GwendalTsang/DEFT09-parquet huggingface dataset:
Mr President, we are dealing with an excellent parliamentary report which is flexible, courageous, balanced and positive, in a very difficult field. I therefore congratulate the rapporteur, Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler, on this magnificent piece of work, and I would like to highlight the following points I agree with: Firstly, it brings up to date areas which were not covered, such as the vulnerability of sectors like tourism. Secondly, it introduces flexible innovations in relation to emergency vaccination, rejecting the obsolete elements of the current regulations. Thirdly, it criticises the shortcomings, but in a positive manner. Fourthly, it points out the insufficiencies of information policies. Commissioner, in view of paragraphs 20 and 21 and of what I experienced myself during the dioxin crisis, mad cow disease and now the Prestige, I believe the Commission should take its ability to directly provide Europeans with information very seriously. Fifthly, I very much agree with paragraphs 81 and 82 on compensation. And, finally, Mr President, although it does not fall within the competences of the Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy, nor of this parliamentary report, I would like to draw attention to the annual report of the Court of Auditors for 2001, because it makes some criticisms in relation to corruption and, for the sake of combating corruption in relation to CAP subsidies, very good account must be taken of this.

Political group: PSE
Mr President, I am addressing you on behalf of our fellow MEP, Mr Eurig Wyn, who is currently in Turkey as an observer for the local elections. He has asked me to inform you and our fellow MEPs of the fact that he has been denied access to the premises where the elections are taking place in various places in Eastern Turkey. I think he will be enlarging on this experience, which should be added to the reports of violence during these recent elections in Turkey, which has even resulted in deaths. This underlines once again that Turkey is failing to fulfil the Copenhagen criteria.

Political group: Verts-ALE
I would very much like to welcome Commissioner Wallström's comments. It is absolutely appalling that the United Kingdom is allowing itself to be a dumping ground for something that the United States did not want to deal with. The authorities there deemed these vessels to be too dangerous to break up in the US and it seems to me quite incredible that they would then be transported 4 500 miles across the Atlantic and through EU waters to be disposed of in the UK. Originally the plan was for the vessels to pass through Irish waters but at the moment it seems that is not the case. We are not sure whether we can be guaranteed that the routes will not change, but irrespective of that we have to look at our commitment, and the UK has to look at its commitment, to EU legislation – in particular the waste shipment regulation. I would like to ask the Commission whether the UK's action is in breach of Article 19(3) of the waste shipment regulation and Article 4 of the waste framework directive. In relation to Natura 2000, the Teesmouth and Cleveland coasts have been classified as special protection areas under that programme. This means, for the conservation of natural habitats and wild flora and fauna, that any plan or project not directly connected with, or necessary for the management of, the site, but which is likely to have a significant effect thereon – either individually or in combination with other plans or projects – shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications on the site. I would like to ask the Commission to investigate – or maybe it has already done this – whether the transportation and treatment of these ships is in breach of Natura 2000 legislation. What the UK is doing in relation not only to the UK coast but also in relation to the EU as a whole is completely unacceptable. We have just debated the bathing water directive and it is quite incredible to think that we are talking here about a Member State of the EU irresponsibly posing a major threat to our bathing waters and also to our fishing industry. What will happen, who will compensate people if there is an accident, if there is a disaster involving fisheries, tourism or any other issue? This is actually about protecting jobs that already exist and about protecting our environment and indeed our fishing industry. I am very glad to see that the Commission is on our side on this, but it needs to put much more pressure on the British Government to behave in a responsible manner.

Political group: Verts-ALE
Although, as we know, the main purpose of this kind of venture, modelled on International Women’s Day or World Aids Day, is to assuage the consciences of the most sincere of those who support the initiative and to conceal the desire not to do anything of the more cynical among them, we voted for the report on the proposal for a Council Decision on the European Year of People with Disabilities, for that was what the organisations of people with disabilities wanted us to do. They hope that the action taken as part of this initiative will help them to attract public attention and, at the same time, to make their just demands known. That said, we condemn the hypocrisy of decision-makers within the European Parliament, other European Union institutions and national bodies who broadcast their concern for human rights, non-discrimination and equality loud and clear, but who ultimately refuse to take action or adopt binding measures forcing companies to employ people with disabilities, for example, or to adapt modes of transport for access by people with disabilities simply because they see profit-making as more important than meeting basic human needs, even though society does have the necessary resources to address these needs.

