Strasbourg news
News from Strasbourg (14th - 17th Jan)21 Jan 2008
Securing children’s rights throughout the EU
Cross border co-operation is essential to protect children against child trafficking and online exploitation. As such, the European Parliament adopted the “EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child”, which calls for an end to sexual exploitation of children, protecting children from known sex offenders, an early warning system on child abductions, combating the dissemination of paedophilic material via the internet, a mechanism to enable the prosecution, in Europe, of suppliers of products that have been manufactured with child labour, and an end to all violence against children.
The Lisbon Treaty provides significant advances in the quest to address threats to children and makes it easier for the EU to deliver on children's rights.
News from Strasbourg (10th-13th December)
14 Dec 2007
Euro MEPs target air pollution
The European Parliament passed a new EU Air Quality Directive, which specifically aims to reduce the deadly "fine particulate matter" (PM2.5) in order to minimise its harmful effects on human health.
The European Commission estimated in 2000, that exposure to particulate matter was responsible for reducing average life expectancy by approximately nine months. This equates to approximately 3.6 million life years lost or 348,000 premature deaths a year in the European Union.
MEPs successfully pushed for a second limit value of 20 micrograms-m3 to be achieved by 2020. Under the directive, Member States must establish "sampling points" in urban areas. In rural areas a measuring station will have to be set up for every 62,000 square miles.
News from Strasbourg (12th-15th November)
16 Nov 2007
European Parliament passes first piece of climate change legislation
The European Parliament adopted its first piece of climate change legislation by voting for a new directive to include aircraft emissions in the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
ETS limits the amount of carbon dioxide a company can emit each year and allocates a number of permits to operators. The total number of permits sets a limit on the overall emission from participants in the scheme. While some permits are allocated to operators free of charge, others are traded freely (auctioned) to allow emission reductions to be made where they are most cost-effective.
Robert Evans, Member of the European Parliament’s Transport Committee, said: “The aviation industry must take responsibility for its CO2 emissions. This generation can not ride roughshod over the next generation.”
News from Strasbourg (22nd-25th October)
26 Oct 2007
Reform Treaty
The European Parliament welcomed the results of the Lisbon Summit. The Reform Treaty gives the citizens of Europe more democratic control through the European Parliament, as the co-decision procedure has been made the normal legislative decision-making process.
Climate change targets let down by LibDems
British LibDems in the European Parliament led moves to water down EU proposals to cut CO2 emissions in cars. Cars account for 12% of CO2 emissions in the EU and cuts are vital to meet the climate change goals signed up to by all EU countries back in March. The European Parliament voted against European Commission proposals to reduce CO2 emissions from cars by 2012 to 120g. Instead, following the lead LibDem and Tory MEPs, it voted to delay reaching climate change goals by 3 years to 2015 and to weaken the target reduction to 125g CO2. Labour MEPs backed the original Commission target.
News from Strasbourg (24th-27th September)
28 Sep 2007
Labour’s Leader in the European Parliament calls for greater respect for Muslim views
Gary Titley MEP, Labour’s Leader in Europe, has called for more respect to be paid to the views of the Muslim communities in Britain and Europe.
Addressing the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth, Gary Titley, said: “Europe is not an exclusive white Christian club. Europe is a union of diverse cultures, traditions and histories. Being a Muslim does not negate being also European. Nobody who lives and works legally in Europe should have to prove they belong. If you want people to be citizens you have to treat them as citizens.”
News from Strasbourg (3rd-6th September)
07 Sep 2007
MEPs demand single European sky to fight climate change
This week in the Parliament session in Strasbourg, MEPs demanded an explanation from the European Commission on why there had not been enough progress on the creation of the European Single Sky. Currently European aviation is run by 35 air navigation services so by creating a unified service, this would result in efficiency gains, reduction in delays and more effective routings. It is also estimated that the single sky would lead to a 12 million tonne annual reduction in the CO2 produced by airlines flying in Europe's skies. This would greatly help prevent the practice of airlines taking unnecessary detours to save on air traffic control fees. Speaking on this issue in Strasbourg, Robert said, "A single European Sky is a vital step towards protecting the environment in a time of ever-increasing air travel. Climate change is happening now. We can't afford to wait to make this type of change, which will result in a sizeable reduction in carbon emissions at no recognisable cost."
News from Strasbourg (9th-12th July)
13 Jul 2007
Parliament pushes for Air ticket pricing transparency
Review of air ticket pricing was high on the Parliaments agenda this week. MEPs while re-evaluating the functioning of aviation liberalisation specifically looked into ticket pricing and transparent. One of the main issues seen as a priority was that consumers want to pay the price they first see when booking online. Robert who is the European Parliamentary Labour Party spokesperson on Transport strongly advocated this move. "This is great news for holidaymakers, now when you spot a bargain flight online you’ll be able to see the real price up front. Whether you’re planning a last minute trip or booking ahead, you’ll be able to compare deals quickly and easily and know exactly how much of your money is going on taxes and charges".
