GwendalTsang/DEFT09-parquet huggingface dataset:
Mr President, I would like to welcome both the President of the Council and the President of the Commission here this afternoon. I want to talk specifically about jobs, competitiveness and the internal market. I have a particular interest in that as the Parliament's rapporteur for the internal market strategy: if all goes well my report will be voted on in February and will be presented to you as a basis for action in the Economic Summit. Both of the Presidents have a crucial responsibility to the global economy over the next six months. Colleagues around the chamber have been quoted, and indeed Mr Simitis was quoted in the Financial Times yesterday, as saying that ‘we are in a global recession’. I hope he was wrongly quoted, because as far as I know, we are not. Growth is slowing down, but stimulating and restoring that growth will be crucial to the responsibilities of both Presidents over the next six months with that Economic Summit at the centrepiece. I am concerned that neither of your statements, Presidents, mentioned the fact that the foundation of economic growth in the European Union has to be the completion of the internal market, in spite of the fact that this is the tenth anniversary. We have had major reports from the Commission showing the benefits of the internal market and we also know that the principal engine for job creation in markets of the future is going to be jobs in the service economy. The biggest project that is coming forward to all of you is the completion of the internal market for services, and the barriers to companies setting up across the European Union are amply demonstrated by the work the Commission has done. I want to ask you, President of the Council, to put on your agenda a determined effort by all Member State governments to clear out the difficulties of establishing businesses across the European Union. You do not need to wait for the Commission to take that initiative to create jobs and move the European economy forward, we look to you to do it.

Political group: PPE-DE
Mr President, Minister, Mr President-in-Office of the Council, Commissioner, of the huge number of problems dealt with at Laeken, I would also like to focus on the point which brings us most hope, the declaration on the future of the Union. It is a good and strong declaration, which takes up several of the ideas to which the French Socialist delegation is very committed. We are happy to see that the praesidium, which will play a determining role, will be reasonably large, twelve people, which is what we wanted, and it will be led by three strong political personalities whose commitment to Europe is beyond question. And as a French person, I am delighted to see that in the end an eminent countryman of mine will preside over the group; though an eminent countrywoman would clearly have been better perhaps. We also approve of the fact that the Commission is represented, not by one commissioner, but by two, who as it happens are both perfectly qualified for that task. Another good piece of news is that the timetable will be flexible, so that the Convention may enjoy greater freedom. Finally, we welcome the broad mandate that the Heads of State and Government have granted the Convention. And we congratulate the Belgian Prime Minister on the firmness with which he has managed to apply this open mandate to many issues which go beyond the purely mechanical institutional field. It is to this end that I would like to request something: the Convention will have to propose institutional reforms aimed at making the mechanisms work better. This is all very well, but it can and must also make proposals on content, in response to those questions which the citizens often ask without receiving a clear reply. What is Europe for? What are its great missions, within its borders, for its inhabitants, but also in the world? Which policies is it responsible for leading, particularly in the social field? What are its competences? What are its duties in relation to its inhabitants and the rest of the world in terms of solidarity, prosperity and security? Under the guidance of the Presidency-in-Office of the Council, the results relating to this declaration are good. The Presidency has provided strong impetus, very much helped by Parliament as well, which has given it constant encouragement. The Laeken Council has launched this Convention into orbit, and it can play a decisive role for the future of Europe. The future will tell whether Laeken has been an historic turning point.

Political group: PSE
Mr President, I have just returned from Jerusalem and Ramallah and I would, above all, like to support the principle of tomorrow’s debate, whether or not Question Time to the Commission has to be moved, although this is also an important part of our proceedings. This debate must be held in the presence of Mr Solana. My group and myself believe it is crucially important that the substance of our joint resolution provides a response to the unacceptably dismissive act of the Israeli Government with regard to Mr Solana and Mr Piqué, the representatives of the European Union, in other words. It is of secondary importance whether the vote takes place on Wednesday or Thursday. If I have to choose, I would prefer to take the vote on Wednesday for the reasons given by Mr Barón Crespo. But the main thing is that our position is unambiguous and is independent of the compromise reached and statements issued in Madrid.

