natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
A more serious criticism is that levelled at the 5 year limit imposed on public service contracts This is considered too short to allow for companies to recuperate their investment (but again the same applies elsewhere).
A more serious criticism is that levelled at the 5 year limit imposed on public service contracts This is considered too short to allow for companies to recuperate their investment (but again the same applies elsewhere).
Seasonal fluctuations in population which are on the increase in many island regions necessitate a vast improvement in transport related infrastructure.
Seasonal fluctuations in population which are on the increase in many island regions necessitate a vast improvement in transport related infrastructure.
This is recognised in the Commission's Green paper on Maritime policy, and was the principal consideration when proposing investment in for example, the airport in Palermo.
This is recognised in the Commission's Green paper on Maritime policy, and was the principal consideration when proposing investment in for example, the airport in Palermo.
Fluctuations in energy costs directly effect islands.
Fluctuations in energy costs directly effect islands.
This is not only true of transport costs, which can have a limiting effect on the number of tourists tempted to visit in any given year, but also on production costs of SMEs attempting to compete with similar companies on the mainland.
This is not only true of transport costs, which can have a limiting effect on the number of tourists tempted to visit in any given year, but also on production costs of SMEs attempting to compete with similar companies on the mainland.
Whilst these latter may also be effected by the same fluctuations the overall negative effect will be less.
Whilst these latter may also be effected by the same fluctuations the overall negative effect will be less.
This is demonstrated by the fact that in general, mainland power generating facilities will be functioning at near full capacity over 12 months whereas Island installations, may only function at full capacity during the tourist season.
This is demonstrated by the fact that in general, mainland power generating facilities will be functioning at near full capacity over 12 months whereas Island installations, may only function at full capacity during the tourist season.
However, these apparent disadvantages can sometimes be outweighed by inherent advantages.
However, these apparent disadvantages can sometimes be outweighed by inherent advantages.
Thus in recent years energy resources situated close to islands, an example being North Sea oil has been a considerable bonus to the islands of the Orkneys and Shetland.
Thus in recent years energy resources situated close to islands, an example being North Sea oil has been a considerable bonus to the islands of the Orkneys and Shetland.
The possibility of exploiting the natural advantages of islands in the generation of renewable energy is also a factor of their relative wind exposure, the swell of the sea, sun exposure and the relative ease and low cost of supplying energy produced to the mainland.
The possibility of exploiting the natural advantages of islands in the generation of renewable energy is also a factor of their relative wind exposure, the swell of the sea, sun exposure and the relative ease and low cost of supplying energy produced to the mainland.
When evaluating the advantages of developing this type of installation, regard must be had to the environmental effects any installation may have on the natural beauty of the area envisaged for its installation and the concomitant effect on the tourist trade.
When evaluating the advantages of developing this type of installation, regard must be had to the environmental effects any installation may have on the natural beauty of the area envisaged for its installation and the concomitant effect on the tourist trade.
Whilst tourism has both direct and indirect effects on the local economy, (construction industry, infrastructure programmes as well as tourist resorts, hotels, restaurants etc), it also has a direct and indirect negative effect on the environment's natural resources
Whilst tourism has both direct and indirect effects on the local economy, (construction industry, infrastructure programmes as well as tourist resorts, hotels, restaurants etc), it also has a direct and indirect negative effect on the environment's natural resources
such as fresh water . , or again services.
such as fresh water . , or again services.
Hospitals, particularly for the elderly, electricity generation. telecommunications, increased urbanisation, waste disposal.
Hospitals, particularly for the elderly, electricity generation. telecommunications, increased urbanisation, waste disposal.
Recent trends in tourism show a tendency for shorter stays in any given area.
Recent trends in tourism show a tendency for shorter stays in any given area.
The result is that transport costs become a major element in the choice of destination.
The result is that transport costs become a major element in the choice of destination.
A reduction in transport costs is therefore key element in setting the conditions for island destinations to remain competitive.
A reduction in transport costs is therefore key element in setting the conditions for island destinations to remain competitive.
One of the major attributes attracting tourism to Europe's Islands is the variety of their cultures.
One of the major attributes attracting tourism to Europe's Islands is the variety of their cultures.
This is not only reflected in the historic monuments and unique architectural masterpieces they may have to offer the visitor but also in the way of life and the way of thinking or communicating which inhabitants have developed to deal with the particular difficulties and advantages imposed on them by their island habitat.
