be made on reforming the current market mechanisms and on introducing new mechanisms.
I am also proud about the manner in which we did it because it was an EU common pledge, which consisted of support from many EU countries, like Spain, France and the wider Community.
Life becomes a highly dangerous 'now', where there are no past memories and lessons learnt to build a bridge of security to the present moment.
Problems will also crop up associated with having the necessary workforce and the extent of their training.
(LT) Mr President, soon the world will once again receive good, or as has been the custom of late, bad news on climate change, this time from Cancún.
The first priority must now be accorded to poverty reduction.
As regards the issue of women, Mrs Isler Béguin, we are naturally also involved as it appears in the Barcelona acquis.
Unemployment remains a major concern for European citizens, although there has been significant improvement compared with 2006.
I hope there will be, as the gravity of the dispute and its intense politicisation will undoubtedly put the jurisdictional robustness of the WTO system to the test.
With this vote, the European Parliament has signed the defeat of a system of unfair competition, and has thereby ensured that those European businesses which have opted for high quality and employment are not unfairly penalised by more lax regulations applying to their competitors throughout the world.
To my mind, we have three main vectors and three main ideas: the development of the process of concentration on a European scale, the lifting of national restrictions through the implementation of the principle of unbundling activities; I see the second principle as the enhancement of the process of centralisation by establishing a European Agency, with the aim of achieving better coordination with national regulators, which is very good, and most of us are in favour of this.
We are in favour of the bilateral safeguard clause of the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement because it mitigates the damaging effects of this instrument.
We cannot agree to the liquidation, which ultimately will result in the assets of the shipyards being broken up.
This is not the case in China.
I would also like to say to those who are concerned about Croatia that I am of course in favour of us continuing the negotiations, and I think that it would be a serious mistake to close Europe's door to the Balkans, because the Balkans need the peace and democracy that the Union can bring them, but I will not go back to the Lisbon debate.
The people of Côte d'Ivoire have watched the military advances of the respective factions with concern and dread, fearing for the breakdown of security and the further destabilisation of the country.
Considering how much it costs to build that wall, we could actually allow Christian, Jewish and Muslim children to attend the same school and to live as brothers and sisters in a school of peace.
Of course democracy demands that we listen to contradictory views as well, such as those expressed by my fellow Member Mr Bloom.
Indeed, I recognise the important role played by sport in the life of every individual and society, in that it is a means whereby everyone can overcome personal challenges, discover their own passions and talents, identify with a group and understand the importance of abiding by rules.
Progress has been made in several poor countries, for example in Egypt and Bangladesh.
More than a year has passed since the debate held in this Parliament on 12 December 2007.
In this Parliament, we have seen excellent cooperation between the President of the European Commission and the Commission itself with Parliament; all the MEPs worked together well - the Portuguese Members can attest to that - and the PSD members are proud of having contributed to the success of this Presidency.
The EU-Canada Air Transport Agreement is very important for the future of relations between both sides.
Needless to say, public and animal health should be at the heart of cattle feed legislation.
This is essential, because the states party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as I said before, are responsible for the vessels flying their flags.
So I think we can say - to conclude, Mr President - that it is true that the crisis has clearly demonstrated the shortcomings of the European monetary union in the absence of economic union, something that is provided for in the treaties but does not exist in reality.
It will not work like that.
Therefore, I am asking the Commission and the Council to: 1. recognise the fight against poverty as a principal, strategic objective; 2. establish and precisely quantify particular objectives relating to the systematic curtailment of poverty; 3. elaborate and adopt (at the June summit) specific indicators of poverty; 4. specify dates for the realisation of individual partial objectives.
Secondly, the model was created based on the exploitation of a single population, while the large majority of Community fisheries are multi-species, which means over- or under-fishing many of them, which is obviously contrary to the actual definition of maximum sustainable yield.
However, it is, of course, important that the Copenhagen criteria are met in every case, including the integration capacity of the European Union, because we must be aware of the risk of overstretching ourselves.
No additional costs must be involved for small and medium-sized businesses.
They must not result in dependency, which could have negative effects on growth, salaries and employment.
This report was submitted to the European Parliament and the Council at the same time as this proposal.
Thank you.
To this end I have insisted on the introduction of a service regulator, to ensure that monopolies do not hinder service quality.
It does not mean making citizens of a Member State with a gross domestic income per inhabitant of only 38% of the EU average, such as Romania, understand that they must allot part of the budget resources for the development of other countries, but it is a fundamental value of the European Union that we undertook; and Romania, which is a Member State in this situation, will take action in this direction.
In other words, they have maintained the stigma of collective guilt for the Sudeten German and Hungarian ethnic groups.
In this context, I am calling on the Council to speed up its deliberations and to adopt common positions on the remaining legislative acts in the third maritime package on maritime safety.
This solidarity cannot under any circumstances be called into question.
Ongoing negotiations between the authorities in Tripoli and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) have not yet resulted in an agreement on humanitarian access to western Libya.
Allow me to examine our problem.
in writing. - (LT) I agreed with this document, because there are still too many human rights violations in the world.
We need to adapt constantly to changing circumstances.
I believe that it is important to reinforce the healing and preventive role of healthcare, extend screenings, and not only extend improved vaccination but also make it available to everyone.
Madam President, we need to reject this proposal from the Commission for three clear reasons.
(RO) Mr President, I, too, must begin by congratulating my colleague, Claude Moraes, for this report.
I agree that the proposals must be coordinated with each other, coordinated with other legal acts, but there is no doubt that we had to solve these problems and I once again congratulate both rapporteurs and the presiding country.
For the agricultural markets there are sources of data on production, consumption, trade and stocks.
I am not certain whether my services have it either, but I will ask.
However, I should have liked to see more specific details in the Court's report, with names and cases that were analysed.
These require common and coordinated solutions, a common vision and a strengthened European reform agenda for the next ten years.
Thank you particularly for your sensitive handling of the forthcoming Irish referendum needed for the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.
So, in the event that the Council adopts this regulation on the wrong legal basis, I consider that Parliament should pursue this matter further at the European Court of Justice, and let me assure you, it will.
This would mark a resolution for all victims of totalitarian regimes and a strong and unequivocal guarantee that these events shall never be repeated in Europe.
Mr Barroso, you are on a good enough salary, sir.
Basically, however, I believe this report above all represents a missed opportunity.
Their rights must be protected and recognised, regardless of their documentation situation.
It is essential to develop sustainable agriculture in developing countries and to allocate an appropriate share of EU development aid to the agricultural sector.
We agreed to remain ambitious and constructive in the international negotiations, but we agreed also that a stepwise approach should be followed, building on the Copenhagen accord.
Ukraine is one of the most important partners in Poland's Eastern policy.
Yet they do not say what.
At the same time, I believe that it is linked to two particularly important factors.
There is too much dependence on external credit rating agencies and an oligopoly exists in the sector.
We do not need a colourless, flavourless, odourless figure who dances to the tune of the European Commission.
The opinions expressed are a useful tool for our negotiations on free trade agreements.
The European Commission is proposing 18 weeks and the report 20.
Those who wish to represent their interests are free to have access to our premises but they must be listed in the Register, where all information needed to identify their legal and financial status will be recorded.
Introduction of new legislation in this area will limit the unnecessary suffering of animals, and this is why the legislation is needed.
The honourable Member seems to have alighted already on certain aspects of the Commission's proposals which have not yet been submitted to or agreed to by the Commission, so I suggest, with respect, that he is slightly jumping ahead of himself in some of the assumptions that he appears to be making.
However, fulfilling the criteria for EU accession demands considerable efforts.
Oral explanations of vote
Passive smoking inflicts great harm on public health and entails costs for the European economy.
One was even found in an impromptu inspection by the Ministry of Agriculture in my own country.
For the sake of democracy, they should refrain.
But I would like to echo what the Commissioner said and use the word 'incentive'.
It means inflation below 2% but very close to 2% over the medium term.
The disadvantageous situation of women is structural.
In total, 17 000 children have come since the charity started.
I believe that families in particular stick together very strongly in that country and that the woman of the family has an important role.
The different sizes and characteristics of EU countries may make it difficult to apply the regulation in some of them, especially in the smallest ones, where it is difficult to include many journeys within the adopted concept of a 'long-distance' journey, which may result in their passengers being deprived of the rights in question without reasonable justification.
I confirm that I voted for the Capoulas Santos report, but I would like to point to two aspects that may become untenable for farmers in my country.
I voted today against the joint resolution proposed by the PPE, the ECR and the EFD on freedom of information in Italy and other Member States, as well as against the amendments tabled by these groups to the joint resolution proposed by the left and the united centre, since they were essentially aimed at stripping the Italian Prime Minister of his responsibilities to comply with the principle of pluralism that is a fundamental value of our democracies.
We must not fail that test and therein lies the challenge.
As you know, we do not now have a physical presence there; we are available for deployment as soon as we are called upon but currently have no presence there; we have not been present on the border since Gaza came under the control of Hamas, because we were not given permission to be.
The banks in Central and Eastern Europe which have turned out to be healthy have not received any injection of capital from anyone.
However, any country whose energy supply is based on 90% coal will find it more difficult to get down to 0%.
(HU) Mr President, with the accession of Romania and Bulgaria in 2007, part of the Black Sea became an inland sea of the European Union.
Therefore, I believe that it is fundamental to implement specific legislation on the subject in order to deal with international differences.
We look forward to close cooperation with the Council and the Commission in implementing this joint action.
Investigations and trials alone are not enough: we need cooperation, and for that purpose the EIT has been established.
We must show that all the parties involved clearly understand the implications of the treaty and that close cooperation between the institutions at the highest political level is a natural consequence of our mutual commitment to adopt the best financial framework for the future.
I would like, at the end of this speech, to give you some concrete examples of how this can work and how it has already worked.
Firstly, on cars: through the compromise proposal our first achievement will be that we are going to have mandatory standards for European car manufacturers, which is very important, so this alone is a reason for voting for the proposal which is part of the package.
Of course, I am fully convinced that the common agriculture policy should include fisheries and that the social pact which was referred to by some Members needs revision, a change to incorporate the interests, legitimate representation and the constructive position of a large proportion of those who represent workers in Europe.
You may be complacent today, but you are increasingly being held in contempt.
With the Czech Republic, or some other great presidency?
In my view, Montenegro is now ready to start negotiating EU membership as an official candidate, and it is curious that the Commission should be insisting on a significant time-lapse between the granting of official candidate status and the opening of negotiations.
The June List is in favour of increased cooperation between Member States to combat terrorism and other serious cross-border crime.
Amendment 10 - our amendment - is about clarifying conditions to minus 40.
No Member State may enact laws that contradict these documents.
We have therefore asked for a split vote on this topic tomorrow.
Regarding the United States, I shall be leaving for there in two weeks' time, so it will be possible also to talk about your proposal.
Why is it that we fail to learn from previous crises?
In this respect we not only need to understand the capacity of Europe's cross-sectoral policies, but also revisit new financing instruments, such as Eurobonds.
In fact the general feeling is that this is an overly regulated area by world standards, which creates particular difficulties for small enterprises.
Next time perhaps.
This is something that I welcome with all my heart ahead of this important vote that we are to hold very soon here in the European Parliament.
Can you tell us today whether you are going to do things differently in your second term?
We Europeans are constantly being charged with wanting to make life difficult for large, successful companies.
Our borders have been ready for some time to defend Europe's borders.
Back then, this House decided to ask the Commission to undertake a more in-depth study of a number of questions that were raised by Parliament but were not addressed in the fourth Motor Insurance Directive itself.
Parliament's amendments also played an extremely important role in guaranteeing the credibility of the label among consumers and environmental organisations.
It is also tasked with developing a culture of network and information security among citizens, consumers, businesses and public organisations in the European Union.
If the EU is not strict in enforcing its environmental policy, public expectations will be frustrated and the EU's role as an effective guardian of the environment will be undermined.
I also agree with Mr Aguilar, Chairman of the Committee on Civil liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, that one way to tackle illegal immigration is to open the way for legal immigration.
Systematic free trade is not necessarily beneficial.
7.
The results of the public stakeholder consultation, as well as the selected pilot projects, will be presented at the dedicated conference organised in June 2011, this year in Budapest under the auspices of the Hungarian Presidency.
The decision to take incandescent light bulbs off the European market will save the equivalent of the annual electricity generation of Finland.
In 2007 the European Parliament adopted the report on the role of sport in education.
There is also the question of combating social exclusion and taking into account the most vulnerable sections of the population - the young, women, people with disabilities and the Roma population, to name but a few.
Ceterum censeo - France has decided to sell a Mistral class warship to Russia; we believe that it will sincerely regret its action.
This signal would confirm the EU's support for the defenders of human rights in Russia, who operate in especially difficult circumstances.
The second very important aspect is the fact that the role of the consumer is strengthened, something that in principle is reflected in several provisions, although I would have liked to have seen it in more.
Another mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund has been approved, in this case for the application from IE/SR Technics from Ireland.
I must point out that the importance of this debate consists, in fact, in outlining the guidelines underpinning the future legal framework which, following the expiry of the regulation, should govern the agreements on the distribution of motor vehicles and on the associated after-sales services.
Finally, could I restate the case for competition?
Europe, wake up!
This is not a matter of political bargaining or any special arrangements, as that would be contrary to the Treaty.
I would like to ask what specific conclusions the European Commission reached from the slow provision of aid at the time.
It concerns the question of whether exports should be authorised after they have taken place or before they take place.
A word also about another sensitive subject: that of illegal migrants.
The other possibility would be to freeze the IPA funds.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I would first of all really like to thank Mrs Hassi for the difficult work that has been done and, why not say it, for her sense of commitment, which has enabled us to converge towards what is most important.
I would point out that it has very strong political and symbolic significance, which is manifested not least in the fact that the leaders of the three big political groups introduced the debate.
You have also heard the many questions by colleagues about who and which Member States are blocking our common efforts.
I therefore consider that the resolution must make it clearer that this concerns processed honey products, so that there can be no misunderstanding on this question and so that our work does not cause the public to take a negative view of the work of Members of the European Parliament.
The Structural Funds, too, must respond to new challenges, such as energy.
In the wake of what has been done for the banks, China has financed the modernisation and technological adaptation of the sector.
National judges play an essential role as guarantors of the rule of law, including Community law.
If the International Olympic Committee mediates about the quality of the air, why not judge Beijing on respect for the Olympic ideal in its relations with its own citizens and those of other countries?
This is horrifying, but true.
In my opinion, we need to take a critical approach in particular to the call for energy efficiency criteria to be applied to public procurement policy.
On the one hand, it 'welcomes the appointment of the new [Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME)] Envoy by the Commission, and supports his mandate to monitor the progress of the Member States in the implementation of the [Small Business Act (SBA)] and to promote SMEs' interests throughout the whole Commission, ensuring, in particular, that the 'Think Small First' principle is being applied effectively; calls on Member States to appoint national SME Envoys to coordinate SME policies and control the implementation of the SBA across different administrations'.
The implementation of the Treaty of Lisbon is a real necessity.
Now, for some years, recreational sea anglers have been lobbying for their sport to be included as part of the CFP.
The Union's development policy aims to reduce and ultimately eradicate poverty.
Migration is based on the false assumption that we are the products of our culture and that exposure to European culture will transform non-Europeans into Europeans in the second generation, if not the first.
Apart for the obvious function of collection of duties, the Customs Union plays an enormous role in protecting the health and safety of our citizens.
If there are questions as to whether aid is getting through or not, let us build the capacity to get the aid through.
I voted in favour of Articles 49, 53 and 54 for the following reasons.
There is no point here in constantly reiterating the importance of states such as the US, India or China.
Conversely, India accounts for 2.6% of the EU's total exports and 2.2% of the EU's total imports.
The experience from the Netherlands has clearly shown, of course, that the majority of the Roma community refuses to adapt and integrate, whatever we do.
Mr President, own-initiative reports are usually just hot air, but if adopted they are an expression of the political will of the European Parliament.
We would like to see slightly more substance in the measures which the European Commission and Council are adopting, as well as slightly more focus on the actual citizens of Belarus, because this is the way to get the citizens themselves to rally behind the cause which we are trying to promote there in dialogue with the Belarusian authorities, namely, democratisation, openness and the holding of free and democratic elections.
We should not miss the opportunity to let it happen once again.
In fact we will recover a large part of that money and allocate it to resolving the problem of rising prices and the food crisis.
I would like first of all to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Baroness Ludford for the energy she has put into and the results she has obtained from the difficult negotiation of this matter.
Specifically the procedures applied for portfolio reshuffles should be lighter than those applied for approving the whole Commission, and should respect the prerogatives of the President of the European Commission for the allocation of portfolios.
However, you know, Commissioner, that the safeguard clause is not automatic and that it will be very difficult to implement and impossible to activate for five years.
The European Parliament services will be here.
Regarding the financial collateral directive and the notifications, I could have wished that all the Member States had already abolished the notification requirements, which in my view only add bureaucracy and do not advance any particular objective; however, as I learned that this issue was extremely sensitive to some Member States I am quite satisfied that we got a review clause written in.
In my last speech, I would also link to what Ms Berès has said and would say to Mr McCreevy that it is a pity that what he has done to regulate these financial markets is really too little and too late.
Let us look at ourselves critically, as we all need to do, but let us try to avoid a simplistic response to a very complex issue.
I would also like to point out to Mrs Handzlik that the Commission is working with the Member States to exchange good practice on issues such as the Internal Market Information System (IMI) and the Internal Market Problem Solving Network (SOLVIT).
Three quarters of the Members of this Parliament were and are in favour of Kosovo's sovereignty, so it is not possible to say that the European Union is divided, and I am happy that we are now entering into a good European future for the entire region.
Finally, I can say that it gives me great pleasure to be able to extend my stay here with you, particularly since this mandate is coming to an end.
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting: see Minutes
Perhaps you remember that, some time ago, at the start of the Hungarian Presidency of the European Union, the Hungarian Prime Minister, too, made it clear in this House that it is not enough to cope with and manage the after-effects of the crisis, to encourage Member States to follow a tighter fiscal policy and to also inspect this.
The debate is closed.
These are our major challenges, and this is why the Treaty of Lisbon will provide us with an exceptional tool to meet those challenges.
I declare the 2007-2008 session of the European Parliament open.
This will enable a thorough analysis to be conducted, so that the consequent actions necessary to ensure compliance with the Treaty and legislation in the area of equal treatment and opportunities for men and women can be determined.
Explanations of vote
Otherwise they will not consent to donation.
I would like to highlight a few areas in which we need to continue to work.
The next item is the Question Hour with the President of the Commission.
In the months to come, I look forward to continuing this work with you in the new Parliament.
We have simply decided that, in the event that the Lisbon Treaty is ratified, if a related issue is ever raised in a petition submitted by a million citizens to the Commission, we in Parliament would check whether we were dealing with an identical issue and whether or not the petition submitted to the Commission could affect our work, in which case we would simply inform the petitioners.
Parliament's efforts to spread democracy and protect human rights continue to make progress, and in today's globalised world we know about injustices at a faster rate.
- Before the vote:
I would like to comment briefly on both reports.
What is certain is that this will not strengthen medical tourism, but will give European citizens the facility to obtain the best possible healthcare, knowing their rights and without the inconvenience of obtaining a refund on their costs, as the Member States will have set up a clear system of prior approval of such costs.
We also actively promote peace and security through regular political dialogue with Nigeria under the Cotonou agreement and we engage in regular dialogue with Nigeria on human rights and democratic principles including ethnic, religious and racial discrimination.
Possibly.
I agree with the previous speaker on that.
After more than six years of legislative work, the directive on consumer credit agreements is a significant step forward in the protection of contractual freedom and encourages responsible decision-making by consumers.
She has found balanced positions that respect the need for subsidiarity in the choice of methods, because there is enormous disparity between the Member States.
We have already mapped out a very ambitious and far-reaching programme in the field of justice and home affairs.
My challenge to you, Commissioner, is that this is their third year visiting and little has changed.
At the same time, in order to protect retailers and service providers, the report provides for consumer obligations, such as covering the cost of postage when returning goods to the seller, and in the case of provision of services, the recipient will have to pay for the service share that has already been provided.
That would be the only way to exert real pressure and bring about the necessary changes.
However, I would also like to point out that I think that Parliament is acting irresponsibly by granting the EU system and itself such large sums in the form of programmes and subsidies and aid for bureaucracy, while the Member States are being forced into making brutal cuts in order to meet the requirements of the Stability Pact - in other words, the neoliberal pact that the majority of Parliament wholeheartedly supports.
There are alternatives available, so why take the risk?
Using these few examples of large landowners fed on hormones from Brussels, public opinion will be made to believe that farmers get a huge boost, particularly because the public does not know that farmers are paid against their will because they are banned from producing.
(The President cut off the speaker)
in writing. - Inefficient use by the Police College of funds allocated to it has already led to disruption in financial support for small agencies.
We must therefore be very careful.
I must also say to the Commissioner that if we reallocate what are exclusively Progress resources, this conveys the message that, when it comes to resources for social inclusion, we can only envisage support for the most vulnerable if we take the resources from places serving the same purpose.
The International Monetary Fund recently made public an analysis of the current state of the world economy, showing that the recovery process is still fragile and patchy.
We are, however, far from finished.
In Poland, the opinion of the German Chancellor is much more important than that of Mr Van Rompuy, and the loudly resounding voice of Mr Cameron is more important than the opinion of Mr Barroso.
Indeed, this must include access to sexual and reproductive health services.
The food crisis has been swept out of people's minds by the arrival of the financial and economic crisis.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (PT) Madam President, Commissioner, President-in-Office of the Council, we are here to discuss the reinvention of a European energy system through investment in low-carbon technologies.
Many such products are imported into the European internal market from third countries.
I therefore hope that it will finally take seriously our call to present an amendment to the Directive before the end of the year.
On the one hand, we cannot pretend that Europe is the Island of the Blessed where we can do what we like without the global financial markets reacting to it.
This lack of certainty is due to the low profile of those Roma who were victims of the Holocaust.
Unfortunately, the proposal was weakened by Tory and Liberal MEPs to allow for a higher emissions limit and a longer phase-in period.
Member States which, for geographical reasons, have been more affected by these migratory pressures, have also seen their ability to respond considerably reduced.
I think this initiative will be a welcome moment to take stock of developments at national, European and international level since 2008.
Furthermore, such provisions may also cause difficulties for firms during the present financial crisis, when many firms are facing increased difficulty in obtaining credit.
We want to have fewer health problems caused by smoking, however we support the retention of subsidies for cigarette manufacturers, even though they are gradually being reduced.
If used well, I believe that this new formula will herald the coming of a new virtuous cycle for the revitalisation of the European economy.
We must address the international, political and economic injustices which certain demagogues are using to tap into a youthful hunger for justice.
Mr President, I voted against the Bowles report.
Children are eating too many sweet things instead of well-balanced meals, and spending whole days in front of the television or computer. This is because adults are failing to guide children's lifestyle appropriately and provide good models of behaviour.
author. - (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, religious freedom is, in fact, the subject of this resolution.
This mainly concerns assessments of the time during which employees are supposed to be available or on call.
Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, this week, in the so-called Single Market Forum, we discussed the European Commission's proposal that is intended to lead to a highly competitive social market economy in Europe.
The establishment of borders is returning to where it has to be: democracy.
I say 'right' because this right has still not yet been sanctioned.
Urgent steps are needed to redeploy them, starting with the efforts initiated by local government bodies.
Instead of trying to understand this clear vote for what it is, namely an unambiguous message by the Kurds that a solution must be found within the system, an attempt is being made to repress this political success, and with police brutality, if necessary.
I welcome the call for stress tests but they do not answer the bigger questions.
I cannot give my consent to that.
This not only results in underinvestment which undermines the quality and performance of the rail network; it also builds up indebtedness levels.
In this regard, Parliament is being called upon, together with the Commission and the Council, to decide, precisely, on simplified procedures.
The Forum is also looking at the contribution the ICT sector can make to improve the efficiency of other sectors, such as building and transport.
