GwendalTsang/DEFT09-parquet huggingface dataset:
Our groups are not very happy with the proposal by European Commissioner Vitorino on a European arrest warrant, although the amendments adopted by the European Parliament (Watson report) do constitute a major improvement on the Commission proposal. However, our main concern, to protect liberal, Dutch criminal law by applying the European arrest warrant only to a limited list of so-called euro crimes, has not yet been accommodated. We are in favour of a European arrest warrant in order to combat terrorism and organised crime more effectively, but only under the following conditions: firstly, that European arrests are only carried out on the basis of a positive list of euro crimes, and secondly, that the list of euro crimes is limited to serious offences which are punishable in all European countries, such as murder, for example. Under no circumstances must the European arrest warrant jeopardise Dutch practice on abortion, euthanasia and drugs. Insofar as we can make out from the little information that is available to us from the Council of Ministers, the latter is already discussing a positive list, and this list appears to contain no less than 27 broadly-defined euro crimes so far. Consequently, the Council is now discussing a substantially different proposal from that of the Commission. By studying the original Commission proposal, Parliament is lagging behind. Furthermore, it very much looks as if the Dutch government is able to remove more of our objections via the Council than we are via the European Parliament. This issue once again exposes the EU’s democratic loophole. Inspection by the Lower Chamber is theoretically possible because the Council takes unanimous decisions. However, this is difficult to realise in practice on account of the Council’s reluctance to embrace openness and due to the late availability of the documents. The pace at which this sensitive issue is being discussed only exacerbates the problem. For all these reasons, our groups will vote in favour of the amendments of the Watson report, because these are a considerable improvement on the Commission proposal, but we will abstain in the vote on the legislative resolution.

Political group: ELDR
We are grateful to Mr Valdivielso de Cué for the work carried out in this report. However, we decided to table a number of amendments, some of which were accepted by the Commission. At this point I should like to stress the points which we would like to have accepted but which have not been incorporated for the moment. First, we agree fully with Amendment No 51, tabled by Mr Krehl on behalf of the Liberals which, in view of the war which the Russians are waging on Chechnya, seeks to grant aid only for democracy and social development. Secondly, insofar as we are allocating appropriations for the restoration of nuclear power stations, we would like them to be conditional upon the closure or replacement of these power stations, as we do not wish their lifetime to be extended. Consequently, we have tabled Amendment No 48, the wording of which, as set out here, has been accepted by the Liberals. Thirdly, we wish to support integrated projects with environmental implications which are on a more modest scale than national projects and which retain a local or regional dimension, so that the appropriations granted can be better controlled. Finally, we consider that earmarking 25% of appropriations for investment is excessive and we would like to see this capped at 2% for investments in pilot projects, with a larger percentage going to projects of an experimental nature. We trust that you will give these proposals your due consideration.

Political group: Verts-ALE
Mr President, yet another resolution on Egypt. Do you think that this time our voice will reach the ears of its rulers? Because so far they have made a point of ignoring us. The second trial of 50 men accused of homosexuality on 15 March and the sentencing of 21 of them to even harsher punishment demonstrates in the most dramatic fashion that this country has absolutely no respect for fundamental freedoms, for human rights or for privacy. The prisoners include a Greek citizen, Kostas Kastanias, who has serious health problems. Unfortunately, the Egyptian Government is refusing to move him to Greece. Finally, Egypt has no respect either for international conventions or for agreements with the European Union or even for its own laws, under which homosexuality is not a crime. It makes one wonder who is ruling Egypt? Does the rule of law exist or is the unofficial Islamic fundamentalist government in charge? Who does the European Union ultimately conclude agreements with, Commissioner? Do you have plans to finally do something about these matters? How do you intend to use the force and influence of the European Union to make Egypt respect fundamental freedoms and immediately release these people who have been wrongly imprisoned?

Political group: PSE
Mr President, the agricultural budget is probably typified by strokes of good fortune as well as huge setbacks. The setbacks are the outbreaks of animal diseases. The impact of those setbacks for the following year will probably not be fully known to us until the end of October, to be exact. One thing is certain: the strokes of luck will not last forever. We can expect setbacks in the form of outbreaks every year. I am about to repeat what I said last year, the year before that and God knows how long before that. It is irresponsible, in my opinion, to have EUR 41 million earmarked in the budget for the outbreak of infectious animal diseases. If we consider how much BSE and swine fever outbreaks have cost, and what foot and mouth is costing now, then those 41 million are a mere pittance. I therefore believe that the Commission should adopt a structural approach in order to improve the situation. Is it possible to have insurance cover in place? Is it possible to have a specific cattle fund, and does it not amount to distortion of competition if the national portion in one country is to be paid by the farmers, while it is entirely government-funded in other countries? Those are the aspects which the Commission, the Member States and the rapporteur need to work on in the short term, for it is quite likely that we will be experiencing setbacks of this kind again in future.

