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The Week : 03-05-99(s)
Yes to Rules Change on budget discharge
Yes to Rules Change on budget discharge
Monday 3 May - In advance of the draft resolution by James Elles (Buckinghamshire and
Oxfordshire East, EPP) proposing to close the 1996 accounts, Ben Fayot (L, PES) proposed a
change to the rules that would amend the procedure for refusing discharge. At present any proposals
for such a decision must be passed by an absolute majority (314 votes).
Mr Fayot is proposing that the decision should be made instead by a majority of votes cast in plenary.
This change meets an immediate need as it would enable the 1996 discharge procedure to be
completed.
Giving some background to the proposed change, Richard Corbett (Merseyside West, PES) noted
that the Treaties were not clear on what should happen as a consequence of Parliament refusing to
grant discharge. Parliament in the past had assumed that refusal of discharge was tantamount to a
vote of no confidence in the Commission - consequently its rules stipulated that an absolute majority
would be required. This interpretation was undermined by last December's events when MEPs voted
by 270 to 225 with 23 abstentions to refuse discharge for the 1996 budget. The requirement for an
absolute majority and the failure to achieve this resulted in the matter being then referred back to the
Budgetary Control Committee. The subsequent tabling of a separate motion of censure in the
Commission dissolved the accepted link between the refusal of discharge and a censure motion. The
proposed change in the procedures would mean that a refusal to grant discharge would not
automatically involve a vote of censure.
The House voted to approve the proposed changes to the Rules of Procedure which will enable the
accounts to be closed on the basis of a vote by the majority of those voting. This removes the
obligation for an absolute majority of the votes cast (314 votes). As a result a refusal to grant
discharge will not automatically involve a motion of censure.
Combatting fraud - a welcome for new independent office - OLAF
Combatting fraud - a welcome for new independent office - OLAF
Monday 3 May - MEPs welcomed the new agreement between Parliament and Council to set up an
independent anti-fraud office, OLAF to get to grips with fraud in the EU. As Herbert Bösch (A,
PES) reporting for the Budgetary Control Committee explained, it should be considered a
considerable step forward following on from the recent crises and the resignation of the Commission
following allegations of fraud mismanagement and cronyism. The new office would come into the
force under the Amsterdam Treaty and although it would be organised in the Commission, its
independence would be guaranteed. It would have complete freedom of action and would be able
to carry out both external and internal investigations in response to requests from either the member
states or an EU institution. The Director to be appointed by agreement between Parliament, Council
and the Commission will have a free reign and be able to deal directly with the judicial authorities
in the member states, especially where the question of criminal charges arises. The new body would
have the status of, for example, the Serious Fraud Office in the UK and an inter-institutional
agreement between Council, Commission and Parliament now provided for all EU bodies and
officials to report directly to OLAF any suspected cases of fraud. Mr Bösch's final concern was to
see it up and running as soon as possible and hopefully before the end of the year.
There was broad support from other speakers for the proposals. Replying for Council Karl Diller
stressed the need to show "zero tolerance for fraud", particularly as it undermined the faith in the EU
of European citizens. He wanted to ensure that OLAF could act effectively wherever the EU's
financial interests were at stake, although he noted that 80% of EU funding was spent by member
states. Mr Diller also underlined OLAF's operational independence, noting that both Parliament and
Council would be working with the Commission in the appointment of the Director of the new body.
As well as detection of corruption, Mr Diller also stressed the need to prevent it and noted that
OLAF would also be playing a role in this area. He hoped that the proposals would be accepted by
the ECOFIN Council on the 25 May and that OLAF could begin operations on 1 June 1999.
Acting Commissioner Anita Gradin reminded the House that the creation of OLAF was the
culmination of a process that had begun in 1995 and had involved a constructive political dialogue
between Commission and Parliament. She noted that in 1995 the staff involved in anti-fraud work
had been dispersed in several locations and that they were only 60 individuals employed in UCLAF.
Now all the staff were under one roof and there were 141 employees in UCLAF investigating around
1,000 cases of suspected irregularity, including 27 internal investigations in the Commission. She
commended the close working cooperation between UCLAF and member states, noting that this had
involved looking at around 5,000 cases and approximately .1 bn. She did warn MEPs however, that
the new body would require extra staff and that expenditure would increase. Parliament could
therefore expect a request for more money. She could accept all of Mr Bösch's amendments and
hoped that OLAF could start work on 1 June. This, she concluded, was sending out a clear signal
that the EU would display a common front in the fight against fraud.
MEPs approved the draft interinstitutional agreement on investigative procedures by the new fraud
prevention office and the proposal to set up the Independent European Fraud Office with a number
of amendments.
Closure of the accounts for 1996 and postponement of the 1997 discharge
Closure of the accounts for 1996 and postponement of the 1997 discharge
Monday 3 May - In the debate on the discharge procedures for 1996 and 1997, President-in-Office
Karl Diller told the House that is was "crystal clear" that the battle against fraud was a top priority
for the German Presidency. Several proposals had already been approved and would feature on the
agenda for the Cologne summit in June 1999. With regard to the 1997 discharge, the President-in-
Office took the view that not only the European Commission but also the member states were to
blame.
Mr Diller acknowledged that the outgoing Commission had introduced important improvements to
make the management of several Community programmes more efficient. But that was not enough.
Many other measures still had to be taken. He urged the Commission to come forward with
proposals to modernize the financial control systems. The Council was unanimous in its conclusion
that tax payers' money should be spent as efficiently as possible. That was the permanent duty of all
those concerned.
Reporting on the 1996 discharge, James Elles (Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire East, EPP)
proposed to close the accounts for the 1996 financial year without granting formal discharge. He
recalled the reasons leading to Parliament's refusal in December 1998 to grant discharge for the 1996
accounts, namely the lack of democratic accountability or sound financial management. Mr Elles
pointed out that if Parliament had granted the discharge for 1996, the Commission would still be in
office.
Laurens-Jan Brinkhorst (Nl, ELDR) demanded that the decision on the 1997 discharge be postponed
for institutional reasons. Mr Brinkhorst's report referred to the conclusions of the first report by the
Committee of Independent Experts, published on 15th March 1999, on the allegations of fraud,
mismanagement and nepotism in the Commission. All the members of the Commission had resigned
on the day the report was published and a second report was due to be delivered in early September.
With regard to the present position of the Commission, he said: "you can't flog a dead horse" and
it was therefore up to the new Commission to deal with the 1997 discharge.
In the debate, the hope was expressed that the new Commission, under President Romano Prodi,
would take on board the conclusions of the working document annexed to the Brinkhorst report
listing the main issues raised by the Budgetary Control Committee in connection with the 1997
discharge. The new Commission President should undertake the major reforms needed to the
Commission's management, practices and working methods with the aim of introducing the
transparency, democratic accountability and efficiency which were needed.
Mr Brinkhorst also called for a new relationship between the Commission and the member states and
hoped that Parliament and the Council could improve their cooperation with regard to budgetary
control. He stressed the importance of Parliament's role as a constructive partner.
Acting Commissioner Erkki Liikaanen said he could not make any political commitments, given the
present Commission's caretaker position. He added that many improvements had already been made
although much still remained to be done. Mr Prodi could draw on all the experience amassed by the
outgoing Commission in the area of improving financial management. Mr Liikaanen told the House
that the past few months had been difficult but took the positive view that those who were concerned
for the future of the EU would endorse good budgets which ensured that tax payers' money was well
spent.
Mr Elles' resolution confirming Parliament's December 1998 decision not to approve the 1996
accounts was approved. In view of the resignation of the Commission, the matter is now considered
to be closed.
In view of the Commission's resignation, Parliament decided to postpone a vote on the 1997
accounts.
