Пълен протокол на разискванията

Четвъртък, 25 октомври 2007 г. - Страсбург

1. Откриване на заседанието

IN THE CHAIR: Diana WALLIS
Vice-President

(The sitting opened at 10.00)

2. Дейността на Европейския омбудсман (2006 г.) (разискване)

  President. The next item is the report by Luciana Sbarbati, on behalf of the Committee on Petitions, on the annual report on the European Ombudsman’s activities in 2006 (2007/2131(INI) (A6-0301/2007).

We are pleased to welcome the Ombudsman this morning, and Commissioner Wallström.

  Nikiforos Diamandouros, Ombudsman. Madam President, I would like to thank the honourable Members for this opportunity to address Parliament on my Annual Report for 2006. I also wish to thank the rapporteur, Ms Sbarbati, and the Committee on Petitions, for their excellent report.

My report records progress in handling complaints, promoting good administration and providing knowledge about the Ombudsman’s role. I received 3 830 complaints in 2006. That means that the total number of complaints has stabilised at around the level reached following the 53% increase in 2004.

I am delighted to inform you that the proportion of complaints falling within the mandate has gone up. This suggests that citizens are beginning to have a better knowledge both of my mandate and of that of my national and regional colleagues in the European Network of Ombudsmen, which is thus commensurately strengthened to the benefit of all concerned.

The total number of inquiries dealt with in 2006 was 586. Of these, 66% concerned the Commission. Given that the Commission is the EU institution with which citizens have most reason to have material contact, it is normal that it should be the principal target of inquiries.

During 2006, 250 decisions closing inquiries were made. In 95 cases, the inquiry revealed no maladministration. Such a finding is not always negative for the complainant, who at least has the benefit of a full explanation from the institution concerned. Even when maladministration is not found, I may identify opportunities to improve the quality of administration provided by the institutions. If so, I point them out in a further remark.

Many of my inquiries result in a win-win outcome that satisfies both the complainant and the institution complained against. During 2006, 64 cases were settled by the institution concerned to the satisfaction of the complainant.

Whenever I find maladministration, I try to achieve a friendly solution, if possible. Three friendly solutions were achieved in 2006 and a further 27 proposals for such a solution were under consideration by the institution concerned at the end of the year.

When a friendly solution is not possible, I close the case with a critical remark, or make a draft recommendation. A critical remark is appropriate if it is no longer possible for the institution concerned to eliminate the instance of maladministration. I wish to emphasise that the criticism is intended to be constructive, so as to help avoid similar maladministration in the future. In 2006, I closed 41 inquiries in this way.

To better monitor the impact of my criticism and advice, I have this year launched a study of the follow-up to all critical remarks made in 2006, as well as to the 38 cases involving a further remark made during the same year. The results of these studies should provide further encouragement to the institutions concerned to improve their practices and develop a culture of service to citizens.

In cases where it is still possible to eliminate the instance of maladministration, I normally make a draft recommendation to the institution, which must respond with a detailed opinion. During 2006, 13 draft recommendations were made.

If an institution fails to respond satisfactorily to a draft recommendation, I may send a special report to the European Parliament. Two special reports were made in 2006. The first concerned the Council’s responsibility for the choice of languages used in its Presidency websites. The second called on the Commission to deal properly with an infringement complaint concerning sports betting services. I am pleased to report that the Commission reacted promptly and positively to that report.

A new feature of the Annual Report which I wish to highlight, with an eye to supporting and encouraging good administration, concerns what I call ‘star cases’ of good practice by institutions, revealed through my inquiries.

I would now like to mention some other activities that I have undertaken during 2006 with a view to ensuring the best possible service to citizens.

Firstly, I signed a memorandum of understanding with the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS). Our agreement aims to ensure the consistent treatment of complaints that raise issues of data protection and to avoid unnecessary duplication.

The agreement allows me to benefit from the expertise of the EDPS by consulting him in cases where the text of the Data Protection Regulation and existing case-law leave room for divergent views. This has already proved to be a useful mechanism for me when dealing with cases in which it is necessary to reconcile the legal right of access to documents with the right to privacy.

I also signed an agreement with the Spanish Government to enable citizens to complain to the European Ombudsman in any of the co-official languages in Spain. I thus aligned my practice with the conclusions reached in June 2005 by the Council, which provide for the use of those languages to facilitate Spanish citizens’ communication with the EU institutions.

Honourable Members, I am grateful for the support for the work of the European Ombudsman expressed in Ms Sbarbati’s report, and I would like to inform Parliament that, as requested in her report, I am already engaged in preparing the ground for a memorandum of understanding with the European Investment Bank.

Given that the implementation of EU law is largely the responsibility of Member States’ administrations, I will continue to develop cooperation through the European network of ombudsmen. I am happy to inform you that the sixth meeting of the network took place last week in this very building. At the conclusion of that successful meeting, we adopted by consensus a statement that aims to make the EU dimension of the work of national and regional ombudsmen better known, and to clarify the service they provide to people who complain about matters that fall within the scope of EU law.

The voluntary cooperation among ombudsmen that is now crystallised in the statement can, I believe, make an important and growing contribution to the European Union’s ability to deliver concrete results, by ensuring that citizens can enjoy their rights as an everyday reality and that problems are solved in ways that are close to the citizen.

The European Ombudsman was established to help bring the Union closer to citizens and to give the EU administration a ‘human face’. A fundamental aspect of our institution is that the Ombudsman is an individual who communicates personally with citizens, who reviews their cases, and who seeks to resolve their problems and complaints.

Each one of these ‘microcommunications’ constitutes an opportunity to build trust between citizens and the institutions. In pursuit of this goal, I will continue to promote a constructive dialogue with the institutions and to draw their attention to problems so that they can improve their performance.

The way in which a public administration reacts to complaints is a key measure of how citizen-focused it is. While progress has been made in many areas, the year 2006 regrettably saw a rise in the proportion of cases which I had to close with a critical remark.

That should be cause for concern for anyone who wants better relations between the EU and its citizens. Complaints offer an opportunity to put things right and to demonstrate that the institution concerned is serious about respecting the citizens’ fundamental right to good administration.

I am not sure that citizens can easily reconcile the statements often made by institutions concerning their desire to get ‘closer to the citizen’, and for ‘more openness’, with the fact that the very same institutions frequently fail to take up the opportunities offered by the Ombudsman to improve relations and increase transparency. I am positively encouraged, however, by a number of indications that, during the present year, 2007, there is a much greater willingness to take up the opportunities offered by my inquiries to resolve complaints.

Such cooperation is essential, because the Ombudsman cannot succeed alone. Ensuring a top-class administration is a task that must be tackled in tandem with the EU institutions. Delivering on promises, providing proper redress mechanisms, learning from mistakes, working openly and allowing for public scrutiny – these are the all-important ‘means’ towards building trust.

Equally, the European Ombudsman must work concertedly and systematically with national and regional colleagues to ensure that citizens’ rights are fully respected throughout the Union. Finally, the Ombudsman must continue to reach out to citizens so that they can become aware of his services.

With Parliament’s support and guidance, I will continue to endeavour to build on existing achievements with a view to truly fulfilling my institutional mandate of bringing the Union closer to citizens and giving the EU administration a ‘human face’.

  Luciana Sbarbati (ALDE), relatrice. – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, vorrei ringraziare dall'inizio il Mediatore per l'eccellente lavoro che ha svolto, testimoniato anche in questo rapporto puntuale. Così come pure i Servizi giuridici della Commissione e tutti i miei colleghi parlamentari della commissione e in particolare lo shadow rapporteur e l'onorevole Mavrommatis, per la collaborazione che ho avuto.

La cultura di servizio al cittadino che ha come obiettivo prioritario un'amministrazione pubblica di qualità, trasparente, prossima, rapida e cooperativa è stata promossa e alimentata a livello comunitario grazie allo sforzo congiunto della commissione delle petizioni e del Mediatore. Il suo atto di nascita si può far risalire alla risoluzione del 6 settembre 2001, data di adozione del Parlamento europeo del codice di buona condotta amministrativa, proposto dall'Ombudsman europeo.

D'altra parte, dal trattato di Maastricht, la cittadinanza europea ha compiuto un grande salto di qualità offrendo la possibilità a ogni cittadino di sottoporre una petizione a un organo parlamentare che ne rimane unico arbitro, oppure di ricorrere ad un organo più tecnico, che pure operando nella sfera extragiudiziale, segue un procedimento senza escludere il controllo parlamentare, nel caso di riluttanza dell'istituzione comunitaria responsabile della cattiva amministrazione.

Delle statistiche non parlerò, ne ha già parlato il Mediatore e sono quelle confermate nel rapporto. I casi di cattiva amministrazione oggi si fondano sulla mancanza di trasparenza, del diniego di informazioni, sull'abuso di potere, sull'errore giuridico, sull'inadempienza dei ruoli, specie per la Commissione, per quanto riguarda il suo essere guardiana del trattato.

Le decisioni del Mediatore non sono giuridicamente vincolanti, ma le garanzie che egli offre con la sua attività contribuiscono a rafforzare i poteri di persuasione. Egli si avvale del sostegno attivo della commissione per le petizioni davanti alla quale è intervenuto in quattro riunioni, nel 2006, nonché della cooperazione della rete europea dei difensori civici, di cui sono auspicabili il completamento e il miglioramento. Segnalo il caso dell'Italia, che ancora non ha un Mediatore nazionale.

Va comunque sottolineato che per evitare conflitti di competenza fra il lavoro del Mediatore e quello della commissione per le petizioni, le pratiche con effetto definitivo devono essere reciprocamente scambiate in tempo reale.

Il rapporto suddivide le decisioni sulle inchieste concluse nel 2006 in diverse categorie: mancanza di apertura delle istituzioni e degli organi comunitari (25% delle inchieste); il ruolo della Commissione come garante del trattato in relazione alla procedura di cui all'articolo 266; la gestione dei contratti, delle indennità e dei sussidi; l'assunzione e la gestione del personale nelle istituzioni comunitarie.

Spesso i procedimenti si risolvono con osservazioni critiche, che sono un'arma preventiva per scongiurare in futuro il ripetersi di casi di cattiva amministrazione, quando la raccomandazione è inutile. Diversi sono gli esempi riportati dal Mediatore che si possono leggere tranquillamente sul rapporto.

Al riguardo, la commissione per le petizioni chiede però al Mediatore di svolgere uno studio dettagliato sull'impatto concreto delle osservazioni critiche che lui ha formulato nell'ambito delle inchieste del 2006. Spesso infatti il fatto che le istituzioni si siano dotate di un codice di condotta amministrativa buona non è garanzia sufficiente per l'impianto di una vera cultura di servizio.

La relazione peraltro evidenzia ancora oggi zone d'ombra circa l'abuso di poteri discrezionali da parte della Commissione per non aver agito nella fase precontenziosa relativa alla procedura di infrazione, trincerandosi dietro considerazioni politiche. Nel campo contrattuale della gestione del personale, alcune delle inchieste avviate d'ufficio dal Mediatore dimostrano come i suoi poteri costituiscono un pungolo efficace, volto a stimolare quel principio sano dell'autotutela dell'amministrazione a cui si deve ricorrere sempre di più.

Va invece evitata, secondo la commissione per le petizioni, la non sintonia di tempi e vedute sul trattamento delle stesse fattispecie fra Mediatore e Parlamento, mediante un dialogo costante e costruttivo.

Un particolare invito al Mediatore rispetto al controllo sull'apparato di EPSO viene rivolto dalla commissione per le petizioni ancora una volta al fine di tutelare i diritti dei candidati, soprattutto giovani, nelle procedure concorsuali del Parlamento europeo, come pure su presunte discriminazioni che ci sono state segnalate presso la Scuola europea di Bruxelles.

Dal rapporto di quest'anno emerge, onorevole Presidente, un Mediatore che è attore della vita democratica dell'Unione. Un intermediario privilegiato dei cittadini nelle relazioni con la pubblica amministrazione. Egli traccia, con la sua efficace attività, la linea di confine fra buona e cattiva amministrazione, suggerendo comportamenti riparativi o soluzioni soddisfacenti per i ricorrenti, così da trasformare i comportamenti viziati in comportamenti virtuosi.

A tal uopo sarebbe quindi opportuno che egli stilasse non solo, signor Mediatore, un elenco delle buone prassi amministrative che contempli solamente i casi esemplari in termini positivi, ma anche quelli negativi. Il principio cardine infatti su cui ci si deve sempre richiamare è l'eguaglianza democratica di tutti i cittadini europei, senza distinzioni o discriminazioni nazionali o linguistiche; e su questo si richiama il Mediatore per proseguire nella vigilanza a tutela proprio della parità linguistica.

La commissione per le petizioni è favorevole ad uno snellimento della procedura per un più rapido esame della relazione annuale del Mediatore ed è favorevole anche all'adeguamento dello statuto, perché le modifiche comportino semplicemente una dilatazione qualitativa dei poteri del Mediatore e non incidano sulla natura della sua competenza né sull'assenza di efficacia coercitiva di tutte le sue decisioni.

  Margot Wallström, Vice-President of the Commission. Madam President, the Commission should ‘take a leading role in promoting a service culture’. When the Ombudsman said this in the introduction to his Annual Report, I could not agree more. The European Union needs to be closer to its citizens, to explain better, to listen better and to deliver good policies. To have a top-quality public administration is a necessary condition for that. To have a well-equipped watchdog to monitor our progress is equally important to our common success. The Ombudsman acts as an external control mechanism for sound and accountable administration on the part of the European Union institutions and bodies.

I therefore very much welcome the Ombudsman’s Annual Report for 2006, and I want to stress that the relations between the Commission and the Ombudsman are very positive. For example, the number of open enquiries addressed to the Commission decreased by 20% in 2006 in relation to 2005 and 2004, and we more frequently acknowledge our mistakes and apologise. We seek satisfactory solutions for complainants, just as we follow up the critical remarks and the draft recommendations of the Ombudsman.

I also welcome Ms Sbarbati’s very important report and the constructive proposals in it. Just as I agree with the Ombudsman’s call for a service culture, I agree with Ms Sbarbati’s call for the necessary budgetary and human resources. We are judged by our deeds and not by our words, so we need to really ensure that citizens receive prompt and substantive responses, as Ms Sbarbati says in her report.

Let me briefly comment on a few particular points in the report. First, the Commission welcomes the Ombudsman’s initiative to draw up a list of ‘star’ cases exemplifying best practices. We also welcome this initiative to prepare a study on the follow-up given by the Commission and other institutions and bodies to the critical comments and further remarks of the Ombudsman. I hope this can contribute to improving practices to the benefit of citizens.

Secondly, regarding the alleged overlaps between the activities and powers of the Committee on Petitions and those of the Ombudsman, the Commission reiterates its willingness to work with those two bodies within the framework of their respective remit, and the definition of that remit does not fall within the Commission’s competence.

Thirdly, Parliament has requested the Commission make proper use of its discretionary powers under Article 226 relating to infringement procedures. Of course, we should avoid delays or failure to take action, and that is why the Commission recently adopted a communication on the implementation of Community law, and we laid down more targeted preventive measures, improved information provision and problem solving. In short, this was the Commission’s new commitment: to seek a more efficient management of infringement cases and increased transparency.

Concerning Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 on public access to documents, as you know, the review of this Regulation is under way, and the Ombudsman’s contribution to the consultation has been very much welcomed. Only a few weeks ago we had a meeting with the Interinstitutional Committee on public access to documents which was chaired by Vice-President Wallis, and I want to thank her for taking this matter about public access to documents forward in a very constructive way.

My penultimate point concerns the Ombudsman’s Statute. It is being dealt with in a separate context but, as it is mentioned in the report, I just want to assure you that the Commission closely monitors the developments, and that contacts are under way between the Commission and the Ombudsman at different hierarchical levels. I want this issue to progress in a spirit of close cooperation between the Council, Parliament and the Commission.

Lastly, concerning the Ombudsman’s communication strategy and the European network of Ombudsmen, we need to share experiences and administrative practices. We need to raise public awareness and to bring citizens closer to the EU. The Ombudsman has a very important stake in this, and so does the European Parliament and the Committee on Petitions. This is important to me and the whole Commission, and you can be sure that we will do our absolute best to cooperate and find good, forward-looking solutions.

  Μανώλης Μαυρομμάτης, εξ ονόματος της ομάδας PPE-DE. – Κυρία Πρόεδρε, αγαπητοί συνάδελφοι, θα ήθελα κατ’ αρχάς να ευχαριστήσω και να συγχαρώ τη συντάκτρια της έκθεσης για την ετήσια έκθεση των δραστηριοτήτων του Ευρωπαίου Διαμεσολαβητή για το 2006, τη συνάδελφο κ. Sbarbati, τη γραμματεία της επιτροπής μας για τη βοήθειά της στη σύνταξη της έκθεσης αυτής, καθώς και τον Ευρωπαίο Διαμεσολαβητή, τον κ. Νικηφόρο Διαμαντούρο, για την έγκαιρη κατάθεση της ετήσιας έκθεσής του για το 2006 και για την μετέπειτα συνεργασία του με την Επιτροπή Αναφορών.

Ο Διαμεσολαβητής, αγαπητοί συνάδελφοι, είναι ένας θεσμός ανεξάρτητος και ένας μηχανισμός ελέγχου της διοίκησης της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. Παρ’ όλη όμως τη δραστηριότητα του κ. Διαμαντούρου για την ενημέρωση του κοινού, εξακολουθεί να επικρατεί σύγχυση σε ότι αφορά τους τομείς δικαιοδοσίας του Ευρωπαίου Διαμεσολαβητή. Θα πρέπει να συνεχιστεί επομένως η προσπάθεια ενημέρωσης του κοινού και η ανάλογη οικονομική υποστήριξη εκ μέρους της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. Για το λόγο αυτό καταθέσαμε εκ νέου, ως Ομάδα του Ευρωπαϊκού Λαϊκού Κόμματος, σχετική τροπολογία με την οποία ζητούμε την ολοένα και μεγαλύτερη συμμετοχή των μέσων μαζικής ενημέρωσης στη δημοσιοποίηση του έργου του Ευρωπαίου Διαμεσολαβητή.

Στην έκθεση για τις δραστηριότητες του Ευρωπαίου Διαμεσολαβητή, ως σκιώδης εισηγητής, προσπάθησα να συμβάλω με τροπολογίες που κατέθεσα και υποστήριξα. Με την υιοθέτηση των τροπολογιών αυτών, ουσιαστικά, παρατηρήθηκε πρόοδος στους εξής τομείς των δραστηριοτήτων του Ευρωπαίου Διαμεσολαβητή:

Πρώτον, ζητήθηκε από τον Ευρωπαίο Διαμεσολαβητή να συνεχίσει να διεξάγει έρευνες όσον αφορά τα θέματα που εμπίπτουν στον τρίτο πυλώνα.

Δεύτερον, οι εκθέσεις που αφορούν τον Ευρωπαίο Διαμεσολαβητή θα πρέπει να μεταφράζονται εγκαίρως σε όλες τις επίσημες γλώσσες της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης, και ιδιαίτερα όσον αφορά την ετήσια έκθεση του Ευρωπαίου Διαμεσολαβητή.

Τρίτον, ο Ευρωπαίος Διαμεσολαβητής θα πρέπει να διατηρήσει τις καλές σχέσεις με τα μέλη της Επιτροπής Αναφορών και να συνεργάζεται μαζί τους προκειμένου να επιτυγχάνονται τα επιθυμητά αποτελέσματα.

Τέλος, καλείται το ευρωπαϊκό δίκτυο των Διαμεσολαβητών να μεγαλώσει και να συμπεριλάβει στους κόλπους του τους Διαμεσολαβητές με ειδικές αρμοδιότητες, όπως το Διαμεσολαβητή για την προστασία των ανηλίκων, για τα οικογενειακά προβλήματα, για την προστασία των προσωπικών δεδομένων, για τα δικαιώματα των φυλακισμένων και για τα δικαιώματα των ασθενών.

  Alexandra Dobolyi, on behalf of the PSE Group. – Madam President, I would like to start by thanking Mr Diamandouros and Ms Wallström for their presentations and Ms Sbarbati for her excellent report.

The Lisbon Treaty just agreed opens the door to the European Union’s exit from a long-standing phase whereby its ability to function effectively on behalf of its citizens has been held back. We have a long-needed institutional system that works more effectively, but it also opens the door to so much more.

I welcome the solemn proclamation of the Charter of the Presidents of the Institutions that will be made on 12 December. The inclusion of the Charter of Fundamental Rights as part of the legal order in the European Union will allow for the Union to begin to work on more effective, transparent and democratic foundations. European citizens expect, and will continue to expect, that the Union’s institutions will act in accordance with its basic principles: with the Charter, and with efficiency, effectiveness and openness.

The European Ombudsman is one vital part of the democratic structure and functioning of the Union. The largest proportion of the Ombudsman’s enquiries concern lack of transparency. This is an area of our activities that we must improve if we are to become more credible in the eyes of the citizens. I am delighted with the work of the Ombudsman, as explained in his annual report and in his speech. He took a number of important decisions during 2006, including, not least, on the choice of the languages used in the websites of the European Presidencies of the Council, on inaccurate and misleading information contained in leaflets, posters and video presentations on air passenger rights produced by the Commission, and on access to the audit report of the European Investment Bank.

It is important that we support the work of the Ombudsman, as well as the work of the Committee on Petitions, as it is through handling complaints and petitions on EU matters from citizens that we can find out what is not working well at European level and take corrective measures. Cases being brought to the Ombudsman and the Committee on Petitions are of increasing complexity and therefore require a greater investment of resources by the institutions, in order that the citizens’ concerns are properly addressed.

In this context I would like to remind Members of Paragraph 2 of Ms Sbarbati’s report: ‘Calls for all European institutions and bodies to be given the necessary budgetary and human resources to ensure that citizens receive prompt and substantive responses to their enquiries, complaints and petitions’. There will be no better way of putting the Charter of Fundamental Rights into practice than taking this on board, and I call on all the institutions and bodies to give priority to the interests of the citizens in this respect.

  Anneli Jäätteenmäki, ALDE-ryhmän puolesta. – Arvoisa puhemies, arvoisa komission varapuheenjohtaja Margot Wallström, arvoisa Euroopan oikeusasiamies Nikiforos Diamandouros, arvoisat kollegat. Heti aluksi haluan kiittää mietinnön laatijaa erinomaisesta työstä.

Euroopan oikeusasiamiehen tehtävästä on vuosien varrella tullut yhä tärkeämpi Euroopan unionin kansalaisten kannalta. Sen jälkeen, kun EU:n perusoikeuskirja tulee voimaan, oikeusasiamiehen tehtävästä tulee entistäkin tärkeämpi. Tämä tarkoittaa sitä, että tulevaisuudessa on pidettävä vielä tarkemmin huolta siitä, että oikeusasiamiehellä on riittävät toimintaresurssit ja että hänen toimintasääntönsä vastaa nykyaikaa.

Komission jäsen Margot Wallström kiinnitti huomiota avoimuuteen. Toivoisinkin, että nyt kun Euroopan oikeusasiamiehen toimintasääntöä ollaan muuttamassa, komission edustajan äsken lausumat sanat, avoimuuden edistäminen ja sen edistäminen, että komissiolta saadaan tarvittavat tiedot, toteutuisivat, koska vain teot merkitsevät, eivät sanat.

Oikeusasiamiehen vuosikertomus ja sen tiivistelmä ovat erinomainen esimerkki siitä, miten meidän työtämme pitäisi esitellä kansalaisille. Kertomus on selkeä, tiivis ja naseva. Avoimuus on avain eurooppalaiseen demokratiaan ja sen tärkein rakennusaine.

Perusoikeuskirjan 41 artiklan mukaan jokaisella kansalaisella on oikeus siihen, että unionin toimielimet ja laitokset käsittelevät hänen asiansa puolueettomasti, oikeudenmukaisesti ja kohtuullisessa ajassa. Se on paljon sanottu, ja se velvoittaa kaikkia Euroopan unionin toimielimiä sekä tietysti myös oikeusasiamiehen virastoa. Näin ollen haluan korostaa, että kyseiset resurssit on turvattava niin, ettei kansalaisten tarvitse odottaa vuosikausia päätöksiä heitä koskevissa asioissa, koska päätösten odottaminen on raskasta.

Haluan lopuksi kiittää oikeusasiamiestä hänen tekemästään työstä ja toivottaa hänelle parhainta menestystä tässä varsin haastavassa tehtävässä. Sitä ei ehkä aina arvosteta tarpeeksi, sillä perusoikeudet toteutuvat eliitillä paremmin kuin tavallisilla kansalaisilla.

  Mieczysław Edmund Janowski, w imieniu grupy UEN. – Pani Przewodnicząca! Dziękuję pani Sbarbati za wykonaną pracę. Z uznaniem odnoszę się do dokonań Europejskiego Rzecznika Praw Obywatelskich prof. Nikiforosa Diamandurosa. Wyrażam w ten sposób pogląd UEN i stanowisko przewodniczącego Komisji Petycji pana Marcina Libickiego, który nie mogąc uczestniczyć w dzisiejszym posiedzeniu, prosił mnie o to.

Hominum causa omne ius constitutum sit – wszelkie prawo powinno być stosowane ze względu na człowieka.Tta rzymska zasada znajduje odzwierciedlenie w pracy rzecznika, który działając zgodnie z uprawnieniami, stara się strzec skutecznie podstawowej zasady mówiącej, że każda osoba ma prawo do bezstronnego i sprawiedliwego rozpatrzenia jej sprawy przez organy i instytucje Unii.

Z analizy sprawozdania wynika, że jedynie około 25% wniesionych skarg mieści się w uprawnieniach rzecznika. Czyżby nasi obywatele nie znali prawa? Może to w jakiejś mierze jest prawdą. Myślę jednak, że jest inaczej, że traktują oni instytucję rzecznika jako ostatnią deskę ratunku, nie mogąc znaleźć należytej pomocy w swych krajach. O czymś podobnym świadczy także zakres i ilość wniosków wpływających do Komisji Petycji. Jeśli poczucie niesprawiedliwego, opieszałego, niekompetentnego czy biurokratycznego traktowania ludzi będzie się rozszerzać, to Kodeks dobrego postępowania administracyjnego będzie jedynie zbiorem życzeń, nie zaś praktyką codziennych działań.

Panie Profesorze! Niech Pan jako rzecznik będzie skutecznym strażnikiem interesu obywateli Wspólnoty, zaś Parlament, Rada i Komisja oraz parlamenty krajowe i krajowi rzecznicy niech służą pomocą w tym działaniu.

  Margrete Auken, for Verts/ALE-Gruppen. – Fru formand! Jeg vil ikke gentage alle de gode ting, der er blevet sagt, ud over blot også at takke både vores ombudsmand og Margot Wallström. Desuden vil jeg sige noget, som det er vigtigt at få understreget her. Jeg er forholdsvis nyt medlem af Udvalget for Borgerklager, som det bør hedde på forståeligt dansk, Udvalget for Borgerklager. Jeg har til min bestyrtelse ved at være ude i samfundet opdaget, at det snart sagt kun er de borgere, der er aktive, som mange steder overvåger, om EU-lovgivningen bliver respekteret. Institutionerne gør det ikke, medlemslandene gør det ikke. Det vil sige, at hvis ikke borgerne gør det, så falder det hele fra hinanden. Borgerne er altså ikke kun ofre for enkeltsager - de er minsandten også de aktive medspillere, som arbejder for, at EU's meget svært gennemskuelige system skal blive forståeligt og borgernært.

Vi skal også være klar over, at selv hvis vi udstyrer vores redskaber, altså Ombudsmanden og Udvalget for Borgerklager, med de rette midler, er det en evig kamp. Der foregår lige nu et angreb på den svenske åbenhed og adgang til dokumenter. Man skal ikke tro, at dette er en kamp, vi kan vinde én gang for alle. Vi skal blive ved og blive ved, og vi vinder ikke kampen på noget tidspunkt. Vi vinder den kun ved fortsat at have de meget stærke instrumenter.

Lad mig her fremhæve, at jeg er meget glad for fru Sbarbatis betænkning, men gerne vil understrege de ændringsforslag, vi heldigvis med stor støtte har fået ind i betænkningen. For det første bliver det nu muligt for Parlamentet at gå til Domstolen med Ombudsmandens sager, hvis ikke institutionerne respekterer Ombudsmanden. Det er en utrolig afgørende ting, at dette kan blive ført ud i virkeligheden og ikke bare være noget, vi går og praler af i hele verden. Vi har en ombudsmandsinstitution, vi har et Udvalg for Borgerklager, og så betyder det ikke andet end ord, ord, ord. Derfor er dette spørgsmål utrolig betydningsfuldt.

For det andet er der Den Europæiske Investeringsbank. Banken er mange gange ikke helt så nydelig, som den burde være. Den opfører sig mange gange, som om den var håndlanger for de store industrier, og derfor er det helt afgørende, at de borgere, der skulle have gavn af bankens aktiviteter i lande uden for Europa, har mulighed for at indbringe sagerne for Ombudsmanden. Det er egentlig ganske rystende, at de er blevet afvist, med henvisning til at de ikke var EU-borgere og ikke havde noget at skulle have sagt. Man har behandlet dem nedladende og arrogant, og derfor er jeg også meget glad for, at det i denne betænkning nu er blevet understreget, at disse borgere naturligvis har adgang til Ombudsmanden med deres klager.

Lad mig lige til allersidst også nævne, at det er vigtigt, at vi har fået understreget, at Ombudsmanden har kompetence også på de mellemstatslige områder under tredje søjle. Alt i alt er det faktisk et stort fremskridt, der sker med denne betænkning, og jeg håber meget, at både Kommissionen og Parlamentets organer vil tage dette alvorligt.

  Δημήτριος Παπαδημούλης, εξ ονόματος της ομάδας GUE/NGL. – Κυρία Πρόεδρε, η σημερινή συζήτηση, η εξαιρετική δουλειά επί τεσσερισήμισι χρόνια του Ευρωπαίου Διαμεσολαβητή, του κυρίου Νικηφόρου Διαμαντούρου, όπως και η εξαιρετική έκθεση της κυρίας Sbarbati, είναι μια ευκαιρία για το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο – αλλά και για την Επιτροπή, κυρία Αντιπρόεδρε, – για να δει πως βλέπουν οι πολίτες τα όργανα της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης.

Είναι μεγάλη η μερίδα των πολιτών που ζητεί περισσότερη διαφάνεια και χρηστή διοίκηση. Και δεν την βρίσκει επαρκώς.

Στην έκθεση του κυρίου Διαμαντούρου σημειώνω ορισμένα ανησυχητικά σημάδια: μειώθηκαν οι υποθέσεις που λύθηκαν με φιλικό διακανονισμό. Μειώθηκαν οι υποθέσεις όπου η Επιτροπή (που τώρα δεν με ακούει η κυρία Αντιπρόεδρος) συμμορφώθηκε με τις υποδείξεις του Ευρωπαίου Διαμεσολαβητή.

Δεν αρκεί να συγχαίρουμε τον Ευρωπαίο Διαμεσολαβητή, κυρία Αντιπρόεδρε, αλλά πρέπει και να ακούμε τις υποδείξεις του. Ο κύριος Διαμαντούρος ζητεί, και σωστά, να διευρυνθούν οι αρμοδιότητές του και στα θέματα του τρίτου πυλώνα, έτσι ώστε και εκεί να υπάρχει μεγαλύτερη διαφάνεια και έλεγχος. Ζητεί να αλλάξει το Καταστατικό για τον Ευρωπαίο Διαμεσολαβητή, έτσι ώστε να γίνεται αποτελεσματικότερη η δουλειά του.

Νομίζω ότι έχει την υποστήριξη του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου. Είναι ανάγκη όμως να έχει και την υποστήριξη της Επιτροπής όχι στα λόγια αλλά στην πράξη.

  Luca Romagnoli, a nome del gruppo ITS. – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, la relazione della signora Sbarbati ci informa che le statistiche del 2006 indicano che di circa 3 800 e rotte denunce oltre il 90% sono ad opera di singoli cittadini, il che è un dato senz'altro interessante. Ci informa sempre la Sbarbati che la maggioranza delle denunce provengono dai paesi maggiori, di maggior popolazione dell'Unione e ci dice però che se consideriamo la ratio popolazione / numero di denunce, il dato cambia e primeggiano tra i paesi con maggior numero di denunce il Lussemburgo e i paesi di nuova adesione, Malta, Cipro, Slovenia. Questo credo vada d'accordo con il fatto che, per quello che riguarda lo stretto del lavoro del Mediatore, ci si rifà a questioni di carattere europeo, di competenza e legislazione europea.

È interessante però notare a mio giudizio, che più che di un Mediatore europeo servirebbe che funzionassero i difensori civici in questi paesi e in particolare in Italia, tant'è che mi sembra di leggere che oltre il 95% dei casi esaminati, in maggioranza, questi esulano dal mandato del Mediatore europeo stesso, in quanto che le denunce non riguardano l'istituzione o un organo comunitario.

I casi di cattiva amministrazione riguardano la mancanza di trasparenza, l'iniquità, l'abuso di potere, l'errore giuridico e quant'altro. Non ci sono dati di inefficienza e di ingiustizia amministrativa per quello che riguarda il mio paese, sono certo che se in questo ci fossero dati e fossero portati all'attenzione del Mediatore europeo, l'Italia sarebbe campione, soprattutto le amministrazioni di sinistra del mio paese.

Non stupisce invece che nella classifica emerga in modo palese l'abuso dei poteri discrezionali della commissione, esorto quindi il Mediatore europeo a meglio vigilare tra le relazioni tra il cittadino, Consiglio, Commissione e Parlamento.

Condivido infine che il campo di interesse del difensore dovrebbe essere ampliato alla tutela dei minori, ai problemi familiari, alla protezione dei dati personali, ai diritti dei carcerati e in questo quindi condivido l'emendamento Mavrommatis. Non condivido invece affatto, cara collega e caro collega Mavrommatis, l'esortazione a condurre indagini anche nell'ambito del cosiddetto terzo pilastro. Questo mi dispiace, non lo condivido. Mi complimento comunque con la Sbarbati per l'impegno profuso con il Mediatore europeo.

  Robert Atkins (PPE-DE). – Madam President, I would like to congratulate the rapporteur and, through her, my colleague, Mr Mavrommatis, but, of course, especially the Ombudsman himself on another successful year.

Three hundred or so complaints a month is a huge workload and equates both to rising interest in the system but also to rising concern at aspects of EU maladministration. Whilst many cases are dealt with by cooperation, the Ombudsman refers to the increase in critical comment that he is forced to make. This must improve, or Parliament will have to find ways of compelling the Commission to be helpful and responsive and, equally, to act upon the conclusions produced by the Ombudsman.

He makes telling comments. I want to pick out one: ‘I am not sure that the citizen can easily reconcile the statements often made by the institutions that they want to get “closer to the citizen” with the fact that the very same institutions frequently fail to take up the opportunities offered by the Ombudsman to improve relations.’ The services of the Ombudsman should, and do, work hand in hand with the Committee on Petitions, but the Commission must develop a culture of service rather than the avoidance of problems, and Ministers and permanent representatives must understand the vital importance of responding positively to grievances from constituents and citizens, voiced either through the Ombudsman or the Petitions Committee.

Finally, may I make a brief reference to an outstanding special report by the Ombudsman, namely that relating to a complaint against OLAF. As the Petitions Committee rapporteur for this issue, I give notice now that, the judicial process having been completed on this case, I will not allow the issue of the special report to be swept under the carpet. It will be reconsidered as soon as is practically possible.

May I conclude with thanks, again, not only to you, Madam President, for delighting us with your presence, but also to the Ombudsman and the Commissioner for being here as well.

  Μαρία Ματσούκα (PSE). – Κυρία Πρόεδρε, φαίνεται ότι μάλλον έχουμε αρχίσει να αντιλαμβανόμαστε πόσο σημαντικό είναι οι ευρωπαίοι πολίτες να αισθάνονται κοντά τους την Ένωση μέσα από δημοκρατικούς και κυρίως διαφανείς θεσμούς.

Ο κατ’ εξοχήν θεσμός πρόσληψης των διαμαρτυριών των πολιτών και ταυτόχρονα ο θεσμός που μπορεί, προφανέστερα από όλους, να κάνει τους πολίτες να νοιώθουν πως η Ένωση ασχολείται και αντιδρά στα προβλήματά τους, υποδεικνύοντας το δρόμο προς την παραδοχή και τη διόρθωση των λαθών της διοίκησης, είναι ο θεσμός του Ευρωπαίου Διαμεσολαβητή.

Θα ήθελα να συγχαρώ την εισηγήτρια για τη φιλοσοφία της έκθεσής της. Δίνει τη δέουσα έμφαση στο ρόλο του Διαμεσολαβητή ως βασικού παράγοντα του δημοκρατικού χαρακτήρα της Ένωσης.

Με ανησυχεί ωστόσο το γεγονός ότι, παρότι τα φαινόμενα κακοδιοίκησης μειώθηκαν -όπου επιτεύχθηκε φιλικός διακανονισμός- οι επικριτικές παρατηρήσεις του Διαμεσολαβητή δεν έτυχαν αποδοχής σε ικανοποιητικό βαθμό από τα θεσμικά όργανα.

Σωστά λοιπόν υπενθυμίζει η εισηγήτρια το δικαίωμα του Κοινοβουλίου για προσφυγή στο Δικαστήριο, το οποίο βεβαίως δεν είναι το ζητούμενο. Θα πρέπει όμως όλοι όσοι βρισκόμαστε εδώ σήμερα να κατανοούμε ότι οι θεσμοί είμαστε εμείς οι ίδιοι – και, κατ’ επέκταση, η αξιοπιστία τους εξαρτάται και από τη δική μας στάση.

Συμφωνώ, επίσης, απόλυτα με την άποψη της εισηγήτριας περί ισορροπημένου αλλά και ταυτόχρονα ενεργού τρόπου άσκησης των καθηκόντων.

Ο Διαμεσολαβητής δεν είναι, δεν μπορεί και δεν πρέπει να λειτουργεί ως προσωπείο δημοκρατικότητας της Ένωσης. Αυτό πρέπει να το αποδεχθούμε, να το συναποφασίσουμε και κυρίως να αναλάβουμε τις ευθύνες μας. Να είμαστε δηλαδή θαρραλέοι στις αποφάσεις μας, αλλά κυρίως πιο διαφανείς σε ό,τι επί της ουσίας μας αφορά.

  Marios Matsakis (ALDE). – Madam President, the most important aspect of the existence of the EU and its institutions is to uphold the fundamental principles of justice, democracy and respect for human rights, especially with reference to the citizens of Europe. Our Union would have no raison d’être or functional purpose if it did not have as its main objective to offer a fair, comprehensive and efficient service to the people of Europe.

The European citizen was, is, and always will be, the centre of our efforts as a functioning Union. It is mainly for this reason that the activities of the Ombudsman are of such paramount importance. This is because the Ombudsman is the friend and guardian of the European citizen and is the facility through which Community institutions and bodies can be held to account over whether they have served the citizen properly and whether they are guilty of maladministration or bad practice.

We welcome the 2006 Annual Report from Mr Diamandouros and congratulate and thank him for the very good work he and his staff have performed in upholding the rights of European citizens. At the same time, we congratulate the rapporteur, Ms Sbarbati, on her excellent report, which contains many important points and suggestions. I find most interesting, for example, the suggestion made in paragraph 12, which in effect encourages the Ombudsman to draw up and publish annually a list of shame and a roll of honour for the EU’s administrative services.

May I point out that the proper functioning of the Ombudsman may inevitably, in rare instances, lead him to be disliked by certain services. In such cases, the Ombudsman deserves – and must be reassured of – our full support.

Lastly, may I commend the active support and cooperation the Committee on Petitions has shown the Ombudsman in the performance of his duties. The work of both those entities is very often interlinked, and their smooth cooperation is to be much appreciated and praised.

  Ryszard Czarnecki (UEN). – Pani Przewodnicząca! Reprezentuję Polskę kraj, który zajmuje piąte miejsce w statystyce ilości skarg do Europejskiego Rzecznika Praw Obywatelskich. Co szesnasta składana skarga do rzecznika pochodzi z mojego kraju. Prawie co dwudziesta jest napisana w języku polskim. Mówię oczywiście o liczbach bezwzględnych, ponieważ w przeliczeniu na jednego mieszkańca znacznie bardziej niż moi rodacy aktywni w składaniu skarg są np. mieszkańcy Luksemburga, Malty czy Cypru.

Warto podkreślić, że w ubiegłym roku europejski ombudsman otrzymał mniej skarg niż w roku 2005. Tylko trochę ponad 200 skarg pochodziło od firm i stowarzyszeń, a aż 18 razy więcej od osób fizycznych.

Można powiedzieć, że funkcjonowanie Europejskiego Rzecznika Praw Obywatelskich jest najlepszą wizytówką informatyzacji w Unii Europejskiej. 12 skarg na 20 jest składanych drogą elektroniczną.

Z kolei sporą porażką, wizytówką małej świadomości obywateli krajów Unii jest fakt, że prawie 4/5 skarg w ogóle nie wchodziło w zakres odpowiedzialności euroombudsmana. Świadczy to o tym, że instytucja ta jest traktowana jako recepta na wszelkie bolączki, nawet te niedotyczące instytucji unijnych, które w założeniu ma kontrolować europejski RPO. Widocznie Europejczycy sądzą, że unijny rzecznik praw ma być batem na wszystkich.

Kończąc, wyrażam zadowolenie, że tylko 8% dochodzeń wszczętych przez rzecznika dotyczyło Parlamentu Europejskiego, natomiast aż 66% Komisji Europejskiej.

  Eva-Britt Svensson (GUE/NGL). – Tack fru talman! Ombudsmannens kritik mot bristande öppenhet är en nödvändig och välbehövlig kritik. Jag välkomnar också parlamentets förslag att ombudsmannen bör göra en undersökning av de praktiska effekterna av de kritiska anmärkningar som gjorts mot bl. a. kommissionen. Visst är det så att parlamentet ofta står rörande enigt i att kritisera andra institutioner, men det finns faktiskt goda skäl för parlamentet att även vara självkritiskt. Ombudsmannen har nyligen begärt att parlamentet ska lämna ut uppgifter om ersättningar som ledamöterna får för resor och för att anställa personal, men parlamentet har vägrat att lämna ut uppgifterna och menar att det bryter mot dataskyddet. Jag menar att detta bara är att lägga ut dimridåer, och jag har stöd av EU:s datatillsynsman när jag säger så. Ersättningar till personal är självfallet offentliga handlingar. Det är dags för parlamentet att göra rent bord kring ersättningarna. Bara den som anställer personal med slavkontrakt och andra konstiga kontrakt har något att frukta av mer offentlighet. Det kan väl inte vara så att någon ledamot här är rädd för att inte bli omvald 2009 om det kommer ut i media om hur anställda i vissa fall, låt mig säga i vissa fall, behandlas. Tack!

