GwendalTsang/DEFT09-parquet huggingface dataset:
Despite their contradictions, the two initial reports dealing with public procurement contracts, public services, the assessment of public works and public services that have not yet been totally liberalised, which must remain under the protection of the directive, substantially improve the European Commission’s proposal. It should be remembered that this seeks to take advantage of the process of simplifying existing directives to take a further step towards the opening up of public markets and their liberalisation, in order to meet the objective, laid down in Lisbon, of creating an internal market for public markets. During the vote in plenary, however, a significant number of the more positive proposals was rejected, which means that the report has moved closer to the positions and the objectives of the Commission. We voted, therefore, in favour of all the positive proposals that seek to include in public tenders objectives other than the lowest price, and to instead select the best proposal in terms of criteria for the environment, for employment, protection for the disabled etc. We also voted for the proposals on fighting or prevention corruption. Nevertheless, since some of these proposals were rejected, in the end, we could only vote against the two reports.

Political group: GUE-NGL
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the employment policies of the Member States should focus on clear priorities, taking into account the current economic climate, the requirements of an enlarged European Union and better implementation of the Lisbon strategy. Lifelong learning, employment for the elderly and combating undeclared work are all priorities which must be emphasised, as the rapporteur, of course, rightly states. Although it outlines the importance of common priorities, this report approaches certain areas less successfully. These areas are: Firstly, the Stability Pact: applying the employment strategy is the responsibility of the Member States, who should ensure that sufficient financial resources are made available, bearing in mind the need for sound public finances in accordance with the broad economic policy guidelines and the Stability Pact. The Stability Pact is an essential instrument for guaranteeing good public finance management on the part of the Member States and for ensuring sustainable growth and the smooth functioning of Economic and Monetary Union. Reference to the Pact and compliance with its provisions is thus crucial to European employment strategy. Secondly, immigration as a response to the overall job creation strategy should be strictly regulated. Recruitment of immigrant workers should be done selectively. Checks must be carried out to see if the conditions for entry, residence and employment prescribed by the relevant legislation have been fulfilled, in order to avoid uncontrolled immigration. Illegal immigration into the Member States is the object of extremely uneven national legislation and has been on the increase in recent years, bolstered by the traffic in human beings and the activities of facilitators. It should be left to the discretion of each Member State to define the type of qualifications needed, as well as the number of workers it intends to recruit, based on the needs of its labour market, its population trends and its ability to integrate immigrants. Furthermore, the battle against undeclared work should be joined with renewed vigour, reducing labour costs and making the creation of new jobs less burdensome. Thirdly, the definition of targets such as, for example, reducing unemployment or increasing the participation of women in the labour market, should be challenging but realistic, and the different starting points of the various Member States should be taken into account. These aims should be thought of as progressive steps to take rather than as levels to attain. Otherwise, we run the risk of their becoming unacceptable and badly implemented in national employment plans. Finally, I would like to congratulate Commissioner Vitorino, who expressed very well the need for a balance between security and flexibility as essential factors for competitiveness and productivity in Europe.

Political group: PPE-DE
Mr President, Commissioner, I share the determination which has been expressed to give a new boost to the Euro-Mediterranean partnership forthwith. Even those behind the Barcelona process consider that it has broken down – that is the description which has been used – and it is a long way from having fulfilled its promises. In this respect, today’s motion for a resolution falls a long way short of the declared ambition. The peoples of the South are often critical and are concerned about this failure. I share their impatience, and even their disappointment and their anger, at the delays but also at the inadequacies of this partnership and at the initial damage it has caused. There are still extreme disparities between the two sides of the Mediterranean, which keep the peoples of the South in an explosive economic and social situation, with poverty and unemployment, particularly among young people. The path leading to an area of shared prosperity has, for the time being, stopped at the association agreements, which are governed by strictly economic and financial interests in denial of the needs of the people. These populations, however, are already suffering under the weight of the debt, the drop in the price of raw materials and imposed structural actions. The free trade area is in danger of considerably intensifying these imbalances, even though there is an urgent need, instead, for greater collaboration in order to meet needs. I am thinking in particular of public services, more especially in the areas of water, education, health, public transport and housing. This partnership will have no future unless it has the benefit of close cooperation with the representatives of the citizens concerned, the associations, the NGOs, the trade unions and civil society as a whole. Moreover, the dream of peace on both sides of the Mediterranean should be listened to and the wish granted at the earliest possible opportunity. The spiralling violence in the Middle East, the war being waged so violently and resolutely against the Palestinian people, whose right to statehood is still being denied by Israel, are all threatening the future of the entire region. The European Union must, as the Palestinian leaders expressly request, henceforth take bold action in order to put an end to the gunfire, to promote effective dialogue and actively militate in favour of applying the UN resolutions. The Marseilles Conference could have been used to this end. The failure – or, at least, the relative failure – of the Charter for Peace and Stability proves that it is not possible to achieve Europe’s “security” on the basis of marginalising the South and closing borders. These last few days in Marseilles, I have observed the great numbers of speakers addressing such comments to the Conference of Ministers, speaking in favour of cancelling debt and replacing free trade with relations of mutually supportive codevelopment... (The President cut the speaker off)

