Speaking on behalf of the Special Committee of Enquiry set up to investigate the Echelon Interception System, Gerhard SCHMID (PES, D) said the most fundamental conclusion of the committee was that such a system did indeed exist. It was, he said, controlled by the US and involved the UK which was also used for economic espionage. There was no evidence, he said, that such a system intercepted every single communication but it did have the capability to track faxes, telephone calls and e-mails. And, he continued, it was global in the sense that cooperation from countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand enabled it to operate on a world-wide basis. It was particularly effective in tracking communications in Africa and the Middle East. At the same time it was important to recognise that other countries operated similar intelligence gathering services but he had no objection against the aim of using such information to fight international crime, drug smuggling, the arms trade and terrorism. The problem was that it could violate privacy and indeed the European Convention on Human Rights. The question was how to balance the two and here he felt economic espionage clearly violated ECHR case law. The US, he said, countered that EU companies indulged in bribery to obtain contracts. Nevertheless, this response could not be justified, he felt, questioning why there was no US legislation to outlaw such activities. There was, he said, a clear need for an international agreement to protect privacy.
For Council, Annemie NEYTS-UYTTEBROECK recognised the work of the committee, the investigation and the problems it posed for respect of human rights and privacy. Council had already organised one meeting to discuss the EU's role here and another one was planned for December. Using intelligence gathering systems for commercial advantage could not be justified, she felt, especially when it involved the abuse of privacy. The aim now was to promote dialogue and indeed update existing legislation relating to data protection. Parliament's role was to ensure democratic scrutiny and this she strongly supported.

For the EPP-ED, Christian Ulrik von BOETTICHER (D) underlined the problem facing the committee in its investigations in the sense that people were reluctant to give evidence. Nevertheless, progress had been made and while those suffering under Echelon had been persuaded to talk to the committee, they were not in fact prepared to go to court, thus it proved impossible to put together a cast iron legal case. Espionage seemed to have been justified in the national interest, he added but the US had used commercial data for other purposes, in other words to help US companies obtain contracts.

For the PES, Jan Marinus WIERSMA (NL) endorsed the findings of the committee, adding that similar systems were in existence in other countries. He was not however sure that there was indeed large scale industrial espionage. The choice for the UK, he said, was quite simply whether it wanted now to cooperate with its European partners in intelligence gathering exercises or maintain its transatlantic links. He did not think it was possible to do both.

Colette FLESCH (L), for the Liberals, too was worried about the economic espionage angle and the implication for citizens' rights. She too urged compliance with ECHR provisions relating to privacy.

Patricia McKENNA (Greens/EFA, Dublin) while too welcoming the report and its conclusions, establishing that Echelon does in fact exist, felt that the committee had drawn back or failed to take the necessary political conclusions. To make matters worse, the EU now wanted to set-up its own system, she said. For Mrs McKenna it was the civil liberties rather than the industrial espionage issue that was the most worrying. As she put it, police forces were cooperating in establishing surveillance systems to monitor such groups as anti-capitalist protestors who had the right to demonstrate peacefully. Freedom should be respected, she felt.

For Giuseppe DI LELLO FINUOLI (EUL/NGL, I), the question was how to establish a proper response for safeguarding privacy and human rights' interests in the face of such a system. The UK should respect its obligation under the EU Treaty, he added.

Jean-Charles MARCHIANI (UEN, F) was another speaker to be concerned about violations of the EU Convention on Human Rights and he added companies such as Siemens, Airbus and Phillips had suffered as a result of industrial espionage. He took up the issue of what he felt was the "Anglo Saxon majority" in the European Parliament. There was no answer to the question of what sanctions should be imposed on the UK for its complicity, he said.

Maurizio TURCO (TGI, I) was too concerned about what he felt was a lack of follow-up in pursuing countries such as the UK and Germany for their involvement in the system. To suggest that commercial documents should be properly encrypted was hardly an effective response, he felt.