Political group: ELDR
Mr President, I will not make further reference to the tragic events of the earthquakes which have shaken the whole of the region, both in neighbouring Turkey and in Greece, at varying degrees, of course. We refer to the resolution which we tabled concerning the need for action on a political, ethical and material level. I would just like, Mr President, to take this moment to inform you that in Athens, for example, there is now great concern and panic amongst the population derived from irresponsible reports circulating around the country of further imminent earthquakes. These are reports from scientific circles both in Greece and in other European countries because, as you know, everybody is following the progress of the earthquakes with great interest. I believe, Mr President, that if we were to do anything useful and long-standing – and I would like the opinion of the Commissioner on this – then that would have to be the setting up of that wonderful organisation we have been talking about – the one for the study of earthquakes, etc – which, in turn, would have to have a main code of ethics as regards its constitution and when, where, how and to whom information on earthquakes should be publicised. It is one thing to give out information to improve anti-seismic protection, for instance, and another thing to bandy about scientific information, albeit with good intentions, and to terrorise the population. And since this is a cross-border issue, Mr President, and the information is circulating from country to country, I believe that we should have some general, serious and scientific regulation throughout the whole of the European Union.

Political group: GUE-NGL
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, global warming is a phenomenon that we are all experiencing on a daily basis. The heatwave, which affected us severely this summer, is a reminder of how serious the problem of greenhouse gas emissions is. We urgently need to find sustainable solutions to this problem. Clearly the European Union has to comply with the Kyoto objectives and above all contribute to ensuring sustainable development for future generations. The proposal for a decision, to be put to the vote during this part-session, is an important piece in the European Union's regulatory jigsaw on greenhouse gas emissions. Apart from the environmental aspect, we have to bear in mind that governments and industry are the main players here. The text in question makes it possible to put in place an efficient and reliable emissions calculation and projection system, an essential precondition for producing an evaluation of the situation in Europe that can be passed up to international level. At present, the information is still incomplete or inaccurate. As far as current Member States are concerned, too much information is still lacking, mainly on carbon sinks. The combination of environmental concerns, economic interests and governmental reluctance makes this a complex task, but we have been relatively successful in this case. Nevertheless, I would draw Members' attention to a specific point, the flexibility prescribed by the Kyoto Protocol for determining the reference year for monitoring certain gases. We should distance ourselves from the Commission's proposal of 1990 as the sole reference year and stick to the Protocol, while waiting to see what amendments might be made, as has just been said. That apart, I would strongly encourage Members to vote in favour of this text, which provides a reasonable legal framework and an appropriate timetable, combining flexibility and efficacy.

Political group: PPE-DE
Mr President, I supported the resolution on Kaliningrad by Mrs Hoff. We have to follow the example given by Mr Patten in his remarks yesterday and make a clear resolution in favour of cooperation with Russia and on the question of Kaliningrad to fit in with the wishes of the people of that small territory. Mr Putin is a friend of ours, and we should encourage him. He has brought economic growth to Russia at a time of very great danger in the economic system of that country. He has sorted out the taxation system, which makes the very valid point that reducing rates of tax very often results in an increase in revenue. Chechnya is his black mark – we must be critical of the Russian government here. Mr Putin is sensitive to criticism, and a word of caution should go out from this European Parliament and be carefully noted by colleagues, even if they are not present in this Chamber at the moment.