Prodi sets out his programme
Prodi sets out his programme
Tuesday 4 May - In a wide-ranging speech, Commission President designate Romano Prodi outlined
to MEPs a whole series of political priorities for a new Commission programme. Mr Prodi was
anxious to distinguish between the political and administrative role of the Commission. At an
administrative level, he said, it was essential to define the functions of the various components of the
Commission. While he was looking to fellow Commissioners to develop policy areas and exercise
political influence in this way, he said it was essential to ensure that the Commission then could act
with efficiency, true accountability and transparency. Here he felt it was important to clarify the
position of the "Cabinets" to provide the support services for individual Commissioners.
Acknowledging that in the past it had been somewhat of a grey area, he felt their role should be to
support the President and Commissioners in a "supranational way". This would then enable the
various Directorate Generals to implement policy under clearly defined responsibilities. In other
words, the implication was that the Cabinets should not be interferring in the administrative running
of the institution.
At a political level, he looked to the Commission to be instrumental in putting into place new policies
brought about by the Amsterdam Treaty and in particular creating an area "of freedom, security and
justice." The EU's foreign policy would also be strengthened and with the recent conflict in
Yugoslavia very much in mind, he looked to the eventual development of a common defence policy
to secure Europe's commitment to peace and stability on the continent. The enlargement of the EU
would reinforce the need here and in this aspect he emphasised the importance of developing close
relations with Russia. Looking to the future, he also floated the idea of an international conference
on the Balkans after the present conflict had been settled with a view to negotiating a long-term
peaceful settlement.
Mr Prodi devoted a large aspect of his speech to the euro and the development of economic and
monetary union and in particular its importance for creating international monetary stability. It
would also bring about more transparency, especially as far as prices were concerned and he
emphasised his commitment to the full liberalisation of financial services and tackling barriers still
in place, in particular State aids were still too high. At the same time, closer economic and financial
cooperation would have an implication for tax policy and while emphasising his support for tax codes
of conduct as far as capital gains and company taxes were concerned, he also felt an energy tax was
an area where closer coordination could take place. At the same time, with the goal of reducing
unemployment, he supported tax reduction, although he recognised a careful analysis would have
to be made of which aspects of current expenditure could be reduced. Other plans for the EU's
contribution to reducing unemployment included strong support for research and development and
small firms through the fifth research programme, education and training. Here he pointed out that
some 500,000 students had already benefitted from the Erasmus student exchange programme to
enable young people to study in another member state. The environment was another priority that
could contribute to creating jobs and here the emphasis should be on cleaning up Europe's cities.
Concluding, he once again emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and stability in Europe,
as without this the integration process itself would be at risk, he felt.
Council supports Prodi
Council supports Prodi
It was then the turn of the Council President in Office Günter Verheugen to endorse Mr Prodi's
candidature by reminding MEPs that he had the support of the member state governments who
considered him to be an experienced high calibre politician and a man of "vision, realism and
pragmatism." He emphasised the importance Council attached to seeing a new Commission in place
as soon as possible and also recognised the important role that the European Parliament would play
in this process. The Amsterdam Treaty strengthened both Parliament and the Commission President
in the EU structure, he said. There was also a clear commitment in Amsterdam to transparency and
democratic legitimacy, especially in view of the increased tasks now being taken on by the EU. He
singled out its role in humanitarian aid actions and in ensuring the success of enlargement as
important new responsibilities where adequate resources would have to be provided. As far as
further Treaty reforms were concerned, he felt the Commission's resignation only emphasised the
need to change existing rules to provide for individual Commissioners to be dismissed in cases where
this was warranted. The European Parliament too should be strengthened, he said, and although its
powers would increase with Amsterdam, he supported extending the co-decision procedure with
Parliament sharing legislative responsibility with the Council to all policy areas where decisions at
Council level would be taken by a majority vote. With important international challenges ahead,
especially in the area of trade, foreign policy and the introduction of the euro, there was, he said, a
vital need for a strong Commission to ensure a successful implementation of policies.
Reaction of the political groups
Reaction of the political groups
Welcoming Mr Prodi's commitment to developing policies for the Union and in particular in the area
of foreign affairs and transparency, PES group leader Pauline Green (London North) said that with
the EU taking on new responsibilities such as the euro and other areas that would affect the life of
all European citizens, it was absolutely essential that a new strong and efficient Commission was in
place. The new Commission should be able to respond to citizens' concerns and in this concept she
emphasised the importance of seeing a new body in place able to deliver and not, "the result of a jobs
carve-up" organised to placate national sensitivities. The new Commission President's role in putting
together a team able to reflect these concerns was vital. This would be "scrutinised as never before"
as MEPs would be looking for the Commission President's influence in the composition of the new
team. This would be a key factor in determining how it would operate, and indeed indicate its
strength or weaknesses. While in general, welcoming Mr Prodi's commitment, she did have one word
of criticism and that was of an absence in his speech of references to taking up particular concerns
of people living on the margins. She was looking for a commitment to eradicate poverty and wider
opportunities. With this in mind she underlined the need to develop policies to show concern for a
multi-ethnic Europe, and in particular to counter racism and xenophobia.
In his reply, Mr Prodi did in fact acknowledge these concerns, adding that he believed new
opportunities would stem from increased development in Europe of new areas such as life sciences.
Wilfried Martens (B, EPP) underlined the need to clean up the Commission and stressed the
importance of establishing a new European political and administrative culture. His group favoured
interinstitutional cooperation and an independent and balanced Commission. The new body, he said,
faced major challenges, he said, as it must help to end the crisis in Kosovo. He evoked the spirit of
the Marshall Plan which was, he said, needed again. Mr Martens also called for a real Common
Foreign and Security Policy and lamented the current imbalance of power between the EU and the
US. He noted that the Amsterdam Treaty had enshrined the idea of a common EU defence but
believed that it was still a long way off. Finally he stressed the importance of a social market
economy with equal opportunities for all.
Pat Cox (Munster, ELDR) noted that enlargement would move the EU's epicentre to the East and
that it was urgent to make progress here. He recalled the words of one Eastern European politician
who had claimed that since 1989 the Eastern Europeans had constantly been told that enlargement
was only five years away. It is time to draw a line, he said, and bring it about. It also meant that there
was a more urgent need to modernise EU democracy to prepare for enlargement. His group would
lend full support to Mr Prodi's nomination and underlined the need for there to be a political and
gender balance in the new Commission. He could understand why President-in-Office Verheugen
wanted to see the Commission being approved by the end of July but he warned that this could turn
Parliament into a rubber stamp. "Let's get it right rather than get it early", he said.
Other speakers also broadly welcomed Mr Prodi's statement. Alonso Puerta (E, EUL/NGL) was
however concerned about the stress he had laid on competition in the labour market and his group
wanted to see greater emphasisis on the fight against poverty. Jean-Claude Pasty (F, UFE) argued
that Mr Prodi's legitimacy as President of the Commission was based on constant scrutiny from
Council and Parliament. He wanted more attention to be paid to subsidiarity and proportionality.
Magda Aelvoet (B, Greens) called for a better democratic balance of power between Council,
Commission and Parliament. Catherine Lalumière (F, ERA) said that she had great hopes for Mr
Prodi and noted that the Kosovo crisis showed how fragile peace could be. Jens-Peter Bonde (DK,
I-EN) wanted a complete clean-up in the Commission and was not convinced that the problems of
irregularities and fraud would be properly tackled.