There needs to be an independent investigation into alleged breaches of human rights.
Anyone can see what the reasons are.
In an effort to deal with the constantly increasing tide of opposition to the anti-grassroots policy of the EU, of the euro-unifying construct itself, they are calling on the EU to step up its false propaganda and to promote the non-existent advantages of European citizenship.
The entrenchment of peace, the precursor of reconciliation, the platform for a whole region - as the fall of the Berlin Wall was for Eastern Europe, so let independence for Kosovo be for former Yugoslavia.
The increased use of GMOs by your main trading partners in commodities also has an important influence.
About a year ago, Prof. Monti said in his report to President Barroso: '...the legislator should find without delay an agreement on the draft directive on consumer rights, in order to ensure a high level of protection for consumers in an integrated retail market'.
It is no different than asking to close down the whole salmon industry in Scotland in one swipe.
I voted for the report's recommendations.
We cannot let this happen again, and at the same time we have to learn from the failures of the past.
The consequences now of the international community's ambivalence towards Sri Lanka are clear: a loss of influence and an inability to shape developments.
The debate is closed.
You mentioned the wine reform - previously, we were taking a lot of low-quality wine out of the market, buying it into intervention and then making it into biofuel, which was absolutely the wrong way to go.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Madam President, let us be frank and open: as Frontex is a coordinating agency, we cannot expect it to stop the influx of irregular migrants in itself and of itself, nor to put an end to the trafficking in human beings.
Since then, a new election has been held and the new government has secured a large majority.
The EU is taking on its largest civilian mission ever and it will be very important that it is successful.
As a transit region, the Mediterranean countries experience a disproportionate influx of immigrants travelling to the EU and thus require specific measures.
On the contrary, our rapporteurs have sought to strengthen the safety and enforcement regime with essential requirements in this package, by making it clear that all products placed on the market, including imports from third countries, must comply with the law, whether it is a Toy Safety Directive or the Directive on electrical equipment; by making it clear that all economic operators are legally responsible - and, indeed, liable - for placing products on the market and for the accuracy of the information they provide; by strengthening the current CE marking system to help consumer knowledge and confidence in products; and by increasing the coordination and cooperation of the market surveillance authorities, in particular to react faster in emergency cases to detect and withdraw unsafe products.
In short, I am opposed to a European federal state and so I am also automatically opposed to EU citizenship, and this right to vote and right to stand as a candidate for election for EU citizens in Member States other than their own is an integral part of that.
Commissioner Kroes, Commissioner Špidla, I entreat you: do be men and women of steel, do ensure that all the rules are properly observed.
After all, the history of Europe proves that simple explanations for complex problems never give good results.
We have succeeded in this: the provisions relating to transferable individual quotas have been withdrawn, and support for small-scale and coastal fishing has been maintained.
Because the cost of fishing is higher than the price they get for their fish.
As well as ensuring more effective intervention, a great deal of work must be done in the area of active and passive prevention.
In effect, it proved that the aviation market is possibly the European Union's domestic market to an extent unlike no other mode of transport across Europe.
Firstly, we believe that the Commission also needs to take account of the fact that there is so little knowledge about the European Union in Belarus and that a satellite TV station will not change that.
Mr President, I am glad to see you smiling at me - you were a little intemperate in your remarks about me earlier on, but you have obviously calmed down a little over the lunch break.
Let me also mention in this context our future Green Paper on territorial cohesion, which will be an essential feature of the French presidency.
Let us make sure that we do not undermine either the right to asylum or the visa waiver agreements.
By supplying reliable information on prices from one end of the chain to the other, we will be able to help combat the lack of transparency, whilst improving our understanding of how the chain operates.
Under normal circumstances, I would judge the results and agreements achieved by the European Council as satisfactory.
The despots often remain in power and we roll out the red carpet for them far too often.
Secondly, I was rather delighted to learn at the hearings that Commissioner Tajani has not ruled out the undertaking of an impact study on the possibility of imposing this carbon tax at the borders of the European Union.
We would like the construction and urban planning sector to be included in particular, as this is where the largest public contracts are awarded.
Decent work is an aim of both the UN global community, under the auspices of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and the EU.
We have continued to undertake coordinated efforts in international fora, most particularly the UN Human Rights Council, as recommended in the Andrikienreport, as well as at the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly.
Defending life is sacrosanct.
Business is demanding, workers are demanding, we are demanding: do more!
Somalia: routine killing of civilians
This time it is not a case of human rights or environmental pollution, but the decision by the Organising Committee and the authorities of the People's Republic of China to ban any type or form of religious worship by participants in the Olympic Games.
Basically we have identified the costs of red tape for European enterprises as costs arising from reporting, documentation and information obligations.
Draft general budget for 2007 (Section III) (vote)
The rising number of redundancies in the Galician textile and clothing industry is adding to the external perception that all its European counterparts are in a similar weak position (not least in my country, where this sector has been particularly badly hit) due to exposure to international competition, particularly from developing countries, where production costs are lower.
While detailed harmonisation of training in the various Member States is not mandatory, Member States should work towards mutually compatible training curricula for road safety auditors.
(HU) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, as responsible decision-makers we must be aware that every measure has an effect that goes beyond the area it was intended to target and may even be contradictory to what it was supposed to achieve.
However, certain essential issues have been relegated to secondary status.
True, this amendment is aimed at reducing the negative effects on developing countries, but the Commission believes that this would lead to an excessively restricted application of the directive.
I voted in favour of the report.
When the euro was strengthened, what were the speculators then?
It is a good example of how Europe must work together towards financial recovery.
Explanations of vote
I am in favour of such extension and have therefore voted in favour of this report.
We must tell the Council clearly that if it refuses to take the path indicated by us today, it needs to indicate which political priorities are to be struck off the agenda and no longer financed.
I am grateful to all those who have supported me; I cannot name them all.
I can only hope, and I would ask you to ensure, that this style of cooperation between the Commission and Parliament does not continue in future.
In this case, we demonstrated what the EU can do when we fully mobilise the resources we have.
I do not want to go into the detail of the interim report, which I think is excellent; I would simply draw your attention to one example.
We are on the brink of the year 2008, declared the year of intercultural dialogue, and are forced to immediately correct these deficiencies, which are contrary to the European Union's fundamental values.
(RO) The gas crisis which we recently faced was between Ukraine and Russia, but unfortunately it affected some of the European Union Member States.
As the next item we have the Council and Commission statements on preparations for the meeting of the European Council in Brussels on 13 and 14 December 2007.
Is it a qualified majority or a majority by consensus?
Here I am very pleased to recall the agreement reached recently between the Council and the Parliament on the setting up of the European Institute for Gender Equality, which will operate precisely in that area.
Member of the Commission. - (FR) Mr President, I should like to begin with a brief personal comment.
We cannot always be talking about sustainable transport on Sundays and doing the opposite from Monday to Friday.
The debate is closed.
Everything should therefore be done to find the proverbial golden mean.
Is the Commission planning to table proposals for guidelines for a more coherent EU strategy, and will the Council support this?
I decided to vote in favour of Mr Falbr's report which, on the one hand, captures the strategic importance of corporate social responsibility as a motivational tool to stimulate business growth and, on the other, underlines that this issue can only be tackled on a voluntary basis.
How to achieve it?
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (PL) Madam President, the draft resolution on sustainable European transport policy, taking into account European energy and environment policies, attempts a complex approach to a highly sensitive issue.
I consider both the other points - namely the increase in posts for committees and groups - to be sensible and necessary as a consequence of Parliament's new legislative powers under the Treaty of Lisbon.
In 2007, this figure stood at 923 million people.
The time has therefore come to revisit the Dublin regulation urgently, so that we can take joint responsibility for these situations throughout Europe, showing solidarity and a humanistic approach.
A general strike will take place in Greece and a major demonstration is planned in Barcelona.
This man has been given no health care in prison.
• The Commission should submit an implementation review of the agreement to Parliament and the Council before the agreement is renegotiated;
You can count on our solidarity.
However, we disagree with a policy that seeks to deregulate and privatise a strategic public service such as air transport, in this case promoting 'a truly competitive airport market', or the incorporation of principles such as the 'user pays' and profitability in a service that should be public.
That is why we have raised this question with the national regulators, and we are monitoring this problem with the European Regulators Group.
You will quickly recognise the key elements of the package, I believe, because they reflect in large measure the priorities you yourselves have expressed.
In other respects, Mr Pieper's report contains a great deal of light and shade.
Now, it is the anti-Europe movement which has the heart and soul, and you can see that they are extremely active.
The Union for the Mediterranean cannot act as the waiting room or back door for Turkey, provided that it meets the accession criteria, and the Union for the Mediterranean cannot be an add-on to the European free trade strategy, without any social integration policies.
It is just taxpayers' money we are dealing with.
On Monday, we were able to discuss this matter in the Foreign Affairs Council, and we were able to have a thorough debate that I am sure will be repeated in future.
Indeed, it is important to improve the social situation of artists through greater protection, provided by the institutions.
However, if we are talking about people's right to self-determination, we should note that all these refugees came from either Abkhazia or Ossetia.
I am convinced that the prime victim of this lack of courage is agriculture itself.
The European Parliament and the Union as a whole have talked about the preachers of hate and have taken preventive measures to cut off the flow of funds to terrorist organisations.
Unfortunately, both Lithuanians and citizens of other EU countries have difficulty in using their qualifications in other Member States.
Significant progress has been achieved in preparing the impact assessment but the work is not yet completed.
The debate is closed.
The second event is of course the subprime crisis, which has shed light on the strategic role these sovereign wealth funds could play.
The application of the death penalty to Troy Davis by the authorities of the State of Georgia runs completely counter to the moratorium on the death penalty adopted last December by the United Nations General Assembly.
- Before the vote on Amendment 12
So far we have managed to agree on twelve principles and we have established that they are identical.
The opposition did not participate in the work in the absence of this guarantee; it was not a case of being deprived of this right, as this rule had been changed.
However, for one country in the Middle East, this was exactly the outcome it had sought: Iran has supplied missiles, munitions and other sophisticated weaponry to Hamas for years.
The behaviour of certain Members of this House in shouting down representatives of Parliament, the Commission and the Council during the signing ceremony was intolerable and must not be tolerated.
What if the Commission was to think about adopting different approaches?
Closure of sitting
Mr President, let me place the matter at issue in a larger political perspective.
Our concern must be to offer social protection to all employees and to enable their social inclusion.
Croatia has to wait until 2011, Macedonia will not be in before 2014 at the earliest and for the other five countries of the Western Balkans the wait will be even longer.
Simple and perceptive policies are necessary for those who have not mastered the Union's code and do not speak 'Europese'.
But is he aware that, in his own government, one of the first acts of the Home Secretary, Theresa May, when coming into office was to opt into the European Investigation Order, which means we now cannot opt out and will be stuck with whatever comes through the legislative sausage machine, because this will be subject to qualified majority voting and the final outcome is something we cannot determine?
It strikes me about these annual debates on competition policy that there is a very friendly and polite exchange of views, and then the Commission just carries on with business as usual because the Commission has the exclusive powers in this area.
I hope that we can definitely achieve the goals you mentioned in your question with this amount of money.
support for initiatives to limit disaster risks in third countries;
Over the last three years, I have also made strenuous efforts to raise awareness about the services I can offer to businesses, associations, NGOs, regional authorities and other target groups, that is, anybody who is involved in EU projects or programmes and who has direct dealings with the EU administration.
Quite the contrary, of course, but the problem with this report, and all similar reports, in fact, in this politically correct House, is its patronising tone.
We have been too rash in making comparisons with the KLM flight that was engulfed in the volcanic dust of Mount Redoubt over Alaska in 1989 and too rash in making references to the British Airways flight which found itself in a cloud of volcanic dust over Indonesia in 1982.
I am afraid that as long as this does not happen and as long as someone who was a member of the government which sanctioned shooting at people can be Vice-Chairwoman of Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, , we cannot have any real confidence and the moral authority in another country, to ask for this kind of investigation to be carried out in a country outside the European Union.
Seventy per cent of the population of the European Union is non-smoking. We must bear this in mind and ensure that these people are able to live in a clean and safe environment.
Education in healthy eating is mainly the responsibility of parents, but schools can also play a part in this regard.
Simply voting against this despicable report does not suffice.
Mr Queiró highlighted the need for a classification of hotel facilities.
Only 6% of payments are granted to projects in countries where the gross domestic product is lower than the EU average.
We know that implementation is related to the degree to which people are aware of their rights.
It is therefore critical to ensure that access to raw materials in third countries is free from unjustified distortions such as quotas, export duties and export bans.
Mr President, the EU often shows interest, with good intention, in my constituency of Northern Ireland.
However, I should like to ask you whether you seriously expect the European Parliament to negotiate on something that is our right under the treaties.
For example, a cartoon connection between the EU and Latin America and Canada for training and developing a cartoon specialist.
Now it has stopped increasing, and global cooling is predicted to continue over the years to come.
They are the fruit of our experience over the last five years.
That is why the call for us to take certificates of origin more seriously, e.g. for natural resources, is justified, for often it is the Europeans who brutally exploit the people's suffering for their own economic interests.
The broadening of the scope of the Globalisation Adjustment Fund to include workers was an important step to enable us to support European citizens directly.
The common sense behind the questions that have been asked goes beyond a mere evaluation of doctrine and the consistency between declared intentions and their interpretation.
Such matters will be decided jointly by the governments and labour markets of the countries concerned.
I will come to Parliament with that in April.
Where are we, essentially?
In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, it is also high time that the Council moved more swiftly, especially in the tax field.
It was also good that during our debates we did not discuss the location.
I should emphasise that investments made in nuclear safety must be guaranteed for every nuclear reactor until the end of the period envisaged for their operation.
The idea is to divert attention away from this fact.
The common approach also includes specific well-formulated provisions for the future revision of the opt-out.
The Commission subsequently tabled a proposal for a directive, which was debated in the European Parliament, featuring the following three objectives: guaranteeing quality and safety for patients across the EU, providing protection for donors and facilitating cooperation between Member States.
Although these regulations are formally enshrined in Turkish legislation, we often see a very 'un-European' approach in dealing with individual cases.
Indeed, the people who participate in such attacks should not believe that they are fighting for something.
Economic history, too, has shown that those societies that enjoyed the most success over the long term were those societies that made this efficiency - whether in relation to raw materials or energy - the motto that they lived by.
It thus raises many health and environmental issues when it is disposed of or reprocessed badly.
in writing. - (CS) The introduction of the stability mechanism for states paying in euro marks the first use of the simplified revision option in the Lisbon Treaty.
When the revised EU Treaty takes effect from 2009, we shall have other processes through which the involvement of the European Parliament in these debates will be channelled.
This Treaty creates a future in which the European Union has a political dimension.
It is good that we are honest about the lobbyists that we see in this place, and it is good that we get a record of who the Commission is seeing.
This is more than just a worrying trend: we need to fight this scourge with all the means at our disposal.
(NL) Mr President, I would very much like to hear a response to this from the Commission and the Council.
It appealed to the Chinese Government and the Dalai Lama to enter into a concrete and constructive dialogue which would lead to a lasting solution acceptable to all and entirely respectful of Tibetan culture, religion and identity.
It is high time we stopped applying the mistaken logic that says that the use of waste cannot be developed because it would result in more waste.
I strongly agree with this idea.
I would like to conclude with a few words on the dangerous phenomenon of the re-nationalisation of Europe.
In fact, it is great to start with this gem, which starts small but has great power, particularly from the bottom up, if that is recognised in future as a special designation for quality.
For Parliament, it is crucial that we have a political interlocutor to negotiate the establishment and future programme of the External Action Service, so, please, states - bring us your people for all these posts.
Food security is and will remain the main challenge facing EU agriculture.
The Commission is proposing to solve soil problems at European level - and, as far as I am concerned, there lies the problem.
We are looking forward to the many initiatives that I am sure will be taken in the year ahead.
The UN runs an index of happiness and it places the Democratic Republic of the Congo above only Zimbabwe.
I am persuaded that it will be necessary to grant powers under Article 186 in order to deliver this benefit in a timely manner to the producers, so it has my support.
I believe that to that end the desire to resolve the situation in Pakistan is incompatible with supplying it under those policies.
Japan and its Canadian allies had spent months beforehand doing the rounds, winning friends and buying a bit of influence here and there in order to get the votes they needed to get the result they wanted.
It can, I believe, help to sustain our social systems when times are hard.
I therefore enthusiastically welcomed this report by Mrs Grossetête and I hope that it will promote public health in Europe and that, as a result, we can save a lot of people and speed up their recovery.
The latter would be directly subject to the new banking authority.
Towards the end of last year the European Union and the African Union agreed an EU-Africa Partnership on Science, Information and Space.
It is also our duty to express our complete solidarity with the Japanese people and their government, and to send our condolences to the victims of this threefold disaster.
The Commission understands the difficulties encountered in outermost regions in executing the decisions on fleet modernisation taken in 2006.
I hope that as a result of this crisis, the tendency to reduce the budget will not increase still further, because then we will be even weaker and more helpless.
We want to revise the programme of 50 proposals, we want to set priorities, we want to help to ensure that all European Parliament committees are involved and that we achieve the institutional consensus that such legislation requires.
For EU 2020 to be a success and for the mountains of cash that remain to be spent to be used to stimulate economic growth and support competition, two types of intervention are needed: simplification and review.
Finally, bearing in mind that the European Parliament's opinion is required to sign any international treaty, it must be involved and consulted right at the initial phase of any project.
It contains nothing about small and medium-sized enterprises, yet you wonder why states like China are fighting back with dumping measures.
We also want some progress on the information to patients - Mr Verheugen's proposal.
I welcome most of all that now consumers will benefit from guarantees in relation to privacy, freedom of expression and access to information.
At the same time, those changes are affecting other regions of the world, through rising sea levels, on the one hand, and consequences for adjacent regional climates, on the other.
(EL) Madam President, as far as I know, we allow each Commissioner 20 minutes.
The second point is the inclusion of EU staff pensions in the budget.
I would first of all like to take this very good opportunity to inform you of a package of measures which are in preparation by my services, and which will be adopted by the Commission this autumn in very close cooperation with the Portuguese Presidency.
We have not yet reached that point.
We know that difficulties exist for countries of that region, and we in the European Union must be active in helping them to overcome their problems, in particular in regard to drugs and crime, and in cementing democratic principles in their governments and institutions.
In addition, the European Parliament would like the new financial framework to be structured in such a way as to increase competitiveness and promote social integration.
This is why it is important to narrow the chasm between regular and organic farming in a responsible manner.
It is not just about averting the threat of a nuclear bomb.
This is necessary according to the principle of equal treatment, because island Member States and island regions of Member States to some degree face the same severe territorial and geographical disadvantages as outermost regions.
Apart from the introduction of multiannual financial frameworks, it should be remembered that the budgetary procedure has remained practically unchanged since 1975.
Therefore, I sincerely wish the Czech Republic success meeting new challenges and leading the European Union up to the middle of this year.
9.
Implementation of the Ahtisaari Plan, on the other hand, which provides a secure regime for minorities, may set a positive precedent for Europe to follow in future with regard to protection of minorities.
My final comment concerns Mr Rübig.
The aim of the 'Innovation Union' flagship initiative envisioned by the EU 2020 strategy is to launch innovation partnerships to streamline research, development and the arrival of inventions on the market, starting with the area of healthy ageing as a pilot project.
(CS) Finding and punishing foreign drivers who commit traffic offences in the European Union may be an unpopular proposal but it is completely logical and practical.
On the one hand, I am concerned that it will become ever harder to find moderate leaders in Palestine with enough political support to be able to conclude agreements with Israel, which is no easy task.
We have a network of public authorities through which we are making our sweeps around the Member States.
The vote will take place tomorrow (Thursday, 26 November 2009).
(DE) Madam President, I believe that we can organise competition by introducing uniform rules, which is why I am interested to know what options are available to us in the telecommunications sector, specifically in the area of frequency licensing, to enable us to regulate auctions or so-called beauty contests in telecommunications processes.
Oral questions and written declarations (submission): see Minutes
Why introduce more services to be financed at EU level, thereby risking a cut in appropriations for consumers organisations?
We disagree with the communitarisation of justice and home affairs and the creation of surveillance and control structures and instruments at EU level, promoting securitarian policies.
The Czech Presidency has done a very good job, but I hope that the way we have tightened up the Commission's proposal will make the directive more palatable to the Council, because it is a directive that we are seeking.
We need to follow up on these steps by continuously strengthening the cooperation of rescue forces in neighbouring regions and countries, improving the qualifications and skills of civil protection experts, ensuring widespread use of information technologies and promoting training for, and simulation of, possible disasters.
I note that the building issues (problem with the appointment of an independent expert for the extension of the main building; the signing of a lease-purchase contract between the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the ECJ setting out the provisions necessary to supplement the framework contract of 2001 and providing for the sale to the ECJ of the land on which the complex is situated for the symbolic price of EUR 1 when the ECJ becomes the owner of the buildings; lack of appropriate competition) confirm the need to create a European authority to handle all building-related matters for our institutions.
I would stress that excellence in law making must be Parliament's main priority.
The report published by the World Bank several days ago does not leave any doubt that the EU Member States in Eastern Europe need aid, and not only in the area of their internal affairs.
12.
Therefore, I ask two things of the Council ahead of its upcoming meeting.
Commissioner, I therefore expect some slightly more concrete initiatives over the coming months and years.
If such movements are not regarded by the state as a legal opposition that can peacefully develop into a participant in government, the chances are that these movements will fall back on the use of force out of the need for self-preservation.
I just wanted to ask what the situation is with regard to supporting police training and reinforcing the justice and interior authorities in Ukraine.
Mr Barroso, at the G8 summit, the participants debated their commitments to the neighbourhood policy in the Mediterranean.
Madam President, I represent Scotland, a nation with a long maritime history and a nation with tremendous potential for its future.
Cancún is an opportunity to do things better; let us not miss it yet again.
I do not understand all the 'commotion' that the issue has caused, especially in French-speaking Belgium, amongst consumers' associations and mutual societies, supported by certain MEPs who, even before the discussions had started, had already condemned these two laws.
The EU is already a frontrunner in research and in environmental and climate change policies in the international context and will continue to be so.
It is this proactive spirit that guided the drafting of the document that I sent to you all before this sitting.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, some months ago, we witnessed the sudden and unexpected collapse of some low-cost airlines, such as Myair and Sky Europe, with the consequent immediate cancellation of all their scheduled routes.
The Group of Governmental Experts decided, however, to postpone any decision on a legally binding instrument until the 2007 meeting of the High Contracting Parties to the Convention which will be held next month.
Social integration and the policy of equal opportunities must be taken into account at every stage of the implementation of projects undertaken in the area of cohesion.
Of course, I do not know if future historians will call it the 'Greek crisis' or the 'financial crisis' or perhaps they will call it the 'monetary crisis'.
Finally, I would like to thank not only this House - which I have done already - but also our partners in the trio, Spain and Belgium, for their excellent cooperation and for the fact that we were able to complete the 18-month trio programme, and may I wish Poland all the best and a Parliament-friendly Presidency.
This is over!
This sum must be used wisely for retraining these workers and reincorporating them quickly and sustainably into the labour market.
The work of the relatives' and victims' associations must also be strengthened.
However, there also needs to be European added value in the response.
We must, however, provide more funds to ensure that our young people are able to access, partake of and utilise this opportunity to the full, because this is one of those rare occasions when we can offer something.
I am thinking in the first place of the important separation of church and state and especially of the equality of men and women.
The early school leaving scenario is particularly serious in view of the expected demographic evolution in Europe, which by 2030 will have 18 million fewer children and young people and 52% more people aged over 65.
Composition of Parliament: see Minutes
The Member States must draw up a list of measures for achieving the objectives of this directive by 30 June 2011 at the latest.
2. to avoid duplication of data collection;
Instead, I will refer to the significant institutional challenges they are creating, which must be resolved.
I do know that the Commission's offices have been involved and I am still receiving quite a lot of vexed representation in this area.