Political group: GUE-NGL
Mr President, I wish to thank the rapporteur for her handling of what is a very complex matter where both producing and non-producing Member States have serious reservations regarding the Commission proposals. In very broad terms, I welcome the Commission proposal to bring flax and hemp into the arable area payments scheme. A single area payment is in line with the view that growers should respond to market demands rather than be driven by CAP subsidies. However, I shall not repeat the many reservations about the proposals that colleagues have already mentioned. We should note that flax and hemp are environmentally-friendly crops. Compared with mainstream crops such as oil seeds and cereals, they require low levels of chemical and fertiliser treatment. They also produce renewable raw materials that can displace synthetic fibres derived from petroleum and other mineral resources. We should welcome, therefore, the expansion of industrial crop activity and the opportunities provided for diversification. However, I wish to raise the question of land eligibility, which appears to be a particular problem in the UK. Most of the flax and hemp grown in the UK is on land ineligible for arable area payments. The Commission proposals, as I understand them, threaten the UK growers and would leave UK processors with no domestic supply of raw material. It has been suggested that the land eligibility rules should be disregarded for flax and hemp so that any land could be used for those crops, but without an increase in the base area. This would allow expansion, should market conditions encourage growth, and allow new growers to enter the market. It would be helpful if the Commissioner could comment on this matter when he responds to the debate.

Political group: PSE
Madam President, before we proceed to the Schwaiger report vote, could I raise a point of clarification? A split vote has been requested on recital C from our side, but looking at the voting papers, I think that a word may have been included that should not have been. The words in the English text that we want to vote on separately are 'and socially balanced': those are the separate words. Some versions suggest we should also vote on the word 'fair', but that should be in the main part of the text. I hope that is clear. - Relating to Amendment No 11

Political group: PPE-DE
Mr President, only yesterday the electoral commission in Chad confirmed the re-election of President Idriss Déby and the result of 67% of votes cast in his favour in the elections of 20 May. Such a percentage should not leave any doubt as to the legitimacy of his election, were it not for the accusations of irregularities made by the other candidates and the independent national election monitoring body. President Déby has himself declared to high profile media that irregularities are common in African elections and democracies, but one should not hide behind a general evil to justify internal outrages. In this case, we are not talking about technical problems, which may occur, even in the most stable democracies. We are talking about the use of coercion against opposition candidates, restrictions of the most basic freedoms that have to be set in motion during an electoral process, and finally we are talking yet again about the operation of the rule of law, which even at the most basic levels is open to question on this occasion. As so often happens, it is up to the European Parliament to appeal to the European Union bodies responsible for foreign relations to assess whether, with the confirmation of the election result, democracy in Chad is making any progress. If we are to believe some of the complaints, the facts that emerge are so serious that they are absolutely unacceptable in the twenty-first century. Yet again we must reiterate the need to use all the means at our disposal, especially those provided for in the Cotonou Agreement, and our cooperation with the community of ACP countries, particularly the African ones, to prevent and to correct highly dubious acts such as those that have just occurred in Chad. We must all ensure the success of those who are working hard to achieve decent levels of democracy, freedom and progress in those countries, as a necessary precondition for stability and prosperity to become a reality in their societies. The Group of the asks you to support their resolution and also asks the Commission to adopt their declaration so that the government of Chad can learn of our concern and the sections of Chadian society that have been edged out of the electoral process can realise that they can count on our solidarity. There will be further opportunities, particularly the legislative elections announced for March 2002, which must not be thwarted, to create a real framework of democratic coexistence in Chad. Egypt

