Index 
 Previous 
 Next 
 Full text 
Procedure : 2008/0249(COD)
Document stages in plenary
Select a document :

Texts tabled :

A7-0028/2011

Debates :

PV 04/04/2011 - 15
CRE 04/04/2011 - 15

Votes :

PV 05/04/2011 - 4.6
CRE 05/04/2011 - 4.6
Explanations of votes
PV 27/09/2011 - 8.11
CRE 27/09/2011 - 8.11
Explanations of votes

Texts adopted :

P7_TA(2011)0125
P7_TA(2011)0406

Verbatim report of proceedings
Tuesday, 27 September 2011 - Strasbourg OJ edition

9. Explanations of vote
Video of the speeches
PV
  

Oral explanations of vote

 
  
  

Recommendation: Maria Eleni Koppa (A7-0300/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Guido Milana (S&D).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Ms Koppa’s report is exceptionally current in what it really implies, and it comes at a time when the debate on Palestine is particularly important.

Initiating this trade highlights the fact that we can no longer use this country just as a potential market, since until now, our exports to Palestine have been worth EUR 50 million and our imports from there only EUR 6 million. Instead, away from Israeli control, the country is preparing itself to play a role as an exporter to Europe, which we hope can truly help to change the fortunes of the Palestinian people in particular.

I therefore voted wholeheartedly in favour of this report.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Paul Murphy (GUE/NGL). – I welcome this agreement which, if implemented, could provide a level of assistance for the Palestinian people. However, we have to recognise reality here and the reality is that its impact will be extremely limited because the problem is not simply goods entering the European markets but goods exiting the occupied territories in the first place.

The collective punishment of the blockade of Gaza has inflicted a humanitarian catastrophe on the people of Gaza. Eighty per cent of people now are reliant on food aid. Unemployment is at 45% and 300 000 people are forced to try and survive on less than one dollar a day.

Also, the economy has been deliberately destroyed by Israeli actions. Before the blockade, over 700 trucks used to leave Gaza with exports on a daily basis; today, less than 2% of the pre-blockade level of exports exist and simply tonnes and tonnes of fruit and flour are rotting and so, if the EU is serious about assisting the Palestinian people, gestures like this are simply not enough. It must end its complicity with the Israeli occupation.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Ashley Fox (ECR). – I strongly support the revision of the EU-Palestine Association Agreement regarding agricultural and fisheries products. The liberalisation of trade is extremely welcome, bringing opportunities and wealth to both the EU and the Palestinian territories on the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Palestine is one of our smallest trading partners and granting them duty-free and mostly quota-free access will go some way to improving the lives of their citizens whilst having little or no impact on our own agricultural market.

I believe this agreement is a good example of how the EU can do a little bit of good in the world and make a small difference to the condition of the Palestinian people. I would urge the Israeli Government to do rather more to improve the condition of the Palestinian people as well, and encourage them to allow freer trade with the territories.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Diane Dodds (NI). – Mr President, having read this recommendation, I am happy to support the liberalisation of trade in general. In the current context, of course, the eyes of the world are focused on the Palestinian territories. However, I do believe that this House should have the issue of balance, fairness and equality uppermost in its mind.

At present, the ACCA agreement between the European Union and Israel, signed in May 2010, has come to a standstill as a result of this institution’s reluctance to approve it. It is common knowledge that Israel is one of the most advanced countries in the fields of medicine and technology. In postponing approval for this agreement, we are denying European consumers access to a wider range of high-quality medication, and blocking the possibility of lower prices for these products as well as the introduction of innovative technology into the European market.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Mairead McGuinness (PPE). – Mr President, like others, I am very happy to support this report on trade in agriculture and fishery products between the European Union and Palestine. It is a very timely report, given that Palestine is very much on the global agenda.

When we look at the problems that Palestinian farmers face, we know there are problems for many farmers around the globe, but in Palestine, there are particular difficulties – simple but huge difficulties – in accessing water, land and, of course, accessing markets, which is why this agreement is hugely significant. It means that we can help development through trade and – as others have said – it will not have any negative impacts for European Union agriculture.

There is also the issue of standards. While the Palestinians are very keen to meet our standards, they also have to meet Israeli standards that are not the same as European Union ones. We need to see some progress in this area.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Mitro Repo (S&D). (FI) Mr President, I gave the report my support. The proposed agreement will allow Palestinian agricultural products, fish and fish products to access the EU market.

The agreement, however, has a more profound objective than commercial interests, as Europe will benefit very little from trade with Palestine. With this agreement, we will help the economic development of the Palestinian territories; we will reduce poverty in the area and be instrumental in promoting its political stability. Trade can help facilitate the development of the economy and social issues in the Palestinian territories in Gaza and on the West Bank.

In future, the European Union must have a strong role to play in foreign policy, and particularly with regard to its neighbouring states. Trade is our strongest political tool. The European Union always needs to consider its trade policies as a whole, in conjunction with European values and democratic principles.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Daniel Hannan (ECR). – Mr President, if you were badly in debt, if you were overdrawn on your credit card, if you were struggling to meet your mortgage payments, what would you do: spend more, or spend less? The European Union has not hesitated to answer that question collectively. It has responded to the debt crisis by a massive increase in debt, forcing additional liabilities on to countries that could not meet their existing liabilities.

Rather than correcting the malinvestments of the decade of cheap credit, we have rewarded those malinvestments, bailing out, first, banks and then entire countries. And now, that ‘bailout-and-borrow’ policy has reached is apogee. If reports are to be believed, the European Stabilisation Fund is going to be quadrupled – with yet more borrowing – into a EUR 2 million fund: a sum that our minds are not designed to comprehend.

That is the logical end of the policy we began on when we started borrowing. And who, ultimately, is going to stand behind this fund? Why, the taxpayers of the eurozone: in other words, the taxpayers of, among other places, Ireland, Greece, Portugal, Spain and Italy. ‘My masters, are you mad?’

 
  
  

Report: Marisa Matias (A7-0302/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Clemente Mastella (PPE).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, we welcome the adoption of this report because it has the great merit of combining European programmes for research, competitiveness and technological innovation with the structural and cohesion funding allocated for these sectors.

It is a necessary step in the right direction in its attempt to reorganise the existing schemes and programmes, with a view to producing a new long-term strategic policy. Strengthening convergence, consolidation and the EU’s global competitiveness – the last of which should be based on a cooperation model – are among the ways to achieve economic recovery and bring about a development model based on sustainable growth and job creation.

Proposing a common framework, notwithstanding the obvious differences that exist in the European context, offers an opportunity to strengthen the European Research Area and devise a clear-cut convergence strategy. The outcome of all that will be to restore a proper balance in terms of access and participation.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Giovanni La Via (PPE).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I have fully endorsed the Matias report because it combines the multiple factors that should promote and implement innovative processes in future.

Scientific research must play the strategic role of finding cures and solutions to the problems experienced by Europeans, and innovation must transform those results into more accessible operational reality. That is particularly true for agriculture.

In fact, as rapporteur for the opinion of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, I sought to highlight the role that research should play in the farming sector, where it should aim not only at achieving results in the laboratory, but, in particular, at transferring their effects to the field as well, to the benefit of farmers and all farming stakeholders.

We must also invest in human resources, since distribution, training and consultancy services are crucial for promoting the knowledge-based growth of agricultural and agri-food businesses.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Jens Rohde (ALDE). – In Europe, we are actually great at research. The problem is that we are lousy at innovation. US companies obtain more than twice as many patents per year as European companies. We cannot afford to spend millions of euro and not get full use from them. Therefore, we need a much more focused and result-driven research programme. We need a direct route from research to retail. We need industry to participate, especially SMEs. Finally, we need the Commission to dramatically simplify its grant procedures. The ideas and talents are out there; it is time for Europe to move.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Francesco De Angelis (S&D).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, this report is an important step in the right direction.

Research and innovation are both vital for development and economic growth. It is therefore urgent to propose a common framework for reorganising the existing schemes and programmes. Although Europe is the richest macro-region in the world, it has not actually invested properly in research, development and innovation. Suffice it to say that investment in these areas has been appreciably higher in the United States and Japan.

We therefore have to act quickly to remove the inequalities that remain between the various countries of Europe. That will be the only possible way to prevent the scientifically or technologically more advanced countries from continuing to benefit more from existing European programmes. I therefore reiterate the need to reorganise the existing schemes and programmes and provide for new schemes with a view to producing a sustainable and inclusive growth strategy, while bearing in mind the objectives of stability, economic convergence and employment.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Mairead McGuinness (PPE). – Mr President, I am very happy with this report but wish to bring to the attention of this House an event that I was involved in recently in the Commission on food safety research and innovation spending, a conference that was not just telling us the results but seeing how it could be put into practice.

While we are often very critical of ourselves, and indeed the Commission, it was noteworthy that the Chinese delegation that spoke at this event put on screen its plans for food safety legislation and it looked like a mirror of what the European Union has already in place. So we do sometimes lead very much from the front and therefore what we do is positive.

My last comment is to pick up on my colleague, Mr La Via, in relation to agriculture research. We need to refocus on productivity because the world has to start being able to produce more from less and, in particular around food security, that must be a priority in our future research.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Tunne Kelam (PPE). – Mr President, having supported this report, I would like to draw attention to the need to create top-level scientific centres in the less developed and disadvantaged regions of Europe on the basis of competition. It is competition that provides the best incentives for the creativity and dynamism that will result in early future-oriented jobs, even in structurally weaker regions of Europe.

At the same time, the key element of the framework programme has to be its scientific quality. Only scientific excellence provides for credibility, which should become the main criterion for scientific funding.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Seán Kelly (PPE).(GA) Mr President, I was pleased to vote for this report, which contains many good suggestions. I would like to focus on one aspect, that is, the health of our people.

Now Mr Rohde made a very interesting point. He said that Europe was good at research but not in innovation. This came home very clearly to me recently when I chaired here in Parliament a hearing on IT and the future of medicine, where many billions have been spent on research and medicine but the prevalence of the major disease continues to rise. Therefore, there is a need for a change of tactics and, hopefully, with this programme, which will be coming before the Commission in due course, research and innovation will produce a different approach where we can deal with the patient as the virtual patient with specific diagnosis and specific remedies as opposed to the generic which we have at present.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Patrizia Toia (S&D).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the preparation of the common strategic framework for research and innovation funding represents a huge opportunity for the development and economy of Europe.

It is a matter of pulling the lever that can truly usher in a period of growth and also of new skilled employment, such as that done by researchers and young people who devote themselves precisely to the new opportunities in innovation and technology and associated professions.

One observation in particular emerges from this work, which is that we in Europe must put increasing emphasis on the kinds of research and innovation that find practical application, originate new companies, result in new patents and do not remain pure basic research or pure knowledge, which is certainly important, but not to the extent that it actually triggers development.

The second observation is the relationship with local bodies, regions and territories, which are an important tool for territorial planning and for bringing together research, universities, centres of excellence and businesses.

 
  
  

Report: Jean-Marie Cavada (A7-0293/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Erminia Mazzoni (PPE).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to express my appreciation for Mr Cavada’s report, and I think it tackles a highly important and highly topical subject: the ability to make selective decisions when faced with the need to reduce budget expenditure.

At times of crisis, unfortunately, there is always a tendency to cut spending almost across the board on culture, education and social matters, and there is especially a tendency to take a conservative approach, something that should certainly not be supported. This report highlights a concern expressed by a large group of representatives of parents whose children attend European Schools, who also turned to the Committee on Petitions because they had the feeling that the budgetary changes would not include a commitment to the new programme for European Schools.

This report certainly presents an intelligent plan to try to respond positively to the concerns expressed by the people in question and, at the same time, to give some substance to the European institutions’ policy. The European Schools are a new frontier that this Parliament and the European institutions have provided for everyone. The policy that has been adopted, however, is liable to put an end to the prospect of a European education for all.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Peter Jahr (PPE).(DE) Mr President, I, too, have with great pleasure voted in favour of this report on the problems relating to the European Schools’ system, also because, as the previous speaker, Ms Mazzoni, has already mentioned, we are also dealing with this problem in the Committee on Petitions in the context of an urgent petition. In committee we found that, firstly, the European Schools’ system exists, secondly, it is a success story and, thirdly, we obviously need to carry out structural adjustments, but these must not be at the expense of the European Schools or the concept of European Schools.

I am therefore particularly pleased that the essence of the debate in the Committee on Petitions has also been expressed in this report. I was therefore able to vote in favour of it, and I would be very pleased if what is stated in this report were to be implemented immediately and – to put it nicely – promptly.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Iva Zanicchi (PPE) . – (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the European Schools were set up with the aim of ensuring that the children of the European institutions’ staff who are required to live and work abroad in a different cultural environment from their own have access to education in their mother tongue.

The first European School was founded in Luxembourg as long ago as 1953 at the instigation of a group of officials. As this form of teaching was considered successful, 14 European Schools were founded in various Member States over the years. Although I recognise that the European Schools system is a necessity rather than a luxury, it is clear that, more than 50 years on from the founding of the first European School, the system may include some obsolete aspects and, in any case, needs to be brought into line with and adapted to the economic and social requirements of today.

I have therefore voted in favour of Mr Cavada’s report, which calls for greater involvement by the European Union to support and coordinate the actions of the Member States, which are expected to work towards developing and improving the European Schools system. As we know, investing in education means investing in the future of our young Europeans.

 
  
  

Report: Michael Theurer (A7-0287/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Ramona Nicole Mănescu (ALDE).(RO) Mr President, … the report on the absorption of EU funds because we need to have an objective analysis of both the problems and the definite successes from the current programming period. The lessons learnt from this will therefore play a key role in drawing up a more effective cohesion policy in the future. The problems facing Member States at the moment with regard to regulation, eligibility, public procurement, and incompatibility between EU and national requirements, compounded by excessive, inefficient control and a severe lack of the necessary technical assistance, especially in new Member States, have the immediate effect of putting beneficiaries off.

In order to increase the absorption rate, cut down on the errors, encourage private sector involvement and boost efficiency, we need, first and foremost, to simplify current regulations and procedures. We need a common set of rules for using EU funds which are applicable to all Member States, so as to remove the excessive red tape imposed at national level. We must also ensure that local and regional authorities will be actively involved in the decision-making process.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, what clearly emerges from this report is that many European regions find it difficult to administer the Structural Funds made available by the Union through its cohesion policies.

They often find themselves caught in a maze in which, if the regions succeed in organising the administration of these funds, it is often the national governments that then find it difficult to activate the cofinancing funds. Sometimes it is like a dog chasing its own tail: the money that we consider fundamental for growth and cohesion in Europe cannot then be spent, as it now appears is happening in my own country, Italy, as well.

I have therefore voted in favour of this report, but I believe that, on the one hand, we should speed up the adoption of the new economic programming period 2014-2020 to enable the individual Member States and regions of Europe to prepare themselves in time and, on the other, that the cofinancing mechanism should perhaps be reviewed. That could be a way forward and so I have voted in favour, but I think a lot more needs to be done to ensure that European funds can actually be spent to benefit the people.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Sergej Kozlík (ALDE). (SK) Mr President, as far as the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund are concerned, in the first programming period 2004-2006, disbursements reached a level of 99% in Slovakia, amounting in total to EUR 1.2 billion.

In the second programming period from 2007-2013, disbursement had reached the level of 18.5% by the end of June, which, in absolute terms, represents EUR 2.1 billion. At the same time, it is assumed that there will be full disbursement of the revised commitment for 2008, i.e. of the resources that can be disbursed up to the end of this year.

I agree that the problems with disbursement are mainly caused by the Member States, especially in the excessively bureaucratic procedures for approving projects, and in changes to national strategies related to changes of government.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Markus Pieper (PPE).(DE) Mr President, I voted in favour of the Theurer report, but I would nevertheless like to emphasise a couple of points. Many EU States do not absorb the European structural policy funds. They cannot absorb them because they lack the expertise needed to use them and because they themselves are unable to pay the small cofinancing amounts. Of course, the European response must now be to send European teams of experts to Greece, and perhaps to Romania, too. However, I also believe that in future, we must tailor the programmes more closely to the most important needs of the weaker countries. Furthermore, large parts of the Europe 2020 strategy simply fail to meet the needs of the less development regions. They are too ambitious and too complex. Therefore, we must, in future, take more action to improve the expertise in these regions and we should not treat them like developing countries.

Furthermore, it needs to be much easier to use private funds for the cofinancing of projects. That is also something for which we need greater flexibility in the next programming period.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Peter Jahr (PPE).(DE) Mr President, I, too, voted in favour of the report. I would like to make three additional comments. I, too, am of the opinion that we must, of course, monitor the programmes according to the objective criteria, but that when setting out the objective criteria, we must ensure that the criteria are not too ambitious, that they, quite simply, are possible for the countries to implement, and that the bureaucracy associated with the monitoring is also tolerable and feasible.

I also believe that cohesion funding should always be provided according to the principle of ‘helping people to help themselves’; that is to say, we should not forget to carry out an evaluation of the objective criteria and to check whether the objectives that were intended to be achieved with the money have actually been achieved. After all, cohesion is intended to have a beginning and an end.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Mairead McGuinness (PPE). – Mr President, cohesion and structural funds are very much a sign of European solidarity, so it is important that this funding is properly used and used in the best possible way. But, as this report points out, there are huge problems in relation to Member States accessing this funding and coming up with the necessary cofinancing that is required.

One of the problems this creates is in the public mindset. When we hear announcements of major funding being made available from the European Union budget and the public read these stories, later to read that some of this funding has not been accessed, there is a delay in getting access to it, or they themselves have problems in trying to access funding, that creates a negative attitude towards the European Union. We do need to make these funds work for the betterment of citizens and therefore, the recommendations of this report should be implemented.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Erminia Mazzoni (PPE).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I have voted for this report because I believe it is an excellent piece of work. What Mr Theurer has produced is an assessment that will certainly also be useful for the imminent legislative work that the Committee on Regional Development is about to tackle in relation to the new funding regulations.

The problems that have been revealed are many and varied, just as the individual Member States’ absorption capacities are varied – as the rapporteur points out – because each one performs differently regarding the volume of spending and, hence, its efficiency and effectiveness. Out of all the problems highlighted in this report, I think the two that we ought to focus our attention on most are, first, the programming periods, as Mr Antoniozzi has already mentioned, and secondly, the issue of control, insofar as control requirements lead the Member States to focus more on the procedures than on the objectives.

We should, however, concentrate on the objectives in order to perform effectively and efficiently. To that end, I reiterate the proposal that I make to this House on every possible occasion, which concerns the possibility of replacing contributions with taxation. I believe that tax exemptions could help to reduce the number of control regulations without going against the Treaty requirements, and could focus attention more on fulfilling the objectives and achieving results.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė (PPE). (LT) Mr President, I voted in favour of this report because it mentions specific problems that are faced when implementing projects financed by the Cohesion Fund, and indicates means of addressing those problems.

First of all, we have the complicated rules surrounding the application of financial instruments and the need to simplify them, taking into account the specific characteristics of each Member State. Secondly, there is a need for greater synergy and complementarity between all the funds (the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Social Fund and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development) and flexibility. This is required to facilitate the financing of integrated projects. For example, the potential of cross-financing, which is not yet being fully exploited. Thirdly, the Commission and the Member States must give priority to the integrated approach for local and regional development projects, encouraging the development of bottom-up local initiatives, and must also ensure that there is an opportunity to finance as many small and individual projects as possible.

I hope that this time, the European Parliament’s opinion will be heard, and that its proposals will be taken into account, thus promoting more rapid absorption of Cohesion Funds.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marian Harkin (ALDE). – Mr President, I supported this report, but there are two issues I would like to draw attention to. First of all, there are the over-complicated and over-strict procedures that are often involved. I have community and voluntary groups coming to me all the time, talking about the complexity and also the inconsistency of the rules – then the changes in the rules and, furthermore, the interpretation of the changes in the rules. People are tearing their hair out with frustration.

Another issue that a lot of community groups have a problem with is late payments. I know many community groups that are going to the wall because they are awaiting payments from European funds.

There is another very important issue that we need to look at, and that is the issue of intermediate regions. When we are determining eligibility, it is important that we use the most up-to-date figures. It looks as if we might end up using 2008 GDP figures to determine eligibility for cohesion funding post 2013. That is simply not acceptable in the current situation. Up to now, a lot of regions’ GDP was increasing but, of course, now, because of the economic crisis, a number of regions’ GDP is decreasing and we will find that in 2010 and 2011, it will be lower than it was in 2007 and 2008. So, it is crucial that we use the most up-to-date figures to ensure that the regions that need cohesion funding are those that get it.

 
  
  

Report: Elisabetta Gardini (A7-0283/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Clemente Mastella (PPE).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, in view of the dramatic increase in natural disasters both inside and outside the European Union, we increasingly often have to intervene and guarantee a rapid and effective response, as provided for by the new legal basis introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon.

We should, however, be able to concentrate on pre-identification of the assets available in the Member States that are placed at the disposal of the European Civil Protection Mechanism on a voluntary basis. This would be a significant move away from the current ad hoc response to disasters towards advance planning through the development of reference scenarios, mapping of Member States’ assets and contingency planning.

We therefore advocate greater simplification of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, which so far has proved to be too bureaucratic, and support the creation of a 24/7 European emergency response centre which, in agreement with the Member States, would make decisions on the assets to be deployed in the event of a disaster in order to ensure immediate and effective assistance to the victims.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Guido Milana (S&D).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, many thousands of people die every year due to natural disasters and tens of billions of euro are lost. These are dramatic figures, and disasters are not always avoidable.

Ms Gardini’s report is right on the mark in this respect, because it essentially identifies the two fundamental points in the new European civil protection strategy. The first is a thorough prevention plan, which can no longer be just the sum of the national prevention plans, and proper rules concerning prevention procedures. The second is the real, concrete idea of European civil protection, which cannot result from mere coordination but must be based on a genuine network.

We have to move on from an emergency response requested by a country in relation to a disaster and the subsequent intervention, seen almost as a concession by another country, to a genuine strategy. With this hope in mind, I think the resolution adopted today is a useful one for the people of Europe.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Jens Rohde (ALDE).(DA) Mr President, the earthquake in Haiti, the floods in Pakistan and, in particular, the events in Japan last spring, have shown us that we need to have a common European approach and strategy for dealing with disasters.

It is no good us sending multiple, uncoordinated civil protection teams from the different Member States which then arrive in the disaster zones at completely different times. As Mr Mastella said a moment ago, the Treaty of Lisbon provides us with a new legal basis on which to take the right decisions and on which to coordinate our response. However, let us use this new instrument in an active way.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Mario Pirillo (S&D).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to congratulate the rapporteur, Ms Gardini¸ and our colleagues in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, in which we adopted this report almost unanimously.

That shows how our different political ideologies have been overcome on important issues, such as this one of humanitarian aid. The principle of European solidarity among Member States in the event of a disaster is the central pillar of this report, supported by liaison and interaction initiatives within the European Union. The merging of the humanitarian aid crisis rooms is a step in that direction.

The 24/7 European emergency response centre will act as a planning and operational coordination platform and will become the central hub for requests for assistance relating to all types of disasters.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, over recent years, we have seen an increase in the number and intensity of natural disasters, which have become increasingly global in scale, with disastrous consequences.

A genuinely European response to such disasters that involves, and is binding on, all the various levels of government in which the European Union is structured is crucial to address this scenario. Ms Gardini’s valuable report, which I voted for, highlights the importance of a simplified and rationalised Civil Protection Mechanism that is more extensively and effectively coordinated at a political and operational level and is not encumbered by red tape. It must allow for the pooling of resources and skills and the optimisation of existing assets without increasing the financial burden in times of austerity.

Greater attention to cross-border and geographically vulnerable areas and implementation of a culture of prevention will complement this new approach to ensure a rapid, speedy and effective response to any future needs.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Philippe Juvin (PPE).(FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, today is a great day since the European Parliament has just expressed its desire to create a European civil protection force.

Obviously, this European force will enable EU Member States to be more effective in the event of major disasters occurring inside or outside of the EU, and we must welcome that. However, in reality, I do not think that this is the most important thing. The most important thing is that if we want to build Europe, we must do great things together. We must make Europeans proud of their Union. The fact that Europeans have done great things together in the present or the past will mean that they will be prepared to do even greater things together in the future.

Let us not be mistaken, Europe cannot only be seen by our fellow citizens as an accumulation of legislation, no matter how useful that legislation may be. Europe must have a soul. This European Civil Protection Mechanism that we are going to create will be a part of this soul. It is one of the tools which can create this European soul. If we give Europeans a sense of pride from knowing they are acting together, this will make the usefulness of legislation seem weak in comparison. That is why we must build this European civil protection force together.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Christa Klaß (PPE).(DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, every disaster, irrespective of whether it is caused by a storm, fire or an accident, poses new challenges for us. We are currently living in a highly mechanised, highly sensitive and specialised world, and we are increasingly reliant on experts.

Within Europe, it must now be a foregone conclusion that we should help each other across our borders and that the Member States should support one another. Cross-border drills by the fire service and civil protection force must be in the utmost interests of the Member States and must also be well funded. We need to make effective logistics arrangements in advance.

The common 112 emergency number within Europe is a positive step towards simplification. However, this number must be communicated repeatedly so that it becomes fixed in people’s minds.

With all the good equipment and the good organisation, however, the most important thing we need is the people who, with considerable personal commitment, get involved in dealing with the disasters. I would also like to take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to them.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Iva Zanicchi (PPE) . – (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the exponential rise in the number of natural disasters in recent decades has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people in various parts of the world.

Last year, in the Committee on Development, I followed the work on the report on the European Union’s disaster response capacity, which revealed just how much still needed to be done to guarantee a coordinated EU response in view of the increase in earthquakes, floods and tsunamis. The EU’s response to the earthquake in Haiti, for example, clearly illustrated the complexity of the existing instruments and procedures.

Even though the Member States and EU institutions acted promptly in terms of sending humanitarian aid, the management of the crisis raised a series of issues regarding efficiency, coordination and transparency. That is why I voted in favour of Ms Gardini’s report, which calls for greater efficiency in all stages of disaster management, better coordination among all actors and simplification aimed at avoiding pointless overlaps and wasted time, which impede the rapid and effective provision of help.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Oldřich Vlasák (ECR). (CS) Mr President, I voted in favour of Ms Gardini’s report because it strengthens coordination in the area of preparation, capacity planning and implementation, in respect of both civil protection and humanitarian assistance. In the case of humanitarian assistance in particular, this means even closer cooperation with the non-governmental organisations that are often present in a disaster location. In the rapid and common response to a crisis, logistics are a particularly acute problem where I would welcome concrete proposals for improvement. I also see a solution in the interlinking of existing monitoring centres and the mapping of Member State capacities for individual types of crisis.

At the same time, I firmly believe that greater coordination on the part of the EU does not have to ‘compete’ with the global coordinating role of the UN, but, on the contrary, should support it. The responsibility of the Member States should also be emphasised, particularly in external humanitarian assistance. I therefore consider it important for European emergency response capacities to be led exclusively by the contributing Member State or the affected state for now, and not by a European emergency response centre.

Regarding the visibility of EU symbols when providing assistance, I just want this to be kept within sensible limits, and not to use up a significant portion of the allocated resources.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Tunne Kelam (PPE). – Mr President, this is a really comprehensive and important report. I have two observations.

Firstly, the prevention of disasters has to be seen as being equally important as the response to them. Therefore, enhancing the EU emergency reaction capacity has to be linked with the Commission preparing an efficient EU strategy to reduce the risk of disasters and ensure their early identification.

Secondly, I support the European Parliament’s call for the Commission to come forward with proposals for an EU civil protection force based on the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. That would better combine the resources necessary to provide both civilian protection and immediate emergency aid to the victims.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Mairead McGuinness (PPE). – Mr President, it seems to me that it is in times of calm that we should prepare for the next crisis. We are doing this with regret on the economy. We need to do it equally when there are disasters, which this report deals with. Yes, prevention is our priority – as it should be – in order to minimise problems in all Member States.

Just a word in relation to voluntary effort: very often, when there is a disaster in a Member State, it is the local community itself which responds most rapidly. We need to better coordinate the national and EU response, working on the ground with local communities.

Finally, we need to make the emergency response number 112 more widely known to our citizens, so that it is used.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Anneli Jäätteenmäki (ALDE). (FI) Mr President, the EU’s readiness to respond to natural disasters is not presently at the level that the public has the right to expect.

The European Parliament has proposed that an EU civil protection force be set up. It would deliver emergency assistance within 24 hours in response to any disaster taking place at that time. It would require coordination and cooperation between the Member States. This would be just the sort of cooperation that would bring added value to the European partnership.

I shall await a proposal from the Commission concerning the establishment of the civil protection force, and particularly at the civilian level. This is not a military matter: it is a civilian one.

 
  
  

Report: Carlo Fidanza (A7-0265/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Jim Higgins (PPE). (GA) Mr President, I voted for this report as it seems to me that the industry is so important for the economy in the European Union. On account of Article 195 of the Treaty of Lisbon, this matter is a new development and I welcome this.

I am certain that this report is a good start to ensuring the future of this industry. This industry has a central role in creating jobs locally, and in helping with economic growth. In Ireland, for example, the industry is worth ten per cent of our gross national product, and more than twelve per cent of the workforce are employed in the tourism industry, or in a dependent industry.

An integrated approach is needed in relation to the industry in the European Union. The European Union is not doing enough in my opinion about the problem of red tape in relation to visa applications and there is a great need for a simplified system of getting tourist visas throughout the European Union.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Guido Milana (S&D).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, this is just a good initiative, but I think we will later have to develop a European policy on tourism.

The European framework is a good idea, but I would like to focus on two issues. There is no sea or coastal tourism, we might say, but a coastal planning policy. I think the time has come for Europe to protect this important sector by producing an initiative in which ideas about the sea and coastline are not limited to a kind of town planning that ends at the foreshore and does not involve the sea as a whole.

I think it will be useful to have an integrated policy on this, just as there will be a need to develop everything that lies behind the claims about rural tourism: rural tourism can be an excellent source of income for disadvantaged areas and areas where there is no work any more, where it is important to stop depopulation and instead encourage people to settle.

For that, it is not enough just to make claims. We would need to suggest that Europe and the Member States take action on taxation. Perhaps developing tourism in rural areas could mean paying less tax; maybe that would create a real opportunity for tourism as a resource and for the people living in those areas.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Mario Pirillo (S&D).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank Mr Fidanza for the excellent report he has drafted. Parliament has today voted in favour of setting up a new common framework for European tourism in line with the new powers introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon.

Emphasising the importance of the quality of the tourist services offered as a decisive variable in the choices made by tourists was an appropriate decision to increase the competitiveness of Europe’s tourism industry. Niche tourism – religious, spa, mountain, rural, etc. – should be encouraged through measures to improve it in terms of quality and quantity.

Lastly, I hope that the harmonisation of the hospitality industry classification systems will continue so as to define unequivocal quality standards for all Member States.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to congratulate Mr Fidanza on the report he has drafted, which fits logically into the framework of actions undertaken and promoted at Union level relating to tourism, now that the Treaty of Lisbon has given the European Union new powers in this field.

I must stress the fact that I endorse the statement about the importance of Europe as a single destination for certified, quality tourism, as well as the intention to promote this idea by turning it into actions in terms of structures, allocation of resources, funding, and coordination of actions among the various levels of government in the countries of the Union. This is an approach to be valued and rewarded, given that the sector in question – with its implications in terms of the percentage of GDP produced, employment and new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, and emphasis on environmental protection and enhancement – is in a position to develop and thus to respond to the major challenges of today.

For all these reasons, I believe this report is positive, as it sends out an important signal for the promotion of a European tourism policy.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Seán Kelly (PPE). (GA) Mr President, the Treaty of Lisbon now gives us a chance to establish a policy for the benefit of the tourism industry and we see in this report a strategy for doing so. The European Union is the world’s primary tourist destination and we must keep it this way. Tourists come to certain places naturally. In the South, they have the sun, they have the sea and so forth. I, myself, was in Rome during the summer and it was clear why tourists were coming there on holiday. In other parts of Europe, however, especially in the North, they do not have the same advantages. They do not have much sun and they do not have the sea. Therefore, we must help those countries especially to extend the season and we must emphasise events that are based around sport. We have a great chance to do this in future.

 
  
  

Report: Dieter-Lebrecht Koch (A7-0264/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Jim Higgins (PPE). (GA) Mr President, we must understand that 38 000 people are killed annually as a result of road accidents in the European Union. This figure is terrible and it appears to me that it is extremely important to reduce the incidence of fatal and serious injuries and to improve safety on our roads.

We, as Europeans, must work together to reduce the number of deaths on our roads. We must admit that we have a huge problem in relation to the amount of drivers that use text messaging while driving on the roads of the European Union.

The possibility of an accident increases twenty-three times when the driver watches the screen of his mobile phone. I am extremely grateful to my colleague, Mr Dieter-Lebrecht Koch, for the great work he has done and for presenting this report to us.

We want to protect road users, if there is the political will to do so, and I firmly believe that there is, because this report shows, for example, that we will be able to improve road safety.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Giommaria Uggias (ALDE).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I have voted overall in favour of Mr Koch’s report because I agree with its targeted approach inasmuch as it asks the Commission for a concrete, circumstantiated commitment to road safety, including the development of the proposed models into a fully-fledged new action plan.

The plan must incorporate a set of detailed measures, with clear timetables and monitoring instruments to assess the progress made, as well as a mid-term review. Conversely, I did not wish to support the idea of appointing an EU road safety coordinator, which, in my view, would be likely to duplicate powers and generate an excessively bureaucratic mechanism.

Of course, it seems obvious that achieving the target of halving road accident victims by 2020 would also require a financial commitment that currently appears to be difficult to achieve. In conclusion, however, I regret the fact that the Committee on Transport and Tourism was not bold or ambitious enough to accept a complete harmonisation of important road safety rules, such as standardising the EU direction of travel in the United Kingdom and Malta as well, as I proposed in an amendment which the committee chose not to accept.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the report shows that the social cost of road accidents is enormous, standing at an estimated EUR 130 billion per year. Mr Koch’s proposals are along the right lines and I particularly support the idea of creating the role of EU road safety coordinator.

However, I think that we do need to come up with targets and measures that are far more ambitious than those put forward by the Commission thus far; above all, I think that Parliament ought to make its presence felt to the Commission. We cannot accept the fact that in recent years, the European Union’s budget for road safety measures has been slashed. We are therefore duty-bound to ensure that this trend is reversed as soon as possible and that road safety receives greater funding.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE).(ES) Mr President, all the measures we have just approved will help to reduce the number of injuries and deaths, two in particular: zero tolerance in drink-driving checks and the use of alcolock devices.

However, I am sorry that the first of these will only apply on a permanent basis to professional drivers, and the second only to industrial passenger and goods vehicles, and additionally with a small margin of tolerance.

We must work in future to extend both these measures to all drivers and all circumstances, because we can all cause accidents, and we should work to achieve coherence too and eliminate the margin of tolerance with the alcolocks.

We are all capable of causing accidents, and this is why we should not criminalise people in the transport sector.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Christa Klaß (PPE).(DE) Mr President, every year, there are 35 000 deaths and serious injuries and economic damage amounting to EUR 130 billion on our roads. These figures are a call to action for us. The Member States, but also the responsible parties at regional and municipal level, businesses and every individual road user are involved in many individual activities and measures. In order to recognise both positive and negative synergies, we need coordination of the activities of the Directorates-General for Transport, Economic and Financial Affairs, the Environment, Health and Consumers, Communication and the Internal Market and Services. Coordination of this kind helps to spread knowledge, and bring about the application, of the best experience, the latest technology and innovative approaches. The Member States will evaluate the experiences gained and then draw the best conclusions. This applies to speed limits just as it does to alcolocks, sight tests, tests on fitness to drive and to the transport of infants. Such decisions should be left to the Member States.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Mairead McGuinness (PPE). – Mr President, this is a very positive report. It is interesting that we are debating it following the protests over the weekend by European Union motorcyclists. Many came out in protest – certainly in Ireland and in other Member States – over what we would describe as positive initiatives regarding road safety for that particular sector of the commuting community.

It is interesting to note that, in Ireland, a motorcyclist is 12 times more likely to be killed than any other road user. There is clearly a problem in relation to the safety of this section of road users. I think we should try to work better with stakeholders, so that we do not have protests over something which we believe is important for overall road safety. Some of the issues that were raised by the protestors may not be true, but we can address others when we move forward. Let us involve those that we are trying to legislate for.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Seán Kelly (PPE). (GA) Mr President, this is a very important matter and it is terrible the amount of people that are killed and injured on European roads, not only every year but every day. It is appropriate to do something about it.

Mr President, regarding the support, there are just two points I just want to make.

One is that right across the European Union, when it comes to speed limits, there is a complete variance from country to country. There should be coordination whereby the same quality of road, on the same motorway, would have the same speed limit right across Europe.

Secondly, I find it very difficult to understand how there is no tapering system. I have seen places where you are expected to go from a 120 mile limit or a 120 kilometre limit to 60 automatically. I have seen people pulled over for going over the speed limit just inside the 60 sign. I think there should be a tapering system where you go from 100 to 90, to 80, to 70, to 60.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Olga Sehnalová (S&D). (CS) Mr President, I voted in favour of Mr Koch’s report on a European strategy for road safety during the period 2011-2020 because the situation in the area of safety on Europe’s roads is still critical, requiring a solution that is rapid and, in particular, thorough. More than 35 000 people die every year on Europe’s roads, and 1.5 million are seriously injured. I therefore support this own-initiative report, and I call on the Commission to submit specific legislative proposals in this area as soon as possible. We should aim to improve safety on Europe's secondary roads, where, on average, more than 70% of accidents take place every year. I also support the rapporteur’s so-called Vision Zero objective, or an end to fatal accidents on Europe’s roads. If we cannot prevent accidents from happening, we should at least prevent them from being fatal. Vision Zero applies in both air and rail transport, and I therefore fully support implementing this target in road transport as well.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Guido Milana (S&D).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I have just three small points I should like to make, all centred on the fact that we need ‘more Europe’ in this area. I think it is an inescapable fact that on certain issues, we must not merely hope for more Europe, but actually set about building it.

For example, more Europe means starting to really think about common traffic police and uniform safety rules. More Europe means having a European policy on training, not simply delegating it to the individual Member States, but instead putting together a proper training policy for schools, for young people and for slightly more at-risk categories, among whom motorcyclists were mentioned a moment ago, but we could talk about lorry drivers as well.

More Europe means everyone having the same devices in their cars to improve safety conditions, such as alcolocks and anti-tiredness devices. This, in my view, would be a strategy well worth pursuing with businesses in the sector and European carmakers. Indeed, if all this was incorporated in a common policy, then I really think that conditions would, perhaps, improve.

 
  
  

Report: Gabriele Zimmer (A7-0284/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Patrizia Toia (S&D). (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, this report looks at global food security. This means that what is at stake here is not only hunger in the world or in the very poorest countries, but that the subject of food supply affects all communities, including those in the most developed countries.

I would like to pick out a few key points of consistency between European policies and this target of global food security, because we in Parliament are quite accomplished at preaching, but often we are not consistent in our decisions. I only wish to highlight three innovative areas, which I think we ought to develop further.

Firstly: food supply is currently jeopardised by price volatility, caused by speculation in food markets – through derivatives and so forth – that must be contained, if not banned outright.

Secondly: the subject of land grabbing, which I think needs to be addressed in some form of treaty or negotiation, because democracy and the survival of many populations are at risk.

Thirdly: consistency between food supply and energy policies. In our efforts to produce new energy, we must not make it impossible to produce food for the people of the world.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Jim Higgins (PPE). – The Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that there were 925 million hungry people in the world in 2010. This is a terrible figure. While this represents a reduction of 1 023 million on the 2009 figure, there is strong evidence that food price increases during the last few months have already augmented that number for this year. Meanwhile, in Europe, about 89 million tonnes of food is wasted every year. That is 179 kg per person. Without any prevention measures, it is expected that the total amount of wasted food will reach 126 million tonnes by the end of this decade. Our colossal wastage of food represents an inefficient use and management of our food resources. Successful commitments to fight poverty and hunger worldwide must begin by addressing our terrible wastage of food. Our right to food must be accompanied by a duty not to waste food.

In conclusion, I would say that I disagree totally with paragraph 63 of the report which calls for a complete phasing out of export subsidies. This flies in the face of the rapporteur’s arguments that she wants local production for local use.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Marian Harkin (ALDE). – Mr President, I support a lot of what is in this report on global food security. I think it is very important to remember that, as technology and innovation leap forward, we sometimes lose sight of the basics. Of course, one of the basics that we need to remember is our need for food or food security, not just in developing countries but in the EU as well.

One of the issues that we face at a global level is the financial speculation and trade in agricultural commodities. This simply worsens volatility; it means, at the end of the day, that many people go hungry. We also need to ensure greater transparency in the food chain to ensure a fair revenue for farmers. The primary producers are being squeezed; their share of the cake is getting smaller, and that cannot continue.

My final comment – and, I think, a very important one – is that the right to food must always take precedence over energy security. In many countries, but particularly in Africa, food security is being jeopardised by the development of agrofuels. We in the EU often clap ourselves on the back about our alternative energy targets, but we must recognise the price that others may pay for the targets that we set.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Mairead McGuinness (PPE). – Mr President, as someone who has authored a report on food security and the common agricultural policy and worked hard on this issue for seven years, I very much welcome the renewed emphasis on food security. Those of us who can afford to buy food have taken for granted that there will always be a supply of food. Of course we are targeting those parts of the world where there is real hunger, but there is also hunger within the European Union. We have to tackle it at every significant level.

I want to repeat a point I made in another explanation of vote. We are in a very serious situation, where agricultural productivity is declining because of a lack of focus on research and innovation and on transferring the knowledge gained to farmers on the ground. This is a problem within Europe, but it is a particular problem for the developing world. We need to target research there, and we need to make sure that people get the knowledge gained by research and put it into practice in food production.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Diane Dodds (NI). – Mr President, today’s vote on food security was very important. I think that political institutions in the developed world that ignore the problems in less-developed regions do so in grave error and show a lack of compassion.

However, sometimes I think we in this House miss the point completely. It is important that we assist in food security in developing countries, but it is also important that we actually provide food security for the people that we represent. The National Farmers Union in the United Kingdom has indicated that the United Kingdom will be less than 50% self-sufficient in staple food types by 2026 unless production is increased. We in this House talk endlessly about the increase in world population, the effects of climate change, increase in biofuel demand and the increasing demand for western eating habits, yet we have decreased agricultural output and, due to decoupling, provide no incentive to produce food.

I urge the Commission and Parliament to look at these issues, but I am not hopeful. The recent leak from the Commission in relation to a 7% regulation for set-aside in the new CAP proposals will only restrict food production further.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Salvatore Caronna (S&D).(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I had no hesitation in voting in favour of the report by Ms Zimmer, above all, for one purely political reason: I think we need to bring this major issue of food security right back to the core of all European Union initiatives.

It is not only a matter of helping developing countries to tackle this issue more effectively. Rather, since the demand for agricultural products is set to increase by more than 70% between now and 2050, the food crisis is a key issue that must be dealt with quickly and decisively. Otherwise, it may become one of the main threats – if not the main threat - to stability, peace and, as we have seen, even democracy.

I think it is therefore incumbent upon the European Union and the Member States to take the required steps to properly tackle this important issue, beginning with adequate investment, as the report proposes.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Miroslav Mikolášik (PPE). (SK) Mr President, hunger and malnutrition are the main causes of human mortality in developing countries. According to the latest estimates of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the number of people suffering from hunger reached 925 million last year.

The global food crisis is becoming not only a pressing humanitarian issue, but is also exacerbating poverty and posing a threat to world peace and security. The effective interlinking of humanitarian and development assistance is beginning to look essential, in the interests of a long-term solution to food security. The international community and all interested parties must show genuine political will to ensure food security and stability, and adopt additional steps aimed at fulfilling their international obligations. In addressing these issues, we must clearly take care that there is no repeat of the disproportionate increase in food prices caused by speculation in food commodities, as happened in 2008. It is also necessary to take measures to limit the competitive threat to food production from so-called agri-foods and agrofuels.

 
  
  

Report: Daniel Caspary (A7-0255/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Clemente Mastella (PPE). (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, global trade has genuinely increased over recent years thanks to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and numerous multilateral and bilateral initiatives.

However, although the European Union accounted for 25% of global GDP when the Lisbon strategy was adopted in the year 2000, it is now estimated that it will account for no more than 18% in 2020. At the same time, an ever increasing number of developing countries and emerging economies have become involved in world trade and developed into the new engines of the world economy. This was particularly evident during the 2008-2009 crisis, when it was, above all, the emerging economies that played a stabilising role at a time of widespread financial turmoil.

The European Union cannot ignore the fact that the pattern of population growth is being reversed in the EU. The population of developing countries continues to increase rapidly and this will also have repercussions for their economies.

We therefore urge the Commission to carry out a more careful analysis and to develop forecasts that incorporate both the current situation in the global and EU economy, as well as probable future changes.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE). (IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the forecasts in Mr Caspary’s report on gross domestic product and export growth in the European Union are truly disheartening. We cannot continue to plan our commercial strategy on the premise that the current situation in international trade will remain.

The Global Europe strategy has been a failure and I think that the Commission ought to investigate the reasons behind this. We need critical and detailed analysis, but especially an overview of how to deal with future economic challenges. The commercial policy must be coordinated with the European Union’s other economic policies, but, above all, it needs to be accompanied by a parallel policy to combat the phenomenon of population decline.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Sergej Kozlík (ALDE). (SK) Mr President, the new involvement of third countries is dramatically changing world trade. The share of EU and US exporters in world exports in 1999 was 37%. In 2009, it was just 29%. The share of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) has risen from 9% to 20%. In 2015, 90% of worldwide economic growth will take place outside the EU.

The importance of drawing up and promoting a long-term EU foreign trade strategy is clear from this. In the EU, 36 million jobs, or 18% of the total, depend on foreign trade. In my opinion, however, the further development of the internal market and the strengthening of its parameters are also important, because this can form the basis for further economic growth in the EU.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Mairead McGuinness (PPE). – Mr President, it may well be a coincidence that we are speaking on our trade policy following our explanation of vote on the Zimmer report on food security, but there is a link, and those of us who have concerns about agriculture and food security would equally be concerned about the direction of Europe’s trade policy.

The inclusion of agriculture in the WTO is of concern, and some of us are battling to have that looked at again in the light of our concerns over how the world will provide security of food supply to its citizens. We now have the emergence of bilateral trade agreements. They are second best to a global trade agreement and we must, in each and every one of the bilateral trade agreements, look beforehand at the likely impacts it will have, particularly on Europe’s food security concerns. That is why, while we do look to the future and the issues around this report, I want to stress, in particular, my concerns around food security and trade.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Diane Dodds (NI). – Mr President, over the past number of months, the Commission has been negotiating with the Mercosur bloc to agree a trade policy which would apparently benefit both regions. DG AGRI has put forward its impact assessments to Member States.

In the toughest scenario, the EU’s beef sector could see production levels drop by over 150 000 tonnes, with the producer price for beef falling by over 8%. EU meat production value could fall by almost 3 billion, whilst overall EU agricultural income could drop by 3.2%. The best case scenario is also damaging. There is, unfortunately, no good news story from these impact assessments.

I have voiced this opinion since the very beginning of this process, along with other MEPs and farming organisations. I have spoken to the Commission and highlighted the impact that these decisions would have on Northern Ireland. Now that the Commission has carried out this impact assessment, it is important that this is taken on board during the negotiations. However, my fear is that the Commission will look at other possible gains. While these are impressive and good for the EU in a time of global recession, EU agriculture must not be sacrificed in this way.

 
  
  

Written explanations of vote

 
  
  

Recommendation: Maria Eleni Koppa (A7-0300/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luís Paulo Alves (S&D), in writing. (PT) I am voting for this recommendation, as I agree with the rapporteur’s view that the April 2011 agreement, providing for the duty-free access of Palestinian imports of agricultural products to the European market and of EU exports of processed agricultural products to Palestine, will help strengthen the poverty- and crisis-scarred Palestinian economy. However, I also agree with the rapporteur that we need to know the exact origin of products, so it is necessary to ban products from any settlement in the territory occupied by Israel, as there is still no solution to the control imposed by Israel on exports from the Palestinian Territories.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Laima Liucija Andrikienė (PPE), in writing. – I voted in favour of this important recommendation on trade in agricultural and fishery products between the EU and Palestine. This agreement comes at a very important and highly symbolic moment, when we are dealing with the issue of Palestinian statehood. Currently, the level of trade between the EU and the Palestinian territories is extremely low. The EU imports are worth around EUR 7 million of Palestinian goods, of which 72% consists of agricultural products. We, Members of the European Parliament, can therefore expect that the agreement will have a substantial impact on the Palestinian economy. However, we should also think about other ways to increase our bilateral trade, especially by improving the conditions for market access of Palestinian exports to the EU, which would certainly be beneficial to all parties concerned. Regardless of whether the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate statehood in the coming months or some years later, the state of their economy will be a crucial factor which will determine whether there can be sustainable peace between Palestine and Israel.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mara Bizzotto (EFD), in writing. (IT) I voted against this document on liberalising access to the European Union for Palestinian agricultural products.

Firstly, the document specifies that the primary aim of the agreement between the EU and the Palestinian Authority is to support the development of the Palestinian economy. Since, in recent years, the Palestinian territories have become a place of increasing discrimination and violence against Palestinian Christians, I think that any EU aid for the Palestinian economy could only be acceptable if it was tied to an unbending conditionality mechanism that makes the aid subject to proper protection for the rights of the Christian minority.

Furthermore, trade in Palestinian agricultural products would also probably lead to health risks, given the difficulties in establishing what methods were used to produce them. I therefore decided to vote against this document.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Christine De Veyrac (PPE), in writing.(FR) By giving its green light to a trade agreement with Palestine, the European Parliament has sought to send a strong political message of support and cooperation to the people and authorities of these territories. At present, trade between our two entities is non-existent. By abolishing customs duty on numerous imports, the EU is helping to boost the Palestinian economy as, aside from diplomatic negotiations, the consolidation of peace also hinges on the raising of local people’s living standards.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Robert Dušek (S&D), in writing. (CS) The recommendation on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the EU and the Palestinian Authority of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip on liberalisation in the area of trade in agricultural products, processed agricultural products, and fish and fishery products, will introduce customs-free and quota-free access of these products imported from the territory of the Palestinian Authority to the European market. In return, some products from the EU will have customs-free access to the Palestinian market, but an upper limit will be set on imports of these products. I understand that the main aim of this agreement is to support the development of the Palestinian economy and facilitate the export of Palestinian products to the EU, and thus to help boost the economic development of the region. I therefore accept the unequal terms.

Since European citizens want to know the origin of the products they consume, it is essential to ensure in this context that the application of the agreement does not lead to abuse of the rules on product country of origin. The European Court of Justice, in its decisions, considers the Gaza Strip and the West Bank to be Palestinian territory; in other words, Israel cannot market the products of Israeli settlements in this area as Israeli goods. We surely cannot hope to solve the Palestinian-Israeli issue in this report, as its main aim is to help farmers and fishermen to export and sell products within the law. The report is, on the whole, beneficial, and I will therefore vote for its adoption.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Edite Estrela (S&D), in writing. (PT) I voted for this recommendation because I argue that increasing Palestinian exports of its products to the EU constitutes crucial support for the development of the Palestinian economy, whilst not harming the European markets in these sectors. The implementation of this agreement could be the first step in building a Palestinian state, in line with the two-state solution, given the beneficial impact it will have on the political stability of the region.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Diogo Feio (PPE), in writing. (PT) Irrespective of the political considerations surrounding the current state of relations between Israel and Palestine and their future development, I consider it undeniable that the populations of both states should be deserving of European support, particularly those worst off. I believe this latter group will be the greatest beneficiaries of the agreement under consideration, and I am voting for its conclusion with their needs in mind. Greater liberalisation of trade could be an effective means of promoting the normalisation of life in the Palestinian Territories, the strengthening of the local economy and the improvement of the inhabitants’ living conditions. I hope that our partner in this agreement will make good use of it, and that this use will be of sufficient benefit to the Palestinian people.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), in writing. (PT) This recommendation concerns an agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Union and the Palestinian Authority of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and aims to provide further liberalisation of agricultural products, processed agricultural products, and fish and fishery products, so amending the Euro-Mediterranean Interim Association Agreement on trade and cooperation between the European Community and the Palestine Liberation Organisation for the benefit of the Palestinian Authority of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The purpose of this agreement, concluded in April 2011, is to support the development of the Palestinian economy, which is undergoing a very serious crisis due to poverty and unemployment, through the duty-free export of agricultural and fishery products to the EU. Although the Palestinian Authority is the EU’s smallest trade partner, I am voting for this recommendation aiming to free exports from the Palestinian Territories from the control of Israeli customs, and I hope it will be the first step in building a Palestinian state, whose right to self-determination must be respected by Israel.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  João Ferreira (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) The end of the blockade imposed by Israel on Palestine and its people is indispensable to the development of the Palestinian economy. By proposing increased exports of Palestinian products to the EU and facilitating imports to Palestine, this agreement represents, in the current context, a contribution to the achievement of this aim. Nevertheless, the scope of this agreement is severely limited by the specific situation facing those living in the occupied territories today, which is characterised by violent and persistent attacks on the Palestinian people’s most basic rights. Amongst numerous other things, this brutal and illegal occupation leads to countless obstacles for Palestinian exports and imports, not to mention the day-to-day barriers and constraints on the movement of people and goods. This problem urgently needs to be solved, most immediately by supporting the request made to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly by the Palestinian National Authority for recognition of Palestine as a full member of the UN.

The problem of the EU’s economic relations with the State of Israel still persists. In other words, the EU’s unacceptable complacency and connivance with regard to the clear and repeated human rights violations perpetrated by Israel in the occupied territories: these are an insult to the Association Agreement’s own human rights provisions, which we have always said are almost worthless.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) We voted for this report because we believe the adoption of this agreement could aid the development of the Palestinian economy and facilitate the possibility of exports of Palestinian products to the EU. However, it is important to stress the urgent need to bring an end to Israel’s blockade of Palestine. The Commission cannot, with the conclusion of this report, ignore the slow torment of the Palestinian people as a result of the Israeli occupation of its territory. This brutal and illegal occupation leads to countless obstacles for Palestinian exports and imports, not to mention the day-to-day barriers and constraints on the movement of people and goods.

Although the Commission decreed in 1998 that ‘no settlement in the occupied territories should be regarded as Israeli territory’, it has washed its hands of its obligations, leaving the duty of monitoring any irregularities regarding the origin of products up to the Member States. We therefore support the Palestinian people’s demand for, and right to, recognition of a sovereign and independent state of Palestine, on the pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D), in writing. –?? (SK)? In 2005, in accordance with the Rabat Road Map, the Council authorised the Commission to conduct negotiations with several Mediterranean countries in order to establish the conditions for the liberalisation of trade in agricultural and fishery products. The Palestinian Authority was also included on the list. Negotiations were initiated in May 2010 and were concluded in December 2010. The agreement, in the form of an exchange of letters, was signed in April 2011. It provides for duty-free (and mostly also quota-free) access to the European market of Palestinian imports of agricultural products, processed agricultural products, and fish and fishery products. The ultimate aim of the agreement is to help the development of the Palestinian economy and to facilitate the possibility of exports of Palestinian products into the EU.

I believe that this agreement will help, to a certain degree, to strengthen the Palestinian economy, which is currently in crisis, and will help to deal with the situation in the Palestinian territories, which is dire because of severe poverty and unemployment. The future of the region depends on improving economic development and trade can also serve as a development mechanism that contributes to the reduction of poverty and the establishment of political stability.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. (LT) I welcomed this document because this agreement provides for duty-free (and mostly also quota-free) access for Palestinian imports to the European market of agricultural products, processed agricultural products, and fish and fishery products. Several products of the same nature originating in the EU will have duty-free (but not quota-free) access to Palestine, with some exceptions. The ultimate aim of the agreement, however, is to help the development of the Palestinian economy and thus to facilitate the possibility of exports of Palestinian products into the EU.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Elisabeth Köstinger (PPE), in writing. – (DE) The EU has given itself the task of improving the economic situation in Palestine and, hence, the living conditions of the Palestinians living there. Trade has an important part to play in this regard. With this agreement, the EU is ensuring that Palestine can have tariff-free access to the European market in agricultural and fishery products and is thus sending an important signal for the sustainable development of the region. In this connection, it is important, however, that the preferential customs treatment should only benefit those concerned and that it is not abused. Safeguard clauses are supposed to guarantee this. In 2010, the import of goods into the EU from Palestine amounted to a trade value of just EUR 9.3 million. That thus precludes any major impact on the EU market.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vladimir Maňka (S&D), in writing. (SK) The situation in the Palestinian territories is dire because of severe poverty and unemployment. The aim of the agreement is to help the development of the Palestinian economy and to facilitate exports of Palestinian products into the EU. The agreement provides for duty-free (and mostly also quota-free) access to the European market of Palestinian imports of agricultural products, processed agricultural products, and fish and fishery products. Several products of the same nature originating in the EU will have duty-free (but not quota-free) access to Palestine, with some exceptions. Opening the European market directly to Palestinian products is only the first stage in the construction of a Palestinian state, in line with the two-state solution and Palestine’s economic development. It then needs to be ensured that all stakeholders in the process of Palestine’s economic development are provided with the necessary resources. In other words, farmers must have access to water, the Palestinians must have the right to obtain a building permit in the Jordan Valley, etc. Matters are not made any easier by the fact that it is very complicated for foreign investors to obtain visas. The Commission should submit a detailed report on all these factors to try and prevent this kind of risk in future.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  David Martin (S&D), in writing. – I welcome this report. It is an economic opportunity for the region that may bring prosperity and growth. Easier access to our market will help to cut poverty. I hope it will bring confidence for the future and more political stability to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Melo (PPE), in writing. (PT) In 2005, in accordance with the Rabat Road Map, the Council authorised the Commission to conduct negotiations with several Mediterranean countries, including the Palestinian Authority, in order to establish conditions for the liberalisation of trade in agricultural and fishery products. More specifically, the agreement provides for duty-free – and mostly also quota-free – access to the European market of Palestinian imports of agricultural products, processed agricultural products, and fish and fishery products. Several products of the same nature originating in the EU will have duty-free, but not quota-free, access to Palestine, with some exceptions. However, the ultimate aim of the agreement is to support the development of the Palestinian economy and, hence, to facilitate the possibility of exports of Palestinian products into the EU. The future of the region depends on improved economic development. Trade can also serve as a development mechanism contributing to the reduction of poverty and the establishment of political stability.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Louis Michel (ALDE), in writing. – (FR) European consumers have a right to know the provenance of the products they buy. Equally, Palestinian products must be recognised as such in order to facilitate Palestine’s economic development as, while there cannot be sustainable development without peace and security, there cannot be lasting peace without economic development and without the eradication of poverty. A comprehensive approach based on economic development, governance, security and respect for human rights is the only way to help Palestine progress towards political stability. Liberalising trade between the EU and Palestine is a vital ‘step’ which will contribute to Palestine’s economic development. By opening the doors of the European market to Palestinian products, we are making progress towards the creation of a Palestinian state.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alexander Mirsky (S&D), in writing. – The Palestinian Authority is the EU’s smallest trading partner: exports from the two territories to the EU totalled EUR 6.1 million in 2009. The proposed agreement would allow Palestinian agricultural products, processed agricultural products, as well as fish and other fisheries products, duty-free access to the European market. The proposed agreement is more of a political nature than a trade deal per se. The rapporteur believes that it should help the region to develop economically, reduce its poverty and contribute to some political stability. I voted against, because I am not confident that profit from the trade will not be used for financing terrorist objectives. I am ‘against’.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alfredo Pallone (PPE), in writing. (IT) I support the draft agreement with Palestine to liberalise trade in agricultural products and fish. Ever since the initial establishment of the European Union, we have tried to create open markets without barriers to movement so that everyone – or nearly everyone – could enjoy different products. This exemption from customs duties is designed to support the development of the Palestinian economy and will lead us ever closer towards a state of interconnection, which will surely have beneficial outcomes. I hope this agreement can contribute to the peace process. Peaceful cohabitation in the area is essential and I hope that the revenues that the Palestinians will gain thanks to this agreement will be used to support the local economy and to benefit the people through the construction of social facilities that will favour the peace and democratisation process.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. (PT) The basis of this report is the agreement with the Palestinian Authority of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip providing further liberalisation of agricultural products, processed agricultural products, and fish and fishery products. Negotiations were initiated in May 2010 and concluded in December 2010. The agreement, in the form of an exchange of letters, was concluded in April 2011. The agreement provides for duty-free – and mostly also quota-free – access to the European market of Palestinian imports of agricultural products, processed agricultural products, and fish and fishery products. Several products of the same nature originating in the EU will have duty-free, but not quota-free, access to Palestine, with some exceptions. I voted in favour because I agree with the ultimate aim of this agreement of supporting the development of the Palestinian economy.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Phil Prendergast (S&D), in writing. – I support this resolution and the recognition of Palestine as a formal trade partner and a distinct entity to our trade relations with Israel. The Palestinian economy is currently in crisis, something we in the EU understand all too well, and we must do all we can to assist them. By recognising Palestine as a trading partner and opening our markets to its products, we will be helping to ensure the economic future of the region and will boost the Palestinian economy. Allowing Palestinian imports duty-free access to our markets will provide much needed support to producers and may help to tackle the widespread poverty and unemployment levels in the territory.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Paulo Rangel (PPE), in writing. (PT) The ultimate goal of this report, whose immediate purpose is the liberalisation of trade between the EU and the Palestinian Territory, is supporting the economic development of Palestine. Indeed, as well as offering a new avenue for trade, the creation of economic bridges between the EU and Palestine aids the development of local production and strengthens the ties between their peoples. Despite the political issues always raised by an approach of this nature, I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Crescenzio Rivellini (PPE), in writing.(IT) I should like to offer my congratulations on the excellent work carried out by Ms Koppa.