This new chapter in relations between the EU and the USA should also be used to increase the activity of EU institutions in the United States.
on behalf of the ECR Group. - Mr President, it is just under 100 years since all women were given the right to vote in the United Kingdom.
I do not want to discuss the content.
It has acted quickly, but also erratically.
The initial reception given to this directive did not make it possible to envisage substantial progress in the near future.
Mr President, Commissioner, your answers have failed to convince me.
Nothing else.
The Commission's proposals do not fully deal with these reservations.
Mr Osman champions the cause of dialogue and justice against violence and tyranny.
The report does not seem in my view to fully reflect the fact of the disproportionate response by Russian forces, which involved bombing civilian areas of Georgia like Gori, and allowed systematic ethnic cleansing of Georgians from South Ossetia and the occupation of Georgian territory by Abkhazian forces.
It thus proposes to repeal the conditions of acceptance of proofs of origin for certain textiles and textile articles originating in third countries.
However, these measures need to be backed up by a coherent economic recovery strategy and by control and sanction mechanisms.
I want to point out that we as a European Parliament - and I have already written to the President too - should send out a clear signal that this is not the spirit that should inspire us in Europe but that we should be working together on the construction of Europe and building up a common future.
However, as the translation of my speeches into Polish sometimes does not even render 50% of what I have actually said, my Amendment 2 should therefore be included in the report.
Conflicts presented as religiously motivated are often triggered by other causes, including conflicts between traditional rulers, land and resource struggles among communities, political in-fighting, and tensions between state and federal authorities.
The possible reduction in duties for the next three years on clothing products from Pakistan risks plunging the manufacturing sector into an even greater crisis than the one we are currently experiencing, with the loss of 120 000 jobs across Europe, and 40 000 in Italy alone.
The new Euro VI regulation for heavy-duty vehicles and buses is one of the measures we have been calling for.
There is no doubt that we must recognise the suffering of the Palestinian population.
(FR) Mr President, aside from questioning the actual content of this resolution, I would also like to question its principle.
The widely held belief that the promotion of trade relations between this region and the EU should encourage and increase trade, sustainable development and regional integration, while also promoting economic diversification and poverty reduction, is a particularly important feature of this European Parliament resolution on the Interim Partnership Agreement between the EC and the Pacific States.
This is particularly the case because a lively debate and open and transparent discussions about the institutional structures are of great importance for their legitimacy in future and for their public accountability.
That is not true of everyone, though.
Therefore, we are facing the possibility of future generations bearing the financial burden for these demographic changes.
The European Union should make every effort to counter this threat.
We should remember that, yes, there is a role for a fast-food chain, but it would be a terrible thing if, in years to come, all we found when we travelled through Europe was fast food.
I wish to say that the European Arrest Warrant is a fundamental example of European Union and of cooperation against organised crime in the European Union. I am entitled to shout this from the rooftops, coming as I do from a country like Spain, which still suffers from terrorism and for which the European Arrest Warrant is an essential weapon in the struggle against terrorism.
Secular celebrations deserve the same treatment as religious festivals.
Perhaps that is what they mean.
What has been observed in practice is that visa applicants who are rejected by one state try their 'luck' in other Member States.
Trade for trade's sake - no, I definitely do not believe in it.
Unfortunately, I was late for this vote because on my way to the plenary chamber, the lift was not working.
rapporteur for the opinion of the Committee on Budgets. - Madam President, I would just like to focus on the microcredit issue, which the Committee on Budgets completely supports as it will help people without access to normal sources of funds - the very sort of people who need help in the current environment.
Another important debate concerns transparency.
It is not by means of a new tax that we will solve the problem of public finances.
So, ¡viva España!
We must work with the local authorities and with the government of Haiti, as the country is already fragile enough without us making it even weaker by having the international organisations stand in for its authorities.
Until we are certain of an effective plan setting up a system with the necessary infrastructure and have robust guarantees that projects will be implemented effectively, Commission funding of relevant waste management projects in Campania is interrupted.
This is completely unacceptable.
I hope that this will be the case, and I thank Commissioner Vassiliou for the statement she made today.
in writing. - (RO) I feel it is beneficial that the Europe 2020 Strategy supports an active, focused labour market policy, which will help increase the employment rate of older workers, women, members of minority groups and the long-term unemployed.
The Council considered Parliament's proposals and incorporated them into this package.
We must take steps to ensure the recognition of professional qualifications within the EU, the transferability of pension rights, and access to basic banking services.
Agreements on air transport fall into this category, as they are part of the ordinary legislative procedure.
It is a very serious subject and, as I hope you understood from my introduction, we share your concerns about the horrible breach of human rights that has happened in Conakry.
The request submitted by Spain to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) in relation to 300 of the 528 redundancies at 66 companies operating in NACE 2 Division 23 (manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products) in the NUTS II region of Comunidad Valenciana fulfils all the legally established eligibility criteria.
Young people must have the opportunity to start a family.
Europe needs a sustained high-level political leap, above the rights, the lefts and the extreme centres, in order to combat threats that are returning with a violence that we have experienced in the past.
I believe that the very swift adoption of this resolution is a good indicator of the way in which we will be able to move on quickly to the other states and, in particular, to Bosnia and Herzegovina and to Albania, without forgetting, of course, Kosovo.
This does not mean calling into question the principle of competition.
Sloth or negligence, like State secrets, are not acceptable where people's health is concerned.
Farming groups were strongly in favour of the treaty and they were very active in this campaign.
To avoid any uncertainty, the fat content percentage of the milk should be clearly visible on the packaging and directly linked to the product description.
The protection of persons under threat at the level of individual Member States appears to be insufficient in many cases.
Issues relating to the diet and health of citizens are extremely sensitive and must be considered carefully and objectively.
More important from the United Kingdom's point of view is the fact that, uniquely or semi-uniquely (because Cyprus is in the same position) we are an island.
The man is now serving his life sentence in a prison in Poland, although Polish law does not provide for a life sentence for rape, only for murder - rape carries a maximum sentence of 12 years.
I want Member States who are compliant to be able to protect their consumers and their producers by being able to ban imports of illegally produced eggs from those producers and countries which are not compliant.
In the minutes that remain, I would like to present this legislative project once again in connection with two important issues.
I agree with Mrs Hedegaard: the Union can regain its leading role only if it shows concrete results, by investing in research and development, creating green jobs, developing an intelligent energy network, and pursuing a policy of sustainable green growth.
I should like to thank you for your support for this initiative.
My clear preference will be to distribute it.
I am particularly surprised because there would be negative consequences for the countries of the old Union, as their taxes would be reduced.
I fear that President Yanukovych is trying to neutralise the only Ukrainian political figure with enough gravitas, courage and popularity to challenge his authority.
in writing. - (HU) Madam President, in its current review of the sugar reforms, the European Commission is requiring European farmers and the European sugar industry to make yet further unreasonable sacrifices in the name of restoring a balance in the sugar market.
Quite apart from the medical consequences of albinism in the tropics, including a high risk of terrible skin cancers, the long-suffering albino people are at best traditionally considered as freaks or curiosities, and at worst they are murdered to satisfy demand for traditional medicine that is more akin to medieval sorcery.
In this fundamental sector of air traffic safety, another important element is the establishment of the European Aviation Safety Agency, whose mission is to promote the highest possible level of safety and environmental protection by civil aviation.
It is an essential piece in our efforts to make Europe more crisis-proof.
What evaluative standard on human rights can one suppose the Governments of Libya or Zimbabwe share with democratic states that are answerable to their populations?
I particularly thank him for accepting some of my amendments including those concerning the problem of malnourishment, particularly in hospitals and care homes for the elderly.
It started in the United States, and it spread through the City to the other large financial centres.
Lastly, it must be appreciated, and this is my final point, that the crisis should not cause us to slow down or to be faint-hearted but rather to respond more quickly and to remain ambitious in our development objectives and in our environmental aims and our fight against climate change.
I note the tribute in this report to ordinary soldiers who have been killed and to the Afghan people who are victims of this war.
The list of establishments to be audited is jointly decided between the national competent authorities and the auditors from the FVO.
It is particularly shocking that around a quarter of the dangerous products are products aimed at children: dolls, water pistols, children's cutlery, child seats - according to RAPEX in the past week.
I must therefore thank you for giving me this opportunity to set out my thoughts and proposals on the present and future of the Union.
On 14 March, a community club of some kind in Košice unveiled a bust of János Esterházy - a war criminal condemned to death in 1947 for collaborating with fascism.
This was a victory for the Irish people, not necessarily for the government or political parties.
For that to happen, Frontex would have to cooperate and provide the UNHCR with full information; for that to happen, Frontex would have to include humanitarian concerns in its policies, which it does not do at the moment.
The militarisation of the EU does not serve peace or the interests of the people.
Where immigration is concerned, the programme is embarrassingly weak when you look beyond the official documents: what is the point of promising to strengthen bodies and agencies if there is then no political strategy?
The EU and its institutions, including this House, must increase pressure on governments where these incidents occur, particularly in those countries where the state has weak policies or turns a blind eye to such incidents.
Do you think it is important that we have a common policy in Europe, given our concerns about global food security?
We are talking about a catastrophe for people who have devoted their lives to the production of tobacco.
(FR) Mr President, the present situation of young people in Europe is very worrying - as you are aware - since there are five million young people out of work.
The first lesson is that the European Parliament has new powers, it has clear powers; it has a say and it wants to exercise those powers.
So there we are, and we must maintain this pressure without fail, in order to put an end to this unacceptable breach of the law.
Thus, prevention is cheaper than cure.
There are many proposals made by the European Commission which tend towards the integration and liberalisation of European markets, resulting in measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, to have an effect on innovation and the protection of creativity, improving the efficiency and sustainability of both material and non-material networks and infrastructure.
All of these factors represent serious failings in this agreement.
It can now concentrate fully on its substantive task; back to work with an agenda ranging from the further development of the social Europe to a better-coordinated foreign policy.
The statement by the Czech constitutional court and the subsequent procedure will be crucial for determining when the Treaty of Lisbon can enter into force.
(FI) Mr President, I voted in favour of the report on the European External Action Service because I know that this is the result of the Treaty of Lisbon, the Reform Treaty.
Deepwater is merely a symptom of peak oil.
I must say to him that, in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, we did not want to get too bogged down in technicalities given the extremely serious and tense situation in Lebanon, as I have said, following the succession of President Lahoud.
It is time for us to consider new options in any medium- to long-term restructuring plan, as well as the necessary decommissioning grants to match fleet capacity to available resources.
Substances that pose a risk to health must be withdrawn, and the overall amount of pesticides we use must be reduced.
This is the first time that Parliament will have voted on the same text as the Council.
Of course, a framework will also be provided for cooperation between the competent authorities in the Member States and the European Securities and Markets Authority.
(Applause)
The financial crisis shows that international solutions are needed to tackle international problems.
I will give you just one example: the property market situation.
The decisions that we are refusing to take today will lead to new crises.
The peoples of Europe can therefore look back today on a history of groundbreaking achievements, and specialist firms are in demand worldwide on account of their wealth of ideas.
You do not have the right to free expression, association, public debate and not even the right to decide your identity yourself.
Let me tell you that this is a priority for the Commission too.
For the first time since the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon, we have the opportunity to express our opinions on the reform of the common fisheries policy (CFP).
Have we gained in maturity?
The fact that, in addition to a process of approval, there is also a process of registration is due to the desire to reduce bureaucracy.
So I am sure Mr Bonde has had no difficulty in finding a consolidated, readable version of the Treaties to help him in his work in the Committee on Constitutional Affairs.
They contribute to wealth and employment for European businesses and their employees and will act as one of the most important factors in stimulating the EU economic recovery.
Secondly, this design needs to be a European design that does not divide Europe in two - let us not stumble into a two-speed Europe - and that pursues two objectives with equal intensity: budgetary discipline - as much as is necessary - and economic growth to bring us out of the crisis that we are in.
(FR) Madam President, Commissioner, Minister, I would like to present a statistic, an observation, and three courses of action.
We do not support Parliament's position in this regard.
That is what I had the opportunity to say a moment ago with regard to Mr Paparizov's question.
(EL) Madam President, developing countries have contributed less than anyone to climate change.
In this respect, we have explored all avenues in order to obtain maximum flexibility and this issue may, if necessary, be re-examined when the functioning of the authorities is reviewed, which is scheduled for the end of 2013.
The meat brings with it the risk of contamination such as foot-and-mouth disease, as we have heard tonight.
Last week, the European Commission announced funding for 43 major energy projects, including four involving Romania.
in writing. - I supported the Podimata report which includes a number of good ideas regarding a global financial transaction tax.
Before I finish, Mr President, I would just like to say one more thing: some of our fellow Members have repeatedly claimed that people in the ACP States had too little time to conclude these agreements.
We hope that a new Polish Government will be able to cooperate with Moscow better and as a result perhaps create some room for progress.
Patients have unlimited access via the Internet to uncontrolled and frequently incorrect information about prescription-only medicines in a few seconds.
I welcome what is said on that subject in the report.
Thanks to them, we have maintained an extremely cohesive position throughout this very lengthy trialogue and I think that the only positive aspect of the dossier is that the European Parliament has been united in defending public health and the interests of consumers.
With 80% of EU stocks at worrying levels we need real capacity reduction, not renewed boat building at the taxpayers' expense.
So, to have other sites as well is a necessity, especially to moderate the costs.
The European External Action Service (EEAS) represents considerable progress in this respect.
I particularly like the very clear reference in the report that food production is the primary purpose of the common agricultural policy.
The employment offers no security.
We need to return to a secure labour market.
By cooperating more closely with the European Commission, the EIB is today presenting itself as a modern and dynamic bank, and this is thanks to the increase in the number of types of financial projects designed to help restore the socio-economic balance of less-advantaged European regions.
The creation of this information network will make it possible, based on the exchange of experience and good practice between EU countries, to achieve a better understanding of and higher standards for protecting critical sites and activities which are crucially important to countries and their population.
Protection of the environment in maritime territories and coastal zones is necessary because this is exceptionally important.
A rethink is necessary in this area, and not only because of the ever dwindling supply of fossil fuels and the impact on the climate that non-renewable energy sources have.
In addition, there was no interpretation into Polish for a certain time, and that was not dealt with either.
But we must do something about it.
I hope that the European Consensus on humanitarian aid will be an important step towards achieving the most effective EU actions in the field of humanitarian aid and will contribute to the promotion of humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law, coordination and consistency in the delivery of EU humanitarian aid, clarification on the use of military and civil protection resources and capabilities, disaster risk reduction and reinforcement of the link between emergency aid, rehabilitation and development.
I think we have respected these rules scrupulously.
In this area in Portugal too, the delays are very long and it is acknowledged that many magistrates find it difficult to reach a decision on very specific subjects.
The details of the negotiations taking place in Egypt today, in particular, are of crucial importance.
(DE) Madam President, employers, in particular, are taking every opportunity to call for more and more mobility and flexibility on the European labour market.
It is very irritating if lifestyle medicines are found to contain no active ingredients.
We are responsible not only for the climate but also for the prosperity of our citizens.
In my opinion, we need to help Macedonia, to offer it all the help it needs to be a stable country, but we must refuse to give any help to Albanian separatists because we can see clearly that the 10-year attempt to transform terrorists into democrats has failed completely.
It is in this framework that we can help Tunisia to conclude the efforts it has undertaken by removing all potential barriers to the full development of human beings in that country, and all this within the context of a more advanced status.
We have reached the clear conclusion that the European Union must offer more, more than the Neighbourhood Policy.
I would remind you that the role of special rapporteur has been created within the Human Rights Commission specifically to deal with these issues, these rights.
On the other hand, in the case that several Member States are attacked simultaneously, as is the clear possibility with cyber-attacks, we do need transparency and a certain consistency of arrangements throughout the European Union.
Until now, international air transport has been relatively favourably treated compared with other branches of the transport sector.
And this is a great opportunity for the High Representative, Lady Ashton, to use the power and support of the European Union in a way that could not have been done before, to bring these countries to order and to try and alleviate the terrible suffering in these places.
This also applies to the other text under discussion concerning the European initiative on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, which is a preliminary step towards submitting a legislative proposal aimed at achieving integration between the various existing policies.
The last European Council agreed the necessary guarantees that allow the Irish Government to call a second referendum, fully reassured that the concerns expressed by Irish people have been addressed satisfactorily.
The accession countries naturally must take greater strides towards guaranteeing human and minority rights, but current EU Member States must set a good example.
This new article provides an opportunity for good cooperation between and across the borders of the fourteen participating Member States.
The climate change conference in Cancún (COP 16) is crucial for all Europeans and for people all over the world.
However, three years after the conflict with Georgia, Russia is still not respecting the agreements of 12 August and 8 September 2008 relating to the withdrawal of its forces from the occupied Georgian provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and does not provide the European Union Monitoring Mission with free and total access to its territories.
These measures overturn the most basic freedoms enjoyed by the English for centuries, as enshrined in Magna Carta and the 1689 Bill of Rights.
One of these is the United Kingdom.
Cabotage is more important than we realise and I have to say that I cannot agree with my dear friend, Mr Savary, when he expresses fear that the social market will be distorted.
In my report, I emphasised the importance of keeping the three systems for registration of geographical indications separate, since they represent the link with European regions, representing their traditions, history, taste and unique knowledge handed down over time.
In addition, we are in constant contact with third countries, in particular Russia, to ask them to lift their ban, which is considered disproportionate.
Mr Stevenson said that longer journeys were unavoidable - I say: not so.
If the pay gap narrowed at the current pace and did not increase again from time to time, pay would perhaps equalise after seventy years.
(Applause)
Due to low pay, such work is unattractive to young people.
However, I find remarkable the levity with which we heap praise on Japan's heroes.
Knowing the consultations being carried out at present in the Council, we are waiting to hear how the Commission will work to safeguard national autonomy of action and create an effective basis for cooperation, so that the question of habit and the question of fraud can be combated.
We are focusing on saving lives through prompt treatment of those affected, increasing access to clean water, promoting better hygiene behaviour and supporting epidemiological surveillance in order to know where and how the epidemic is evolving.
There are also three private firms charging parents to store umbilical cord blood cells.
To mention abortion in the same sentence as contraception without even considering the right to life does not reflect the will of Christian Europe.
(PT) Mr President, I have already said, and now repeat, that this is not a truly urgent matter.
In 2008 an appropriation of EUR 285 million will be made to the common foreign and security policy.
¡Bienvenido al Parlamento Europeo, señor Rodríguez Zapatero!
After all, that is the only way we can give the reestablishment of peace negotiations any chance of success.
Without this aid the populations of these countries see their chances of survival diminish each day.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - Mr President, I would like - I do not think any of my colleagues have done it officially - to congratulate the Portuguese Prime Minister, Mr Sócrates, on a very successful Council and, most importantly, on getting the signing of the Lisbon Treaty.
Deontological questions related to companies' management (
Specifically, a medium-term objective of gross domestic product growth (GDP) is introduced.
The prevention plans established in the EU and its Member States for future influenza pandemics must be revised in order to be more effective, coherent and sufficiently autonomous and flexible to be adapted as swiftly as possible, and on a case-by-case basis, to the actual risk, based on up-to date relevant information.
The way to promote growth is to ensure that there is proper funding for innovation, particularly through the creation of European loan securities for funding EU projects.
In other respects, of course, the rules in Europe today are rather strange in that anyone can say whatever they like about medicinal products that are subject to medical prescription except those who manufacture these medicinal products; in other words, those who should know most about them.
The thinly disguised aim is the monitoring of all remarks under threat of penalty, whether they are made in writing or spoken at meetings.
We should concentrate on disease prevention through the promotion of healthy lifestyles and the provision of optimum treatment, as well as on investment in new technologies and research.
A return to budgetary discipline should not just be a non-binding target; it must be verifiable and, if necessary, enforceable at a European level.
I have a question for the Commission.
You will surely be pleased to know that I had the honour of being part of the jury that awarded the Charlemagne Youth Prize.
At the same time, we must bear in mind that the EU is in recession.
Secondly, under the text of Article 10, the European Parliament will have no power to exert pressure nor a margin to negotiate with Council over the adaptation of CAP legislation to the new treaty.
This report may be accompanied by a legislative proposal.
Madam President, honourable Members, our discussion this afternoon allows us to address issues relating to economic governance and, in particular, its social aspects.
The next item is the report prepared by Mrs Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou on behalf of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs on a proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (2010) - C6-0469/2007 -.
Taking into account how topical this problem is - at present approximately 8 million illegal immigrants are living in the EU - and how complicated it is, I think that creating a common legal framework is unavoidable.
This is much welcomed.
Regulation (EC) No 1889/2006 on establishing a financing instrument for the promotion of democracy and human rights worldwide needs to be an effective, practical instrument that has the flexibility to cope with exceptional operational situations.
This really is no good.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Mr President, Prime Minister, President of the Commission, it is not easy to weigh up the progress that ought to have been made during the period of the Czech Presidency.
It was high time to take these measures, which do indeed restrict the vast room for manoeuvre that shipowners have been allowed for centuries.
When I am an ancient 87-year-old, there will be just 66 million children of that age in Europe.
Hopefully, in future we could progress towards a better system of reporting, with reference to this directive, so that we might actually know how well the different Member States and actors are implementing its aims.
Maybe the Council and the Commission do not like it, but we got everything.
It is important that this procedure be followed in future.
Finally, in the context of a package of measures to deal with the Afghan drug problem, the rapporteur's proposal for a pilot project for the legal production of opium-based analgesics should be studied.
As shadow rapporteur, I have tried to contribute to the report on the European Ombudsman's activities, with amendments that I have tabled and supported.
Firstly, for the first time in the history of Europe the Treaty of Lisbon incorporates a legally binding Charter of Fundamental Rights of the citizens of the Union.
Now we come to the structural funds.
As long as we do not have a common army, we will not have a common policy on security and defence.
That is why, with a great deal of determination, we can further improve this text during the dialogue that we are going to have with the Council.
Moreover, it often occurs within the family environment, and these women are ashamed to admit it.
Therefore, a country such as Lithuania, which faces a tough economic situation, risks losing, for some time, educated people, who are the basis for the country's growth, and not just in an economic sense.
(PL) Madam President, today the European Parliament is remembering the victims of one of Stalin's greatest crimes, the victims of the famine that was deliberately caused by the despotic Bolshevik regime that ruled the Soviet Union and whose intention was to weaken and destroy the Ukrainian nation, and thereby strangle its desire for freedom and to establish its own, independent state.
That is why the EU has implemented the Europe 2020 strategy, which aims to focus greater attention on vocational education and training.
We fought not only to achieve origin markings but also for traceability.
In my own constituency of Munster, Ireland, many workers face a very uncertain old age because the pensions that they have paid into have lost a great deal of value, or in some cases they have lost their pensions completely with the closure of their companies.
Moreover, in the report before us, major software developers have attempted to put stumbling blocks in the way of their smaller competitors.
In this setting, the recently-held presidential elections were not perfect, but in the words of the international observation mission, were 'administered mostly in line with OSCE and Council of Europe [...] standards'.
Young people, education and mobility require specific cross-sector investments within the suitable policies in order to promote the EU's growth and development.
The migration of labour is continuing to grow, not only at global level, but within the EU as well.
The long-term strategy proposed by the European Commission for managing borders is welcome in these times when Member States with southern external borders are faced with major problems caused by illegal immigration.
Good cooperation so far has proved essential to maintain peace in this area.
I believe that it is important, and I support this, that agencies are not only subject to totally objective scrutiny, but also that we should examine their own individual development.
The G8 itself has finally got the message.
(SL) Last year we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and the year before that in this House we adopted a resolution which called upon the Bureau, the Council and the Commission to strengthen their efforts towards more effective multilateralism and more stringent implementation of this treaty, which we know has curbed the proliferation of nuclear arsenals, but, unfortunately, failed to bring about a reduction in their numbers.
(ES) Mr President, I would like to celebrate the fact that there is innovation, attention to innovation, and also partnership, but I would also like to say that we do not know what this thing is that we are talking about.