News from Strasbourg - (18th-21st June)
22 Jun 2007
MEPs seek ban on cat and dog fur trade
MEPs finally won their battle to ensure a ban on cat and dog fur imports into the European Union after years of campaigning to persuade the European Commission to draft new rules. MEPS rejected a plea for an exemption to the ban for cat and dogs killed for meat, as an unacceptable get out clause. In December 2003 the majority of MEPs supported a Written Declaration to ban fur imports found to have been used in some soft toys in the EU. Robert, Labour's animal welfare spokesman in the European Parliament, said, "This ban has been a long time in coming. Conditions of cat and dog farms and their slaughtering practices are nearly always inhumane. It is deeply disturbing that European consumers are purchasing products such as clothes or toys, totally unaware they contain cat or dog fur, due to the lack of honest labelling. I completely welcome this ban."
News from Strasbourg - (21st-24th May)
25 May 2007
MEPs secure cheaper mobile phone bills for holiday makers
This week MEPs supported big cuts in mobile phone bills for roaming, after a two year campaign to end rip off charges when travelling in Europe. This deal will see outgoing calls fall to around 39p a minute, with further reductions on their way in the next 2 years, cutting rates in half! After giving the industry ample time to get their act in order, the European Institutions were forced to take steps in the best interests of consumers to stop exorbitant bills while travelling. Robert spoke enthusiastically after the vote, saying "When Londoners go on their summer holidays they will automatically receive a text message telling them how much they will be paying per minute to make and receive calls. This is fantastic news for those who travel for business or leisure, a result for which we have fought long and hard."
News from Strasbourg - (23rd-26th April)
27 Apr 2007
India President addresses the Parliament
This week the India President attended the Strasbourg sitting of the European Parliament, he spoke about the similarities between India and the European Union both combining enormous cultural, linguistic and religious diversity and the need for a global endeavour for "a good human life and welfare of the society, while pursuing the material life". Coincidentally, a new delegation for relations between India and the European Parliament has just been established in response to the growing influence of India in political and economic terms. India now becomes separate from the Parliament's influential South Asia delegation which has just elected Robert Evans as its new Chairperson.
News from Strasbourg - (12-15th March)
16 Mar 2007
European Union's 50 years
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, MEPs prepared for the much anticipated Berlin Declaration. This joint declaration of the Parliament, Council and Commission will be signed on 25th March 2007 in Berlin. In the Strasbourg debate MEPs called on the declaration to include not only the major achievements of the last 50 years, reminding Europe of the sustained peace and prosperity which the EU has contributed to but also to look towards the future. The new EU, with 27 member countries, must have a vision which will benefit all European citizens. Robert responded to the debate saying "we expect this declaration to confirm European values and principles which we have built upon after Europe's bloodiest century, and we must give our citizens hope for the 21st century."
News from Strasbourg (12th-15th February)
16 Feb 2007
MEPs adopt CIA report
The European Parliament's temporary Committee on alleged external rendition by the CIA, finally brought its conclusions to the whole Parliament this week, after an intense year-long investigation. MEPs in Strasbourg adopted the report on Wednesday 14th February, which condemned EU governments for passively turning a blind eye to over one thousand CIA-operated flights, which allegedly used European airspace from 2001 to 2005. Also the report also claims that the CIA used temporary secret detention facilities which "may have been located at US military bases" in throughout Europe. Robert Evans responded to the adoption of this report by commenting, "I believe the Parliament took a balanced approach to this report, we must make sure that throughout the EU the highest possible human rights standards are set and adhered to by all."
News from Strasbourg (15th-18th January)
30 Jan 2007
Romania and Bulgaria welcomed into the European Union
The first Strasbourg session of the New Year was a momentous occasion, with MEPs officially welcoming in new colleagues from Romania and Bulgaria. The number of MEPs in the parliament has now increased from 732 to 785 with 35 Romanian and 18 Bulgarian Members. Robert who has sat on the Romania Joint Parliamentary Committee for the last 12 years, welcomed in his new colleagues saying "I have been looking forward to this day for many years, both Romania and Bulgaria have made significant internal reforms and their membership of the European Union will benefit the whole of Europe."
News from Strasbourg (11th-14th December)
15 Dec 2006
REACH - New EU Chemicals legislation
Major new legislation on chemicals was agreed this week by MEPs in the Parliament's Strasbourg sitting. The adoption of the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) regulation, which seeks to remove dangerous chemicals by checking all untested chemicals in the EU, is vital in the fight for the protection of public health. The legislation aims to safeguard the public from harmful chemicals that can cause a cancer, asthma, allergies and reproductive disorders and could reduce illnesses caused by chemicals within the EU by 10%, saving up to 4500 lives a year. Robert, who keenly supported this legislation, said "I am pleased we have finally found agreement to put public health as a top priority above profit lines."