Bastiaan BELDER (EDD, NL), on the other hand, felt that the committee had not revealed proof of a large-scale operation involving industrial espionage. More international cooperation was needed to define the limits of security interests.

Alain KRIVINE (EUL/NGL, F) complained about his treatment on Parliament's Delegation to the USA where he said he was virtually considered as a terrorist. It was no answer to say that Member States such as France also operated such systems. What was needed was an overall global approach.

Robert EVANS (PES, London), however, took the view that the report showed that many of the early allegations in the press were wildly exaggerated and "fanciful" but very few had been substantiated by the report, he said. As to the UK's role, he pointed out that all states operated national security systems and indeed, he cited the case of the US helping Spain to counter terrorism as a recent example of international cooperation here. The UK fully complied with ECHR commitments in this area and such activities were subject to UK Law.

Replying to the debate, Commissioner Erkki LIIKANEN, while explaining that intelligence gathering did not come within the Commission's remit of responsibilities, did say that he had no reason to question the findings of the Committee. He underlined the Commission's concern for respect of human rights and privacy and that the kind of activities related in the report almost certain made individual EU citizens feel "uneasy". The question now was to find a proper and proportionate response. In this sense, he emphasised the Commission's support for including the EU Charter in the full body of EU Treaties. As to Echelon itself, he emphasised that national intelligence gathering was a responsibility for individual Member States' national governments but any reference to commercial espionage would be affected by EU data protection provisions. Furthermore, he said the increased provision of fibreoptic cables offered increased possibilities for interception systems. The Commissioner then dwelt at some length on technical progress being made under EU research programmes for dealing with the protection of communication systems. In this sense, he underlined the importance of providing information for individual citizens and small firms and the Commission's move to combat cybercrime. There was a need to raise awareness here, he emphasised. The Commission's aim was to develop a European Information Security Policy. The trust of EU businesses was crucial, he said.

Annemie NEYTS-UYTTEBROECK, opening the debate on the G8 Summit in Genoa for Council rejected and condemned violence. She noted however that responsibility for public order fell within the competence of Member States. She recognised too that the EU should respond to the anxieties of the protesters. She wanted Parliament to be involved in examining the effects of globalisation and to promote dialogue with developing countries. In particular she noted that Prime Minister Verhofstadt would be publishing his own thoughts on the issue. Mrs Neyts, declaring herself one of the generation of 1968, argued that protest was a good thing. She believed that there should be a proper ordering and control of globalisation - this should be the task of world organisations. She recognised that globalisation and the development of new technologies did not always benefit everyone. It was important, she concluded, to minimise the damage caused by globalisation.

Commissioner Antonio VITTORINO stressed that a number of important decisions had been made at Genoa, however most media attention had focussed on events outside. He too emphasised the need for a proper dialogue with civil society. People with a genuine grievance to express should not be tarred with the same brush as violent protesters. It was important to have a full dialogue with bona fide organisations. He also considered that it was important to improve European cooperation in the field of law and order, although he recognised that Member States had responsibility for law enforcement. All police and judicial actions must respect civil and human rights.

Turning then to the content of the conference, Mr Vittorino emphasised that north-south inequality could not be tolerated and it was also important to involve civil society in a dialogue. He noted that Africa would be the main topic of next year's summit in Canada. This year, the conference had discussed trade issues and the need for a new round of talks. He noted in particular that Russian President PUTIN had said that his country was ready to follow the EU in its "Everything but Arms" initiative. There was support for the precautionary principle in the field of food safety. Other issues addressed included climate change and communicable diseases. In conclusion Mr Vittorino recognised that several aspects needed to be changed in future years. Next year Canada would hold a much less elaborate summit.

Antonio TAJANI (EPP-ED, I) regretted the fact that there had been very little coverage of the positive results of the Genoa Summit. He stressed that practical decisions had been made with regard to Africa and to reduce debt. Mr Tajani emphasised that demonstrations and attacks on police were unacceptable. He believed that greater cooperation was needed between police forces. It was ridiculous to teach Italy lessons on democracy.