Political group: GUE-NGL
Mr President, I would like to commend the rapporteur on his excellent report. As Parliament's rapporteur on Hong Kong, the current status of the Macau Special Administrative Region holds obvious interest to me, and I have been fortunate enough to visit the region twice within the last year. On the positive side, Macau's economy has progressed significantly since the handover, enjoying a 4% growth in GDP during the year 2000. Another positive development is Edmond Ho Hau-Wah's stated intention of breaking up the casino monopoly and aiming to create an Asian equivalent of Atlantic City. I welcome the fact that Macau's crime rate has also improved. Statistics show that the overall drop in crime is around 5% and that the police have significantly reduced gang-related crime involving the gambling industry. On the negative side the unemployment rate has reached 7% causing unrest among workers. Their fears and uncertainties have been compounded because of their belief that immigrants will pose a threat to future employment. Macau does boast a sound education system but its economic dependence on gambling and textiles, and its failure to attract high-tech industries do not augur well for the future employment prospects of the young population. Other worrying developments are the claims of police brutality made by Falangong practitioners who were refused entry to Macau during the visit of President Jiang and who were also denied the right to protest against the government's crackdown on the group. Furthermore, President Jiang's plea to Macau's government not to allow criticism of Beijing raises fundamental questions about the Chinese Government's commitment to allow freedom of expression which is fundamental to the success of the one-country two-systems policy. Overall, progress has been made since the handover and that progress can be described as satisfactory. However, it is imperative, as also with Hong Kong, to continue monitoring to ensure that there is no erosion of democracy, human rights and freedoms. I can assure the last speaker that this is not simply an issue of interest to the Portuguese. It is an issue of interest, not only to the European Union, but to the world and those who want to see Macau and Hong Kong progress, so that basic freedoms are guaranteed and are not eroded by the country to which they have been handed back.

Political group: PPE-DE
Mr President, the appalling terrorist attacks that Mr Savimbi’s UNITA has been carrying out in Angola, first in Caxito, then on a train, and then on cars, schools and hospitals, warrant our sternest condemnation, because they mainly affect the civilian population. These are some of the most violent and reprehensible terrorist acts in living memory. I therefore feel that the European Parliament too must express its repudiation of such acts in the most forceful terms, as the rest of the international community and, in particular, the other Community institutions have done by unequivocally condemning such barbarity. All the same, and if any doubts could possibly remain, these acts have brutally shown the correct nature of the positions that have been successively adopted by the international community which, with a single voice, has called for and is implementing the isolation of UNITA and the imposition of sanctions on it. That organisation had already given sufficient proof of being largely responsible for the tragic situation affecting Angola and its people, through its rejection of election results, obstructing the disarming of its forces and, more generally, through waging war and not respecting and even blocking the implementation of agreements that they themselves have signed. Now, however, with such acts of vandalism, UNITA is revealing its true colours even more clearly and there is no longer room for any doubt, however small, as to the nature and the objectives of this organisation. This is why there are even fewer grounds for holding equivocal positions, particularly where the European Parliament is concerned. Any positions or initiatives, particularly when formulated by friends of UNITA such as Mr Ribeiro and Castro, which tend to condone, exonerate or divert attention from the huge responsibilities of UNITA in the tragic situation that Angola is experiencing are completely unacceptable. This applies also, and especially, to those that tend to place the legitimate government of Angola on an equal footing with this type of terrorist organisation. As a matter of fact, it is now clearer than ever that any path to peace in Angola requires holding UNITA responsible, ensuring its political and diplomatic isolation, ending the diamond trade that sustains it and disarming it for good. Having said this, I should just like to say a few words about the motion for a resolution that we shall be voting on next. Its approval, despite the odd provision that is not worthy of adoption and is not essential, would be a positive development in that it would enable the European Parliament to adopt its traditional position of aligning itself with the international community and with the other Community institutions on this matter. In particular, I would like to emphasise the correctness of the decision adopted by the resolution to call the acts that UNITA has recently been perpetrating ‘terrorist’ acts. This is the right word to describe them and all concomitant conclusions should be drawn from that.

