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ALDE News

• October 11, 2010
• 9:22

  Serbian Gay Rights parade marred by violence

   » ‎ ALDE News

  The first Gay Pride parade in Serbia since a march in 2001 took place yesterday amid violent clashes provoked by far-right extremists. While the Gay Pride parade was moving though centre Belgrade, several hundred protesters shouted "death to homosexuals" while trying to get close to the march. Thousands of police had sealed off central Belgrade to protect the event. More than 100 people were injured, mostly police officers, while the centre Belgrade was demolished by the hooligans.

   

  EP rapporteur Jelko Kacin (ALDE/LDS) sharply criticized attempts by hooligans and far-right extremists to prevent the first Gay Pride parade from taking place in Belgrade. “Incidents and outbreaks of violence that took place yesterday are not only to an attack on basic human rights of the parade’s participants, but they amount to an attack on the very rule of law in the country. Pictures of Belgrade under a virtual siege that have travelled around the world today convey a particularly negative message that there is a significant lack of basic human tolerance towards minorities in Serbia. Today’s events also question the efficiency of the country’s institutions and their ability to guarantee public order and the right to assembly and freedom of expression. I wish to convey my solidarity with the injured police officers and citizens” Kacin was quoted as saying.

   

  On the other hand, he warned that it is essential that the government take all necessary steps in order to put an end to extremist organizations, of which a great number still hasn’t been banned despite the fact that evidently violate the constitution. “Gay Pride parades have come to be routine manifestations of openness and tolerance in a vast majority of EU countries. In the neighbouring Croatia, pride parades have taken place annually without any major incidents since 2002. Unfortunately, Belgrade has missed a unique opportunity to demonstrate on a most vivid case that the rule of law has been firmly established in the country. The government needs to employ all institutional mechanisms in order to bring to an end all forms of violent extremism”, stated Kacin.

   

  “I would single out the role of minister of interior affairs Ivica Dacic and LDP leader Cedomir Jovanovic who unequivocally supported the parade. All political establishment needs to react to today’s events. The message that was sent today from the streets of Belgrade can have only negative effect on the decision of the Dutch government and parliament regarding next steps in Serbia’s European integration process. Public order and rule of law need to be restored as soon as possible”, added Kacin.

• October 07, 2010
• 11:34

  ALDE urges visa-free travel for citizens of Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina

   » ‎ ALDE News

  The European Parliament has voted by an overwhelming majority to approve a European Commission proposal to grant visa-free travel to the EU's Schengen zone for nationals of Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Most EU states plus 3 non-EU states belong to Schengen. The decision now passes to the Council of Ministers.

  
ALDE MEP Sarah LUDFORD (Liberal Democrat, UK) said: "The European Union is a project designed for security in the broadest sense through opening minds and horizons in order to build a continent of peace and prosperity. Visa-free travel will promote the European integration of Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina through widening the experience and outlook of its citizens and combating nationalism, conflict and ethnic hatred, thereby increasing security of EU citizens too."
"Visa waiver is of course a privilege not to be abused, only for short term tourist, visitor and business travel.

  With the 2 states concerned having fulfilled all the required conditions concerning law enforcement, corruption and illegal migration, it would be a betrayal of a solemn 'road map' promise of long standing for any EU Member State now to block it." concluded Ludford"Visa liberalisation is for the people and not a reward for politicians.

  Last year, Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina failed to secure visa liberalisation because they did not do their political homework and did not fulfill their obligations to their citizens. They succeeded, this year, but at the very last second leaving some doubts.

  We welcome visa liberalisation for our friends, partners, and dear neighbours from both countries, because they contribute to building a common, better, richer and more extended European Union." said ALDE MEP Jelko KACIN (LDS, Slovenia)"Today's decision of the European Parliament to abolish visas is our common achievement, and an important political and a sincere human message. But both governments must still keep working hard to fulfil and respect rules and obligations." concluded Kacin.

• 6:15

  ALDE ready to reject 2011 budget if Council does not consider new system of own resources.

   » ‎ ALDE News

  The Lisbon Treaty puts the European Parliament on equal footing with the Council where budgetary codecision is concerned and the members of parliament intend to use this new power to put into action their fundamental choices. The 2011 budget must mark the first step in this new approach to the EU budgetary process. For this reason ALDE wishes to establish a time table for creating a new system of own resources, in the perspective of the revision of the financial framework so that we can once and for all finish with the disastrous concept for the Union of "net contributors".
  
  "The economic situation gives a particular responsibility to the European Union, and the budget is our principal instrument" declares Guy VERHOFSTADT, ALDE president.  "There will be no 2011 budget if we cannot find an agreement with the Council on the following three points.  First of all, we want a declaration that will give the EU a new own resource, the details of which to be discussed at a later date.  We also ask for the inclusion in future of a European Financial Stability Mechanism as long as the ongoing bond crisis justifies. Lastly, we demand that the Council stops its policy of piecemeal adjustments to the budget for each new expenditure item it introduces, but rather foresees corresponding revenue to avoid budgetary complications such as those affecting the ITER project or Galileo", continued M. Verhofstadt.
  
  "The Liberals and Democrats understand the necessity for a rigorous management of public funds and support any initiatives aiming to contain the administrative expenses of the Parliament, and invite the other institutions to do the same", concluded Anne JENSEN (Venstre, Denmark), ALDE coordinator for the Parliamentary Committee on Budgets (COBU).
  
  Note to the editors:
  
  Following today's vote on the budgetary project of COBU, the following steps are:
  

  • October 11th: Trilogue Commission/Council/Parliament
  • October 18 to 22nd: First and only Parliament reading at the Strasbourg Plenary
  • October 26th: Reconciliation Committee Meeting, they will have 21 days to come to a final agreement on the 2011 budget
• October 06, 2010
• 19:12

  EU must maintain pressure for abolition of death penalty

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Whether in our relations with the United States or Iran, we call for the abolition or moratorium on the death penalty in all its forms." said ALDE MEP Marietje Schaake (D66, NL) intervening during today's debate in the European Parliament ahead of Sunday 10th October's anniversary marking the World day against the death penalty.
  
  "The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe has always strongly defended fundamental freedoms in Europe, and human rights in the rest of the world." highlighted Ms Schaake, concluding "As a community of values, the EU has repeatedly and strongly committed itself to abolishing the death penalty. It also means the EU has a responsibility in providing shelter for people who risk the death penalty when exercising their human rights such as freedom of expression or peaceful opposition. In Iran even children face the death penalty. We need to spare no means to prevent this from happening."
  
  "Death penalty is the ultimate denial of human rights and its use is cruel, inhuman and degrading. Hence it is unworthy of democratic countries, such as Japan, Taiwan or the USA." said the European Parliament Vice-President for Democracy and Human Rights, ALDE MEP Edward McMillan-Scott (Lib Dem, UK). "Of those countries still killing human beings, the worst offender is China which executes an estimated 5000 people each year -  more than the rest of the world put together. This does not include groups such as Falun Gong practitioners, of whom more than 3,000 have died under torture since the persecution by the regime began in 1999 nor those who are killed for their vital organs."
   
  McMillan-Scott, who founded the €140 million European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) which has since 1992 funded over 30 projects aiming at abolishing the death penalty, concluded: "Several hundred people have been saved from the death penalty worldwide as a result of funding from this EU programme. Several countries have abolished the death penalty or established moratoria in recent years as a result of EU pressure."

• October 05, 2010
• 13:41

  MEP Gallagher leads a EU delegation to Iceland

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP leads group of MEPs to Iceland for the first meeting of the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee taking place in Reykjavik, Iceland from 04-05 October 2010.

  Mr. Gallagher is chairman of the EU Committee which is responsible for political relations between the EU and the Icelandic government and parliament.

  In July 2009, Iceland presented its application for EU membership to the European Commission. In February 2010, the European Commission issued a favourable opinion and urged the European Council to open accession talks. At the June European Council, the EU leaders provided the green light and the JPC was established following this decision.

  The JPC will discuss issues pertaining to Iceland's application for membership of the European Union including the Common Fisheries Policy, the economic situation in Iceland, energy policies and the Arctic region.

  Over the course of the two day visit, meetings will take place between the EU delegation and the President of Iceland, Mr Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, the Icelandic Minister of Finance, Mr Steingrímur J. Sigfússon, the Icelandic Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Mr Jón Bjarnason, the Icelandic Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism, Ms Katrín Júlíusdóttir, Icelandic parliamentarians and civil society groups including those campaigning for and against Icelandic accession to the EU.

  Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP said today "Iceland is uniquely placed to quickly proceed with negotiations as she has already adopted a significant part of the Community acquis due to its membership of the EEA since 1994. She already fulfils the requirements of ten of the negotiating chapters and partly fulfils the requirements of eleven of the negotiating chapters. Therefore, this leaves only twelve chapters not covered by the EEA that need to be completely negotiated."

  "I believe that aside from the political negotiations that will now commence, it is of equal importance to further improve the political and civil society dialogue between the European Union and Iceland. I believe that the EU-Iceland JPC can play an important role in this regard. By tradition, accession negotiations are an open ended process with progress dependent on the good faith of both sides."

• September 30, 2010
• 13:41

  Parliament Magazine annual awards

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Last night at the annual awards organised by Parliament Magazine, ALDE MEPs collected two awards in the categories of Economic and Monetary Affairs and Health.
   
  Economic and monetary affairs

  Sylvie Goulard:  France

   

   

   

  Health

  Antonyia Parvanova: Bulgaria

   

   

   

  The nominations are made by NGOs but MEPs vote for their peers who have contributed most over the course of the year to their respective policy fields.
  
  Other ALDE MEPs shortlisted for awards included:
  
  Marian Harkin (Employment and Social Affairs)
  Corinne Lepage (Environment),
  Diana Wallis (Internal Market & Consumer Affairs)
  Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (Research & Innovation)

• September 29, 2010
• 16:40

  Verhofstadt on Roma issue: ALDE will closely monitor Commission action

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Today the Commission announced the opening of an infringement procedure against France for not fully implementing the 2004 Directive on Free Movement. In the case of France, the government has to come forward with its transposition measures and a detailed schedule by 15 October.
  