This is not only reflected in the historic monuments and unique architectural masterpieces they may have to offer the visitor but also in the way of life and the way of thinking or communicating which inhabitants have developed to deal with the particular difficulties and advantages imposed on them by their island habitat.
Of course these specific cultural aspects exist also in many mainland regions, but on islands these differences with the mainland culture are often more pronounced precisely because of the distance between them and the mainland.
Of course these specific cultural aspects exist also in many mainland regions, but on islands these differences with the mainland culture are often more pronounced precisely because of the distance between them and the mainland.
It is important that these differences be safeguarded against the, sometimes overwhelming influence of seasonal visitors.
It is important that these differences be safeguarded against the, sometimes overwhelming influence of seasonal visitors.
With the general ageing of the European population, there is a second tendency which aggravates the cost of services.
With the general ageing of the European population, there is a second tendency which aggravates the cost of services.
This is the multiplication of secondary residences.
This is the multiplication of secondary residences.
Whilst these are often beneficial to the local community in so far as their construction and maintenance creates jobs, they are often owned by retired persons.
Whilst these are often beneficial to the local community in so far as their construction and maintenance creates jobs, they are often owned by retired persons.
The increase in the numbers of older people in a small community increases the number and the quality of the health services that must be made available.
The increase in the numbers of older people in a small community increases the number and the quality of the health services that must be made available.
In the case of islands this extra cost cannot be easily shared with other neighbouring communities.
In the case of islands this extra cost cannot be easily shared with other neighbouring communities.
Half of Europe's wetlands are expected to disappear before 2020.
Half of Europe's wetlands are expected to disappear before 2020.
The past ten years has seen expenditure on coastal protection increase by 33%.
The past ten years has seen expenditure on coastal protection increase by 33%.
Green paper on Maritime policy expenditure has increased from Euro 2.5 billion in 1986 to 3.2 billion in 2006.
Green paper on Maritime policy expenditure has increased from Euro 2.5 billion in 1986 to 3.2 billion in 2006.
In 2006 the Commission proposed a directive on the assessment and management of floods
In 2006 the Commission proposed a directive on the assessment and management of floods
COM(2006)0015 . on which our committee gave an opinion.
COM(2006)0015 . on which our committee gave an opinion.
Islands by their physical position offer indispensable services to their home states and to the Union as a whole.
Islands by their physical position offer indispensable services to their home states and to the Union as a whole.
Thus they undertake monitoring of maritime and air space extending far beyond the confines of mainland Europe this is particularly important in the case of the outermost territories which give the Union openings towards other continents and seas, and the possibility of exploiting major potential natural resources such as fishing, oil or again renewable energies.
Thus they undertake monitoring of maritime and air space extending far beyond the confines of mainland Europe this is particularly important in the case of the outermost territories which give the Union openings towards other continents and seas, and the possibility of exploiting major potential natural resources such as fishing, oil or again renewable energies.
As external borders of the Union, many islands play a significant role in combating the illegal traffic in drugs, human beings, money laundering.
As external borders of the Union, many islands play a significant role in combating the illegal traffic in drugs, human beings, money laundering.
Any weakening of the fundamental economic, social or political base of the most exposed regions would inevitably be felt by the mainland.
Any weakening of the fundamental economic, social or political base of the most exposed regions would inevitably be felt by the mainland.
Lampedusa, Malta, the Canary Islands the Cape Verde Islands, all are suffering under the weight of illegal immigration.
Lampedusa, Malta, the Canary Islands the Cape Verde Islands, all are suffering under the weight of illegal immigration.
Spain's Canary Islands have received 10.000 migrants this year alone that is double the number for 2005.
Spain's Canary Islands have received 10.000 migrants this year alone that is double the number for 2005.
Of course the Union is addressing the problem with joint sea patrols and it must be said that significant progress has been made in developing an integrated EU border management system including the establishment of FRONTEX
Of course the Union is addressing the problem with joint sea patrols and it must be said that significant progress has been made in developing an integrated EU border management system including the establishment of FRONTEX
Frontex (the EU external Borders Agency). and the establishment of a community code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders.
Frontex (the EU external Borders Agency). and the establishment of a community code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders.
The Finish presidency has recently proposed the adoption of the EU border management strategy.
The Finish presidency has recently proposed the adoption of the EU border management strategy.
However alleviating the immediate pressure of dealing with this problem whilst ensuring due respect for the principles of human rights and personal dignity is a huge charge on the limited resources of the islands concerned.