The trade agreements between the European Union and the Palestinian Authority will help to strengthen the Palestinian economy, allowing the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to export agricultural products and fish to the EU from 2012 onwards. In fact, this agreement guarantees direct, duty-free and largely quota-free access to the European market for agricultural and fishery products from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, as well as access to Palestinian markets for some European products.

The agreement represents an opportunity for the Palestinian people and the first step towards the development of a nation. Giving Palestinian products direct access to European markets, which, until now, took place under the direct control of the Israeli authorities, will contribute to the development of Palestinian trade and the expansion of their economy.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), in writing. – In favour. The present revision of the existing EU-Palestinian Association Agreement from 2005 provides for the removal of essentially all duties and quotas for Palestinian agricultural and fisheries products originating in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The revision was negotiated between May and December 2010. The result was signed in April 2011, in the form of an exchange of letters. The EP had to give its consent. The trade volume of products from Palestine entering the EU is rather limited (in 2009, the amount of imports was EUR 6.1 million, with an increase of 32.6% in 2010). The elimination of tariffs and quotas would not significantly change the EU import landscape. Accordingly, the INTA battle was around the political approach.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Licia Ronzulli (PPE), in writing. (IT) In 2005, in accordance with the Rabat Road Map, the Council authorised the Commission to conduct negotiations with several Mediterranean countries in order to establish the conditions for the liberalisation of trade in agricultural and fishery products. The Palestinian Authority was included on the list.

Negotiations were initiated in May 2010 and were concluded in December 2010, while the final agreement was signed in April 2011. The agreement will certainly help to strengthen the Palestinian economy, which is currently in crisis. The future of the region depends on improvements in economic growth and trade can serve as a development mechanism to help reduce poverty and build political stability.

Opening the European market directly to Palestinian products is only the first stage in the construction of a Palestinian state, in line with the two-state solution and Palestine’s economic development.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Matteo Salvini (EFD), in writing. (IT) I should like to explain why I voted against this report, highlighting the fact that our delegation has always opposed the use of trade policy for humanitarian purposes and has a marked preference for tangible aid involving a number of economic sectors and all Member States. Our reservations on liberalising trade in agricultural products and fish from Palestine has nothing to do with a possible reduction in trade flows in economic terms. Rather, it is borne from concern over plant health requirements and the procedures for producing and selecting traditional products from the area.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Søren Bo Søndergaard (GUE/NGL), in writing. (DA) I voted in favour of this report on the basis of my general support for Palestinian autonomy and the opportunity for Palestine to trade with the Member States of the EU. This should not be taken to mean that I support the liberalisation of trade in general in the forms and on the conditions mapped out by the EU. In this case, however, I consider support that will enable the Palestinians to sell their products and thereby strengthen their own independent economy to be more important than the criticisms that I have in general of the EU’s trade policy.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Thomas Ulmer (PPE), in writing. (DE) I voted in favour of this report as it will mean a further improvement in the quality of life in the Palestinian territories. All in all, it represents a further step on the road to normalising relations between the EU and Palestine, while at the same time guaranteeing the existence of Israel.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marie-Christine Vergiat (GUE/NGL), in writing.(FR) At a time when the Palestinian issue has been greatly debated, including in the European Parliament, this legislative resolution has been somewhat overlooked. It represents, however, a new and positive chapter in EU-Palestine relations. It will indeed strengthen economic cooperation with Palestine for whom access to the European market is vital owing to the obstacles which the Israeli Government imposes on any Palestinian economic activity.

Through this resolution, the European Parliament is agreeing to give a number of Palestinian imports, mainly agricultural products, free access to the European market.

Ms Koppa, the rapporteur, also took the opportunity to point out that the Union and Parliament are committed to ensuring stringent compliance with the rules of origin, or, in other words, to the fact that products originating from Israeli settlements in occupied territories cannot be considered as Israeli products. I wholeheartedly endorse that.

Member States must therefore, as the Court of Justice of the European Union highlighted in February 2010, do everything within their means to check the origin of imports so that European consumers can genuinely exercise choice. Member States’ tax and customs authorities must not be bound by Israel’s position on this matter.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Angelika Werthmann (NI), in writing. – (DE) An agreement between the European Union and the Palestinian Authorities providing liberalisation of agricultural and fishery products was signed in April 2011 in the form of an exchange of letters. According to the case-law of the European Court of Justice, the Palestinian Territories are legally not regarded as Israeli territories – and that means that such products cannot be granted tariff preferences under the EU-Israeli agreement. At the same time, this report also calls on the EU to observe the rules of origin. I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Iva Zanicchi (PPE), in writing. (IT) At a time of huge historical and political significance for the Middle East, with the United Nations engaged in discussions over the possible recognition of the Palestinian state, I welcomed the report by Ms Koppa on trade in agricultural products and fish between the European Union and Palestine.

The agreement excludes some products, such as fruit and flowers, and is designed to facilitate greater trade in European markets of agricultural and fisheries products from the Palestinian territories. It should also enable the development of these economic sectors, which are so important for this troubled geopolitical area.

 
  
  

Report: Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (A7-0298/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luís Paulo Alves (S&D), in writing. (PT) I am voting for this recommendation, since agreements in the field of civil aviation that have been regulated by bilateral agreements have to be replaced with a general agreement between the European Union – which includes all the Member States – and third countries, so as to prevent discrimination as regards free competition. This agreement is also particularly important because it relates to Mexico, which is an important partner in the market for European carriers, with approximately 2.5 million passengers and 90 000 tonnes of cargo in 2009.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this document. International aviation relations between Member States and third countries have traditionally been governed by bilateral air services agreements. In 2002, the EU Court of Justice ruled that traditional designation clauses in Member States’ bilateral air services agreements infringe EU law because they allow a third country to reject, withdraw or suspend the permissions or authorisations of an air carrier that has been designated by a Member State but that is not substantially owned and effectively controlled by that Member State or its nationals. This is contrary to Article 49 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which guarantees nationals of Member States who have exercised their freedom of establishment the same treatment in the host Member State as that accorded to nationals of that Member State. Mexico is an important market for EU carriers with approximately 2.5 million passengers and 90 000 tonnes of cargo in 2009. In view of the size and importance of the EU-Mexico aviation market, the new agreement aims to guarantee all EU air carriers non-discriminatory access to routes between EU Member States and Mexico.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Regina Bastos (PPE), in writing. (PT) The EU Court of Justice ruled in 2002 that traditional designation clauses included in Member States’ bilateral air services agreements infringe EU law. Following this judgment, the Commission has negotiated an agreement which replaces certain provisions of the 13 existing bilateral air services agreements between the Member States and the United Mexican States. The horizontal agreement with Mexico will restore a sound legal basis for the EU’s aviation relations with Mexico. Mexico, which registered approximately 2.5 million passengers and 90 000 tonnes of cargo in 2009, is an important market for EU carriers. In view of the size and importance of the EU-Mexico aviation market, this report, for which I voted, advocates the conclusion of a more comprehensive air transport agreement, thereby contributing to the enhancement of EU-Mexico cooperation on aviation matters, and to the fostering of opportunities and benefits for industry and consumers, in both the EU and Mexico.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this report because, in order improve and consolidate aviation relations between the European Union and the United Mexican States, certain provisions on air services agreements must be amended. The Mexican market is very important for European Union carriers, and more agreements relating to air transport must therefore be concluded in order to expand benefits for consumers in Mexico and the European Union. The new agreements and amendments must provide better access to the market and help to strengthen trade links with Mexico. At present, the European Commission has set out 13 existing bilateral air services agreements concluded between EU Member States and the United Mexican States. According to several of the key points of the agreement, anti-competitive practices are strictly prohibited, and all consumers who wish to travel from the European Union and Mexico must not face discrimination. However, as I mentioned, Mexico is an important market for European Union carriers, and more aviation agreements therefore need to be concluded in order to further improve cooperation between these parties.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  John Bufton (EFD), in writing. – International aviation relations between Member States and third countries have traditionally been governed by bilateral air services agreements, yet the Court of Justice ruled in 2002 that many bilateral air services agreements infringe EU law as they allow a third country to reject or suspend permissions of an air carrier designated by a Member State but that is not substantially owned and controlled by that Member State. I have voted against the implementation of this agreement as an unnecessary infringement into another area of domestic sovereignty.

The air space over a country, operation of its airports and, thus, bilateral air services agreements should be the provision of the Member State and related third country alone. Creeping jurisdiction in this area of legislation will lead to the Commission assuming judicial priority in air services as a whole and open up the floodgates to a raft of laws which may dissuade foreign carriers from utilising UK airports as principal departure hubs.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Carlos Coelho (PPE), in writing. (PT) The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled that the traditional designation clauses included in bilateral air services agreements concluded by Member States infringe Union law because they allow a third country to reject, withdraw or suspend the permissions or authorisations of an air carrier that has been designated by a Member State but that is not substantially owned and effectively controlled by that Member State or its nationals. This has been found to constitute obvious discrimination, violating Article 49 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which guarantees the nationals of Member States who have exercised their freedom of establishment the same treatment in the host Member State as that accorded to nationals of that Member State.

This new agreement negotiated by the Commission, in addition to correcting a discriminatory situation, brings obvious benefits in that it replaces provisions in the existing 13 bilateral agreements with a horizontal agreement that restores a solid legal basis for EU-Mexico relations.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Lara Comi (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted in favour of this recommendation because, as a member of the Delegation to the EU-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee, I am delighted that the economic ties between the two economies are becoming ever tighter. The roughly 2.5 million people and 90 000 tonnes of cargo that travel each year between these two areas are a sign of a significant economic relationship, which is now also expressed through a number of sectors where problems existed previously. I am referring, in particular, to the parts of the recommendation that extend the agreements which formerly related only to the individual Member State, such as on safety and designations, to the whole of the EU. I therefore offer my congratulations to Ms Ţicău.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Christine De Veyrac (PPE), in writing.(FR) I voted in favour of this report, which will help to enhance EU-Mexico cooperation on aviation matters while also eliminating anti-competitive practices. With the signing of this agreement, both parties will be able to trade freely on a sound legal basis and I welcome that.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Diogo Feio (PPE), in writing. (PT) Ensuring aviation safety and harmonised rules for the various market players is the main objective of this agreement between the European Union and the United Mexican States on civil aviation safety. This agreement will prevent the duplication of procedures, including tests, evaluations and certifications. It should also be noted that the rule of mutual acceptance and joint inspections, investigations and exchange of safety data allow improved efficiency for all stakeholders. Moreover, the agreement guarantees all EU carriers non-discriminatory access to routes between any EU Member State that is party to a bilateral agreement and Mexico. Last but not least, the agreement will ensure not only significant savings for the aviation industry, but also improved efficiency for the airlines themselves.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), in writing. (PT) This report, drafted by Ms Ţicău, concerns the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement on certain aspects of air services between the European Union and the United Mexican States. The Mexican market, which recorded approximately 2.5 million passengers and 90 000 tonnes of cargo in 2009, is important for EU air carriers. International relations in the field of aviation between the Member States and third countries were regulated by bilateral agreements until the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon on 1 December 2009, which makes it necessary for Parliament to give its consent to agreements on air services. Although this agreement was signed on 15 December 2010, Parliament needs to adopt it before it can be concluded. I welcome the establishment of another agreement whose purpose is to give all EU air carriers non-discriminatory access to routes with Mexico as their destination, which represents an important step in strengthening EU-Mexico relations in the aviation sector.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  João Ferreira (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) As we mentioned with regard to previous agreements covering the same area, in the specific context in which civil aviation operates, this draft agreement raises serious concerns about its scope and possible consequences. Moves to ‘avoid discrimination between EU air carriers’ with the supposed creation of a level playing field for the various European companies could contribute to facilitating the monopolistic concentration within the sector, which is already under way.

The reference to the primacy of free competition in Article 4 comes under this heading, seeking to reduce the Member States’ ability to defend their flag carriers, in a sector that is strategic in terms of safeguarding national interests for a number of reasons. Although the possible implications for Portugal are comparatively less than in those of previous agreements already concluded with Brazil, the United States and Canada, we voted against this report for the sake of consistency with the reasons that we have put forward previously.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) As we mentioned with regard to previous agreements covering the same area, in the specific context in which civil aviation operates, this draft agreement raises serious concerns about its scope and possible consequences. As the report says, moves to ‘avoid discrimination between EU air carriers’ with the supposed creation of a level playing field for the various European companies could contribute to facilitating the monopolistic concentration within the sector, which is already under way.

The reference to the primacy of free competition in Article 4 comes under this heading, seeking to reduce the Member States’ ability to defend their flag carriers, in a sector that is strategic in terms of safeguarding national interests for a number of reasons. It is true that the possible implications for Portugal are comparatively less than in those of previous agreements already concluded with Brazil, the United States and Canada. However, we voted against this report for the sake of consistency with the reasons that we have put forward previously.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D), in writing. (SK) International aviation relations between Member States and third countries have traditionally been governed by bilateral air services agreements. The EU Court of Justice ruled in 2002 that traditional designation clauses in Member States’ bilateral air services agreements infringe EU law. They allow a third country to reject, withdraw or suspend the permissions or authorisations of an air carrier that has been designated by a Member State but that is not substantially owned and effectively controlled by that Member State or its nationals. The Commission has negotiated an agreement that replaces certain provisions in the existing 13 bilateral air services agreements concluded between EU Member States and the United Mexican States. Mexico is an important market for EU carriers with approximately 2.5 million passengers and 90 000 tonnes of cargo in 2009.

In view of the size and importance of the EU-Mexico aviation market, the potential for a more comprehensive EU-Mexico air transport agreement should be explored. Such an agreement could enhance EU-Mexico cooperation on aviation matters and expand the opportunities and benefits for industry and consumers both in Mexico and the EU. On the basis of the above, I therefore support the conclusion of this agreement.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Jim Higgins (PPE), in writing. – I very much welcome this latest in a series of agreements as a result of the Lisbon Treaty. This should hopefully make air services more efficient, thus improving the environment and, at the same time, lowering the cost of air services for consumers.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE), in writing. – I supported this report and welcome the restoration of a sound legal basis for EU-Mexican aviation links. Mexico is an important market for the EU and this is a welcome addition to the existing agreements with Canada, the US and Brazil.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. (LT) I welcomed this document because I believe that certain aspects of this agreement are important. For instance, to avoid discrimination between EU air carriers, the traditional designation clauses, referring to air carriers of the Member State party to the bilateral agreement, are replaced by an EU designation clause, referring to all EU carriers. The aim is to guarantee all EU air carriers non-discriminatory access to routes between European Union Member States and Mexico. Safety provisions in bilateral agreements would be applicable to situations in which regulatory control over an air carrier is exercised by a Member State other than the Member State that designated that air carrier. Anti-competitive practices are also prohibited.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Giovanni La Via (PPE), in writing.(IT) I voted in favour of the report by Ms Ţicău on the agreement on certain aspects of air transport between the European Union and Mexico. Mexico represents a significant economic and future investment opportunity for the Member States. In 2009, nearly 2.5 million European passengers chose to travel to Mexico. That is why an agreement on air transport is particularly important, including in view of the conclusion of the agreements with other countries in the Americas. This agreement represents an important first step ahead of the strengthening of trade policies designed to increase exchanges between the Member States and Mexico.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vladimir Maňka (S&D), in writing. (SK) Mexico is an important market for EU carriers with approximately 2.5 million passengers and 90 000 tonnes of cargo annually. In view of the size and importance of the EU-Mexico aviation market, the potential for a more comprehensive EU-Mexico air transport agreement should be explored. Such an agreement could enhance EU-Mexico cooperation on aviation matters and expand the opportunities and benefits for industry and consumers both in Mexico and the EU. Moreover, it would complete the EU-Americas open aviation area following the comprehensive agreements already reached with the US, Canada and, most recently, with Brazil. The objective is to give all EU air carriers non-discriminatory access to routes between the EU Member State which is party to the bilateral agreement and Mexico. Safety provisions in bilateral agreements are applicable to situations when regulatory control over an air carrier is exercised by an EU Member State other than the Member State that designated that air carrier. Anti-competitive practices are prohibited. The agreement with Mexico will restore a sound legal basis for the EU’s aviation relations with the country. This is an important first step in strengthening EU-Mexico aviation relations.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  David Martin (S&D), in writing. – I voted for this report. The horizontal agreement with Mexico will restore a sound legal basis for the EU’s aviation relations with Mexico. This is an important first step in strengthening EU-Mexico aviation relations. Mexico is an important market for EU carriers with approximately 2.5 million passengers and 90 000 tonnes of cargo in 2009. In view of the size and importance of the EU-Mexico aviation market, the potential for a more comprehensive EU-Mexico air transport agreement should be explored. Such an agreement could enhance EU-Mexico cooperation on aviation matters and expand the opportunities and benefits for industry and consumers both in Mexico and the EU. Moreover, it would complete the EU-Americas open aviation area after the comprehensive agreements already reached with the US, Canada and, most recently, with Brazil.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mario Mauro (PPE), in writing. (IT) It seems to me that the text of the recommendation on the draft Council decision on the Agreement on certain aspects of air services between the European Union and the United Mexican States is certainly an important way to strengthen EU-Mexico relations in this sector.

I therefore voted in favour of the report by Ms Ţicău.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Melo (PPE), in writing. (PT) The EU-Mexico air agreement is very important for the future of relations between both sides. As such, and following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, Parliament needs to be fully informed and consulted about the work carried out by the joint committee and all the entities involved. Any agreement that is to be concluded must be adopted by Parliament, which will therefore need to be kept up to date with all negotiations, and it will even be important, in the future, for regular meetings to be held between Members of this House and members of the US Congress in order to debate all issues relating to aviation policy between the EU and Mexico. This agreement is therefore an important step towards opening up the market to airlines from the EU and Mexico, without any discrimination. This opening up of the market will contribute to improving the services provided to passengers.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alexander Mirsky (S&D), in writing. – I know that Mexico is an important trade partner and aviation market for EU carriers, with approximately 2.5 million passengers per year. The committee unanimously recommended concluding the agreement. I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alfredo Pallone (PPE), in writing. (IT) Given what we have just voted on, I think it is quite right to re-examine the relationships between airlines from the European Union and those from the United Mexican States. I say this because Mexico is an important market for EU air carriers and, given time, I would not bet against a further, more binding agreement being signed on this issue. The fact that previously there was no clause binding the bilateral agreements between Member States and Mexico caused blockages and breaches of European regulations, specifically Article 49 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Hence, I think this decision is both right and necessary.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. (PT) Under the terms presented in this report, the horizontal agreement with Mexico will restore a sound legal basis for the EU’s aviation relations with the country. This is an important first step in strengthening EU-Mexico relations in the aviation sector. Mexico, which recorded approximately 2.5 million passengers and 90 000 tonnes of cargo in 2009, is an important market for EU carriers. In view of the size and importance of the EU-Mexico aviation market, a comprehensive agreement should be explored, like those already reached with other countries in the Americas, specifically, the US, Canada and, most recently, Brazil. I voted in favour of this report because it represents a positive step in that direction.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Paulo Rangel (PPE), in writing. (PT) Following the conclusion of agreements with the United States, Canada and Brazil, the EU-Mexico agreement represents another open door to relations between the Union and the Americas. In this case, it is an agreement concluded with an important trade partner – around 2.5 million passengers and 90 000 tonnes of cargo in 2009 – which will most probably lead to closer relations. I voted in favour because I agree with this course of action.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), in writing. – In favour. International aviation relations between Member States and third countries have traditionally been governed by bilateral air services agreements. The EU Court of Justice ruled in 2002 that traditional designation clauses in Member States’ bilateral air services agreements infringe EU law. They allow a third country to reject, withdraw or suspend the permissions or authorisations of an air carrier that has been designated by a Member State but that is not substantially owned and effectively controlled by that Member State or its nationals. This has been found to constitute discrimination against EU carriers established in the territory of a Member State but owned and controlled by nationals of other Member States.

This is contrary to Article 49 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which guarantees nationals of Member States who have exercised their freedom of establishment the same treatment in the host Member State as that accorded to nationals of that Member State. There are also further issues, such as competition, where compliance with EU law should be ensured through amending or complementing existing provisions in bilateral air services agreements between Member States and third countries.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Licia Ronzulli (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted in favour of this text because I think that, in order to avoid discrimination between the various European air carriers, it is essential for there to be a single designation clause, replacing the traditional clauses of each individual Member State.

Indeed, the aim is to grant all European airlines equal access to routes between the Member State that signed the bilateral agreement and Mexico, which is a strategic market for the EU in this sense. This horizontal agreement will make it possible to establish a sound legal basis for aviation relations with Mexico.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Teixeira (PPE), in writing. (PT) The European Commission has negotiated an agreement that will replace the 13 existing bilateral agreements between EU Member States and the United Mexican States. This agreement, known as the horizontal agreement, like the many others in the area of civil aviation that the European Union has negotiated and concluded with various international partners, will serve as a common legal framework for the relationships of the various Member States of the European Union with the United Mexican States, and constitutes a first step in strengthening their relations in this area. The scale and importance of the Mexican aviation market for the European Union justify moving towards an agreement that is more comprehensive and able to benefit the civil aviation industry and both EU and Mexican consumers. Furthermore, the agreement is the last in a series of agreements concluded with other countries of the Americas, such as those recently reached with the United States, Canada and Brazil.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D), in writing. (RO) The Agreement on certain aspects of air services between the European Union and the United Mexican States marks an important first step in strengthening EU-Mexico aviation relations. This replaces certain provisions in the existing 13 bilateral agreements with an EU agreement on air services concluded between EU Member States and the United Mexican States. The purpose of the agreement is to provide non-discriminatory access to air routes between EU Member States and the United Mexican States, with a ban on anti-competitive practices.

Mexico is an important market for EU carriers with a total of 2.5 million passengers and 90 000 tonnes of cargo in 2009. In view of the size and importance of the EU-Mexico aviation market, the potential for a more comprehensive EU-Mexico air transport agreement must be explored. Such an agreement would enhance EU-Mexico cooperation on aviation matters and generate more opportunities and benefits for this sector and for Mexican and EU citizens. Moreover, it would allow the EU-Americas open aviation area to be expanded, supplementing the comprehensive agreements already reached with the US, Canada and Brazil.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Niki Tzavela (EFD), in writing. (EL) I voted in favour of the Ţicău report on the strengthening of air services between the EU and Mexico. This will safeguard non-discriminatory access to flights between the EU and Mexico and will also improve the level of flight safety.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Angelika Werthmann (NI), in writing. (DE) The bilateral air service agreement with Mexico has been brought into line with the case-law of the European Court of Justice in respect of the designation clause (Article 2), safety (Article 3) and compatibility with EU competition rules (Article 4). I voted in favour of this report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Iva Zanicchi (PPE), in writing. (IT) Following the ruling of the EU Court of Justice in 2002 that traditional designation clauses in Member States’ bilateral agreements in the international air transport sector infringe EU law, the Commission has negotiated a series of agreements in order to restore a valid legal basis for relations on air services between the EU and third countries.

Mexico is an important market for EU air carriers, with around 2.5 million passengers travelling from Europe to this central American country. I have therefore voted in favour of this agreement which, following those already signed with the United States, Canada and Brazil, among other things, helps towards the completion of the series of agreements on the EU-Americas open aviation area.

 
  
  

Report: Pat the Cope Gallagher (A7-0299/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luís Paulo Alves (S&D), in writing. (PT) I am voting for this recommendation, since I consider it very advantageous to the EU. The new protocol permits 5 000 tonnes per year and an EU contribution to Cape Verde of EUR 435 000, thereby presenting new fishing opportunities for Portuguese, Spanish and French ships. This agreement is of the greatest importance, given that fishing represents 2% of Cape Verde’s gross domestic product, that this is an African country that has been achieving good results in political, social and economic development, and that Cape Verde has a special partnership with the outermost regions of the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands. This agreement will enhance these relations.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D), in writing. (LT) I welcomed the conclusion of this agreement. Based on a mandate from the Council, the European Commission has negotiated with the Republic of Cape Verde to renew the Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde, dated 19 December 2006. The aim of this protocol is to continue the cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde, thereby creating a partnership framework within which to develop a sustainable fisheries policy and sound exploitation of fishery resources in the Cape Verde fishing zone, in the interests of both parties.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE), in writing. (ES) I voted in favour of the report on the fishing agreement with Cape Verde because it is an improvement on the previous one, for various reasons. To start with, it maintains the levies imposed on ship owners for each tonne caught (these do not increase), reduces advances and improves the fishing capacity of tuna seiners, although this is offset by the reduction in surface longliners, calculated in line with the observed use in the previous agreement. The clauses maintaining the agreement on respect for human rights in the region are also more stringent. Lastly, it increases support for the Cape Verde sector and insists on responsible fishing by obliging the local authorities to install a satellite tracking system to monitor boats.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mara Bizzotto (EFD), in writing. (IT) I decided to vote in favour of this document on the renewal of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde, which allows EU vessels to carry out fishing activities in Cape Verdean waters.

The document underlines the need to maintain transparency and clarity on the implementation of the agreement, particularly through controls on the management of financial contributions to the Republic of Cape Verde and by periodically updating Parliament on relevant developments. Accordingly, I think this document is worthy of support and hence, decided to vote in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this report because a new protocol must be concluded in order to improve and reinforce the fight against illegal, undeclared and unregulated fishing in Cape Verde. Cape Verde is a small island state with 465 000 inhabitants located in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 500 km west of Senegal in West Africa. Cape Verde is considered one of the African countries that has achieved the best results in terms of political, economic and social development. The conclusion of the new protocol will have a significant impact on the political and financial stability of Cape Verde because the annual financial compensation is EUR 435 000, of which EUR 110 000 will be earmarked to support the fisheries sector of Cape Verde (EUR 50 000 more than in the previous protocol). In order to contribute to the viability of European enterprises, the new protocol must maintain access for the European Union to the fishing zones in the West African region and improve the partnership between both parties.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vito Bonsignore (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted in favour of the report by Mr Gallagher because I am a strong believer in partnership agreements in the fisheries sector. One of their advantages is that they ensure the sustainability of fish stocks and guarantee jobs.

In the particular case of the text voted upon today, Cape Verde is among those African countries with which the best results have been seen in terms of political, economic and social development. Even if its fishery resources are not considerable, they do include commercially important species of migratory fish such as tunas, small pelagic fish and lobsters. In particular, catches of tuna no longer account for more than 0.2% of all catches from the fish stocks concerned and the impact of the tuna fishing opportunities on sustainability is therefore minimal.

The agreement has had a positive impact on building Cape Verdean institutional capacity, providing facilities for fishing and 113 jobs. I therefore agree with the rapporteur, Mr Gallagher, that it is well worth renewing it. Furthermore, for Europe, the conclusion of the new protocol will help maintain continuity in the fishing zones covered by agreements and contribute to the vitality of European industries.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  John Bufton (EFD), in writing. – I voted against the conclusion of a new protocol governing a Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde. Imports of foreign fish undermine domestic markets but also usurp vital industries in third countries upon which whole communities depend. European waters have been grossly mismanaged by the Commission so I morally cannot support the EU now seeking to fish in foreign waters. It is extremely important that if third countries wish to trade with European nations, it is done on a Member State basis and with competitive freedoms to ensure the best deals are secured for both parties. In the UK, it should be up to the government to decide, with respect to British freedom of choice, how to create and develop fisheries and with whom negotiations on fisheries agreements should take place.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ole Christensen, Dan Jørgensen, Christel Schaldemose and Britta Thomsen (S&D), in writing. (DA) We voted against the recommendation. The proposed new Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement with the Republic of Cape Verde contains a reference quota of 5 000 tonnes of fish. However, this reference quota can be increased against a payment of EUR 65 for each additional tonne of fish caught, thus precluding a definite ceiling on the catch quantity. In light of the relatively low cost of each additional tonne of fish caught – in relation to the value of the fish – a financial incentive for EU fishermen to catch more than the reference quota could easily arise, thus contributing to the over-exploitation of fish stocks in Cape Verde’s waters.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mário David (PPE), in writing. (PT) This legislative resolution concerns the draft decision regarding a new protocol for the EU-Cape Verde Fisheries Partnership Agreement. The goal is to promote cooperation between the EU and the Republic of Cape Verde, so as to develop a policy of sustainable fishing and ensure rational exploitation of the resources in Cape Verde’s fishing zone. This partnership ensures the sustainability of resources, and clearly benefits both parties. I am voting for this report, as I believe the agreement promotes a privileged relationship between the EU and an important region, thereby promoting the Atlantic dimension of the EU’s integrated maritime policy. I also believe this report to be consistent with EU fisheries, maritime and development policy. By way of example, I should like to highlight the case of Portugal, which is guaranteed an increase in the number of its longliner licences from seven to nine with this protocol. In a wider context, I also await a strengthening of the EU-Cape Verde special partnership agreement, which has made significant progress over recent years, and has undeniably contributed to the desirable process of EU-Cape Verde dialogue and convergence.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Edite Estrela (S&D), in writing. (PT) I voted for this report because I believe that the agreement promotes the development of a sustainable fishing policy and the responsible exploitation of fishery resources in the Republic of Cape Verde’s fishing zone. It should be stressed that the new protocol now authorises 35 EU surface longliners to fish in Cape Verde waters, including nine Portuguese vessels, which is two more than under the previous protocol.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Diogo Feio (PPE), in writing. (PT) With particularly close ties in terms of population, history and culture to the European Union, Cape Verde has embarked upon a process of moving increasingly closer to Europe, which has culminated in the conclusion of the special partnership, in which the country’s specific characteristics have been clearly acknowledged, as well as the notable progress it has made, which constitutes a positive example for developing countries. I hope the partnership established in the fishing sector will complement the other areas of privileged cooperation with the Union, and that they will all be fruitful for both parties. I hope that, in the area of fisheries too, Cape Verde will again set an example and demonstrate that, even with scant resources, it is possible to make progress and construct a stable, democratic country. Like the rapporteur, I believe that, in the future, the agreement could complement a future Atlantic dimension to the EU’s integrated maritime policy.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), in writing. (PT) This recommendation on a draft Council decision concerns the conclusion of a new fisheries partnership agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde, which sets out the fishing possibilities and financial contribution. The fisheries protocol concluded between the European Community and Cape Verde came to an end on 31 August, after having been in force for five years. Last December, a new protocol was negotiated, which will be in force between 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2014. However, pursuant to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, conclusion of the new protocol requires the consent of Parliament. Given that this is a country with very privileged relations with the EU, and with which the EU even concluded a special partnership in 2007, and taking account of the fact that it also has very close ties with the European outermost regions of the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands, I welcome the conclusion of this protocol. It will not only enable the fishing fleets of Portugal, Spain and France to continue fishing in Cape Verde waters, but will also contribute to the sustainable economic development of a country lacking abundant financial resources.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  João Ferreira (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) This fisheries protocol guarantees fishing opportunities off Cape Verde for the Member States’ fleets until 31 August 2014. The islands’ volcanic origins mean that the continental shelves around Cape Verde are generally narrow, thus limiting the productivity of fisheries. Cape Verde fishery resources are not considerable, but they do include commercially important migratory species such as tunas, along with small pelagic fish, and some demersal fish and lobsters. Overall employment in the fisheries sub-sectors and related public administrative activities accounted for around 10 400 jobs in 2008, about 5% of the total workforce.

We share the concerns expressed by the rapporteur when he calls on the Commission to provide Parliament with all the relevant documentation and information relating to the conclusions of the meetings of the joint committee, as well as the multiannual sectoral programme and the outcome of the corresponding annual evaluations; to facilitate the participation of Parliament’s representatives as observers in the meetings of the joint committee; and to submit to Parliament, within the final year of application of the new protocol and before the opening of negotiations for its renewal, a full evaluation report on its implementation, without imposing unnecessary restrictions on access to this document.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) This report concerns the fisheries protocol, which guarantees fishing opportunities off Cape Verde for the Member States’ fleets until 31 August 2014. It is an important agreement for tuna fishing, where Portugal’s licences for surface longliners have increased from seven to nine. As is the case with other fishing agreements with third countries, this agreement raises important issues with regard to the economic viability of EU countries’ long-distance fishing fleets and the actual fishing opportunities granted under them, to the development of third countries, and to the support for development actually granted.

These agreements remain commercial in nature, although their partnership and development aspect has been stepped up: this agreement is an example of that, with the annual financial contribution having increased to EUR 435 000, with EUR 110 000 earmarked for supporting the development of the sectoral fisheries policy of the Republic of Cape Verde. Let us hope it will be enough to support the fishers and people of Cape Verde.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D), in writing. (SK) On 19 December 2006, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 2027/2006 on the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde. This agreement, which is applicable for a period of five years and automatically renewable unless terminated by one of the parties, repeals and replaces the first agreement between the EC and the Republic of Cape Verde, which was concluded in 1990. The current protocol expired on 31 August 2011. In order to allow EU vessels to carry out fishing activities pending the completion of the procedures for the conclusion of the protocol, Article 15 of the new protocol provides for it to be applied on a provisional basis as from 1 September 2011. Cape Verde is an archipelagic island state situated in the Eastern Atlantic, 375 miles to the west of Senegal and Mauritania, with around 465 000 inhabitants. It has limited natural resources and fresh water and ranks 121 out of 182 countries in the UN Human Development Index.

Cape Verde is considered as one of the best performing countries in Africa in terms of political, economic and social development. I therefore express my belief that the new protocol will contribute to the strengthening of the capacity of the Republic of Cape Verde to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, will help to maintain continuity in the fishing zones in the western African region, and will bring an additional dimension to the special partnership between the EU and the Republic of Cape Verde.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Pat the Cope Gallagher (ALDE), in writing. – The current protocol expires after 4½ years. The European Commission started negotiations in December 2010 on a new protocol to cover a period of another 3 years. The conclusion of the protocol by the Council is subject to the prior consent of the European Parliament. Cape Verde can be considered as one of the best performing countries in Africa in terms of political, economic and social development. The fishery resources are not considerable, but they do include commercially important species of migratory fish such as tunas, small pelagic fish, and some demersal fish and lobsters. According to the evaluation report, the impact of the tuna fishing opportunities on sustainability is minimal. As the rapporteur, I recommend to give consent to the conclusion of the new protocol to the agreement.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Jim Higgins (PPE), in writing. – I voted in favour of this report, and I want to congratulate my constituency colleague Pat the Cope Gallagher. Some of the main elements of the new protocol which I am pleased with include specific payments for support for the development of the sectoral fisheries policy of the Republic of Cape Verde. This is something I welcome. This new agreement also provides for fishing opportunities for 28 tuna seiners, 35 surface longliners and 11 pole-and-line vessels and advances and fees payable by shipowners are also set out.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE), in writing. – I voted against this report. As we begin our work on the vital reform of the CFP, it is apparent that certain Member States have fleets which exceed their national waters’ fishing capacity. We should not resolve that issue by exporting this over-capacity to other countries.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. (LT) I welcomed this document because 28 tuna seiners, 35 surface longliners and 11 pole-and-line vessels will be authorised to fish, with an annual reference tonnage of 5 000 tonnes. On the basis of the annual assessments of the state of stocks, these fishing opportunities could be revised upwards or downwards, which would lead to a corresponding review of the financial contribution. Annual financial compensation: EUR 435 000 (a total of EUR 1 305 000 over the whole period), on the basis of: a) an annual payment for access to the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Cape Verde of EUR 325 000; b) a specific payment of EUR 110 000 per year in support for the development of the sectoral fisheries policy of the Republic of Cape Verde. The allocation of these fishing opportunities among the Member States concerned will be the subject of a proposal for a specific Council Regulation.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vladimir Maňka (S&D), in writing. (SK) The validity of the Protocol to the Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde in the fishing sector expired on 31 August 2011. A new protocol was negotiated and initialled on 22 December 2010, covering a period of 3 years starting from 1 September 2011. Its conclusion by the Council was subject to the prior consent of the EP.

When voting, I therefore supported the financial compensation for support for the development of the sectoral fisheries policy of the Republic of Cape Verde, as well as fishing opportunities and advances and fees payable by shipowners which correspond to the annual reference catches.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  David Martin (S&D), in writing. – I voted for this proposal and applaud the fact that this protocol introduces new provisions whereby the payment of the financial contribution or even the implementation of the protocol can be suspended in cases of violation of human rights and democratic principles.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Iosif Matula (PPE), in writing. – I voted in favour of renewing the Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde starting from 1 September 2011 for a duration of three years. The partnership seeks to ensure EU access to Cape Verde’s fertile waters and that this access is carried out in the most sustainable manner. As its fishery resources account for 2% of Cape Verde’s economy, it is reasonable to suggest that EU access to its waters does not encroach on the nation’s means of development. The fact that a 13% increase in funding will be given to Cape Verde attests to the EU’s desire to fuel its partner’s economy in return for the use of its waters.

I would like to draw attention to a problem which has arisen in my own country. Romania receives funding from the EU to enhance regional development, and fisheries is one sector that benefits from this funding. However, due to the regulations upholding sustainable fishing practices, a large decrease in employment has resulted. It is likewise my recommendation that the jobs of Cape Verdean nationals employed in the fishing industry be protected under this new agreement.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mario Mauro (PPE), in writing.(IT) I am in favour of the recommendation on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of a new protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde.

The protocol intensifies the partnership with an important peripheral region nation and fully meets the European Union’s fishing needs and the need to maintain the activities of our industries whose ships cross the region of West Africa.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Melo (PPE), in writing. (PT) I am convinced that this new protocol will help strengthen Cape Verde’s capacity for combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, in particular, by improving its infrastructure for monitoring and controlling fishing activities in its exclusive economic zone. It will also have a major impact on the country’s budgetary and political stability. For the European Union, the conclusion of the new protocol will help maintain continuity in the fishing zones covered by agreements in the western Africa region, and contribute to the viability of European industries by offering EU vessels and the industries that depend on them a stable legal environment and medium-term predictability. Moreover, the agreement provides an additional dimension to the special partnership between the EU and an important peripheral region nation, and could complement a future Atlantic dimension to the EU’s integrated maritime policy.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alexander Mirsky (S&D), in writing. – As is known, the new protocol, which will cover the period of November 2011-August 2014, leaves the reference tonnage of 5 000 t/year unchanged, and increases the financial contribution to EUR 435 000 (of which EUR 110 000 will be earmarked for sectoral support). The new protocol provides fishing opportunities for Spanish, French and Portuguese vessels. But where are Latvian, British, Netherlands vessels? I am against the report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alfredo Pallone (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted in favour of the agreement on the fishing sector and the relations between the EU and Cape Verde since I believe that the agreement we have ended up with is a beneficial one that could have positive results for both parties. The renewal of the old agreement, which expired in August 2011, can only confirm the theory that it creates favourable and profitable conditions that benefit both parties, including in the area of illegal fishing, through the improvement of surveillance infrastructure to ensure responsible and sustainable fishing activities.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. (PT) The conclusion of this agreement is of great importance to the European Union, as it is a key means of pursuing the foreign policy objectives of the common fisheries policy, specifically in the western Africa region. In addition to providing the EU fleet, including the Portuguese fleet, with interesting fishing opportunities, this agreement will help strengthen Cape Verde’s capacity for combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, in particular, by improving its infrastructure for monitoring and controlling fishing activities in its exclusive economic zone. It will also have a major impact on the country’s budgetary and political stability. Moreover, the agreement provides an additional dimension to the special partnership between the EU and an important peripheral region nation, whilst strengthening important aspects of the EU’s integrated maritime policy.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Paulo Rangel (PPE), in writing. (PT) Regulation (EC) No 2027/2006 on the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde was accompanied by a protocol setting out the fishing possibilities and financial contribution. This protocol expired on 31 August 2011, and the intention is to adopt a new protocol, which was signed on 27 July 2011. From the point of view of the Republic of Cape Verde, the agreement with the EU is the closest that it has concluded with any trade partner as regards fisheries as, besides the financial compensation aspect, it has already led to an increase in the instruments available to local fishers. On the other hand, this is a fishing area of great importance for the sustainability of EU operators. I voted in favour because I agree with the balance achieved.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), in writing. – Against. On 19 December 2006, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 2027/2006 on the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde. This FPA, which is applicable for periods of 5 years, tacitly renewable unless either party terminates it, entailed the repeal and replacement of the first agreement between the EC and Cape Verde, concluded in 1990. The FPA was accompanied by a protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial compensation originally for a 5 year period (from 1 September 2006 to 31 August 2011).

However, the agreement and the protocol only entered into force on 30 March 2007. The current protocol expires on 31 August 2011, after a duration of 4 years and 5 months. A new protocol was meanwhile negotiated and initialled on 22 December 2010, covering a period of 3 years starting from 1 September 2011. Its conclusion by the Council is subject to the prior consent of the EP under Articles 43(2) and 218(6) (a) of the TFEU.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Licia Ronzulli (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted in favour of this agreement because it updates guidelines on fishing and Member States’ financial compensation in the national waters of Cape Verde.

I am also pleased to see that the new protocol includes specific clauses that could also lead to the suspension of any form of financial compensation in the event of violations of fundamental human rights.

This document will also bolster Cape Verde’s ability to fight illegal fishing, in particular, by improving infrastructure for monitoring and controlling fishing activities, which will have an important impact on the financial and political stability of the country.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Teixeira (PPE), in writing. (PT) The new protocol to the EU-Cape Verde Fisheries Partnership Agreement contributes to maintaining the continuity of fishing opportunities, in the interests of both parties. The special partnership was concluded in 2007, taking into account Cape Verde’s status as a peripheral region nation and how much it has in common with the EU’s outermost regions of Madeira and the Azores. Their proximity in terms of geography and challenges faced contribute to an increasingly close relationship, complementing a future Atlantic dimension to the EU’s integrated maritime policy. With a view to creating a framework of partnership for the development of a sustainable fisheries policy, the protocol provides for an annual contribution of EUR 1 305 000. In addition, it will be desirable to foster synergies with various regional development programmes, and for the agreement to have been developed in line with the EU’s common fisheries policy (CFP) and development policies. I voted for the document for the reasons that I have given.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Angelika Werthmann (NI), in writing. (DE) The Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde is classified as important for the EU’s fishing activities, yet at the same time, the fishing activities of the EU in Cape Verde’s waters – according to the evaluation report – will have a minimum impact on sustainability in those waters. The new protocol contains explicit clauses concerning the suspension and revision of the financial compensation in the event of the breach of fundamental human rights or democratic principles. Furthermore, the new protocol is expected to make a significant contribution to Cape Verde’s fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Iva Zanicchi (PPE), in writing.(IT) I voted in favour of the text presented by Mr Gallagher on the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Cape Verde.

In addition to being Vice-Chair of the Committee on Development, I am a member of the Delegation for Relations with African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries, and therefore am aware of the significance that signing such agreements has for developing countries. In the specific case in question, the European Union undertakes, with immediate effect, to pay annual financial compensation of EUR 1 305 000 over three years, in exchange for the right to fish tuna, of which there are abundant stocks in the waters of Cape Verde.

 
  
  

Report: Herbert Reul (A7-0301/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luís Paulo Alves (S&D), in writing. (PT) I am voting for this recommendation as I see no reason not to.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this document. On 30 March 2009, the Council asked the Commission to take all necessary action to achieve the highest level of interoperability between the European air traffic management (ATM) modernisation programme, SESAR, and the corresponding programme in the USA, NextGen, as well as other regional projects in ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) regions. Based on the Commission’s recommendation, on 9 October 2009, the Council adopted a decision that mandated the Commission to open negotiations on behalf of the EU with the FAA for a memorandum of cooperation for research and development in the field of civil aviation. The Council also asked the Commission to develop, in parallel, an Annex addressing SESAR-NextGen interoperability. The proposed draft memorandum defines the terms and conditions for mutual cooperation between the EU and the USA for the promotion and development of civil aviation research and development. It constitutes an important instrument that will allow the parties to jointly pursue their common objective of ensuring greener and more efficient air transport systems. The draft memorandum will allow the two parties to establish cooperative research and development activities in relation to any civil aviation issue.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Lara Comi (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted for this recommendation because I am in favour of greater integration on a practical level between the economies of Europe and the United States. We are talking about two of the world’s largest markets, which have very high trading levels and share several fundamental values. These values mean that it is both convenient and useful to share policies underlying a further increase in trade and direct investment between the two. In an industry like that of civil aviation, in which the United States and the EU account for a significant proportion of global traffic, and international cooperation is a crucial requirement for maintaining services, it does not make sense to erect barriers. On the contrary, the Council is to be commended for focusing on cooperation, especially in an area like that of research and development, which benefits from spillovers.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mário David (PPE), in writing. (PT) The memorandum of cooperation before us today proposes terms and conditions for collaboration between the EU and the United States to encourage research and development in the field of civil aviation. This cooperation could take place through exchanges of information on programmes and projects, research results or publications, and of specific equipment, software, and systems for research activities and compatibility studies. It could also include the coordination of research and development projects, as well as their implementation. I voted for this report, since I believe it promotes solidarity and transatlantic cooperation, thereby establishing new opportunities for future cooperation in other areas. This memorandum removes technical barriers, by enabling shared research structures and so creating synergies with a view to achieving scientific results that are faster and more rigorous. The conclusion of this agreement strengthens mutual trust, shared research, and economic and scientific growth and development. I am, therefore, fairly pleased at the increasing closeness of the two sides, and would stress the importance of this continuing, not just in the field of civil aviation, but also in any other areas where there are synergies to be achieved.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Diogo Feio (PPE), in writing. (PT) Cooperation between the EU and the United States on civil aviation research and development is all the more important because of the significance of the aviation industries of these two areas, since the adoption of common rules secures efficiency gains for all concerned.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), in writing. (PT) The issue of international air traffic management is extremely important, not just because of its exponential growth, but also owing to the security problems that have become more acute than could have been expected since the attacks of 11 September 2001. This recommendation, drafted by Mr Reul, concerns Memorandum of Cooperation NAT-I-9406 between the European Union and the United States of America on research and development in the field of civil aviation. The memorandum in question is a result of the Council’s 2009 request to the Commission to obtain the greatest possible degree of interoperability between the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research programme and the equivalent programme in the United States, known as NextGen, as well as other regional programmes of the International Civil Aviation Organisation. I am voting for this memorandum, since, as well as promoting technological innovation and increasing research in the field of civil aviation, it constitutes an instrument that will enable the parties to secure air transport systems that are more environmentally friendly and more efficient, whilst boosting the global competitiveness of European industry.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  João Ferreira (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) The memorandum of cooperation in question establishes the terms and conditions for mutual cooperation on promoting and increasing research and development in the field of civil aviation. To that end, the parties – the United States and the EU – can, provided that adequate funding and the other necessary resources are available, provide related personnel, resources and services, with a view to cooperation to the extent provided for in its annexes and appendices. This cooperation could take place through exchanges of information on programmes and projects, research results or publications; of scientific and technical personnel; and of specific equipment, software, and systems for research activities and compatibility studies. It could also include the coordination of research and development projects and their implementation on the basis of a division of labour.

Unless otherwise indicated in an annex or appendix to this memorandum, the parties will share any intellectual property rights that they develop jointly in the context of this memorandum and its annexes or appendices. With respect to this issue, it will be important to monitor its developments and consistency with the stated objectives in the future, and to evaluate its implementation.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) This memorandum of cooperation, including its annexes and appendices, establishes the terms and conditions for mutual cooperation on promoting and increasing research and development in the field of civil aviation. To that end, the parties can, provided that adequate funding and the other necessary resources are available, provide related personnel, resources and services, with a view to cooperation to the extent provided for in its annexes and appendices. Cooperation could take place through exchanges of information on programmes and projects, research results or publications; of scientific and technical personnel; and of specific equipment, software, and systems for research activities and compatibility studies. It could also include the coordination of research and development projects and their implementation on the basis of a division of labour. Unless otherwise indicated in an annex or appendix of this memorandum, the parties will share any intellectual property rights that they develop jointly in the context of this memorandum and its annexes or appendices. We will see how well it is implemented.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D), in writing. (SK) European civil aviation industry expects that through the implementation of reciprocity principles underlying the memorandum, it will be able to take advantage of comparable opportunities to engage in cooperative activities with the USA on the basis of transparency, mutual benefits, and equitable and fair treatment. The memorandum of cooperation between the EU and the USA provides a sound legal basis that allows for an in-depth technical and operational cooperation, leading to the early development of common standards in civil aviation. It is an efficient binding legal instrument that fosters technical cooperation between the two parties.

It establishes a general framework that allows setting up cooperative activities ensuring both parties comparable opportunities for participation in their research and development activities in any field of civil aviation. The proposed memorandum of cooperation with the USA also provides a sound and legally binding basis for establishing cooperative research and development activities. In addition, it has the potential to set the international standards in aviation, providing the European civil aviation industry with wider market opportunities.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. (LT) I welcomed this document because it defines the terms and conditions for mutual cooperation between the EU and the USA for the promotion and development of civil aviation research and development. It constitutes an important instrument that, through a legally binding framework and respecting commonly agreed reciprocity principles, will allow the parties to jointly pursue their common objective of ensuring greener and more efficient air transport systems. The draft memorandum will allow the two parties to establish cooperative research and development activities in relation to any civil aviation issue. The memorandum of cooperation with the USA provides a sound and legally binding basis for establishing cooperative research and development activities, while duly addressing sensitive issues such as liability, intellectual property rights and reciprocity. In addition, the memorandum has the potential to set international standards in aviation providing worldwide interoperability in response to aviation stakeholders’ expectations, and providing the European industry with wider market opportunities.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Bogdan Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz (PPE), in writing.(PL) I voted in favour, since in my opinion, the EU-US Memorandum of Cooperation on civil aviation research and development creates an opportunity for stronger cooperation and exchange of experience in this field. It is my belief that it will have a direct impact on the establishment of a more efficient and environmentally-friendly air transport system, and will assist in the standardisation of the industry at international level.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  David Martin (S&D), in writing. – I voted in favour of the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Memorandum of Cooperation NAT-I-9406 between the United States of America and the European Union.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Melo (PPE), in writing. (PT) The adoption of this memorandum of cooperation, with all its annexes and appendices, establishes the terms and conditions for mutual cooperation on promoting and increasing research and development in the field of civil aviation between the EU and the United States.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Andreas Mölzer (NI), in writing. (DE) We have a string of cooperation agreements with the United States. Within the oft-cited trans-European partnership, and given the fiasco of the air passenger data agreement, you cannot help but get the impression that the EU regularly allows itself to be outmuscled at the negotiating table. As experienced Europeans, it is only natural for us to be cautious about each agreement that has been negotiated with the United States. I decided to abstain from the vote, as there are no clear advantages for the EU or signs of equality of treatment like true partners.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alfredo Pallone (PPE), in writing. – (IT) Research and development are the cornerstones of the future, and in the civil aviation industry, too, ensuring greater passenger safety, comfort and rapid transport links with countries outside Europe. In this case, the memorandum of cooperation between the United States and the European Union, which I voted in favour of, allows designs, research and innovative projects to be shared and exchanged. In addition to these, coordinated research also produces new technical instrumentation and qualified personnel.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. (PT) This memorandum of cooperation, for which I voted, on the basis of the detailed opinion of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, establishes the terms and conditions for mutual cooperation on promoting and increasing research and development in the field of civil aviation. The envisaged cooperation could take place through exchanges of information on programmes and projects, research results or publications; of scientific and technical personnel; and of specific equipment, software, and systems for research activities and compatibility studies. Cooperation could also include the coordination of research and development projects and their implementation on the basis of a division of labour. Everything indicates that the foundations are being laid for better and more productive cooperation.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Paulo Rangel (PPE), in writing. (PT) The EU-US Memorandum of Cooperation concerns cooperation on civil aviation research and development between the two areas. As set out in the text, it is a model that aids EU-US cooperation, whether in the form of knowledge sharing, of exchanges of researchers, of launching joint research programmes, or of reciprocal enquiries with a view to harmonising the positions of the relevant international authorities. I voted in favour because I agree with the aim of this agreement.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), in writing. – In favour. The European Parliament, – having regard to the draft Council decision (09390/2011), – having regard to the draft Memorandum of Cooperation Nat-I-9406 between the United States of America and the European Union (06458/2011), – having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Articles 100(2) and 218(7) and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C7-0141/2011), – having regard to Rules 81, 90(8) and 46(1) of its Rules of Procedure, – having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A7-0301/2011), 1. Consents to conclusion of the agreement; 2. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the United States of America.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Teixeira (PPE), in writing. (PT) Article 216 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) states that ‘the Union may conclude an agreement with one or more third countries or international organisations where the Treaties so provide or where the conclusion of an agreement is necessary in order to achieve, within the framework of the Union’s policies, one of the objectives referred to in the Treaties’. Pursuant to Article 100(2) and Article 218(6a) of the TFEU, the Council has asked the Commission to take the necessary measures to establish a framework for cooperation with the US Federal Aviation Administration on civil aviation research and development. I am voting for this recommendation, because I believe it is positive for both regions to pursue common goals as regards designing new systems of air transport that are more environmentally friendly and efficient. I also consider it crucial to implement this agreement quickly, since the European industry will be able to cooperate on new activities with the United States on the basis of transparency, mutual benefit, and equal and fair treatment. I would also stress the need for European civil aviation companies to have access to new markets, which will enable them to increase their productive capacity and create new jobs.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D), in writing. (RO) I voted for the European Parliament recommendation on the Council decision on the conclusion of the memorandum of cooperation between the US and the EU in the area of civil aviation research and development (R&D). The memorandum sets out the terms and conditions for cooperation between the parties, with the aim of ensuring global interoperability between their programmes for modernising air traffic management (ATM), NextGen and SESAR, taking into account the interests of civilian and military air space users.

The memorandum’s objectives can be achieved through cooperation in the following areas: exchanging information on programmes and projects, research results or publications; conducting joint analyses; coordinating R&D projects and programmes, based on joint efforts; exchanging scientific and technical personnel; exchanging hardware, software and specific research systems for research activities and compatibility studies; jointly organising symposiums or conferences, and mutual consultation with a view to defining concerted action by the relevant international bodies.

Producing joint aviation R&D programmes will promote and develop cooperation in this sphere, as well as help enhance civil aviation safety in the United States and the European Union.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Iva Zanicchi (PPE), in writing.(IT) I voted in favour of Mr Reul’s report on the memorandum of cooperation between the United States and the European Union which, after lengthy negotiations, sets out the conditions for mutual cooperation in the promotion of research and development in civil aviation.

Coordinating research programmes and projects, exchanging technical and scientific personnel (and information useful to both sides, such as the results of research and publications), and carrying out shared analysis work are the tools that will ensure fruitful cooperation and deliver the memorandum’s underlying objectives.

 
  
  

Recommendation: Sophie Auconie (A7-0077/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luís Paulo Alves (S&D), in writing. (PT) I am voting for this recommendation, since its simplification of regulatory constraints will be of benefit, by enabling euro cash to move more freely between euro area Member States, whilst ensuring a high level of professionalism and security. Moreover, this regulation facilitates transport to Member States about to introduce the euro, since the change in currency normally increases the need to transport euro cash. However, it is regrettable that the Commission wanted to unilaterally amend the text, without taking into account the opinion of social partners, as the European Parliament requested.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mara Bizzotto (EFD), in writing. (IT) The measure is the logical complement to the regulation on the cross-border transport of euro cash.

It is right to ensure that countries about to join the euro area, not only those which are already part of it, include in their laws regulatory measures and specific provisions governing the professional qualities of personnel responsible for the cross-border transportation of euro cash, the security of euro cash transportation, and deterrents against raids and robberies during all stages of transportation.

The period before a Member State joins the euro is a particularly vulnerable time for euro cash transportation security, given the large quantity of cash that needs to be transported in the country about to adopt the euro as its national currency, and the measures proposed seem both necessary and appropriate. I therefore voted in favour of Parliament’s recommendation.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  John Bufton (EFD), in writing. – I am against extending the scope of the proposal for a regulation on the cross-border transportation of euro cash by road between euro area Member States (the main proposal) to the territory of Member States that are about to introduce the euro. Maybe in certain eurozone countries, there is an increased need for euro cash transportation in the run-up to the changeover, but, bearing in mind the potential of a future collapse of the common currency and the eurozone, this report is ill timed when focus needs to be on whether or not to maintain the currency and, if so, how to keep it afloat.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Diogo Feio (PPE), in writing. (PT) I agree with the rapporteur as regards the extension of the provisions in her initial report on the professional cross-border transport of euro cash to the territory of Member States that are about to introduce the euro.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), in writing. (PT) The recommendation tabled by Ms Auconie relates to a draft Council regulation on the extension of the scope of the EU Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the professional cross-border transport of euro cash by road between euro area Member States. The proposal, which falls within the framework of Article 352 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, was unanimously adopted by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, so it just requires Parliament’s consent. There is nothing to prevent this proposal’s adoption, given that it will facilitate the circulation of euro cash within the European Union; in other words, its transport between euro area Member States and those that are about to introduce the euro.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D), in writing. (SK) The introduction of the euro has considerably increased the need for cross-border transportation of cash by road. Within the euro area, banks, the large retail sector and other professional cash handlers should be able to enter into a contract with the cash-in-transit (‘CIT’) company and to take advantage of the cash services of the nearest national central bank (NCB) branch or CIT cash centre, even if it is located in another Member State.

The purpose of the present proposal is to extend the scope of the proposal for a regulation on the cross-border transportation of euro cash by road between euro area Member States to the territory of a Member State that is about to introduce the euro, since there will normally be an increased need for cross-border euro cash transportation in the run-up to the changeover. The extension of the regulation should be automatic and take effect as from the date when the Council decides to lift the derogation of a Member State from its participation in the euro area.

The applied measures are appropriate and are necessary in order to facilitate a smooth changeover to the euro. The Regulation (EU) of the European Parliament and of the Council applies to the territory of those Member States which have adopted the euro as their single currency. There is a need for transportation of euro cash in the run-up to the euro changeover since the euro banknotes needed for the changeover are usually transported from existing euro area stocks and since euro coins are often fully or partly minted abroad.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. (LT) I welcomed this regulation because the purpose of this document is to extend the scope of the proposal for a regulation on the cross-border transportation of euro cash by road between euro area Member States (the main proposal) to the territory of Member States that are about to introduce the euro, since there is normally an increased need for euro cash transportation in the run-up to the changeover.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  David Martin (S&D), in writing. – I voted for this proposal, the purpose of which is to extend the scope of the proposal for a regulation on the cross-border transportation of euro cash by road between euro area Member States (the main proposal) to the territory of Member States that are about to introduce the euro, since there is normally an increased need for euro cash transportation in the run-up to the changeover.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Clemente Mastella (PPE), in writing. (IT) The aim of this report is to simplify the circulation of coins and banknotes between Member States in the euro area.

We believe the proposal is quite evenly balanced, because it underlines the fact that Member States are directly responsible for implementing the security regulations review. However, we will all have to work to make sure that levels of transportation security and the experience of cross-border transporters improve in Europe.

We also support the adoption of an intelligent banknote neutralisation system. Finally, we ask the Commission to consult the social parties once again.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mario Mauro (PPE), in writing. (IT) It is evident that expansion of the euro area requires an extension of the scope of this regulation in order to meet the greater euro transportation requirements in the period before expansion takes place. I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Melo (PPE), in writing. (PT) It makes complete sense to extend the scope of the regulation on the professional cross-border transport of euro cash by road between euro area Member States and those about to introduce the euro.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alexander Mirsky (S&D), in writing. – The purpose of this regulation is to simplify the regulatory constraints so that euro notes and coins can circulate more easily among the Member States of the euro area, ensuring a high level of professionalism and safety. The amendments adopted in the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs concern the involvement of EU institutions and social partners, reference periods and professional training. I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alfredo Pallone (PPE), in writing. – (IT) I voted in favour of the text on extending the scope of the regulation on the professional cross-border transport of euro cash by road between Member States because it encourages monetary exchange. It is also a hope that countries that are members of the European Union but have not joined the single currency will do so in the future. The single currency has shown that it is strong, and that in the current crisis, it is the only weapon against further speculation.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. (PT) The purpose of this regulation is to extend the scope of the proposal for a regulation on the cross-border transport of euro cash by road between euro area Member States – the main proposal – to Member States that are about to introduce the euro. There is an increased need for euro cash transport in the run-up to the changeover. The report was adopted in committee and I welcome the extension of its scope. I voted in favour of the report for these reasons.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Paulo Rangel (PPE), in writing. (PT) The scope of the regulation on the professional cross-border transport of euro cash is limited to Member States that have adopted the euro as their currency. However, its subjective scope of application needs to be extended to countries in the process of joining the single currency for the same reasons, since there is already a need for the cross-border transfer of cash in these cases. I therefore voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), in writing. – In favour. The purpose of the present proposal is to extend the scope of the proposal for a regulation on the cross-border transportation of euro cash by road between euro area Member States (the main proposal) to the territory of Member States that are about to introduce the euro, since there is normally an increased need for euro cash transportation in the run-up to the changeover.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Angelika Werthmann (NI), in writing. (DE) The scope of the draft regulation concerning the cross-border transport of euro cash by road between euro area Member States should be extended to those Member States that are on the verge of introducing the euro. That would ensure continuity while also taking account of the fact that, in the run-up to a currency changeover, there is, as a rule, a greater need for euro cash to be transported. I therefore voted in favour.

