IN THE CHAIR: Pat COX
President

1. Resumption of session

The sitting opened at 17.05.

2. Approval of Minutes of previous sitting

Gérard Caudron had informed the Presidency that he had been present at the sitting of 4 December 2003, but that his name was not on the attendance register.

The Minutes of the previous sitting were approved.

3. Membership of committees and delegations

Mr Christodoulos Taramountas had been appointed to the LIBE Committee as observer.

4. Documents received

The following documents had been received:

1) from the Council and Commission:

- Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on batteries and accumulators and spent batteries and accumulators (COM(2003) 723 - C5-0563/2003 - 2003/0282(COD))

- Draft General Budget of the European Communities for the financial year 2004, as amended and accompanied by proposed modifications (14840/2003 - C5-0600/2003 - 2003/2001(BUD))

- Proposal for a Council Framework Decision on the European Evidence Warrant for obtaining objects, documents and data for use in proceedings in criminal matters (COM(2003) 688 - C5-0609/2003 - 2003/0270(CNS))

- Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on driving licences (Recasting) (COM(2003) 621 - C5-0610/2003 - 2003/0252(COD))

- Proposal for a Council Decision authorising the Member States which are Contracting Parties to the Paris Convention of 29 July 1960 on Third Party Liability in the Field of Nuclear Energy to ratify, in the interest of the European Community, the Protocol amending that Convention, or to accede to it (14305/2003 - C5-0611/2003 - 2003/0150(AVC))

- Proposal for a Council decision establishing a secure web-based Information and Co-ordination Network for Member States' Migration Management Services (COM(2003) 727 - C5-0612/2003 - 2003/0284(CNS))

- Proposal for a Council Regulation establishing a European Agency for the Management of Operational Co-operation at the External Borders (COM(2003) 687 - C5-0613/2003 - 2003/0273(CNS))

- Opinion of the Council on proposal for transfer of appropriations 34/2003 between Chapters in Section III - Commission - Part B - of the General Budget for the European Union for the financial year 2003 (C5-0614/2003 - 2003/2198(GBD))

- Opinion of the Council on proposal for transfer of appropriations 35/2003 between Chapters in Section III - Commission - Part B - of the General Budget for the European Union for the financial year 2003 (C5-0615/2003 - 2003/2206(GBD))

- Opinion of the Council on proposal for transfer of appropriations 36/2003 between Chapters in Section III - Commission - Part B - of the General Budget for the European Union for the financial year 2003 (C5-0616/2003 - 2003/2199(GBD))

- Opinion of the Council on proposal for transfer of appropriations 40/2003 between Chapters in Section III - Commission - Part B - of the General Budget for the European Union for the financial year 2003 (C5-0617/2003 - 2003/2208(GBD))

- Draft Council Framework Decision laying down minimum provisions on the constituent elements of criminal acts and penalties in the field of drug trafficking (15102/2/2003 - C5-0618/2003 - 2001/0114(CNS))

- Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the Court of Auditors: Financial information on the 6th, 7th and 8th European Development Funds - 2002 (COM(2003) 491 - C5-0619/2003 - 2003/2189(DEC))

- Opinion of the Council on proposal for transfer of appropriations 39/2003 between Chapters in Section III - Commission - Part B - of the General Budget for the European Union for the financial year 2003 (C5-0620/2003 - 2003/2219(GBD))

- Opinion of the Council on proposal for transfer of appropriations 43/2003 between Chapters in Section III - Commission - Part B - of the General Budget for the European Union for the financial year 2003 (C5-0621/2003 - 2003/2224(GBD))

- Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Decision 1999/784/EC concerning Community participation in the European Audiovisual Observatory (COM(2003) 763 - C5-0622/2003 - 2003/0293(COD))

- Opinion of the Commission pursuant to Article 251(2), third subparagraph, point (c) of the EC Treaty, on the European Parliament's amendments to the Council's Common Position regarding the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending European Parliament and Council Directive 94/35/EC on sweeteners for use in foodstuffs (COM(2003) 780 - C5-0623/2003 - 2002/0152(COD))

- Opinion of the Council on proposal for transfer of appropriations 42/2003 between Chapters in Section III - Commission - Part B - of the General Budget for the European Union for the financial year 2003 (C5-0624/2003 - 2003/2223(GBD))

- Draft Council Decision amending Article 35 of the Rules of Procedure of the Court of First Instance with regard to the language of proceedings, with a view to the new division of jurisdiction in direct actions and the enlargement of the Union (15738/2003 - C5-0625/2003 - 2003/0825(CNS))

- Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion of an Agreement on the participation of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic in the European Economic Area and four related agreements (11902/2003 - C5-0626/2003 - 2003/0160(AVC))

- Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the implementation of the International Safety Management Code within the Community (COM(2003) 767 - C5-0627/2003 - 2003/0291(COD))

- Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Decision 2000/819/EC on a multiannual programme for enterprise and entrepreneurship, and in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (2001-2005) (COM(2003) 758 - C5-0628/2003 - 2003/0292(COD))

2) from committees

2.1) reports:

- *** Recommendation on the decision of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States concerning the discharge to be granted to the Secretary-General of the Convention in respect of the implementation of its budget for the financial year 2002 (I5-0016/03 - C5-0406/2003 - 2003/0903(AVC)) - Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Mr Kuhne (A5-0414/2003).

- Report on the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council in view of the European Council of Thessaloniki on the development of a common policy on illegal immigration, smuggling and trafficking of human beings, external borders and the return of illegal residents (COM(2003) 323 - C5-0372/2003 - 2003/2156(INI)) - Committee on Citizens' Freedoms and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Mr Pirker (A5-0419/2003).

- Report on the future budgetary requirements for external actions (2003/2037(INI)) - Committee on Budgets. Rapporteur: Mr Podestà (A5-0434/2003) (Enhanced cooperation between committees - Rule 162a).