Both questions are linked, although they are dealt with in two different reports.
In the United States, the funding allocated to orders in the area of research and development is 20 times greater than that allocated in the European Union.
At the moment, this is much more of a mirage than a realistic plan.
It is encouraging that Prime Minister Orbán himself will participate.
The next item is the vote.
For example, it is currently estimated that, in 2009, the fins of 26 million to 73 million sharks entered the global trade.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (NL) On behalf of my Group may I echo and endorse what the Council President and the Commissioner have just said about events in Turkey.
What has happened, and does Sweden want to lead the way in the future on equal-opportunities issues?
Prime Minister, thanks to you, over the last half year, we have developed new ways of cooperating at different levels between the two chambers of legislation of the European Union: between Council and the European Parliament.
I think this is still something that we have to try to tackle and deal with.
What we need is a concerted maritime operation locally, with the ships from the EU Member States that are already there.
I would like to thank Commissioner Füle for having voiced the central concern of European integration policy: reciprocal loyalty.
Out of two hundred billion, we are still trying to work out how to spend five billion, which some Member States want back instead of putting towards competitiveness.
There are two ways of interpreting Paragraph 26.
For the European Union it does not make sense to welcome the presence of the last European dictator on our own doorstep.
The problem, which is starting to cause serious difficulties, lies in the imposition of a congestion charge.
It was a real pleasure.
As far as Basel III is concerned, I would simply say to Mr Rübig that we are following the work closely.
on behalf of the UEN Group. - (PL) Madam President, it is very easy for destabilisation, which has tragic consequences, to occur in poor African countries, such as Guinea-Bissau.
The agreement concluded on 26 October 2004 with the Swiss Confederation concerning the criteria and mechanisms for establishing the state responsible for examining a request for asylum lodged in a Member State or in Switzerland, the Dublin agreement, provides for the possible association of Liechtenstein with the Dublin acquis by means of a protocol.
The crisis is affecting us all, and all of us must fight the crisis.
To do so, appropriate education is needed, for there is greater opposition to integration among those with low levels of education.
A lot of time is spent, at committee level as well as plenary, in debating amendments in relation to single versus dual legal bases and different views.
I am pleased to see that there is broad consensus between Parliament and the Council with regard to the importance and necessity of both the objectives of the plan and the resources that need to be made available.
The redundancies are linked to the impact of the economic and financial crisis, which has resulted in a drop in exports for the companies Huta Stalowa Wola SA, HSW - ZZN and DEZAMET SA of 47%, 34% and 58% respectively, meaning that the companies meet the eligibility criteria laid down in the EGF Regulation.
Mr Mann, I understand your frustration.
in writing. - (RO) I wholeheartedly support the provisions in the report aimed at raising the level of the European Union's political commitment to the states targeted by the ENPI, along with the prospect of signing association agreements which are tailored to each country.
I think that the way in which we are debating these problems is also indicative of a lack of will in this House to introduce rules, laws or directives on media concentration and pluralism which are increasingly urgently needed in the European Union.
I am in complete agreement with the Commissioner, as is evident in the report, when he says that the rapid disbursement of aid or European funding is vital for Africa and that coordinated action and the sharing of tasks between Member States and the Commission is essential if we are to compete with the ease with which China finances Africa at the moment, without weighing up the consequences, apart from its own interests.
Free and fair competition was supposed to lower prices.
To summarise, the objective of European Union maritime policy of achieving productive fisheries in a clean marine environment requires that the scientists that work in this field have access to horizontal funding mechanisms in the Seventh Framework Programme.
This is something that will become more and more important in the coming days.
Large areas, such as the Middle East, Asia and Africa, are the scene for stiff imperialist competition and intervention to control wealth-producing resources and energy transportation routes, which is causing tremendous poverty, harsh exploitation and repression, in collaboration with the bourgeois classes at home and to the detriment of the people.
Where there is separation and division, security is replaced by uncertainty and guns do the talking instead of having negotiations.
The Conference of Presidents will decide tomorrow on the final timetable, but the most likely date for the hearing of the new Commissioner-designate is 3 February, with the vote on 9 February.
There are various arguments that could be raised that give our group cause for concern, considerable concern.
I would entreat you to bear in mind the time for which you applied.
I would like to remind you that all the progress recorded in the last few years in a certain number of developing countries - even those that are doing best - will probably be wiped out, preventing the Millennium Development Goals from being achieved.
I think that is also a welcome adjustment to the procedures that we have at the moment.
Secondly, today's debate indirectly raises the very important question of the present and the future of agricultural spending under the Community budget.
However, only a few Member States - I think it is three so far - have either a PNR system in place or plans for such a scheme.
There would be a single speaker and things would be shared more easily.
It allows businesses the flexibility they need to be internationally competitive, whilst protecting workers at the same time.
Children need to be, first and foremost, educated and encouraged to eat this type of product with increased nutritional value so that the scheme will achieve its intended objective, in terms of preventing obesity-related illnesses, malnutrition or diabetes, which may occur in adult life.
One of the priorities identified is the need for improved access to finance for SMEs.
There is social and political disorder and monetary disorder is knocking at the door.
In Belarus, elections are not free, there is no freedom of expression, association or demonstration, and repression by the authorities is increasing.
We shall not meet these challenges if industry fails to support scientific developments and new technologies, and if local authorities fail to invest in education.
But we can hear the eggshells cracking as the Commission tries to edge forward on this and we urge the Commission to be really brave and really lead on this issue.
(LT) I would like to draw attention to some circumstances which seem important to me in resolving the matter of retaining and creating new jobs.
in writing. - We accept that experimentation on animals is sometimes necessary, but we also understand and accept that the necessity of some experimentation is questionable.
In this way we will have proof of their usefulness.
And it is in this context that I would draw your attention to Africa, a continent that is close to Europe and not only in geographical terms, a continent that we would do well to consider and treat as a priority partner.
In view of the complex problems faced by SMEs, the Environmental Compliance Assistance Programme (ECAP) proposes a multiple action plan:
This is an important part of the EU's role.
His title implies some sort of oversight role which is wholly inappropriate.
The first guideline concerns the procedures and principles for improving cooperation and conduct in international financial crises.
Mr Assange remained in Sweden for five weeks to answer the allegations, but he was not questioned as the investigation was unduly delayed.
We expect a resounding response from the Union on Friday.
I have been asked to prepare this report.
Concerning Turkey, does not the President think that there is much that Turkey still needs to do in the field of human rights?
I am well aware that the worth of an MEP's work does not lie solely in attendances and absences, but I cannot understand the reason why we ourselves should half conceal this information, opening the door to the worst and most demagogic kinds of manipulation.
It is therefore of great importance that, with the revised framework agreement, our institutions will now get a solid and formally agreed basis for mutual relations and will be able to start implementing all elements of the agreement in daily practice.
From now on, with the Framework Agreement, you are going to have the President of Parliament and the Conference of Presidents, from which the non-attached Members are excluded, in flagrant breach of the provisions of the Rules of Procedure.
This voice from the European Parliament is striving to make up for 10 to 20 years of delay.
in writing. - I support Mr Konrad's report on the programme for the modernisation of the European enterprise and trade statistics.
I think it was not without reason that in your speech, you did not mention foreign policy.
European neighbourhood policy (
For after all, the total chaos in air traffic experienced by passengers, and their complete lack of knowledge about when flights would be resumed, show the EU institutions, including principally the European Commission, in an extremely bad light.
If there is a desire to do something about the difficulties being experienced by the poor in paying for essential consumption, there are many other methods that can be used which do not involve green taxes.
Worst of all, they call into question the implementation of initiatives and investments which constitute gains and added value for the EU.
Drugs prevention and information (2007-2013) (vote)
The Commission has come forward with proposals to enhance parliamentary scrutiny and offers other compromise solutions, but these have failed to gain traction both in Parliament and in the Council.
Why do we have to learn through leaked documents that torture was inflicted and condoned in Iraq?
There are Roma in Finland too; there, the problem is mainly the low standard of education and consequent unemployment.
There are very significant health inequalities between countries and regions in the European Union.
I voted in favour of this report as I believe that the current financial, economic and social situation in the EU cannot prevent the institutions from employing strict management procedures so that the necessary savings may be achieved.
Member of the Commission. - Madam President, this debate has briefly but clearly shown once again our great concern at the situation in Tibet.
Unfortunately, only EUR 7 billion, or 1% of this money, has been received so far.
We are at a turning point.
My reaction upon reading the report was positive, which is why I voted in favour of it.
Happily, this did not happen in these countries.
In difficult economic times, it is easy to end up with a symbolic debate on Parliament's own costs and cost increases.
It will also assess the situation of other social economy enterprises and propose new actions if necessary.
As Mrs Ţicău pointed out, the UK is not party to the Visa Information System as the country is not in Schengen, so the UK has full control of its own borders.
In this regard, I would like to highlight the important role that will come to be played by the EU Parliamentary Assembly - Eastern Neighbourhood countries.
Frontex takes a step too far when it comes to coordinating the border controls and immigration policies of the Member States.
Countless dozens of texts have benefited from the work of our intergroups; there are tens of thousands of people, Mr President, and hundreds of institutions who have been received in Parliament thanks to the work of the intergroups.
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (DE) Mr President, paragraph 41 of the report reads: 'urges that under no circumstances should European space policy contribute to the militarisation and weaponisation of space'.
Hu Jia was born on 25 July 1973 in Beijing and is one of the most passionate defenders of human rights in the People's Republic of China.
As you know, this idea was launched here in Parliament three years ago, but there is still a long way to go and we still have to wait for this dream to come true.
- (EL) Mr President, Commissioner, the remit of the Bali Conference is to promote an ambitious and realistic post-2012 framework.
This monitoring system should be specifically designed to prevent social dumping.
From the Hungarian perspective, what is particularly valuable in the new institution is the opportunity to offer our own distinctive contribution to the process.
Moreover, Mexico itself, as a country of 100 million people and a vital EU strategic partner, has increasingly - and sadly - become an important market for cocaine.
Thirdly, we have given the package of pilot projects and preparatory measures, which was agreed between all the groups and has already been evaluated by the Commission, a range of impulses for new policy elements, new Community actions and possibly new legislation.
Marine regions are therefore working together in a variety of ways.
My conception of the social market economy is rather different - it would not include decentralised wage negotiations, quite the opposite, in fact.
As the shadow rapporteur of the PSE Group, I put forward the following proposals:
We think that this is good for Europeans - that it is good for our citizens.
What is preventing the Commission from doing something in this case?
The European Union's goal must be to eliminate the disparities between the new and old Member States, which are still quite significant.
I fully agree with Mr Trichet that the euro is not only a technical monetary arrangement but is rather the core political project of the European Union, which must be defended and developed in this European spirit, not least today and tomorrow, as the European Council is convening at a very critical moment.
Washington, with a happily retiring President, is responsible for having fuelled years of tension in the region.
I was therefore pleased to see the broad support in Parliament, as we have already achieved a great deal: firstly, a stable food supply for the population, secondly, maintenance and preservation of the cultural landscape and, thirdly, the renewal of important resources and protection of the environment and of the flora and fauna.
Your introductions, refreshing in their objectiveness, should set the tone for the whole of 2008.
Madam President, honourable Members, the Council would obviously like to reiterate that the free movement of persons is one of the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the treaty and secondary legislation deriving from it, and that this includes the right for citizens of the European Union to live and work in another Member State.
A more efficient - and that means a more coordinated - approach among Member States brings about the prospect of a win-win scenario, whereby the achievement of social and cultural goals is enhanced alongside the great benefit for Europe's economy.
- (PL) Mr President, during the last plenary session in Parliament we discussed the problem of rising food prices.
The vote will take place on Thursday, 7 October 2010.
The referendum on the constitution is polarising Venezuela because the new proposals concentrate political power and will not lead to an open, ideological and democratic society.
Therefore, I support this proposal and recommend to the Council that it should give careful consideration to this report.
Therefore, we cannot support this part of the amending budget in this respect.
It is even more amazing that the Council is hindering this from happening.
I regret the considerable step backwards from the position initially adopted by this House, on three main points.
Everyone knows that using the name Macedonia without any prefixes will meet with insuperable objections from Greece.
We also require a system of benchmarks, based on the horizontal social clause, to assess the relevance of all Single Market measures based on their social impact, tangibility and feasibility, to be used as a basis for future policy.
What are the formalities for collecting the signatures?
Madam President, on a point of order, I should like to inform the Members of this House that this morning the Court of First Instance in Luxembourg ordered that the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran should be taken off the EU terror list.
What binding legal instruments does the Council propose to ensure that companies respect the principles of due diligence and reporting and are punished in the event of violations of human or environmental rights within their area of responsibility?
There were no votes against, and I see no new reasons to change my opinion on this.
This objective needs to be brought into play more in the future.
The law in continental Europe, in particular, the former Eastern bloc, simply does not have that priority and it is ridiculous to pretend otherwise.
At any rate, I will try to be a little slower if that would make it better.
It is absolutely paramount to focus this support in the areas most affected by land abandonment.
23.
We tend to say that our children are our treasure. All treasures have to be protected against burglars.
Under the Czech presidency, talks will also continue on enlargement covering the countries of the Western Balkans and Turkey.
It is unacceptable, for example, that a website can explain how to make homemade bombs with complete impunity.
As Socialist coordinator on human rights, I also want to congratulate the High Representative on her strategic review of human rights and on the commitment in her letter to foreign ministers to integrate human rights with trade development and other EU policies and to achieve 'specific deliverables'.
There are, in fact, Member States that reward illegal aliens, the mass regularisations in Spain, Italy and Belgium, among others, being a case in point.
- Resolution:
The answer is 'not really'.
Finally, Mr Daul, who is the chair of the group which includes the representatives of Nea Dimokratia, should be a little more restrained in his criticism of other parties.
Millions of people have lost their jobs.
We must strive to ensure that our research is attractive and accessible for the world's best researchers, European enterprises and universities.
Tea drinkers are to oust the men who live by harvesting grapes and making wine in the Minervois, in Corbières and Costières and the Picpoul vineyards.
As rapporteur, I would like to point out that the majority of the Committee on Budgets decided to place the additional money in the reserve - it has thus not yet been agreed by the Committee on Budgets - and to demand a precise evaluation.
This is to the detriment of undertakings and workers in the European Union who, unlike their trade partners in non-EU Member States, are required to comply with more stringent social, environmental and fiscal standards.
As a new Member of this House, I would like you to clarify, with respect to Rule 2, whether a Member of this House is free to express his or her opinions without any censorship.
My second point is that the report mentions CCS technology as having the potential to meet our environmental targets while exploiting a source of energy - coal - that is largely available in Europe.
The Council must send the proposal for a Council decision and the text of the agreement to the European Parliament for its opinion.
But now I have to speak here on behalf of the Council so you need to respect certain legal grounds which are available to us, and the fact is that the budget and all those issues are important.
Madam President, let me begin by offering my thanks to Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel; Mr Barnier, President-in-Office of the Council; Mr Capoulas Santos, rapporteur; and also Lutz Goepel, for the cooperation we have had, as well as all members of the committee for their hard work, because we are 27 Member States and, whilst we do not quite have 27 positions on this report, we do still have quite a number, and we came together in committee to reach what I consider is a sensible compromise.
But we know that Greece has no intention of leaving the eurozone.
Madam President, when we Romanians were a candidate country, we were lectured amongst others by people like former Commissioner Frattini about the absolute need to respect the rights of minorities, including the Roma.
We must be sure that our children are safe, not only on the Internet, but in public and private institutions as well.
The previous speakers have said it already: the European Union must stop supplying weapons to the region immediately.
Manufacturers' results are falling.
We need to coordinate information better in order to combat this growing phenomenon more effectively.
I call on all those who rightly advocate a dialogue, a debate with Hamas, not to be naïve, to bear in mind the fact that a debate must be held with Hamas in order to improve the situation in Gaza, since they hold the power, but, at the same time, to realise that Hamas's strategy requires there to be casualties.
What is most important at this moment is that the EU finds a way of liberalising the entry visa regime.
Personally, I am prepared to talk and there are ways of achieving an effective level of transparency, but I beg you, do not keep talking about 'transparency', 'control', about how things should be ...
I found an answer in the strategic nature of the document, which showed me the two pillars on which I came to base my work: firstly completeness, so as not to leave any gaps or underestimate the importance of any of the numerous aspects of the subject in hand; and practicality, so as to be able to draw up a genuinely future-oriented document identifying effective instruments and solutions.
Secondly, as has also already been said, I am in favour of the Commission setting up a network of independent experts responsible for proposing the most appropriate restrictive measures to the Council based on the situation, producing regular reports on the development of the situation on the basis of the criteria and objectives established, and, if appropriate, proposing improvements in the application of sanctions.
If the industry wants uniform cucumbers in uniform jars of uniform weight, that is up to the industry and not the European Union or the European Parliament.
I should like to say to Mr Dos Santos that these indicative limits have nothing to do with health or with Luxembourg.
The fight against terrorism is, and remains, a foreign policy priority for both the European Union and the United States.
Now at last it is time to open our eyes.
It expects to inform Ireland of its results in July of this year.
Consequently, I believe that it is very important that such a tone, a tone demanding the restoration of constitutional power and the restoration of President Zelaya, serves as Parliament's identifying feature.
Furthermore, if the members of the European Council had opened the windows of their meeting room on 18 October, they would have been able to measure the strength of this disaffection in person, as expressed on the streets of Lisbon by the largest demonstration seen in Portugal in the last 20 years, and I think that neither Mr Sócrates nor Mr Barroso will contradict me on this point.
(FR) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, this is a fascinating debate, and yet I should like to say, perhaps rather bluntly, that we should not confuse the issue.
However, this plan must not detract from the EU's focus on the Eastern Partnership.
It is also a fact, however, that the Commission is not forcing anyone to do that.
Financing options for cross-border projects already exist in the Civil Justice Programme, where the use of videoconferencing features as a priority.
The Treaty of Lisbon was signed under dictatorial circumstances, which means that it cannot have any democratic consequences.
Irrespective of our analysis of what is happening in Belarus, we cannot be complicit in this blatant attack on the independence and national sovereignty of this country, encouraging direct interference in its internal affairs and manipulating events that only the Belarusians and the authorities of the country are entitled to resolve, in order to try and align the state and its authorities with the interests of the European Union.
I shall read the following, from the French response.
Baroness Ashton, you are quite right to be concerned, because the situation in Afghanistan is extremely severe, particularly from the viewpoint of human rights.
Several amendments would have considerably worsened the report, including the proposal that the EU should become a 'nuclear-weapons-free zone'.
You are now going to ask them to include an additional phrase: 'traditional wine', for wine made in the conventional way, because our Spanish friends need to sell their surplus of white wine, since they have not been grubbing up.
The people whose situation is continuously worsening are those with actual needs, those who are incapacitated and live with severe disabilities: we see more and more examples of widespread abuse, for example, in the area of disability pensions, which bring down the standard of provisions.
I do not wish to reiterate the importance of these companies to our socio-economic fabric, and therefore I hope that a dialogue can be initiated with small and medium-sized enterprises that will help speed up procedures and eliminate as much red tape as possible.
I believe it is one of the greatest innovations of our Lisbon Treaty and I am committed to reinforcing cooperation with the European Parliament in the field of external affairs in general.
In Greece alone, the estimated number of victims of trafficking for prostitution has been increased to 40 000 a year, including women and children, but excluding other forms of trafficking.
I believe that announcing 2009 as the European Year of Creativity and Innovation will be effective in helping to raise people's awareness, to spread information about good practice and to stimulate research and creativity and, above all, will stimulate a discussion about policy and the changes that should be initiated so that creativity and innovation gain more support from companies, European institutions and Member States.
Both must ensure the stability, growth, fairness and sustainability that our citizens demand.
If we fail to denounce this ethnic cleansing, why would the occupiers ever even consider allowing them to return back to their homes, towns and villages?
That should go hand in hand with real progress in the area of democracy and the rule of law.
In their missions, they are working to protect the civilian population, mainly women and children, against violence. The Polish armed forces have also been involved in the peace missions.
In addition, I call on the Commission to support the claims for damages being brought against the companies responsible by the duped farmers who unknowingly poisoned their own cattle.
They expect answers from us, they expect protection and, above all, they need answers now and not in a few months' time.
Otherwise, all EU Member States, not just Greece, will face serious problems, because two thirds of EU Member States have an excessive deficit.
Studies of individual accidents have shown that, among other reasons, they took place because of negligence and a failure to comply with the law.
That is a challenge.
It goes without saying that the banks cannot be allowed to lead Parliament on a merry dance any longer.
Overall, what is certainly clear is that we have a shared agenda as globally relevant partners and we have to find ways to sort out our differences and seek convergence.
The essence of the 'Green New Deal' development plan put forward by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and President Barack Obama is to link economic stimulus with environmental investments and with support for increased energy efficiency and environmentally friendly technologies.
They cannot imagine what war might be like.
We are not protesting against justice, but against politically imposed abuses.
While there was profit all around the world, there was normalcy; now that losses occur, it is the fault of capitalism.
However, I will be very happy to consider this problem further.
'Evidence' of non-respect will be much harder to prove than 'reason to believe'.
The key individuals have left.
What sources are available to support the further evolution of solar thermal electricity?
I refer here to Mrs Parvanova's question about possible stand-alone proposals on interoperability.
Especially in times of economic turmoil, it is important that we offer solutions to the people.
I intended my presence to be a message: even if this decision is painful for many, it was announced in circumstances where we were not afraid.
Secondly, the proposed catch certificate is positive.
This legislative initiative on the control of 'executive instruments' by the Commission has been imposed by the Treaty of Lisbon, which includes this under the legislative powers of the European Parliament.
However, since the voting procedure forces me to take a view of the group of amendments as a whole, I have chosen to abstain from voting on Block 3.
Airline companies have no legal obligation to insure against a collapse and so some of them do not take out such insurance.
Solutions to such problems can be found through the flexibility provisions in the regulations to be adopted at national level.
We must hope that the Commission is doing its homework and will be more specific in the 2008 Green Paper on the rights of the child.
The report sets out a list of transparency rules that apply today to the different players in the financial markets in the EU.
A review, if it is to be carried out, must not focus solely on the single aspect of the internal market.
What we should have at the end of this crisis is a more sustainable economy with decent work, with quality public services and fair globalisation, moving towards the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.
After losing visual perspective, an untrained pilot has about 50 seconds to regain it before losing control of his aircraft.
Coordinated action means, above all, cooperation within the EU, as well as strong links with the United States: cutting our links with the United States in the fight against terrorism would be an extremely serious mistake, and would cause very severe damage to the population of the European Union as a whole, but there should also be links with the moderate Arab countries, including those in Al-Qaida's sights.
I echo the conclusions of the rapporteur, especially those that concern the importance of SMEs to European economies and the need to facilitate access to finance as well as the need for greater encouragement for SMEs to enhance innovation, thus increasing competitiveness.
These principles are, and must also continue to be, the starting point for cooperation in the area of asylum and migration.
The first one is the almost total concentration of the daily newspapers in the hands of foreign (specifically German) syndicates, whose economic and political interests clearly contradict the objective interests of the Czech Republic, in particular with regard to the pluralist view and media independence.
The proposal included in the report is aimed at improving the comparability and completeness of the statistics transmitted, as well as the efficiency of the data processing, including improved data evaluation.
The presence at the negotiations in Geneva of the Commissioner who is here today was also appreciated.
On the other hand, however, it does not criticise or propose alternatives to the neoliberal and restrictive policies of the Stability and Growth Pact, which are causing so many problems for SMEs and the general public.
Having said all this - and I am about to finish - and with the understanding that shared aims should not exclude reasoned and reasonable criticism, I am convinced that the imminent summit between the EU and India will be a success.
(IT) As regards the Ţicău report, I voted in favour of the common position on updating the directive on the energy performance of buildings, because the aim is that, from the end of 2020, all newly constructed buildings will have an energy balance equal to zero, an aim that the European institutions must make every effort to achieve.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue card question under Rule 149(8))
I am also convinced that, together, we will succeed in building this criminal justice area, this area of law which should characterise a community of citizens which quite rightly have the right to enjoy quality justice, in whichever Member State they find themselves.