  In reaction to the remarks by Commissioner Reding two weeks ago, France already withdrew its 'circulaire' in which the Roma were specifically discriminated. Now France has to prove in practice that it has stopped discriminatory policy as well.
  
  Guy Verhofstadt, Leader of the ALDE group said: "As ALDE was the first to react to the anti-Roma policy of France, we welcome the Commission's decision to initiate action. We will be most vigilant that every step of this infringement procedure be taken if necessary. At the same time we will closely monitor that policies targeting specific ethnic groups, whether in France or other countries, are ended both on paper and in practice."
  
  Nathalie Griesbeck (Modem, France): "The discrimination we have seen in France and other countries over recent months is contrary to the fundamental values of the European Union. We now expect the Commission to fulfill its duty and screen every country with a view to preventing any discrimination or curtailment of the right of free movement."

• 13:09

  Verhofstadt: Council must endorse Commission proposals on budgetary oversight without delay

   » ‎ ALDE News

  The European Commission presented today a reform package of the EU Stability and Growth Pact aiming at more stringent monitoring of macroeconomic imbalances and governments' debts.
  
  "The Commission has delivered an initial ambitious package to introduce more stringent rules and sanctions that will steer our economies back onto a path to stability." said ALDE Leader, Guy Verhofstadt. "The Economic and Finance Ministers must now endorse it unreservedly without delay."
  
  "In this period of crisis, with most EU Member States' budget deficits exceeding the 3 per cent limit and their debts continuing to rise, time is of the essence if we are to avoid aggravating economic and social pressures further. We are facing a ticking time bomb on an even greater scale than witnessed so far. That's why Member States should refrain from watering down this Commission proposal, like they did on financial supervision, forcing negotiations to be dragged out over 9 months before returning to the logic of the original proposal," Verhofstadt added
  
  "Member States must adapt to reality; budgetary discipline is a 'conditio sine qua non' for stable growth. This first package, while good and necessary, is just the beginning in a series of measures we must take. We will also need a further set of proposals focusing on growth, where fiscal and economic discipline and convergence are crucial. The European Financial Stability Facility, for instance, will last only three years. We must start now working to transform it into a European Monetary Fund."
  
  "In the same spirit, investments are necessary in Trans-European Networks," he concluded

• 12:13

  International Trade: EU moves to transparent labeling system for product origins

   » ‎ ALDE News

  ALDE welcomes today's adoption by the Parliamentary Committee on International Trade (INTA) of the regulation concerning the indication of country of origin labels on certain imported products from third countries, which reinforces the defense of European consumers, a battle in which liberals and democrats have always been involved.

  "The EU must equip itself with a mandatory labeling system which takes into account the rules of origin and allows consumers to make informed choices", declared Niccolò RINALDI (IdV, Italy).  "This is only a first step in tackling a serious anomaly in trade relations between the EU and its principal partners and competitors".  The United-States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, China, Japan, and India already enjoy such increased protection for their consumers.

  "This asymmetry is no longer acceptable, considering the industrial challenges that the EU must face.  Liberals and Democrats are attached to the principles of free-trade but international trade must be based on transparency and traceability of products", continued M. Rinaldi.  On his initiative, the parliamentary committee adopted an amendment that will mean avoiding excessive bureaucracy for importing companies thanks to simplified customs controls.

• 8:56

  EP special committee draws its lessons from financial crisis

   » ‎ ALDE News

  The European Parliament's special committee on the financial, economic and social crisis (CRIS) adopted today by large majority (33+, 2-) its interim report on the lessons learned, just as EU commissioner Olli REHN presents new proposals on strengthening economic governance.
  
  ALDE member Wolf KLINZ (FDP, Germany), chairman of the CRIS committee, comments: "For Liberals, it was of upmost importance to reach the broadest consensus possible in the Parliament on this issue, therefore I am very satisfied with today's outcome. In such a crisis it is important for Parliament to be united".
  
  Amongst the most important lessons of the crisis, KLINZ emphasizes: "A single currency and monetary policy require a strong coordination of the economic, financial and social policies of the member states. The European Union is at a critical juncture and must show a new direction and avoid slipping back into bad habits of the past."
  "The second lesson is that the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) will need to be given more teeth. Sanctions should take effect more quickly and powerfully. We also need to arm the SGP to include a penalty fine in case of non-compliance. Finally, we need global answers to the crisis. Calling on the G20 was the right approach but the G20 failed to deliver credible long term answers. This is why we need a coherent EU response to the challenges of the crisis."
  
  Olle SCHMIDT (Folkpartiet, Sweden), ALDE coordinator for the report, points out: "The text adopted today is very clear about the commitment to the Euro. The Euro must be a bastion of stability of the European economy rather than its Achilles heel."
  
  In view of today's proposal from the Commission on stronger reinforcement of economic governance in the Euro area, SCHMIDT comments: "The penalties in the Commission proposal apply only to the Euro countries. EU countries outside EMU are not covered by them. But all the 27 EU member states should nevertheless follow the new rules and feel bound by them."
  
  The report is now due to be adopted by the EP plenary on 20 October 2010.

• September 27, 2010
• 14:29

  Authorisation of GMO's: Opportunity for a proper debate in Parliament and Council

   » ‎ ALDE News

  The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe is carefully following the work of the Council of Agriculture Ministers concerning the European Commission's legislative proposal aiming to renationalise the ban or restrictions concerning the cultivation of GMO's.
  
  Corinne LEPAGE (Cap 21, France), rapporteur for this legislative proposal for the Environment Committee where she is first vice-president, declared: "It is to be welcomed that the Commission is finally taking into account the member states' various claims concerning GMO's. Questions linked to legal certainty which governments, farmers and industrials need, the functioning of the internal market or the application of the conclusions of the December 2008 Environment Council on the improvement of sanitary and environmental risks, are all elements which much be considered to evaluate this proposal."
  
  

• September 22, 2010
• 13:00

  Biocidal Products - A European authorisation system

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Today the European Parliament adopted a report that supports the regulation of biocidal products.

  "The birth of this report was very painful, but our main objectives have been reached: we will create a European authorisation system for biocidal products.  There will be ample time to put in place the system which will give credits to the least dangerous products", explains Corinne LEPAGE (CAP21, France), the spokesperson for ALDE.

  "The treated products have finally been included in the legislation, along with detailed labelling, which will help prevent accidents such as have been encountered in several member states.  I think particularly of the sofas that provoked serious burns in France", declared Mrs. LEPAGE.

  "We have also progressed in the area of a better evaluation of the products containing nanomaterial", concluded Mrs. LEPAGE.

• 12:55

  A step towards a safer and more transparent EU pharmacovigilance system

   » ‎ ALDE News

  The European Parliament has adopted today two reports amending the current EU legislation on pharmacoviligance, following a first reading agreement concluded with the Council. ALDE Group health spokesperson, Mrs. Antonyia Parvanova (NMSP, Bulgaria) welcomed today's vote, which will enhance mechanisms at EU level to prevent, detect and assess adverse effects of medicinal products.

  "Enhancing our capacity to detect and collect adverse drug reactions across the EU, as well as a better coordination with national authorities and pharmaceutical companies, is a key step towards making sure risks related to the use of medicinal products are highlighted in a timely manner and duly assessed", stated Parvanova.

  "Transparency and patients' safety have been one of the ALDE guiding principles during our negotiations. A more transparent communication about pharmacovigilance activities, together with a more efficient overall system at EU level, will enhance patients' trust in the medicines they are taking, as well as in the authorities that guarantee their safety", said Parvanova.

• 12:46

  Verhofstadt: ALDE group satisfied with agreement on EU financial supervision

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Today the EP approved with a large majority the establishment of an EU financial supervision. Guy Verhofstadt said: "I am very satisfied that today this long battle has ended with a happy ending. It is worth recalling that it was ALDE that first called for the need for pan-European supervision. When the member-states destroyed the proposals of the Commission by reinstalling the primacy of the national authorities, ALDE created a coalition in the EP to reverse again that decision of the Council. The reason for our fight was clear: national authorities could not and still cannot provide the answers to the economic and financial crisis which is genuine pan-European financial supervision."

  "Today we have given birth to the new EU supervisory authorities as the starting point for effective EU financial supervision. This is just a first step, but it will not prevent a future crisis if we do not respect the spirit of the proposals. The real work starts now as all forthcoming legislation such as the proposed regulation on derivatives markets and short-selling must concentrate on the cross-border dimension of financial markets and infuse trust to the new supervisory authorities." said ALDE MEP Sylvie Goulard (MoDem, France), EP rapporteur on the establishment of the ESRB and macro-prudential oversight.

  Sharon Bowles (Liberal Democrats, UK), Chair of the Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee said: "What we really need are authorities with fingers in all of the pies, and eyes in the backs of their heads. They must become the link between different financial sectors across the EU, looking out for problems when they are developing, and considering knock-on effects when they take decisions."

  Ramon Tremosa (CiU, Catalonia, Spain) EP rapporteur on the specific tasks of the ECB with respect  to monitoring financial stability said "Parliament won the argument that the ECB President must also head the ESRB which will give greater credibility to the new bodies. With this reform, Mr Trichet  is accountable also in financial stability in his hearings in the EP. He will risk his reputation and his credibility in achieving an effective financial stability in Europe"

  Note to editors:
  On September 2nd, the coordinators of the ALDE (Sylvie Goulard), EPP, S&D and Greens jointly stated: "The agreement on the financial supervision package reached between Council and EP foresees that through future legislation, additional supervisory powers shall be conferred on the ESAs. The coordinators of the main political groups of the EP insist that the authorities shall exert appropriate supervisory powers over entities with EU wide reach. This shall include market infrastructures, such as trade depositories and central counter parties. In the common market shared European infrastructures have to be subject to European supervision".