Political group: GUE-NGL
Mr President, Commissioner, I would like to congratulate all the rapporteurs on the excellent work that they have done. I speak specifically of the issue of regional management of the common fisheries policy. In fact the term zonal management better expresses the kind of development that we would like to see implemented. This would involve much fuller participation in decision making by all those with a direct interest in each of the ICES divisions, whether engaged in fishing, fish processing, science or conservation. If such a system were already in place we would not be facing the difficulties we face at present over the Commission's proposals for a cod recovery plan for the North Sea. It is the clear view of those most directly involved that, as initially announced, the plan would have both a disastrous effect on the industries concerned and an adverse effect on cod stocks, and this view is supported by conservationists. The Scottish MEPs are most grateful to the Commissioner for meeting us and for his assurances that these proposals are not yet firm ones. A great deal of work has been done locally, both in Scotland and around the North Sea, on conservation measures in general and on cod recovery in particular. I hope that the Commission will take the results of this work very seriously indeed. In particular, I would ask it to abandon the idea of requiring 140 mm mesh size and also to recognise the extent to which the Scottish fleet depends on a mixed fishery. Accordingly, instead of imposing blanket restrictions on some 15 000 square miles of the North Sea, I trust that it will opt for seasonal closures in areas where the cod concentration is high.

Political group: ELDR
Mr President, the risk of poverty and social exclusion in the European Union is one of the most serious and urgent economic and ethical challenges facing us in the twenty-first century and I therefore congratulate the rapporteur on her useful and timely contribution to the debate. Because poverty is a multidimensional problem, which affects every aspect of human life, this scourge is now being perceived in a different light. This problem has repercussions not only for the dignity and quality of human life, but also for macroeconomic policies, social security, freedom and security. It is crucial that the Member States come up with long-term strategies primarily geared towards the groups at the greatest risk of social exclusion and which are most badly affected by poverty; the long-term unemployed, the disabled, the elderly, women and immigrants. The new knowledge-based society provides opportunities to reduce social exclusion through the creation of economic conditions that favour growth, employment and through openness to new forms of participation in society. The key idea is that employment is the best safeguard against social exclusion and poverty. The Member States must ensure free access to education, including qualifications in the field of information technology and languages, and must promote lifelong learning. The new open method of coordination must involve greater participation by local and regional authorities and social partners, in order to enable an effective exchange of best practices. Finally, I should like to emphasise the need for the candidate countries to participate, as soon as possible, in the strategy for social inclusion and to draw up their own national action plans to improve this.

Political group: PPE-DE
Madam President, once again this year we have been struggling with the strict ceiling on category 4, given ever-increasing demands arising from growing international instability and a consequent diminution of the poverty focus of EU aid to developing countries around the world. But the whole Parliament – not just the Committee on Development and Cooperation – has been clear that development is a political priority overall in this year's EU budget, with support for the global fund against AIDS, TB and malaria. The Council in its May resolution says it is committed. The Commission says it wants to retain its board seat. Yet the EUR 120 million contribution last year is reduced to a proposal of just EUR 35 million for next. No, Parliament does not want the European Union to provide the minimum possible. It recognises that AIDS/HIV is the most serious challenge to humankind today; that the United Nations has declared at least 7 billion is needed worldwide; and that proposals amounting to 5 billion have already been tabled. The global fund represents a bold new approach – fast-moving, participatory and accountable. The European Union must demonstrate that it can achieve the same vision, imagination and commitment by significantly raising its own financial contribution and offering real European leadership in tackling the most devastating global challenge of our times.

Political group: PSE
The current division between the Member States on key foreign policy issues is lamentable. It prevents the Union from becoming a credible player on the international stage. If we want the Union to become a credible player, however, it must adopt a single stance and speak with a single voice. If we want the European Union to defend its objectives and its values on the international stage and contribute to peace, freedom and stability in the world, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations and international law, it urgently needs to develop a genuine ESDP as an integral part of the CFSP. This ESDP must be based on the principle of security, a security that is common to Europe and the rest of the world, a sustainable security based on equality, justice and reciprocity, a security based on respect for human rights, democratic control and international law. The Union should be a credible player on the international stage but also a free partner of the United States within the Atlantic Alliance. That is the key message of this report, and that is why I shall support it.