I believe I do not need to point out how extremely important these two sectors are for European economic growth and employment.
I believe it should help to ensure proper linkage of relief, rehabilitation and development operations.
It is, after all, an important question, as it ultimately affects every single citizen.
Democratic governments cannot turn their backs on the victims of terrorism; they have already paid the highest price in the fight for liberty.
It simplifies matters considerably, and we are seeing the effects of that.
I therefore disagree in this regard with the decision of the majority in Parliament and the Council.
The question that I want to ask and that we are all going to ask is: who are you?
The Swedish Presidency will work towards agreement on this in the Council by the end of the year.
As many as 1 500 websites where children are sexually abused were discovered in 2008.
I support all the efforts that have been made in this regard, which are restoring public confidence in the markets.
The Commission in its communication 823 on coordination put forward a proposal to create a mechanism for an effective resolution of disputes connected with international double taxation problems in the EU but due to insufficient support from the Member States, as the MEP mentioned here, the Commission abandoned this request in favour of other initiatives.
(PT) The aim of this report on the ERDF is to broaden eligibility for intervention in the housing sector in favour of the marginalised communities of our Member States.
At that time, he was appointed Minister of the Interior.
We have a compromise in which one of the priorities is combating proliferation.
That being so, it seems to me that a certain number of guarantees have been obtained on the purpose of the data, on the use to which the data may be put and on the storage of the data.
I fully support the Committee on Budgetary Control's decision to postpone granting discharge to the European Medicines Agency in the light of what I feel are some very serious points.
All matters worth discussing.
I am afraid that attempts to speed up and deepen integration and to shift decision making affecting living standards of Member State citizens more and more to a European level may have repercussions endangering everything positive that has been achieved in Europe over the past half century.
Meanwhile, the Commission will continue preparatory work on the pilot project within the framework of an ERA-NET network and within the framework of an administrative arrangement with the Joint Research Centre in Ispra in close collaboration with the Member States.
The European Union must make every effort to establish at global level a policy on adapting to climate change.
This is why I fully identify with the principles for its provision such as humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, immediacy and effectiveness.
I want to speak for the record and for the sake of democracy in this Chamber.
Madam President, Commissioner Ashton, ladies and gentlemen, I think it is very important for the European Parliament to take the opportunity offered by this debate with a view to the March elections in Iraq.
By the way, at my recent meeting with President Medvedev, I once again made the point about the supply of energy from Russia to Lithuania.
This is why it is essential to adapt the Community policies to take account of this constraint resulting from insularity and remoteness.
Ladies and gentlemen, I endorse the Wallis report.
This should be an important criterion for future assessments of other measures taken by the central bank.
As long as we continue to consider the 2020 Strategy as too big and too ambitious to be squeezed into a practical document like the budget, I think we will achieve nothing more than increasing the risk of another failure, which is exactly what nobody wants, starting with the Commission, if I remember the first communication on the 2020 Strategy correctly.
However, there is only one Internet service provider who has a monopoly of broadband in the town and, although it is expanding, the connection is extremely slow and simply not conducive to running a business.
May I be so bold as to hope that Afghanistan will rapidly introduce a moratorium on execution of the death penalty.
As someone who hails from the only region in France to share a border with three other EU Member States and who represents a constituency that is particularly affected by cross-border issues, I am very sensitive to these problems.
I therefore ask the European Parliament to decide on expressing its consent to the banana trade agreement tomorrow.
Indeed, as is argued, finding solutions for common problems in Europe is a challenge for faster development, greater cost efficiency and increased creative strength.
At the same time, financial speculation on food commodities that leads to volatility in food commodity prices is adding to this scenario, as are extreme weather events and the constant increase in bioethanol production instead of food.
It is also most unfortunate that the Members of this Parliament were not properly consulted or kept informed; this has never happened before - a major opportunity has been missed by the Commission and the First and the Deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland, and not one extra euro has been given.

I would like the European Union to consider the ramifications of the application of such inhumane laws on relations with Pakistan.
For example, they confiscate lipstick.
As yet there are no test criteria, even though judgments have already been made - judgments that the stress tests are too soft, disappointing or inadequate.
That will be crucial in order to guarantee all the rights that Parliament is going to reinforce on the basis of Mrs Gräßle's report.
Especially during the current financial and economic crisis, we are being very clearly reminded once again of the negative effects of globalisation.
It is the competence of the national authorities and courts to apply that right, and we are awaiting the outcome of court decisions in some countries.
I would reiterate that reaching a legally binding international agreement in Copenhagen that is ambitious, realistic and involves all parties is also a matter of social justice.
Lastly, Mrs in 't Veld and Mrs Stihler brought up the issue of more sophisticated programmes and more sophisticated instruments.
So did Italy's.
If this is to change in future, it is important that the balance between freedom and security is preserved.
This is only an offer; acceptance is voluntary.
Since preventing and fighting terrorism are one of the top priorities among the European Union's internal actions, this objective is explicitly included under Article 75 of the Treaty of Lisbon.
Our group supports free and equal access to the treatment people need, so we reject this proposal.
The EGF was set up in 2006 to provide practical support to workers made redundant either for reasons associated with the relocation of their companies or, following the 2009 amendment, on account of the economic crisis, in order to assist their reintegration into the labour market.
Furthermore, I voted against the EEAS, because it is designed to be a tool for the further militarisation of the European Union, as it also includes military action, even in cases of humanitarian assistance and intervention.
Mr Ferrari, you propose continuing to observe and monitor the use and improvement of passive safety systems and the potential use of new active safety systems and then, if necessary, suggesting amendments to existing legal provisions.
I therefore call for a solution that would respect the principles of openness and transparency.
in writing. - (SK) Reserves of raw materials for the production of traditional hydrocarbon fuels are constantly declining and therefore the subject of research and development of new alternative drive systems in the motor vehicle industry is most urgent.
This is the first application to be examined under the 2011 budget, and it relates to the mobilisation of the total sum of EUR 453 570.
This is the key point, and it is why we believe that the Commission's proposal was better.
Good cooperation between the European Union and Ukraine is very important, especially for neighbouring countries.
Independently of all this, which is already rather a lot, we also need to understand we are facing a difficult economic and social crisis, the extent of which we do not yet know.
The Commission has just told us that there is clear research, but the opinion being expressed here is that this is not the case.
The general aim of the report, namely to strengthen coordination between EU economies, is undoubtedly a good one, but the same cannot be said of the mechanisms that are meant to achieve it.
This amendment reconfirms the principle that life forms and living processes must not be subject to patents.
This is needed to boost hopes of maintaining the comparative advantage of the EU's developmental capabilities.
(Applause)
With regard to the social aspects that have been raised, there is the social dialogue committee which, in 2005, discussed an agreement on working time for international traffic.
Against a background where speculators are jeopardising the stability of the single currency on a daily basis by isolating and exerting pressure on Member States, the solution can only be achieved by maintaining solidarity at EU level.
Subject: Protection of the textile and clothing industries in the context of international trade
We must not allow a message to be sent to the car industry to focus on bio-fuels instead of more efficient cars
Moldova needs the European Union to be a trustworthy partner.
Look at my date of birth; I was born on the 13th, so it is excellent.
Sustainability and growth are two buzzwords often heard, above all, in industrial policy, but their implementation is seriously in doubt, due, primarily, to the lack of available resources.
Irrationally enough, the Chinese Government does not take hold of this helping hand, but strikes it down repressively.
The current situation is bizarre, trekking as we do backwards and forwards between Brussels and Strasbourg at vast cost in time and money.
The amendment which called for the phasing out of nuclear power was voted down.
Mutual aid and assistance in the event of natural disasters is a true sign of active European solidarity and is therefore to be welcomed and supported.
At the same time, nor is the creation of a framework of specifications for legal immigration a way to combat illegal immigration.
Or should we not exercise a little restraint in these matters?
First, it has claimed that 90% of energy efficiency measures can be financed by developing countries themselves.
They have not done so - Italy, for example has not - and so we find cities, such as the capital of Christianity, invaded by Roma and Romanians who commit crime, rape and other unlawful acts but are not thrown out.
The Council took into account, thanks to the excellent cooperation we have had with Mrs Klamt, numerous areas of discussion from the European Parliament, be it the definition of the card beneficiaries, its delivery conditions, the attention paid to the ethical recruitment method and the possibilities for circular migration, as well as the elimination of discrimination based on age or the necessary flexibility regarding card validity.
(PL) Mr President, Belgium, which is one of the six founding states of the European Union, has recently ended its six-month Presidency.
You also raised the question of subsidiarity, and wondered whether a European initiative was needed.
The recruitment of teaching staff from the relevant communities is one way for us to ensure that these children have contact with the culture of their country of origin and that the experiences derived from immigration are shared.
They end up as huge documents that lack transparency and are difficult to transpose into the legislation of all countries.
I would like to ask Mr Barrot a question: why, after a popular referendum in Switzerland said 'no' to minarets, did the European Commission, the European Union, the United Nations, the Arab League and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference all rally round to condemn the outcome of that referendum - even though Switzerland is not a member of the European Union - yet today, you are taking a neutral position over a question which concerns our roots, our identity and our soul?
In general this report and our White Paper agree that the general orientation of physical education does not necessarily correspond to today's societal needs.
Critical words were spoken by my colleague Mr Duff regarding the position of the British Government, which demanded an opt-out.
The effects of these regulations chiefly impinge on women, and they should be changed as soon as possible.
What a contrast to the openness and promptness of China in helping the survivors in Sichuan!
There is no reason to believe that, given a concentrated, targeted effort and substantial research resources, Europe should not be able to achieve the objectives it has set itself, and make itself the leading industry within the automotive sector that it already is.
Questions Nos 14, 15 and 16 have been withdrawn.
I had a choice: I could ask for everybody's opinions and take no action, or act and then check whether the others agreed.
Resumption of the session
We shall see what it does with it.
Events in North Africa demonstrate the important contribution Turkey has to make, spreading stability and democratic values.
That we set up a fund in order to aid these refugees is completely acceptable to me insofar as there are currently millions of citizens in the EU living in existential uncertainty and extreme poverty.
I shall fight to safeguard the European added value of cohesion policy at regional level.
in writing. - I support the recommendations in this report on improving market access to China, lifting barriers to trade by increasing accessibility of foreign companies in China and focusing on creating a level economic playing field.
President Sarkozy, I was under the impression that you were speaking here in your capacity as President of the European Council, and I responded in my capacity as chairman of a group in the European Parliament.
1.
I believe the European Parliament should take a position on this question at the first reading, since it will be difficult to persuade European taxpayers to continue providing unconditional aid to Russia when it is spending money on wars beyond its borders.
Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government'.
Thirdly and finally, the full implementation of the repair clause should result in falling car insurance premiums.
How are you going to ensure this, and what timetable are you working to?

As Mr Barroso said earlier, the Commission has today taken a decision on the first measures that we are to be responsible for, namely the citizens' initiative.
They can either recognise the rights of Parliament and its projects or they can humiliate Parliament, in which case there will be no budget.
We need to have better co-ordination of economic policy but taxation policy must remain in the hands of Member States.
I would like to make you aware of the Green Weeks that are taking place in Brussels this week and in Luxembourg and Strasbourg in the next two weeks.
The implementation of the so-called San José Agreement, which should provide the necessary framework and conditions to restore democracy and the constitutional order in Honduras, has not progressed after the National Unity Government nominated on 5 November was rejected by President Zelaya.
The European Court of Justice, in view of the public interest, acknowledged the right of governments to ban or to restrict online gambling.
Political responsibility for the way forward now rests with the Irish Government and its Taoiseach, Brian Cowen.
Written statements (Rule 142)
These efforts have been artificially stimulated by the increase in costs of generating energy in coal-fired power stations.
This report is on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council directive amending Directive 2000/25/EC as regards the provisions for tractors placed on the market under the flexibility scheme.
Finally, a word on the delivery channels for climate funding.
This would strengthen the national regulators and take care of health and safety issues in Europe.
However, the subject of photovoltaic modules remains a problem.
The procurement decision would thus in future not be based solely on the price of the vehicle but also on the environmental costs that it involves throughout the vehicle's life.
We must look at how those political parties, so necessary for shaping the people's will, are funded.
If we all pull together effectively, we should be able to use our power to open up these markets.
Vice-President designate of the Commission. - Mr President, as the Presidency said, the questions you have put forward raise important issues in relation to the future management of restrictive measures or sanctions in the EU.
Burundi was spared the massive campaign by the Hutu majority in neighbouring Rwanda to the north to wipe out the troublesome Tutsi minority.
We must also demand an adequate assessment of the effect of the northern gas pipeline on the environment.
10.
Economic immigration is a reality that must be organised, but it is also a necessity with regard to the democratic and economic challenges which will face the European Union in the near future.
Russia collaborates directly with EU Member States because the EU does not have any coherent or coordinated energy policy.
It is very clear.
Four years passed and nothing happened.
This triple legislation package will simplify paper work whilst making it easier for Member States to improve surveillance on the EU market, which does not work at just one level today.
The UNRRA (United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration) is obliged to block aid to the poorest families.
The issue is that Europe, I repeat, must be ready to meet international timescales, bearing in mind the 2009 timetable, and must be ready to take the desired initiatives in Poznań, at the conference which has just opened, and in Copenhagen next November.
If you are now telling us to wait for better times and if you agree with Jean-Claude Juncker, who said yesterday that we have done enough, then I say: you have not done enough - people expect more from Europe than you are saying today.
The main concern I and many of my colleagues had in relation to the 2008 budget was ensuring full Community financing for the launch of the Galileo project, and consequently the European Technology Institute, without jeopardising the funding for programmes aimed at implementing the Lisbon Strategy.
Should we cut back on agricultural aid?
I would like to ask you to participate fully in this debate, explaining that this is not about a centrally imposed diktat.
I can assure you that Spain is not the worst and certainly will not be so in the next few years because we are going to make a huge national effort to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to invest in alternative renewable energies and to pursue a policy of energy efficiency and saving.
deputising for the author. - Mr President, unfortunately, Mr Evans has had to return to the United Kingdom.
Everyone says that it will never be introduced unless all the Member States do so at the same time.
In granting discharge for the Council's budget for 2007, we have demonstrated our positive attitude.
He lost his case in the Belgian court system and in the European Court of Justice, but now he has been cleared by the European Court of Human Rights.
In Agenda 2020, European leaders came up with a plan to revive our economy, but they did not say how it was going to be financed and controlled or what the incentives or possible sanctions would be.
By that, I mean both the basic principles and the sums allocated.
European efforts should be directed towards seeking an agreement that places an obligation on all parties.
We want a strong Europol.
In any case, one of the French Presidency's ambitions, looking in particular towards the October European Council, is to raise these issues and to look at them together.
The European project will only be viable if we are able to ensure that disadvantaged groups in society are able to exercise their rights.
One is the deputy head of al-Qa'ida in Yemen, and one has blown himself up.
The solution lies in concerted action; local authorities, governments and the European Community all have a role and a responsibility in this regard.
The vote will take place on Thursday, 13 December 2007.
The funding for the new CAP must be linked to results, so as to prevent waste and various kinds of speculation.
in writing. - By adopting this resolution, Parliament emphasises the need to maintain a balance between the three dimensions of the OSCE, developing them coherently and comprehensively and building on what has already been achieved.
Everything that was good about Britain is gradually being destroyed by membership of this malignant organisation known as the European Union.
Firstly, in an integrated Europe, systemic risks cannot continue to be regulated at national level.
We have no wish to be fobbed off any longer; what we want is efficiency at long last.
The political and economic situation in Zimbabwe has reportedly assumed 'life-threatening proportions'.
In the second week of March, we are planning to have a comprehensive text, including a recommendation, which will be open to discussion and amendments and which will wind up with a debate in plenary with the participation of the High Representative, who, to our knowledge, is not available this week.
We therefore call on the Commission to launch, in conjunction, of course, with the 27 Member States - as the Commissioner mentioned - an information campaign aimed at parents-to-be, so that these donations become a reality, if not a necessity.
In the case of Romania, this will have extremely severe consequences on the whole economy, and the industry will be seriously affected.
Lastly, I believe that we must hold a genuine political debate at European level on what we mean by services of general interest and on the rules that we wish to apply to them.
Approval of the guidelines for the Europe 2020 strategy and the 'alleged' Community economic support mechanism are two sides of the same coin.
Such guarantees will make the European Union and its institutions more democratic, and more directly accessible and more verifiable for half a billion European citizens.
Nuclear disarmament?
The authorities in Zimbabwe seem not to notice the seriousness of the situation and have taken no action.
Often, it has simply been reinvested in assets bearing higher interest.
Unfortunately, it is this question that we are forced to ask the Council.
Of course, Iran can always derive a degree of influence through proxies, but that would probably not prove decisive in gaining control in those countries.
We cannot go on as we did before and Mrs Grossetête is absolutely right about that.
The idea of a charter that would create a single piece of legislation covering consumer rights that are currently included in a number of European directives and numerous national implementation instruments was rejected for legal reasons.
We all want an effective and credible Commission, one that makes full use of its power of initiative and that is not scared to practise the Community method.
We must ensure that they can continue to fulfil their vital functions unimpeded in future, too.
On that point, I consider its advocacy of the establishment of a minimum income threshold in all Member States to be of great value, so that everyone, whether or not they are employed, can live with dignity.
It is therefore important that we here in Parliament and in the Commission really look closely at how PNR data will be used.
The agreement also provides for the compulsory employment of local seamen, that is from Guinea-Bissau, in accordance with the vessel's gross tonnage.
The future needs Europe more than ever.
This category must also be clearly defined and taken into account in the statistics.
The Council's climate policy has such large holes in it that it can only be compared with a fishing net for catching whales!
To date, restrictions have already been imposed on mercury, lead, cadmium and a number of flame retardants on the basis of the current RoHS Directive.
Further reductions in asbestos in Europe must be welcomed unreservedly.
I believe we must be very careful not to put the European Union's internal cohesion at risk.
That is a real shame in all senses of the word.
At the very least this is what I will take home with me, in order to work on what must be good democracy: the democracy of respect for pluralism and for the pursuit of our common goals.
I believe that this would deepen the partnership even further and really help us to make more progress.
We have six legislative proposals, two of which are Council regulations and four are joint regulations of the Council and the European Parliament.
Despite the fact that most measures concern female victims of sexist violence, it should be specified that any other victim of violence, including children, can enjoy the benefits of this initiative.
Owing to current deficiencies in this regard, a great many women may still be subject to negative discrimination in the workplace even today.
It is more than natural that I say a word about Georgia.
This is a reminder to all European Parliament delegations that all of them are entitled and obliged to exercise their duty in respect of human rights when they visit countries.
Companies throughout Europe should be able to operate in an environment free from excessive burdens.
We must also have specific requirements and standards concerning the quality of information and the method of promotion.
Other amendments above the draft budget are also proposed and some of them could be implemented if there were a legal base.
Note the growing use of information and the ever-increasing storage of data - including biometric data - available to a wider set of bodies, including third countries, for example the access of US bodies to air passenger data.
The fact that they are doing this, and personally witnessing the level of destruction, makes them privileged witnesses of what happened and focuses people's attention on what is most important now: urgent aid.
Frontex is responsible for the coordination of the Member States' border controls, but it has no mandate within sea rescue, for example.
We should link countering climate change with limiting changes in the global market that are detrimental to us. I am referring, in particular, to the meteoric rise in the price of gas and oil, of which we are the largest importer.
Not an easy undertaking.
Will the European Parliament be more vigorous in order to take an active role in the approval of these reforms?
That is the progress that has been made, the improvements on last year's tests that you quite rightly hoped for and which have been made this year.
Whilst the Dutch Party for Freedom (PVV) supports animal welfare, this is a matter for the Member States and not for the EU.
Hence, it is vital that we continue to work to establish peace, stability, democracy and human rights.
Now, about parliamentary assistants, you know that at present parliamentary assistants are not covered by the Staff Regulations, they are a kind of special staff members in Parliament, but you know also that negotiations are ongoing to settle this and to have more precise rules, and then we can also consider what to do about access to the European Schools for the children of parliamentary assistants.
As it happens, in the countries where the people were allowed to speak their minds - in France, the Netherlands and Ireland - the Treaty of Lisbon, otherwise known as the European Constitution, was consigned to the wastepaper basket.
In addition, there can be no effective, lasting fight against terrorism, in particular, by means of weapons, as terrorism always finds a way.
As far as the management of external borders is concerned, Frontex has an important role to play in a number of ways, including the monitoring of the EU's external borders and providing operational support.
What follow-up will there be on those safety assessments?
The framework agreement text as negotiated will, in practice, give us all necessary possibilities to find solutions in the interests of both Parliament and the Commission without disregarding the rights and interests of other institutions.
(Applause)
We have been working on a European directive since 2001 without seeing any results.
May I add that preventing crime should not mean more - and only more - coercive measures.
Dates of forthcoming sittings: see Minutes
Therein lies the greatness of the European Union and also its unpredictability given the necessary process of establishing a common will shared by 27 countries, 27 flags, 27 states, 27 nations, 20 languages and a wealth of ideologies that can be seen here in the European Parliament.
Ladies and gentlemen, we urgently need to tackle this problem.
Now let us be clear: some Member States are against it.
Let me conclude by thanking the rapporteur, Jo Leinen, the shadow rapporteur, Mr Martin, and all the members of the Committee on the Environment and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs for their constructive approach and their very valuable contributions.
Judging by the newspaper stories on the integrity of police forces in certain Member States, we should all be concerned about that sharing of data.
They have not understood a thing, for teaching someone a lesson is a dismal way of educating them and one that has never worked.
The new European regulations establish common requirements for the authorisation and supervision of hedge funds, but they are far from preventing the continuation of serious systemic risk.
The upshot of this report is that no single restriction is stopping the development of ever more and exceptionally polluting coal-fired power stations, in which case the football pitch serves as a fig leaf for a distant future.
Future trialling of the joint strategy and the action plan adopted will be in the hands of the Portuguese Presidency.
Just imagine that the EU had no budget next year while the euro was in a tailspin.
However, we also stand to gain from an ideological point of view.
(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the ever-increasing mobility of European citizens clearly means that consulates must work together.
We should not believe that we can get away with simply bashing Belarus, because there are severe problems in Azerbaijan and in several other Eastern Partnership countries, and I hope that the forthcoming study commissioned by the Subcommittee on Human Rights will give some guidance on how we should talk to these countries about their human rights situation.
(BG) Madam President, I congratulate Mrs Oomen-Ruijten for the fine job she has done.
In the ex-ante procedure, we do not engage with governments where we see no hope of good governance.
For the Commission this judgment means that it loses one of the key arguments that it has used in all infringement cases.
I now add that we must help Bulgaria and Romania.
I understand that some people in this House interpret the Rules and I understand that to mean that we are within our Rules on this.
The Hungarian Presidency will carry on the work of its Belgian predecessor.
As I said, it has been doing and will continue to do everything it can, as was, in fact, recognised by Qimonda's German workers during the recent official visit by the President of the Portuguese Republic.
However, we do not believe that the overall level of the EU budget needs to be increased.
These findings by the economists and the academics are quite surprising to me.
We must ensure that masters' students, doctoral candidates, researchers and academics from less-developed third countries can return to their places of origin once their period of study has ended, thus avoiding any 'brain drain'.
We must continue on this path and convince the public that their money, which is funding the European Union budget, is in good hands.
Firstly, women gained access to education and training on the same footing as men.
It is particularly ironic that states who have already achieved a great deal in this area are being given additional ambitious tasks.
The European Union's current Treaty provides quite clearly that the EU budget cannot be used for military purposes.
We have to make a distinction between delocalisation outside the European Union and relocation in Europe.
Mr President, the reason I wanted to make a one minute speech tonight is because I am concerned that, in Ireland, Ryanair are about to make a bid for the national airline, Aer Lingus.
