DIRECTORATE FOR THE PLANNING

OF PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS

ACTIVITIES

05/A-2006

Directorate-General for the Presidency

EN EN ABBREVIATIONS USED

Political Groups

PPE-DE Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats PSE Group of the Party of European Socialists ELDR Group of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party Verts/ALE Group of the Greens / European Free Alliance GUE/NGL Confederal Group of the European United Left – Nordic Green Left UEN Union for Europe of the Nations group EDD Group for a Europe of Democracies and Diversities NI Non-attached Members

Committees

AFET Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy BUDG Committee on Budgets CONT Committee on Budgetary Control LIBE Committee on Citizens’ Freedoms and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs ECON Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs JURI Committee on Legal Affairs and the Internal Market ITRE Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy EMPL Committee on Employment and Social Affairs ENVI Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy AGRI Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development PECH Committee on Fisheries RETT Committee on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism CULT Committee on Culture, Youth, Education, the Media and Sport DEVE Committee on Development and Cooperation AFCO Committee on Constitutional Affairs FEMM Committee on Women’s Rights and Equal Opportunities PETI Committee on Petitions

http://www.europarl.ep.ec/bulletins (Intranet) http://www.europarl.eu.int/bulletins (Internet)

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Closed on : 08.05.2006

CONTENTS 3

PRESIDENCY

Main decisions of the College of Quaestors...... 6

MEMBERSHIP OF THE

Appointments/resignations/end of Members' terms of office...... 8 Membership of the political groups...... 9

MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

Written questions...... 12 Question Time (B6-0017/2006)...... 48 Summary of Questions time - April 2006 ...... 50 Written declarations...... 51

COMMITTEES

Appointment of rapporteurs and draftsmen...... 58

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS

Commission documents...... 68

GENERAL INFORMATION

Common Foreign and Security Policy

Declaration on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism ...... 76 Declaration on the occasion of the final session of the UN Commission on Human Rights ...... 76 Declaration on the arrest and transfer of Thomas Lubanga ...... 78 Declaration on the parliamentary elections in Ukraine ...... 79 Declaration on the arrest and bringing into custody of Charles Taylor ...... 79 Declaration on access of humanitarian operations in Darfur ...... 80 Declaration on the 60th anniversary of the International Court of Justice ...... 81 Declaration on Gambia ...... 82 Declaration on the Council Common Position 2006/276/CFSP of 10 April 2006 concerning restrictive measures against certain officials of Belarus and repealing Common Position 2006/661/CFSP ...... 82 Declaration on the adoption of the constitutional law in Bosnia and Herzegovina ...... 83 Declaration on the press incident in Burundi ...... 83

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4 CONTENTS

Declaration on the current political situation in Nepal ...... 84 Declaration on the situation in Sri Lanka ...... 85 Declaration on developments in Nepal ...... 85 Declaration on the Darfur talks ...... 86 Declaration on worrying human rights developments in Iran in particular the case of Abdolfattah Soltani and the ten executions in Evin prison on April 19 ...... 87 Declaration on the amnesty of convicted journalists by Algeria on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day ...... 88

European Economic and Social Committee

Plenary Assembly of 20 and 21 April 2006...... 89

ACTIVITIES OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

This document is available at :

http://www.europarl.ep.ec/bulletins/postsession.htm (Intranet) http://www.europarl.eu.int/bulletins/postsession.htm (Internet)

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PRESIDENCY 5

PRESIDENCY

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6 PRESIDENCY

MAIN DECISIONS OF THE COLLEGE OF QUAESTORS

The Chairmen-in-Office of the College of Quaestors, have circulated the following communications to the Members of the European Parliament:

No 16/2006 : Access facilities for groups of visitors (ten or more) invited by Members;

No 17/2006 : Measures undertaken and envisaged in order to further improve the functioning of Parliament´s electronic mail system;

No 18/2006 : Reimbursement of parliamentary assistance expenses - Forms for service provider contracts.

Further information may be obtained from the Secretariat of the College of Quaestors in:

Strasbourg : Salvador de Madariaga (SDM) Building, 6/20 Tel. 74195

Brussels : Paul-Henri Spaak (PHS) Building, 8b/66 Tel. 43722

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MEMBERSHIP OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 7

MEMBERSHIP OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

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8 MEMBERSHIP OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

APPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS/END OF MEMBERS' TERMS OF OFFICE

OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF A ROMANIAN OBSERVER IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

At its sitting of 26 April 2006 Parliament took note of the appointment of

Mrs Silvia Adriana TICĂU as an Observer for Romania in the European Parliament, to replace Mr Şerban NICOLAE (RO/PSE) with effect from 10 April 2006.

______

END OF THE TERM OF OFFICE OF SIX MEMBERS OF THE EUROPEN PARLIAMENT ELECTED IN

At its sitting of 27 April 2006 Parliament took note of the election of

Mr (GUE-NGL / IT) Mrs Emma BONINO (ALDE / IT) Mr Lorenzo CESA (PPE-DE / IT) Mr Antonio DI PIETRO (ALDE / IT) Mr Enrico LETTA (ALDE / IT) Mr Giovanni PROCACCI (ALDE / IT) to the Italian Parliament and, under Article 7(2) of the Act concerning the election of the representatives of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage and Rule 4(1) of the Rules of Procedure, established the end of their term of office in the European Parliament, with effect from 28 April 2006.

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MEMBERSHIP OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 9

MEMBERSHIP OF THE POLITICAL GROUPS

At its sitting of 4 April 2006, Parliament was informed that the announcement recorded in the minutes of the sitting of 15 March 2006 on membership of the IND/DEM Group had been withdrawn.

Consequently the following Members

Mr Mario BORGHEZIO Mr Umberto BOSSI Mr Dariusz Maciej GRABOWSKI Mrs Urszula KRUPA Mr Bogdan PĘK Mr Mirosław Mariusz PIOTROWSKI Mr Boguslaw ROGALSKI Mr Matteo SALVINI Mr Francesco Enrico SPERONI Mr Witold TOMCZAK Mr Andrzej Tomasz ZAPAŁOWSKI

are to be considered as having continued to be members of the IND/DEM Group since 15 March 2006.