Enrique BARÓN CRESPO (PES, E) also recognised that the summit conclusions had been obscured with the debate on public order. He agreed that progress had been made in some areas but this was not enough. However, he did welcome the fact that the issue of global warning and the Kyoto Protocol had been addressed.

For the Liberals, Giovanni PROCACCI (I), while recognising that there was no magic cure for problems caused by globalisation, was concerned about the slow pace of developments and in particular a means of putting some form of democratic control over the decision-making procedure at an international level. It was important to look at the role of non-governmental organisations, he felt. Paul LANNOYE (Greens/EFA, B), on the other hand, felt that the G8 Summit represented a turning point in the sense that more and more people were now prepared to demonstrate openly against inequalities brought about by the free market and free trade. For too long poorer people had been offered little opportunity to demonstrate their views, yet this Summit had shown there was support at a wide level. He looked to the EU for concrete action and welcomed the forthcoming debate on the Tobin tax on international capital investment.

Francis WURTZ (EUL/NGL, F), while deploring the violence of the Genoa Summit was looking for a positive reaction from the EU to the problems of globalisation, while Cristiana MUSCARDINI (UEN, I) pointed out that some 2/3 of the world population were still living in extreme poverty. Targeted intervention and aid from the wealthier countries was needed to address this problem, she argued, albeit with proper respect for democracy. Marco CAPPATO (TGI, I) was also concerned about threats to democracy and the rule of law. Pasqualina NAPOLETANO (PES, I) while unreservedly condemning the use of violence, at the same time, expressed her regret at the loss of life at the Genoa Summit. This was so unnecessary, she felt, and looked to the Italian parliament to complete its investigations into the circumstances surrounding this. Monica FRASSONI (Greens/EFA, B) questioned whether the events would have been so awful if the EU had committed itself to signing and upholding the new Charter of Fundamental Rights. Luigi VINCI (EUL/NGL, I) pointed out that poorer people throughout the world were not benefiting from the globalisation process. Caroline LUCAS (Greens/EFA, South East) was another speaker to be concerned by what she felt was the overreaction of the police and the ensuing brutality. A neo-liberal policy was not working to the advantage of all, she felt, pointing to the low levels of development assistance committed by EU Member States.

Replying to the debate, Mrs Neyts-Uyttebroeck welcomed the opportunity for this dialogue with MEPs which, she said, the Presidency took extremely seriously. She too expressed regrets at the tragic circumstances leading to loss of life. On a more positive note she looked to the beginning of a wide-ranging debate on globalisation. She expected the EU and its Member States to cooperate to prevent further violence and develop an organised response to events.

Proposal for a European Parliament and Council regulation amending the Regulation (EC) No 685/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 April 2001 in order to foresee for the distribution of authorizations among Member States received through the Agreement between the European Community and Romania establishing certain conditions for the carriage of goods by road and the promotion of combined transport
Procedure without report (Rule 158)
&

Both proposals were adopted unanimously.

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MEPs approved a resolution which calls on national governments to set aside 1% of public spending for the promotion of culture and the arts. Parliaments wants the Commission to launch a three-year cultural cooperation plan to encourage cooperation at a European level by, for example, establishing electronic links across borders. A European agency should be set up to monitor developments and a Cultural Forum established to define parameters and objectives, MEPs believe.

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Although Parliament generally welcomed the Commission proposal, it adopted several amendments aiming at improving safety in civil aviation even further. MEPs called for problems such as deep vein thrombosis, contaminated air and insufficient food preparation and storage facilities to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Referring to the recent accident involving Concorde in Paris, MEPs said that results of air accident investigations should also be acted upon as a matter of urgency, notably when they relate to defective aircraft design, in order to restore customers' confidence in air transport. The Commission was asked to submit as soon as possible a proposal on setting up an independent body with the task of issuing recommendations for the prevention of aircraft accidents. In another amendment, Parliament demanded that the scope of the regulation encompass all aircraft with Community connections and the corresponding personnel.