- *** I Report on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council directive on the widespread introduction and interoperability of electronic road toll systems in the Community (COM(2003) 132 - C5-0190/2003 - 2003/0081(COD)) - Committee on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism. Rapporteur: Mrs Sommer (A5-0435/2003).

- * Report on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the conclusion of an Agreement aimed at renewing the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America (COM(2003) 569 - C5-0503/2003 - 2003/0223(CNS)) - Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Mr Berenguer Fuster (A5-0436/2003) (Simplified procedure - Rule 158(1)).

- * Report on the amended proposal for a Council regulation laying down certain technical measures applicable to fishing activities in the area covered by the Convention on the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources (COM(2003) 384 - C5-0431/2003 - 2002/0138(CNS)) - Committee on Fisheries. Rapporteur: Mr Stevenson (A5-0437/2003).

- * Report on the amended proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1936/2001 of 27 September 2001 laying down control measures applicable to fishing for certain stocks of highly migratory fish (COM(2002) 421 - C5-0406/2002 - 2002/0186(CNS)) - Committee on Fisheries. Rapporteur: Mrs McKenna (A5-0438/2003).

- * Report on the amended proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 973/2001 laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of certain stocks of highly migratory species (COM(2003) 421 - C5-0429/2003 - 2002/0189(CNS)) - Committee on Fisheries. Rapporteur: Mr Piétrasanta (A5-0439/2003).

- * Report on the amended proposal for a Council regulation laying down certain control measures applicable to fishing activities in the area covered by the Convention on the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources (COM(2003) 384 - C5-0430/2003 - 2002/0137(CNS)) - Committee on Fisheries. Rapporteur: Mr Stevenson (A5-0440/2003).

- * Report on the proposal for a Council (Euratom) directive setting out basic obligations and general principles on the safety of nuclear installations (COM(2003) 032 - C5-0228/2003 - 2003/0021(CNS)) - Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Mr Seppänen (A5-0441/2003).

- * Report on the proposal for a Council directive (Euratom) on the management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste (COM(2003) 032 - C5-0229/2003 - 2003/0022(CNS)) - Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Mr Vidal-Quadras Roca (A5-0442/2003).

- * Report on the proposal for a Council decision amending Decision 77/270/Euratom empowering the Commission to issue Euratom loans for the purpose of contributing to the financing of nuclear power stations (COM(2002) 456 - C5-0570/2002 - 2002/0246(CNS)) - Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Mrs Breyer (A5-0443/2003).

- Report on the Communication from the Commission on immigration, integration and employment (COM(2003) 336 - C5-0382/2003 - 2003/2147(INI)) - Committee on Employment and Social Affairs. Rapporteur: Mr Moraes (A5-0445/2003).

- *** I Report on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council regulation on promoting gender equality in development cooperation (COM(2003) 465 - C5-0367/2003 - 2003/0176(COD)) - Committee on Women's Rights and Equal Opportunities. Rapporteur: Mrs Zrihen Zaari (A5-0447/2003) (Enhanced cooperation between committees - Rule 162a).

- Report on the implementation of Directive 96/71/EC in the Member States (COM(2003) 458 - C5-0405/2003 - 2003/2168(INI)) - Committee on Employment and Social Affairs. Rapporteur: Mrs Glase (A5-0448/2003).

- *** I Report on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council regulation on official feed and food controls (COM(2003) 052 - C5-0032/2003 - 2003/0030(COD)) - Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy. Rapporteur: Mrs Paulsen (A5-0449/2003).

- Report on petition 842/2001 concerning the effects of discriminatory treatment afforded to persons with Multiple Sclerosis, within the European Union - 2003/2173(INI)) - Committee on Petitions. Rapporteur: Mrs Aaltonen (A5-0451/2003).

- *** Recommendation on the proposal for a Council regulation establishing a Cohesion Fund (codified version) (COM(2003) 352 - C5-0291/2003 - 2003/0129(AVC)) - Committee on Legal Affairs and the Internal Market. Rapporteur: Mr Gargani (A5-0454/2003) (Simplified procedure - Rule 158(1).

- Report on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the flexibility instrument in favour of the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq according to point 24 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 6 May 1999 (COM(2003) 576 - C5-0455/2003 - 2003/0225(ACI)) - Committee on Budgets. Rapporteur: Mr Colom i Naval (A5-0456/2003).

- * Report on the proposal for a Council regulation on conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters extending to the period 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 the validity of the Protocol setting fishing opportunities and a financial contribution as provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire on fishing off the coast of Côte d'Ivoire (COM(2003) 556 - C5-0458/2003 - 2003/0219(CNS)) - Committee on Fisheries. Rapporteur: Mr Stevenson (A5-0459/2003).

- * Report on the proposal for a Council regulation derogating from Regulation (EC) No 1251/1999 as regards the set-aside requirement for the 2004/2005 marketing year (COM(2003) 691 - C5-0559/2003 - 2003/0271(CNS)) - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. Rapporteur: Mr Daul (A5-0460/2003) (Simplified procedure - Rule 158(1).

- * Report on the proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No 2075/92 on the common organisation of the market in raw tobacco (COM(2003) 633 - C5-0517/2003 - 2003/0251(CNS)) - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. Rapporteur: Mr Daul (A5-0462/2003) (Simplified procedure - Rule 158(1).

- Report on Arctic agriculture (2003/2051(INI)) - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. Rapporteur: Mr Pesälä (A5-0463/2003).

- Report on coexistence between genetically modified crops and conventional and organic crops - 2003/2098(INI)) - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. Rapporteur: Mr Graefe zu Baringdorf (A5-0465/2003).