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MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES 11

MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

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12 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

WRITTEN QUESTIONS (Situation at 04.05.2006)

Author Subject No Margie Sudre Solidarity Fund P-1249/06 Esko Seppänen Redundancies at UPM-Kymmene P-1250/06 Bernat Joan i Marí Small scale slaughterhouses E-1251/06 Bernat Joan i Marí Disposing of animal by-products as waste E-1252/06 Manolis Copyright and access to knowledge in the developing E-1253/06 Mavrommatis countries Georgios Karatzaferis Non-compliance with EU decisions by Community E-1254/06 officials Georgios Karatzaferis Non-compliance with EU decisions by Community E-1255/06 officials Georgios Karatzaferis Problems concerning public buildings in Greece E-1256/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Take-up of funding in Greece at an all time low E-1257/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Discrimination against gypsies and those with special E-1258/06 needs in Greece Georgios Karatzaferis Televised witch-hunts undermining democracy and E-1259/06 freedom of the press Robert Kilroy-Silk Killing of migrant birds in Malta E-1260/06 Elly de Groen- Trakia motorway concession in Bulgaria and Council red E-1261/06 Kouwenhoven cards Elly de Groen- Trakia motorway concession in Bulgaria and Commission E-1262/06 Kouwenhoven red cards Elly de Groen- Council position on the readiness for EU membership E-1263/06 Kouwenhoven Elly de Groen- Commission position on Bulgaria's readiness for EU E-1264/06 Kouwenhoven membership Elly de Groen- Vote on 1 March 2006 in the Bulgarian National E-1265/06 Kouwenhoven Assembly regarding the files of the former totalitarian secret service Darzavna Sigurnost

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MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES 13

Elly de Groen- Vote on 1 March 2006 in the Bulgarian National E-1266/06 Kouwenhoven Assembly regarding the files of the former totalitarian secret service Darzavna Sigurnost Roger Helmer Proposals to ban or restrict the use of strychnine as a pest E-1267/06 control agent Esko Seppänen Sugar quotas E-1268/06 Dimitrios Operating plan for new airline in Greece P-1269/06 Papadimoulis José Ribeiro e Castro Co-incineration in P-1270/06 Dimitrios Privatisation revenue management E-1271/06 Papadimoulis Dimitrios Legislation concerning cooperation between the public E-1272/06 Papadimoulis and private sectors Dimitrios Ruling by Eurostat concerning the classification of arms E-1273/06 Papadimoulis expenditure Daniel Hannan Health insurance in Holland E-1274/06 Cristiana Muscardini 'Smileagain' E-1275/06 Cristiana Muscardini Maritime safety E-1276/06 José Ribeiro e Castro Cuba - European Initiative for Democracy and Human E-1277/06 Rights Georgios Karatzaferis Suspension of Graduate Management Admission Test P-1278/06 (GMAT) in Greece Georgios Karatzaferis Co-funding of construction of public buildings in Greece E-1279/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Flooding of the River Evros E-1280/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Announcement concerning submission of applications for E-1281/06 recruitment to the Greek civil service Georgios Karatzaferis Question No. E-4930/05 on the take-up rate of E-1282/06 appropriations in Greece Glyn Ford Sexual equality in football E-1283/06 Glyn Ford Football as international trade E-1284/06 Françoise Grossetête Action against cancer E-1285/06 Cristiana Muscardini The Internet and violence in Milan E-1286/06

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14 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

Cristiana Muscardini The Internet and violence in Milan E-1287/06 Carl Schlyter Pirated plant protection products P-1288/06 Kyriacos Statements by Javier Solana on the death of Slobodan E-1289/06 Triantaphyllides Milosevic Kyriacos Statements by Javier Solana on the late Slobodan E-1290/06 Triantaphyllides Milosevic Kyriacos Death of former Yugoslav President Milosevic E-1291/06 Triantaphyllides Rodi Kratsa- Measures to combat prostitution E-1292/06 Tsagaropoulou Women's rights in E-1293/06 Maria Matsouka Disappointing private sector employment figures for E-1294/06 Greece in 2005 Maria Matsouka Inadmissible discrimination against female employees in E-1295/06 the EU continues to assume alarming proportions Maria Matsouka End to the ban on British exports of live cattle, beef and E-1296/06 veal and derivatives Manolis Fifa intervention in the smooth running of matches E-1297/06 Mavrommatis Georgios Karatzaferis Ways of channelling EU aid to the Turkish Cypriots E-1298/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Community funding for border management E-1299/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Use of EU funds in Greece E-1300/06 Monica Frassoni Lake Idro (Brescia) E-1301/06 Christofer Fjellner ESA and the gambling monopoly P-1302/06 Cancellation of bank guarantee in the amount of € 21 373 P-1303/06 for 'Agreement no 2004-5049/001-001 CNA CNA' for committees for the commemoration of Ravensbrück women's concentration camp Sajjad Karim Detention and torture in Iraq E-1304/06 Alyn Smith The mobility of students E-1305/06 Robert Evans Stray dogs in Turkey E-1306/06 Christofer Fjellner Euro Millions E-1307/06

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MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES 15

László Surján The relationship between the EU Institutions' language E-1308/06 services Erik Meijer Halt to expenditure by the committees to commemorate E-1309/06 Ravensbrück Women's Concentration Camp due to a delay in the final settlement of a grant and the existence of a bank guarantee Ilda Figueiredo EU support in the social field E-1310/06 Ilda Figueiredo Aid to the Ilhas Verdes enterprise E-1311/06 Cancelled question E-1312/06 Daniel Varela The 'Faba de Lourenzá' protected geographical indication P-1313/06 Suanzes-Carpegna Glyn Ford Trade implications of the registration of monomers under E-1314/06 REACH Pia Locatelli Situation of seconded national experts (SNE) E-1315/06 Roger Helmer Funding of Turkish Cypriot NGOs P-1316/06 Salvador Garriga Aid for the restructuring of iron and steel companies in E-1317/06 Polledo Europe Bart Staes and others Figures quoted in Malta's official report on spring hunting E-1318/06 Bart Staes and others Failures in the implementation of the transitional E-1319/06 measures on trapping Bart Staes and others Delay in the transposition of the Birds Directive E-1320/06 Albert Maat Loss of the right to vote for EU citizens resident in an EU E-1321/06 country other than their country of nationality Ban by Japan on imports of Dutch poultry products; E-1322/06 promotion of sales of products from farms where livestock have been vaccinated Mario Mauro Euthanasia E-1323/06 Bart Staes Exceeding of limit values for particulate matter in E-1324/06 Belgium Ivo Belet The right of non-Belgian EU citizens to vote and to stand P-1325/06 for election Dimitrios Administrative authorisation for provision of regular E-1326/06 Papadimoulis maritime cabotage services

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16 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