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MEPs voted 303 to 253 with 18 abstentions to approve the Commission proposal to amend the system of ecopoints for heavy goods vehicles through Austria. In other words, MEPs did not follow the recommendations of its rapporteur to reject it.

In a separate resolution however, the House voted 511 to 38 with 24 abstentions to ask the Commission to assess the impact of the ecopoints system on competition between Member States. MEPs also called on the Commission to put forward a coherent transport strategy for the whole Alpine region from 2004 onwards which will give due consideration not only to the transport requirements but also to the environmental requirements of the Alpine region.

There is support for an upper ceiling on the number of journeys until the ecopoints system expires at the end of 2003. Provision should be made for a more appropriate system of sanctions than the existing one for cases where the upper ceiling is exceeded.

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This resolution reiterates Parliament's support for EU enlargement. It underlines the "historic" nature of enlargement which "represents an opportunity to ensure long term stability, security and prosperity in Europe'. The EU should be aiming to conclude accession treaties on a case-by-case basis by the end of 2002 to enable those applicant countries, which are ready, to be able to participate in the 2004 European elections.

However, the House believes, the EU needs to improve its mechanisms for modifying the Treaties, as the current 'antique, untransparent and unintelligible process is bound to alienate" the general public, as was demonstrated by the result of the Irish referendum on the draft Nice Treaty. There should consequently be changes in the way the treaties are modified. There is a need to intensify the public information campaign to promote the benefits of enlargement to people both in Member States and applicant countries. Candidate countries should have an advisory role until accession in all further preparations for the next IGC.

MEPs consider that the likely costs for the EU budget arising from the accession of new Member States until 2006, can be catered for in the framework of the existing Interinsitutional Agreement on budgetary discipline and improvement of the budgetary procedure. The House supports the principle of maintaining the ceiling of appropriations for payments at 1.27% of the Community's GNP.

Other points taken up in the resolution include the call for Hungary and the Czech Republic to have the same number of seats as Belgium and Portugal in the European Parliament, i.e. 22. An amendment that was adopted calls for Malta to have six seats, in line with Luxembourg's allocation. The complementary nature of EU and NATO enlargement is also stressed, with Parliament emphasising that each state has the right to determine its own security policy. The resolution also refers to areas such as agricultural policy reform, the need to train people administering the law, and the benefits of candidate countries respecting the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Candidate countries should not have to meet any stricter conditions than current Member States and an amendment stresses that they must enjoy the same rights.

Among other amendments adopted was one that stresses that enlargement requires reforms that go further than the Nice "left-overs", in particular they should ensure greater transparency and approachability for ordinary citizens and an active policy to combat unemployment. Other amendments express concern about economic and social hardship in candidate countries and stress the need to involve all stakeholders in work financed by the pre-accession funds. There is a call too for additional support measures to be provided for border regions between current and future member states. Effective measures also need to be introduced to tackle the risk of BSE in candidate countries. Finally candidate countries are called on to abolish legislation which discriminates against persons on the basis of their sexual orientation.

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In endorsing this resolution on Estonia's application for membership of the EU, the House stresses that the country is making good progress in its preparations for EU membership and has clearly emerged as one of the leaders among the candidate countries. It is urged to continue with the implementation of its programmes to integrate minorities, while MEPs also stress the need to take more steps to provide language training - particularly for the Russian speaking population. There is applause too for progress in tackling corruption.

Estonia receives praise for its economic progress, although there is concern over the high rate of unemployment and in particular the "difficult situation" in the north east of the country. The resolution welcomes progress in adopting the "acquis", although the authorities are criticised for allowing foreign works to be broadcast legally without permission and payment of any fee to the author.

The resolution also looks forward to Estonia's full participation in the common foreign and security policy and to becoming integrated into the Euro-Atlantic security structures. Finally it looks forward to progress in adopting the environmental "acquis" with Estonia's forthcoming accession to the European Environmental Agency.