- *** I Report on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council directive amending Directive 77/799/EEC concerning mutual assistance by the competent authorities of the Member States in the field of direct and indirect taxation (COM(2003) 446 - C5-0370/2003 - 2003/0170(COD)) - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteur: Mrs Kauppi (A5-0466/2003).

- * Report on the proposal for a Council directive amending Directive 77/388/EEC as regards value added tax on services provided in the postal sector (COM(2003) 234 - C5-0227/2003 - 2003/0091(CNS)) - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteur: Mr Schmidt (A5-0467/2003).

- *** I Report on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council directive on measures and procedures to ensure the enforcement of intellectual property rights (COM(2003) 046 - C5-0055/2003 - 2003/0024(COD)) - Committee on Legal Affairs and the Internal Market. Rapporteur: Mrs Fourtou (A5-0468/2003).

- *** I Report on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council directive on takeover bids (COM(2002) 534 - C5-0481/2002 - 2002/0240(COD)) - Committee on Legal Affairs and the Internal Market. Rapporteur: Mr Lehne (A5-0469/2003) (Enhanced cooperation between committees - Rule 162a).

- *** I Report on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council directive on the recognition of professional qualifications (COM(2002) 119 - C5-0113/2002 - 2002/0061(COD)) - Committee on Legal Affairs and the Internal Market. Rapporteur: Mr Zappalà (A5-0470/2003).

- Report on the Communication from the Commission entitled "The operating framework for the European Regulatory Agencies" (COM(2002) 718 - C5-0203/2003 - 2003/2089(INI)) - Committee on Constitutional Affairs. Rapporteur: Mrs Almeida Garrett (A5-0471/2003).

- * Report on the proposal for a Council directive amending Directive 90/435/EEC on the common system of taxation applicable in the case of parent companies and subsidiaries of different Member States (COM(2003) 462 - C5-0427/2003 - 2003/0179(CNS)) - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteur: Mr Karas (A5-0472/2003).

- Report on the draft general budget of the European Union for the year 2004 as modified by the Council (all sections) (11357/2003 - C5-0600/2003 - 2003/2001(BUD) - 2003/2002(BUD)) and Letters of amendment Nos 1/2004 (14837/2003 - C5-0570/2003), 2/2004 (14838/2003 - C5-0571/2003) and 3/2004 (14839/2003 - C5-0572/2003) to the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2004, Section I - European Parliament, Section II - Council, Section III - Commission, Section IV - Court of Justice, Section V - Court of Auditors, Section VI - Economic and Social Committee, Section VII - Committee of the Regions, Section VIII (A) - European Ombudsman, Section VIII (B) - European Data Protection Supervisor (2003/2001(BUD)) - Committee on Budgets. Rapporteur: Mr Mulder (A5-0473/2003).

2.2) recommendations for second reading:

- *** II Recommendation for second reading on the common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council directive amending Directive 2001/82/EC on the Community code relating to veterinary medicinal products [10951/3/2003 - C5-0465/2003 – 2001/0254(COD)] - Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy. Rapporteur: Mrs Grossetête (A5-0444/2003).

- *** II Recommendation for second reading on the common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council directive amending Directive 2001/83/EC on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use [10950/3/2003 - C5-0464/2003 – 2001/0253(COD)] - Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy. Rapporteur: Mrs Grossetête (A5-0446/2003).

- *** II Recommendation for second reading on the common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council directive amending, as regards traditional herbal medicinal products, Directive 2001/83/EC on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use [12754/1/2003 - C5-0519/2003 – 2002/0008(COD)] - Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy. Rapporteur: Mr Nisticò (A5-0452/2003).

- *** II Recommendation for second reading on the common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council regulation on detergents [10595/3/2003 - C5-0521/2003 – 2002/0216(COD)] - Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy. Rapporteur: Mr Nobilia (A5-0455/2003).

- *** II Recommendation for second reading on the common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council directive on the promotion of cogeneration based on a useful heat demand in the internal energy market and amending Directive 92/42/EEC [10345/2/2003 - C5-0444/2003 – 2002/0185(COD)] - Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Mr Glante (A5-0457/2003).

- *** II Recommendation for second reading on the common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council directive on measuring instruments [9681/4/2003 - C5-0417/2003 – 2000/0233(COD)] - Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Mr Chichester (A5-0458/2003).

- *** II Recommendation for second reading on the common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council directive on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage [10933/5/2003 - C5-0445/2003 – 2002/0021(COD)] - Committee on Legal Affairs and the Internal Market. Rapporteur: Mr Manders (A5-0461/2003).

3) from Members

3.1) oral questions for Question Time (Rule 43)

- Nogueira Román Camilo, Alavanos Alexandros, Posselt Bernd, Martínez Martínez Miguel Angel, Bushill-Matthews Philip, Cappato Marco, Bergaz Conesa María Luisa, Izquierdo Rojo María, Zacharakis Christos, Medina Ortega Manuel, Newton Dunn Bill, Seppänen Esko Olavi, Casaca Paulo, Dupuis Olivier, Busk Niels, Souladakis Ioannis, De Rossa Proinsias, Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou Rodi, Patakis Ioannis, Alyssandrakis Konstantinos, Korakas Efstratios, Martin Hans-Peter, Sacrédeus Lennart- Newton Dunn Bill, Zabell Theresa, Martin Hans-Peter, Posselt Bernd, Hedkvist Petersen Ewa, Bowis John, Zorba Myrsini, McKenna Patricia, Staes Bart, Turmes Claude, Nogueira Román Camilo, Alavanos Alexandros, Ebner Michl, Bushill-Matthews Philip, Thors Astrid, Moraes Claude, Dhaene Jan, de Roo Alexander, Ortuondo Larrea Josu, Karamanou Anna, Purvis John, Martínez Martínez Miguel Angel, Folias Christos, Patakis Ioannis, Cappato Marco, Izquierdo Rojo María, Malmström Cecilia, Medina Ortega Manuel, Seppänen Esko Olavi, Martin David W., Casaca Paulo, Dupuis Olivier, Mantovani Mario, Paulsen Marit, Grönfeldt Bergman Lisbeth, Marinos Ioannis, Alyssandrakis Konstantinos, Herranz García María Esther, Souladakis Ioannis, De Rossa Proinsias, Pérez Álvarez Manuel, Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou Rodi, Riis-Jørgensen Karin, Ayuso González María del Pilar, Paasilinna Reino, Sacrédeus Lennart, Garriga Polledo Salvador, Redondo Jiménez Encarnación