Mario Borghezio Turkey attempts to censor film on the Armenian genocide E-1327/06 Mario Borghezio Turkey attempts to censor film on the Armenian genocide E-1328/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Stationary street trading E-1329/06 Alyn Smith Human rights violations of the Kurdish people in Turkey E-1330/06 Edit Herczog Monitoring the recommendation on collective cross- E-1331/06 border management of copyright and related rights for legitimate online music services Sajjad Karim EU-India Strategic Partnership and the knowledge game E-1332/06 Glenys Kinnock, EU black history month E-1333/06 Glyn Ford and Claude Moraes Sajjad Karim Human rights in Qatar E-1334/06 Elspeth Attwooll Hunting of birds in Malta E-1335/06 Baroness Sarah Accessibility of Commission websites E-1336/06 Ludford Cecilia Malmström Medical programme in Zimbabwe E-1337/06 Bairbre de Brún Landfill near Belfast P-1338/06 Stavros Arnaoutakis Recurrent flooding in the border region of Evros P-1339/06 Emilio Menéndez del The Israeli attack on the Jericho prison E-1340/06 Valle Dan Jørgensen Canadian seal hunting E-1341/06 Herbert Bösch Accusation of nepotism against OLAF E-1342/06 Herbert Bösch Award of a contract for security and surveillance services E-1343/06 in Luxembourg Mathieu Grosch Implementation of Directive 2002/15/EC on working E-1344/06 time Cancelled question E-1345/06 Frieda Brepoels Abduction of Abdul Akhmadov in Grozny E-1346/06 Eija-Riitta Korhola Bioenergy E-1347/06 Katerina Batzeli Disaster in the prefecture of Evros P-1348/06 Alyn Smith Church organs E-1349/06

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MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES 17

Anne Van Lancker Allocation of the budget between countries eligible for E-1350/06 and Glenys Kinnock accompanying measures for Sugar Protocol countries Graham Watson Imposition of unilateral borders in Palestine by Israel E-1351/06 Sophia in 't Veld Public housing E-1352/06 Ulrich Stockmann European fight against pandemics E-1353/06 Graham Watson British notaries working in France and Spain E-1354/06 Andrew Duff European pipe organs E-1355/06 Ashley Mote Takeover bids E-1356/06 Ashley Mote EU pension provisions E-1357/06 Ashley Mote Metric or imperial measurements E-1358/06 Ashley Mote Health care cuts E-1359/06 Ashley Mote European Economic Development Council E-1360/06 Ashley Mote Inaccurate and incomplete auditing E-1361/06 Ashley Mote Organic farming E-1362/06 Cristobal Montoro Olive oil P-1363/06 Romero Werner Langen Relocation of undertakings P-1364/06 Charles Tannock The case of Abdul Rahman being tried for apostasy in P-1365/06 Afghanistan as a capital crime Rosa Miguélez Factory vessel authorised to fish in the Gran Sol grounds E-1366/06 Ramos Hiltrud Breyer Technology platform 'Plants for the Future' E-1367/06 Robert Goebbels Interpretation of the combined nomenclature for customs E-1368/06 tariffs Konstantinos Cross-border mobility and employment in the EU E-1369/06 Hatzidakis Konstantinos Expenditure on research and technology in the Member E-1370/06 Hatzidakis States Konstantinos Liabilities of pension funds in Greece and the EU E-1371/06 Hatzidakis Dimitrios Pension scheme for civil servants and members of the E-1372/06 Papadimoulis Greek armed forces

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18 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

Charles Tannock The case of Abdul Rahman being tried for apostasy in E-1373/06 Afghanistan as a capital crime Ashley Mote Publishing fraud E-1374/06 Ilda Figueiredo Support for winegrowers in wine marketing E-1375/06 Ilda Figueiredo Situation of the footwear industry in the European Union E-1376/06 Ilda Figueiredo Women and sport E-1377/06 Ilda Figueiredo Maintaining multilingualism E-1378/06 Rosa Miguélez Avian influenza: market support measures P-1379/06 Ramos Anne Jensen Belarus P-1380/06 Thomas Ulmer Smoking at the World Cup P-1381/06 Georgios Plans to build nuclear reactors in Turkey P-1382/06 Papastamkos Cristiana Muscardini Afghanistan and human rights P-1383/06 Cancelled question P-1384/06 Marcin Libicki Remarks by Commissioner Joaquin Almunia on the P-1385/06 timescale for Poland to join the euro zone Gay Mitchell Audit procedure E-1386/06 Gay Mitchell Adoption of Romanian children E-1387/06 Gay Mitchell Trafficking and prostitution of women during the World E-1388/06 Cup Gay Mitchell Trafficking and prostitution of women during the World E-1389/06 Cup Marc Tarabella Revision of the directive on consumer guarantees E-1390/06 Willy Meyer Pleite Humanitarian disaster on the Canary coast (Spain) E-1391/06 Willy Meyer Pleite European legislation infringed by the widening of the M- E-1392/06 501 in Madrid (Spain) Dan Jørgensen Illegal exports of electronic waste to non-OECD countries E-1393/06 Heinz Kindermann Management and treatment of selected diseases in cattle E-1394/06 and others in the European Union

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MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES 19

Hiltrud Breyer Information concerning the amount of EU aid granted to E-1395/06 Nordrhein-Westfalen from January 2000 to December 2005 Hiltrud Breyer Composition of expert groups and committees appointed E-1396/06 by the Commission Georgios Plans to build nuclear reactors in Turkey E-1397/06 Papastamkos Glyn Ford Pending intercountry adoption cases in Romania E-1398/06 Glyn Ford Air Koryo E-1399/06 Thomas Wise Hunting on Malta E-1400/06 Sharon Bowles DG Competition - consultations E-1401/06 Directive laying down minimum rules for the protection P-1402/06 of chickens kept for meat production Robert Kilroy-Silk Lack of competitiveness in the EU E-1403/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk British taxpayers subsidising Hamas E-1404/06 Bill Newton Dunn Seventh Framework Research Programme E-1405/06 Witold Tomczak Employment of Poles in the Commission E-1406/06 Cancelled question E-1407/06 Marta Vincenzi Employment P-1408/06 Robert Evans Romanian religious law P-1409/06 Raül Romeva i Rueda Hydraulic projects in Castille-La Mancha (Spain) E-1410/06 Jutta Haug Subsidies from the EU budget E-1411/06 David Hammerstein Chernobyl human, ecological and economic impacts E-1412/06 Mintz, Sepp Kusstatscher and Claude Turmes Marie Isler Béguin, Commission support for Chernobyl accident victims E-1413/06 Pierre Jonckheer and Bart Staes and Chernobyl fallout effects on people and biosphere E-1414/06 others

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20 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