 
  
  

Report: Marisa Matias (A7-0302/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luís Paulo Alves (S&D), in writing. (PT) I am voting for this report on the Commission’s initiative to create a common strategic framework for research and innovation funding after 2013, combining the European programmes – namely, the Research Framework Programme, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, and the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – with the structural and cohesion funding allocated to research and innovation. However, I would make specific demands, namely, regarding the need to separate research funding from the Structural Funds, which is crucial to the implementation of the 2020 strategy and of new means of assisting regions that are performing poorly in this area.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Roberta Angelilli (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted in favour of the motion for a resolution on EU research and innovation funding since it deals with crucial sectors that need investment for sustainable development and the growth of our European economy. Europe is among the richest regions in the world, but despite increased investment in research, development and innovation over recent years, this has not led to an actual increase in cohesion between the Member States. Inequalities persist and are at their sharpest between the most scientifically and technologically advanced countries and those countries that recently joined the EU and the peripheral economies, which currently benefit less from the existing European programmes. We therefore need to activate a reorganisation of the existing programmes and financing in order to create a strategy that works effectively at all levels, without forgetting the fundamental importance that research and innovation have for our small and medium-sized enterprises, for reducing poverty, and for promoting our image in the world.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Liam Aylward (ALDE), in writing. (GA) The Seventh Framework Programme is the largest funded research programme in the world with more than EUR 53 million of funding available for the period 2007-2013. Ireland has gained greatly from the programme, with EUR 300 million allocated to researchers, universities and the Irish private sector up to now, and that amount is likely to be EUR 600 million by the end of the programme. That investment is of great assistance in terms of job creation and encouraging viable growth, and with the help of that same funding, Ireland and the EU will remain at the forefront in terms of research and innovation. The good work of this framework programme must be continued and a common strategic framework must be established to provide funding for research and innovation after 2013.

I support what is in the report in terms of small and medium-sized enterprises, and that it should be easier for them to obtain funding. A European Bank for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, as is proposed in the report, would greatly help with this. Measures must be taken according to the words of the report to develop the research and innovation system and to improve access to the programme.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this report. In February 2011, the European Commission approved a Green Paper that seeks to lay down a strategic framework for research and innovation funding after 2013. The EU has set itself the objective of increasing spending on research and development (R&D) to 3% of EU GDP by 2020. Given that many countries are still a long way from achieving this goal, increased public and private investment in R&D is particularly important. The EU is currently experiencing an economic, social and environmental crisis, and research, education and innovation are crucial instruments for both economic recovery and job creation. I agree that Europe must make better use of its huge potential in research, technology and innovation and help address global challenges such as demographic changes, the sustainable management of resources and the creation of a stable and strong economic base.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Sergio Berlato (PPE), in writing. (IT) As has been stated on several occasions, research and innovation should be considered a sine qua non for consolidating any growth strategy seeking to be sustainable and inclusive. This statement is particularly important in view of the present prolonged economic and social crisis.

Europe’s aggregate investment in research, development, and innovation has not been commensurate with its status as the richest region in the world. The United States, Japan, and, for that matter, the BRIC countries, have been investing on a much larger scale. The Commission has published a Green Paper defining a common strategic framework for research and innovation funding for the post-2013 period, which integrates EU programmes and the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme with the Structural Funds for research and innovation.

Proposing a common framework encompassing all of the funding schemes and programmes, notwithstanding the inequalities in terms of financing and the firmness of their position within the European context is, to my mind, an opportunity to strengthen the European Research Area. However, I believe that progress towards excellence of research will be impossible unless the necessary resources are earmarked and resolute steps are taken to simplify the procedures and cut the cost of the related red tape and administrative overheads.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this report because the European Commission plans to adopt a Green Paper aimed at strengthening the European Research Area and investing more in research, encouraging industrial investment and development, improving overall EU competitive capacity and promoting innovations. The Commission plans to launch a strategic framework after 2013. These strategies will try to address many existing problems in Europe relating to unsuitable programmes. The aim is to establish new instruments for various stakeholders that would guarantee a favourable programme. In order to take action relating to research and innovation systems, the European Union must ensure better conditions and opportunities for obtaining funding for small and medium-sized enterprises. It is also important to encourage and involve more citizens in this process, so that they are more active, and it is crucial to acquaint them with the new programme rules.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Sebastian Valentin Bodu (PPE), in writing. (RO) The European Union has failed to confirm its status as the richest region in the world, based on funds allocated to research and innovation. This state of affairs is also attributable to the states which have recently joined the EU, which find themselves in the position of making significant efforts to manage revenues restricted by the economic crisis in areas with a short-term social impact.

Research and innovation produce results which are not seen immediately, but which make an impact on the future when they are carried out in an efficient environment. The total volume of European investments in research and innovation has actually grown in recent years, but has not made Europe more cohesive.

The level of investment varies hugely between countries. Only six countries currently invest more than 2% of GDP in research and innovation, 10 countries invest less than 1% of GDP, and the figure varies between 1% and 2% in the other 11 countries. Unfortunately, Romania features among the states which allocate less than 1% of GDP to research. I hope that the initiative of publishing a Green Paper on establishing a common EU strategic framework for research and innovation will boost this sector.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Jan Březina (PPE), in writing. (CS) I firmly believe that the common strategic framework should not be limited to focusing on research-driven or technology-based innovation alone, but that it should support different sources of innovation. Many companies – especially small and medium-sized enterprises – use other sources of innovation such as clients, markets, users and, not least, employees, and that this form of innovation is often of a more practical nature and is focused on solving specific problematic issues related to processes, services or products. Proposed solutions are often found by the employees that are closest to the production process, markets and clients. The EU should therefore strengthen practise-oriented, employee-driven innovation. The funding of collaborative research should have greater thematic flexibility (broader calls) and user-friendly funding arrangements in order to attract outstanding scientists and to respond to the needs of both large consortia and smaller groups. The whole innovation chain from exploratory research to large-scale pilot projects and demonstrations should be covered. I would like, at the same time, to voice scepticism about the effectiveness of utilising the funds for creating research networks of excellence and organising conferences and events, and to call for a strengthening of electronic networking measures for research and innovation and the dissemination of research results via the Internet.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Cristian Silviu Buşoi (ALDE), in writing. (RO) Lack of research and innovation is one of the principal reasons for the gap between the EU and other advanced economies, like the US, in terms of economic growth. This is why we need a coherent strategy for streamlining research and innovation and facilitating market access for innovative products, in order to ensure strong, sustainable growth.

I think that a partnership is needed between research centres, universities, businesses, civil society and public authorities so that research and innovation address the needs of society to the maximum possible extent and to ensure the coherence and convergence of the actions taken by those involved in this process. Furthermore, it would also be desirable for the objectives of research and innovation to be consistent, as far as possible, with industrial policy.

Last but not least, I believe that efforts need to be made to make the rules for participating in the various research projects simpler, as universities and SMEs do not have the staff and time available to deal with excessively complicated administrative procedures. Consequently, a balance must be struck between the need to control expenditure and the administrative burden which the control process generates. This simplification would make it easier for SMEs to get involved in research projects, which is imperative, given the potential for innovation they offer.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Antonio Cancian (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted for Ms Matias’ report on research and innovation funding because I am profoundly convinced that these two aspects are essential and fundamental objectives for the European Union if we wish to remain competitive on the international scene. I believe it is important that Parliament has been able to express itself in such a coordinated manner on a document responding to the Green Paper, and I hope that the European Commission will take serious note of this input in the legislative proposal that it will present before the end of the year.

I think that the reference to simplifying bureaucratic procedures is important as it is necessary to make the measures we wish to adopt truly effective and efficient, and it is only in this way that they will be truly useful for citizens.

I also appreciate the reference to the importance of involving the industrial sector, in particular, small and medium-sized enterprises, perhaps by developing public-private partnerships, promoting funding for research projects which will then have concrete repercussions in terms of their usefulness. Finally, I agree with the recognition of the role of local authorities, particularly regional governments, as a focal point and stimulus for the various parties involved in research and innovation.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria Da Graça Carvalho (PPE), in writing. (PT) I welcome Parliament’s main proposals in this report: • increasing the research and innovation budget in the next Framework Programme; • coordinating the budget with the Structural Funds; • including the ‘stairways to excellence’ concept; • creating conditions for substantial involvement on the part of industry, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises; • promoting young researchers’ participation; • administrative and financial simplification. Research and innovation are the two key pillars of economic development and job creation in Europe. It is crucial to increase the funding allocated to research and innovation within the overall EU budget. The first objective of the Framework Programme is to promote excellence. However, it is also important to create conditions for the participation of small research groups and innovative businesses. The Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats) is proposing the ‘stairways to excellence’ concept with a view to this goal. Finally, there is an urgent need to simplify access to funds for research, developing a culture of trust between all those involved, so as to strengthen research and innovation in Europe.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Françoise Castex (S&D), in writing.(FR) The European Parliament today adopted the Matias report which aims to establish a new strategy for research and innovation. As someone committed to the idea of progress, I believe that investment in research and innovation is fundamental to improving each of our lives. While I am delighted that there are several European programmes in this area, I, like my socialist colleagues, am convinced that numerous aspects could be improved upon: excessive bureaucracy, barriers to risk-taking by researchers, complexity, etc. All of this makes participating in these programmes difficult, particularly for SMEs.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Lara Comi (PPE), in writing. (IT) I fully support the objectives of the report. It is important to consider the coordination of research and innovation programmes, strengthening the role of regional and local governments, along with simplification of the procedures for updating policy priorities, allocation of part of the budget to small and medium-sized enterprises run by young people and businesswomen, and the link to the system for creating standards. Personally, I would like to focus in particular on the vouchers for innovation (and look at testing based on the credit/voucher principle) because they bring companies closer to the issues of technological development and innovation, creating a system in which the various parties – companies, universities, research centres and institutions – actively participate in the creation and implementation of innovative processes. This mechanism could provide innovative businesses with vouchers to spend at research centres or accredited public or private bodies, supporting the development of innovation. The vouchers would not be subject to cost reporting by the beneficiaries because their use would be certified by the centres using them. This would simplify procedures, supporting small and innovative enterprises. The centres could be accredited on a national or regional basis, and validated by a European body (such as the Joint Research Centre) which would strengthen their role, functions and cooperation with the industrial world.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă (S&D), in writing. (RO) As a member of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, I think that the European Commission should adopt an approach that maximises the relevant synergies from the Common Strategic Framework for research and innovation, the European Fund for Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Structural Funds. A strategy must be adopted based on as many additional funds as possible which is aimed at research and innovation at regional level and which supports the development of the institutional capacity of the regions targeted by policies promoting research and innovation in agriculture.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Anne Delvaux (PPE), in writing.(FR) The report calls for the Common Strategic Framework (CSF) budget to be doubled and for large-scale projects (such as ITER, Galileo and GMES) to be financed outside the CSF from autonomous budget lines. The report also highlights the need for greater involvement by SMEs as well as young and female researchers.

Finally, it reminds us of the role of innovation and encourages broader cooperation between universities, businesses and research institutes. The report fully endorses a set of priorities which include increasing the next budget for research and development, building ‘stairways to excellence’, establishing synergies between research and development and Structural Funds and enhancing EU competitiveness through greater involvement on the part of industry and SMEs. It was important to vote in favour of it.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ioan Enciu (S&D), in writing. (RO) I voted for the report on EU research and innovation funding because I support the creation of the Common Strategic Framework for research and innovation funding after 2013. This can strengthen the European research area and may contribute to the development of an effective convergence strategy. However, there are currently numerous disparities in Europe in terms of research and development capacity and the industrial structure of the various Member States.

This is why we need to step up cooperation at EU level, and cohesion funding must supplement the future framework programme so that the countries lagging behind have increased access to the funds available and can develop effective projects. Improving convergence and regional balance at EU level will strengthen Europe’s global competitiveness, generate economic growth and create numerous jobs and sustainability from a research perspective.

I support the rapporteur’s position in emphasising the need to simplify procedures and increase transparency in order to reduce the costs incurred by red tape and facilitate wider access to the funding programmes.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Edite Estrela (S&D), in writing. (PT) I voted for the report on the ‘Green Paper: From challenges to opportunities: towards a common strategic framework for EU research and innovation funding’, because investment in research, education and innovation, specifically through the flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 strategy, are key to economic recovery and job creation, as well as to setting out a model for sustainable and inclusive growth.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Diogo Feio (PPE), in writing. (PT) The European Commission has published a Green Paper on a common strategic framework for EU research and innovation funding after 2013. The purpose of this common strategic framework is to group together the already existing funding schemes and programmes for the development of research and innovation. I believe commitment to research and innovation will be key to the Union’s future, to economic recovery, and to competitiveness. I am pleased to see that the rapporteur, my colleague Ms Matias, whom I should like to congratulate on her work, is proposing project bonds here as a means of promoting research and innovation in Europe; it is an idea that I have been advocating and one I believe should be taken forward.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), in writing. (PT) This report, drafted by Ms Matias, concerns the Green Paper ‘From challenges to opportunities: towards a common strategic framework for EU research and innovation funding’, for the post-2013 period. Although the European Commission has proposed the merger of all research-related funds – specifically, the Structural Funds – the rapporteur believes they should remain separate, so as to prevent the exacerbation of inequalities between the various Member States. It would also be desirable to double the sum allocated to EU research and innovation programmes from 2014. I voted for this report, since I agree with the rapporteur that keeping the Structural Funds separate enables them to be put to better use, and prevents resources from being diverted into areas with greater capacity for absorption – like cohesion funding – to the detriment of the innovation and technological development that could create sustained employment, and the training that fosters competitiveness by giving workers new skills.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  João Ferreira (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) This report includes positive aspects, which we value. Some of these are ideas that are relatively consensual, but which need to be put into practice, such as making research and development (R&D) funding more efficient at regional, national and European level. In the face of the clear failure to meet the R&D investment targets of 10 years ago, a new deadline is now being set for us to achieve 3% of gross domestic product invested in R&D: 2020, or rather two decades after this target was set. However, it is easy to see that it will be hard to hit this target, even in 2020, without a profound change in the overall political and macro-economic framework. Many Member States are frankly a long way off that goal and, even worse, are moving further away from it rather than closer to it.

In the crisis situation we are experiencing, research, education and innovation are key instruments of economic recovery and job creation, as well as of setting out a model for sustainable and inclusive growth – commonplace in speeches but necessary in practice, having been trampled on by existing policies. The rapporteur gives a timely warning of the extremely precarious situation faced by many science workers. However, the report does contain some contradictions, which reflect the majority in this House, such as the importance it gives to the market.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D), in writing. (SK) Europe’s aggregate investment in research, development and innovation has not been commensurate with its status as the richest region in the world. The total volume of European investment has admittedly risen in recent years, but that fact has not made Europe more cohesive. There are still very substantial inequalities among the Member States, and I therefore believe that the aim must be to move closer to those in a stronger position and intensify cooperation. To that end, cohesion funding must play a complementary role within the common framework while still being treated as a separate entity. The social dimension and impacts of research and innovation also need to be taken into account, and studied, given that we cannot bring effective action to bear when we are not familiar with the societies at which it is aimed.

This report is attempting to reorganise the existing schemes and programmes and provide for new schemes with a view to producing a strategy to benefit stakeholders in overall terms. An appropriate level of commitment is particularly important in view of the present economic and social crisis. In today’s Europe, there are many differences. For this reason, I believe that it is important to provide a basis on which to link together the resources available with a view to producing a framework making for coherence in the relationships established between the sources of financing and the nature and scale of the projects.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Pat the Cope Gallagher (ALDE), in writing. (GA) I voted in favour of this important report because it asks Member States to encourage research and innovation for the purposes of developing an up-to-date competitive sustainable fishing sector. It is an incentive for small and medium-sized enterprises to take part in the EU’s research programmes, too, because there is a proposal in it in relation to simplifying the system as it is and to reducing bureaucracy.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Françoise Grossetête (PPE), in writing.(FR) I support this report because, without confidence in scientific and technological progress, there will be no future for industry. In Europe, the low level of direct investment during the very early stages in the development of innovative businesses is limiting the pool of high-potential projects. Furthermore, I recently met some managers of SMEs who told me that they would need a research grant just to understand how European documents are put together! The red tape involved in answering calls for projects is discouraging them.

There will be no more innovation unless the European Union converts the quality of its research into growth. It is no longer possible to innovate by oneself; the Framework Programmes for Research and Development must offer more effective financing solutions to networks and partnerships.

We should be ‘champions of innovation’, not ‘followers of innovation’. We should look at the United States, which is launching a ‘Made in USA’ federal programme relating to energy efficiency, robotics, advanced materials, and so on. Europe must identify the ‘Ariane’ and the ‘Airbus’ of 2050 and adapt outdated regulations to reflect the current economic climate. Finally, Europe is suffering from technology transfer. Let us not create a gap between know-how and the act of actually bringing that know-how to market. Our innovations will not create new jobs if we outsource them to Asia!

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE), in writing. – It is important that Europe takes a lead role in research and innovation. In this regard, the Scottish Government is playing its part – and initiatives such as the Saltire Prize should be commended to this House.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. (LT) I welcomed this proposal because it aims to promote the reorganisation of existing schemes and programmes, coordinating them with new schemes in order to establish a strategy to benefit various stakeholders. Research and innovation should be considered a sine qua non for consolidating any growth strategy which aims to be sustainable and inclusive. This is all the more important given the present economic and social crisis.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Cătălin Sorin Ivan (S&D), in writing. – (RO) I support the Matias report because it sets out clearly the objectives which we need to have in this area, with pride of place given to researchers. European institutions must work together to achieve common objectives. This will enable them to help us offer opportunities to those who want to focus on research so that the results of this activity generates added value. We must also recognise that local authorities have an important role to play in revitalising research. I think that this report marks an important step in strengthening research and innovation and can give Europe the chance to take on the United States in this area.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Jarosław Kalinowski (PPE), in writing.(PL) Research, development and innovation require enormous financial expenditure. The European Union is perceived as a land of prosperity, a place where people live in affluence, with EU funds ensuring sustainable economic, social and scientific development. Nonetheless, as is emphasised by the rapporteur, the total funds that we allocate to scientific research and innovation are less than the amount allocated by countries in Asia or even South America. Are we not heirs to an impressive cultural legacy? Do we not count our education systems as amongst the best in the world?

Has Europe not been the home of many outstanding inventors, a pioneer in the development of solutions which benefit us all and improve the quality of our lives? In order to support the growth of our continent, we should consolidate all our efforts in the field of innovation, intensify cooperation between Member States, and standardise the procedures which regulate scientific research. In this way, we will guarantee permanent and sustainable growth in Europe.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Krzysztof Lisek (PPE), in writing.(PL) I am in favour of adopting the report of our Portuguese colleague, Marisa Matias. The report discusses a crucial issue, as scientific research and innovation represent our future and we are obliged to provide the necessary funding for this. Adopting an appropriate strategy and setting specific objectives will enable the EU to maintain its role as a major global player. We should pay particular attention to the need to establish and intensify cooperation between Member States. This will allow us to benefit from the effects of scale and achieve synergies in the field of scientific research and development. We should remember that the defence sector also has to focus on achieving these objectives, and it is my hope that this goal will be achieved within a reasonable timeframe.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Petru Constantin Luhan (PPE), in writing.(RO) Echoing the view we have expressed so far about the role played by SMEs in promoting economic development and increasing the European Union’s competitiveness, I think that the funding allocated to research and innovation must go to private companies, in particular, SMEs. They need funds, new products and services to create new jobs. This is why the cohesion policy and research and innovation policy in the forthcoming programming period must be accompanied by common objectives and activities.

I think that SMEs need access to research and innovation services, especially when the services provided to public sector customers include added value. Health care is one of the areas in need of new solutions to enable the elderly and other sections of the population to face the problems caused by any illness.

Furthermore, the infrastructures which can be created at local and regional level using cohesion policy funding will need state-of-the-art technological equipment to be able, for instance, to continue anti-cancer research, an area which you are already aware that I support.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska (PPE), in writing.(PL) In shaping the future of Europe, we have to focus on developing scientific research and investing in innovation, since these two fields contribute to increased employment, on the one hand, and to improved quality of life for its citizens, on the other. The advanced technologies and innovative solutions available to small and medium-sized enterprises increase their global competitiveness and also allow additional jobs to be created. It was for these reasons that I voted in favour of adopting the Matias report on EU research and innovation funding.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vladimir Maňka (S&D), in writing. (SK) No joint strategy will stand a chance of succeeding if we keep on ‘moving the goalposts’ at every turn. Investment in research, development and innovation cannot be considered a certainty for as long as access to the European funding available remains beset by inequalities and intrinsically skewed.

Europe’s aggregate investment in research, development and innovation has not been commensurate with its status as the richest region in the world. There are very substantial inequalities among the Member States Scientifically and technologically more advanced countries are continuing to derive greatest benefit from the Europe-wide programmes. The new Member States and outlying economies again rank near the bottom.

We must attempt to reorganise the existing schemes and programmes and provide for new schemes with a view to producing a strategy to benefit stakeholders in overall terms. Research and innovation should be considered a sine qua non for consolidating any growth strategy seeking to be sustainable and inclusive. A commitment along those lines is particularly important in view of the present economic and social crisis.

We need the coherence and comprehensiveness of the European research and innovation system, covering every sphere from universities to the market, while making for the more effective involvement of citizens and those who have traditionally remained outside the process, transparency, and defining clear rules.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  David Martin (S&D), in writing. – Coherence and comprehensiveness of the European research and innovation system, covering every sphere from universities to the market, while making for the more effective involvement of citizens and those who have traditionally remained outside the process, transparency, and defining clear rules: those are the words that could sum up the proposals contained in this report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Véronique Mathieu (PPE), in writing.(FR) I voted in favour of the resolution on the Green Paper on EU research and innovation funding. It opens the debate on the forthcoming ‘Common Strategic Framework’ (CSF), which will replace the current Framework Programme for Research and Development (FP7). The European Union must plan for the future and invest in fundamental research right up to the point at which innovative products and services are placed on the market. In order to improve the functioning of this programme, the rules must be simplified so as to facilitate participation by a greater number of Member States and under-represented regions. The report draws attention to the role played by innovation and underlines the need to establish more cooperation between universities, businesses and research institutes.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Melo (PPE), in writing. (PT) A common framework encompassing all of the funding schemes and programmes, notwithstanding the inequalities in terms of financing and the firmness of their position within the European context, offers, to my mind, an opportunity to strengthen the European Research Area and devise an approach enabling this consolidation to be effectively dovetailed into a clear-cut convergence strategy. This report proposes that the existing schemes and programmes be reorganised with a view to tackling the challenges that Europe is facing. Moreover, to deal with specific cases, I believe that a new agency should be set up – a European Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Investment Bank – and that project bonds should be used to complement the framework put forward by the Commission. The approach set out here is aimed, first and foremost, at stability and convergence. No joint strategy will stand a chance of succeeding if we keep on ‘moving the goalposts’ at every turn, and investment in research, development and innovation cannot be considered a certainty for any strategy for as long as access to the European funding available remains beset by inequalities and intrinsically skewed.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alajos Mészáros (PPE), in writing. (HU) Europe is among the wealthiest regions in the world, and yet this is not reflected in terms of investment in research, development and innovation. Although, without doubt, there has been an overall increase in investments in recent years, this did not result in greater cohesion between individual countries; there are still considerable differences. One of the goals of the European Union is that its total investments in research and development reach 3% of GDP by 2020. We must ensure that other Member States can catch up with those better off, and that we follow a path of increasingly strong cooperation. In order for this to actually happen, it is crucial for the Cohesion Funds to supplement the common framework while retaining their independence. Research and innovation are fundamental means of solidifying a sustainable and inclusive growth strategy. I believe it is very important that in the course of preparing for the post-2013 financial period, we should try to establish the next package by collecting proposals from sectoral stakeholders in innovation and research. Existing means and programmes will therefore need to be reorganised in line with new means so as to allow for the creation of a strategy that is favourable overall for individual stakeholders.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alexander Mirsky (S&D), in writing. – This report encompasses all areas related to the successor of the Seventh R&D Framework Programme: the need to keep separate EU research funds and programmes and the Structural and Cohesion Funds; demanding new approaches to assist underperforming regions and Member States to achieve excellence and smart regional specialisation; asking Member States to consider funding ERC, Marie Curie or collaborative projects proposals that have met the criteria of excellence, but which cannot be funded owing to a lack of European funds; in the light of the future gearing of cohesion policy to the Europe 2020 strategy, calling for the ‘innovation’ priority to be binding and for that priority to be reflected in the funding allocated at all levels; recommending that the Commission analyse the possibility of setting up an all-European common fund financed by the Structural Funds to promote collaborative European research. I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė (PPE), in writing. (LT) Research and development (R&D) is a very important issue for European growth and progress, and efforts to facilitate participation in R&D programmes and to ensure that money is used more efficiently are therefore essential. The Common Strategic Framework (CSF) proposed by the European Commission and set out in the Green Paper is a very important instrument for achieving the goals of the European Research Area (ERA). We should welcome the fact that the Green Paper underlines the complexity of financing R&D and innovations and compatibility with the financial instruments of the cohesion policy, but this programme must also be more focused on the important challenges facing the EU, such as climate change, energy efficiency and the development of green technologies. It is also important for the programme to underline and strengthen regional cooperation, and as for human resources, more attention should be paid to young researchers, involving them more actively, both in calls for proposals and in the project assessment process, as well as finding means of establishing separate instruments aimed at young researchers or groups of them. This would not only increase the competence of young researchers and the attractiveness of EU research programmes, but would also help rejuvenate the human potential of R&D throughout the entire EU. Having studied the Commission’s vision published in the Green Paper, I must draw attention to the fact that there is insufficient emphasis on certain issues. One such issue is that of a ‘two-speed Europe’, because it is clear that the EU-12 lag far behind the older Member States. The new framework should find means of closing the gap and ending the new Member States’ isolation from the most important EU research processes.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Justas Vincas Paleckis (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this report because it sets out a long-term strategy for research and innovation in the European Union for the years 2014-2020. Over this period, the EU plans to invest EUR 80 billion in research. On the initiative of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, money has been earmarked to remedy certain injustices. Currently, 60% of young graduates in the EU are women, but most university professors are men. Some universities have more funds so they can attract top lecturers and researchers, while others cannot even provide their lecturers with computers. I welcome the rapporteur’s proposal for the EU to set up ‘Regions of Knowledge’ and establish a better system for distributing EU money to universities. There is also a significant proposal to cancel debts for those researchers who are able to achieve particularly important results. I believe that this comprehensive document will help the EU, including Lithuania, to implement the 2020 objectives: to increase the importance of research in Europe and reduce the concentration of researchers in just a few regions.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alfredo Pallone (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted in favour of the report by Ms Matias on research and innovation funding because the need for a common strategic framework for funding research and development is one of the Europe 2020 strategy objectives. The report makes specific proposals for increasing funding levels and improving the systems for allocating funding. A practical example is the creation of specific accreditations, which, depending on the research project, would offer different levels of funding for allocation and completion in specific research centres. Public or private bodies with a valid project would be able to access such funding.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE), in writing. (EL) Despite the economic crisis which it faces, Europe is the wealthiest region on the planet. However, overall spending on research, development and innovation (less than 2% of EU GDP at present) is much lower than the level of investment in other developed countries, such as the US and Japan. Consequently, development prospects and, of course, our leading position in terms of high living standards, are not safeguarded. On the contrary, given the circumstances, we need a common and bold strategic framework for funding research and technology in the EU that will encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and growth sectors. We need to strengthen the European Research Area and reorganise existing bodies and programmes and we need bold policies, such as funding via the European Investment Bank for small and medium-sized enterprises that promote innovation. The own-initiative report contains such proposals, which is why I voted in favour of it.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. (PT) The European Commission has taken the initiative to publish a Green Paper that seeks to lay down a common strategic framework for research and innovation funding after 2013. This common strategic framework combines the European programmes – in this case, the Research Framework Programme, the European Institute of Technology, and the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – with the structural/cohesion funding allocated for research and innovation. In this report, the rapporteur – whom I would congratulate – is attempting to reorganise the existing schemes and programmes, and provide for new instruments, with a view to producing a strategy to benefit stakeholders in overall terms. Indeed, this report’s starting point is the supposition that research and innovation are important for economic growth, which is essentially to be expected, so I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Phil Prendergast (S&D), in writing. – I welcome this Green Paper on the challenges and opportunities in moving towards a common strategic framework for EU research and innovation funding. In particular, I welcome the three-layered approach which this paper adopts. The first layer, which is infrastructural in nature, establishes a credible formula for building a capacity to research and innovate. The second layer provides a broad framework for the types of research in which we should invest. The final layer attempts to create a link between research undertaken, and the potential market for that research. Furthermore, I welcome this paper’s focus on including SMEs in research and innovation programmes. As the backbone of our economy, it is important that this sector is adequately represented in all relevant research projects. The advocacy for soft loans and comprehensive financing models for research and development in the SME sector is also to be welcomed.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Paulo Rangel (PPE), in writing. (PT) The European Union’s sustainability depends, to a large extent, on its capacity for research and innovation. However, the figures show differences in the incentives awarded for undertaking these activities in the various Member States, which prevent them from developing evenly throughout the EU. Moreover, funding for supporting these activities indeed ends up being channelled into entities with higher levels of development, exacerbating the gap in relation to smaller-scale organisations, such as small and medium-sized enterprises. As such, Union action should seek to ensure a solution that enables robust incentives for research and innovation throughout the EU by seeking to distribute resources as well as possible. I therefore voted for this report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Frédérique Ries (ALDE), in writing.(FR) Only six Member States – Germany, France, Austria, Denmark, Finland and Sweden – currently invest more than 2% of their GDP in research and innovation. We are clearly a long way from fulfilling the Europe 2020 strategy objective of investing 3% of European GDP in research and development. This is also the conclusion reached in the Matias report adopted this lunchtime.

I would like to draw special attention to our desire, as clearly expressed in our resolution, to support innovation by creating a European Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) Investment Bank and financing arrangements for innovative projects – even though, in many cases, European funding is actually in place, but scientific projects are not completed. As the Head of the Aalto Centre for Entrepreneurship quite rightly said, too often, European universities adhere to the traditional, but outdated, distinction between scientific research, on the one side, and management training on the other. As he also said, we need a new model; our researchers and students must become entrepreneurs. This represents a genuine plea for a change in attitude and for a coming together of universities and businesses throughout the European Union which I support and which will enable us to get the Europe of research truly up and running.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), in writing. – Abstention. Some of the points were very good; others were a bit dubious or confusing.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Licia Ronzulli (PPE), in writing. (IT) In recent months, the European Commission published a Green Paper defining a common strategic framework for research and innovation funding for the post-2013 period.

The document integrates EU programmes with the structural and cohesion funds for research and innovation. Proposing a common framework encompassing all of the funding schemes and programmes is an opportunity to strengthen the European Research Area and devise an approach allowing this consolidation to be effectively dovetailed into a clear-cut convergence strategy.

Whatever strategy we adopt in response to our current economic and social situation, investment in research, development and innovation cannot be considered a certainty for as long as access to the European funding available remains beset by inequalities and intrinsically skewed. The text adopted today aims to stimulate an effort to reorganise existing instruments and programmes, and create new instruments, and aims to define a positive strategy for the various stakeholders involved.

Research and innovation should be considered a sine qua non for consolidating any growth strategy seeking to be sustainable and inclusive.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Oreste Rossi (EFD) , in writing. (IT) I am in favour of the report as it recognises that research, education and innovation are crucial instruments for both economic recovery and job creation.

In order to tackle the challenges of the future, Europe must be committed to reorganising existing financial schemes and programmes in order to make them more effective on a regional, national and European level. Simplification of research and innovation funding management and a reduction in procedural bureaucracy are a necessary condition for increasing the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises, which are a driving force of the European economy.

We need to have the courage to channel unused funds from some regions to other virtuous regions which have requested more funds than those available.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marie-Thérèse Sanchez-Schmid (PPE), in writing.(FR) While the priority is to find ways of containing the current crisis in Europe, we must also think of the future and the vital tools that will ensure the return of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Thus, the European Commission has proposed, in the Europe 2020 strategy, that 3% of EU GDP be invested in research and innovation. I can only support this objective, particularly in view of the fact that only six countries, including France, currently dedicate more than 2% of their GDP to these areas. Europe must provide itself with the means to meet the 3% target. I am delighted to see that the Commission has put forward ambitious proposals to that end. The news that EUR 80 billion will be dedicated to research in the next multiannual financial framework is particularly welcome.

However, it is essential that the forthcoming Common Strategic Framework for Research simplifies its procedures and speeds up the decision-making process in comparison with the current Framework Programme for Research and Development, and that it enables SMEs to participate more. It must also be more consistent with other instruments for investing in innovation, in particular, the Structural Funds, which devote more than EUR 86 billion to innovation.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), in writing.(PL) I voted in favour of the report on EU research and innovation funding. As a member of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, I would like to focus on two issues. Firstly, the need to increase the number of women in leading positions in research institutes and in research projects. The format here is always the same: the higher the position in the scientific hierarchy, the lower the number of women involved. I, therefore, support the initiative for universities to appoint at least one female professor to their decision-making bodies, especially the staff appointments committees. Moreover, I am in favour of increased support for female scientists returning to work after maternity leave, as well as those who have to combine work with family life.

I propose that a share of all grants, scholarships and research programmes be offered exclusively to women. Furthermore, I appeal to the Commission to increase the number of female entrepreneurs within the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme. I also support the Commission’s initiative aimed at promoting women’s entrepreneurship and the creation of an environment that is conducive to the development of female-led enterprises – the European Network of Female Entrepreneurship Ambassadors.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Czesław Adam Siekierski (PPE), in writing.(PL) In my view, the use of multidimensional efforts is vitally important to the development of industry and research. In a time of increasing globalisation, and faced with the current economic crisis, maintaining competitiveness is a great challenge in which scientific research and innovation play a key role.

The funding of scientific research and innovation at national level leads to duplication of procedures. The management of funding at a higher level, the Union level, would result in increased efficiency. The integration and provision of a common financing framework are essential to ensuring the effectiveness of decisions aimed at safeguarding our common future. Ensuring equal opportunities is a major factor in the consolidation of Europe, but is not the only factor. Increased investment, particularly in the case of new Member States, should be one of our fundamental objectives. These States, as mentioned in the report, require significant assistance in order to increase their level of investment to the required 3% of GDP, including investment in both short-term and long-term objectives. It is essential to engage the regions and countries which are not benefiting from the relevant European programmes, and to provide support to small and medium-sized enterprises.

We should also take note of the social aspect of scientific research and innovation. There is an emerging need for direct communication with the general public through education or the promotion of science in order to encourage and, if you like, awaken European potential. Moreover, the simplification of procedures is essential, for this will not only facilitate participation in programmes, but will also provide further financial opportunities.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Teixeira (PPE), in writing. (PT) The European Commission has published the Green Paper entitled ‘From challenges to opportunities: towards a common strategic framework for EU research and innovation funding’, with the objective of launching a public debate on defining innovation funding in the multiannual financial framework 2014-2020. I agree with this report when it argues that EU research funding should not be directly related to the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund, and that it is the responsibility of the Commission to develop a multi-fund approach that fosters the creation of synergies among all existing programmes. I am voting for this report, since I consider the doubling of the EU research and innovation programmes’ budget extremely positive, along with the guarantee of greater equality, transparency in the management of funds, increased administrative simplification, and the adoption of the ‘stairways to excellence’ idea. I believe that only the involvement of all actors in creating regional poles of excellence will enable us to achieve a culture of innovation and make the EU more competitive internationally. Finally, I should also like to raise the Commission’s awareness of the need to pay particular attention to the outermost regions, since they have to bear location-related costs that make it hard to perform well in this field.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Georgios Toussas (GUE/NGL), in writing. (EL) The Greek Communist Party voted against the report because it harmonises scientific research within the framework of the anti-grassroots EU 2020 strategy, which views scientific research as a basic pillar subjugated to capital. The report proposes greater funding for ‘centres of excellence’ and funding for the industrial sector. It urges researchers to set up in business and to seek funding, so that scientific research can be used to generate profit for capital. It calls on the EU to create supervision and financing cells for research activities at local and European level. In the capitalist crisis, the research sector is important, on the ground, as part of the strategy of euro-unifying capital to increase its profits and compete with major and emerging imperialist states.

The aim of these euro-unifying cells is to invest large amounts in research based solely on the criterion of producing ‘competitive products, technologies and services’ (such as the Galileo satellite programme), via researcher mobility programmes (Marie Curie programme), centres of ‘excellence’ of researchers and institutes, public-private partnerships and grants for undertakings, so that research by universities and research centres can adapt more organically to the strategy of capital. It is now more urgent and necessary than ever before that research should be uncoupled from the laws of personal property and monopoly profit.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Viktor Uspaskich (ALDE), in writing. (LT) Research and innovations are important for ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth in Lithuania. Unfortunately, according to data from the European Innovation Scoreboard, Lithuania is well below the EU-27 average – Lithuania’s Summary Innovation Index is 0.23%, whereas the EU-27 average is 0.52%. This is partly down to inadequate funding for research and development and the lack of an innovation-friendly environment in Lithuania. As the rapporteur observes, we urgently need better coordination of research projects and cofinancing within the Union. In my country, corporate funding of research and development is less than a quarter of the EU norm, and public funding for research and development is 15% less than the EU figure. Other data from the European Innovation Scoreboard is also worrying: in Lithuania, for example, 39% fewer people work in jobs requiring intensive knowledge than in other EU Member States. Lithuania needs a more attractive and more dynamic research environment. Lithuanian scientists who have obtained their academic degrees at foreign universities rarely return to Lithuanian institutions due to a lack of competitive funding, poor career prospects, complicated administrative procedures and closed hierarchical structures. It should not be this way. A new report by the World Bank notes that Lithuania has great potential to become a vibrant knowledge-based economy if it improves its level of governance, regulation and management.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Inese Vaidere (PPE), in writing. (LV) When considering the current situation in the EU Member States, and especially in the euro area, special attention must be paid to sustainable economic development and increasing productivity and global competitiveness. Increasing the practical contribution of innovation and research forms the platform for achieving this goal. This is precisely why the EU must secure a much larger budget for research projects and a strategically better thought-out and simplified mechanism for delivering it. We must also look after small and medium-sized enterprises, which are the leading players in the EU’s industry and business environment, by ensuring that they can play a more active and better-informed role in innovation projects.

The Matias report on the Green Paper ‘From challenges to opportunities: towards a common strategic framework for EU research and innovation funding’ quite rightly supports the Commission’s proposals to create a Common Strategic Framework for funding in research and innovation after 2013, combining the existing European programmes – namely, the Research Framework Programme, the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme and the European Institute of Technology – with the structural/cohesion funding allocated for research and innovation.

In addition to the Commission’s proposals, the report recommends the creation of a European Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Investment Bank and the issue of project bonds, stresses the need to fund large-scale projects (such as Galileo) outside the budget for other innovation projects (FP), suggests an appropriately new organisational model based on three different layers of funding corresponding to the already defined innovation goals, and calls for the EU research and innovation programmes budget to be doubled as of 2014 (with funding that is available from Structural Funds, loans of over EUR 50 million from the European Investment Bank, etc.).

I fully support the proposals set out in the report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marie-Christine Vergiat (GUE/NGL), in writing.(FR) Today, the Members of the European Parliament have shown themselves to be more demanding than the Commission by defining the priorities of the future Common Strategic Framework for Research and Innovation in view of the alarming state of the sector within the EU.

The principal objective of this report, presented by my colleague and friend, Marisa Matias, is to increase the funding dedicated to scientific research and development to 3% of EU GDP by 2020. Doing so would allow for considerable improvements in financing capacity and infrastructure in the sector. It would help to combat the precarious situation faced by researchers and to replace the competition between regions or establishments with enhanced collaborative structures.

When questioned about the pursuit of excellence as a principal criterion of research funding, as repeated ad nauseam by the Commission, Ms Matias responded that, since the nature of excellence is as varied as the nature of the projects and the establishments or businesses that carry them out, other criteria, such as technological improvements and the contribution made to society, must be placed on an equal footing, so that we end up not with the pursuit of excellence but with excellence in research.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Angelika Werthmann (NI), in writing. (DE) Introducing a common strategic framework and enhanced coordination of the existing financial instruments cuts a new path towards achieving the current target of an overall investment volume of 3% of GDP for research and innovation by 2020. In this connection, particular attention should be given to small and medium-sized enterprises. Ultimately, they make up the largest share of the economy and the highest number of employees in every single Member State. I voted in favour of this report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Anna Záborská (PPE), in writing. (SK) The Commission has initiated the publishing of a Green Paper that seeks to lay down a common strategic framework for research funding after 2013. This framework combines European programmes – namely, the Research Framework Programme (FP), the European Institute of Technology (EIT), and the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) – with the structural funding allocated for research and innovation. It is an opportunity to strengthen the European Research Area and, at the same time, to dovetail it into a clear-cut convergence strategy for the Member States. The report proposes that the existing schemes and programmes be reorganised with a view to tackling the challenges that Europe has to face. It also creates a plan for a long-term stable model for the funding of research and innovation. This should consist of a new European Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Bank, support for which will be accompanied by a new financial instrument – project bonds. I supported the report. However, I am anticipating that, in the near future, there will be a clarification on whether or not the project bonds are in the form of EU borrowing, which is expressly prohibited under the Lisbon Treaty.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Iva Zanicchi (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted for the report presented by Ms Matias, which aims to reorganise the existing schemes and programmes with a view to tackling the challenges, new and old, that Europe is having to face.

Improving the efficiency of research and innovation funding, simplifying procedures for access to funding, reducing administrative costs, and evaluating the use of innovative financial instruments: these are the main proposals for improving the current research and innovation funding system and for guaranteeing greater stability and convergence. No strategy can be a rapid and effective response to our current economic and social situation for as long as access to the European funding available remains beset by inequalities and intrinsically skewed.

 
  
  

Report: Jean-Marie Cavada (A7-0293/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luís Paulo Alves (S&D), in writing. (PT) This own-initiative report, which serves as a response to the 2010 Commission report to Parliament on the European Schools system in 2009, attempts to stress certain fundamental problems that they are currently encountering and set out a route to follow. It is important to stress the amendments proposed by the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, which demand that any student having completed a European baccalaureate have equal access to European universities under the same conditions as nationals of the education systems of each Member State, which call for adequate funding to be ensured for children with learning difficulties, and which request more attention for students who are held back a year or drop out of school.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Laima Liucija Andrikienė (PPE), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this resolution on the European Schools system. As we know, the European Schools were set up in 1953. Their purpose is to ensure that the children of the European institutions’ staff who are required to live abroad have access to education in their mother tongue. The children must be guaranteed this opportunity so that they can be reintegrated into a school in their country of origin at any time. I agree with the rapporteur’s position that these schools are a necessity and not a luxury. In the face of the financial crisis, the question of budget cuts is becoming increasingly relevant, but when discussing the European Schools, we must analyse the situation by thinking more about the future of young Europeans than costs. Savings should not weaken the fundamental principles on which the European Schools system is based, i.e. that teachers in these schools should continue to provide education in their mother tongue. I agree with the rapporteur that, if it is difficult for schools to find native speakers, the recruitment policy should be reformed, not that we should limit or abandon the European Schools.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Roberta Angelilli (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted for the report by Mr Cavada on the European Schools’ system because, ever since the first European School was founded in Luxembourg, they have represented an excellent educational and training system.

They are the only way to allow the children of European officials to study in their own language and to learn about other EU languages and culture in a multilingual, multicultural environment. However, the system needs to be reformed to make it more compatible with national education systems and, at the same time, there needs to be greater commitment from Member States to fulfil their obligations in terms of financial support and the recruitment of mother-tongue teachers. With regard to the latter, many states are partly failing to meet their obligations, which consequently adds to the financial burden on the Commission and on some Member States.

I believe it is important that these schools take on children with special educational needs and improve their capacity for educating students with disabilities to ensure their full integration.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Elena Oana Antonescu (PPE), in writing. (RO) The European Union contributes to the development of quality education by encouraging cooperation between Member States and by supporting and supplementing their action, while fully respecting Member States’ responsibility for teaching content, the organisation of the education system, and their cultural and linguistic diversity.

The statute states that the European Schools system is sui generis and provides a form of cooperation between Member States and between them and the European Union, while fully acknowledging Member States’ responsibility for teaching content, the organisation of their education system and their cultural and linguistic diversity.

The European Schools were set up to provide an education for the children of staff from European institutions who live and work abroad in a different cultural environment. They give pupils the chance to affirm their cultural identity and attain a high level of knowledge in at least two languages, including their mother tongue, which they are encouraged to learn from an extremely early age, highlighting the importance of cultural diversity and fostering mutual understanding and respect.

The way in which the European Schools are run is assessed positively. This concept is clearly a model of inspiration for national school systems and for raising the profile of European citizenship.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this important report. The aim of the European Schools is to provide mother-tongue education for students whose parents may be required to change their place of work or return to their country of origin, as well as to develop the European dimension in education. The economic crisis has had repercussions on the financing of the European Schools, and the Commission has therefore called for reforms to rationalise the costs associated with them, but this should not be allowed to affect the education of vulnerable children with learning difficulties and special needs, and should not affect teaching in the mother tongue or bring about a reduction in the teaching of languages other than French, German and English. I believe that the proposed cuts to the budgets of the European Schools constitute a serious threat to the quality of education and the Schools’ proper functioning, and I therefore oppose such cuts.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this report because we must bring together within the same educational system – geared solely towards the European baccalaureate examination – students from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, who may have very different talents and capabilities.

The task of the European Schools is to provide mother-tongue education for students whose parents may be required to change their place of work or return to their country of origin, as well as to develop the European dimension in education. Multiculturalism and multilingualism should also be fostered in the European Schools. Furthermore, they should set an example in promoting less widely spoken languages worldwide.

Attention must be drawn to the fact that the European Schools’ syllabus should be made more compatible with national education systems in order to facilitate the swift reintegration of pupils returning to their countries of origin.

The European Parliament thus urges the Member States to ensure that all their universities and higher education institutions apply the same requirements when recognising the education of students from European Schools as for students from national schools, and that these students are subject to the same system of assessment so that they are guaranteed equal opportunities when applying for higher education.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vito Bonsignore (PPE), in writing. (IT) The European School, which was first founded in Luxembourg in 1953, is a unique educational experiment offering students with different mother tongues the chance to study according to a single educational curriculum.

The European Schools, which, in 2010, had over 22 000 pupils, allow children whose parents work abroad to study a varied educational curriculum in their mother tongue, so that they can be reintegrated into a school in their country of origin at any time. It is therefore important to assess the importance of this project, which is clearly an investment in the future of young Europeans, even if the economic crisis requires inevitable cuts.

I hope, therefore, that adequate funding will be looked into so that teaching will continue to be entrusted to mother-tongue teachers, despite the costs. Furthermore, I invite Member States to work not only for the conservation of this system, but also for the expansion of this unique and exceptional model of education in Europe, which opens up stimulating prospects for providing a framework for a European educational system. These are the reasons I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Zuzana Brzobohatá (S&D), in writing. (CS) The report attempts to outline the current problems of the European Schools, which were established to provide an education to the children of EU officials. This specific system of education enables pupils to study all subjects in a multicultural, multilingual environment, with qualified teachers, while retaining their mother tongues. European Schools are an excellent educational showcase, based on a tried and tested teaching approach, and are an example of one of the best possible forms of schooling in Europe, based on the dissemination of European culture, values and languages. One of the current problems is the need to make the European Schools’ syllabus more compatible with national education systems in order to facilitate the swift reintegration of pupils returning to their countries of origin. The report also tries to make an appeal regarding the difficult situation of the European Schools, which are currently in a legal limbo, manifesting itself in the unclear legal and jurisdictional status of acts adopted by the Schools’ bodies, insufficient possibilities to challenge those acts before national courts, and no possibility of recourse to the European Ombudsman. For the reasons mentioned above, I have supported the report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  John Bufton (EFD), in writing. – I voted against the European Schools, which were created using taxpayers’ money for children of EU officials. I cannot understand why these children are being educated in a system that, on one hand, is luxuriant and, on another, equips them with a baccalaureate that is not widely recognised elsewhere, rather than following the education systems in their own countries. I do not think it is correct to bring the next generation up with a wholly one-sided view of the European Union, when nobody under the age of 54 has had the opportunity to vote for or against UK membership. When I read about a request to national states to promote the inclusion of a specific subject on the background, goals and functioning of the European Union and its institutions, to encourage young people to feel more involved in the process of European integration, I was extremely disturbed. I also strongly oppose the fact that these schools will be protected from austerity measures when school children in Wales are watching schools close and merge and are being educated in dilapidated buildings with overcrowding in classrooms while the children of privileged Eurocrats are given better resources and opportunities.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alain Cadec (PPE), in writing.(FR) I voted in favour of the Cavada report on the European Schools. The report insists on the dissemination of European culture, values, integration and languages. The recognition of the European baccalaureate by every Member State is a real development; it is accompanied by the introduction of a school-leaving certificate other than the baccalaureate for students wishing to specialise in vocational courses.

Better monitoring of students with special educational needs will also be guaranteed thanks, in particular, to the improved integration of such students in classes. Finally, the report proposes that the European Schools’ financing model be reviewed in order to ease the burden on certain Member States during this crisis period. In particular, it proposes that the working languages be used for non-fundamental subjects. I support this proposal.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria Da Graça Carvalho (PPE), in writing. (PT) The European Schools play a precious role in their communities, since they function as promoters of multiculturalism and multilingualism, and as models for the protection and promotion of the languages used less at international level. The economic crisis has had an impact on the funding of the European Schools, so their costs need to be rationalised. However, that must not affect the children’s education. The budgetary restrictions that the schools will have to accept must be accompanied by a real increase in their management autonomy. Giving each European School a greater level of budgetary autonomy, following an assessment ensuring that it will be of benefit to them, could constitute an effective means of improving the management of the resources assigned to them.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Lara Comi (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted for this report because I believe strongly that education plays a role of primary importance in the growth of each individual. I fully agree with the wish to push for an integrated education system using the European Schools as a vehicle for an education aiming to promote greater mobility of students between Member States, as well as greater multilingualism and multiculturalism. I would also like to focus on the need to ensure that all students receive equivalent levels of education, in order to quash the idea that the European Schools constitute an elitist system that is not accessible to all. To this end, it is important for Member States to come to an agreement about the organisation of the educational system and the teaching content in order to safeguard the cultural and linguistic identity of the various students.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Anne Delvaux (PPE), in writing.(FR) I voted in favour of the report by my colleague, Jean-Marie Cavada, as it aims to improve the European Schools concept and establishes very specific policy priorities in order to do so. The European Schools system must adapt to new economic and social demands, whilst remaining an inspirational model for national school systems, promoting European citizenship and encouraging the development of mobility and foreign language learning.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Edite Estrela (S&D), in writing. (PT) I voted for this report because it argues that budget cuts must take into account the particular situation of the children and young Europeans attending the European Schools. Savings cannot compromise the fundamental principles on which the system is based; specifically, teaching in the student’s mother tongue, and the education of children who are vulnerable, or have learning difficulties or special needs. The European Schools are not elitist schools, but rather a necessity. Their mission is to provide students whose parents could be forced to move or return to their country of origin with an education in their mother tongue.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Diogo Feio (PPE), in writing. (PT) There are currently 14 European Schools, with 22 778 students, 14 292 of whom attend the schools in Brussels and Luxembourg, which corresponds to some 63% of the total number of students. As the father of children who attend the European Schools, I am well aware of their importance, but I also know about their problems. I will admit that it is tempting in the current economic climate to cut the budget for the European Schools, but, as I have always argued, any cut concerning the education of our children is a cut to our future capacity for competitiveness. It is therefore a cut that is wrong. I would argue that the European Schools should maintain their multicultural stamp without losing sight of the real reason for their creation: to allow the children of officials working abroad access to education in their mother tongue, in conditions as close as possible to those they would have in their country of origin.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), in writing. (PT) We are always hearing that ‘children are the best thing in the world’. However, it is we who are responsible for preparing their future. It is therefore crucial that we be aware that investing in education is investing in the future of our children and in an increasingly globalised world. This report is on the system of European Schools, which have been operating for more than 50 years. The first European School was founded in Luxembourg in October 1953. They are now attended by around 23 000 students, with 63% – around 14 500 students – attending the schools in Brussels and Luxembourg. The initial purpose of creating these schools was to guarantee the children of officials of the European institutions access to an education in their mother tongue when living abroad. The system is unique, based on cooperation between the Member States and the European Union, and values and promotes multiculturalism. Given that these schools are in great demand, partly because of the expansion of the EU, it is crucial that they continue to meet the objectives for which they were founded. I therefore voted for Mr Cavada’s report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  João Ferreira (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) The European Schools resulted from the intention of developing a network of schools at the service of the children of officials of the European institutions, who may be forced to move or to return to their country of origin, and providing them with an education in their mother tongue. The report includes positive aspects, which we value. Examples include the defence of the schools’ fundamental principles, such as teaching in the mother tongue; the guarantee of equivalent teaching conditions for children from all language communities; and the clear and unequivocal statement that ‘the proposed cuts in the budgets of the European Schools constitute a serious threat to the quality of education and the proper functioning of the European Schools’ and therefore opposes ‘any budgetary cuts’. This position is all the more important since, as we have already had occasion to report, the Portuguese Section of the European School of Brussels II (Woluwe) is preparing measures that jeopardise the quality of teaching, under the pretext of budgetary restrictions, which is unacceptable.

However, the report also includes a number of contradictions, such as advocating the use of so-called ‘working’ languages, and unsubstantiated positions that we do not support, like the statement that ‘the current intergovernmental legal status of the European Schools has reached its limits and requires profound change’.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) The European Schools resulted from the intention of developing a network of schools at the service of the children of officials of the European institutions, who may be forced to move or to return to their country of origin, and providing them with an education in their mother tongue. The report includes positive aspects, which we value. Examples include the defence of the schools’ fundamental principles, such as teaching in the mother tongue; the guarantee of equivalent teaching conditions for children from all language communities; and the clear and unequivocal statement that ‘the proposed cuts in the budgets of the European Schools constitute a serious threat to the quality of education and the proper functioning of the European Schools’, coupled with opposition to ‘any budgetary cuts’.

This position is all the more important since, under the pretext of budgetary restrictions, measures are being prepared that jeopardise the quality of teaching, which is unacceptable. However, the report also includes a number of contradictions, such as advocating the use of so-called ‘working’ languages, and unsubstantiated positions that we do not support, like the statement that ‘the current intergovernmental legal status of the European Schools has reached its limits’.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D), in writing. (SK) The first European school was founded in Luxembourg in October 1953 and this educational experiment, which brought together children with different mother tongues, was speedily judged to be successful. The educational organisation of the European Schools requires basic teaching in the pupil’s mother tongue. Each school has several language sections, in which the breakdown and content of courses are the same and, in order to encourage genuine multicultural education, stress is placed on the use of foreign languages. The European Schools were set up to ensure that the children of the European institutions’ staff who are required to live and work abroad in a different cultural environment have access to education in their mother tongue so these children can be reintegrated into a school in their country of origin at any time. Over 50 years after the creation of the first European School, it is clear that the concept must change and adapt to new economic and social requirements. It must nevertheless remain a model of inspiration for national school systems, in developing European citizenship and encouraging mobility.

The evaluation of the running of the European Schools is positive and this system opens up stimulating prospects for providing a framework for a European educational system. I firmly believe that it is desirable that Member States work not only for the conservation of this system but also for the expansion of this unique and exceptional model of education in Europe.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Brice Hortefeux (PPE), in writing.(FR) The European Schools have developed over the last 50-odd years in order to ensure that children whose parents, mainly European civil servants, are unable to work in their country of origin are taught fundamental subjects in their mother tongue. This is not a luxury, but a requirement.

Today, these Schools provide quality education and disseminate European culture and values, the merits of which are plain to see.

The report, which was adopted almost unanimously, calls for the promotion of this model in national education systems, whilst guaranteeing respect for the competences of Member States.

These Schools contribute to the development of a European identity that is based on the strong educational principles of multilingualism and mobility. I support the idea of these successful models, which can certainly still be improved upon, being able to inspire national education systems.

That is why I welcome the adoption of this report, which will allow us to further reflect on the performance and relevance of existing education systems.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. (LT) The European Schools are often wrongly considered to be elitist schools, a luxury rather than a necessity, when their mission is, in fact, to provide mother-tongue education for students whose parents may be required to change their place of work or return to their country of origin. I welcomed this document because the European Schools constitute an excellent educational showcase based on a tried and tested teaching approach, which should become an example of one of the best possible forms of schooling in Europe, based on the dissemination of European culture, values and languages, and because incorporating certain elements of this model, such as the emphasis on foreign language knowledge, into the national and regional education systems would assist professional mobility and help to foster multilingualism and European integration. The European Schools’ syllabus must be made more compatible with national education systems in order to facilitate the swift reintegration of pupils returning to their countries of origin. I believe that we must provide access to European studies and the European baccalaureate throughout the Member States. The Member States must cooperate when developing their national syllabuses by preparing common syllabuses for all European Union schools so as to bring the national systems and the European Schools system closer together. The European Schools must be financed on a sound and adequate basis so that the quality of the education provided, as well as equal and equivalent teaching conditions for children of all language communities in the European Schools, can be guaranteed.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Jarosław Kalinowski (PPE), in writing. – (PL) Above all else, the European Schools represent a project that makes it possible to educate children whose parents have left their native land through their mother tongue. These schools are also charged with promoting multiculturalism where the teaching is conducted in several languages concurrently, as well as with disseminating a mobile and dynamic system of education that will facilitate the readjustment of children to the educational system of their own country when the family decides to return from emigration.