Political group: PSE
Mr President, firstly I would like to thank the rapporteur, Mrs Haug, for her excellent report. The report under discussion concerns Parliament’s provisional position on the budget in the conciliation talks that are to be held. Just as Mr Wynn said, the problems really mainly concern Category 4: External Action, and the reconstruction of the Balkans. Last Spring the Commission proposed the so-called CARDS programme for the reconstruction of the Western Balkans. Its total value is EUR 5.5 billion. EUR 1.9 billion has already been found for the programme; of the remainder, EUR 1.4 billion would be found by the reallocation of Category 4 funds, and 1.8 billion by moving funds from the section of the budget dealing with agriculture. The sum to be reallocated is therefore approximately 5% of the total sum under Category 4, so that it may be technically possible, given there is sufficient political will. However, the use of agricultural expenditure for the reconstruction of Kosovo is not fair, as each EU citizen must play a part in the work and not just the farming community. In addition, the future needs of agriculture are hard to estimate, as the Agenda 2000 reforms are only just starting and the WTO talks are in their elementary stages. The Commission’s proposal for the CARDS programme is explicit and our group supports it. EU Member States have to bear the responsibility for the reconstruction of the Balkans, as most of them were keen supporters of the military action there, and many also took part in it. Unless the countries of Europe help th–e inhabitants of the Balkans in their reconstruction work, honourably and vigorously, then this could result in a deep feeling of resentment and bitterness that could last for generations. Military action is always an extreme measure, and somebody must always suffer the consequences. When the Interinstitutional Agreement between the Council and Parliament, which contained the financial perspectives for the years 2000 – 2006, was made, it was forecast that the reconstruction of Kosovo might call for ‘fresh’ resources. This is stated in point 3 of Mrs Haug’s report. The Council has, however, signalled that it will not adopt any amendment to the financial perspectives – not even between categories. The CARDS programme is so huge that it is impossible to adapt it to the present financial perspectives. There are two alternatives ahead: to fund just part of the programme, or table an amendment to the financial perspectives. The Council is responsible for the reconstruction of the Balkans. If it merely promises money, but is not prepared to give it, its credibility as a global player shrinks. In that case Parliament will have to act within the framework of the financial perspectives, which will mean severe cutbacks in the CARDS programme.

Political group: ELDR
Mr President, this debate is about Taiwan and the WHO, and all the political groups are agreed that we wish to give Taiwan the opportunity to participate as an observer at the Geneva Summit in a few weeks’ time. Taiwan is a country with a very ambitious public health programme, and its people are among those with the longest average life span in Asia. Infant mortality is low, and many of the diseases that a large number of countries in the world are still combating, such as cholera, chickenpox and malaria, have been eradicated. A delegation from the Taiwanese health ministry visited us here in Strasbourg during the last part-session, and we had the opportunity then to hear a little about Taiwan’s experience. Many valuable lessons have been learned in Taiwan, and there is a great willingness to be of help, both economically and in terms of sharing knowledge. We know that the WHO is in great need of financial aid. I also want to say something about Taiwan as a political entity. My political group, the Group of the European Liberal, Democrat and Reform Party, supports democratic developments in Taiwan. We view what has been happening there with a very great deal of sympathy and support the Taiwanese people’s right to decide their own future. A few months ago, we invited President Chen Shui-bian here to award him the Liberal International Freedom Prize, but the French authorities would not give him a visa. We then tried to invite him to Belgium, and the Belgium authorities would not give him a visa either. Instead, they referred to an EU agreement not to invite the President of Taiwan, because to do so would threaten relations with China. Last week, we invited him to Sweden under a private arrangement, and he was not given a visa for my country either. When I recently investigated what rules apply, I learned that there is no such agreement at EU level. It would be illuminating to be told what really applies. I think it is disgusting to grovel in this way to the Chinese dictatorship. It should go without saying that a democratically elected leader should be given a visa when, for example, he receives an invitation from his Liberal colleagues.