Pat the Cope Gallagher (Connacht/Ulster, UFE) noted that more staffing resources might be
necessary to enable the Commission to deal with future challenges. He also stressed the need to
ensure that the poorer regions of Europe got adequate funding. There could not be a two tier
Europe, he stressed. Finally he welcomed the prospects offered by enlargement for broadening trade
relations with 70 million extra people in the EU. Eryl McNally (Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes,
PES) stated that Parliament was now more assertive and confident and had great expectations of Mr
Prodi.. She advised him to use his managerial skills - such as management by walking about, spot
checks and responsiveness to detail. His ideas must be acceptable, she stressed, and proposals such
as tax harmonisation were not acceptable to her delegation. Mr Prodi needed to provide adequate
answers to a press that could be extremely hostile. Parliament would play the role of critical friend
to Mr Prodi, she concluded.
Replying, Mr Prodi expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him and recognised the
importance of clarity and transparency. He accepted the need to determine clear roles for
Commissioners' cabinets and wanted the high level of debate between Parliament and Commission
to continue. The market and social Europe could not be put in opposition to each other, he said,
they should be complementary. There would be no list of Commissioners until after the elections,
he said. It was important to deal with programmes first and then names. He recognised the need for
the EU to build up its defence structures but stressed that this took time. Finally he noted that the
responsibility for the economic reconstruction of the Balkans would fall principally to the
responsibility of the EU and that as the world's largest economic power it needed to take up this
challenge.
Regional policy
Regional Policy
Tuesday 4 May - The House approved several reports without debate.
Legislative proposals - post-Amsterdam changes
Legislative proposals - post-Amsterdam changes
Tuesday 4 May - The House approved Mrs Palacio Vallelersundi's resolution setting out Parliament's
guidelines for dealing with proposals falling under the new Amsterdam procedures.
Free movement of workers, fruit trees and other technical reports
Free movement of workers, fruit trees and other technical reports
Tuesday 4 May - Several technical proposals were approved without debate, some with amendment.
Request for waiver of immunity
Request for waiver of immunity
Tuesday 4 May - The House rejected the request by the Belgian authorities for the removal of Mr
Feret's immunity but accepted a request from the Portuguese authorities for the removal of Mr
Moniz's immunity.
Reduction of VAT on labour-intensive services
Reduction of VAT on labour-intensive services
Tuesday 4 May - MEPs approved a proposal designed to allow the member states to apply a reduced
VAT rate to labour-intensive activities with a number of amendments.
General economic policy guidelines
General economic policy guidelines
Tuesday 4 May - The economic policy guidelines were approved unamended.
European Pact for Employment
European Pact for Employment
Tuesday 4 May - Mr Menrad's resolution setting out Parliament's views on the European
Employment Pact to be agreed at the June Cologne Summit was approved with a number of
amendments including one which calls for concrete proposals for "mainstreaming" employment and
social policies. 
Parliament and other EU budgets
Parliament and other EU budgets
All clear for Development Fund, coal and steel budgets and the agencies
All clear for Development Fund, coal and steel budgets and the agencies
Tuesday 4 May - MEPs approved the clearance of the 1997 accounts of the 6th and 7th European
Development Funds, the 1997 coal and steel budget and the budget for the same year of the
European Foundation for the improvement of living and working conditions and the European
Centre of the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP).
The latest on Kosovo
The latest on Kosovo
Tuesday 4 May - Opening the debate for the Council President-in-Office German Foreign Minister
Joschka Fischer stated that Kosovo continued to be a humanitarian disaster with 850,000 displaced
people. It was clear, he said, that President Milosevic aimed to destabilise neighbouring countries
with the expulsion of 650,000 people to Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro. The situation in
Macedonia - which was a multiethnic state - was particularly unstable, he said. He called on member
states to take in refugees and underlined the need to maintain pressure on Belgrade to allow all
refugees to return into a territory that would be guaranteed by an international peacekeeping force
including both NATO and Russian troops. He went on to urge the importance of a Stability Pact for
the southern Balkans which were, he stressed, part of Europe. Quoting the late President Mitterand
Mr Fischer stated that "nationalism was war". He argued that the frontiers in the region should be
inviolable with autonomy for minorities and equal security for all. He wanted to see a democratic
Serbia that could be brought back into the European family. He reiterated that the Five Point Plan
drawn up at Rambouillet should be the basis for a settlement and he held out hopes for the meeting
of the G8 at ministerial level to be held in Bonn this week.
Mr Fischer's words were echoed by Acting Commissioner Hans van den Broek who also welcomed
Russian involvement in the attempts to achieve a peace settlement. He outlined the humanitarian
assistance being prepared and noted that accelerated assistance was being planned to help countries
neighbouring Kosovo.
Many speakers in the subsequent debate endorsed the line being followed by the EU. Johannes
Swoboda (A, PES) stating that "Europe is peace" stressed the importance of sufficient aid to avoid
a greater catastrophe next winter and he underlined the need to have Russia on side. Doris Pack
(D, EPP) argued for proper burden sharing in tackling the refugee crisis among member states.
Hadar Cars (S, ELDR) wanted Europe to "open its door" to the Balkan countries. Francis Wurtz
(F, EUL/NGL) condemned the violent acts of President Milosevic which, he said, had led to so many
civilian deaths. Daniel Cohn-Bendit (D, Greens) and Olivier Dupuis (I, ERA) stressed that there
could be no solution to the crisis without an adequate response to the refugee problem. Bruno
Gollnisch (F, Ind) struck a dissident note and condemned the NATO bombings of Serbia as a
"flagrant abuse of international law". Gary Titley (Greater Manchester West, PES) noted that the
ethnic cleansing in Kosovo had been continuing for ten years. He applauded the firmness of Council
during the crisis and said that Milosevic must not be allowed to win. Russia should also be involved
in the attempt to achieve a proper peace. The EU should learn from what had happened in Bosnia -
the greatest fear was long term destabilisation, he concluded.
Replying for the Commission, Emma Bonino explained the difficulties of organising the coordination
of humanitarian aid to the region in view of the fact that each member state was acting unilaterally
and not informing the others or indeed the charities on the ground of its own plans. More
consultation was needed to avoid duplication of efforts, she said. The challenge now was to put in
place more permanent forms of housing for refugees in readiness for the winter. As to the situation
of refugees, she criticised the attitude of the Macedonian authorities before warning that there was
a danger of political destabilisation in neighbouring Montenegro which was now providing a home
to 70,000 people escaping the conflict.
In adopting this resolution the House condemned the ethnic cleansing being carried out by the Serb
authorities in Kosovo and called on Belgrade to cease all military activity, to allow all refugees to
be return home and to accept the deployment of an international military force. It supports the efforts
of the United Nations to achieve a settlement and insists on the territorial integrity of Kosovo. It
calls for increased humanitarian aid to be sent to the region and for member states to take in as a
temporary measure a grester number of refugees from the region. An amendment that was narrowly
adopted calls for the "immediate indictment of the highest political and military authorities in
Belgrade, starting with Slobodan Milosevic".
A common foreign policy and an EU strategy towards Russia
A common foreign policy and an EU strategy towards Russia
Tuesday 4 May - In a wide-ranging speech, Tom Spencer (Surrey, EPP) outlined challenges facing
the EU, post-Amsterdam and, in particular, establishing a firm role on the world's stage. The
establishment of the euro had now led to expectations of similar political unity in the foreign policy
field, he said. At last the appointment of the High Representative responsible for foreign policy
would bring clear visibility and answer Dr Kissinger's famous remark "who should I call for a
European view". It should, he emphasised, bring about clarity and cohesion in the foreign policy
decision making area and further the process which in the past had been characterised by "imperfect
institutions" trying to grapple with an insecure world. The challenge now was for Europe to find a
common voice to deal with foreign policy issues whether it be in Iran, Iraq or India. Support for
human rights and human dignity was vital, he said, and that was why Europe must remain firm in
tackling the evil of ethnic cleansing.