Political group: GUE-NGL
We are extremely concerned at the situation in Turkey, where the population is fighting to attain democracy. We condemn certain unacceptable situations, such as the recent bans on activity by political organisations, the existence of countless prisoners accused of fighting for democracy and to end the military dictatorship in Turkey, the repression of demonstrations and the constant intimidation, threats and persecution to which progressive activists and organisations are subjected. One example is the recent repressive action against the Human Rights Association of Turkey. Once again, we wish to express our solidarity with the Turkish people and we will pursue our attempts to contribute, particularly in the context of activity undertaken by the Group, to stepping up actions to support the struggle being waged by progressive forces in Turkey. We reiterate the call for the immediate release of Leyla Zana and of three other Kurdish former members of the Turkish parliament who are undergoing a re-trial in Ankara, which opened on 28 March 2003, following the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights. It should be noted that our group has followed this trial from the beginning, with the European Parliament deciding to do so only later. - Joint resolution on the preparation for the EU-Russia Summit

Political group: GUE-NGL
Mr President, the share of renewable energy resources in the production of energy in the EU stands at less than 6%, and hydro-electric power makes up the bulk of this. It will be impossible to reach the target to double this figure with the current way of thinking, which would have us believe that oil and gas will last for ever, and if they do not, coal is cheap in any case. Far too little money has been devoted to the ALTENER programme. It is self-delusory to apply such small sums of money to good ends. We are deceiving ourselves by investing so little in a new approach. The security of the EU must also be considered. By 2020, 94% of the quantity of oil needed in the EU will be imported, as well as 80% of the coal and 75% of the gas. If we leave the future of our energy in such a precarious position, we will not be able to provide a secure future for our people.

Political group: GUE-NGL
Madam President, child pornography is a loathsome form of crime. Measures at transnational level are required, especially due to the denationalised nature of the Internet. I would like to congratulate the rapporteur, Mr Kirkhope, for his most excellent report. In this regard, it is perhaps particularly pleasing that it is from Great Britain that Mr Kirkhope comes. It is good that he has defined child pornography, and I believe we have arrived at a satisfactory compromise. It is particularly good that Mr Kirkhope has also stated that everything that has the appearance of being child pornography shall also be included under this definition. Contact points or special units shall be set up in the Member States according to the draft. This will hopefully lead to better investigations. There is a need for more expertise in this area if it is to be possible to carry out professional investigations. Europol will be involved, as will the candidate countries. It is a good thing that crime in third countries will be punished in accordance with national legislation. The definition of “children” – that is, the age up until which a person is to be considered a child – has been formulated in order to show that we want to create the most effective level of protection where child pornography is concerned. Our line of argument allows for flexibility in defining the age-limit that strikes the hardest blow to child pornography. It is a question of creating the most effective protection for children so that they are able to hold on to the childhood that they are entitled to. All children should have the right to a childhood! That ought to be a basic human right.

Political group: PPE-DE
The quest for equality should permeate the work of the Directorate-General for Development at all levels. It is not to be brought in as a “sort of optional add-on”. This must naturally lead to a reformulation of development goals and strategies, together with a transformation of institutions and processes so that both women’s and men’s priorities and needs are better reflected. In addition, measures must be taken to combat differences on the grounds of gender. Equality must permeate not only projects and programmes but also all overarching goals, action plans and strategies. It would appear that we are in agreement about this. However, responsibility for ensuring that due attention is given to equality lies with departmental and unit managers. If the latter do not have the required professional competence, then nothing will happen and gender mainstreaming will no longer be a priority. Extremely few members of the Directorate-General for Development, that is to say unit managers and more senior managers, have taken part in the gender courses that have been organised. Only one manager has participated in gender training, and for half a day. That is naturally unacceptable. What is the Commission prepared to do to ensure that unit managers and more senior managers go through the necessary gender training? Gender has in fact been included in the compulsory introductory course for new employees, but then with only one to two hours devoted to it on each course. This limited training element has, however, been removed from all introductory courses which have taken place in recent times. As I point out in my question, one to two days, and not one to two hours, need to be devoted to the subject. My question is this: is the Commission really prepared to comply with the adopted guidelines for gender mainstreaming at the Directorate-General for Development?