  Μαρία Παναγιωτοπούλου-Κασσιώτου (PPE-DE). – Κυρία Πρόεδρε, θα ήθελα βέβαια να αναφέρω ότι εξετάζουμε τη δέκατη έκθεση του Διαμεσολαβητή ο οποίος το 2006 έλαβε 3.889 γράμματα ή μηνύματα με καταγγελίες, από τα οποία 3.619 του έστειλαν μεμονωμένοι πολίτες.

Εκτός αρμοδιότητος, από τα 3.889 γράμματα, ήταν τα 3.051· εντός αρμοδιότητος 838 καταγγελίες για ένα χρόνο. Νομίζω λοιπόν πως ο Διαμεσολαβητής διαθέτει μια αρκετά εκτεταμένη υπηρεσία σε προσωπικό και μέσα για να διεκπεραιώσει τις 838 καταγγελίες που βέβαια αφορούν κατά κύριο λόγο θέματα κακοδιοίκησης της Επιτροπής, της Υπηρεσίας πρόσληψης προσωπικού για τις Ευρωπαϊκές Κοινότητες και σε μικρότερο βαθμό το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο και το Συμβούλιο.

Είναι καλό βέβαια που δημοσιεύει κατάλογο με βέλτιστες διοικητικές πρακτικές. Δεν ξέρω, όμως, αν η υπηρεσία του δίνει τη δυνατότητα στους πολίτες να εκφράσουν παράπονα για τη λειτουργία της ίδιας του της υπηρεσίας. Και λυπάμαι που στην έκθεση της Επιτροπής Αναφορών απευθυνόμαστε προς την Ευρωπαϊκή Υπηρεσία Επιλογής αποκλειστικά και όχι προς τον Ευρωπαίο Διαμεσολαβητή, που μέχρι τώρα δεν έχει ενεργήσει αυτεπάγγελτα την έρευνα σ’ αυτή την υπηρεσία.

Του ζητούμε λοιπόν όχι αλλαγή του καταστατικού αλλά εμβάθυνση στα δικαιώματα που του διαθέτουμε ήδη, προκειμένου να σεβαστεί τους πολίτες και να δείξει μεγάλη δραστηριότητα στην ορθή διοίκηση των ευρωπαϊκών οργάνων. Να σεβαστεί τα προσωπικά δεδομένα των πολιτών, των ευρωβουλευτών και των υπαλλήλων οι οποίοι είναι υποχρεωμένοι να τηρούν εχεμύθεια. Το ΔΕΚ να λειτουργεί ανεξάρτητα, χωρίς την επέμβασή του, να υπάρξει σεβασμός στα αποτελεσματικά διεθνή όργανα με αυτόνομη λειτουργία για την προστασία των θεμελιωδών δικαιωμάτων.

Η υποστήριξή μας προς τον Ευρωπαίο Διαμεσολαβητή δεν είναι άνευ ορίων.

  Proinsias De Rossa (PSE). – Madam President, I wish to begin by thanking the Ombudsman, Mr Diamandouros, and Ms Sbarbati for their excellent work on the Ombudsman’s report. It is important that this debate is taking place at a prime time in Parliament’s plenary working day, at a time when it can have a high public profile.

The service that the Ombudsman provides is extremely important for the citizen: it enhances the positive connection between Europe’s institutions and the citizen and enriches the legitimacy of the work we do in the institutions, whether it is in Parliament, the Commission or the Council.

The service continues to evolve and that is pointed up quite well in Ms Sbarbati’s report, where she makes various suggestions, and the Ombudsman himself makes various suggestions, as to how it could continue to improve. Certainly, the idea of broadening relations with mediators who deal with issues regarding minors and children is an important development.

At the same time, there is resistance in the system: resistance to transparency, resistance to a common code of administrative practice for all the institutions and resistance, as well, to updating the mandate of the Ombudsman. I believe the European Parliament should take a more active role, for instance, in dealing with the transparency issue, and I support the Ombudsman’s call for Parliament to be more transparent in the publication of allowances paid to Members.

  Leopold Józef Rutowicz (UEN). – Pani Przewodnicząca! Działalność Europejskiego Rzecznika Praw Obywatelskich daje obywatelom Unii poczucie, że są chronieni przed niewłaściwymi działaniami instytucji unijnych. Przedstawiony materiał nasuwa kilka uwag. Pierwsza z nich: największa ilość skarg do Rzecznika dotyczy Komisji Europejskiej, Europejskiego Biura Doboru Kadr i Parlamentu Europejskiego. Na ten stan może mieć wpływ nie przyjęcie przez instytucje europejskie z wyjątkiem Rzecznika, Kodeksu Dobrego Postępowania Administracyjnego zgodnie z rezolucją Parlamentu Europejskiego z 2001roku. Druga uwaga: do Rzecznika zgłaszanych jest 78,5 % spraw poza jego kompetencjami w tym 93,7% nie dotyczy instytucji bądź organów wspólnotowych. Ten stan wskazuje, że obywatele mają za mało informacji o pracy Rzecznika lub, że we własnych krajach z różnych przyczyn nie mogą załatwić istotnych spraw. Ten temat wymaga analizy. Trzecia sprawa: Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich powinien posiadać stosowne uprawnienia zezwalające na szybkie usuwanie złych praktyk administracyjnych, które powodują skargi.

Dziękuję sprawozdawczymi za rzeczowe sprawozdanie.

  Mairead McGuinness (PPE-DE). – Madam President, I would like to welcome our visitors, the citizens, to this debate. I hope that they understand what the Ombudsman is about, following his very detailed presentation of twelve months’ work in a very short space of time.

It is a pity that the Ombudsman receives so many cases that it is not within his competence to resolve, but I understand that these are redirected to the appropriate places. It is important to say that to people listening to this debate. Those cases do not fall by the wayside, but are sent in the right direction. That you are dealing with a certain number of cases and bringing about a resolution is positive, but we need to do a bit more work to educate people about what you do and how you do it, in order to bring even more cases to your desk. That would do no harm, because I am sure the small number you deal with does not truly reflect the problems of maladministration.

Turning to the Commission, I quite like the idea of a culture of service, but I am not sure that the Commission uses the carrot and stick approach internally to make sure that there is indeed a culture of service. This is something that should be done through legislation. Are there penalties for divisions or individuals involved in maladministration when it comes to citizens? Perhaps that is something we could have a closer look at.

I like the idea of putting forward the star performers and the worst performers so that we can have that comparison, but at the end of the day what people want is results and positive outcomes. I keep saying to people in Ireland that the Committee on Petitions does not have huge power, but that through the work we do we can act as a pressure point for action. I wish we had more power, but at least we can use that little bit of pressure to bring about results for citizens. They are not interested in the process. They just want positive outcomes.

Mr Diamandouros, I wish you well in your activities this year and hope you continue in the same way as in the past. I will certainly work in Ireland to make sure that we know a lot more about you in the future.

  Inés Ayala Sender (PSE). – Señora Presidenta, quisiera agradecer, en primer lugar, al señor Diamandouros su informe, así como reconocer el trabajo ímprobo que lleva a cabo la Comisaria Wallström, felicitar a la señora Sbarbati por su atinado informe, que nos servirá de guía para evaluar las mejorías que esperamos para el año 2007 y el 2008.

Nos congratulamos del contenido del informe actual, que demuestra una buena implantación y la estabilidad de la tarea del Defensor del Pueblo Europeo y también se visibiliza una ampliación de contactos con autoridades, y también con ciudadanos y ciudadanas.

Especialmente me congratula, en mi caso, el acuerdo con el actual Gobierno de España sobre el uso de las lenguas co-oficiales —el euskera, el catalán y el gallego— puesto que ello acercará así más a los ciudadanos de España a sus derechos, sin que se reduzca por ello la funcionalidad del español, que se revelará muy útil en los futuros contactos con ciudadanos de terceros países.

Pero también aparecen otros aspectos preocupantes, indicados por el propio señor Diamandouros: más del 75 % de las reclamaciones no corresponden a las competencias europeas sino a las nacionales o regionales. Consideramos, pues, de la mayor urgencia reforzar la estrategia de comunicación de la red europea de defensores del pueblo para que se pueda enmendar este problema.

Otro problema que aparece es la disminución de casos de mala administración concluidos con acuerdo amistoso o por consenso. Desde el apoyo, instamos al Defensor a reforzar su know-how para recuperar su eficacia en esta vía. Las moscas se cazan más con miel que con vinagre.

Finalmente, sólo añadiré que resultaría una ironía que la legítima ambición del actual Defensor del Pueblo al aplicar el código de conducta administrativo le llevara a ser más diligente fuera de su casa que de puertas adentro.

  Simon Busuttil (PPE-DE). – Grazzi Sinjura President. L-uffiċċju ta’ l-Ombudsman illum stabbilixxa ruħu sew u nixtieq nifraħlu għax-xogħol tajjeb tiegħu. Jeħtieġ li issa nħarsu ‘l quddiem biex naraw kif l-għodda li għandhom f’idejhom iċ-ċittadini meta jiġu biex jitolbu rimedju jkunu għodod ċari li jaf bihom kulħadd u li jaħdmu b’mod dejjem aktar effiċjenti. Sal-lum għandna wisq konfużjoni dwar fejn irid imur iċ-ċittadin meta jrid jilmenta. Min imur quddiem il-kumitat tal-Petizzjonijiet, min imur quddiem il-Kummissjoni, min imur quddiem l-Ombudsman, u min imur quddiem kulħadd, b’konsegwenza li tinħoloq konfużjoni, xogħol doppju, u spejjeż żejda li lkoll jistgħu jiġu evitati. Għaldaqstant, jeħtieġ, kif qalet tajjeb ħafna l-Kummissarju Wallstrom, koordinazzjoni aħjar bejn dawn l-istituzzjonijiet li jisimgħu u jiddeċiedu l-ilmenti. Għandu jkun hemm, pereżempju, rabta ċara taż-żmien li fih dawn l-aġenziji jwieġbu lin-nies hekk kif jirċievu l-ilment tagħhom u rabta wkoll dwar l-aktar żmien li jistgħu jdumu biex jagħtu risposta definittiva. Għadna nisimgħu wisq b’ilmenti li jkun ilhom is-snin li saru u baqgħu pendenti. U kif qalet il-kollega tiegħi McGuinness, meta aġenzija partikulari li tirċievi l-ilment ma tkunx l-aġenzija t-tajba, m’għandhiex tibgħat risposta negattiva iżda għandha hija stess tgħaddi l-ilment lill-aġenzija t-tajba. U fl-aħħarnett, meta ċ-ċittadin jifformola ilment, tiegħu b’mod mhux għal kollox ċar, għax wara kollox iċ-ċittadini m’humiex kollha avukati, għandu jsir sforz akbar biex min jirċievi l-ilment jagħti l-benefiċċju tad-dubju lil min jagħmlu u mhux iqis l-ilment bħala inammissibbli. Naħseb li għamilna passi kbar u nixtieq nerġa’ nifraħ lill-Ombudsman, iżda baqgħalna ħafna x’nagħmlu. Grazzi ħafna.

  Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (PSE). – Pragnę wyrazić zadowolenie z faktu, że Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich sprawuje swoją funkcję w sposób wyważony i energiczny, zarówno przy badaniu i rozpatrywaniu skarg, których w 2006 roku było aż 3830, jak i przy prowadzeniu i finalizowaniu dochodzeń. Cieszą również konstruktywne relacje Rzecznika z instytucjami i organami Unii Europejskiej oraz zachęcanie obywateli do korzystania ze swoich praw. Przy okazji debaty nad tym sprawozdaniem należy podkreślić jak ważnym jest zapewnienie niezbędnych środków budżetowych i personalnych, tak by obywatele otrzymywali szybkie i rzeczowe odpowiedzi na swoje pytania, skargi czy petycje. Oczywistym jest, że wszystkie instytucje powinny konstruktywnie współpracować z Rzecznikiem na wszystkich etapach procedury, zaś Rzecznik powinien przedstawić Parlamentowi wnioski, które jego zdaniem przyczynią się do usprawnienia procedur i jeszcze uskutecznią współpracę.

Gratulując profesorowi Diamandourosowi osiąganych wyników w pracy Rzecznika zachęcam jednocześnie do kontynuowania wysiłków oraz skutecznej promocji swej działalności, tak by w oczach obywateli europejskich stał się gwarantem dobrego administrowania instytucji wspólnotowych.

  Roberta Alma Anastase (PPE-DE). – După zece ani de la crearea instituţiei Mediatorului european, constat cu plăcere evoluţia rolului şi activităţilor acestuia în procesul de protejare a cetăţeanului european.

Raportul despre activităţile din 2006 ne demonstrează că cetăţeanul european dispune astăzi de o veritabilă instanţă de resort în care se poate apăra faţă de orice instituţie, şi de fapt, poate preveni şi semnala funcţionarea defectuoasă a acestora. Cu alte cuvinte, vorbim, astăzi, despre un adevărat instrument al controlului democratic, efectuat în mod autonom şi transparent, care nu poate fi decât benefic întregii Uniuni Europene. Totodată, îi sunt recunoscătoare raportorului Parlamentului European că a punctat şi aspectele ce urmează a fi îmbunătăţite în activitatea de astăzi a Ombudsmanului. În primul rând, regret că există încă numeroase plângeri din partea cetăţenilor care nu au obţinut informaţiile solicitate în propria lor limbă. Aceasta ne demonstrează că în Europa mai avem încă probleme de făcut în problema asigurării pe deplin a drepturilor lingvistice şi egalităţii între cetăţeni. Suntem în pragul anului 2008, declarat an al dialogului intercultural, şi suntem obligaţi să corectăm de urgenţă aceste deficienţe, contrare valorilor fundamentale ale Uniunii Europene.

În sfârşit, salut la rândul meu strategia de comunicare a Mediatorului european şi subliniez necesitatea consolidării acesteia. Statistica actuală a plângerilor ce continuă să se situeze în afara domeniului de competenţă a mediatorului este o constatare tristă a unui nivel nesatisfăcător de informare a cetăţenilor, precum şi de înţelegere şi cunoaştere de către aceştia a domeniului de competenţă a Mediatorului şi al altor instituţii.

  Andrzej Jan Szejna (PSE). – Pani Przewodnicząca! Panie Rzeczniku! Najpierw chciałem pogratulować panu profesorowi znakomitych wyników i działalności na rzecz demokracji i przestrzegania praw obywatelskich w Unii Europejskiej.

Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich Unii Europejskiej to jeden z głównych podmiotów w demokratycznym życiu Unii. Powinien on stać na straży demokratycznej równości wszystkich obywateli europejskich oraz być pośrednikiem w relacjach między obywatelami a organami administracji publicznej Wspólnoty, które z różnych powodów nie odpowiadają ustanowionym standardom. Zatem cieszą informacje przedstawione w sprawozdaniu z działalności rzecznika za rok 2006, wskazujące na jego czynny udział w życiu publicznym Wspólnoty i aktywną współpracę zarówno z obywatelami Unii, jak i z organami administracyjnymi Unii Europejskiej.

Dla zwiększenia skuteczności działań rzecznika należy rozważyć możliwość sporządzenia listy najlepszych praktyk administracyjnych, zawierającej wzorcowe lub błyskotliwe sprawy, którymi w danym roku zajmował się rzecznik, a także listę spraw, w odniesieniu do których działania instytucji były mniej właściwe. Ponadto w celu zapewnienia zdecydowanej, pełnej działalności rzecznika należy poprzeć pomysł, aby rzecznik praw obywatelskich prowadził również dochodzenia w ramach tzw. trzeciego filaru, czyli współpracy policyjnej i sądowej w sprawach karnych, również poprzez objęcie nimi działalności Europolu.

  Nikiforos Diamandouros, Ombudsman. Madam President, first of all I wish to thank Ms Sbarbati, the rapporteur for my Annual Report for 2006 at this year’s plenary. I also wish to thank the very large number of Members who, in fact, took the time to comment on my report. I am deeply grateful for the interest that this expresses and the guidance that it contains.

With respect to Ms Sbarbati, let me just say that I of course worked very closely and intend to continue to work very closely with the Petitions Committee, with which I have excellent relations. The Petitions Committee and the Ombudsman will continue to be the major instrument through which this august body will also be able to deal with citizens’ approaches to the European institutions. I take note of your remarks. I can tell you that I have already launched an own-initiative inquiry concerning EPSO, as you know, but I want to announce it to this body. I also have taken a strong interest and continue to monitor very carefully developments in the European schools.

I wish to thank Ms Wallström for her remarks. I note that she has recorded the increase in the number of cases where the Commission apologises for instances in which its services have not abided by best practice. I am very grateful to her for acknowledging that. I will be meeting with Ms Wallström in the near future, and I will also be meeting with the Directors-General of the Commission and the coordinators of all the services dealing with the Ombudsman, precisely in order to be able to bring about better coordination and better results. This is an indication of how closely I am working with the Commission, and I hope to be able to elicit better results to report to you next year, and of course to report to citizens. That includes the infringement, and I will be dealing with that as well.

On a more general point, let me just say that I am very grateful to you for your general support on broad issues like the culture of service, which is very central to my concerns; for your references to the need for more resources for the Ombudsman; for your support on the issue of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and of the Statute; and for your call for greater accountability, which for me of course is extraordinarily important. I can also let you know that I have launched, as of this year, a concerted effort to reach out to business associations as opposed to individuals, with an eye to better informing them of their rights as well.

Because of the pressure of time, allow me not to switch languages, but first of all to say to Ms McGuinness and also to Ms Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, that I manage to help 70% of the 70% that are outside my mandate. Therefore, my work involves not only the percentage that is within my mandate, but on top of that there is a great deal of effort being expended by my staff to be able to help every single citizen who comes to us whose concern is outside the mandate, by referring to the appropriate institution, be it at European or national level. Therefore, this covers 3 830 cases, not 885.

Allow me now to switch languages.

Κυρία Παναγιωτοπούλου, θέλω να σας διαβεβαιώσω ότι ο Ευρωπαίος Διαμεσολαβητής έχει πλήρη αίσθηση της υποχρέωσής του να λειτουργεί εντός των νόμιμων ορίων και βεβαίως πάντοτε θα λειτουργεί με βασική αρχή την έννοια της λογοδοσίας απέναντι σ’ αυτό το Σώμα, και απέναντι σας, και πάντοτε με πολύ μεγάλη αίσθηση της ευθύνης του.

Lastly, I am doing all I can to promote the creation of a national ombudsman in Italy. I have been there four or five times and I will continue to do so, hoping that we will be able to welcome an Italian national ombudsman into our midst in the near future.

  Margot Wallström, Vice-President of the Commission. Madam President, I would like to respond to two direct questions.

The first concerns the reform of the Statute of the Ombudsman. I can tell you that, very early on, the Ombudsman kept us informed about the work on the new Statute, and we have been in constant touch about this. Of course, there are some things we could easily approve, but others are more complicated. The Commission will formally give its opinion only after Parliament makes its proposals. We have also met with Ms Jäätteenmäki, and we are looking forward to her report with interest.

The other direct question was from Ms McGuinness about the carrot-and-stick approach and whether we applied it. No, not enough, I would say – or not yet. But what we have been doing over the last period of time is to create more of a visibility of these issues and also create an ownership within the Commission for every directorate-general and through all the hierarchical levels in the Commission. I think that creating that sense of responsibility and visibility will help us to encourage and also sometimes to make it known when we are not pleased with how individual officials are dealing with cases. I think it is rather rarely the case of an individual official making a mistake; it is more about the culture. This is what we have in the walls, and this is what we have to change now. I think the reforms we have taken will move us in the right direction.

Let me just finally mention one thing that I hope will be welcomed by the Commission as well as the European Parliament: we are working with citizens’ summaries on our proposals. Again, to come closer to citizens, we also have to express ourselves not in EU jargon but in plain language, and I hope this will help.

  President. The debate is closed.

The vote will take place shortly.

Written statements (Rule 142)

  Véronique Mathieu (PPE-DE), par écrit. – Le rapport de Mme Sbarbati sur les activités du Médiateur européen marque son attachement à cette institution créée par le traité de Maastricht en 1992 afin de défendre les citoyens de l'Union en cas de mauvaise administration de la part des institutions communautaires. Le texte insiste à juste titre sur certaines priorités pour l'avenir de l'Ombudsman, comme l'importance de la coopération avec les médiateurs des États membres ou la proposition de mieux contrôler en interne l'administration des organismes de l'Union.

Néanmoins, le rapport soulève deux questions qu'il serait dangereux d'écarter du débat européen: d'une part, les activités du Médiateur doivent entraîner une réflexion sur sa reconnaissance et son accessibilité partout en Europe. En effet, le nombre de saisies du Médiateur a tendance à baisser (3 830 demandes en 2006, soit une diminution de 2% par rapport à 2005) alors que les plaintes proviennent souvent d'États où la culture nationale incite déjà le citoyen à saisir ses institutions.

D'autre part, le rapport s'interroge sur l'élargissement des pouvoirs du Médiateur (accessibilité aux documents et auditions sans conditions). Une modification du statut du Médiateur ne doit en aucun cas laisser oublier le rôle majeur de la commission des pétitions du Parlement, qui tient sa légitimité directement du suffrage populaire.

(The sitting was suspended at 11.20 and resumed at 11.30)

VORSITZ: HANS-GERT PÖTTERING
Präsident

3. Обозначение за произход (писмена декларация): вж. протокола

4. Съобщение на председателството

  Der Präsident. Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Ich trage Ihnen jetzt aufgrund einer einstimmigen Entscheidung der Konferenz der Präsidenten Folgendes vor, und ich richte mich insbesondere an den Rat.

Bei den Beratungen über den Vorschlag der Kommission zur Änderung der Verordnung über die Finanzierung der europäischen politischen Parteien hat der Ausschuss der Ständigen Vertreter gestern beschlossen, den Vorschlag der Kommission zu teilen und über die erforderlichen Änderungen der Haushaltsordnung in einem getrennten Rechtsakt zu beschließen, und zwar auf der Rechtsgrundlage, die für Änderungen der Haushaltsordnung gilt.

Das würde bedeuten, dass wesentliche Aspekte dieses Gesetzgebungsverfahrens der Mitentscheidung des Europäischen Parlaments entzogen werden und die Kommission entgegen ihrer eigenen Überzeugung einen neuen Vorschlag vorlegen müsste, wobei zudem noch der Rechnungshof konsultiert werden muss oder soll.

Das Europäische Parlament fordert den Rat auf, diesen Schritt noch einmal zu überdenken. Die von der Kommission vorgeschlagenen Änderungen der Parteienverordnung sind notwendig, um die bei ihrer Anwendung aufgetretenen praktischen Schwierigkeiten zu überwinden. Sie würden es außerdem ermöglichen, dass die Entwicklung von politischen Stiftungen auf europäischer Ebene, die einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Herstellung politischer Öffentlichkeit leisten, weiterhin gefördert werden kann. Dazu ist es notwendig, dass die vorgeschlagene Verordnung rasch in Kraft tritt.

Der Ausschuss für konstitutionelle Fragen hat am 22. Oktober einen Bericht angenommen, der Kompromissbereitschaft mit dem Rat zum Ausdruck bringt, um eine schnelle Verabschiedung der vorgeschlagenen Verordnung zu ermöglichen.

Die von den Ständigen Vertretern vorgenommene Aufspaltung des Rechtsakts erteilt diesen Bemühungen eine Absage. Sie ist juristisch nicht notwendig, stellt das Initiativrecht der Kommission in Frage, verkürzt die Rechte des Parlaments und erzeugt die Gefahr bedeutender Verzögerung.

Im Namen der Konferenz der Präsidenten fordere ich den Rat auf, den Beschluss der Ständigen Vertreter auf der ministeriellen Ebene zu korrigieren.

Es wurde um das Wort gebeten, aber anschließend gibt es keine Debatte.

  Jo Leinen (PSE), Präsident des Ausschusses für konstitutionelle Fragen. – Ich danke Ihnen außerordentlich für diese Erklärung, auch der Konferenz der ausschussvorsitzenden. Es ist ein schwerwiegender Fall, dass das Europäische Parlament – die Bürgerkammer auf der europäischen Ebene – vom Gesetzgebungsprozess bei einer Verordnung zu europäischen politischen Parteien ausgeschlossen wird. Das ist wirklich ein Thema, das uns hier alle betrifft, egal, aus welcher Partei wir kommen. Es kann nicht sein, dass die Bürokratie in einigen Finanzministerien und dann nur die Regierungen über dieses Thema entscheiden und nicht die Bürgerkammer auf europäischer Ebene. Das sollten wir uns nicht gefallen lassen! Ich sage mit Blick auf den Haushalt 2008: Die Regierungen haben Wünsche, die sie nur mit uns umsetzen können. Beim Haushalt 2008 sollte dieses Parlament sich daran erinnern, was der Rat gestern bei dieser Verordnung über die Parteien beschlossen hat. Ich danke Ihnen für die Erklärung. Wir kommen darauf noch zurück.

  Margot Wallström, Vice-President of the Commission. Mr President, as this House will have understood from what you said, Coreper decided to split the Commission’s proposal into two legal instruments: one regulation under Article 199, to which codecision applies, to cover political foundations and campaigning, and another regulation under Article 279, which means simple consultation of Parliament and the Court of Auditors to cover the financial derogations.

The Commission opposed that splitting of its proposal for sound legal reasons, but also for political reasons. The decision introduces uncertainty as regards timing, when we want the proposal to enter into force before the end of this year so that the foundations can be fully functional before 2009. That was the whole idea behind the proposal. We also think that the whole proposal should be approved by codecision, under Article 199 of the Treaty. We regret, therefore, that Coreper decided, against the Commission’s will, to reduce Parliament’s role in an issue intimately related to Parliament’s business, namely the financing of the political parties.

Just 36 hours after the Committee on Constitutional Affairs approved by a very large majority the Commission’s proposal, Coreper decided to follow a route which departed from that of the Commission and of Parliament.

However, our destination, I hope, remains the same: approval of the substance of our proposal before the end of this year.

(Applause)

5. Награда „Сахаров“ - 2007 г. (обявяване на лауреата)

  Der Präsident. Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Ich muss Ihnen noch eine weitere Mitteilung machen, und dann kommen wir zum Haushalt. In ihrer Sitzung heute Vormittag, Donnerstag, 25. Oktober, hat die Konferenz der Präsidenten den Träger des Sacharow-Preises einstimmig benannt. Die Konferenz der Präsidenten hat sich aufgrund seines Engagements für die allzu lange vergessenen Opfer von Darfur für Salih Mahmoud Osman entschieden.

(Beifall)

Dieser Menschenrechtsanwalt, der der sudanesischen Organisation gegen Folter angehört, verteidigt seit über zwanzig Jahren die zahllosen Opfer des Konflikts in Darfur, die willkürlich inhaftiert, vertrieben und gefoltert werden oder denen die Todesstrafe droht. Sein gegenwärtiges Mandat als Mitglied des sudanesischen Parlaments gestattet es ihm, die von ihm verteidigte Sache ungeachtet der bisweilen hohen persönlichen Opfer auf die internationale Bühne zu tragen.

Gewalt und Willkür setzt Osman Dialog und Gerechtigkeit entgegen. Ohne Demokratie kann es keine Gerechtigkeit geben. Mit der Verleihung des Sacharow-Preises an Salih Mahmoud Osman möchte das Europäische Parlament die Arbeit dieses mutigen Mannes, der zur Stimme Darfurs geworden ist, und über ihn die Verwirklichung des Rechtsstaates im Sudan unterstützen.

Die feierliche Vergabe des Preises wird am Dienstag, 11. Dezember, in Straßburg stattfinden.

Ich möchte Sie im Übrigen weiterhin davon informieren, dass die Konferenz der Präsidenten auch einmütig der Meinung war, dass wir eine angemessene Form der Ehrung für die ermordete russische Journalistin Anna Politkowskaja erwägen sollten, und ...

(Beifall)

... in welcher Weise das geschieht, wird die Konferenz der Präsidenten bei ihrer nächsten Sitzung entscheiden.

6. Приветствие с добре дошли

  Der Präsident. Es ist mir eine große Freude, heute eine Delegation von Mitgliedern des Madschlisi Oli, des Parlaments der Republik Tadschikistan, zu begrüßen, die auf der Ehrentribüne des Parlaments Platz genommen hat.

(Beifall)

Die Mitglieder der Delegation sind nach Straßburg gekommen, um im Rahmen des 3. Interparlamentarischen Treffens zwischen dem Europäischen Parlament und dem tadschikischen Parlament Gespräche mit ihren Kollegen aus Europa zu führen. Zum ersten Mal findet das Interparlamentarische Treffen damit hier in Straßburg statt.

Herr Makhkamboy Azimovich Makhmudov, unter dessen Leitung die Delegation steht, wird begleitet von Herrn Nosir Yusupovich Salimov und Herrn Gulkhoja Gangibekov.

Ich wünsche der Delegation weiterhin einen schönen und erfolgreichen Aufenthalt in der Europäischen Union.

(Beifall)

7. Време за гласуване

  Der Präsident. Als nächster Punkt folgt die Abstimmungsstunde.

7.1. Проект на общ бюджет на Европейския съюз за финансовата 2008 г. (вот)

– Vor der Abstimmung

  Kyösti Virrankoski (ALDE). – Mr President, before the beginning of the vote, I want to make the following statement.

As you know, the Committee on Budgets voted on more than 1 600 amendments to the 2008 draft budget. Inevitably, there are a small number of technical adjustments that I hereby request to be put to the vote in plenary.

After the vote, the Committee on Budgets issued a request to retable the following four amendments:

Amendment 990: + EUR 1.53m on line 16 03 04, commitment appropriations only;

Amendment 24: on line 15 05 55, commitment appropriations only, reserve and remarks as in Amendment 938;

Amendment 989: + EUR 1 million on line 16 03 02, commitment appropriations, and + EUR 1 million in payment appropriations;

Amendment 1043: + EUR 1 million on line 15 06 06, commitment appropriations, and + EUR 1 million in payment appropriations, plus additional remarks from Amendment 25, with the figure EUR 1 million instead of EUR 1.5 million.

These technical changes and specifications were dealt with and approved at the meeting of Committee on Budgets of 11 October 2007.

As regards Frontex, a technical error was identified subsequent to the vote in committee concerning the remarks. The correct modification to the remarks is contained in Amendment 1133, which is annexed to the voting list.

Finally, the remarks adopted in Amendment 634 do not appear in Amendments 1018 on budget line 15 02 02 05; 934 on budget line 09 06 01; 938 on budget line 15 05 55, and 940 on budget line 17 02 02. And, on budget line 09 03 03, the right figure for commitment appropriations should be 5 and payment appropriations 4.85.

I ask the Sittings Service to make the necessary corrections in the Minutes.

On top of that, we held a discussion at the coordinators’ meeting yesterday and, according to their decisions, I recommend rejecting Amendment 752 and voting in favour of Amendment 610 on line 16 02 02 (multimedia actions), but taking the reserve from Amendment 752, and rejecting Amendment 1044 and voting in favour of Amendment 32 on line 16 02 03.

– Nach der Abstimmung über Änderungsantrag 878

  Kyösti Virrankoski (ALDE). – Arvoisa puhemies, mitä tulee tarkistukseen 878, se kuuluu pilottiprojekteihin ja se on hyväksytty. Valiokunnassa vallitsi suuri yksimielisyys siitä, että me lisäämme sen perusteluihin tarkistuksessa 822 olevat lisäykset. Ne ovat muuten identtisiä, mutta tarkistukseen 822 on tehty vähäinen lisäys verrattuna edellisen tarkistuksen perusteluihin, ja esitän, että me voisimme äänestää tarkistuksen 822 tapauksessa ainoastaan perusteluista.

  Der Präsident. Vielen Dank, Herr Kollege, mir wird gesagt, dass das auch so vorgesehen ist, aber die Kollegin De Keyser hat sich noch einmal gemeldet.

  Véronique De Keyser (PSE). – Monsieur le Président, je suis un peu inquiète parce que je vois qu'à l'amendement 231, nous avons voté pour une Fondation européenne pour l'amélioration des conditions of loving and working conditions. J'aurais voulu avoir quelques explications.

– Vor der Abstimmung über Änderungsantrag 996

  Kyösti Virrankoski (ALDE). – Mr President, I want to propose that we vote only on reserves, and I am in favour of lifting the reserve, because we have got all the information for which we have asked.

– Vor der Abstimmung über Änderungsantrag 21

  Christopher Heaton-Harris (PPE-DE). – Mr President, I would just like to remind the House that this is the amendment concerning the Unified Sports Programme for the Special Olympics.

– Vor der Abstimmung über Änderungsantrag 938

  Kyösti Virrankoski (ALDE). – Mr President, line 15 05 55 is, I think, covered by my earlier statement, so we do not have to vote on it.

  Der Präsident. Es bleibt aber noch, Herr Kollege Virrankoski, die Frage der Reserve. Über den ersten Teil brauchen wir nicht abzustimmen, aber über den zweiten Teil, also über die Reserve, muss abgestimmt werden.

  Kyösti Virrankoski (ALDE). – Mr President, in my statement I said ‘reserve and remarks as in Amendment 938’.

– Vor der Abstimmung über Änderungsantrag 1043

  Kyösti Virrankoski (ALDE). – Mr President, this is also covered by my earlier statement.

– Vor der Abstimmung über Änderungsantrag 752

  Kyösti Virrankoski (ALDE). – Mr President, concerning the line 16 02 02, I recommend rejection of Amendment 752 and approval of Amendment 610, but that we take over the reserve from Amendment 752. I would therefore ask that we vote first on Amendment 610, and then on the reserve from Amendment 752.

– Vor der Abstimmung über Änderungsantrag 990

  Kyösti Virrankoski (ALDE), rapporteur. – Mr President, I think this is covered by my earlier statement.

– Nach der Abstimmung über Block 6

  László Surján (PPE-DE). – Mr President, in Amendment 951, the German text is the correct one. Some of the other languages contain mistakes, so please follow the German text.

– Vor der Abstimmung über Block 8

  Ville Itälä (PPE-DE), rapporteur. – Mr President, before starting to vote on the budgetary amendments, I would like to inform you of a limited number of technical adjustments that need to be made.

First, concerning Section I, in Amendment 1094, only the budget line 20 26 will be voted on.

Concerning Chapter 101, Plenary should vote only on the final amount in Amendment 1004, which is EUR 5 million.

Concerning Sections VI and VII: in Amendment 1013, the second and third paragraphs of the justification to the amendment should replace the respective paragraphs in the justification in Amendment 1001, and the second paragraph in Amendments 986, 1007 and 999.

7.2. Проект на общ бюджет на Европейския съюз за финансовата 2008 г. (раздел ІІІ) (вот)

– Bericht: Virrankoski (A6-0397/2007)

7.3. Проект на общ бюджет за финансовата 2008 г. (раздели І, ІІ, ІV, V, VІ, VІІ, VІІІ и ІХ) (вот)

– Bericht: Itälä (A6-0394/2007)

7.4. Признаване и надзор над присъди с отложено изпълнение, алтернативни санкции и условни присъди (вот)

– Bericht: Esteves (A6-0356/2007)

– Vor der Abstimmung

  Maria da Assunção Esteves (PPE-DE), rapporteur. – Mr President, I would just like to propose an oral amendment to my Amendment 2, to clarify the text.

I propose to delete the word ‘unacceptable’. Therefore, it would read: ‘in clear infringement of the fundamental rights laid down in the European Union Treaties’. The political groups have already been informed.

(Der mündliche Änderungsantrag wird übernommen.)

7.5. Съдебно сътрудничество по наказателни дела (вот)

– Bericht: Varvitsiotis (A6-0362/2007)

7.6. Споразумение за партньорство между ЕО и Република Мадагаскар в областта на рибарството (вот)

– Bericht: Sudre (A6-0405/2007)

7.7. Споразумението за партньорство между ЕО и Мозамбик в областта на рибарството (вот)

– Bericht: Fernandes (A6-0404/2007)

7.8. Търговски регистри за статистически цели (вот)

– Bericht: Hans-Peter Martin (A6-0353/2007)

– Vor der Abstimmung

  Hans-Peter Martin (NI), Berichterstatter. – Herr Präsident! Die Bitte trage ich vor im Namen aller demokratisch gesinnten Menschen, dass es nicht angeht, dass EU-Parlamentarier als „Krebsgeschwür“ beschimpft werden, als Cancer of Europe, mithin als tödliche Krankheit. Nicht in Budapest, wie Herr Schulz das gestern hier kritisiert hat, sondern in Brüssel. Im Plenum dieses Hauses bezeichnete ein Europaparlamentarier in seiner Rede EU-Kritiker als Krebsgeschwür. Das ist eine neue Qualität der Sprache in diesem Haus. Es handelt sich dabei um Othmar Karas, den Vizepräsidenten der EVP-Fraktion. Er hat dies am 10. Oktober 2007 im Plenum gesagt.

Ich fordere …

(Der Präsident entzieht dem Redner das Wort.)

  Der Präsident. Das gehörte nicht zum Bericht.

Dazu will ich nur sagen, dass bei Abgeordneten Sprache und Handeln immer vorbildlich sein sollten.

7.9. Повишаване на цените на фуражите и храните (вот)

– Gemeinsamer Entschließungsantrag: B6-0400/2007

7.10. Специална мярка за Ирак за 2007 г. (вот)

– Entschließungsantrag: B6-0422/2007

7.11. Отношения между Европейския съюз и Сърбия (вот)

– Bericht: Kacin (A6-0325/2007)

– Vor der Abstimmung über Änderungsantrag 8

  Doris Pack (PPE-DE). – Herr Präsident! Ich wollte mich zu diesem Änderungsantrag melden. Wir haben da ein Minus, und ich bitte den Herrn Schöpflin und die Kollegen, dafür zu stimmen, weil das, was im ursprünglichen Text steht, falsch ist. Die Jahreszahl 1992 ist falsch. Die würden wir behalten, wenn wir jetzt nicht für den Änderungsantrag Kacin stimmten. Bitte, stimmen wir für diesen Änderungsantrag!

– Vor der Abstimmung über Ziffer 29

  Jelko Kacin (ALDE), rapporteur. – Mr President, I have an oral amendment to Paragraph 29, because there is something that has to be deleted. In the English version, the words ‘both entities of’ have to be deleted. Otherwise, the split vote would not make sense.

This has been agreed by the PPE-DE Group.

(Der mündliche Änderungsantrag wird übernommen.)

- Nach der Abstimmung

  Gerard Batten (IND/DEM). – Mr President, on a point of order, I rise under Rule 166, which says that the Member shall first specify to which rule he is referring. I am referring to that one.

I understand that you cut off Mr Martin before he had a chance to finish what he wanted to say. He was making a point about yesterday.

Yesterday, Mr Schulz made a lengthy political statement without referring to the rule under which he was speaking. It was allowed by the President, whereas Mr Martin was cut off.

I think there is a bias at work here and a double standard, where those in favour of the EU are allowed to say what they want and those who are not in favour of it are cut off.

Could we have an even application of the Rules please?

(Applause from the right)

  Der Präsident. – Heute habe ich die Sitzungsleitung, und ich bemühe mich immer, die Geschäftsordnung so anzuwenden, wie es dem Recht entspricht.

7.12. Актуално състояние на отношенията ЕС-Африка (вот)

– Bericht: Martens (A6-0375/2007)

– Vor der Abstimmung über Änderungsantrag 1

  Alain Hutchinson (PSE). – Monsieur le Président, très rapidement, chers collègues, un amendement oral au nouvel article 61bis, à l'amendement 1, qui consisterait à lire la deuxième partie de la manière suivante: "... et demande encore à la Commission de trouver des solutions tout en continuant les négociations." Je pense avoir l'accord de mes collègues de l'ALDE et du PPE.

(Der mündliche Änderungsantrag wird übernommen.)

7.13. Към международен договор за забрана на касетъчните боеприпаси (вот)

– Entschließungsantrag: B6-0429/2007

7.14. Производство на опиум за медицински цели в Афганистан (вот)

– Bericht: Cappato (A6-0341/2007)

– Vor der Abstimmung

  José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra (PPE-DE). – Señor Presidente, antes de proceder a la votación del informe del señor Cappato, quisiera explicar a la Cámara que se ha producido un error en la versión española: en el apartado 1, letra b), antepenúltima línea, en la que se dice «la puesta en marcha de proyectos piloto», lo que tiene que hacer fe es la versión inglesa, que dice «looking at the possibility».

  Der Präsident. – Vielen Dank, dass Sie den Text so sorgfältig durchgeschaut haben. Das wird natürlich korrigiert.

– Vor der Abstimmung über Änderungsantrag 4

  Marco Cappato (ALDE), relatore. – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, innanzitutto La perdono per avere storpiato il mio nome e in secondo luogo sull'emendamento 4, vorrei proporre di mantenere la parte, diciamo così, fattuale dell'emendamento e quindi solo la prima parte:

‘whereas according to the report by the International Narcotics Control Board there is a global oversupply of opiates for medical purposes’,

Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, e finire qui l'emendamento; se non ci sono obiezioni, in questo caso siamo favorevoli.

(Der mündliche Änderungsantrag wird übernommen.)

– Vor der Abstimmung über Änderungsantrag 5

  Marco Cappato (ALDE), relatore. – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, scusate, è soltanto anche qui per una sostituzione fattuale, siccome è citata la legge afgana sostituire con le appropriate parole della legge:

‘whereas the Afghan Constitution states that “the state shall prevent all types of cultivation and smuggling of narcotics” and whereas Afghanistan’s 2005 Counter Narcotics Drug Law provides for the eventual licensed production and distribution of controlled substances in Afghanistan;’

(Der mündliche Änderungsantrag wird übernommen.)

7.15. Зелена книга за по-ефективното изпълнение на съдебни решения в Европейския съюз: Привременно запориране на банкови сметки (вот)

– Bericht: Lechner (A6-0371/2007)

7.16. Дейността на Европейския омбудсман (2006 г.) (вот)

– Bericht: Sbarbati (A6-0301/2007)

PRESIDENZA DELL'ON. MARIO MAURO
Vicepresidente

8. Обяснения на вот

  Presidente. L'ordine del giorno reca le dichiarazioni di voto.

- Esercizio 2008

  Jens Holm, Kartika Tamara Liotard and Eva-Britt Svensson (GUE/NGL), in writing. We are opposing a continued expansion of the EU budget, which today is already too extensive, with a large part of the funds going to the wrong ends. Today there seem to be a reciprocal action between new objectives for the Union and demands on financing by the EU.

This means new demands on payments from the Member States, but also that new funds are being transferred to a system which is bureaucratic, inefficient and complex. Today there is also too large a focus on industrial agriculture and foreign policy and military projects, and not enough on the environment and social projects. However, there are many desirable initiatives being financed via the budget, and we support reasonable changes to existing means. We did choose to support the specific amendment 945, since it covers, among other things, aid to Palestine, even though there were other aspects of the amendment of which we do not approve.

  Catherine Stihler (PSE), in writing. I completely oppose European funds being used to grow tobacco in the European Union. Half a million EU citizens die needlessly each year due to tobacco addiction. We cannot continue to subsidise tobacco growing in the EU.