Such establishments should be properly cofinanced by the Member States who must also provide teachers for their respective language sections. The systems of financing should be sufficiently flexible so as to ensure that, notwithstanding the emerging financial difficulties, the cuts caused by the financial crisis will not be allowed to impede the development of young Europeans.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Giovanni La Via (PPE), in writing. (IT) The European Schools are a resource for the international education system and an investment for the future of the whole European Community. It is with an eye to the future and an absolute conviction of the need to take action on this issue as soon as possible that I voted for the report by Mr Cavada. The current crisis often forces us to make difficult choices in important areas when re-launching economic growth. Education and the European Schools system are among the areas that it is our duty to defend and safeguard even during difficult times. This is why, because of the principles of preserving one’s identity while opening up to European cultures, which symbolise the unity in diversity that represents us, I believe that this report will make the education of young Europeans less complicated.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Morten Løkkegaard (ALDE), in writing. (DA) The purpose of and basic idea behind European Schools – that pupils could receive instruction in their mother tongue – are positive and merit our support. It has not always proven to be that easy, and certain groups of pupils will continue to lose out when it comes to receiving instruction in their mother tongue. I would like to call for attempts to be made in future to accommodate all groups, so that students without a language section (SWALS) can also be taught in their mother tongue. At the same time, the multicultural element is also important within the European Schools, and we ought also to focus on the importance of pupils who speak several languages. Pupils with strong language skills will be in a strong position in a global jobs market. There is currently a European School in the planning stage in my own country, and I hope that the plans will come to fruition. There is a need to offer attractive conditions for foreign workers, and that does not just apply to Denmark. Overall, the provision of international schools throughout the Member States is key. I have voted in favour of this report on European Schools, as I believe it to be sound and well-balanced, and I look forward to continuing to follow the important work being carried out with regard to these European Schools.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska (PPE), in writing. – (PL) The premises on which the European Union is based should include contributing towards the development of high-quality education and, first and foremost, the promotion of cooperation between the Member States. I believe it is important to encourage Member States and regional authorities vested with legislative powers in the educational sphere to promote the concept of the European Schools on their territory by organising awareness-raising campaigns on the subject of European education. We should make additional investments in young people our priority, which is why I voted in favour of the Cavada report on the European Schools system.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  David Martin (S&D), in writing. – I voted for this report. The European Schools were set up to ensure that the children of the European institutions’ staff – who are required to live and work abroad, in a different cultural environment – have access to education in their mother tongue, so that these children can be reintegrated into a school in their country of origin at any time. These schools are therefore a necessity and not a luxury. It should be borne in mind that education is free in all the Member States. The institutions’ staff have no other option than to enrol their children in these schools if they want them to be taught in their mother tongue.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Véronique Mathieu (PPE), in writing. (FR) I voted in favour of the report on the European Schools system. At a time when a petition concerning the European Schools has been presented by several European citizens, and was even the subject of an urgent procedure for the first time before the Committee on Petitions, it is essential that the whole of Parliament take up this topic in order to respond to their concerns. The European Schools make it possible to build Europe on a daily basis, by educating European citizens who are familiar with multiculturalism having mastered several languages. The report calls for greater budgetary autonomy for the European Schools and for a change to their legal status. It promotes developing the European Schools, providing them with greater infrastructure and making them better understood and less elitist. It also stresses the importance of the European baccalaureate being recognised in every Member State. It rightly criticises the reduction in the budget for the European Schools and the disengagement of the European Union. Finally, it draws attention to pupils with special needs and to the need to offer qualifications other than the baccalaureate to enable reorientation.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Melo (PPE), in writing. (PT) The European Schools are essential to the proper integration of the children of those needing to move abroad to work in the European institutions. These schools were created to guarantee the children of employees of the European institutions called on to work abroad in a different cultural environment access to education in their mother tongue, in such a way that these children could, at any time, integrate into an educational establishment in their country of origin. It should not be forgotten that education is free in all the Member States and that employees of the institutions only have the opportunity to enrol their children in these specific establishments if they intend to guarantee them teaching in their mother tongue. Clearly, the system needs to evolve and adapt to the new economic and social requirements, as 50 years have passed since the first European School was founded. However, it should continue to be an inspirational model for national educational systems, as it values European citizenship and encourages the development of mobility.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Louis Michel (ALDE), in writing. (FR) There is no alternative to education if we want to offer the children of the world a better life and a more promising future. It is a moral and ethical imperative. Education is the basis of prosperity. There will be no economic, social or human progress without access to universal learning. The European Schools were created out of a concern to offer children who are not resident in their country of origin an education in their mother tongue. More than 50 years after the creation of the first European School, the added value of this project is well proven. Children leaving these institutions are not only multilingual; they are also open to other cultures and equipped to pursue studies in line with their aspirations in an increasingly interdependent and globalised world. Countries which do not provide teachers, who are essential for the proper functioning of these schools, should be aware that they are penalising the children of their citizens. Let us not forget that we live in the age of knowledge. The articulation between education, vocational training, the quality of education, research, innovation and the business world will be crucial in the coming years.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alexander Mirsky (S&D), in writing. – The report suggests that the European School model be exported to the national school systems, developing schools that can welcome children whose parents are not agents of the institutions, creating new schools at the initiative of Member States and encouraging multilingual and multicultural schooling at national level. In terms of budgeting, the report calls for budgets to be preserved, if not increased, so that the fundamental principles forming the basis of the European School concept – such as mother-tongue teaching by native speakers – are not compromised. It also points out that some Member States are not meeting their obligations regarding the secondment of teachers and proposes that those Member States who do not contribute financially by seconding teachers might pay an equivalent financial contribution to the Schools’ budget. Adopted S&D amendments sought to ensure that students who have successfully completed the European Baccalaureate have equal access to European universities under the same conditions as students coming from national education systems. I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė (PPE), in writing. (LT) First of all, I am pleased that over many years, we have established a truly unique educational model which enables children living abroad in a multicultural environment to not only acquire a quality education, but also learn their native language. I am therefore certain that, when assessing the importance of these schools, the European Union must pay due attention to the funding of these schools from the Union’s budget. At the same time, in addition to clearer regulation of the sources of funding for these schools, we must pay suitable attention to managing these schools more efficiently. I am therefore sure that the resolution drawn up may be a significant stimulus for further developing this education system that is important for Europe.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Justas Vincas Paleckis (S&D), in writing. – European Schools were created so that the children of the European Institutions’ staff who are required to live and work in a different cultural environment can receive education in their mother tongue. The existence of these schools is not a luxury but a right belonging to the children of these officials due to the standards upheld by the European Union. The schools build into the students the concept of what it means to be a European citizen and promotes both the EU and its institutions. These schools have existed for over 50 years, and thus this educational system requires some updating. I voted for this report because it calls for the system to be opened up to other students in the European Union. It is also deemed necessary that these European Schools would become examples to schools throughout Europe, representing the distribution of culture, values and languages. The reform of the schools also calls for an EU-wide recognition of the baccalaureate awarded by these schools so that students may achieve high education in any Member State they choose.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alfredo Pallone (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted in favour of Mr Cavada’s report, which not only outlines the current situation of European education, but also has the more far-reaching and decidedly noble objective of creating a European education system. The current reforms to the European Schools’ system involve simplifying access to education between countries. Increasing access to education between different countries promotes mobility, interculturalism, a European identity and solidarity. In summary, the current assessment of the European Schools’ system within Member States is positive and is capable of laying the foundations for a European School that would define a European identity for citizens of the future.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. (PT) The first European School was founded in Luxembourg in October 1953 at the instigation of a group of officials. This educational experiment, which brought together children with different mother tongues, was soon considered a success and, over the years, 14 European Schools were founded in various towns; these correspond to the present Type I Schools. At a time of crisis and generalised cuts, it is crucial to create exceptions for areas like education, in which the principle should be to invest more and reap the rewards in the next economic cycle. Indeed, the fundamental principles on which the European Schools system is based must be maintained, with education continuing to be provided by teachers in their mother tongue and the necessary mechanisms being explored in order for the quality of the education provided by these institutions not to be neglected. I therefore voted for this report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Paulo Rangel (PPE), in writing. (PT) I voted for this report because I agree that, while they are rather limited in reach, the European Schools – which are essentially aimed, as is well known, at the children of officials and employees of the EU institutions – represent a commitment to the area of education by the European project. As a result of the particular circumstances that led to their foundation, these are educational models founded on a compromise between respect for the mother tongues of students who could have to return to their country of origin at any time, on the one hand, and an education for multilingualism, on the other. The need for the active cooperation of the Member States should be stressed, however, as without them, these schools would find it extremely difficult to operate.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), in writing. – In favour. The EP: (...) 3. Believes that this specific system of education enables pupils to study all subjects in a multicultural, multilingual environment, with qualified teachers, while retaining their mother tongues; 4. Takes the view that the European Schools, which constitute an excellent educational showcase based on a tried and tested teaching approach, should become an example of one of the best possible forms of schooling in Europe, based on the dissemination of European culture, values and languages, and whereas incorporating certain elements of this model, such as the emphasis on foreign language knowledge, into the national and regional education systems would assist professional mobility and help to foster multilingualism and European integration; 5. Believes that European Schools play a valuable role in their communities.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Licia Ronzulli (PPE), in writing. (IT) The European Schools were set up to ensure that the children of the European institutions’ staff who are required to live and work abroad in a different cultural environment have access to education in their mother tongue so these children can be reintegrated into a school in their country of origin at any time. These Schools are therefore a necessity and not a luxury

Over 50 years after the creation of the first European School, it is clear that the concept must change and adapt to new economic and social requirements. It must nevertheless remain a model of inspiration for national school systems, in developing European citizenship and encouraging mobility.

Although the financial crisis requires some budget cuts, it is essential to consider the situation more from the angle of investment in the future of young Europeans rather than from the point of view of costs.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Viktor Uspaskich (ALDE), in writing. (LT) How best to reform school systems so that they can adapt to the new economic and social demands – this question is particularly important for Lithuania. I am glad that the rapporteur examines this problem, but the report does not draw attention to certain important matters such as reducing school drop-out rates. In Lithuania, the school drop-out rate is now 8.1%, whereas in 2008 it was 7.4%. Even more worrying is the huge gap between urban and rural areas (3.7% and 15.7% respectively) and boys and girls (9.9% and 6.2%). The main reasons for such regional differences are the inadequate school network, undeveloped infrastructure for supporting education and insufficient qualified and competent teachers. In order to address these issues, it is absolutely essential for Lithuania to take a few specific actions. Firstly, the infrastructure supporting training and education must be adapted to socially vulnerable groups. Secondly, we must reduce regional differences in the quality of pre-school and primary education. Thirdly, we must encourage young people to continue to study in professional educational establishments and to acquire a professional qualification according to the needs of the labour market.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Angelika Werthmann (NI), in writing. (DE) The first European School was founded in Luxembourg in 1953. It is a special characteristic of a European School that, after the initial primary education, which takes place in the pupil’s mother tongue, teaching in either English, French or German is compulsory from the first year of primary school onwards. As the rapporteur calls, in this report, for there to be a stronger focus on Type II and III institutions in future, and as that would mean that this exceptional model of education would be made available to considerably more children, I voted in favour of this report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Artur Zasada (PPE), in writing. (PL) I have voted, with satisfaction, for the adoption of this document. The system of European Schools has been in existence in Europe for over 50 years and it presents an inspiring model. More and more educational establishments are striving to meet the demands of today by giving their children and young people a full and well-rounded education aimed at enhancing their talents and skills. This must constitute the main objective of contemporary education. Implementation of this objective requires specific legal solutions and a clear system of financing. In Poland, classes offering a European profile in education whereby students are taught within a system similar to that in university are becoming increasingly popular. Quite a few higher educational establishments already offer courses where tuition is conducted in a foreign language. Some of these establishments are even running certain courses (specialising in advanced philological studies) which can only be followed by students with a sufficient command of a foreign language. We are, therefore, at the beginning of a road that signifies important changes in the European system of education from which future pupils and students stand to benefit.

 
  
  

Report: Michael Theurer (A7-0287/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luís Paulo Alves (S&D), in writing. (PT) In line with what the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament is advocating, I believe the exchange of good practices to be absolutely essential. It is also important to note that too much time is spent on managing and controlling the complexity of compliance rules and the number of errors. There is a need for a suitable balance between simplification and stability of rules and procedures, and the emphasis should be put on payments for delivery of results rather than checking inputs. Furthermore, a stronger focus should be given to fraud rather than formal irregularities and on a more differentiated treatment of irregularities, allowing for flexibility depending on the seriousness of the irregularity identified.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Laima Liucija Andrikienė (PPE), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this important resolution on absorption of the EU Structural and Cohesion Funds. What have we learnt by implementing the EU cohesion policy and using money from the EU Structural Funds for that purpose? Firstly, it should be noted that many Member States have faced difficulties in absorbing the Structural and Cohesion Funds from the EU budget, especially during the early post-accession years. Furthermore, many problems have been caused by the global economic downturn and different regulatory, legislative and organisational requirements in various Member States. It is also true that the rules relating to the Structural and Cohesion Funds are complex and, therefore, it is difficult to avoid errors. I agree with the rapporteur that rules and procedures should be simplified in order to improve the absorption of money from EU funds and increase efficiency. The timely adoption of the multiannual financial framework and of clear rules and guidance on the absorption of EU money is of paramount importance. In turn, the Member States must make every effort to ensure that they help their citizens to properly implement EU-supported projects and do not create additional bureaucratic obstacles and restrictions. Only by working in this way can we expect to improve outcomes, increase the effectiveness of the EU funds, and help citizens understand and accept the EU’s cohesion policy.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Roberta Angelilli (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted in favour of the report by Mr Theurer on absorption of structural and cohesion funds.

The capacity of a Member State to spend the financial resources allocated to it in an effective and efficient manner is necessary for making a maximum contribution to economic and social cohesion with the resources available from the EU funds.

I think that coordination between the various Structural and Cohesion Funds should be strengthened, improving the exchange of best practices between Member States in the management and implementation of projects, and optimising the allocation of funds. Furthermore, a simplification of the rules and procedures is essential to ensuring small and medium-sized enterprises’ access to structural funds.

Therefore, the Small Business Act principles should be applied at all levels of decision making to define investment priorities and the design of management, audit and control procedures in order to ensure better absorption of the funds.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this report. Many Member States have faced difficulties in absorbing the Structural and Cohesion Funds from the EU budget, especially during the early post-accession years. This report therefore focuses on the problems, their cause and the best practices gained during the 2007-2013 programming period, with a view to learning from this in the future when implementing EU cohesion policy. I agree with the proposals set out in the European Parliament’s resolution, particularly as regards strengthening the proportionality between the volume of support and control requirements, adopting clear and definitive rules and guidance for the Member States, and establishing a cooperation programme among the Member States with the aim of exchanging best practices.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Jean-Luc Bennahmias (ALDE), in writing. (FR) During these times of crisis in the European Union, it has to be said that the cohesion policy is one of the greatest achievements of European integration. It is the very embodiment of solidarity between Member States and the European regions. However, the absorption capacity of Structural Funds by the States and competent authorities poses a problem: there are many disparities within the Union, but, on the whole, funding is inadequate and misused. Each year, some of the money remains unallocated.

The report that we have adopted lists the various causes for this, underlines the need for simplifying access to funds, and highlights the need for greater coordination between the various levels of governance. Structural Funds provide vital tools during this current period which help us to deal with the consequences of the crisis (with the European Social Fund (ESF) in particular funding training and/or retraining, for example) and move forward with the development of infrastructure projects through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). What we really need to do, however, is maximise their potential.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this report because the European Union’s cohesion policy is the most important means of promoting the harmonious development of the EU but, despite the progress achieved in reducing inequalities in development between regions, there remain major differences in terms of their level of economic, social and regional development.

Currently, the rules relating to Structural and Cohesion Funds are, by their very nature, complex and therefore difficult to transpose properly into national law and to comply with, and are liable to lead to errors, so that Member States spend a disproportionate amount of time trying to manage and control those errors. Consequently, there is an urgent need to simplify the rules and procedures on the implementation of financial instruments at both EU and national level and to make them more flexible in order to facilitate access to EU funds for project organisers and to promote sound management of those funds by the administrative services, without creating major difficulties for the beneficiaries.

Furthermore, simplification will contribute to the speedy allocation of funds, higher absorption rates, increased efficiency and transparency, fewer implementation errors and reduced payment periods.

The European Parliament regrets that, owing to lengthy administrative procedures and complicated rules, especially in some Member States, implementation of the European Social Fund (ESF) is slower than foreseen and that this discourages many potential beneficiaries from applying for funding. The ESF objectives should therefore be brought into line with the real requirements of the labour market so that there is investment in vocational retraining and in the protection of workers.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Jan Březina (PPE), in writing. (CS) In connection with the future form of the Cohesion Policy, attention should be focused, among other things, on public-private partnerships (PPP) at regional and local level which, due to their flexibility, might resolve difficulties over cofinancing. The Commission must verify the existence and examine the efficiency of the legislative bases for the implementation of PPP projects and, where appropriate, recommend to those Member States which have not adopted such legislative measures that they prepare and adopt as soon as possible, with a view to permitting the mobilisation of resources from the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund for PPP projects in the next programming period, procedures for efficient implementation of these projects at regional and local level. I am concerned that most small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) cannot themselves access resources from the Structural Funds due to the current bureaucratic and financial constraints, and that they therefore need support and advice from their representative organisations. A simplification of the rules and procedures is essential to ensuring the access of SMEs to Structural Funds. The initiative in support of SMEs, the Small Business Act, and its ‘think small first’ and ‘only once’ principles, together with the proportionality principle, should be applied at all levels of decision making to define investment priorities and the design of management, audit and control procedures in order to ensure better absorption of the funds.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alain Cadec (PPE), in writing. (FR) Mr Theurer’s report calls for improving the use and management of Structural Funds to meet the requirements of budgetary discipline. This commitment is particularly important as we are currently going through a crisis period which demands rigorous measures to put an end to mismanagement and the risks of fraud. Despite accelerated absorption of funds for the period 2007-2013, absorption rates remain low in certain EU Member States.

We must simplify procedures, without radically overhauling the existing system, in order to remove the red tape and facilitate access to European funding for small businesses.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria Da Graça Carvalho (PPE), in writing. (PT) European regional policy is a key instrument in promoting economic and social cohesion, so enabling the Union to reduce regional disparities. As such, EU cohesion policy is crucial to promoting real convergence and fostering development, quality jobs and social progress, whilst also serving to benefit the less developed regions. However, there needs to be greater synergy and complementarity between all the shared management funds. Flexibility between the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund should be encouraged, so as to facilitate the financing of integrated projects, while taking into account the specific nature and objectives of each of these funds. Greater harmonisation of rules and procedures is also essential, as is a simplified delivery system, which would encourage participation by potential beneficiaries.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), in writing. (EL) Within the framework of regional development, the utilisation and proper deployment of funds is crucial in eliminating economic, social and regional inequalities, especially in less developed and disadvantaged regions. The inability to absorb funds is exacerbated at present in light of the economic crisis and austerity policies chosen to address it. The report makes a number of correct assumptions about the importance of absorption of structural and cohesion funds by the EU regions and identifies several of the problems with the procedure. I abstained, because the report suggests the method of ‘public-private partnerships’ as the solution in terms of increasing absorption and proposes that national legislation should be amended in order to improve and simplify its adoption, with a view to further facilitating such partnerships. Experience to date has shown that PPPs, at both regional and local level, serve private profit; they do not maximise social benefits. The cost of implementing them is demonstrably higher, they are less efficient economically and their standard is low. Finally, the benefits are not channelled directly to local economies and communities; on the contrary, they create additional nuisance and charges.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă (S&D), in writing. (RO) The proper use of the European Social Fund (ESF) can support the efforts of local, regional and national authorities in implementing the Europe 2020 strategy more effectively in the area of employment and social inclusion. This action will help develop human capital in an appropriate manner. However, the closest possible correlation must also be established with the specific features and needs of the Member States and regions. I think it is useful to identify a limited number of priorities to ensure the successful implementation of the projects financed by the EU, as well as to give the programme the appropriate media coverage with the aim of increasing the number of beneficiaries, and to create new jobs.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luigi Ciriaco De Mita (PPE), in writing. (IT) Economic, social and territorial cohesion policy is one of the fundamental pillars on which our coexistence within the EU is based, as it promotes growth in areas struggling to develop in order to enable them to converge and compete fairly against more developed areas. The experience acquired also during the current programming period shows that delays in development are effectively recouped on the one hand by simplifying rules and procedures, while maintaining a rigorous pursuit of objectives, and, on the other, by strengthening the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of management and control systems. All this has to take place within the context of the broad and effective involvement of all the institutional, economic and social partnerships at the various local levels in order to identify the strategies and specific and operational objectives to be pursued. In addition to this, there needs to be effective programming and unified implementation by the different EU (structural, agricultural and neighbourhood policy funds) and national funds, recognising in project funding the capacity for integration of the various areas and production and the different private and public entities, including in a cross-border, inter- and intra-regional context. I believe that the report that I helped to approve contains these suggestions.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marielle De Sarnez (ALDE), in writing. (FR) Many Member States fail to take full advantage of the financial resources available through Structural and Cohesion Funds. These funds represent around 37% of the EU budget and enable the regions to invest in major infrastructure projects which can create jobs and economic growth. We should therefore help and encourage these States to make better use of these funds. If we want these funds to be an effective tool for regional development, we need to simplify procedures, enable local and regional authorities to independently manage the use of subsidies and relax the barriers to cofinancing projects. The action plan soon to be presented by the Commission should be based on the sharing of best practices and ultimately enable optimum use of these funds.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Lena Ek, Marit Paulsen, Olle Schmidt and Cecilia Wikström (ALDE), in writing. (SV) Europe is in the midst of a severe economic crisis in which every little bit counts. It is therefore particularly regrettable that the Member States – particularly the former Eastern and Central European countries – for administrative and economic reasons, are not able to fully utilise the resources made available by European cohesion policy at this time. This report lists a number of important measures, such as the need to simplify the rules and to increase the use of innovative financial instruments, in order to improve the situation. Regrettably, the report also contains an unfortunate and inappropriate claim that the funding for the European Social Fund ‘needs to be considerably stepped up’, something that we cannot support, but unfortunately, did not have the opportunity to vote on separately. We have therefore chosen nevertheless to vote in favour of the report as a whole.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ioan Enciu (S&D), in writing. (RO) I voted for this report as I regard the absorption of the Structural and Cohesion Funds as one of the main priorities for implementing the EU’s cohesion policy. Absorption capacity is vital so that the maximum possible contribution can be made to the EU’s economic and social cohesion using the resources available from the funds. Achieving the aim of absorbing this absolutely necessary financial support requires both continuous efforts from Member States and the involvement of local and regional levels of administration at every stage of the process.

I support the rapporteur’s position on the need to simplify regulations and procedures in order to achieve higher absorption rates, cut down on the errors and boost efficiency. I agree that a balance should be struck between simplifying the regulations and procedures and ensuring their stability.

Last but not least, one aspect of paramount importance which is highlighted in this report is the large disparities that exist in terms of Member States’ absorption capacities. This is why greater attention must be focused on setting up cooperation programmes between Member States, aimed at exchanging good practices.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Edite Estrela (S&D), in writing. (PT) I voted for the report on the future cohesion policy of the EU because I consider it necessary to find a balance between the simplification and stability of rules and procedures, and the identification and dissemination of good practices, with a view to optimising the funds available.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), in writing. (PT) This report, drafted by Mr Theurer, is on the European Union’s future cohesion policy, taking into account the experience of absorbing structural and cohesion funds in the contexts of previous EU aid frameworks. The principle underlying the uses to which structural funding is put is improving the lives of the public. However, the Member States have encountered many problems putting it to use. From delays with the transfer of funds – obliging institutions to turn to banks, whose interest is not covered, to cover their commitments to companies – to excessive bureaucracy, with complex, incoherent procedures, rule changes, etc., and insufficient funds to cover the national contribution, the process is made more difficult. The EU should support those countries that do not manage to absorb the sums set aside for them owing to a lack of knowledge by sending a team of experts. I therefore welcome the adoption of this report and hope it will contribute to these funds being put to better use by simplifying the rules, since they are fundamental in helping disadvantaged countries to develop and contribute to alleviating the regional asymmetries within the EU.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  João Ferreira (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) This is about measuring what a Member State and its regions are capable of spending in the way of structural and cohesion funding, so putting EU funding to better use as regards economic and social cohesion. Despite improvements in the reduction of regional inequalities, the report acknowledges that there are some cases where ‘there remain major differences in terms of their level of economic, social and regional development’. We have been condemning the contradictions and limitations relating to the absorption of these funds for a long time. The Member States are well aware of them, particularly those that suffer most from the effects of regional inequalities. The levels of national cofinancing have been one of the main barriers to better absorption, so it is crucial to create conditions whereby the Member States are able to fully absorb Union funds and put them to good use.

The report acknowledges the effect of so-called austerity measures on the ability to cofinance projects, principally in Member States with higher numbers of disadvantaged regions, which represents a serious limitation to accessing these funds. It should also be stressed that the concern given to the need for national regulation, and for eliminating bureaucracy and complex procedures for accessing funds, is understandable.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) This is a report that seeks to measure what a Member State and its regions are capable of spending in the way of structural and cohesion funding, so putting EU funding to better use as regards economic and social cohesion. Despite improvements in the reduction of regional inequalities, the report acknowledges that there are some cases where ‘there remain major differences in terms of their level of economic, social and regional development’. We have been condemning the contradictions and limitations relating to the absorption of these funds, of which the Member States are well aware, particularly those that suffer most from the effects of regional inequalities.

The levels of national cofinancing have been one of the main barriers to better absorption, so it is crucial to create conditions whereby the Member States are able to fully absorb Union funds and put them to good use. The report acknowledges the negative effect of so-called austerity measures on the ability to cofinance projects, principally in Member States with higher numbers of disadvantaged regions, which represents a serious limitation to accessing these funds. The concern given to the need for national regulation, and for eliminating bureaucracy and complex procedures for accessing funds, is understandable.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D), in writing. (SK) Since the late 1990s, absorption of structural and cohesion funds has been recognised as a principal concern in relation to the implementation of the EU cohesion policy. Many Member States have faced difficulties in absorbing the structural and cohesion funds from the EU budget during the early post-accession years, especially shortly following accession, which resulted mainly from the global economic recession. The consequences included problems in terms of the delivery of projects, changes in expected demands and growing restrictions in national or local public financing. It became even more difficult to obtain sufficient resources to cofinance projects. Further problems were caused by delays with the establishment and introduction of EU and national rules, or with related guidance and gaps in the rules, or rules which were not clear. I believe that some regulatory requirements should be further adapted to take account of implementation experience. The rules relating to the Structural and Cohesion Funds are often complex.

For this reason, they are difficult to comply with, causing errors. Member States therefore spend a disproportionate amount of time trying to manage and control these errors. It is my view that rules and procedures should be simplified in order to reach higher absorption rates, reduce errors and increase efficiency. At the same time, a right balance should be found between simplification and stability of rules and procedures. Finally, multi-level governance and the partnership principle play an important role in the management of the Structural and Cohesion Funds.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Bruno Gollnisch (NI), in writing. (FR) The problem is not whether Member States manage to spend all the regional funds allocated to them by the Union, but why they fail to do so most of the time. It has not escaped the rapporteur’s notice that one of the reasons for this under-use was that these funds can only be cofinanced: the Union is all generosity with other people’s money. Some other local authority, or the State, has to put their hands in their pocket to access partial funding from Brussels, which, in current times of tight budgetary control, is becoming increasingly complicated.

Another reason is the complicated award and control procedures. These are massively time consuming, involve reams of paperwork, take up hours of time of those on the public payroll, and are therefore a massive financial burden on States. However, the question of how relevant these funds are is not raised, nor whether finding national or local projects which can offer access to Structural Funds caused a few headaches, nor whether those projects that actually received funding were of limited use in relation to the objectives set out and, in particular, to what the regions actually need. By not asking the right questions, Mr Theurer’s report does not provide the right answers.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Sylvie Guillaume (S&D), in writing. (FR) I wholeheartedly support this report as it perfectly illustrates the paradoxical situation in which we find ourselves with an abundance of Structural Funds which go largely underused for a variety of reasons: poor administrative capacity, extremely complicated national procedures which are too strict, especially for small businesses, or even the lack of involvement by local partners in programming measures.

Something else that is largely responsible for this situation is the obsession with austerity, which has led to a reduction in cofinancing, just when we need a more ambitious effort from the European public powers to get us out of the economic and social crisis. We must therefore bemoan the fact that, due to lengthy administrative procedures and complicated rules, implementation of the ESF is slower than expected and, therefore, many potential beneficiaries refrain from applying for funds. Structural Funds are, however, essential tools in supporting numerous projects for inclusion, training, fighting discrimination and, in general, back-to-work projects, which, in this period of crisis, is worth a mention.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Brice Hortefeux (PPE), in writing. (FR) Regional policy currently accounts for 35.7% of the EU budget. This funding is vital for the development of European regions. However, what we are seeing is that, despite the accelerated absorption of Structural and Cohesion Funds for the period 2007-2013, rates remain low in certain Member States.

The President of the Commission, Mr Barroso, highlighted this during his State of the Union Address to MEPs on Wednesday, 28 September: growth also entails improving the absorption capacity of Structural and Cohesion Funds.

We are currently going through a particularly turbulent economic and financial crisis. All good management practices must be encouraged. That is why I welcome the adoption of this report, which shows how keen Parliament is to ensure optimum use of European funds and to remove all those obstacles that often lead to the impression that Europe’s money is being thrown down the drain.

We are about to begin negotiations on the next financial perspective 2014-2020. With this report, we are sending a clear signal to the Commission and to the Council. As a budgetary authority, Parliament will be intent on guaranteeing sound management and proper implementation of EU finances.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE), in writing. – The Theurer report rightly emphasises the importance of dialogue at regional and local level. These are the levels at which cohesion policy has its main impact and accordingly, these are the levels at which decision making must remain.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Filiz Hakaeva Hyusmenovа (ALDE), in writing. (BG) I supported this motion for a European Parliament resolution because I share the rapporteur’s position on the problems with the absorption of Structural and Cohesion Funds and the lessons learnt from them for the EU’s future cohesion policy. I fully concur that one of the main reasons for the low absorption rate during the current programming period is down to the over-complicated rules and procedures for submitting applications, executing and reporting on projects, and the frequent changes made to them. The prompt provision of clear instructions and guidelines by the European Commission to the managing authorities on how to apply European legislation is an important condition for reducing the risks of errors and delay. Striking the balance between ensuring legality and transparency and the need to achieve greater effectiveness is of key importance to fulfilling the cohesion policy’s objectives. I support the view that the regulatory framework should allow greater flexibility for operational programmes in order to be able to reflect better the specific features and development processes in the various regions. Strengthening the administrative capacity of the units involved in managing the Structural Funds is of paramount importance, especially to the new Member States. The exchange of experience and good practices is an important tool for achieving this objective.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. (LT) I welcomed this document because there is a need to simplify the rules and procedures on the implementation of financial instruments at both EU and national level and to make them more flexible in order to facilitate access to EU funds for project organisers and to promote sound management of those funds by the administrative services, without creating major difficulties for the beneficiaries. There should be a stronger focus on punishing fraud rather than formal irregularities; I believe there should be a more flexible approach that takes into account the seriousness of the irregularity identified. Application of the proportionality principle, under which control procedures are determined by the scale of the project, should be strengthened by simplifying the requirements governing the supply of information and monitoring when implementing small-scale projects and programmes, but simplified rules must not in any way have a negative impact on transparency and responsibility. Efforts need to be concentrated on a limited number of priorities – the most urgent being to reduce record levels of unemployment in the internal market, with special reference to jobs for young people and women – in order to ensure that EU-wide projects are implemented more efficiently and that the impact and potential of the ESF are maximised, thus supporting the Europe 2020 strategy. We also need to take into account the different situations in the Member States, strengthen ESF financial autonomy and foster its flexibility. I also agree with the opinion that the simplification of rules and procedures is necessary to ensure that SMEs are able to benefit from money from the Structural Funds.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Petru Constantin Luhan (PPE), in writing. (RO) We have all had lessons to learn during the current programming period. The management and control system clearly raises serious issues concerning the operation of some Member States which need to apply as much as possible the lessons that have been learnt.

The first evidence of this will be the involvement of all the local and regional stakeholders in the programming phase. It is imperative that future potential applicants or beneficiaries are involved in drawing up the operational programmes, thereby making them more relevant and suitable to their needs. Furthermore, we must pay greater attention to the administrative capacity and human resources available at local, regional and national level.

I think that the process for attracting and retaining well-qualified staff can be improved. As a result, it is useful for Member States to realise that even funds from technical assistance or the European Social Fund (ESF) can be utilised to this end, and I firmly believe that this will happen.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vladimir Maňka (S&D), in writing. (SK) The capacity to absorb resources from the Structural and Cohesion Funds differs widely in the various Member States. It will be necessary to establish a cooperation programme among the Member States with the aim of exchanging best practices. The aim to absorb as much financial support as possible requires the involvement of the local and regional level of administration in every stage of the process. Difficulties were caused by frequent changes of national requirements and inconsistency in EC guidance as EU institutions changed their interpretation of the regulations during the financial perspective. Staff rotation in both the Commission and the Member States causes changes in the interpretation of certain rules during operational programme implementation. Rules and procedures should be simplified in order to achieve higher absorption rates, reduce errors and increase efficiency. Harmonisation of rules and procedures may lead to simplified delivery systems.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  David Martin (S&D), in writing. – The rules relating to structural and cohesion funds are complex and therefore difficult to comply with. This causes errors. Member States therefore spend a disproportionate amount of time trying to manage and control these errors. The rapporteur takes the view that rules and procedures should be simplified in order to reach higher absorption rates, reduce errors and increase efficiency. At the same time, the right balance should be found between simplification and stability of rules and procedures. I agree with him.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Melo (PPE), in writing. (PT) Since the late 1990s, the absorption of structural and cohesion funding has been recognised as a main concern in relation to the implementation of EU cohesion policy. Many Member States have faced difficulties in absorbing the structural and cohesion funding from the EU budget, especially during the early post-accession years. The rules relating to the Structural Funds and Cohesion Fund are complex and therefore difficult to comply with, which causes errors. Rules and procedures should therefore be simplified in order to achieve higher absorption rates, reduce errors and increase efficiency. At the same time, the right balance should be found between the simplification and stability of rules and procedures. I consider it more appropriate to give a stronger focus to fraud rather than formal irregularities, and a more flexible and differentiated approach to irregularities depending on the seriousness of the irregularity identified. There needs to be more balance between the rules and procedures required to guarantee the legality and regularity of EU expenditure, on the one hand, and making cohesion policy more geared towards performance and more cost effective, on the other.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alexander Mirsky (S&D), in writing. – There is a need of a right balance to be found between simplification and stability of rules and procedures. Furthermore a stronger focus is needed on fraud rather than on formal irregularities and on a more differentiated treatment of irregularities, allowing for flexibility depending on the seriousness of the identified irregularity. Therefore, I am in favour of the report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alfredo Pallone (PPE), in writing. (IT) The absorption of Structural Funds has been a principal concern of EU cohesion policy for the last 20 years. The rules relating to Structural and Cohesion Funds involved procedures that were too lengthy and difficult to comply with, and it was often easy to make mistakes, so it was difficult first to allocate and then to implement them. I think that the simplification proposal, for which I voted, could lead to greater absorption, improving the actual effectiveness of the funds allocated and leading to an EU cohesion policy focused on the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE), in writing. (EL) One of the most widely discussed political issues, both in Greece and in the other Member States, is the absorption rate of EU finance provided by the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund. The low absorption rate does not always signal an inability on the part of the Member States; in numerous instances, it is due to problems inherent in the funds themselves (for example, highly specialised, unmanageable or hard-to-operate programmes which make absorption difficult). In any event, there is no correlation between the absorption of funds and the ability or adequacy of central and local authorities to prepare programmes and suitable projects and to monitor the implementation of such programmes and prevent possible irregularities. In addition to its findings, however, the report identifies one point which is common to all the Member States, including Greece. It recognises that the economic crisis is making it hard for the Member States to find the national contribution needed in order to participate in cofinanced projects and proposes flexible practices, so that EU funds can be released more quickly and invested more efficiently.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. (PT) This own-initiative report looks at the problems and the reasons behind them, and the good practices during the current programming period (2007-2013). It also draws lessons for future EU cohesion policy. It tables a range of measures to improve capacity for absorption of funds: in other words, to improve the Member States’ ability to use the financial resources assigned to them by the Structural Funds and Cohesion Fund effectively and efficiently. It proposes a commitment to simplification combined with increased Member State investment in project preparation and project pipelines in order to successfully manage structural and cohesion funding. I voted in favour of the report for these reasons.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Phil Prendergast (S&D), in writing. – The Structural and Cohesion Funds are of immense use in tackling inequalities between Member States and in assisting poorer regions to catch up with more affluent ones. However, there are a number of difficulties in the current economic climate in relation to finding resources at national and local level to cofinance projects under these schemes. This is something which must be addressed in order to ensure Member States can continue to draw upon these funds. We must help poorer regions catch up with more affluent ones. It is also important for the EU to be flexible and capable of adapting its plans in light of the current economic situation. The report highlights the difficulties facing Member States in accessing these funds, from difficulties in cofinancing, to structural difficulties in accessing the funds and adhering to regulatory frameworks. We must ensure that these processes are simplified and that Member States can continue to draw down these funds as required.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Franck Proust (PPE), in writing.(FR) This report gives us the chance to further discuss what we are doing as regards the cohesion policy. Over and above the broad principles that we identify every seven years, regional policy is experienced day by day in our regions. In the forthcoming discussions, it is important that Parliament takes up this matter. That is why I voted for this text. This report provides an excellent opportunity to take stock of how Structural Funds are managed by the newcomers. It also demonstrates how cohesion policy instruments differ and are not used uniformly across Europe. The newcomers have encountered a wide range of problems in implementing them. It is crucial that open dialogue on good management practices is maintained with all national and local authorities in order to improve our tools. Nothing is set in stone and our resources are continuously changing. Proof of this is the fact that a new category of intermediate regions is more than likely to be created. We started with the premise that the distribution of funds needed to be reconsidered on the basis of experiences on the ground.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Paulo Rangel (PPE), in writing. (PT) The Structural Funds and Cohesion Fund constitute a singular instrument for the balanced economic development of the European Union. It is necessary to analyse the true impact of how the Member States spend these funds and assess their ability to meet the purposes for which they were spent in order to develop future policy that is more effective and less wasteful of resources. Particularly important in this type of approach is the need to find quicker, more effective decision-making processes, seeking to adapt the level of monitoring to the funding awarded and, in this context, to combat true instances of fraud. These points are given the proper emphasis by the rapporteur, so I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), in writing. – I voted in favour. Parliament highlights the efforts made to ensure an acceleration in absorption capacities and budgetary implementation of cohesion policy during 2010, despite the problems mentioned, and acknowledges the positive effect of the cohesion policy-related interventions by the European Economic Recovery Plan in speeding up implementation of programmes and accelerating provision of financing to beneficiaries. It also asks the Commission to continue these interventions in the period 2014-2020.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Licia Ronzulli (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted for this report because since the late 1990s, the absorption of Structural Funds has been one of the main concerns standing in the way of implementing EU cohesion policy.

We must take immediate steps to make sure that the rules governing the provision of these funds can be simplified, in order to obtain higher absorption percentages, reduce errors and increase efficiency.

To ensure the legality and transparency of EU expenditure, we need firstly to find a better balance between rules and procedures, in order to make cohesion policy more performance-oriented and cost-efficient.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marie-Thérèse Sanchez-Schmid (PPE), in writing.(FR) For the 2007-2013 period, the cohesion policy has EUR 347 billion, in other words, 35.7% of the EU budget. These funds account for 25% of public investment in Europe and are essential for ensuring economic, social and territorial cohesion within the European Union. However, numerous delays are blamed for their uptake. For example, Greece, which could benefit from a total of EUR 20.3 billion, has only used 4.9 billion as of mid-2011, and has another 15.4 billion to spend by 2013. That takes the biscuit, at a time when that country is going through one of the most serious budgetary crises seen in Europe for decades. The reasons for these delays are clearly set out in this report: slow implementation of new management systems, global economic recession, public finances in crisis, highly complicated rules, procedures changed during programming, a lack of qualified staff, inadequate project preparation ...

There are solutions to improve take-up of these funds: we just need to have the courage to apply them. We need to be brave and make reforms, simplify procedures, empower and support those involved. The cohesion policy will be legitimate and help heal the crisis if, and only if, these funds are actually taken up.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), in writing. (PL) I voted in favour of adopting the report on future EU cohesion policy. I insist that it is imperative to simplify EU and national regulations and procedures for obtaining funding and to make the former more flexible. The current degree of complexity of the management programme does not provide for efficient control over expenditure. In particular, I would like to draw attention to the need to provide permanent, free and easy access to information, advice and training for the beneficiaries of the EU funding. I support the proposal to develop a common EU programme of information exchange between regions with a high level of absorption of the funds and regions with a low level of absorption, to facilitate dissemination of practices proved through experience. I also support the idea of creating an Internet platform for the exchange of good practice to be used by the beneficiaries, local and regional entities and authorities.

It is also essential that future funds, especially the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund and the Social Fund, take into account the current socio-economic challenges, in particular, the economic crisis. The Member States should provide better information on the resources available through the funds and simplify national procedures for gaining access to those. With this in mind, I am in favour of creating something like ‘European One-Stop Shops’ whose purpose would be to assist in preparing applications to obtain financing through the funds and which would service both local authorities and the citizens of the EU.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Teixeira (PPE), in writing. (PT) The absorption of structural funding is a major concern in the implementation of cohesion policy, and there is a need to analyse the problems the Member States are experiencing in making effective use of funding, in order to learn lessons for the future. The Committee on Regional Development, of which I am a member, has approved a series of proposals based on analysis of the underlying reasons for absorption problems, such as initial problems at the start of a programming period; financial problems resulting from the crisis; new regulatory, organisational and control requirements; the issue of insufficiently qualified human resources; and the problem of delays with information technology systems. The proposals tabled in the document adopted today by Parliament stress the need to simplify rules and procedures, and to focus on payments that produce results, on greater balance between rules and procedures, and on cohesion policy that is more geared towards performance and is more efficient. However, they do not forget the significant differences in absorption capacity among Member States, and suggest the creation of an exchange programme for good practices, whilst stressing the importance of multi-level governance.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Derek Vaughan (S&D), in writing. – This report calls on the Commission to bring forward proposals that will allow Member States to ensure that the European funds they receive are spent in the most effective way possible. The report emphasises the need for a balance to be struck between the simplification of the rules and ensuring that money is spent correctly, and calls for a more integrated approach to the funding streams available. The Commission must now look at how they will take Parliament’s suggestions into account to streamline the often onerous funding rules, whilst ensuring the legality and regularity of EU expenditure.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marie-Christine Vergiat (GUE/NGL), in writing.(FR) This report on Structural and Cohesion Funds calls on Member States to improve access to European funding.

Every effort should be made to ensure that all local partners can make better use of these funds. The complicated rules, however, lead to errors, delays and even difficulties in accessing the funds.

Parliament demands, in particular: a stronger focus on controlling actual fraud rather than checking formal irregularities, simplifying procedures on the basis of the amount of funding, reducing cofinancing limits, transposing European regulations more rapidly and the means to make them more accessible.

We could have gone further and asked the States to remove any cofinancing condition.

Nevertheless, this report is heading in the right direction, especially given the blocking tactics employed by the French Government. That is why I voted for it, along with all the members of my group.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Angelika Werthmann (NI), in writing. (DE) This report deals with the existing problems with the use of the Structural and Cohesion Funds and recommends a simplification of the rules and procedures. Specifically, it calls for the focus to be placed on rewarding the results achieved rather than on checking inputs and for there to be a differentiated approach to dealing with irregularities. It is furthermore recommended that the involvement of the Member States should be further locked in by means of deepening the partnership in funds administration. I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Hermann Winkler (PPE), in writing. (DE) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, it goes without saying that I voted in favour of Mr Theurer’s report. The question of how, in future, we can further increase the absorption rates in cohesion policy is of major importance to our regions. The difficult situation for public finances, which does not always lend itself to cofinancing, is evident. We could provide assistance in this connection through more flexible cofinancing, although it would, of course, be necessary to ensure in such a situation that this was not abused. The basic problem, however – namely, the difficult financial situation – is not so easy to change. What we, the legislators, really do have in our gift, though, is the matter of how quickly we can implement the new regulations so that the onset of the new subsidy period does not replicate the cumbersome arrangements of the early days of 2007. The report makes clear that late decision making was a major cause of the delays. We must thus take responsibility and ensure, together with the Member States, that this time we get everything under way more quickly. Of course, that also means that the Member States need to agree on the EU budget quickly, as without such an agreement in respect of the multiannual financial framework, we will also not be able to agree on the details of the new structural fund period.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Iva Zanicchi (PPE), in writing. (IT) In the past, the absorption of Structural and Cohesion Funds has created problems as regards implementing cohesion policy within the European Union, as many Member States have difficulties with the procedure, particularly in the early years after accession.

The report by Mr Theurer, for which I voted today, analyses the problems and their causes and tries to propose useful suggestions and proposals for positively developing the EU’s future cohesion policy. I especially share the opinion that Member States should pay more attention to the preparation of projects and try to manage Structural and Cohesion Funds appropriately.

There should also be more active cooperation to promote the exchange of best practices between Member States, as well as harmonisation of rules and procedures, with simplified delivery systems compared with the existing ones.

 
  
  

Report: Elisabetta Gardini (A7-0283/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luís Paulo Alves (S&D), in writing. (PT) The report quite rightly welcomes the creation of a 24/7 European emergency response centre and the simplification of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, requests a proposal on an EU civil protection force from the Commission as soon as possible, and calls for better coordination between all actors. I would highlight the need for more simplification and transparency, better use of current monitoring and prevention tools, and the development of a capacity for telecommunications and a comprehensive communication strategy, so making the distinction between humanitarian aid and military action clearer. The Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament also quite rightly stresses that humanitarian aid is not a crisis-management tool, so it should be provided irrespective of any political considerations.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Laima Liucija Andrikienė (PPE), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this resolution on European disaster response and the role of civil protection and humanitarian assistance. Last year, there were a number of very severe disasters in Europe and throughout the world, including flash and large-scale floods, heavy storms and forest fires, causing a high number of deaths and huge damage. I am talking about the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland, the earthquake in Haiti and the Pakistan floods. Given the recent dramatic increase in natural and man-made disasters both inside and outside the European Union, the EU must aim to make existing instruments work more efficiently at all stages of the European disaster management cycle. Here, I have in mind prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, as well as optimising the use of all resources. It is also very important to simplify the European Civil Protection Mechanism, which is too bureaucratic. However, the most important thing is for all Member States to contribute to the European disaster response in the spirit of European solidarity. The use of resources available in Member States should be optimised, avoiding duplication of structures, efforts or expenses, and unnecessary or even disruptive bureaucracy.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Roberta Angelilli (PPE), in writing.(IT) I voted in favour of the report by Ms Gardini and the invitation to the Commission to improve the European disaster response.

The increasing rate of climate change and depletion of natural capital continue to affect different countries and regions around the world, and the European Union is certainly not exempt from the many related risks. Fortunately, the European Union has the main tools for responding to disasters, although these are still limited to systematic scenarios or protocols which make their deployment inflexible in other circumstances.

I hope that the possibility of creating a European emergency response centre that would be a central hub for prompt and effective coordination of assistance and of creating an EU civil protection force to bring together the resources and capabilities of all the Member States will be given serious consideration.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Elena Oana Antonescu (PPE), in writing. (RO) The European Union and its Member States are faced with many risks, such as earthquakes, fires, flooding, landslides, industrial and nuclear accidents, terrorist attacks, natural disasters and major pandemics.

There has recently been a dramatic rise in the number and severity of these natural or man-made disasters affecting people all over the world, with a corresponding increase in the number of human fatalities, the economic, social and environmental losses, and the damage to cultural heritage. We cannot exclude the possibility of such extreme events of an unpredictable magnitude happening at any time, in which case the European disaster response would prove to be extremely useful, as national capacities could be challenged to their limits.

Consequently, I think that the relevant scientific research needs to be developed, with a view to improving risk assessment mechanisms, prevention systems and the methods for combating these phenomena. The most effective disaster management strategy involves an integrated all-hazards approach, aimed at responding to crises at every stage in their cycle, which should link disaster prevention with the level of preparedness, response capacity and recovery, within the broad context of sustainable development.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Pino Arlacchi (S&D), in writing. – I voted for this resolution because it underlines the vital need to reinforce the coordination of the response to disasters affecting the European Union, both within and outside its borders. Unfortunately, in the past years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number and severity of these natural and man-made disasters affecting the Union and its citizens, as well as other countries and regions around the world. This text highlights the need to rationalise and simplify the functioning of current European disaster response and reassert that disaster preparation, prevention and response cannot be dissociated from each other. I also would like to stress that preventing disasters is often more cost-effective than combating them. For this reason, it is fundamental to complement the policy for enhancing the EU’s emergency reaction capacity by stepping up the EU’s and Member States’ risk prediction and prevention policies. In order to do so, the Commission should prepare a comprehensive and innovative EU strategy on disaster risk reduction.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Regina Bastos (PPE), in writing. (PT) In the last 35 years, the number of disasters per year has risen fivefold. In Europe alone, in the last 20 years, disasters have caused the deaths of almost 90 000 people, affected the lives of more than 29 million people and caused damage totalling EUR 211 billion. The Treaty of Lisbon has introduced new legal bases for both civil protection and humanitarian aid, with the objective of ensuring a rapid and effective response to disasters happening inside and outside Europe. This report calls for more efficiency at all stages of the European disaster management cycle, including prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, as well as optimisation of economic resources during times of austerity. It stresses the creation of a genuine and permanent emergency response centre that cooperates with the Member States, making decisions about what resources to mobilise in the case of a disaster, with a view to ensuring immediate and effective assistance for victims. It calls for better coordination among all actors to avoid overlapping and duplication of efforts. It also advocates the simplification of the European Civil Protection Mechanism. That is why I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Sergio Berlato (PPE), in writing. (IT) We are living in a time when more and more disasters occur. Last year, Europe had to face a number of very serious disasters, including flash floods and exceptionally widespread forest fires.

Recorded disasters within Europe over the past 20 years have affected more than 29 million people and caused EUR 211 billion in economic losses. Against the background of the dramatic increase in natural disasters, I share the rapporteur’s request for more efficiency in all stages of the European disaster management cycle, including prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, while optimising economic resources.

The Lisbon Treaty introduces new legal bases for civil protection in order to ensure a rapid response to disasters happening inside and outside the EU. I also hope that there will be a simplification of the European Civil Protection Mechanism which, in my view, is too bureaucratic.

I welcome the creation of a 24/7 emergency response centre which, in agreement with the Member States, would take decisions on the assets to be deployed in the event of a disaster in order to ensure immediate and effective assistance to the victims.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mara Bizzotto (EFD), in writing. (IT) I believe that the issue of a stronger European disaster response is certainly to be welcomed and therefore I voted in favour of it.

The natural disasters that have recently affected the north and, in particular, the Veneto region, have underlined the need for urgent improvement to European civil protection mechanisms and assistance to the victims of such events, and the need to ensure that such mechanisms are rapidly implemented and not impeded by excessive bureaucratic procedures.

These priorities have been well interpreted by the document in question, which specifically asks for a considerable reduction in the bureaucratic procedures relating to the management of assistance to victims. Therefore, I fully support the report and voted in favour of it.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this report because, in the space of just a few decades, there has been a fivefold increase in the number of disasters worldwide – up to 400 disasters a year. Therefore, in order to prevent a high number of casualties, it is necessary to improve the European Union’s disaster response.

The main disasters faced in the European Union’s Member States include major forest fires, drought, tidal waves and earthquakes, floods, nuclear accidents, terrorist attacks, natural disasters and pandemics. Over the past 20 years, these disasters have killed almost 90 000 people in Europe and affected tens of millions of others. Furthermore, the economic losses are estimated at EUR 211 billion. In future, these disasters may only increase as a consequence of climate change and the depletion of natural resources, and it is therefore necessary to take specific action as a matter of urgency.

Improved actor coordination, a protection system, a 24 hour European emergency response centre and accurate information during a crisis are some of the main measures that might reduce the number of casualties in the future.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vito Bonsignore (PPE), in writing. (IT) First of all, I would like to thank the rapporteur Ms Gardini for this important report, which presented a very topical issue to the House and for which I voted.

Europe has had to face an unremitting increase in natural disasters, including severe ones. These include flash and increasingly frequent floods, heavy storms and forest fires which, over the past 20 years, have killed more than 90 000 people, affected more than 29 million and caused EUR 211 billion in economic losses. Faced with these numbers, the EU must respond more efficiently in all stages of disaster management, including prevention, preparedness and response, as well as implementing pre-identification of the assets available in the Member States that are placed at the disposal of the European Civil Protection Mechanism on a voluntary basis.

I also share the rapporteur’s hope for simplification of the European Civil Protection Mechanism and the creation of a 24/7 European emergency response centre which, in agreement with the Member States, would take decisions on the assets to be deployed in the event of a disaster in order to ensure immediate and effective assistance to the victims.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Jan Březina (PPE), in writing. (CS) In my opinion, we should first and foremost build on the existing monitoring and prevention tools (especially in-situ observation devices) such as those provided by the European Union’s Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) programme or the INSPIRE and GALILEO programmes, which could monitor areas potentially at risk and thus prepare more effectively for providing disaster relief to the victims. The Commission should explore the possibility of equipping the EU with a dedicated and secure telecommunications capacity and integrated crisis management solutions ranging from prevention to recovery. In my opinion, there is considerable potential in the use of the existing capacity provided by telecommunications satellites in order to facilitate the development of services for citizens in the fields of public security and emergency response, in collaboration with the European Space Agency, Member States and stakeholders such as private operators and industry. The Commission’s role is to develop a communication and information network, exploring, in particular, the use of telecommunications capacity, including satellites, in order to give rescue teams access to rapid and detailed information facilitating effective disaster relief. In view of the fact that preventing disasters is often more cost-effective than combating them, we need to prepare a comprehensive and innovative EU strategy on disaster risk reduction and to dedicate sufficient resources to early identification of possible disasters.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  John Bufton (EFD), in writing. – I do not support any new legislation from the Commission to create a new EU civil protection force based on the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. I dispute that it would be better to combine resources to provide both civilian protection and immediate emergency aid in times of crisis and view such efforts by the EU as attempting to commandeer crisis management, which, based upon the situation in the eurozone, is not their strength. Most concerning is the statement that the Commission calls for the need for better coordination among all actors to avoid overlapping and duplication of efforts both on the political and on the operational side – which each should function autonomously in order not to impede the rapid and effective help for the victims of the disaster. This implies that independent charities and nation states will be overruled by the EU who would have final say in how the crisis is managed, under the EU banner, both at home and abroad. Voluntary efforts of Member States should be a priority and thus, the Union does not need a 24/7 emergency response centre as a planning and operational coordination platform.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alain Cadec (PPE), in writing.(FR) I welcome the adoption of the Gardini report, which calls for the creation of a European civil protection force. It echoes the proposals set out in a communication from the Commission and paves the way for legislative proposals expected in late 2011. The proposed multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020 already intends to allocate a budget of EUR 455 million to the civil protection financial instrument. I now call on the Commission to be ambitious in its legislative proposals planned for late 2011, so that we can create a genuine European civil protection force.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Antonio Cancian (PPE), in writing.(IT) I voted for the report by Ms Gardini on the European disaster response because it is an important step towards improving speed and efficiency in crisis situations. To do so, it is necessary to move away from a system of an ad hoc response, once the emergency has already taken place, towards an advance planning in which the EU pre-identifies the assets the Member States will be able to make available so that efforts can be coordinated.

I believe the wish to strengthen cooperation between Member States is positive and underlines the importance of solidarity within the EU and the exchange of experience and capabilities in the various areas. The EU budget needs to include funding for disaster planning, in order to avoid being caught unawares and to facilitate rescue and recovery operations.

I also appreciate the decision to set up an operational centre to link and coordinate existing national units, because often, disasters require a broader response than that which can be provided by individual Member States.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), in writing. (EL) Although the report on ‘Towards a stronger European disaster response’ states that its basic aim is to strengthen and improve the European response to major disasters, it contains several ambiguities in connection with basic questions of ethics and social freedoms. Firstly, the provision to activate the ‘solidarity clause’, as set out in the Treaty of Lisbon, allows terms such as terrorism and man-made disaster to be interpreted subjectively. Furthermore, the report makes provision for the use of military means under civil protection in order to address disasters, again without carefully clarifying the type of disaster. Finally, the provision for extended use of obscure satellite monitoring systems, such as Galileo, harbours the risk of such systems being used for the purpose of monitoring action by social and political groups. That is why I voted against the report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Carlos Coelho (PPE), in writing. (PT) There has been a dramatic increase in the number and seriousness of natural and man-made disasters across the world; that is, forest fires, floods and landslides, earthquakes, industrial and nuclear accidents, terrorist attacks, etc. Unfortunately, the EU and its Member States are no strangers to this type of disaster. Therefore, given the increasing pace of climate change and the increased probability of natural disasters that are more frequent and intense, there is an urgent need to strengthen the EU’s capacity for response, both inside and outside its borders, so as to increase its effectiveness, efficiency, consistency and visibility. There is a need to change to a predictable system within the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and to introduce a system for monitoring, supervising and developing EU action in disaster relief operations.

It is important to develop a protection system based on sharing and rationalising the existing resources, avoiding duplications and overlaps, thereby gaining in terms of consistency, effectiveness, rapidity of aid, and reduced costs. There is also an urgent need to introduce the necessary amendments to the regulation establishing the Solidarity Fund, which is characterised by rigid deadlines and procedures, and contains prior conditions which hinder and delay its mobilisation.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Lara Comi (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted for this report because I believe it is essential to make the role of civil protection and humanitarian assistance more efficient at a time when there has been a dramatic increase in the number of natural disasters. I fully support the call for greater integration in the stages of natural disaster management, such as identification of the resources required for a rapid and efficient response to such events, and redefinition of the systems for preventing and protecting against such disasters. It is also important to encourage cooperation between EU Member States in order to strengthen the ability to respond jointly in the future. Coordination is, in fact, essential in the event that there are insufficient resources available in the Member States affected and limited spending capacity in individual Member States following the recent economic crisis. I also hope that there will be a joint effort towards an integrated resource sharing system, a simplification of processes, and preparation and prevention on the ground.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă (S&D), in writing. (RO) I must remind you that Romania received financial support from the European Union for the projects implemented in the areas affected by flooding. However, the fund’s resources were released late in relation to the time when maximum effectiveness would have been achieved. With this in mind, I think that the possibility of assistance being granted in the form of an advance payment scheme, based on an initial estimate of the direct losses, to a country affected by a disaster, at its request, would be a facility greatly appreciated by the affected areas, immediately after a disaster has occurred.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Diogo Feio (PPE), in writing. (PT) There is no doubt that greater European coordination and cooperation in the area of civil protection and humanitarian aid will tend to promote the capacity for collective response to any problems that could arise for the various Member States, specifically as regards the use of scattered human and material resources by each of these. My country, which is regularly scourged by the phenomenon of forest fires, has already repeatedly confronted the limitations of these resources and felt the need to be able to count on outside help. I believe situations of humanitarian disaster and emergency test European solidarity and the capacity for finding swift and effective responses for extreme situations, which often go beyond the borders of one single state. Without these last renouncing the responsibilities which they cannot abandon, I welcome this initiative and hope it will meet the specific expectations and needs of Europe’s peoples.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), in writing. (PT) This report, drafted by Ms Gardini, concerns the need to reinforce Europe’s capability in disaster situations, particularly as regards civil protection and humanitarian assistance. In recent times, we have witnessed a great increase in the number of disasters, such as those in Haiti and Japan. In Europe, we have had fires on a large scale, the ash cloud from the Icelandic volcano, and landslides and floods resulting from heavy rains. Indeed, in the last 20 years, the number of disasters has risen fivefold, and resulted in some 100 000 victims. These are large-scale phenomena that require effective and properly coordinated responses. The European Union needs to adopt preventative measures, such as combating climate change, and also play the role of coordinating all the Member States, to which responsibility for this area falls; if not, we will become tangled up in a web of responsibilities that make a quick and effective response more difficult. I welcome the adoption of this report, which focuses on the most vulnerable areas, such as mountain, island and coastal regions, so demonstrating great human and financial concern, and I welcome the creation of a European civil protection force.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  João Ferreira (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) Preparation, response and restoration constitute stages in the disaster management cycle on which there could and should be cooperation between Member States, because of both the cross-border nature that disasters can have, and of the complexity, scale and cost of the materials that need to be mobilised when large-scale disasters occur. This cooperation should be based on solidarity and mutual aid, and could also involve resource sharing. Whatever the case, countries’ sovereignty must be respected and there must be no duplication or overlapping of chains of command, which must rest with the competent national or regional authorities.

Disaster response cannot be a pretext for external intervention, for asserting economic and geostrategic interests, or for military intervention and occupation hidden beneath a cloak of humanitarian intervention. There are already sad examples of this situation and, furthermore, worrying signs that it could be exacerbated in the future. A good example would be the recent changes to the strategic conception of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which have illegitimately and unacceptably expanded this military organisation’s scope for intervention; in other words, war. We do not believe that the framework for disaster response proposed in this report guards against all these issues, which we consider essential.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) This report does not give enough weight to prevention policies; in other words, those that could prevent, in some cases, or minimise, in others, the effects of disasters. Prevention involves policies on the environment, agriculture, energy, industry, water resources, and the organisation and management of territories. How many forest fires could have been prevented if the common agricultural policy had not contributed to desertification of our inland areas, and to harming our agriculture, our agro-agriculture and our rural life? Europe urgently needs to have more means of funding policies that are actually preventative, and for prevention and warning measures. Increasing Europe’s response capability must involve preservation of the environment, changes to common policies, education and awareness-raising about the environment, increasing each Member State’s capacity for response, and planned cooperation between neighbouring countries, including comprehensive declarations of risk and mechanisms for warning and taking action.

The idea of a special unit for combating forest fires seems neither useful nor feasible. Greater mutual aid and cooperation is possible and desirable. When mention is made of the usefulness of the European Space Policy and the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security programme, there is a danger that security concerns are being given greater emphasis than the environment.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D) , in writing. (SK) Last year, Europe had to face a number of severe natural disasters, including flash and large-scale floods, heavy storms and forest fires, and also the ash cloud following the eruption of an Icelandic volcano. Some very severe disasters occurred outside Europe, too, causing an enormous number of casualties and huge destruction, notably the earthquake in Haiti and the Pakistan floods, and the most damaging oil spill ever in the Gulf of Mexico after the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon drilling well. Now the world is struck by the dramatic happenings in Japan, hit by a combination of a strong earthquake, a tsunami and a nuclear catastrophe. Disasters within Europe over the past 20 years have killed almost 90 000 people, affected more than 29 million and caused EUR 211 billion in economic losses. Approximately 90% of European citizens expect the EU to do more to help their country when struck by a disaster.

I am of the view that the European response needs to be enhanced through pre-identification of the assets available in the Member States that are placed at the disposal of the European Civil Protection Mechanism on a voluntary basis. This would be an important move towards advance planning through the development of reference scenarios, mapping of Member States’ assets, and contingency planning. It is also important that all Member States contribute, in the spirit of European solidarity, to the European disaster response.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Gaston Franco (PPE), in writing.(FR) Given the extent of the European and international disasters that we have faced, such as the tsunami in 2004, Haiti in 2010 and Fukushima in 2011, it is high time that Europe had an effective system to ensure a rapid response to disasters. That is why I welcome the adoption of this report, which is the first step towards a harmonised, organised and united response from the European Union.

I tabled a number of amendments, which were adopted in the final report, to emphasise the importance of prevention in crisis management and the organisation of this prevention through operational tools, which I welcome. Until more thought has been given to the establishment of any real future European civil protection force, I think that the creation of a European emergency response centre will simplify the current European Civil Protection Mechanism. I called for this European centre to be equipped with two Community tools to protect forests from forest fires, EFFIS and EFFICS, which was adopted in the final report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nathalie Griesbeck (ALDE), in writing.(FR) The question of European cooperation in matters of civil protection is not even raised and it is obvious that natural disasters, fires, tsunamis and so on have no respect for borders. Over 373 natural disasters were counted worldwide in 2010, resulting in nearly 300 000 victims and affecting 207 million people. These figures are a powerful reminder of the EU’s urgent need to organise itself better to provide a large-scale, rapid and effective operational response. They urgently call for systematic action at European level, both inside and outside the EU (as proposed in the Commission’s communication and approved in our report). The current Community Civil Protection Mechanism is undoubtedly effective, but it is inadequate. I will wholeheartedly support any proposal that goes along these lines to provide greater visibility to European action in matters of civil protection, but also to all voluntary action taken in the service of civil protection. In addition, I even believe that this visibility should involve the creation of a genuine European civil protection force, together with a common logo, a European flag and a common uniform.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Jim Higgins (PPE), in writing. – I welcome this slim, concise report which epitomises EU solidarity and efficiency. This report is not about taking powers from Member States but rather attempts to assist Member States in disaster by information sharing and coordination of resources in order to act swiftly to save lives. There has been a huge increase in the number of disasters in the last 20 years: more than 90 000 people have died in disasters, over 29 million people have been affected by disasters, with an economic cost in excess of EUR 211 billion. In 1975, 78 disasters occurred; currently, almost 400 disasters occur worldwide per annum. Therefore, we need a more organised response to disasters in order to save lives. Disaster reduction is key to EU development and I sincerely welcome the attention which this report has drawn to this crucial area.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Filiz Hakaeva Hyusmenovа (ALDE), in writing. (BG) I supported the report on strengthening the European Union’s disaster response because I think that the basic action guidelines presented in it are important for the future and safety of Europe’s citizens. As a former minister who was responsible for these matters in Bulgaria, I firmly believe that good coordination and coherence, both within the EU and with international partners, are key requirements when crisis situations arise. Unfortunately, in recent years, we have witnessed severe disasters caused both by nature and man, which resulted in heavy human casualties and in social, economic and environmental damage. I think that we should be more consistent and active in taking preventive measures to avert the adverse consequences of such events. We must also improve our preparedness for a coordinated response at European, national and regional level when disasters occur. At the same time, I think that the assistance mechanisms should ensure greater flexibility and rapid response capabilities. I also fully support the need outlined in the report for a clear communication strategy and for better access to information because this would make the policy being pursued more effective.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. (LT) I welcomed this document because I believe that we need to rationalise and simplify the functioning of the current European disaster response and optimise the resources available for common benefit, whilst encouraging all Member States to contribute and thus guarantee European solidarity. The Solidarity Fund Regulation needs to be revised so as to adapt the eligibility criteria to the characteristics of each region and each disaster, including slowly evolving disasters such as drought, and enable mobilisation to be more flexible and timely. There needs to be a qualitative shift from the current ad hoc coordination to a predictable and pre-planned system within the EU Civil Protection Mechanism based on pre-identified resources available for immediate deployment in EU disaster relief operations and on any other means and resources which Member States may consider appropriate for deployment. We need to introduce a system for monitoring, supervising and developing EU action in disaster relief operations. The cross-border nature of disasters implies that the EU should coordinate its resources and cooperate, and there must be a coherent EU response.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Jarosław Kalinowski (PPE), in writing. – (PL) In response to the natural disasters as well as man-made catastrophes haunting Europe and the entire world, the European Union must coordinate the activities of its relevant institutions in order to facilitate the most efficient provision of relief to victims.