However alleviating the immediate pressure of dealing with this problem whilst ensuring due respect for the principles of human rights and personal dignity is a huge charge on the limited resources of the islands concerned.
Clearly at an initial level the responsibility is one of the Member States.
Clearly at an initial level the responsibility is one of the Member States.
However, as has now been recognised, certain Member States should not carry an excessive burden only because of their geographical position.
However, as has now been recognised, certain Member States should not carry an excessive burden only because of their geographical position.
The Spanish, Italian, Greek problem is a European one requiring an answer at the Community level. it requires, as Commission vice -president Franco Frattini has stressed, 'solidarity in action' and this will require substantial resources In this context I welcome the Commission's decision to set up four substantially funded funds
The Spanish, Italian, Greek problem is a European one requiring an answer at the Community level. it requires, as Commission vice -president Franco Frattini has stressed, 'solidarity in action' and this will require substantial resources In this context I welcome the Commission's decision to set up four substantially funded funds
The European integration fund, the European return fund, the European Refugee fund, the European external Border Management fund. giving the concept of 'solidarity in action' a visible reality.
The European integration fund, the European return fund, the European Refugee fund, the European external Border Management fund. giving the concept of 'solidarity in action' a visible reality.
Availability of data and the use of indicators other than GDP:
Availability of data and the use of indicators other than GDP:
Per capita GDP and unemployment are considered insufficient to measure the socio-economic situation of island regions.
Per capita GDP and unemployment are considered insufficient to measure the socio-economic situation of island regions.
This is because GDP is broken down on the basis of NUTs categories leading to significant distortions.
This is because GDP is broken down on the basis of NUTs categories leading to significant distortions.
It is not based on homogonous territories and discriminates against the smallest regions.
It is not based on homogonous territories and discriminates against the smallest regions.
Furthermore it penalises territories which experience significant migration, pubic transfers and transfers of private funds.
Furthermore it penalises territories which experience significant migration, pubic transfers and transfers of private funds.
Islands suffer from a heavy dependency on Public sector/ In over half the islands the public sector accounts for over 25% of jobs.
Islands suffer from a heavy dependency on Public sector/ In over half the islands the public sector accounts for over 25% of jobs.
Consequently the per capita cost of essential services (health, education, transport infrastructure services) is significantly higher.
Consequently the per capita cost of essential services (health, education, transport infrastructure services) is significantly higher.
Whilst this situation effectively ensures a distribution of salaries and wealth it tends to hinder the development of the private sector.
Whilst this situation effectively ensures a distribution of salaries and wealth it tends to hinder the development of the private sector.
Its limits have however, at last been recognised by the Commission in its Green Paper on Maritime policy
Its limits have however, at last been recognised by the Commission in its Green Paper on Maritime policy
COM(2006)0275 . in which it states:
COM(2006)0275 . in which it states:
" Although GDP is traditionally used as an indicator of economic output, it is now widely recognised that its growth in itself does not reflect social wellbeing."
" Although GDP is traditionally used as an indicator of economic output, it is now widely recognised that its growth in itself does not reflect social wellbeing."
It goes on to say " The Commission believes that a comprehensive study should be undertaken to make such estimates
It goes on to say " The Commission believes that a comprehensive study should be undertaken to make such estimates
Environmental and socio-economic statistics in a coastal format. see also Commission coastal zone Policy. available"
Environmental and socio-economic statistics in a coastal format. see also Commission coastal zone Policy. available"
Until very recently, the inadequacy of the indicators used to evaluate island economies has been masked by the fact that a large majority of them have been receiving maximum assistance as objective 1 regions.
Until very recently, the inadequacy of the indicators used to evaluate island economies has been masked by the fact that a large majority of them have been receiving maximum assistance as objective 1 regions.
However the ongoing enlargement with its concomitant statistical effect have highlighted the need for more targeted statistical indicators to measure the needs of island regions.
However the ongoing enlargement with its concomitant statistical effect have highlighted the need for more targeted statistical indicators to measure the needs of island regions.
The European Commission has been aware of the problem for some time and in 2003 commissioned a number of studies on the situation of regions beset with natural handicaps.
The European Commission has been aware of the problem for some time and in 2003 commissioned a number of studies on the situation of regions beset with natural handicaps.
Unfortunately since that date no further effort has been made to either update or exploit the statistical information.
Unfortunately since that date no further effort has been made to either update or exploit the statistical information.
Bearing this in mind, your rapporteur would strongly recommend that the ESPON work programme pay special attention to the situation of regions suffering from natural constraints and islands in particular.