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This resolution, which was adopted without amendment, stresses that Latvia has made "enormous efforts to close the gap with the previous first group of candidate countries" and has a real chance to catch up, provided it shows further progress in administrative and judicial reform as well as the fight against corruption. It also needs to integrate the "still considerable" number of non-citizens, although current legislation may improve matters, notably the new system of ID documents that state only citizenship instead of ethnicity. There is support too for the gradual broadening of the right to vote in local elections. There is a welcome too for Latvia's strong economic growth, although the importance of complying with EU environmental standards is stressed.

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Lithuania continues to make good progress in its preparations for EU membership, according to this resolution, which was adopted without amendment. There is particular applause for its protection of the rights of ethnic minorities. However the functioning of some of its institutions needs to be improved, notably the police and judiciary. Greater efforts should be made to combat the trafficking in women for sexual exploitation and discrimination against homosexuals should be eliminated. The economic situation is good, however there are concerns about increasing unemployment, and the need to tackle the resulting social problems is stressed.

The House welcomes signs that Lithuania may take a decision on the closure date for unit 2 of the Ignalina nuclear power plant well before the end of 2004 and is urged to intensify preparations for this. There is emphasis on Lithuania's right to determine its own security policy and support for its efforts to integrate across the "range of Euro-Atlantic security structures".

Finally the House notes with satisfaction the "constructive role" played by Lithuania in enhancing co-operation with Russia in relation to the Kaliningrad region, while also calling for a strengthening of the EU's involvement in the dialogue.

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Poland is applauded for the "remarkable efforts of its parliament" to swiftly adapt legislation to the EU "acquis", in this resolution adopted today. It is urged to speed up effective and verifiable implementation of the "acquis" so that it can meet the commitments it has given. The resolution also notes that the Polish Government anticipates being ready to join the EU by the start of 2003.

The House recognises that Polish farmers were the only ones in communist central Europe who managed to keep privately owned agriculture and that this has led to structural difficulties such as farm fragmentation and over-employment. The Polish authorities and the Commission are urged to reach a compromise agreement on participation in the common agricultural policy on the basis of the proposal by Commissioner Fischler for a "phasing-in" of direct payments that would gradually integrate the sector into the Community system.

Unemployment at an official rate of 16% remains high, and the resolution urges the Polish authorities to tackle the problem. The macro-economic situation is "generally encouraging" with inflation and exports showing clear signs of improvement. There is applause too for the 2001 budget law, which includes provisions in spending increases in sectors that are extremely important for accession, such as agriculture. Finally the House stresses the importance of the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad and Council is urged to come forward with concrete measures to deal with the situation, especially with regard to movement of goods and people, environmental protection and energy supplies.

Among the amendments adopted was one which considers that the Commission contribution to EU information campaigns has been inadequate and calls for more funds to be allocated for this purpose.

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The Czech Republic is maintaining its efforts to complete its accession strategy by 2004, according to this resolution that was adopted today. MEPs welcome in particular the fact that the country despite some difficulties, it is now a 'functioning market economy' and that it is speeding up reforms. It also enjoys constitutional stability and is taking positive steps to improve the situation of the Roma. However there is still much corruption and the government is urged to step up its implementation of its programme to combat the problem.

The House goes on to broadly welcome progress made in the environmental field, although the need for careful monitoring is stressed. The need to resolve the issue of the Temelin nuclear plant is also raised and the committee calls on the Commission to investigate how it might be relinquished. The Czech government is urged do everything it can to tackle the problem of trafficking in women. Finally the hope is expressed that the Czech Republic can join the EU by 2004, although major efforts are still required

An amendment adopted stresses the need for transparent controls of the use of state aids.

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Slovakia has made significant progress in restructuring its industrial and financial sector, thereby adapting itself to meet the requirements of the Single Market, according to this resolution that was adopted today. It has also made some progress in the areas of public administration reform.