• 10:22

  New PNR proposals an improvement on past

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Sophie In't Veld (D66, Netherlands) who has led the Parliament in the scrutiny of the various air passenger data agreements between the EU and third countries has given cautious welcome to the new package of proposals presented yesterday by Commissioner Malmström.

  "The Commission's proposals largely reflect the requirements set out by the European Parliament" she said in an initial reaction. "One of the main demands, namely that the use of passenger data has to be drastically restricted, has been accepted."

  The proposals will have to be studied by Parliament's Civil Liberties committee but they have been welcomed by Liberals and Democrats as a constructive package that represents a big improvement on the past.
   
  The main outstanding point of criticism is that the need for massive storage of data still has not been proven. "It is not enough to say that the collection of data of passengers is 'useful 'or 'valuable'. It must be 'necessary' and 'proportional'."  As far as Ms In't Veld is concerned the Commission proposals still need some improvement on these points.
   
  "We will carefully scrutinise the outcome of the negotiations. The European Parliament will pull the plug if it is not satisfied with the progress," she continued. The EP, under the Lisbon Treaty, has the right to vote down the agreements already in place, as well as giving its consent to any new agreements.

• 9:27

  Investigation of Accidents and Incidents in Civil Aviation

   » ‎ ALDE News

  ALDE shadow rapporteur on Investigation of Accidents and Incidents in Civil Aviation Jelko Kacin (LDS, Slovenia) is proud of the results achieved in trialogue with the Council and the Commission. "The document which we have here today is an example of a good and thorough regulation of an area that demands a lot of technical precision. It is more than adequately dealing both with the investigation of accidents and incidents and with the rights of victims."

  Two main concerns at the beginning of the year were the role of the judiciary investigation and the role of EASA with regards to the technical investigation of accidents. The Parliament agreed that the role of judiciary will be dealt with by advanced arrangement in each member state, while the role of EASA has been clearly defined. All political groups agreed that certifier cannot also investigate.

  "Informing relatives is a very delicate issue and we can afford absolutely no discrimination. The definition of family differs in member states, but the Parliament sought to protect all forms of family, including same-sex partnerships, which are recognised in some members and not in others. ALDE proposed a compromise with the Council and the Commission, which defines family as it is recognised by the law in the country of origin of the victim."

  The position of the Parliament in negotiations has been upheld at all important issues, and the Commission has committed to prepare a revised directive on occurrence reporting, the only concession the Parliament had to give to the Council, for 2011. "We need to create a culture of voluntary reporting of even minor incidents, whereby the crew members will not be afraid of prosecution on the basis of their personal responsibility. By establishing patterns of dangerous practice and technical problems much sooner, a large database of incident occurrence reports on the European level could help prevent accidents in the future," said Kacin. "We have proved that the safety of aviation is our top priority. This is possible only when the fear over one's own personal responsibility is overcome by rationality, solidarity and a wish to prevent repetition of mistakes."

  • European Parliament's news on this issue
• September 21, 2010
• 15:05

  Commission strategy on gender equality: all talk and no action?

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Today European Commission unveiled their plans for the next five years to combat inequality between men and women in the EU.  While ALDE broadly supports this strategy and welcomes all measures aimed at tackling gender imbalance, is this plan heavy on rhetoric and too light on action?

  Dr Antonyia Parvanova (National Movement for Stability and Progress, Bulgaria) and ALDE coordinator on the Womens Committee commented,  "The European Commission is setting up an ambitious agenda, tackling gender equality in a wide range of policy areas. We particularly welcome the fact that actions addressing the existing social and economic gender gaps are being pursued, as well as the emphasis on women in top level decision-making positions but while I notice plenty of vocabulary such as "promoting", "welcoming", "reporting" and "considering", I am concerned that there is not enough concrete action being proposed".

  Mrs Parvanova who drafted a report on social integration in the EU which was adopted recently by the European Parliament continued,

  "My Group is committed to working actively on this agenda, making sure the Commission's strategy does not remain a paper document but is translated into concrete legislative and policy initiatives to be implemented.  Combating all forms of gender-based violence is for example a priority which cannot wait for any further delay and needs immediate actions."

• 13:40

  Disaster prevention: right direction to improve integration

   » ‎ ALDE News

  ALDE welcomes today's vote in the European Parliament on a resolution for "A Community approach on the prevention of natural and man-made disasters"

  "Our focus is on those measures that have been insufficient so far to prevent accidents or which have not been implemented at all. So we have a double demand - to ensure that national measures are more effective and more coordinated as well as more flexible European measures." said ALDE MEP Giommaria Uggias (IDV, Italy).

  The resolution acknowledges that much damage caused by natural and man-made disasters could have been prevented and calls for the dissemination of best practices and the principle of solidarity between Member States.

  "We need to make it easier for people to have access to the European Solidarity Fund when a disaster has taken place, but also regional actors have to be involved more. That is why we ask for regional and local authorities to be part of the planning for preventive actions. This is a step in the right direction to protect our environment and prevent natural or man-made disasters from claiming other victims." concluded Uggias.

  In the resolution, the European Parliament asks for a modification of the European Solidarity Fund to adjust the funding and the eligibility criteria to the characteristics of each region and type of disaster as well as set up networks to operate within the scope of the cooperation between national, regional and local authorities.

   

• 13:14

  The strengthening of commercial ties between the EU and Turkey is in the interest of both parties

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Today the European Parliament approved a report by Metin KAZAK (Mouvement for rights and freedom, Bulgaria) by a very large majority, recommending in particular the widening of commercial ties with Turkey, the 17th economic power in the world and the 7th most important commercial partner with the EU.  "Our commercial relationship is important for both parties but each side must make efforts to overcome the difficulties", declared Mr. Kazak.

  The report recommends enlarging the range of Customs Union which has linked the EU to Turkey since 1996. "It would be only fair that Turkey be more closely consulted by the European Commission in commercial negotiations with third countries.  When the EU concludes a free-trade agreement, the products from a third country have free access to the entire territory of the customs union whereas Turkish products, unlike EU products, do not have access to the third country in question", said Kazak.

  "Turkey is not however exempt from criticism in our relationship.  We must put an end to administrative barriers to trade and discriminatory practices that for example, give an unfair advantage to Turkish companies in the area of public procurement compared to candidates from EU countries", added Kazak.

  "Whatever one´s opinion about Turkey's candidacy for the EU, one must recognise that certain economic dossiers are in our common interest, notably energy supply.  This is why the EU must reaffirm its support for the Nabucco pipeline project and without further delay, open the important energy chapter in the accession negotiations", concluded Metin Kazak.

• 13:09

  Europe needs more transparency and choice in its energy market

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Adina Valean (PNL, Romania), ALDE spokesperson on energy security in the European Union spoke up for transparency, choice and competition in Europe's still protected energy market in order to improve the security of supply and minimise risk linked to dependence on external suppliers.

  "Every winter reminds us of Europe´s dependency on gas supply on Russia, Ukraine and others. Security of energy supply has become a priority for the EU. The proposal for legislation to safeguard the security of gas supply is a positive step towards reducing Europe´s vulnerability and reassuring our citizens, keeping prices affordable, and strengthening solidarity between Member States.

  "But we still need to continue diversifying energy routes and supply sources to facilitate competition, access and choice."

  "Security of energy supply has a different meaning when you are Romanian, Dutch, or Finnish. Our various geopolitical situations require a European approach. And a European approach requires a full completion of the energy market."

  "Many protectionist barriers remain within the EU and they are harming the market and therefore harming consumers, keeping prices up and undermining our security of supply."

  "It is time to ask for more transparency, accountability and democracy in the way our Member States deal with energy policy."

  Note to editors:

  Following the unprecedented gas crisis on January 2009, it was considered necessary to replace the existing security of supply Directive from 2004, with a much more exhaustive regulation, proposal presented by Commission in July 2009. The Regulation sets the responsibility of ensuring the security of gas supply jointly upon undertakings, competent authorities of Member States, Commission and industrial gas customers. It obliges Member States to adopt and regularly update Preventive Action Plans  and Emergency Plans on the basis of risk assessments reviewed regularly.
  The Regulation sets three main crisis levels (Early Warning - concrete information that a disruption may occur; Alert - a disruption or exceptional high demand has occurred, but market-based measures are sufficient; and Emergency level - all adequate market based measures have been implemented but they are not able to fulfil gas demand).

• September 20, 2010
• 16:00

  Conservation of Biodiversity must be our generation's top priority

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Gerben Jan Gerbrandy (D66, NL) applauds the strong message of the report adopted today by European Parliament on the implementation of EU legislation aiming at the conservation of biodiversity. 
   
  "The original report was rather weak, but the liberals and others have turned it into an ambitious resolution. I believe that halting the loss of biodiversity should be on top of the international political agenda", said Gerbrandy.

  MEP Gerbrandy emphasizes the economic relevance of biodiversity.
   
  "Studies show a yearly loss in GDP of 7% in 2050 if we continue like this. Preservation of biodiversity as a whole is both fundamental to all human economic activity and a responsibility to the current generation as custodians of the planet and nature. It provides us with clean air, fresh water, timber, fertile soil, medicinal compounds etc. That is the real value of biodiversity."

  "It is more than a public good that should be looked after by governments. All economic activities should integrate the value of biodiversity, for that reason we have to ensure a further mainstreaming of biodiversity as a high priority into all EU policy areas in a mutually reinforcing way", added Gerbrandy.
   
  "The European Parliament approved this report almost unanimously, but it should act consistently when we discuss the reform of the CAP, Fisheries Policy, or allocation of financial resources. Those are the moments to make a practical difference to the preservation of our biodiversity"

• September 15, 2010
• 14:52

  Arctic: MEPs and MPs debate retreating ice, governance needs and seal product import ban

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Retreating Arctic ice that could open up new oil and gas reserves and fisheries and hence require stronger international governance, Arctic wildlife management, and the impact of the 19 August European Court of Justice preliminary ruling suspending the EU ban on seal product imports, took centre stage at a meeting of MEPs and MPs in Brussels on 13-15 September.