Kathalijne Buitenweg, Chernobyl radioactive waste management E-1415/06 Monica Frassoni and Caroline Lucas Caroline Lucas Travel times and loading densities for long-distance E-1416/06 animal transport Péter Olajos Illegal logging in Romania P-1417/06 Paweł Piskorski Recognition of qualifications of Polish doctors in P-1418/06 Herbert Bösch Quality of language courses at the Commission E-1419/06 Cem Özdemir Impact of the Ilisu and Yusufeli hydroelectric power plant E-1420/06 projects in Turkey on four areas requiring protection under the Birds Directive Marie-Noëlle Repercussions of the French law on first job contracts: E-1421/06 Lienemann and Maria social conflict and reduced job market security Matsouka Marc Tarabella Application of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 establishing E-1422/06 common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights Erik Meijer Impact on public opinion in Croatia of the fading prospect E-1423/06 of early accession to the EU, and the fear that a Balkan market may fail to get off the ground Erik Meijer Fifth phase of privatisation of former social property in E-1424/06 Croatia and the extent to which this is a freely chosen policy or is a matter of complying with obligations imposed by the EU Paweł Piskorski The situation of Christians in Afghanistan E-1425/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Failure of Thessaloniki's bid to host EXPO 2008 E-1426/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Failure of Thessaloniki's bid to host EXPO 2008 E-1427/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Funding of projects in Thessaloniki E-1428/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Projects designed to raise technological standards in E-1429/06 Thessaloniki Georgios Karatzaferis Modernisation of the port of Thessaloniki E-1430/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Legal commitments under the 3rd CSF in Greece E-1431/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Funding of road-building in Thessaloniki E-1432/06

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MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES 21

Georgios Karatzaferis Special management agency for Interreg E-1433/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Establishment of an international university in E-1434/06 Thessaloniki Georgios Karatzaferis ELTA (Hellenic Post) and urban health centres in the E-1435/06 Thessaloniki area Georgios Karatzaferis Underground car parks in Thessaloniki E-1436/06 Antonio Tajani and Community financing for Athens airport E-1437/06 others Antonio Tajani, Would-be sentencing to death of an Afghan convert to E-1438/06 Mario Mauro and Iles Christianity Braghetto María Salinas García Court of Justice ruling against the cotton reform P-1439/06 Anna Záborská Scientific basis/references for Commission report P-1440/06 Chris Davies Implementation of the Water Framework Directive - P-1441/06 polluter pays principle Armando Dionisi De minimis rule applicable to the transport sector P-1442/06 Roberta Angelilli Rome general land-use plan: possible violation of P-1443/06 European legislation on strategic environmental assessments María Salinas García Protecting the Iberian lynx E-1444/06 Dan Jørgensen German deposit system E-1445/06 Alexander Alvaro Data retention E-1446/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Greek Eurovision video clip an affront to Greece and the E-1447/06 EU Dimitrios Illegal movement of pets E-1448/06 Papadimoulis Dimitrios Trans-European Transport Networks E-1449/06 Papadimoulis Dimitrios Port of Famagusta E-1450/06 Papadimoulis Dimitrios Privileges of the Agricultural Bank of Greece E-1451/06 Papadimoulis Chris Davies Emissions Trading Scheme E-1452/06

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22 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

Chris Davies Emissions Trading Scheme and competitiveness E-1453/06 Chris Davies Exclusion of peat in the Ecolabel for soil improvers and E-1454/06 growing media Chris Davies End-of-Life Vehicles Directive E-1455/06 Chris Davies EU Clinical Trials Directive E-1456/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Racist literary awards E-1457/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Child abuse in Islamic religious schools E-1458/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk French racists E-1459/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Forced marriages E-1460/06 Margrietus van den West Africa fisheries agreement E-1461/06 Berg Margrietus van den European Investment Bank E-1462/06 Berg Brigitte Douay Construction of the Seine-Scheldt canal P-1463/06 Georgios Karatzaferis EU support for Greek immigrant communities E-1464/06 Kyriacos Continuing presence of Turkish troops in Cyprus E-1465/06 Triantaphyllides Kyriacos Interference in Turkish judicial process E-1466/06 Triantaphyllides Kyriacos Turkey in thrall to the military E-1467/06 Triantaphyllides Gisela Kallenbach Financing of the war crime chamber in Bosnia and E-1468/06 Herzegovina Gisela Kallenbach Financing of the war crime chamber in Bosnia and E-1469/06 Herzegovina Robert Kilroy-Silk Muslim threatened with death for converting to E-1470/06 Christianity Bart Staes Trafficking in the organs of Chinese people who have E-1471/06 been executed Bart Staes Trafficking in the organs of Chinese people who have E-1472/06 been executed István Pálfi Regular use of pre-accession funding in Romania and P-1473/06 Bulgaria

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MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES 23

Joseph Muscat Peaceful demonstrations P-1474/06 Richard Corbett Whitby Upper Harbour Marina development E-1475/06 Linda McAvan Human waste and sewage in animal feed E-1476/06 Péter Olajos What is the EU doing to support agri-environmental E-1477/06 activists in Hungary? Jonas Sjöstedt Commission's view of Swedish public utility housing E-1478/06 Glyn Ford Hygrade in Chard, Somerset and Chippenham, Wiltshire P-1479/06 Glyn Ford Pending intercountry adoption cases in Romania E-1480/06 Glyn Ford Tidal power E-1481/06 Glyn Ford Funding for renewable energy 2000-2005 E-1482/06 Hélène Goudin Harmful biocides E-1483/06 Hélène Goudin The EU's fisheries agreement with Senegal E-1484/06 Hélène Goudin Protected habitats and species in the EU P-1485/06 Rebecca Harms Consequences for the European Union of the 1986 P-1486/06 Chernobyl nuclear disaster Katerina Batzeli and DEI expenditure on buying pollution rights E-1487/06 Evangelia Tzampazi Jill Evans Unsolicited telephone calls E-1488/06 Mary McDonald European Environment and Health Action Plan E-1489/06 Mary McDonald Funding of European Environment and Health Action E-1490/06 Plan Mary McDonald Women in employment and childcare E-1491/06 Mary McDonald Biofuels E-1492/06 Mary McDonald EU State aid rules E-1493/06 Mary McDonald White Paper on a European Communication Policy and E-1494/06 the Irish language Mary McDonald Compliance with REACH legislation E-1495/06 Mary McDonald Site selection procedure for sewerage treatment plants E-1496/06 Mary McDonald Integrated European energy policy E-1497/06 Mary McDonald Special Areas of Conservation E-1498/06

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24 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

Mary McDonald Common Fisheries Policy E-1499/06 Chris Davies Pig rearing and animal welfare E-1500/06 Chris Davies Information for consumers about eggs E-1501/06 Chris Davies Laying Hens Directive E-1502/06 Chris Davies WTO negotiations and animal welfare E-1503/06 Action by the EU in support of peaceful demonstrators E-1504/06 arrested in Minsk and joint European action within the OSCE Luis de Grandes Independence and integrity of judicial power in Romania P-1505/06 Pascual Maria Matsouka Repercussions of the French First Employment Contract P-1506/06 (CPE) law on initial recruitment contracts: social conflicts and greater insecurity on the job market Véronique De Keyser Hamas's status P-1507/06 Rosa Miguélez Co-funding of CAP market measures E-1508/06 Ramos Josu Ortuondo Larrea Environmental and socioeconomic impact of the E-1509/06 construction work on the Outer Harbour of Punta Langosteira in A Coruña (Galicia, Spain) Persecution of Christians in Bethlehem E-1510/06 Daniel Caspary Persecution of Christians in Bethlehem E-1511/06 Kyriacos The European Constitution and observations by the Polish E-1512/06 Triantaphyllides President Kyriacos First Employment Contracts and unrest in France E-1513/06 Triantaphyllides Kyriacos Environmental pollution E-1514/06 Triantaphyllides Dimitrios Competitive tendering for power supply contracts in E-1515/06 Papadimoulis Greece Nikolaos Sifunakis Negotiations seeking to resolve the Olympic Airways E-1516/06 and Katerina Batzeli issue Margrietus van den Visit of the troika of EU ambassadors to West Papua E-1517/06 Berg