The House goes on to encourage the government to develop national approaches to the problem of minorities and notes a gap between policy formulation and its practical implementation. All levels of government should tackle this issue, particularly the ongoing discrimination against the Roma. There is applause too for the "determined action" of the government to improve macroeconomic stability.

Parliament welcomes progress in the area of the internal market but notes that there are certain weaknesses in such areas as financial control, agriculture, environment and justice and home affairs. It welcomes steps taken to tackle this problem by significantly strengthening its staffing in the responsible ministries. Other issues taken up in the resolution include the environment, in particular the ongoing problem of the nuclear plants at Bohunice and Mochovce, and the need to tackle corruption and crime.

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Firm dates should be set for the conclusion of negotiations with Hungary and its accession to the EU. This should help forestall any disappointment or even discontent on the part of the Hungarian public, according to this resolution. The House criticises in particular the 'unjustifiable different treatment in terms of the number of MEPs who will represent Hungary in the European Parliament' and suggests therefore that the number be increased to 22.

The resolution highlights discrimination against the Roma minority, while noting that the government has begun to implement its medium term action programme to address the issue. It also takes note of the adoption of a law on Hungarians living in neighbouring countries and recognises the concerns of those governments. The Commission is urged to undertake an evaluation of this type of law in general 'with regard to its compatibility with the acquis and the spirit of good neighbourhood and co-operation'. There is a call for action to be taken against trafficking of women and children and for the elimination of discrimination in law against homosexuals. Finally there is a welcome for continued progress on the economic front, although the importance of tackling inflation is stressed and regional disparities should be tackled

One amendment adopted calls for the opposition parties to be adequately represented on the boards of the public media.

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Bulgaria is "moving in the right direction in its preparation for accession" the House stresses in this resolution. In particular there is stress on the strategic regional importance of Bulgaria and applause for its active participation in the Stability Pact.

The House goes on to state that the 'Bulgarian political system has shown itself to be remarkably stable in recent years' and trusts that the new government will continue along this path. However it must maintain efforts to tackle corruption and strengthen the legislative framework. The Roma and the Turkish minority should also be fully integrated into society, while there should be no discrimination against homosexuals. An amendment stresses that retention of article 157 in the penal code, which discriminates against homosexuals, would mean a failure to comply with the political Copenhagen criteria.

There is a welcome too for Bulgaria's good macro-economic performance, although the resolution recognises that there is still some way to go in improving standards of living and reducing the unemployment, which has led to popular discontent. The government is urged therefore to reinforce its measures to tackle the problems of poverty and marginalisation. The importance of enabling legislation to implement the reforms needed to conform to EU legislation is stressed. Environmental concerns are also raised, including the importance of closing the Kozloduy Nuclear Plant. Finally there is a call on the Bulgarian authorities to provide further information relating to the murder of Georgi Markov in London in 1978.

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Baroness Emma NICHOLSON (ELDR, UK))
Report on Romania's application for membership of the European Union and the state of negotiations
Doc. A5-0259/2001
Debate: 04.09.2001
Vote: 05.09.2001

Children's rights are at the top of the agenda in this resolution on Romania's progress towards EU accession. The House strongly supports the "clear and unambiguous" statements of the Prime Minister and his action plan of 12 June to tackle "root-and-branch reform of child health and development". There is applause for his suspension of international adoption and his intention to make Romania a "no-go area for traffickers". Implementation of these reforms, the resolution states, will significantly enhance the smooth passage of the accession process and bring the date of EU membership considerably closer. MEPs note the grave concerns expressed in recent years over the "significant abuse and neglect of children in state institutions and the growth of the street children phenomenon and trafficking. In particular, the resolution notes, Romania's incorporation of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child was incomplete and "compromised the position of the abandoned child". Its secondary legislation on international adoption had resulted in a "legal framework for child trafficking world-wide"

