GwendalTsang/DEFT09-parquet huggingface dataset:
Mr President, today we are debating a report which goes much further than the figures on alleged fraud or errors in the Community accounts. It demands that the Members of this Parliament act responsibly. We must address the lack of moral responsibility on the part of bureaucracies, which was condemned in such a masterly way by Kafka. This lack of moral responsibility is perversely able to involve people in a labyrinthine quest for their exact legal position and subject them to phantom judgements regarding unknown crimes. These situations have happily been overcome in Europe. The creation of an effective and transparent office to fight fraud is a task with which all Members of this Parliament agree, and I hope that all the institutions agree. The creation of an omnipotent mechanism, designed to pursue officials on the basis of secret denunciations, accusations and lists of suspects, riding roughshod over the individual guarantees, statutes and regulations which provide basic legal security for people working in the institutions, is a form of irresponsibility which this Parliament or any Community institution should have nothing to do with, because such a climate of suspicion would only benefit the eurosceptics. The Socialist Group, which is interested in combating fraud as well as protecting the rights of citizens, including officials, and the construction of a Europe based on the principles of fair play, democracy, proximity to the citizens, transparency, efficiency and solidarity, has presented an amendment to paragraph 29 of this report, which lays down the principle that combating fraud should not take precedence over the basic rights of officials. To demand lists of suspects, as suggested in the report, would be a form of McCarthyism which is beneath the dignity of this House and, furthermore, it may possibly be illegal. I would like to remind you that claims have been made that no action has been taken against this type of action and that OLAF’s monitoring committee, in relation to these appeals, is aware that certain aspects are not functioning properly within this body. While accepting that, with the dynamic of European construction, the increase in the budget and the growth of the administration, there may be more fraud and errors, we must not fall into a kind of policing paranoia, or at least this Parliament must not. The immunity which we enjoy as MEPs must not be confused with impunity. It is important that this report does not simply create a Kafkaesque type of system, but that it also provides a guarantee for officials.

Political group: PSE
Mr President, Madam Vice-President, whether one tends to be favourably disposed towards atomic energy, as you do, or to take a critical view of it, as I do, the proposals that have been presented today are in any case very, very important and an important step on which I should also like to congratulate you. I have two questions. Firstly, Madam Vice-President, are you prepared to shape information policy on atomic energy in such a way that full information is given, with the utmost transparency, as regards dangerous incidents and safety measures, and to demand of the other countries that they should do likewise? Will you also see to it that the controls carried out, as well as the controllers' reports, will be made available to the public, so that they may be sure that everything is being done properly? My second question has to do with the timetable. Which timetable have you decided on for the voting on the proposals you have put forward? Are you prepared to play your part in speeding this voting up?

Political group: PSE
Mr President, I voted for the proposal for the race directive. I did so very willingly and, particularly in my capacity as representative of the Pensioners’ Party, I am glad to have been able to use my vote to contribute to the adoption of this directive. Today’s pensioners and elderly people lived through the Second World War: they know what racism means. They hoped that the issue would never have to be raised again, let alone regulated by laws banning racist acts. I hope that this law will soon be out of date, for that will mean that antiracist behaviour has ceased. I hope that this and every other law against discrimination will become obsolete. Since, sadly, this is not the case at present, Europe is acting wisely in publicly making its position so clear.

Political group: PPE-DE
Mr President, I would like to support the sentiments of the previous speaker, and also to suggest that votes taken on Thursday evenings should be taken into account when calculating the daily attendance allowance. (Applause)