  The Ninth Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region (CPAR), which brings together MEPs and MPs from Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the USA, was hosted by the European Parliament in Brussels, on 13-15 September.

  An appeal to remedy the lack of a clear governance system for the Arctic was launched by EP Vice-President Diana Wallis (ALDE, UK), who, in her opening speech, urged the Arctic Council to "increase its capacity to deal more thoroughly with issues in the region and bring leaders together".Ms Wallis also reiterated the European Parliament's call, in an October 2008 resolution, for an international treaty to protect the Arctic.

   

  EU role in Arctic politics

  Pat the Cope Gallagher, (ALDE, IE), Chair of Parliament's CPAR delegation, said "I believe it is important for the European Union to play a more active role in Arctic politics. The EU can be a positive force in terms of assisting those living in the region to face the enormous immediate and long-term challenges. However, our discussion on the management of living resources in the Arctic region, which touched upon the sustainable management of seals, highlighted that Europe needs to better understand the unique way of life that exists in the Arctic region"."Global warming is rapidly changing the Arctic region. As a result of melting snow and ice, new shipping routes are opening up, new fishing grounds are now available and there are greater opportunities for oil and gas exploration. It is estimated that 30% of the world's undiscovered oil and gas resources are within the Arctic region", stressed Gallagher.

  "The fact that this meeting is held outside the Arctic Region is a sign of the growing interest for the region", said Danish Foreign Minister Lene Espersen, who chairs the Arctic Council until May 2011, when another EU Member State, Sweden, is to take over the Arctic Council's two-year presidency.

  Marine mammals

  Sustainable hunting of seals and whales is "an essential part of Arctic society which attracts international attention", noted Danish MP Sofia Rossen (Inuit Ataqatigiit party), who urged hunters and researchers to work together on this issue.

  In discussion, MPs stressed the need to protect traditional hunting. "The management of living resources should be based on science, not on feelings or on morals", said Norwegian MP Eirik Siverstein, who also stressed that "the rights of indigenous to hunt and gather must be upheld".

  The placing of seal products on the EU market was made subject to strict conditions approved by the European Parliament In May 2009. These products could be imported only if they resulted from hunting traditionally conducted by Inuit or other indigenous communities and which contribute to their subsistence, said the resolution drawn up by Ms Wallis.

  The seal product sales ban was due to come into force on 20 August 2010, but was temporarily suspended by a preliminary ruling the European Court of Justice at the request of Inuit organisations and companies selling seal products.

  The Althing (Icelandic Parliament) will host the tenth conference in 2012.

  In the Chair : Gabriele ALBERTINI (EPP, IT)

   

• September 14, 2010
• 13:12

  ALDE welcomes Commission action against France over Roma

   » ‎ ALDE News

  "In response to our concerns on the situation of Roma in France, Europe is finally proving its worth by not ignoring xenophobic, discriminatory, and nationalist policies perpetrated by Member States. We welcome Commissioner Reding's action announced today to bring fast-track infringement proceedings against France. This confirms that we were right and it must be a warning to any Member States that the EU does not ignore or compromise on breaches of European fundamental rights" said the president of the ALDE Group, Guy VERHOFSTADT.
  
  "Even though this measure might seem tough, I believe it is actually appropriate to the discriminatory behaviour that France has shown with its recent actions against the Roma population. I hope this will be a clear signal for all member states, that these types of actions are unacceptable in the Europe of 2010." said Renate WEBER (PNL, Romania), ALDE coordinator for the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Internal Affairs (LIBE)
  
  "This is an important step forward in making the European Union a true community of values, with tangible results for its citizens. Fundamental Rights are now truly enforceable in the EU. The European Parliament has been a catalyst for change. The Commission is playing its rightful role as custodian of the Treaties." added ALDE LIBE vice president Sophie IN´T VELD (D66, Netherlands)
  
  "It is clear that the Commission has been pushed to act because of MEP pressure and the voices of citizens. Hopefully this signals a tougher approach, one which at last starts to call Member States to account for breaches of EU human rights and civil liberties law including pandering to racism." commented ALDE MEP Sarah LUDFORD (Liberal Democrat, UK)
  
  Note to the editor:
  The ALDE group was the first to ask for a debate in plenary session of the European Parliament, at the end of August, responding to the alarming and legally questionable mass expulsions of Roma people conducted by France. These concerns have been proven right since yesterday's disclosure of a memo dated 5 August signed by the French Interior Minister's chief of staff ordering to police and regional prefects "a systematic operation to dismantle illegal camps, prioritising those of the Roma".

• 9:26

  ALDE calls for a full Commission inquiry into Roma deportations

   » ‎ ALDE News

  ALDE is scandalised by news of a memo from the office of the French Interior ministry which quotes the Roma specifically in actions to close camps on the grounds of public order.  This is a clear confirmation of the fears of the European Parliament expressed last week by a resolution and a blatant denial of the statements from the Immigration Minister who dared to suggest that "France has not taken any specific measure against the Roma".
  
  "The arrogance with which the French authorities replied to the Parliamentary resolution is bluntly contradicted by reality.  France has deliberately  adopted a policy of discrimination", declared Sophie IN'T VELD (D66, Netherlands) vice President of the Civil Liberties Committee.  "Faced with such behaviour the European Commission can no longer continue to say that it is taking its time, without any deadline, in analysing the situation  and content itself with an amicable exchange of letters with Ministers who are clearly not cooperating honestly", she continued.  "It is now its responsibility as guardian of the treaties to carry out its own inquiry to urgently send officials to the French administration concerned and if necessary to open an infringement procedure".
  
  "Liberals and Democrats too attached to the universal values espoused by France for over 200  years and which constitutes the foundation of the EU, to let such an affront to fundamental rights and Community law pass without comment", continued Ms In't Veld.  "France was behind the Lisbon Treaty which enshrines the Charter of Fundamental Rights, an integral part of all European legislation concerning free circulation and non-discrimination which are Community competences.  If the EU institutions are not able to react to such a violation of our law and of our principles by one of the founding Member States then our credibility itself is at stake", she concluded.

• September 13, 2010
• 16:10

  Turkish referendum is a step in the right direction

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Reacting to Turkey's referendum result yesterday in support of constitutional reforms, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff (FDP, Germany), spokesperson for the ALDE group on EU-Turkey accession negotiations in the foreign affairs committee said:
  
  "This is a step in the right direction on Turkey's road to democratic reform. The majority of  the 26 articles of the Constitution that have been modified increase the rights of citizens v-à-v the State and limit the influence of the military over civilian rule. However Turkey must remain vigilant as regards the separation of powers between State and judiciary in order to guarantee the independence of the latter."
  
  "This is good news for Turks and for Europe, though much still remains to be done. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating in so far as what is important is how these changes will be implemented and interpreted in practice."
  
  For his part, Andrew Duff, member of the EU-Turkey delegation also welcomed the result and underlined that "the Government must now move to settle the Cyprus question whilst the CHP party needs to transform itself into a progressive pro EU party supporting the accession process."

• 11:07

  Verhofstadt: "European Commission must uphold EU Treaties on Roma rights"

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Reacting to French Government rejections of Parliament's criticism this week over the mass expulsion of Roma people during the summer, Guy Verhofstadt (ALDE group leader who initiated the whole debate on the issue) insisted that Parliament's resolution would not be the end of the matter:
  
  "The reaction from several French Government ministers to our criticism is regrettable.  This is not a question of political diktat but an appeal to a better sense of judgement based on commonly shared European values for tolerance, non-discrimination and respect for free movement. The Roma are European citizens just like any other."
  
  "Parliament this week was perfectly entitled to point out that bribing or forcing one ethnic group to return, en masse, to another Member State, is not in conformity with EU laws, nor in the spirit of the Treaties."
  
  "The European Commission may have buried its head in the sand over the summer but there can be no more dodging the issue. The Liberal group in particular has pledged this year to argue for a far more rigorous EU monitoring and enforcing of Human Rights standards within our Union. If not, we can hardly preach to those who do not respect them elsewhere."

• September 09, 2010
• 7:52

  Speech by Guy Verhofstadt on the State of the Union, Strasbourg, 7 September 2010

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Dear President of the Commission,
  Dear colleagues,
  
  Let us be honest.
  Last year was a difficult year for the Union.
  The problems were big, but the unity to solve them very small.
  Greece was on the brink of collapse.
  The euro under massive attack.
  It took several months before the European governments could finally agree to save a Member-State and to save our common currency.
  
  So, for me, it is no surprise that the confidence of the citizens in Europe dropped dramatically.
  The latest Eurobarometer shows that less than half of our citizens, think their country’s membership is a good thing.
  And the trust in our institutions dropped to 42 percent.
  
  This is alarming. But no surprise.
  
  Many times the this Parliament urged European leaders to end the standstill. To move forward. To quit protectionism and nationalism. And to work on 'European' solutions.
  
  And that is also what the European citizens are asking for.
  In the same Eurobarometer 86 percent of the people want a European economic governance. They believe that only the Union can provide solutions for the financial and economic crisis. But they don't see it happen. And that is the reason for their disappointment in the Union.
  
  Mister President,
  
  I know that for the Commission too it has been a difficult year.
  In fact it was only half a year.
  The time our capitals needed to realize there is a new Treaty.
  With a new way of working and a new balance of power.
  Therefore we can say that today, it is the real start of your second term.
  
  A second term that needs a new vision, new answers.
  In any case, it is time to change towards a higher gear.
  To realise this year seven important reforms.
  
  First of all finalising our response to the financial crisis.
  We have already provisions for capital requirements and bonuses. The stress tests have been undertaken. And last week we found an agreement in the new financial supervision. A good agreement I think. Not at least because the leadership of the President of the European Central Bank is a guarantee for the European approach to that supervision.
  But that doesn’t mean we are already there. Far from that. We are not even halfway. We still need the Commission to come forward urgently with legislative proposals on derivatives, on short selling, on credit rating agencies, on banking resolution, on market abuse and on trading and financial instruments.
  