3.2) motions for resolution (Rule 48)

-Cristiana Muscardini on an indication of origin for imported goods (B5-0533/2003)

- Franz Turchi on promotion, protection and support for therapy and rehabilitation through horse-riding (hippotherapy) (B5-0542/2003)

3.3) proposed amendments to the Rules of Procedure (Rule 181)

- Caroline Jackson on the insertion of a new Rule 53a (B5-0534/2003)

4) from the Conciliation Committee

- Joint Text approved by the Conciliation Committee for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to air passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights, and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 295/91 (PE-CONS 3676/2003 - C5-0518/2003 – 2001/0305(COD))

- Joint Text approved by the Conciliation Committee on the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a transitional points system applicable to heavy goods vehicles travelling through Austria for 2004 within the framework of a sustainable transport policy (PE-CONS 3689/2003 - C5-0562/2003 - 2001/0310(COD))

5) from the Parliament Delegation to the Conciliation Committee

- *** III Report on the Joint Text approved by the Conciliation Committee for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to air passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights, and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 295/91 [PE-CONS 3676/2003 - C5-0518/2003 – 2001/0305(COD)]. Rapporteur: Mr Lisi (A5-0464/2003)

- *** III Report on the Joint Text approved by the Conciliation Committee on the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a transitional points system applicable to heavy goods vehicles travelling through Austria for 2004 within the framework of a sustainable transport policy [PE-CONS 3689/2003 - C5-0562/2003 – 2001/0310(COD)]. Rapporteur: Mr Costa (A5-0475/2003)

5. Texts of agreements forwarded by the Council

The Council had forwarded certified true copies of the following documents:

- Procès-verbal of rectification to the Agreement establishing an association between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Chile, of the other part

- Cooperation agreement on a civil global navigation satellite system (GNSS) - GALILEO between the European Community and its Member States and the People's Republic of China

- Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Latvia laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical regulations and of rules of information society services

- Agreement renewing the Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and the Government of the Russian Federation

- Agreement between the European Community and the Principality of Monaco on the application of certain Community acts on the territory of the Principality of Monaco

- Agreement on the participation of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic in the European Economic Area.

6. Petitions

The following petitions, which had been entered in the register on the dates shown below, had been forwarded to the committee responsible, pursuant to Rule 174(5):

2 December 2003

by Mr Nikolaos Polychronidis (No 1178/2003);

by Mr Javier Vidaur Otegui (No 1179/2003);

by Mr Fernando García Granell (No 1180/2003);

by Mr Christian Alberto Juan Saladino (No 1181/2003);

by Mr Mouloud Talbi (No 1182/2003);

by Mrs Nerea Iturriaga Arregi (No 1183/2003);

by Mr Isaac Ibáñez García (No 1184/2003);

by Mr Ernesto Aurelio Vandama Puentes (Asociación Cubana Española (ACE) de Madrid y Ámbito Nacional) (No 1185/2003);

by Mrs Brigitte Verhauwaert (No 1186/2003);

by Mrs Marie-France Chinault (Coordination des Collectifs Marée Noire) (No 1187/2003);

by Mr Jacques Bourdot (No 1188/2003);

by Mr Israel Marek Andrzej (No 1189/2003);

by Mrs Jennifer Chevereau (ECPM) (No 1190/2003);

by Mr Gérard Peyre (No 1191/2003);

by Mrs Annick Van Verckhove (No 1192/2003);

by Mr Paul Schweitzer (No 1193/2003);

by Mr Bernard Abt (No 1194/2003);

by Mr Paolo Sanviti (Centrio Prevenzione Crisi Socioculturali) (No 1195/2003);

by Mr Paolo Sanviti (Centro Prevenzione Crisi Socioculturali) (No 1196/2003);

by Mr Paolo Sanviti (Centro Prevenzione Crisi Socioculturali) (No 1197/2003);

by Mrs Cristina Amoroso (INARS Ciociaria) (No 1198/2003);

by Mrs Ana Grilo (No 1199/2003);

by Mrs Gabriele Lang (Tierhilfe & Verbraucherschutz international e.V.) (No 1200/2003);

by Mr Markus Meyer (No 1201/2003);

by Mrs Brigitte Peter (No 1202/2003);

by Mr Am Phy (No 1203/2003);

by Mrs Ingeborg Heide (No 1204/2003);

by Mr Gerhard Bayer (Bundeverband Deutscher Eisenbahn-Freunde e.V.) (No 1205/2003);

by Mr Bernhard Sachse (No 1206/2003);

by Mr Paolo Uricchio (No 1207/2003);

by Mr Harald Kornberger (No 1208/2003);

by Mr Guenther Reichert (No 1209/2003);

by Mr Alfred Tadros Youssef (No 1210/2003);

by Mr Bernhard Bockenkamp (No 1211/2003);

by Mr Heinz Meinke (Heinz Meinke & Co. Immobilienmakler) (No 1212/2003);

by Isabel Dykes and Ioannis Mylonopoulos (No 1213/2003);

by Mr Brian Francis Hannon (Association of Lough Neagh Fisher Families) (No 1214/2003);

by Mrs Loretta Oke (No 1215/2003);

by Mr Theo Gevers (No 1216/2003);

by Mrs Sandra Edwards (Voice 4 dogs Animal Welfare Organisation) (plus 242 signatures) (No 1217/2003);

by Mr John Benson (No 1218/2003);

by Mr Brian O'Connell (No 1219/2003);

by Mr Kartar S. Badsha (Environmental Law Centre) (No 1220/2003);

by Mr Jouni Ahokangas (No 1221/2003);

by Mr B. Dekker (No 1222/2003);

by Mrs Monica Refinetti (No 1223/2003);

by Mr Kaj Nyman (No 1224/2003);

by Evangelische Kirchengemeinde Eupen/Neu-Moresnet (with 43 signatures) (No 1225/2003);