(EL) First of all, I should like to express my condolences to the families of the victims of today's attacks in Athens.
In my view, if Member States dropped their current reservations, we could have a Single European Sky in next to no time.
The people of Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina are expecting that from us.
Where else on the planet could you find such a dramatic imbalance as this in the area of human health?
Now we should go the rest of the way together.
Yet there is no coherent political message to them on land use and using their land to grow energy crops.
Young people in particular are in a quagmire.
But there is also the mid-term budget review, and it seems to me we have almost forgotten about that.
Quite apart from the ethical arguments, however, it is also economically insane at a time like this to be imposing additional costs on Europe's economies.
In addition, no differentiation must be made between the Roma population and other social groups in similar situations when this financial support is allocated.
I trust those measures will have some important results.
To talk figures, violence against women in the home - to mention just this one, unfortunately very widespread, type - today costs us EUR 1 million every half an hour.
Agriculture has been and will remain the main source of food globally.
It is the number one priority.
The European Union currently imports about 50% of its energy needs, of which approximately 20% are sourced in the Gulf.
Thank you for the discussion.
To Europe's south, the picture is just as bad.
With all due respect for the Irish vote, the EU of 27 cannot be taken political hostage by the limited number of opponents to the Lisbon Treaty.
The vote will take place on Thursday, 2 April 2009.
I voted in favour of this own-initiative report by the Italian Member of the Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left, Giusto Catania, on the future of the European Common Asylum System.
I believe, therefore, that we have grounds for holding a debate on this matter, and I think that recent events have shown that this is not really clear for any of us.
Implementation of the Baltic Sea strategy will be a long process that needs parliamentary supervision and, occasionally, reports.
I hope now that we can agree this directive at its second-reading stage.
Type-approval of hydrogen powered motor vehicles (
This new provision has the advantage that certain elements are determined in advance, so as to ensure a more efficient use of such an instrument.
It must be appreciated that shipping is one of the cleanest ways of transportation.
Only in cases where security interests require confidentiality will a lower level of transparency be permitted.
I am convinced that clearer and more readable information given to consumers will make it possible for consumers to make the best choices.
It would not only be wrong in principal, it would also give out the wrong signal, especially to our young people, who are constantly surfing the web and use these modern means of communication very heavily.
As concerns the cofinancing of waste management measures in Campania, in the 1994-1999 programming period, EUR 88.1 million were devoted to waste management projects, almost 49% cofinanced by the ERDF.
At a time when reducing emissions of CO2 and greenhouse gases along with investment in renewable energy and 'green' technology are priorities, this report is extremely timely.
We are not exposed to the imponderables of the age or the storms of globalisation.
As I have already said, it is essential that the European Union maintains, shall we say, its role as a leader and as an instigator paving the way for others in order to protect the environment and our planet.
We have a good system in England, under which when you are given such an interim measure, you have to provide an undertaking to the court, in damages, to respect the interests of third parties.
I agree with the proposal to include legally binding requirements concerning the inspection of specific facilities and operations in sectoral regulations.
We will certainly not contest the fact that we need to change our consumption and production patterns by switching to cleaner products.
There is something else we should do.
For the record, I would ask Vice-President Barrot to repeat his commitment to submit a report by 31 December 2012 and also to take further steps to open up the rail market.
Today we can thus deal with setting up the eight qualification levels covering general education, adult education, vocational education and training, and the three levels of tertiary education qualifications.
The report is, of course, the result of a lot of compromises, but in essence it takes a particularly critical stance while at the same time pointing in the right direction with regard to future discharge procedures.
In relation to remarks made by Mr Farage during the last plenary mini-session and pursuant to Rule 153(3) of the Rules of Procedure, I have spoken to Mr Farage and have decided to penalise him by withholding his daily subsistence allowance for a period of 10 days.
Taxation of unleaded petrol and gas oil (debate)
(FR) Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the launch of what was at the time the Mediterranean Union gave rise to controversy and concerns both in Europe and among our Mediterranean partners.
FGM not only causes very serious and irreparable injuries to the physical and mental health of women and girls, - in some cases has even been fatal - but is a violation of fundamental rights enshrined in international conventions, prohibited under the criminal law of the Member States and in breach of the principles laid down in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.
Draft scoreboard for the surveillance of macroeconomic imbalances (
The amount mobilised in support of these countries - EUR 182.4 million - represents only about 3% of the total damage, which is estimated at about EUR 5 512.7 million.
Two: the directives.
This is why I will now ask you to give the name of this person who is being talked about, because we must name people whose rights have been violated.
Systematic enforcement of human rights criteria is essential in preserving the credibility of the Union.
I voted in favour, above all because the increase affects two programmes, namely the Lifelong Learning and the Competitiveness and Innovation Programmes (CIP), that deserve the greatest support and the most resources from the European Union.
As someone just said, it has also been confirmed that small and medium-sized enterprises will be able to participate in the work of the EIT and enjoy its benefits.
In order to achieve this objective, Parliament must be informed regularly of any initiatives in this field.
There is evidence that, in the period 1992-2001, approximately 10 000 lorry-loads of cigarettes were smuggled into the EU via Montenegro, particularly heading for Italy.
I appreciate that very much and I wanted to make that point here in Parliament.
Up to 80% of mitigation and adaptation policies will be implemented at the local and regional levels.
A lack of cohesion is bad news, even for strong national economies.
They have very good reasons for doing so.
Their best interests must be taken into consideration, which means that compliance with relevant international conventions is required and recommended.
Tax revenue and the reduction of allowances and subsidies to tenants, pensioners, farmers and the working classes as a whole have been channelled into funding the monopolies.
As mentioned previously, the situation is particularly acute in Ireland, Greece and a number of other states.
What do you think about the various transport sectors, about the differences in their handling of passenger rights?
In my view, the new guardians of the external borders must actually have the capacities to perform their role.
Although the assessment carried out by Germany shows that the fear of an increase in forced prostitution and trafficking did not materialise in 2006, we welcome all initiatives aimed at informing public opinion, raising public awareness, preventing such heinous criminal phenomena and helping victims.
That just leads to hostility and ultimately to conflict.
However, if ever the fishing industry suffered a real crisis, it is the one it is going through right now.
The resignation of the President, on the basis of Article 50 of the present Kyrgyz Constitution, and his departure from the country is expected to reduce political tension.
Both are equally important, but the method need not always be the same, because the eastern neighbourhood policy also has this dimension of the European perspective, which means that there can be different starting points and, to a certain extent, different prospects too.
Nature has been kind to the country, from the beautiful coastline to the natural Bay of Kotor and the Durmitor mountain massif which is on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
For long-distance travel we have secured a system of compensation and assistance in the event of delays, which also covers people who regularly suffer delays, for example commuters and season ticket holders; we have assistance for the disabled at stations and on board trains, certainly on long-distance services and hopefully for all passengers as soon as possible; we have got provisions on the handling of complaints included in the directive.
The Commission is convinced that in the run-up to this summit, the opportunities and risks of European integration will become clearer than they have seldom been before.
As a Hungarian who was once forced to be a citizen of the Russian empire, it is especially difficult for me to draw this conclusion.
The GSP also releases countries from dependency on aid.
Furthermore, more work needs to be done to ensure the compliance of environmental standards in Canada with those in force in the EU.
Unfortunately, we have to wait for the effects of these provisions.
The first is: what budget is required for the 2020 growth and employment strategy?
Both the EU and China are acting to promote security, peace and sustainable development in Africa, but the EU is the greatest donor and the main trade partner for Africa as things currently stand.
If this humanitarian crisis is not tackled, we risk being faced with a situation that quickly spirals out of control.
They need help to become better qualified, through vocational training and advice.
It seems to me that we are shooting the messenger rather than getting to the heart of the problem.
The final text is very clear on this matter.
Commissioner, I know that you and your staff are fully aware that this is a controversial proposal that merits further examination in a number of areas.
This was a fact well noted by the many participants.
Throughout the EU, unemployment is also growing.
Mention has also been made of the arbitration agreement between Slovenia and Croatia.
This measure will facilitate legal immigration when it is necessary in order to meet the needs of the European labour market.
Russia is a gangster state where troublesome political opponents, dissenters and journalists are simply murdered.
We are now beginning to see the full effects of the economic crisis on people's health and on the health services.
Meanwhile, the global warming clock quietly ticks on.
On the other hand, the development of the legal framework allows us to encourage cooperation between the European Union and its eastern neighbours, because it ensures a stable environment for capital investments and for the application of human knowledge.
It is just as well - and congratulations to the rapporteur - that we are making a priority of policies concerning young people, education and mobility.
At that time, five-year contributions were agreed upon by those states in order to reduce economic and social disparities within the EEA; naturally, we support this aim.
What about Jerusalem, though?
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: Aragón - Retail trade from Spain (
The word 'ban' frightens me.
The EU clearly had to send out a signal that ships in very poor condition, uninsured and failing to comply with basic safety rules, were not welcome on European shores.
However, I do welcome it.
So I say to all these EU leaders who have kissed and hugged Gaddafi: shame on you!
So let us not get carried away in believing that everything is so rosy and everything is wonderful in the dairy sector - because it is not.
So, has this happened?
It looks like we are saying to people that we can change the Treaties, that we can go that far amid all the legal red tape, but that when it really comes down to it, we are not doing it either for the 2020 strategy to be taken seriously or for them to have jobs and growth.
We should not build a service which preserves the old national competition or the present bureaucratic structure.
Today we cannot imagine an event without the presence of church and charity organisations, without the presence of the Red Cross.
This must be said, Baroness Ashton, and we must not turn a blind eye.
Less travel must therefore not be an end in itself.
On this basis we will implement the discharge procedure for the European Commission.
Second, the directive clarifies the entitlements of patients and related conditions to receive health care in another Member State.
I want to support the statements of Members Nicholson and de Brún here today.
The content of the motion is the result of a consensus on many points and I shall just recall the main ones, with heartfelt thanks to the rapporteur for her constant willingness to cooperate.
I think this is a good start, but we can go further.
President Barroso, you should have enforced respect for the Community method in 2008, via the same statement you made yesterday.
The Commission does not have any enforcement powers; consumers who have purchased cross-border services can, however, complain to the European consumer centre in their home country, which should be able to help them receive redress from traders in other EU countries.
Power stations predating 1980 must be decommissioned.
The recommendations contained in the report are realistic and relevant, addressing real issues in this area.
Nonetheless, I hope that any potential relaxation of the Stability and Growth Pact will not be the only outcome of the European Commission's plan.
Cross-border healthcare is a fact, and patients' rights need to be protected in this regard.
However, lessons were learned from Piper Alpha and regulations were tightened up.
Cannibalism: never again!
Since the first Action Plan ends in 2010, I do not think it will be possible to achieve those targets.
We cannot have legal migration that works if we do not also work with integration and we cannot fight irregular migration if we do not have a proper and decent return and readmission policy.
In terms of strengthening relations with the EU, some countries in the region will progress faster than others.
One of the core objectives of the European Union is to have an area without barriers.
In the Green Paper, the Commission is proposing to achieve the environmental targets at a lower and a reasonable cost.
These are crucial missions which, in the space of around 10 years, have succeeded in proving their worth, but for which Parliament has already requested more resources and certainly more follow-up action - thank you, Mrs Malmström - but also more political consistency in terms of the way in which we monitor their legitimacy, and here I fully support what Mrs Joly said regarding some of our missions.
The regulation also states that the request must be presented in one of the official languages of the Member State in the receiving court or in any other language that the receiving Member State has indicated as acceptable but, as you have just underlined, language is not the least of the problems.
You were one of the best - thank you.
So I know how much we have to do and I am glad that finally the European Union has done much more than in the past, together, as I said, with the German Presidency.
Poor-quality EU tobacco grown with EUR 18 million of our taxpayers' money every year was dumped where it did most harm.
However, you, the members of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats, could now demonstrate whether you will put into practice what you, Mr Lehne, have said when you attacked me for saying something wrong - I may have been mistaken.
Sometimes no distinction is made at all and one situation is judged in the same way as another.
This means, in turn, that if a project has a chance of improving the habit of reading, it has a chance of improving the mind of the citizen, and in this way, the European Union would contribute to a strengthening of the quality of the education of its citizens and the way they function, and this would mean that in the Member States, those citizens would be more active and wiser and would be better citizens.
The Solidarity Fund was created in 2002 to be able to provide financial assistance at EU level to Member States affected by serious natural disasters.
To date we have squandered about EUR 1.5 billion and, if this state of affairs continues, we shall squander another 3.5 billion by 2013, compared with the real value of destroying the gas, which is a mere EUR 80 million.
Tackle the work on these two concerns that is overdue and get rid of any superfluous initiatives.
In order to ensure that the Union's values and interests are represented in a coherent and effective way in the UN system, it is necessary that the EU speaks with a single voice.
Without such a declaration, it is difficult to expect them to undertake all the difficult and comprehensive reforms, which involve many sacrifices and hard work.
This was in spite of statements made by international organisations that the elections in Kyrgyzstan had been conducted relatively correctly.
It sets requirements for the construction and functioning of motor vehicles, including frontal protection systems.
It is essential to build mutual trust, and we can build that mutual trust by an initiative in the area of regulation, such as, for example, the Arctic Charter.
A final word on the subject of Romania: I have listened to the Romanian MPs.
Madam President, my particular perspective in this debate is on the impact on the more peripheral airports and on airlines which are already in economic difficulties.
(PL) Mr President, five years ago, the Baltic Sea effectively became an internal sea of the European Union.
Hence, in France, the numerus clausus, or the number of students allowed to proceed to the second year, is around 7 000, whereas every year almost 3 000 doctors with degrees obtained outside Europe are allowed to practise in France.
For example, Boeing's current knowledge about composites, which is being used extensively in its new 787 Dreamliner, stems - by its own admission - from its work on developing the V-22, the F-22, the B-2 and the Joint Strike Fighter.
As stated in the resolution, the Commission and the Member States must make every effort to ensure that a proper portion of the money available for health care reaches poor people in developing countries and every effort must be made to ensure that health care services in poor areas are improved and supported.
Of course, to achieve the moderate savings pursued by the rapporteur and others within the Parliament, we need to ensure we also identify savings within the budget.
We can no longer leave the fate of the civilians in the hands of the opposing sides.
Thirdly, we recognise that many extremely valuable things have already been accomplished.
We shall always oppose this internationalist vision, the sole aim of which is purely and simply to destroy the peoples and nations of Europe.
This should not, however, prevent the necessary public investment which translates into medium- and long-term gain.
Mr President, honourable Members, as you know, our relations with the US and the transatlantic cooperation between the US and the EU are extremely important.
Perhaps I might expand on this by saying that our citizens also have a right to know how the European Union spends their taxes and where resources are wasted.
That was the case at the last Ministerial Troika meeting between the European Union and Turkey held in Ankara on 4 June.
I must also say that sometimes our focus is skewed.
The EU is indeed the world's largest economy.
In this context, I think that it is appropriate for me to remind you that the European Union must do its utmost to ensure that its Member States are treated equally by third countries which apply visa exemptions only for certain Member States.
It was not easy because some Member States opposed those measures, but we took them.
Mr President, the politicisation that is happening here has nothing to do with that.
The second thing is that you will see the structures very soon, and it is in there.
rapporteur. - Mr President, before starting to vote on the budgetary amendments, I would like to inform you of a limited number of technical adjustments that need to be made.
The vote will take place tomorrow.
Otherwise we would have had a dramatic crisis.
The second question is - we were talking about discrimination in providing public funds geographically or between nations and states - how about sectors?
Added to that there is the threat of terrorism and the huge upsurge in migration flows, the radicalisation of fundamentalists and extremists of various kinds, the increase in trafficking and the risk of a proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
We are seeing huge fluctuations in the price of commodities.
It is perfectly clear that the ratifications should stop now and the implementation of the Treaty should stop now.
There has never been an inspection process for nuclear power plants at European level.
Yes, we are facing serious challenges but, if you stand back and look at the facts, the European Union is meeting those challenges head on this year.
We also need to consult them about preventative measures.
The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty will modify the rules in the budget sector, with the European Parliament and the Council as codeciders on an equal footing on all expenditures.
Mr President, last time some of us voiced our frustration over the mild tone of our public - I repeat, public - pronouncements, not activity, on the events in Egypt before Mubarak's resignation.
In the future, Arctic policy will be a test of whether together, we can increase stability or, on the other hand, cause new conflicts.
11. (
Experience has shown that such measures, whilst in many ways politically very attractive, in fact only make the longer-term transition to dealing with high energy prices and saving carbon more difficult.
It is time for the European Union to fully exploit the shared opportunities for the sustainable renewal and further development of the industrial base, with good quality jobs.
It would also be desirable to apply other indicators in addition to gross domestic product, which must continue to be the main criterion for determining eligibility for regional policy assistance.
It is true that a great deal of progress has been made in this area.
(The President cut off the speaker)
(SK) I am proud to say that Slovakia has made a great contribution to linguistic diversity and to the preservation of the linguistic cultural heritage.
Such measures could take the form of an interim payment order, giving the creditor immediate payment pending resolution of the underlying dispute.
For these reasons I support the reform, which will result firstly in the establishment of a European Advisory Committee on Community Statistical Information Policy and secondly in the creation of a European Statistical Governance Advisory Board - both bodies capable of actively helping to monitor implementation of the code of conduct throughout the entire European statistical system.
13.
The third principle, which was not clarified and, to my mind, remains quite obscure and raises quite a few questions, is the principle of isolation from third-party investments in European transmission systems, which could possibly...
I would also like to stress the importance of raising awareness of the Scoreboard amongst consumers themselves and the general public.
I voted in favour of this document because democratic change cannot be imposed from outside or even by military means but has to be achieved through a peaceful democratic process.
I would just like to comment on one thing concerning the Stockholm Programme.
For instance, if a Member State does not want its citizens to enjoy this new opportunity, they will improve the level of their own healthcare service and waiting times.
By ratifying the abovementioned UN Convention, Member States have pledged to implement it in their domestic systems without ceding any powers in that regard to the Union.
The next item is the debate on the question to the Commission on EU-Canada trade relations, by Vital Moreira, on behalf of the Committee on International Trade - B7-0213/2011).
On the other hand, globally it can mean extreme poverty for the losers, but even within Europe this issue of losing is important for us to address, because there are citizens within our Union who are losing by not reaching the benefits stressed in the Strategy.
Therefore I have retabled an amendment to delete it from the final package.
Russia is the EU's third-largest trading partner, as well as having major strategic importance in terms of Europe's energy supply.
No!
We no longer weaken ourselves through strife, and so Europe has become, in every respect, one of the most appealing regions in the world.
For example, 74% of all antibiotics used in the US are applied in animal husbandry, for preventing diseases or boosting the growth of healthy animals.
For example, why not form a single governing board for these four agencies?
However, the most important thing is to safeguard and promote a public approach to the disease overall.
In Mauritania, the average use of fishing opportunities ranges from 90% for crustaceans to a mere 22% for tuna.
It bears little resemblance to democracy, and still less to a social Europe that is equipped to face the future.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am among those who are convinced that we need urgent reform of our social systems; I, too, believe it is entirely possible to reconcile economic efficiency with the hope for social improvements and to reconcile freedom with justice, which is precisely why we must establish limits and minimum social standards for all Member States.
Dates for next sittings: see Minutes
We ask: and what about the citizens' right to know?
It ensures that, if patients travel to receive care, it is safe and of good quality.
in writing. - (DE) With regard to amendment 4 to the Lewandowski report, I would like to state that the PSE Group has not signed this amendment due to an error, but has fully supported it and continues to do so.
I am not naïve, however, and I know that in the Islamic world, it is difficult to take these values forward.
However, if this area is to fulfil its potential, which I recognise, there needs to be a way of effectively evaluating its implementation by the various Member States.
I voted for the report on Innovation Union as it highlighted the importance of innovation in terms of laying the foundations for a sustainable, competitive economic model and creating new jobs in the European Union.
We have research which shows that health workers working outside hospitals are more likely to be dissatisfied with the response of employers.
In countries such as Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, we should concentrate our efforts on consolidating nascent democratic awakenings into a lasting legacy of stable, secular and enlightened governance.
No attempt is being made to tackle the outrageous waste caused by the three seats of this Parliament.
Mr President, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to offer my explanation of vote.
- After the vote:
The Court's Chief Prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, has skilfully helped the Court to strengthen its impartiality globally.
Moldova's current situation is the result of eight years of rule by communists, and if we do not want to be instrumental in returning that incompetent team to power, let us help the present Moldovan Government and the Moldovan people.
I think it is a completely worthless thing, because Europe was meant to be the leading knowledge-based society by 2010.
19.
We are not thinking in terms of the generations existing alongside each other, but in terms of them coming together.
Those threats are familiar enough for me not to have to list them here, and the European Union also hopes that the issue of energy security will be addressed within the sphere of conflict resolution.
Tax rates remain a matter for the Member States.
It enables not just greater coordination, but also greater accountability by governments at national and EU level.
Without the support of the Chinese, the junta would not survive.
Planting trees helps to combat desertification.
The Data Retention Directive requires Member States to force providers of electronic communications services or of public communications networks to retain data concerning the exchange of communications for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 2 years.
This key clause has never been put into practice, it has never been activated.
The question is whether they can be resolved in this agreement or, as Mr Rübig said, whether other agreements are necessary.
Anyone who looks at the papers from the public consultation will see that the Member States, in contrast to the other bodies which expressed an opinion, are attempting to shirk their responsibilities and the undertaking they have entered into by moving directly to the subsequent Financial Perspective.
The report which I voted for underpins the guarantee to respect this principle throughout the entire European judicial area, and not only as part of national proceedings.
For example, these security measures lend themselves very well to the concealment of what would be less than entirely legal funding arrangements for the various national airlines.
(EL) Madam President, the international system is in a transitional phase and there are huge challenges for all of us.
To demand that the criminal US embargo against Cuba be lifted immediately.
As a matter of fact, Turkey is today a member of the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
At the moment I am wondering where you draw the line between the terrorist and the irate citizen around the regulars' table who is denounced by his neighbour.
Therefore, I sincerely congratulate Mr Diamandouros on his achievements and on his re-election as European Ombudsman, and am counting on fruitful cooperation during the current term of the European Parliament.
After all, it cannot be illegal to flee for your life, since human rights and freedoms apply to everyone, wherever they live.
All in all, a renewed focus on EU-related reforms is absolutely essential, which should also assist in overcoming the current political crisis.
I believe my colleagues will also come forward with issues.
They do not have the means to adapt.
In its present form, this second report is just as muddled, counterproductive and overloaded with texts that do not belong in a legislative act as the report that was referred back to committee in May 2009.
In many ways, Iranian society has the hallmarks and the capacity of a free society.
It is not only this Parliament that is starting anew; Europe is in a period of transition between the Treaty of Nice and the Treaty of Lisbon, and - as we all know - it is a time of uncertainty in which we nevertheless need clarity with regard to economic, financial, labour market and climate policy decisions in the European Union and its Member States.
The Mediterranean area is extremely dynamic, and the young generation are asking for more jobs and better opportunities.
These are not even British dud banks, they are foreign dud banks, and I hear today that the British taxpayer is being asked to fork out for Portugal.
Finally, in my opinion we should increase the staff of MEPs and the European Parliament's committees in order to ensure their independence and the high standard of their work, for example, when dealing with the other European institutions, lobby groups or national parliaments.
Fourthly, and lastly, the Commission has started working on the implementation of the November 2009 GAERC conclusions, and will come back to the Council of EU Ministers with proposals as soon as possible.
It has been proven that it is possible and so it also had to be done.
I would also say that we have a further tool in which I have a lot of faith, in other words, the informal public-private group created by the Commission, which has introduced a European financial coalition against commercial child pornography images.
I totally agree with the rapporteur's opinion that all those developments in the global situation that have taken place could, if they are not dealt with appropriately in the process of revising the agreement, make it difficult to achieve the objective of the Cotonou Agreement and the Millennium Development Objectives by the year 2015.
Well, then, regional policy now and in the future constitutes the European integration framework for the realisation of these objectives.