  Lars Wohlin (PPE-DE), skriftlig. Jag har valt att i största möjliga mån rösta för rådets förslag till budget för 2008 och således emot samtliga utgiftsökningar som Europaparlamentet föreslagit. Det är oerhört olyckligt att parlamentet vill finansiera Galileo över gemenskapsbudgeten. Om det visar sig att de privata aktörerna hoppar av p.g.a. lönsamhetsproblem bör EU ta konsekvenserna och lägga ner projektet eller låta intresserade medlemsländer gå in på samma sätt som man gjorde med Boeing. Jag har även engagerat mig i frågan om avskaffandet av bidrag till tobaksodlare och stöd till vinproduktion, men kan bara beklaga att parlamentet inte är redo att stödja dessa förslag.

- Relazione: Virrankoski (A6-0397/2007)

  Gyula Hegyi (PSE). – Köszönöm szépen, elnök úr! Természetesen nincs tökéletes költségvetés, de azért törekednünk kell a közpénzek méltányos és jövőorientált elköltésére. Az uniós költségvetés jelentős része sajnos még mindig a múltbeli állapotok konzerválására megy el. Ezért is fontos, hogy valamennyi pénz a jövőre, a kutatásra, a fejlesztésre, a tudományra is jusson. Az Európai Technológiai Intézet támogatása egyelőre megoldatlan, mert a Bizottság áthidaló javaslatot tett maximum 308 millió euró folyósítására. Kiváló kutatási eredményeivel, a klímaváltozás elleni küzdelemben elért tudományos felkészültségével Budapest ideális székhelye lenne az Európai Technológiai Intézetnek. Ezért is szorgalmazom, hogy oldjuk meg a finanszírozás kérdését. Egy méreteiben szerény, takarékos, szellemi bázisát tekintve annál igényesebb intézetnek kínálunk mi, magyarok megfelelő helyszínt.

  Laima Liucija Andrikienė (PPE-DE). – Šiandien mes baigėme pirmąjį 2008 m. Europos Sąjungos biudžeto skaitymą ir balsavome už projektą, pagal kurį 2008 m. numatoma daugiau nei 129 mlrd. eurų įsipareigojimams ir daugiau nei 124 mlrd. eurų mokėjimams.

Palyginti su Europos Komisijos pasiūlymu, mes norime padidinti kitų metų mokėjimų asignavimus nuo 0,97 iki 0,99 % Europos Sąjungos bendrųjų nacionalinių pajamų.

Noriu pažymėti, kad šis padidinimas yra pagrįstas ir jis susijęs su svarbiais projektais, kaip Galileo palydovinės navigacijos sistemos įgyvendinimas ir Europos technologijų instituto projektas.

Manau, kad labai svarbu buvo skirti papildomas lėšas ir mūsų įsipareigojimams Kosove ir Palestinoje vykdyti, t. y. ketvirtajai kategorijai – „Europos Sąjunga kaip globalus partneris.“

  Bastiaan Belder (IND/DEM), schriftelijk. Beide rapporteurs voor de EU-begroting, de heren Virrankoski en Itälä, hebben terecht een enigszins kritische koers gevaren ten aanzien van de verhoging van de bedragen voor 2008. Daarvoor wil ik mijn waardering uitspreken.

Helaas kiest het Europees Parlement er vandaag voor om in te veel gevallen toch meer geld uit te geven. Dat is de reden dat ik moeite heb met de paragrafen 2 en 4 van het verslag-Virrankoski. Dat past onvoldoende bij een Europese Unie die zich wil concentreren op dat waar het goed in is, de kerntaken.

Tot slot, een bijkomend probleem dat instemming met het verslag-Virrankoski moeilijker maakt is amendement 2 van de Socialistische Fractie. Dit amendement beoogt opneming van seksuele en reproductieve rechten in het standpunt van het Parlement. Deze sluiten echter abortus provocatus niet uit. De term "seksuele en reproductieve rechten" is dan ook ongepast.

  Göran Färm och Inger Segelström (PSE), skriftlig. I dag röstade vi svenska socialdemokrater om EU:s budget 2008.

Vi finner att det framröstade förslaget var en god kompromiss, och även om vi förlorade på vissa punkter, ställer vi oss bakom hela förslaget.

Vi röstade för  minskade  exportstöd  inom jordbruket,  men finner det orimligt att rösta för ett totalt och omedelbart borttagande av stöden.

Vi röstade också emot fortsatta stöd till tobaksodlare, och för en begränsning av antalet parlamentssessioner i Strasbourg.

Gällande Daphne (skyddande av barn, kvinnor och ungdomar mot våld) röstade vi för en ökning av anslaget upp till kommissionens förslag. Dock hade vi varit beredda att rösta för ytterligare pengar, men gavs ej chansen till detta på grund att av det ändringsförslaget aldrig kom upp till omröstning.

I resolutionen till Virrankoski (A6-0397/2007) röstade vi svenska socialdemokrater  emot ett ändringsförslag som bland annat uppmanade kommissionen att se till att ingen jordbrukare ska få mer än 50 000 EUR i direktstöd från EU per år. Detta är en diskussion som pågår just nu, så vi håller med andemeningen i förslaget, men anser inte att det är lämpligt att vare sig fastställa en exakt summa eller specifika villkor just nu.

  Pedro Guerreiro (GUE/NGL), por escrito. Como salientámos, o projecto de orçamento comunitário para 2008, aprovado em primeira leitura pelo PE, apesar de conter aspectos que melhoram a proposta do Conselho e da Comissão, acaba, igualmente, por não respeitar o acordado para 2008 no Quadro Financeiro Plurianual 2007-2013.

Ao mesmo tempo que se impõem restrições ao orçamento comunitário, definem-se como suas prioridades as políticas de concorrência - de que é exemplo o progressivo desvirtuamento da política estrutural, colocando-a serviço da "Estratégia de Lisboa" -, a comunitarização da "segurança interna e do controlo da imigração" ou a política externa da UE, que promove a ingerência e a militarização das relações internacionais.

Daí o nosso voto contra.

No entanto, salientamos a aprovação de propostas por nós apresentadas, como:

- O reforço das verbas para os Fundos Estruturais, dos programas POSEI (Açores e Madeira) e PROGRESS (igualdade entre homens e mulheres);

- O apoio à cooperação entre organizações agrícolas e outros agentes do mundo rural, à pequena agricultura e à agricultura familiar;

- O reforço, em dois milhões de euros, do programa de compensação dos custos suplementares ligados ao escoamento de determinados produtos da pesca das regiões ultraperiféricas, o que significa um aumento em 570 mil euros das verbas para as Regiões Autónomas da Madeira e dos Açores.

  Monica Maria Iacob-Ridzi (PPE-DE), în scris. Susţin Bugetul Uniunii Europene în forma sa actuală din mai multe considerente. Reducerea de 553 de milioane de euro din agricultură operată de Consiliu a fost în mare parte restabilită, iar rezerva instituită pe fondurile administrative ale Comisiei este justificată de întârzierile înregistrate în aprobarea programelor operaţionale sectoriale şi ale programelor de dezvoltare rurală. Consiliul de Miniştri nu ar trebui să efectueze în a doua citire a bugetului european reduceri suplimentare ale fondurilor din agricultură sau ale fondurilor structurale.

Amendamentul depus în plen pentru limitarea veniturilor agricultorilor la un prag maxim de 50.000 de euro pe an este nejustificat. O astfel de barieră artificială ar împiedica cei mai performanţi fermieri să îşi dezvolte exploataţiile în condiţii de profitabilitate. În plus, acest plafon va contribui la fărâmiţarea exploataţiilor agricole şi la declinul competitivităţii agriculturii europene. De aceea, am respins amendamentul care prevede această măsură.

Bugetul pentru 2008 în forma pe care o adoptăm astăzi este unul care responsabilizează instituţiile Uniunii Europene. Sprijin propunerea de trecere la rezerve a 49 de milioane de euro din fondurile alocate Comisiei, până aceasta nu va prezenta un raport clar asupra politicii sale de resurse umane, în special în ceea ce priveşte recrutarea de noi angajaţi din statele recent aderate la Uniunea Europeană, România şi Bulgaria.

  David Martin (PSE), in writing. I voted for this part of the 2008 Budget, while supporting the UK Government's position on a range of issues.

  Robert Navarro (PSE), par écrit. – J'ai voté en faveur de la proposition de budget 2008 préparée par le Parlement européen, car elle propose des améliorations nettes au projet de budget avancé par le Conseil. Pour 2008, un équilibre a été trouvé entre d'une part, le financement de politiques extérieures, l'aide au Kosovo et à la Palestine et d'autre part, le financement de Galileo, projet fédérateur au plan européen. Les priorités des socialistes européens sont ainsi bien reflétées dans la proposition en première lecture du Parlement européen pour le budget communautaire 2008.

Je tiens toutefois à souligner le caractère modeste de ce budget: il ne représente à l'heure actuelle que 0,99% du PIB de l'UE. C'est la première fois que l'on tombe en dessous de 1% du PIB. Or, sans moyens, l'UE ne peut agir en faveur des citoyens. Il serait temps que les États membres prennent leurs responsabilités.

- Relazione: Itälä (A6-0394/2007)

  Kathy Sinnott (IND/DEM). – Mr President, I just wanted to say that I was very sorry that we have decided again not to receive travel expenses. I would suggest to Parliament that, possibly, if they split the price of tickets from mileage, there might be more support in the future. I think citizens will watch this vote and will again be disappointed.

  Brigitte Douay (PSE), par écrit. – Le Parlement européen a bien défendu ses priorités lors de cette première lecture du budget 2008 et je soutiens les résultats obtenus par les deux rapporteurs, en particulier dans les domaines de la cohésion et de la croissance durable. Toutefois, rappelons qu'en raison du niveau insuffisant des perspectives financières pour 2007-2013, le budget annuel sera faible - 0,99% seulement du RNB - ce que nous déplorons avec mon groupe politique, et ne permettra pas de répondre aux attentes de toutes les commissions parlementaires et de financer suffisamment les grands projets d'avenir de l'Union européenne comme Galileo.

Néanmoins, nous sommes parvenus à défendre les grandes lignes concernant la politique d'information-communication: l'accent pourra être mis ainsi sur les médias locaux eu égard à leur rôle de vecteur d'information pour l'ensemble des citoyens européens. Cela est particulièrement important pour la ratification à venir du traité de Lisbonne et la préparation de l'élection européenne de 2009. En tant que rapporteure permanente pour la politique d'information au sein de la COBU, je me réjouis des possibilités offertes en la matière par ce nouveau budget.

  Pedro Guerreiro (GUE/NGL), por escrito. Entre os muitos aspectos que podiam ser sublinhados quanto a este projecto de orçamento para 2008, sublinhamos dois:

- Primeiro, o quanto lamentamos a incoerência deste Parlamento que alude reconhecer e "preservar a diversidade linguística dos deputados do Parlamento Europeu" mas, ao mesmo tempo, se recusa a aceitar a inclusão de uma referência clara à obrigatoriedade de estarem disponíveis todas as línguas oficiais da UE durante as reuniões que realiza, tal como temos vindo a propor ao longo dos anos. Daí a incompreensível e inaceitável rejeição - em sede da Comissão de Orçamentos -, da nossa proposta que visava assegurar que, por exemplo, nas reuniões da Assembleia Parlamentar UE-ACP o português seja uma das línguas de trabalho, nomeadamente tendo em conta os parlamentares de diferentes países aí representados que têm o português como sua língua oficial.

- Segundo, a preocupante e crescente tendência para o reforço das dotações para dita "uma política de informação forte", no contexto do (re)"lançamento" do tratado, dito "reformador", e das próximas eleições para o PE em 2009. Bastará acompanhar o debate realizado na Comissão dos Assuntos Constitucionais do PE em torno da revisão do regulamento para os "partidos políticos europeus" para se perceber do que realmente se trata.

  Monica Maria Iacob-Ridzi (PPE-DE), în scris. Actualul sistem al desfăşurării şedinţelor plenare la sediul Parlamentului din Strasbourg şi al şedinţelor de comisie sau de grup la Bruxelles este unul ineficient şi neeconomic. Se estimează că s-ar economisi peste 200 de milioane de euro anual din banii contribuabilului european, în cazul în care s-ar decide fixarea sediului Parlamentului în Bruxelles, nu doar prin prisma reducerii inerente a costurilor, ci şi prin facilitarea muncii interinstituţionale. În acelaşi timp, grupurile din societatea civilă atrag atenţia asupra consecinţelor grave de mediu pe care le are transportul frecvent al parlamentarilor şi funcţionarilor europeni dintr-un oraş în altul pentru desfăşurarea activităţii legislative europene.

Pentru aceste motive, consider ca neîntemeiată ideea păstrării unui număr de 2 şedinţe anuale plenare la sediul din Strasbourg. Acest lucru ar agrava situaţia costurilor pentru administraţie, întrucât se vor face plăţi pe parcursul unui an întreg pentru pregătirea acestor sesiuni, atât în ceea ce priveşte costurile legate de imobil, cât şi cele de personal.

Numeroase iniţiative cetăţeneşti, dintre care cel puţin una beneficiază de peste un milion de semnături din majoritatea statelor membre, solicită renunţarea la situaţia de dualitate a sediilor Parlamentului European. Este timpul ca această situaţie să fie discutată de către conducerile Parlamentului şi ale Consiliului în vederea stabilirii unui sediu unic al instituţiei noastre.

  Niels Busk (ALDE), Anne E. Jensen (ALDE) og Dan Jørgensen (PSE), skriftlig. Vi, Venstres medlemmer af Europa-Parlamentet, stemte imod ændringsforslag nr. 8, fremsat af hr. Schlyter og hr. Jens-Peter Bonde, IND-DEM-Gruppen. Venstre er tilhænger af en reform af rejsegodtgørelserne, så alle rimelige og nødvendige rejseomkostninger refunderes. Dette er imidlertid allerede besluttet med den ny medlemsstatut, der gennemføres fra 2009.

Hr. Bondes forslag er ugennemtænkt og i strid med den gældende statut.

  David Martin (PSE), in writing. I voted for these sections of the 2008 Budget.

- Relazioni: Itälä (A6-0394/2007) e Virrankoski (A6-0397/2007)

  Brian Simpson (PSE), in writing. I voted for the reports in respect of the 2008 draft budget, but I did so heavy in heart because it would appear that the expensive circus that is our regular visits to Strasbourg looks set to continue.

It is particularly poignant that we are voting to carry on meeting in Strasbourg on the same day that Air France has decided to leave some of our number stranded, or certainly inconvenienced, because of industrial action by some of its staff.

Martin Luther King once said “I have a dream”. I too have a dream; and that dream is that one day this Parliament has a single seat from which to operate and the Strasbourg circus will come to an end.

- Relazione: Esteves (A6-0356/2007)

  Carlos Coelho (PPE-DE), por escrito. É fundamental que se desenvolva um esforço comum no sentido de procurar melhorar os padrões de qualidade e de eficácia da justiça.

Esta é, no entanto, uma área bastante sensível e caracterizada por uma enorme diversidade, o que realça a necessidade de se reforçar a confiança de modo a permitir o reconhecimento mútuo das decisões judiciais, contribuindo assim para o desenvolvimento progressivo de uma cultura judiciária europeia.

Apoio o excelente relatório apresentado pela colega Assunção Esteves que, inserindo-se no âmbito do reforço do princípio do reconhecimento mútuo de sentenças, tem como objectivo promover a reinserção social da pessoa condenada, ao mesmo tempo que visa melhorar a protecção da vítima e a prevenção da reincidência.

Esta Decisão-Quadro pretende estabelecer as regras com base nas quais um Estado-Membro, dentro dos limites da sua competência, deverá proceder ao acompanhamento e à supervisão de medidas não privativas da liberdade (decisões relacionadas com a execução de penas suspensas, sanções alternativas e condenações adicionais) impostas por sentenças proferidas noutros Estados-Membros.

Espero que no âmbito da Presidência Portuguesa se consigam resolver as questões que ainda se encontram pendentes e que se alcance um acordo geral até ao final deste ano.

  David Martin (PSE), in writing. I voted in favour of this report, which sets out ways to help a sentenced person's reintegration into society, provide better protection for victims and help with the enforcement of appropriate sentences where offenders are not resident.

- Relazione: Varvitsiotis (A6-0362/2007)

  Bruno Gollnisch (ITS), par écrit. – S'il est un sujet sensible, c'est bien celui de la reconnaissance mutuelle des jugements en matière pénale. En effet, nous ne disposons pas aujourd'hui en Europe de droit pénal uniforme et loin s'en faut. Les traditions et valeurs juridiques mais aussi les législations pénales diffèrent d'un Etat à l'autre. Le droit pénal est lié à l'identité des Etats membres.

Les exemples de disparités législatives nationales en matière pénale sont aussi nombreux que variés. Tel est notamment le cas de la protection et des atteintes à la liberté d'expression, celles-ci différant de façon notable d'un Etat à l'autre. Une application automatique d'une peine émise dans un Etat et exécutée dans un autre serait donc très dangereuse, non seulement pour le justiciable mais aussi pour l'Etat de droit dans son ensemble.

Il faut donc faire preuve d'une extrême prudence dans ce domaine, car il est impossible aujourd'hui d'assurer à un justiciable le respect de certaines normes minimales communes du droit pénal procédural. Je pense tout particulièrement au respect du principe ne bis in idem, au respect d'une défense véritable et non uniquement formelle ou encore au droit des victimes.

Il y a deux principes fondamentaux qui doivent toujours être suivis et respectés. A défaut, l'Etat de droit disparaîtra. Il s'agit des principes de légalité et de sécurité juridique.

  Pedro Guerreiro (GUE/NGL), por escrito. Como refere o relatório o Conselho Europeu de Tampere, de 1999, apontou o princípio do reconhecimento mútuo como "a pedra angular da cooperação judiciária tanto em matéria civil como penal na União".

Um ano mais tarde, o Conselho aprovou um programa de medidas centradas neste princípio, no sentido de adaptar os mecanismos de reconhecimento mútuo de sentenças finais, bem como o alargamento da aplicação do princípio da transferência de pessoas condenadas, por forma a incluir as pessoas residentes num Estado-Membro.

Mais tarde, com o programa de Haia, novas metas são apontadas, nomeadamente no quadro da dita "luta contra o terrorismo", para avançar na "comunitarização" desta área que está no cerne da soberania dos Estados.

Face à presente proposta e como salienta o nosso Grupo parlamentar é preocupante que se estabeleça que: "não obstante a necessidade de garantir à pessoa condenada as devidas salvaguardas, a sua participação no processo deve deixar de ser predominante, passando a não ser exigido o seu consentimento de cada vez que uma sentença é transmitida a outro Estado-Membro para efeitos do seu reconhecimento e da execução da condenação imposta". Tanto mais que não se compreende como a não garantia deste princípio vai ao encontro do propósito da decisão-quadro: ajudar a reabilitação da pessoa sentenciada.

- Relazione: Sudre (A6-0405/2007)

  Göran Färm och Inger Segelström (PSE), skriftlig. Vi svenska socialdemokrater i Europaparlamentet röstade för betänkandet. Avtalet är ett steg i rätt riktning. Högre krav ställs på övervakning av avtalets konsekvenser för fiskbestånd och lokalbefolkningens levnadsförhållanden. Det är nu viktigt att man verkligen övervakar avtalets effekter.

Vi röstade dock emot ändringsförslag 7. Vi stöder helt och hållet intentionerna att främja en hållbar utveckling av fisket, vilket också är syftet med det nya fiskeriavtalet. Avtalet får inte heller innebära negativa konsekvenser för fisket och befolkningen i Madagaskar. Däremot kan vi inte stödja att avtalet direkt ska upphävas om det medför negativa konsekvenser. Vi anser att den gemensamma kommitté som ska bildas för att bevaka avtalet är en bättre lösning för att garantera att avtalet följs och att det gagnar båda parter och miljön. Avtalen ska omförhandlas om det visar sig att det medför negativa konsekvenser.

Vi är positiva till att en större del av kostnaderna kommer att finansieras av de europeiska fartyg som gynnas av avtalen. Vi anser dock att målet måste vara att hela avtalet ska vara självfinansierande.

  Pedro Guerreiro (GUE/NGL), por escrito. O presente Acordo de Parceria foi celebrado por um período renovável de seis anos, a partir de 1 de Janeiro de 2007, tendo Portugal obtido 7 possibilidades de pesca para palangreiros de superfície, o que representa um aumento de uma licença de pesca comparativamente ao estipulado no anterior acordo.

Entre outros aspectos, o acordo estipula que pelo menos 20% da tripulação de cada embarcação seja composta por cidadãos de países do Grupo ACP (África, Caraíbas e Pacífico). No acordo é consignada a aplicação das normas contidas na Declaração da Organização Internacional do Trabalho (OIT) relativas aos princípios e direitos fundamentais no trabalho, o que torna obrigatória a liberdade de associação e o reconhecimento efectivo do direito à negociação colectiva dos trabalhadores, bem como a eliminação da discriminação em matéria de emprego e de profissão. O acordo prevê ainda que os salários dos tripulantes serão fixados em negociação entre os armadores e os pescadores ou os seus representantes, sendo aceite o "princípio do país de origem", o que introduz um factor de profunda e injusta desigualdade.

Este protocolo aumenta a contribuição dos armadores em 40%, passando de 25 euros por tonelada de pescado para 35 euros, diminundo assim a comparticipação da Comunidade, o que não nos parece aceitável.

  David Martin (PSE), in writing. I voted for this report, which endorsed the Fisheries Partnership Agreement with Madagascar. It is a tuna agreement which allocates fishing opportunities, according to three categories of vessel, to Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom. It provides fishery resources for EU vessels, whilst enabling Madagascar to receive income for stocks which the country would not have the technical capacity to exploit.

- Relazione: Fernandes (A6-0404/2007)

  Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos, Paulo Casaca e Manuel António dos Santos (PSE), por escrito. Votamos contra o relatório como forma de protesto pela forma como a Comissão se propõe repartir as possibilidades de pesca entre os Estados-Membros no âmbito deste acordo.

Contrariamente ao que sempre tem sucedido em acordos desta natureza, a Comissão propõe-se violar um princípio básico que tem constituído um instrumento fundamental para garantir a justiça e a equidade entre os Estados-Membros e, na prática, um acordo tácito entre eles.

A sua não aplicação neste caso é para nós incompreensível e inaceitável.

  Göran Färm och Inger Segelström (PSE), skriftlig. Vi, svenska socialdemokrater i Europaparlamentet, röstade för betänkandet. Avtalet är ett steg i rätt riktning. Högre krav ställs på övervakning av avtalets konsekvenser för fiskbestånd och lokalbefolkningens levnadsförhållanden. Det är nu viktigt att man verkligen övervakar avtalets effekter.

Vi röstade dock emot ändringsförslag 8. Vi stöder helt och hållet intentionerna att främja en hållbar utveckling i fisket, vilket också är syftet med det nya fiskeriavtalet. Avtalet får inte heller innebära negativa konsekvenser för fisket och befolkningen i Moçambique. Däremot kan vi inte stödja att avtalet direkt ska upphävas om det medför negativa konsekvenser. Vi anser att den gemensamma kommitté som ska bildas för att bevaka avtalet är en bättre lösning för att garantera att avtalet följs och att det gagnar båda parter och miljön. Avtalen ska omförhandlas om det visar sig att de medför negativa konsekvenser.

Vi är positiva till att en större del av kostnaderna kommer att finansieras av de europeiska fartyg som gynnas av avtalen. Vi anser dock att målet måste vara att hela avtalet ska vara självfinansierande.

  Emanuel Jardim Fernandes (PSE), por escrito. Abstive-me de votar o meu relatório porque, embora reconheça a urgência da conclusão do Acordo e considere a presente proposta parcialmente positiva no que se refere à distribuição de licenças de pesca, e dada a inviabilidade de proceder a sua alteração, responsabilidade do Conselho e da Comissão, discordo profundamente da inobservância do princípio da estabilidade relativa que tem sido sempre seguido em acordos anteriores.

Lamento também a impossibilidade de poder apresentar, devido a eventuais considerações de ordem jurídica, várias propostas de alteração legislativa ao articulado do Acordo visando, por um lado, um reforço da sociedade civil moçambicana, com uma participação activa dos pescadores na preparação dos futuros acordos, e por outro lado, a optimização das regras internacionais no tocante às categorias profissionais interessadas, nomeadamente quanto à fixação de regras salariais mínimas para os marinheiros dos ACP.

Senti que o mandato politico do Parlamento Europeu é restrito neste domínio, pelo que apresentei outras propostas de alteração, consideradas juridicamente admissíveis, destinadas a melhorar as informações transmitidas ao Parlamento Europeu e requerendo a apresentação, por parte do Parlamento e do Conselho, de um relatório sobre a aplicação do acordo durante o último ano de vigência do protocolo e antes da celebração de qualquer acordo de renovação.

  Pedro Guerreiro (GUE/NGL), por escrito. Não podemos votar favoravelmente este acordo de pesca porque consideramos desproporcional e inadequada a repartição das possibilidades de pesca entre os diferentes Estados Membros aí definida, porque não salvaguarda os legítimos interesses de Portugal.

Este Acordo de Parceria entre a CE e Moçambique entrou em vigor em 1 de Janeiro de 2007, por um período de cinco anos, prevendo, comparativamente ao anterior, um aumento de 2 000 toneladas da quota de pesca comunitária de atum e espécies afins.

No anterior acordo, o grau de utilização das possibilidades de pesca que couberam a Portugal (5) foi bastante elevado, facto pelo qual Portugal solicitou 9 licenças de palangre de superfície, acrescidas da manutenção das possibilidades, na categoria de arrastões congeladores de pesca demersal dirigida ao camarão de profundidade. No entanto, obteve apenas 7 licenças para a pesca de atum.

Tal significa que - atendendo à anterior distribuição de licenças e ao (não) respeito do princípio da estabilidade relativa face ao aumento das possibilidades de pesca - se verifica um acentuado desequilíbrio neste novo acordo: Portugal obtém apenas mais 2 licenças, enquanto outros Estados-Membros obtêm um aumento de 16 (França) e 13 (Espanha) licenças.

Fosse a decisão no Conselho por unanimidade e tal não aconteceria...

Daí o nosso voto contra.

  David Martin (PSE), in writing. I voted for this uncontroversial report, which endorses the proposal for a regulation on the conclusion of a new Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and Mozambique. The agreement has been signed for a period of five years (renewable) from its entry into force, and it grants fishing opportunities to vessels from Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

- Relazione: Martin, Hans-Peter (A6-0353/2007)

  Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL), por escrito. O regulamento sobre ficheiros de empresas (Regulamento (CEE) nº 2186/93 do Conselho), que compila elementos estatísticos sobre empresas em actividade na União Europeia, designadamente o seu número, tipo, estrutura dimensional e outras características, pretendia ter como objectivo o fornecimento de dados estatísticos fidedignos aos decisores políticos da UE.

Em 1 de Junho de 2006, o Parlamento Europeu deu o seu apoio ao essencial da proposta da Comissão, na sua primeira leitura, sujeita a 22 alterações que incidiam sobre a questão do fardo administrativo, a clarificação dos termos e condições em que os dados confidenciais podem ser transmitidos e, por último, uma série de alterações de natureza técnica e redaccional. Na sua Posição Comum de 21 de Maio de 2007 o Conselho subscreveu na sua totalidade as 22 alterações do Parlamento.

Mas, posteriormente, novas burocracias criadas vieram criar dificuldades acrescidas no processo, pelo que este se arrastou até este momento, com todos os custos inerentes, o que é justamente denunciado pelo relator.

  David Martin (PSE), in writing. I voted in favour of this report, which helps improve those parts of the EU's statistical system that involve registers of information about businesses operating in the Union.

- Proposte di risoluzione: (B6-0400/2007)

  Ole Christensen, Dan Jørgensen, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, Christel Schaldemose og Britta Thomsen (PSE), skriftlig. De danske socialdemokratiske medlemmer af Europa-Parlamentet har stemt for Parlamentets resolution om stigende foder- og fødevarepriser.

Det er delegationens opfattelse, at det er nødvendigt at sætte fokus på de stigende foder- og fødevarepriser. Dog deler delegationen ikke den opfattelse, at det er glædeligt, at EU's landbrugsministre for nylig vedtog at suspendere forpligtelserne til udtagning for 2008.

  Göran Färm och Inger Segelström (PSE), skriftlig. Vi svenska socialdemokrater har valt att lägga ner vår röst om resolution RC B6-400/2007 till följd av frågan för muntligt besvarande B6-0321/2007 om ökade priser på foder och livsmedel, då vi tycker att resolutionen innehåller flera tveksamheter i synen på den ekonomiska situationen för bönderna i EU. 

 

De ökade priserna på spannmål och livsmedel kommer bönderna till nytta och kan ge större möjligheter till en omstrukturering av jordbruksektorn i EU.

Vidare måste jordbruket precis som andra branscher klara av vissa förändringar i efterfrågan.    

 

Däremot delar vi synen i resolutionen på biobränslen, de stora prispåslagen på livsmedel som sker i distrubitörsledet och den osäkra livsmedelsförsörjningen i världen. 

 

  Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL), por escrito. O aumento dos preços dos alimentos que se tem verificado nos últimos tempos tem origem, em grande medida, nas sucessivas reformas da PAC, no abandono produtivo que promoveu e, em consequência, no desaparecimento de muitas pequenas e médias explorações agrícolas. Ao ignorar a realidade específica dos Estados-Membros para ter em conta fundamentalmente os interesses das grandes empresas agro-industriais, das multinacionais de distribuição de alimentos e as negociações para a liberalização do comércio no âmbito da OMC, contribuiu para alterar o fundamento da actividade agrícola com repercussões na diminuição da produção.

Por outro lado, a utilização de produtos agrícolas para fins não alimentares, nomeadamente para a produção de biocombustíveis, a que procuram dar prioridade, não contribuirá para o desenvolvimento da actividade agrícola, podendo, pelo contrário, substituir a produção de géneros alimentícios e, assim, influenciar negativamente a defesa da soberania alimentar.

Por isso, consideramos fundamental reexaminar os objectivos da política agrícola comum, tendo em vista o aumento da produção de produtos alimentares, o apoio às pequenas e médias explorações agrícolas e pecuárias e a moderação dos preços no consumidor, reforçando os mecanismos de intervenção e garantindo preços de intervenção adequados.

  Mairead McGuinness (PPE-DE), in writing. I supported the joint motion for a resolution on rising feed and food prices which addresses the significant shift in commodity prices in the EU and globally.

I also voted in favour of amendments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, which deal with the issue of GM in feed ingredients. These amendments highlight the realities of the marketplace and merely point out the fact that significant quantities of maize and soya, already being used to produce animal feed in the EU, are of GM origin.

The amendments also address the difficulties in relation to the authorisation of GM animal feed ingredients. This situation is having an impact on the competitiveness of EU livestock farmers and leads to the paradoxical situation where EU consumers buy meat and livestock products from third countries that use GM feed.

These amendments are necessary to highlight the inconsistency of the EU's attitude to GM and the need for a more open debate about this subject.

- Relazione: Kacin (A6-0325/2007)

  Roberta Alma Anastase (PPE-DE), în scris. Am votat în favoarea acestui raport în speranţa că acesta va avea un impact crucial asupra deciziei Serbiei de a continua reforma democratică şi racordarea la standardele europene, mai ales în domeniul respectării drepturilor minorităţilor.

Deşi raportul salută îmbunătăţirea relativă a situaţiei, aceasta încă nu oferă condiţiile necesare pentru o veritabilă convieţuire interetnică şi respect mutual, iar cazurile de încălcare flagrantă a drepturilor minorităţilor sunt încă numeroase şi grave. Mă refer în acest sens la un exemplu concret: cel al neglijării drepturilor comunităţii româneşti şi vorbitorilor de limba română din Serbia, mai ales în Valea Timocului şi Vojvodina. Nu pot decât constata astăzi cu regret că acestora le sunt refuzate şi ignorate toate drepturile lingvistice, fie că vorbim de educaţie sau de practicarea cultelor religioase în limba română.

Un mesaj clar trebuie în acest sens trimis Serbiei: numai o Serbie cu adevărat plurietnică, ce asigură înţelegerea între comunităţi şi toleranţa reciprocă, poate fi considerată cu adevărat europeană.

- Relazione: Martens (A6-0375/2007)

  Frank Vanhecke (ITS). – Voorzitter, ik heb tegen het verslag-Martens gestemd, al moet ik erkennen dat er in het verslag heel veel verstandige dingen staan, maar in het verslag wordt in mijn ogen de belangrijkste oorzaak van Afrika's problemen niet genoemd en men geeft ook niet het juiste signaal over het probleem van de toekomst, de uitdaging van de toekomst, namelijk de immigratie-invasie.

Waarom is het niet eens mogelijk om ook in een verslag van het Europees Parlement de grote oorzaak van de armoede, van de honger, van de onveiligheid, van de sociale en economische problemen van Afrika te noemen. De grote oorzaak zijn de slechte regimes ter plaatse. Dat zijn de corrupte potentaten die geen moer geven om goed bestuur, democratie of mensenrechten, maar die wel in hun eigen landen, en met het geld dat zij stelen van hun onderdanen, elk jaar meer geld aan wapens uitgeven dan zij in totaal aan ontwikkelingshulp ontvangen. Dit is een schande.

En het signaal inzake immigratie is helemaal ondermaats: ten eerste verdraagt Europa geen verdere immigratie en ten tweede is immigratie naar Europa van hoog geschoolden uit arme landen een drama voor de landen van herkomst zelf.

  Göran Färm och Inger Segelström (PSE), skriftlig. Vi svenska socialdemokrater ställde oss bakom betänkandet som är bra. Det behövs ett partnerskap mellan EU och Afrika för att möta framtidens utmaningar. Vi röstade för punkt 61 eftersom vi är positiva till frihandel. Vi vill dock poängtera att vi inte kan skapa tillväxt genom frihandel om vi inte samtidigt satsar på utbildning, hälsovård och andra långsiktiga investeringar, vilket också framkommer i andra delar av betänkandet.

  Hélène Goudin och Nils Lundgren (IND/DEM), skriftlig. Det är självklart att sexuell och reproduktiv hälsa är en ytterst viktig fråga. Därför bör inte kvinnor och barns väl och ve utnyttjas av Europaparlamentet i dess försök att utöka sina maktbefogenheter, som i exempelvis punkt 77 i betänkandet. Det finns dessutom redan i dagsläget ett kompetent och legitimt FN-organ som arbetar med dessa frågor.

Med tanke på de obehagliga strömningar som finns i denna kammare, där många ledamöter aktivt motarbetar sexuell och reproduktiv hälsa, såväl inom som utom unionen, skulle det vara mycket tragiskt om Europaparlamentet fick mer makt i frågan.

  Pedro Guerreiro (GUE/NGL), por escrito. Apesar de conter aspectos que consideramos positivos, o presente relatório foge à análise do cerne da realidade das relações da UE - omitindo ou escamoteando as suas profundas responsabilidades e os seus objectivos estratégicos - relativamente a África.

Talvez o mais gritante exemplo seja o seu silêncio quanto às iniciativas articuladas no âmbito da NATO/EUA/UE relativamente a este Continente, como a criação de comandos militares específicos (EUA/AFRICOM), a realização de manobras militares (NATO) ou a crescente presença militar das grandes potências da UE ("mecanismos de apoio à paz", missões militares).

O relatório contém ainda aspectos que abrem as portas à ingerência - disfarçada de "humanitária", de "gestão de conflitos" ou de "boa governação" - e não denuncia a crescente subordinação da política de desenvolvimento às estratégias de "segurança" - privilegiando-se a "ajuda ao desenvolvimento" prestada por militares ou a utilização das suas verbas para fins que nada têm a ver com esta -, instrumentalizando-a em função dos objectivos estratégicos das grandes potências, nomeadamente o domínio dos imensos recursos naturais, incluindo o petróleo, deste Continente.

Por fim, valorizando os condicionamentos que advoga para os "Acordos de Parceria Económica", o relatório reafirma o "dogma" da liberalização do comércio como base para o desenvolvimento.

Defendendo a realização da Cimeira UE/África, rejeitamos tais políticas.

  Bogusław Liberadzki (PSE), na piśmie. Pani Maria Martens słusznie zauważa, że podstawą rozwoju współpracy Afryki i Europy powinna być rozwijająca się demokracja i partnerstwo oparte na wzajemnym szacunku. Trafnie uwzględniono również fakt, że partnerzy są równi pod względem praw i obowiązków, ale nie pod względem poziomu integracji oraz dostępności i poziomu rozwoju zasobów finansowych, technicznych i ludzkich.

Zgadzam się, iż wspólnym zadaniem i nadrzędnym celem współpracy UE-Afryka musi być likwidacja ubóstwa, a pokój ma kluczowe znaczenie jako pierwszy krok w kierunku rozwoju.

Zgodnie z duchem sprawozdania uważam, że istotne jest uwzględnienie prawdziwych potrzeb populacji afrykańskiej: zapewnienie godnego wynagrodzenia dla drobnych rolników, zwiększenie lokalnej produkcji, zapewnienie bezpieczeństwa żywności i źródeł utrzymania, budowanie rynków lokalnych i regionalnych.

  Karin Scheele (PSE), schriftlich. Der Bericht über den Stand der Beziehungen EU-Afrika befasst sich neben der wichtigen Diskussion über unfaire Handelspolitiken auch mit der Frage der Konfliktprävention und Konfliktlösung. In diesem Zusammenhang möchte ich auf die letzte Kolonie der Welt, die letzte Kolonie Afrikas hinweisen: die Westsahara, die seit mehr als 30 Jahren von Marokko besetzt ist. Diese Besatzung verletzt internationales Recht und hat massive Menschenrechtsverletzungen zur Folge. Wenn wir für die Menschenrechte des saharauischen Volkes eintreten, für sein Recht auf Selbstbestimmung, dann hören wir häufig, dass wir eine pro-saharauische Haltung einnehmen. Diese Einstellung ist schockierend: Wir treten für Menschenrechte und das internationale Recht ein. Alle europäischen Institutionen sollten sich dafür einsetzen und nicht nur die wirtschaftlichen Interessen einiger Mitgliedstaaten verfolgen. Europa braucht eine glaubwürdige Haltung gegen Diktaturen. Den Zeigefinger gegen einige auserwählte Diktaturen zu erheben schadet der Glaubwürdigkeit der Union bei Fragen der Konfliktlösung und schadet den Unterdrückten, die täglich massive Menschenrechtsverletzungen ertragen müssen.

  Andrzej Jan Szejna (PSE), na piśmie. Głosuję za przyjęciem sprawozdania Pani Poseł Marii Martens w sprawie stosunków UE-Afryka.

Należy ustalić wspólną strategię współpracy między Unią Europejską a krajami afrykańskimi, która będzie oparta na wzajemnym szacunku i na wspólnych, jasno określonych zasadach i wartościach. Musimy wziąć pod uwagę stanowisko strony afrykańskiej i skupić się w szczególności na problematyce rozwoju oraz osiągnięciu celów Milenijnych Celów Rozwoju, takich jak stabilny wzrost i rozwój, walka z ubóstwem, a także pomoc w zapewnieniu dostępu do edukacji i środków ochrony zdrowia.

- Proposta di risoluzione: (B6-0429/2007)

  Göran Färm och Inger Segelström (PSE), skriftlig. Vi svenska socialdemokrater ställde oss bakom betänkandet som är bra. Vi röstade dock emot ändringsförslag 1 som nämnde användandet av multipelbomber i två specifika konflikter. Vi valde att rösta emot det, eftersom vi fördömer användandet av multipelbomber i samtliga konflikter och inte endast i enskilda fall. 

 

  Hélène Goudin och Nils Lundgren (IND/DEM), skriftlig. Det råder inga tvivel om att multipelbomber är mycket grymma vapensystem som orsakar stort lidande för civila befolkningar. Därför är det beklämmande att Europaparlamentet använder en så viktig fråga i sin strävan att påskynda skapandet av ett Europas förenta stater.

Ett förbud mot denna typ av vapen måste genomföras på ett globalt plan, genom FN och på initiativ av nationalstater, inte av Europaparlamentet.

Därför har vi röstat emot denna resolution vid dagens omröstning.

  Pedro Guerreiro (GUE/NGL), por escrito. As Nações Unidas, no passado dia 17 de Setembro, solicitaram aos seus Estados-Membros que tomassem medidas imediatas no sentido solucionar as terríveis consequências do uso de bombas de fragmentação, apelando à conclusão de um instrumento de direito humanitário internacional juridicamente vinculativo que proíba a utilização, o desenvolvimento, a produção, o armazenamento e a transferência deste tipo de armamento.

As Nações Unidas exigem a destruição das actuais reservas dessas armas, solicitam a realização de actividades de atenuação dos riscos e ajuda às vítimas, e recomendam aos Estados-Membros que, até à conclusão desse instrumento, apliquem uma moratória quanto à utilização e à transferência dessas armas.

Como é denunciado na presente resolução, existem dados que apontam para que 98% das vítimas destas bombas são civis, causando uma elevada e brutal taxa de mortes e feridos, especialmente entre as crianças.

No entanto a maioria do PE rejeitou que se explicitasse que foram utilizadas bombas de fragmentação pelas ditas "forças da coligação" no Afeganistão e no Iraque e pelas forças israelitas no Líbano.

É urgente pôr cobro à corrida aos armamentos. É urgente o fim das armas de destruição massiva, das bombas de fragmentação, das munições com urânio empobrecido ou dos projécteis de fósforo.

Por isso subscrevemos esta resolução.

  David Martin (PSE), in writing. I voted for this resolution, which reaffirms the need to strengthen international humanitarian law (IHL) as it applies to cluster munitions and speedily to adopt at international level a comprehensive ban on the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions. The House also noted it strongly supports the Oslo Process launched in February 2007.

- Relazione: Cappato (A6-0341/2007)

  Ryszard Czarnecki (UEN). – Panie Przewodniczący! Chciałbym wyjaśnić moje głosowanie w sprawie sprawozdania pana Cappato, a także wyjaśnić, dlaczego Grupa na Rzecz Europy Narodów wstrzymała się od głosowania. Ja głosowałem przeciw, ponieważ uważam, że jest to bardzo kontrowersyjny pomysł. Narkotyki są głównym biznesem w Afganistanie i kontrolowanie choćby części ich produkcji dla celów medycznych wydaje się więcej niż wątpliwe. Dlatego głosowałem przeciwko tej propozycji.

  Carlo Fatuzzo (PPE-DE). – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, con questa relazione l'onorevole Cappato ha proposto e ottenuto che si faccia sapere che il Parlamento europeo è favorevole a esperimenti di trasformazione della coltivazione dell'oppio per uso delinquenziale a coltivazioni di oppio per uso terapeutico di cura degli ammalati in Afghanistan.

Io devo dire che ho votato contro perché si comincia proprio dal contadino che coltiva il papavero nei campi per arrivare alla morte e alla delinquenza, che è collegata a coloro che consapevoli o inconsapevoli sono caduti nella rete di questa terribile piaga dell'umanità.

