Verbatim report of proceedings

Thursday, 15 March 2012 - Strasbourg

10. Introducing the 'Chess in schools' programme in the education systems of the European Union (written declaration)

  President. − Written declaration No 50 of 2011 on introducing the ‘Chess in schools’ programme in the education systems of the European Union, submitted by Slavi Binev, John Attard-Montalto, Nirj Deva, Mario Mauro and Hannu Takkula, was signed by the majority of Members of Parliament.

According to Rule 123 of the Rules of Procedure, it will therefore be submitted to the addressees indicated and will be published in the minutes as a text adopted in this session, also bearing the names of the signatories.

  Slavi Binev (NI). – (FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank my colleagues Mr Mauro, from the Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats), Mr Attard-Montalto from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, Mr Takkula from the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats, and of course Mr Deva from the European Conservatives and Reformists Group who, together, initiated and presented the ‘Chess in Schools’ declaration with me. This has shown that when we have good ideas, we will not let political boundaries or prejudices stand in our way.

I would also like to thank President Buzek who supported and sponsored this initiative. Allow me to thank Parliament’s administration and, of course, our teams for their impeccable work, as well as all those who signed the declaration. Among those I have left to thank are Jacek Włosowicz, Piotr Borys and Milan Zver. This is a good thing; no, it is even better than that, this is something good for our children, for our future.

Here in the Chamber today we have the President of the European Chess Union, Silvio Danailov. Finally, I would like to wish you a very pleasant weekend after the vote.

(Applause)

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  President. − Mr Lothar Bisky has stepped down from his position as chair of the Confederal Group of the European United Left – Nordic Green Left and yesterday the group chose his successor. Firstly, I would like to thank Mr Bisky on behalf of the entire House for his work as chair of the GUE/NGL Group and for his truly excellent service at both personal and collegial levels. I believe that you have been a very valuable colleague to all of us in every respect as chair of the group. We are pleased to know that you intend to remain in Parliament, however, on behalf of the whole House, I would like to express our thanks for your cooperation.

(Applause)

Naturally, I also wish to congratulate Ms Zimmer. Ms Zimmer has been elected as the new chair of the GUE/NGL Group. We extend warm congratulations to Ms Zimmer.

(Applause)