Political group: PPE-DE
Mr President, I would like to refer, firstly and above all, to the joint resolution which will be laid down to round off this debate. My Group has made a contribution to this resolution and, needless to say, approves of it. More specifically, however, I would like to express our delight at the fact that, after such a long time, Israel and Syria are on speaking terms again to resolve their differences of opinion. The recent negotiations are already an important step towards a permanent peace in the Middle East. It is, therefore, regrettable that these peace talks have been suspended for the time being. Indeed, both parties will need to make huge efforts. Lasting peace in the region can only be achieved by means of an agreement which guarantees the security of the Israeli borders, as well as Syria’s integrity. It is also necessary to initiate permanent diplomatic relations and to establish constant dialogue. In addition to the bilateral meetings with Syria, I hope that Israel will also enter into negotiations with Lebanon within the foreseeable future and that, in the framework of economic and regional cooperation, a multilateral approach will appear possible. Nevertheless, it is still regrettable that the European Union, one of the most important financial donors, is still unable to play a major political role in the peace process. This peace process in the Middle East is one of the priorities of the European Union’s common foreign and security policy. This is where Mr Solana, the High Representative to the Council, could come into his own. The Commission and Member States also have to be encouraged to support projects which can help develop understanding and partnership between the different nations in the region. I should also draw your attention to the significance of the Barcelona process which should have a beneficial impact on regional cooperation. In this respect, we support Libya’s participation, provided that it recognises human rights, renounces support for terrorists and fully supports the peace process. There are still, needless to say, many unresolved problems and unanswered questions, also involving the Palestinians. Everyone knows that the peace process is a protracted and difficult affair but we are convinced that, with the necessary trust, perseverance and indispensable political will, our common goal, namely a peaceful and prosperous Middle East, will be achieved.

Political group: ELDR
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the original Commission proposal, with the exception of a few positive measures, has to be described as extremely weak, to put it mildly. It contains a number of major failings. There were hardly any innovative ideas in it, except for how to tackle sexual violence, something which, for a directive which is already 25 years old, is telling. However, it is, of course, positive that sexual intimidation is recognised as a form of discrimination, particularly against women, but recognition is as far as it goes. There is no regulation providing for a possible preventative policy, and the protection of witnesses is not regulated properly either. In addition, there is no coherent regulation of sanctions in the event of this form of discrimination taking place. It can be likened to driving through a set of red traffic lights. You are allowed to drive, no one is stopping you from doing so, and no measures are taken. Moreover, the penalty is extremely lenient. In order to protect women better after pregnancy, in those countries where this is regulated, fathers should be given the same protection as mothers, so that work and family life can be combined. Hence, also the green amendment to establish one regulation for both mothers and fathers so that fathers can look after their children more but are also protected in the same way. There is a clear majority in this House in favour of regulating a number of more specific matters. Most of these matters, however, belong in other and separate directives, such as the pregnancy directive and equal pay for equal work. In recent years, the Commission has proved unable to draft a number of amendments to directives which are more tailored to the current needs of women. The Group of the therefore urges the Commission once again to table amendments of this kind to existing directives, possibly in the form of a codification of the male and female equality acquis. We are meanwhile awaiting the Commission proposal on male and female equality outside the employment process with bated breath. Finally, I should like to express the hope that the Belgian Presidency, given its own progressive legislation in this respect, succeeds in convincing the Member States of the importance of approving the directive by 2 January and that it can approve this directive under the Presidency of Mrs Onkelinkx.

Political group: Verts-ALE
Mr President, the Commission has recently developed the bad habit of confronting us with proposals, among other things, on the pretext that they dismantle distortions of competition in the internal market and rationalise the VAT system. Unfortunately, they are counterproductive in the current climate. The proposal before us is a case in point. Our rapporteur, Mrs Randzio-Plath, has displayed moderation and realism in preparing her report, and I pay tribute to that. She has also demonstrated these qualities again very comprehensively in her speech. We have generally followed her line because she wishes to make it possible for the Member States to retain their reduced rates of VAT. This applies especially to the reduced rates for labour-intensive services, such as hairdressers and others, which were introduced in 2000. It would be wrong, in the current economic climate, to trigger higher inflation by substantially increasing VAT rates. In my country, for example, this increase would entail a leap in the VAT rate from 6% to 15% for the labour-intensive services listed in Annex K. This special provision was intended to create jobs and reduce ‘black’ working. It expires at the end of the year and is not renewed in the Commission’s proposal, for according to the Commission’s report, its dual objective – which I have mentioned – has not been achieved. However, we do not share this view of things, and nor – as Mrs Randzio-Plath has explained – do the many other people whom we have consulted. It is also doubtful whether an experiment conducted over just three years can be described as a failure after such a short time. It would be premature to draw conclusions at this stage. Unfortunately, I see no good will on the part of the Commission, and our committee has incorporated most of the services listed in Annex K into the expanded Annex Ha so that the reduced rates will continue to apply if the Member State so wishes. On behalf of my group, we have tabled amendments enabling the Member States to continue the experiment at least until the new directive enters into force. If these two amendments are rejected, the provisions of Annex K – Mr President, I still have the two minutes allocated to Mr Karas, who is not here – will expire at the end of the month. The Member States would then have to increase the rates before being allowed to reduce them again in a matter of months when the new directive comes into force, when many of these services will be eligible for the reduced rates. The situation would become quite farcical. The third amendment, which I have tabled on behalf of my group, would permit the Member States to retain the parking rates of at least 12% for a further 15 years, so that the changeover would not have to take place abruptly over night, which I think is reasonable. Despite what the Commissioner would have us believe, nor is there any need to follow his line in the interests of enlargement. I hope that the Commission will see sense and support our very reasonable proposal, and if it does not do so, I trust that the Council of Ministers will vote unanimously to do so.