Political group: PPE-DE
Mr President, I have passed to the Sittings Services a report from the Commission about its Investigation and Disciplinary Office. The report represents a staggering indictment of the Commission's ability to handle its own affairs, let alone those of the people of Europe. Over the last five years there have been 40 actions taken against individuals found to be guilty of a total of 48 infringements. Despite reported cases documented in this report of rape, fraud, paedophile pornography, misuse of funds, harassment, theft, forgery, striking and wounding, depraved behaviour, aggression, corruption and conflict of interest, only one individual has been dismissed in the last five years. The Commission's own disciplinary process is clearly unable to take the appropriate action against employees who commit hideous and, in some cases, criminal offences. This Parliament needs to know that those responsible for this failure have themselves been removed from their posts. What new immediate measures are being put in place to improve the process and what police action has resulted from any of these infringements over the last five years? I ask you to refer this matter to President Prodi as a matter of urgency. (Applause from the right)

Political group: PPE-DE
Madam President, the IGC should prepare the EU for the reorganisation needed to bring about the complete process of enlargement that is in hand. The most important consideration regarding enlargement in the Dimitrakopoulos/Leinen report is increased flexibility. Only differentiation within the EU can create the preconditions necessary for enlargement on such a massive scale. It is important that the report proposes that closer cooperation should be facilitated. The Group of the European Liberal, Democrat and Reform Party has recommended that the principle of flexibility should also be realised in the form of greater scope for cooperation for those countries that cannot or do not want to accept the Union’s statutes in their entirety. This would facilitate and speed up enlargement of the Union. In making its review the Group of the Liberal, Democrat and Reform Party states that flexibility might lead to a larger concentric Europe, composed of a federal core and a less integrated outer circle. At this stage it is not necessary to adopt a precise position on how the Union should be differentiated. It is enough for now that we create an institutional framework in which it is possible to deepen and expand the Union in practical terms. I hope that Amendment No 154, which the Group of the European Liberal, Democrat and Reform Party has tabled regarding increased flexibility, will be adopted.

Political group: ELDR
Mr President, I voted for the Paciotti report because I feel that it is right for the European Union to take an interest in anything to do with the protection of personal data. Sadly, personal data is all too often used by criminals to exploit confidential data for their own gain. As I have already said on a previous occasion, pensioners and the elderly are certainly among the victims. However, in voting for the motion I would also like to stress that, in addition to having our personal data protected, it would also be nice to be able to know what are own personal data are. In Italy, for example, workers are still unable to discover the size of the pensions they will receive and how much money they have paid in contributions. They are therefore ignorant of some of their personal data. In voting for the report, I therefore hope that, in the future, not only will our personal data be protected, but, as well as our name, surname and date of birth, we will all know how great our pension will be when we retire.

Political group: PPE-DE
Madam President, Commissioner Vitorino was right to refer to the very special relationship we have with Canada, which is in the process of being raised to a higher level. You mentioned, Commissioner, that our models of society are identical or very similar. It is indeed the case that Canada is a large country endeavouring not only to permit but also to promote cultural diversity within itself, and so certain analogies with the situation in the European Union present themselves, since our structure differs from, say, the United States of America. Cultural diversity is present in our European Union too, a diversity that will become even more marked following the accession of new countries next year. You also mentioned, Commissioner, that we have the same global interests, and this goes hand in hand with the other aspect you mentioned, our shared social model. Our global interests are in the field of foreign and security policy. Particularly after 11 September, we have to engage in a global cultural dialogue, for a clash of civilizations, a choc des civilisations will get us nowhere. In the final analysis, international terrorism cannot be fought by military means. This leads me to mention another aspect, which is that although Canada, that great country, is in North America, it is one in which French is spoken. Intercultural dialogue, especially between the United States of America and the Islamic world, grinds to a halt if it is conducted only in English. I think there is great potential if France joins Canada in promoting such dialogue. Canada can be a mediator between the USA and the Islamic world. Not least is this in the interests of our most important partner, the United States of America. Let me conclude by adding that I believe that our relationship with Canada functions as a model. Now that the Iron Curtain has ceased to be, we are quite right to work towards a balanced relationship with Central and Eastern Europe and also with those Eastern European countries that will very probably never belong to the European Union, especially with Russia. We must never forget, though, that we must continue to look westwards; not only to the USA, but to our great ally Canada. Together with Canada, we must work towards global equilibrium in a multipolar world, and I believe that a productive relationship with Canada in this process is something the significance of which cannot be overestimated.