È una pia illusione, secondo me, quella di chi ha votato a favore di questa relazione, che si possa ottenere che quello che attualmente viene fatto illegalmente, cioè la coltivazione dell'oppio in Afghanistan, possa cancellarsi solo perché viene consentita e autorizzato l'uso per scopi benefici.

  Richard Howitt (PSE), in writing. The European Parliamentary Labour Party could not support this resolution, as at its core is a proposal to encourage opium growing in Afghanistan. This runs contrary to efforts being put in place by the Government of Afghanistan with the support of the international community, and also runs contrary to the wishes of 80% of the Afghan people - the opium industry feeds the Taliban insurgency. We note that the number of opium-free provinces in Afghanistan has more than doubled this year.

We voted against the original texts in Paragraph 1(a) and 1(b) as we feel strongly that there is no role for the European Parliament in promoting any projects which encourage the production of opium in Afghanistan.

We voted against the report for the reasons above, and also because this proposal is based on a factually incorrect presumption of a global shortage of opiates for medicinal use. The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has stated that an overproduction in licit opiates since 2000 has led to stockpiles in producing countries 'that could cover demand for two years'.

  David Martin (PSE), in writing. I voted against this report. There is no shortage of opium available for medical use in the world, and the security situation in Afghanistan does not seem likely to lend itself to secure production and collection of opium for medical purposes.

- Relazione: Lechner (A6-0371/2007)

  David Martin (PSE), in writing. I voted in favour of this report. Attachment is a process by which a creditor can apply to a court to freeze a bank account in order to prevent someone disposing of claimed monies. It strikes a balance between the rights of creditors to recover debts and the provision of adequate protection for defendants. It does not conflict with national laws, and should make a common standard procedure available across the EU.

- Relazione: Sbarbati (A6-0301/2007)

  Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL), por escrito. Os elementos do registo de actividades do Provedor de Justiça referem que, em 2006, recebeu 3830 queixas. Mas o Provedor de Justiça, considerou que apenas 21,5% dos casos eram da sua alçada e, desses, 258 deram origem a um inquérito. Em 2006, o Provedor de Justiça levou a cabo um total de 582 inquéritos, dos quais 315 tinham transitado de 2005 e 9 foram abertos por sua própria iniciativa.

É interessante verificar que, à semelhança de anos anteriores, a instituição que foi objecto de mais inquéritos foi a Comissão, com uma percentagem de 66% do total (387) seguindo-se o Serviço de Selecção do Pessoal das Comunidades Europeias (EPSO), que foi visado em 13% e o Parlamento Europeu em 8%.

O vício mais invocado foi a falta de transparência, incluindo a recusa de informação (25%), seguido pela parcialidade ou abuso de poder e uma pluralidade de outras formas de má administração. No entanto, como aliás salienta o próprio Provedor, há muitos casos em que as suas observações críticas manifestamente não produzem qualquer efeito, mas, sem dúvida, são um alerta para problemas existentes, pelo que o Parlamento lhes deve dar a devida atenção.

9. Поправки и намерения за гласуване: вж. протоколи

  Presidente. L'ordine del giorno reca le intenzioni e le correzioni di voto.

(La seduta, sospesa alle 13.00, è ripresa alle 15.00)

PRÉSIDENCE DE M. GÉRARD ONESTA
Vice-président

10. Съобщаване на общи позиции на Съвета: вж. протоколи

11. Одобряване на протокола от предишното заседание: вж протоколите

12. Европейско частно дружество (разискване)

  Le Président. – L'ordre du jour appelle maintenant la déclaration de la Commission sur les droits des sociétés.

  Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Member of the Commission. Mr President, the European private company statute has regularly been on the agenda of the European Parliament and also, as you know, on that of its Committee on Legal Affairs. Various arguments presented during these debates have demonstrated that a statute for European private companies may bring benefits to small and medium-sized companies, and there has also been support for the idea of a stakeholder consultation.

The Commission recognises that the regulatory framework needs to be adapted to allow SMEs to make the most of increasingly integrated European markets. We need to make it easier and cheaper for small and medium-sized companies to conduct cross-border business. It is important to take action that will help those firms to fully reap the benefits of the single market.

The growth of small and medium-sized businesses is crucial, as we all know, for the competitiveness of the European economy, and the Commission can see that a European private company statute could facilitate the expansion of small businesses beyond national borders. Therefore, by providing an option, it would create more choice for companies, without imposing any additional burdens.

It could well reduce the compliance costs for firms that wish to operate in several Member States. If this can be achieved, SMEs could have easier access to new markets. The Commission is therefore aware of the importance of the European private company statute to the Member States of the European Union and to European businesses.

I can assure you that my colleague, Commissioner McCreevy, will proceed with a legislative proposal for a European private company statute, as he declared to the Legal Affairs Committee on 3 October 2007. This proposal should be ready by mid-2008 at the latest. As you know, we are currently conducting further consultations on the exact form and content of the proposal, the results of which will then be incorporated into the impact assessment to be completed in the first months of next year. My colleague Mr McCreevy will be very happy to have a continued dialogue with you once this proposal is on the table.

  Klaus-Heiner Lehne, im Namen der PPE-DE-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident! Sehr verehrte Frau Kommissarin! Zunächst einmal vielen herzlichen Dank für Ihre Ausführungen. Da sind wir genau beim ersten Thema angekommen: Die europäische Privatgesellschaft. Ich kann sagen, dass wir hocherfreut darüber sind, dass sich die Kommission nach langen Schwierigkeiten endlich davon hat überzeugen lassen, dass dies ein notwendiger Gesetzesentwurf ist, und wir jetzt damit rechnen können, diesen Gesetzesentwurf zu bekommen. Es gereicht dem Parlament zur Ehre, dass das ohne erheblichen Druck aus diesem Hause nicht möglich gewesen wäre. Aber wir wollen das Ergebnis doch sehr, sehr positiv bewerten.

Ich will aber auf einen zweiten Punkt zu sprechen kommen, der heute auch in unserer Entschließung angesprochen wird, bei dem wir mit der Entwicklung nicht zufrieden sind. Das ist die 14. Richtlinie zur Verlegung des Registergerichts, des Registerstandortes. Hier gab es seit vielen Jahren eine Planung der Europäischen Kommission, diesen Lückenschluss im Gesellschaftsrecht vorzunehmen. Wir haben nunmehr erfahren müssen, dass dies wohl mehr oder weniger endgültig aus dem Gesetzgebungsprogramm gestrichen worden ist, jedenfalls aus der Sicht der Europäischen Kommission, und deswegen diese Lücke offen bleiben wird.

Ich will an dieser Stelle deutlich machen, dass jedenfalls meine Fraktion und – ich denke, nach dem Stand der Beratungen in den zurückliegenden Jahren im Rechtsausschuss – auch der Rechtsausschuss in seiner ganz überwältigenden Mehrheit und auch dieses Haus immer die Ansicht vertreten haben, dass dieser Lückenschluss notwendig ist und dass die 14. Richtlinie kommen muss.

Es geht aber nicht um zusätzliche Bürokratie und Verpflichtungen für Unternehmen. Es geht einfach nur darum, dass Unternehmen die Möglichkeit bekommen, so wie es ihnen im Vertrag zugesagt worden ist, sich frei zu bewegen und überall in der Europäischen Union niederlassen zu können. Wir haben gehört, dass einer der Gründe, warum die Europäische Kommission in dieser Frage nicht weitermachen und keinen Vorschlag machen möchte, die Meinung ist, dass die existierenden Regelungen zu Fusionsrichtlinien und anderen Vorschriften ausreichen, um die Beweglichkeit der Unternehmen sicherzustellen.

Ich kann an dieser Stelle nur feststellen, dass es, wenn ein Unternehmen erst ein anderes Unternehmen in einem anderen Land gründen muss, um dann mit diesem zu fusionieren, um sich dann auf diese Art und Weise innerhalb des Binnenmarktes bewegen zu können, nicht gerade ein Beispiel dafür ist, dass etwas bürokratiesparend oder weniger kostenaufwendig funktioniert. Es wäre wünschenswert, wenn wir hier ein vernünftiges, sekundäres Recht hätten, das den Unternehmen diese durch den Binnenmarkt grundsätzlich eingeräumten Möglichkeiten auch tatsächlich gewährt.

Eines der Argumente, das angeführt wird, ist die Tatsache, dass der Europäische Gerichtshof durch seine Rechtsprechung in der Vergangenheit ja ohnehin das Recht der Gesellschaften massiv liberalisiert hat. Das ist unbestritten richtig. Aber das, was der Europäische Gerichtshof hier tut, das tut er ja nur deshalb, um dem Primärrecht zum Durchbruch zu verhelfen, einfach angesichts der Tatsache, dass der sekundärrechtliche Gesetzgeber – und das sind Parlament und Rat, wir sind aber auf die Europäische Kommission angewiesen – nicht in der Lage ist, vernünftiges Sekundärrecht zustande zu bringen, um die Binnenmarktfreiheiten auch tatsächlich sicherzustellen.

Darum beharrt das Parlament auf seiner Position, dass auch die 14. Richtlinie von Seiten der Kommission im Rahmen ihres Initiativmonopols in absehbarer Zeit vorgelegt werden muss. Wir bitten die Kommission, noch einmal darüber nachzudenken, ob nicht doch auch die 14. Richtlinie, die schubladenreif in den Dienststuben der Kommission liegt, in den kommenden Jahren ins Gesetzgebungsprogramm aufgenommen werden kann.

Ist dies nicht der Fall, so behält sich das Parlament ausdrücklich vor – und so steht es auch in dieser Entschließung –, gegebenenfalls das Instrument des Artikels 192, eines legislativen Initiativberichts, erneut zu bemühen. Und weil wir gerade schon so schön über das Gesellschaftsrecht reden, lassen Sie mich kurz etwas zur letzten Mitteilung der Kommission zur Vereinfachung des Gesellschaftsrechts sagen. Das ist nicht unmittelbar Gegenstand dieser Entschließung, aber es steht in einem sachlichen Zusammenhang damit.

Wir sind uns, glaube ich, im Parlament darüber einig, dass wir eine substantielle Verschlechterung des acquis communautaire im Rahmen von Vereinfachungsmaßnahmen nicht befürworten. Das heißt, das Streichen ganzer Richtlinien kommt nach meiner Überzeugung nicht in Betracht. Was wir unterstützen können, sind Maßnahmen, die der Entlastung der Unternehmen dienen, die bürokratische und statistische Pflichten verringern, die dafür sorgen, dass nicht jeder Kram, der in der Bilanz steht und vielleicht gar nicht so wichtig ist, auch veröffentlicht werden muss. Ich denke, hier gibt es Möglichkeiten, eng mit der Kommission zusammenzuarbeiten und zu einer Verbesserung des Gesellschaftsrechts zu kommen.

Was mir beim Lesen der entsprechenden Unterlagen der Kommission noch aufgefallen ist: Es gibt bestimmte Gesetze, die wir erlassen haben, wie z. B. die Transparenzrichtlinie, die im Gefolge von Sarbanes Oxlay teilweise Vorschriften enthält, bei denen man heute eigentlich fragen müsste, warum sie nicht einer vernünftigen Überprüfung vor dem Hintergrund einer Vereinfachung unterzogen werden. Ich würde es begrüßen, wenn sich die Kommission auch in dieser Richtung noch Gedanken machen würde und damit einen Beitrag zur Verbesserung des Gesellschaftsrechts leisten würde.

  Manuel Medina Ortega, en nombre del Grupo PSE. – Señor Presidente, el señor Lehne ha expuesto sustancialmente el punto de vista de los miembros de la Comisión de Asuntos Jurídicos. Él lo ha hecho en nombre del Grupo del Partido Popular Europeo, yo lo hago en nombre del Partido de los Socialistas Europeos.

La preocupación que tenemos en este momento es, como ha dicho el señor Lehne, que estamos confiando demasiado en un desarrollo pretoriano, es decir, en un desarrollo a través de la jurisprudencia del Tribunal de Justicia. La jurisprudencia del Tribunal de Justicia rellena las lagunas que está dejando el Derecho secundario de la Unión Europea, pero no disponemos de ese Derecho secundario. Los Tratados son disposiciones de carácter muy general, que prevén ciertos ámbitos, que dan a lugar a diferentes interpretaciones y que no facilitan en este momento la creación del mercado interior.

Las propuestas nuestras van en un doble sentido —como ha señalado antes el señor Lehne—, en primer lugar, en aras de apoyar la oferta que ha hecho la Comisión de presentar una propuesta de directiva sobre la sociedad privada europea, que evidentemente ayudaría mucho al establecimiento de la libre circulación dentro de la Unión Europea, y, en segundo lugar, para tratar de seguir empujando en el ámbito del Derecho de sociedades, sacando adelante una nueva directiva, la decimocuarta, que podría acabar de completar esas disposiciones.

Comparto la preocupación del señor Lehne de que, al no adoptar disposiciones sobre el traspaso de sedes de las sociedades, estamos realmente dejando una laguna legal, porque las fusiones tienen un ámbito distinto y no completan la situación íntegramente. Esperamos que la Comisión pueda incluir este tipo de actividades en su programa de trabajo.

En primer lugar, espero que durante el año 2008 y, a ser posible, antes del 30 de junio, tengamos ya esta propuesta de Directiva sobre la mesa, la Directiva sobre el estatuto de la sociedad privada europea, y, en segundo lugar, es de esperar que la Comisión no abandone la idea de seguir desarrollando el Derecho de sociedades en ámbitos como la libertad de establecimiento y de cambio de domicilio por parte de las sociedades.

Con esto termino mi intervención.

  Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Member of the Commission. Mr President, let me answer both questions.

In answer to the first, I think it is clear. In answer to the second, concerning the 14th company law directive, we had suggested that a further means of improving mobility might be a directive stipulating the conditions for the transfer of registered offices in the European Union. The results of the economic analysis of the possible added value of a directive were inconclusive; companies already have the legal means to effect cross-border transfer. Several companies have already transferred their registered office using the possibilities offered by the European Company Statute.

Soon, the Cross-Border Mergers Directive, which will enter into force in December, will give all limited liability companies, including SMEs, the option to transfer their registered office. They could do so by setting up a subsidiary in the Member State to which they want to move and then merging the existing company into this subsidiary.

In the Commission’s view, it is only if this framework is found wanting that future legislative action in the shape of a 14th company law directive can be justified. Therefore, Mr McCreevy has decided for the moment not to proceed with this 14th company law directive, but I will certainly communicate your concerns again.

  Le Président. – J'ai reçu, conformément à l'article 103, paragraphe 2, du règlement, une proposition de résolution⁽¹⁾.

Le débat est clos.

Le vote aura lieu tout à l'heure, à l'Heure des votes.

(1) Voir procès-verbal.

13. Разисквания относно случаи на нарушаване на правата на човека, на демокрацията и на правовата държава (разискване)

13.1. Иран

  Le Président. – L'ordre du jour appelle maintenant le débat sur six propositions de résolutions sur l'Iran⁽¹⁾.

  Ryszard Czarnecki (UEN), autor. – Panie Przewodniczący! Po raz kolejny rozmawiamy o Iranie. Jestem współautorem rezolucji w imieniu grupy Unii na Rzecz Europy Narodów. Sytuacja w Iranie to taka niekończąca się opowieść - sytuacja łamania praw człowieka. Parlament Europejski co chwilę do tego tematu wraca podkreślając kolejne nazwiska ofiar, kolejne ewidentne przykłady łamania praw człowieka. Muszę powiedzieć z pewną przykrością, że dla niektórych polityków z Unii Europejskiej, dla niektórych rządów, ważniejsze są podwójne standardy, które zakładają, że głośniej mówi się o prawach człowieka w krajach, z którymi nie można handlować, z którymi nie można robić interesów. W przypadku krajów z którymi utrzymuje się relacje gospodarcze, nawet nieoficjalnie, nie nagłaśniając tego, zarabiając na tym, o prawach człowieka mówi się jakby ciszej, jakby szeptem. Bardzo dobrze, że Parlament Europejski nie chce mówić szeptem o kwestii Iranu.

We wspólnej rezolucji którą proponujemy, co podkreślam ponad podziałami politycznymi, wymieniamy nowe, konkretne, tragiczne fakty, które pokazują dramat, który dzieje się na naszych oczach w tym kraju. Uwaga światowej opinii publicznej jest skoncentrowana na czymś innym - na pewnych próbach tworzenia potęgi nuklearnej w tym kraju lub na ewidentnie antysemickich wypowiedziach prezydenta Iranu. Niestety nie zauważamy łamania praw człowieka w tym kraju, stąd też dobrze, że Parlament Europejski tym się dzisiaj zajmuje.

  Marios Matsakis (ALDE), author. – Mr President, this is not the first time, and I fear that it will not be the last, that this House is called upon to deal with the situation in Iran. That country, which has all the natural resources for achieving an envious standard of living for its people, is unfortunately sinking deeper into the abyss of dark ages-like totalitarian governance, with the resulting gross violations of the human rights of its citizens, and with Iran becoming more and more isolated from the rest of the world.

The continued practice of barbaric acts such as the stoning to death of citizens, including women and children, and the non-recognition of the quality of the rights of women and of political opponents, is a stigma to civilised living. Every day, reports reach us of even more cases of arrests, torture and killings of innocent civilians by the authorities of Iran.

(The President asked the speaker to slow down)

I hope that will not cost me time, Mr President. Incidentally, that is why I speak in English – so that people can understand me without the need for interpretation.

(Applause from certain quarters)

Thank you, Mr Tannock.

Freedom of speech and freedom of the press is pretty much non-existent in that country, and all this at the same time as the secretive work to produce nuclear weapons is going ahead against all common sense and in spite of international outcry.

The Iranian regime, blinded by short-sighted nationalism and extreme religious fanaticism, is following a road that can only lead to confrontation and consequent suffering, mainly to its own people. Let us once again, on the occasion of voting for this resolution, send a message of support to those Iranians fighting for freedom and democracy, and let us again make clear to the extremist rulers of Iran that our patience is running out fast owing to their foolishly dangerous behaviour.

Can I conclude by informing colleagues of some good news from the United States which I have just received, which is that the US Administration has decided to put the Revolutionary Guards on the terrorist list.

  Paulo Casaca (PSE), Autor. – Senhor Presidente, Senhora Comissária, caríssimos Colegas, tivemos esta semana o gosto de ouvir a Prémio Nobel da Literatura, Doris Lessing, que, como sabemos, é de ascendência iraniana, dizer aquilo que todos nós pensamos: "Eu odeio este Governo iraniano que é cruel e que é mau para o seu povo". E mais, disse-nos Doris Lessing que a razão pela qual ninguém ousa criticar este Governo iraniano é pelo interesse no petróleo. Eu acho que a Prémio Nobel da Literatura não poderia ter sido mais exacta nas suas palavras e não poderia ter colocado a questão de melhor forma.

Nós estamos perante uma política de apaziguamento que é letal, não só para os interesses do povo do Irão mas como para todos os que querem a paz. A continuação desta política, a alimentação dos instintos expansionistas e fanáticos do regime iraniano vai ser a maior tragédia que nós vamos enfrentar num futuro próximo e acho que todos nós temos que ganhar consciência desse facto e que temos que inverter esta política por que senão teremos um futuro bastante negro à nossa frente e eu queria apenas dizer, Senhor Presidente, que deveríamos, esta nossa casa deveria enviar uma saudação muito especial à Prémio Nobel da Literatura pelas palavras muito sensatas que proferiu.

  Erik Meijer (GUE/NGL), Auteur. – Voorzitter, bij de beoordeling van wat er nu in en rondom Iran gebeurt, gaat het om vier zaken. Ten eerste de afschuwelijke mensenrechtensituatie, ontstaan als gevolg van een regime dat niet uitgaat van democratie en gelijkwaardigheid van mensen, maar van hun eigen interpretatie van de wil van God, die ze het recht geeft om andere mensen op te sluiten, te martelen en te vermoorden.

Ten tweede, de poging van het regime om ondanks zijn rol als gewelddadige minderheid toch een massa-aanhang te verwerven. Het probeert kunstmatig een nationale trots op te roepen. De reden voor die trots is het bezit van kernenergie en eventueel zelfs kernwapens, net als India, Pakistan en Israël, die het Non-proliferatieverdrag niet hebben ondertekend.

Ten derde gaat het om de oppositie tegen dit regime. Zowel de gematigde oppositie die een iets minder streng regime wil - zoals dat het geval was onder de vorige president - als de echte democratische oppositie, die binnenlands leeft onder arbeiders en studenten en daarnaast onder de intellectuelen die naar het buitenland zijn gevlucht.

En in de vierde plaats gaat het om de Amerikaanse dreiging om op Iran hetzelfde model toe te passen als in Irak en Afghanistan, door middel van een militaire invasie of op zijn minst door bombardementen. Zo'n aanval door buitenlandse tegenstanders is contraproductief. Die zou de inwoners van Iran stimuleren om zich uit vaderlandsliefde te scharen achter het gehate regime en zijn eventuele kernwapens.

Mijn fractie wijst zowel een militaire invasie tegen dit regime, als het vanuit eigenbelang zoeken van vriendschap met dit regime, af. Onze solidariteit ligt bij de slachtoffers en de oppositie. Het regime mag op geen enkele wijze de indruk krijgen dat er kan worden onderhandeld over inperking van de rechten van de oppositie in ballingschap die zich in Europa bevindt, en mag geen propaganda kunnen maken met de bewering dat democratische landen hun wanbestuur ondersteunen.

De uitspraak van het Europees Hof van Justitie om de organisatie van de Volksmojahedin te verwijderen van de terroristenlijst, moet volledig worden nageleefd, zodat deze organisatie of andere oppositiegroepen geen last hebben van juridische of financiële belemmeringen.

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Autor. – Señor Presidente, yo creo que hay tres elementos —al menos tres— que justifican esta urgencia.

En primer lugar, ya se ha dicho, la situación de deterioración creciente de los derechos humanos. En segundo lugar, las cifras récord que están teniendo las ejecuciones no solamente, digamos, en términos numéricos sino también por la brutalidad con la que se están llevando a cabo. Hoy tenemos ya más ejecuciones que las que hubo en todo el año 2007 —244 en 2007 y 177 en 2006—. Y el tercer elemento, la persecución que están sufriendo también organizaciones de activistas de derechos humanos, especialmente aquellas que defienden los derechos de la mujer.

Yo creo que todo esto justifica no solamente esta resolución sino también cómo la resolución se establece, que se inste a las Naciones Unidas para que, en su Asamblea General, se someta a votación una resolución que condene de forma explícita y sin paliativos la violación de los derechos fundamentales en Irán. Es algo que hace mucho tiempo que estamos solicitando. No entendemos que haya las reticencias que hay para que se haga y espero que esta resolución al menos ayude a cambiar algunas conciencias.

  Tadeusz Zwiefka (PPE-DE), autor. – Panie Przewodniczący! Koran, a zatem święta księga wyznawców islamu, uznawana jest przez wybitnych specjalistów za księgę miłości. A cóż się dzieje w krajach, które nazywają się krajami islamskimi? Rządzone są przez skrajnych radykałów. Otóż z tych krajów płynie tylko i wyłącznie przesłanie nienawiści zarówno wobec świata zewnętrznego, jak i wobec współwyznawców i wobec własnych obywateli. To, co dzieje się we współczesnym Iranie, jest absolutnie nie do przyjęcia. Wielokrotnie mówiliśmy już w tej izbie o tym, że należy przedsięwziąć radykalne środki, aby zapobiec naruszaniu praw człowieka w Iranie w różnych jego wymiarach.

To, co napawa szczególnym przerażeniem, to sposób wykonywania kary śmierci. Jakże niecywilizowany, niehumanitarny, kompletnie nie do przyjęcia przez jakąkolwiek demokrację sposób wykonywania kary śmierci poprzez ukamienowanie. Wykonywanie kary śmierci na nieletnich, które jest zabronione w całym demokratycznym i cywilizowanym świecie, wciąż – mimo obietnic rządu i parlamentu irańskiego – jest tam stosowane.

Kolejne działania nienawiści skierowane są w stosunku do jakiejkolwiek opozycji – i tej najmniejszej, obywatelskiej, i tej dużej, zorganizowanej, zarówno wewnątrz tego kraju, jak i poza jego granicami. Aresztowania dziennikarzy, niemożność głoszenia wolnego słowa, nakaz drukowania bądź mówienia pod naciskiem groźby kary więzienia czy nawet kary śmierci – to sytuacje, na które w żadnej mierze nie możemy się zgodzić. Wszelkie apele wydają się być dzisiaj prawie już spóźnione. Powinniśmy zatem pomyśleć o bardziej szczegółowych restrykcjach, które zmusiłyby rząd irański do zmiany tego postępowania.

  Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Member of the Commission. Mr President, first of all, we in the Commission welcome this new joint motion for a resolution by the European Parliament.

I can tell you that we have all repeatedly expressed our great concerns about the human rights situation in Iran – I, myself, very recently during the UN General Assembly, on the margins of which I met the Iranian Foreign Minister, where, again, I very strongly emphasised all the facts that are there.

I must say that the respect for basic human rights in Iran has continued to deteriorate seriously over the past year and, for this reason, we will also support the new UN General Assembly resolution on the human rights situation in Iran, as we do each year, which Canada is likely to table.

There is a continuous clampdown on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and political dissent. There have been new cases of torture and executions of people who were minors at the time of the alleged crime. There has also been an increasing number of public executions, as Mr Romeva i Rueda said, including in one case through stoning, despite assurances by the Iranian side that stoning was forbidden under existing decrees. I also very specifically mentioned this case when I met the Iranian Foreign Minister. Iran has carried out at least 250 executions so far this year – the second highest number of executions worldwide.

We also note, of course, the continuous discrimination against minorities, increasing harassment and the closure of independent non-governmental organisations. The documented intimidation and persecution of human rights defenders from all sectors of Iranian society has grown, as has the repression of intellectuals, teachers, students, women activists and trade unions. Only recently, one of Iran’s best-known human rights defenders, Mr Emaddedin Baghi, was once again imprisoned under the charge of propaganda against the Government. And, since July, Mr Mansour Osanlou, President of the Iranian Bus Drivers’ Union and the embodiment of an independent trade union movement in Iran, has been under arrest. Mr Osanlou is in need of urgent medical treatment, which, we have reason to believe, he has still not received.

But we are not remaining silent about such developments. We have taken numerous steps and repeatedly issued public statements denouncing the ongoing violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Iran, as well as the country’s persistent failure to uphold international standards on the administration of justice. Once more, I call upon the Iranian Government to fully respect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, in line with Iran’s obligations under international law and the conventions it has ratified.

I would also like to reiterate our concern about Iran’s refusal to resume the bilateral dialogue on human rights it suspended in 2004, which the European Union continues to ask for. For our part, we remain ready to do so, as we believe in the importance of such a dialogue and engagement.

In conclusion, the Commission is, speaking quite unequivocally, in full agreement with Parliament, whatever the developments on the nuclear issue or on other issues of concern to the European Union. And we have this double-track approach, which, at this moment, Javier Solana and his new counterpart are working on, and, at the same time, we are also working in the United Nations Security Council with regard to maybe a further strengthening of sanctions. At this moment, there can be no real progress in the relationship with Iran without a serious improvement in the human rights situation.

  Le Président. – Le débat est clos.

Le vote aura lieu tout à l'heure, à l'Heure des votes.

(1) Voir procès-verbal.

13.2. Пакистан

  Le Président. – L'ordre du jour appelle maintenant quatre propositions de résolution sur le Pakistan⁽¹⁾.

  David Martin (PSE), author. – Mr President, let me start by expressing my sympathy to the victims of the horrific bomb attack in Karachi. Our thoughts go out to all of those who were affected by that dramatic action.

Pakistan is a nation which we in Europe should care deeply about. It is a great trading nation, it is an exporter of people, not least to this continent, and it is a vital ally in the fight against terrorism. It is a matter, therefore, of great sadness that, in its 60-year history, Pakistan has failed to become a true democracy; but, on the other hand, we should be encouraged by the fact that it has not become a theocracy or even a permanent military dictatorship. Once again in Pakistan, the window is opening for democracy.

We await the outcome of the court ruling on the legality of the President’s election. We call on President Musharraf to accept the outcome if it goes against him, but I also call on people in Pakistan and throughout the world to accept the ruling of the Court if it rules in favour of the President. I think it is the only basis on which we can move forward in the country.

In relation to the election in January, I hope that the Government will pursue and continue to prepare for that election, and will make it possible for Ms Benazir Bhutto to campaign in a secure fashion. In saying that, I know we imply that the Government was behind the bombing; I do not believe that, but we need to make sure that the security of all the candidates is guaranteed and the Government does its best to protect Ms Benazir Bhutto. I also believe that Mr Sharif should be allowed to return to the country and campaign if he so wishes, and again have his security guaranteed.

The military should stand back during the whole period of the election campaign, and I hope, before January – and, indeed, before campaigning begins – that the President will get himself out of uniform and turn his country into a true civilian government. That is the best hope for the future of Pakistan, and it is the best hope for relations between Europe and Pakistan: that we get a democratically elected parliament in January, with the President out of uniform, in ‘civvies’.

  Eva-Britt Svensson (GUE/NGL), författare. – Tack herr talman! Jag måste först med sorg i hjärtat konstatera att vi månad efter månad här i parlamentet måste ta ställning till olika resolutioner eftersom så stora delar av vår omvärld inte respekterar medborgerliga fri- och rättigheter och bryter mot grundläggande mänskliga rättigheter. Jag måste säga det, eftersom jag tycker att det är så fruktansvärt att det bara pågår och pågår. Vi talar här i parlamentet om detta, vi talar i så många sammanhang om detta, och ändå fortsätter det.

När det gäller Pakistan som i den resolution som vi diskuterar nu vill jag säga att GUE/NGL-gruppen stöder resolutionen i sin helhet. Resolutionen ställer ett stort antal men mycket berättigade krav på regeringen i Pakistan. Vi i omvärlden kan inte stillatigande se militärregimens inflytande och bestämmande över alla samhällsområden. Makten måste överföras till en civil demokratisk regering. Vi måste stödja alla frivilligorganisationer, alla som arbetar för de demokratiska fri- och rättigheterna. Jag vill särskilt betona betydelsen av punkt 16 i denna resolution. Där uttrycker parlamentet sin stora oro över att en stor del av Pakistans kvinnor inte kan delta i den demokratiska processen. Människor förtrycks i Pakistan av militärregimen p.g.a. religion, men vi får heller inte glömma det förtryck som en stor del av Pakistans kvinnor utsätts för. Vår grupp vill kraftigt stödja hela resolutionen. Tack!

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Autor. – Señor Presidente, yo también quiero decir que a pesar de que lógicamente la principal responsabilidad para resolver la situación incumbe a las autoridades pakistaníes, no por ello tenemos que olvidar que la Unión Europea tiene y, sobre todo los países miembros, los Estados miembros, tenemos una enorme responsabilidad, al menos para no empeorar la situación.

Y ello tiene que ver con la también incomprensible práctica, por su incompatibilidad con esta voluntad de resolver la situación, de seguir exportando o queriendo exportar armas a ese país.

Sólo por mencionar tres casos: el Gobierno del Reino Unido autorizó en 2006 la exportación de 15 000 rifles a la región, incluido Pakistán; Francia sigue queriendo vender a Pakistán misiles y radares para construir un avión de combate que está supuestamente elaborando ese país con China; y Alemania también ha sido responsable de la exportación de importantes cantidades de munición, armas y otro tipo de equipos militares.

Yo creo que, en ese sentido, es incompatible el querer resolver la situación en Pakistán y al mismo tiempo alimentarla con esas políticas. Por eso sugiero y pido a mis colegas que apoyen la enmienda en la que pedimos que se suspenda todo tipo de exportación de armas y equipo militar hasta que se garantice que éstas no van a ser usadas para vulnerar los derechos humanos.

  Charles Tannock (PPE-DE), author. – Mr President, last week’s suicide bomb blast in Karachi reminded us of just how perilously close Pakistan has come to anarchy. The prospect of a nuclear-armed Pakistan becoming a rogue state controlled by Islamist fanatics is, quite frankly, terrifying.

I am not especially a fan of Benazir Bhutto, whose period in office as Prime Minister was marked by widespread corruption, but, ultimately, a democratic and secular-leaning government under civilian control is always preferable to a military dictatorship, compromised in this case by its links to Islamist parties and the Afghan Taliban. President Musharraf is supposed to be our ally in the war on terror; sometimes I wonder how committed he is to rooting out terrorism in his own country.

Hopefully, Ms Bhutto’s return to Pakistan may be a fillip for human rights now. One major concern is the ongoing repression of religious minorities, including Christians, Hindus and Ahmadi Muslims. If she is to be taken seriously as a progressive leader of a more modern Pakistan, she must make sure that Pakistan respects its international obligations under human rights conventions.

But, while Pakistan faces many challenges, we should recognise that some progress is being made in some areas. The economy continues to grow, and Pakistan has also engaged in confidence-building measures with India with regard to the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir.

One question which remains totally unanswered is how, legally, the Pakistani Government, in spite of a Supreme Court judgment permitting former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to return from exile to Pakistan, deported him immediately to Saudi Arabia. How, in international law, can a government deport one of its own citizens? Nawaz Sharif may yet have a vital role to play in re-establishing multiparty civilian democratic politics in Pakistan.

  Bernd Posselt, im Namen der PPE-DE-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident! Wir müssen Pakistan sehr differenziert sehen. Es ist ein großes, wichtiges Land mit einer schwierigen Geschichte. Es ist als Staat, als Heimat für die muslimischen Einwohner Indiens künstlich entstanden, also ist seine Identität natürlich muslimisch und die können wir ihm jetzt nicht vorwerfen. Das war quasi die Ursache seiner Gründung.

Das heißt nicht, dass wir nicht gegen islamistischen Extremismus kämpfen, aber das tun die Pakistanis selbst in erheblichem Umfang auch. Pakistan war ein wichtiger Verbündeter gegenüber der sowjetischen Okkupation Afghanistans, gegenüber dem kommunistischen China, gegenüber sowjetischer Einflussnahme in Indien, die es lange Zeit gegeben hat. Es war ein wichtiger strategischer Faktor für den Westen.

Auf der anderen Seite hat dieses Land natürlich innere Schwierigkeiten, die wir sehen müssen: Eine komplizierte, heterogene Bevölkerungsstruktur, ethnisch und religiös, eine große Armut und natürlich auch die Notwendigkeit, Demokratie und Rechtsstaatlichkeit zu stärken. Auf diesem Wege müssen wir dieses Land natürlich massiv unterstützen, freie Wahlen und eine unabhängige Justiz stärken, die Militärs ermutigen, nach und nach die Macht in die Hände von gewählten Politikern abzugeben, und vor allem – wie Charles Tannock gesagt hat – den Weg der Entspannung mit dem Nachbarn Indien weiterzugehen.

Hier gibt es ermutigende Zeichen, und diese Zeichen zu stärken und gleichzeitig auch kritisch zu sein, das ist die Aufgabe einer ausgewogenen Pakistan-Politik.

  Sarah Ludford, on behalf of the ALDE Group. – Mr President, the Pakistani people do not deserve military dictatorship, violence and lawlessness. Therefore, one of key articles in this resolution is the one which reaffirms our solidarity with the people of Pakistan, who share the objectives of democratic governance and transparent, accountable rule, and who act with courage and determination in the face of terrorist and criminal violence.

That is, of course, why we put the stress on the need for a return to democracy and civilian government with free and fair elections in January as being the only way to answer the challenges of Pakistani society.

At the same time, we also stress the need to remove the militarisation of Pakistani society and deplore the failure of President Musharraf to stand down as army chief, as he promised he would. The rule of law is extremely uneven in Pakistan. There have been some encouraging developments at times, but these are also accompanied by some very repressive judgments. This falls particularly hard on minorities, religious and otherwise, as well as on women. We rightly call for improvement in that area.

This as well, of course, as deploring the suicide bombing and the 140 victims and 500 injured last week. I fear that these could become a pretext for restricting political activity, because already there has been an announcement by the Government that political parties will only be allowed to hold meetings in well-secured parks and public grounds rather than organise processions. One could see how that might be made a pretext.

Finally, one of the more close-to-home reasons for my wanting Pakistan to fight both extremism and militarisation, and to return to the rule of law, is the impact on British people of Pakistani origin, with the calls, for instance, for profiling or for visa requirements for the United States. It would remove that threat to people like my constituents if Pakistan were to be a democratic society.

  Ryszard Czarnecki, w imieniu grupy UEN. – Panie Przewodniczący! Dziś w telewizji kolejna informacja o kolejnym zamachu w Pakistanie, o kilku ofiarach śmiertelnych. To znów jest „niekończąca się opowieść”. Dlaczego się tym zajmujemy? Także w imieniu europejskich podatników. Przypomnijmy, że Unia Europejska przekazuje Pakistanowi znaczące fundusze na opiekę zdrowotną, na walkę z ubóstwem i na edukację. W związku z tym mamy prawo interesować się, co w tym kraju – po części utrzymywanym z pieniędzy naszych wyborców – się oczywiście dzieje.

Chciałbym zwrócić uwagę na aspekty, o których nie była tu mowa. Przede wszystkim na to, że w Pakistanie są prześladowane i dyskryminowane mniejszości religijne, myślę to o chrześcijanach, a także o hinduistach, o sikhach i o buddystach. Wydaje mi się, że warto ten aspekt podkreślać – on jakby trochę niknie w cieniu tych zamachów i tragicznych ofiar, ale jest on czymś stałym.

Chciałbym również podkreślić – była już o tym mowa – że występuje tam dyskryminacja kobiet. Są specjalne dekrety hudud, które temu służą. Trzeba to również napiętnować i cieszę się, że robimy to ponad podziałami.

  Koenraad Dillen, namens de ITS-Fractie. – Voorzitter, natuurlijk hebben wij allemaal onze afschuw uitgesproken over de gruwelijke aanslagen die vorige week in Pakistan hebben plaatsgevonden, en die, zoals de vorige spreker zei, een niet-stoppend verhaal zijn.

Maar dat mag ons niet van de essentie weerhouden om erop te blijven wijzen dat Pakistan natuurlijk een militaire dictatuur is, dat in het officiële Pakistan de mensenrechten op grote schaal geschonden worden en dat de leider er nog altijd boven de wet staat. Pakistan is echter ook een strenge islamitische staat waar geen plaats is voor anders gelovigen of godsdienstige minderheden en het land beschikt, zoals al gezegd is, over atoomwapens.

Misschien - maar misschien mag dat niet gezegd worden - dreigt er wel een groter gevaar vanuit Islamabad dan vanuit Teheran - ik weet het niet. Ik heb met Pakistan ook een beetje een déjà vu-gevoel. Want net zoals in vele andere islamitische landen - zoals destijds bijvoorbeeld Algerije - is het zo dat militaire dictaturen of regimes waar het leger een overheersende rol speelt, de islamfundamentalisten ervan weerhouden om de macht over te nemen. Meer democratie betekent jammer genoeg vaak meer islamfundamentalisme, en paradoxaal genoeg ook minder democratie. Dit is een dilemma dat we niet zomaar kunnen oplossen.

  Marios Matsakis (ALDE). – Mr President, the murderous attack on unsuspecting supporters welcoming back Ms Benazir Bhutto in Karachi on 18 October has been another callous terrorist act against the prospects of bringing about democratic change in Pakistan.

The international community watched in horror as more innocent civilians were sacrificed in a nation where the dictatorial regime of General Musharraf is dragging the country into a state of fear and breakdown of law and order. This brutal individual, with his corrupt governing group of associates, is a cancerous infliction on the people of Pakistan. Regrettably, he is still in power, largely because he is supported by the West, especially the USA, but certainly also by one or two EU Member States.

The time has now come when the West must immediately pull the carpet from under Mr Musharraf’s feet and provide support, not for him, but for the democratic reform forces in Pakistan.

  Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Member of the Commission. Mr President, as Pakistan prepares for important parliamentary elections, the situation is, as we all know, very difficult and preoccupying, and I, also, like many of you, have to express that I was deeply shocked by the heinous bomb attack and assassination attempt in Karachi, when Ms Benazir Bhutto returned to the country last week, and also by the terrible loss of life, which has affected so many innocent people. We would like to extend our full sympathy to the families of the victims, and we also appeal to the Pakistani authorities to bring those responsible to justice.

This attack on a peaceful gathering has clearly demonstrated, once again, all the dangers of terrorism and fundamentalism to the people of Pakistan. Ms Bhutto was right in describing this horrible event as a blow against democracy, particularly in the present electoral context of the country.

Parliament’s wish to express solidarity with the people of Pakistan is both very relevant and timely. We in Europe should encourage a more open, democratic society and, of course, a strong civil society in Pakistan.

It is also of fundamental importance that the elections should then provide maximum democratic legitimacy to the incoming assemblies, and the vote must be democratic, transparent and giving equal opportunities to all the political contestants.

As you are well aware, it is one of those countries where we might envisage a possible election observation mission. In this context, my services carried out an exploratory mission in June, and they identified, I have to say, important shortcomings in the framework and the conditions for elections, including concerns about the independence of the Election Commission, the completeness and the accuracy of the voter register, restrictive candidature provisions, as well as lack of transparency in the results process.

However, with urgent political will, there is still time to improve a number of these problematic areas and, therefore, I have not yet taken a full decision on whether we will deploy a fully-fledged election observation mission. I really have to see the aforementioned elements.

I believe that the majority of people in Pakistan would like to see a moderate, stable and democratic Pakistan, and we should support them in achieving this aim. We are doing a lot, for instance, on the trade side, in order to help people to get out of poverty, but we also do a lot on the education side, in order not to have pupils and young children being educated in the madrasahs and being educated towards extremism and fundamentalism. But we should also support this because it is of crucial importance, as has been said, for the whole region, including neighbouring countries like important Afghanistan.

Therefore, we have every reason to stay engaged. This is what we are trying to do and, therefore, this debate is a very timely one.

  Le Président. – Le débat est clos.

Nous voterons sur ce thème à l'issue de nos débats, tout à l'heure.

Déclarations écrites (article 142)

  Eija-Riitta Korhola (PPE-DE), kirjallinen. – Arvoisa puhemies, tahdon ensiksi kiittää arvoisia kollegoita tuesta Pakistanin nostamiseksi kiireellisen päätöslauselman aiheeksi. Juuri demokraattisten voimien kansansuosio ja ihmisoikeuksien selkeä korostaminen – eikä armeija – ovat vahvin este radikaaliryhmien valtaannousulle. Siksi ne tarvitsevat nyt tukeamme, samoin kuin uskonnolliset vähemmistöt.

Kokemukset ihmisoikeustyöstä osoittavat, että uskonnonvapaus on tärkeä ihmisoikeustilanteen indikaattori, eräänlainen lakmus-testi. Ongelmat näkyvät ensimmäiseksi uskonnollisten ryhmien asemassa, puutteina sananvapaudessa ja kokoontumisvapaudessa. Demokratian tila ja vähemmistöjen asema korreloivat: siellä, missä kansalaisten osallistumismahdollisuudet ovat huonot, myös vähemmistöt kärsivät.