  Secondly, we need genuine European economic governance.
  Last year has shown that a common currency without a common economic policy simply doesn’t make sense. It's nonsense. Even worse, it is a dangerous situation. We cannot afford to be one Union with 27 different economic strategies.
  
  It is crystal clear: if we want the Growth and Stability Pact and the new economic strategy to be a success, we need a serious “carrot and stick” approach, with proper sanctions. It is good that the Council is thinking about this in a Taskforce. But this can’t replace the right of initiative, the duty of the Commission.
  There is no time to waste. Now the Commission must come forward with a global legislative proposal.
  
  Third priority: the Single Market, the engine of economic growth.
  On the table we have an excellent report of Mario Monti.  Our message is very simple: this report must be carried out. It is incomprehensible for example, that still today it takes almost forty hours to travel by train from Central – and Eastern European countries to Brussels, Paris or Amsterdam. How are these people supposed to feel connected? How can these markets be fully integrated. Let us therefore urgently invest in new Trans European Networks.
  
  Our fourth priority concerns the budget and the new financial framework. Let's be very clear on this: the aim of some governments to reduce the budget with 20 or 30 percent is ridiculous in times when more European solutions are needed. I understand that to reduce their huge fiscal deficits, they want to cut their direct contributions to the Union. Hence our proposal to decrease national contributions and replace them by own European resources.
  
  Our fifth priority is about our credibility in the world. We are establishing an External Action Service to increase that credibility. But this is of course not enough. We ask Lady Ashton also to develop a new strategy for the Union’s external policy. The former framework from Javier Solana dates from 2003. Since then the world has changed, and so should our strategic framework.
  
  Because without strategic framework we will not be able to convince the world of our vision. As happened in the debate of climate change, where we must admit the European Union has lost its leadership. In Copenhagen we were only allowed to listen to the conclusions others had agreed on. And from what we know now, Cancun looks set for failure as well. There is only one way to turn the tide. The European Union must regain its leadership. By using one voice and promoting one vision.
  
  Enfin Messieurs les Présidents, chers collègues,
  
  Je veux vous dire mon désarroi.
  Oui désarroi à propos de ce qui est fondamentalement la raison d’être de notre Union, la protection des libertés civiles et des droits humains.  A l’extérieur de l’UE mais aussi et surtout à l’intérieur de l’UE .
  
  Je veux dire avec solennité que ce qui se passe en France est inacceptable.  Inacceptable. Et malheureusement ce n’est pas un cas isolé. J’observe que plusieurs gouvernements confrontés aux difficultés de la crise économique sombrent progressivement dans une sorte de tentation du populisme de la xénophobie et du racisme.
  
  Ils instrumentalisent les inquiétudes et la peur de l’autre. Ils stigmatisent des minorités. Ils  font des amalgames douteux autour de la migration. Je le dis avec force:  cette attitude est incompatible avec les principes et les valeurs qui fondent notre Union, une des plus belles et des plus grandes idées politique que l’esprit et le cœur de l’homme ait fait naitre, le plus vaste espace de liberté, de justice, de tolérance que le monde ait connu à ce jour.
  
  J’entends le dire avec force, les Roms sont des citoyens européens, des citoyens à part entière.  Nous ne pourrons jamais accepter que leurs droits soient violés. Jamais. Dans un monde en proie à toutes les incertitudes, l’Europe doit rester plus que jamais le continent de liberté, de tolérance et de justice.
  
  La Commission, monsieur le Président, gardien des Traités, doit réagir sans aucune concession. Ce n'est pas son droit, c'est son devoir institutionnel.
  
  Il s'agit des fondements existentiels de l’Europe.
  Ni plus ni moins.
  De ces racines ancrées au cœur de notre conscience d’européen.
  
  Merci pour votre attention.
  
  

• September 08, 2010
• 13:34

  ALDE continues to demand more transparency in the ACTA negotiations

   » ‎ ALDE News

  In a debate in the European Parliament in Strasbourg today on the negotiations of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), the European Commission was asked to reassure MEPs on the eve of the opening decisive session in Tokyo September 23rd.  "The insistence of Parliament was not in vain", said Niccolò RINALDI (IdV, Italy), member of the parliamentary committee on International Trade (INTA). "The Commission has finally taken into account our concerns and has relayed them to the other parties involved.  It remains to be seen whether our trade partners will understand the red lines, and the best way to know is to make the results of the Tokyo negotiations public so that we can analyse them in good conscience.  Without this crucial transparency, the EU´s participation in this negotiation should be suspended" he warned.
  
  "In any case, the EU cannot accept negotiations where our most important concerns are not on the agenda", continue M. Rinaldi.  "I think specifically of the country of origin rules.  It would be paradoxical if, in the name of ACTA, American industries contested our right to produce parmesan cheese in Parma or champagne in Champagne.  From this point of view, the assurances that the Commission gave us this morning are encouraging." he said.
  
  "Progress made on this important issue supplements the Commission's efforts towards the final conclusion of an ACTA agreement. I am particularly pleased with the preamble drafted which makes reference to the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS and public health agreement. This guarantees that the EU can honour its commitments towards developing countries concerning generic medicines", concluded Niccolò Rinaldi.
  
  

• 13:28

  EP sends tough message to Iran on human rights

   » ‎ ALDE News

  In a hard-hitting resolution adopted today by virtual unanimity (one vote against) the European Parliament sent a strong message to the Iranian authorities that the state of human rights in Iran is deplorable. The text specifically appeals for clemency for the Iranian women (Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani and Zahra Bahrami) facing the death penalty.
  
  The resolution lists its serious concerns from harassment of opposition politicians, to persecution of religious minorities, civil rights defenders and the abuses of the judicial system which lacks both objectivity and transparency.
  
  Marietje Schaake (D66, Netherlands), a strong campaigner on human rights in Iran was one of the leaders of the initiative in condemning Iran.
  
  "The cases of these two women should be a wake up call to Catherine Ashton that the EU needs to deal urgently with the situation of human rights in Iran."
  
  "Recently, all attention has been focused on sanctions and the nuclear problem. That is a missed opportunity. There is a generation of outspoken Iranians who wish to see a free Iran, where fundamental freedoms are respected. Iran has enormous potential, with a young, highly educated population. This potential should be fostered, but needs a foundation for rights and freedoms to flourish."
  
  Frédérique Ries (MR, Belgium) also spoke out against the actions of the Iranian regime:
  
  "Faced by the weight of stoning from obscurantists, the weight of the words of democratic politicians from around the world is now calling for the life of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani to be spared. Her face has come to represent the fight for rights of women and of all the victims of oppression in Iran."

• 13:20

  EP strikes balance between animal rights and vital medical research

   » ‎ ALDE News

  In adopting a report on the controversial topic of scientific research on animals, MEPs today gave their green light (in 2nd reading) to a compromise package negotiated over many months with Member States to raise the level of protection for animals used in medical and veterinary research.
  
  The vote concludes negotiations on a heavily lobbied directive to update existing EU legislation dating back to 1986, taking account of new research techniques and higher standards expected of researchers when experimenting on animals.
  
  Marit Paulsen (Folkpartiet, Sweden), ALDE spokeswoman on the directive and a long-standing animal-rights campaigner, argued that the Directive struck a good balance between reducing unnecessary cruelty to animals and the need to pursue vital medical research into cures for human and animal diseases.
  
  "This is a case where the best becomes an enemy of the good. Negotiations could drag on for another few months or years - or even collapse - in pursuit of even better protection for animals in laboratories, but what is on the table is a considerable improvement on the status quo and it is important to consolidate progress. The legislation will be reviewed again in a few years time to keep pace with developments in scientific techniques."
  
  "ALDE has secured an upper pain threshold suffered by animals and an EU inspection of national laboratories where there are grounds for concern."
  
  "Furthermore, Member States can still retain existing standards if higher than those laid down in the directive as long as these are notified to the Commission within 3 years. At the same time, Member States lagging behind must now raise their standards in line with this new legislation."
  
  "Politicians and activists should also be more consistent in applying the same degree of concern for animals destined for human consumption as those involved in scientific experiments as many practices from transportation to slaughter remain far from acceptable in the 21st century."

• September 07, 2010
• 19:02

  Farmers deserve a fairer share of the revenue from the food supply chain

   » ‎ ALDE News

  The European Parliament in Strasbourg adopted a report today on fair revenues for farmers: a better functioning of the food supply chain. 
  
  Marian Harkin (Independent, Ireland) ALDE's shadow rapporteur for this report, believes that quite simply farmers are not receiving a fair return for what they produce.  "European Commission research shows that since 1995 the only actors in the food supply chain whose share of the retail price is decreasing are the farmers.  Apart from being manifestly unfair, if farmers don't earn a fair return for their produce, they will go out of business and the EU will become even more dependent on food imports. "
  
  Marit Paulsen (Folkpartiet liberalerna, Sweden) and vice Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee believes that competitiveness is the key to solving this anomaly "We must increase farmers' competitiveness right at the top of the chain.  A lot of our food chain is globalised, including the input industry, and so farmers need to be able to compete in a global marketplace."
  
  This is a sentiment Marian Harkin also echoes "The Commission needs to investigate and where necessary take action against anti-competitive practices.  There is not doubt that contractual imbalances associated with unequal bargaining power have a negative effect on competitiveness in the food supply chain, particularly for  the smaller scale producers who are being squeezed out."
  
  Mrs Paulsen concluded "If we want our countryside to survive and to be vibrant and we wish to have a good quality food supply chain in Europe,  protect our cultural heritage and maintain high animal welfare standards then the farmers must get more for what they produce. "
  
  

• 18:49

  ALDE: Human rights of LGBT persons don't stop at Member States' borders

   » ‎ ALDE News

  "The right to freely choose one's partner in life is the most basic, personal, intimate one and no Member State has the right to deny people who are legitimate partners from enjoying their legal rights as a couple." says Sophie In't Veld (D66, Netherlands), vice president of the Civil liberties Committee, ahead of tonight's debate at the European Parliament on discrimination of same-sex married or in civil-partnership couples.