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MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES 25

Margrietus van den Visit of the troika of EU ambassadors to West Papua E-1518/06 Berg Avril Doyle Shipment of waste from Dublin to continental Europe E-1519/06 Mary McDonald Access to free legal aid E-1520/06 James Elles Request for the continuation of the exemption of the E-1521/06 United Kingdom from charging full VAT and duty on red diesel for leisure boaters under Council Directive 2003/96/EC Bart Staes Human rights in Turkey - murder of Ferho and Fatim E-1522/06 Akgül Ilda Figueiredo Aid for water supplies in the Algarve E-1523/06 Ilda Figueiredo Support for victims of forest fires E-1524/06 Ilda Figueiredo Community subsidies for dredging and de-contamination E-1525/06 schemes in the Algarve Ilda Figueiredo Exploitation of Portuguese workers in Holland and other E-1526/06 countries Ilda Figueiredo Community funding for a roundabout on the IC27 E-1527/06 Eija-Riitta Korhola Possible emissions trading in nitrogen oxides (NOx) E-1528/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Denying Temodal to British citizens E-1529/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Equality in health treatment E-1530/06 Roberto Musacchio Marina di Pisa tourist port E-1531/06 Ilda Figueiredo Completion of the work on the Odelouca dam E-1532/06 Ilda Figueiredo Improving the conditions at the Portimao/Lagoa fishing E-1533/06 port and providing support for fishermen Ilda Figueiredo Protection of the River Arade E-1534/06 Willy Meyer Pleite Parents of the President of the Kurdish Institute of E-1535/06 Brussels murdered in Turkey Willy Meyer Pleite Quality of water for human consumption E-1536/06 Willy Meyer Pleite Norwegian fish farm salmon threatens wild salmon E-1537/06 Dimitrios Late transposition of Directive 2002/49/EC by the E-1538/06 Papadimoulis Belgian State

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26 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

Roberta Angelilli Human rights violations, intervention by the European E-1539/06 institutions in the case of Abdul Rahman Adriana Poli Bortone Anti-dumping duties on footwear from China and E-1540/06 Vietnam Charlotte Emission trading E-1541/06 Cederschiöld Mairead McGuinness Impact of the Biocides Directive on those involved in the P-1542/06 embalming profession Antonios Trakatellis Notification of study on the multipotential carcinogenic P-1543/06 effects of aspartame to the European Food Safety Authority and the Commission : protection of public health Pedro Guerreiro Fisheries agreement with Morocco and defending the P-1544/06 legitimate rights of the Sahrawi people Marcello Vernola European Schools in Brussels - transfer of sections E-1545/06 Bart Staes Situation in Ethiopia E-1546/06 Witold Tomczak Blocking of Polish exports to Russia and Ukraine E-1547/06 Pedro Guerreiro Financial perspective for 2007-2013 and the 'statistical E-1548/06 effect' regions, such as the Algarve Pedro Guerreiro The ornamental stone industry E-1549/06 Pedro Guerreiro The Sado railway line in Portugal E-1550/06 Pedro Guerreiro Situation in the ornamental stone sector E-1551/06 Pedro Guerreiro Situation in the ornamental stone (marble) sector in E-1552/06 Alentejo Pedro Guerreiro Border bridge over the river Guadiana to link Alcoutim E-1553/06 and Sanlúcar Pedro Guerreiro Financing of fish-stock recovery plans in the context of E-1554/06 the common fisheries policy Pedro Guerreiro Financial perspective for 2007-2013 and the funding of E-1555/06 the Natura 2000 network Pedro Guerreiro Financial perspective for 2007-2013 and the 'statistical E-1556/06 effect' regions, such as the Algarve Ilda Figueiredo Concern for Portuguese nationals repatriated from E-1557/06 Canada

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MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES 27

Henrik Lax Promotion of the use of biofuels E-1558/06 Ioannis Gklavakis Flood damage in Greece P-1559/06 Gitte Seeberg Human rights situation in Sri Lanka P-1560/06 James Nicholson Religious freedom in Indonesia P-1561/06 Marc Tarabella Bad management of funds intended for specific projects P-1562/06 by consumer associations José García-Margallo Current situation regarding the AUGA Programme E-1563/06 y Marfil and Cristina Gutiérrez-Cortines Gitte Seeberg Animal transport E-1564/06 Dimitrios Implementation of Directive 2002/98/EC by the Greek E-1565/06 Papadimoulis authorities Giorgos Protection of human health E-1566/06 Dimitrakopoulos Stavros Arnaoutakis Promotion, preparation and operation of the new E-1567/06 JEREMIE initiative Cancelled question E-1568/06 Chris Davies Palm oil E-1569/06 Chris Davies 'Eco-design' Directive E-1570/06 Avril Doyle EU funding for collaborative research programmes with E-1571/06 developing countries Avril Doyle Disclosure of tobacco product ingredients E-1572/06 Sajjad Karim Discrimination against the Roma minority in Romania E-1573/06 Monica Frassoni and Malpensa airport 2000 - Complaint 5129/01 - Request for E-1574/06 others proceedings not to be closed Frieda Brepoels ISO standard for hand-rolling tobacco E-1575/06 Andrzej Szejna Letter from the Polish Ministry of Education and Science P-1576/06 Czesław Siekierski Support for the poultry sector P-1577/06 Richard Corbett Single market in cars E-1578/06 Peter Skinner Smoking cessation E-1579/06 Peter Skinner Tobacco control policy E-1580/06

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28 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