Pakistanin erityisongelmana nostettakoon esille jumalanpilkkaa koskevan lain väärinkäyttö uskonnollisia vähemmistöjä vastaan. Kyseessä pitäisi olla uskonnollisten arvojen suojaaminen, ei aktiivinen toisinuskovien vainoaminen. Vaikka laki ei sisällöltään kohdistu tiettyjä uskonnollisia ryhmiä vastaan, lainkäytön arkipäivä on toisenlainen: kuolemantuomioita langetetaan suhteessa eniten vähemmistöille. Juridinen uudistus on välttämätön.

Vain demokratia tarjoaa tähän mahdollisuuden. Musharrafin valitettava päätös pitää kiinni asemastaan armeijan ylipäällikkönä on leimannut ja heikentänyt Pakistanin yhteiskunnallista kehitystä viime vuodet. Yhteiskunnan asteittainen militarisoituminen on ollut valitettavaa.

Toisaalta me ilmaisemme tukemme Pakistanille kamppailussa talebanisaatiota vastaan. Tunnemme solidaarisuutta niitä pakistanilaisia kohtaan, joita viime viikon tuhoisa pommi-isku koskettaa.

Olin viime kuussa henkilökohtaisesti tutustumassa Pakistanin poliittiseen tilanteeseen. Minulla oli kunnia tavata eri puolueiden edustajia, senaattoreita ja parlamentaarikkoja. Erityisesti haluan kuitenkin mainita All Pakistan Minorities Alliancen, jonka merkittävä työ useiden vähemmistöryhmien puolestapuhujana ansaitsee ulkomaailman huomion ja tuen.

(1) Voir procès-verbal.

13.3. Судан: убийството на войниците на мира на Африканския съюз

  Le Président. – L'ordre du jour appelle six propositions de résolution sur le Soudan, notamment concernant l'assassinat de soldats de la paix de l'Union africaine⁽¹⁾.

  Marios Matsakis (ALDE), author. – Mr President, this House has repeatedly been dealing with the dire situation in Darfur, the last resolution having been adopted only in mid-September this year. The news that, at the end of September, a murderous attack took place against an African Union base in south Darfur, resulting in the death of 10 peacekeepers, the serious injury of eight other personnel, and the apparent taking hostage of approximately 40 people more, has come as a grim reminder that, despite our efforts, much remains to be done in order to secure peace and stability in this sad corner of the world.

We should, of course, recollect that at least 200 000 people have died in Darfur during the four-year conflict, and more than two million people have been forced from their homes. The September attack on African Union peacekeepers must force the EU and the UN to make sure that peacekeepers in Darfur are adequate in numbers and training, that they are properly and fully equipped and that they are given adequate logistical and other necessary support in order to fulfil their task safely and effectively.

Merely sending poorly trained and ill-equipped AU civilians into highly hazardous situations does not, as has been demonstrated in this case, serve any useful purpose other than to reduce the cost in terms of money but increase the cost in terms of human lives. An urgent rethink and replanning by the international community is essential.

Last but not least, we must not forget those 40 people still missing and thought to have been taken hostage. Every effort must be made to establish their fate and help bring them safely back to their loved ones.

PRÉSIDENCE DE MME MARTINE ROURE
Vice-présidente

  Alain Hutchinson (PSE), auteur. – Madame la Présidente, Madame la Commissaire, chers collègues, après avoir perdu dix de ses hommes dans l'attaque d'Haskanita, le général Agwaï, qui dirige la mission de l'Union africaine dans la province soudanaise, a lancé un véritable cri d'alarme en rappelant que ses troupes étaient sous-équipées, trop peu nombreuses et susceptibles d'être vaincues très rapidement. Jusqu'à présent, cette situation est restée inchangée et des attaques similaires à celle du 29 septembre sont encore possibles. Son cri doit être entendu par la communauté internationale et par l'Union européenne en particulier, qui pourrait notamment lancer un appel très fort à la bonne collaboration de tous les États membres impliqués dans le soutien promis par l'Union européenne.

Dans deux jours devraient avoir lieu en Libye des pourparlers importants entre le gouvernement de Khartoum et différentes forces rebelles. On ne sait toujours pas si Abdel An-Nour, fondateur de l'armée de libération du Soudan, aujourd'hui exilé en France, participera ou non à ces pourparlers. On n'en sait d'ailleurs pas plus concernant les autres représentants des différentes forces rebelles puisque leur nombre change tous les jours. Quoi qu'il en soit, il faut donner la priorité à ces discussions qui pourraient déboucher sur un cessez-le-feu. Là encore, nous demandons aux autorités de l'Union européenne de communiquer très largement sur l'importance de ce rendez-vous et sur l'intention de l'Union européenne de soutenir toute avancée positive qui pouvait en résulter, tant sur le plan militaire que sur le plan de l'amélioration des conditions de travail du personnel humanitaire qui fait face à une situation particulièrement difficile.

Je voudrais également rappeler que, jusqu'ici, le gouvernement de Khartoum a une responsabilité énorme dans la situation dramatique que nous connaissons aujourd'hui et pas seulement du fait du soutien qu'il apporte aux milices arabes Janjawids qui sèment la mort et la terreur parmi les populations noires africaines. C'est aussi lui qui refuse catégoriquement, et depuis des mois, d'accepter la présence d'une force occidentale au Soudan. C'est encore lui qui rend aux journalistes et aux observateurs étrangers l'accès impossible aux régions les plus troublées, alors que le travail qu'ils pourraient y effectuer serait d'une très grande aide pour continuer à mobiliser l'opinion publique internationale. Une mobilisation nécessaire, on le sait, pour nous aider à mettre chacun en Europe devant ses responsabilités, dans la poursuite de ce qu'il faut appeler par son nom, c'est-à-dire un génocide.

Il faut savoir également que la future force européenne, qui doit se déployer dans l'Est du Tchad et dans le Nord de la République centrafricaine, rendra plus difficile la libre circulation des rebelles à travers les frontières et leurs habitudes de recruter des combattants, de gré ou de force, dans les camps de réfugiés et de déplacés. Face à ce blocage, certains groupes armés se tournent déjà vers l'autre façade du Darfour, dans la région voisine du Kordofan, dont Haskanita est une des portes d'entrée. Là encore, le soutien que l'Union européenne s'est engagée à apporter pourrait donc s'avérer très utile mais aussi, vite, très insuffisant.

Il est donc de notre responsabilité de continuer sans relâche à tout mettre en oeuvre pour que les conditions politiques permettant une intervention européenne efficace soient remplies. Nous avons été, je crois, témoins de suffisamment de violence et de désespoir dans cette région du monde; au-delà des vies qui y ont déjà disparu par centaines de milliers, on assiste également à la destruction complète du tissu social au Darfour, ce qui complique, de jour en jour, la tâche de reconstruction qu'il faudrait effectuer.

  La Présidente. – Je sais bien que cet après-midi nous avons un peu plus de temps, mais il ne faut quand même pas exagérer!

  Tobias Pflüger (GUE/NGL), Verfasser. – Frau Präsidentin! Dieser Anschlag, um den es in dieser Entschließung geht, war ein Anschlag auf eine diplomatische Lösung im Sudan. Der Kontext ist relativ wichtig, weil kurz nach diesem Anschlag eigentlich Desmond Tutu konkrete Verhandlungen vor Ort führen sollte. Dieser Anschlag war offensichtlich bewusst getimt, damit es da nicht zu einer diplomatischen Lösung kommt, die dringend notwendig wäre in dieser Region. Es gab ja dann längere Spekulationen, welche Rebellengruppe es nun war, die diesen Anschlag mit zehn toten Soldaten der AU-Truppe durchgeführt hat. Allem Anschein nach ist es eher eine pro-westliche Rebellengruppe, die diesen Anschlag verübt hat.

Es ist sehr wichtig, dass, wenn wir uns mit der Frage von Darfur beschäftigen, es einfach so ist, dass wir nicht immer völlig mit einer Brille darauf schauen, sondern es ist so, dass verschiedenste Rebellengruppen aus dem Sudan, dem Tschad, der Zentralafrikanischen Republik sowie die jeweiligen Armeen vor Ort agieren.

Für mich ist ganz interessant, dass sich der Versuch der Europäischen Union, in diesem Konflikt zu agieren, nämlich mit dem Tschad-Einsatz, im Grunde genommen derzeit in einem erbärmlichen Zustand befindet. Am Anfang hieß es, man schickt eine EU-Truppe dorthin. De facto ist es so, dass man eine französische Truppe unter EU-Logo hinschickt mit ein paar zusätzlichen Soldaten. Bis heute ist es so, dass ich keine vernünftige Auskunft über das eigentliche Operationsgebiet dieser Truppe bekomme. Es ist nach wie vor so, dass es zwar heißt, es ist quasi zum Schutz der Flüchtlinge. Allerdings halten sich die Flüchtlinge insbesondere im Grenzgebiet auf, und offensichtlich will die Regierung des Tschad, dass genau da die EU-Truppe nicht stationiert wird. Vielleicht kann die Kommissarin hier nochmals mit einer Information aushelfen.

Das, was im Moment von EU-Seite aus getan wird, ist garantiert nicht das, was tatsächlich jetzt zu einer Entspannung der gesamten Situation führt. Wir müssen sehr klar sagen, genau das, was Desmond Tutu wollte, nämlich eine diplomatische Lösung, ist das, was von hier aus unterstützt werden müsste.

  Mieczysław Edmund Janowski (UEN), autor. – Pani Przewodnicząca! Pani Komisarz! Sudan, ten największy pod względem powierzchni kraj w Afryce, po uzyskaniu niepodległości w roku 1956 miał być wspólnym domem dla wszystkich – dla arabskiej północy i murzyńskiego południa, dla wyznawców islamu, chrześcijan i animistów.

Trwająca już jednak od prawie 50 lat wojna domowa pochłonęła w tym kraju co najmniej 2 miliony ofiar. Ponad 4,5 miliona osób zostało zmuszonych do opuszczenia swoich domów. W Darfurze, gdzie na początku roku 2003 wybuchł konflikt, zginęło już około 200 tysięcy ludzi, a blisko 2 miliony zostały wypędzone ze swych domów. To rezultat okrutnych walk, czystek i terroru. Jest to najtragiczniejszy obecnie kryzys humanitarny na świecie, gdyż dochodzi do tego głód i brak wody.

Należy więc być wdzięcznym tym wszystkim, którzy podejmują działania pokojowe na tej udręczonej ziemi. Takie podziękowanie winniśmy skierować pod adresem Unii Afrykańskiej, która wysłała tam siedmiotysięczną misję pokojową. Ostatni atak na tę misję, który miał miejsce w Haskanita, budzi zdecydowany sprzeciw. Co najmniej 10 zabitych, około 50 zaginionych bądź uprowadzonych. Jest to ewidentne złamanie istniejących porozumień i pogwałcenie rezolucji Narodów Zjednoczonych. Składam wyrazy współczucia rodzinom tych osób.

Powinniśmy jako Unia Europejska żądać ukarania winnych i przywrócenia procesu pokojowego. Siły planowanej misji ONZ i Unii Afrykańskiej będą liczyły o około 20 tysięcy żołnierzy więcej. Muszą mieć one jednak szansę na neutralizowanie konfliktu zbrojnego i przyczynienie się do stabilizacji w tym zapalnym rogu Afryki. Żywię nadzieję, że decyzja Parlamentu Europejskiego przyznająca nagrodę Sacharowa właśnie sudańskiemu adwokatowi panu Salihowi Mahmudowi Osmanowi będzie pomocnym impulsem w przełamaniu sudańskiego dramatu.

  Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Autor. – Señora Presidenta, lógicamente yo también quiero sumarme a la condena enérgica del asesinato de los miembros de las Fuerzas de mantenimiento de la paz.

Pero, al mismo tiempo, también quiero recordar a todas esas personas civiles que fueron víctimas, y que están siendo víctimas, en la situación que se está viviendo en Darfur y, particularmente, quiero hacer una mención específica de la brutalidad con la que se están llevando a cabo ciertas agresiones con clara connotación sexual y graves violaciones desde el punto de vista de la utilización de la mujer en muchos ámbitos, también desde el punto de vista sexual.

Yo creo que todo esto requiere no solamente acciones y declaraciones, sino una firme investigación que debería ser llevada a cabo no solamente por las personas que se encuentran en el terreno sino también por la Corte Penal Internacional. Ése es para mí uno de los elementos fundamentales de este debate.

En segundo lugar, yo quiero también recordar que hay que celebrar que haya en estos momentos permiso —permiso por llamarlo de alguna forma— por parte del Gobierno de Sudán para aceptar las tropas de UNAMI pero, al mismo tiempo, hay que recordar también que en otras ocasiones han roto este compromiso, han roto esta promesa y, por lo tanto, también hay que mantener cierta cautela.

Yo creo que es necesario, lógicamente, seguir insistiendo a la vez que garantizando que, como decía el señor Pflüger, las fuerzas que van a ir, van a ir con un mandato amplio de las Naciones Unidas, y no solamente a favor de los intereses de un país particular.

En tercer lugar, yo creo que también es fundamental y necesario recordar que hay que poner todas las ayudas a disposición, ya sean de carácter político, financiero y técnico para poder asumir las funciones que esa misión va a tener que afrontar en el terreno. No se puede mandar una misión al terreno sin tener garantías de que va a poder cumplir con su mandato.

Y, por último, también de una forma especialmente significativa, quisiera señalar —seguramente yendo un poco más allá de lo que dice la resolución— que urge que el Gobierno de Sudán requiera y apoye al Fiscal General de la Corte Penal Internacional, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, en su petición de arrestar a Ahmed Mohamed Harun, quien fue Ministro de Asuntos Humanitarios, precisamente para que rinda cuentas del desplazamiento de dos millones de personas en Darfur y pueda empezarse así un proceso internacional que hace tiempo ya que tenía que haber empezado.

  Jürgen Schröder (PPE-DE), Verfasser. – Frau Präsidentin, Frau Kommissarin, meine sehr verehrten Damen und Herren! Die Fakten sind bekannt, es gab einen Überfall auf die AU-Friedenstruppe am 30. September. Zehn Soldaten kamen ums Leben, acht wurden schwer verletzt, vierzig werden immer noch vermisst.

Ich war im Juli des Jahres mit einer Delegation unseres Parlaments in Darfur. Dort haben wir uns auch mit Vertretern der AMIS getroffen, der African Union Mission im Sudan. Es war und ist eine unglaublich schwierige Mission, wie uns Vertreter der AMIS erklärten. Ein nigerianischer Oberst, ein Kommandeur, erklärte uns zum Beispiel, dass er sich nicht wie ein Soldat vorkomme, sondern wie ein Priester. Er könne nur Appelle richten, dass nichts Böses passieren möge, er habe kein richtiges Mandat, um handeln zu können, und deshalb ist es auch nicht verwunderlich, dass rebellierende Gruppen diese Schwäche ausgenutzt haben.

Der Westen schaut nicht ernsthaft genug nach Afrika, das Verhältnis zwischen der Tragödie in Darfur und dem Grad unserer Aufmerksamkeit ist nicht ausgewogen. Militärische Einsätze der EU in Afrika sind gut, aber es besteht die Gefahr, dass Afrika zum Testgebiet für derartige Einsätze wird. Wenn die EU dort Einsätze macht, müssen diese mit einem robusten Mandat ausgestattet sein, mit einer angemessenen Ausrüstung und angemessenem Personal. Auch muss die Dauer des Einsatzes abhängig gemacht werden von den zu erreichenden Zielen.

Wir dürfen uns nicht hinter anderen verstecken, sondern müssen unseren Verpflichtungen nachkommen. Dies gilt für die Finanzierung von AMIS, von der Unterstützung von Logistik und militärischen Gütern bis hin zum Personal. Vor allem aber brauchen wir den politischen Willen aller, und ich bin der Meinung, nur gemeinsam mit China ist die Befriedung Darfurs und des gesamten Sudans möglich.

  José Ribeiro e Castro, on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. – Madam President, I will read from the press: ‘Just after the evening meal to break the Ramadan fast on 29 September, around 30 vehicles loaded with several hundred Sudanese rebels ripped through the perimeter of an African Union peacekeepers’ base on the edge of Haskanita, a small town in southern Dafur, the embattled province in western Sudan where at least 200 000 people and perhaps as many as 300 000 have been killed since the rebellion began in 2003.’

The units of about 100 troops, most of them Nigerian, fought off the first attack before falling back to trenches, firing through the night until their ammunition ran out. Then, ten were killed. At least 40 fled into the bush. The attackers looted the compound before Sudanese troops rescued the survivors. A week later, Haskanita itself was razed. When the UN inspected the damage, only the school and the mosque were still standing. About 7 000 people are thought to have fled. Then, on 8 October, fighting erupted in the town of Muhajiriya, controlled by a Darfuri rebel faction. Scores were killed.

No one is sure who the attackers were. Even the Government of Omar El Bashir came under suspicion. But it could be the rebels. What we know is that these things will continue to go on until there are international forces with an effective mandate and with effective means there. Everybody knows that, and it is time to stop this game of hide-and-seek with the Government of Khartoum.

  Ana Maria Gomes, on behalf of the PSE Group. – Madam President, the appalling attack by rebel forces in Haskanita against the African Union Mission in the Sudan (AMIS) was followed by a series of other revenge attacks by Government forces against all villages supposed to shelter rebels with tremendous civilian casualties.

We must realise that this suits the genocidal strategy of the Bashir clique in Khartoum to divide and destroy the Darfur communities and the rebel groups in order to make peace negotiations, such as the ones that are supposed to start this weekend in Libya, go nowhere.

That appalling attack and the violence which followed also demonstrate the fundamental limitations of an all-African force in Darfur such as AMIS. It is, therefore, crucial that the African Union/United Nations Hybrid operation in Darfur (UNAMID), which is to be deployed by early January, will actually be duly equipped in full force and capacity to operate by then.

In this context, it is very disturbing that the Chairman of the African Union Commission, Mr Konaré, has been insisting on an all-African force, even rejecting the integration of units offered by Uruguay, Thailand and Norway into UNAMID, in contradiction with the UN Security Council decision and, in this way, echoing the manoeuvres of the clique in Khartoum.

It is also disturbing that the European Union, the US and other rich countries have been failing to provide the speedy and full support that they should give to the deployment of that mission, namely by not providing it with a financial airlift and other logistical and military capacities that it needs to operate. Even the Chad mission is very much delayed, and that was supposed to be ‘urgent’.

Finally, Mr Bashir is going to be given a red carpet welcome in Lisbon: it is not only Mr Mugabe. I hope that the European Union authorities, the Commission and the Presidency and the Member States will not fail to take that opportunity to actually confront him with this tremendous responsibility that, one day, will bring him to The Hague.

  Carl Schlyter, för Verts/ALE-gruppen. – Först går våra tankar till de söner, bröder och älskade som nu saknas efter det brutala överfallet på Amis-styrkan. Dessa människor dog när de försökte hjälpa sina medmänniskor i ett grannland. Det är många som har drabbats av våld, våldtäkter, mord och ekonomisk misär här. Hur många gånger har vi inte stått här och pratat om detta, hur många gånger har vi inte krävt att regeringen och andra vidtar åtgärder? Låt mig påminna om att varje regerings centrala uppgift är att skydda sin civila befolknings mänskliga rättigheter. Detta har denna regering varken försökt eller ens provat på någonsin i hela sin karriär. Men vår frustration måste ändå fortsätta med tålamod, för det är bara med långsiktigt ekonomiskt och politiskt stöd till dem som försöker lösa konflikten som vi kan göra detta. Vi får inte glömma bort våra egna ekonomiska intressen. Ibland är det våra egna oljebolag som faktiskt stöder vissa grupper, indirekt eller direkt. Det måste vi också ta tag i. Ett tungt ansvar faller på regeringen och vi måste ställa fortsatta krav. Jag håller fullständigt med min kollega Raül Romeva att den internationella brottmålsdomstolen måste få full tillträdesrätt och full rätt att utreda så att folk någon gång kan uppleva rättvisa i detta drabbade land. Tack!

  Kathy Sinnott, on behalf of the IND/DEM Group. – Mr President, as Irish soldiers leave for Chad to protect refugees from neighbouring Sudan, I am again painfully reminded that this tragedy of genocide in Sudan continues day in and day out, without any end in sight. I congratulate this motion for deploring violence, for its support of the UN and AU missions to Sudan. ‘We must show a united front’, the motion suggests; and, whilst I applaud the notion, I fail to see how this can come to pass. You see, the UN itself is implicitly divided on the issue.

Efforts can only go so far while China, a deciding member, continues to sustain and prolong the conflict by supplying the region with arms. Once again, we must point the finger at China as the main supporter of the Government in Khartoum. China exchanges Chinese weapons for Sudanese oil, and it is not rocket science to see that this is one of the most important ways in which the ongoing conflict is being sustained.

We should not accept that the Chinese policy of exporting arms remain shrouded in secrecy. Beijing does not publish any information about arms transfers abroad and has not submitted any data to the UN Register on Conventional Arms in the last eight years. With Chinese arms exports – some of them in the attack that was described a minute ago – estimated to be in excess of USD 2 billion a year, the irresponsibility with which they act has to be called into question.

If this issue remains unaddressed, it is not just Sudan that will suffer. Weapons from China can be found as far as Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, South Africa; regular shipments are sent to Burma and Nepal. So, finally, I implore Parliament to act to condemn China for its role in underwriting the genocide of the Sudanese people. For it is all very well to support peace and the role of the UN, but we must do this actively – if not, we risk contributing to the suffering of the Sudanese people.

  Koenraad Dillen, namens de ITS-Fractie. – Voorzitter, natuurlijk is de dood van tien soldaten van de vredesmacht van de Afrikaanse Unie een zoveelste betreurenswaardig feit in Darfur. Dit Parlement toont zich al jaren terecht ongerust over de regio.

Maar toch betreur ik dat hier weer een kans gemist wordt om de verantwoordelijkheid en nefaste rol van China in dit conflict aan te kaarten. Want het moet nogmaals gezegd worden: China speelt in zijn zucht naar invloed in Afrika een verderfelijke rol in het door conflicten geteisterde Sudan; en dit over de rug van de slachtoffers die in Darfur vallen, en nu onrechtstreeks ook met het bloed van de soldaten die mede proberen een stabiliserende rol te spelen.

De Chinezen hebben met hun dubieuze investeringen een enorme bijdrage geleverd aan de oorlogsinspanningen van het regime aldaar. Europa moet eindelijk eens beseffen dat naarmate de Chinezen in Afrika sterker worden onze westerse boodschap van democratie, vrijheid en goed bestuur in Afrika steeds meer uitdooft. Maar ja, China is een te belangrijke handelspartner van Europa, en wanneer de Realpolitik om de hoek komt kijken, wordt het discours over de mensenrechten en democratie maar al te vaak op een laag pitje gezet.

  Colm Burke (PPE-DE). – Madam President, I strongly deplore the killing of 10 African Union peacekeepers on 30 September 2007 by unidentified forces in Haskanita in south Darfur. At least eight other personnel from the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) were also seriously injured and another 40 remain missing. I urge the Sudanese Government to cooperate fully with an independent investigation into the attack and to bring all those responsible to justice.

These deaths are a reminder of the gravity of the security situation in this region. Unfortunately, there is no peace to keep at the moment but, nevertheless, the international community, including the UN and the European Union, have a responsibility to try to help secure this region as soon as possible so that peace can be realised in the future.

The European Union mission to the Chad, Central African Republic and Darfur border must also be mindful of the danger of incurring casualties. No one said this was going to be an easy undertaking. It is crucial that EU Member States mobilise political, financial, logistical and technical support for the Irish, French, Belgian, Polish and other troops forming part of this mission. We cannot have our troops ill-equipped, like the beleaguered AMIS. If we are putting our troops in a volatile environment, we must give them the means to protect themselves. This EU mission will have a robust use-of-force mandate, with reference to Chapter VII of the UN Charter, and troops should be encouraged to invoke it. Peacekeeping is one of the noblest professions and it is tragic when a peacekeeper loses his or her life whilst protecting the lives of others.

That is why we need to maintain pressure on the various parties involved ...

(The President cut off the speaker)

  Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (PSE). – Trwający od 2003 roku konflikt w Darfurze uznaje się za największą ze współczesnych katastrof humanitarnych. W wyniku etnicznych czystek i pogromów zginęło 200 tysięcy ludzi, a 2,5 miliona wysiedlono. Miliony uchodźców obawiają się każdego następnego dnia, a bronią ich zaledwie siedmiotysięczne, słabo wyposażone siły pokojowe Unii Afrykańskiej, które same stają się coraz częściej celem krwawych ataków, jak choćby ataku w Haskanita we wrześniu bieżącego roku.

Sytuacja w regionie dramatycznie się zaostrza, ofiarami porwań padają przedstawiciele pokojowych organizacji humanitarnych. W obecnej sytuacji należy jak najszybciej uruchomić wspólną misję ONZ i Unii Afrykańskiej, która mając już zgodę rządu sudańskiego, musi także mieć silny mandat pozwalający na pełną ochronę ludności cywilnej. Misja musi zostać wyposażona w odpowiednią liczbę żołnierzy, sprzęt i fundusze. Unia Europejska, ONZ i Unia Afrykańska muszą podjąć zjednoczone wysiłki na rzecz wznowienia procesu pokojowego w Darfurze, pomagając w znalezieniu sprawiedliwego i trwałego porozumienia sygnowanego przez wszystkie zaangażowane strony.

  Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Member of the Commission. Madam President, we as the European Commission join with the European Parliament in strongly condemning the killing of the African Union peacekeepers in Haskanita, and in other incidents over the past year, and, of course, the fact that many others are still missing.

We should not pretend that even the larger peacekeeping force due to take over from the current African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) will be able to protect itself easily to ensure the vast humanitarian operation supported by the European Commission and so many other donors and to keep the peace if there is no peace to keep. This is the question.

We acknowledge the acceptance by the Government of Sudan of the presence of the UN peacekeeping force on Sudanese soil. Along with the rest of the international community, we intend to keep the Government to its word. We welcome the intention of the Government to declare a cessation of hostilities when negotiations commence in Libya on 27 October, yet the Government needs to go further. The European Commission also calls upon the Government of Sudan to engage meaningfully in negotiations intended to result in the equitable sharing of power and of wealth in Darfur. We join with the rest of the European Union in calling upon the rebel movements themselves to declare an end to the killings and banditry that sully their cause. We also call upon them to participate wholeheartedly in the talks in Sirte.

On top of that, as you know, UN Security Council Resolution 1778, adopted on 25 September, mandates an international multidimensional force to contribute to the stabilisation of eastern Chad and the north-eastern Central African Republic and thus also guarantee the security of the local civilian population, refugees and displaced people and stabilise the situation in Sudan.

On this basis, the General Affairs Council and Foreign Affairs Council on 15 October decided to send an interim and multidimensional European force of 3 000 troops, EUFOR Chad, as we call it, to support and complement in the short term the deployment of the UN contingent. Taking into account the regional dimension of the Darfur crisis, the deployment of this new EUFOR Chad mission and of a UN police mission in parallel with UNAMID in Sudan is, I think, a crucial step towards facilitating a durable solution of the conflict in Darfur and, ultimately, also towards the voluntary return of the Sudanese refugees who have settled in Chad. I can tell you that, at this very moment, an Irish General is there exploring the situation and exploring where exactly EUFOR should be deployed.

But coming back to the question of Sudan itself, let me say that we firmly believe that the future of Sudan lies in the sharing of wealth and power, in a federal government and a federal arrangement. This is what the Government and the rebels agreed in Naivasha in January 2005, when the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed, ending decades of civil war between the north and the south. The international community must stand firm behind this Comprehensive Peace Agreement. For if this agreement can be made to hold – yes, it is at present in difficulty, but these difficulties need not be terminal – this will demonstrate powerfully that similar arrangements can surely be extended to Darfur.

So through the support extended also under the European Development Fund for the recovery and rehabilitation of southern Sudan and for the long-term equitable and sustainable development of the whole of the country, we are standing firmly behind the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. We also back the efforts of the EU Special Representative to Sudan to facilitate peace in Darfur and, along with other donors, we stand ready to ensure that the peace dividend, in the shape of the rehabilitation and recovery of Darfur, follows closely on the heels of a renewed peace agreement.

We think it is in the interest of all the parties – the Government, the Darfur rebels, the countries of the Horn of Africa region and the international community – that Sudan stays together. However long and arduous, and at times discouraging, the Sirte talks might turn out to be, I think we must be steadfast for peace in Sudan. The unity of this country remains within our grasp.

  La Présidente. – Le débat est clos.

Le vote a lieu à l'issue des débats, à l'Heure des votes, c'est-à-dire maintenant.

(1) Voir procès-verbal.

14. Време за гласуване

  La Présidente. – L'ordre du jour appelle l'Heure des votes.

(Pour les résultats des votes et autres détails les concernant: voir procès-verbal)

14.1. Иран (вот)

- Résolution: Iran (RC B6-0406/2007)

- Avant le vote sur le paragraphe 15

  Marios Matsakis (ALDE). – Madam President, I ask for your leniency, and that of my colleagues, in submitting a last-minute oral amendment on account of the fact that we have just been informed of the arrest of a prominent human rights defender in Iran. The amendment is to add to paragraph 15 the following sentence: ‘Condemns the arrest and imprisonment of human rights defender Dr Sohrab Razzaghi on 24 October 2007 and calls for his immediate and unconditional release;’

I have already spoken with most of the other political groups, and they are in agreement.

(L'amendement oral est retenu)

14.2. Пакистан (вот)

- Résolution: Pakistan (RC B6-0409/2007)

14.3. Судан: убийството на войниците на мира на Африканския съюз (вот)

- Résolution: Soudan: assassinat de soldats de la paix de l'Union africaine (RC B6-0408/2007)

14.4. Европейско частно дружество (вот)

- Proposition de résolution: Déclaration de la Commission sur les droits des sociétés (B6-0399/2007)

15. Поправки и намерения за гласуване: вж. протоколи

16. Състав на комисиите и делегациите: вж. протоколи

17. Срок за внасяне на изменения: вж. протокола

18. Внасяне на документи: вж. протоколи

19. Писмени декларации, вписани в регистъра (член 116 от правилника): вж. протоколи

20. Предаване на текстове, приети на настоящото заседание: вж. протоколи

21. График на следващите заседания: вж. протоколи

22. Прекъсване на сесията

  La Présidente. – Je déclare interrompue la session du Parlement européen.

(La séance est levée à 16 h 35)

Europos užsienio politika ir Europos energetinio saugumo politika tampa neatsiejamos. EP pranešime dėl bendros užsienio energetikos politikos skatina imtis institucinių pertvarkymų ir sukurti ES solidarumo mechanizmą. Jis, be kita ko, energetikos išteklių tiekimo nutraukimo atveju užtikrintų valstybių narių energetikos bendrovėms vienodą priėjimą prie išteklių atsargų. Ši užduotis sudėtinga. Reikalingas trišalis EK, nacionalinių vyriausybių ir energetikos įmonių sutarimas.

Ar Taryba palaiko EP siūlymus? Kaip įsivaizduoja bendro ES valstybių požiūrio į užsienio energetikos politikos formavimą?

Kaip užtikrinti geresnį ryšį tarp Europos kaimynystės politikos, Centrinės Azijos strategijos, Baku iniciatyvos ir „Juodosios jūros sinergijos“ iniciatyvų nuostatų siekiant sustiprinti energetinį bendradarbiavimą su šalimis gamintojomis?

Kaip Taryba ketina pagreitinti ES energetinių salų (Baltijos regionas) integraciją į bendrą ES energetinį tinklą?

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

O desenvolvimento de uma abordagem comum da política externa da energia constitui uma prioridade e tem de ser acelerada.

Entre as prioridades aprovadas pelo Conselho Europeu em Março de 2007 no que se refere a uma política energética internacional, e em especial às relações com os países produtores, contam-se, nomeadamente, a intensificação das relações da UE com a Ásia Central, as regiões do mar Cáspio e do mar Negro com vista a uma maior diversificação das fontes e rotas, e a intensificação do relacionamento energético com a Argélia, o Egipto e outros países produtores na região do Maxerreque/Magrebe.

Os princípios orientadores dessa política energética externa, o funcionamento dos mercados e a diversificação encontram-se definidos de forma pormenorizada no documento conjunto da Comissão e do Secretário-Geral/Alto Representante intitulado "Uma política externa ao serviço dos interesses da Europa no domínio da energia", subscrito pelo Conselho Europeu em Junho de 2006.

A segurança europeia em matéria de energia constitui um outro domínio de acções prioritárias, tal como aprovado pelo Conselho Europeu em Março de 2007: a segurança do aprovisionamento deverá, por um lado, ser reforçada através de medidas que se enquadrem no âmbito do mercado interno, como por exemplo a integração facilitada de novas centrais eléctricas na rede de electricidade de todos os Estados-Membros, a melhoria do comércio regional transfronteiras e medidas para acelerar o desenvolvimento da cooperação regional no sector da energia, dando simultaneamente resposta aos desafios dos mercados energéticos periféricos e promovendo a integração dos mercados energéticos regionais no mercado interno da UE.

O Conselho Europeu sublinhou igualmente a necessidade de reforçar a segurança do aprovisionamento num espírito de solidariedade entre os Estados-Membros através do desenvolvimento de mecanismos mais eficazes de resposta às crises, com base na cooperação mútua e recorrendo aos mecanismos existentes. Estes mecanismos, já operacionais, foram criados nomeadamente pela Directiva do Conselho relativa a medidas destinadas a garantir a segurança do aprovisionamento em gás natural (2004/67/CE) e a Decisão nº 1364/2006 que estabelece as orientações relativas às redes Transeuropeias de Energia. O Conselho gostaria ainda de referir, por exemplo, a recente proposta de alteração da Directiva 2003/55/CE, que estabelece regras comuns para o mercado interno do gás natural e da Directiva 2003/54/CE que estabelece as regras comuns para o mercado interno de electricidade , bem como os respectivos regulamentos, apresentada pela Comissão. O Conselho atribui uma elevada prioridade à análise dessas propostas e espera que o PE emita rapidamente o seu parecer, permitindo assim uma rápida aprovação das mesmas.

Is the Council concerned about current deleterious exchange rate effects, particularly in relation to the sustained appreciation of the euro against the currencies of its major trading partners and what action is the Council taking in this regard with respect to its exchange rate policy responsibilities?

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

O Conselho não debateu a evolução das taxas de câmbio nem relativamente ao euro nem às moedas dos Estados Membros que não o adoptaram como moeda própria.

O que o Euro grupo discutiu, na sua sessão de 8 de Outubro, foram os desenvolvimentos cambiais em países terceiros. E relativamente a este assunto o Euro grupo tornou pública a sua posição:

Economias emergentes com balanças correntes excedentárias deverão permitir o ajustamento das suas taxas de câmbio efectivas – principalmente na China;

Toma-se nota de que as autoridades norte americanas reiteraram que um dólar forte é do seu interesse;

E quanto à recuperação da economia japonesa, que se afigura sustentável, espera-se que os mercados tenham presente esse facto.

Em suma, o Eurogrupo reafirmou que o excesso de volatilidade nos mercados cambiais é indesejável para o crescimento económico, e que as taxas de câmbio devem reflectir os fundamentais económicos.

A este propósito, relembro também que neste mesmo Comunicado o Euro grupo voltou a frisar a sua apreciação em como a Zona Euro tem desempenhado o seu papel na redução ordenada dos desequilíbrios globais.

Na recente reunião dos Ministros das Finanças do G7, transmitimos aos nosso parceiros no G7 a posição do Euro grupo – incluindo a de que a China tem rapidamente que permitir uma apreciação da sua taxa de câmbio efectiva.

Can the Council make a statement outlining the updated political situation in Chad and also state which EU Member States will be contributing troops to the peacekeeping operation that is to be sent to Chad?

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

O Conselho congratulou-se com a assinatura, por 82 partidos políticos do Chade, tanto da maioria como da oposição, do Acordo Político Global de 13 de Agosto ,com vista ao reforço do processo democrático no Chade. O acordo constitui um importante passo no sentido da consolidação do processo democrático no país A UE, que assinou o acordo com um estatuto de observador, deu o seu apoio às negociações sem interferir no processo e participa, enquanto facilitadora, no "Comité de Apoio e Vigilância" que foi criado pelo referido acordo, para garantir a implementação das disposições estabelecidas pelo mesmo. A UE continuará a apoiar a reforma do processo eleitoral no Chade, tendo em vista a realização de eleições livre e justas até ao final de 2009. A situação no Chade foi também abordada nas conclusões do Conselho de 15 e 16 de Outubro de 2007.

A aprovação, por unanimidade, da Resolução 1778 (07) do Conselho de Segurança das Nações Unidas, em 25 de Setembro, possibilitou a criação de uma presença multidimensional das Nações Unidas no Leste do Chade e no Nordeste da RCA, incluindo uma operação militar da UE. Em 15 de Outubro de 2007, o Conselho aprovou uma acção comum relativa à operação militar da União Europeia na República do Chade e na República Centro-Africana, denominada EUFOR Chade/RCA. Essa operação será conduzida no quadro da Política Europeia de Segurança e de Defesa, a fim de contribuir para a protecção dos civis em perigo, em especial dos refugiados e das pessoas deslocadas internamente, de facilitar a ajuda humanitária, de contribuir para criar as condições para que as pessoas deslocadas internamente regressem voluntariamente dos seus locais de origem, e de contribuir para garantir a segurança e a liberdade de actuação do pessoal da ONU e do pessoal associado. Importa sublinhar que o destacamento desta missão se insere no quadro mais amplo do envolvimento da EU na resolução das implicações regionais da crise no Sudão.

Diversos países da UE indicaram informalmente a intenção de contribuir com forças para a missão, nomeadamente a França, a Irlanda, a Polónia, a Suécia, a Áustria, a Bélgica, a Espanha, a Grécia e a Finlândia. O processo normal de constituição da força será iniciado em tempo útil.

Can the Council make a statement outlining what it intends to do to help the Syrian and Jordanian Governments to deal with the estimated 2 million Iraqi refugees who have arrived into these two countries over the past 18 months?

O Centro de Estudos Estratégicos da Universidade da Jordânia acaba de editar um estudo intitulado "The Iraq War's Impact on Growth and Inflation in Jordan", que estima em mais de um milhão o número de refugiados iraquianos neste país e constata a ausência de solidariedade europeia perante o enorme impacto negativo da catástrofe humanitária iraquiana que este país está a suportar.

Não considera o Conselho que é seu dever, do ponto de vista dos princípios e do interesse da União Europeia, desencadear um programa de emergência para assistir os países que estão neste momento a suportar o principal impacto da catástrofe humanitária iraquiana, tais como o Líbano, o Egipto e, sobretudo, a Jordânia e a Síria?

Não considera o Conselho que a sua ausência de acção não só se revela desumana como também contrária aos interesses europeus?

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

O Conselho acompanha de muito perto o evoluir da situação na Jordânia e na Síria.

A Comissão atribuiu EUR 10,2 milhões para ajudar a resolver as necessidades geradas pela crise humanitária no Iraque. Deste montante, aproximadamente EUR 4 milhões estão a ser utilizados para ajudar as pessoas que sofrem no interior do Iraque. A maior parte dos restantes EUR 6 milhões está a ser utilizada na Jordânia e na Síria em cuidados de saúde de base e em educação para os grupos mais vulneráveis e na distribuição dirigida de alimentos e artigos domésticos essenciais na Jordânia e na Síria.

O Conselho tem pleno conhecimento da resolução aprovada pelo Parlamento Europeu em 12 de Julho do ano em curso relativa à situação humanitária dos refugiados iraquianos. Estão presentemente a ser consideradas outras contribuições para prestar ajuda na Jordânia e na Síria.

Além disso, em 2006 foi feita uma contribuição de EUR 10 milhões, que foi canalizada através do Fundo Internacional para a Reconstrução do Iraque (FIRI) e destinada a ajudar pessoas deslocadas internamente no Iraque.

Can the Council make a statement outlining what initiatives the European Union is pursuing so that spending for research and development projects is substantially increased? Does the Council agree that this is a vital policy issue that must be dealt with so that the European Union can successfully reach the goals set under the Lisbon agenda?

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

O Conselho sempre destacou que investir mais em projectos de investigação, de desenvolvimento e de inovação é fundamental para realizar as metas fixadas pela Estratégia de Lisboa e eliminar a distância que a União Europeia tem em relação aos seus principais concorrentes a nível mundial.

Em aplicação do 7.º Programa-Quadro de actividades em matéria de investigação, desenvolvimento tecnológico e demonstração (2007-2013), cujo financiamento foi significativamente aumentado em comparação com o anterior, foram lançadas diversas iniciativas para melhorar a coordenação das actividades e dos programas de investigação. Nelas se incluem as Plataformas Tecnológicas Europeias, através das quais a indústria e outras partes interessadas desenvolvem perspectivas comuns a longo prazo e agendas em matéria de investigação estratégica em domínios do interesse das empresas, e o regime "ascendente" "ERA-Net", que apoia a coordenação dos programas nacionais e regionais.

Em especial, o Conselho procede presentemente ao rápido acordo sobre a aprovação dos quatro primeiros regulamentos relativos às iniciativas tecnológicas conjuntas (ARTEMIS, relativo aos sistemas electrónicos incorporados, IMI, Iniciativas para Medicamentos Inovadores, Clean Sky, para a aeronáutica e o transporte aéreo, e ENIAC, sobre tecnologias nanoelectrónicas). O Conselho convidou também a Comissão a apresentar o mais rapidamente possível as restantes iniciativas tecnológicas conjuntas definidas no Programa Específico "Cooperação" que implementa o 7.º Programa-Quadro em matéria de investigação, e lembrou a importância de uma gestão aberta e transparente dessas iniciativas.

Can the Council make a statement outlining the prospects for an international agreement on the future of Kosovo before the end of the year?

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

O Conselho de 18 de Junho de 2007 reafirmou a sua opinião de que a proposta global do Enviado Especial das Nações Unidas, Martti Ahtisaari, constituía a base para a resolução da questão do Kosovo, mediante uma nova resolução do Conselho de Segurança das Nações Unidas. Sublinhou a necessidade de se encontrar rapidamente uma solução para a questão do estatuto, que era essencial como base para um Kosovo democrático e multi-étnico empenhado no Estado de Direito, bem como na manutenção e no reforço da estabilidade regional. O Conselho enfatizou ainda que a UE permanecia disposta a desempenhar um papel significativo na implementação da definição do estatuto.

Devido a um impasse no Conselho de Segurança das Nações Unidas sobre a questão, as consultas encontram-se de momento suspensas. Numa declaração em 1 de Agosto, o Secretário-Geral das Nações Unidas, Ban Ki-moon, saudou a iniciativa do Grupo de Contacto de realizar novas negociações entre Pristina e Belgrado, dirigidas por uma Troika constituída por representantes da UE, da Federação Russa e dos Estados Unidos. O Secretário-Geral das Nações Unidas solicitou ao Grupo de Contacto que lhe apresentasse um relatório até 10 de Dezembro. Em 29 de Julho, o Secretário-Geral / Alto Representante Javier Solana designou o Embaixador Wolfgang Ischinger como representante da UE na Troika.