  Despite the Stockholm programme, no concrete and appropriate action on LGBT rights has been presented to overcome the gap in the internal Market, where same sex-partners, especially when married or in a civil partnership, travelling, working or studying within the EU do not have  their status recognised, therefore denied their rights. "The majority of Member States, as well as non EU countries, have introduced same sex marriage or registered partnership. All EU Member States should, at the very least, recognise each others' laws, hence ensure that EU citizens and their families can move freely within the EU and have their rights and duties recognised across EU borders." In't Veld added.

  "We call on the Commission to ensure mutual recognition and free movement with concrete initiatives, to be launched together with an EU Roadmap against homophobia and on LGBT rights detailing upcoming EU measures in this field at EU and international level". She concludes
  
  

• 12:26

  Women from ethnic minorities suffer double discrimination in EU today

   » ‎ ALDE News

  The  European Parliament in Strasbourg adopted a report by Dr Antonyia Parvanova today evaluating the issues surrounding the social integration policies in the EU, particularly for women belonging to ethnic minority groups and to highlight what works, where there are problems, and to help identify solutions.
  
  "Something that is rarely mentioned is the fact that it is women who are the greatest victims of discrimination, once for belonging to an ethnic minority group, and again simply because they are female.  Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights prohibits any discrimination based on membership of a national minority, but there are ethnic minority communities living in the Union still victims of discrimination, social exclusion and segregation. This situation can't be accepted.  Are we saying that EU fundamental rights don't apply to all people living in the Union?"  Dr Parvanova questioned.
  
  The reports notably highlights the crucial role of the European Fundamental Rights Agency and national equality bodies, calling for the inclusion of a transversal gender equality and women’s rights perspective in all aspects of their programmes and activities.
  
  Dr. Parvanova continued: "The recent events in France, and the politics of this country towards the Roma population, are obvious examples of how we are not looking at problems from the right perspective, and of how we are not addressing the issue properly. It's only through an integrated and cooperative approach - with targeted strategies for the most vulnerable, especially women - that we will manage to make integration within our European society a reality for all citizens, for all women, regardless of their origin."

• 12:16

  ALDE: We need a European Policy for Roma Integration

   » ‎ ALDE News

  "France is profiting from Europe's most vulnerable population (the Roma), by paying €300 per adult, and €100 per child for them to leave the French territory.  Thus, the French government, on the pretence that the repatriation is voluntary, has convinced itself that buying off the Roma´s conscience is a humanitarian act.  It is regrettable that in 2010 the country which is the birthplace of human rights, has stooped to such methods" said Renate WEBER (PNL, Romania), ALDE coordinator for the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Internal Affairs (LIBE) during a debate on the Roma situation in the EU.  She added: "This type of behaviour was already used two years ago by Italy while the then European Commission preferred to shut its eyes.  This is why the European Commission carries part of the responsibility for this wave of deportation of Europe's Roma.  It is time to create a strategy for the inclusion of Roma with the shared participation and responsibility of the Commission and of the 27 Member States."
  
  "Instead of paying €100 for the expulsion of each Roma child, it would be better to invest in their education", declared Sophie IN´T VELD (D66, Netherlands), LIBE vice president adding: "It is unbelievable that the shameful and barbaric practice of deportation has taken place in 21st century Europe. The politicians who spread hate and prejudice for their own electoral gain, act against the common values of the European Union."
  
  "What's taking place in France is unacceptable, and unfortunately is not an isolated case.  Several governments while confronted with the difficulties of the economic crisis, are sliding towards populism, xenophobia, and racism", stated the president of the ALDE Group Guy Verhofstadt in his speech this morning during the debate with the European Commission on the State of the Union.  "The Roma are European citizens.  In a world full of uncertainties, Europe must remain more then ever the continent of liberty, tolerance, and justice.  The Commission, the guardian of the treaties, must react without any hesitation.  It is not its right but its institutional duty," concluded M. Verhofstadt.
  
  

• 12:09

  EU - Korea FTA - ALDE warns Council not to force their hand

   » ‎ ALDE News

  The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe supported the amendments to the regulation creating a bilateral safeguard clause to the EU free trade agreement between the EU and Korea without approving the legislative resolution in order to maintain leverage over the implementation of the provisional trade agreement itself. This is aimed at dissuading the Council from provisionally implementing the Free Trade Agreement without Parliament's consent.
  
  "It is regrettable that Council forces us into such a manoeuvre but how else can we express our reservations about an agreement which we consider inadequate other than using the regulation on the safeguard clause ?" asks Michael Theurer (FDP, Germany), ALDE shadow rapporteur. "We require an effective safeguard clause which covers regional distortions and social and environmental norms which allow us to avoid the inherent duty drawback risks", continued Mr Theurer who warned "If the Council want to implement this agreement without Parliament's green light on the safeguard clause and the agreement itself, this would be in violation of the spirit of the Lisbon Treaty".  
  
  "All of the European Commission's impact studies show a comparative advantage more favourable for Korea than for the EU", Marielle de Sarnez (MoDem, France), member of the INTA Committee noted.  "The least we can expect from the Commission is to present us with a credible safeguard clause.  We feel it legitimate that our request for a regional safeguard clause is taken seriously. The impact of opening our market to Korean products will vary considerably from one  Member State to  another  in a market of 500 million consumers whilst  the impact of European imports to a country of 50 million citizens is much more predictable.  It is also essential  to include the right of initiative of Parliament and the industries concerned to begin a study  into these safeguards as well as increasing Parliaments role to decide on these safeguard measures", she concluded.
  
  The General Affairs Council, which will hold an informal meeting on 10-12 September in Brussels using the so called Gymnich method, is likely to discuss the provisional entry into force of the EU free trade agreement with Korea despite the fact that the European Parliament has not yet given its opinion.

• 12:00

  Improving EU - communication

   » ‎ ALDE News

  To improve the EU-communication the European Parliament adopted today a report by ALDE rapporteur  Morten Løkkegaard (Venstre, DK), with concrete suggestions on how to increase the journalistic output and visibility of EU as well as encouraging politicians to communicate with the public via social media.
  
  Morten Løkkegaard has worked hard to increase the visibility of the EU in Member States, by strengthening the presence of the European Parliaments information offices.
  
  "The Parliaments information offices should play an active role in informing the public of its activities and this role should not only be done by EU-staff coming from the institutions. We have to look at new ways, where we hire experienced media professionals to undertake this role", said Morten Løkkegaard.
  
  The report states that the remit of Public service broadcasters is a competence of Member States, and at the same time, that they have a particular responsibility to cover the EU.
  
  "Public service broadcasters hold the key to informing the European public on EU-matters. Of course broadcasters have full independence to carry out the coverage as they see fit, the important thing is that they have EU-coverage at all and that they take their responsibility seriously", underlines Morten Løkkegaard.
  
  The rapporteur wants to increase the communication between Member States and Brussels as well as encouraging policy makers to communicate with constituencies and the public via social media.
  
  Morten Løkkegaard added: "Civil servants and politicians within the system should undergo in-service training to give them the skills needed to inform and communicate with the public. Social media has proven to be an excellent way to do this by giving the public a chance to have a look at what goes on behind the walls. And finally this is the easiest way for citizens to talk and debate directly with decision makers".  
  
  

• September 03, 2010
• 6:54

  ALDE: deal establishing European financial supervision a big step forward

   » ‎ ALDE News

  In the final deal agreed in principle today, Council agreed with ALDE's key demand (supported by the main political groups of Parliament) that the President of the European Central Bank be also the President of the new European Systemic Risk Board - to be reviewed after five years. This body will be charged with identifying risks to financial stability and have the power to issue warnings and recommendations to avoid trouble in the future.
  
  Sylvie Goulard (MoDem, France), EP rapporteur on the establishment of the ESRB and macro-prudential oversight said that "We fought hard for the Systemic Risk Board to be chaired by the President of the European Central Bank - a European personality who will bring independence and moral authority to the position as well as a clear identification of responsibility to citizens."
  
  "The decision-making bodies will include independent specialists, academics and SME representatives from a wide range of backgrounds that will also raise the profile of the institution.
  
  "Although Council refused to accept the binding reference to direct ESA supervision over EU-wide entities (such as credit rating agencies and trade depositories), the rapporteurs insisted on a political declaration to be made by the four main political groups on the need for such a competence in order to ensure effective and equal oversight throughout the EU (see attached text)." The Commission also committed to making a similar declaration.
  
  "Although a consensus was reached today between negotiating representatives, the text of the agreement remains provisional and still needs to be confirmed by ECOFIN (finance ministers) and Parliament later this month."
  
  Ramon Tremosa (CiU, Catalunya, Spain) EP rapporteur on the specific tasks of the ECB with respect to monitoring financial stability had insisted that the ECB President also head the ESRB for reasons of efficiency, independence and consistency: "In our view, it is essential that the President of the Central Bank also preside over the Systemic Risk Board. It would have been inconceivable to have different individuals, subject to possible political pressures, and differing views on such an important task."
  
  Note to editors:
  Over the 20 or so trilogues (negotiating meetings), Parliament has obtained many of its key points, including: ESAs to take decisions which apply directly to individual financial institutions; Parliament has a veto over appointments of chairmen of the ESAs; ESAs will focus attention on systemic weak spots in financial markets; country by country reporting standards will be introduced and so-called correlation tables will be published to ensure the correct and transparent implementation of the directives into national law.

• August 27, 2010
• 10:41

  Pakistan: Greens and ALDE plead for a prompt and pertinent response which demonstrates solidarity with the needs of the victims of this disaster

   » ‎ ALDE News

  "During the month of August, 20 million people have been condemned to live in absolute distress. The country will need a long time to go back to a normal rhythm of life. What is crucial right now, and has been since the beginning of the flooding, is a rapid response which shows solidarity with the disaster victims", declared Eva JOLY (Europe Ecology, France), president of the parliamentary committee on Development (DEVE) and Charles GOERENS (Luxembourg, Democratic Party), coordinator for ALDE on the DEVE committee, in a joint declaration today.