Other issues taken up in the resolution include the need to integrate minorities. There is a particular welcome for the abolition of Article 200 of the Penal Code, which maintained discrimination in this area. MEPs also believe that a NATO decision to invite Romania to become a member of the Alliance in 2002 would be an important contribution to regional security. There is applause too for improvements in macro-economic stabilisation, although the House stresses that major economic and sectoral reforms are still needed and the importance of the government's medium term economic strategy for 2000-2004 is underlined. There is concern too over the environment and the "weak infrastructural capacity" in this sector, in particular in the mining and ore processing industry. Other issues taken up include the importance of the fight against corruption, interference by the executive in the judiciary and the reduction of freedom of information and of an independent media. Finally the House reaffirms its position that Romanian citizens should not require a visa to enter EU territory, while calling on the government to provide a clear commitment on the fight against illegal immigration and residence.

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There is a broadly upbeat view of Slovenia's progress towards membership in this resolution. The House notes that Slovenia plans to be ready for accession on 1 January 2003 and that it has taken significant political and economic steps to align itself with the acquis. Points still to be addressed include reform of the financial sector, the need to inject transparency into the rules governing foreign investment flows and to reach cross-party agreement on the division of Slovenia into regions.

Amendments adopted call for legislation on mental health and for measures to prevent monopolies on the distribution of printed media.

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Cyprus "fully meets the political and economic criteria" for joining the EU as far as is within its power owing to the division of the island. It has also made significant progress in adopting the acquis communautaire' according to this resolution. It therefore may "expect to accede to the EU rapidly". However problems still remain over the division of the island.

The House stresses that the Nicosia government is negotiating on behalf of "ALL Cypriots" and when these negotiations and the accession process are successfully concluded the entire island and "all its citizens will legally be part of the EU". The accession process should serve as a catalyst for the peace effort aimed at achieving a political solution to the problem of partition of the island. Moreover a "unified and peaceful Cyprus would bring increased prosperity to the island's people as a whole and increased security to the region'.

There is support too for the conclusions of the Helsinki European Council "whereby resolution of the Cyprus question is not a prerequisite for accession" and for Commissioner Verheugen's view that there "is no possibility of separate negotiations with the two parts of the island, and no question either of accession for two Cypriot states or of accession of the northern part of the island upon Turkish accession". The resolution stresses that if Turkey were to carry out its threat to annex the north of Cyprus, it would put an end to its own ambitions of EU membership.
Parliament applauds UN efforts to reach a comprehensive and rapid solution and the UN's call for any acceptable solution to be based on international law. The resolution criticises the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Denktash's withdrawal from UN-sponsored proximity talks which "plunged the negotiations into impasse". However there is support for the "enhanced political dialogue" between the EU and Turkey and the conclusion of accession partnerships with Cyprus and Turkey that "could provide a framework of resolution of the problem". There is a welcome too for contact at all levels between the two communities and for the support for EU membership among most Cypriots of both communities.

Other points taken up include the deterioration in the macro-economic stability of Cyprus - although it satisfies the Copenhagen economic criteria - and the special attention that needs to be paid to certain areas of the acquis, such as the environment..

Among the amendments adopted was one, which notes "documented plundering of monasteries, churches and cultural buildings during the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus". Others stress the importance of ensuring that homosexual rights are properly respected

Press enquiries:
Timothy Boden
(Strasbourg) tel.(33) 3 881 73785
(Brussels)  tel.(32-2) 28 43459
e-mail :  foreign-press@europarl.eu.int
&
Alexandre Stutzmann
(Strasbourg) tel.(33) 3 881 73840
(Brussels)  tel.(32-2) 28 43439
e-mail :  foreign-press@europarl.eu.int

Ursula STENZEL (EPP-ED, A))
Report on Malta's application for membership of the European Union and the state of negotiations
Doc. A5-0262/2001
Debate: 04.09.2001
Vote: 05.09.2001

Malta is well on the way to joining the EU as there is constitutional stability and it is a functioning market economy. However this resolution expresses regret that government and parliamentary opposition hold divergent views on Malta's accession to the EU. The House supports all efforts by the various European institutions to enter into a constructive dialogue with all the constitutional organisations and social strata in Malta so as to safeguard the continuity of the accession process.