12 December 2003

by Mr Spiros Karpouzis (No 1226/2003);

by Mr Vassilis Papadopoulos (No 1227/2003);

by Mr Theodore Panayiotopoulos (No 1228/2003);

by Mr Dimitris Antonio Karlovassitis (No 1229/2003);

by Mr Stefanos Kouniados (Ecologiki Kinisi Kalamatas) (No 1230/2003);

by Mrs Minas Simeonidis (No 1231/2003);

by Mr Vasilios Panagiotidis (No 1232/2003);

by Mr Ioannis Lambrou (No 1233/2003);

by Mr Marios Kypriotakis (No 1234/2003);

by Mr Eleftherios Tsiolis Gourmentzas (No 1235/2003);

by Mr Stavros Pappas (No 1236/2003);

by Mrs Panagiota Evangelopoulou (No 1237/2003);

by Mrs Panagiota Evangelopoulou (No 1238/2003);

by Mr Nilkos. A. Kyrtatos (No 1239/2003);

by Mr Vladimiros Damianidis (No 1240/2003);

by Mr Alexandros Choyroyzidis (No 1241/2003);

by Mr Dimitrios Podidas (No 1242/2003);

by Mr Georgios Prassas (No 1243/2003);

by Mr Alfonso Garnelo Mariñas (No 1244/2003);

by Mr José Luis Ferrer Galve (No 1245/2003);

by Mr Michel Berthélémy (No 1246/2003);

by Mr Raymond Chaumont (Génération Ecologie) (No 1247/2003);

by Mr Alexandre Siegwald (No 1248/2003);

by Mr Abdellah Derradj (No 1249/2003);

by Mrs Odile Wattel De Croizant (No 1250/2003);

by Mr Maurizio Adamo Braccini (No 1251/2003);

by Mr Paolo Sanviti (Centro Prevenzione Crisi Socioculturali) (No 1252/2003);

by Mr Paolo Santivi (Centro Prevenzione Crisi Socioculturali) (No 1253/2003);

by Mr Paolo Sanviti (Centro Prevenzione Crisi Socioculturali) (No 1254/2003);

by Mrs Annamaria Caserini (DS) (No 1255/2003);

by Mrs Ornella Erminio (No 1256/2003);

by Mr Mario Vogna (No 1257/2003);

by Mr Filippo A. Di Quattro (Engelhard Italiana S.p.A.) (No 1258/2003);

by Mr Rocco Margapoti (Comitati di Quartiere di Case Rosse e Settecamini) (No 1259/2003);

by Mr Jorge Miguel Fernandes Vilela (No 1260/2003);

by Mr José Rui Mendes De Brito (No 1261/2003);

by Mrs Michaela Carl-Hohenbalken (No 1262/2003);

by Mrs Helene Nolte (No 1263/2003);

by Mr Johannes Brinkrolf (No 1264/2003);

by Mr Johannes Brinkrolf (No 1265/2003);

by Mr Peter Lintner (No 1266/2003);

by Mr Peter Knoll (No 1267/2003);

by Mr A.G. Dekker (No 1268/2003);

by Mrs Julia Schmildt Bolgar (No 1269/2003);

by Mr Martin Hecher (No 1270/2003);

by Mrs Bernhild Müller (No 1271/2003);

by Mr Sevket Yilmaz (No 1272/2003);

by Mrs Cornelia Haak (No 1273/2003);

by Mr Fritz Hablitzel (No 1274/2003);

by Martina und Jürgen Gerlach (No 1275/2003);

by Mrs Anny Wolf (No 1276/2003);

by Mrs Margaret Pryke (plus 4300 signatures) (No 1277/2003);

by Mrs Margot Selin (No 1278/2003);

by Mr Mark Duchamp (Asociación cultural y ecologista de Calpe) (No 1279/2003);

by Mr Jer Cronin (No 1280/2003);

by Mrs Annie McNamara (No 1281/2003);

by Mr John Duffy (No 1282/2003);

by Mr Timo Jalkanen (No 1283/2003);

by Mr Cees J. Freeke (No 1284/2003);

by Mr Bert Snijder (No 1285/2003);

by Mr Ulrik Bergman (No 1286/2003);

by Mr Tony Constable (No 1287/2003).

7. Transfers of appropriations

The Committee on Budgets had considered proposal for transfer of appropriations 34/2003 (C5-0523/2003 - SEC(2003)1256 final).

It had decided not to authorise the proposed transfer, pursuant to Articles 24(3) and 181(1) of the Financial Regulation of 25 June 2002.

*

* *

The Committee on Budgets had considered proposal for transfer of appropriations 36/2003(C5-0524/2003 - SEC(2003)1257 final).

It had authorised the transfer, pursuant to Articles 24(3) and 181(1) of the Financial Regulation of 25 June 2002, in accordance with the following breakdown:

*

* *

The Committee on Budgets had considered proposal for transfer of appropriations 38/2003(C5-0569/2003 - SEC(2003)1373 final).