A good step in this direction is the setting up of the crisis response centre that will, I hope, improve and accelerate response by the relevant agencies in crisis situations. Solidarity is the fundamental principle underpinning the existence of the Community and, with this in mind, we must provide help to those who need it. For our efforts to be effective, it is essential for all institutions and Member States to cooperate with each other. Since our organisation is one of the richest in the world, we must remember those regions that are amongst the most overlooked and poorest in the world and that are unable to cope on their own with the disasters that plague them.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Giovanni La Via (PPE), in writing. (IT) The natural disasters that have continued to affect our planet in recent years are forcing us to take careful stock of the methods of response and their effectiveness and methods of prevention. The text presented by Ms Gardini, which I fully support, moves towards greater coordination of operations for preventing and protecting people against natural disasters. A properly coordinated EU civil protection service would not only make it possible to collaborate efficiently when dealing with humanitarian crises, but also to redesign the investment of resources for the sector which are often wasted because of a lack of coordination in emergency response procedures. The intrinsic value of this proposal is to finally redefine the European situation also in its model of response to emergencies caused by natural disasters. This must involve all levels of the European institutions in preventing or tackling the kind of disasters that have marred and, unfortunately, continue to feature in the history of various EU Member States.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Sabine Lösing (GUE/NGL), in writing. (DE) I voted against this report as I reject the notion that, if in doubt, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief should be tackled from within the framework of the common security and defence policy (CSDP). What is more, there must not be any mixing of civilian and military activities, something that this report would make possible. I furthermore strongly reject the introduction of security policy elements into the areas of civil protection and humanitarian assistance on the strength of any purported threat of terrorism.

I advocate civilian disaster relief independent of security policy concerns and argue for the build-up of the necessary logistical capabilities, which must be independent of the military. Moreover, I would point out that the report refers to the solidarity clause in a positive light, a clause which, for example, also makes military intervention against striking workers possible.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Petru Constantin Luhan (PPE), in writing. (RO) I believe, just as I have asserted already in countless speeches, that the European Commission should take measures enabling the EU’s Solidarity Fund to increase its flexibility and simplify its administrative rules, as simplifying the administrative procedures would speed up payments and ensure that those in need of support receive payments immediately. Another observation that has been made over time within the Committee on Regional Development is that European regions situated at the EU’s borders may be affected by disasters occurring in regions located in third countries, thereby making intervention even more difficult. It is therefore crucial that specific measures are developed to support these regions, while also taking into account disasters caused by people or industrial accidents, which require different strategies. Last but not least, the Commission must ensure that, in future, Member States involve their regional and local authorities in disaster response operations right from the outset, based on the multilevel governance model applied in the cohesion policy, through a win-win communication strategy for all the actors involved in the response mechanism.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska (PPE), in writing. (PL) Today, we voted on a very important and very good report by Ms Gardini on European disaster response and the role of civil protection and humanitarian assistance. I sit on the Committee on Regional Development, and I believe that implementation of all the provisions contained in the report will enable us to improve coordination and response generated at regional or national level and employ our efforts and resources to maximum effect. Only in this way will we be able to minimise the aftermath of catastrophes and natural disasters. It is also a splendid idea to merge the Monitoring and Information Centre and the ECHO humanitarian aid crisis room into one consolidated entity, namely, an emergency response centre that will expedite the information flow and improve cooperation. This is why, together with others, I voted in favour of adopting the report in its entirety.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vladimir Maňka (S&D), in writing. (SK) The number of disasters has increased fivefold over the past 35 years. Disasters within Europe over the past 20 years have killed almost 90 000 people, affected more than 29 million, and caused EUR 211 billion in economic losses.

Disaster response measures need to be enhanced. It would mean a move away from the current ad hoc response to disasters, towards advance planning through the development of reference scenarios, mapping of Member States’ assets and contingency planning. The European Civil Protection Mechanism is bureaucratic in nature. The merging of the MIC and Echo crisis room and the creation of a genuine 24/7 emergency response centre which, in agreement with the Member States, would take decisions on the assets to be deployed in the event of a disaster in order to ensure an immediate and effective assistance to the victims, should be welcomed. The Commission should submit a proposal for an EU civil protection force based on the emergency response centre. The use of resources that are available in the Member States should be optimised for the common benefit. At the same time, the duplication of structures, effort or expenses should be avoided.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  David Martin (S&D), in writing. – We are living at a time when more and more disasters occur. Last year, Europe had to face a number of very severe disasters, including flash and large-scale floods, heavy storms and forest fires – not to mention the ash cloud after the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland. Outside Europe, some very severe disasters struck, causing an enormous number of casualties and huge destruction, namely, the Haiti earthquake and the Pakistan floods. The most damaging oil spill ever happened in the Gulf of Mexico after the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon drilling well, and the Sahel was hit by severe droughts. Now the world is struck by the dramatic happenings in Japan, which was hit by a combination of a strong earthquake, a tsunami and a nuclear catastrophe. Against the background of the recent dramatic increase in natural and man-made disasters both inside and outside the European Union, we need more efficiency at all stages of the European disaster management cycle, including prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, while optimising economic resources during times of austerity.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Véronique Mathieu (PPE), in writing.(FR) I voted in favour of the resolution to give the Union a genuine rapid disaster response mechanism. There are many examples of when Member States have had to call on the solidarity of their European partners to tackle natural disasters that have struck a number of regions such as Madeira, western France and various regions in Spain in early 2010. The human and material consequences caused by these violent meteorological phenomena affect me deeply as an elected representative. European institutions can make progress in this field, and that of humanitarian assistance, by shifting from simple coordination towards a predictable and pre-planned system of EU civil protection. The EU will then be able to carry out disaster relief operations thanks to immediate deployment. Obviously, this system should not replace the action of Member States, who are competent at national, regional and local level, but should complement this action with European solidarity.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Melo (PPE), in writing. (PT) We are living at a time when more and more disasters are occurring. Worldwide, the recorded number of disasters in one year has risen fivefold during the last 35 years to nearly 400 today. Recorded disasters within Europe over the past 20 years have killed almost 90 000 people, affected more than 29 million and caused EUR 211 billion in economic losses. To enhance European disaster response even more, the Commission needs to table a proposal as soon as possible on an EU civil protection force based on the emergency response centre. Another crucial point is the need for better coordination between all actors to avoid overlapping and duplication of efforts, on both the political and the operational side; each of these should function autonomously, in order not to impede rapid and effective help for the victims of the disaster.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Louis Michel (ALDE), in writing.(FR) Showing solidarity with the most vulnerable on our planet is one of the European Union’s fundamental values. The creation of a stronger European disaster response capability is a concrete expression of this solidarity. The creation of a unique crisis management centre was essential for improving the response to emergencies while providing better European coordination and by cutting red tape and duplication as much as possible. As I have already said on many occasions, particularly during the floods in Pakistan, or again during the earthquake in Haiti, the Barnier report was a perfect source of inspiration, which helped establish this mechanism. The current resolution is echoed in the 2014-2020 financial perspective which outlines the need for systematic action against a background of increasing natural and man-made disasters. Humanitarian assistance and civil protection are therefore stepped up in response to the actual needs of people in danger and to the demands of European citizens.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alexander Mirsky (S&D), in writing. – In its communication, the Commission proposes to improve and reinforce European disaster response capacity by proposing a two-fold approach: to set up a European emergency response capacity, based on Members States’ assets and expertise, and to establish a European emergency response centre and civil protection as a new platform for collecting real-time information on disasters, monitor hazards, alert Member States, and coordinate the EU’s disaster response actions. The report welcomes the creation of a genuine 24/7 emergency response centre as a simplification of the current Civil Protection Mechanism, which is considered too bureaucratic. It also highlights that better coordination among all actors is essential to avoid overlapping and duplication of efforts, on both the political and operational sides.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė (PPE), in writing. (LT) Natural and man-made disasters and their after-effects often cross a country’s borders. Therefore, when saving people’s lives, property and the environment, there not only needs to be a rapid response to these disasters, but excellent coordination of the work done by forces from neighbouring countries. I would like to congratulate the rapporteur for drawing attention to this problem in the report and I would like to add my voice to the calls for both the European Commission and individual Member States to take stronger action to ensure that work is better coordinated among national bodies, that problems relating to the provision of logistical, technical and other types of assistance are addressed and that a more pro-active EU publicity campaign is launched. We would thereby not only guarantee more effective use of funds allocated to the civil protection sector, but also more effective protection of our environment, citizens and their property.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Franz Obermayr (NI), in writing. (DE) Over the last 35 years, the number of disasters around the world each year has risen by a factor of five. In light of this, it is important to increase the efficiency of disaster response in the European Union. Clearly, this requires better coordination between all the parties involved in order to achieve synergy effects, plus an enhanced exchange of proven procedures between the various Member States. However, a standing EU civil protection force is something that I reject. There is a need to provide mutual assistance where necessary but, as a rule, the principle of helping people to help themselves should apply. In addition, I find the report to be lacking a fundamental discussion of particularly risky technologies such as nuclear power and deep-sea oil drilling. If we find ways to avoid these, we will ultimately also avoid disasters like Fukushima or the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Having weighed up the issues above, I abstained from voting.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alfredo Pallone (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted for the report by Ms Gardini on the European response to natural disasters because I believe the role of civil protection is truly important and I hope it will be possible to create a European civil protection force capable of providing humanitarian aid and assistance like the Italian civil protection force. The rapid response to the growing number of devastating natural disasters must be well organised and coordinated at a European level. Simplifying the relevant rules is undoubtedly the way towards achieving greater efficiency in the field as far as both assistance and reconstruction and the return to normality are concerned.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE), in writing. (EL) Europe, like the rest of the planet, is experiencing more frequent and more extreme disasters, both natural and man-made. The fatal fires, especially of Mediterranean forests, which plague Greece nearly every summer, are just one form of disaster. Disasters have cost Europe a total of over EUR 210 billion in the last twenty years. This growing trend needs two main strategies. Firstly, we need to organise at European level, given that natural disasters know no borders, and secondly, we need to develop a fully operational European Civil Protection Mechanism. The Treaty of Lisbon satisfies both these preconditions, by establishing new legal bases for civil protection, on the one hand, and for humanitarian aid, on the other, in order to guarantee a fast and effective response to disasters both inside and outside the EU. A European Civil Protection Mechanism, backed by appropriate resources and the necessary expertise to guarantee its success, is in everyone’s interest. These points are addressed in this report, which is why I voted in favour of it.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. (PT) I voted for this report, which tables a range of solutions to optimise coordinated action when disasters occur. The rapporteur calls for more efficiency in prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, while optimising economic resources during times of austerity. In fact, studies show that approximately 90% of European citizens expect the EU to do more to help their country when struck by a disaster. This concern is also reflected in the Treaty of Lisbon, which introduces new legal bases for both civil protection and humanitarian aid, in order to ensure a rapid and effective response to disasters happening inside and outside the EU. To add weight to these proposals, I join the rapporteur in calling on the Commission to table, as soon as possible, a project on the establishment of an EU civil protection force based on the emergency response centre.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Rovana Plumb (S&D), in writing. (RO) We are living at a time when the number of disasters is steadily rising. The number of disasters recorded worldwide in one year has risen fivefold during the last 35 years to nearly 400 today. The disasters experienced in Europe over the past 20 years have resulted in almost 90 000 deaths, affected more than 29 million people, and caused economic losses to the tune of EUR 211 billion.

I voted for this report to create a mechanism for making every stage of the European disaster management cycle more efficient, including prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, while making the most cost-effective use of economic resources during times of austerity. This approach is supported overwhelmingly by approximately 90% of European citizens, who expect the EU to do more to help their country when struck by a disaster, while a similar proportion endorses EU humanitarian actions outside the EU.

I should stress that it is important that all Member States contribute, in the spirit of European solidarity, to the European disaster response.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Phil Prendergast (S&D), in writing. – I welcome this report on developing a stronger European disaster response. The need to move away from what this report describes as an ad hoc policy towards emergency situations to a more premeditated and planned approach is obvious. In particular, I support two things. First, I support the establishment of the European emergency response centre, which would act as a first port of call through a programme of monitoring potential disaster situations and alerting the relevant authorities about any potential threats. Secondly, I welcome the creation of a European emergency response capacity whereby the emergency relief assets of Member States are pooled on a voluntary basis, which would enable more effective and certain pre-emergency planning. It would also facilitate a more thorough response in the event of an emergency.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Paulo Rangel (PPE), in writing. (PT) The frequency of the occurrence of natural disasters points to the need to provide for reactive mechanisms that enable aid for affected populations within a short space of time. This applies, not just to the most unpredictable volcanic eruptions, but also to the increasingly frequent floods, storms, earthquakes and forest fires. In this context, there is a need for coordination of the resources made available by the various Member States, as well as for a central coordinating authority, which will increase the efficiency of any EU action. To this end, the merger of the Monitoring and Information Centre and the ECHO humanitarian aid crisis room to create the European emergency response centre is particularly important. In general, these are instruments that not only enable direct aid for Europeans, but also make it possible for the EU to act internationally in a capable and responsible way. I voted in favour for these reasons.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), in writing. – I voted in favour. Parliament welcomes the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council entitled ‘Towards a stronger European disaster response: the role of civil protection and humanitarian assistance’ and its objectives. It emphasises that the proposals outlined in the communication should be further examined to fulfil the expectations for an enhanced, coordinated, consistent, effective, cost-efficient and visible cohesive and comprehensive European response. It underlines the need to rationalise and simplify the functioning of current European disaster response and to optimise the resources available for common benefit, whilst encouraging all Member States to contribute and thus guarantee European solidarity. It considers, accordingly, that the EU’s reaction capacity should form part of an integrated multi-risk approach. Moreover, it highlights the need to carry out ‘bottom-up’ delegated resources and information management. In other words, the initiative should come from the Member States, which can provide voluntary resources and expertise;

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Licia Ronzulli (PPE), in writing. (IT) The climate change of recent years has led to increasingly frequent disasters.

Last year, Europe had to face a number of very severe disasters, including flash and large-scale floods, heavy storms and exceptionally widespread forest fires, not to mention the ash cloud after the eruption of the volcano in Iceland.

Outside Europe as well, some very severe disasters struck, causing an enormous number of casualties and huge destruction. Worldwide, the recorded number of disasters in one year has risen fivefold during the last 35 years to nearly 400 today. 90% of European citizens expect the EU to do more to help their country when struck by a disaster.

With the adoption today of this important document, Parliament is asking for more efficiency in all stages of the European disaster management cycle, including prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, while optimising economic resources during times of austerity. The response needs to be enhanced through pre-identification of the assets available in the Member States that are placed at the disposal of the European Civil Protection Mechanism on a voluntary basis, while avoiding overlapping and duplication of efforts both on the political and on the operational side.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marie-Thérèse Sanchez-Schmid (PPE), in writing.(FR) Between 1975 and 2010, the number of disasters recorded annually has increased fivefold, from 78 26 years ago to almost 400 today. The earthquake that shook Japan in March 2011 is just the latest example. In Europe alone, over the last 20 years, various disasters have killed almost 90 000 people and caused economic losses amounting to EUR 211 billion. Climate change, population growth coupled with urbanisation, industrialisation and environmental damage are all causes that can explain this increase.

Faced with these tragedies, what is Europe doing? Does it take advantage of these events to demonstrate its added value in terms of coordination, pooling of resources and solidarity? Unfortunately not. In 2006, Michel Barnier proposed a certain number of urgent reforms, which we have only begun to discuss seriously today, and which are echoed in the Gardini report. The Treaty of Lisbon gives the European Union a legal basis on which to develop its response capability to this type of tragedy. It is now up to the Member States to play along and to pool certain prevention and response resources so that European solidarity is finally visible and effective.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Joanna Senyszyn (S&D), in writing. (PL) I supported the report entitled ‘Towards a stronger European disaster response: the role of civil protection and humanitarian assistance’. At present, when catastrophes or disasters strike, EU procedure does not provide for adequate and sufficient aid to Member States. Urgent action must be taken to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, coherence and clarity of the procedure. More efficient use of available resources will make it possible to avoid additional financial and administrative procedures, especially as concerns regional and local authorities. A more effective and timely response is a much more economical solution than simply dealing with the effects. Cohesive use of the available funds for this purpose will guarantee effective aid at each level. I refer to human resources and infrastructure. The provision of adequate aid will enable better identification of where resources are lacking and of the specific role played by the EU in the provision of aid to the Member States.

I would also like to draw your attention to the need to amend the regulation establishing the Solidarity Fund. The criteria for seeking help from this fund must be adapted to the specific nature of individual regions, disasters and calamities. In addition, like in the case of other funds, it is also important to make it possible to mobilise resources in a flexible way and depending on the needs arising.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Czesław Adam Siekierski (PPE), in writing. (PL) Unfortunately, we most often cast our mind to problems relating to the lack of good and smoothly operating systems of response to various disasters only after the event. On a number of occasions recently, we have had to deal with tragic natural disasters in Europe and in the rest of the world. Torrential rains are regularly causing floods, and we have experienced storms, forest fires and the eruption of an Icelandic volcano. All these events result in a huge financial cost and paralyse communications. In addition, events outside Europe, in Haiti, Pakistan, Japan, and the explosion of the oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico have caused the deaths of thousands of people and had a negative impact on the European economy. In times of crisis, we cannot afford duplication of efforts by several European States, as that means duplication of costs and of the efforts made by entities and agencies responsible for providing a response in each of the Member States. Accordingly, we must work out a cohesive, comprehensive and well-coordinated system for the entire European Union, one that would be not only effective but also rational.

Furthermore, I would like to emphasise the importance of cooperation with third countries and countries that adjoin the EU, for it is with such states that we should seek to cooperate and coordinate actions and the use of resources in a way that would allow most effective use of their potential. We should always keep in mind that various disasters and calamities do not recognise the existence of territorial borders.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Teixeira (PPE), in writing. (PT) Natural disasters occurring within Europe over the past 20 years have killed more than 90 000 people, affected more than 29 million, and caused about EUR 211 billion in economic losses. The purpose of this report, tabled by Parliament, is to serve as a basis for the Commission’s legislative proposal, which will also be tabled this autumn. I therefore support the Commission’s proposal to improve and strengthen the EU’s response capability, through the creation of a European emergency response capacity based on the Member States’ specialised assets, as well as the creation of a European emergency response centre, as a simplification of the current Civil Protection Mechanism. The system’s red tape also needs to be cut, by creating a European civil protection force to coordinate all the actors involved at European, national, regional and local level, so as to speed up processes and avoid the duplication of efforts. I come from Madeira, a region whose situation means it is overly exposed to natural disasters, as was the case with the storm of February 2010, so I support the taking of political, but particularly operational, measures to minimise their effects.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Georgios Toussas (GUE/NGL), in writing. (EL) The European Parliament’s report and the Commission communication are anything but innocent. The euro-unifying legislative framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has already been extended to include action to ‘combat terrorism’. Within that framework, it proposes the establishment of a civil protection force based on an ‘all-hazards approach’ with ‘synergies among the various existing tools and instruments’. It proposes the activation and implementation of the ‘solidarity clause’ introduced in the Treaty of Lisbon and provides the facility for intervention by the EU in the internal political affairs and developments of a Member State, including for the purpose of dealing with risks to public policy and security.

The sweet-sounding calls for action to deal with forest fires and other environmental dangers or natural disasters conceal plans to use military means and existing monitoring systems, such as the GMES and Galileo satellite systems. In other words, infrastructures and preconditions are put in place for close coordination and mutual support between military and civil mechanisms, in order to establish an enhanced EU civil protection system with even more militarised features and structures.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marie-Christine Vergiat (GUE/NGL), in writing.(FR) This report on the creation of a European Civil Protection Mechanism respects the notion of solidarity in emergencies, at both European and international level, with the emphasis on prevention and coordinated and effective disaster management.

In my opinion, the proposals seem quite positive, such as the dissemination of information and expertise and good practices, pre-identification of the assets available in the Member States, simplification of bureaucratic procedures, the references to climate change and also the responsibility of private operators and the provision of humanitarian assistance and aid regardless of political considerations.

Yet some aspects remain controversial, in particular, including references to bioterrorism, the glowing report given to its response to the Haitian disaster, the use of a highly centralised Civil Protection Mechanism with many powers, and the steps to train young people at a time when budgetary margins for manoeuvre are extremely tight.

However, due to the fact that the emphasis is placed on the principle of solidarity and subsidiarity and on international standards for humanitarian assistance, I voted for this report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Dominique Vlasto (PPE), in writing. (FR) In recent years, disasters have increased in number and in gravity. It was important that our Parliament reiterated its call for the creation of a European civil protection force, capable of immediate deployment, inside and outside the Union. The shocking images of the earthquake in Haiti, the floods in Pakistan, the forest fires in southern Europe, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, not to mention Fukushima, shook the planet and underlined the desperate need to optimise European action, at all stages of disaster management. On each occasion, I have supported Parliament’s calls for the Commission to make proposals that move towards a pooling of material and human resources available in Member States and towards improved coordination between them to support a European civil protection force, which unfortunately has been a long time in coming. Each disaster brings its share of human tragedy and destruction. It is therefore essential to support Europe’s capacity to intervene in the areas of prevention, response, recovery and humanitarian action. In this area, we need to ensure that the principle of European solidarity is put into action.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Angelika Werthmann (NI), in writing. (DE) Given the continuous rise in the numbers of natural disasters over recent years, the citizens of Europe are understandably demanding the best possible civil protection. The report calls on the Commission to bring forward a proposal without delay for EU-level disaster protection that should include a more efficient EU disaster management cycle and a 24/7 emergency response centre.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Artur Zasada (PPE), in writing. (PL) The numerous disasters that have recently affected EU countries and other parts of the world make it imperative to take all measures possible in order to enhance Europe’s capacity to respond to disasters and catastrophes. In my role as Vice-Chair of the Delegation for relations with Japan, I followed the development of the situation in that country with particular attention, after Japan was affected by a major disaster in March of this year. This was brought about by the concurrence of an earthquake, a tsunami and a dangerous failure at a nuclear power station. Being aware of the fact that it is impossible to rule out occurrences of natural disasters or of catastrophes brought about by human beings, it is imperative for us to work out in advance various scenarios based on the use of existing mechanisms and taking into account the previously identified pool of resources. A cohesive strategy incorporating action plans, an integrated monitoring system with access to satellite information, measures to improve the flow of information and coordinated cooperation among Member States will most certainly curtail the damage to the environment, society and the economy in the event of a disaster.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Janusz Władysław Zemke (S&D), in writing. (PL) I voted in favour of adopting the present report. It is gratifying that the European Parliament is paying increased attention to the Union’s capacity to provide aid in cases of disasters and catastrophes. It is necessary to emphasise the fact that over the last 30 years, the number of different kinds of disasters recorded the world over, including in Europe, has increased fivefold. This means that we should work out considerably more efficient methods for dealing with the consequences of this growing number of disasters. In my view, while the European Union is allocating more and more resources to this objective, its actual capacity remains far from sufficient. The latter should not be based on the use of resources offered – voluntarily – by individual Member States of the European Union. The Union should be building its own resources at pan-Union level. These would include, for example, a fleet of transport aircraft to be immediately available whenever humanitarian assistance has to be provided following a catastrophe or disaster.

 
  
  

Report: Sophie Auconie (A7-0076/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luís Paulo Alves (S&D), in writing. (PT) I am voting for this report, which stresses the new benefits of simplifying regulatory constraints, since it will enable euro cash to move more freely between euro area Member States, whilst ensuring a high level of professionalism and security. However, it is regrettable that the Commission wanted to unilaterally amend the text, without taking into account the opinion of social partners, as the European Parliament requested.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Elena Oana Antonescu (PPE), in writing. (RO) Although euro notes and coins were introduced in 2002, the market for transporting euro cash is still highly fragmented. This is due to widely-diverging national rules which make it extremely difficult for cash-in-transit (CIT) companies to provide cross-border services. The purpose of this regulation is therefore to simplify these regulatory constraints so that euro notes and coins can circulate more easily among the Member States in the euro area.

Due to the particular dangers involved in cash transportation, this regulation must help reinforce the safety requirements for both CIT staff and the public. With regard to the range of cash transportation methods, Member States must be able to select as many options as they wish from the five transportation methods available for notes and the two for coins, which are set out in the regulation.

I voted for this report because I think that it is important to ensure that the rules are sufficiently clear and workable for the CIT companies and national authorities.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D), in writing. (LT) Euro banknotes and coins were introduced in 2002 and are a pan-European means of payment, allowing European citizens to settle their debts in euro throughout the euro area, currently consisting of 17 Member States. The very principle of a single currency implies the freedom to move cash between the participating Member States. However, due to incompatibilities between national legislations, it is, in most cases, very difficult for professional cash transporters to move euro cash between euro area Member States, and very little cross-border land transportation therefore takes place. Regulatory differences concern a wide range of issues, such as the possession and carrying of firearms by the cash-in-transit (CIT) staff, the authorised modes of transport, the armouring and equipping of the CIT vehicles and the number of staff in those vehicles. The current regulatory obstacles imply a fragmentation of the single market in this sector. These constraints on professional euro cash transportation have an impact on the cash cycle and, ultimately, on the cost of cash for firms and citizens. I agreed that it is necessary to take action to remove existing regulatory barriers to cross-border transportation of euro cash by road and thereby facilitate the free circulation of the euro.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mara Bizzotto (EFD), in writing. (IT) The proposal for a regulation has the merit of taking action to make the cross-border transportation of euro cash less fragmented.

The aim of simplifying national rules governing cross-border euro cash transportation services is an objective that will make the professional job of cash-in-transit companies and the circulation of euro notes and coins easier.

The report by Parliament integrates the text from the Commission into important points of the regulatory measure. I approve of the efforts to make cash transportation safer with the safety systems specified in the amendments approved by our colleagues during its submission to the Commission. I therefore voted in favour of the report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  John Bufton (EFD), in writing. – I have nothing against eurozone countries defining what kind of CIT companies may be granted a cross-border licence by a Member State, nor have I anything against using the intelligent banknote neutralisation system (IBNS). However, the fact that the EU wishes to harmonise the IBNS among the participating Member States at a time when the euro is failing, the very production of the report, which aims solely to sustain what is, in essence, the collapsing myth of the euro, is a sheer waste of taxpayers’ money.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Christine De Veyrac (PPE), in writing.(FR) I supported the adoption of this report by our fellow Member, Ms Auconie, which will facilitate the transport of funds between EU Member States. I therefore voted for this report, as it will further enhance the safety of people and funds transported while safeguarding employees’ social conditions.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Diogo Feio (PPE), in writing. (PT) Given the continued fragmentation of the market for transporting euro cash, there was a need to review and simplify the national regulations, so as to enable quicker, more effective circulation between the Member States that have adopted the single currency. However, as well as greater simplification, there is also a need to be careful with the provisions in force regarding the transportation of cash in each Member State. I believe the agreement reached here strikes this balance both in terms of the choice of transport, and the public safety rules required and the employment conditions achieved for the sector’s workers.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), in writing. (PT) This report, drafted by our fellow Member, Ms Auconie, concerns a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the professional cross-border transportation of euro cash by road between euro area Member States. The purpose of this proposal is to facilitate the cross-border transportation of euro cash between Member States that have adopted the euro as their currency by establishing clear operational rules. As such, the proposal for a regulation provides for the existence of five transportation methods for notes and two for coins, from which each Member State chooses those best suited to its situation. The issue of the safety of this type of transportation has not been forgotten for cash-in-transit (CIT) workers or the general public: it encourages the use of the intelligent banknote neutralisation system to discourage attacks on CIT vehicles. I am voting for the report for the above reasons, and I hope it will contribute to facilitating the transportation of cash between Member States, so conferring greater security on the European public and its cash.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  João Ferreira (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) The purpose of this proposal for a regulation of the European Commission is to facilitate the cross-border transportation of euro cash, but without prejudice to the Member States’ various chosen approaches to regulation of the cash-in-transit (CIT) sector.

According to the rapporteur, this regulation will simplify regulatory limitations, with a view to facilitating better circulation of euro coins and banknotes between the Member States that have adopted the single currency, whilst also taking into account their contribution to reinforcing the imperative of public safety for both CIT staff and the public. As the report says, ‘although euro notes and coins were introduced as long ago as 2002, the market for transporting euro cash is still highly fragmented. Widely diverging national rules make it very difficult for [CIT] companies to provide cross-border services’.

Adequate consideration is given to the need, in future, to encourage application of the intelligent banknote neutralisation system to prevent any worsening of the violence that characterises attacks on CIT vehicles.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) As the report states, ‘although euro notes and coins were introduced as long ago as 2002, the market for transporting euro cash is still highly fragmented. Widely diverging national rules make it very difficult for cash-in-transit (CIT) sector companies to provide cross-border services’. According to the rapporteur, the Commission’s proposal should facilitate the cross-border transportation of euro cash, but without prejudice to the Member States’ various chosen approaches to regulation of the CIT sector.

The purpose of this regulation is to simplify regulatory limitations, with a view to facilitating better circulation of euro coins and banknotes between the Member States that have adopted the single currency, whilst also taking into account their contribution to reinforcing the imperative of public safety for both CIT staff and the public.

The rapporteur therefore considers that, in order to do cross-border work, companies must have an adequate minimum level of experience, and stresses the need, in future, to encourage the use of the intelligent banknote neutralisation system to prevent any worsening of the violence that characterises attacks on CIT vehicles.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. (LT) Although euro notes and coins were introduced as long ago as 2002, the market for transporting euro cash is still highly fragmented. Widely diverging national rules make it very difficult for cash-in-transit (CIT) companies to provide cross-border services. The purpose of this regulation is therefore to simplify the regulatory constraints so that euro notes and coins can circulate more easily among the Member States that have adopted the currency.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vladimir Maňka (S&D), in writing. (SK) The purpose of this regulation is to simplify regulatory constraints so that euro notes and coins can circulate more easily among the Member States that have adopted the currency. This proposal will serve to facilitate the cross-border transportation of euro cash without prejudice to the Member States’ various chosen approaches to regulation of the CIT sector. Member States must be able to select as many options as they wish from the five transportation methods for notes and the two for coins which are set out in the regulation.

The regulation must help to reinforce the imperative of safety for both CIT staff and the public. In order to do cross-border work, companies must have an adequate minimum level of experience. The regulation will not result in an erosion of employment conditions for CIT staff.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  David Martin (S&D), in writing. – I welcome this proposal. Although euro notes and coins were introduced as long ago as 2002, the market for transporting euro cash is still highly fragmented. Widely diverging national rules make it very difficult for cash-in-transit (CIT) companies to provide cross-border services. The purpose of this regulation is therefore to simplify the regulatory constraints so that euro notes and coins can circulate more easily among the Member States that have adopted the currency.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Clemente Mastella (PPE), in writing. (IT) The market for transporting euro cash in the EU is still highly fragmented due to widely diverging national rules that make it very difficult for cash-in-transit (CIT) companies to provide cross-border services.

Therefore, we believe that it is necessary to simplify the regulatory constraints so that euro notes and coins can circulate more easily among the Member States. In our view, in order to achieve this, it is important firstly to ensure that the rules established are sufficiently clear and workable for the CIT companies and national authorities.

With regard to cash transportation methods, Member States must be able to select as many options as they wish from the five transportation methods for notes and two for coins which are set out in the regulation. Given the particular dangers involved in cash transportation, the regulation must help to reinforce the imperative of safety for both CIT staff and the public. Use of the intelligent banknote neutralisation system should be encouraged to prevent attacks on CIT vehicles.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Melo (PPE), in writing. (PT) Although euro notes and coins were introduced as long ago as 2002, the market for transporting euro cash is still highly fragmented. Widely diverging national rules make it very difficult for cash-in-transit (CIT) companies to provide cross-border services. The purpose of this regulation is therefore to simplify the regulatory constraints so that euro notes and coins can circulate more easily among the Member States that have adopted the currency. The cross-border transportation of euro cash should be facilitated, but without prejudice to the Member States’ various chosen approaches to regulation of the CIT sector.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alexander Mirsky (S&D), in writing. – The purpose of this regulation is to simplify the regulatory constraints so that euro notes and coins can circulate more easily among the Member States of the euro area, ensuring a high level of professionalism and safety. The amendments adopted in the Committee on Economic Affairs concern the involvement of EU institutions and social partners, reference periods and professional training. Moreover, the scope of the regulation is extended – by Recommendation APP/2010/0206 – to the territory of Member States that are about to introduce the euro, since there is normally an increased need for euro cash transportation in the run-up to the changeover.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. (PT) I voted for this report, which is based on the European Commission proposal resulting from a long consultation process, which seems balanced to me. Its purpose is to facilitate the cross-border transportation of euro cash, but without prejudice to the Member States’ various chosen approaches to regulation of the cash-in-transit (CIT) sector. It presents various types of transport, and changes the rules of the sector, but without resulting in an erosion of employment conditions for CIT staff.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Paulo Rangel (PPE), in writing. (PT) From the technical point of view, regulation of the cash-in-transit (CIT) sector should involve a clear regulatory framework adapted to the particular characteristics of the transport operators. That is the only way it will be able to preclude distortions of its role because of artificial barriers to competition. Moreover, legislation must always use the safety of operators as a reference, since the CIT sector is undeniably dangerous. These issues are covered in the proposal for a regulation, so I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), in writing. – I voted in favour. Although euro notes and coins were introduced as long ago as 2002, the market for transporting euro cash is still highly fragmented. Widely diverging national rules make it very difficult for cash-in-transit (CIT) companies to provide cross-border services. The purpose of this regulation is therefore to simplify the regulatory constraints so that euro notes and coins can circulate more easily between the Member States that have adopted the currency.

 
  
  

Report: Jörg Leichtfried (A7-0028/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luís Paulo Alves (S&D), in writing. (PT) Since the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, Parliament has had to decide on proposals tabled by the Commission on dual-use technology; in other words, goods that can be used for civilian or military purposes. The thinking is that controlling this type of export prevents the proliferation of weapons. It is crucial to reflect on the most effective way for the European Union to offer leadership in the movement against the proliferation of weapons, which is particularly important, given its geopolitical and geographic characteristics, especially following its successive eastward expansions.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this document. In the European Union, there are licences for dual-use items (these are defined as items, including software and technology, which can be used for both civil and military purposes, and include all goods which can be used for assisting in any way in the manufacture of nuclear weapons or other explosive nuclear devices). The regulation lays down a list of dual-use items and it is regularly updated to reflect the Member States’ international commitments and rapid technological development. The updating of this list, on which we voted, will enable us to guarantee the application of the commitments made throughout the entire EU and will give EU exporters legal clarity as regards the items that require an export licence.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mara Bizzotto (EFD), in writing. (IT) In the delicate context of exports of dual-use items and technology, there was a need for a legislative measure at EU level to make the legislative and, above all, the procedural framework clearer, simpler and more harmonised.

The proposed amendment we voted on today is important also for manufacturers, as dual-use items account for 10% of goods exported by EU Member States.

Thanks to the proposal put to the vote, the European Parliament will also see more involvement, which will make future procedures regarding the exporting of dual-use items more democratic and give greater control over them to our House. I therefore voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this report because, in order to guarantee human security, strengthen the control of exports in the European Union, and strengthen and tighten rules on the global issuing of arms export licences, it is necessary to amend and supplement several points in the old regulation. The amendments to this regulation set up a Community regime for dual-use items and technology. The supplement to the regulation takes account of the regime for the control of exports in order to establish a reliable system for the collection, transmission and storage of notifications. A lot of attention is also paid to enhancing the European Union’s reputation, and representation in international regimes for the control of exports should also be improved. The granting of authorisation for the export of dual-use items is decided under four international export control regimes. Firstly, the Australia Group endeavours to prevent the proliferation of biological and chemical weapons. Secondly, the Nuclear Suppliers Group aims to reduce the proliferation of nuclear weapons and controls exports. The Missile Technology Control Regime aims to curb the spread of unmanned delivery systems for nuclear weapons, and the Wassenaar Arrangement focuses on the transparency of national export control regimes. Their most important task is to update the lists of goods to be controlled with a view to cooperating and guaranteeing security.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Carlos Coelho (PPE), in writing. (PT) The issue of dual-use items – goods which can be used for both civil and military purposes, such as chemicals that can be used in fertilisers or to prepare bombs and information technology for computers that can also be used to guide missiles – is currently a highly sensitive one. European-level export controls for dual-use items and technologies aim to ensure respect for the international commitments of the EU and its Member States as regards the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and conventional weapons. The main function of these international regimes for the control of exports is updating the lists of items subject to control.

To date, these lists have been almost automatically transposed into EU law, without any participation, or with minimal participation, from the European Parliament. I welcome the adoption of a joint interpretation by Parliament and the Commission within the new framework agreement, which will be crucial for a more transparent and democratic organisation of the EU’s dual-use regime.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Christine De Veyrac (PPE), in writing.(FR) I voted for this amendment to the regulation on exports of dual-use items and technology. This proposal for a regulation should help increase transparency in the export of items and technologies that can be used for civil and military purposes.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Edite Estrela (S&D), in writing. (PT) I voted for this report, since I believe that Parliament’s amendments to Regulation (EC) No 428/2009 make the regime for dual-use items – that is, goods that can be used for both civil and military purposes – more democratic, transparent and secure. The amended regulation will also contribute to reinforcing the image of the Union in international export control regimes, which constitute an important model for the devising and practical implementation of EU legislation in this area.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Diogo Feio (PPE), in writing. (PT) All products, software and technologies that can be used for both civil and military purposes are considered dual-use items. As I have already had the opportunity to say, there is good reason for particular requirements and care to be attached to the way that the type of goods in question circulate and are used, as well as for rigorous respect for the international conventions applicable to them and for the list of items classified as such to be constantly updated. The purpose of the proposal in question is to create an EU regime for controlling the export of items and technologies of this type, so we cannot fail to prioritise transparency and security, even if the items covered by the proposed amendment of the regulation are destined for countries that, at least initially, do not pose a particular threat.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), in writing. (PT) This report, drafted by Mr Leichtfried, concerns a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1334/2000 setting up a Community regime for the control of exports of dual-use items and technology. This is a very sensitive issue, since we are talking about items that can enable the manufacture of weapons of mass destruction, thereby compromising the security of goods and people. This process dates to December 2008, when the Commission submitted its first draft amendment to Regulation (EC) No 1334/2000, with a view to adding six new annexes. The amendments now being introduced step up the security and control of exports of these dual-use items. I welcome the adoption of this report, which constitutes a step towards a more transparent organisation of the EU’s dual-use regime and preventing the unauthorised use of dual-use items, in order to guarantee the safety of the European public.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D), in writing. ?? (SK)? Export controls of dual-use items, meaning goods which can be used for both civil and military purposes, have been the subject of EU level actions for around 15 years. Controlling the export of dual-use goods is a key for the non-proliferation of arms, including weapons of mass destruction. The main EU export control tool is the Dual-use Regulation 428/2009 of 5 May 2009, which entered into force on 27 August 2009, and introduces a number of significant changes to the scope of dual-use export controls. Several additional amendments have been proposed to help to make the EU’s dual-use regime more democratic and transparent. The entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon and its clarification concerning the EU’s competences in the area of international trade provide a good opportunity to reaffirm the EU’s role in these formations and the European Parliament’s role, powers and responsibilities within the EU’s institutional framework for decision making.

The EU’s dual-use regime should be organised in a more transparent and democratic manner. I believe that full European Parliament involvement, through the application of the Lisbon Treaty’s obligations and its joint interpretation agreed by the European Parliament and the European Commission within the new framework agreement, would be crucial to achieving this objective.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE), in writing. – I voted against this report. The EU has a duty to ensure that dual-use items do not get into the hands of oppressive regimes which can then use them against their own citizens. Whilst the report offers support for human rights, democratic principles and freedom of speech, the controls contained within its provisions do not go far enough.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. (LT) Export controls on dual-use items, meaning goods which can be used for both civil and military purposes, have been the subject of action at EU level for around 15 years. I welcomed this document because controlling the export of dual-use goods is key to the non-proliferation of arms, including weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vladimír Maňka (S&D), in writing. (SK) The entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, which clarifies EU powers in the area of international trade, provides a good opportunity to reconfirm the EU role in these groupings and the role, powers and responsibilities of the European Parliament in the institutional decision-making framework of the European Union.

The EU regime applying to dual-use items should be more transparent and democratic. Full involvement of the European Parliament, through the performance of duties arising from the Lisbon Treaty and its common interpretation agreed by the European Parliament and the European Commission on the basis of a new framework agreement, will be crucial in achieving that objective.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  David Martin (S&D), in writing. – I welcome this proposal. Export controls of dual-use items, meaning goods which can be used for both civil and military purposes, have been the subject of EU-level actions for around 15 years. Controlling the export of dual-use goods is a key for the non-proliferation of arms, including weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Given the high volume of trade across the borders of the European Union (EU), the enforcement of EU export controls on dual-use goods relies on preventive measures such as the imposition of export licensing requirements and customs registration procedures. Export controls have a high impact on the EU’s trade policy as they can affect more than 10% of all EU exports. The main EU export control tool is the Dual-use Regulation (EC) No 428/2009 of 5 May 2009, which entered into force on 27 August 2009. This new regulation introduced a number of significant changes to the scope of dual-use export controls in the European Union. These include the introduction of controls on brokering activities and transit with regard to dual-use items.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Jiří Maštálka (GUE/NGL), in writing. (CS) Setting criteria and establishing mechanisms for improving the control of dual-use goods is one part of this issue. I would therefore like to call for the better awareness and training of dealers in these goods not to be forgotten, for sufficient up-to-date and intelligible information to be available, based on high-quality legislation, and for there to be clear procedures for all of the stakeholders: control bodies, dealers and others. In conclusion, I would like to add that this should be based on transparency, sound planning and practicality.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mario Mauro (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted for the report by Mr Leichtfried because I believe it is right to interpret the Lisbon Treaty in order to increase transparency with regard to dual-use items and technologies by making list updates increasingly precise and by other actions to strengthen the EU’s image and presence in international export control regimes.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Melo (PPE), in writing. (PT) Dual-use technological items are all those products – including software and technologies – that can be used for both civil and military purposes. The entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon and its clarification of the EU’s competences in the area of international trade provide a good occasion to reaffirm the EU’s role in this area, as well as the decision-making role, competences and responsibilities of Parliament within the institutional framework of the EU. The EU dual-use regime should be organised in a more transparent and democratic manner: the full participation of Parliament, through the implementation of the obligations resulting from the Treaty of Lisbon and the adoption of a joint interpretation by Parliament and the Commission within the context of the new framework agreement, will be crucial in achieving that objective.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alexander Mirsky (S&D), in writing. – I think that following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, it is necessary to decide on proposals presented by the Commission on dual-use items and technology: a Community regime for the control of exports. Dual-use items are goods which can be used for both civil and military purposes. Controlling the export of dual-use goods is necessary. I am in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Andreas Mölzer (NI), in writing. (DE) The controls on goods, technologies and associated services that could be used for both civil and military purposes that have been in place for the last 15 years are of particular relevance when it comes to weapons of mass destruction. Moreover, they need to be in line with the obligations entered into by the Member States at multilateral level. Furthermore, sanctions are to be imposed for transporting dual-use items illegally when this takes place in connection with a weapons of mass destruction programme. A database of rejected export authorisations would surely facilitate these controls. In light of experiences with SIS I and SIS II, expectations in this regard should not be set too high. Seeking to impose sanctions at EU level runs counter to the principle of subsidiarity, for which reason I voted against this report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Franz Obermayr (NI), in writing. (DE) Dual-use items are defined as goods or associated services that can be used for both civil and military purposes. Caution is required here, particularly when dealing with terrorism and weapons of mass destruction The truth is that a common database could facilitate export controls. However, the competence to punish infringements of export bans should remain with the Member State concerned. I reject the centralised imposition of sanctions from Brussels because this runs counter to the principle of subsidiarity. I therefore voted against Mr Leichtfried’s report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alfredo Pallone (PPE), in writing. (IT) Export controls of dual-use items, both for civil and military purposes, have been the subject of EU actions for some time and I believe it is right that they should continue to be so. As we have a market on which vast amounts of goods circulate every day, imposing controls is a preventive measure designed to avoid the proliferation of arms which would lead to the situation spiralling out of control. We need to separate military use from civil use. While military use is subject to specific protocols and controls, the same does not apply to civil use, and sometimes we do not know what the final use of the product will be. This is why we need serious and proper regulation.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. (PT) This report concerns the EU regime for the control of exports of dual-use items and technology, or rather goods that can be used for both civil and military purposes. The EU’s dual-use regime should be organised in a more transparent and democratic way. In fact, full participation of Parliament, through the application of the obligations resulting from the Treaty of Lisbon and the adoption of a joint interpretation by Parliament and the Commission within the context of the new framework agreement, will be crucial in achieving that objective. Given Parliament’s increased right of scrutiny over authorising the export of these sensitive products that may have second uses, I voted for this report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Paulo Rangel (PPE), in writing. (PT) Dual-use items are characterised by their simultaneous potential for civil and military use. The existence of a network of controls is envisaged in this area to control their use for illicit purposes as much as possible. In this context, I would join the rapporteur in stressing the need for Parliament to adopt an active stance as regards the system of controls on the export of dual-use items and technologies, and to strengthen the mechanisms for transparent, legitimate and democratic control.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), in writing. – Against. The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and its clarification on the EU’s competences in the area of International Trade provide a good occasion to reaffirm the EU’s role in these formations and the European Parliament’s role, power and responsibility within the EU’s institutional framework for decision making. The EU’s dual-use regime should be organised more transparent and democratic. Full European Parliament involvement, through the application of the Lisbon Treaty’s obligations and its joint interpretation agreed by the European Parliament and the European Commission within the new framework agreement, would be crucial to achieving this objective. However, with the content of the report, we missed a good opportunity to better strengthen the control of dual-use items and technology.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Oreste Rossi (EFD), in writing.(IT) Given the EU’s new competences in the area of international trade following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, I am in favour of the report, since controlling dual-use products is essential for the non-proliferation of arms and is carried out through preventive measures such as the imposition of export licensing requirements and customs registration procedures.

This could be a significant step towards regulating the dual-use item export market, making it more transparent and democratic.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Matteo Salvini (EFD), in writing. (IT) The text of the report which is the result of the agreement with the Council with regard to the document already voted for in plenary does not contain any critical issues for our delegation and I agree with it. It is a measure that takes the interests of Member States into due consideration and, above all, its intentions should facilitate the work of businesses in the industry.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Teixeira (PPE), in writing. (PT) Regulation (EC) No 428/2009, of 5 May 2009, introduced a number of significant changes in the area of control of exports, transfer, brokering and transit of dual-use items and technologies in the European Union; or rather the control of goods that can be used for both civil and military purposes. I agree with this report because it establishes an effective and uniform control of the export of Union products and their transit within the EU, so creating a level playing field for all European exporters, in line with the principles of international trade, and thereby preventing unfair competition between EU exporters. The purpose of the report in question is to make the industry more competitive, to simplify its current legal system, and to give it its own rules and procedures, and it is important to stress the importance of instituting a safe and codified system for exchanging information among the Member States. Finally, I consider it essential that monitoring reports for this regulation be drawn up every three years, that an exhaustive impact assessment of its implementation should be carried out, and that any suggested changes that will improve the control of exports of dual-use items and technology may be considered.

 
  
  

Report: Carlo Fidanza (A7-0265/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luís Paulo Alves (S&D), in writing. (PT) Tourism plays a key role in creating jobs, and in fostering development and cohesion in the EU. As there is stiff competition from other destinations, it is crucial to make the sector more competitive, particularly when the Treaty of Lisbon creates a new framework for European tourism policy, with new powers. I am voting for this report, since it presents an integrated and comprehensive approach to a European tourism strategy with clear and ambitious goals. I would highlight my proposals in the opinion of the Committee on Regional Development: the need to make use of the cultural tourism ‘exemplified by [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco)] World Heritage Sites, and the exuberant natural beauty found in Natura 2000 sites across the EU’, and the need to consider the regions’ ‘accessibility, principally through extension of the trans-European transport network objectives to these regions’.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Roberta Angelilli (PPE), in writing. (IT) The beauty and vastness of European artistic and cultural heritage is a major selling point of the European Union, which is the chosen destination for vast numbers of tourists from every corner of the earth.

The new European tourism strategy and detailed plan of action project a future of growth and innovation, not only for the approximately 1.8 million small and medium-sized enterprises, but also for young jobseekers. We already talked about this in the last plenary session. The figures show that the unemployment rate is around 10% in Europe, with 22.7 million Europeans looking for work, 5.1 million of whom are under 25 years old.

Congratulations to the rapporteur for this strategy which represents potential for development in terms of employment and cultural growth, a positive boost to our economy, the promotion and consolidation of Europe's image in the world, and also a point in favour of territorial cohesion.

Everyone is well aware that giving tourism a legal basis required a lengthy debate. It is therefore a great achievement to be speaking about a new European tourism strategy today. This encompasses 21 important actions, including professional qualifications, innovation, investment in quality tourism, ecotourism and also encouragement for ethical tourism in order to guard against any form of exploitation of women and children.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Antonello Antinoro (PPE), in writing. (IT) I supported this own-initiative report because it is crucial for Europe, currently facing an economic crisis that will not be easy to solve, to find strength in areas precisely such as tourism in order to stimulate new growth. We must aim to make Europe the world’s No 1 tourist destination, and this will be possible if we have a coordinated approach for an action framework that will develop modern, high-quality, sustainable and accessible tourism. Therefore, the financial aspect is important, both in terms of existing funding, such as the Structural Funds, and in terms of funding to be added to the 2014-2020 financial programme.

As a former cultural heritage councillor in the regional government of Sicily, where I come from, I have been in a position to see that in some parts of Europe, it is possible to bring together different forms of tourism to cover all the seasons. The continent with the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which has made variety and biodiversity one of its strengths, needs to make a new concerted effort to achieve an important objective that would breathe new life into an industry which needs to reinvigorate itself over the next few years to bring it in line with the requirements of the new global market.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Elena Oana Antonescu (PPE), in writing. (RO) Tourism contributes to human enrichment, interaction, wellbeing, cultural development and social cohesion. Tourism also promotes Europe’s cultural and linguistic heritage, while respecting both its diversity and shared values, and reinforces the sense of European identity, belonging and citizenship. Europe’s diversity, multifaceted nature and multiculturalism expand any form of thematic tourism, and the development and promotion of forms of diversified tourism may be the only effective response to the distortions, problems and deterioration caused by the model of unregulated and undifferentiated mass tourism. Tourism development has a key role to play in enhancing the regional dimension within the European Union.

Tourism provides a crucial economic resource and is the main calling card that Europe presents to the whole world. At the same time, I do not think that European tourism is utilised to its real potential. Europe has a huge amount to offer to both its own citizens and the rest of the world. This is why I urge Member States to facilitate and promote professional training for tourism activity organisers, lend support to the diversification and specialisation of European tourism, and encourage tourism organisations to exchange good practices.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Liam Aylward (ALDE), in writing. (GA) Europe is the biggest, most sought after tourist destination in the world, with 370 million people coming to visit every year. Tourism is the third largest socio-economic sector in the EU, and accounts for 10% of GDP and 12% of employment. Currently, 1.8 million enterprises and 9.7 million jobs depend on the European tourism sector. I welcome what is in this report in relation to coordinating European efforts to entice tourists and in relation to achieving the priorities of the EU 2020 strategy for competitiveness and viable growth. It would be to the advantage of Europe’s and Ireland’s tourism sector if the international image of the EU were secured as attractive, individual and coordinated tourist destinations.

It would be an advantage to the tourism sector of the Member States if a ‘European brand’ were created, and I support especially what it is in the report in terms of encouraging different kinds of tourism, like rural tourism, agritourism, nature tourism, spa and health tourism, and ethical tourism. Around 7 million visitors from abroad come to visit Ireland every year and a European framework could help a lot with the diversification and development of the market.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this document. The tourism sector in the EU accounts for 10% of GDP and 12% of total employment, making it the third most important economic activity in the EU. This sector, largely made up of micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises, is the main source of income for some EU regions, such as islands, and plays a key role in the economic development and economic, social and regional cohesion of the EU, as well as in achieving the goals of the EU 2020 strategy. Recently, tourism in Europe has faced many challenges, such as the global economic crisis, climate change and demographic changes in Europe, etc. I agreed that tourism policy should be regarded as part and parcel of the EU’s industrial and innovation policies and that we should value and boost the importance of very small enterprises and SMEs for this sector, which is an important source of employment in the EU. The Commission should also revise existing legislation in the field of tourism so that it reflects the needs of this sector today and guarantees high-quality tourism services.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Regina Bastos (PPE), in writing. (PT) Tourism is a sector of key importance to Europe, accounting for 10% of gross domestic product and 12% of employment as a whole. Since the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, the EU has had new powers, specifically to coordinate the actions of the Member States in the tourism sector, so as to create a favourable climate for sustainable development in the sector. This report advocates the need to develop diversified, sustainable and accessible tourism, with particular focus on professional training and qualifications as a means of overcoming the challenge of an effective tourist industry policy. It highlights the need for strong investment in innovation, and in information and communication technologies, as key elements for making tourism companies more competitive; the simplification and standardisation of the awarding of tourist visas across the Member States; the development of a stable transportation system that promotes mobility; and finally, it calls for greater coordination with the already existing funds and the creation of a specific heading for tourism in the 2014-2020 financial perspective. I voted for this report for the above reasons.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Sergio Berlato (PPE), in writing. (IT) Tourism is a crucially important sector, the EU’s third largest socio-economic activity, accounting for 12% of total employment, and a vital tool in boosting, spreading and promoting Europe’s global image.

In addition to furthering the integration and development of less developed regions, it manages to combine growth with ethical and sustainable development in the EU’s Member States. Despite the fact that tourism has always been included in Community policies, under the recent Lisbon Treaty, the EU is competent to coordinate actions by the Member States in the tourism sector.

I believe that investments in innovation and ICT are vital factors in effectively increasing the competitiveness of our tourism firms, especially in a context like our present one, in which it is necessary to respond to the needs of a customer base that is more and more oriented towards the use of the Internet and new technologies.

Finally, for a new and ambitious tourism policy to be realised, there has to be adequate funding and training of human resources. To this end, in my view, European programmes are essential if young people are to develop new professional skills – skills and qualifications that the different Member States must recognise.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Adam Bielan (ECR), in writing. (PL) I voted for the rejection of the report. Tourism constitutes a powerful economic sector accounting for 10% of the GDP of the European Union, as well as being a leading generator of jobs. It also constitutes a key contributor to the process of integration and balanced development of individual regions. There can be no doubt as to the need for ongoing innovations in this economic sector, especially as regards guaranteeing full access to the Internet across the entire Union. Unfortunately, numerous provisions in the report refer to areas within the competence of the Member States, which, in my view, violates the principle of subsidiarity. Among others, the suggestions to simplify procedures for processing tourist visas may – if we recall the increasingly widespread problem of illegal immigration – deepen the economic crisis in some countries. As to issues concerning the provision of a wider range of possibilities for tourists, improving regional competitiveness or introducing modern information technologies into tourism, I believe these should be presented in a separate report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mara Bizzotto (EFD), in writing. (IT) The stated objective of the legislative resolution put to the vote is important and merits our full attention. Tourism is, in fact, an extremely important sector in economic terms for the whole continent, especially Italy and regions like the Veneto, which millions and millions of people come to each year to enjoy the landscape, visit the cities and spend time in places that have always been synonymous with beauty, history and culture.

Europe can get more out of tourism than it does at the moment, despite the fact that according to statistics, it is the world’s No 1 tourist destination. The points indicated in the text are good ones, although it is worth pointing out the lack of attention paid to the principle of subsidiarity and the division of competences between various levels of government. However, generally speaking, it is a text that is worthy of support, and I therefore voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this report because recently, tourism in Europe has faced many challenges, such as the global economic and financial crisis, the competitiveness of other destinations outside the EU and the diversity of tourist attractions on offer, the effects of climate change and seasonal fluctuations in tourist activity, demographic developments in Europe, the growing impact of information and communications technologies, as well as many unforeseen events.

I would like to stress the need to promote European business tourism in the EU and throughout the world, given its economic importance for certain places in Europe and the fact that business tourism creates services linked to the organisation of trade fairs, exhibitions, conferences and other business events.

The European Parliament welcomes the policy strategy presented by the Commission, which sets out specific actions to reinvigorate the sector, but deplores the lack of coherence within the Commission with regard to tourism policy. It is therefore necessary to call on the Commission to consider introducing two new principles for tourism: inter-regionality and complementarity, in order to promote joint planning and cooperation between tourist services within a single geographical area.

Furthermore, Parliament calls on the Commission to draw conclusions from recent emergencies, such as the volcanic eruption, and to draw up specific scenarios for EU crisis management, so that coordination and uniform action in all Member States with regard to information and the measures to be taken become the rule.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vito Bonsignore (PPE), in writing.(IT) I voted for this report because I believe that, especially at such a difficult time for the Western economy, it is necessary to firmly support initiatives aiming to re-launch and safeguard our economy, such as the one proposed by the rapporteur, Mr Fidanza.

Tourism is a crucially important sector of our economy, accounting for 12% of total employment figures and 12% of GDP each year. It therefore needs to be supported by common policies. I agree with the rapporteur about the need for suitable enhancement and promotion of existing vocational and university training and of appropriate links with the business world, objectives for which there needs to be more investment in innovation and ICT.

I also agree with the creation of a pilot project to encourage micro-enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises to join the digital supply chain, so that they can increase their competitiveness by accessing new advanced technologies. Finally, I believe that it is important to develop the web portal www.visiteurope.com. If this were to be improved, including by having information there in all the EU’s official languages and the main non-EU languages, it could become a genuine tourism platform.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  John Bufton (EFD), in writing. – I voted against this report as I feel it represents yet another encroachment into domestic affairs and further harmonisation of EU standards in an essential industry to all Member States. By introducing the accommodation classification system, the Commission are seeking to establish an international mark that endorses the EU to the detriment of regions and local economies. The same is true of the ‘European quality tourism label’ and a ‘European Tourism Card’.

As far as I can see, there is no requirement for EU regulation on spa tourism, EU aid to rehabilitate tourist areas in decline or the composition of new directives on package tours. I am strongly against an EU-wide integrated strategy as laid out under the Lisbon Treaty. Individual Member States should be free to compete with each other for foreign tourism within and outside Europe, without financial obligation to promote one another.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alain Cadec (PPE), in writing.(FR) I voted for Mr Fidanza’s report on ‘Europe, the world’s No 1 tourist destination – a new political framework for tourism in Europe’. This is the first European Parliament report dedicated to tourism policy since the Treaty of Lisbon came into force, which gave Europe competence for this. The objective outlined in the report is to ensure that the EU remains the world’s number one tourist destination, based on four building blocks: quality, visibility, competitiveness and sustainable development.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Antonio Cancian (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted with conviction for the report by Mr Fidanza on tourism in Europe, because I believe it represents one of our continent’s best potential resources. We must recognise the value of our countries’ cultural heritage, both so that we can preserve it and so that we can fully develop its economic, employment and social potential.

Tourism must be considered an integral part of European industrial policy and innovation policy, because it is a strategic objective. Therefore, I agree with the proposal of focusing on quality through actions aiming to guarantee a uniform standard, so that Europe can continue to be the world’s No 1 tourist destination.

I believe the call for support to small and medium-sized enterprises is positive, as they are major actors in this sector, as is the need to develop environmentally sustainable tourism, committed to safeguarding the environment. I welcome the invitation for European institutions and Member States to collaborate in order to coordinate activities, especially in view of the development of a European Charter for tourists, as the report suggests.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Carlos Coelho (PPE), in writing. (PT) In order for Europe to be able to maintain its role as the world’s number one tourist destination, it is essential to develop an ambitious tourism policy with a coordinated approach, and a framework for action enabling the sector’s competitiveness and capacity for sustainable growth to be increased.

I would congratulate the Commission on tabling 21 proposed actions and a plan for implementing them, from which the priority actions should be identified and timetabled. The proposal framework for action is based on four pillars. The first of these is to stimulate competitiveness through support for innovation and information and communication technologies, in order to improve professional skills and training, and for greater seasonal flexibility. The second is to promote sustainable, diversified, responsible and high-quality tourism that is available to all. The third is to consolidate the EU’s image at international level, whilst coordinating and simplifying processes for issuing tourist visas, so fostering the attractiveness of our tourist destinations. The final pillar is to maximise the potential of the available policies and financial instruments, thereby contributing to the sector’s competitiveness.