  "It's during this time of suffering that European policy, which is often criticised, can win back a little dignity by coming to the aid of the weakest.  In fact, the EU is predestined to play a leading role in these dramatic days: its political and economic environment, its new provisions in the Lisbon Treaty, and also its past and present contributions, make the EU among the foremost donors. We should also take note of the tireless efforts of Kristalina Georgieva, the new European Commissioner for humanitarian aid", they continued.
  
  "Despite all the unequalled potential that has been given to the EU, it continues to be too discreet as a global player. It's important that the EU stands out and demonstrates what she does best: to assert herself in a visible way as the first humanitarian actor in the world, and excel in what is her true vocation, that of a real peace broker. But first things first, emergency humanitarian aid.  For those that are informed as to the magnitude of this disaster, there are no excuses for half-measures in the face of such tragedy."
  
  "Let's remember the posture that the EU should take now and in the future. The next decades will be marked by large-scale catastrophes, which according to experts will be more and more frequent. Because the South of our planet is very vulnerable, she will be more exposed to nature's caprices, and will be at the mercy of our climate", concludes Eva Joly and Charles Goerens.
  
  On Monday August 30th, when work takes up again on the DEVE committee, the Greens and ALDE will request an in depth political debate on the humanitarian situation in Pakistan.

• August 24, 2010
• 17:56

  ALDE requests plenary debate on the Roma situation in the EU

   » ‎ ALDE News

  The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe deeply regrets that several European governments have brazenly stigmatised the Roma community over these past summer months.  "The exiling of German-born Roma children to Kosovo, the military-style dismantling of Roma camps in France, the massive expulsions, and the encouragements of an Italian minister to carry out openly xenophobe policies, are sad events for the European Union whose values have been ridiculed", deplores Guy VERHOFSTADT, president of the group who requests a declaration from the Council and the Commission on the Roma situation in Europe for the next Strasbourg plenary.  "The Parliament must remind Europe of our principles and the Commission must assure that the rights of minorities are respected", added M. Verhofstadt.
  
  "To tolerate such discriminatory practices could lead to the opening of Pandora´s box: Who will be the next group to be stigmatised and expulsed?" said Sophie IN´T VELD (D66, Netherlands), who is at the origin of the request for a parliamentary debate which will be made during the next Conference of Presidents. "I am ashamed of these governments who play populist sentiment against a minority which is already marginalised in their country of origin, and I am even more outraged that so few of these ministers who today are proud of their repressive exploits judged it necessary to attend the European Summit on the Roma people last April in Cordova ", concluded Mme In´t Veld.

• July 22, 2010
• 17:03

  ICJ ruling on Kosovo is a chance to bring clarity and certainty to Western Balkans

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament have welcomed the non-binding ruling from the International Court of Justice today in The Hague that Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008 was not illegal under international law.

  Annemie Neyts (Open-VLD, Belgium), ALDE group spokesperson on foreign affairs welcomed the decision of the judges, though it was not unanimous:"This decision will help bring more clarity and certainty to the region. The European Union's new High Representative should now encourage those Member States who have not yet formally recognised Kosovo to do so and then work with Serbia to facilitate a more constructive approach to the dispute in the broader context of deeper EU relations."

  Jelko Kacin (LDS, Slovenia), Parliament's standing rapporteur on EU-Serbia and Vice-chairman of the EP Delegation to South-East Europe relations commented:
  “ICJ's advisory opinion must not remain a moment in the history of troubled relations between Belgrade and Pristina.”

  “Today's advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Kosovo's independence brings about new and different challenges. It should mark a new beginning of advanced relations between Belgrade and Pristina and a genuine turnabout towards friendly dialogue”, stated Jelko Kacin.
  “All countries of the Western Balkans aspire to EU membership. Dialogue and enhanced institution building are the only means by which political, social and economic progress towards the EU, and in the relations between the two countries, can be made. The EU membership remains at the top of the strategic agenda of both Serbia and Kosovo”, concluded Jelko Kacin.

• July 16, 2010
• 16:40

  ALDE defines its project for the Citizen's Initiative

   » ‎ ALDE News

  The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe considers the provision for the Citizen's Initiative of the Lisbon Treaty to be a major democratic step forward and intends to make it a success.
  
  Diana Wallis (LibDem, UK) presented a working paper preparing her project on the Citizen's Initiative to the Petitions Committee yesterday.  This Initiative gives 1 million citizens across the EU the possibility to sign in favour of a proposed European Law inviting the Commission to act, giving flesh to the idea of participatory democracy provided for in the Lisbon Treaty.
  
  Ms. Wallis, joint rapporteur on the working paper said:
  
  'Putting forward ideas on behalf of the Petitions Committee our whole idea has been to make this exciting new instrument as accessible, as citizen friendly and as simple as possible whilst acknowledging that this is a serious tool allowing citizens to set the EU policy and law making agenda.'
  
  The three main innovations that were proposed are:
  
  There should be no latter admissibility check, as proposed by the Commission after the gathering of 300,000 initial signatures, (reduced to 100,000 by the Council), rather just a pre-registration check to weed out those requests that are outside the competence of the EU, or failing to comply with the Charter of Human Rights.
  
  The right to petition the European Parliament should be open to all European citizens and residents with no lower age limit, in other words it should not be limited to European Parliament electors, but should especially reach out to encourage debate and interest amongst young people.
  
  There should be a clear obligation by the Commission to hold a public hearing with the supporters of the initiative once it has passed the one million signature mark. This would mean a true dialogue between the European institutions and its citizens.
   
  The European Parliament should decide on the working paper by the end of the year based on reports from the AFCO and PETI committees.

• July 14, 2010
• 14:28

  ALDE wishes to reinforce commercial ties between the EU and Turkey

   » ‎ ALDE News

  The European Parliament's trade committee approved today an important non-legislative report by Metin Kazak (Movement for Rights and Freedoms, Bulgaria) on commercial relations between the EU and Turkey by a large majority, 23 for, 2 against and 2 abstentions.  The committee argues in favour of reinforced economic and commercial links between the EU and Turkey already cooperating since the 1996 Customs Union and who are faced with similar problems in terms of energy supply as well as the growing imbalance in their trade with China.
  
  "The Customs Union is the base on which we must lead from.  It is not normal that Turkey can not benefit from the advantages obtained by the EU in the framework of free trade agreements concluded with the big emerging economies throughout the world.   

  This is why I have called on the European Commission to include Turkey in these negotiations in particular within the joint committee on the Customs Union and lay aside any political considerations", underlined Mr Kazak, ALDE coordinator on the trade Committee.
  
  The report deplores the difficulties encountered by Turkish business men and Turkish truck drivers in obtaining the necessary visas to enable them to travel freely in the course of their business within the EU. "I believe that the EU must show more goodwill, especially since Turkey is very active in the Balkans who now benefit from easing of visa restrictions", declared Mr Kazak.
  
  The report also points to the efforts Turkey must make to avoid non-tariff barriers and the obstacles against European investment, in particular the discriminatory practices regarding government contracts.
  
  This report will be voted during the European Parliament's plenary session in September.
  
  Notes to editors:
  Turkey has become a key commercial partner of the EU, ranking 7th in the EU’s top import markets and 5th in the export markets. In 2009 Turkey exported € 33, 6 billion worth of products to the EU and imported € 40,4 billion worth of products from the Union. Turkey has also become 15th largest economy in the world. As regards Foreign Direct Investments, the EU continues to be the biggest source of FDI inflows in Turkey. In 2008 75% of FDI inflows in Turkey came from EU countries, while in the first five months of 2009 the figure increased to 88%. Yet, the role of FDI in Turkish economy is low and there is a great scope for improvement in this area.

• 12:09

  GMOs: Commission abdicates responsibility to Member States

   » ‎ ALDE News

  "Today's decision by the European Commission to give Member States the final word over the planting of genetically modified crops is an abdication of responsibility, undermines the integrity of the Internal Market and sets a dangerous precedent for finding common solutions to other cross border issues," said Guy Verhofstadt, Liberal and Democrat group leader today.
  
  "Whatever one's view on the benefits or risks associated with GMOs, the matter is one of common European interest and concern and, as such, requires a unified approach across all Member States. The decision to allow or prohibit GMO crops should be based on the most thorough and informative scientific analysis. By devolving responsibility to national and even regional authorities the Commission is fragmenting the Common Agricultural Policy and the Single Market and allowing politics to interfere at every level of government."
  
  "It is the duty of the Commission to seek and find a solution, even to the most difficult issues and particularly in the absence national consensus. That is the whole point of the EU. What next ? Do we give up on trying to agree a Community patent or allow Member States to set their own fishing quotas ? This is a sad day for European integration and should be resisted by all those who defend the Community method of decision-making."
  
  Note to editors:
  The European Commission is today announcing new guidelines for the development of national cultivation measures of GMOs in which Member States are made primarily responsible for taking any necessary steps to avoid the unintended presence or contamination of conventional or organic crops.
  
  

• 12:05

  Stress tests: EU must prepare a follow-up plan

   » ‎ ALDE News

  The Liberals and Democrats, the first political group in the European Parliament last year to draw attention to the importance of undertaking stress tests on European banks, is calling on ECOFIN Council of Finance ministers tomorrow to prepare the ground carefully, both in terms of methodology and possible recapitalisation.
  
  "The failure of the stress tests conducted in Europe during the summer and autumn of 2009 can only be explained by the disorderly fashion in which they were carried out by national regulators - their results only being known to national finance ministers which led to the international markets losing confidence in the prudential state of many European banks as well as they themselves doubting the solvency of each other," said Guy Verhofstadt, ALDE group leader. "The EU cannot allow a repetition of this and must carry out this exercise transparently."
  
  "Certainly we are making progress in the publication of a new series of stress tests on the 23rd July but no-one except finance ministers knows what methodology is being applied to evaluate the banks. We should know this in advance of publication and how marks are attributed in proportion to liquidity."
  
