Verbatim report of proceedings

Tuesday, 23 September 2008 - Brussels

Explanations of vote

Text tabled : A6-0319/2008

  John Attard-Montalto (PSE), in writing. − We have often asked ourselves whether it is worth dedicating a year to a particular topic. The whole idea is to raise visibility of the topic itself. It is a way of attracting attention and giving extra focus to a particular subject. There can be no harm in this.

The idea has become so popular that we have to make a judicious choice when selecting the subject. It is often a question of priorities.

Creation and innovation are an ideal subject because they affect the very essence of what Europe represents and the direction which Europe has to take.

Creation and innovation cannot be evaluated in a vacuum. They have to be understood on what they can contribute. First and foremost is their importance within the manufacturing sphere. Also, the importance of creation and innovation has to be viewed within the services framework.

It is only through creative and innovative ideas that Europe can remain competitive. It is only by being one step ahead that certain sectors can survive. To an extent Europe has recognised the need to invest more heavily in research and development, and this is synonymous with the current subject of creative and innovative ideas.