Political group: PPE-DE
A stark example of the need for improvement and the establishment of a common European framework for informing and consulting employees is occurring in my home area at this moment. A long established multi-national company – Levi-Strauss – recently gave advance notice of redundancy in relation to workers at two factories in Scotland, at Bellshill and Dundee. The news media were informed first, and the announcement was accompanied by a statement explaining that the company had unilaterally considered and rejected any possible alternative to closure. This type of action is deplorable, not helped by the fact that the UK is seen as having the weakest legislation in this area. I therefore welcome and support moves towards a reasonable EU-wide standard for proper consultation with workers. Rapport Oostlander (A5-0460/2001)

Political group: Verts-ALE
Mr President, with a peculiar sort of local chauvinism, I too must start by saying that my home region of Upper Austria and, more importantly, my home district of Perk have been devastated by the floods. In my home district of Perk, we had a total of three flash floods and mudslides of unprecedented magnitude within a month. The first, which, relatively speaking, was the mildest, hit my own house. The time of trying to persuade ourselves that this is a one in a millennium occurrence – an unhappy combination of circumstances – is past; we are sure that this is a catastrophe brought about by climate change and could strike again at any given moment. It could strike again anywhere in Europe or the rest of the world at any given moment; in other words, even as we deal with the emergency and repair the damage, we need to focus on prevention and on protecting the climate. I am very grateful to everyone, including the Commission, which has put a really impressive package together and shown us how we can help at European level. All of us from the regions affected have already said that this is a message which has been very well received by our citizens. I also believe – which is why, of course, we are lobbying here for increased support – that help from the European Union should be in proportion to the damage. The total bill in Upper Austria will probably be in the region of EUR 3 billion. I have a special request to put to the Commission on behalf of my region, which is neither an Objective 1 nor an Objective 2 region and the places worst affected do not qualify for aid. It is a request for support in implementing restructuring measures within Austria, including these areas. I should like to thank you, President Cox, for having taken an early initiative on behalf of the European Union and agreeing to open an exhibition of the damage in Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria which I have organised at 5 p.m. this evening, because I think this sort of solidarity is important. I can also report that, in my region, even people who lost everything or almost everything are saying, the poor Czechs, they are even worse off, they will probably find it even harder to cope. I believe we have seen an upsurge in cross-border solidarity. I should like to use this platform to thank everyone who has helped in Austria, the army, the fire brigade, the Red Cross and all the volunteers. Many agencies have been overwhelmed with offers of help. In Austria, African asylum seekers have been helping and young Muslim associations have volunteered to help. There has been a wave of solidarity, the like of which we have never experienced and which has taken many people by surprise and I should be glad to pass the message of heartfelt sympathy expressed here to the victims in my home region. (Applause)

Political group: PSE
Mr President, on behalf of my group, I am particularly happy that Parliament has today given a strong signal of cohesion on a matter as important as combating corruption. Parliament has given a clear answer to the citizens, who are facing a serious lack of confidence in the transparency of the markets and many institutions. The European reference framework on combating corruption is still fragmented, non-binding and in need of a bold step forward. The Danish initiative on corruption in the private sector is an initial step in the right direction, but we need to go further, especially in view of enlargement. Parliament has asked those Member States who have not yet done so to ratify the European Union Convention and the Council of Europe Convention on corruption in the public sector. If this does not happen, Parliament has asked the Council to submit a new framework decision on corruption in the public sector. This is the focus of the report. Some States are anticipating the implementation of the European arrest warrant, like the United Kingdom, which was the first country to transpose the arrest warrant into national law with the Extradition Bill. (Text abbreviated in accordance with Rule 137(1)) - Report Ribeiro e Castro (A5-0374/2002)