Erik Meijer Possibility of a European ban on importation of illegally E-1581/06 logged wood from outside the EU Chris Davies Expansion of the eurozone - unlucky 13 P-1582/06 Robert Evans FIFA's rules on international players P-1583/06 Required carcinogenicity testing of food additives, i.e. E-1584/06 aspartame, before being allowed on the EU market Edward McMillan- Hill farm subsidies E-1585/06 Scott Timothy Kirkhope National monopolies in the P-1586/06 Carl Schlyter Ban on seal products P-1587/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Anti-competitive practices in the EU damaging the UK E-1588/06 economy Charles Tannock and Alleged discrimination against foreign EU retail outlets E-1589/06 Peter Skinner wishing to trade on Sundays in Belgium Esther Herranz García Processed tomatoes P-1590/06 Paulo Casaca Concentration camp in Sujiatun P-1591/06 Jana Bobošíková Rules on hearings at the European Commission E-1592/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Exploitation by EU of Third World doctors and nurses E-1593/06 Paulo Casaca Prisoners being held without trial in Syria E-1594/06 Guido Sacconi LIFE programme and the aims of the project for the P-1595/06 integrated rehabilitation of the well-fields fed by the river Serchio Christopher Heaton- Competition case - Microsoft P-1596/06 Harris Saïd El Khadraoui Use of commercial number plates, and import of second- E-1597/06 hand cars into the European Union Jan Mulder Birds and Habitats Directives: ruling declaring licences E-1598/06 for planting imported mussels in the Eastern Scheldt (Netherlands) to be invalid Véronique Mathieu Avian influenza crisis, sustainability of hunting in Europe P-1599/06 and potential threat to the conservation of populations of wild birds

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MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES 29

Marcin Libicki Commission President's statement on Poland's appeal P-1600/06 against the Commission decision to authorise the merger between the Pekao SA and BPH banks, and threat to the independence of the NBP Gabriele Stauner VAT carousel fraud E-1601/06 Gabriele Stauner OLAF's role in combating VAT carousels E-1602/06 Dimitrios Guaranteed minimum revenue E-1603/06 Papadimoulis Dimitrios Guaranteed minimum income E-1604/06 Papadimoulis Graham Watson, Syria: peaceful activist Kamal al-Labwani arrested on E-1605/06 Annemie Neyts- return to Damascus Uyttebroeck and Cecilia Malmström Graham Watson, Syria peaceful activist Kamal al-Labwani arrested on E-1606/06 Annemie Neyts- return to Damascus Uyttebroeck and Cecilia Malmström Catherine Stihler Driving on the left E-1607/06 Frieda Brepoels Economic importance of tourism in Europe E-1608/06 Marcin Libicki The possibility of a Commission aid programme for E-1609/06 persecuted students from Belarus Marcin Libicki The possibility of a Commission aid programme for E-1610/06 persecuted students from Belarus Ivo Belet Independence of Members of the Court of Auditors P-1611/06 Dirk Sterckx Language sections at European Schools P-1612/06 Maria Badia I Cutchet Free primary school education for all E-1613/06 Christopher Heaton- Eurostat figures on pensions in the EU E-1614/06 Harris Roberta Angelilli Protection of seamen against the risks of contagion from E-1615/06 avian influenza Roberta Angelilli Saving jobs with regard to the privatisation of Tirrenia E-1616/06 Spa Roberta Angelilli Funds for advanced training courses in the Cinquina area E-1617/06 of Rome

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30 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

Roberta Angelilli Funds for a sports organisation with ethical and social E-1618/06 aims Roberta Angelilli Fund to promote the Sabina area in Central Italy E-1619/06 Roberta Angelilli Funding for publication of a review to promote a new E-1620/06 water culture Cristiana Muscardini 'Fritz' and freedom E-1621/06 Jamila Madeira Execution of decisions on matrimonial matters and E-1622/06 parental responsibility Jamila Madeira Execution of decisions on matrimonial matters and E-1623/06 parental responsibility Corien Wortmann- Follow-up question concerning fining of road hauliers in P-1624/06 Kool Germany Adam Gierek Community patent P-1625/06 José García-Margallo National measures implementing directives concerning E-1626/06 y Marfil employment and social affairs José García-Margallo National measures implementing directives on companies E-1627/06 y Marfil José García-Margallo National measures implementing directives concerning E-1628/06 y Marfil taxation and the customs union José García-Margallo National measures implementing directives on justice, E-1629/06 y Marfil freedom and security José García-Margallo National measures implementing directives on the E-1630/06 y Marfil environment José García-Margallo National measures implementing directives on the E-1631/06 y Marfil internal market José García-Margallo National measures implementing directives on health and E-1632/06 y Marfil consumer protection José García-Margallo National measures implementing directives on the E-1633/06 y Marfil information society José García-Margallo National measures implementing directives on energy and E-1634/06 y Marfil transport Hiltrud Breyer Isopropylthioxanthone (ITX) in food E-1635/06 The Yezides in Turkey and their freedom to practise E-1636/06 religion

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MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES 31

Manolis Issuing of 0.50, 1 and 2 euro banknotes E-1637/06 Mavrommatis Chris Davies Carbon dioxide emissions from motor vehicles E-1638/06 James Allister Pipe organs E-1639/06 Péter Olajos The EU's role in combating illegal timber production in E-1640/06 Romania Paulo Casaca Taxation on tea E-1641/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Egnatia motorway P-1642/06 Pierre Jonckheer Engagement of Mr Wathelet, former judge of the Court of P-1643/06 Justice, to assist Microsoft in a case before the ECJ against the Commission Romano La Russa Prodi and the KGB P-1644/06 Salvatore Tatarella Prodi and the KGB P-1645/06 María Ayuso Directive 2000/35/EC on combating late payment in P-1646/06 González commercial transactions Glenys Kinnock Charges for health services in developing countries P-1647/06 Sophia in 't Veld Transfer of passenger data to the US to prevent the spread P-1648/06 of communicable diseases such as bird flu Bird flu virus in bathing waters P-1649/06 Iratxe García Pérez Compatibility of Castilla and León Decree 189/1997 and P-1650/06 Directive 2001/77/EC José García-Margallo Citrus fruits and 'hard discount' company practices E-1651/06 y Marfil Daniel Varela Codex Committee traceability principles E-1652/06 Suanzes-Carpegna David Hammerstein Building of a gas plant in the port of Arinaga E-1653/06 Mintz Willy Meyer Pleite Hostile action against European companies under the E-1654/06 aegis of the Helms-Burton Law Willy Meyer Pleite Infringement of European legislation by an oil refinery E-1655/06 construction scheme in Extremadura (Spain) Mogens Camre The Commission's anti-trust action against Microsoft E-1656/06

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32 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