Political group: PSE
Mr President, the question troubling me over Mr Karas' report is whether we are actually asked to endorse an information campaign on the practical implications of the introduction of the euro, or a propaganda campaign in favour of it. Surely no-one could challenge the need for information. True, some British newspapers declare that we already know all the facts, but the recent announcement of the merger between the Frankfurt and London stock exchanges left many British newspaper editors spectacularly exposed on the simple issue of which currency would be used for the exchange denomination. More than two-thirds of UK businesses are unaware of the practical implications of the introduction of the euro, even for those countries outside the euro zone. If there is funding available for the many seminars and conferences which UK trade associations, lawyers and accountants are holding, then as a UK lawyer let me declare my interest in ensuring that we get our share of it. But there is reason to believe that this campaign goes well beyond the provision of practical information. After all, the European Central Bank is holding its own information campaign, so why should we be duplicating the effort? Perhaps we see the answer in the evangelical tone of Mr Karas' report and his remarkable declaration that the euro information campaign must help to perpetuate the successful history of the euro. I certainly wish the euro well. Currency instability is bad for all of us, whether we are in or out of the euro zone. But I personally fail to recognise this historic success over the last six months, and the astonishing suggestion that the euro has proved a stabilising factor in the face of international monetary crises. Whether in or out of the euro zone it should be: information, ‘yes’, but propaganda, ‘no’.

Political group: PPE-DE
Mr President, I would urge colleagues to strengthen this report by insisting on environmental liability. Producers of GMOs should be required to take out insurance against any damage to human health or to the environment from the release of their products. The Commission promised the introduction of horizontal legislation over ten years ago. But even though we now have a White Paper, the actual legislation is some years away. This means that, if it is not accepted into this directive, the victims will have to pay for any damage instead of the companies that are making the profits. Thousands of people across Europe have chosen not to buy products containing GMOs because of the evidence of health and environmental damage. We must address those very real issues. I would urge colleagues to accept my group's amendments on liability insurance, GMO contamination and the ban on antibiotic-resistant genes. Consumers are demanding the strictest controls and will be satisfied by nothing less. It is vital that all the necessary safeguards are now included in this directive.

Political group: Verts-ALE
Mr President, Commissioner, as my time is limited, I shall get straight to the point. Firstly, let me make a statement of fact: the fruits of growth are not distributed equitably within the Union. The most remote regions, still hard hit by catastrophic unemployment rates, offer one example of this. In Reunion, for example, the rate is 37%. This is not a situation related to the economic climate, however; rather it is a structural problem, created by our remoteness, our insularity, in short, our own specific personality. The principle of specific, exceptional treatment was envisaged in Article 299(2) of the Treaty of Amsterdam in order to deal with such cases. It only remains to put this principle into practice. The Commission document expected to be ready in December 1999 was delayed until January, then February, and the initial thinking does not fill me with much optimism. I therefore appeal formally to the Council and the Commission. As regards taxation, state aid, the Structural Funds and defending our traditional products, practical measures characterised by daring and ambition must be planned as a matter of urgency. If these do not materialise, then, unfortunately, convergence and cohesion will remain no more than words for us, and it is to be feared that the structural policy undertaken in our regions, despite the size of the amounts committed, will end in failure.

Political group: PSE
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, consumers can be given a guaranteed indication of origin for the majority, I repeat the majority of foodstuffs and for beef in its many and varied forms, if they so wish. The basis for this was and still is the passport for each individual animal which provides information on place, origin and birth. Thanks to comprehensive controls of and the wealth of data on the animal trade, the place of origin and rearing can be proven. What I mean is that we are not starting from square one and, as a producer of several tonnes of beef a year, I know what I am talking about. The latest crisis in the foodstuffs sector may justify the introduction of stricter standards, as contained in the report; however, where possible, red tape should be reduced. I agree with all the proposed amendments which are predicated upon greater promotion of regional marketing and processing of agricultural products and which help to build up regional markets and create greater transparency, irrespective of the date on which they are introduced.

Political group: GUE-NGL