Other items taken up in the resolution are the need for Malta to maintain its progress in introducing environmental legislation, and in particular there is support for its efforts to ban the use of plastic bottles. It should also press on with agricultural reforms. Finally there is recognition of Malta's concerns over the potential disruption of the labour market in the event of a high inflow of workers following accession.

Amendments adopted note the establishment of a Financial Intelligence Unit to combat money laundering and other measures to bring its criminal code into line with European legislation.

Press enquiries:
Timothy Boden
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&
Alexandre Stutzmann
(Strasbourg) tel.(33) 3 881 73840
(Brussels)  tel.(32-2) 28 43439
e-mail :  foreign-press@europarl.eu.int

Parliament took the view that this Commission paper was a positive step towards enhancing passenger's rights. However, it called on the Commission as a matter of urgency to allocate money from the EU research budget to carry out an independent study on health risks on long-haul flights, in particular into the issue of deep vein thrombosis.

MEPs were also critical of the lack of progress in Council on the "Single European Sky" initiative. They deplored the failure to reach agreement on the amended regulation on denied boarding and on the proposed directive on the safety of third aircraft using EU airports as a result of the ongoing dispute between the UK and Spain over the status of Gibraltar airport. The fact that air passenger protection measures could be held up for such reasons was seen as unacceptable and Council was called upon to resolve this dispute without delay.

Press enquiries:
Ton Huyssoon
(Strasbourg) tel.(33) 3 881 74005
(Brussels)  tel.(32-2) 28 42408
e-mail :  region-press@europarl.eu.int

In the wake of the findings of the Temporary Committee on the Echelon Interception System MEPs voted 367 to 154 with 34 abstentions in favour of a resolution calling on the Member States to provide all European citizens with the same guarantees on the protection of privacy and confidentiality of correspondence.

The committee's report concludes that in view of the evidence and the many statements which tally with each other, including some from American sources, the existence of a global system for intercepting communications, "operating with the participation of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand under the UK-USA Agreement, is no longer in doubt". The same is true of the use to which Echelon is put, namely "to intercept private and commercial communications, and not military communications".

The Member States are also urged to ensure that their legislation on the operations of their intelligence services is consistent with the European Human Rights Convention and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.

The resolution emphasises the need to draw up strict joint standards to improve the protection of fundamental rights. Parliament's resolution stresses the importance of fostering awareness of security problems among the public and companies so that they understand the potential risks and the need to protect themselves against the danger of having their communications intercepted. A number of practical proposals are made to this end. For example the Commission and the Member States are urged to support the development of European encryption software. The Commission is asked to take a range of measures: to have a security analysis carried out, to update its encryption system. Lastly the Commission is requested to put forward a proposal to establish, in close cooperation with industry and the Member States, a European-wide and coordinated network of advisory centres to deal with issues relating to the security of information held by firms, with the twin task of increasing awareness of the problem and providing practical assistance. Companies themselves are urged to cooperate more closely with counter-espionage services and particularly to inform them of any suspected attacks from outside.

Press enquiries:
Patrick Baragiola
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(Brussels)  tel.(32-2) 28 43251
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MEPs approved a recommendation requesting Council to implement a European arrest and warrant scheme for serious crimes such as terrorism, illegal trafficking in drugs and arms, corruption, fraud and trafficking in human beings, as well as crimes against children.

In the field of terrorism, Parliament is advocating minimum rules at European level on the definition of criminal acts and penalties. Formal extradition procedures should be abolished and the principle of mutual recognition of decisions on criminal matters relating to terrorist offences should be adopted.

MEPs are also concerned about the increase in terrorist activities within the EU and the inadequacy of traditional forms of judicial and police cooperation. Parliament is therefore calling on Member States to adopt common measures on compensation for victims of terrorist crime.

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Marjory van den Broeke
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e-mail :  libe-press@europarl.eu.int