We should not forget that these funds are paid out to be used efficiently.
Approximately 40 of those condemned to death are juveniles.
Naturally, this support must be in addition to regular aid.
However, this does not diminish the level of protection of PNR data transferred to Canada.
However, in my opinion, it does not provide clear, decisive and positive answers to the important questions, such as whether the EU will be able to stand on its own feet in the long term or whether it will maintain its very close links to NATO and, therefore, will hand over its foreign policy responsibilities to the USA.
It is there that I see the parallel with dancing on a volcano; a volcano filled not with lava or ash but with distrust.
When dealing with sustainable agriculture, we have always made progress in both areas.
I was disappointed with the Commission proposals, which were very limited, and I hope that Parliament's proposals will be taken over and that the Commission will come up with more ambitious suggestions during the Health Check.
One of the most burning issues in EU law involves the harmonisation of contract law.
Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina have made their borders secure, they have ensured the security of biometric passports, and they have made significant steps in the fight against corruption and organised crime.
I also want to mention one aspect that has come out of the debate.
Therefore, Mr President, I think that the importance of initiatives such as those within the framework of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice - let us bear in mind that, of the Commission's 26 strategic proposals, a third come under the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice - gives us a huge responsibility when dealing with the draft legislation that we have under way.
Mr President, in the light of this debate and of Earth Day yesterday, I would like to highlight the urgent need for greater understanding of the concept of biodiversity and its implications for our society.
Are we talking about a partner who also in some sense does more than just propose, but actually demands?
We entirely agree with his proposal that enrichment should be banned.
This is the fifth enlargement of the euro area since the single currency was introduced in 1999.
Capacity building in these areas is vitally important.
No one is interested nowadays in a two-track Europe.
I greatly appreciated the good cooperation with the Council, especially with the Portuguese Presidency, and the European Commission.
Mr President, I would like to remind the House of the double standards which we are applying.
Therefore, the conclusion is that Euronest should be launched as a matter of urgency.
Speeches about action do not guarantee that the action will be effective.
Monitoring capacities are insufficient, and often the governments concerned are unwilling.
The summit must serve to review security and energy policy, which must be implemented on the criteria of interdependency, transparency, supply guarantees and the fight against climate change, as well as improved energy efficiency.
I would also want the delta and estuary areas to be protected and to be part of the common maritime policy; also, I would like the measures for combating sea pollution to be extended to internal waters that flow into seas and oceans and to the industrialized areas along the coasts as well.
The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the United Nations recognise that developing countries, contrary to what was said at the outset, will be seriously affected by the global recession.
The Council has cut the funding under the draft budget for 2011 to less than EUR 1 000 million because the Member States have no clear idea about fulfilling their obligations.
I am in favour of clearly defining financial business responsibility and the competitive conditions which investment business follows.
The joint debate is closed.
(PL) There is an American saying that there are no free lunches.
We should support such amendments - in accordance with the views of civil stakeholders - that allow for much better integrated projects involving the building industry, tourism, the labour market, rural development and social integration at the same time.
As a mutually beneficial agreement advancing scientific knowledge and technological progress, I am very pleased to support this measure.
We are also concerned about the major administrative burden which the recommendations in the Cappato report would entail.
The rulings of the European Court of Justice have not come out of the blue, however. They are based on the fundamental treaties of the EU, supplemented by a vague Posting of Workers Directive.
The courts in both Slovakia and Egypt had decided to entrust the child to the care of the mother.
As rapporteur for Kosovo, I also call on the Commission to finally give the government in Kosovo a road map so that a start can be made on the work, and so that freedom from visas, freedom to travel, can finally be on the horizon for the citizens of Kosovo as well.
(The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question under Rule 149(8))
We need solutions that are acceptable to everyone.
(NL) Madam President, we all know that Europe must evolve further into a knowledge-based economy that is better able to compete in world markets.
The vote will take place at 12:00 tomorrow.
A few points should be emphasised heading by heading.
This means that settlement building by Israel is a provocation to the Palestinians and the Hamas rockets are a provocation to the Israelis.
I should like to think that tomorrow we shall be bold in moving towards more climate protection, and I hope that tomorrow we shall set it in motion.
We will be witnessing a situation worse than that of Rwanda, to the shame of all humanity.
The European Union must provide support in this situation.
It is not only contract law which is not fully harmonised, but also consumer law.
Electronic communications networks and services - European Electronic Communications Market Authority - Common approach to the use of the spectrum released by the digital switchover - Electronic communications networks and services, protection of privacy and consumer protection (debate)
Once again, thank you for your initiative, Commissioner. And we look forward, Minister, to cooperating with you.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - Mr President, I must declare an interest in this subject.
We need means of control and incentives to stop doctors meeting with patients to make money, so that they do not prescribe antibiotics when they are not necessary.
By setting emissions limits that the Member States must adhere to as an absolute upper limit when granting permits to large industrial plants, we will be putting a stop to the inflationary use of derogations that has thus far taken place in certain Member States.
Terrorism develops because there is instability due to internal conflicts.
After all, here we have a democratic country treating Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and other countries like this and at the same time calling them its closest allies.
We need to extend not only our solidarity to the Ukrainian nation and, indeed, to all nations that have suffered under totalitarian crimes, but also to pass a moral verdict.
I initiated Amendment 34 with the aim of modifying the text in paragraph 87 of this report, which referred to the development of the anti-missile shield in Europe in the wake of a bilateral agreement between the United States and Member States, including Romania.
It is necessary to ensure territorial diversification of supply, with a greater variety of countries and routes.
I would argue, however, that, taken as a whole, the maintenance relationship has a mixed character.
Yet the creative people in the world are not only leaving Europe, they are now even quitting the United States.
Any decision in this area will inevitably have to be taken in consultation with all the parties involved.
Poland and the Podkarpacie region is an area which has particularly suffered as a result of the disaster, and it is my hope that the financial resources made available for the reconstruction of infrastructure will be used effectively.
The suggested implementation of ownership as the sole means of guaranteeing the independence of transmission operators along with the exclusion of third countries from controlling the transmission systems and transmission systems operators, the priority of the protection of consumer interests - these are the means that will guarantee energy security in the EU and the wellbeing of its people.
The funds from the Rural Development Programme should provide larger allocations in favour of producers.
Unfortunately, help is not reaching people at risk of losing their job in time, and it is they who will feel the effects of the present crisis the longest.
Its importance is reflected in the growing number of cases brought over the last year.
Can we in Europe work with China to try to perfect what is happening, to try to improve the situation rather than simply to decry what China does or the shortcomings that China has?
I was also in favour of the Association Agreement during the war in Ljubljana which, thankfully, was brief, and later as rapporteur for Parliament.
Parliament has rightly commented that the greatest progress has been made in those subsections of the Programme concerning which no separate thematic strategies (e.g. climate change) were drafted.
I see in that the danger of creating an opportunity to remove the social fund from the cohesion policy in order to bring it closer to the richer countries and, conversely, to distance it from the reach of poorer ones.
In ever more areas - the social sphere, the policy on aliens and fundamental freedoms - we will see how it will be possible to use accession to the Convention on Human Rights as yet another argument in favour of more decisions being taken at EU level, which means fewer decisions being taken by the Member States.
In June 2008, the Prime Minister of Romania sent me the report from the Romanian Senate's investigations committee.
Right, you are in a hurry, let us conclude very briefly.
There obviously should be a solution but that would require the willingness of Ukraine to give up a stake in the pipeline.
I travelled here with great difficulty from part of the European Union and I do not accept the response from the Commissioner that he has no time.
There is all the more reason to promote the relationship if we consider that, due to the desire of the Latin American people themselves, but also due to Europe's consistent support of democratic institutions, those institutions have achieved a high level of consolidation.
The answer is, of course, no.
Thanks to FLEGT, international trade in timber can become fairer, more sustainable and more environmentally friendly.
Without titanium from Russia, for example, it would not be possible to produce a single airbus.
Every 16th complaint submitted to the Ombudsman comes from my country.
With regard to the right to interpretation and translation, which is the first provision of the roadmap, the Commission has noted the initiative presented by a number of Member States.
Nevertheless, at the informal meeting of the Council in San Sebastian in February it was agreed that the EU must lead a common strategy regarding electric vehicles.
(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, we have once again moved for the subject of the licensing of the genetically modified potato Amflora to be put on the agenda for various reasons.
It has done remarkable work; it is a credit to the work of Parliament, it is a credit to the European Parliament.
My region, Veneto, has 150 000 farms, and through their efforts they not only provide quality products but also ensure protection of the rural environment, which we believe is an asset that should not only be safeguarded but also encouraged.
I think it is important to underline that this Seventh Ministerial Conference was not a negotiating conference: it was more a discussion on various topics.
Another example could be competitiveness and the need to take into account the constraints coming from a low-carbon economy and climate change regarding infrastructure investment.
Today, the financial resources of the Solidarity Fund seem difficult to implement.
On the question of financial aid used by the end of September this year, the total amount contracted under the aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot community came to EUR 24 million - that is, 9% of the total - and the amount tendered came to EUR 44 million.
Sometimes, however, in my country, my fellow party members and I are called communists merely for opposing the current government.
Do you think it possible to introduce identical legal provisions here?
We have approved an amendment favouring small and medium-sized enterprises, the purpose of which is to reconcile fighting tax evasion with simplification of the administrative burden on small enterprises, to which this Parliament and the EU as a whole have a commitment.
The Green movement must feel our support, as the opposition is once again looking for options for how to organise legitimate protests against the Iranian authorities at the risk of their own lives.
It is my understanding, for example, that one of these companies was convicted in one region of Spain, and yet all it did was simply move to another region and continue its work.
The great variety and number of European Union human rights dialogues and consultations with third countries - which, moreover, are steadily increasing - make any global evaluation very arduous.
However, we have added a requirement that the Board provide a range of complementary skills and experience.
To be frank, even after your statement, I am still at a loss to understand the precise reasoning behind this change in direction.
However, a certain hesitancy as to the legal basis of the report leads us to doubt the outcome of the vote at the conclusion of this sitting, which is regrettable.
(PL) Madam President, as a Pole, but at the same time a citizen of the European Union for five years now, I would like to express great satisfaction that we are talking here in such illustrious company, including people who are closely involved in the enlargement process, such as Mr Rehn and Mr Bildt.
Furthermore, Ireland fulfils all of the criteria.
I feel that this is the response to give to those colleagues who have been emphasising that the labour market operates under a different set of requirements.
I therefore believe that the unifying and integrative character of the strategy expresses the conviction held by all EU Member States that it could represent a significant contribution to overcoming past divisions in Europe and to the overall success and greater efficiency of Europe.
Everything is therefore still possible, or, to be more specific, amendments can be made to the European Commission's proposals for regulations.
The same thing happened in meetings in Turkey.
A proactive, long-term strategy from Europe and from the new US Government must include the right of Palestinians to a sustainable state - based on the borders that were there before 1967.
I think we all agree that it is necessary, precisely because in some Member States the electronic society is not yet completely in place.
I believe that the Commission must take immediate action to stop crops with even a low presence of GMOs from accessing the EU market.
The administrative detention of hundreds of thousands of people, systematic torture in prisons, religious and political repression, executions - all these methods are incompatible with the People's Republic of China's obligations as a member of the United Nations.
Segregation in towns and schools must be eliminated, real opportunities must be created and Roma communities must be involved at European, Member State and local levels.
The second part of my report concerns ground handling - that is, all the handling surrounding the aeroplane and in the airport, from fuelling and baggage handling to the check-in procedure.
May I?
With its exemplary recent past, Croatia has demonstrated that it is an integral part of the European family.
It will also be advisable to consider new and effective financial instruments for the next multiannual financial framework, for example joint instruments with the EIB.
I remember very vividly how, when I was there, universally all the Haitians I talked to had one message for me consistently, which was 'Do not give money to the government'.
We must at last put an end to the constant demand for more and cheaper food.
It is a political meeting, at which we will find out whether the Member States have the political will to meet their commitments.
Subsequently, and I am personally very pleased with this, there will be a checklist, a standard information form which sets out your purchase in detail and also states that you have the opportunity to dissolve the contract within fourteen days with a no-quibble guarantee.
on behalf of the ALDE Group. - (DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, we are currently experiencing the most serious financial crisis in decades, and the European Central Bank and the euro have so far passed the litmus test of this financial crisis with flying colours.
We urge a coordinated approach at Community level, bearing in mind Community solidarity and the adoption of collective responsibility in this regard.
We face demographic challenges, as you said, and we face many economic challenges, given the reality of globalisation, of technology.
The territorial integrity of Georgia is guaranteed by 36 UN resolutions adopted in 1993.
Taking this figure in conjunction with the recorded trends in the unequal distribution of income, it becomes apparent that the situation is even less encouraging.
Companies need a strong message that they also benefit from voluntary labour and we must make best-practice comparisons as to how voluntary activity can continue to be made attractive, so that we can achieve our goals.
Although this will be an intergovernmental mechanism, which was the only option the Member States could consider, it is important that it is set up in a manner fully consistent with the Treaty and that it reinforces our stability rules, in accordance with the principles and instruments of budgetary surveillance.
Specifically, this report analyses the issue of Member States' excessive debts and considers the problems of the European Union as a whole, not just in the sense of resolving the deficits, but also the level of public debt, so as to ensure that procedures are implemented with a view to correcting the infringement early on and thus prevent corrective measures from being implemented when it is already too late.
I did not think it possible in such a short space of time, and I think that we can all be proud of the way you managed to achieve this.
The adoption of this third package, and this proposal in particular, will lead to more competitive, more sustained and securer European energy markets.
However, I believe that it is only possible to measure the reduction in emissions during the life cycle of the fuel if there are corresponding standard values in place.
You are strong enough.
(PL) Mr President, it has given me great satisfaction during today's debate to see the two camps which have emerged in respect of the reasons behind this state of affairs and the recommendations; the neo-liberals on one side, and the left-wing Members on the other.
The question therefore arises as to whether assistance should not be provided from the Globalisation Adjustment Fund, particularly to workers in Madeira, because many work places will, of course, have been destroyed, and whether we could not support the small and medium-sized enterprises in the reconstruction work.
What is the point of having ambitious aims if we do not have the means to realise them?
The goal of a single currency, eventually for 27 plus countries, is based on the false assumption that one currency can be appropriate for many very different economies.
A country that wants children must put children at the centre of its policymaking.
We would like to thank you for voting with us on the closure of tax havens and on solidarity with the Member States.
Why am I mentioning this?
We need solvent financial institutions, a stable financial system and, above all, the restoration of the flow of credit into the real economy.
In this respect, the current starvation policy within the executive must be ended once and for all.
These regulations must clearly define the marking of the goods and classify the transported goods according to the degree of danger involved.
I believe that this initiative will serve as a spur to Member States to draw up prompt payment codes.

I wonder: what kind of industrial policy do we want for Europe?
The verification requirements pharmaceutical manufacturers are subject to should be stepped up in order to avoid these risks.
The internationally recognised scientist and peace activist Professor Ukshin Hoti, Foreign Minister of the democratic underground Republic of Kosovo led by President Rugova in the nineties, was arrested by the Milosevic regime and disappeared without a trace many years ago.
However, instead of doing that we must focus on rebuilding the economy from the bottom up.
At the same time, we have seen the growth of subcultures within our own societies that are scornful of our liberal values, deliberately seeking to establish alternative political and legal structures, sometimes through the use of violence, and sheltering behind our complex and generous legal systems and our liberal view of human rights.
However, Macedonia still has a number of reforms to implement.
In order to tackle health inequalities, specific measures need to be taken, particularly as regards the most vulnerable groups.
The next item is the vote.
Your proposals are sound, Mr Jouyet, they should also incorporate support for the offer.
I am thinking mainly of the expenditure that does not concern the central objectives of the European Union and the budget lines whose implementation is already falling behind in respect of the planned expenditure.
I still believe that further savings should have been included in the proposal but, as I played an active role in the negotiations, I have chosen to support the compromise achieved.
The Accra meeting in September will test the credibility of the entire process and all the players involved.
The legal basis of the immunity of Members of the European Parliament is laid down in the 1965 Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Communities.
The Swedish Presidency sees you as our allies.
It is also important to take account of the position of women within the framework of the fight against poverty.
I was rapporteur last year on a report to ensure that older citizens can stay healthier and live longer and independently.
Is this transitional or permanent?
We note that this vote includes the creation of a budget item to provide supplementary funding to the High Flux Reactor (HFR) at Petten, Netherlands.
This is how Europe can be made safer and the natural environment more habitable.
As a result, paragraphs 11, 12, 14 and 17 of my report are omitted from the alternative.
However, I would also like to stress the social aspect of this legislation as regards the rights of disabled people, especially blind or partially sighted people, and their right to avail of free postal services.
I look at India, with its caste-based discrimination, its appalling record on bonded labour and sex trafficking, and widespread religious freedom abuses.
We have to send a strong signal to national governments that reducing social payments and pensions in a time of crisis is a crime against the population.
The highly competitive nature of research, the inherent geographical mobility associated with scientific work, along with establishing a career at a relatively late age all make this activity difficult to combine with family life.
I call on the European Parliament today to take all the necessary measures to promote verification of the way in which gas is metered and billed, because we have found that in Romania gas transporters and distributors fail to meet these requirements: gas is metered in cubic meters and billed in kw/h, and citizens are unable to check their actual consumption, which is the result of a mathematical formula that are based on debatable parameters.
Sometimes you need luck and I think I have been lucky in having Linda McAvan, Lena Ek and others - shadow rapporteurs - on the ETS directive.
I ask you to apply the resolution that Parliament adopted in December for this Operation to protect fishing boats and to extend that protection.
More than half the amendments tabled are acceptable to the Commission as they are in principle or in part.
Energy policy is something very specific from country to country.
I am convinced that European politicians must pay particular attention to the protection of the environment, and must support all efforts aimed at or assisting in the protection of the wellbeing of our environment, not just in Europe, but on a global scale as well.
Electoral fraud and the mild form of authoritarianism which has begun to operate in Kyrgyzstan cannot and will not be a matter of indifference.
The problem arose solely on the back of the crisis situation at Opel's US parent company.
A deluge of information can cause greater confusion precisely in the case of an inexperienced consumer and the objective of simplicity and transparency is missed.
The answer is no.
The EU 2020 strategy is critically important for the competitiveness, sustainability and social characteristics of the Union and I voted in favour of what the report says about directing more attention towards initiatives related to the energy, research and innovation sector, as well as health and education matters in the years ahead.
What has been condemned is the possibility of setting interbank margins unilaterally, arbitrarily and without consultation, when these rightly appear excessive.
The Commission hopes that the Lisbon Treaty will come into force and stands ready to take the necessary action to put its provisions into practice and to continue developing civil dialogue.
However, the difference does not extend beyond the borders of the euro area, which might be assumed to be the case from an economic perspective.
I think it is only right that we remember those victims too.
Europeans from La Palma, the Canaries and the rest of Europe are waiting for answers on this.
It is a horizontal responsibility, a dimension to be integrated into all of the Union's policies.
I want to see our cap tightened.
I secured agreement on a text consisting of two sentences, to be added to Article 136 of the Treaty.
With this measure, we can resolve a troublesome problem faced by thousands of citizens of third countries and do it well, strengthening both freedom and security along the way.
I also appreciate his comments on food security and about finding a balance when imposing regulations and restrictions on our own businesses and farmers.
Every effort by the European Union to impose a structure of this kind has failed and will do so in future.
So the European Union, which respects the cultural traditions of Russians, should not put pressure on Moscow on this matter, and should leave the questions of the rights of sexual minorities to marry and adopt children in the hands of national legislation.
There are some economies that are 95% dependant upon coal.
The final text includes my amendments.
But I think that is wrong.
The Human Rights Council is on the right track here.
If they prevail, it will mean that we complete the discharge process without making any progress in this very important aspect, and that would be the absolute worst case scenario for us all, because a cheery 'carry on' will not get us through the latest report by the Court of Auditors on the secretarial assistance allowance.
Farmers, not unjustifiably, feel they are being exploited, while consumers are being expected to pick up the bill for increased milk and food prices, none of which reaches the small producers.
The timing is very much in the hands of Kosovo's government.
But I repeat the point.
During the Monday evening debate on several own-initiative reports, it turned out, however, that this change was not the most felicitous.
We need to improve dialogue with these authorities in order to better understand the problems that exist and face up to the challenges.
The Commission points out that the British House of Lords concluded in a special report that there was no evidence of widespread corruption within the Commission and that the level of fraud against the EU budget is no higher than in comparable public spending programmes, including in Great Britain.
The first the absolute necessity to protect the geographical indications and designations of origin, which are often questioned but nevertheless establish the link to the land that characterises the European agricultural model.
The primary aim of the report is, however, to illustrate how discrimination and harassment can still destroy people's chances in life and prospects of empowerment.
However, we have no idea how to deal with them.
I was the Latvian defence minister for five and a half years.
Well, there are three main areas of action.
In my opinion, Mr Daul hit the nail on the head at the beginning of this debate.
on behalf of the PSE Group. - (ES) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, desertification threatens a quarter of the earth's land surface, as well as 250 million people and the livelihoods of more than a billion inhabitants in 100 countries because of decreased agricultural and livestock productivity.
However, I want to put on record that we believe that at the current time, this is not a prospect, and to underline that we must focus on the continued success of the current mission as it stands.
I do not know whether a government will once again say that it has everything under control and can finance its bonds, even if interest rates are rising, and then suddenly change its mind and say: 'We need a rescue package.
One of the most important of these is climate change.
(DE) Mr President, Commissioner, of the proposals being presented to us I am happy to support the draft regulation for establishing a European Asylum Support Office, the European Refugee Fund and the Eurodac Regulation.
- Mr President, Mr Millán Mon has presented an important and excellent report.
I think that rulings of this kind may also create a certain bad atmosphere, where some symbols and emphases are open to misinterpretation.
on behalf of the S&D Group. - (ES) Mr President, Commissioner, Mrs Giannakou, thank you for drawing up this report, which I think will be very helpful in spurring the Commission to make progress in forming a better system for recognising and protecting European political parties.
Even my proposal regarding the restoration of the north-south railway connections to Nikšić on the Bosnian border and Shkoder in Albania has been accepted.
What sort of history books must it have read if it did not know how the state of Israel came about in 1947?
In the case of poultry and pigs, there has been no evidence of the danger of any disease spreading as a result of this type of feed.
The European Union is the only organisation, and Mr Barrot knows this very well, that can get Italy and other countries out of this situation.
The social system in the United States is nothing like the social system in Europe, in each one of our countries.
And we are worried because the negotiations are dangerously close to deadlock at the moment.
We did not succeed in doing this.
(Parliament approved the request.)
'Europe without barriers' must mean the removal of all barriers, including physical, social and architectural barriers, and the prevention of any discrimination against handicapped people.
That was eight years ago.
There were close contacts throughout the period, and they fully support us in seeking to change the focus.
With regard to Articles 53 and 54, I wish to remind you that European farmers have to comply with the highest standards of quality, food safety, environmental protection and animal welfare.
Apart from the general impairment of human health, approximately 35 000 people in Europe died as a result of the heatwave in 2003.
The development of such technologies is a vital component of our strategies to achieve our climate change targets.
Throughout the production of this report, our group often expressed fundamental disagreement with the line suggested by the author.
Besides believing that food security is a basic human right, I also regard agriculture as a strategic sector which is absolutely essential to the future of our continent.
Other activities are also coming, and rightly so, but I think we should not underestimate what is happening here.
Commission Member. - (RO) Looking at the demands faced by the European Commission, we are pleased to say that they were not only met, but also exceeded.
I have just been informed, unfortunately, that we have a problem with the availability of our Commissioners.
If the Mediterranean is a graveyard, the moral responsibility lies with those who opened up the gates to illegal vessels.
This EUR 400 billion amounts to 3.3% of EU GDP and represents an unprecedented step and together with the automatic stabilisers which the EU has and the US, for example, does not have, I believe that the example quoted today by José Manuel Barroso is highly informative.