He then drew attention to the importance of developing close links with Russia and emphasised
under the spirit of Amsterdam the importance of Council taking account of Parliament's views before
formulating a strategy. For too long such decision making has been left in the hands of diplomats
representing national interests, he said. Furthermore, he continued, the challenge of developing a
coherent strategy towards the rest of the world would be severely tested in the Balkans over the next
5 years when the EU's credibility would be at stake. It was important, he felt, for the policy in the
region to be seen in the context of enlargement. Continuing in this vein, he singled out cities such
as Sofia, Skopje, Sarejevo and Belgrade as essential parts of European culture that shared the same
civilisation. Indeed he recalled that Constantinople was once the centre of a thriving European
culture and looked to the forthcoming meeting of representatives of 5 different religions as a means
of securing peace in the region.
It was then the turn of Council President in Office Joschka Fischer to underline the importance he
attached to the Amsterdam Treaty as a means of strengthening European foreign policy through a
more coordinated approach and indeed a new representative who could bring a strong presence in
this area. While it was vital to strengthen links with Russia if peace and stability in Kosovo was to
be secured, Mr Fischer also underlined the importance of closer links with Israel and the Middle East
and also the USA with a view to settling the problems over beef hormones and bananas. In addition,
the June Cologne Summit would be used as a venue to explore ways of strengthening links between
the EU and NATO. In particular, this should lead to means of developing common peace keeping
actions. He too underlined the importance of human rights, not only in the applicant states from
Eastern Europe but also in China where, he said, the ill treatment of dissidents and minorities had
been strongly condemned. Nevertheless, there was, he said, a need to go further and ensure that the
EU was represented in vital foreign policy making organisations such as the UN and the G8.
Gary Titley (Greater Manchester West, PES) said that the crisis in Kosovo showed up the
weaknesses in the EU's defence policy and he considered that in the past the EU had been guilty of
complacency. He underlined the need to ensure that the choice of the High Representative should
not be a "fudge" - the individual appointed had to be someone who could really do the job. Mr Titley
wanted Council to listen more to Parliament, but Parliament equally should not ask for unrealistic
things. "There must be no morality without practicality", he said. He went on to call for more EU
coordination in defence procurement. Although EU defence expenditure was two thirds that of the
US, the impact was far less, he noted.
Many speakers called for a stronger CFSP. Jan Bertens (Nl, ELDR) hoped that the Amsterdam
Treaty would breathe life into the EU's defence policy and welcomed the fact that common strategies
were a step towards majority decision making in this field. However, he stressed, these policies must
have democratic legitimacy. He wanted the High Representative to appear before the Foreign Affairs
Committee and concluded by lamenting the fact that the Kosovo crisis showed that EU crisis
management was sadly lacking. Olivier Dupuis (I, ERA) called for a European peacekeeping and
peacemaking corps and for a "communitarisation" of EU foreign policy. Peter Truscott
(Hertfordshire, PES) called for a strengthening of the CFSP to give it real substance.
Concluding, Acting Commissioner Hans van den Broek welcomed Mr Spencer's report . There was
a danger, he said, of merely talking about the shortcomings of the CFSP but there were also "bright
spots" where progress had been made. The West had not delayed over the situation in Kosovo as it
had over the crisis in Bosnia where 200,000 had died. He believed that the Kosovo crisis had given
the member states the impetus to work together. He hoped that the common strategy towards Russia
would be agreed at the Cologne summit. He echoed a number of speakers by stating that the
Amsterdam Treaty offered the prospect of a more integrated approach.
The resolution adopted (A4-0242/99) stresses the need to create an effective CFSP. It goes on to
welcome the acceptance by Council of the importance of accelerating the process of integrating
Macedonia into the EU and calls on Council to remove all obstacles to Macedonian eventual
membership. An amendment also welcomes the prospect of eventual Albanian membership and calls
for a genuine Marshall Plan for the country and the opening of negotiations with Tirana with a view
to concluding an association agreement.
The House voted to adopt this resolution (A4-0219/99) which stresses the importance of a common
strategy towards Russia as a key partner of the EU. The resolution expresses regret that Parliament
was not consulted on the common strategy, but an amendment from the Socialist Group that was
passed states that any postponement of a decision on the common strategy in order to involve
Parliament could send out a negative message to Moscow
MEPs' statute - more talks ahead
MEPs' statute - more talks ahead
Tuesday 4 May - MEPs voted on a draft common Statute which provides for a same pay for all
MEPs at .5,677.22 per month. The vote will take place under a new article of the Amsterdam
Treaty which states "European Parliament shall, after seeking an opinion from the Commission and
with the approval of Council acting unanimously lay down the regulations and general conditions
governing performance of the duties of its members". At issue is whether or not the base for the
vote will be Willi Rothley's (D, PES) resolution approved on 3 December 1998 which represents
Parliament's initial view or the draft Council Agreement approved last week.
Opening the debate, Mr Rothley took the view that there were fundamental differences between
Parliament's and Council's texts. Although the amount of the salary is the same, the Council's text
allows for national taxes to be imposed. Mr Rothley argued that imposing different rates of national
taxes would infringe the principle of equality, which is the aim of the new common Statute. And,
he said, only brought in to appease the Scandinavian states, the United Kingdom and France.
Parliament's proposals also envisaged a transitional period under which MEPs can choose to be paid
a national salary or the new common European one. Proposed pension arrangements are also
different. Mr Rothley's report also argues that Council's proposals with regard to the rules on
expenses and the need to submit receipts for all expenditure are too draconian and would for
example obliges MEPs to submit receipts down to the last newspaper or spare light bulb.
Speaking on behalf of the PES, Manuel Medina Ortega (E, PES) took a different view. He felt
Council had shown a good measure of goodwill in coming towards Parliament's wishes by accepting
the principle of a common salary. While he recognised Mr Rothley's concerns and did indeed point
out that the Treaty provides for Parliament to take the final decision. He looked forward to
negotiating a compromise with Council so that there could be a speedy resolution of outstanding
differences. A similar view was expressed by Ana Palacio Vallelersundi (E, EPP) who too supported
an agreement with Council, although she felt that it should not be at the expense of breaching the
equality principle. For the Liberals, Astrid Thors (Fin, ELDR) too was anxious to secure an
agreement and did not see why it couldn't be possible to modify Council's text. A compromise
amendment would be tabled, she added. Angela Sierra González (E, EUL/NGL) too felt it would
not be proper for MEPs to reject Council's text out of hand and she too supported negotiations to
get an acceptable agreement. Mr Joost Lagendijk (Nl, Greens) was more forthright and warned that
public opinion would hold MEPs to account if Parliament failed to adopt a text. Jens-Peter Bonde
(DK, I-EN) in supporting the Council version, said that he would prefer to pay national taxation in
the same way that the voters did.
For the Commission, Mr Oreja too recognised the importance of reaching an agreement as soon as
possible. He did however feel it was reasonable to include transitional arrangements. It was now
up to Parliament to decide if Council's text was acceptable, he concluded.
Key points from the Draft Statute for salaries and other conditions for MEPs as agreed by Council
.
A monthly salary or Parliamentary allowance of . 5,677.22 to be paid out of the EU budget.
At its meeting, the Conference of Presidents agreed the importance of reaching an agreement on the
Statute if possible before the elections and "took note" of the liberal amendment to replace the first
article of Mr Rothley's draft resolution.
MEPs voted 376 to 140 with 31 abstentions in favour of a resolution instructing Parliament's
working party to pursue negotiations with Council to settle outstanding differences over the statute
with a view to reaching an agreement before the end of 1999 and if possible before the end of this
Parliament.