A Troika iniciou os seus trabalhos em Agosto e, desde então, reuniu-se por diversas vezes com as partes, numa atmosfera construtiva. A primeira ronda de conversações directas entre as delegações de Pristina e Belgrado decorreu em Nova Iorque, em 28 de Setembro. A 14 e 22 de Outubro, tiveram lugar mais duas rondas de conversações directas e indirectas. Até ao momento, as partes têm mantido as suas posições diametralmente opostas quanto à questão do estatuto do Kosovo. Em Novembro, serão realizadas mais rondas de negociações com as partes.

O Conselho de 15 de Outubro de 2007 expressou o seu total apoio ao processo da Troika e ao Representante da UE, Embaixador Ischinger. Acolheu com agrado o ritmo intenso e a atmosfera construtiva das primeiras rondas de negociações. Notando que o processo da Troika será concluído com a apresentação do relatório do Grupo de Contacto ao SGNU até 10 de Dezembro, o Conselho apelou a ambas as partes para se empenharem nas restantes rondas de negociações com criatividade, coragem e num espírito de compromisso, bem como para empreenderem todos os esforços no sentido de se alcançar uma solução negociada do estatuto do Kosovo.

Após a conclusão do processo da Troika, o Secretário-Geral das Nações Unidas deverá apresentar um relatório sobre os seus resultados ao Conselho de Segurança das Nações Unidas.

Na actual fase, será prematuro antecipar-se os resultados destes processos.

There are now 41 415 species on the IUCN Red List and 16 306 of them are threatened with extinction, up from 16 118 last year. The total number of extinct species has reached 785 and a further 65 are only found in captivity or in cultivation.

Could the Council highlight the political action it is currently taking and plans to take in the future in order to prevent the extinction of endangered animals and to remove those on the endangered list to a safer level, given that despite previous commitments little political action has been forthcoming?

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

O Conselho comunga da grande preocupação do Senhor Deputado sobre o constante declínio da biodiversidade e dos serviços ecossistémicos na UE e a nível global e concorda em que é urgentemente necessário coordenar e intensificar esforços para travar esta tendência, dado, nomeadamente, o pouco tempo que resta para cumprir os compromissos de 2010. Como é do conhecimento do Senhor Deputado, em 2001 o Conselho Europeu de Göteborg fixou o objectivo de travar a perda de biodiversidade na UE até 2010. Além disso, a UE fez também seu o objectivo global de reduzir a percentagem da perda de biodiversidade até 2010.

A nível comunitário, a legislação em matéria de protecção da natureza tem tradicionalmente permanecido no centro da política ambiental, com a Directiva "Habitats" (Directiva 92/43/CEE do Conselho⁽¹⁾) e a Directiva "Aves" (Directiva 79/409/CEE do Conselho⁽²⁾), juntamente com Regulamento "CITES" Regulamento (CE) N.º 338/97 do Conselho⁽³⁾) relativo à protecção de espécies da fauna e da flora selvagens. Como é certamente do conhecimento do Senhor Deputado, as questões ambientais, presentemente, estão sujeitas ao procedimento fixado pelo artigo 251.º do Tratado CE e, assim sendo, o Parlamento Europeu é co-legislador. Ao mesmo tempo, as áreas naturais protegidas não podem sobreviver e desenvolver-se isoladas. Por isso, o Conselho instou a Comissão e os Estados-Membros a reforçarem a integração das considerações em matéria de biodiversidade e de serviços ecossistémicos nas políticas e programas noutros domínios de política, e a utilizarem plenamente as oportunidades existentes nas políticas agrícola, de desenvolvimento rural, florestal e das pescas.

A protecção da biodiversidade ocupa um lugar cimeiro na agenda política do Conselho. Em Dezembro passado, o Conselho apelou à implementação urgente do Plano de Acção da UE até 2010 e Mais Além apresentado pela Comissão. Este Plano de Acção define domínios de acção política, bem como os correspondentes objectivos e medidas de apoio, que são traduzidos em metas específicas e medidas concretas.

O Conselho tem continuamente destacado a necessidade de salvaguardar os habitats e as espécies mais importantes e apelado à Comissão para que inicie uma análise científica das espécies, e, numa segunda fase, dos habitats enumerados nos anexos à Directiva "Habitats". A análise, nomeadamente, dos relatórios dos Estados-Membros ao abrigo da Directiva "Habitats" pode também dar uma indicação sobre se o estatuto de protecção de determinadas espécies precisa de ser revisto. Aconselha-se o Senhor Deputado a dirigir-se directamente à Comissão para mais informações sobre este processo.

A nível global, a UE é uma força motriz no que se refere à protecção da biodiversidade e está empenhada em aplicar acordos multilaterais no domínio do ambiente (AMA) tais como a Convenção sobre a Diversidade Biológica (CDB), a Convenção sobre o Comércio Internacional das Espécies Ameaçadas de Extinção (CITES) e a Convenção sobre as Espécies Migradoras (CMS). Os países da UE assumiram um papel preponderante na 14.ª Conferência das Partes da CITES (CdP 14), em Junho de 2007, organizada pelos Países Baixos na Haia. O Conselho já lançou os trabalhos de preparação com vista à nona reunião da Conferência das Partes (CdP 9) da CDB, que terá lugar em Bona, em Maio de 2008, a fim de assegurar o desempenho de um papel activo e construtivo por parte da UE. Além disso, através da CMS, os países da UE participam também numa reunião na Escócia com representantes da África, Europa e Ásia (de 22 a 25 de Outubro de 2007) a fim de promoverem a criação de um novo acordo potencial em matéria de conservação das aves de rapina migradoras.

Por último, Portugal acolherá uma importante conferência de partes interessadas sobre as empresas e a biodiversidade em Lisboa, em 12-13 de Novembro de 2007, em cooperação com a World Conservation Union (IUCN). O objectivo é a formação de parcerias com as empresas para a conservação da biodiversidade, o que também é importante para a mobilização de novas fontes de financiamento inovadoras.

Kako se bo Svet odzval, če se bo ob koncu leta 2007 izkazalo, da bo Hrvaška uresničila enostransko odločitev o uvedbi ekološko-ribolovne cone, ki naj bi začela veljati 1. januarja 2008?

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

O Conselho registou com preocupação a decisão do Parlamento Croata de dar início à aplicação da Zona de Protecção Ecológica e das Pescas em 1 de Janeiro de 2008. Tal decisão é contrária às Conclusões do Conselho Europeu de 17 e 18 de Junho de 2004, nas quais o Conselho registou a decisão croata de não aplicar aos Estados-Membros da UE qualquer aspecto da Zona de Protecção Ecológica e das Pescas e se regozijou com o acordo alcançado pela Itália, a Eslovénia e a Croácia na reunião trilateral de Bruxelas, realizada em 4 de Junho de 2004. O Quadro de Negociação exige igualmente à Croácia que tome em plena consideração tais Conclusões de  17 e 18 de Junho de 2004.

As reuniões entre as partes interessadas para chegar a uma solução satisfatória não têm sido frutuosas. A UE já sublinhou repetidamente à Croácia, como por exemplo na mais recente reunião do Comité Parlamentar Misto, realizada em 1 e 2 de Outubro de 2007 em Bruxelas, as potenciais consequências que decorrerão para as negociações de adesão da sua aplicação unilateral da Zona de Protecção Ecológica e das Pescas.

O Conselho continuará a seguir de perto esta questão e lembra a todos os níveis apropriados as Conclusões do Conselho Europeu de 17 e 18 de Junho de 2004.

Kommissionen beslutade i juli att stänga det polska torskfisket i östra Östersjön för resten av år 2007. Talesmän för den polska regeringen har sagt att de inte har för avsikt att straffa fiskare som bryter mot detta fiskestopp. Vilka åtgärder anser ordförandeskapet att EU ska vidta mot länder som öppet framhåller att de inte tänker se till att fastslagna fiskekvoter och gemensamma överenskommelser inom detta område efterlevs?

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

Nos termos das disposições institucionais da Comunidade, é a Comissão a "guardiã dos Tratados"; cabe por conseguinte à Comissão assegurar o respeito da legislação comunitária. No caso em apreço, caberá à Comissão decidir as medidas a tomar se achar que a proibição da pesca de bacalhau por embarcações polacas não está a ser respeitada.

O Conselho recomendaria por conseguinte à Senhora Deputada que endereçasse as suas apreensões à Comissão.

Ondanks het reisverbod dat de EU aan de president van Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, en 130 andere leden van zijn regime heeft opgelegd, zal Mugabe hoogstwaarschijnlijk toch aan de Europees-Afrikaanse top in Lissabon op 8 december 2007 kunnen deelnemen. Geen enkele EU-lidstaat schaart zich achter het standpunt van de Britse premier Gordon Brown, die erop aandringt Zimbabwe zeker niet toe te laten op de top. Het luidt dan dat druk van westerse machten zou leiden tot een verdere escalatie van de rampzalige situatie in Zimbabwe en tot Afrikaanse ondersteuning van het regime van Mugabe, hetgeen een foutieve redenering is. Naar verluidt zouden de EU-lidstaten ook gekant zijn tegen het voorstel van Gordon Brown om een speciale afgevaardigde te benoemen om de crisis in Zimbabwe op te lossen.

Wat is de houding van de Raad ten aanzien van het voorstel van Gordon Brown? Wat zouden de precieze bevoegdheden zijn van deze afgevaardigde? Waarom zijn de EU-lidstaten tegen dit voorstel gekant?

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

A Presidência e o SG/AR tencionam actuar de forma concertada para mandatar um enviado oficial que dê conta da situação no Zimbabué em data a determinar, depois de ter sido alcançado um acordo político interno sob a mediação do Presidente Mbeki.

O objectivo e o mandato serão definidos pela Presidência juntamente com o SG/AR, que proporá um funcionário adequado. O enviado irá avaliar, não interferir.

O Conselho continua a apoiar a iniciativa tomada pela SADC no sentido de mandatar o Presidente Mbeki para intervir como mediador entre o Governo e a oposição no Zimbabué e saudou com precaução os primeiros resultados desses esforços.

Κατά την πρόσφατη συνεδρίαση των Υπουργών Μεταφορών των κρατών μελών, διαπιστώθηκε χάσμα απόψεων σχετικά με τη χρηματοδότηση του ευρωπαϊκού προγράμματος δορυφορικής ραδιοναυσιπλοΐας Galileo. Παρόμοια προβλήματα φαίνεται ότι αντιμετωπίζει και το πρόγραμμα Quaero για μια ευρωπαϊκή διαδικτυακή μηχανή αναζήτησης.

Δεδομένου του στρατηγικού πλεονεκτήματος που θα προσέφεραν τα εν λόγω προγράμματα στην καινοτομία της ευρωπαϊκής οικονομίας, καθώς και την τεχνολογική και πολιτισμική αυτοδυναμία της Ένωσης, ερωτάται η Προεδρία αν έχει αναδείξει, στις συζητήσεις που λαμβάνουν χώρα στο Συμβούλιο, τον κίνδυνο να χαθεί το στρατηγικό πλεονέκτημα του προγράμματος Galileo, ενόψει του δρομολογούμενου αντίστοιχου αμερικανικού GPS III; Ποια συγκεκριμένα βήματα σκοπεύει να κάνει ώστε να γεφυρωθούν οι διιστάμενες απόψεις μεταξύ των κρατών μελών; Ποιες είναι οι προτάσεις της Προεδρίας για τη χρηματοδότηση των σχεδίων αυτών;

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

Como a Sr.ª Deputada certamente sabe, na sua sessão de 1/2 de Outubro de 2007, o Conselho realizou uma troca de pontos de vista sobre os programas europeus de navegação por satélite (Galileo e EGNOS) e tomou nota da apresentação pela Comissão da sua comunicação de 19 de Setembro de 2007 intitulada "Avançar com o Galileo: um novo perfil para os Programas GNSS Europeus" e dos respectivos documentos de apoio, que incluem uma proposta alterada do regulamento do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho relativo ao prosseguimento da execução dos programas GNSS europeus e uma proposta de decisão da autoridade orçamental relativa à revisão do quadro financeiro plurianual. Estes documentos, que foram redigidos pela Comissão a pedido do Conselho e do Parlamento Europeu nas suas resoluções de 8 e 20 de Junho de 2007, respectivamente, destacam ambos o valor estratégico do Galileo, e serão analisados pelas instâncias competentes do Conselho.

Na sequência do pedido do Conselho Europeu que reiterou em 21/22 de Junho de 2007 o valor do Galileo como um dos projectos-chave da União Europeia, o Conselho adoptou, em 1/2 de Outubro de 2007, conclusões nas quais se compromete a chegar a uma decisão integrada sobre a implementação dos programas de GNSS europeus antes do final do ano. A Presidência envidará todos os esforços para garantir que esta tarefa será levada a bom termo com base nos trabalhos efectuados pelas instâncias competentes do Conselho e de outras instituições, em especial do Parlamento Europeu, tendo em conta o valor acrescentado e o interesse comum do Galileo para a União Europeia.

Σάλος έχει προκληθεί με τις αποκαλύψεις της εφημερίδας “New York Times” ότι το πρόγραμμα κρατήσεων υπόπτων για τρομοκρατία σε μυστικές τοποθεσίες εκτός ΗΠΑ παραμένει ενεργό και, στο πλαίσιο των επιχειρήσεων αυτών, η CIA «εξουσιοδοτείται με απόρρητες γνωμοδοτήσεις» να κάνει χρήση βασανιστηρίων. Σύμφωνα με την εφημερίδα, η CIA κρατεί εκ νέου φυλακισμένους σε «μαύρα σημεία» στο εξωτερικό, ενώ το 2005 το υπουργείο Δικαιοσύνης, υπό τον Αλμπέρτο Γκονζάλες, εξέδωσε απόρρητη γνωμοδότηση με την οποία υιοθετούνταν σκληρότερες ανακριτικές μέθοδοι από τη CIA, «επώδυνες σωματικές και ψυχολογικές τακτικές», όπως χαστούκια, εικονικός πνιγμός και έκθεση σε πολύ χαμηλές θερμοκρασίες.

Καταδικάζει το Συμβούλιο τις παράνομες αυτές ενέργειες της CIA, που έχουν την ανοχή και στήριξη της αμερικανικής κυβέρνησης; Προτίθεται να προβεί σε ενέργειες, ώστε να σταματήσουν οι παράνομες κρατήσεις και οι βασανισμοί υπόπτων από τη CIA και την κυβέρνηση των ΗΠΑ, που παραβιάζουν κατάφωρα τις διεθνείς συνθήκες για τα δικαιώματα του ανθρώπου και συνιστούν απαράδεκτη προσβολή θεμελιωδών δικαιωμάτων και ελευθεριών;

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

O Conselho nunca discute as alegações da imprensa.

A posição do Conselho sobre a generalidade destas questões foi expressa nas conclusões do Conselho de Dezembro de 2006: "A UE continua firmemente empenhada na total proibição da tortura, bem como dos tratamentos e penas cruéis, desumanos e degradantes. Todas as nossas acções se pautam por este objectivo e não deixamos de manifestar junto de países terceiros a preocupação que este problema nos suscita. Neste contexto, o Conselho reafirma a necessidade imperativa de respeitar os direitos humanos, o direito aplicável aos refugiados e o direito internacional humanitário na luta contra o terrorismo. O Conselho continuará a acompanhar de perto a evolução dos acontecimentos no que toca aos direitos humanos no contexto da luta contra o terrorismo e a tomar as medidas que se afigurarem adequadas para a sua protecção. A existência de centros de detenção secretos em que os detidos se mantêm num vazio jurídico não está em conformidade com o direito internacional humanitário e em matéria de direitos humanos."

Além disso, as directrizes da UE sobre a tortura estabelecem que a UE deverá instar os países terceiros a tomar, nomeadamente, as seguintes medidas:

– "assegurar que as declarações obtidas sob tortura e maus tratos não sejam apresentadas como meio de prova em qualquer processo, excepto contra a pessoa acusada de tortura, como prova que confirme o facto de que a declaração foi feita; (…)

– garantir que nenhumas circunstâncias excepcionais, incluindo a situação de guerra ou de ameaça de guerra, a instabilidade política interna ou qualquer outra emergência pública, possam ser alegadas a título de justificação de tortura ou maus tratos;

– garantir que ninguém seja compulsivamente reenviado para um país em que corra o risco de ser submetido a tortura ou maus tratos."

Marrocos ocupa ilegalmente o Sara Ocidental desde 1976, ano em que anexou este território, em flagrante violação do direito internacional.

Apesar de todos os esforços e gestos de boa vontade protagonizados pela Frente Polisário, legítima representante do povo saraui, assim como pela ONU, o processo de paz no Sara Ocidental está há muito bloqueado devido à intransigência de Marrocos que, recusando-se a cumprir a legalidade internacional, continua a ocupar este território.

A atitude de Marrocos tem vindo a caracterizar-se pelo entravamento do processo de paz, avançando com propostas que, no fundamental, procuram colocar em causa o direito do povo saraui a decidir do seu próprio destino, direito consagrado em resoluções da ONU e na Carta das Nações Unidas.

Num quadro em que a repressão nos territórios do Sara Ocidental, ocupados por Marrocos, tem vindo a acentuar-se, pergunto ao Conselho: como avalia o comportamento de Marrocos e quais as iniciativas que está a desenvolver para concretizar as resoluções da ONU relativas ao Sara Ocidental, através da concretização do legítimo e inalienável direito à auto-determinação do povo saraui, único e incontornável quadro para uma solução justa e durável do conflito no Sara Ocidental?

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

A posição do Conselho é clara. O Conselho apoia plenamente os esforços das Nações Unidas e do Enviado Pessoal do Secretário-Geral das Nações Unidas no sentido de encontrar uma solução política para o problema. A posição que o Conselho tem constantemente defendido é a de que a solução deverá ser justa, duradoura, mutuamente aceitável e permitir a autodeterminação do povo do Sara Ocidental, em conformidade com as resoluções da ONU.

Após vários anos de impasse político, a Resolução 1754 do Conselho de Segurança das Nações Unidas, de 30 de Abril de 2007, constituiu uma oportunidade para criar uma nova dinâmica, lançando um apelo à realização de negociações directas entre as partes sem condições prévias. Em 18/19 de Junho e em 10/11 de Agosto deste ano, foram realizadas duas rondas de debates sob os auspícios das Nações Unidas e, no Outono, deverá ser realizada uma nova ronda. Esperamos que as partes e os Estados da região continuem a cooperar com a ONU e entre si, a fim de realizar progressos no sentido de alcançar uma solução política para esta questão.

The Waziristan tribal belt has become a haven for Al Qaeda and for smugglers of weapons and narcotics which affect Western interests and security.

What measures has the Council suggested or does it propose to suggest to the Government of Pakistan to put a stop to this situation and prevent any further Talibanisation of Pakistan?

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

A situação no Waziristão tem merecido uma atenção constante por parte do Conselho. Embora reconhecendo a natureza interna da questão em apreço, debatemos regularmente a situação com as autoridades paquistanesas.

Em nosso entender, é possível fazer mais para contribuir para a criação de um clima de confiança, por exemplo nos domínios dos contactos interpessoais, do desenvolvimento económico das zonas fronteiriças, da gestão de fronteiras e das questões relativas aos refugiados. Estamos prontos para dar assistência.

Actualmente, as nossas actividades principais são canalizadas através dos instrumentos da CE. A futura assistência comunitária ao Paquistão centrar-se-á no desenvolvimento rural e na educação nas províncias que confinam com o Afeganistão. Atribuímos fundos para a cooperação regional destinados à gestão de fronteiras e à facilitação do comércio regional, o que é importante para a melhoria da cooperação transfronteiras. A CE também está a trabalhar no sentido de complementar iniciativas de desenvolvimento económico através do seu apoio programado à educação, nomeadamente no domínio profissional.

Η αμερικάνικη εταιρεία «Blackwater» έχει συγκροτήσει ιδιωτικό μισθοφορικό στρατό και ειδικές κατασταλτικές δυνάμεις οι οποίες δραστηριοποιούνται στο Ιράκ, στο Αφγανιστάν, καθώς και σε άλλες 56 χώρες, με δολοφονίες αμάχων πολιτών και επιθέσεις τρομοκράτησης των εργαζομένων, κατά παράβαση του διεθνούς δικαίου. Ο ιδιωτικός στρατός της εταιρείας «Blackwater» - 180.000 στρατιώτες - σε συνεργασία με το στρατό κατοχής των ΗΠΑ, ευθύνεται και για την δολοφονία 11 Ιρακινών πολιτών και των τραυματισμό ακόμα 18, στη Βαγδάτη στις 16.9.2007, ενώ σύμφωνα με στοιχεία φαίνεται να έχει εμπλακεί σε περίπου 200 αιματηρά επεισόδια στο Ιράκ από το 2005 μέχρι σήμερα, καθώς και στην ισοπέδωση της πόλης Φαλούτζα το φθινόπωρο του 2004 με μαζικές δολοφονίες πολιτών. Η εταιρεία «Blackwater» για αυτή την εγκληματική δράση της - σύμφωνα με διεθνούς κύρους Μέσα Μαζικής Ενημέρωσης - λαμβάνει το χρηματικό ποσό που ξεπερνά τα 100 εκατομμύρια δολάρια το χρόνο.

Πώς αξιολογεί το Συμβούλιο την εγκληματική δράση της εταιρείας «Blackwater»; Καταδικάζει το Συμβούλιο τις από κοινού δολοφονικές επιθέσεις του στρατού κατοχής των ΗΠΑ, του ΝΑΤΟ και του μισθοφορικού στρατού της εταιρείας «Blackwater» ενάντια στους πολίτες του Ιράκ και του Αφγανιστάν; Συμφωνεί το Συμβούλιο με τη διεθνή κοινή γνώμη που εκφράζουν οι λαοί για την άμεση αποχώρηση των στρατευμάτων κατοχής των ΗΠΑ και του ΝΑΤΟ από το Ιράκ και το Αφγανιστάν;

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

As acções do Blackwater EUA não foram debatidas enquanto tais pelo Conselho.

A força multinacional no Iraque, incluindo as forças dos EUA, encontram-se no país a pedido do Governo do Iraque e nos termos de resoluções do Conselho de Segurança da ONU. O mandato da força multinacional foi prorrogado por mais um ano em 28 de Novembro de 2006. De acordo com a sua resolução, o Conselho de Segurança declara que porá termo ao mandato numa data mais precoce se tal lhe for solicitado pelo Governo do Iraque. O Conselho respeita as opiniões do Governo do Iraque sobre a presença da força multinacional.

Da mesma forma, a presença no Afeganistão da força ISAF liderada pela OTAN (Força Internacional de Assistência à Segurança) deve-se a um pedido do Governo Afegão e encontra-se sob a autoridade do Conselho de Segurança da ONU. A UE apoia plenamente o Pacto de 2006 sobre o Afeganistão, que se baseia numa parceria entre o Governo Afegão e a comunidade internacional, com o objectivo de edificar capacidades e instituições afegãs duradouras. Tal objectivo não seria servido pela retirada imediata da ISAF.

W jaki sposób Rada zamierza wesprzeć proces demokratyzacji Birmy i pomóc ludności tego kraju pod względem humanitarnym?

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

O Conselho defende que o objectivo fundamental da política europeia relativamente à Birmânia/Mianmar consiste na transição pacífica para um Governo legítimo e civil. A UE continua a manter uma política equilibrada, reforçando por um lado as medidas restritivas, aumentando por outro a assistência ao povo da Birmânia/Mianmar.

No que se refere ao processo democrático no país, o Conselho recorre principalmente a instrumentos políticos e diplomáticos para acelerar essa mudança. Recentemente, os Chefes de Missão da UE tomaram duas iniciativas junto do Governo birmanês. A Presidência, o Alto Representante e a Comissária para as Relações Externas emitiram uma série de declarações, apelando às autoridades no sentido de se conterem, de libertarem os presos políticos e de empreenderem um diálogo inclusivo com as partes envolvidas. O Conselho declarou-se ainda disposto a dar assistência à Birmânia/Mianmar no seu processo de transição, caso o Governo decida seguir decididamente por esse caminho.

A tróica da UE, a nível de embaixadores, tomou iniciativas em várias capitais da região. O Conselho permanece em contacto estreito e regular com os seus parceiros nessa região, nomeadamente a Índia, a China e os países membros da ASEAN.

Na sessão ministerial de 15 de Outubro, o Conselho apoiou inequivocamente a missão de bons ofícios levada a cabo pelo Enviado Especial da ONU, Ibrahim Gambari, e subscreveu outras iniciativas da ONU, nomeadamente do Conselho de Segurança.

O Conselho acordou também no reforço de uma série de medidas restritivas dirigidas contra o regime da Birmânia/Mianmar, evitando porém atingir o povo já vítima de pressão. A UE está disposta a rever, alterar ou reforçar essas medidas, à luz dos desenvolvimentos no terreno e dos resultados da missão empreendida por Ibrahim Gambari.

No que se refere ao auxílio humanitário, a UE encontra-se entre os maiores prestadores de assistência à Birmânia/Mianmar. A Comissão Europeia e os Estados-Membros permanecem unânimes na intenção de prosseguir o auxílio humanitário ao povo da Birmânia/Mianmar, bem como aos birmaneses refugiados nos países limítrofes. A Comissão está neste momento a trabalhar no sentido de reforçar essa assistência.

The limited nature of EU sanctions against Burma is lamentable. The impact of the ban on arms sales has been minimal, as has the impact of the visa ban, which has been breached several times. The impact of an asset freeze has also been only nominal. The total assets frozen Europe-wide could be just £57. The withdrawal of trade privileges is a welcome move, but the EU has still been one of Burma’s biggest investors and trading partners. Given that discussions regarding the extension of restrictive EU measures against Burma are presently under way, can the Council commit to banning all European companies and citizens from investing in Burma? Can the Council adopt a ban on the import of goods and services from enterprises owned by the military, military personnel and their associates? Can the Council commit to banning the import of strategically important goods such as gems and timber? Can the Council commit to banning international financial transactions from the EU?

Can the Council push for UN Security Council mandatory sanctions against Burma? Together with the UN, can the Council agree to the imposition of targeted sanctions, including a mandatory arms embargo, an investment ban and a ban on Burmese exports of strategically important goods, including gas, oil, gems and timber, until there is irreversible progress toward political transition, or until a democratically elected government in Burma requests that they be lifted?

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

A UE tem mantido um embargo à venda de armas contra a Birmânia/Mianmar desde 1990 e um conjunto abrangente de sanções autónomas desde 1996. As medidas restritivas têm sido gradualmente reforçadas e periodicamente actualizadas desde então. As sanções visam o regime militar, as pessoas que mais beneficiam do seu mau governo e todos quantos frustraram activamente o processo de reconciliação nacional, o respeito pelos direitos humanos e a democracia.

As medidas restritivas compreendiam já uma interdição de visto, um congelamento de activos e recursos económicos que visa umas 386 pessoas: SPDC (Conselho de Estado para a Paz e o Desenvolvimento), Comandantes das regiões e Comandantes-adjuntos das regiões, Ministros, oficiais generais das forças armadas (a partir de Brigadeiro), oficiais encarregados da direcção das prisões e da polícia, pessoas que beneficiam da política económica do Governo e gestores de empresas pertencentes a militares e membros das respectivas famílias; proibição da concessão de empréstimos/créditos a e da participação em empresas públicas birmanesas, visando 41 empresas ou entidades, um embargo à venda de armas e proibição das exportações de equipamento para fins de repressão interna; a suspensão dos programas de ajuda não humanitária (com excepções em áreas-chave, como a saúde, a educação e a diminuição da pobreza); medidas diplomáticas, que incluem a suspensão das visitas de alto nível à Birmânia/Mianmar e a retirada dos adidos militares das embaixadas dos Estados-Membros da UE.

Em consonância com a condenação veemente da brutal carga sobre os manifestantes na Birmânia/Mianmar no final de Setembro e da repressão que assola o país, o Conselho decidiu em 15 de Outubro aumentar a pressão directa sobre o regime, através de medidas mais enérgicas e das seguintes medidas restritivas adicionais em matéria de exportações, importações e investimentos nos sectores da exploração florestal e da transformação da madeira e a mineração de metais, minerais e pedras preciosas e semi-preciosas. A UE apoia também o reforço do envolvimento da ONU, e designadamente do Conselho de Segurança.

O Conselho recorda que utilizou um vasto leque de ferramentas para ajudar a melhorar a situação na Birmânia/Mianmar, que incluíram um inteiro apoio à missão de bons ofícios do Enviado Especial das Nações Unidas Ibrahim Gambari e o diálogo político com os países vizinhos da Birmânia. Solidarizando-se com o povo da Birmânia/Mianmar prestou igualmente uma ajuda humanitária substancial destinada às populações mais vulneráveis da Birmânia/Mianmar e aos refugiados birmaneses nos países vizinhos.

En fechas recientes hemos tenido conocimiento de un problema que afecta a trabajadores de un Estado miembro, concretamente España, y más precisamente personas oriundas de mi región, Galicia, fronteriza con Portugal. Casi todos son profesionales de la sanidad que ejercen una actividad remunerada en el país vecino y se desplazan diariamente con sus vehículos, matriculados en su lugar de residencia, España.

La ley portuguesa de Impuesto sobre Vehículos puede ser aplicada a los ciudadanos de otro Estado miembro siempre que generen renta en Portugal y pasen más de seis meses en el país. En su redacción actual, el concepto de «trabajadores transfronterizos» sólo se les aplica si trabajan en un municipio limítrofe. En caso contrario, la ley les obliga de facto a ser residentes fiscales. En consecuencia, las autoridades actúan contra estos ciudadanos imponiéndoles una sanción, confiscándoles la documentación del coche y embargando el vehículo, y el ciudadano tiene dos opciones: matricularlo o deportarlo.

Hemos sabido que las autoridades españolas y portuguesas están estudiando este asunto a raíz de las protestas realizadas por algunos afectados. ¿Podría la Presidencia portuguesa asegurar que se están realizando esfuerzos para resolver cuanto antes esta situación, que obstaculiza la libre circulación de trabajadores?

A circulação em Portugal de veículos registados com matrícula espanhola tem suscitado dúvidas, nomeadamente no que se refere a trabalhadores que residem nas zonas fronteiriças e que diariamente se deslocam ao país vizinho, onde exercem uma actividade profissional remunerada.

Esta situação tem afectado mormente trabalhadores oriundos da região da Galiza que trabalham no Norte de Portugal, muitos dos quais no sector da Saúde. A lei portuguesa isenta o "trabalho transfronteiriço" das regras gerais aplicáveis à circulação de veículos com matrícula estrangeira em território nacional; porém, o conteúdo deste conceito não é totalmente claro e, como consequência, cidadãos espanhóis que trabalham em Portugal têm sido penalizados, em acções de fiscalização conduzidas pelas autoridades policiais portuguesas, por não lhes ser possível demonstrar que preenchem a definição legal de "trabalho transfronteiriço".

Na falta desta definição rigorosa, há riscos de que a insuficiente clareza na aplicação destas regras acabe por gerar más interpretações que prejudicam o bom relacionamento que todos desejamos caracterize as relações Portugal-Espanha no contexto europeu.

Neste sentido, pode a Presidência portuguesa assegurar que estão a ser desenvolvidos todos os esforços de molde a assegurar que a situação legal destes trabalhadores esteja liberta de quaisquer equívocos?

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

O Conselho não se pronuncia sobre medidas tomadas ou a ser tomadas por um Estado-Membro.

Embora me encontre neste plenário em representação da Presidência da União, uma vez que as perguntas em causa dizem respeito a um problema envolvendo directamente o Estado português, tenho todo o gosto enquanto membro do governo PT de  prestar esclarecimentos sobre este assunto.

Portugal e Espanha mantêm relações bilaterais de excelente nível. Neste contexto a resolução da situação dos cidadãos espanhóis residentes em Espanha (em geral e não só na Galiza), exercendo uma actividade profissional em Portugal, designadamente nos sectores da saúde ou da docência, não podia deixar de merecer a melhor atenção das autoridades portuguesas.

Estou em condições de anunciar que o Orçamento Geral do Estado de 2008, actualmente em discussão no Parlamento português, prevê que os trabalhadores transfronteiriços poderão, a partir de 1 de Janeiro de 2008, circular em Portugal com carros matriculados em Espanha, desde que o seu local de trabalho se situe até 60 Km de distância da fronteira portuguesa.

Tudo isto foi possível graças à conjugação dos esforços das autoridades do meu País com a actuação dos Centros SOLVIT de Portugal e de Espanha que conferiram a estes casos um tratamento prioritário, como tivemos já oportunidade de informar as autoridades espanholas.

An active discussion has arisen in the EU Member States concerning the threat that the use of new technology and the sharing of travellers’ data in order to detect terrorists, as well as the directive on recording of telephone conversations adopted earlier, will infringe people’s civil liberties. Critics of sharing travellers’ data and recording telephone conversations argue that such plans threaten the privacy of everyone and risk exposing non-EU nationals to even more discrimination. These threats are also of great importance to the nine countries that are set to join Schengen in the coming months, as it is felt that such data collection plans will infringe both immigrants and EU citizens’ rights.

What is the position of the Council concerning the implementation of the travellers’ data collection plan? What action does the Council plan to take in order to guarantee that civil liberties are not infringed but, on the contrary, safeguarded and protected?

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

O Conselho ainda não recebeu a proposta da Comissão relativa ao Registo de Identificação dos Passageiros (PNR), a que se refere o Senhor Deputado, não podendo, pois, tomar posição sobre a mesma.

Se a "Directiva relativa à gravação de chamadas telefónicas", mencionada na pergunta, se refere à directiva relativa à conservação de dados, o Conselho assinala que a mesma não permite a gravação de chamadas telefónicas. A directiva trata do instrumento de investigação "conservação de dados de tráfego", p.ex. de que telefone e para que número foi efectuada uma chamada, bem como a duração da chamada. A gravação do conteúdo das conversas não pode ser efectuada ao abrigo dessa directiva.

Na sessão do Conselho (JAI) de Novembro próximo, o Conselho prevê alcançar um acordo global sobre a decisão-quadro relativa à protecção de dados que fixa normas mínimas sólidas para a protecção de dados no âmbito do Terceiro Pilar.

Given the decision taken during the September meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on ‘market-based measures’ to tackle climate change, and the hostility shown by some non-EU States towards including their aviation sectors in the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme, what actions will the Council be taking to make sure that third-country aircraft operators are included in the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme, and what will be its legal basis for these actions?

A presente resposta, que foi elaborada pela Presidência e não vincula o Conselho nem os Estados–Membros, não foi apresentada oralmente durante o período de perguntas dirigidas ao Conselho da sessão do Parlamento Europeu de Outubro de 2007, em Estrasburgo.

Como é do conhecimento do Senhor Deputado, o Conselho e o Parlamento Europeu estão a analisar a proposta apresentada pela Comissão de Directiva do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho que altera a Directiva 2003/87/CE, de modo a incluir as actividades da aviação no regime de comércio de licenças de emissão de gases com efeito de estufa na Comunidade. Esta directiva será aprovada pelo processo de co-decisão e, portanto, com a plena participação do Parlamento. As instâncias preparatórias do Conselho estão a debater a proposta em detalhe e as suas implicações técnicas, jurídicas e políticas. Apesar dos resultados da 36.ª Assembleia Geral da Organização da Aviação Civil Internacional (OACI), o Conselho está decidido a avançar com uma abordagem abrangente para a redução das emissões da aviação, coerente com as políticas e os objectivos da UE e da Convenção-Quadro das Nações Unidas sobre as Alterações Climáticas (CQNUAC), o que inclui um trabalho intensivo sobre a proposta da Comissão para a inclusão da aviação no regime de comércio de licenças de emissão de gases com efeito de estufa na Comunidade.

Além disso, o Conselho continuará a trabalhar no quadro das Nações Unidas e bilateralmente, a fim de envolver países terceiros nos esforços para alcançar um acordo pós-2012 sobre as alterações climáticas. A UE acredita que um dos elementos-chave das negociações pós-2012 é a correcção das emissões provenientes da aviação internacional da maneira mais rentável, nomeadamente através do alargamento e da expansão do mercado do carbono. O Conselho reconhece a importância de envolver países terceiros, em particular países em desenvolvimento, e continuará a envidar esforços a nível diplomático no sentido de dizer claramente às nações em desenvolvimento até que ponto a participação das companhias aéreas no regime de comércio de licenças de emissão de gases com efeito de estufa na Comunidade pode efectivamente trazer benefícios líquidos.

Si moltiplicano inchieste e notizie di frodi che riguardano l'utilizzo dei Fondi strutturali destinati al Meridione d'Italia, e in particolare alla Regione Basilicata.

Fermo restando che i controlli e gli audit devono, in primo luogo, essere effettuati dalle autorità nazionali e regionali e che le autorità di gestione competenti devono trarne le conclusioni e procedere a tutte le correzioni necessarie, può la Commissione precisare in quante e quali occasioni le autorità italiane hanno chiesto l'aiuto dell'OLAF per condurre le inchieste?

Non ritiene la Commissione che vi sia un problema che riguarda l'intero sistema istituzionale-imprenditoriale, in particolare della Regione Basilicata?

Fermo restando che gli audit effettuati dalla Commissione vengono eseguiti solo in via sussidiaria e nell'ambito della strategia annuale, può la Commissione far sapere se intende intervenire in un qualsiasi modo per verificare il corretto utilizzo dei Fondi strutturali, e se intende prendere provvedimenti di qualsiasi tipo per prevenire frodi a partire dalla Regione Basilicata?

The total of the Structural Funds allocated to the Basilicata region for the programming period 2000 to 2006 was 848 035 000 €. 433 885 000 was assigned to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (51.16%), 220 900 000 to the European Social Fund (ESF) (26.05%) and 193 250 000 (22.79%) to the European Agriculture Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) - Guidance Section. The region of Basilicata is thus allocated about 2.5% of the Community financing to Italy for the programming period 2000-2006.

The Honourable Member is correct in pointing at the increasing number of irregularities reported. There were 80 irregularities from Basilicata in the year 2006 alone. Furthermore, 79 of these 80 irregularities were classified as suspected frauds by the Italian authorities and they involve a sum of about € 3.7 million. They represent about 11% of the number of irregularities reported by Italy. In terms of amounts, the proportion is much lower (1.6%).

Most of the cases reported concern the EAGGF - Guidance section.

However, even though it appears from the statistics that there has been a significant increase in suspected frauds against this very specific fund, the Commission is re-assured by the fact that the control authorities have detected and reported all these cases of irregularities.

Furthermore, the Commission has been informed by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) that it has only one case in the follow-up stage relating to the Basilicata Region and no active investigations.

No requests were received from the Italian authorities for OLAF’s assistance in the carrying out of investigations in the Basilicata region in relation to the Structural Funds.

Moreover, with regard to the programming period 2000-2006, the Basilicata Region reported to OLAF, via the central coordination point of the Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri – Dipartimento politiche comunitarie, a total of 93 irregularities.

The correct use of the Structural Funds is ensured by several actors at national and Community level. Audits on the use of Structural Funds are carried out both by national authorities and by the competent services of the Commission dealing with Structural Funds (Directorate-General for Regional Policy, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development and Directorate-General for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs). Each year the Commission receives a report from Italy (in accordance with Article 13 of Regulation 438/2001) related to their management and control systems for assistance granted under the Structural Funds. The report is discussed at the annual bilateral coordination meeting between the Italian authorities and the Commission. This year’s meeting will take place in December.

With regard to the EAGGF - Guidance Section, the Basilicata region was audited in 2004 in the framework of the 2000-2006 programming period. A further audit is planned for December 2007. Following the audit carried out by Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development in 2004 a financial corrections procedure is under way (in accordance with article 39 of Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999).

With regard to the ERDF, the Basilicata region has not to date been audited in the framework of the programming period 2000-2006. The error rate detected by the national audit authorities is relatively low (0.18%).

In the framework of their annual strategy and audits planned, the audit departments of Directorate-General for Regional Policy (DG REGIO) will soon carry out a risk analysis (whose parameters are defined in advance).

As DG REGIO has moreover not received any information on possible irregularities, it is not possible at present to state whether the Operational Programme of the Basilicata region will be the subject of an audit in the near future.

In relation to the ESF, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the response given to his written question E-4158/07.

Finally, it is also worthy of mention that the Italian authorities have earlier this month signed an agreement, which harmonises their procedures with those of other Member States in relation to the reporting of frauds and irregularities against the Community budget. This demonstrates the seriousness which the Italian authorities accord to the fight against fraud against the Community budget.

Welche geschäftlichen Aktivitäten (Positionen und Funktionen, mittelbare und unmittelbare Beteiligungen, z.B. Aktien, Teilhaberschaften) in der Immobilienbranche unterhält der Sonderberater von Kommissar Kallas für Gebäudepolitik gegenwärtig? Seit wann bestehen diese geschäftlichen Aktivitäten?

Wie deckt sich dies mit der Aussage von Kommissar Kallas im Haushaltskontrollausschuss am 2. Mai 2007, dass der Sonderberater alle seine Immobilienaktivitäten aufgegeben habe?

Die Kommission hat dem Sonderberater Zugang zu vertraulichen und marktrelevanten Informationen über ihre Pläne in Brüssel gegeben. Wie bewertet die Kommission den kommerziellen Wert dieser Informationen?

1. Business activities of Mr. Boomer:

Mr. Richard Boomer has been appointed as a Special Advisor to Vice-President Kallas with the general mandate of advising him in the area of buildings policy, of improving the relationships with the responsible authorities in Brussels and Luxembourg and of optimising the efficiency of the Commission's investments in this area.

Upon his appointment as Special Advisor to Commissioner Kallas for the period from 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008 and on the basis of the arrangements put in place by the Commission for the recruitment of such Advisors, Mr Boomer has informed the Commission about the other professional activities he continues to exert in addition to his mandate as Special Advisor to the Commissioner. He has given assurance to the Commission that these activities would in no way result in a conflict of interest with his tasks as special advisor.

The Commission is not aware of any shares owned by Mr. Boomer or partnerships he might be involved in which might entail a conflict of interest with his current functions as Special Advisor.

2. Contradiction between the professional activities of Mr. Boomer and the declaration made by Vice-President Kallas at the CoCoBu meeting of 2 May 2007:

The Honourable Member is invited to refer to the information provided under point 1.

3. Access to confidential and relevant information by Mr. Boomer:

First of all, the Commission would like to underline that in developing its plans for the future concerning its real estate activities in Brussels it does rely on various sources of information and analysis. In this context the Special Advisor, taking into account his expertise in that field, is also invited to provide his opinion, which is one among others in a large forum. In his capacity, Mr. Boomer has been providing expertise in outlining the recently adopted Communication on buildings policy, which contains broad guidelines aimed to increase market transparency and strengthen competition among the various real estate operators. To the best of its knowledge, the Commission is not aware of any file whereby Mr. Boomer might have made use or abused of information given to him in his capacity as Special Advisor to Vice-President Kallas.

