Madam President, the Socialists are opposed to globalisation if it stands for survival of the fittest, but welcomes globalisation with a human dimension. Worldwide, we are becoming increasingly connected and dependent on one another. It therefore makes absolutely no sense whatsoever to hide behind national, European or other borders. At the same time, however, we also see the other side of globalisation. World trade is flourishing, but the richest countries earn 37 times more than the poorest countries, and despite the enormous increase in world trade over the past few years, the chasm between rich and poor has only widened. One in five people who live in this global village still have no access to education or health care. It is precisely in this global village that this complete and utter imbalance concerns us all. Europe – which, to me, encompasses the Commission, the Council, Parliament and the Member States – must stand united. This is something we can do and thereby be able to play a crucial role. We can fulfil a pioneering role as the largest trading power. We must defend our social model within and outside our borders, and, therefore, assume our responsibility, as well as support new social and innovative solutions. We must, for example, lend support to those poor countries which are endeavouring to produce cheap AIDS medication. We must make this possible and also defend their rights. If we act on our own behalf, let us then show that we mean business. Certainly at a time when the United States now and then threatens to stray from multilateralism and withdraw behind a wall of self-interest, it is extremely important for Europe to fulfil this active global role. This then, of course, raises the question of what role that is and what the activities are we should be carrying out. I would like to list a few promising initiatives: “Everything but Arms”, our action programme against AIDS and the initiatives by Messrs Jospin and Schröder concerning the Tobin tax. Would the Commission and Council be prepared at least to have such initiatives seriously looked at and to back them? I would also like to mention our weaker points: the refusal to reform agriculture in the short term. I also have in mind the fact that, while the President of the Commission, Mr Prodi, has earmarked EUR 120 million for our Global Health Fund, this is money taken from our own pocket. That is similar to helping ourselves to one of our own cigars. Moreover, when can we expect Parliament’s proposals, for this measure will surely require formal approval. We are here in Parliament to ask for extra funding, and not for one of our own cigars. I am also thinking of the Member States which do not spend 0.7% of their GNP on development and cooperation. If Europe wants to be a friend to those who wish globalisation to have a human dimension, if it wants to listen seriously and be an example to all those who take to the streets out of concern, it will have to make it happen by taking action of its own and adopting appropriate policy. This is, in my opinion, the cornerstone of a partnership with developing countries. This is also the basis of success for a fresh WTO round. However, this is a different Europe from the Europe which sides with the few who are out to seek personal gain. If we really want the law to apply to everyone, then we have here in Europe a brilliant opportunity to make it happen, and the Social Democrats are happy to take this road.

Political group: PSE