Political group: PPE-DE
Mr President, Commissioner, thank you also, Mr Glante, for your efforts at producing this report in this form, and thank you for what you have said. Mr Radwan, in his capacity as your shadow rapporteur, will further enlarge on the proposal that you feel unable to support. Having its own satellite navigation system has been one of Europe's concerns for many years now, but it exists only as an aspiration. No decision on it has as yet been reached. It is in connection with Galileo, of all things, that everything is weighed in the balance a thousand times over, every euro is examined closely, whereas in other areas the European purse-strings are much looser. What I reproach the Member States for is the way they delay and defer, hang back and hesitate, and that is what could stick in the minds of Europe's citizens. That is also what Europe's image threatens to become if we are not careful. I, however, want Europe to be modern, technologically on the ball, quite literally the worldwide Number One. This is where Europe can play its trump cards – economic strength, a talent for innovation, technological capacity and vision. I do not want to make apocalyptic predictions, but I am convinced that, without Galileo, Europe could completely lose its position in an important sector and will fall back so far that it will, at the end of the day, be quite impossible for it to catch up. If we do not manage to get Galileo started and at last open the doors to new technologies, if we do not manage to make the necessary funds available, then we will become a laughing-stock across the world, and in outer space as well. Why am I telling you this? We need now, at last, a resounding ‘yes’ to Galileo and a competitive alternative to GPS! The Council wanted industry involved in Galileo as early as possible. The Commission submitted a proposal which Parliament put to the acid test, and which received – and still receives – severe criticism from different sides, and I do think there were omissions on the Commission's side as well. Our Committees have identified a number of problem areas. Industry involvement in the Joint Undertaking – whether direct or via the development company – must not, though, be made so hard to reach that Galileo's failure becomes a possible result. Europe needs Galileo, or, as the Commission puts it in its information note, Galileo is indispensable to Europe. That is why I hope Parliament will speak with a clear voice and that there will be a large majority tomorrow.

Political group: PPE-DE
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, our trans-European routes, our roads and motorways, are being clogged up daily by millions of lorries, buses and cars, which leads to wasted time, wasteful energy consumption and significant environmental damage, amongst other things. For all of these reasons the Group of the always defends the railway as an alternative means of transport – currently underexploited – which wastes fewer resources, and is cleaner and more respectful of the natural environment. Therefore, when amending and implementing the Community legislation on the liberalisation of the railway sector, we wish to argue not only that the railway should not be penalised in relation to other means of transport, but that there should actually be positive discrimination in its favour, so that we can counteract the delay we have caused in terms of investing in it. With regard to the taxes on the use of the infrastructures, which in the end will be paid by the users, we suggest that, in the short to medium term, these only reflect the marginal costs generated by the rail traffic itself and not those involving the recuperation of investment and maintenance, which should be covered by state budgets, as in the case of roads and motorways. That is the only way we will manage to make the railway a competitive means of transport which is used on a grand scale.

Political group: Verts-ALE
Mr President, I am very grateful to you for what you have just said. Mrs Roth-Behrendt spoke on the substance of the allegations of misuse of funds by Members of this House, and then you made your own contribution. I just want to remind the House of how these accusations came to be made over the past three years; the Member to whom reference has been made used a concealed camera to spy on Members as they went about their work. In so doing, he violated all the rules of honesty, trust and collegiality. I cannot see the European Parliament meekly accepting this sort of thing without a word of criticism. It is not individuals who suffer, but the House as a whole, when this sort of espionage is used to investigate the work we do. I would ask you to condemn this unequivocally in the interests of all Members of this House. (Applause)

Political group: PSE
Madam President, do you want to wait until the meeting has finished here or not? Could I first of all address my comments to the Commissioner? Commissioner, I have attacked you vociferously on three previous occasions for not taking a decision, because I thought you were weak. I would like now to first of all extend my thanks to you for the way in which you have at long last taken a decision and are going to take the position you are with the French. We know that it is extremely difficult. I actually believe that you have been – and I will use British words here, 'stitched up'; and 'stitched up' not only by the French. I also think you were used by the British Government. I look forward to seeing a quick response to your actions. I might add to Mr Whitehead that I speak here now not just as a Member of this august Parliament but as a farmer. It is particularly important that people understand that this crisis has affected every individual farmer, not just in France, but right across Europe. I have with me today – and I risk being arrested, I brought them for you, Mr Byrne – two British prime steaks. They are from a local butcher and farmer who lives next door to me, who will almost certainly not be in business by the end of the week. I have to say, after hearing what Mr Martinez had to say, that I am deeply concerned that BSE may now be transmitted to human beings. I would just like to add, since you are about to announce a White Paper on food safety, that, whatever people say, food right across Europe can never be 100% safe. I would just like to suggest to Mr Martinez that last year over 20 people died from listeria in France – more people than caught BSE. Therefore I do hope that you use objective scientific evidence when it comes to food safety, and not just a precautionary principle, which is understood under Article 30 (ex-Article 36). I look forward to hearing your reply later on.

Political group: PPE-DE