Should the Honourable Member know about issues that might be relevant and that have not so far been brought to the Commission attention, she is invited to communicate them.

Will the Commission make a statement on the trade imbalances between the EU and its major trading partners and is the Commission concerned about adverse imbalances and what steps is it taking to address these issues?

The Commission is closely following and analysing the situation. It fully understands public concern about the trade deficit of the EU. However, it needs to be put in perspective. The EU's trade deficit is mainly explained by the oil price, because regarding manufactured products, the EU trade balance is in surplus and, is continuously increasing reaching € 154 billion in 2006. Moreover, the available data for this year show that, cumulated over the first eight months of the year, the EU's total trade deficit (including oil) improved compared to 2006. However, the trade deficit with China is rapidly widening. As regards the euro area, the trade balance has even moved from deficit to surplus over the same period relative to 2006. Of course these are aggregate figures and the positions of individual member states may differ from one another, with some of them posting large surplus such as Germany, while others being in deficit such as Spain and France.

The EU remains a very successful trading block internationally for trade in manufactured goods with a stable world market share despite the rise of big emerging economies such as China, India or Brazil. In this respect, the EU clearly outperforms the United States (US) and Japan which are steadily loosing ground in terms of market shares.

However, this is an unstable equilibrium and the EU position may be at risk: the EU is already losing ground in high technology products while countries such as China are rapidly catching up. The geographic destination of European exports is also very important, and in this respect the EU has to focus its trade efforts on countries where demand is rapidly growing. Otherwise the EU would risk missing market opportunities in dynamic areas which account already for half of world import growth.

The right strategy is not protectionism but to keep markets open and seek actively further market opening from our partners. This is exactly the spirit of the Global Europe agenda designed to boost the EU's competitive performance at home and abroad. It implies a series of linked strategies on market access, trade defence instruments, protection of intellectual property rights, EU policy on China and a new generation of bilateral trade agreements to complement the EU’s commitment to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). As such, it represents the external side of the Lisbon Agenda.

The Commission is concerned about the size of global current account imbalances and the risks they imply for global financial instability. The euro area took an active part in the discussions of the International Monetary Fund's multilateral consultation framework, where all participants supported a comprehensive strategy to reduce imbalances through policies that are in each individual country's own interest as well as desirable from a multilateral perspective. These policy plans include, inter alia, promoting national saving in the US and a gradual increase in China's exchange rate flexibility.

Wie beurteilt die Kommission die Entwicklung der Handelsbeziehungen mit dem westlichen Balkan und insbesondere mit dem Kandidatenland Mazedonien?

The EU is the first trading partner of the Western Balkans. Trade plays a fundamental role in the EU’s wider policy towards this region – the Stabilisation and Association process. Indeed, deeper trade relations with the EU, and within the region, are key for economic development and, in turn, political stability.

EU bilateral trade in goods with the Western Balkans has increased steadily since 2002. Total EU imports have grown by 7.2% annually and total EU exports by 1.8%.

In the first six months of 2007, EU trade with the Balkans increased more rapidly than with the rest of the world (+12.6% faster growth for imports and +5.2% faster growth for exports).

Turning to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, trade relations are conducted in the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA), that entered into force on 1st April 2004 and took over the provisions of the Interim Agreement which entered into force on 1st June 2001.

Since the entry into force of the Interim Agreement, bilateral trade with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has increased steadily, with our imports having almost doubled and our exports having increased by some 20%.

In conclusion, the Commission is very satisfied by the way our bilateral trade with the Western Balkans is developing, in particular with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Can the Commission provide a complete, accurate and up to date report on the current status of the world trade talks?

Is the EU closer to an agreement than at this time last year? If this is the case, can the Commission outline what concessions have been made from the EU side to progress the talks, particularly those relating to agricultural products, and what concessions have been received in return from the EU's trading partners?

Can the Commission offer its assessment of the likelihood of a definitive world trade agreement being concluded in the near future?

Can the European Commission make a comprehensive statement outlining the present status of the Doha round of World Trade Talks?

The Commission still believes a Doha Development Agenda (DDA) deal is feasible. Negotiating texts tabled by Committee Chairs last July are pointing to a potential landing zone.

Negotiations are continuing in Geneva in view of issuing revised negotiating texts on agriculture and industrial products by November 2007, together with texts on services, rules and trade facilitation. On this basis, further negotiations should take place, including at Ministerial level in view of concluding a deal on modalities before the end of2007. But whether this will be the case, whether there will be a breakthrough, depends entirely on the negotiating engagement of the different players.

In economic terms, the remaining gaps are minimal; the problem is rather one of political will to do the heavy lifting and accept a compromise.

The challenge in the next few weeks is for negotiators to get to the specifics of the negotiations –rather than playing tactical games- and sign up to a deal.

We are now reaching a moment of truth on industrial goods negotiations, as we did previously on agriculture. Emerging economies are currently refusing to deliver their side of the bargain and make at best a modest contribution to the Round by opening, to some extent, their markets for industrial products, and are trying to turn the negotiations into a North/South showdown.

However, what is being asked from the about 30 emerging economies that would have to make a contribution to this Round can be considered as modest : to consolidate duties to the levels that are actually being applied; and for some countries and some sectors, make limited adjustments of 1 or 2% to the tariffs presently applied – over a period of ten years.

Rightly, the EU has said that it is ready to improve its agriculture offer if the other World Trade Organisation (WTO) Members also show flexibility and deliver their side of the bargain. Recently, the United States (US) announced it accepts the terms and ranges of figures contained in the text of the chair of the agriculture group, but this should by no means affect our stance.

For emerging economies now to refuse to make any contribution and ask for more flexibilities would do terrible injury to the current negotiating process, and drain the negotiations of their remaining momentum.

Moreover, such refusal would fly in the face of what we understand by Doha being "a development Round", as the consequences for developing countries would be a sharp reduction in new opportunities for them to trade amongst themselves.

With respect to the issue of domestic subsidies in agriculture, the US move to negotiate in the ranges of the Falconer modalities paper is an encouraging sign, although we have always been clear that at some point the US would have to become realistic on domestic support. While we already reformed our agricultural policy in 2003, the US is still lagging behind. Therefore, the US move is no reason for us to change course.

The EU will stand firm on this line, while continuing to reaching out to negotiating partners in a constructive manner, so as to create the necessary momentum for a broad deal on modalities by the end of this year. This deal should, in our view, not be limited to agriculture and industrial goods, but should provide a broad platform for the last stretch of negotiations on the overall agenda of the Round, including services, rules, geographical indications and trade facilitation.

It is indeed essential to have this deal on modalities this year. It is an illusion to think that the negotiations could simply be put in the freezer until the new US Administration is sworn in.

Can the Commission make a statement outlining the present status of EU-Brazil trading relations and its present concerns concerning the operation of the Brazilian beef sector?

The EU and Brazil enjoy good trade relations, with increasing trade flows in both directions. Brazilian exports are becoming more diversified with the share of manufactured goods increasing. Furthermore, Brazil is a key player in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Doha Development Agenda (DDA), playing a crucial role as the leader of the G-20 group. Brazil is also a member of Mercosur, with whom the EU is negotiating an Association Agreement on a region-to-region basis since the year 2000.

Brazil is a key partner and interlocutor for the EU pursuing some of the important challenges ahead of us; successfully concluding the DDA, managing globalisation, tackling climate change and reducing poverty.

The European Union is Brazil's first trading partner, accounting for 24 % of its exports and 21% of its imports. However, despite its economic size, Brazil only accounts for 1,8% of total EU trade, ranking only eleventh among EU trading partners.

The EU is the first investor in Brazil, with a European investment stock reaching € 80 billion. EU investments in Brazil alone exceed EU investments in Russia, India and China taken together. Brazilian foreign investments - although still at a low level - are increasing, the EU market being the first receiver.

The Commission strives to ensure that products in the EC market (imported or produced in the Community) comply with strict EU requirements and for this relies heavily on its inspection service.

The EU is the largest importer of agriculture products from Brazil. For this reason the Commission is monitoring very closely the sanitary conditions of the agri-products we import from Brazil. This monitoring includes an intensive programme of inspections carried out by the commission services on the spot, controls at imports and also random tests on the internal market at destination.

The results of these inspections indicate some shortcomings, in particular in the beef sector.

The latest inspection of the beef sector took place last March, and following its conclusion, the Commission informed the Brazilian authorities that we may have to reconsider the authorization of imports of beef if they have not provided, by the end of this year, auditable evidence of the rectification of all remaining deficiencies.

A further inspection by the Commission Inspection service (Directorate General for Health and Consumer Protection (SANCO) Food and Veterinary Office (FVO)) will take place in November.

The Commissioner in charge of Health and the Commission services responsible for Sanitary and PhytoSanitary (SPS) issues have provided to the Parliament comprehensive information of the sanitary situation of the Brazilian beef. The Commissioner was also present last 9 October in the Parliament's Committee of Agriculture and Rural Development where this issue was the subject of an intensive debate.

The Commission can assure the Honourable Member that it will take appropriate action if serious risk factors could put EU consumers, animal or plants at risk.

Em resposta a uma pergunta anterior, o Conselho (H-0671/07)⁽¹⁾ afirmou que "o Comité de Gestão Têxtil está a analisar diferentes hipóteses com vista a dar uma resposta às preocupações que vêm sendo manifestadas por uma grande parte dos Estados-membros" relativamente à expiração do denominado "Memorando de Entendimento" sobre as exportações de certos produtos têxteis e de vestuário da China para os países da União Europeia, a 31 de Dezembro deste ano.

Como noticiado, a Comissão Europeia deverá propor a introdução de um mecanismo de "duplo controlo" das importações oriundas da China - por parte das autoridades alfandegárias dos Estados-Membros e das autoridades chinesas -, apenas para oito das dez categorias previstas no "Memorando" e, somente, até final de 2008.

Como pensa a Comissão evitar em 2008 a situação ocorrida em 2005 - caracterizada pelo crescimento exponencial das importações de têxteis -, e porque não opta pela prorrogação das restrições em vigor e a sua aplicação a novas categorias, aliás, à semelhança do contemplado em acordos celebrados entre a China e os EUA?

After the expiry of the Agreement on Textile and Clothing (ATC) in 2005, in response to surging levels of textile imports from China, the Commission negotiated with China the Shanghai Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU introduced agreed growth levels for imports from China into the EU of ten product categories until the end of 2007. The MoU itself remains, however, valid until the end of 2008.

That was a once and for all deal with China based on the provisions of their WTO entry and gave an extra breathing space to the EU industry to adapt to the new challenges posed by China as a major world player in the textile sector.

In the last months, the Commission and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce discussed ways and means to ensure a smooth transition in 2008. In separate meetings with the EU industry and with the EU traders, the Commissioner responsible for Trade has conveyed the same message for a smooth transition in 2008. It is believed that a smooth transition is a matter of co-responsibility among all parties concerned and it is also in everybody's interest. Nobody wants a rerun of 2005.

Discussions with China were concluded in September 2007 and China is willing to co-operate with the Commission to put into place a joint monitoring mechanism for trade in eight textiles product categories for 2008 (cat 4 T-shirts, cat 5 pullovers, cat 6 trousers, cat 7 blouses, cat 20 bed linen, cat 26 dresses, cat 31 brassieres and cat 115 flax and ramie yarn). At the same time the Commission would not implement our internal rules in the form of single-checking surveillance on the remaining two categories (categories 2 cotton fabrics and 39 table and kitchen linen) under the MoU. By this joint surveillance, China has de facto accepted that it shares with us the responsibility to ensure a smooth transition after the expiry at the end of this year of the MoU agreed levels. The Commission will cooperate with its Chinese counterpart to this end.

The deal covers the economically important categories and those with particular sensitivities. The two categories not covered are those where the utilization of the agreed levels has been and remains lowest in the period 2005 to 2007.

Since early summer 2007, the Commission has also been in touch with Member States in meetings at different levels and with Parliament particularly via the numerous written and oral questions tabled by several MEPs. Some suggested that agreed levels should be extended; others that trade should now be fully liberalized; others still suggested putting a trade monitoring mechanism in place.

Between extension of the present system and full liberalization, which were both a non-starter, the road of double-checking surveillance was the EU choice. Particularly in view of the fact that other countries have reached different agreements with China in 2005, with different lifetime and with different coverage.

The Commission believes that the deal of 2005 has proven useful and successful and it is now time to take the next step forward, the one to full liberalisation. In taking this step, experience suggests that it would be wise to monitor trade flows in the most sensitive categories at the same time. The double checking surveillance system described above just does that and it is part of the Commission's action to avoid a repeat of 2005. The co-responsibility of all parties concerned both in EU and in China is another aspect of the same effort.

The Commission believes that this is a good solution and notes Member States' broad support and favourable opinion. It is at the top end of what could be expected from the Chinese to agree to, and a double-checking system is both technically and politically preferable to unilateral EU action. Industry players – manufacturers and importers and retailers – have welcomed it.

As the next step, the Commission has published the corresponding regulation on 19 October 2007.

Given the Commission's commitment to increasing employment rates under the Lisbon Strategy, and given the Commission's recent publication on Youth Employment, which calls on Member States to invest more effectively in the younger generation and to increase the participation of young people in education, employment and society, can the Commission comment on how it intends to ensure that young people with disabilities have equal opportunities in gaining and holding onto employment?

La Commission considère que la transition entre système éducatif et premier emploi est déterminante pour promouvoir l'inclusion des jeunes handicapés dans le monde du travail et dans la société. La Commission soutient et suit avec attention la mise en œuvre du Mémorandum de coopération entre le Forum Européen des Personnes Handicapées et le Forum Européen de la Jeunesse qui a été signé à l'occasion de la Journée des Personnes Handicapées.

Le plan d'action européen en matière de handicap met l'accent sur l'intégration de la question du handicap dans la politique de l'emploi.

Dans le cadre de la Stratégie européenne de l'Emploi, la Commission travaille en étroite coopération avec les Etats Membres auxquels il appartient de mettre en œuvre les mesures nécessaires pour favoriser l'emploi des jeunes personnes handicapées. Les Etats membres ont d'ailleurs la possibilité de fixer des objectifs nationaux en matière d'emploi des personnes handicapées. La Commission a élaboré un guide sur base des nouvelles lignes directrices intégrées⁽¹⁾ afin d'aider les Etats Membres à mieux prendre en compte les questions liées au handicap dans leurs Plans Nationaux de Réforme.

Le Fonds Social Européen soutient les efforts des Etats Membres pour promouvoir l'insertion sociale et professionnelle active des personnes handicapées. Depuis cette année, l'accessibilité pour les personnes handicapées est un des principaux critères à prendre en compte pour la sélection des opérations à financer. Dans le même temps, la Commission prépare un nouveau règlement sur les aides d'état pour simplifier les règles applicables en ce qui concerne l'emploi et la formation des personnes handicapées.

La directive 2000/78 CE du 27 novembre 2000 portant création d'un cadre général en faveur de l'égalité de traitement en matière d'emploi et de travail⁽²⁾, a été transposée dans tous les Etats Membres. Ses dispositions concernant le respect du principe de l'égalité de traitement à l'égard des personnes handicapées spécifie que tous les employeurs ont l'obligation de procéder à des aménagements raisonnables pour les personnes handicapées. En outre, la directive spécifie, dans son article 7, qu'un Etat membre peut maintenir ou adopter des mesures spécifiques destinées à prévenir ou à compenser les désavantages liés notamment à un handicap.

La Commission se félicite des conclusions du Conseil de printemps de 2006 qui ont fait de l'emploi des jeunes et des personnes handicapées une priorité. Enfin, la communication de la Commission sur la "flexicurité"⁽³⁾ ouvre de nouvelles perspectives pour soutenir plus efficacement l'emploi des jeunes personnes handicapées en fin d'études (travail à temps partiel, travail temporaire, travail en formation, travail pratique, travail intérimaire…).

Can the Commission assure me that it is making every effort to make its website as user-friendly as possible?

The Commission can indeed reassure the Honorable Member that is making every effort to make its website as user-friendly as possible, by increasing for example the websites' interactivity. The Commission has recently launched a user survey – using an on-line questionnaire and several focus groups and bench marking in relation to other e-government sites. The results of the user survey will be used to make a full analysis of how EUROPA and the Commission sites in particular can be improved and redeveloped.

Drawing on the conclusions of this survey, the Commission will, in the following months, make concrete proposals in a new internet strategy in order to facilitate a user-friendly access to its websites, as announced in the Communication on "Communicating Europe in Partnership" adopted on 3 October 2007.

De krant 'La Dernière Heure' meldt dat sommige leden van de Commissie vrezen dat een eventuele splitsing van België andere Europese regio's, zoals Baskenland en Catalonië, op ideeën zal brengen. Het hoofd van de vertegenwoordiging van de Europese Commissie in België zegt dat Franstalige Europeanen in de Vlaamse Rand vrezen voor het voortbestaan van de faciliteiten.

Klopt deze informatie? Schaart de Commissie zich achter de uitlatingen van het hoofd van de vertegenwoordiging van de Commissie in België? Is de kwestie van de opsplitsing van België reeds besproken geweest in de Europese Commissie? Op welke fora en op welke wijze? Acht de Commissie zich bevoegd om terzake uitspraken te doen of handelingen te stellen?

The Commission maintains its position, that as a matter of principle it does not make statements about the internal affairs of a Member State.

In relation to the announcement by Irish airline Aer Lingus about removing its Shannon Airport to London Heathrow service in favour of a Belfast International Airport to London Heathrow service, can the Commission say if it has received a state aid application from the British Government or the Northern Ireland Executive to provide state aid for Belfast International Airport's development? Could the Commission also say if EU funding has been used to provide this new air route?

La Commission n'a reçu aucune notification d'aide d'Etat de la part des autorités britanniques ou de l'Exécutif d'Irlande du Nord concernant l'aéroport international de Belfast. Selon les informations à la disposition de la Commission, aucun financement public (ni national, ni communautaire) n'a été utilisé pour mettre en place la nouvelle liaison aérienne Aer Lingus entre Belfast et London Heathrow.

Η Επιτροπή εξέδωσε τον Ιανουάριο του 2007 την τελική έκθεση εξέτασης του τομέα λιανικών τραπεζικών υπηρεσιών (“Report on the retail banking sector inquiry”, COM(2007)0033). Από το κεφάλαιο των εξόδων για τραπεζικά εμβάσματα (fees for credit transfers) προκύπτει ότι στην Ελλάδα οι τράπεζες χρεώνουν πιο ακριβά από ό,τι στα υπόλοιπα κράτη μέλη της ευρωζώνης για πληρωμές από ένα λογαριασμό σε έναν άλλο στην ίδια τράπεζα (on-us credit transfers). Επίσης στην Ελλάδα, ο σταθμισμένος μέσος όρος εξόδων για τραπεζικές πληρωμές από μια τράπεζα σε μια άλλη (off-us credit transfers) ήταν πέντε φορές μεγαλύτερος από ό,τι ο μέσος όρος στην ευρωζώνη. Σημειώνεται τέλος ότι και στην περίπτωση των τραπεζικών εμβασμάτων συναλλάγματος (interchange credit transfers) η Ελλάδα είναι από τα ακριβότερα κράτη μέλη. Ποιο το σχόλιο της Επιτροπής; Πού οφείλονται τα υψηλά έξοδα για τραπεζικά εμβάσματα στην Ελλάδα; Πώς κρίνει την λειτουργία του τραπεζικού τομέα στην Ελλάδα; Ποια μέτρα θα λάβει η Επιτροπή για να προστατέψει τους Έλληνες καταναλωτές από τα αδικαιολόγητα έξοδα των τραπεζών;

Wide differences in prices of payment services in Europe and the potential lack of competition in some markets are causes of concern for the Commission. For that reason, the Commission performed a sectoral inquiry regarding retail banking in Europe⁽¹⁾, in the wider context of aiming at ensuring that full benefits of the internal market are delivered to the European consumers. In the final report of this sector inquiry, the Commission recommends a range of measures, including competition law enforcement and regulatory/self-regulatory measures in order to strengthen competition in retail banking. The identified weaknesses of the EU payments market are also addressed in the Payment Services Directive, adopted in April 2007 by the Parliament.

In general, markets for payment services in the EU Member States are still predominantly national. Furthermore, consumer behaviour and preferences strongly influence the strategies of banks, e.g. in Greece, the number of non-cash payment transactions per capita is by far the lowest in the EU. For these reasons, the Commission strongly supports the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) project, a banking industry initiative to create an integrated and more competitive market for euro payments which is planned to become fully operational by the end of 2010. At the same time the Payment Services Directive, due to be implemented by November 2009, is expected to generate more competition by removing market entry barriers and guaranteeing fair market access. It will also harmonise rules on information requirements and the rights and obligations of consumers in relation to payment services.

The Commission will continue its work in the retail financial services area. As stated in the Green Paper on retail financial services, the Commission's objective is to bring concrete benefits to European consumers in terms of price and choice. Policy initiatives will be undertaken provided there is a strong economic case supporting them and consumer confidence and empowerment is improved as a result.

Since the publication of the results of the Commission's sector inquiry in the field of retail banking, the Commission is following up the issues identified in close cooperation with national competition authorities, within the European Competition Network (ECN). In particular, the Commission and the Greek competition authority are examining how to address the findings of the sector inquiry concerning Greece.

Will the Commission explain how the cause of peace and reconciliation will be advanced by its refusal to enter into dialogue with the elected representatives of Palestinian people associated with Hamas, who secured the largest share of the vote in the most recent Palestinian elections?

The Honourable Member is aware that the Commission supported the Palestinian Legislative Council elections and respects their outcome.

The Commission does not deal with movements included on the EU list of terrorist organizations, such as Hamas.

The Commission hopes that Hamas will be convinced, in due time, to support the efforts undertaken by President Abbas in negotiating with Israel.

The Commission believes that reconciliation and national unity behind President Abbas’ programme is the only way to achieve Palestinian national goals.

Given the increasing propensity of young women to binge drink in Europe, there is a substantial risk of neurological damage to foetuses which can cause foetal alcohol spectrum disorders and other complications.

The Commission's Communication on 'an EU strategy to support Member States in reducing alcohol-related harm' proposed the setting up of an Alcohol and Health Forum, which was set up on 7 June 2007.

Does the Commission agree that this Forum must examine closely the issue of prenatal consumption of alcohol, as women need urgent information on the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy?

The Commission is aware of the fact that due to the increasing levels of alcohol consumption by young women, there is a considerable risk of neurological damage to foetuses. The Commission has addressed this issue in its Communication of 24 October 2006, which places the protection of the unborn child amongst the priority themes for action. As an example of good practice, the Communication refers to the fact that some Member States have introduced, or are planning to introduce, labelling on alcoholic drinks to protect pregnant women and the unborn child. With regard to such warning labels, the Commission will explore, in co-operation with Member States and stakeholders, the potential for developing efficient common approaches throughout the Community to provide adequate information.

Warning labels are however only one – albeit important – element within a range of measures that can improve information and raise awareness, and should therefore be part of a broader strategy. The Commission will therefore support Member States and stakeholders in their efforts to develop information and education programmes with regard to alcohol consumption and pregnancy. This will be done by combining the following two approaches:

- together with the relevant stakeholders the Commission will develop, within the framework of the European Alcohol and Health Forum, concrete actions aimed at protecting European citizens from the harmful use of alcohol. Parliament has been invited to participate as an observer in the Forum and can therefore follow its progress;

- within the new Committee on National Policy and Action (which is composed of Member States representatives), the Commission will explore the scope for the formulation of European objectives for curbing the incidence of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

This corresponds to a specific request made in Parliament's Resolution of 5 September 2007.

In summary, the Commission will therefore not just use the Alcohol Forum in order to make sure that women receive information on the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy, but will also actively work with Member States to this end.

Na trhu EÚ sa čoraz častejšie vyskytujú dovezené textilné výrobky farbené zdraviu škodlivými azofarbivami, ktoré nevyhovujú kritériám smernice č. 2002/61/ES⁽¹⁾ o azofarbivách. Je paradoxné, že sprísnené podmienky sa vzťahujú napríklad na pracovné rukavice vyrobené z usne a textilu, ale nevzťahujú sa na výrobky, ktoré sú v kontakte s pokožkou na podstatne väčšej ploche a s dlhšou expozíciou, ako je napr. nočná a posteľná bielizeň. V súčasnosti je doba od odberu vzorky textílií až po zverejnenie varovania v systéme Rapex často dlhšia než 3,5 mesiaca, čo je dostatočná doba na to, aby sa nebezpečný výrobok na trhu úplne vypredal.

Akým spôsobom je možné skrátiť čas od odberu vzorky až po zverejnenie varovania v Rapexe na minimum?

Podporila by Komisia vyvinutie prenosného prístroja, pomocou ktorého by bolo možné jednoducho a rýchle predbežne selektovať výrobky pravdepodobne pozitívne na zakázané azofarbivá?

V prípade, ak sa potvrdí vysoký percentuálny výskyt textilných výrobkov pozitívnych na zakázané azofarbivá na trhu EU, využije Komisia reštrikčné nástroje na obmedzenie dovozu?

Directive 2002/61/EC⁽²⁾ sets an upper limit of 30 parts per million for aromatic amines released by azodyes in textile or leather articles which may come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin. The three types of article mentioned by the Honourable Member, i.e. nightwear, bed linen and work gloves are all subject to that limit and if it is exceeded, the textiles concerned must not be placed on the market in the EU. The limit was set as low as possible consistent with reliable measurement using the most sensitive techniques available. The restriction applies to those azodyes that are capable of releasing, by the chemical process of reductive cleavage, any of the 22 carinogenic aromatic amines listed in the Appendix given in Directive 2003/3/EC⁽³⁾.

Since 31 December 2004, Member State competent authorities when enforcing the limit use the CEN⁽⁴⁾ test methods given in Directive 2004/21/EC⁽⁵⁾. The test method requires a chemical treatment of the textile to release aromatic amines from azodyes by reductive cleavage before their quantitative measurement by chromatography. The test requires about 1-2 man-days of work in a laboratory capable of performing this specific test. The commercial market for a portable device capable of carrying out sample extraction combined with accurate analysis in a quick and easy way extends far beyond the field of azodyes. Even if development of an instrument for such on-the-spot measurements was feasible, the financial incentive to develop such a device is already so large that additional Commission support to develop a device only for the detection of azodyes would seem to be superfluous.

By far the largest proportion of the average time from product sampling to the validation and publication of a notification on the RAPEX⁽⁶⁾ system linking enforcement authorities in the Member States is due to the time taken by Member States to test, evaluate and report on sample products. This is the case in particular for chemical risks, where a visual analysis of a sample is not sufficient.

It is worth mentioning, moreover, that RAPEX notifications concern restrictive measures taken by authorities or economic operators in relation to products posing risks for the health and safety of consumers. Therefore, the time for the adoption, publication and notification of these measures should also be factored in the calculation. Of course, in cases which present aspects of particular urgency (e.g. due to the level of risk, the scale, geographical size and political sensitivity of a recall), the time between sampling and publication in the RAPEX system, accompanied by information to authorities, the media and citizens, is compressed to a few days or even hours.

The Commission is regularly calling upon Member States to help improve the speed with which the RAPEX system operates, and working constantly with authorities to this end. In addition, at the next meeting of the Working Group responsible for Directive 2002/61/EC on azodyes, which is scheduled for 3 December 2007, the Commission will ask Member States to report on their level of market surveillance and on any difficulties experienced in enforcing the legislation.

En 2000, l'Union européenne a adopté une législation interdisant la discrimination fondée sur la race ou l'origine ethnique dans l'emploi, la formation, la protection sociale, les soins de santé, l'éducation, ainsi que l'accès aux biens, aux services et au logement. L'Union européenne a également adopté un texte législatif qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur un handicap, l'âge, la religion ou les convictions et l'orientation sexuelle. Cette directive s'applique uniquement au travail et à la formation. Certains États membres, dont la Belgique, vont beaucoup plus loin en sanctionnant toute discrimination directe ou indirecte fondée notamment sur le sexe, l’âge, l’orientation sexuelle, l’état civil, la conviction religieuse ou philosophique, l’état de santé actuel ou futur, un handicap ou l’origine sociale.

Pour que tous les citoyens européens aient les mêmes droits et protections et dans le cadre de l’Année européenne pour l’égalité des chances, la Commission ne proposerait-elle pas d’étendre la législation européenne anti-discrimination basée sur l’âge, le handicap, la religion ou l’orientation sexuelle aux domaines autres que celui du travail?

The Commission is committed to ensuring that everyone in the European Union can fulfil their potential, without prejudice, racism or stereotypes being applied to them. The Commission welcomes the fact that a number of Member States have gone beyond the existing EU Directives based on Article 13 of the Treaty to provide protection against discrimination. However a study carried out for the Commission in late 2006 showed that, whilst most Member States provided for some form of protection against discrimination on grounds of religion or belief, age, disability and sexual orientation, there was a variety between the Member States as to the degree and the nature of the protection.

In the light of these differences and of calls from the Parliament for action to complete the Community anti-discrimination framework, the Commission announced in its Annual Policy Strategy for 2008 that:

"As a follow-up measure to the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All (2007), the Commission will extend and reinforce its equal opportunities policy. It will, in particular, propose new initiatives designed to prevent and combat discrimination outside the labour market – based on gender, religion, belief, disability, age or sexual orientation".

Work has already started on the impact assessment that is necessary for all major Commission initiatives, with a study commissioned to collect data on discrimination, and consultations of the general public, business, NGOs and the social partners. A conference held in the Parliament on 11 and 12 October 2007 in the context of the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All also provided input to this work.

Following the excellent progress that has been made in improving the access to aeroplanes for disabled people and persons of reduced mobility, does the Commission have any plans to try to encourage Europe's hoteliers to make their industry more welcoming for such guests?

Policies dealing with accessibility issues, in particular accessibility to buildings, including hotels, are essentially the responsibility of the Member States.

Nevertheless the Commission has supported work undertaken to improve such accessibility through a number of transnational projects⁽¹⁾. These projects address notably the training of professionals in accessible design⁽²⁾, the inclusion of accessibility criteria in the public procurement process⁽³⁾ or the development of tools for carrying out a detailed accessibility audit of buildings⁽⁴⁾.

On the legislative side, Directive 2000/78/EC establishes a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation, and prohibits discrimination on grounds of disability, age, religion and belief and sexual orientation in employment and training. Article 5 of this Directive requires employers to make "reasonable accommodation" for disabled employees. This Directive has been transposed by all the Member States, and if disabled persons are discriminated against in employment they have a legal remedy at national level. This Directive does not however apply outside the field of employment, occupation and training.

As announced in its Annual Policy Strategy for 2008⁽⁵⁾ - and building on a study of existing anti-discrimination legislation in the Member States⁽⁶⁾ - the Commission plans to propose measures designed to prevent and combat discrimination outside the labour market, inter alia on the basis of disability. An impact assessment is being undertaken as well as a public on-line consultation⁽⁷⁾ which ended on 15 October 2007.

For what concerns specifically tourism, due to its limited competences, the Commission can not adopt legislation in this area. The Commission is however raising awareness on challenges such as the need to facilitate travel for seniors and persons with special needs.

For instance, the Commission has carried out a . This Guidance describes how tourist facilities, large and small, and destinations as a whole can improve the quality of the service that they offer to disabled people and others who will benefit from better accessibility.

In support of the “European Year of Equal Opportunities for All” the Commission organised the conference The main objectives of these conferences was to raise the awareness of all stakeholders about the impact and the business opportunities of the forthcoming process of demographic ageing that will simultaneously lead to a growing share of tourists with needs for more accessibility and higher service quality.

In the framework of the forthcoming Communication on an “Agenda for a sustainable and competitive European tourism” the Commission will continue its work to encourage the tourism industry to recognize that tourists with special needs form an important consumer group. It will further organize conferences and support the strengthening or the creation of platforms where lessons drawn by good and bad practices can be exchanged.

What steps has the Commission taken to act under the EU General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) 2001/95/EC⁽¹⁾ to initiate moves to ask the European Standardisation Committee (CEN) to adopt new safety standards for cigarettes, which would compel the use of 'reduced ignition propensity' technology in all cigarettes sold in the EU?

Unattended cigarettes are one of the leading causes of fatal fires, if not the leading one.

Reduced ignition propensity (RIP) cigarettes⁽²⁾ could be instrumental in reducing considerably the number of victims and damages caused by these fires. These cigarettes are obligatory in several States of the USA⁽³⁾ and Canada. Australia is developing legislation.

The Commission has started a discussion with the product safety authorities in the Member States. Following data collection and a scoping exercise showing benefits and costs of a possible rule on RIP cigarettes in the EU, they agreed that a product safety standard on RIP cigarettes should be established at European level. This is a high priority action for several Member States.

Some industry players have expressed certain reservations but consider that RIP cigarettes are feasible for introduction also in the EU within a reasonable time frame, allowing them to adapt to the new requirements.

The Commission is currently preparing a Commission Decision on the safety requirements for RIP cigarettes, which is intended for submission to a vote by the Regulatory Committee of Directive 2001/95/EC on General Product Safety (GPSD) in November 2007.

If the Committee expresses a favourable opinion, DG SANCO⁽⁴⁾ would request CEN⁽⁵⁾ to develop a safety standard on RIP cigarettes, taking due account of existing standards applicable in RIP legislations world-wide.

Ο Πρόεδρος της Τουρκίας Αμπντουλάχ Γκιουλ πραγματοποίησε στις 18 Σεπτεμβρίου 2007 παράνομη επίσκεψη στο βόρειο κατεχόμενο τμήμα της Κύπρου. Η ενέργεια αυτή παραβιάζει τις αρχές του διεθνούς δικαίου, την εταιρική σχέση Τουρκίας - ΕΕ, καθώς και την Δήλωση της 21ης Σεπτεμβρίου. Είναι επίσης αντίθετη με τα ψηφίσματα του Συμβουλίου Ασφαλείας των Ηνωμένων Εθνών 541 και 550.

Προτίθεται η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή και με ποιον τρόπο να υπερασπιστεί, στη φιλοσοφία της αλληλεγγύης, την κυριαρχία της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας και των δικών της αρχών και αξιών που παραβιάστηκαν από την επίσκεψη Γκιουλ και παραβιάζονται καθημερινά ως αποτέλεσμα της κατοχής ευρωπαϊκού εδάφους της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας από τον τουρκικό στρατό; Ποιες επιπτώσεις μπορεί να έχουν τέτοιες ενέργειες, καθώς και η συνεχιζόμενη κατοχή της Κύπρου, στην ενταξιακή πορεία της Τουρκίας;

The well known position of the Commission and the EU as a whole is that except for the Sovereign Base Areas of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Cyprus, the whole territory of the island of Cyprus is part of the Republic of Cyprus. Protocol 10 to the Act of Accession 2003 distinguishes between those areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does exercise effective control and those areas in which it does not. The EU Member States do not recognise the so called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".

The question of the Honourable Member shows how urgently a solution to the Cyprus problem is needed. The Commission remains fully committed to supporting a resumption of United Nations (UN)-led talks for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue as soon as possible.

Världsfackföreningsorganisationen (ITUC) har just publicerat sin årsrapport över läget för fackligt aktiva runtom i världen. Statistiken är nedslående, i synnerhet för Colombia. Av de 144 mord som begicks mot fackligt aktiva i världen skedde över hälften (78 stycken) i Colombia. Förutom morden hotades och förföljdes ett mycket stort antal fackaktivister. Så gott som alla mord i Colombia utfördes av paramilitära grupper som står regeringen nära eller av regeringsarmén själv.

EU har tidigare avbrutit sitt handelssamarbete med Vitryssland. Orsaken var bl.a. kränkningar av de mänskliga rättigheterna. Nyligen gjorde EU samma sak med Burma. Just nu håller EU på att förhandla om ett nytt frihandelsavtal med Colombia.

Peter Mandelson har tidigare, bland annat under ett möte i Europaparlamentet den 5 juni 2007, konstaterat att arbetarnas rättigheter skall skyddas och att i det fall något land bryter mot ILO:s konventioner kommer kommissionsledamoten att agera med kraft.

Är kommissionen redo att, med hänsyn till ovanstående, suspendera de pågående handelsförhandlingarna mellan EU och Colombia, eller hur ämnar kommissionen agera för att de mänskliga rättigheterna inte kränks i landet?

It should be recognized that the administration of President Uribe has made significant efforts to strengthen the rule of law in the face of violence from drug traffickers, guerrillas and former paramilitaries. These efforts have been partially successful, even if the human rights situation in Colombia continues to be of high concern to the EU. The government of Colombia thus deserves our firm support.

Our support should of course be neither unconditional nor unquestioning. The EU regularly raises its concerns related to human rights in its political dialogue with the government. In this context, we have consistently urged Bogotá to step up its efforts to protect the most vulnerable population groups, such as trade unionists and representatives of victims’ associations. Any involvement of state forces in human rights violations is of particular concern. It is crucial that this be fully investigated, and the perpetrators punished.

Given the intrinsic linkage between drug production, trafficking and human rights violations, the creation of alternative sources for revenue and employment is a central plank of EU policy towards Colombia. This policy will be underpinned by the future association agreement between the EU and the countries of the Andean Community, which through further trade liberalization will create additional outlets for the legal Colombian economy. Moreover, the scope of the agreement will go far beyond free trade. The agreement will also allow for enhanced political dialogue and closer cooperation across the board – and thus create new channels and a reinforced institutional framework for bringing concerns related to human rights to the attention of the government.

Thus, the Commission is convinced that we can make a better contribution to the improvement of the human rights situation and better support those defending human rights by engaging Colombia in an Association Agreement rather than by suspending negotiations.

Is the Commission aware of the importance of putting the E20 (A63) in a tunnel when it goes through Hull (Castle Street section), both to eliminate a bottleneck in this major Transnational European Network route (which carries the bulk of Ireland's and northern England's trade with continental Europe) and to end the severance of the city centre and the waterfront caused by the road, which is a barrier to the harmonious development of the city?

Can the Commission indicate whether such a project could be supported from European funding, whether from TEN allocations, structural funding or any other source?

La Commission est consciente du fait qu'un tunnel à travers Hull est considéré comme l'une des options pour réorganiser le trafic dans la zone de Castle Street. Cependant, elle n'a jamais été officiellement approchée par les autorités britanniques concernant ce projet.

Le programme opérationnel pour le Yorkshire et Humber (Fonds européen de développement régional, programme régional de compétitivité et d'emploi 2007-2013) ne prévoit aucune attribution des fonds structurels aux investissements d'infrastructures de transport pour la période de programmation 2007-2013.

La Commission aurait besoin d'informations complémentaires pour pouvoir évaluer si le projet peut être considéré d'intérêt commun, dans le cadre de la décision 1692/96/CE⁽¹⁾.

La Commission rappelle à l'honorable parlementaire que la Banque européenne d'investissement pourrait être sollicitée pour l'octroi d'un prêt.

On 13 September, BBC Four Television screened a documentary about orphanages in Bulgaria - and it showed starving children and blatant mistreatment of orphans.

What can the Commission do about these inhuman conditions and treatment?

La Commission rappelle que la responsabilité quant à la protection des enfants, leur inclusion sociale et la gestion d’institutions de soins reste du ressort des Etats membres.

Cependant, dans ses rapports en vue de l'adhésion de la Bulgarie à l'Union européenne, la Commission a suivi de près la mise en œuvre de la politique de désinstitutionalisation poursuivie par le gouvernement bulgare, ainsi que les efforts pour améliorer les conditions de vie en institution et le développement de services alternatifs tels que l'accueil en famille.

La législation bulgare a introduit des changements législatifs à cet égard en septembre 2003.

Les réformes se sont concentrées sur la formation du personnel, la décentralisation des services, l’établissement de structures de coopération entre autorité locales et des ONG actives dans le domaine de la protection des enfants, de l’intégration sociale et des enfants vivants en institutions.

La situation des enfants s'est globalement améliorée depuis que la nouvelle législation est entrée en vigueur. C'est pourquoi cette question ne fait pas partie des objectifs de référence fixés au titre de la décision de la Commission du 13 décembre 2006, instituant un mécanisme de coopération et de vérification des progrès réalisés par la Bulgarie en vue d'atteindre certains objectifs de référence spécifiques en matière de réforme du système judiciaire et de lutte contre la corruption et la criminalité organisée.

La Commission favorise les échanges de bonnes pratiques et la coordination des politiques grâce à la Méthode Ouverte de Coordination dans le domaine de la protection et de l’inclusion sociales. Le rapport conjoint 2007 sur la Protection Sociale et l’Inclusion Sociale montre que les Etats membres ont répondu à la requête faite par le Conseil européen de mars 2006 de prendre des mesures en vue d’éradiquer la pauvreté des enfants et de donner des chances égales à tous. Dans son évaluation du rapport stratégique bulgare sur la protection et l'inclusion sociale figurant dans le rapport conjoint 2007, la Commission a jugé que la poursuite de la réforme du système institutionnel de soins à longue durée (prodigués en milieu institutionnel) était un défi pour les autorités bulgares. La Commission continuera de suivre l'évolution dans ce domaine en vue du prochain cycle de rapports stratégiques nationaux couvrant la période 2009-2011.

Par ailleurs, dans le cadre des nouvelles perspectives financières 2007-2013 des Fonds structurels, un des objectifs principaux du Fond Social Européen (FSE) est de promouvoir l’inclusion sociale et l'égalité des chances pour tous. Le programme opérationnel bulgare Développement des ressources humaines financé par le FSE pour la période 2007-2013 et récemment approuvé par la Commission contient un axe prioritaire Inclusion sociale et encouragement de l'économie sociale ayant notamment comme objectif l'amélioration de la qualité des services prodigués en milieu institutionnel et la poursuite de la désinstitutionalisation.

En ce qui concerne l'évaluation de la BBC, la Commission se réserve le droit de s’informer plus en détails sur les faits rapportés dans ce reportage.

La législation française prévoit la possibilité pour les communes et les établissements publics intercommunaux de mutualiser leurs services dans le but de réaliser des économies d’échelle (article L. 5211-4-1 II du Code général des Collectivités territoriales). Or, la Commission considère que les conventions de mutualisation des services relèvent du droit des marchés publics ; elle a en conséquence engagé une procédure d’infraction à l’encontre de la France. Cette position est contraire à la logique du pacte de stabilité adopté par le Conseil européen, qui s’impose aux États membres et à leurs collectivités. La mutualisation des services répond aux objectifs du pacte de stabilité en évitant la création de services ayant les mêmes fonctions, source d’une augmentation des coûts et de dispersion des moyens. En ce sens, la mutualisation des services poursuit un but d’intérêt général et communautaire : une meilleure gestion fonctionnelle et la maîtrise des dépenses publiques.

La Commission peut-elle expliquer pourquoi elle entreprend une action qui aura pour effet de priver les collectivités territoriales françaises d’un outil juridique permettant une meilleure maîtrise de la dépense publique et une action plus efficace des services publics?