I wish to cite two figures.
As regards civil society and non-state actors, I am more convinced than anyone that the principle challenge for 2009 consists of speeding up the achievement of tangible results before the mid-term assessment planned for autumn 2009 and achieving the ambition of a partnership centred on people outside of institutions.
Secondly, this year, the arguments for this are even stronger than usual.
In particular, I am in favour of solutions aimed at increasing levels of employment among women in rural areas.
I think the whole House will want to send a strong, unified message to General Musharraf.
When these have been addressed, and only then, questions of health and safety at work can, of course, be resolved in the ongoing process of common standard-setting.
Most of what Ms Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou states in her report is, of course, correct.
I hope that the Agency will rise to the challenges we have posed.
Afghanistan was once upon a time famous for its pomegranates, now very much 'in' with the health food lobby.
in writing. - (LT) I believe that the new rules contained in the report provide clarity and set out acceptable criteria, for both consumers and businesses, when concluding online transactions.
In this case, we agree that we want the highest possible level of safety, and that of course also applies to the nuclear waste that we will be responsible for, irrespective of how long we continue to use nuclear power - and so will many, many generations after us.
That is why I am so pleased to see that progress really has been made.
author. - (SV) Thank you Mr President.
It took three months for that idea to come from Parliament, to get approval by the Council to unlock the door, but 12 months later, we still have not agreed how to choose the projects or use the money.
While the approved compromise package is not perfect, I consider the text of the directive to be a politically ambitious instrument in the area of waste management for future generations of Europeans, which is why I supported the report by the rapporteur, Mrs Caroline Jackson.
I welcome the fact that 13 Member States to date have ratified the Lisbon Treaty.
At its last meeting at the end of last year, the Council, under the French Presidency, adopted the Code of Conduct as a legally binding instrument.
We had to take these measures to remain attractive in order to attract and keep the best scientists in Europe and remain competitive in a global economy.
Belarus has taken the decision to build a new nuclear power plant which will probably appear quite close to Lithuania's capital Vilnius.
This guarantees, at the same time, protection for the intellectual property rights for products.
Madam President, I voted in favour of adopting the report by Mrs McGuinness, but I would like to draw attention to the following issues in particular.
Madam President, if I may misquote John Dunning, an English MP in the 18th century, the EU budget has increased, is increasing and ought to be diminished.
I regret that this debate should not have been accompanied by a vote on a resolution.
If we want to continue to swell the ranks of anti-Europeanism, then carry on, Commission.
It will never again be business as before.
We will cooperate fully with all competent authorities to explain everything that has happened and to verify all the information.
I think it is most important that Parliament is involved in that process.
I hope that, in the end, together with our friend Mrs Gutiérrez-Cortines, we arrived at a sensible result, including with regard to the significance of the overall topic of soil protection, a result that can be a model worldwide as well as in Europe.
From the cultural point of view, moreover, Kazakhstan is more European than Asiatic.
The current gas crisis shows once more how weak and ineffective our EU energy policy is.
At the same time, our relations go far beyond that.
If, in order to adopt the Treaty of Lisbon, they shied away from national referenda - and disrespected the few that were carried out - they now do not hesitate to escape even the scrutiny of the national parliaments.
The efficiency of the pre-accession funds spent in the area of justice reform and the combating of corruption must be assessed.
It would be a first step, it should be noted, in the wrong direction that would mean that the Member States' current right to implement this legislation would become an obligation, that the charge per kilometre would only rise and, above all, that car drivers would soon be next.
You are missing the target.

This is why we must reaffirm our position from first reading.
We are also used to answering questions via Europe Direct, for example, and through our representations, so we will try to help as much as we can.
In recent years, air transport has had a clear lead over other means of transport.
The situation in Egypt is similar, even though things are moving fast.
'Does not alter their status in any way'!
In many countries, that whole area of dealing with unfair practices was not really developed at all in national legislation.
Although I shall be voting, and will be doing so in favour of the resolution, the text is not perhaps exactly as I would like it to be.
However, I am pleased that as new fellow Members...
The issue, therefore, is not about rigging so-called elections more than usual.
Where are the sustainable forests in the Amazon or in Vietnam?
Under this arrangement, which is not an exemption scheme, supplies remain taxed but the person liable for the payment of the VAT to the tax administration is no longer the supplier but the recipient taxpayer.
Having failed to take the lead against the exemption from international law in the fight against terrorism, the Union is now attempting to go along with Mr Obama's commitments.
(DE) Madam President, I am happy for us to talk about this again, but I have a very big problem.
In the majority of EU countries, an often disgusting view of womanhood is propagated, where the commercial aim is pursued not only with vulgarity but with a real contempt for women's dignity, not to mention the use of subliminal advertising and also television programming - above all in my country, I have to say.
It is common knowledge that, to establish themselves in China, operators must comply with the Chinese authorities' request to install software filters, which even Google has ended up agreeing to do.
An analysis really needs to be carried out of all the national adoption systems to see what their strengths and weaknesses are and to recommend the best practices for adoption by Member States.
Although we are shocked, we must still remain calm and level-headed, as frenetic activity and hysteria would be out of place here.
However, I will finish by saying both to you, Mrs Douay, and to all MEPs: we have made quite a rough sketch, if you like, because we did not want to confine answers at this stage within certain restricted rules.
Since announcing the referendum, the government issued Law No 1/2008, which denies voting rights to members of religious orders, including monks and nuns.
Since 1988, Parliament has awarded the Sakharov Prize to people and organisations with a record of particular distinction in the fight for human rights.
Moldova is one of Europe's poorest countries, facing major economic and political problems.
As politicians, we will establish frameworks that ensure that those who wish to provide competitive, effective and modern transport services have the opportunity they need to deliver.
Progress in the area of electrical and electronic equipment means a longer usable life span, a reduction in the weight of individual appliances as a result of miniaturisation and a reduction in energy consumption.
Cooperation between the EU and ΝΑΤΟ is being stepped up under the guise of military missions, supposedly non-military police and legal forces.
We have to be aware of this danger and make sure that it does not happen.
The following questions are addressed to the Commission.
The idea is to improve the efficiency and the area of application of the new directive.
As you know, the European Parliament is sending a delegation chaired by Mr Salafranca to Tunisia today and they will be reporting back next week.
Indeed, a key objective of the Common Foreign and Security Policy is to consolidate democracy, rule of law, and, respect for human rights.
The integration of the Roma is one of the priorities of the Hungarian Presidency.
It is in this spirit that we have discussed a new Framework Agreement, the principles of which are embodied in the resolution before the House today.
On the other hand, this rule seeks to ensure that we give ourselves time to test how this new regulatory approach works before we allow our fishers to expand into deeper waters.
People then tell me, even if they agree, that you have to wait for a crisis to appear because the sense of urgency is not there.
This does not diminish any of the fundamental rights guaranteed to European citizens by the legislation of the Member States due to the fact that they are citizens of those Member States.
It is important, first of all, to act on the request of the Dalai Lama for an independent commission to go to Tibet so as to let the world know the truth and the true scope of this tragedy.
The bilateral agreements and projects of some Member States, such as the 'Nord Stream' gas pipeline, cause distrust not just environmentally, but also in terms of the overall principle of solidarity.
After all, my colleagues and I have had the honour and the opportunity to tackle more specific problems.
The cultural and creative industries are currently also important drivers of economic and social innovation in many other sectors.
It is intensifying, Mr President, the frustrating perception that Brussels and Strasbourg all too often deal with obscure issues and not those which concern the public.
I welcome the general agreement on the compromise reached between Parliament and the Council.
If there is anything in particular that is worth highlighting, it is the fact that, unlike the original Commission proposal, we managed to retain the principle of contractual freedom in commercial and contractual relationships.
The substantial increase in oil prices is having a strong impact on fishermen's operational costs, and this caused their revenue to fall between 2008 and 2010.
5.
on behalf of the PPE Group. - Mr President, the PPE Group does not agree with the change to the name that was on the agenda regarding Honduras, and disagrees with the suggestion that the title referring to the 29 November elections be deleted.
Parliament shares this view and, in this context, I have to say that we are deeply disappointed by the Council's approach.
We cannot support the possibility of migration to SIS II - the new tool for achieving 'total security' - with impunity.
(FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the sand in the Kosovo hourglass is trickling down relentlessly, and 10 December is almost upon us.
Mass persecution occurs on a huge scale, with political opponents, Christians and also thousands of ordinary people as victims.
There is no doubt that the Kremlin is prepared to maintain and increase its authority in the EU gas supply sector.
And now not just us, but everybody from the liberals to the PPE demand an explanation for the failure.
I worked with - to name a member of the DG - Jan on this very important principle, namely that, if you are refused a visa, or you are refused entry into the Schengen area, your appeal may not be suspensive, but the authority that refuses must make itself accountable.
This situation will discriminate against our own territory and it is simply intolerable that it should arise.
As was pointed out in his report from last year, the crucial work is about building citizens' trust in the EU, and we can all subscribe to that.
It improves transparency, and my group, in particular, sets great store by the setting up of a register in which the raw materials mixed into feed must be entered.
So I think I have a role here to speak for the people that I represent and to fight for those jobs which, when things get bad, are very often the first jobs to go.
We aim to be flexible and to achieve a good compromise for the transitional regulation.
We need the Commission, Parliament, the Member States but also, as Minister López Garrido said, local and regional authorities working hand in hand.
I agree with you that we have indeed taken some steps forward.
In the meantime, preparations will continue with regard to codecision with Parliament and to the European External Action Service, which we will discuss this afternoon.
As the title of the report suggests, however, we are looking at the long term in this debate.
This motion is a statement of the seriousness with which this House takes ongoing developments in our agricultural markets.
Firstly, because accounting is an opportunity for directors to take stock, at least once a year, of their businesses' situation.
Even the Internet presence of the current Presidency, which is in English, French and Czech, takes no account of the fact that German, with an 18% share of mother-tongue speakers in the EU, is the language with the most native speakers in the Union, while a further 14% of EU citizens speak it as a foreign language.
This is also the rationale that has led numerous Member States to resume their development cooperation with Cuba over the past few months, representing a diverse range of the political parties represented in the European Parliament and reflecting, therefore, the shared view of the important role to be played by development cooperation in Cuba.
This is why I would like to add a few words on this point.
Our other priority, as you have pointed out, ladies and gentlemen, is simplification.
We will, of course, examine all these applications on an individual basis, but very many of them are unfounded and this is why we need to address these networks.
However, from this moment on, many people across the Eastern bloc states knew that the system that we lived under could not be reformed, but only overcome.
The European economy is based heavily on the construction sector, which accounts for 10% of EU GDP and directly employs 12 million EU citizens.
He was fined and had to go through disciplinary action.
It means, firstly, that we need to strengthen Frontex further and that is why this Parliament is committed to increasing Frontex's budget and not to decreasing it, as the Council is trying to do.
I regard that as a major consideration.
So it is up to the Member States to really strengthen these fines, because, from the Commission point of view, we do what is required and we cannot prescribe the fines for not implementing vigorously enough EU legislation.
Madam President, while the details of some individual proposals in this report require careful study in relation to the principle of subsidiarity - especially any tax-related matters - the overall aims of the report deserve, nonetheless, to be supported.
Nevertheless, in order to operate effectively in the interests of EU citizens, the Commission should give MEPs observer status at all international conferences and, where possible, facilitate our presence at other significant meetings to an even greater extent, as well as inform Parliament of the negotiating positions adopted by the Commission at such meetings and conferences.
As the chairman of the Political Affairs Committee of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, I have had many discussions with many of these small, peripheral - and extremely remote - states in the South Pacific.
on behalf of the ECR Group. - Mr President, this was the worst natural disaster ever to hit Pakistan.
Now to the coordination that one of the speakers mentioned.
I agree with the rapporteur that European political parties are basic instruments of parliamentary democracy, even if, at this stage, they are only umbrella organisations of the affiliated national parties.
We must not make the euro weaker, if those countries which are affected feel that the euro protects rather than weakens them.
in writing. - The external dimension of social policy includes activities and initiatives of the EU aimed at promoting labour and social standards in non-member countries.
He has produced a balanced report, showing a grasp of the problem and presenting sensible and generally speaking suitable proposals for dealing with the situation.
This is one of those proposals that could make Europe a reality for those we serve.
Globalisation - normally a positive force that increases global welfare - can, unfortunately, wreak huge havoc on regional economies when large companies move location.
Whatever happened to the Europe-Turkey agreement on the return of these illegal immigrants?
The report should be ready towards the end of the first quarter of 2009.
Rather than imposing a very rigid and inflexible timetable for change in the industry, we should be seeking to support the industry and give it the incentive to make the changes that are necessary to bring about their future.
In other words, it is true that the Doha Round may ultimately find a solution, but that solution has been postponed all too often in recent years.
Vice-President of the Commission. - Mr President, as far as I am concerned the answer is a clear yes.
However, I consider that what is of the utmost importance is not only to criticise and condemn the current regime but also to eliminate any possibility of European funds intended to help the people of Guinea being misappropriated.
I will not stand for that.
At other times, however, it arrives unobtrusively.
So the Commission is doing a lot to make life easier for businesses across the continent, implementing the internal market.
Let me just add that already, with a view to the next Foreign Affairs Council, the preparations for the draft Council conclusions emphasise very clearly the dire situation in Gaza and underline the importance of uninterrupted emergency and humanitarian assistance without obstruction.
What is more, in order to save the banks, you invented 'stress tests'.
In that respect, the Commission is carefully monitoring and assisting Member States in the transposition of that new provision into national law, which has to be completed by 25 May 2011.
I also strongly support the introduction of a European system of collective redress that would enable consumers in different Member States to take their complaints jointly to the courts and seek redress, while avoiding the pitfalls of the US model.
On 16 December 2010, the European Council decided to consult the European Parliament under the simplified revision procedure laid down in Article 48(6) of the Consolidated Version of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union concerning a proposal to revise Article 136 of the Consolidated Version of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union with regard to a stability mechanism for Member States whose currency is the euro.
Nonetheless, it is regrettable this success was not more pronounced, and more work is certainly required.
Try as we might, we are unlikely to reach 200 this afternoon unless everybody turns up.
As a former journalist, can I suggest that while a meeting of the Commission might be interesting for the Commission, we cannot force people to watch it.
The message of these events is clear: freedom and national independence were what Hungary aspired to as it shook off Communism.
The prerequisite that will enable us to get through this agenda is, in my opinion, agreement within the EU and clarity in our message towards the outside world.
The issue of counterfeit medicines is unrelated to intellectual property.
A minute ago, you also talked about setting up a kind of coordination cell.
Many of us in Parliament would like to have gone further, but I believe that this is a step in the right direction, for two reasons in particular: firstly, because we are currently creating a new instrument aimed at benefiting the nationals of third countries who wish to immigrate to the territory of Member States by conferring upon them a set of rights; secondly, as Mrs Mathieu has already said, because of the political message that we are sending overseas, which counteracts the idea of a Fortress Europe that is only able to adopt repressive measures and strengthen security, while, at the same time, we are responding to the concerns expressed in the Stockholm Programme regarding the creation of flexible immigration policies in order to promote the Union's economic development.
on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. - Mr President, it says this is a contribution, but it is more like a recipe, a recipe for the harmonisation of yet more taxation, which I quote here and there from the report: '27 different tax systems' are an 'impediment'; 'coordination of Member States' fiscal policy'; 'calls on the Member States to ... ensure greater fairness in the distribution of the tax burden'; 'supports' the Commission in gearing 'fiscal policy towards ... environmental objectives'; 'increase in fuel taxes'; 'establish a pan-European ... corporate tax base'.
Why does Greenland have the name it does, and yet it is entirely frozen today?
This week, the United Nations published figures on foreign direct investment in 2010.
in writing. - (DE) People's health is the greatest asset of our society and we should use appropriate means to promote and maintain it.
I think that it is unacceptable, with our neighbourhood policy, for a government - the Government of Morocco - to create a serious problem of freedom of expression and to threaten the whole of the Spanish accredited press in the Kingdom of Morocco, unlike the rest of the European press.
Nice speech, Mr Brown, but what are you ready to do, really?
In fact to do that would be even more unpopular than your hated Lisbon Treaty.
Furthermore, a future quality policy must also be linked to the major potentialities of agriculture which, as in the European case, is modern, dynamic, rich and diversified and can offer not only high quality food products but also services of great value to a constantly evolving society.
Instead, with the assistance of the United States, they attacked Airbus for exacting so-called 'illegal subsidies' - the very government assistance that Boeing had originally agreed to in the 1992 agreement.
It is our duty to work for compliance with and the protection of the rights of all women, so that they can be fully integrated into society, regardless of their situation, origin or status.
High levels of skills and expertise and the knowledgebased economy are, and must be, the foundation of European society now and in the future.
With regard to unemployment and youth unemployment, I would like to highlight the proposal to review the Erasmus programme.
If we want to comply with the Lisbon Treaty, if we want our development policies to be coherent, we need to take action now and I ask you to support this report in full.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, first of all I would like to add my thanks to Mr Kalfin for his ambitious report and I would like to remind you once more that it was the European Court of Justice that demanded that the external mandate be approved under the codecision procedure.
Imagine what would happen if the referee were to hold a vote among the players each time to determine whether this really was a foul.
I am convinced that mountainous regions require new means of protecting their territory against flooding with the emphasis on flood prevention, whilst farmers and foresters could support anti-flooding measures by means of the direct area-related payments which they receive under the common agricultural policy.
Reshaping the microcredit framework can help us reinforce and rebuild our economies from the community upwards.
I also believe that we need greater coordination of economic and fiscal policies, so that we avoid unfortunate situations like the Greek one.
The construction of an integrated, fully functioning single market is a process that is essential to deepened European integration, social cohesion, economic growth and the sustainable development of the EU.
We must set only attainable goals, taking into consideration their effects on the economic crisis.
However, what has happened with regard to India, Canada, Colombia and Peru?
Madam President, Commissioner, we find ourselves in a very complicated situation.
We already condemned in this Parliament the criminal sanctions applied to consenting relations between same-sex adults in private and the Bahati Bill, which provides for stiffer penalties right up to capital punishment.
It is vital to stop not just the armed conflict in Chad but also the fall-out from the crisis in Darfur.
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (FR) Mr President, I should like to say, firstly, that I am sorry this is a joint debate because the crisis in Georgia ought to have been the subject of a debate in its own right.
As for the scope of the service, it needs to have a comprehensive overview of the Union's relations with the rest of the world, so it needs geographical desks as well as horizontal services to cover questions such as CFSP and CSDP, human rights and relations with UN bodies.
I know that I was too long, but you can never be too long when you are talking about children's rights.
It must be possible for Eurostat to carry out investigations in the Member States when it wants to and its employees must be able to speak to the necessary people while being aware that this is the right thing to do.
Consumers very often complain that their right to benefit from all the privileges of the single market is incomplete, and this is reflected in the lack of trust in online transactions and in the feeling of legal uncertainty concerning the scope of the protection which should be enjoyed by consumers.
Of course, progress is not always straightforward with positive developments.
I would also have liked to have heard some clear statements from the representative of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU), because, as we know, it is the Conservatives in Germany who have so often stood in the way of this.
in writing. - Despite my stated opposition to a proposal for a Directive on Soil Protection, I voted in favour of this report at the final vote.
Without a Europe of defence, defence in Europe will be threatened.
I am afraid that now - as in the Balkans - we cannot break the deadlock without committed American leadership: leadership that the European Union, unfortunately, is incapable of providing.
It establishes Montenegro as a democratic, liberal and environmental state based on the rule of law.
In our opinion, there is no doubt about the importance of simplifying the establishment of world class research infrastructures in Europe with the added value that these may represent in terms of improved quality of research and education, the ties established between public and private researchers and, in general, their positive socioeconomic impact.
Nevertheless, the standard visa fee of EUR 60 does not apply to Ukrainian visa applicants.
However, the point here is not to try to impose the Mediterranean diet throughout the EU or attempt to favour it over other diets that are better adapted to non-Mediterranean climates and regions.
The people of Haiti - and our own people - expect a swift, effective and coordinated response.
With regard to Mr Ziobro's argument, there is no problem with the Strasbourg Court interfering in the Union's competences.
I believe that the excellent report by Mr Mitchell successfully highlights the areas in which Europe could and should do better.
The adoption of the agreement follows the Euro-Mediterranean road map for trade after 2010.
The Commission President has a great deal of the primary responsibility.
Fourteen EU Member States are included in that region, including Germany as well as Romania and Bulgaria, and it is primarily for those countries that we call for the effective application of the principle enshrined in Article 3.
It was, in fact, about the way in which it was conveyed.
These proposals undoubtedly include a whole series of very delicate aspects and it is clear that they will be discussed seriously and in depth but, nevertheless, their basic trend and consequence will be an improvement in health care for European citizens.
We must continue to be guided by these words in our efforts to build a stronger and more cohesive Europe.
When Sweden joined the EU, many people were worried that documents would leak out via that country, which has a very strong public access principle, but this has not happened at all.
The European Union must not let them down.
In many countries in Europe, when the public authorities are in a difficult situation, they are known to generally pay late and very often cause some companies to go bankrupt.
Today I am proud to be leading this institution at the beginning of the 21st century as we face new challenges and require new solutions.
This Treaty clearly lists the areas in which the Member States have transferred powers to the EU;
Although healthcare provision in the new Member States in accordance with clearly defined standards of quality and security does not apply uniformly to all types of healthcare, the demand for dental services in Eastern Europe is constantly increasing.
At that time, you had just launched the network of national ombudsmen and committees on petitions and it seems clear from the report that this network has been extremely well received by the citizens of Europe who are the main focus of your work.
For it must not be the case that in the European Parliament or in other EU institutions, we encourage citizens of the Union to use the services of e-commerce and also to buy services in cross-border trade, while at the same time not offering the same protection to the people who do this.
It therefore happens that the most vulnerable groups, migrants, the elderly, children and the disabled pay, sometimes with their lives, the high price of having the right to health denied them.
If it is the case that one party in a negotiation uses the negotiation solely to draw out the process and there is no agreement after nine months, then we will get no directive, and then we will get no change.
We are holding European taxpayers to ransom, and those taxpayers are becoming more uneasy with each passing day; this should not be forgotten.
What is more, this regional aid has not protected those affected by the world economic crisis because it forms part of the ultra-liberal philosophy of the Lisbon Strategy.
We have not yet realised that prevention would cost a great deal less than a cure.
Considering the overall importance of the construction sector in all Member States, I think that further liberalisation is a necessary step forward.
The main tools available to the Union in this area are funding programmes, particularly the Lifelong Learning Programme 2007-2013.
I also believe it is worth encouraging this activity through collateral measures, and that any scientific contribution in that respect should be welcomed.
After the major crisis we now have a good and balanced proposal for a regulation, which in my view will secure the construction phase.
The European Union, through the Commission and the Member States combined, is the world's largest donor of humanitarian aid.
I therefore abstained on this text.
Let me read you if I may two lines of a poem by Louis Aragon: 'Celui qui croyait au ciel, celui qui n'y croyait pas, et leur sang rouge ruisselle, même couleur, même éclat' ('The one who believed in God and the one who did not, their blood runs equally red and equally bright').
The reverse charge system introduced by some Member States, including Romania, has worked very well.
I hope the common guidelines in the strategic framework document will indeed guide the national committees in planning effective action.
I should like to ask the Council, now it is here, whether it can give its response to this, and whether it agrees that it is possible for the two institutions to monitor each other effectively without a gentlemen's agreement.
Moreover, the absolute majority of these loans were taken out on terms that left all the exchange-rate risk with the borrower.
I think the House should express its total solidarity with the ushers.
Ladies and gentlemen, Parliament is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary as a directly elected democratic European Union institution.
Firstly, for the principle of reciprocity, the European Commission is asked to implement a monitoring system to supervise the quality of eggs imported into the European Union and guarantee total respect of European standards and rules.
The policy of presence must not be underestimated - although it should not be turned into a religion.
Mortar attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip must stop.