Political group: ELDR
Mr President, the clear and balanced report drawn up by my colleague, Karl von Wogau, deserves my warmest thanks. The report analyses the situation at present and proposes consistent action for the future. It is important to take account of the enlargement of the Union in this connection too, as the considerable market in conventional weapons still focuses on the countries included in the accession now and those countries bordering on them. A review and standardisation of EU practices must be undertaken without delay, and we must ensure there is compliance with the EU Code of Conduct in the countries that are to be the EU’s new neighbours and in countries with which the EU has concluded a stabilisation and association agreement. The rapporteur rightly states it is a fault of the current Member States that data on exports to stable countries – to other EU countries and the United States of America – is given in minute detail but there is a lack of such data on exports to less stable countries. The remedy proposed in the report, greater transparency and a more multilateral approach, is the only way to correct these defects and prevent transfers of arms that pose a threat to human rights, regional stability or sustainable development. The development and harmonisation of legislation as well as a register of transactions and an authorisation system regarding the export of arms are both essential, and the idea also presented in the report with regard to establishing a European arms export control agency should be seriously considered as a logical next step towards a joint European armaments and procurement policy and the establishment of a common market in armaments. One piece of information in the explanatory statement in Mr von Wogau’s report needs to be corrected, however. The legislation in force in Finland on the export of armaments is in accordance with the recommendations laid down in the UN Firearms Protocol and in the OSCE Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons. The control of armaments brokering in Finland aims to thwart the circumvention of bans on arms exports imposed by the European Union, the UN Security Council and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, as well as the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports and other international agreements and undertakings concerning the control of exports. The aim too is to prevent the illegal manufacture of, and trade in, arms. We can therefore anticipate that my country will support the policy being proposed by my colleague, Karl von Wogau.

Political group: PPE-DE
Mr President, Mr President-in-Office of the Council, Commissioner, I am speaking as draftsman of the opinion of this Parliament’s Committee on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism. I understand the importance of institutional reforms, but I would also like to express the opinion of the Committee on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism on the issues which we must tackle in relation to the Intergovernmental Conference. We would like to make three points. Firstly, the active recognition of the role, protagonism and participation of the regions in the process of European construction which began 50 years ago. Secondly, the importance of transport. To this end, we want an extended Article 70 and we also want it to be supplemented with a provision on the creation of a single European agency for air traffic control. Lastly, the role of tourism for both the economy and for employment. We – or at least I personally – accept Amendment No 168, presented by the chairman of the Committee on Regional Policy on this issue.

Political group: ELDR
Mr President, Commissioners, as chairman of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, I should like to briefly discuss the social state of Europe. For I have noticed that, slowly but surely, we are moving towards a situation in which social policy competition is increasing considerably and in which the European citizen might well conclude in time that social dumping will be playing a part, more so than is currently the case and more so than we can justify to the citizen in Europe. We would like a straight answer from the Commission to the question whether we can expect its position on employment directives before the end of March. This would allow us during the last plenary meeting in April to give our position on these employment directives against the backdrop of the current economic climate. We want to speed up the process of adopting directives in the area of the European works council and on working times, which have to do with social dumping. After all, in some countries, England being one of them, it is possible to work up to sixty hours or so. We want speed in the package that pertains to the Posting of Workers directives. We want acceleration where the European social funds are involved, and I could go on like this for at least another five minutes.

Political group: Verts-ALE
Madam President, once again you have shown yourself, through your words today and yesterday, to be worthy of your duties as a representative and as a human being, and I thank you on behalf of the Socialist Group. In fact, in an emotional tribute, we have just applauded one of the victims, José María Martín Carpena, whose life has been taken simply for having committed the crime of living and working in a peaceful and democratic country. Every, or almost every, human being feels emotional and all democrats feel indignation, but I have a special reason to feel emotional in this case. For sixteen years I had the honour of being mayor of the city to which Martín Carpena dedicated his life and of presiding over the Council in which he worked. I understand very well what a great job all councillors do. In return for modest human, political and economic compensation, they give their time generously and dedicate their lives to the public good. That is how Martín Carpena won the affection of all the people of Malaga. Madam President, as you know, and as we saw yesterday, there are groups in the Basque Country who support terrorism. Using Nazi rhetoric, they propose ethnic and political objectives for territories, which are currently Spanish and French, which surpass the Albania of the sixties. They wage their campaigns in the countries of the European Union. I would like to remind Members that a political union based on democracy and human rights would not have allowed the terrorist totalitarianism of the 20s and 30s to emerge in Europe. Therefore, when all the social and communication institutions of Europe can react with the courage of this Parliament and when the fifteen different populations have the same attitude to ETA’s attacks, terrorism will be all but finished. On behalf of the Socialist Group then, Madam President, I would like to pay the warmest of tributes to the memory of Martín Carpena and also offer my best wishes to the family and colleagues of this murdered councillor. (Applause)

Political group: PSE