News from Strasbourg (13th-16th November)
16 Nov 2006
MEPs adopt final deal to open up the services sector
After two years of debate MEPs finally agreed on the second and final reading of the services directive. This directive will to help make the single market even more successful, bringing prosperity for all, as it has done since its beginning in 1986. Specifically this allows the opening up the market in services and will potentially create 600,000 jobs and economic benefits to consumers and producers of around 30 billion euros. Robert Evans backed the new EU law, saying "this is a good balance between helping the economy to grow and making sure that we look to the best interests of employees and consumers. The Parliament has listened to the concerns of workers by ensuring that the freedom to provide these services will not undermine rights. I am sure it will benefit London's economy. "
News from Strasbourg (23rd-26th October)
26 Oct 2006
MEPs push forward the Spanish Peace process
The situation in the Basque Country was hot on the agenda during this month's European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg. This came in response to the Spanish Government's instigation of peace talks with separatist group ETA. The debate, condemning terrorism, was attended by victims of terror, also pushed for peace to be achieved by negotiation in the same spirit as the peace process in Northern Ireland. Robert commented after the vote "I am very pleased that the Socialist resolution was adopted, this is hugely important for the peace process in Spain. The European Parliament is right behind the Spanish Governments aim to achieve a permanent cessation of violence which has blighted Spain, with around 800 deaths in the last 30 years."
News from Strasbourg (25th-28th September)
29 Sep 2006
One seat for the European Parliament?
This week a million signature petition was presented to the Finnish Presidency of the European Council demanding an end to the £200 million monthly trek to Strasbourg. This came after a campaign by MEPs who asked their constituents to sign an online petition. If the European Constitution had been adopted then the European Commission would have been forced to act in response to the demands of a million European citizens, but nevertheless this still sends a strong message to European Governments, who enshrined the monthly Strasbourg trips into the treaty. Robert a long standing member of the campaign for Parliamentary Reform commented that, “there is no longer the political significance in having the Parliament in Strasbourg and now is just a needless waste of resources." You can still sign the petition at www.oneseat.eu .
News from Strasbourg (4th-7th September)
12 Sep 2006
MEPs call for a sensible progression in the Situation in Lebanon
This week the situation in Lebanon was a point of focus for the Parliament's monthly plenary session in Strasbourg. After an address from the Commission setting out its objectives for pressing forward, MEPs united to welcome the United Nations decision to send 15,000 troops to southern Lebanon. They also stressed the need for the UN Troops to have a clear mandate and rules of engagement, calling for the immediate release of the kidnapped Israeli soldiers, as well as the imprisoned members of the Palestinian government and Legislative Council. Robert who recently visited Israel and Palestine stated "like with Northern Ireland and Bosnia there is no military solution to this situation, dialogue is the only way forward and the European Union must play a key role in bringing this about."
News from Strasbourg (3rd-6th July)
07 Jul 2006
Drive for European Car Hire regulation
Robert Evans launched a Written Declaration at a press conference this week in Strasbourg calling on the European Commission to bring forward new regulation to clean up the Car Hire industry. Consumer Protection Commissioner, Mr Kyprianou, agreed at the last Strasbourg to look into the situation of car hire in response to Robert's demand throughout the EU - where consumers have received a raw deal from unscrupulous companies. Robert Evans said "I am fed up hearing nightmare stories from my constituents who have been ripped off by small print, catch all clauses and extortionate charges." If the declaration is signed by half of the Parliament within 3 months it is then adopted as a Parliament position.
News from Strasbourg (12th-15th June)
16 Jun 2006
MEPs demand clarity from the Council over the Constitution
This week in Strasbourg MEPs debated the next steps concerning the Future of Europe. Robert Evans said "after the rejection votes in France and Holland the focus now must be on delivering real change for people's lives. Citizens want to see progress on issues such as energy, economic growth and strengthening our borders.' The European Parliament is calling for clear commitments from each Member State as to the ways and means to proceed and how it intends to provide sufficient funding for the activities envisaged.
News from Strasbourg (15th-18th May)
19 May 2006
High profile visit from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
Robert was in Strasbourg this week for the long awaited visit from the President of the Palestinian Authority. MEPs were told that the Palestinian's would be a partner for peace with Israel but Mr Abbas urged against unilateral moves concerning the border situation. Referring to the new Hamas government, Mr Abbas advocated that they should be given the time and opportunity to "adapt to the basic requirements of the international community." Also proclaiming strong regional ties he said, "We share common objectives for a future of strengthened relations built across the waters of the Mediterranean with bridges that will promote cooperation and partnership in various fields, for innovative and fruitful interactions, and for a fertile dialogue between ancient civilizations that gives greater importance to human values, rejects extremist views, strengthens our historical neighbourhood and contributes to the creation of peace, prosperity and progress." Robert Evans reacted to the successful visit saying "After my recent delegation visit to Israel, I saw for myself after numerous high level meetings that Mr Abbas is an essential character at this crucial time for both the Palestinian and Israeli people and his visit today is vital for continued European help in fostering a viable and lasting peace process".