Selling mortgages on the Net: Consumer safeguards
Selling mortgages on the Net: Consumer safeguards
Tuesday 4 May - The House debated a report on a proposed Community directive on the distance
marketing of consumer financial services.
The report was drafted by Ria Oomen-Ruijten (Nl, EPP) on behalf of the Committee on the
Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection.
The aim of the proposal is to facilitate the sale by telephone, fax, internet and (in France) Minitel of
financial services such as banking, insurance, investment and mortgages while, at the same time,
protecting consumers from fraud, high-pressure salesmanship and certain unsolicited sales
communications.
The main argument in the debate was between two camps, the "maximalists" and the "minimalists".
The "maximalists" , which include Mrs Oomen-Ruijten and members of her group, want the
legislation to set maximum Community standards from which member states would not be allowed
to diverge (even for the purpose of improving on them) since this could cause confusion in cross-
border sales instead of creating a level playing-field in the interests of the single market. This
position is in line with the original Commission proposal. It is also backed, in Council, by the United
Kingdom and the Netherlands. The "minimalists", on the other hand, want the legislation to set
minimum standards on which member states would be free to improve.
Contradictory opinions have been given by Parliament's legal and economic committees, the former
favouring minimal harmonization (at least for the present) and the latter wanting maximum
harmonization.
Mrs Oomen-Ruijten told the House that she was opposed to the way the proposal had been dealt
with in committee. She confirmed her support for the Commisson's proposal for maximum
harmonization. However, she agreed that all consumers should have a high level of protection,
particularly when it came to cross-border trading. In particular, she wanted the consumer to be able
to "opt out" when it came to unsolicited sales advertising.
Those arguing for minimal harmonization recognized that the internet had an exciting potential for
new transactions, industrial expansion and jobs but this should never be at the expense of individual
consumers. The maximalists must show how they proposed to raise the levels of consumer
protection. Consumers were concerned about fraud in electronic commerce: this concern would not
be allayed by diminishing consumer protection.
Replying to the debate, Acting Consumer Affairs Commissioner Emma Bonino made three points:
(1) Financial services were perfectly suited to distance and (with the help of the euro) cross-border
marketing. Moreover, the rights of consumers must be viewed alongside the rights of other sectors.
This proposal was in the interests of both business and consumers. Both sides needed to know that
the same rules would apply wherever the services came from. Hence the Commission maintained its
proposal for full (ie maximum) harmonization; (2) The Commission could accept the principle of
providing the consumer with additional or summary information in this horizontal directive, but there
must be no overlap with the specific provisions of other vertical directives; and (3) The Commission
accepted the principle of a general right to withdraw from a contract but it needed to review the
duration and scope of such a provision.
The Commission's proposal was approved together with a number of amendments designed to
strengthen consumer protection in particular against the fraudulent use of credit cards.
Charges for the use of infrastructure: heavy goods vehicles
Charges for the use of infrastructure: heavy goods vehicles
Tuesday 4 May - Georg Jarzembowski (D, EPP) told the House that he was quite surprised to see
the latest version of his recommendation for second reading on the charging of heavy good vehicles
under a number A4-0000/99 which he claimed not to have read before, which existed in French only
and which had not been discussed in the Committee on Transport and Tourism. The problem was
due to the modified procedure following the entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam and the fact
that his recommendation is now subject to the codecision procedure.
At the last meeting of the Committee on Transport and Tourism under the Maastricht Treaty in April
Mr Jarzembowski's report was under the cooperation procedure. The rapporteur asked that the vote
be postponed. Furthermore the Committee of the Regions had not been asked for an opinion. The
acting President assured the rapporteur that Parliament's legal service would examine his objections
before the vote.
Mr Jarzembowski reminded the House that at first reading in July 1997, Parliament had called on the
Commission to submit a proposal within a year dealing with the extra charges to each type of
transport so that they could all be imposed simultaneously. Parliament deleted user charges for
"sensitive routes". In the special case of the Brenner motorway, the Council was permitted, under
the procedure laid down in the EU Treaty, to authorize the member states concerned to increase toll
charges by a cost component to help achieve and and maintain a sustainable distribution of Traffic
within the Alpine region. Parliament also amended the maximum annual user charges (in euro per
year) for the various vehicle categories Euro I, Euro II vehicles.
It took 18 months before Council presented its common position on 18 January 1999, in which some
key Parliament amendments had been incorporated. The main result of the incorporation of these
amendments was that there will be no upper limit for vehicle taxes. Also, on the basis of a special
provision, Greece can be granted a temporary 50% reduction on the user charges. The proposal will
also not affect vehicles in the overseas territories of member states or registered in the Canary
Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, the Azores or Madeira. The Council did not follow Commission and
Parliament with respect to the differentiation of vehicle taxes according to emission (EURO)
categories of vehicles. It maintained the same minimum rates of vehicle taxes laid down in Directive
93/89/EEC.
With respect to user charges, a special provision had been introduced in the common position
allowing Austria to apply a toll on the motorway section between Kufstein and Brenner in a way that
complies with the general conditions on the application of user charges in the directive. According
to Mr Jarzembowski, the Commission complaint concerning excessive Austrian toll charges should
be allowed to stand in the interest of those market participants affected by them. Earlier, a majority
in the Committee on Transport and Tourism had not followed its rapporteur. And during the debate
Hannes Swoboda (A, PES) and Niels Sindal (Dk, PES) claimed that the common position could be
adopted as it stood.
Acting Commissioner Neil Kinnock said that it was nearly four years since the European Court of
Justice annulled the first and only Directive on road charging, nearly three years since the
Commission submitted its first proposal to replace it and nearly two years since the report was
debated at first reading. He hoped that adoption of a new directive on the Eurovignette could now
take place very soon. Although the common position was clearly a compromise, it represented a
useful first move towards fair and efficient pricing in road transport. An acceptable balance had been
reached between what was needed and what was feasible. The common position was also consistent
with the aims pursued by a substantial majority in the EP over several years.
Praise for the President
Praise for the President
Wednesday 5 May - At the end of Parliament's fourth term of office President José Maria Gil Robles
came before the House to speak on his two and a half years as President. He reminded MEPs of the
challenges that Parliament had faced in that period, including the intergovernmental conference from
which it had emerged strengthened; enlargement; the launch of the euro; the revision of the financial
perspectives and Agenda 2000; and the preparations for the next European elections. He also pointed
to the internal reforms with the work done on the members' statute, the new systems of promotion
and mobility, and the increased emphasis on transparency and efficiency. However all was not
positive, he stressed, and Parliament's warnings about Kosovo had not been heeded until too late.
There was a need to construct a stable system of cooperation between the EU institutions in a
relationship in which Parliament was no longer the junior partner.
Speakers from the political groups subsequently paid tribute to Mr Gil Robles. Wilfried Martens (B,
EPP) stated that the European Parliament had in recent years developed into a real Parliament with
effective powers and that this was in so small measure due to Mr Gil Robles.
Pauline Green (London North, PES) also paid tribute to the "work, profile and commitment" of
President Gil Robles during "one of the most unique periods in the life of the Parliament",
particularly the last "tumultuous" six months. She noted in particular that Mr Gil Robles had always
been accessible to MEPs. Mrs Green considered it a happy coincidence that the first week of the
Amsterdam Treaty coincided with the last week of the current Parliament and she concluded by
paying tribute to a "thoughtful, deeply committed and heartfelt European". Pat Cox (Munster,
ELDR) also wished to be associated with the thanks being paid to Mr Gil Robles and applauded in
particular the President's personal commitment to institutional reform. He praised the "courtesy and
openness" of a "frank and decent man".