There is also a need to create a clearer, more rigorous regulatory framework for consumers and businesses, which will involve an urgent revision of existing Union legislation, such as the Package Travel Directive and the directive relating to the special value added tax system concerning the Tour Operators’ Margin Scheme.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă (S&D), in writing. (RO) As part of its strategy for promoting tourism in Europe, the European Union must take into account and encourage cooperation between regions in the context of inter-regional projects. This will help promote the traditions specific to these regions, especially the regions in different Member States sharing common traditions, not to mention sites which are significant to European Union history, particularly those which are off the beaten tourist tracks.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Christine De Veyrac (PPE), in writing.(FR) I voted for this report, which supports the European tourism sector by developing practical steps for operators in this field. A European label should therefore be launched, as a solid recognition at European level of the quality of services provided by operators in our regions. The measures proposed also recommend increased visibility and the diversification of tourist activities, activities which we should fully support in these difficult economic times.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Anne Delvaux (PPE), in writing.(FR) Tourism, which accounts for 10% of GDP and 12% of total employment, is the European Union’s third most important socio-economic activity. Under the Treaty of Lisbon (Article 195 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)), the Union is now competent to complement and coordinate the actions of Member States in the field of tourism. The European Commission’s communication of June 2010 listed 21 planned actions to make the sector more competitive, including: the promotion of sustainable, responsible and high-quality tourism; facilitating sound business management by introducing European labels and encouraging projects and networks in the sector.

By voting for this report, we have welcomed the Commission’s strategy and called for integrated measures to promote tourism in the Union further using the European label, and increase the visibility, quality, competitiveness, accessibility and diversification of the sector, while respecting subsidiarity and the environment. In the meantime, enjoy your travels around Europe!

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Edite Estrela (S&D), in writing. (PT) I voted for the report ‘Europe, the world’s No 1 tourist destination: a new political framework for tourism in Europe’, because it tables important proposals for promoting sustainable, responsible and high-quality tourism in the EU, particularly the proposal to create European brands such as the European label, the Ecolabel or the European quality tourism label.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Diogo Feio (PPE), in writing. (PT) Tourism is the EU’s third largest socio-economic activity, accounting for 10% of gross domestic product and 12% of employment as a whole, and it is a crucially important sector in terms of employment, of regional and local development, of cohesion and, even, of environmental and cultural policy. I come from a country with immense potential for tourism, both because of its natural and climatic conditions, and because of the diversity of the choices it offers with regard to cultural tourism, to rural tourism, to environmental tourism, to religious tourism, to gastronomic and wine tourism, and to urban tourism. That is why I consider it positive that Europe should position itself as the number one tourist destination in the world, since an immensely diverse range of tourism services are on offer in Europe, which cannot be replicated in other parts of the world and of which we are obliged to make use.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), in writing. (PT) Tourism is the third largest socio-economic activity at EU level, accounting for 10% of gross domestic product and 12% of employment as a whole, and it plays an important role in the development of the most disadvantaged regions and contributes to the dissemination and promotion of Europe’s image across the globe. As an ‘old’ continent, Europe brings together a variety of tourist attractions, ranging from archaeological, monumental and historical heritage to nature in the form of the national parks of the Protected Area Network of Parks, as well as religious, rural, spa tourism, etc., which all combine to make it the world’s number one tourist destination. Moreover, as it is essentially made up of small and medium-sized enterprises, the tourism sector is increasing competitiveness and the capacity for sustainable growth, so working towards the priorities set out in the Europe 2020 strategy. I welcome the adoption of the measures advocated in this report as part of establishing a new political framework for the tourism sector, by fostering competitiveness, diversifying what is available, supporting innovation, improving professional skills and extending tourist seasons. In short, this framework will promote sustainable tourism that consolidates the European Union’s image at international level as a diverse and excellent tourist destination.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  João Ferreira (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) The report demonstrates the importance of tourism to the European economy, being responsible for 10% of gross domestic product and 12% of all employment in the Member States as a whole. It is the third most important socio-economic activity in the EU, and is a sector comprising mainly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The rapporteur advocates an integrated tourism strategy ‘in full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity’.

The report includes positive aspects that could help increase business activities in the sector, such as the collation and dissemination of good practices, advocating support for certain specific sectors like environmental and rural tourism, and advocating the diversification of tourism activities, which are likely to make tourism less seasonal. However, we cannot, in fact, ignore the general situation, which currently limits tourism activity: in other words, a profound economic and social crisis, which could be exacerbated in the near future, particularly in countries like Portugal. This crisis is limiting all economic activity – tourism, in particular – causing thousands of SMEs to go out of business.

What is therefore required, above all, is a profound change to current economic policy.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D), in writing. (SK) Tourism, which is the third leading social and economic activity of the EU, representing 10% of its GDP and constituting 12% of total employment, is a very important sector because, apart from its focus on the integration and development of less developed regions, it can also harmonise growth with moral and sustainable development in EU Member States. In addition to the above, it is an important instrument in the enhancement, dissemination and promotion of our image in the world.

Tourism has always been a part of Community policy making. Since December 2009 in particular, EU institutions have taken a new direction in the implementation of new competences guaranteed by the Lisbon Treaty, which endows the EU with the authority to supplement and to coordinate activities carried out by the Member States in the field of tourism. By means of its communication of June last year, as well as the new priorities set out in the Europe 2020 strategy, the European Commission wishes to support a coordinated approach and to set a framework of activities aiming at the strengthening of competitiveness and the capacity for sustainable development in this sector.

I firmly believe that it is important to follow carefully the measures proposed by the Commission, as well as the proposals presented by the European Parliament, and to monitor their actual performance on a regular basis. It is right to maintain continuity in the proposed measures, which would make it possible to apply a new European Union strategy in the tourism sector.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Pat the Cope Gallagher (ALDE), in writing. (GA) I supported this report for two main reasons. The report is encouragement for rural tourism, for agritourism and for nature tourism. On top of that, there is a reference in the report to the importance of attracting tourists from outside the EU and there are proposals in it in relation to simplifying the procedures for tourist visas.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Elisabetta Gardini (PPE), in writing.(IT) The report we voted on today is an important start for enhancing the European tourism sector and promoting our continent.

Tourism is, in fact, the EU’s third largest socio-economic activity, involving around 1.8 million businesses generating more than 5% of Europe’s GDP. Based on these figures, the creation of a strong and competitive European tourism policy must be seen as a priority by the EU institutions.

Therefore, I voted in favour of this report. In addition, in a society now used to the Internet, it is important to highlight the primary importance of investments for the creation of an ‘ICT and Tourism’ platform, so our tourist operators can grow and adapt to the new habits of online consumers.

Finally, I hope that a more ambitious tourism policy will promote the creation of new partnerships between businesses and closer links between institutions and the business world through the development of calls specifically for tourism and the inclusion of specific programmes aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nathalie Griesbeck (ALDE), in writing.(FR) For a number of years now, Europe has been the world’s number one tourist destination. With this in mind, and at a time when competition with other global destinations is growing, I welcome the adoption of this text, which aims to strengthen this position by providing innovative and original solutions. Among the measures proposed, I would like to highlight three proposals which are particularly close to my heart. The first is to enhance regional tourist spots, but also intra- and inter-regional tourism. The second, which is equally important, is based on the assumption that Europe is founded on cultural and linguistic diversity and therefore demands that access to tourism sites by as many people as possible is facilitated by different instruments. The final measure, which I think is particularly important, is the one recommending the preservation and rehabilitation of industrial sites for tourism instead of destroying them.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mathieu Grosch (PPE), in writing. (DE) In many regions of Europe, tourism is one of the strongest sectors of the economy. Europe’s diversity must also be reflected in the EU’s policy in this area. In other words, we must protect the traditions, heritage and nature that many of our regions have to offer. From the seaside to the mountains, many regions have their own special trump cards, and these cannot be allowed to disappear beneath an EU policy. As a resident of a border region, I would, however, welcome certain uniform standards, such as a standard system of evaluating accommodation. Cross-border collaboration could also cover standards that could simplify or harmonise aspects of safety or accessibility for accommodation.

Finally, I would like to stress that, in the budget for 2012, dedicated items, at least, should promote tourism in connection with major cultural, industrial or natural channels in Europe.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE), in writing. – The Fidanza report correctly notes the importance of tourism to the EU’s economy. In my own country, Scotland, tourism directly employs some 200 000 people and contributes over GBP 4 billion to the economy every year. The industry accordingly needs political attention, and I welcome this initiative.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Filiz Hakaeva Hyusmenovа (ALDE), in writing. (BG) I supported this report because tourism is one of the most important economic sectors in the European Union and a significant source of employment. Member States and the EU are faced with the tasks of adopting measures aimed at boosting tourism’s competitiveness globally and of ensuring the sector’s sustainable growth, in compliance with the principle of subsidiarity. I think that one of the key messages in the report is the need to develop human capital through training and professional development, which would increase significantly the quality of tourism as a product. Given also that a large proportion of businesses operating in the sector are micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises, I think that greater support must be provided in introducing and using information and communication technologies and innovations. Another important focus area is the continuation of the actions launched with the Calypso programme, linked with countering the seasonal bias in tourism and providing opportunities for vulnerable population groups to use tourism products. I consider necessary and support the creation of a uniform vision of Europe as a tourist destination, offering natural diversity, a rich cultural heritage and various forms of alternative tourism.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. (LT) I agreed with this document because I welcome the measures being contemplated to consolidate the social and economic knowledge base in the field of tourism, without forgetting that additional financial outlay and red tape should be eschewed in so far as possible. Today, the whole concept of package travel is outdated and the Commission should make amendments as a matter of urgency so that the same legislation is applicable to all parties offering tourism services. I believe that this also presents an opportunity for a reduced VAT rate on tourism to be progressively harmonised across the Member States as a necessary condition for transparent competition between tourist companies in the EU and non-EU countries. We must enable disadvantaged people, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, young people and low-income families to have easier access to holidays, particularly during the low season and when travelling across national borders, and physical accessibility, adequate services and reliable information therefore need to be further planned for and incorporated into tourism products. The quality of services provided to a consumer and fair competition should be prime factors. There is also a need to promote European business tourism in the EU and throughout the world, given its economic importance for certain places in Europe and the fact that business tourism creates services linked to the organisation of trade fairs, exhibitions, conferences and other business events (hotels, catering, shops, transport, communications and event management agencies, etc.).

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Giovanni La Via (PPE), in writing. (IT) The new guidelines of the Lisbon Treaty on tourism require new perspectives on the quality of hotel and catering facilities and on service viewed overall. These requirements have been fully picked up in the text by Mr Fidanza for which I voted. In European terms, tourism is a resource to be enhanced through targeted concrete actions capable of developing the quality of a sector that represents an important share of the economy of Europe and the Member States. The current situation and constant developments in technology require us to embrace and succeed in the challenge of making tourism an economic and cultural driver for growth, also through the use of digital platforms that facilitate the dissemination of information about tourist destinations.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Constance Le Grip (PPE) , in writing.(FR) I voted for the report by my colleague, Mr Fidanza, on European tourism. This report supports the creation of a genuine European tourism strategy for the first time, with the aim of making Europe the world’s number one tourist destination. Given the economic importance of this sector, especially in France, and the cross-cutting nature of tourism, at the crossroads of many European policies (transport, environment, regional development, consumer protection), it is time that we had a clear vision and coherent objectives to make the tourism sector more sustainable, more competitive and a vector for growth.

Above all, Europe must be promoted as a ‘brand’ in its own right, where cultural diversity espouses the common heritage of the European nations. Although Member States and regions, in some countries, are the ones that decide their own tourism policies, the Union plays the role of coordinator and can improve certain existing legal frameworks such as for recognising professional qualifications, fostering the mobility of those working in tourism, safety requirements in tourist facilities or even package travel, so as to provide better legal clarity and security for consumers and businesses in the tourism sector.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Petru Constantin Luhan (PPE), in writing. (RO) There is ever-growing talk at the moment about increasing the EU’s global competitiveness, and tourism is one of the most important socio-economic activities, generating a good proportion of the European Union’s GDP.

I think that the strategy put forward by the Commission provides a solid basis from which to develop a sustainable, competitive, modern, high-quality tourism sector that is accessible to all. We must do our utmost to remain the number one tourist destination in the world. To achieve this, we need to make maximum use of every possible funding option.

In this regard, I call on the European executive to develop and mobilise instruments and programmes providing EU support, which are specially tailored to the development of tourism in Europe, in keeping with the Europe 2020 strategy.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska (PPE), in writing. (PL) The tourist industry is one of the major economic sectors of the contemporary market. It creates numerous jobs and, simultaneously, has a tremendous potential for development. It offers an invaluable ability to promote European diversity, ethnic variety and the attractiveness of individual regions. Quite a few tourist attractions in various countries, albeit uniquely charming, are still not being promoted amongst those who live in Europe, which makes it ever more important to support the promotion of the regions. Providing comprehensive information about such areas serves not only to make them more attractive in the eyes of the tourists, but also to attract potential investors. This is why I voted in favour of the report that covers these important issues.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vladimír Maňka (S&D), in writing. (SK) Tourism represents 10% of GDP and constitutes 12% of total employment. It is focused on the integration and development of less developed regions and represents an important instrument in the enhancement, dissemination and promotion of our image in the world.

This sector will be more competitive if it supports diversification and innovations, improves professional qualifications and skills, and promotes an extension of the tourist season.

Emphasis should be placed on education and professional development, on investment in innovation and ICT, and on ensuring full Internet access in all parts of the European Union, including poorer countries.

The tourist visa issue has to be resolved. We can attract millions of tourists from third countries.

Infrastructure requires modernisation.

It is important to try to overcome the seasonal nature of tourism.

The Member States should apply for a permanent reduction in VAT imposed upon specific labour-intensive activities, including catering services.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Bogdan Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz (PPE), in writing.(PL) I voted in favour of the report as I believe there is a strong need to create a single programme to promote Europe as a worthwhile global tourist destination. Therefore, it is extremely important to cooperate in promoting a single ‘Europe’ brand which could highlight the exceptional virtues of the Member States worldwide in the field of tourism.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  David Martin (S&D), in writing. – Tourism is the EU’s third largest socio-economic activity, accounting for 10% of GDP and 12% of total employment figures. It is a crucially important sector since, in addition to furthering the integration and development of less developed regions, it manages to combine growth with ethical and sustainable development in the EU’s Member States. It is, moreover, a vital tool in boosting, spreading and promoting our global image. This report makes a number of sensible suggestions for supporting tourism in Europe and I voted for it.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Barbara Matera (PPE), in writing.(IT) I voted for the report by Mr Fidanza, which is the first true sign and policy contribution made by this Parliament to the promotion of European tourism, one of the most important resources for the economy of the entire EU.

Modernisation of infrastructures, enhancement of artistic and cultural heritage, investments in innovation and the training of human resources, and suitable visa and funding policies are some of the main priorities that will need to be put in place in order to help consolidate and strengthen this sector.

I fully support the need to promote tourism aimed at children, people with disabilities and the elderly, and which is concentrated throughout the year. It is also important for the EU to implement and coordinate the actions of Member States and to encourage amendment of the directive on package travel, package holidays and package tours in order to guarantee a clearer, more definite legal framework for tourists’ rights.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Melo (PPE), in writing. (PT) Tourism is the EU’s third largest socio-economic activity, accounting for 10% of gross domestic product and 12% of employment as a whole. It is a crucially important sector since, in addition to furthering the integration and development of less developed regions, it manages to combine growth, sustainable development and ethics in the EU Member States, and is also a vital tool in boosting, spreading and promoting our global image. Owing to the above, it is absolutely essential to create a new political framework for European tourism that continues to promote Europe as the world’s number one tourist destination.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alajos Mészáros (PPE), in writing. (HU) Since the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon, the importance of tourism, too, has been part of the competence of the European Union. No wonder, as tourism is a sector that is capable of positively influencing the economic growth of the EU, stimulating job creation, and contributing to development. Consequently, there is a difference to what efforts we make in order to reinforce European tourism and maintain its competitiveness. In 2008, a total of over 370 million tourists visited the EU Member States, accounting for 40% of the world’s tourist traffic. This makes Europe the number one tourist destination among holidaymakers. There is an immense potential yet to be exploited in European tourism due to our excellent geographic position, and we should definitely make use of it. I believe that there is no part of the EU that could not offer something that is unique in the whole world. There is, for example, health tourism. Central Europe has vast reserves of spas, and the region is home to exceptional and entirely unique medicinal baths. We need to take joint action to popularise our history and the roots of our Christian culture together.

We must be able to acquaint visitors with the culinary art of our various regions. We must find ways to make Europe more marketable. We must incentivise EU-level support for tourism and enhanced cooperation between Member States. We must be able to respond and adapt to societal changes, because this is the only way that we can hope for our tourism to be successful.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Louis Michel (ALDE), in writing.(FR) During a crisis, it is a good time to think about which sectors of the economy are propping up the European Union. Tourism is one of them as it currently generates 5% of the Union’s GDP. It is a golden opportunity for micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in this sector provided, of course, that they make sure that they remain competitive. We need to remember that access to the best technologies available is absolutely essential for sharing good practices and for promoting goods and destinations. Likewise, programmes such as ‘Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs’ need to be promoted so that young people acquire new skills. These skills have to be recognised by Member States so that those working in this sector no longer have difficulty finding work throughout the year.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alexander Mirsky (S&D), in writing. – The tourism sector plays a key role in creating jobs and fostering economic development and cohesion in the EU. It is thus vital to strengthen its competitiveness as it is facing increased competition from other destinations.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Andreas Mölzer (NI), in writing. (DE) In the EU, tourism is not only assuming great significance from an economic point of view, but it also offers an opportunity to improve our image. A few initiatives have been put in place at EU level in relation to tourism. These have dealt, for example, with improving the rights of passengers and making the costs of flight bookings more transparent for travellers. In addition, certification marks have been created, in relation, for instance, to environmental protection or high-value tourism, and a few tourism projects have been funded. What is certain, however, is that today’s tourists rely increasingly on the latest technologies and that a professional Internet presence is essential in tourism. When it comes to the measures proposed by the Commission, there are some questions that still appear to be unresolved. Above all, there has been no clarification with regard to tourist visas and the abuse thereof in the context of data protection in relation to the data collection proposed internally within Europe. I therefore voted against this report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Franz Obermayr (NI), in writing. (DE) The positive figures in the tourism sector show that, despite the difficult economic situation, tourism is assuming a major significance in the EU. Considering that tourism contributes to human enrichment, to exchange, to welfare and wellbeing, to culture and to social cohesion, I take the view that, above all, a quality-based approach must take centre stage. The success of Europe as a tourist destination is based, to a large extent, on the incredible diversity that our continent has to offer. I therefore fail to see why we need a uniform EU brand. What we do need is to boost the competitiveness of the EU’s tourism sector through measures to increase awareness of quality rather than pushing for more mass tourism. The present report states that tourism must not take place at the expense of the environment. I call on the Commission to encourage better planning processes, especially in coastal areas, and to support environmentally friendly transport systems. To my mind, the measures proposed by the Commission will not, in some cases (such as the EU brand) help bring about their desired objective, while in other cases, they do not go far enough. I therefore voted against this report. In addition, I expect the Commission’s planned measures within the tourism strategy to aim to curtail illicit working and rural depopulation and to create jobs that are less susceptible to seasonal ups and downs.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Justas Vincas Paleckis (S&D), in writing. – The European Union is the world's top tourist spot, and the tourism sector accounts for 10% of GDP and 12% of total employment within the EU. This sector is especially important because it encourages the development of rural areas, and it promotes the image, culture and unity of Europe as a whole. Tourism can be seen as building bridges between EU countries and the countries that will be joining the EU in the future. I voted for this report because it offers specific measures to encourage tourism in the EU, such as a ‘Europe Brand’ a ‘European heritage label’. ‘Europe Brand’ will promote Europe as a worldwide tourist destination in publicity campaigns and promote a positive image of Europe as a whole. Meanwhile, the ‘European heritage label’ gives prominence to sites crucial to the history of European integration and call on these areas to always remain accessible to tourists. The report also emphasises the need for sustainable development in tourism from this point forward, keeping in mind the interests of future generations.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alfredo Pallone (PPE), in writing. (IT) The Lisbon Treaty has given the tourism sector a new importance within the EU system which will allow it to gain a new political dimension that could bring improvements to the whole industry. I congratulate Mr Fidanza for his work with the report which promotes European tourism as never before. I voted in favour of the report. If Europe is the world’s No 1 tourist destination, the new EU competences in the tourism sector can only bring improvements, both in terms of increasing and improving the use of EU funding for infrastructures and tourism services, and for initiatives to increase the tourism services offered within Europe.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D), in writing. (EL) At a time of acute economic crisis, tourism can, without doubt, play an important role in growth, employment and progress and ensure that Europe remains a prime tourist destination at global level. I voted in favour of the report because I agree with the rapporteur that proper vocational training and specialisation, the use of Erasmus programmes for young businessmen, proactive investment in innovative sectors and the promotion of ‘digital technology’ to help small and medium-sized enterprises become more competitive by making use of new technologies are constructive approaches. However, I am convinced that what is of prime importance is that special programmes to promote and highlight all areas of Europe should be integrated into the financial perspective 2014-2020 and that these programmes should be supported in practice with attractive and accessible packages for everyone, especially young people, within a more rational policy framework for tourism in Europe.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE), in writing. (EL) The European Parliament’s own-initiative report, which I supported, sets out proposals for making the EU the prime tourist destination in the world. This is an objective of considerable interest to Greece, especially as the country is investing massively in its tourist product, in the hope that this will help to reverse its negative economic growth. It should be noted that tourism currently represents over 10% of European GDP. One point of importance to Greece in the report is the reference to the need to harmonise VAT in order to prevent monopolies, and to maintain them at levels that make the Member States’ tourist product competitive. Although the report is not binding, it contains important proposals and strategic approaches for increasing tourism in the EU which the Member States can apply.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. (PT) Europe is the world’s number one tourist destination. The purpose of this report is to create the new political framework for European tourism. As tourism is the EU’s third largest socio-economic activity, accounting for 10% of gross domestic product and 12% of employment as a whole, it is a crucially important sector since, in addition to furthering the integration and development of less developed regions, it manages to combine growth with sustainable development in the EU Member States. It is, moreover, a vital tool in boosting, spreading and promoting our global image. This report provides for a commitment, inter alia, to training, to innovation, to tourist visas (raising Member States’ awareness of the need to coordinate and simplify tourist visa procedures, and assessing the possibility of establishing common consular desks to reduce the differences in bureaucratic procedures and the administrative costs), to European labels, to transport, to Europe’s visibility, to rural tourism and to agritourism, to nature tourism, to beach and coastal tourism, to cruise ship tourism, and to spa and health tourism. I believe this document is of great importance to the European economy, so I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Phil Prendergast (S&D), in writing. – I welcome Mr Fidanza’s report on tourism in Europe. As is comprehensively explained in the report, tourism is a hugely important industry to Europe, particularly in my home country of Ireland. Across Europe, tourism counts for 10% of GDP and 12% of total employment, and hence it is imperative that we put in place a comprehensive plan to develop and improve the industry. In particular, I welcome the report’s call for the publication of good tourism practices each year. This would provide practical advice to the many small and medium-size tourism enterprises that do not have access to the market research of the bigger-scale tourism companies. Moreover, the establishment of a ‘European heritage label’ would, much like UNESCO and other similar brands, help provide a standardisation to tourist attractions, thus improving the experience of those who visit these sights, destinations and experiences. Finally, I am particularly enthused by the proposal to create a long-term strategy for more coordinated and simplified visa procedures. This would greatly enhance the experience of visitors, particularly for those outside the Schengen zone.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Franck Proust (PPE), in writing. (FR) Tourism makes up 12% of employment in Europe. In the south-west constituency of the European Parliament in France, and in my region, Languedoc-Roussillon, tourism accounts for a significant part of our economy in all places, all year round. I voted in favour of the report because, for the first time, it sends a strong message in support of renewing European tourism. We are the world’s number one tourist destination: our continent attracts visitors both because of its history and its heritage. For all its potential, our tourist sector has some deficiencies. First and foremost, there is a lack of harmonised classification criteria for venues, accommodation and restaurants. The lack of transparency often creates confusion among foreign and European tourists alike. Lastly, tourists’ tastes and habits are constantly changing. Providers nowadays are faced with fierce competition and tourists have become true consumers. In order to unleash its full potential, Europe needs to encourage more coordination in the tourism sector and to adapt to new markets. Now that the Treaty of Lisbon has entered into force, Europe has a vital role to play.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Paulo Rangel (PPE), in writing. (PT) Tourism represents an opportunity for the European economy for a number of reasons. Indeed, while there are strong ties of integration among the Member States, they manage, at the same time, to offer a diverse range of tourism products, which appeal to different audiences. It is also a singular way of promoting ‘Europe’ as an area of excellence, and of disseminating its cultural values and standards. However, commitment to tourism requires the various Member States to be linked by a network, high levels of professional qualifications to be sought for people working in tourism, and identification standards to be created, such as brands that make it possible to effectively highlight the added value that Europe brings. I voted in favour because I agree with this course of action.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Frédérique Ries (ALDE), in writing. (FR) The European Parliament has sent a bold message today, on World Tourism Day. As this year’s theme is ‘Linking cultures’, it is important to highlight the role that the tourism sector plays in promoting tolerance, respect for others and mutual understanding in the world.

In addition to the symbolism, we also have figures. European tourism generates revenues of EUR 60 billion and 10 million jobs. As highlighted in Mr Fidanza’s report, the European Commission has a central role to play in ensuring that Europe maintains its pole position, with 55% of international tourist visitors and three Member States (France, Italy and Spain) ranked among the world’s top five tourist destinations.

It would therefore be wise to follow the European Commission’s proposal for monitoring European Union policies with an impact on tourism, particularly transport and consumer protection policy. Now more than ever, competition is the name of the game, so the European Union needs to retain its competitive edge by continuing to promote its cultural heritage, particularly when dealing with the populations of the new economic powerhouses – China, Brazil and India.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Crescenzio Rivellini (PPE), in writing. (IT) I congratulate Mr Fidanza for today’s vote on this own-initiative report, which may only be a guideline but represents an important step forward for the future of tourism in Europe.

After the new competences in the tourism sector were introduced by the Lisbon Treaty, a series of initiatives at a European and multinational level were proposed. The aim is to encourage a coordinated approach for tourism-related initiatives within the EU and to define a new framework for action in order to promote competitiveness and sustainable growth capacity.

Today’s vote is a further step in the right direction of promoting Europe as a tourist destination and supports the role of businesses. The wide majority obtained shows that there is a widespread desire to overcome the natural competitiveness between Member States in order to be successful together in this global challenge.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), in writing. – In favour. Tourism is the EU’s third largest socio-economic activity, accounting for 10% of GDP and 12% of total employment figures. It is a crucially important sector since, in addition to furthering the integration and development of less-developed regions, it manages to combine growth with ethical and sustainable development in the EU’s Member States. It is, moreover, a vital tool in boosting, spreading and promoting our global image.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Licia Ronzulli (PPE), in writing. (IT) Today’s vote sends a clear signal and confirms a shared will, which is to re-launch the European Union as the world’s No 1 tourist destination and request adequate resources in the EU’s 2014-2020 financial perspective.

The 21 priorities that make up the programme to be implemented centre on four essential points. These are to stimulate competitiveness in the sector, to promote the development of tourism that is sustainable but, at the same time, responsible and of a high quality, to consolidate the image and visibility of the whole of Europe as a top quality tourist destination, and to maximise the potential of the EU financial instruments for tourism development.

Especially for a country like Italy, with its unique artistic and cultural heritage, it is crucial to have Europe behind it providing support for the needs of tourist companies, and investing, above all, in the quality of services provided and the breadth of products offered to travellers arriving from all over the world.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Oreste Rossi (EFD), in writing. (IT) The European Union is the world’s No 1 tourist destination in terms of international arrivals, and this lead position must be reinforced by tackling the challenges created by greater global competition and a market demand that is constantly changing.

Under the Lisbon Treaty, tourism has become a specific competence of the EU, and therefore the objective is to guarantee greater coordination at European level in order to pursue common objectives which are to increase the quality of services, to contribute to sustainable development and to promote accessibility for people with disabilities, not only with regard to transport, but also with regard to accommodation, refreshments and tourism services in general.

These are the reasons why I voted in favour of the report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vilja Savisaar-Toomast (ALDE), in writing. (ET) I voted in favour of the report on European tourism today because I believe that these are important suggestions for the promotion of the European tourism sector. One should not underestimate the importance of tourism – it provides 10% of European GDP and 12% of employment, which makes tourism the third most important socio-economic area of activity. I am particularly pleased that the report draws attention to the importance of several types of tourism, for instance, rural and farm tourism, nature tourism, cruise tourism and spa and health tourism. These are also important tourist avenues in Estonia, and they need to receive more attention, especially in the area of rural and nature tourism. I also support the use of a common system of labels throughout Europe, in the case of labels pertaining to cultural heritage, ecological issues and quality. The use of common labels would make consumers’ choices much easier when it comes to tourism and ensure the existence of common understandings of the requirements that should be met by a particular service. Unfortunately, this causes many misunderstandings today, because the stars used to denote the quality of hotels, for instance, are used differently from one Member State to another, and this has caused disappointment to many clients. In conclusion, I would like to thank my colleagues for supporting this report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE), in writing. (IT) A way of strengthening the EU’s image worldwide is also to promote its tourism, which is already the third most important socio-economic activity in the EU.

The tourism sector is also a great opportunity for strengthening and increasing jobs, especially in agritourism. Here there are multiple advantages. It prevents land being abandoned, which is a serious problem in the European countryside, and provides work for social classes which are generally more disadvantaged in terms of employment (young people and women).

The main suggestions from the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development regarding this report are based on rural tourism, which merges farming and farm production with tourism, and farm produce with sales. This is another fundamental point, because the added value is increased through the direct sale of farm produce at prices two or three times higher than wholesale prices, thus creating wealth through the use of the farm’s otherwise unused buildings.

This provides a precious boost to farming income, promotes typical local produce, and finally contributes to conservation of the land by converting abandoned farm buildings.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Teixeira (PPE), in writing. (PT) Tourism is currently the EU’s third most important socio-economic activity, representing 10% of gross domestic product and 12% of employment as a whole; it is also the main resource for the outermost regions, such as my home region of Madeira. Adoption of this report in this House is the first political step towards the creation of a genuine European tourism policy, as enshrined in Article 195 of the Treaty of Lisbon. Commitment to diversified, sustainable, quality tourism that is accessible to all is this report’s main focus. As such, I would stress the importance of the need for the sector to be reclassified in order for the EU to remain the world’s number one tourist destination, and in order to ensure, at the same time, sustainable and more lasting tourism for future generations. However, challenges are arising that need to be resolved, in order to enable the sector to grow and to adapt to current conditions. Overcoming these challenges requires a clear plan of action, with a well-defined timetable and, above all, appropriate funding. I therefore think it will be important to take the tourism sector into account in the next multiannual financial framework, with emphasis on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, so as to foster growth in a sector that has the potential to minimise the effects of the economic crisis.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Niki Tzavela (EFD), in writing. (EL) I voted in favour of the Fidanza report, because Europe needs to maintain coordinated action to promote European tourism. European tourism is an important mechanism for promoting European culture and is an important source of revenue, especially for certain Member States in the South with no heavy industry.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Thomas Ulmer (PPE), in writing. (DE) I voted in favour of the Fidanza report. It is a good, well-balanced report that tries to find ways in which the world’s number one tourist magnet, namely Europe, can further consolidate its leading position. It addresses and adequately assesses both conventional tourism and new forms.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Viktor Uspaskich (ALDE), in writing. (LT) Some of the main arguments put forward by the rapporteur are directly related to Lithuania’s tourism sector, particularly the greater need for skilled jobs and better service. Data from the Lithuanian development agency for small and medium-sized enterprises has shown that Lithuania’s tourism sector employs 43 700 people, who serve approximately 2.2 million foreign tourists each year. Almost 4.4% of EU Structural Fund money is to be allocated to Lithuania’s tourism sector for the period 2007-2013. I also agree with the rapporteur that in order to use this money more effectively, there needs to be greater emphasis on the importance of training and professional development. This should include investment in human capital, above all, new managers, administrators and entrepreneurs. Lithuania also needs to modernise its services and strengthen its tourism infrastructure if it wants to become more competitive, attracting tourists from Europe. Developing the budget airline network to and from Lithuania would be a good start. Despite Lithuania’s natural beauty – four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and an almost unique 100 km long coastline – the quality of accommodation and service often does not come up to international standards, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s report. We need to improve this and make more of an effort to advertise tourism in Lithuania.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Derek Vaughan (S&D), in writing. – I voted in favour of the resolution to boost Europe’s tourism industry because it includes a variety of important proposals. A successful and innovative tourism industry is essential to Member States’ economies and provides millions of jobs across the EU. The resolution proposes that tourism focuses on engaging further with cultural, historical, environmental and sport sectors and also suggests harmonising recognition of tourist industry qualifications by Member States, which will encourage further EU-wide mobility of workers. Allocating subsidies from EU structural funding, as suggested in the resolution, will also boost the tourism sector in declining areas to encourage the development of more innovative tourism services.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Dominique Vlasto (PPE), in writing. (FR) I am delighted that this report on making tourism a priority for the EU has been adopted. Tourism is an important economic driver and a vital source of employment. Parliament has adopted an ambitious strategy and has identified four pillars of action to ensure that Europe is seen as an attractive tourist destination: competitiveness, visibility, quality and sustainability. Tourism is facing several challenges, not least climate change, which has serious implications for the industry’s infrastructure and organisation. In my opinion, it is essential that we work to limit its impact on tourist seasons and employment. I would prefer to go down the route of limiting the seasonal effect by developing alternative forms of tourism. This solution will also reduce the insecurity of tourist sector jobs, which, by their nature, are seasonal. Tourism will have its own budget starting with the 2014-2020 programming period. I will be watching to ensure that, in conjunction with the cohesion policy, substantial aid is provided for all forms of tourism in order to make the sector more competitive and improve job security. Tourism is closely linked to our way of life, making the anticipated benefits of an EU tourism policy all the more significant.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Angelika Werthmann (NI), in writing. (DE) The tourism sector, which is the third largest socio-economic area of activity in the EU, accounting for 10% of GDP and 12% of overall employment, is key for the growth and development targets contained in the Europe 2020 strategy. The Commission’s four-pillar model aims to strengthen sustainable growth in the sector and contains a number of important measures to protect the environment or maintain cultural heritage. The focus is on the training of those employed in the sector; people need to be made more aware of programmes like ‘Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs’. I voted in favour of this report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Hermann Winkler (PPE), in writing. (DE) I would like to thank the rapporteur for his work towards a new political framework for European tourism. I voted in favour of this report and very much welcome the fact that the Commission now wishes to provide an overarching instrument to promote regional tourism. The measures being brought forward in order to support these outstanding holiday regions – like my home region of Saxony, where tourism is one of the most important sectors of the economy and employs over 200 000 people – over the long term form a valuable framework. In future, we therefore need a strong focus on growth and competitiveness in order to benefit, over the long run, from the development of these regions. We – Parliament – should also be even more resolute in future in working towards a further bolstering of SMEs, specifically, in the field of tourism as, across the EU, SMEs represent the majority of the 1.8 million businesses in this sector. It is important to adapt the proposed measures further to our regions and to develop specific schedules in order to achieve implementation of the measures in close collaboration with the competent national and regional actors as quickly as possible. I am convinced that if we follow the course that we have set with these measures even more resolutely in future, that will provide both us and all our visitors with added value.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR), in writing. – 14.2 million tourists visit my home constituency of London each year, spending in the region of GBP 8.2 billion annually. These figures are expected to rise when London hosts the Olympics next year. Promoting London as part of a common European label is foolishness; people come to London to see the unique sights and monuments which make it the most beautiful city in the world. Tourism promotion is clearly the responsibility of the Member States. I cannot support surrendering this sovereignty to the EU, especially when it generates such important income for the London economy.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Anna Záborská (PPE), in writing. (SK) I believe that there is no field of legal business activity in Europe that would not or could not be beneficial for the European population. Therefore, I will always support any businessman and any company regardless of its size, number of employees or annual turnover. I firmly believe, however, that my support as an MEP should be focused on the establishment of a simple regulatory framework, on searching for a minimum number of rules protecting not only the freedom of business activities, but also consumer rights and the environment. That part of the draft report refers to such rules and has my support. On the other hand, I do not understand why it is necessary to spend public funds on market distortion. Each euro spent by us for such purposes motivates the entrepreneur to devote less attention to the voice of customers and more attention to European funds. Subsidies do not resolve the problem of Europe’s competitiveness; on the contrary, they create it.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Iva Zanicchi (PPE), in writing. (IT) The aims of the report by Mr Fidanza, for which I voted, are to encourage a coordinated approach to tourism initiatives within the EU and to develop a concept of high-quality, sustainable, year-round tourism accessible to all.

The text specifically emphasises that promoting the tourism sector is an essential tool for strengthening, protecting and promoting the EU in the world. In addition to enhancing and promoting professional training in the sector, it is important to invest in innovation and new technologies, in order to allow the European tourism industry to take a step forwards and be more competitive, and respond effectively to the increase in demand from beneficiaries of online tourism products.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Janusz Władysław Zemke (S&D), in writing.(PL) I voted in favour of the report as the European Parliament has tackled the development of European tourism comprehensively for the first time. This is a sector which is growing in importance in Europe and also in my country, Poland, including the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship, where tourism is becoming more important socially and economically. This is particularly so in towns and cities such as: Toruń, Bydgoszcz, Grudziądz, Inowrocław, Włocławek, Chełmno, Tuchola, Brodnica, Żnin and Golub Dobrzyń.

However, I would like to point out that we should also try to be more effective in attracting tourists from outside the European Union, including our eastern neighbours. This requires considerable changes to the EU’s visa policy. We should give preferential treatment to tourist groups and individual tourists to make it much easier for them to obtain visas.

 
  
  

Report: Dieter-Lebrecht Koch (A7-0264/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luís Paulo Alves (S&D), in writing. (PT) I am voting for this report, since it is extremely necessary to improve road safety, given that 35 000 people died and 1.5 million were involved in road accidents in 2009. The Committee on Transport and Tourism has already quite rightly drawn attention to a more expansive body of measures and to the need for greater coordination at all political levels, in order to significantly reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries. I also support the integrated approach and main objectives of the Commission’s policy orientations on road safety 2011-2020, although I agree with the majority of members of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament who are arguing that these guidelines lack ambition.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Roberta Angelilli (PPE), in writing. (IT) Road safety is a very topical issue.

Every year, the number of deaths from road accidents is very high, and includes many children. However, the EU is putting in place concrete measures not only to prevent accidents, but also to take action immediately if accidents happen.

Recently, for example, the EU has stipulated that from 2015, all cars will have to be fitted with an electronic device called eCall, a life-saving device, which, in the event of an accident, will automatically send a request for help to the unique European emergency number 112, with the time, exact position and direction of travel.

Furthermore, between 12 and 18 September, the joint European Seatbelt campaign was held by the European traffic police network. I hope that the future plan of action proposes equally useful measures for the safety not only of drivers but also of pedestrians.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this important document. In 2009, more than 35 000 people were killed and more than 1 500 000 injured in road accidents in the European Union. The target set in the Third Action Programme of halving the number of road deaths in the EU by the end of 2010 was not achieved, although the number has been substantially reduced. I supported the Commission communication, which sets out the strategic targets of reducing the number of road deaths in the European Union by half by 2020 (as compared with 2010). I welcome the call for a fully fledged action programme to be developed by the end of 2011, incorporating a detailed set of measures with clear timetables for their implementation, as well as monitoring instruments, so that the progress of the road safety measures in the Member States can be checked on a regular basis.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Regina Bastos (PPE), in writing. (PT) Europe’s roads have become safer in recent years. Between 2001 and 2009, the number of deaths in the EU fell by 36%. In 2009, more than 35 000 people died on the EU’s roads and 1.5 million were injured, leaving many of them disabled. These road accidents are costing society around EUR 130 billion per year. This report, for which I voted, recommends the mandatory installation of devices – alcolocks – that block the vehicle if the level is over the limit for drivers who already have a drink-driving conviction. These devices should become mandatory in all new types of commercial passenger and goods transport vehicles, and the Commission should table a proposal for a directive to this end by 2013. It proposes the introduction of a maximum speed limit of 30km/h in residential areas without cycle lanes. It calls for the urgent introduction of a new European road safety action programme. It suggests that an EU road safety coordinator should be appointed by 2014 to help the Member States implement the European road safety action programme.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mara Bizzotto (EFD), in writing. (IT) The objective of reducing deaths on the roads must be pursued with strength and determination by all institutions and at all levels of government. I agree that the EU must also make a major commitment in this matter.

Reducing deaths and disability through accidents also means reducing the enormous social costs and costs to national health services, as well as the human tragedies caused by tens of thousands of similar events every year in Europe.

I also agree with the basic structure of the European strategy, which aims to take action on the issue of road safety without taking away the prerogatives of Member States and local bodies, but by creating a complementary strategy of support to the action necessary on the part of decentralised governments. I therefore voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this report because over the coming years, we must reduce number of road accidents in the European Union, which at present continues to rise. In 2009, more than 35 000 people were killed in road accidents in the European Union. More than 1 500 000 people were seriously injured, the majority of whom were left disabled. The number of deaths on the European Union’s roads is huge, and the social and economic cost is estimated at EUR 130 billion. The European Commission has therefore presented a communication, the target of which is to halve by 2020 the number of road deaths in the European Union (as compared with 2010).

The Commission has prepared seven main strategic actions for reducing the number of road accidents by 2020. The strategic plans set out how to ensure safer road infrastructure, how to guarantee compliance with road traffic rules and develop intelligent vehicles. In order to implement these strategies and reduce the number of victims, we must ensure an exceptionally high degree of coordination, both at European Union and national level.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Sebastian Valentin Bodu (PPE), in writing. (RO) The authorities in every state have a duty to talk about road safety. This applies in the same way as they should talk about an efficient health service for saving lives and good schools for providing an education.

Romania is endeavouring to make its roads safer. We are still far away from the ideal situation, but according to the statistics, the number of accidents involving casualties is falling every year. Romania is 24th out of the 27 Member States, based on the criterion for measuring public road safety. This position does not show us in a good light and means that we need to adopt serious measures. The number of road victims has fallen by 11% between 2001 and now.

However, we know that people are not statistics and that behind every accident is a tragedy involving several families and the loss of human life. Romania is aware that it must learn from the experience of other Member States which have managed to cut the number of fatal road accidents significantly. Romania has the chance to meet this target more quickly by learning and benefiting from the experience of the European Union’s other Member States. Romania has adopted the European Union’s target of at least halving the number of serious road accidents in Romania by 2020.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vito Bonsignore (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted in favour of the report by Mr Koch because I share the ambitious objective re-proposed by the Commission to halve the number of road accident victims in the EU by 2020.

To this end, I agree with the suggestions of Parliament, in other words, to support policies aiming to increase road safety, and achieve the long-term objective of ‘Vision Zero’. For this, the EU needs to be equipped with a body of more concrete road safety measures. In addition, I believe it would be useful to improve the indicators and data relating to road safety in order to harmonise data for comparison, particularly when analysing the cause of injuries and accidents.

However, the EU’s constant commitment must be acknowledged, as the figures show. The number of deaths in road accidents fell by 36% between 2001 and 2009, with 80 000 fewer victims. These are encouraging figures, even if the ambitious objective of halving the number of deaths in road accidents every year has not yet been met. From 2009 to date, there were still 35 000 deaths and 1.5 million injuries on Europe’s roads.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Philip Bradbourn (ECR), in writing. – The ECR Group is committed to improving safety on Europe’s roads. However, the Koch report in a large number of areas called for measures at a European level which are outwith the competence of the EU. Road safety is a matter best dealt with by national and local authorities. Similarly, the ECR Group opposes the setting up of agencies or, in this case, coordinators at a European level, dealing with such matters and, for this reason, voted against the Koch report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  John Bufton (EFD), in writing. – I have voted against any attempt to harmonise road safety legislation across the Union. In the UK, we have some of the safest roads in Europe. There are already too many regulations and penalties on drivers largely used as cash cows that do little to make roads safer. Any legislation based upon driving or road use is often exploited by insurance companies to push up premiums or evade insurance pay outs. The proposed legislation would call into question whether other matters would have to be harmonised, from the unit of speed to top speeds on motorways, to the process of new driver training. The system in the UK for learning to drive is long established and effective and any changes should be the remit of the UK Government.

The report also mentions harmonising special penalty points systems. The EU should not hold any authority over penalising individuals for any offence or establishing what would qualify as an offence as this is the privilege of the Member State alone and would effectively create an EU-wide criminal law.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Antonio Cancian (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted in favour of the report on European road safety 2011-2020, as it highlights a number of initiatives designed to reach the objective of halving the number of road accident victims by 2020.

The report looks at the general issue of synergies and coordination, which must be among the main features of future actions in the road safety sector by ensuring that all European, national and local bodies play a part.

Specifically, the report sets out a number of measures that we must concentrate on in our forthcoming work. Above all, it emphasises improved training for road users, including harmonised European driving tests and health checks. In this vein, I think we ought to incentivise the use of a number of instruments such as the alcolock, which analyses the physical and mental state of the driver and prevents the vehicle from being started in the event of alcohol or drug abuse.

Secondly, the report examines road infrastructure and here I think it is essential to build and improve the service areas that are equipped for drivers. Such areas must be seen as an integral part of road infrastructure, both in the planning stages and during road widening initiatives.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Carlos Coelho (PPE), in writing. (PT) Despite the efforts made at European level, the number of deaths on the road remains shockingly high. In 2009, 35 000 people died and 1.5 million people were seriously injured in 2009.

I welcome the Commission communication on a European road safety area, as I consider it crucial that there be significant and coordinated investment in improvements to training for road users, to road infrastructure, to emergency and first-aid services, and to enforcement of road traffic rules. While it is true that measures should be taken as closely as possible to the citizen, pursuant to the principle of subsidiarity, it is also true that there is an urgent need for a coherent and integrated European-level approach.

I would congratulate Parliament on the report that has been achieved, and I share the view that a European road safety coordinator needs to be urgently appointed to coordinate measures between the Commission and the Member States, to promote initiatives and synergies in relation to road safety, to exchange best practices, and to create links between the relevant political and academic levels. I also support the goal of halving the total number of deaths by 2020, although the long-term goal should be to achieve a death rate of zero.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Lara Comi (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted in favour of the report by Mr Koch because I think it can help the Commission to make a genuine commitment to road safety, particularly in terms of developing its proposals into a fully-fledged action programme. In the same vein, I welcome and agree with this own-initiative report, which proposes the creation of the office of the European road safety coordinator within the Commission to coordinate the actions of authorities – whether local, regional, national or international – and stakeholders on issues of road safety. The report sends a very clear message to our governments: we need a properly coordinated European initiative that offers meaningful protection to all risk categories, including not only motorcyclists but also workers and children, who are particularly exposed to danger. I sincerely hope that we can manage to reduce the number of victims and not the amount of funds set aside for them.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marielle De Sarnez (ALDE), in writing. (FR) Reducing the number of road accident victims ought to be a common aim for all Member States. Road safety is not merely a matter for subsidiarity. In fact, collective awareness is needed in order to provide the same protection for all European drivers throughout the European Union. Parliament supports the objectives set out in the planned European road safety programme to 2020. Governments need to introduce more radical measures such as zero tolerance for drink-driving and for speeding. However, we also need to emphasise training and education about the dangers of the road from an early age. Reducing road accidents must also include improving the infrastructure on secondary roads and developing an urban highway code, with significant input from new technologies.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Anne Delvaux (PPE), in writing. (FR) The report has several objectives: to halve the number of road deaths in Europe by 2020; to reduce the number of under-14s killed on the roads by 60%, and to cut the number of people seriously injured (life-threatening injuries) by 40%.

To this end, the European Parliament has asked the Commission to produce a set of detailed measures with a clear timetable, monitoring instruments and a mid-term review. The report also stresses the importance of collecting quality and comparable scientific data on the causes of accidents and injuries and the need to establish harmonised guidelines wherever possible.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Diogo Feio (PPE), in writing. (PT) Although the number of people killed in road traffic accidents in the EU dropped by 36% between 2001 and 2009, the fact is that 35 000 people died on Europe’s roads in 2009, and 1.5 million were injured, many of those seriously and resulting in disability. The report states that the number of deaths on the roads in 2009 is equivalent to the death toll that would result ‘if some 250 medium-sized airliners full of passengers were to crash, an unimaginable scenario’, which is a very clear and vivid analogy. It is indeed unimaginable, but these accidents are a direct result of our collective indifference. As I come from a country where the rate of road accidents is alarming, I can only support any measures seeking to reduce accident rates and improve road safety.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), in writing. (PT) Preservation of human life is the highest value we can advocate. Any death, whatever the circumstances, even at the end of a long and productive life, causes us deep sadness. This situation disgusts us when it happens to young people or when it happens in situations where it could have been avoided. In the case of the latter, deaths on the road number in the thousands. In recent years, the measures adopted by the Member States have achieved a significant reduction in this loss of life: 36% between 2001 and 2009. However, 35 000 people were killed in 2009 and almost 1.5 million were injured. These numbers are too high for us to remain indifferent. That is why there is still so much to be done. The purpose of this Commission proposal is to halve these figures by 2020. There is a need to improve the training of drivers, to standardise the rules throughout the EU, to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and to prevent the use of mobile telephones. I welcome the adoption of this report, whose purpose is to improve European road safety policy over the next decade (2011-2020), so as to reduce the number of accidents. As Europeans, we are all obliged to cooperate on reducing the number of victims on our roads.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D), in writing. (SK) European roads have become much safer in recent years. The number of traffic accident victims in the EU fell by 36% in the years 2001 to 2009. A decisive role in this respect was played by the Third European Road Safety Action Programme. Despite the above, 35 000 deaths and 1.5 million serious injuries, often with permanent consequences, occurred on European roads in 2009 alone. The social and economic costs of such traffic accidents are enormous; the loss of human life and the dramatic effect on the lives of those affected are indescribable. However, society still seems to turn a blind eye to the deadly risks that road traffic poses.

The tragedies that happen every day on European roads pass mostly unnoticed. Shortly before the expiry of the Third European Road Safety Action Programme, the Commission presented a communication where it explained its strategic objectives up to 2020. The key aim of these objectives is again to halve the number of deaths in traffic accidents compared with 2010. I agree with the opinion of the Commission that an improvement in traffic safety requires a coherent, comprehensive and integrated approach, covering all road traffic users and all stakeholders. We have to strive to achieve the maximum possible level of coordination, as well as to include the importance of road traffic safety in all relevant parts of the policy.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Elisabetta Gardini (PPE), in writing. (IT) Around 1.3 million road accidents a year in Europe cause well in excess of 35 000 deaths and 1.5 million injuries.

That is why we urgently need to establish a European action programme that is capable of bringing to a halt the tragedy that unfolds on our roads each and every day. I agree with the rapporteur, Mr Koch, who has said that above all, we need to encourage exchanges of knowledge and proven practices among the Member States and to conduct a Europe-wide investigation on the causes of accidents. Indeed, using this very information, we must establish the measures that need to be taken to improve road safety.

Such measures surely include the urgent harmonisation of driving regulations, the permitted alcohol limit and road signs. However, I should also like to emphasise the importance of prevention. Training and lifelong learning for drivers, safety campaigns and appropriate medical tests can make a significant contribution to reducing the number of accidents across the European Union.

Sight is also hugely important for safe driving. We therefore hope that in future, greater attention will be focused on sight tests, not only when the driving licence is granted, but throughout a driver’s lifetime.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Robert Goebbels (S&D), in writing. (FR) I can endorse most of the aims of the report on road safety. Thirty-five thousand road deaths in Europe each year is a huge number. It is like an annual natural disaster, but the dead are usually anonymous and go unreported. When one thinks of the heated discussions about the victims of nuclear power stations – thousands in Chernobyl and thus far no fatalities in Fukushima – this is perplexing.

I support many of the report’s proposals for technical improvements to vehicles and road networks. However, I am not an advocate of ever-stricter enforcement measures. Calling for a zero limit for blood alcohol is ridiculous, because most of those who drink and drive are well above the 1% mark, if not over 2%. Making it illegal for anyone to drive after a glass or two of wine is not the way to prevent irresponsible driving.

I would also like to remind the critics that motorways are the safest roads, contributing only 6% of all deaths.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Bruno Gollnisch (NI), in writing. (FR) No one is happy with the number of road accident victims, but like its predecessors, Mr Koch’s report on European road safety contains some unacceptable elements. To start with, there are the standard assumptions about bad drivers. The report also proposes that every vehicle should be fitted with an electronic bug which would automatically record all traffic data, with no guarantee that the information would only be used in the event of an accident. Big Brother will be watching your car – and your car will be able to condemn you!

The report wants to introduce a harmonised points system and also widespread use of ‘informative’ displays that tell motorists how fast they are travelling, which we already know are unreliable on fast roads and multiple lanes, distract drivers and therefore cause accidents. As for banning all systems that warn drivers about speed cameras, that would be counterproductive. After all, the authorities tell us that speed cameras are supposed to be installed at danger spots, not the most profitable locations. Essentially, we have the usual blend of pointless duplication, good intentions and full-blown policing combined with a handful of more apposite comments on the quality of the road network and the importance of educating drivers. It is wholly uninspiring.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Roberto Gualtieri (S&D), in writing. (IT) Despite the measures taken by the individual Member States, the number of victims of road-traffic accidents in Europe is still too high. By approving the report by Mr Koch – which contains more than 100 suggestions on how to ensure effective road safety – Parliament is adopting a resolution in response to the Commission communication of 2010, which appeals to this House to put forward an even more ambitious action programme.

We shall need to improve the deployment of road signs, as well as infrastructure and vehicle safety and information exchange. Above all, however, we shall need to move towards harmonising legislation on the subject, for example, by reducing the speed limit in residential areas to 30 km/h and banning new drivers and those driving with passengers from drinking alcohol. This is the only way that it will be possible to halve the number of victims and reduce the number of injuries by 2020.

We therefore expect the Commission to produce a new plan that follows Parliament’s suggestions by the end of the year. Road safety must be a priority for Europe.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marian Harkin (ALDE), in writing. – I voted against the original text of Paragraph 4. I do not believe that an EU road safety coordinator would add value at European level. I believe this would be a further layer of bureaucracy without any real benefits. Yes, I know we need exchange of best practice, but if we set up an EU road safety coordinator, that means we need a secretariat and this would require extra resources that I believe could be better used elsewhere.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE), in writing. – I welcome Parliament’s rejection of the proposal to make Day-Glo clothing compulsory for cyclists. This would effectively have made offenders out of victims – when the vast majority of accidents involving bikes are the fault of careless drivers.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. (LT) The Commission’s main target is to halve by 2020 the number of road deaths in the European Union (compared to 2010). With a view to achieving that target, the Commission is setting itself seven strategic objectives: improved training for road users and more stringent licensing and driver training procedures, more effective enforcement of road traffic rules, safer infrastructure, improved safety measures for commercial and private vehicles, the development of intelligent vehicles, improvements to emergency and first-aid services and measures to protect vulnerable road users, in particular, motorcyclists. These are excellent, adaptable and necessary measures for reducing the number of deaths on EU roads. However, I abstained from voting on this document because, in addition to repeating the calls consistently made by Parliament, the rapporteur has proposed additional measures to improve road safety in the EU, the application of which will not, in my opinion, deliver the anticipated results. The measures adopted must be adequate, logical and reflect reality. We must facilitate the implementation and enforcement of effective and coherent road safety policies.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Jarosław Kalinowski (PPE), in writing.(PL) European road safety statistics are appalling. Due to the stupidity of irresponsible drivers, thousands of people are killed or left permanently disabled. This is why standardised legislation in the European Union and its application to new technologies is a priority. A further step is an improvement in the infrastructure, particularly in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, where the quality of roads leaves a lot to be desired and has caused accidents on more than one occasion. This is why monitoring is essential to ensure that these countries make proper use of funding made available for building new roads, motorways and railways. Modern rail transport systems would help to reduce traffic on the roads and to replace lorries, which are especially dangerous to other road users.

I would also like to draw attention to the need for education from an early age. Future drivers should be taught the basics of good behaviour on the roads as soon as possible and should be given good examples to follow.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Martin Kastler (PPE), in writing. (DE) I voted against this report today. No one could disagree with the common objective of the EU Member States of halving the number of road traffic fatalities. Almost 100 people are still dying on Europe’s roads every day. The goal is clear – the question is how to get there. Transport policy is, and remains, a national, regional and partly local issue. Successes are only achieved if they are closely based on the reality of people’s lives. Europe is not the right arena for this. Even if all the proposals were scientifically based, this is still not a matter for the EU. The best example of this is the scientifically-based proposal that, in future, children under three years of age should only travel in secure, rear-facing car seats. As a young father, I am well aware that no child aged two or three will want to sit facing backwards on the rear seat. What is more, drivers can no longer see their children, so who knows what might happen. This own-initiative report is superfluous. Signals like this are counter-productive, particularly in the current climate of crisis. We must concentrate on essentials.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Edvard Kožušník (ECR), in writing. (CS) I am personally all in favour of road safety improvements. Unfortunately, however, I am not convinced of the correctness of the proposed measures, which are supposed to lead to greater road safety. I am very concerned about the proposals to implement an intelligent speed assistance system, the use of which is just one step away from ‘Big Brother’. I would not like to see a time when some Central European brain determines which road a driver must take, or dictates the speed at which he will travel. I am concerned about cases where technology takes over responsibility for the decisions and actions of the individual. Although the ideas about drivers taking alcohol tests before setting out on a journey are useful, in my opinion, I regard the mandatory fitting of alcolocks as a bad joke from a science fiction film. The questions raised by the mandatory installation of these technologies have not been answered, particularly as regards responsibility for the malfunctioning of these systems.

We should also not forget the greater costs which these technologies entail. For low-income groups, for example, buying a new car will become less affordable than it is at present. We should also not forget cases where the mandatory use of these technologies is required for small and medium-sized enterprises. I take the view that education, higher safety standards and improved transport infrastructure will contribute more to road safety than these technologies.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Giovanni La Via (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted in favour of the report by Mr Koch, which tackles the most critical issues surrounding road safety. Unfortunately, the number of victims of road accidents is considerable; Europe cannot accept this and must strive to reduce it dramatically. We need to take action in a number of different areas: from European coordination through a figure who can bring together all the various countries and not merely supplement the work of other officials, to the issue of road education and the protection of travellers, as well as infrastructure implementation. Achieving the objectives set out in the report that we have adopted is an important goal in showing that we are taking care and taking action to deal with a pressing issue such as road safety.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Bogusław Liberadzki (S&D), in writing.(PL) On 27 September 2011, the vote was held on the report on European road safety 2011-2020 (A7-0264/2011), which I supported. When the Third European Road Safety Action Programme was put into effect, fatalities among road users were reduced by 36%. In spite of the improvements on our roads, 35 000 people died and over 1.5 million were injured in 2009. Having the best interests of our citizens at heart, we should take action to increase road safety. We should coordinate the activities of road users and all interested parties. This is why we need a European coordinator who would oversee the implementation of new strategies at various levels with the support of the European Commission. We need to take practical steps to reduce the number of fatalities.

Dependable statistics and reliable data concerning accidents are key factors in solving the problem of road safety. As it is the citizens who are primarily responsible for road safety, the best possible training should be available for future drivers, and severe punishments should be meted out to those who break traffic laws. The penalty points system should be standardised. Continuing driver education and technical inspections of vehicles are also essential.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vladimír Maňka (S&D), in writing. (SK) The number of traffic accident victims in the EU fell by 36% in the period 2001-2009. Thanks to this, 80 000 lives have been saved since 2001. Despite these figures, 35 000 deaths occurred on European roads in 2009, and 1.5 million people were seriously injured, often with permanent consequences. The social and economic costs of these traffic accidents amounted to approximately EUR 130 billion in 2009. The objective is to halve the number of traffic accident deaths in the European Union (compared with 2010). Therefore, the Commission should develop the proposed steps into a fully-fledged action programme by the end of 2011.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  David Martin (S&D), in writing. – Although I do not agree with every suggestion in this report, it makes some good proposals for enhancing European road safety and I voted for it.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Véronique Mathieu (PPE), in writing. (FR) I voted in favour of the resolution on road safety because I am convinced that the number of people killed on the roads in the European Union could be reduced considerably over the coming years. The target of halving the number of road deaths by 2020 must be supported through simple measures, such as the use of alcolocks for commercial road transport, reducing the speed limit to 30 km/h in residential areas and harmonising the rules of the road. The text also recommends standardising road signs by 2013 and a Union-wide harmonised blood-alcohol limit, with a scientifically-based 0% tolerance margin for the first two years for new drivers and permanently for professional drivers.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Gesine Meissner (ALDE), in writing. (DE) The German Free Democratic Party delegation abstained from the final vote on the own-initiative report on European road safety 2011-2020. This non-legislative text contains a large number of recommendations for increasing safety on Europe’s roads. Naturally, we support this goal, as we also want to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on the roads. Some measures are quite over the top, however; for example, the call for a general 30 km/h speed limit in built-up areas, the mandatory carrying of warning jackets for all vehicle occupants, or the use of rear-facing child seats for children under three years of age.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Melo (PPE), in writing. (PT) No one doubts that Europe’s roads have become substantially safer in recent years. Between 2001 and 2009, the number of road deaths in the EU fell by 36%. The Third European Road Safety Action Programme 2001-2010 was instrumental in bringing about that reduction. Since 2001, almost 80 000 lives have been saved as a result of the progress made. Although the target of halving the annual number of deaths has not been met, the figures are very encouraging. Despite all of that, 35 000 people died on Europe’s roads in 2009 and 1.5 million were seriously injured, many of whom were left disabled. The social and economic cost of these road accidents is huge: roughly EUR 130 billion in 2009. In addition to that, there is the loss of life, the grief of the victims’ families, the suffering of the injured and the dramatic changes to the lives of accident victims.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Louis Michel and Frédérique Ries (ALDE), in writing. (FR) This own-initiative report is intended to improve road safety in Europe and encourage the discussion of best practice and success stories. It has been adopted today by a very large majority of the European Parliament with a view to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads every year from the current sobering 35 000. This represents a huge challenge, given all the variations in infrastructure, training, rules, prevention policies and penalties.