  "The worst case would be if the results of certain banking institutions are not solid enough to reassure the markets or their clients. In such a scenario it is essential that ECOFIN ministers affirm their political will to agree a Europe-wide plan, including the eventual mobilisation of the European financial stabilisation mechanism."
  
  "This new situation highlights once more the absence of European banking supervision. A European supervisor would have been in a position to define a single methodology and prepare a European recapitalisation plan. I hope that the Council will take heed and agree a compromise on the package of financial supervision with the European Parliament by September."
  
  Note to the editors:
  The Committee of European Banking Supervisors (CEBS) - a coordinating rather than supervisory body at present - decided on 7th July that 91 banks, representing 65% of the sector in Europe, would be subject to stress tests (evaluated in 2010 and 2011) the results of which would be published on 23rd July. Amongst these banks are 27 Spanish institutions, 14 German and 4 French.

• July 08, 2010
• 11:54

  Parliament gives green light to new, improved data sharing agreement with USA

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Today the European Parliament finally gave its green light to the recommendation on a new EU-US Financial Messaging Data Agreement in which the Liberal and Democrat group played an instrumental role in steering it through Parliament and ensuring that personal data privacy is better protected. 484 MEPs in favour, 109 against, 12 abstentions.
  
  Alexander Alvaro (FDP, Germany) who drafted Parliament's position and led negotiations with the other institutions commented:
  "Parliament has stood up for citizens' rights to privacy by insisting that the current transfer of bulk data via Swift will be replaced by a properly controlled European data transfer system."
  
  The European Parliament withheld its consent to the conclusion of the first EU-US Financial Messaging Data Agreement (FMDA) in February this year due to concerns over data privacy.
  
  ALDE has been at the forefront asking for a number of improvements in the new Agreement and has ensured that the rights of the innocent individual can be protected whilst still acknowledging the value of financial data tracking in the fight against terrorism.
  
  The key features of the new agreement include:
  •    that a twin-track approach can be accepted, if strict safeguards are included in the envisaged EU-US agreement, and, that in the longer term a durable, legally sound European solution to the issue of the extraction of requested data on European soil be envisaged;
  •    that a public authority should be designated in the EU with the responsibility to receive requests from the United States Treasury Department;
  •    that  the agreement should also provide for evaluations and safeguard reviews by the Commission at set times during its implementation;
  •    that the specific rights of European and US citizens (e.g. access, rectification, deletion, compensation and redress) are put in place on a non-discriminatory basis, regardless of the nationality of any person whose data are processed pursuant to it.
  
  The new Agreement contains also the legally binding commitment by Council and Commission to set up the framework allowing for the extraction of data on EU soil. This commitment will in the mid-term ensure the termination of bulk data transfers to the US authorities. The establishment of a European extraction system represents a very important improvement, as the continued transfer of data in bulk is a departure from the principles underpinning EU legislation and practice.
  
  

• July 07, 2010
• 14:32

  Novel Foods: ALDE favours food from farms instead of food factories

   » ‎ ALDE News

  The European Parliament today clearly confirmed its opposition to animal cloning and excluded authorisation for foods derived from cloned animals and their offspring. 
  
  "Although no safety concerns have been identified so far with meat produced from cloned animals, this technique raises serious issues about animal welfare, reduction of biodiversity, as well as ethical concerns" explained Corinne LEPAGE (CAP21, France) ALDE's shadow rapporteur.
  
  "We also welcome the fact that no food product containing nano particules should be put on the market as long as specific and appropriate risk assessment methods have not be developed, said Corinne LEPAGE.
  
  "I will strive during conciliation to ensure that the crucial principle of public access to risk studies be guaranteed, in conformity with the Aarhus Convention", underlines LEPAGE.
  
  The report approved modifies a draft regulation that aims to ensure food safety, protect human health and secure the functioning of the internal market for food.
  
  
  

• 14:07

  Reforming the CAP for a new, greener Europe

   » ‎ ALDE News

  George Lyon (Liberal Democrat, UK), ALDE Spokesman on Agriculture and author of Parliament's report on reforming the Common Agricultural Policy, has called for decisive reform and realignment of the CAP after 2013 to address the challenges of the 21st century. He identifies the key challenge as a near doubling of food demand by 2050 against a backdrop of less land, less water and major cuts in energy use because of climate change.
  
  "For the first time, direct support payments to farmers across Europe would be linked to efforts to reduce harmful emissions. A reformed and renewed CAP will treat farmers as part of the solution to climate change, not part of the problem.”
  
  The report also sets out a further greening of the CAP by encouraging the development of small scale renewables.It promotes further carbon sequestration and sets a goal for the majority of European farm land to be covered by agri-environmental schemes.
  
  “By encouraging green growth, driving innovation and the use of new technology the CAP can play a key role in meeting challenges identified in EU 2020 strategy.
  
  The report also puts fairness at the heart of the reforms by calling on the EU to honour its commitment to give new member states a comparable level of funding for direct payments as well as being fair to individual farmers by ending historic based payments by 2020.
  
  “Receiving payments based on how you farmed at the beginning of the century should not dictate how payments are received in the years ahead.
  
  “Historic payments are unjustified, unfair and should come to an end by 2020.”
  
  

• 14:02

  European Parliament strikes at bankers´ bonuses and casino banking

   » ‎ ALDE News

  The European Parliament today approved a directive, known as CRD3, which aims to strengthen the capital requirements for banks and capping the bonus culture that led to irresponsible speculation and fuelled the recent financial crisis.
  
  Sharon Bowles (Lib Dem, UK), who chairs European Parliament's influential Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, has hailed the new EU law to rein in bankers´ bonuses a landmark success.
  
  "The tough new rules voted through parliament today will be implemented in time for this year's bonus payout. It will stop high earning bankers taking home huge pay cheques regardless of their performance or profitability of their institution."
  
  The new law caps upfront cash bonuses at 30% and at least 50% of a bonus will have to be paid in the form of shares and 'contingent capital instruments', which absorb losses if a bank collapses. This will mean that it is those traders and senior management who put banks at risk will suffer the losses first, not the taxpayer. Tight limits are also imposed on bonuses paid out by banks which have been bailed out by the State.
  
  Bonuses disguised as pension benefits will also be stored as contingent capital for a minimum of 5 years in case the bank performs poorly or collapses in the meantime. The idea of bonuses and lump sum pension payments being paid in the form of contingent capital was made by amendments from Sharon Bowles. Originally commentators said the idea would not fly, but it has now become accepted as mainstream thinking.
  
  The directive also removes incentives for casino banking by imposing a three to fourfold increase in the capital that banks have to apply to their trading book.  "This may have a similar effect to the Volcker Rule - the US proposal that stops investment banks from doing proprietary trading - because it no longer offers such high returns for risk taking" says Sharon.
  
  Notes to the editor:
  
  Remuneration requirements will cover employees with a material impact on the risk profile of the credit institution, ie senior management, risk-takers, control functions and any employee whose total remuneration takes them into the same remuneration bracket. The measures should be implemented by 1st January 2011.
  
  Capital requirements for the trading book should be strengthened to ensure that a firm’s assessment of the risks connected with its trading book better reflects the potential losses from adverse market movements.
  
  

• 10:49

  ALDE backs Iceland's EU membership bid

   » ‎ ALDE News

  The recent unanimous decision by EU leaders to open membership talks with Iceland was the subject of debate and vote today in Strasbourg. 

  Pat the Cope Gallagher, (Fianna Fail, Ireland) Chairman of Delegation for relations with Iceland said   "Iceland is uniquely placed to proceed quickly with negotiations as she has already adopted a significant part of the Community acquis due to its membership of the EEA.  I strongly believe that aside from the political negotiations that will now commence, it is of equal importance to further improve the political and civil society dialogue between the European Union and Iceland."

  Diana Wallis, (Liberal Democrat, UK) Vice-President of the European Parliament and a member of the EP Delegation to Iceland added "Iceland is the oldest parliamentary democracy in Europe with a huge contribution to make to the EU in terms of its experience and expertise in fisheries and sustainable energy and its geopolitically strategic position as an Arctic nation."

  Hans van Baalen, (VVD, The Netherlands), ALDE Shadow rapporteur on this report was categorical about one issue in particular though " I welcome the start of negotiations and believe that Iceland will make a significant contribution to the EU but we have to make it clear that Iceland must resolve issues concerning Icesave, if negotiations are to conclude successfully. "

   

• June 29, 2010
• 17:34

  French Government should rally behind EAS deal instead of pulling it apart

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Guy VERHOFSTADT, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament and one of Parliament's chief negotiators, reacting today to remarks made by Pierre Lellouche, the French Secretary of State, on the European External Action Service warned:
  
  "The agreement reached last week in Madrid by all parties involved in the establishment of the framework for Europe's new diplomatic service was arrived at after much effort and hard negotiation."
  
  "Parliament's political groups have signalled their broad backing for the terms of the deal which would preserve the essential Community interest of the new service created by the Lisbon Treaty whilst drawing on expertise from the European Commission and national administrations."
  
  "It would be most unfortunate now if the French Government or any of its ministers were to attempt to undermine the delicate consensus achieved or rewrite the terms of the agreement. Whilst the EAS, once operational, will inevitably have to reflect a consensus amongst Member States it is precisely the Community institutions (especially the Commission and Parliament) who are in a position to guarantee the common interest."

• June 22, 2010
• 8:15

  The European Council announced today that they will start accession negotiations with Iceland.

   » ‎ ALDE News

  Gallagher stated "The accession negotiations will undoubtedly be toughbut Iceland has already completed 22 out of the 35 accession chapters of negotiation.  Examples of the remaining chapters to be concluded relate to agriculture, fisheries, structural funds, external relations,regional policy and budgetary matters. I am confident that the other chapters will be dealt with in a positive manner by both sides."
  
  In July 2009, Iceland presented its application for membership of the EU. In February this year, the European Commission responded by providing a favourable opinion on Iceland's application for membership.Today's announcement signals the beginning of negotiations.

  Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP is Chairman of the European Parliamentdelegation with responsibility for Iceland.

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