Bearing this in mind, your rapporteur would strongly recommend that the ESPON work programme pay special attention to the situation of regions suffering from natural constraints and islands in particular.
Work could be oriented in the following directions:
Work could be oriented in the following directions:
v The definition of statistical indicators better suited to providing a satisfactory understanding of the realities of the regions concerned particularly in cases of cumulated difficulties such as mountain ranges, archipelagos;
v The definition of statistical indicators better suited to providing a satisfactory understanding of the realities of the regions concerned particularly in cases of cumulated difficulties such as mountain ranges, archipelagos;
v The assessment of the differences between these regions and the rest of the Community;
v The assessment of the differences between these regions and the rest of the Community;
v The monitoring of the effects of community policies on the local economies and societies.
v The monitoring of the effects of community policies on the local economies and societies.
Many issues affecting all EU regions require a response from many tiers of government from the national through the regional and down to the local.
Many issues affecting all EU regions require a response from many tiers of government from the national through the regional and down to the local.
Because of their isolation and size limited territory the island's response capacity must be particularly fast and effective In this respect your rapporteur appreciates the recognition by the European Commission of the fact that the sectoral approach which has long prevailed in the implementation of Community policies is not satisfactory and welcomes the trans-sectoral approach adopted in the Commission's Green paper on maritime policy.
Because of their isolation and size limited territory the island's response capacity must be particularly fast and effective In this respect your rapporteur appreciates the recognition by the European Commission of the fact that the sectoral approach which has long prevailed in the implementation of Community policies is not satisfactory and welcomes the trans-sectoral approach adopted in the Commission's Green paper on maritime policy.
In this context I would propose the setting up of a parliamentary inter-group with responsibility for islands.
In this context I would propose the setting up of a parliamentary inter-group with responsibility for islands.
The group would deal with such questions as:
The group would deal with such questions as:
· the improvement of existing policies as they are implemented in island regions;
· the improvement of existing policies as they are implemented in island regions;
· co-ordinating actions to present amendments to legislation ensuring that the specificities of islands are taken into account.
· co-ordinating actions to present amendments to legislation ensuring that the specificities of islands are taken into account.
State Aids:
State Aids:
As a general rule State Aids are incompatible with the single market.
As a general rule State Aids are incompatible with the single market.
However, as we have seen above certain regions with permanent structural characteristics which hinder development can and should benefit from assistance in order to allow them to compete successfully with the most successful mainland regions.
However, as we have seen above certain regions with permanent structural characteristics which hinder development can and should benefit from assistance in order to allow them to compete successfully with the most successful mainland regions.
If the handicaps are permanent, (rugged terrain, distance from the mainland, additional transport costs) financial assistance granted through the structural funds should also be permanent, not temporary and phased out over a given period.
If the handicaps are permanent, (rugged terrain, distance from the mainland, additional transport costs) financial assistance granted through the structural funds should also be permanent, not temporary and phased out over a given period.
Indeed the example is given in the case of the ultra peripheral regions.
Indeed the example is given in the case of the ultra peripheral regions.
See §30 of the Guidelines.
See §30 of the Guidelines.
The particular difficulties that each island, group of islands, or indeed all islands viewed as a group, must be considered case by case and, even more importantly, policy by policy.
The particular difficulties that each island, group of islands, or indeed all islands viewed as a group, must be considered case by case and, even more importantly, policy by policy.
In this context it would be conducive to stimulating island economies to study the possibility of granting state aids in the transport and energy sectors, as the recent fluctuations in energy prices have adversely affected the competitiveness of island produce.
In this context it would be conducive to stimulating island economies to study the possibility of granting state aids in the transport and energy sectors, as the recent fluctuations in energy prices have adversely affected the competitiveness of island produce.
The guidelines for the period 2007-2013 recognise the important role State aids can play in assisting regions to overcome the constraints of immutable disadvantages, with the proviso that they do not distort competition.
The guidelines for the period 2007-2013 recognise the important role State aids can play in assisting regions to overcome the constraints of immutable disadvantages, with the proviso that they do not distort competition.
In this context the position of islands is underlined and their conditional eligibility, strengthened.
In this context the position of islands is underlined and their conditional eligibility, strengthened.
However, state aids for large infrastructure projects are still ineligible despite Parliament's expressed wish to the contrary.
However, state aids for large infrastructure projects are still ineligible despite Parliament's expressed wish to the contrary.