There is also a cultural divide, particularly when it comes to alcohol consumption, which does nonetheless have universal physiological effects. We welcome the various recommendations: gradual learning from the age of 17, road safety education from a very young age, fitting alcolocks to professional vehicles and compulsory reflective jackets.

However, we did oppose paragraph 54 on applying a 30 km/h speed limit in all urban residential areas. We must not forget that standardisation has its limits. The failure of the 30 km/h speed limit within inner Brussels is a telling example. The success of a 30 km/h zone is primarily dependent on the road layout and the associated public awareness campaign. By making 30 km/h zones the norm, there is a danger that they would become less valuable in places where they are really essential.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alexander Mirsky (S&D), in writing. – Improving road safety is an important issue. 35 000 people died in road accidents in 2009; 1 500 000 were injured. It is necessary to adopt a broad set of measures and better coordination at all political levels to reduce the number of road deaths and injuries significantly. I am in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Andreas Mölzer (NI), in writing. (DE) In terms of transport safety, a number of successes were achieved in Europe in recent years, although the target of halving the number of annual road traffic fatalities has not been met. A series of measures are being implemented in an attempt to achieve this self-imposed target. However, these are quite vague and it is doubtful whether they will enable the number of road traffic fatalities to be reduced as desired. It is also important to gather more comparable data in relation to the causes of accidents and injuries for the purposes of better coordination between the Member States. In addition, we should also be clear about the role played in serious traffic accidents by heavy goods vehicles, which are becoming increasingly dangerous, particularly in view of increasing competitive pressures, and about the fact that scrap vehicles are still to be found on Europe’s roads. Of course it would be a good thing for the public to attend regular first aid courses. However this should not be made mandatory for road users. For this reason, I have voted against.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Sławomir Witold Nitras (PPE), in writing.(PL) I fully support improvements in road safety by coordinating and harmonising proposals and road signs and introducing a single road safety strategy. However, I believe that the negative consequences of some of the proposals contained in the legislation outweigh their positive aspects. One of these proposals was the idea to introduce speed limits of 30 km/h in residential areas, which would not only have a negative impact on the transport sector and be incomprehensible to a large section of society, but would also fail to improve safety as the law could simply be ignored. Another proposal with which I found myself in disagreement was the introduction of a ban on the manufacture of systems that warn drivers of radar speed checks. As a result, I voted against the proposals.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Franz Obermayr (NI), in writing. (DE) The greater part of Europe’s road network is designed to cater for the typical dimensions of modern heavy goods vehicles. The Commission favours ‘gigaliners’, however. ‘Gigaliners’ are up to 25 metres in length and weigh up to 60 tonnes. These giants impair the field of vision of other drivers and the overtaking distances on national roads are increased dramatically. Furthermore, much greater damage – both to people and vehicles – is to be expected when collisions occur. The EU’s plans to halve the number of fatal road accidents by 2020 thus seems like a distant dream. It is important that these ‘gigaliners’ should be banned from our roads. As the report does not deal with this danger, I have voted against it.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Justas Vincas Paleckis (S&D), in writing. (LT) Although, last year, the number of road deaths in Lithuania fell by half, the road wars continue both in Lithuania and throughout the EU. In 2009, 35 000 people were killed in Europe and 1 500 000 were injured, while material damage exceeded EUR 130 billion. I voted in favour of this report, because it aims to halve the number of deaths by 2020. The document calls on EU governments to pay more attention to road infrastructure and ensure better cooperation between the Member States. Until now, if your driving licence is taken away in one EU Member State, it is still possible to obtain a duplicate in another Member State if you live or work there, and this is wrong. It is therefore necessary to establish an EU system for exchanging information on documents. One of the report’s innovative proposals is also important – to install alcohol sensors in all new cars, which would prevent a car from being started if they detect that the driver is at all drunk. It is right to propose increasing fines – drivers who have had a licence for less than two years should be subject to a zero alcohol rule when they take the wheel. Many accidents could also be avoided by using simpler means of prevention: better located road signs, lighting and vigilant traffic police.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alfredo Pallone (PPE), in writing. (IT) Road safety policy is one of the forthcoming objectives for 2020. Reducing the number of victims of road accidents could depend on Europe’s management of the problem and therefore, the EU must provide a technical and legal framework for Member States and local bodies in order to improve citizens’ road safety in an effective way. I voted in favour of the text in question, which provides an opportunity for Europe as a whole to examine each and every aspect – from the behaviour of drivers, to roadside maintenance and infrastructure safety – in order to come up with some proposals for ways to improve road safety.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE), in writing. (EL) Despite the drop in road traffic accidents, the EU still loses enough people to fill a town (35 000 victims) in fatal road traffic accidents every year. Road behaviour is certainly one of the reasons for these losses. However, no one can question the importance of well-constructed and modern road infrastructures in the effort to stop road traffic accidents. Unfortunately, numerous cofinanced road projects have been shelved or put on hold as a result of the economic crisis, due to a lack of funds for national contributions. This is the case in Greece, where road projects have been left half-finished for months. The own-initiative report, which I supported, recognises the modern-day challenges and proposes flexible procedures to facilitate the absorption of funds. At the same time, it recognises the need for quantitative targets for the Member States and the need to evaluate individual national policies by drafting and publishing national road safety plans on the basis of harmonised joint guidelines.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. (PT) According to the data presented in this report, which are uncontested, Europe’s roads have become substantially safer in recent years. Between 2001 and 2009, there was a 36% reduction in the number of road deaths in the EU. The Third European Road Safety Action Programme 2001-2010 was instrumental in bringing about that fall. Since 2001, almost 80 000 lives have been saved as a result of the progress made. As such, I voted for this report, in which a series of complementary measures have been tabled with a view to improving road safety in the EU.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marit Paulsen, Olle Schmidt and Cecilia Wikström (ALDE), in writing. (SV) Road accidents kill and injure thousands of people in Europe every year – every single case is a tragedy. Road safety is an important issue, and it is a cross-border one. However, we cannot legislate away people’s own responsibility on the road. It is neither reasonable nor effective for the European Parliament to establish detailed rules on road safety, and creating rules that are impossible to supervise and monitor will only create an uncertain legal situation. Road safety is primarily the responsibility of the Member States and a matter that is subject to the principle of subsidiarity. We are nevertheless supporting the report as a whole in order to emphasise the importance we attach to the issue of road safety, but would hereby like to make known our view that forthcoming European legislative proposals in this area should not be as far-reaching as this own-initiative report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Phil Prendergast (S&D), in writing. – We must aim to better protect vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, children and the elderly. That 35 000 people lose their lives in road accidents in the EU each year is simply unacceptable. That 1.5 million people are seriously injured is an astonishing figure and we must take action to address this problem. In order to address this situation, we must have a clear and comprehensive idea of the scale and nature of the problem. We need to have comparable data on the causes of injuries and accidents throughout the EU. The EU requires a system for compiling harmonised European statistics on the causes of accidents, with a view to improving our understanding of the problem. These statistics can draw on the wealth of knowledge and experience already gained in this area in individual Member States. If road safety is to be improved, a coherent and integrated approach is needed. In order to do this, we must first have a clearer understanding of the nature of these road accidents.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Paulo Rangel (PPE), in writing. (PT) In spite of progressive technological improvements, road accidents remain a very significant cause of death. That is why efforts have been made for many years to achieve the EU objective of reducing the number of deaths on the road. It is therefore necessary to adopt measures to reduce these incidences of death, and to seek to gradually reduce the number of fatal accidents to zero. I voted in favour because I share this concern.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Crescenzio Rivellini (PPE), in writing. (IT) In today’s plenary session in Strasbourg, we voted on the report on European road safety.

The report by Mr Koch basically upholds the objectives set out by the Commission and the measures that have been broadly outlined, which state that in order to improve road safety, we need to adopt a coherent, holistic and integrated approach that includes all road users and stakeholders while also looking into synergies with other policy objectives.

We must therefore integrate road safety requirements in all relevant policy areas and ensure effective coordination between the various levels – local, regional, national and European – in preparing and implementing the measures.

In this vein, the report therefore proposes establishing the office of European road safety coordinator which, with the Commission’s support, ought to function as a shared point of reference for the various approaches and administrative levels.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), in writing. – In favour. In recent years, Europe’s roads have become substantially safer. Between 2001 and 2009, the number of road deaths in the EU fell by 36%, and the Third European Road Safety Action Programme was instrumental in bringing about that fall. Since 2001, almost 80 000 lives have been saved as a result of the progress made. Although the target of halving the annual number of road deaths has not been met, the figures are very encouraging. Above all, however, they are a call for further action. In 2009, the number of people killed on Europe’s roads was still 35 000 and the number seriously injured was 1.5 million, with many of them being left disabled. The social and economic cost of these road accidents is huge (roughly EUR 130 billion in 2009). The human loss involved, the grief experienced by the friends and families of the victims, the suffering of the injured and the dramatic changes to the lives of accident victims represent costs of a different kind.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Licia Ronzulli (PPE), in writing. (IT) Europe’s roads have become substantially safer in recent years.

The Third European Road Safety Action Programme 2001-2011 was instrumental in bringing about this achievement. Since 2001, almost 80 000 lives have been saved as a result of the progress made.

Shortly before the Third Action Programme expired, the Commission submitted a communication setting out its strategic objectives for the period to 2020. Once again, the Commission’s main target is to halve the number of road deaths in the European Union by 2020.

The report adopted today underlines the need for a coherent, holistic and integrated approach which encompasses all road users and stakeholders and seeks to develop synergies with other policy objectives.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Oreste Rossi (EFD), in writing. (IT) I would, in theory, be in favour of the report because, under the principle of subsidiarity, the European Union ought to set out a general framework and some objectives on road safety to act as a focal point for national and local strategies.

In order to reduce the number of fatal accidents, I think it would be well worth putting controls in place, harmonising road signs, creating safe road-traffic infrastructure and promoting the sale of safe vehicles fitted with mandatory alcolocks. We would also need the United Kingdom to stop driving on the opposite side of the road to all other European countries and get into line with the rules in place in the EU.

Unfortunately, however, this report suffers from the negative influence of a series of amendments adopted in this House, which make it too oppressive. For example, forbidding people from driving when using medicines that influence their fitness to drive is absurd since, precisely for their own peace of mind, most pharmaceutical companies advise against it in their instruction leaflets. In reality, very few people using such medicines have any problems driving as a result.

Another overly burdensome amendment for licence-holders is the obligation to attend first-aid refresher courses every 10 years. I have therefore voted against the report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Debora Serracchiani (S&D), in writing. (IT) I voted in favour of the report on road safety by Mr Koch because I think that this issue has an important role to play considering that around 55% of fatal accidents happen on rural roads, 36% in urban areas and 6% on motorways.

Over the last three years, road accidents in the capital cities of the European Union have caused an average of 1 845 deaths each year. Many of these victims are pedestrians, cyclists, elderly people and children. In order to reduce the number of deaths caused by road accidents, common and harmonised restrictive measures are needed across Europe, including the creation of safe road-traffic infrastructure, respect for driving and rest periods, and the establishment of safe parking areas for lorry drivers which are in line with the minimum social standards.

I support the creation of the office of the European road safety coordinator by 2014, with particular responsibility for opening an investigation on the effectiveness of road safety policies in large and medium-sized urban areas and on the necessary elements for once again making travel safe for all citizens.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Renate Sommer (PPE), in writing. (DE) I have voted against this own-initiative report on European road safety. Even though the report contains a number of good points, there are some key issues that I cannot support. A universal speed limit of 30 km/h in residential areas would bring traffic in conurbations to a standstill. The establishment of a ‘genuine’ EU observatory and the position of an EU coordinator would not just generate unnecessary bureaucracy. Experience shows that we would quickly have a new, costly agency. On top of this, there are cost-intensive proposals for the mandatory introduction of new electronic playthings such as alcohol meters, fatigue alert systems or speed regulation systems. This is superfluous. It is discriminatory to require over 65s to undergo regular physical, mental and psychological testing of their driving capabilities. The standardised use of winter tyres is unrealistic in view of the different climatic conditions in the various Member States. The call for obligatory rear-facing seats for children under three is also out-of-touch. This would prevent you from watching the child or communicating with it. All the child can see is the backrest in front of it, it will become fractious and will finally escape from the seat. A child would be able to manage this from the age of two at least. Anyone telling me that you should not talk to children while driving and that the new child seat has a system of mirrors for observing the child has obviously never driven children about.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Teixeira (PPE), in writing. (PT) Figures from 2009 demonstrate that a devastating number of people are killed on Europe’s roads: more than 35 000 people died and 1.5 million people were seriously injured, many of whom were left permanently disabled. Publication of these figures has led Parliament to call for a plan of action for road safety to be drafted, as a matter of urgency. Of the measures included in the report, I should like to highlight the standardisation of road signs and road traffic rules in the EU, and of the blood alcohol limit. It is also suggested that alcolocks be fitted to all commercial passenger and goods transport vehicles, and that greater importance be attached to lifelong learning. The objectives set out for Europe’s roads are ambitious, but they are necessary because of the loss of lives caused by a lack of road safety. Coordination among the Member States and the Commission should be the cornerstone of the entire strategy, so I am in favour of creating a road safety coordinator role within the Commission to ensure multilevel coordination. It is also important that the Member States improve their statistical indicators, so that these can be progressively harmonised and intelligent vehicles developed.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Niki Tzavela (EFD), in writing. (EL) I voted in favour of the Koch report because road safety is a major European issue. It should be pointed out that a coordinated approach to road safety and revised highway codes, better training and examination of learner drivers and road behaviour in general are actions which help to cut the number of road traffic accidents in Europe. For example, there has been a 37% reduction since 2000 and this reduction appears to have been sustained in 2011.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Thomas Ulmer (PPE), in writing. (DE) I rejected the report, not because I am against road safety, but rather because the measures proposed here are mostly prescriptive and interfere with civil liberties to a huge extent. They go far beyond simple recommendations and are almost like a catalogue of repressive measures from a dictatorship. If I were cynical, I might say that the quickest way to reduce road traffic fatalities would be to prohibit all two-wheeled vehicles with immediate effect. However, proposals of this kind represent a major restriction in civil liberties.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Derek Vaughan (S&D), in writing. – I supported the 103 measures contained in this report as they will be crucial in ensuring the safety of roads in Wales and across Europe. Following the Commission’s unambitious proposals earlier in the year, the Parliament have set out their plans and ideas that will cut road deaths from the current levels of 35 000 a year across the EU. This report sends a strong message to governments, including the UK Government, that we must take serious measures to cut accidents and road deaths in the EU, and not be cutting road safety budgets.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marie-Christine Vergiat (GUE/NGL), in writing. (FR) I abstained in the votes on all the amendments and in the final vote on this report, not because I am not interested in road safety issues, but because I feel that the European Union already does plenty in this field and I believe that our priorities should lie elsewhere at present.

Yet the report goes into a mind-boggling level of detail (urban speed limits, blood alcohol limits, ban on speed check detectors, harmonising legislation for winter tyres and more). The report is also another example of focusing on safety rather than prevention.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, just by way of example, I am astounded to see that there is nothing on the subject of lorry drivers’ working hours, even though we know that this is something which can have grave repercussions.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Dominique Vlasto (PPE), in writing. (FR) The Schengen area has considerably enhanced freedom of movement for travellers, tourists and goods, to the point where road safety has become a European priority. In 2009, 1.5 million people were injured and 35 000 killed in road accidents. We need to coordinate our national efforts to prevent these human tragedies at all costs. Europeans will not understand if we do not take the necessary action to reduce road deaths. This is the very aim of the strategy that we have just adopted, which establishes a target of halving the number of people killed on our roads by 2020. In order to do that, we need to harmonise our national rules on traffic, signalling, technical vehicle checks and blood alcohol limits. Essentially, it is no longer acceptable that the majority of accidents are caused by a lack of courtesy at the wheel. The road must not be a place where the rules do not apply: only by respecting common rules will we be able to save lives.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Angelika Werthmann (NI), in writing. (DE) The measures proposed in the report, some of them already described in great detail, are understandable, proportionate and necessary. Although the number of road traffic fatalities has been declining for years, there is still some work to be done. I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Iva Zanicchi (PPE), in writing. (IT) The report tabled by Mr Koch has the ambitious goal of halving the number of road accident victims by 2020. If this is to be achieved, then we need a coherent, holistic and integrated approach that provides for the active involvement of all stakeholders. The EU institutions will need to provide direction and coordination, while the Member States and local organisations will have to ensure that better road safety policies are implemented on our roads.

We must welcome the proposal to create a European road safety coordinator who, with the Commission’s support, ought to act as a kind of liaison to ensure cooperation among the various levels. I voted in favour for these reasons.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Artur Zasada (PPE), in writing.(PL) For several years now, European road accident statistics have been improving, but the fact remains that around 35 000 people die in road accidents and 1.5 million are injured annually. The Commission estimates that only about 27.5% of the measures in the Third European Road Safety Action Programme have been implemented. I am convinced that we have not exhausted all the legislative avenues open to us in this regard and that further regulation at European level is possible.

Mr Koch’s document contains many interesting ideas but is not without its defects. I am particularly interested in, inter alia, the initiatives on improving the quality of training for young drivers, the introduction of obligatory eye tests for drivers and improvements in safety at level crossings. However, I am not fully convinced by some of the rapporteur’s suggestions, such as restricting the speed limit to 30 km/h in residential areas and on all single-lane roads in urban areas which have no separate cycle lane (I voted against this provision). Some of the initiatives do not include deadlines or methods of implementation, and taking the complexity of the problem into consideration, it would not be possible to introduce them at this moment in time.

However, I did finally endorse the document. I believe that the European Commission will look carefully at the proposals contained in Mr Koch’s report and will present a thorough analysis of the impact of the individual proposals as soon as possible.

 
  
  

Report: Nirj Deva (A7-0213/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luís Paulo Alves (S&D), in writing. (PT) I am voting for this report, which draws attention to the fact that large dams have failed to produce as much electricity, provide as much water or control as much flood damage as was foreseen. Efforts to mitigate this damage have not been very successful. In general terms, in order to improve this situation, I call for a wide-ranging, transparent and participatory assessment that considers the full range of available options for reducing the impact of floods, and which fulfils water and energy needs, whilst giving priority to preserving ecosystems, respecting human rights, and increasing the efficiency and sustainability of the systems already in place.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Elena Oana Antonescu (PPE), in writing. (RO) Water is a scarce natural resource, which means that the fairness of its allocation needs to be examined. As a result, the point needs to be highlighted that rethinking the management of freshwater resources, in the context of climate change, is undoubtedly a key challenge facing the world. On the other hand, in the last century, no other natural hazard has proved more destructive in terms of material damage or loss of human life than flooding, in spite of the billions of dollars spent on flood management.

I think that balanced investment is needed in managing and improving water capture and storage methods to increase the sustainable and efficient use of water, mitigate the effect of recurrent floods and droughts, and achieve minimum water security. I urge for priority to be given to investments which reduce rural poverty, strengthen resilience and adaptation to climate change, and foster cooperation in the international river basin.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Pino Arlacchi (S&D), in writing. – This report is important because I value its aim to find a comprehensive and transparent evaluation of the full range of options available to reduce the impacts of floods and meet water and energy needs. Despite the billions of dollars spent on flood management in the past years, globally, no other natural hazard has cost more human lives or proved more destructive to property than floods. I believe that the EU must promote the establishment of a global early warning system for floods and should finance capacity building and training in improved land management. In this field, priority should be given to ecosystem-based solutions and to making existing systems more effective and sustainable. I also would like to stress that any planning of dams should be evaluated according to five values: equity, efficiency, participatory decision making, sustainability and accountability.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this document. Globally, no other natural hazard over the past century has proved more destructive to property or cost more human lives than floods, despite the billions of dollars spent on flood management. There was an increase in the frequency of serious floods throughout the second half of the 20th century, and flooding will prove to be a critical issue in the coming decades. In order to guarantee a reliable supply of water during droughts and prevent excessive water during periods of flooding, storage methods need to be improved. Rethinking the management of freshwater resources, in the context of climate change, is undoubtedly a key challenge facing the world. I agree that it is essential to adopt a multi-pronged flood strategy as a matter of urgency in regions where there is a critical threat of floods and to ensure balanced investment in demand-side management measures, land management, improved water capture and storage methods.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this report because we must improve water storage methods and reduce the construction of huge dams worldwide. Approximately 40-80 million people have been forced to leave their homes during the construction of huge dams. Dams change rivers and the use of natural resources and have a major impact on biological diversity and river ecosystems and, above all, pose a threat to communities. On every continent, dams threaten people or the ecosystem. One real example is in Brazil, where a licence has been granted to construct the world’s third largest dam, although its construction will do incalculable damage to the Amazon’s ecosystem and biodiversity. Around 50 000 people will also be forced to leave their homes. It is necessary to reduce dam building because, according to current estimates, by 2050, there will be a major risk of floods, endangering around 2 billion people. Furthermore, dam reservoirs pose a serious threat to the environment due to greenhouse gas emissions.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  John Bufton (EFD), in writing. – I voted against this report, which calls for a creation of a cross-border agency, established under the United Nations, with the express purpose of sharing available data, addressing the problems and causes of transboundary water-related hazards and proposing appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures. It stresses that, without such an adjudicating agency at the helm, critical negotiations on flood prevention and alleviation may prove insurmountable between conflicting countries, especially those in the developing world. With all sympathy to those who are living in least developed countries to whom access to water can be a daily struggle, we cannot afford to create a whole infrastructure in order to promote the EU and its climate change policy. I do not see it as the EU’s role to oversee issues in third countries.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria Da Graça Carvalho (PPE), in writing. (PT) Water is a scarce natural resource, which raises concerns over the fairness of its distribution. There is a need to rethink the management of fresh water resources in the context of climate change. Only 5% of the cultivated area in Africa is irrigated, less than 10% of the continent’s potential for hydroelectricity generation is being used, and only 58% of Africans have access to safe drinking water. The development of decentralised supply infrastructure is a key condition for guaranteeing the security of water supply in Africa and achieving the Millennium Development Goals. It is, therefore, necessary to improve storage methods, so as to ensure a reliable supply during periods of drought and retain excess water during periods of flooding.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Carlos Coelho (PPE), in writing. (PT) As water is a scarce natural resource, the management of water resources is certainly a major challenge that the world is facing, particularly in the context of climate change. If the construction of dams in developing countries guarantees a secure water supply and a whole range of indisputable benefits, on the one hand, the risks inherent to their construction should be, and must be, cause for reflection and concern, on the other. Dams, both natural and artificial, can fail or break, causing floods and landslides, which is exacerbated, in the case of natural floods, by the effects of global warming and by the black carbon deposits in glaciers, so accelerating their retreat, for example, in Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.

I believe that it is important to adopt a multifaceted strategy in these regions, that dam building should be assessed in terms of environmental, social and economic impact, but also that developing countries have the final word in assessing their priorities and the cost/benefit relationship.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Lara Comi (PPE), in writing. (IT) Water is an inestimably valuable resource given its scarcity and the fact that it has to be managed very carefully indeed. The management of freshwater resources deserves particular attention; if we take climate change into account as well, then it represents a crucial challenge for the entire world. Moreover, we must not forget that in recent decades, no other natural phenomenon has been so damaging as disasters caused by flooding, even though the expenditure to manage and prevent them has been anything but meagre. Balanced investment is needed to improve methods of collecting and storing water, to increase the efficient and sustainable use of water resources, and to reduce both the effects of flooding and the negative effects of drought. I therefore voted in favour of this report, even though I think that further work is needed on reaching the goal of limiting climate change.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Edite Estrela (S&D), in writing. (PT) I voted for the report on the financing of dam infrastructure reinforcement in developing countries because I believe there is a need to undertake a wide-ranging, transparent and participatory assessment of the existing alternatives as regards reducing the impact of floods, and satisfying water and energy needs, whilst giving priority to ecosystem-based solutions, and increasing the efficiency and sustainability of already existing infrastructure.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Diogo Feio (PPE), in writing. (PT) Management of water resources constitutes one of the main problems for many developing countries, which are ravaged by a cycle of droughts and floods. Dams constitute a means of seeking to manage this scarce resource and regulate river flows, in order to protect neighbouring populations. The increasing number of floods in the second half of the 20th century must certainly raise concern with regard to the location and safety of many of the dams built and to how they are being maintained, and it is recommended that their future construction be exercised with caution, that their condition be rigorously maintained, and that their impact on local communities be carefully monitored.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), in writing. (PT) This report, drafted by Mr Deva, concerns the financing of dam infrastructure reinforcement in developing countries. Climate change recorded in recent decades has been causing unexpected natural disasters in unthinkable places. Floods have caused thousands of deaths and damage costing many millions of dollars, especially in developing countries. The future prospects in this area do not bode well at all. We all know that the increased average temperature globally has been causing the icecaps to melt, and has led to rising sea levels.

It is therefore essential to support these countries in terms of warning them of similar situations, and of encouraging integrated and sustained development in regions that are more geographically fragile. I therefore welcome this report, which encourages the European Union to promote technologies that will drastically cut carbon emissions, to create a cross-border monitoring agency, to support the construction of dams that will minimise the risk of floods, and to improve disaster prevention methods and flood resistance tests for buildings.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  João Ferreira (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) The report weaves together some relevant points on the lack of infrastructure in less developed countries, with a view to guaranteeing the security and reliability of water supply during periods of drought, and the retention of excess water in periods of flooding. However, it is not entirely clear what the basis, justification and goals of this own-initiative report are. Moreover, this report believes that, on some occasions, support for construction of such infrastructure could represent ‘wasteful spending of EU taxpayers’ money’. Several of the very significant environmental and social impacts of large dams are mentioned. While it is true that some of these impacts are real, situations should, naturally, be analysed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific environmental, economic and social conditions in each country or region.

Support for the virtues of small water storage structures is generally well founded, but we cannot fail to also take the aforementioned conditions into account.

We agree with some of the proposals made in the report, such as those concerning an early warning system under the auspices of the United Nations. The points relating to environmental impact assessments, including the assessment of alternatives, and the support for preference to be given to ecosystem-based solutions, are also timely.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) There are some relevant points on the lack of infrastructure in less developed countries, with a view to guaranteeing the security and reliability of water supply during periods of drought, and the retention of excess water in periods of flooding. However, it is not entirely clear what the basis, justification and goals of this own-initiative report are. Moreover, this report believes that, on some occasions, support for construction of such infrastructure could represent ‘wasteful spending of EU taxpayers’ money’, which contradicts other aspects.

Several of the very significant environmental and social impacts of large dams are mentioned. While it is true that some of these impacts are real, situations should, naturally, be analysed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific environmental, economic and social conditions in each country or region. Support for the virtues of small water storage structures is generally well founded, but we must also take the aforementioned points into account.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D), in writing. (SK) According to current estimates, there are more than 50 000 large dams, 100 000 medium-sized dams, and 1 million small dams in the world. These dams, which substantially modify rivers, and the use of natural resources, have a significant impact on human communities, on the ecosystems of rivers and marshes, and on biodiversity. In my opinion, it is essential to adopt a multi-level flood prevention strategy in regions where unstable glacier lakes represent the key flood threat and further aggravate the effects of global warming on precipitation systems, as well as the presence of black carbon, which demonstrably accelerates the decline of glaciers.

The construction of dams should be assessed, amongst other things, in view of their impact on river flows, rights of access to water and river resources. At the same time, consideration has to be given as to whether the dam will require the destruction of existing settlements, will cause the disruption of the culture and the resources of local communities, and whether it will lead to the exhaustion or deterioration of environmental resources. The planning of every dam should be assessed on the basis of such criteria as justice, effectiveness, shared decisions, sustainability and responsibility, and I believe that the decision-making process relating to dams should give full consideration to the concept of human rights.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE), in writing. (FR) I am delighted that the report on dam infrastructures in developing countries has been adopted with such a large majority. Although Mr Deva’s report initially generated a lot of criticism, the amendments proposed by the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance and adopted by the Committee on Development, for which I am the coordinator, have allowed us to produce a particularly valuable document.

Among other things, the fact that Parliament has recognised that the Belo Monte dam in Brazil could cause serious damage to the invaluable ecosystem and precious biodiversity in the Amazon, and to the indigenous peoples, marks a massive victory.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. (LT) I welcomed this document because, unless highly productive agricultural areas are protected from the effects of flooding, emerging economies could see an abrupt turnaround in their development and a rapidly growing food security problem. The melting of the glaciers in the Himalayas is initially expected to increase river flows for two to three decades, but flows will then decrease substantially in the longer term. It is thus essential to develop mitigation and adaptation strategies to address droughts in the future. Immediate action must be taken with a view to reducing carbon monoxide and methane emissions, mainly through the promotion of research and investment in technology aimed at reducing polluting emissions, as a fast-action method of halting glacial and snow melting. Carbon monoxide and methane have a short atmospheric life, so there therefore needs to be a combined effort to reduce emissions and take swift action to dramatically and rapidly alleviate the threat of glacier lake outburst floods.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Giovanni La Via (PPE), in writing. (IT) I decided to vote in favour of the report by Mr Deva, which looks particularly closely at the issues related to the overheating of the planet and the resulting need to invest in dam infrastructure in developing countries. The floods that have affected various parts of the planet even in recent years bear witness to the fact that the flooding issue is dependent on other factors and requires detailed preventive and infrastructural solutions. Working both on the environmental aspects, to reduce the level of CO2 emissions, and on the infrastructural aspects, to avoid natural disasters that would have serious repercussions on the economic growth of developing countries, is therefore an important task that we must tackle by common methods.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska (PPE), in writing.(PL) Mr Deva’s report on dam infrastructure in developing countries stresses, inter alia, a multilateral approach to the prevention of flooding in areas at risk. This issue is of particular importance in view of the fact that during the last century, no other natural disasters around the world proved more destructive to property or cost more human lives than floods. Flood tragedies and their consequences have affected many countries in Europe as well as worldwide, so a comprehensive solution to the problem is of paramount importance. This is why I endorsed the report and voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vladimír Maňka (S&D), in writing. (SK) There are currently 50 000 large dams, 100 000 medium-sized dams, and 1 million small dams in the world.

No other natural risk has proved to be more destructive and has resulted in a larger number of victims than floods.

The most threatened countries are the least developed ones. I support UNEP’s recommendations on dealing with floods, according to which an improved land cultivation system should be combined with better water accumulation methods based on both traditional and more modern scientific knowledge. It is necessary to regenerate and renew key ecosystems, beginning with forests and ending with marshes. This will improve water supply, while these ecosystems will act as buffer zones against extreme climatic events, such as floods.

The EU must support the construction of an infrastructure for dams. The conditions under which floods occur are not static and require a flexible approach, such as the improvement of the flood forecast system, improving the protection of buildings against flooding, the allocation of land for the containment of flood waters, and the construction of water drainage systems.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  David Martin (S&D), in writing. – I voted for this resolution which recommends the formation, as a matter of urgency, of a cross-border agency, established under the auspices of the United Nations, with the express purpose of sharing available data, addressing the problems and causes of transboundary water-related hazards and proposing appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures. It stresses that, without such an adjudicating agency at the helm, critical negotiations on flood prevention and alleviation may prove insurmountable between conflicting countries. It emphasises that glacial regions, so often the source of flood events, are considered to be points of strategic importance, forming boundaries between nations, and that, as a result, the affected parties might prove reticent in sharing vital information.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Melo (PPE), in writing. (PT) I voted for this report because I believe that dam construction must be assessed in terms of its impact on river flows, the rights of access to water and river resources, and whether the dam will uproot existing settlements, disrupt the culture and sources of livelihood of local communities, or deplete or degrade environmental resources. It is therefore very important to assess all types of impact caused by the construction of new dams, especially in developing countries.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Andreas Mölzer (NI), in writing. (DE) The report makes some reasonable points. I thus support the call for financial compensation for those who have to be resettled as a result of dam projects and welcome the reference to the need for impact assessments when building dams. Such projects can have an enormous impact on neighbouring states and can cause significant damage to the environment. I find no reference to the embezzlement of monetary aid provided for the construction of dams, however. Estimates from Transparency International (TPI) gauge that 70% of the budget set aside for the flood relief authority in Pakistan has been embezzled. Action must be taken to prevent this, rather than continuing with the established practice of providing aid. The report also makes some inadmissible links to climate policy targets that cannot be justified in the context of financial aid for the reinforcement of dams in developing countries. For these reasons, I have decided to abstain from voting.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė (PPE), in writing. – I welcome the European Parliament’s initiative in addressing this important issue. Improving dam infrastructure in developing countries is necessary to address climate change consequences and to achieve development goals. It not only helps in managing flood risks and in providing better access to fresh-water resources, but also may provide for hydropower generation capacity. I believe a good impact can be achieved through micro-projects for hydropower dams, requiring small investment and rather basic technologies. Micro-investment may have a big positive effect for the most vulnerable communities in remote areas. As regards the large-scale projects, the EU assistance should be provided only for those which underwent thorough impact assessment, taking into account all environmental and societal consequences. The EU should work with the relevant organisations and partner countries so the dam infrastructure is developed in an environmentally sound way. Having said all that, it is important to ensure the visibility of the EU assistance provided to the relevant projects.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alfredo Pallone (PPE), in writing. (IT) Given that we are members of such a developed and enterprising Union, I think it is appropriate to support increased funding for the construction of infrastructure in developing countries, in this case, dams. The solidarity and humanitarian aid that we can provide to these countries, often located far from our own, is really essential for them. I think it is a moral and a civil duty for the European Union to provide aid that can prevent catastrophes and, above all, that can provide water for drinking and irrigation in areas that face such enormous problems in this regard.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. (PT) I voted for this report on the financing of dam infrastructure reinforcement in developing countries. This report has been adopted by a large majority and urges the EU to continue promoting dam infrastructure to deal with the problem of floods. The report recognises that flood conditions are not static and, as such, require a flexible approach. It calls for the improvement of flood forecasting, the flood-proofing of individual buildings, and the development of floodplain storage and bypass systems in developing countries. I agree with the need to assess dam construction projects on the basis of equity, efficiency, participatory decision making, sustainability and accountability in order to ensure that the potential harm caused by a project does not outweigh its benefits.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Phil Prendergast (S&D), in writing. – I welcome Mr Deva’s report on the financing of reinforcement dam infrastructure in developing countries. Water-related disasters, particularly floods, cost more lives than any other natural phenomenon and arguably cause the most destruction to property. Underscoring this point is the UN statistic that 2 billion people worldwide live in constant threat of severe flood damage. I speak with some knowledge of this issue, as my own home town of Clonmel in Ireland has been savaged by floods on a continuing basis for many years, with flood damage costing millions of euro and many people being unable to insure their homes and property because of the risk. In 2009, the Civil Defence had to be drafted in to help evacuate people from their homes. The problem of flooding is exacerbated in developing countries where access to emergency shelter and services such as the Civil Defence is limited. Creating a comprehensive dam infrastructure would help achieve this aim of moderating the risk of immediate flood damage in the developing world.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Paulo Rangel (PPE), in writing. (PT) Any EU analysis of the use of dams as a means of producing electricity should take into account the overall context in which this occurs. Therefore, first and foremost, the overall situation concerning the fragility of the environmental system, which has led to an exponential increase in natural disasters, must not be discounted. In this context, water shortages resulting from access problems represent a prime danger to sustainable development. However, we must not disregard the severe environmental impact caused by ‘large dams’, or their effects on local populations: it is estimated that some 40-80 million people have been displaced for this reason. As such, the EU’s efforts should be towards promoting the use of means of energy production that, without sacrificing the energy needed, have less of an environmental impact: we should not just be thinking about using renewable energy sources, but also about opting for small dams instead of large constructions. Since that is the report’s argument, I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), in writing. – In favour. The EP: 1. Considers that, globally, no other natural hazard has proved more destructive to property or cost more human lives than floods over the past century, despite the billions of dollars spent on flood management; 2. Highlights that water is a scarce natural resource, which gives rise to equity consideration in its allocation; stresses therefore that rethinking the management of freshwater resources, in the context of climate change, is undoubtedly a key challenge facing the world; 3. Points out that there has been a documented increase in the frequency of serious floods throughout the second half of the 20th century and that flooding will prove a critical issue in the coming decades;

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Licia Ronzulli (PPE), in writing. (IT) No other natural hazard has proved more destructive to property or cost more human lives than floods over the past century, despite the billions of dollars spent on flood management.

The development of decentralised water infrastructure is a prerequisite for water security in Africa and for meeting the targets of the Millennium Development Goals.

Improved storage methods are needed to enable a sufficient water supply during droughts and to retain excessive water during periods of flooding. The current average per capita storage capacity in Africa is about 200 cubic metres a year, much less than that of developing countries in other regions.

The text voted on today highlights the need to adopt a multi-pronged flood strategy in regions where unstable glacial lakes pose a critical threat of flooding.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Oreste Rossi (EFD), in writing. (IT) I shall abstain in the vote on this report because it provides for funding dam improvement works in developing countries.

There is no doubt that dams cause immediate changes in the ecosystem and sometimes even damage homes and existing structures, but we must consider that they also bring economic and social benefits tied to their possible uses, above and beyond the production of clean energy.

Mr Deva contrives to believe that dams are harmful because they produce CO2. Perhaps in Parliament’s official documents, we ought to stop seeing CO2, a gas that we also ingest by drinking fizzy drinks, as the arch-poison of the planet. I think much more CO2 would be emitted by producing electricity through fossil fuels than by the hydroelectric system.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Teixeira (PPE), in writing. (PT) For years, the European Investment Bank and the World Bank have financed projects relating to the water sector, particularly the construction of dams in less developed countries, such as Laos and Pakistan. I am voting for this report because I consider water a scarce resource essential to public health, and believe it is important to ensure effective management of water resources and their equitable distribution to populations. I advocate the construction of dams that contribute to improving the quality of life of populations, and argue that their impact on river flows and the way they will affect the agricultural livelihoods of local communities should be assessed. In the future, efforts should be made to analyse the economic viability of large dams, and measures taken to optimise the distribution of water from already existing infrastructure and its use by multiple sectors of the economy. As such, I believe that improving the quality of life of the populations of less developed regions should involve setting out a comprehensive dam strategy, establishing fruitful political dialogue, and investment in warning systems capable of pre-detecting natural disasters such as floods, landslides or tsunamis.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Niki Tzavela (EFD), in writing. (EL) I voted in favour of the Deva report on dam infrastructure in developing countries because, bearing in mind that water is a vital resource for farming and for the survival of the population in developing countries, the proposals made in the report are a step in the right direction. Making funds available for the construction of dams in developing countries will reduce the risk of flood which, as the report rightly states, are the most destructive natural disasters in the world. The call for greater use to be made of hydropower is also a positive point.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marie-Christine Vergiat (GUE/NGL), in writing. (FR) The report adopted on Tuesday by the European Parliament on dam infrastructures in developing countries makes constructive proposals on a number of points, such as population displacements linked to dam building.

In this text, Parliament expresses its concern that the World Bank has committed USD 100 billion to dam construction which has resulted in between 40 and 80 million people being displaced without receiving any financial compensation at all.

The danger of using large-scale dams to prevent flood damage has also been taken into account, as the safety of these dams is threatened by the rise in the frequency and intensity of flooding, which is mainly linked to climate change. The European Parliament has taken this opportunity to call on the Union to increase its commitment to reducing greenhouse gases in order to achieve its aim of ensuring that the global temperature does not rise more than 2 °C above pre-industrial levels.

However, one fundamental element is missing from this report: recognition that water is a vital public good, with all the associated implications.

I have therefore abstained.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Angelika Werthmann (NI), in writing. (DE) The huge disasters of recent years as a result of flooding have cost many lives and resulted in damage to property costing billions. The report picks up on the recommendations of the United Nations and draws conclusions from the report of the World Commission on Dams, which recommends implementing fewer new projects and concentrating instead on optimising existing dams, getting to the root of the problem instead of wasting one’s energies on moderate successes in combating the symptoms, further countering the EU’s Millennium Development Goals, which now seem extremely unlikely to be met. I voted in favour of this report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Iva Zanicchi (PPE), in writing. (IT) There has been a constant increase in the frequency of serious floods throughout the second half of the 20th century and this will become an even more serious problem in the coming decades.

According to a United Nations estimate, by 2050, some 2 billion people will have to live under the threat of severe flood damage. Even if floods are coming to be a serious problem for Western countries as well, it needs to be reiterated that developing countries, with their lack of early warning systems and sturdy buildings, are, unfortunately, the most vulnerable to the effects of flooding. Among other things, the economies of these countries are largely based on agriculture and, if agricultural areas are not securely protected from the effects of flooding, the damage caused could give rise not only to loss of earnings but also to a serious slowdown in the already fragile economic system.

That is why the European Union must continue down its chosen road by committing to support the construction of dams in these countries and to improve the protection of buildings from floods by developing floodplain storage and appropriate bypass systems. I voted in favour of Mr Deva’s report for these reasons.

 
  
  

Report: Gabriele Zimmer (A7-0284/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luís Paulo Alves (S&D), in writing. (PT) I am voting for this report. The right to enough food should be made a reality. I would encourage the Commission and the Member States to keep the Millennium Development Goals regarding eradication of poverty, hunger and malnutrition in mind when formulating the agenda for their policies and strategies. Effective measures should be taken at European and international level against price volatility and uncontrolled land acquisition, so as to limit speculation and support local agricultural markets.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Laima Liucija Andrikienė (PPE), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this important resolution on assisting developing countries in addressing food security challenges. It is clear that food insecurity is challenging the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and the least developed countries. New challenges, including climate change, loss of biodiversity, land degradation and pressures on water, have had an impact on the state of food security in the world. I agree with the rapporteur that the European institutions and the Member States still do not consider the eradication of poverty, hunger and malnutrition to be their key strategic goal, despite strong commitments regarding the enforcement of human rights in relation to food, water, energy, etc. Consequently, in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, it will be crucial to review, and to change if necessary, all EU strategies, such as Europe 2020, Global Europe, energy policy, the sustainable development strategy and the future of EU development cooperation in general. Furthermore, the EU and the Member States must stand up for their commitments to fight poverty and hunger worldwide within international organisations such as the World Bank, the IMF and WTO. I share the rapporteur’s concerns over the EU’s trade strategy, which focuses on competition and market access for EU products and which fails to provide a pro-development approach. A further reduction of tariffs on agricultural imports from developing countries should be encouraged in order to promote economic growth in those countries.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Roberta Angelilli (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted in favour of the report by Ms Zimmer because the problem of food security, especially in developing countries, is a challenge for all industrialised nations and, in particular, for the EU and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

Despite the efforts that have been made, there is still not enough progress in this area and the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s estimate that there are more than 900 million people suffering from hunger in the world is shocking. The EU and the Member States should see the fight against poverty as a top priority in order to be able to achieve its complete elimination and make this a sustainable goal.

The EU must increase the efficiency of its efforts to promote respect for human rights in relation to food, water and energy by giving them the proper significance in the strategy on the energy policy, in the strategy for sustainable development and in the future of the EU’s development cooperation.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Pino Arlacchi (S&D), in writing. – I voted for this resolution because it asks for immediate steps in order to make the right of food security a reality. Food insecurity is challenging the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and the least developed countries. As we all know, the growing threat of food speculation, climate change, global land acquisitions, loss of biodiversity and pressures on water have contributed to further affect the state of food security in the world. For this reason, all the European institutions as well as the Member States must put the eradication of poverty, hunger and malnutrition as the first item on their agendas. It is imperative to stress that emergency mechanisms could have negative effects, especially on local economies, and must not be thought of as a long-term solution. A sustainable development policy could only be based on a cooperation approach.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Liam Aylward and Pat the Cope Gallagher (ALDE), in writing. (GA) According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN, food production must be increased by at least 70% to meet the global demand for food, it being estimated that there will be more than 9 billion people in the world by 2050. Furthermore, 900 million people are suffering from severe hunger as a result of extreme poverty, and another 2 billion are in danger of hunger as a result of poverty. Even though it appears that there is enough food available, many people do not have the money to buy their basic food materials. The issue of access to food must be tackled. To this end, we fully support the measures that are discussed in the report in relation to the security of food supply. The agricultural sector and CAP have a very important role as we try to achieve food security in the EU and in the wider world. CAP must, after 2013, be able to tackle the new challenges of food security, such as climate change, volatility in the market and territorial equality. As trade agreements between the EU and third countries are being discussed, the basic right in relation to access to food must be protected.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D), in writing. (LT) The food crisis, particularly in developing countries, poses a major threat to peace and security worldwide. There has been a month-on-month rise in food prices since August 2010, in line with a trend over the last ten years, with levels now higher than during the food price peak of 2008. The volatility of commodity prices is impacting greatly on low-income countries and the poorest, most vulnerable and marginalised segments of the populations of developing countries. I agree that the European Union and the Member States must, as a matter of urgency, make new investments in agriculture and rural development, introducing dedicated mechanisms for stockpiling sufficiently large quantities of basic foodstuffs, removing their own barriers to trade, and reducing the debt of the countries most affected. In view of the growing global population and increasing pressure on natural resources, it is essential to establish more sustainable, energy-saving and efficient forms of production globally. I therefore agree with the call for the Commission and the Members States to take concrete action to effectively tackle financial speculation on grain and food.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this report because, in this day and age, the number of people suffering from hunger is unacceptable. Despite the significant combined efforts that have been made internationally, the Millennium Development Goals have yet to be achieved, and therefore the European Parliament calls for urgent steps to be taken to fulfil internationally binding commitments and make the right to adequate and nutritious food a reality.

Parliament welcomes the European Commission communication on a European Union policy framework to assist developing countries in addressing food security challenges. However, it considers that the world food crisis represents not simply a humanitarian disaster on an unprecedented scale, but a major threat to peace and security worldwide.

Although credit should be given to the Commission’s commitment to seeking out solutions that could lift a billion people out of extreme poverty, the European Union and the Member States must, as a matter of urgency, make new investments in agriculture and rural development, above all, in view of the new common agricultural policy, introducing dedicated mechanisms for stockpiling sufficiently large quantities of basic foodstuffs, removing their own barriers to trade, and reducing the debt of the countries most affected.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ole Christensen, Dan Jørgensen, Christel Schaldemose and Britta Thomsen (S&D), in writing. (DA) We, the four Danish Social Democratic Members of the European Parliament, are not in favour of the Member States of the EU increasing investments in agriculture, which currently receives considerable subsidies from the EU. We do not believe that more agricultural aid and the stockpiling of agricultural products is an effective way to tackle hunger and need in developing countries, as stated in paragraph 3 of this report. Nevertheless, we decided to vote in favour of this report because it contains other positive elements and because we fundamentally believe that it is important to ensure that there are good prospects for agriculture in developing countries. One way to ensure this is to give farmers in developing countries access to other markets.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Carlos Coelho (PPE), in writing. (PT) According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, 925 million people are suffering from hunger. This is an unacceptable figure for the modern world. If we want to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and eradicate hunger and improve food security, we need to establish synergies and place the emphasis on a genuinely global strategy on food security. New threats such as price speculation, climate change, degradation of soils and biofuels have contributed to exacerbating this problem even further.

I welcome this Commission communication, and should like to stress, right from the outset, the urgent need to make foodstuffs more available, to increase their nutritional value, and to combat price volatility, on the one hand, and to review European sustainable development strategies at institutional level (particularly coordination of sectoral policies), to increase the share of official development assistance allocated to agriculture, and to respect the commitments made on this issue within international organisations, on the other.

I would stress that the European Union should acknowledge and advocate the need for developing countries to guarantee their food security and their right to be as self-sufficient as possible by promoting sustainable agriculture.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Lara Comi (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted in favour of this report because I think it is important to support developing countries in implementing food and nutrition security policies, which are essential for improving human rights in these countries. I should like to highlight, in particular, that relieving the problems of poverty in the world ought to be the result of broad-based cooperation, which is essential for the promotion of peace and common security. In this vein, I believe that each Member State needs to contribute to helping developing countries through fresh and more substantial investment in the agricultural sector, cutting debt in these countries, removing barriers to international trade and promoting policies on young workers. Guaranteeing the availability of food, access to it and a suitable calorie intake must be a priority for all countries, as they are fundamental rights for each and every person.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă (S&D), in writing. (RO) Global demand for agricultural products is expected to increase by approximately 70% by 2050, while the world’s population is also expected to reach 9 billion by then. As food insecurity is exacerbated by a host of factors, but by climate change in particular, I think that the European Union needs, as a matter of urgency, to take steps to restore food stocks which have reached record lows in recent years, thereby contributing implicitly to speculation over the prices of agricultural products on the market.

As a champion of women’s rights, I firmly believe that women, as smallholder farmers, play a key role in ensuring food and nutrition security for both themselves and their children. In this context, I think that the European Union must adopt a strategy to foster and safeguard women’s livelihoods and to enable them to improve their knowledge about having sufficient nutrition.

Last but not least, I should mention that the European Commission must focus on implementing a set of measures so that women, as smallholder farmers, benefit from agriculture training opportunities, education about nutrition, good health and working conditions, and food security measures.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luigi Ciriaco De Mita (PPE), in writing. (IT) Food security is a prerequisite for achieving balanced development at all levels. Its relationship with sustainable production in the primary sector can be seen in a number of different ways. In environmental terms, it is expressed through the use of eco-friendly techniques and products and through a non-speculative enhancement and management of the immense natural resources that are found in developing countries in particular. In economic terms, it is expressed partly by enhancing the competitive advantages between the various areas and countries – which can also enable developing countries to play an integral role in balanced and global growth – and partly by promoting the link with the land through a focus on locally sourced products, where energy costs and pollution linked to transport and the quality and tradition of the products can be better protected. In social terms, the processes of gradual urbanisation and population growth, above all, in developing countries, have to be reconciled with the needs of living in these places. Lastly, in political terms, because the primary and food sectors represent the most tangible, daily platform for relations between people, including in their relationships with institutions. I believe that the report we have adopted upholds this view.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Edite Estrela (S&D), in writing. (PT) I voted for the report on assisting developing countries in addressing food security challenges because the eradication of poverty and the realisation of the Millennium Development Goals as regards combating hunger and malnutrition should be a political priority for the EU and the Member States. Measures are also needed to limit speculation on the markets in food and agricultural products.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Diogo Feio (PPE), in writing. (PT) At the start of this year, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) warned of a possible increase in food prices in 2011, after they reached new historic highs in 2010, following the increase during the food crisis of 2008. This price increase, which is affecting the whole world, has hit developing countries particularly hard. According to the FAO, the estimated number of people suffering hunger was 925 million in 2010, and there are signs that this figure could be increasing. As this is an extremely serious situation, I believe Parliament should call for measures that could alleviate it. However, this is not an appropriate time for entering into a debate on the future of the common agricultural policy and, even less, on a financial transaction tax (FTT). As I have already said on other occasions, I do not agree with this way of making policy that involves systematically approving a proposal in reports that have nothing to do with the essence of that same proposal, as is the case with the FTT.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), in writing. (PT) The first of the Millennium Development Goals – to which the 189 UN Member States are committed – is to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by 2015. To this end, they have committed to halving the proportion of people whose income is less than USD 1 a day, and to halving the proportion of people who suffer from hunger. Achievement of this goal is being made harder by food insecurity, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and in developing countries. Following a slight decline in 2010, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation forecasts that the number of people suffering from hunger will increase in 2011, owing to the economic and financial crisis, which has caused an increase in the price of food products. Climate change, loss of biodiversity, degradation of soils, pressure on water resources and biofuels can be added to this problem. In the face of this situation, the EU has felt it necessary to revise its approach to food security. I welcome the adoption of this report, which includes principles of safeguarding the right to food in trade agreements between the EU and third countries.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  João Ferreira (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) This report tackles an issue of great importance. The rapporteur quite rightly mentions the need for consistency – which is clearly non-existent at the moment – among the major EU policies, like the common agricultural policy and trade policy, and the objectives of this strategic framework. The emphasis on the role of small-scale and family farming and of women in rural areas, on local production and consumption cycles, on the need for the involvement of populations and local and regional authorities, and also on public investment in research for sustainable agro-ecological production systems, is important. We also agree with the criticism of current levels of official development assistance, in particular, as regards the agricultural sector, as well as criticism of the pressure to grow biofuels. Although they are not explicitly mentioned, as they ideally should be, certain basic principles associated with food sovereignty can be found in the report.

As regards price volatility resulting from speculation on foodstuffs, despite some relevant observations, the report could and should have gone further, specifically by mentioning that the only way to prevent such speculation is to abolish the instruments that make it possible, such as over-the-counter derivatives. Finally, the criticism of the economic partnership agreements errs on the side of meagreness.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) In this report, which tackles an issue of great importance, the rapporteur mentions the need for consistency among the major EU policies – like the common agricultural policy and the trade policy – and the objectives of this strategic framework, which emphasise the role of small-scale and family farming and of women in rural areas, local production and consumption cycles, the need for the involvement of populations and local and regional authorities, and also public investment in research for sustainable agro-ecological production systems. She also criticises current levels of official development assistance, in particular, as regards the agricultural sector, as well as the pressure to grow biofuels.

Although they are not explicitly mentioned, certain basic principles associated with food sovereignty can be found in the report. As regards price volatility resulting from speculation on foodstuffs, despite some relevant observations, the report could and should have gone further, specifically by mentioning that the only way to prevent such speculation is to abolish the instruments that make it possible, such as over-the-counter derivatives. Finally, the criticism of the economic partnership agreements errs on the side of meagreness.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D), in writing. (SK) Food uncertainty is hampering the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and in the least developed countries. At the summit held in September 2010, it was concluded that the progress achieved in hunger reduction is not sufficient. For the time being, neither the European institutions nor the Member States are putting the elimination of poverty, hunger and malnutrition at the top of their agendas or political strategies, despite there being a determination to promote man’s right to nutrition. I believe that it is essential that the EU supports the UN incentive regarding the basic social protection level, which could help meet the basic food needs of the poor. In the context of the renewed food security debate, the European Commission adopted on 31 March 2010 a new food security communication, which should represent the platform of a joint framework of measures to be adopted by the EU and its Member States.

Basic services (the availability of and access to public services) and social security payments (made to poor and vulnerable persons with the aim of enhancing food security and nutrition) are the two essential elements which help to implement the approach based on human rights. It is important that trade agreements between the EU and third countries include the principles of guaranteeing the right to nutrition. To ensure that such a right becomes reality, it will be necessary to consider the assessment of the effect of human rights on the trade, development and foreign policy of the Union.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE), in writing. (FR) Access to an adequate food supply is a universal human right and a serious concern for developing countries. While adopting the positive elements included in the communication, the report laments the lack of policies addressing the root causes of food insecurity, such as land grabbing, the lack of joined-up policies (links between trade, agriculture, fisheries and development), speculation, the impact of the common agricultural policy, biofuels, financial liberalisation, and so on.

In order to guarantee food security, the report proposes tackling three main areas of concern: supporting small and medium-sized farms, combating speculation and ensuring that policies are consistent. Consequently, as a member of the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance, I voted in favour of this report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Sylvie Guillaume (S&D), in writing. (FR) It is our duty to help developing countries to tackle the challenges associated with food security. Financial speculation and greater liberalisation of the financial markets and of trade in agricultural produce have largely driven world food price volatility, with worrying consequences for developing countries.

In this situation, we need to work to establish regulatory mechanisms that will enable us to guarantee a degree of market stability and to conclude equitable trade agreements that promote development. These agreements are essential to world food security. We should also aim to ensure that farmers are paid a fair price, given that their primary purpose is to feed the population.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. (LT) I welcomed this document because it urges the EU to support the UN Social Protection Floor Initiative, which would help satisfy the basic food needs of impoverished populations. I believe that we need to draw attention to the structural causes of price volatility. Speculation on derivatives of essential food commodities has significantly exacerbated price volatility. It is therefore essential to take concrete action to effectively tackle financial speculation on grain and food in order to avoid distortion of trade.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Jarosław Kalinowski (PPE), in writing.(PL) There are still about a billion people worldwide suffering from hunger, and the increase in food prices has not improved matters. Meanwhile, as the rapporteur has stressed, EU Member States still do not consider food security and the fight against poverty (the Millennium Development Goals adopted at the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in September 2000) to be policy priorities. We should look at food security in a wider, global perspective. Developing countries must achieve independent and stable access to food for their citizens, and our actions should be oriented towards this goal. Let us work to ensure equal competition in world markets, and let us support farmers so that they can guarantee healthy and easily accessible produce for consumers.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Giovanni La Via (PPE), in writing. (IT) I supported the report by Ms Zimmer because I think that growth in the agricultural sector is an effective way to reduce poverty and create jobs. If, on top of this, we add the combination of factors that incentivise agricultural production and ensure secure food supplies for these countries, the progress made will be truly significant. The role of the EU in this difficult process is one of creation and coordination, in order to launch an educational and training project to develop professional skills and investment opportunities and to allow young people to study agriculture to improve their farming in a specialised and sustainable way, thereby slowing the exodus from the countryside and reducing poverty. I believe that the creation of partnerships between local agricultural organisations during the various phases of building an agricultural policy in developing countries would bolster the process of agricultural development. Against this background, the European Union should work to strengthen local associations to ensure that the interests of local communities are defended.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vladimír Maňka (S&D), in writing. (SK) The progress achieved in hunger reduction is insufficient. The number of starving people was estimated at 925 million in 2010 and has further increased in the past several months due to the increase in food prices.

The growing danger of food speculation, climate change, the global acquisition of land, agricultural fuels, loss of biodiversity, deterioration of soil and pressure on water resources all contribute to a worsening of the adverse state of food security in the world.

In order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, it will be crucial to re-assess all EU strategies, such as Europe 2020, Global Europe, energy policy, the sustainable development strategy and the future of the EU’s development cooperation.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  David Martin (S&D), in writing. – I welcome this report in which the rapporteur supports including principles for safeguarding the right to food in trade agreements between the EU and third countries, and believes human rights impact assessments of EU trade, development and foreign policies are crucial to make the right to food a reality.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mairead McGuinness (PPE), in writing. – I voted in favour of the report on assisting developing countries in addressing food security challenges. Food security is fundamental and it is politically imperative that a coordinated global approach is adopted to address this challenge. The impact of the CAP on developing countries has reduced significantly in recent years, with export subsidies all but eliminated. I support calls on the Commission and the Council to work towards the implementation of innovative financial instruments, such as the introduction of an international tax on financial transactions, but such an initiative should be implemented on an international level and not on a regional basis only.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Melo (PPE), in writing. (PT) I think it is time for the European institutions and Member States to bring the eradication of poverty, hunger and malnutrition to the top of their agendas, and establish it as a medium- or long-term objective in their policy strategies, despite strong commitments on the effective implementation of human rights as regards food, water, energy, etc. As a consequence, in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, it will be crucial to review, and to change if necessary, all EU policies, such as the Europe 2020 strategy, the Global Europe strategy, energy policy, the strategy for sustainable development and the future of EU development cooperation.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alexander Mirsky (S&D), in writing. – Promoting agriculture in the developing world should be a priority. Member States must, as a matter of urgency, make new investments in agriculture and rural development in developing countries as well as allocating an appropriate share of EU overseas development assistance to the agriculture sector.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė (PPE), in writing. (LT) We must do everything we can to ensure that when there is large-scale hunger, the EU can react as swiftly as possible. A poor response in the face of hundreds of thousands of deaths does not help the EU’s image in the international arena, even though it is the world’s biggest donor. Hunger and food insecurity are not just caused by natural disasters. In some way or other, we can trace their origins back to international trade. It is important to coordinate EU trade policy and other sectoral policies so as to minimise their contribution to food insecurity in developing countries. Nevertheless, most of the reasons lie in the internal policies of the countries concerned, ineffective governance and armed conflicts. I am therefore convinced that those aid measures that are oriented towards long-term development have a real impact. At the same time, it is necessary to encourage African countries to take greater responsibility for creating general welfare on the continent and to establish a collective aid mechanism for the citizens of African countries suffering from hunger and food insecurity.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mariya Nedelcheva (PPE), in writing. (BG) I voted in favour of Ms Zimmer’s report because I think that the issue of food security in developing countries is of paramount importance to security and peace in the world, especially in view of the growing population. This is why I would like to highlight a few important points. First of all, in order to create conditions conducive to improving food security, it is important to encourage the emergence of regional markets in developing countries by using economic partnership agreements. Secondly, I think that when calculating the amount of development aid to be provided to certain countries, greater consideration needs to be given to food security problems. Lastly, I would like to draw attention to the fact that agriculture accounts for only 4% of Official Development Assistance (ODA), whereas 75% of the world’s poor live in rural areas. This is why, in my view, the issue of agriculture must be at the top of the agenda when devising development programmes. I think that this marks an important step towards improving food security in the world and combating hunger. We must take measures to enable us to achieve the Millennium Development Goals for combating hunger. Let us respond while there is still time.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Rareş-Lucian Niculescu (PPE), in writing. (RO) I voted against paragraph 63 in the Zimmer report on an EU policy framework to assist developing countries in addressing food security challenges. The requests featuring in this paragraph are not supported by real facts. I do not think that we should, in these circumstances, vote in favour of either ‘phasing out export subsidies’ or of the removal of all the other ‘incentives in the CAP which result in trade-distorting measures’.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Justas Vincas Paleckis (S&D), in writing. (LT) Hunger is one of the world’s greatest scourges. In 2010, almost a billion people were starving, a quarter of the world’s children under the age of five were malnourished and about a third of them were dying of hunger. I voted in favour of this resolution because it demands that additional action be taken as a matter of urgency to combat hunger. We are calling for an end to food price speculation, which distorts the market and increases prices. People tortured by hunger, particularly in African countries, are unable to buy products that have increased in price. The resolution also calls for an assessment of the changes to the common agricultural policy and for the strengthening of cooperation between the EU and non-governmental organisations combating hunger. In the document, countries and regions in which hunger prevails are urged to store some food so that people would have something to eat in the event of a sudden change in weather conditions, or political or other types of crises. As food is more important than the production of energy, we propose that, while there are still hungry people in the world, we should stop biofuel production. It occupies vast areas of land which could be used for food production.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. (PT) I voted for this report because of the tragic situation as regards food in sub-Saharan Africa and the least developed countries, and because of the urgent need for intervention in this area. I have some reservations about specific paragraphs in this report, namely those referring to export subsidies, to reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP) and to the competitiveness of agriculture in developing countries. I advocate greater caution from the EU as regards reducing export subsidies, since, while it is important that we make reductions, such measures should obey the principle of reciprocity on the part of other trade blocs in the context of World Trade Organisation negotiations. I am also unable to fully agree with the rapporteur’s calls for deeper reform of the CAP to enable developing countries to be more competitive. This idea should be considered and, above all, put into its exact context, since there are several factors beyond the CAP that contribute to distorting trade. Finally, as regards the competitiveness of developing countries, there are multiple factors at play, and the lack of competitiveness cannot be solely attributed to subsidised agriculture in developed countries.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Phil Prendergast (S&D), in writing. – It can be easy to solely focus on the economic difficulties facing Europe and to ignore more pressing issues abroad. Food insecurity is one such vitally important issue. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation has estimated the number of hungry people in 2010 at 925 million. Nine hundred and twenty-five million people who are hungry in this day and age! We are also currently witnessing the most severe famine for the last 40 years in the Horn of Africa. The EU must promote agriculture in the developing world as a way to address this issue. However, issues such as speculation in commodities, water shortages and climate change must also be addressed in order to promote agriculture. The right to adequate food has to become a reality. The EU must do more to promote the eradication of poverty and the realisation of the Millennium Development Goals. To this end, we must limit speculation in food and agricultural commodity markets, as this has a devastating impact on food scarcity. I welcome this report and the recommendations therein.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Paulo Rangel (PPE), in writing. (PT) The concept of ‘food sovereignty’ includes the need to guarantee populations sufficient means to deal with situations of hunger. This is currently one of the greatest challenges in terms of economic development. For proof, we need only remember the recent price rises in the food product markets: according to the rapporteur, although holdings in commodity index funds increased from USD 13 billion in 2003 to USD 317 billion in 2008, basic demand and production only increased 1.4% in the same period It cannot be denied that EU action contributing to ‘food sovereignty’ in developing countries, with a focus on their populations, would be timely. I voted for this report because I agree with this course of action.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mitro Repo (S&D), in writing. (FI) Here in plenary, we are discussing food security and aid to the developing countries while, at the same time, the Horn of Africa is suffering from the worst famine for 40 years. In 2010, 925 million people in the world were starving.