Other speakers also paid tribute to the President. Alonso Puerta (E, EUL/NGL) praised Mr Gil
Robles's efficiency and independence from government or party pressure. Parliament had grown up
during his time in office, said Mr Puerta. Friedrich Wolf (D, Greens) also stressed his appreciation
of Mr Gil Robles's sense of fairness and stated that the President had done a great deal for the House.
Gerald Collins (Munster, UFE) praised the President's very able leadership and particularly his work
in developing stronger links with the applicant countries and his sense of humour. Finally Jens-Peter
Bonde (DK, I-EN) also expressed his thanks to Mr Gil Robles, and welcomed the fact that some
attempt had been made to tackle the abuses of members' expenses although there was much still to
do.
The June Cologne Summit
The June Cologne Summit
Wednesday 5 May - The Council President-in-Office Günter Verheugen outlined the agenda of the
Cologne Summit to take place on 3rd and 4th June. Against a background of the continuing conflict
in Kosovo, he began by emphasising the commitment of the fifteen to see refugees returned to their
homeland. The international community could just not stand by while murder and displacement on
this scale was taking place, he said. He reminded MEPs of the long-term plan for stability in the
region, launched by the German Presidency last month, and said that further discussions were
planned later in the month. Another important issue for the Summit would be the Employment Pact
where here, he emphasised, the strategy for tackling unemployment at an EU level would be based
on targeting youth and long-term unemployment as well as promoting equal opportunities. It was
important to coordinate national policies at a European level.
Institutional reform is another issue to be touched upon at Cologne as government leaders prepare
for an IGC to be convened next year with a view to settling outstanding issues from the Amsterdam
Summit known, as the "Amsterdam Triangle" ie. qualified majority voting, the "weighting" of votes
in Council to reflect the size of different countries and a reduction in the number of Commissioners.
He did emphasise the importance of reaching an agreement on these points to set the right signals
for the applicant member states. The Presidency was also planning a new initiative with a Charter
of Fundamental Rights, said Mr Verheugen, while as far as the Common Foreign and Security Policy
was concerned, he underlined the importance of close links with Russia and developing the defence
aspect of EU foreign policy and in particular, defining the role of the WEU as a means of enabling
Europe to act independently of the United States.
It was then the turn of Acting President of the Commission Jacques Santer to draw attention to the
fact that Europe would now be facing major changes with the election of a new Parliament and the
appointment of a new Commission which, he emphasised, would need the support of the European
Parliament. He looked forward to these moves as providing a fresh impetus to integration. As far
as the Balkans were concerned, he pointed out that the EU would be very much involved in the
reconstruction process after the war and that the Commission would play a key coordinating role
along with the World Bank. He did feel however, there was a need for an EU strategy for the region
and he also agreed with Council President's attachment to the importance of the EU developing a
clear defence identity. As to the economy, while growth prospects were not looking terribly bright
at the moment, he did point out that there was a return of consumer confidence and that the
European Bank's decision to cut interest rates had also generated an element of optimism. This
remark however, later drew a comment from Elmar Brok (D, EPP) who underlined the independence
of the European Central Bank, adding that its role should not be considered part of a policy-making
strategy. Mr Santer did however feel that there was still a need to speed up structural reforms of the
economy, but felt that the economic policy guidelines now published for each member state formed
the basis of developing a more coordinated economic policy strategy. He looked forward to the
European Employment Pact building on the Luxembourg process and felt that it was now making
a real contribution to a coordinated approach to the question. He too was anxious to see
institutional reforms carried out and warned that any delay would only jeopardise the enlargement
process. Yet it was vital for political will to be there if these reforms were to be achieved.
Turning to the role of the European Commission itself, he felt that it was inconsistent for the member
states to, at the same time, call for subsidiarity and fresh EU initiatives to be carried out by a strong
political body. While the events of the last few months leading to the Commission's resignation had
shown the need for administrative reforms, Mr Santer said that this should not mean that the
Commission should be reduced to a mere secretariat of the Council. And, in addition to the
institutional reforms to be brought in such as an extension of qualified majority voting, he also
supported an extension of co-decision for the European Parliament and went further by emphasising
the need for "collective responsibility" of Commissioners to be accompanied by "individual
accountability". Europe for the future needed to be strengthened by all those involved working
together so that the EU could speak with one voice.
In the ensuing debate Biagio De Giovanni (I, PES) too, underlined the need to settle the institutional
issue and indeed he raised the question of a European constitution where he felt at this stage it was
important to lay down basic principles and values that citizens could relate to. For Manuel Medina
Ortega (E, PES), the Employment Pact was important, although he was concerned that the financial
provisions for the years 2000 to 2006 would not be sufficient for the EU to make a real contribution.
He too agreed on the need to change the institutional structure before enlargement and to develop
a strong foreign and security policy. Mr Brok was concerned to see close relations with Russia, while
Antoinette Spaak (F, ELDR) took the view that Kosovo showed the need for a strong European
policy that unfortunately had been lacking in the past due to the national pre-occupations of Europe's
political leaders.
Concluding the debate President-in-Office Günther Verheugen argued that at a time of crisis Europe
grew closer together and integration took on a new dynamic. The prospect offered by the EU was
far more attractive than the old conflict ridden vision of Europe offered by President Milosevic.
Proposals to start association negotiations with Macedonia and Albania were also a result of the
crisis on Kosovo and would not have happened so early otherwise. He believed that the European
Employment Pact could help to achieve macro-economic cooperation and on institutional reform he
stressed that the German Presidency was starting a medium and long term process which would
advance gradually. However he welcomed the steps taken with the Amsterdam Treaty to streamline
the institutions.
MEPs adopted a resolution setting out Parliament's priorites for the forthcoming Cologne summit.
Parliament is looking to the new Commission President not only to undertake a 'root and branch
reform' of administration but to give a new political direction to the EU. The resolution welcomes
the call for a European Employment Pact and supports the package of economic measures at both
the national and European level. MEPs also want the role of the High Representative, to be
appointed at the summit, to be clarified and the successful candidate is invited to appear before the
Foreign Affairs Committee.There is support for a common strategy with Russia and closer relations
with the WEU. MEPs are also looking for an initiative from the European Council to cancel the debt
of the poorest developing countries.
Agenda 2000
Agenda 2000
Wednesday 5 May - President-in-Office Günther Verheugen began by arguing that the package on
CAP agreed at Berlin was the broadest one so far and that EU agricultural prices could gradually
approximate to world prices. He stressed the need to develop rural areas and to encourage
agricultural production. He then spoke of the importance of combating unemployment and the
money that would be made available for the 2000 to 2006 period. He noted that own resources
would stay within the ceiling of 1.27% of overall GNP and would stay within the 1.13% ceiling up
to 2006. He then spoke on the other expenditure that had been agreed upon at Berlin, including
funding of .22bn for the pre-accession strategy. These funds, he stressed were ring-fenced and
could not be spent elsewhere if enlargement were not to go ahead. In conclusion Mr Verheugen
stressed that there were no winners or losers at Berlin and Council seemed to have got it right.
Acting Commissioner Monika Wulf Mathies began by arguing that strengthening European
integration was essential as the alternative was a situation such as had occurred in Kosovo. Council,
she said, must look beyond Agenda 2000 and possibly revise the financial perspective because of the
needs of the Balkan region. The Berlin summit, she said, closed two years of discussion and
represented a success for Europe at a difficult time. Agricultural and rural policy expenditure would
be coming increasingly under the co-decision procedure with more of a say for Parliament, she noted.
She believed that the CAP reforms would lead to a more competitive agricultural sector. She also
believed that social and economic cohesion in Europe would be strengthened and support for the
weaker regions would be assured. She also wanted to see the creation of sustainable and durable
jobs.