Political group: PSE
Madam President, Mr Prodi, I fully support the thinking of the proposals made by my colleague, Mrs Hautala, on the Commission’s strategic objectives for the coming five years. I myself want to refer to a subject which has not been mentioned but which is on the agenda, namely the Commission’s work programme for 2000. I am aware of the limitations of the exercise given that we have to work within the current Treaty and are therefore restricted by its operational rules. I am thinking in this respect of the important issue of taxation which I am not, however, going to talk about. Rather, I want to start by welcoming certain proposals which you have made in this programme for 2000. These include all the proposals on food safety which are ambitious and important and those on maritime safety which are particularly important given the two oil slicks which have affected the coast of Brittany and Turkey. The Commission should react quickly in this respect. However, on other issues the proposals could be more ambitious and faster acting. I have some positive suggestions to make, particularly on the social area, the environment and the follow-up to Seattle. Firstly, you have said that the citizens of Europe must be reconciled with the institutions. This is self-evident and it is therefore essential to find out their main concerns. For example, in the social area, it is not enough to announce a communication on a programme of social action. We must move faster. You must submit a new social action programme to us by the end of the year. The issue of company closures and mass redundancies is one which has been and still is very firmly in the news. We are working on the basis of a directive whose limitations have been clearly demonstrated. I therefore propose that this should be reviewed in order to produce a directive which is more effective in protecting employment and also in imposing penalties on those who do not comply. On the environment, you have announced a proposal for a decision on a sixth action programme on the environment. This is all very well but it seems that the text to be proposed will not contain any specific objectives or a timetable for implementation. Perhaps you can correct me on this. I personally feel that it is essential to have precise objectives and a proper timetable for implementation. In terms of civil liability for the environment, it is right that we finally have a White Paper. However, Parliament did ask for a legislative initiative six years ago. The White Paper clearly foreshadows this legislation but for when? You must realise that this process needs to be accelerated. Finally, after Kyoto, we should be able to rapidly produce precise proposals. Finally, on the subject of the WTO, the idea of relaunching a new global round is not necessarily bad. However, in the first place, the Commission should make proposals on changing the operational rules of the WTO. The Commission has a role both within the EU and throughout the world. The European Union must therefore instigate a re-evaluation of the WTO’s operation which must lead to precise proposals being made on its rules.

Political group: Verts-ALE
Mr President, I do not doubt for one minute Commissioner Vitorino's commitment to this issue. The point about the one day clearly refers to people who often travel right across the world to see a child. There is a problem in a situation like that, if they are only allowed twenty minutes access to the child. I think if there is a fear of abduction this can be handled by having supervised visitation. I feel very strongly that we have to in some way ensure that the rights of these parents, of whom there are quite a lot, are respected. Could I ask for clarification on your point about Article 17. Are you referring in that situation to the involvement of the Secretariat of The Hague Convention in the monitoring of this legislation? Thank you, Commissioner, for your kind remarks.

Political group: PPE-DE
I wish to draw the attention of the presidency to the Euratom Treaty. This Treaty has been part of the EC since 1957. After 50 years this Treaty promoting nuclear energy is obsolete. However it, together with any new constitutional treaty, will be the de facto Treaty of the EU. Many citizens will not accept this as the constitution of the EU and if referenda are held, as they must be in some states, I believe there will be no majority for a constitution promoting nuclear technology. I would like to thank you particularly Mr , President-in-Office of the Council, for joining with Austria and proposing a new convention on Euratom to review this treaty. I wish you success, as I am sure that the future of this new constitution depends on this happening. I regret that the Convention avoided this issue, and particularly regret that the delegate from the Group, Johannes Voggenhuber, neglected to make progress on it, being drawn instead by a grand design for a new constitution. However, it is not too late: Austria and Ireland have led the way where others must follow.

Political group: Verts-ALE
Mr President, the Greek President-in-Office gave us a seductive list of all the things he was working on. It would make a great change – and I say this to him with due humility - if Presidents of the Economic Council would come here with a shortlist of things they were actually going to deliver. One hundred priorities on a list means there are no priorities at all! I want to echo what Mrs Randzio-Plath just said. It would be refreshing – in fact essential – for the Economic Summit, when it meets on 21 March, to set down what its real priorities are. I would suggest - and I think all colleagues would agree with this – your priorities are to inject confidence and dynamism and a sense that the Prime Ministers of the European Union are determined to create a dynamic single market in which we will create jobs and accelerate economic growth. If we do not get investors behind that, President-in-Office, how are we to deliver all the other promises on your long list? That is what we must do. It would also be refreshing – and, as you said, innovative – to find ways to activate the European Charter for small enterprises. It would not take much innovation to talk about it for once and actually implement it. It has taken three years of inaction to demonstrate that making business start-ups easier and cheaper across the Union – something the Prime Minister is committed to doing – simply has not happened. Again, I echo what Members have said: it is about time the Member State governments started to deliver on their promises on the patent, completing the internal market, clearing their transposition deficit and moving forward on the internal market for services. President-in-Office, we are witnessing an absurd situation where a simple mutual recognition measure of sales promotion is blocked in your Council. Show us the message, take away the clutter, get down to business and priorities, come back here and then we will feel you have delivered something. Let us have an end to the laundry list economic summit!