Agreements between municipalities and public establishments for cooperation between local authorities⁽¹⁾, whereby the services of a municipality are made available to a public establishment of which the municipality is a member, constitute public contracts within the meaning of the Public Procurement Directives 2004/17/EC and 2004/18/EC. Therefore, such agreements should be awarded following the procedures laid down by the Directives.

In fact, these "agreements" fully comply with the definition of "public contract" in the Public Procurement Directives. They are contracts in which a payment is foreseen, between two different legal entities: the municipality, acting as an economic operator, and the public establishment, acting as a contracting authority or entity. Moreover, the fact that the two parties are both public bodies does not exclude them from the scope of the Directives.

The Public Procurement Directives aim to guarantee the opening-up of public procurement to competition and also to ensure the possibility that contracting authorities obtain the best value for money for their contracts. Therefore, the Commission does not see any contradiction between its action in this context on the one hand, and the control of public expenditure, the efficiency of public services and the rules laid down in the Stability Pact, to which the Honourable Member refers in his question, on the other.

I Sverige tillämpas sedan 2002 en 6 procentig momssats på böcker. Momssatsen är densamma för tryckta böcker och ljudböcker. Texten från de tryckta böckerna återges ordagrant i ljudböckerna.

Marknaden för ljudböcker växer och idag används ljudboken av allt fler personer. Ljudboken har alldeles speciellt stor betydelse för synskadade och personer med läs- och skrivsvårigheter. Nu planerar kommissionen att inleda ett överträdelseförfarande mot Sverige för att tvinga Sverige att höja momsen på ljudböcker.

Vilka motiv har kommissionen för att förorda olika momssatser för tryckta böcker och ljudböcker när texten är identisk?

Anser inte kommissionen att olika momssatser skulle diskriminera synskadade och personer med läs- och skrivsvårigheter?

Under the current rules, Member States are required to apply a standard rate of value added tax (VAT) of at least 15% to all supplies of goods and services. They may however opt to apply one or two reduced rates to some or all of a list of goods and services set out in Annex III to the VAT Directive⁽¹⁾. Annex III constitutes an exception to the general system established by the VAT Directive, according to which taxable operations must be taxed at the standard VAT rate, and must therefore be interpreted strictly.

Category 4 in this Annex concerns equipment for disabled persons and Category 6 concerns books.

While the protection and promotion of culture clearly is of fundamental interest, Member States still have to respect Community Law.

It appears that there are two categories of spoken books in Sweden, talking books (talböcker), which are exclusively for the use of disabled persons, and audio books (ljudböcker), which constitute what are generally considered as mainstream audio books.

In the Commission's view, audio books do not qualify for a reduced VAT rate as they cannot be considered as "books" (category 6) in the strict sense nor as "medical equipment" (category 4) for the exclusive personal use of the disabled.

However, the Commission launched a broad debate on the issue of reduced rates with its Communication of 5 July 2007⁽²⁾. It would welcome the issue of audio books being raised in that debate.

No decorrer do presente ano, solicitei autorização ao Governo dos EUA para visitar os cidadãos cubanos René González, Gerardo Hernández, Antonio Guerrero, Ramón Labañino e Fernando González, detidos ilegalmente em prisões norte-americanas. Contudo, essa autorização foi-me negada com o argumento de que não os conhecia antes de serem presos.

Tomei conhecimento de que, uma vez mais, em Setembro do presente ano, foram também recusados os vistos de visita a duas das esposas destes presos, as quais estão há nove anos sem poder visitá-los devido às recusas sucessivas.

Que pensa desta situação, que não respeita os direitos humanos destes cidadãos? Está disponível para transmitir esta preocupação às autoridades norte-americanas?

The Commission is familiar with the case of the five Cuban prisoners in the US. With regard to the question concerning visits by the prisoners’ family, the Commission sees no basis to intervene in this case.

Since those international law standards addressing the question of family visits to all prisoners have only a recommendatory character, the US authorities retain the discretion over whom they admit to visit prisoners.

In addition, there is no internationally recognised right for prisoners to be visited by a third country national to whom they are not related or otherwise connected.

Can the European Commission make a statement as to whether all mobile phone companies in Europe have complied with the EU ruling to substantially reduce the cost of roaming charges for mobile phone users in Europe?

The Roaming Regulation⁽¹⁾ imposes obligations on providers of international mobile roaming services to cap retail prices for making and receiving calls when roaming in the European Union. The Regulation also requires mobile operators to cap wholesale charges i.e. the prices that they charge each other, and to improve transparency by providing consumers with basic roaming pricing information, as well as more detailed pricing information at the consumer's request. The deadline for compliance with the full range of these obligations was 30 September 2007, although operators were required to comply with interim steps such as the obligation to offer a Eurotariff by the end of July 2007. The Regulation requires national regulatory authorities to monitor and supervise compliance with these obligations. Based on its own enquiries and on results of a further survey carried out by the European Regulators Group (ERG), which brings together the national regulatory authorities of the EU Member States, it appears that all operators have offered a compliant Eurotariff, and that a number of them, in various Member States, are offering Eurotariffs below the maximum levels allowed.

The Commission will report to Parliament and the Council at the end of 2008 on the functioning of the Regulation and will recommend, if appropriate, whether the Regulation should be extended in duration beyond the current expiry date of 30 June 2010, and/or whether it should be amended to include other services such as SMS or data. The Commission will also address other issues such as the impact on smaller operators, if any, of the Regulation, developments in charges for domestic mobile services, involuntary roaming and traffic steering.

More details on the ERG's monitoring and on the Eurotariffs available in Member States can be found on the Commission's roaming website at the following link:

http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/roaming/index_en.htm

Can the European Commission outline the level of usage in Europe of methamphetamine drugs which are also known by the name 'crystal meths'? Is this drug an increasing threat to European society or not?

Historically in the EU, methamphetamine use has been very low, mostly concentrated in the Czech Republic (sold as Pervetin) and to some extent in the Slovak Republic. Recent estimates of methamphetamine use problem are reported by these two countries. In the Czech Republic, it is estimated that there are between 18.400-24.000 methamphetamine users (2.5-3.2 cases per 1000 adults aged 15-64 years old). In the Slovak Republic, the estimates are 6.000-14.000 users (1.5-3.7 cases per 1000 adults aged 15-64 years old). Some reports of increased use among subpopulations in Hungary have been received.

Epidemiological data on drug use as well as treatment demand indicators suggest that there is no significant methamphetamine use in other EU countries. Where methamphetamine is used in other EU countries, it mostly concerns a small proportion of overall amphetamine use. In the EU, the use of Amphetamine Type Stimulants including methamphetamine has overall stabilised and is showing decline in an increasing number of countries. Relatively high levels of methamphetamine including Crystal Meth / Ice have been reported for many years already from countries outside the EU, including the United States, the Far East and Australia.

Concerning the effects of this substance, methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that causes hypertension and tachycardia with feelings of increased confidence, sociability and energy. It is closely related to amphetamine.

Crystal Methamphetamine is a crystallised form of methamphetamine and has a higher purity. Crystal Meth can be smoked (e.g. heated on a piece of aluminium paper) but also injected as it is easy soluble in water.

There are no indications that there is an increasing trend in the use or production of (Crystal) methamphetamines in the European Union. Reports from increased availability of Crystal Meth in some Member States have not been substantiated by evidence: the number of seizures of methamphetamine remains a fraction of that of amphetamines and have so for several years.

When methamphetamine is smoked, it reaches the brain much more quickly than when it is snorted or injected. As such it has a serious addiction potential.

Methamphetamine dependence may cause:

- Mental health problems (agitation, decreased motivation, depression and anxiety, psychosis, worsening symptoms of schizophrenia, decreased concentration and memory);

- Physical health problems (disturbed sleep, weight loss due to poor appetite, palpitations and chest pains and injection related problems such as abscesses);

- Injection risk behaviour (Hepatitis C infections and other blood-borne diseases due to sharing of needles, etc.);

- Social and financial problems.

Due to the higher purity of methamphetamine in Crystal Meth and 'base' methamphetamine, these types of methamphetamine have a higher potential to develop health and social problems than 'regular' forms of the substance.

Are the Commission aware of the investigation by OLAF into the allegations of fraud and financial irregularity at the Centre for Development and Enterprise?

If so what action are they prepared to take in ensuring that any individual accused of maladministration is prosecuted, that the board which appears to have lost the confidence of our ACP partners is removed and that Mr Terry Battersby, the person who brought these alleged irregularities to light, is protected from harassment and retaliatory measures by CDE senior management?

The Commission refers to its reply to the written question E-3104/07 by Mr Mote explaining that it had informed European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) of possible fraud allegations in December 2006, and was subsequently informed by the OLAF that it is conducting an ongoing investigation into this matter. It also has informed OLAF of the precautionary financial and budgetary measures it has taken, notably launching external financial audits and the rescheduling of the release of funds. Therefore, the Commission is not in a position to comment further. Moreover the amounts involved are still to be determined during the on-going investigation.

As regards the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) Board, Article 5 of Decision No 8/2005 of the ACP-EC committee of Ambassadors of 20 July 2005 on the status and rules of procedure of the CDE provides that the Committee of Ambassadors shall be the supervisory authority of the Centre while Article 6 provides that "The supervisory bodies of the Centre shall be the Executive Board and the Management".

The Board is appointed by the Committee of Ambassadors and is composed of three EU members and three ACP members. The mandate of the current Board expires in December 2007. Discussions are underway within the Committee of Ambassadors regarding the prolongation or replacement of the current Board members.

The Commission, the Council Secretariat, the ACP Secretariat and the European Investment Bank (EIB) all have observer status at Board meetings. It is in the quality of observer at the meetings of the Executive Board, as well as via regular contacts with the Management and Staff Committee of the CDE that the Commission will closely follow that the procedures relating to staff are respected and has already received assurances from the Board that this will be the case.

Οι κλιματικές αλλαγές έχουν δημιουργήσει μια επιτακτική ανάγκη για προστασία του περιβάλλοντος και ευαισθητοποίηση του ευρέος κοινού σχετικά με την αειφόρο ανάπτυξη. Με βάση την πρόσφατη πρόταση του Δημάρχου Αθηναίων προς τους Προέδρους του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και της Επιτροπής για την υιοθέτηση θεσμού της Οικολογικής Πρωτεύουσας της Ευρώπης, κατά το πρότυπο της Πολιτιστικής Πρωτεύουσας της Ευρώπης, προτίθεται να προχωρήσει η Επιτροπή στην υλοποίηση αυτής της πρωτοβουλίας; Θεωρεί ότι η υλοποίηση αυτού του θεσμού θα συμβάλει στην καταπολέμηση του εφησυχασμού και την τοποθέτηση του περιβάλλοντος στις προτεραιότητες τόσο της Επιτροπής όσο και των κρατών μελών;

The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member on the urgent need to protect the environment due to climate change and the importance of raising understanding and awareness amongst the wider public about sustainable growth and other environmental challenges facing our society.

The Commission also welcomes the recent proposal made by the Mayor of Athens for the introduction of a 'European Ecological Capital' modelled on the European Capital of Culture. This initiative could certainly contribute to placing the environment at the heart of the Commission's and the Member States' priorities.

In the meantime, the Commission has fully supported the idea of establishing a 'European Green Capital award scheme' and Directorate General Environment is in charge of developing the initiative.

On a concluding note, the Commission would like to stress the crucial importance of cities vis-à-vis the EU's goal of sustainable development, since they are already home to 80% of EU citizens. The fact that cities can play a leading role in sustainable growth will help spur efforts for more action at the individual level.

Instytut ds. Równości Kobiet i Mężczyzn miał rozpocząć pracę w 2007 roku, po tym jak ministrowie odpowiedzialni za politykę społeczną w Radzie UE zatwierdzili decyzję o jego siedzibie w Wilnie, 1 grudnia 2006 roku.

W związku z powyższym, chciałam poznać stan zaawansowania działań Instytutu ds. Równości Kobiet i Mężczyzn i poprosić o udostępnienie wstępnego harmonogramu jego prac na bieżący rok

Regulation 1922/2006 establishing a European Institute for Gender Equality was adopted on 20 December 2006⁽¹⁾. The Commission is committed to having the Institute operational as soon as possible. Since adoption of the Regulation progress can be reported as regards the appointment of the Director, the establishment of the Management Board and the preparation of the seat.

As regard the appointment of the Director, the Commission published on 27 April 2007 the vacancy for the post of the Director. In accordance with the Regulation, the Commission is currently in the process of establishing a shortlist of candidates. The Director will be appointed by the Management Board on the basis of the list proposed by the Commission. Before being appointed, the candidate selected by the Management Board will have to make a declaration before the competent committees of the European Parliament.

As regards the Management Board, the 18 representatives of the Member States have been nominated by a Decision of the Council on 30 May 2007 whilst the Commission nominated its representative and alternate on 30 April 2007.

The inaugural meeting of the Management Board was held in Brussels on 8 October 2007. It elected as Chair: Mrs Eva WELSKOP-DEFFA, Head of the Equal Opportunities Department in the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (Germany), and as Vice-Chair Mr Michel PASTEEL, Director of the Institute for Equality of Women and Men (Belgium).

The Management Board will take the decisions necessary for the operation of the Institute. In particular, it shall adopt the annual work programme and the medium term work programme, on the basis of a draft drawn up by the Director, after consultation with the Commission. According to the Regulation, the first annual work programme shall be adopted not later than nine months after the appointment of the Director. In the absence of the Director, it is therefore not possible yet for the Institute to supply the work programme referred to by the Honourable Member.

The Commission is cooperating with the Lithuanian authorities in order to find suitable premises for the Institute. The Commission went on a preliminary and technical visit to Vilnius on 4 May 2007. Discussions with the relevant authorities are still on-going. The Commission underlines that it will be up to the Institute, being an independent body, to take the final decision on the premises.

Almost half of unsafe products detected in the EU come from China. Furthermore 79% of counterfeit goods seized by EU customs officers in 2006 came from China.

Given this reality could the Commission comment on the current state of play of discussions with Chinese authorities on improving the safety of their exports destined for the EU market and on clamping down on the production of counterfeit goods within China?

What measures is the Commission willing to take to ensure that EU product safety and authenticity demands are met?

The one guiding principle for all the Commission's actions in this area is that there can be, and will be, no compromise on consumer safety. The law is clear: only safe products can be marketed and unsafe products are banned.

The Commission undertakes various concrete steps, both at the European and international level, to effectively address concerns about the safety of products imported to the EU from China or from any other third country.

The Commission has decided to start cooperation with the Chinese government under a Memorandum of Understanding since 2006.

Within this framework, the Chinese authorities receive detailed information about unsafe Chinese products found on the EU market and they have committed themselves to investigate each and every case and make the necessary interventions and improvements to their system. Detailed reports on prevention and follow-up actions need to be submitted to the Commission on quarterly basis. The latest report is from the end of September 2007 and its detailed analysis is underway.

In this context, still in October 2007, Commission product safety experts are going to Beijing to discuss with their Chinese counterparts this report and, more widely, possible ways of improving market surveillance over dangerous products of Chinese origin.

The Commission believes that the existing consumer product safety regime works well to address the current problems. The conclusions of the current stocktaking will later in 2007 give the answer to the question what further measures might be needed at the Commission or Member States' level.

Customs have a major role to play in the fight against counterfeit and piracy. Seizures of fake goods entering the EU went up dramatically in 2006. To an extent, this reflects increased activity by customs in this area, as well as the success of pursuing a risk management-based policy of customs control.

The Commission is working closely with the Member States' customs administrations to further develop the protection offered by customs against counterfeit and piracy at the external border and to strengthen administrative cooperation with third countries, including China.

The Commission also very closely watches developments on the Chinese side and expects to see concrete measures taken. The EU-China summit at the end of November is the ideal opportunity to take this question up at the highest level.

Δύο από τα μεγαλύτερα σχέδια τεχνολογικής συνεργασίας μεταξύ κρατών μελών, που τελούσαν υπό την αιγίδα της Επιτροπής, έχουν σήμερα ένα αβέβαιο μέλλον: το ευρωπαϊκό πρόγραμμα ραδιοναυσιπλοΐας Galileo και η διαδικτυακή μηχανή αναζήτησης Quaero. Δεδομένης της σημασίας της καινοτομίας για τη στρατηγική της Λισσαβόνας και της προστιθέμενης αξίας των δύο σχεδίων αυτών στην εδραίωση της κοινωνίας πληροφοριών και την τεχνολογική αυτοδυναμία της ΕΕ, ποιος υπήρξε ο ρόλος της Επιτροπής στις προσπάθειες συγκερασμού των διιστάμενων απόψεων των κρατών μελών, κυρίως όσον αφορά τη χρηματοδότηση των έργων; Έχει εξετάσει εναλλακτικές προτάσεις χρηματοδότησης; Πώς έχει ανταποκριθεί στο ψήφισμα του Κοινοβουλίου P6_TA(2007)0272 της 20ής Ιουνίου 2007 σχετικά με τη χρηματοδότηση του προγράμματος Galileo;

S'agissant du programme GALILEO, la Commission partage entièrement l’opinion exprimée par le Parlement dans sa résolution⁽¹⁾ du 20 juin 2007, notamment en ce qui concerne le financement intégral du programme Galileo par le budget communautaire et la mise en place de mécanismes de remboursement des contributions budgétaires du secteur public dans le cadre d’éventuels partenariats public privé.

Le 19 septembre 2007, la Commission a adopté un « paquet » comprenant, d’une part une communication de la Commission⁽²⁾ et un document de travail plus détaillé des services de la Commission⁽³⁾, d’autre part une proposition modifiée de règlement du Parlement et du Conseil⁽⁴⁾ pour assurer la poursuite des programmes GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) européens et une proposition de décision du Parlement et du Conseil pour réviser le cadre financier 2007-2013⁽⁵⁾. Ces propositions font suite à un examen approfondi de l’ensemble des solutions possibles. Elles visent à garantir le financement des programmes Galileo et Egnos (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service) durant la période 2007-2013 et répondent aux demandes exprimées par le Parlement dans sa résolution précitée du 20 juin 2007.

Il appartient désormais au Parlement et au Conseil, dans leur rôle de co-législateurs et d’Autorité budgétaire, d’examiner ces textes dès que possible de manière à ce qu’une décision sur le financement des deux programmes puisse intervenir avant la fin de l’année 2007.

Regarding the Quaero programme, this is a French research and innovation project in the area of advanced audiovisual search involving several industrial and research actors, supported by the French Agency for Industrial Innovation. Quaero is not an EU funded project nor is it organised under the aegis of the Commission. It was selected as one of 5 priority Research & Development technology innovation domains by President Jacques Chirac and Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. Originally announced as a Franco–German initiative in 2005, the project subsequently developed into two different projects proposed by two separate research consortiums led by French and German partners, the Quaero and Theseus projects respectively. Quaero involves public funding from the French government and has recently been notified to the Commission for its assessment under state aid legislation. The French consortium is now waiting for the Commission decision. Theseus is supported by the German Authorities and was authorised by the Commission under state aid rules in July 2007.

Investments in new information technologies are an essential element of the Lisbon agenda and will make a significant contribution to economic growth and employment in Europe. The Commission welcomes initiatives such as Quaero as long as state aid rules are respected. The public support must not adversely distort competition to an extent contrary to the common interest. In the case of Theseus, the Commission did find that the positive effects of the programme outweigh the distortive effects on competition. In addition, the Commission is, on its side, supporting directly, in the framework of its research programmes, several projects in the area of audiovisual content search involving many other research teams across the EU. The Commission intends to continue supporting R&D on Multimedia Search Engines in future Calls of the 7th Framework Programme.

Postępująca globalizacja powoduje ogromne zmiany społeczne, polityczne, gospodarcze i kulturowe. W globalizacji wygrywają narody silne ekonomicznie i dominujące kulturowo. Narody słabsze i mniej liczebne stopniowo tracą swoją suwerenność i narodową tożsamość. Jednym z niepokojących zjawisk jest wymieranie języków, które są podstawą kultur narodowych. Z ok. 7 tyś. języków, którymi aktualnie posługują się narody świata, w ciągu najbliższych 100 lat wymrze ok. 3 tyś., Najszybciej wymierają języki w Australii, centralnej części Ameryki Południowej, na południowo - wschodnim wybrzeżu Pacyfiku i na Syberii. Wraz z językami wymiera również bogata wiedza, zwłaszcza z zakresu przyrody i medycyny. Proces wymierania języków zachodzi również w Europie i Unii Europejskiej. Dlatego powinniśmy podjąć działania ochronne oraz dokumentacyjne. Niezbędne jest opracowanie raportu o językach. Stąd rodzi się pytanie - Czy Komisja Europejska przewiduje sporządzenie takiego raportu i w jakim terminie?

Dans sa communication "Un nouveau cadre stratégique pour le multilinguisme"⁽¹⁾ la Commission renouvelle son engagement a l'égard du multilinguisme, en soulignant que le respect de la diversité linguistique est en fait une des valeurs essentielles de l'Union européenne.

La nouvelle politique de l'Union en matière de multilinguisme encourage l'utilisation de toutes les langues. Elle se pose l'objectif de créer un climat dans lequel l'enseignement du plus large éventail de langues est encouragé.

Cette approche globale est présente aussi dans le programme pour 2007-2013 relatif à l’apprentissage tout au long de la vie. Dans le cadre de l'activité clé pour les langues, toutes les langues présentes dans l'Union européenne sont eligibles pour le financement de projets et/ou de réseaux. De cette manière, l'Union européenne contribue concrètement pour la préservation des langues moins utilisées ou en danger d'extinction.

Dans le cadre de son soutien aux mesures de promotion et de protection des langues régionales et minoritaires dans l'Union européenne, la Commission a en outre financé le rapport "Euromosaic: Présence des groupes de langues régionales et minoritaires dans les Etats membres"⁽²⁾ qui couvre 25 Etats membres et qui sera prochainement étendu à la Bulgarie et à la Roumanie.

La Commission adoptera en outre à l'automne 2008 une communication portant sur une nouvelle stratégie en matière de multilinguisme dans l'Union européenne.

La Commission ne prévoit pas de rédiger un rapport sur l'état des langues dans le monde.

What reply did the Commission receive from the Irish authorities in response to the reasoned opinion notified to Ireland on 29 June 2007 in relation to the exclusion of demolition works from the scope of Ireland's implementation of Directive 85/337/EEC⁽¹⁾ on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment?

What is the Commission's assessment of Ireland's reply and what action is it now considering in this matter?

The additional reasoned opinion referred to by the Honourable Member addressed a number of aspects of Ireland's implementing legislation and implementation and interpretation of Directive 85/337/EEC⁽²⁾ on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment⁽³⁾. Amongst other matters, it took issue with an approach by Ireland under which, in connection with project categories covered by the Directive, some decisions that allow the demolition or removal of some historic structures or archaeological sites are not treated as coming within the Directive's scope. The Commission is currently still considering the response of the Irish authorities with a view to taking a decision on the next step in the proceedings.

En ny amerikansk lov forlanger, at alle containere skal gennemlyses og scannes for bl.a. våben og sprængstoffer, før de kan indføres til USA. Det betyder, at der skal opføres scanningsanlæg i mange europæiske havne med store omkostninger til følge.

Har Kommissionen været i dialog med de amerikanske myndigheder omkring denne sag?

Hvordan forholder Kommissionen sig til, at europæiske havne, transportvirksomheder og i sidste ende de europæiske forbrugere kommer til at betale for USA's nationale sikkerhed/kamp mod terror?

Vil man fra Kommissionens side anfægte metoden med at scanne alle containere i stedet for at fokusere på de svage led i transportkæden?

Vil Kommissionen, da dette er konkurrenceforvridende for europæiske virksomheder, rejse sagen i WTO, og hvilken forhandlingsposition vil man i så fald indtage?

The Commission is well aware of the "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007" signed by President Bush on 3 August 2007. Mandatory scanning of United States (US) -bound maritime containers is indeed a great concern for the European Community: it is unilateral, ineffective and costly and entails serious political and economic consequences. If implemented, this measure would prove extremely trade-disruptive both because of increased costs as well as entailed delays. This must be avoided by all means.

The Commission has expressed strong opposition to this measure in several statements and contacts with US decision makers. The Commission will raise this serious issue at the upcoming meeting of the EU-US Policy Dialogue on Transport and Border Security (1 November 2007), the EC-US Transatlantic Economic Council (9 November 2007), as well as in other high level EC-US events.

The Commission will also address this problem in multilateral fora, including at the World Customs Organisation.

Already in the framework of the International Maritime Organization in the period running from 2005 and 2007 the US tried to favour new provisions in the "Facilitation Convention" and in the "International Ship and Port Facility Security Code" in order to put new security responsibilities on ship and port facility operators when containerised cargo was to be delivered to them from the inland supply chain whereas those operators had no possibilities to control what happens in the said supply chain. This has been successfully countered by the EU Member States and the Commission.

The Commission understands and shares the US security concerns but does not want European ports and companies to have to pay for US national security. It will continue to work with the US Government to find a viable alternative for 100% scanning. The Commission is working closely with the US Customs and Border Protection to develop a joint project on "secure trade", based on mutual recognition of the respective security standards and a multi-layered risk-based approach, which is the right direction to increasing cargo security. The EU and the US have also identified the adoption of a roadmap on mutual recognition of trade partnership programmes (Authorised Economic Operator – EU) and (Customs Trade Partnership against Terrorism – US) as a deliverable for the 9 November Transatlantic Economic Council meeting.

The Commission would like to assure you that it will do its utmost to find a politically and practically viable solution. Active involvement by Parliament will be essential to achieve our objectives in this politically sensitive issue.

Η μειωμένη παραγωγή δημητριακών στην Ελλάδα και την ΕΕ, που είναι αποτέλεσμα του εκφυλισμού της παρέμβασης, των εξευτελιστικών τιμών παρέμβασης, της υποχρεωτικής αγρανάπαυσης και των άσχημων καιρικών συνθηκών, διπλασίασε τις τιμές των ζωοτροφών, με συνέπεια η κτηνοτροφία της χώρας, που εξαιτίας της ΚΑΠ αντιμετώπιζε ήδη σοβαρά προβλήματα, να βρίσκεται στα πρόθυρα της κατάρρευσης, με ολέθριες συνέπειες για τους μικρομεσαίους κτηνοτρόφους, τη διατροφική εξάρτηση του λαού και το αγροτικό εμπορικό ισοζύγιο της χώρας.

Είναι στις προθέσεις της Επιτροπής η λήψη άμεσων μέτρων (επιδότηση ζωοτροφών), αλλά και μεσομακροπρόθεσμων μέτρων που θα ανακουφίσουν τους μικρομεσαίους κτηνοτρόφους και θα αποτρέψουν την κατάρρευση της ήδη συρρικνωμένης κτηνοτροφίας;

Adverse meteorological conditions have resulted in a disappointing 2007 harvest in the European Union. The EU grain crop is now estimated at about 255-260 million tonnes, which is below the long term average. Greece was particularly affected by heat waves and the crop in this Member State fell to 3,2 million tonnes.

The Commission reacted to the developing tight situation on the cereals markets and the record price levels by proposing to the Agriculture and Fisheries Council to set at 0% the obligatory set-aside rate for autumn 2007 and spring 2008 sowings. After examination by Parliament according to a fast-track procedure, the decision was taken by the Council on 26 September. According to Commission estimates, the extra cereal output in the 2008 harvest coming out from this measure (more than 10 million tonnes) should mitigate the anticipated low level of ending stocks in June 2008.

Moreover, the Commissioner responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development has announced the same day that she would propose to the College of Commissioners that the Commission would send to the Council a proposal for the total suspension of cereal import duties for the current marketing year.

These short-term measures should contribute to the alleviation of the tight feed market and to ease the pressure on livestock farming.

For the longer term, the health check review of the Common Agricultural Policy will start next month and will be an opportunity to evaluate current market instruments and the need to take measures on the medium and long-term.

Jak Komisja ocenia postępy Czarnogóry na drodze do integracji z Unią Europejską w kontekście układu stowarzyszeniowego?

The Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) was signed on 15 October in Luxemburg. The arrangements on trade and trade related matters will enter into force, through an Interim Agreement (IA), in January 2008. The SAA will provide a stable framework conducive to further economic and social development and political and institutional reforms and could represent a 'gateway to candidate status' if properly implemented.

Over the past year, Montenegro has taken important steps on strengthening its administrative capacity in anticipation of the entry into force of the agreement. It strengthened coordination of European integration matters and took steps to improve implementation capacity in the areas of customs and trade, public procurement and competition. The entry into force of the IA and later on, following ratification, of the SAA will demand a sustained effort at implementation level and the continuation of reforms in the areas covered by the agreement.

It will be important for the progress of Montenegro along the European integration path to build a satisfactory track record on implementing its SAA obligations and the recommendations of the European Partnership.

On 6 November the Commission will report in detail on the progress achieved in each of the candidate and potential candidate countries, including Montenegro.

Uppgifter har inkommit om att ny lagstiftning är på väg att antas både i Tyskland (Nordrhein-Westfalen) och i Polen som i direkt strid med tjänstedirektivet förhindrar IKEA från att etablera sig på nya marknader. Om kommissionen inte agerar aktivt väntas fler medlemsstater följa i protektionismens spår och omöjliggöra eller försvåra etableringen av vissa typer av innovativa försäljningskoncept, t. ex ”allt under ett tak”. För de europeiska konsumenterna, som åtnjutit betydligt lägre priser tack vare framväxten av detta koncept, vore detta djupt olyckligt. För Europa i sin helhet vore det likaledes beklagligt om den här typen av trender tilläts slå rot, till förfång för tjänstedirektivets och gemenskapspolitikens andemening.

Kan jag lita på att den kommission som lyft fram principen om fri etablering som ett fundament i strategin för tillväxt och konkurrens nogsamt kommer att övervaka implementeringen av tjänstedirektivet, samt agera aktivt gentemot de medlemsstater som inte uppfyller sina åtaganden?

The Commission is aware of the existence of the legislation mentioned by the Honourable Member. It is currently being examined in order to assess whether it could raise problems of compatibility with the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the EC Treaty, in particular with Article 43 of the EC Treaty which provides for the freedom of establishment. Should the Commission consider, as a result of this evaluation, that the already adopted legislation is not compatible with the EC Treaty, it will consider taking the appropriate measures, notably by opening infringement procedures based on Article 226 of the EC Treaty.

With regard to the Directive 123/2006/EC on services in the internal market (the "Services Directive")⁽¹⁾, the Commission can assure the Honourable Member that it attaches the utmost importance to the correct implementation of this instrument, which constitutes indeed an essential step towards the realization of the internal market for services. The implementation of the Services Directive will have to be completed by the end of 2009. In view of this deadline, the Commission is closely monitoring the process and it is actively providing assistance to Member States in order to ensure that the Directive, including its provisions aiming at removing unjustified restrictions to the freedom of establishment, is properly implemented.

Μεγάλοι τουριστικοί όμιλοι μεταφέρουν μαζικά σπουδαστές τουριστικών επαγγελμάτων από κράτη μέλη της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης σε μεγάλες ξενοδοχειακές επιχειρήσεις στην Ελλάδα, υποχρεώνοντάς τους να εργαστούν υπό καθεστώς "γαλέρας", κάτω από άθλιες συνθήκες και όρους δουλειάς, με ανεξέλεγκτα ωράρια, τα οποία φτάνουν μέχρι και τις 16 ώρες την ημέρα, ανασφάλιστοι, με άθλιους μισθούς 380 € το μήνα. Έτσι, οι τουριστικοί όμιλοι σε συνεργασία με τα ιδιωτικά γραφεία εύρεσης εργασίας (δουλεμπορικά γραφεία) εκμεταλλεύονται χιλιάδες νέους εργαζόμενους και ταυτόχρονα υπονομεύουν θεμελιώδεις κατακτήσεις και διεκδικήσεις των εργαζομένων στα κράτη μέλη, Συλλογικές Συμβάσεις Εργασίας, κοινωνική ασφάλιση κ.α., ενώ την ίδια στιγμή χιλιάδες είναι οι άνεργοι στον τομέα των τουριστικών επαγγελμάτων. Σε αυτό το απαράδεκτο καθεστώς εργάζονται χιλιάδες σπουδαστές σε ολόκληρη την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, ιδιαίτερα κατά τους θερινούς μήνες.

Καταδικάζει η Επιτροπή αυτή την παράνομη επιχειρηματική δράση των τουριστικών ομίλων οι οποίοι αποκομίζουν τεράστια κέρδη από την εκμετάλλευση των εργαζομένων; Πώς αξιολογεί η Επιτροπή αυτό το φαινόμενο της μαζικής μεταφοράς και εκμετάλλευσης των εργαζομένων στα κράτη μέλη;

The Commission considers the exploitation of workers and the violation of their rights as entirely unacceptable.

In accordance with Community law⁽¹⁾, EU citizens exercising their right to free movement within the European Union are entitled to equality of treatment with the nationals of the host Member State as regards employment and working conditions, including wages, health and safety at work, and working time. It is up to the national authorities, including courts, of the host Member State to apply the law in practice, on the basis of the facts of the case in question.

The Commission recalls that it has recently addressed the issue of law enforcement in the Green paper on "Modernising labour law to meet the challenges of the 21st century"⁽²⁾. In this regard, the Commission considers that co-operation between public institutions, including law enforcement- and judicial authorities, labour inspectorates, non-governmental organisations and other service providers must be established or strengthened at both national and international levels.

Ar Komisija yra atlikusi tyrimų siekdama nustatyti, kokie yra biodegalų gamybos kaštai, sunaudojamas vandens kiekis, priklausomai nuo pagrindinės žaliavos, įtaka aplinkai ir klimato kaitai?

The cost of biofuel production depends on the resource and on the conversion technology to be used. Current biofuels (bioethanol, ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE), hydro-processed vegetable oil and Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME, biodiesel)) are based on traditional agricultural crops which have been grown extensively in the EU and thus there has been no need to carry out dedicated research on their costs and on water consumption as these parameters are well known. Several studies have been undertaken to determine their impact on the environment and climate change. The greenhouse gas savings from these biofuels depends on a number of factors including the processing. The Commission in its biofuels progress report⁽¹⁾, came to the conclusion earlier this year that first-generation biofuels, produced in Europe using the most economically attractive production method, result, on a well-to-wheel basis, in greenhouse gas emissions 35-50% lower than those from the conventional fuels they replace.

"Second generation" biofuels, which are produced from solid biomass, are still in the development phase and are not yet commercially available within the EU. These biofuels are based on either wood or other biomass where the issue of water consumption is not critical. Several studies have been undertaken on the environmental performance of "second generation" biofuels. All have indicated that these will have a significantly better performance than "first generation" biofuels.

However, the production of biofuels based on agricultural crops may result in negative overall effect for the environment if produced in inappropriate ways. Therefore, the forthcoming legislative proposal on renewable energy will include measures to ensure that the biofuels used to fulfil EU targets meet minimum sustainability standards. In this way, the public will be reassured that all biofuels that receive support from Member States, and which count towards EU and national targets, are not harmful to the environment.

The Commission has recently published further factual information on many of these issues in the review of economic and environmental data⁽²⁾ that accompanied the biofuels progress report mentioned earlier.

El pasado mes de junio la Cámara de Comptos (Tribunal de Cuentas de la Comunidad Foral de Navarra) publicó un informe sobre «Fondos recibidos en Navarra desde la Unión Europea – Área Fondo Social 1997-2003». En el mismo se detectan una serie de anomalías en la gestión por parte del Gobierno de Navarra, de las ayudas provenientes del Fondo Social Europeo durante el citado periodo. Entre otras, se citan numerosas infracciones de normativa sobre Fondos Estructurales y FSE sobre ejecución, control y justificación de ayudas comunitarias⁽¹⁾. En vista de que los intereses financieros de la Comunidad pueden estar siendo vulnerados,

¿Está la Comisión al corriente de dicho informe? ¿Piensa la Comisión investigar las irregularidades que se detectan en el mismo?

La Commission a pris connaissance du Rapport de Contrôle sur les subventions du Fonds Social Européen reçues par la Communauté Autonome de Navarre (Années 1997/2003) élaboré par la Cour des comptes de cette Communauté Autonome. La Commission analyse actuellement le contenu de ce rapport et a, entre temps, pris les mesures suivantes:

La Commission enverra un courrier à l'Autorité de gestion du Fonds Social Européen en Espagne (UAFSE) lui demandant des informations additionnelles sur le rapport ainsi que sur les mesures envisagées afin de remédier aux irrégularités détectées par la Cour des Comptes de Navarre. La Commission veillera à s'assurer que les demandes de paiement envoyées à la Commission ne comportent aucun montant irrégulier et que les montants irréguliers éventuellement déjà certifiés fassent l'objet de la correction financière appropriée.

Une copie du rapport sera envoyée à l'Office Européen de Lutte antifraude (OLAF) afin que celui-ci évalue les irrégularités présumées et adopte les mesures nécessaires pour la protection des intérêts financiers des Communautés Européennes.

De organisatoren van de Fortis Marathon van Rotterdam (13 april 2008) rekenen voor buitenlandse deelnemers een gevoelig hoger inschrijvingsgeld aan dan voor Nederlandse deelnemers.

Volgens de organisatie is dit te wijten aan hogere kosten voor port en informatiemailings, maar dat kan onmogelijk de meerprijs verklaren, die kan oplopen tot tientallen euro's extra.

Hoe kijkt de Commissie aan tegen dergelijke praktijken en is ze bereid de organisatoren een signaal te geven om deze situatie recht te trekken?

Within the scope of the EC Treaty any discrimination based on nationality is incompatible with Community law, in particular with Article 12 of the EC Treaty. The European Court of Justice also held that any differentiation with regards to the access to a service on the basis of the place of residence can be considered discriminatory as non-residents are in the majority of cases foreigners.⁽¹⁾

Additionally, according to the European Court of Justice⁽²⁾, advantageous rates for admission to tourist sites, granted by local or decentralised State authorities only to nationals and persons resident within the territory of those authorities may constitute a violation of Articles 12 and 49 of the EC Treaty.

The Court has also consistently held that the freedom to provide services, the right to which is laid down in Article 49 of the Treaty, includes the freedom for the recipients of services to go to another Member State in order to receive a service there.⁽³⁾

These general principles are applicable also in the area of sport services. In the particular case under consideration, charging different fees to participants of the Rotterdam marathon whose place of residence is outside the Netherlands, can amount to discriminatory treatment and be incompatible with the Community law. However, until now the European Court of Justice has never had the opportunity to clarify whether private operators, applying different fees for access to sporting events, are also covered by Article 49 of the EC Treaty. According to the information available, the Rotterdam Marathon seems to be organized by private entities. Therefore, the Commission cannot undertake actions envisaged by Article 226 of the Treaty in the framework of the control of the application of the Community law, unless public authorities have been involved in the organization of this marathon.

The Commission would also like to draw the attention of the Honourable Member to the fact that the Services Directive, which should be transposed by Member States by 28 December 2009, will prohibit any discrimination with regards to the access to services, on the basis of nationality or place of residence of the recipient. This prohibition will apply not only to public authorities but also to private providers.

Σημαντικό πρόβλημα έχει ανακύψει σε αρκετές βιομηχανικές περιοχές της Ελλάδας (π.χ. Βοιωτίας και Εύβοιας) σχετικά με την περιεκτικότητα του πόσιμου νερού σε εξασθενές χρώμιο, η οποία βρίσκεται σε συγκεντρώσεις περί τα 15μgr/lt.

Η Ελληνική Κυβέρνηση επικαλούμενη την οδηγία 98/83/ΕΚ⁽¹⁾ του Συμβουλίου για το πόσιμο νερό (Παράρτημα Ι, Μέρος Β´ χημικές παράμετροι) όπου το ανώτατο επιτρεπόμενο όριο του χρωμίου - χωρίς διάκριση ανάμεσα στο τρισθενές και εξασθενές - ορίζεται σε 50 μgr/lt, ισχυρίζεται ότι το νερό αυτό είναι κατάλληλο για πόση.

Σύμφωνα με τη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία, το εξασθενές χρώμιο και οι ενώσεις του είναι πολύ πιο επικίνδυνες από αυτές του τρισθενούς χρωμίου. Σημειώνεται π.χ. ότι το τριοξείδιο του χρωμίου CrO3 (εξασθενές χρώμιο) είναι ο ανυδρίτης του εξαιρετικά επιβλαβούς χρωμικού οξέος και χαρακτηρίζεται από την Οδηγία 67/548/ΕΟΚ⁽²⁾, όπως τροποποιήθηκε με την Οδηγία 92/32/ΕΟΚ⁽³⁾, ως καρκινογόνο, μεταλλαξιογόνο, οξειδωτικό, πολύ τοξικό, διαβρωτικό, τοξικό κατά την αναπαραγωγή και επικίνδυνο για το περιβάλλον.

Ποια είναι η άποψη της Επιτροπής για την επικινδυνότητα του εξασθενούς χρωμίου στο πόσιμο νερό; Πιστεύει ότι πρέπει να τεθεί ξεχωριστό ανώτατο όριο συγκέντρωσης του εξασθενούς χρωμίου στο πόσιμο νερό;

The metal chromium occurs in three valences, of which hexavalent chromium is recognized as the most toxic. It can induce allergies and asthma symptoms, and its inhalation can cause irritations or even perforations of the nasal passages. It is known for its adverse toxicological effects and for its carcinogenicity, affecting in the first place the lungs. It has been classified by the International Agency on Research of Cancer (IARC) in class 1 (human carcinogen). However, this classification is only appropriate for exposure by inhalation.

Regarding oral exposure, by contrast, a long-term carcinogenic study reported in the Guidelines for Drinking Quality⁽⁴⁾ of the World Health Organisation (WHO) did not show evidence for carcinogenicity. The available data on hexavalent chromium are limited however. Both the United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency and WHO are awaiting the results of studies on hexavalent chromium within the US National Toxicology Program. These results were due in 2006, but have not been published yet.

 

The current Drinking Water Directive⁽⁵⁾ parameter value for chromium (50 µg/l) is based upon the WHO Guidelines of 1992, and the WHO 2004 Guidelines did not introduce changes in relation to chromium. The available toxicological data do not support the derivation of a new value. In the light of the revision of the Directive, the Commission is however reconsidering the parameter list of the proposal for a new Drinking Water Directive. It is closely following the scientific studies being carried out at present and will consider whether or not to make new proposals depending on the toxicological data that would become available as a result.

Nevertheless and quite apart from the issue of the parameter value for chromium, the Commission is very concerned about the current state of pollution of the Asopos River by hexavalent chromium, which the question of the Honourable Member refers to. For this reason, the Commission has launched an investigation in order to examine whether the obligations arising from EC environmental legislation, i.e. (Directive 2006/11/CE on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment; Directive 80/68/CE on the protection of underground water; Directive 91/689/CE on the management of hazardous waste; Directive 98/83/CE on drinking water) have been complied with. The immediate aim of the Commission's action will be to ensure that the pollution of the Asopos River from dangerous substances be stopped so that the quality of drinking water for the neighbouring populations can be restored.