Endorsement for Prodi
Endorsement for Prodi
Wednesday 5 May - There was applause all round the House after Parliament voted 392 to 72 with
41 abstentions to approve the nomination of Romano Prodi as President of the Commission for the
rest of their term of office i.e. to run until the end of the year. The new President will now put
together a new team in conjunction with the member states and proposed candidates will face
Parliamentary hearings in the summer.
Environment and conservation of tropical forests
Environment and conservation of tropical forests
Wednesday 5 May - The two Commission proposals were approved together with amendments from
the Development Committee..
South Africa
South Africa
Wednesday 5 May - The proposal was approved with a number of amendments.
Consumer protection and guarantees
Consumer protection and guarantees
Safeguards for children's foods
Safeguards for children's foods
Wednesday 5 May - The conciliation agreement was approved.
Tractor pollution
Tackling natural disasters
Tackling natural disasters
Wednesday 5 May - The Commission's proposal was approved with amendments.
EU-US relations
EU-US relations
Wednesday 5 May - In adopting this resolution without amendment the House called on the
Commission to maintain the ban on hormone-treated meat and expressed its opposition to a labelling
scheme to solve the present problem as it considered that it did not ensure adequate consumer
information. The resolution also supports the Commission's challenge in the WTO against the
unilateral sanctions imposed by the US on EU products which was a result of the banana dispute.
However the resolution also calls for strenuous efforts to be made through all possible avenues to
resolve future EU-US trade disputes.
Estimate for year 2000
Estimate for year 2000
Wednesday 5 May - MEPs approved the estimates for running Parliament next year at .975m.
New co-decision procedure
New co-decision procedure
Wednesday 5 May - MEPs approved a joint declaration agreed with Council and the Commission
on procedures for dealing with legislation post-Amsterdam.
Welcome for Agenda 2000
Welcome for Agenda 2000
Consultation procedure
Co-decision procedure - second reading. 314 votes required for amendments to be adopted.
Wednesday 5 May - MEPs discussed a wide ranging series of reports covering the proposed reforms
agreed at the Berlin Summit in March to streamline the Structural Funds and overhaul the Common
Agricultural Policy in the light of the Agenda 2000 proposals. In general there was broad support
from the House for the agreement and the funding package of .213 bn agreed for the next seven
years but MEPs were determined that the measures to smooth the accession of the new member
states should not be carried out at the expense of the existing 15.
Some 70% is earmarked for priority Objective 1 regions which include Cornwall, South Yorkshire,
West Wales and Merseyside in the UK and parts of Ireland after a redrawn map. Compensation is
to be provided for areas losing out such as the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and Northern
Ireland. The new package also considerably reduces the areas of Europe entitled to second priority
Objective 2 assistance. The package is also intended to benefit coastal villages and towns dependent
on fisheries, a move welcomed by Parliament's fisheries committee.
In recommending approval of the Agenda 2000 package, Arlene McCarthy (Peak District, PES)
welcomed Council's acceptance of Parliament's concern to see the poorest parts of the EU, i.e.
Objective 1 regions to receive the lion's share of funding. This would be particularly helpful to areas
like Merseyside, she added. Council had also shown itself flexible by responding to Parliament's
desire to see special funding for cities through the URBAN initiative.
Gerard Collins (Munster, UFE) welcomed the agreement on the Cohesion Fund which will provide
some .18bn for the four member states concerned; i.e. Spain, Ireland, Portugal and Greece, over
the next seven years. It was, he said, a vital ingredient that would help to redress imbalances. He
accepted that there would be a mid term review of the Fund so that countries which had progressed
and exceeded the 90% of GNP criterion would no longer be entitled to assistance. He was also
supportive of aspects of the Fund that would ensure respect for the environment.
Edward Kellett-Bowman (Itchen, Test and Avon, EPP) welcomed an agreement by Council to
accept a figure of .4.6bn for financing the Trans European Networks in the 2000-2006 period. The
responsible acting Commissioners Padraig Flynn, Franz Fischler, Erkki Liikanen and Neil Kinnock
all welcomed the Agenda 2000 agreement with Mr Flynn looking to MEPs to put the finishing
touches to the social aspects of the programme. Mr Fischler, while accepting that the agriculture
agreement, fell short of the Commission's original proposals, did say that it represented the most far
reaching changes to the CAP since its conception. In future policy would be geared more toward
promoting sustainable development and taking account of the interests of rural areas.
All of the proposals were subsequently approved with amendments.
Shopping dispute over unwanted e-mails
Shopping dispute over unwanted e-mails
Thursday 6 May - Recommending approval, subject to amendment, of a Commission proposal to lay
down clear guidelines controlling electronic commerce and shopping on the Internet, Christine Oddy
(Coventry and North Warwickshire, PES) raised the question of how to control unwanted e-mails
known as "spamming". While the Commission's proposal only suggests identifying junk e-mails, Mrs
Oddy wants consumers to be able to opt out by signing up to an official register. Phillip Whitehead
(Staffordshire East and Derby, PES) agreed, warning that to restrict material on the Internet would
violate the principle of free movement. Graham Watson (Somerset and North Devon, ELDR)
however, contended that this did not go far enough to deal with what he described as "a nuisance".
He noted that he had received 42 unwanted e-mails last week and there was an increased tendency
for a percentage of these to be pornographic. And, he continued, this practice, since it involved the
consumer paying the telephone bill, was costing businesses in the UK and Ireland an estimated £5bn
a year. The opt-out register, he argued, would just not be workable and instead he was proposing
a total ban on unwanted e-mails and by reversing the process so that those wanting to receive
information could positively register to do so.
When it came to the vote however, Parliament followed Ms Oddy's line and approved an amendment
which would allow member states to take measures to enable consumers to be entered in an opt-out
register.
As to other aspects of the proposal, Ms Oddy supported the principle of basing legislation on the
"home country" principle and was anxious to ensure that there were sufficient safeguards in place
to control rogue companies operating on the Net. Consumers must be confident that he or she was
dealing with a reputable organisation when paying for goods by credit card. Another point, she said,
was to ensure a balance between companies' concerns over copyright and infringements over the use
of, for example, logos and at the same time ensure respect for civil liberties and ensure the free
provision of information on the Internet. While Karsten Hoppenstedt (D, EPP) emphasised the
importance of establishing guidelines to control a business which, he said, would be worth $200bn
in the next century, Renate Heinisch (D, EPP) raised the question of sales of medicines across the
Net. Indeed, Gerhard Hager (A, Ind) was also concerned about the possibility of misleading
advertising and health risks as far as drugs were concerned and urged proper controls here. Bryan
Cassidy (Dorset and East Devon, EPP) on the other hand was concerned to see that the proposal
would be based on principles of liberalisation. He felt that some of the amendments were too much
in the regulatory direction and would interfere with the free movement of goods.
For the Commission, Mr Liikanen could accept many of the proposed amendments which he said
would clarify the text, although he could not go along with others which he felt would introduce an
element of legal uncertainty.
The proposal was approved with numerous amendments from the Legal Affairs Committee including
the one designed to set up an opt-out register for junk e-mail and another to allow "surveillance" of
activities on the Internet. Other amendments relate to the liability of providers and legal procedures.
Technical reports
Technical reports
Thursday 6 May - The above first reading proposals were approved.
Electronic interchange of data
Electronic interchange of data
Thursday 6 May - The common position was approved.
VAT on telecommunications
VAT on telecommunications
Thursday 6 May - The Commission's proposal to amend the 6th VAT directive by moving the place
of taxation away from that of the location of the telecoms company to the place where the service
is received, was approved with amendments designed to allow flexibility by allowing the member
states in certain cases to impose VAT on the supplier of the services.