Political group: PPE-DE
I am sorry, Mr President, to continue from where I left off a moment ago and come back to what Mr Swoboda just said. Mr President, I understand everything you have said. But this week for the first time we did not have a vote at noon on Tuesday. That is a decision that was taken. We were against; the majority of the House – had they known of it – the rapporteurs – Mrs Redondo Jiménez and Mr Arvidsson and others – would no doubt also have been against it. But if we do this, then we must also show some degree of flexibility. Among this rather smaller body of people I dare to say this; most of us are experienced parliamentarians and we know that there are different kinds of sittings. The Thursday sitting in July is a particularly sensitive one. We know that, we may not be happy about it, but that is how it is. So I would ask you to check whether the four legislative reports that are still on the agenda, and that do not need long votes, can be carried over to the next part-session. Mrs Redondo Jiménez herself asked the same, in the case of her report, and she has my support. Mr Arvidsson – all this relates to what I know about – will, I hope, also agree. So I would ask you to contact the rapporteurs and the groups. Mr Swoboda has already said it, and I can repeat it for my own group: we will agree to these four legislative reports being carried over to the September part-session or to a part-session in Brussels.

Political group: PSE
Mr President, can I first of all join my colleagues in offering my sincere congratulations to Hugues Martin for his excellent report on aquaculture. This was, as other speakers have noted, an own–initiative report by the Fisheries Committee, and Mr Martin has put an enormous amount of work and effort into producing recommendations which will be welcomed by both consumers and producers alike. Mr Martin's report has come at a crucial time in the fisheries sector. Aquaculture is now expanding exponentially against a background of rising consumer demand for fish in Europe, and of course of collapsing fish stocks in the traditional marine fishery. Marine aquaculture is a vitally important supplier of fish, molluscs and shellfish with a particular emphasis on farmed salmon, the quality of which is improving all the time. But there is also a burgeoning growth of the inland aquaculture industry which is enabling exciting progress to be made in the farming of cod, halibut, turbot and a host of other key species. The Fisheries Committee visited a fish farm at Rio Frio near Granada in Andalusia last November where they are even producing sturgeon and caviar. The complexity of this operation was quite extraordinary, but given that caviar is currently fetching about a third of the price of gold, one can readily understand why people are prepared to invest the necessary time and money to achieve these results. So we have a vast and growing aquaculture sector in the EU providing a great many jobs, often in remote rural areas with fragile economies. It is an industry which, as Mr Martin points out, may be able to provide jobs to some of the marine fishermen who face the loss of their livelihoods during the current cod crisis. But it is also an industry which requires, as Mr Ó Neachtain said earlier, to adhere to the strictest standards of compliance with best practice in the fields of the environment, welfare, health and food safety, particularly if consumer confidence in its products is to be increased. I believe Mr Martin sets out the parameters to achieve these objectives and I welcome his approach. Mr Martin's recommendations that a lot more investment and effort should be put into research and development in the aquaculture sector are of fundamental importance, and I am delighted that the Commission endorsed that view this morning. As the rapporteur said himself in his introduction to this debate, this is a promising sector which, if handled properly, can cause great benefits to accrue to the EU in the future.

Political group: PPE-DE
Mr President, once again we are talking about Colombia, a dearly loved country on the American continent but regrettably, once again, we are doing so because of the negative issues affecting it. If we study recent events in Colombia, we generally see a discouraging and tragic picture, in which the human rights situation leaves much to be desired. Nevertheless, we are optimists and must have faith and hope in the way of negotiation and of dialogue and in respect for tolerance, in order to achieve peace in Colombia once and for all. Perhaps it would be appropriate on this occasion to mention an illustrious European, the German naturalist, Alexander von Humboldt, who, exactly 200 years ago, travelled to that part of the world and established the bases for cooperation between peoples and the defence of human rights.

Political group: ELDR
This Parliament can be proud today that it has voted to enhance disability rights. In particular, this report is a victory for disabled transport users. It has taken nine years to get this legislation. The new technical standards we voted for will ensure that wheelchair access is available for public transport. It creates minimum safety standards and puts in place access requirements which will be good for elderly people with reduced mobility and parents with prams boarding urban buses. It is regrettable that the tried on a technical issue to get rid of this legislation with Amendment No 9. The European Disability Forum and Parliament's Disability Rights Intergroup have campaigned long and hard on this issue. It is cynical political manipulation to play games with disability rights. With the vote on this legislation we can as Parliament say we are legislating for all citizens for equal access and equal rights.

Political group: PSE