After noting the Council's opinion, it had authorised the transfer, pursuant to Articles 24(3) and 181(1) of the Financial Regulation of 25 June 2002, in accordance with the following breakdown:

*

* *

The Committee on Budgets had considered proposal for transfer of appropriations 39/2003(C5-0546/2003 - SEC(2003)1323 final).

It had authorised the transfer, pursuant to Articles 24(3) and 181(1) of the Financial Regulation of 25 June 2002, in accordance with the following breakdown:

*

* *

The Committee on Budgets had considered proposal for transfer of appropriations 40/2003(C5-0540/2003 - SEC(2003)1282 final).

It had authorised the transfer, pursuant to Articles 24(3) and 181(1) of the Financial Regulation of 25 June 2002, in accordance with the following breakdown:

*

* *

The Committee on Budgets had considered proposal for transfer of appropriations 42/2003(C5-0552/2003 - SEC(2003)1324 final).

It had authorised the transfer, pursuant to Articles 24(3) and 181(1) of the Financial Regulation of 25 June 2002, in accordance with the following breakdown:

*

* *

The Committee on Budgets had considered proposal for transfer of appropriations 43/2003(C5-0553/2003 - SEC(2003)1337 final).

It had authorised the transfer, pursuant to Articles 24(3) and 181(1) of the Financial Regulation of 25 June 2002, in accordance with the following breakdown:

*

* *

8. Order of business

The next item was the order of business.

The final draft agenda for the December 2003 II part-session (PE 338.624/PDOJ) had been distributed.

Sittings of 15 to 18 December 2003

- no changes

Mihail Papayannakis, on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group, asked for the Manders recommendation for second reading (A5-0461/2003) (Item 6 of PDOJ), which was due to be voted on Tuesday, to be put to the vote on Thursday (the President pointed out that he should have submitted this request within the deadlines laid down in Rule 111(1)).

The following spoke on this request: Johannes (Hannes) Swoboda, on behalf of the PSE Group, Malcolm Harbour, on behalf of the PPE-DE Group, and Toine Manders, rapporteur, who proposed the vote should be taken on Wednesday rather than Thursday.

Françoise Grossetête spoke on the second reading votes scheduled for voting time on Thursday.

The President established that there were no objections to the rapporteur's suggestion and decided to include the recommendation for second reading among Wednesday's votes.

The order of business was thus established.

9. Official welcome

On behalf of Parliament, the President welcomed members of a delegation from the Romanian Senate, led by Mr Nicolae Pătru, Chairman of its Committee on Agriculture, who had taken their seats in the official gallery.

10. One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Pursuant to Rule 121a, the following Members who wished to draw the attention of Parliament to matters of political importance spoke for one minute:

Martin Schulz, Christopher J.P. Beazley, Olga Zrihen, Charles Tannock, Joan Vallvé, Robert J.E. Evans, Neil MacCormick, Niall Andrews, Giacomo Santini, Ilda Figueiredo, Françoise Grossetête, Martine Roure, the last two on the remarks made by Robert J.E. Evans, Roger Helmer, Véronique De Keyser, David Sumberg, Konstantinos Alyssandrakis, Roy Perry, Efstratios Korakas, the latter on the remarks made by Christopher J.P. Beazley, Koldo Gorostiaga Atxalandabaso and Marcelino Oreja Arburúa.

11. Human tissues and cells ***II (debate)

Recommendation for second reading on the common position of the Council with a view to adopting a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on setting standards of quality and safety for the donation, procurement, testing, processing, storage, and distribution of human tissues and cells [10133/3/2003 - C5-0416/2003 - 2002/0128(COD)] - Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy. Rapporteur: Peter Liese (A5-0387/2003).

Peter Liese introduced the recommendation for second reading.

David Byrne (Member of the Commission) spoke.

The following spoke: Eija-Riitta Anneli Korhola, on behalf of the PPE-DE Group, David Robert Bowe, on behalf of the PSE Group, and Frédérique Ries, on behalf of the ELDR Group.

IN THE CHAIR: James L.C. PROVAN
Vice-President

The following spoke: Gérard Caudron, on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group, Seán Ó Neachtain, on behalf of the UEN Group, Johannes (Hans) Blokland, on behalf of the EDD Group, Caroline F. Jackson (ENVI Committee chairman), Minerva Melpomeni Malliori and David Byrne.

The debate closed.

Vote: Minutes of 16.12.2003, Item 23

12. Takeover bids ***I (debate)

Report on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on takeover bids [COM(2002) 534 - C5-0481/2002 - 2002/0240(COD)] - Committee on Legal Affairs and the Internal Market. Rapporteur: Klaus-Heiner Lehne (A5-0469/2003). Draftsman of the opinion (Rule 162a): Christopher Huhne, ECON Committee.

Frits Bolkestein (Member of the Commission)spoke.

Klaus-Heiner Lehne introduced the report.

The following spoke: Christopher Huhne (draftsman of the opinion of the ECON Committee), Ieke van den Burg (draftsman of the opinion of the EMPL Committee), Giles Bryan Chichester (draftsman of the opinion of the ITRE Committee), Francesco Fiori, on behalf of the PPE-DE Group, Luis Berenguer Fuster, on behalf of the PSE Group, Willy C.E.H. De Clercq, on behalf of the ELDR Group, Herman Schmid, on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group, Neil MacCormick, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, and William Abitbol, on behalf of the EDD Group.

IN THE CHAIR: Alonso José PUERTA
Vice-President

The following spoke: Benedetto Della Vedova, Non-attached Member, Inglewood, Evelyne Gebhardt, Olle Schmidt, Ilda Figueiredo, Theodorus J.J. Bouwman, Rijk van Dam, Bruno Gollnisch, Renato Brunetta, Lisbeth Grönfeldt Bergman and Frits Bolkestein.

The debate closed.