The human right to food must be implemented, and the responsibility for this lies with the entire international community. European values are based on universal human rights and equality. It is quite intolerable that Europe continues to practise protectionism in its trade policy in relation to the developing countries. The reform in agricultural policy should completely remove all barriers to trade with the developing countries. The EU and the Member States should increase their investments in agriculture and rural development in these countries and set aside an adequate amount in development aid appropriations for agriculture.

The EU and its Member States must prioritise both poverty reduction and the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals. Speculation on the market price of food should be referred for a decision at international level.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Frédérique Ries (ALDE), in writing. (FR) Two years after the much-trumpeted launch of the Global Partnership for Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition by the Heads of State at the G8 summit in L’Aquila in 2009, we are still waiting to see the initial results. Commodities prices continue to spiral, the inhabitants of the Horn of Africa are dying of starvation and the world financial crisis has distracted us from the basic right to food for all. Yet the EU and the 27 Member States remain the leading political and financial stakeholders, and the discussions on a new common food security policy are a step in the right direction. The question is whether it will be able to tackle the challenges linked to food security: unbridled population growth, pressure on natural resources and the disastrous consequences of global warming for agriculture. It is clear that we need to establish a political framework within the EU for combating world hunger: it really is vital that we make this a top priority. Only then will it be possible to feed all of humanity tomorrow, with less water, less land and a further 3 billion people to add to the current 6 billion.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), in writing. – In favour. Food insecurity is challenging the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and the least developed countries. At the MDG Summit in September 2010, it was reported that progress towards the achievement of the hunger targets had clearly been insufficient. According to the FAO, the estimate of hungry people in 2010 was 925 million, down from 1 023 million in 2009, but still more than the number of undernourished people in 2008 (about 815 million). There is strong evidence that food price increases during the last few months have already augmented that number even if there are still no official figures available from the FAO. New challenges, including the growing threat of food speculation, climate change, global land acquisitions, biofuels, loss of biodiversity, land degradation and pressures on water, have contributed to further affect the state of food security in the world. In this context, the current problems around hunger and malnutrition have led to a rethink of the food security approach, not only at an EU level, but also at the global level.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Licia Ronzulli (PPE), in writing. (IT) Food insecurity is challenging the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and less developed countries.

According to Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates, the number of people suffering from hunger in 2010 was 925 million, down from 1 023 million in 2009, but still more than the number of undernourished people in 2008, which was about 815 million. New challenges, including the growing threat of food speculation, climate change, global land acquisitions, biofuels, loss of biodiversity, land degradation and pressures on water resources, have contributed to further compromise the state of food security in the world.

In this context, the current problems of hunger and malnutrition have led to a rethink of the food security approach, not only in the EU, but also at the global level. The report adopted today urges the European Union and the Member States to stand behind their commitments to fight poverty and hunger worldwide within international organisations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organisation.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Oreste Rossi (EFD), in writing. (IT) Although Ms Zimmer’s initial considerations are quite valid, as she blames ‘financial speculation’ in food markets for rising or sharply falling food prices, in the end, we absolutely disagree with her proposals.

For example, Ms Zimmer asks for incentives for European farmers to be removed along with all agricultural export subsidies, placing the interests of third countries constantly above those of Member States.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE), in writing. (IT) My congratulations to Ms Zimmer, who has managed to achieve a harmonious balance between the proposals of the Committee on Development (DEVE) with almost all the suggestions put forward in the opinion of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI).

In particular, I am pleased that the issue that was particularly close to my heart – energy self-sufficiency – has been entirely carried over in paragraph 22. I think that it is important to point out that part of the aid for developing countries ought to contribute to the setting up of facilities for generating renewable energy and towards good water management. All of this should be done with a view to an aid system that is designed to transmit know-how, with the ultimate aim of freeing these countries from foreign influence.

Self-sufficiency, whether in energy or food production, must be integrated into the policies of those developing countries aiming to improve their food security, particularly through the implementation of food strategies designed to alleviate poverty and, ultimately, make the aid itself superfluous.

I will conclude with a clarification: as shadow rapporteur for the opinion of the AGRI committee. I voted against paragraph 63. I did so because in the opinion that we delivered to the DEVE committee, we had already emphasised the need to gradually phase out export subsidies (see paragraph 29) but we cannot accept that the DEVE committee should, in a later paragraph, impose the complete removal of incentives during the full revision of the common agricultural policy.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marc Tarabella (S&D), in writing. (FR) I am glad that Ms Zimmer’s report on a policy framework to help developing countries to address food security issues has been adopted. In fact, the world food crisis currently affecting almost 1 billion people constitutes not only an unprecedented humanitarian disaster, but also a serious threat to peace and security in the world. In view of the urgency, Member States of the Union need to take action immediately in order to release new investment for agriculture and rural development, to combat speculation on food products, to limit biofuels, to ensure that there are adequate world stocks, to eliminate their own trade barriers and to reduce debt in the worst-hit countries.

According to the forecasts, the world’s population is set to increase to an estimated 9 billion in 2050, which will increase demand for food by 70%. In response, the land must be available to all: the land titles of smallholders must be protected so as to prevent a new agricultural colonialism, in particular, through land grabbing, which, in just a few years, has become a shocking reality.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Teixeira (PPE), in writing. (PT) More than 1 billion people in the world live under the weight of hunger, malnourishment and no food security policy. There are a number of reasons for this phenomenon, not least the volatility and constant increase of food prices since 2007. In addition to demonstrating the role of the EU and the Member States in seeking food security solutions, this report aims to create a joint programme of the European institutions and Member States towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Following the Commission’s tabling of the EU policy framework on food and nutrition security in March 2010, the role of small-scale food production, which constitutes the basis for developing economies, should be stressed. There is an urgent need to adopt clear and specific aid policies and programmes that take into account the diverse situations of developing countries. Learning on the job is essential to training farmers and to countries’ self-sufficiency. Moreover, there is a need for a clear commitment to research and innovation in order to increase agricultural productivity. These concerns should be taken into account in agreements with developing countries, and particularly economic partnership agreements with the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D), in writing. (RO) I voted for the report on assisting developing countries in addressing food security challenges. Access to adequate food is a universal right. According to the FAO, 925 million people were afflicted by hunger in 2010. On a global scale, 26% of children under five suffer from malnutrition, and this is the cause of more than a third of the deaths recorded among children in this age group. I should emphasise the role played by smallholder farmers in developing countries and especially the role of women in ensuring nutrition security for themselves and their children. Smallholder farmers must use sustainable agricultural practices and have access to microcredit.

In view of the growing population and ever-increasing pressure on natural resources, it is essential to guarantee sustainable, efficient agricultural production worldwide. The FAO stated in February 2011 that food prices had reached a record level and would continue to rise.

I call on the Commission and Member States to invest in agriculture so that the EU can improve its production capacity to be able to help meet its own needs and export agricultural products to third countries.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Niki Tzavela (EFD), in writing. (EL) The question of food security and sufficiency is of major importance to the EU. That is why I agree with the rapporteur’s position that the EU needs a more coordinated development policy in terms of global food security. The EU has a responsibility to adhere to the principle of ‘do no harm’ to food markets in developing countries and to adopt a fairer trade strategy. Another important issue is that of agro-fuels, the production of which must not, under any circumstances, cause a loss of agricultural production capacity for food.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marie-Christine Vergiat (GUE/NGL), in writing. (FR) I voted in favour of the report presented by Ms Zimmer from Die Linke party, which would allow the European Union to make progress in the fight against world hunger.

It is not acceptable that only 3% of European aid for developing countries is spent on agriculture when 80% of the world’s hungry live in rural areas.

This report clearly raises a number of questions and makes a number of proposals. It could have gone much further, but is the fruit of discussions with the other groups in the European Parliament.

It defends the right to food, emphasises the need to increase aid for the agricultural sector, particularly small-scale operations, and to focus on sustainable production.

The report also criticises the extreme price volatility and argues in favour of regulation designed to prevent speculation on food commodities. It also condemns large-scale land acquisitions by large corporations and calls for local communities to be involved in the negotiations and for their rights to be guaranteed.

I see that a large number of proposals have been adopted in plenary despite opposition from the Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats).

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Angelika Werthmann (NI), in writing. (DE) The continually increasing lack of food security worldwide poses new challenges to the Millennium Development Goals and requires that the EU strategies in development cooperation should be revised. The EU Commission adopted a new communication on food security in March 2010. The central points are: the increasing of the range of food available through support for food production by small farmers, optimised access to food and the assurance of a balanced diet. Once again, a report by the European Parliament refers to price volatility and the serious impact of speculation with derivatives involving key raw materials used in food. I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Anna Záborská (PPE), in writing. (SK) I am pleased that the submitted report draws attention to the relationship between two European policies that appear totally different at first sight – the development policy and the agricultural policy. The huge subsidies provided to food manufacturers in the European Union contribute significantly to food shortages and a lack of jobs in the agricultural sector in the developing countries of Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. Something is definitely out of order if you pay five times less in The Gambia for milk from Holland than for milk from a local producer and Dutch potatoes cost a quarter of the price for which this product can be delivered to the market by a Gambian farmer. These price variations do not result from a higher productivity of Dutch producers, but from the European subsidy policy. First, we contribute from our taxes to enable our producers to squeeze out local producers from markets in the developing countries, and then we provide handouts to these countries in the form of the development aid. As a result, we pay twice and people in The Gambia feel that their efforts are useless. Somewhere here, there is a way to provide quick and effective aid to developing countries.

 
  
  

Report: Rafal Trzaskowski (A7-0269/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luís Paulo Alves (S&D), in writing. (PT) This report concerns unilateral statements annexed to Council minutes. I share the rapporteur’s opinion that this matter deserves a political response instead of a change in the rules. Unilateral statements have no legal force and are not always in line with the results of the negotiations, so they could threaten the consistency of law making. Parliament should send a clear message to prevent these statements from emerging during second-reading negotiations.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D), in writing. (LT) This report originates in a request by the Conference of Presidents addressed to the Committee on Constitutional Affairs to clarify the position of Parliament as regards the meaning and legal status of unilateral statements entered in the minutes of Council meetings. The contentious statements mainly originate from one or several Member States because they are in charge of the transposition of legislative acts at national level. An attempt to interpret those acts in a way which could be divergent from the result achieved by common agreement of the two legislators would indeed undermine the necessary coherence of application of Union legal acts. The case-law of the Court of Justice confirms that we cannot rely on such unilateral statements when it comes to interpreting a Union legal act. It can only be used to this end where reference is made to its content in the wording of the relevant act. I agree that unilateral statements by Member States regarding legal acts should not be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Diogo Feio (PPE), in writing. (PT) Although they might be interesting, unilateral statements recorded in the minutes of Council meetings are unable to interpret Union law and are not binding on the European institutions. As colegislator, Parliament should be informed about the issue of these statements.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), in writing. (PT) The Conference of Committee Chairs called on the Committee on Constitutional Affairs to clarify Parliament’s position regarding the legal status of unilateral statements entered in the minutes of Council meetings which could, in the context of the codecision procedure, weaken the legal force and will of Parliament as a colegislator. The report on which we have just voted, drafted by Mr Trzaskowski, draws attention to certain inconsistencies in the Rules of Procedure of the Council, even as regards the latest draft, since the Treaty of Lisbon came into force, notably that Parliament is made subordinate to the governments of the Member States and the national parliaments, which enjoy privileged information. As such, I agree with this report that unilateral statements should be avoided, that Parliament should be kept duly informed by the Council at all stages of the legislative process, and that their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union should be prevented.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  João Ferreira (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) The need for ‘legal certainty’ in the legislation issued by the EU cannot be a pretext for imposing certain legislation on the Member States that is considered damaging to issues of vital interest to said Member States. The more each country and its people surrender their sovereignty to the guidelines of the EU’s directorate and the interests that control it, the more important this issue becomes.

EU legislation and guidelines are becoming increasingly centralist and anti-democratic, which tends to strip away power and competences from the political structures close to and controlled by the public.

Moreover, said guidelines and legislation are increasingly serving the financial sector and large companies, and are against the interests of the overwhelming majority of the population. It is clear to the Portuguese workers and the Portuguese public, for example, that EU guidelines and legislation are increasingly being used as justification for dismantling rights and society’s achievements.

We are facing a brutal decline in social terms, whilst big fortunes are on the rise. And, unsatisfied, they want even more. Only the organised struggle of the peoples can stop them.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) While it is true that ‘legal certainty’ is needed in the legislation issued by the EU, it is also true that this certainty cannot result from limiting the national sovereignty of a Member State that considers a given piece of legislation damaging to its interests. The more each country and its people surrender their sovereignty over their present and future and the realisation of their desires and aspirations to the interests of the financial oligarchy of the EU’s major powers, the more important this issue becomes.

EU legislation and guidelines, and their increasingly centralist and anti-democratic nature, are clearly for the large multinationals and the financial sector, which obviously benefit from them. It is clear to the workers and ordinary people, particularly in countries like Portugal, that their rights and society’s achievements are being brutally eroded, at the same time as big fortunes are on the rise. And, unsatisfied, they want even more. Only the organised struggle of the peoples can stop them.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D), in writing. (SK) This report was prepared at the request of the Conference of Committee Chairs addressed to the Committee on Constitutional Affairs with the aim of clarifying Parliament’s position on the significance and legal effect of unilateral statements entered in the minutes of the Council meeting. Several committee chairs expressed their concern with regard to the increase in the number of such statements, particularly in the context of the codecision procedure, in which they could weaken the legal force and scope of adopted legislation, thereby affecting Parliament’s colegislator role. It should be emphasised in this respect that contentious statements of this nature mostly originate from one or more Member States, because the Member States are responsible for the transposition of legislation at a national level.

The attempt to interpret such legislation in a manner that may differ from the objective achieved by the agreement of the two legislative bodies would actually breach the required coherence in the application of Community legislation. The case-law of the European Court of Justice confirms that such unilateral statements need not be relied upon in the interpretation of Community legislation.

These statements may only be used for such a purpose if there is a reference to their contents in the relevant law. As a colegislator with the same position as the Council, Parliament should be equally informed at all stages of the legislative process about all unilateral statements of the Member States which are entered in the minutes of Council meetings.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Sylvie Guillaume (S&D), in writing. (FR) It is unfortunate that the Council has the bad habit of including unilateral statements on legislation that has been adopted using the codecision procedure. I have therefore voted in favour of this report which emphasises that under no circumstances can these unilateral statements be used to produce legal effects. What is more, they could generate confusion, uncertainty and a lack of transparency in the EU legislative process, which is most unsatisfactory.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. (LT) I welcomed this document because I believe that statements and declarations which are not incorporated into a legal text but which concern it, regardless of whether they are issued by one or more Member States, have no legal force and may undermine the coherence of Union law and its clear interpretation. I am in favour of the efficient and transparent implementation of legislation across the whole of the European Union.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vladimír Maňka (S&D), in writing. (SK) In the context of the codecision procedure, any unilateral statements entered in the minutes of Council meetings weaken the legal force of the adopted legislation. As such, they may affect the Parliament’s colegislator role.

Such contentious statements originate mostly from one or more Member States, because the Member States are responsible for the transposition of legislation at a national level.

The Council’s rules of procedure amended by the Lisbon Treaty ensure direct delivery of the minutes from the legislative part of the Council meetings to the Member States and to their national parliaments but do not mention the European Parliament. This provides an advantage to the national parliaments over the European Parliament although the European Parliament is the colegislator of the Council.

Unilateral statements made by the Member States in respect of the legislation should not be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It is necessary to prevent any reference to such unilateral statements and to ensure the provision of complete information by the Council to Parliament during all stages of the legislative process.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  David Martin (S&D), in writing. – I welcome this report, on unilateral statements entered in the minutes of Council meetings, which points out that the case-law of the Court of Justice confirms that no reliance may be placed on such unilateral statements when it comes to interpret a Union legal act. They may be used to this end only where reference is made to its content in the wording of the relevant act.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Melo (PPE), in writing. (PT) Unilateral statements entered in the minutes of Council meetings have no legal force, and may undermine the coherence of Union law and its clear interpretation. As such, unilateral statements must not diminish or compromise the need for all Member States to observe systematically the discipline of publishing correlation tables, setting out the ways and means EU law is to be transposed into domestic law, in the interests of the efficient and transparent implementation of legislation across the whole of the Union.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alexander Mirsky (S&D), in writing. – The report deals with the unilateral declarations annexed to the minutes of the Council. The subject deserves a political answer rather than a change of rules. The unilateral declarations have no legal value; sometimes, they are even not in conformity with the results of the negotiations and can thus undermine the coherence of the legislative work. The European Parliament should send a clear message to prevent such statements during the negotiations in the second reading, and on the need to encourage ministers to speak on the transposition of directives (through systematic comparative tables). I completely agree.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Andreas Mölzer (NI), in writing. (DE) The motion for a resolution relates to the inclusion of unilateral statements by the Member States in the minutes of Council meetings. In particular, worries have been expressed that the European Parliament may be passed over or disadvantaged. However, there is absolutely no need for the measures called for in the resolution. In its recitals, the report rightly refers to the evaluation of the declarations by the Court of Justice. This denies that the declarations have any legal force. There is therefore no reason to fear that Parliament’s lawmaking powers are under threat. That is why I believe that the Member States can continue to include their statements and declarations in the minutes of the Council meetings. I therefore voted against this motion for a resolution.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Franz Obermayr (NI), in writing. (DE) In principle, legal acts should always be self-explanatory. In addition, interpretation is generally guided by the enacting terms or the recitals. As the only elected body of the EU, Parliament should be kept informed of unilateral statements by Member States in all phases of the legislative process. However, I oppose the disallowing of unilateral statements by Member States as an additional basis for interpretation. Legal practitioners have the right to know the contributions and concerns of the Member States, even if these were only expressed as an aside. Accordingly, I also fail to see why these statements should not be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. It is for that reason that I have voted against this report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. (PT) I voted for this report, which is based on a call by the Conference of Committee Chairs for the Committee on Constitutional Affairs to clarify Parliament’s position regarding the meaning and legal status of unilateral statements entered in the minutes of Council meetings. The chairs of a number of committees had expressed concern about the proliferation of such declarations, not least within the framework of the codecision procedure, in which context they could compromise the legal force and scope of the acts adopted. It concludes that unilateral statements by Member States regarding legal acts should not be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and that recourse to these should be avoided as far as possible. Full information should be provided by the Council to Parliament at all stages of the legislative procedure.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Paulo Rangel (PPE), in writing. (PT) The legal force of unilateral statements entered in the minutes of Council meetings should result from the framework given to the legislative sources of EU law. From this perspective, the priority in terms of interpretation must be that of the meaning to give to a legislative text: the value of unilateral statements is purely ancillary, as they cannot point to the definitive meaning of the law being interpreted, or enable the Member States to unilaterally change the meaning of a common provision. I voted for this report because I agree with this perspective.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), in writing. – In favour. This report originates in a request by the Conference of Committee Chairs addressed to the Constitutional Affairs Committee in order to clarify the position of Parliament as regards the meaning and legal status of unilateral statements entered in the minutes of Council meetings. Several committee chairs expressed their concerns about the proliferation of such statements, in particular, in the framework of the codecision procedure where they could weaken the legal force and scope of the adopted acts, and so possibly affect Parliament’s will as a colegislator. It has to be stressed in this regard that the contentious statements are mainly originating from one or several Member States, since they are in charge of the transposition of legislative acts at national level. An attempt to interpret those acts in a way that could diverge from the result achieved by common agreement of the two legislators would indeed undermine the necessary coherence of the application of Union law.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Rafał Trzaskowski (PPE), in writing. – This report originates in a request by the Conference of Committee Chairs addressed to the Constitutional Affairs Committee in order to clarify the position of Parliament as regards the meaning and legal status of unilateral statements entered in the minutes of Council meetings. Several committee chairs expressed their concerns about the proliferation of such statements, in particular, in the framework of the codecision procedure where they could weaken the legal force and scope of the adopted acts, and so possibly affect Parliament’s will as a colegislator.

 
  
  

Report: Daniel Caspary (A7-0255/2011)

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Luís Paulo Alves (S&D), in writing. (PT) I voted for this report because I agree with the majority of the points of view expressed, since they include all the main issues relating to foreign trade policy – goods and services, defence instruments, investment and intellectual property rights – and put forward the idea of using foreign trade as an instrument for humanitarian and development aid.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Laima Liucija Andrikienė (PPE), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this resolution on a New Trade Policy for Europe under the Europe 2020 strategy. We must recognise that the EU’s prosperity and growth depend on a functioning international trade system. The Commission should therefore present a forward-looking trade and investment strategy, but we, the Members of the European Parliament, missed this important dimension in the Commission’s communication ‘Trade, Growth and World Affairs’ of 9 November 2010 on the European Union’s future trade strategy. I agree with the rapporteur that the communication on trade, growth and world affairs offers guidance on the policy to be pursued over the next few months rather than a comprehensive trade strategy for the EU, guidance which it particularly needs now as it confronts the challenges of a rapidly changing world economy and a dramatic shift in the economic balance of power. I therefore welcome the resolution’s call on the Commission to draw up a forward-looking study which takes into account the current realities of the global economy and the current situation of the European Union in addition to probable future developments. This should provide a basis on which the Commission can draw up a long-term strategy which fully addresses the needs of the European Union and of its citizens.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Roberta Angelilli (PPE), in writing. (IT) The challenge of the Europe 2020 strategy is to stimulate growth in our economies in a smart, sustainable and inclusive way by broadening access to trade and investment.

However, in order to pursue these objectives and make rapid progress towards a profitable future, we first all need to combat unfair trading practices through appropriate instruments and ensure that our consumers and our enterprises have free access to the market, services, investments, raw materials and public procurement, while also ensuring that intellectual property rights are protected.

Quite rightly, the European Union continues to negotiate in the World Trade Organisation so that ‘offensive’ interests relating to free access to the global market and ‘defensive’ interests relating to the consequences of liberalisation can be duly considered when concluding bilateral agreements.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Elena Oana Antonescu (PPE), in writing. (RO) Economic growth, prosperity, jobs and maintaining the European social model are all interlinked and underpin each other. This report sets out the way in which trade and investment policy must help achieve these targets and external policy objectives in general. Furthermore, trade policy is one of the main tools available to the EU to support progress towards reform and democratisation. Trade stimulates efficiency and the spirit of innovation. Europe must capitalise on the benefits offered by more open trade and investment, while keeping a close eye on adjustment costs: stronger growth, more jobs and lower consumer prices.

Trade should also help improve social inclusion, both in the EU and in the rest of the world. Developing countries which have become involved in world trade and in global production chains have enjoyed rapid growth in their revenues and employment market, accompanied by a significant reduction in poverty. The rapporteur gives greater transparency and legitimacy to the European Union’s trade policy. I voted in favour of this resolution.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Pino Arlacchi (S&D), in writing. – I voted for this report because the Union needs a coherent long-term trade strategy in order to take account of the major emerging countries. Such a strategy should be based on a thorough analysis of the current trends in world trade, the Union’s internal and external development, as well as the diversity of European enterprises. It is important to stress that micro-enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises represent 99% of all enterprises in the EU and have great potential to create new jobs and innovation. For that reason, internal and external policies should better address their specific needs to enhance their competitiveness. With regard to external policy, the Parliament must support the Commission in its goal to promote sustainable development, free and fair trade, international labour standards and decent work. We should not forget that trade policy must promote development, permit better regional cooperation, encourage investment and improve economic governance, reminding all stakeholders that other regions of the globe have shown how trade can contribute to welfare.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D), in writing. (LT) I voted in favour of this important report. In 2000, at the launch of the Lisbon strategy, the Union’s GDP accounted for 25% of global GDP. It is now estimated that in 2020, it will account for only 18% of global GDP. I agree that the Union needs a coherent long-term trade strategy in order to take account of the challenges ahead and, in particular, the major emerging countries. Such a strategy should be based on a thorough analysis of the current trends in world trade, the Union’s internal and external development, as well as the diversity of European enterprises, their know-how and their technological advances. I believe that the Commission should comprehensively review bilateral trade relations with major trading partners in order to ensure that EU enterprises can compete on a level playing field in third countries’ markets.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Elena Băsescu (PPE), in writing. (RO) I voted for the report drafted by Mr Caspary because I think that the EU needs a coherent trade strategy to boost Europe’s competitiveness on the world trade stage. As a result of a change in spheres of economic influence, Europe must address the global challenges that are being presented. Trade must be based on fair global competition and full reciprocity.

The fragmentation of the European and global production system has highlighted the need to deregulate the services sector. The quality and price of services are of paramount importance to companies’ efficiency. In order to have a competitive, sustainable economy, the EU needs to have an internal services policy. At the same time, attention must be focused on developing information technologies. This sector has brought about fundamental changes to the world trade system.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Regina Bastos (PPE), in writing. (PT) Foreign trade is a crucial element of the European economy. Forecasts are that the European Union, which accounted for 25% of global gross domestic product in 2000, will have declined to 18% by 2020. The centre of gravity of the global economy is moving to developing countries. Around 36 million jobs in the European Union – equivalent to 18% of the total – are related to foreign trade. It is estimated that 90% of economic growth will be generated outside the European Union by 2015, increasing dependence on foreign trade. This report argues that exports are an anchor for economic growth and job creation, and that the Commission should view increasing foreign trade as a priority. As such, it calls on the European Commission to table a genuine long-term strategy for foreign trade as soon as possible. I voted for this report for the above reasons.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D), in writing. (LT) In order to implement the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy, on 9 November 2010, the Commission published its communication entitled ‘Trade, Growth and World Affairs’ on the European Union’s future trade strategy. Although the European Parliament welcomes this communication, it urges the Commission to present a forward-looking and innovative future strategy on trade and investment, taking into account the new challenges faced by the European Union.

The EU needs a coherent long-term trade strategy in order to take account of the challenges ahead, in particular, the major emerging countries. Such a strategy should be based on a thorough analysis of the current trends in world trade, the Union’s internal and external development, as well as the diversity of European enterprises, their know-how and their technological advances. Furthermore, the European Parliament is asking the Commission to assess systematically the impact of the EU’s internal policies and regulations on global competitiveness and to give preference to those proposals that are least likely to negatively affect the competitive position of EU enterprises within and outside Europe.

It is therefore crucial for the Commission to carry out a comprehensive study which takes into account the current realities of the world economy and the current situation of the European Union, in addition to probable future developments. This should provide a basis on which the Commission can draw up a long-term strategy which fully addresses the needs of the European Union and its citizens.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Sebastian Valentin Bodu (PPE), in writing. (RO) Europe needs to rethink its trade policies because their development in recent years indicates that the focus is starting to shift towards developing countries. Exports are a prerequisite for economic growth and for safeguarding or increasing jobs. International trade is facing a number of challenges in the European Union. In 2000, the EU and US accounted for 48% of global GDP. However, according to estimates, in 2020, they will account for just 35% of it. While, in 1999, EU exports accounted for 19% of the total global volume, in 2009, this figure fell to 17%. The focus of the world economy is shifting towards the developing countries.

In the EU, 36 million jobs (18% of the total) have a direct link with international trade. It is estimated that by 2015, 90% of global economic growth will be generated outside the EU, thereby increasing the Union’s dependence on trade. In these circumstances, I welcome the call made by the European Parliament to the European Commission to come up with strategies for driving trade policies in the long term. It is our duty to think just as much about the future as the present.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Cristian Silviu Buşoi (ALDE), in writing. (RO) I totally concur with this report as it raises a fundamental issue relating to the difficult period we are going through just now: the decline in the European Union’s trading power on the world stage. In spite of the urgent need for action, I support the notion of a long-term economic strategy leading towards economic growth and stability. With this in mind, the European Union must aim both internally and globally at harmonising standards and removing the various obstacles preventing trade and investment.

Having said this, as a member of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, I am pleased to see that the report emphasises the importance of striking the balance between achieving these goals, on the one hand, and maintaining high technical standards and economic balance in the European Union, on the other. Last but not least, given the social mission that the European Union has, I fully support the commitment expressed in this report to fight against poverty and to respect, while implementing these measures, fundamental values such as the protection of human rights or the rule of law.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Françoise Castex (S&D), in writing. (FR) I voted in favour of this report. Today, Parliament reaffirmed its wish to see social, environmental and human rights standards made compulsory and legally binding in all trade agreements concluded by the EU. Faced with pleas from our fellow citizens for more regulation and new forms of solidarity, the EU must redefine a new doctrine for a different kind of trade policy. If Europe does not champion fairer trade based on values, and which creates quality jobs in Europe as well as the rest of the world, who else will?

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Lara Comi (PPE), in writing. (IT) I approve of the new trade policy. It is essential to increase Europe’s gross domestic product, deal with demographic change and increase exports in order to reduce the EU’s trade dependency. I would highlight the need to establish balanced trade agreements between the EU and its trading partners, in a spirit of mutual benefit. Likewise, it is important to use international standardisation to protect consumers, the environment, health and labour regulations on product safety, and intellectual property rights. Cooperation between customs authorities and supervisory authorities on external borders is therefore essential, while nevertheless developing mutual exchange of goods and technologies between the EU and developing countries. I would underline the importance of relations with the United States for the development of efficient, low carbon-emitting technologies, and for dialogue on legislative and regulatory matters. Lastly, I think that in an economy based on low labour costs, it will be crucial for the EU to pursue innovation and to identify competitive advantages. Foreign direct investment is vital for the European economy, bearing in mind the importance of innovation for strong and sustainable growth, which can be achieved through the creation of European project bonds.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marielle De Sarnez (ALDE), in writing. (FR) The European Union must adopt a more coherent, better targeted trade policy. Instead of wanting to negotiate trade agreements at any price, it should focus on championing certain principles, such as, for example, the requirement for reciprocal market access for industrialised countries and emerging countries, and respect for intellectual property rights or the needs of European industry and European farmers. Similarly, the European Union must develop a genuine strategy for gaining access to raw materials and rare earths from a competitive, social and environmental point of view, in order to ensure that European industry has secure and effective access to resources in the coming years and to highlight research and development in the recycling of rare materials so as to reduce our dependence on them. Finally, if the European Union wants to preserve its key role in the world trade arena, all ongoing and future trade negotiations must be instruments for promoting European standards in social and environmental matters.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Christine De Veyrac (PPE), in writing. (FR) I voted in favour of Mr Caspary’s own-initiative report calling on the Commission to put forward a proper trade strategy for the EU, so as to incorporate the social and environmental components of the agreements drawn up between the European Union and its partners. I also welcome the rapporteur’s proposal for the European agricultural sector to be given special attention when new agreements are signed so as not to endanger what is a key sector for the economy of our regions.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Robert Dušek (S&D), in writing. (CS) The world is changing dramatically and, with it, the distribution of power in international trade. While the EU accounted for 25% of global GDP in 2000, it will have a share of just 18% by 2020. In contrast to that, China and India, the most populous countries on earth, continue to grow, both in terms of GDP and in terms of population. In order for the EU to remain a global player in the future, and to participate in setting the rules, it is essential to respond to these changes and draw up a long-term European trade policy strategy.

The report on a new trade policy for Europe under the Europe 2020 strategy takes a critical view of the communication from the Commission of November 2010. I agree with the rapporteur that this communication is more a collection of instructions than a comprehensive EU strategy for a trade policy capable of confronting the challenges of a changing global economy. The European Parliament adopted the ‘Global Europe’ strategy. The aims of the strategy have not been achieved to this day. I welcome the rapporteur’s challenge to the Commission and the Member States, and I would like to add my voice to it. We must do a study and find out why many of the aims were not achieved, and draw the conclusions from this. We approve many opinions, declarations and instructions without retrospectively addressing the issue of whether they are functional and effective. In the field of international trade, however, this is essential. I fully endorse the report submitted by Mr Caspary.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Diogo Feio (PPE), in writing. (PT) A trade policy for Europe will have to take into account the profound changes that the world has undergone in recent years and commit to the concrete benefits of the free market, without neglecting the political implications of its trade-related actions or the dignity of the people across the world involved in producing goods and services and in trade. In the period of crisis we are experiencing, it is crucial that we have the courage to set ambitious goals and the political will to create the instruments necessary to achieve them. The report calls on the Commission to make this effort and create the conditions for a trade policy that is competitive and demonstrates greater solidarity; ambition and realism.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), in writing. (PT) Our fellow Member, Mr Caspary, who drafted this report on the need for a new trade policy for Europe under the Europe 2020 strategy, welcomes the Commission communication on ‘Trade, Growth and World Affairs’, and acknowledges that the EU’s prosperity and growth depend on optimising the workings of the international trade system.

Thanks to the World Trade Organisation, there has been a great expansion in world trade in recent years. Forecasts are that the European Union, which represented 25% of value added at global level in 2000, will have declined to 18% by 2020. By contrast, the emerging economies of China and India, which only represented 10% in 2000, will have increased to around 25% by 2020. These figures oblige the EU to rethink its trade policy. The Commission should analyse the causes of this situation very well and adopt measures to meet the global challenges, linking up with other European policies and tackling demographic growth. Although this is a pessimistic, if realistic, document, I am voting in favour and hope that the measures advocated to minimise the consequences of declining European exports will be taken into account.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  João Ferreira (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) This report brings together many of the proclamations and clichés of free trade dogma. As such, it is only natural and understandable that it associates so-called European trade policy with the Europe 2020 strategy. In summary, the result is a tired apology for neoliberalism, which not even the deep crisis in which we are mired seems to have diluted. What we have here is a wearisome repetition of statements that do not just lack substantiation, but are completely disproven by reality; for example, that ‘trade opening goes together with employment and job creation’. However, since this fiction cannot survive contact with reality, it is acknowledged that the public can see that the complete opposite is true, so it calls for ‘a better communication strategy on the Union’s trade policy and the advantages and disadvantages of international trade’.

The truth is that no communication strategy can hide the real effects of free trade. What is needed is a change in policy and trade policy is no different. Trade policy should be founded on complementarity, and on fair and equitable trade relations, and should serve development and the peoples, rather than multinationals, big business and the financial sector.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL), in writing. (PT) This report brings together many of the proclamations and clichés of free trade dogma. As such, it is only natural and understandable that it associates so-called European trade policy with the Europe 2020 strategy. In summary, the result is a tired apology for neoliberalism, which not even the deep crisis in which we are mired seems to have diluted. What we have here is a wearisome repetition of statements that do not just lack substantiation but are completely disproven by reality. However, since this fiction cannot survive contact with reality, it is acknowledged that the public can see that the complete opposite is true, so it calls for ‘a better communication strategy on the Union’s trade policy and the advantages and disadvantages of international trade’.

The truth is that no communication strategy can hide the real effects of free trade. What is needed is a change in policy – including trade policy – based on regulation and complementarity, and on fair and equitable trade relations, and which serves development and the peoples, rather than multinationals, big business and the financial sector.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D), in writing. (SK) On 9 November, the Commission presented a communication on the future trade strategy of the European Union entitled ‘Trade, Growth and World Affairs’. This communication is primarily a follow-up to the Global Europe strategy presented in 2006. However, previous evaluations of the strategies presented indicate that a number of their objectives have still not been achieved. All stakeholders have to review the reasons why such a situation has occurred and draw the necessary conclusions from it. The world has changed dramatically in recent years. World trade has witnessed a major expansion thanks to the World Trade Organisation and a number of other initiatives and has begun to include, since the 1990s, an ever-increasing number of emerging and developing countries, which have become a driving force of the global economy.

This appeared mainly in the recession years of 2008 and 2009, when it was mostly the emerging countries that had a stabilising effect on the global economy. Now, 18%, i.e. 36 million jobs in the EU depend on foreign trade and it is expected that by 2015, 90% of global economic growth will be generated outside the EU. Therefore, I consider it important that the Commission prepares a prospective study reflecting the current reality of the global economy and the current state of the EU, as well as probable future development. Such a study should become the basis for the elaboration of a long-term strategy taking full account of the needs of the Community and its citizens.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Elisabetta Gardini (PPE), in writing. (IT) we cannot set out the guidelines for a new trade policy for Europe without bearing in mind the significant changes which have taken place in the last decade in the international economy. One need only think of the huge growth of countries such as China and India: in the year 2000, they accounted for only 10% of the global economy, while according to some estimates, this figure could reach 25% in 2020.

In order to promote the competitiveness of European industries, I think the time has come to develop a long-term strategy for international trade that is capable of facing up to the many challenges that this new situation poses. Only by strengthening dialogue with our strategic partners, reducing trade barriers and introducing a new European investment policy shall we be able to promote smart growth and safeguard, even at this time of crisis, the more than 36 million jobs that depend, directly or indirectly, on the ability of the EU to trade with the rest of the world.

Lastly, I would note that we are also tasked with protecting EU products from the distortions in international trade caused by globalisation. I therefore hope to see the implementation of suitable trade defence instruments that will provide an effective response to the legitimate concerns of Europe’s small and medium-sized enterprises.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. (LT) I welcomed this document because the Commission is urged to present a forward-looking and innovative future strategy on trade and investment, taking into account the new challenges of the EU, and also to deliver forecasts of how the ‘world of trade’ could look in a policy planning perspective of 15 to 20 years, and to take such forecasts as the basis for presenting a revised mid- and long-term strategy by the summer of 2013. The EU must also take account of the fact that population growth is declining steeply inside the EU, at the same time as the population of developing countries, in particular, is continuing to increase dramatically. This will have an impact on countries’ economic situations. If we consider that 18% of jobs inside the EU, in other words, 36 million jobs, are presently dependent on external trade, and 90% of worldwide economic growth will probably be generated outside the European Union by 2015, we see how important it is to formulate and implement a long-term external trade strategy which reflects the EU’s changing role in the world economy. Therefore, taking into account these developments, I welcomed the resolution’s call on the Commission to draw up a forward-looking study which takes into account the current realities of the global economy and the current situation of the EU in addition to probable future developments. This should provide a basis on which the Commission can draw up a long-term strategy which fully addresses the needs of the EU and its citizens.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Elisabeth Köstinger (PPE), in writing. (DE) I support the report on a new trade policy for Europe under the Europe 2020 strategy because it sheds light on important areas for a sustainable, competitive Europe. The rapporteur has outlined a balanced and concise approach to the revising of the EU trade strategy, which the Commission would do well to take to heart. The commitments to a multilateral trade system, the removal of obstacles to trade, and the integration of sustainability chapters in bilateral trade agreements, are clear pointers to the future direction we should take.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Constance Le Grip (PPE), in writing. (FR) I supported the Caspary report on a new trade policy for Europe. The future of the European Union’s trade policy will be played out on several levels. It goes without saying that every effort must be made to bring the ongoing negotiations at the WTO to a successful conclusion.

At the same time, the European Union must continue to conclude bilateral free trade agreements. Our trade partners are also our competitors, however, and that is why these discussions must be embarked on without naivety. I am therefore delighted to see that this report advocates reciprocity and mutual benefit in our agreements with our trade partners.

The removal of non-tariff barriers must also be one of our objectives, as they have often hindered trade: more regulatory convergence with our partners and more tangible results from the high-level structured dialogues with China, Japan and the United States. These are the directions to be followed. Reciprocity also concerns the international public procurement markets: the aim is not to close our markets and give in to protectionism; rather, the degree of opening up of public procurement markets in Europe should be compensated by the same degree of access to third-country public procurement markets for EU suppliers.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Bogusław Liberadzki (S&D), in writing.(PL) I endorsed the report on a new trade policy for Europe under the Europe 2020 strategy. I think that in view of the prognosis for a lower GDP than expected and a comparative fall in exports and imports, a change in trade policy under the Europe 2020 strategy is essential. I agree with the main proposals put forward by the rapporteur, Mr Caspary, that a future European strategy on trade policy should take the specific features of EU industries and territories and dependence on external growth into account.

In common with many other MEPs, I expected the Commission to provide a future trade strategy which takes into account mid- and long-term developments. We should not build on the false assumption of a continuing status quo on the world trade stage. I think that it is vital to communicate the advantages of international trade and globalisation to EU citizens, as these are often equated with falling European output and job losses. It is the responsibility of the Commission to realise the goals of the Global Europe strategy. I also believe that, with a view to a better understanding of certain failures to achieve, it is necessary to conduct a more critical analysis of the strategy, one which takes into account current trends in world trade.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Morten Løkkegaard (ALDE), in writing. (DA) This report refers to the 2010 communication from the Commission entitled ‘Trade, Growth and World Affairs’, which contains a number of guidelines for the EU’s future trade and investment policy. I support the Commission’s communication and the proposals for how to meet the need for a future European trade policy because we need to consolidate the EU’s role as a trading power at a time when the global economy is under strain and we are experiencing a rapid shift in the economic balance of power. The fact is that the EU’s overall trade performance is declining and the EU’s share of GDP is falling as a result of the rapid progress of the emerging countries. I voted in favour of this report because I support its view that the Commission’s communication should not merely contain guidelines for the trade policy that the EU should pursue, but should also contain a real EU trade strategy that takes account of the developments that both define and affect global trade.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vladimír Maňka (S&D), in writing. (SK) Thanks to the World Trade Organisation and to a number of multilateral and bilateral initiatives, world trade has witnessed a major expansion. Despite this fact, the European Union, which, at the time of the introduction of the Lisbon strategy in 2000, accounted for 25% of global GDP, is expected to have only an 18% share in 2020. Meanwhile, various sources estimate that China and India, which generated only 10% of global GDP in 2000, will attain a 25% share in 2020. Such a change should also be reflected in EU policies. While EU population growth is slowing down, population numbers in other countries, particularly in the developing countries, continue to see a rapid growth. Nowadays, 18% of jobs in the EU, that is 36 million jobs, depend on foreign trade. It is expected that by 2015, 90% of global economic growth will be generated outside the European Union. Hence, the Commission should elaborate as early as possible a long-term foreign trade strategy which will reflect the changing EU role in the global economy.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  David Martin (S&D), in writing. – I voted for this report. Up to 36 million jobs in the EU depend on external trade. Global competition is getting tougher and it is urgent to have a strategy to maintain and increase the EU’s exports. Trade can, and must, contribute to welfare. Around 7.5 million people across 58 developing countries benefit from the international fair trade system. Parliament calls on the Commission to promote it. It is vital we now use this trade policy framework of human rights, labour and environmental standards, fair trade and policy coherence for development in upcoming trade negotiations and ensure these commitments are followed through.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Véronique Mathieu (PPE), in writing. (FR) Careful reflection on Europe’s trade strategy is needed in light of, for example, the fall in world merchandise exports, which went from 19% in 1999 to 17.1% in 2009. Such a strategy must be based on a thorough analysis of current trends in international trade and development inside and outside the EU, as well as on the diversity of European businesses, their know-how and their technological advances. Negotiations within the World Trade Organisation and free trade agreements are powerful tools for a multilateral approach and market access. The development of new agreements must not distract us from taking into account other policies, such as corporate social responsibility, agricultural policy, the creation of secure jobs, and the policy of combating poverty inside and outside the EU’s borders.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Nuno Melo (PPE), in writing. (PT) The profound changes that Europe has been undergoing in recent years are forcing us to tackle the issue of ‘trade policy’ again. There is a need to create a new trade policy for Europe that is concerned with making the most of our internal market, and of a free market, but without forgetting the people involved in producing goods and services, and trade across the world.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alexander Mirsky (S&D), in writing. – This report is a strategic report covering all major aspects of the EU’s external trade policy: trade in goods and services, trade defence instruments, investment, intellectual property rights, trade as a tool for humanitarian assistance and development, and will make it possible to go forward. I am in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Andreas Mölzer (NI), in writing. (DE) The EU has defined a whole series of strategies with a variety of objectives that it has largely failed to achieve. With this in mind, it may make sense first to assess the old strategies and to explain why these could not be met and why some strategies only exist on paper. When we hear talk at EU level of the strengthening of global competitiveness, this often only relates to large companies and multinational concerns. However, the driving force of the economy and the main employers are the many small and medium-sized enterprises, whose importance is always underlined in the various strategies laid down on paper, but which, in fact, have had very little access to subsidies, and which are burdened with ever-increasing bureaucracy. I voted against this report because it completely ignores the role of the SMEs.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Vital Moreira (S&D), in writing. (PT) Although I agree with the rest of this important report on Union trade policy, I voted against two of its points. The first area with which I disagree concerns conceding exceptional trade preferences to third countries as a means of emergency aid in disaster situations. The EU has specific instruments for emergency aid and trade preferences are clearly ill-suited to this purpose, both because they are slow to take effect and because it is hard to focus them on those most in need of aid in these situations.

Secondly, while financial aid comes out of the EU budget, trade preferences will only affect those countries damaged by imports facilitated by exemptions from or reductions in customs duties, which are usually the EU’s less rich countries, as demonstrated by what has happened with the Pakistan case.

I also voted against the reservations expressed in the report regarding the use of ‘trade defence instruments’, or anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures. These are essential to fair trade, as they constitute action that can be taken against unfair and anti-competitive trade practices by certain countries – China, for one – that cause serious harm to European companies within the European market itself.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Franz Obermayr (NI), in writing. (DE) In times of globalisation and emerging markets like China, it is more important than ever to improve the competitiveness and standing of the EU as a base for economic activity. In this context, there are several points that are not dealt with adequately in this report, even though they are key to sustainable competitiveness in the EU: on the one hand, the interests and problems of the small and medium-sized enterprises that form the backbone of our economy are not sufficiently considered: I am thinking, in particular, of the access of small and medium-sized businesses to financial supports for international trade in order to enable them to put themselves on an international footing and to promote their capacity for innovation in this direction. This leads me to another point: European companies (in particular SMEs) still experience enormous problems in enforcing their intellectual property rights in third countries, particularly in Asia. We urgently need to take action against the trade barriers imposed by third countries, whether tariff-based or non-tariff-based. The EU imposes strict competition rules on itself. However, at the same time, we also need to combat unfair state supports for domestic production in third countries, otherwise our businesses will soon find themselves left behind. Given that these points are not dealt with sufficiently, I have not voted in favour of the report.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Alfredo Pallone (PPE), in writing. (IT) I am completely in favour of the report that we have just voted on, since it is essential to put in place a new, forward-looking trade strategy – particularly at such a critical time as the present. We live in a globalised world and a global market; the European Union’s strategy cannot simply ignore this. Free trade, the protection of small and medium-sized enterprises, progress in dialogue with countries such as China, Russia, the United States and Japan, and the central role played by the World Trade Organisation in international trade, must be the cornerstones of a strategy in perennial evolution, which adapts to changes but is also capable of managing them and not merely looking on helplessly from the sidelines.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Maria do Céu Patrão Neves (PPE), in writing. (PT) On 9 November 2010, the European Commission published its communication entitled ‘Trade, Growth and World Affairs’ on the European Union’s future trade strategy. This paper, which is supposed to set out the external aspects of the Europe 2020 strategy, is basically a continuation of the 2006 ‘Global Europe’ strategy. I agree with the rapporteur’s concern that the Commission communication sets us on the right track for the coming months, but does not offer a genuine strategy for the future. As such, he concludes the report with the need to call on the Commission to undertake a forward-looking study which takes into account the current realities of the world economy, the current situation of the European Union and probable future developments, in addition to a long-term strategy which fully addresses the needs of the European Union and of its citizens. I voted in favour of this report for these reasons.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Phil Prendergast (S&D), in writing. – I welcome this report on a new trade policy under the Europe 2020 strategy and would like to emphasise the importance of advancing the Doha Development Round at the World Trade Organisation. We also need to take into account the added difficulties faced by SMEs when tackling foreign regulations and non-tariff barriers, notably the legal and administrative burdens associated with Trade Defence Instrument procedures. I call on the Commission to hasten the simplification and adaptation of TDI procedures to the needs and accounting systems of SMEs and the establishment of adequate support measures for SMEs affected by proceedings initiated by third countries. We must not forget the potential of combined transatlantic strategies to shape labour, health, safety and environmental standards and international regulatory regimes in areas such as consumer rights and intellectual property rights.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Paulo Rangel (PPE), in writing. (PT) European trade policy should be geared towards long-term results, in line with the Europe 2020 strategy. In fact, as the rapporteur says, the balance of forces in terms of economic relations has been changing very substantially in recent years. Firstly, the great emerging economies have been taking on a prominent position, in absolute terms, in international trade. Secondly, they are showing themselves to be the great engine of the global economy: it is estimated that 90% of world economic growth will be generated by these countries in 2015. I share the concern that the EU should set out a policy to tackle the challenges that the EU faces, so I voted in favour.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Mitro Repo (S&D), in writing. (FI) This report was an attempt to deal with all the main priorities in the EU’s foreign trade policy. Possibly this was an over-ambitious goal because the report is quite pro-free trade in spirit, and not all the committees have been given a fair hearing.

European trade policy is a very important subject. For example, there should be support for emergency trade aid at a general level, but we lack more precise guidelines on how to use it. The European Union must consider its priorities in trade policy as a whole, in conjunction with European values and democratic principles. What sort of trade policy do we practise and with whom? Is trade policy a purely economic interest for Europe, or do we also use it as a tool for peace, stability and humanitarian assistance?

European values are based on universal human rights and equality. It is quite intolerable that Europe continues to practise protectionism to defend its position in its trade policy. The reform in agricultural policy should completely remove all barriers to trade with the developing countries.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), in writing. – Against. In November 2010, the Commission issued its new trade strategy under the title ‘Trade, Growth and Global Affairs’, defining it as the ‘external dimension’ of the Europe 2020 strategy. The paper replaces the ‘Global Europe’ strategy of 2005, under the then Trade Commissioner Mandelson. The new strategy basically continues the approach of ‘Global Europe’, that is mainly the continuation of a free trade and market access policy through bilateral trade agreements, which go deep into non-trade issues such as public procurement, investment, regulatory cooperation and removal of non-tariff barriers. However, the new strategy is a little more cautious in its overall tone. The happily drunken trust in global economic openness as the best way of stimulating growth in the EU has gone away a little. The new strategy puts emphasis on fairness and reciprocity principles in the market opening of partner countries announcing that violations of market opening commitments in third countries will be brought systematically to court. Basically, it still fully defends full economic liberalisation and sees challenges only in the unfair practices of some partner countries.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Licia Ronzulli (PPE), in writing. (IT) The Commission communication entitled ‘Trade, Growth and World Affairs’ comes at a time in which the European Union has gained new powers thanks to the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon.

However, this document does not set out a forward-looking trade and investment strategy. Instead, it represents an introduction to the policy to be brought in over the coming months rather than a broad trade strategy for the European Union, which is in the grip of a rapidly changing global economy and a significant reorganisation of economic balances.

The text adopted today urges the Commission to carry out an analysis and develop forecasts that incorporate both the current situation in the global and EU economy and probable future changes. Such an analysis should form the basis for the development of a long-term strategy adapted to the needs of the European Union and its citizens.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Oreste Rossi (EFD), in writing. (IT) This report contains various references and numerous objectives that the Commission ought to have achieved but has not managed to do so.

It also contains extremely interesting statistical data on European and world trade, which show that the level of global exports of emerging countries has increased in just a few years. In 1999, the EU accounted for 37%, but in just 10 years, this has fallen to 29%.

I shall be voting against this report, since instead of setting out rules to protect the interests of our businesses and therefore of Europe, it contains repeated references to liberalisation as a system for generating productivity, without taking account of the enormous imbalances in existence and by keeping to a bare minimum references to the social and economic dumping carried out by Asian countries.

The text includes unacceptable praise for the current policy of the Commission, which is bringing about a proliferation of free trade agreements with countries whose products will cause incalculable damage to our businesses.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Tokia Saïfi (PPE), in writing. (FR) I voted in favour of this report because it calls on the Commission to put forward a genuine, long-term strategy for EU trade policy without delay. In particular, I support the idea that free trade agreements are important tools for this new strategy. Why? The multilateral negotiations are deadlocked, and we cannot expect convincing results; however, the agreements can also convey the values of the Union by including basic social and environmental standards.

In addition, I also support the idea that Parliament is committed to tackling poverty outside the EU. Of course, trade cannot be the only remedy. When combined with other EU policies, however, tools such as the generalised system of preferences and the economic partnership agreements bring genuine added value to development policy.

One final point strikes me as crucial: the EU, which is the most open market in the world, is having difficulty obtaining reciprocity from its trading partners. The idea of ‘positive reciprocity’ taken up in this report should, in time, help our businesses gain access to foreign markets.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Matteo Salvini (EFD), in writing. (IT) Regrettably, our delegation felt unable to vote in favour of this report. The liberalisation of trade with third countries not only diminishes Europe’s role in the international economy, but also helps these third countries to grow, without especially protecting our interests or those of other Member States that still believe in protecting a local economy and not, conversely, in unregulated foreign relocations. Furthermore, I believe that since the report deals with a subject on which Europe is profoundly divided, it requires further political scrutiny.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Czesław Adam Siekierski (PPE), in writing.(PL) The report covers the important subject of trade policy in the framework of the Europe 2020 strategy. Our European trade policy must support the creation of new jobs. The right policy could be a driving force for growth in Europe. Agricultural and environmental policy, the fight against poverty within and beyond the EU and the security of energy supply and raw materials are just some of the areas which ought to be considered when conducting trade policy. At the same time, we should not forget that the subject under discussion is one of the most important elements of EU industrial policy. A stable, European, manufacturing sector must be based on fair competition. The aforementioned activities would contribute significantly to achieving an EU programme of action geared towards smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Finally, I agree with the rapporteur. The Commission document shows the right way forward for the Union, but there is no real strategy for the future, something which Europe is greatly lacking today to help us escape, at least partially, from the crisis.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D), in writing. (RO) I voted in favour of the resolution on ‘A new trade policy for Europe under the Europe 2020 strategy’ because economic growth, prosperity, jobs and the European social model also depend, to a large extent, on EU trade policy. The Commission estimates that 18% of the European Union’s labour force (36 million jobs) is dependent on the EU’s trade performance.

European industry is facing ever-growing global competition from industrialised and emerging countries such as China, India and the states from the Mercosur region in terms of access to resources, technological innovation, skilled labour force, not to mention industrial and innovation policies. The EU is currently the largest source of foreign direct investments (FDI) in India, accounting for 27% of the total FDI in 2009, while trade between the EU and Mercosur is as much as approximately EUR 100 billion per year.

The development of the EU’s industrial policy depends on the availability of resources and raw materials. This is why the EU’s future trade policy must be aimed at securing raw materials and resources so that industrial production and jobs can be preserved across the EU.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Georgios Toussas (GUE/NGL), in writing. (EL) The group of the Greek Communist Party in the European Parliament voted against this report on a new trade policy under the Europe 2020 strategy, which is being used to step up the aggressive approach of monopoly groups in the EU Member States and third countries in order to plunder the wealth of the people and increase the profits of the monopolies, even in the midst of the capitalist crisis. The people know that, when the bourgeoisie talk about ‘opening up the market’ and ‘free trade zones’, they mean an attack on grassroots rights, more exploitation, higher unemployment, greater poverty and more imperialist interventions to safeguard the profits of the monopolies. It is in the people’s interest for the working and grassroots movement to be reformed and to counterattack, to build up the popular alliance, to overturn the anti-grassroots policy and the power of the monopolies and to break free from the EU, with power to the people and a popular economy in which international trade can develop on the basis of mutual benefits for the people.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Viktor Uspaskich (ALDE), in writing. (LT) In the last seven months, Lithuanian trade has come back from the brink. According to information from Eurostat, Lithuanian exports in the first half of 2011 reached EU 9.7 billion, and grew by 41% compared to the first half of 2010 (EUR 6.8 billion). Our imports also grew by 42% to EUR 11 billion. However, perfection knows no bounds. Lithuania needs a new ambitious EU trade policy in order to make best possible use of its trade potential. I agree with the rapporteur that the Commission’s communication on ‘Trade, Growth and World Affairs’ fails to present a forward-looking trade policy. It recognises that our prosperity and growth depend on a functioning international trade system, but only proposes policy guidelines for the next few months, rather than a long-term strategy for the EU, even though we are being confronted with the challenges of a rapidly changing world economy and a dramatic shift in the economic balance of power. I believe that the EU should pay more attention to the human rights of its trading partners. Respect for human rights and democratic principles must be fundamental elements of EU trade policy. This is not negotiable.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Marie-Christine Vergiat (GUE/NGL), in writing. (FR) Today, 27 September, the European Parliament adopted a report pompously titled ‘A new trade policy for Europe under the Europe 2020 strategy’, which actually contains nothing new.

The European Parliament is succumbing to a view of international agreements that are dominated solely by economic needs. It also reaffirms that opening up and gaining access to markets remain the principal objectives.

Although there can no longer be any question of dismissing humanitarian, development and environmental issues, ‘the Commission must give high priority to the EU’s trade interests’ and the other policies may be taken into account only from the point of view of their effects on those trade policies. That says it all.

In other words, there is no risk of the European Union being upset by this report. Economic interests and tackling distortions of competition always take precedence, to the detriment of everything else, especially the interests of populations, whether they live in the European Union or in the countries of the South.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Dominique Vlasto (PPE), in writing.(FR) I welcome the adoption of this report, which presents a fair picture of European trade policy and provides guidelines for its renewal. To uphold its position as the largest trading power, the European Union must encourage free-trade and the conquering of new markets, but not at any price. We must negotiate trade agreements without being naive and impose the principle of reciprocity. These demands obviously have to be adapted to our partners’ level of development and sectors of activity. In my opinion, the Union needs to adopt an integrated approach to its trade policy, as it covers many issues: the competitiveness of production, and socio-economic, health and environmental standards.

That is why I think that we can no longer hand over blank cheques to our partners, in our bilateral agreements or to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Unfair competition is no longer acceptable, as it jeopardises our businesses and our workforce. It would be tragic to sacrifice our economic, social and agricultural model at the altar of short-term considerations. When it comes to our trade agreements, realism and a sense of responsibility must take precedence over uncertainty about expected economic gains. Globalised trade does not necessarily have to be unbalanced trade.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Angelika Werthmann (NI), in writing. (DE) The evaluation of the Global Europe strategy from 2007 shows that many of the targets identified have not been met. The EU’s share of global added value is in decline and continues to lose ground to new players in the global market, such as China or India. In view of the fact that 36 million jobs in the EU depend on foreign trade, there is a need for analyses and strategies that will meet the needs of the Union and its citizens.

 
  
MPphoto
 
 

  Iva Zanicchi (PPE), in writing. (IT) I voted in favour of the report by Mr Caspary, which represents Parliament’s assessment of the EU’s new trade policy strategy, tabled by the Commission in November 2010.

As well as expressing his hope for a more long-term international trade policy from the Commission, Mr Caspary also underlines the need to integrate trade policy more coherently with the EU’s other policies – above all, with industrial policy. European economic and industrial competitiveness is at the core of the trade strategy from now until 2020. We need initiatives that are designed to strengthen trade with the EU’s biggest trading partners, stem the proliferation of customs duties or other forms of customs barriers, ensure access to raw materials (including through new relationships with third-country markets) and avoid unfair practices that are counterproductive for the interests of European businesses.

 
Legal notice - Privacy policy