Political group: ELDR
Mr President, the ethical dimension of this debate is crucial, but we must not stop there: we must also discuss power. Who has the final say over the human body? The bio-patent directive regulates that power. Unfortunately this directive is not completely transparent. The opportunities for patents are formulated in overly broad terms and, as a result, power shifts one-sidedly to the big patent-holders. We must provide a counterweight. In the first place, we must subject the directive to a thorough evaluation of its socio-economic consequences, and, if necessary, propose an amendment. Secondly, we must ensure that pharmaceutical companies communicate with the public. There must be public influence on a research agenda. What do we want to know, what can we know and who is allowed to know what we know? Thirdly, we must make sure that gene therapy remains accessible to all. Gene therapy is so costly for the time being and that may threaten accessibility. Fourthly, we must ask ourselves what the results of the medical revolution are: we are living longer, we are becoming more individual, we are banishing ailments, and all that has consequences for human relationships, for the labour market and for health care. Finally, we must draw up a public research agenda, which we must not allow to be delimited by artificial, ethical boundaries. We must move from a narrow ethics based on orthodox religion to a broadly based social ethics. The sixth framework programme plays an essential part in this, but cooperation between national public institutions is at least as important.

Political group: PSE
When Mr Solana last spoke to this Parliament I was highly critical of the fact that he hardly mentioned at all the idea of conflict prevention; and today we have him mentioning quite a lot about conflict prevention, but no proposal whatsoever about taking it on board on a serious way. We have a lot of proud talk about 60 000 troops being prepared in 60 days to be available for a whole year, but we currently have crises in Europe and on the borders of Europe and elsewhere which this Union is failing abjectly to deal with. What we need are 60 000 civilian policemen and women in order to try and deal with these situations. We have not heard any information from Mr Solana about what leverage is going to be used in relation to Russia and Chechnya. We have not heard anything from Mr Solana about what diplomatic intervention he or the European Union is making in a serious way – serious diplomatic interventions – to stop the slaughter in Chechnya. We have large gaps in what we are arguing for, in principle, in relation to human rights. We mustered the capacity to intervene in relation to Kosovo, and we are now making a complete mess of Kosovo by failing to put adequate resources and staff and people in there to deal with a situation and demonstrating our inability to deal significantly with conflict prevention. So, I would ask Mr Solana to explain to this House the position of the European Union in relation to Chechnya. What are we going to do seriously to bring that appalling situation to an end? We have levers we can use with Russia if we choose to use them, but we are choosing not to use them.

Political group: PSE
Mr President, I am taking the floor because I should like to congratulate the rapporteur on the report he has prepared and thank him for the sterling work that has been done. It is incredibly important that the European Parliament should keep this debate on the agenda and also never stop further developing not only the debate but also the practical proposals. I shall not present an inordinately long general and specific introduction but merely refer to Mrs Kinnock's words, with which I can declare myself completely in agreement. I thought it might be discussed how much benefit we derive from a meeting such as that taking place in Johannesburg. Listening especially to those who participated in the Rio Summit, the impression can be created that Johannesburg is really just confirming what we achieved back then in Rio, and that is of course a rather sad state of affairs. I just saw the problem's being that, without these summits, we could not ensure that the debate continued but, that being said, Mr Deva has of course shown us one of the ways in which it can be. Before I discuss individual points, I want to say that I of course think it important that we make demands both of ourselves and of the developing countries in terms, for example, of good governance, to which Mr Deva has also referred in his report. I should then very much like to comment on the first points mentioned by Mr Deva, namely points A, B and D in which he clearly emphasises that globalisation is here to stay, which is of course a good thing. If, however, we do not temper globalisation, it may end up by marginalising a number of countries and a number of population groups in those countries. This is, in my view, an incredibly important message. The second important message conveyed by Mr Deva relates to a situation outstandingly exemplified by ourselves and the EU inasmuch as we have of course grown up within the framework of protectionism. Moreover, it is as if we completely forget this when we go on to discuss the developing countries. It is a very exciting train of thought Mr Deva has embarked upon when it comes to enterprises, which we cannot manage without. I should like, however, also to say that enterprises must not be used as a poor excuse for doing nothing in the sphere of general aid on which we unfortunately see countries cutting back at the moment.

Political group: ELDR