Mogens Camre Compliance by Microsoft with the guidelines in the E-1657/06 Commission's decision of March 2004 Georgios Karatzaferis Funding through the development law in Greece E-1658/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Curious interpretation by Commissioner Olli Rehn of E-1659/06 comments in report drawn up by the Commission's delegation in Skopje Maria Matsouka Greece off target with Lisbon strategy objectives - severe E-1660/06 delays in promoting technological know-how Graham Watson Violation of human rights in Singapore E-1661/06 Ashley Mote Political propaganda to schoolchildren illegal in the UK E-1662/06 Ashley Mote South coast of England rail services E-1663/06 Ashley Mote Farming subsidy payments in the UK E-1664/06 Paul Verges Reform of the COM in sugar E-1665/06 Hélène Flautre and Seine-Scheldt canal E-1666/06 Pierre Jonckheer Cristiana Muscardini Statements made by Mr Batten, MEP E-1667/06 and others Saïd El Khadraoui In-flight security officers on board aircraft E-1668/06 Ilda Figueiredo Rights of tenant farmers E-1669/06 Ilda Figueiredo Discrimination against Portuguese workers in the E-1670/06 Netherlands Georgios Karatzaferis Cremation E-1671/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Cremation E-1672/06 Alfonso Andria European School IV in Laeken P-1673/06 Lapo Pistelli European Schools in Brussels - Registrations P-1674/06 Mogens Camre Restrictions imposed by Turkey on Cypriot sea and air E-1675/06 transport Mogens Camre Implications of Turkey's treatment of Cyprus E-1676/06 Michl Ebner Trans fats E-1677/06 Herbert Bösch Human rights situation in Romania E-1678/06 Dimitrios Application of Directive 2000/78/EC by the Greek armed E-1679/06 Papadimoulis forces

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MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES 33

Georgios Karatzaferis Circulation of cars with Community license plates in E-1680/06 Greece Andres Tarand and Protecting the Baltic Sea from oil spills E-1681/06 Reino Paasilinna Marcello Vernola Turkish destruction in Cyprus P-1682/06 Paul van Buitenen Publication of the European Food Safety Authority's P-1683/06 conclusions on the carcinogenic effects of aspartame before the Commission takes a decision on the use of this sweetener in food Publication of ex ante and ex post assessments of P-1684/06 fisheries agreements between the EC and third countries Daniel Caspary WTO membership and trade agreement with Saudi E-1685/06 Arabia Jutta Haug and Karin Article II.5.1. of the General Conditions applicable to E-1686/06 Jöns Grant Agreements for Actions cofinanced by the European Commission - publicity Glenys Kinnock Parliamentary capacity-building E-1687/06 Catherine Stihler Smoking bans E-1688/06 Catherine Stihler Horses and the Single Farm Payment E-1689/06 Catherine Stihler Online grocery shopping E-1690/06 Chris Davies Cyprus and the Olympic Games E-1691/06 Daniel Hannan Directive on insurance mediation E-1692/06 Daniel Hannan RoHS Directive E-1693/06 Frédérique Ries Introduction of the 112 emergency telephone number by E-1694/06 the Member States Paul van Buitenen Consequences of acts which are incompatible with the E-1695/06 nature of the tasks entrusted to a member of the Court of Auditors Erna Hennicot- Current state of the European schools in the wake of a E-1696/06 Schoepges report drawn up by the European Ombudsman in connection with a complaint made against those schools Cancelled question E-1697/06

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34 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

Erik Meijer Use of mobile telephones by bus drivers operating E-1698/06 scheduled services on hazardous routes in a candidate Member State and the standards customary within the EU in this respect Erik Meijer Precipitate seizure of passports without explanation to the E-1699/06 holder and possibility of theft due to the long delay in their return by the Romanian border police Georgios Public contracts P-1700/06 Papastamkos Raül Romeva i Rueda Disappearances in Algeria E-1701/06 Raül Romeva i Rueda Disappearances in Algeria E-1702/06 Raül Romeva i Rueda Use of force by the Moroccan police E-1703/06 and others Raül Romeva i Rueda Use of force by the Moroccan police E-1704/06 and others Raül Romeva i Rueda Use of force by the Moroccan police E-1705/06 and others Raül Romeva i Rueda Use of force by the Moroccan police E-1706/06 and others Raül Romeva i Rueda Use of force by the Moroccan police E-1707/06 and others Raül Romeva i Rueda Use of force by the Moroccan police E-1708/06 and others Jens-Peter Bonde Consultant services for Microsoft E-1709/06 Jens-Peter Bonde Consultant services for Microsoft E-1710/06 Jens-Peter Bonde EU contributions to movements, organisations, pressure E-1711/06 groups and think-tanks Jens-Peter Bonde Declaration of gifts E-1712/06 Georgios Karatzaferis EU office in occupied Cypriot territory E-1713/06 Nikolaos Vakalis Press coverage of European issues E-1714/06 Nikolaos Vakalis Teaching energy awareness E-1715/06 Nikolaos Vakalis European search engine E-1716/06

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MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES 35

Roberto Musacchio Results of the 4th World Water Forum (Mexico City 16- E-1717/06 and Giulietto Chiesa 22 March 2006) Simon Coveney Human rights defender in Belarus P-1718/06 Roberta Angelilli Possible infringement by the municipality of Rome of P-1719/06 legislation governing public contracts and competition Anneli Jäätteenmäki Gambling and national regulation within the EU internal P-1720/06 market David Hammerstein Projected oil refinery in Extremadura (Spain) E-1721/06 Mintz Andreas Mölzer Human rights violations in Romania E-1722/06 Andreas Mölzer Easter petrol agreements E-1723/06 Dimitrios Surcharge on interest rates under Greek Law 128/1975 E-1724/06 Papadimoulis Kyriacos University policy in the EU E-1725/06 Triantaphyllides Chris Davies Protection of biodiversity within Europe E-1726/06 Roberta Angelilli Sexual violence against women at work E-1727/06 Ivo Belet Historic aircraft E-1728/06 Eija-Riitta Korhola Research into strokes E-1729/06 Lambert van Coordination between the Seventh Framework E-1730/06 Nistelrooij Programme for Research, the Structural Funds and the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme Dimitrios Illegal interception of telephone conversations P-1731/06 Papadimoulis Geoffrey Van Orden Air navigation charges E-1732/06 José Ribeiro e Castro Portugal: agri-environmental measures for 2005 E-1733/06 José Ribeiro e Castro Rural development 2000-2006 - Agenda 2000 E-1734/06 Jean Lambert The case of Mr Somchai Neelaphaijit P-1735/06 Hélène Goudin Labelling of organic products P-1736/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Contamination of organic food P-1737/06 Marie-Noëlle Amended proposal for a draft services directive P-1738/06 Lienemann

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36 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