Vote: Minutes of 16.12.2003, Item 24

13. VAT on postal services * (debate)

Report on the proposal for a Council directive amending Directive 77/388/EEC as regards value added tax on services provided in the postal sector [COM(2003) 234 - C5-0227/2003 - 2003/0091(CNS)] - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteur: Olle Schmidt (A5-0467/2003).

Frits Bolkestein (Member of the Commission)spoke.

Olle Schmidt introduced the report.

The following spoke: Markus Ferber (draftsman of the opinion of the RETT Committee), Astrid Lulling, on behalf of the PPE-DE Group, Erik Meijer, on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group, Manuel António dos Santos and Arlette Laguiller.

IN THE CHAIR: José PACHECO PEREIRA
Vice-President

Astrid Lulling put a question to the Commission which Frits Bolkestein answered.

The debate closed.

Vote: Minutes of 16.12.2003, Item 25

14. Environmental liability ***II (debate)

Recommendation for second reading on the common position of the Council with a view to adopting a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage [10933/5/2003 - C5-0445/2003 - 2002/0021(COD)] - Committee on Legal Affairs and the Internal Market. Rapporteur: Toine Manders (A5-0461/2003).

Toine Manders introduced the recommendation for second reading.

Frits Bolkestein (Member of the Commission)spoke.

The following spoke: Angelika Niebler, on behalf of the PPE-DE Group, Evelyne Gebhardt, on behalf of the PSE Group, Astrid Thors, on behalf of the ELDR Group, Mihail Papayannakis, on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group, Paul A.A.J.G. Lannoye, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Bent Hindrup Andersen, on behalf of the EDD Group, Ward Beysen, Non-attached Member, Giuseppe Gargani, Bill Miller, Neil MacCormick, Georges Berthu, Marcelino Oreja Arburúa, Ioannis Koukiadis, Alexander de Roo, Ian Twinn, Othmar Karas and Marianne L.P. Thyssen.

IN THE CHAIR: Alejo VIDAL-QUADRAS ROCA
Vice-President

The following spoke: Cristina García-Orcoyen Tormo, Paolo Bartolozzi and Frits Bolkestein.

The debate closed.

Vote: Minutes of 17.12.2003, Item 17

15. Motor vehicles: seats, their anchorages and head restraints ***I (debate)

Report on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 74/408/EEC relating to motor vehicles with regards to the seats, their anchorages and head restraints [COM(2003) 361 - C5-0283/2003 - 2003/0128(COD)] - Committee on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism. Rapporteur: Dieter-Lebrecht Koch (A5-0418/2003).

Erkki Liikanen (Member of the Commission)spoke.

Dieter-Lebrecht Koch introduced the report.

Mark Francis Watts spoke on behalf of the PSE Group.

The debate closed.

Vote: Minutes of 17.12.2003, Item 13

16. Agenda for next sitting

The President referred Members to the document "Agenda" PE 338.624/OJMA.

17. Closure of sitting

The sitting closed at 21.30.

The following signed:

Aaltonen, Abitbol, Adam, Nuala Ahern, Ainardi, Alyssandrakis, Andersen, Andersson, Andreasen, André-Léonard, Andrews, Andria, Angelilli, Aparicio Sánchez, Arvidsson, Atkins, Auroi, Averoff, Avilés Perea, Ayuso González, Bakopoulos, Balfe, Baltas, Banotti, Barón Crespo, Bartolozzi, Bastos, Bayona de Perogordo, Beazley, Belder, Berend, Berenguer Fuster, Berès, van den Berg, Berger, Berlato, Bernié, Berthu, Bertinotti, Beysen, Bigliardo, Blak, Blokland, Böge, Bösch, von Boetticher, Bonde, Boogerd-Quaak, Booth, Bordes, van den Bos, Boselli, Boudjenah, Boumediene-Thiery, Bourlanges, Bouwman, Bowe, Bowis, Bradbourn, Bremmer, Brie, Brok, Brunetta, Buitenweg, Bullmann, van den Burg, Bushill-Matthews, Butel, Callanan, Calò, Camisón Asensio, Campos, Camre, Cappato, Cardoso, Carlotti, Carnero González, Carrilho, Casaca, Caudron, Caullery, Cauquil, Cederschiöld, Celli, Cercas, Ceyhun, Chichester, Claeys, Coelho, Cohn-Bendit, Collins, Colom i Naval, Corbett, Corbey, Cornillet, Corrie, Cox, Crowley, Cushnahan, van Dam, Darras, Dary, Daul, De Clercq, Decourrière, De Keyser, Dell'Alba, Della Vedova, De Mita, Deprez, De Rossa, De Sarnez, Descamps, Désir, Deva, De Veyrac, Dhaene, Di Lello Finuoli, Dillen, Dimitrakopoulos, Doorn, Dover, Doyle, Dührkop Dührkop, Duff, Duhamel, Duin, Dupuis, Dybkjær, Echerer, El Khadraoui, Elles, Eriksson, Esclopé, Ettl, Jillian Evans, Jonathan Evans, Robert J.E. Evans, Färm, Farage, Ferber, Fernández Martín, Ferrández Lezaun, Ferrer, Figueiredo, Fiori, Fitzsimons, Flautre, Florenz, Ford, Formentini, Foster, Fourtou, Fraisse, Frassoni, Friedrich, Gahler, Gahrton, Galeote Quecedo, Garaud, García-Orcoyen Tormo, Gargani, Garot, Garriga Polledo, de Gaulle, Gebhardt, Ghilardotti, Gill, Gillig, Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado, Glante, Glase, Gobbo, Goebbels, Goepel, Görlach, Gollnisch, Gomolka, Goodwill, Gorostiaga Atxalandabaso, Gouveia, Graefe zu Baringdorf, Graça Moura, Gröner, Grönfeldt Bergman, Grossetête, Gutiérrez-Cortines, Guy-Quint, Hänsch, Hager, Harbour, Hatzidakis, Haug, Hazan, Heaton-Harris, Hedkvist Petersen, Helmer, Hermange, Hernández Mollar, Herranz García, Herzog, Honeyball, Hortefeux, Howitt, Huhne, van Hulten, Hume, Hyland, Iivari, Imbeni, Inglewood, Isler Béguin, Izquierdo Collado, Izquierdo Rojo, Jackson, Jean-Pierre, Jeggle, Jensen, Jöns, Jonckheer, Jové Peres, Karamanou, Karas, Karlsson, Katiforis, Kaufmann, Keppelhoff-Wiechert, Keßler, Khanbhai, Kindermann, Glenys Kinnock, Kirkhope, Klamt, Klaß, Knolle, Koch, Konrad, Korakas, Korhola, Koukiadis, Koulourianos, Krarup, Kreissl-Dörfler, Krivine, Kronberger, Kuckelkorn, Kuhne, Lage, Lagendijk, Laguiller, Lalumière, Lamassoure, Lambert, Lang, Lange, Langen, Langenhagen, Lannoye, de La Perriere, Lavarra, Lehne, Leinen, Liese, Linkohr, Lipietz, Lisi, Lulling, Lynne, Maaten, McAvan, McCarthy, McCartin, MacCormick, McKenna, McNally, Malliori, Malmström, Manders, Manisco, Erika Mann, Thomas Mann, Marchiani, Marinho, Marini, Marinos, Markov, Marques, David W. Martin, Hans-Peter Martin, Martinez, Martínez Martínez, Mastorakis, Mathieu, Matikainen-Kallström, Mauro, Hans-Peter Mayer, Xaver Mayer, Mayol i Raynal, Medina Ortega, Meijer, Mendiluce Pereiro, Menéndez del Valle, Menrad, Messner, Miguélez Ramos, Miller, Miranda de Lage, Mombaur, Monsonís Domingo, Moraes, Morgan, Morillon, Müller, Mulder, Murphy, Muscardini, Mussa, Musumeci, Myller, Naïr, Napoletano, Napolitano, Naranjo Escobar, Nassauer, Newton Dunn, Nicholson of Winterbourne, Niebler, Nisticò, Nobilia, Nogueira Román, Nordmann, Obiols i Germà, Ojeda Sanz, Ó Neachtain, Onesta, Oreja Arburúa, Ortuondo Larrea, Paasilinna, Pacheco Pereira, Pack, Papayannakis, Pastorelli, Patakis, Paulsen, Pérez Álvarez, Pérez Royo, Perry, Pesälä, Pex, Piecyk, Piétrasanta, Piscarreta, Pisicchio, Podestà, Poettering, Pohjamo, Poignant, Pomés Ruiz, Poos, Posselt, Prets, Procacci, Pronk, Provan, Puerta, Purvis, Queiró, Radwan, Randzio-Plath, Rapkay, Raymond, Redondo Jiménez, Ribeiro e Castro, Ries, Riis-Jørgensen, Ripoll y Martínez de Bedoya, Rodríguez Ramos, de Roo, Roth-Behrendt, Rothe, Rothley, Roure, Rovsing, Rübig, Rühle, Ruffolo, Sacconi, Sacrédeus, Saint-Josse, Sakellariou, Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra, Sandberg-Fries, Sandbæk, Santer, Santini, dos Santos, Sauquillo Pérez del Arco, Sbarbati, Scapagnini, Scarbonchi, Schaffner, Scheele, Schleicher, Gerhard Schmid, Herman Schmid, Olle Schmidt, Schmitt, Schnellhardt, Jürgen Schröder, Schulz, Schwaiger, Segni, Seppänen, Sichrovsky, Simpson, Sjöstedt, Skinner, Smet, Soares, Sörensen, Souchet, Souladakis, Sousa Pinto, Speroni, Staes, Stauner, Stenmarck, Sterckx, Stihler, Stockmann, Stockton, Sturdy, Sudre, Sumberg, Suominen, Swiebel, Swoboda, Sørensen, Tajani, Tannock, Theato, Theorin, Thomas-Mauro, Thorning-Schmidt, Thors, Thyssen, Titford, Titley, Torres Marques, Trakatellis, Trentin, Tsatsos, Turchi, Turmes, Twinn, Uca, Väyrynen, Valdivielso de Cué, Vallvé, Van Hecke, Van Orden, Varaut, Varela Suanzes-Carpegna, Vatanen, Vattimo, Veltroni, van Velzen, Vermeer, Vidal-Quadras Roca, Villiers, Virrankoski, Voggenhuber, Volcic, Wachtmeister, Wallis, Walter, Watson, Watts, Weiler, Wenzel-Perillo, Whitehead, von Wogau, Wuermeling, Wuori, Wurtz, Wyn, Wynn, Zabell, Zacharakis, Zappalà, Zimmerling, Zissener, Zorba, Zrihen,

Observers

, Biela, Bielan, Bonnici, Chronowski, Zbigniew Chrzanowski, Cybulski, Drzęźla, Filipek, Grzebisz-Nowicka, Ilves, Iwiński, Jakič, Kiršteins, Kłopotek, Klukowski, Kowalska, Kriščiūnas, Daniel Kroupa, Kuzmickas, Kvietkauskas, Landsbergis, Laštůvka, Lepper, Libicki, Litwiniec, Lydeka, Łyżwiński, Maldeikis, Matsakis, Alojz Peterle, , Pospíšil, Protasiewicz, Janno Reiljan, Rutkowski, Savi, Siekierski, Szczygło, , Tomaka, Tomczak, Vaculík, Valys, , Vella, Wiśniowska, Wittbrodt, Zahradil, Żenkiewicz