The Berlin Agreement and the financial perspectives - 2000-2006
The Berlin Agreement and the financial perspectives - 2000-2006
Thursday 6 May - Following negotiations with Council, MEPs adopted a provisional text to form
a new institutional agreement between Parliament, Council and the Commission to cover EU
spending over the next 7 years in the light of the Berlin Agreement. In principle, this provides for
increases of around .1.5bn over the 7-year period for the EU's internal policies (Category 3). There
is also provision for flexibility with a possibility of an extra .200m each year to be spent on areas
of categories of expenditure up against limits. The draft interinstitutional agreement also includes
a series of declarations to ensure continuity of spending in the structural funds and overseeing
developments such as the impact of the Balkan war.
Changes in the financial perspective after Parliament's vote
Changes in the financial perspective after Parliament's vote
In recommending approval of the financial perspectives, Joan Colom i Naval (E, PES) had noted that Council had come some way to accepting Parliament's concerns over such issues, for example, as the classification of expenditure and increasing the amounts available under Category 3 for internal policies and Category 5 for administration to take into account the cost of pensions. He felt a breakthrough had been achieved which would enable long running disputes over "compulsory" and "non-compulsory " expenditure and Parliament's role to be resolved. He also welcomed the fact that there would be some margin for the funding of enlargement.
Protection of workers from the risks of explosive atmospheres
Protection of workers from the risks of explosive atmospheres
Thursday 6 May - The common position was approved with a number of amendments designed to
strengthen safety provisions.
EC-Mexico Partnership Agreement
EC-Mexico Partnership Agreement
Thursday 6 May - The agreement was approved.
Commission's implementing powers
Commission's implementing powers
Thursday 6 May - A proposal governing the implementing powers of the Commission was approved
with a number of amendments designed to strengthen Parliament's role and promote transparency
by making all non-confidential documents publically available.
Institutional reform
Institutional reform
Thursday 6 May - With an IGC to consider institutional reforms due to begin next year, MEPs
adopted a resolution designed to strengthen Parliament's control over the Commission President by
making the approval vote conditional on commitments made. The resolution emphasises the
importance of involving Parliament in the negotiations to given the importance of democratic
legitimacy.
Budget 2000 - President signs inter- institutional agreement Code of Conduct
Budget 2000 - President signs interinstitutional agreement and Code of Conduct
Thursday 6 May - Following the approval of the agreement reached with Council over the future
financing of the EU, Parliament's President José Maria Gil Robles this afternoon signed a new
interinstitutional agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on
budgetary discipline and improvement of the budgetary procedure.
"This brings to a close our work on the Agenda 2000 package reforming the CAP and the structural
funds and setting a financial framework for the next seven years. Parliament has played a crucial part
in the framing of this new legislation and has also made substantial progress on the agreement
reached in Berlin" he said.
The President paid tribute to the Parliamentary committees which have thoroughly scrutinised the
19 Commission proposals and come forward with significant proposals for improvement. He also
paid tribute to the Commission and Council for the exemplary way in which they have worked with
Parliament both to incorporate improvements proposed by Parliament and to complete the whole
exercise in the present legislature.
The European Commission can now take the necessary action to bring in the new structural
programmes from the beginning of 1999.
The President also signed a Code of Conduct on the implementation of structural policies by the
Commission allowing Parliament to participate fully in the application and evaluation of the structural
funds.
Support for fixed term employees' rights
Support for fixed term employees' rights
Thursday 6 May - Parliament welcomed the agreement reached between employers' organisations
and trade union bodies that would improve the quality of fixed term employment .
Call for free elections in East Timor
Call for free elections in East Timor
Thursday 6 May - In this resolution the House condemned the massacres carried out by pro-
Indonesian paramilitary forces in East Timor and demanded that the Indonesian authorities suspend
all their support to these groups. They went on to call for a drastic reduction of Indonesian forces
in the territory as a necessary precondition for holding a free ballot and implementing a peaceful
process of self-determination. An amendment that was adopted calls for the creation of a climate of
security and peace in the region.
Support for Mid East peace process
Support for Mid East peace process
Thursday 6 May - An independent Palestinian state and recognition of the State of Israel's existence
were the demands of the House in this resolution which also supports the peace process in the
Middle East, calling on all concerned to promote the resumption of peace talks.
Human rights: Death penalty condemned
Human rights
Thursday 6 May - The House welcomed the adoption by the UN Commission on Human Rights of
the resolution on the abolition of the death penalty and reiterated its support for abolition.
Fair trial for Ocalan
Fair trial for Ocalan
Thursday 6 May - In this resolution the House called on the Turkish authorities to ensure a fair trial
for the Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan and expressed some concerns about the conduct of legal
proceedings to date.
Call to stop crackdown on Malaysian reform movement
Call to stop crackdown on Malaysian reform movement
Thursday 6 May - MEPs urged the Malaysian authorities to stop its "politically motivated
crackdown" on supporters of the reform movement, opposition parties and NGO activists. It also
urged the authorities to stop the "excessive use of force by police" and to bring to justice those
responsible for carrying out abuses. The resolution also calls for reform of the Malaysian legal system
to prevent such abuses.
Human rights in Djibouti
Human rights in Djibouti
Thursday 6 May - The House voted to condemn the violations of human rights in Djibouti and in
particular the ill treatment of prisoners. It also called for the release of all political prisoners and a
reopening of political dialogue.
Support for International Criminal Court
Support for International Criminal Court
Thursday 6 May - The House welcomed the ratification by three countries of the Statute of the
International Criminal Court, but noted that in order for the Court to be established ratification by
at least 60 countries is necessary. They urged member states to take all necessary steps to ratify the
Statute so that it might become operational by the end of the year 2000.
Comoros coup condemned
Comoros coup condemned
Thursday 6 May -The House condemned the coup d'état in the Comoros and called for the
immediate restoration of the rule of law and the reopening of all the institutions that have been closed
down in the wake of the coup.
Concern over Czech nuclear plant
Concern over Czech nuclear plant
Thursday 6 May - The House in this resolution expressed its concern at the safety of the Temelin
nuclear plant in the Czech Republic and, while accepting that sovereign states had the right to
determine their energy options - including the nuclear option - stressed the importance of close
monitoring of the situation and appropriate support to be provided for alternative energy options.
MEP questions her rights
MEP questions her rights
Thursday 6 May - Christine Oddy (Coventry and North Warwickshire, PES) in a personal statement
to the House announced that she had received a letter from the General Secretary of the Labour
Party informing her that she had been suspended from the party. She requested urgent clarification
from the President on her rights and obligations as a member. She promised however that she would
continue to carry out her duties to the best of her ability.
Officials' Statute
Officials' Statute
Friday 7 May - The proposal on daily subsistence allowance rates for officials on mission was
adopted
Staff regulations
Staff regulations
Friday 7 May - The proposal was adopted
Charging of heavy goods vehicles
Charging of heavy goods vehicles
Friday 7 May - The common position was adopted subject to a report from the Committee of the
Regions
Mutual recognition of qualifications
Mutual recognition of qualifications
Friday 7 May - The joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee on the recognition of
qualifications for certain professions was approved
Trade statistics
Trade statistics
Friday 7 May - The joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee on the statistics relating to
the trading of goods between member states was adopted.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications
Friday 7 May - The resolution on the lawful interception of telecommunications in relation to new
technologies was approved.
Insolvency laws
Insolvency laws
Friday 7 May - The resolution on the Convention on Insolvency Proceeding was adopted.
Hanover 2000
Hanover 2000
Friday 7 May - The resolution on EU participation in the Hanover 2000 exhibition was adopted
European Textiles market
European Textiles market
Friday 7 May - The joint resolution on the problems faced by the EU textiles market as a result of
mass imports of low-priced textiles was adopted by 63 votes to 6 with 1 abstention.
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