Willy Meyer Pleite Report on the waste water directive in the Valencia region E-1739/06 (Spain) Helmuth Markov Recovery of unlawfully granted subsidies in the E-1740/06 Netherlands in the area of port towage operations Rolf Berend and Cormorant problem - scaring measures in Europe E-1741/06 others Edit Herczog Trade secrets and interoperability E-1742/06 Sajjad Karim Status of Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commission E-1743/06 Caroline Lucas and Fishing in the Western Sahara - supplementary E-1744/06 Raül Romeva i Rueda Caroline Lucas and Fishing in the Western Sahara - supplementary E-1745/06 Raül Romeva i Rueda Marie-Noëlle Statute for a European association E-1746/06 Lienemann Roberta Angelilli Alleged breach by Unilever of Community legislation to E-1747/06 safeguard employees' rights in the event of transfers of parts of undertakings Roberta Angelilli Preventing the release into the environment of commonly E-1748/06 used non-biodegradable products Othmar Karas Mergers in the EU energy sector P-1749/06 Heide Rühle and Cem The situation of refugees from south-east Turkey and E-1750/06 Özdemir their problems returning to their villages Georgios Karatzaferis Woodland destroyed by fire in Greece E-1751/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Losses suffered by Olympic Airways through transfer to E-1752/06 Spata airport and reasoned opinion concerning the repayment of State aid by OA Georgios Karatzaferis Resignation of official responsible for administering the E-1753/06 third CSF in Greece Georgios Karatzaferis Objections regarding the appointment of a government E-1754/06 official in Greece and protection of the Syngrou woodland area in Athens Georgios Karatzaferis Major projects in Thessaloniki and the role of the E-1755/06 Municipality of Thessaloniki Mairead McGuinness EU citizenship and the right to vote in national elections E-1756/06

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MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES 37

Kartika Liotard Possible transport of nuclear waste from the EU to Russia E-1757/06 Hiltrud Breyer Inclusion of eight substances in Annex 1 of Directive P-1758/06 91/414/EEC Willy Meyer Pleite Possible penalties for the Spanish Government under E-1759/06 infringement procedure 2004/2031 Willy Meyer Pleite List of Spanish towns involved in infringement procedure E-1760/06 2004/2031 Willy Meyer Pleite Infringement procedures in respect of Directive E-1761/06 91/271/EEC as regards towns in Spain with a population equivalent of more than 2000 Andreas Mölzer Symbols on Slovene euro coins E-1762/06 Georgios Karatzaferis Conflicting views expressed by the Commission E-1763/06 regarding religious freedom in Turkey Michl Ebner Council directive on zoos E-1764/06 Paulo Casaca Conditions for European emigrants in Canada E-1765/06 Bruno Gollnisch Industrial bags cartel - fines imposed on 30 November P-1766/06 2005 Jeanine Hennis- Withdrawal of proposal concerning harmonisation of P-1767/06 Plasschaert driving bans in the EU Cancelled question E-1768/06 Paulo Casaca Failure to implement international legislation prohibiting E-1769/06 driftnets Alfredo Antoniozzi Freedom to exercise the right to vote - Reports of P-1770/06 improper conduct of voting abroad in the 2006 Italian general election Elly de Groen- Planned investment for gold mine expansion in E-1771/06 Kouwenhoven and Chelopech, Bulgaria Hiltrud Breyer Robert Kilroy-Silk EU's protectionist policies E-1772/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk The treatment of asylum-seekers E-1773/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Pre-trial detentions E-1774/06 Eva Lichtenberger Fulfilling the safety standards laid down for the Temelin P-1775/06 nuclear power plant in the Melk Agreement

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38 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

Norbert Glante Improper allocation of '.eu' domain names P-1776/06 Jana Hybášková Road safety funding from the Structural Funds P-1777/06 Joan Calabuig Rull Multilateral negotiations on non-agricultural products and P-1778/06 non-tariff barriers Proinsias De Rossa Appointment of EU envoy on Burma E-1779/06 Proinsias De Rossa Capital adequacy of investment firms and credit E-1780/06 institutions Proinsias De Rossa Forced prostitution E-1781/06 Proinsias De Rossa Forced prostitution E-1782/06 Proinsias De Rossa Active ageing strategies E-1783/06 Proinsias De Rossa Biocides Directive and embalming E-1784/06 Proinsias De Rossa Golden shares E-1785/06 Proinsias De Rossa Effects of aircraft noise on children's reading E-1786/06 comprehension Proinsias De Rossa Special Residential Services Board E-1787/06 Proinsias De Rossa VAT on charities E-1788/06 Proinsias De Rossa Ireland's implementation of the Race Discrimination E-1789/06 Directive Proinsias De Rossa Daphne and child residential care E-1790/06 Proinsias De Rossa Multi-denominational education E-1791/06 Proinsias De Rossa Sugar regime and compensation for workers E-1792/06 Proinsias De Rossa Commuter rail lines E-1793/06 Proinsias De Rossa ILO Convention on private employment agencies E-1794/06 Proinsias De Rossa ILO Conventions 87 and 98 E-1795/06 Proinsias De Rossa Life Assurance and Insurance Intermediaries Directives E-1796/06 Proinsias De Rossa Funding for intercultural centre E-1797/06 Proinsias De Rossa Combating trafficking in human beings E-1798/06 Proinsias De Rossa Funding for Irish-based development NGOs E-1799/06 Proinsias De Rossa Workers' remittances E-1800/06 Proinsias De Rossa Business transfers recommendations E-1801/06

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MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES 39

Richard Corbett UK pension schemes E-1802/06 Mario Borghezio Persecution of Coptic Christian minority in Egypt E-1803/06 Mario Borghezio Persecution of Coptic Christian minority in Egypt E-1804/06 Margrietus van den Binding guidelines for testing of medicines abroad E-1805/06 Berg Eija-Riitta Korhola Issue of Saharawi children in Western Sahara P-1806/06 Dimitrios Quality of bathing water in Greece E-1807/06 Papadimoulis Dimitrios Checks on imports of animals and animal feed in Greece E-1808/06 Papadimoulis Nikolaos Vakalis Energy and environmental impact of paper use and E-1809/06 recycling Nikolaos Vakalis CO2 emissions from cars E-1810/06 Roberta Angelilli Failure by Croatia to meet obligations under the Treaties E-1811/06 of Osimo and Rome Roberta Angelilli Recognition by Croatia of responsibility for massacre of E-1812/06 Italian population Roberta Angelilli Direct award of contract by the Rome Municipality to the E-1813/06 Zètema company without a public tendering procedure Erik Meijer Limited scope for the use of European Inter Rail passes E-1814/06 on European railways and ways of attracting new groups of passengers Proinsias De Rossa Provisional driving licences E-1815/06 Proinsias De Rossa Drivers over 70 years of age E-1816/06 Proinsias De Rossa WEEE Directive E-1817/06 Proinsias De Rossa Proposal to build a sewage treatment plant in north E-1818/06 Dublin Proinsias De Rossa Retirement age E-1819/06 Proinsias De Rossa Early retirement scheme E-1820/06 Proinsias De Rossa ECJ judgment of 8 September 2005 on sick leave in case E-1821/06 C-191-03 Proinsias De Rossa Child helplines in Europe E-1822/06

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40 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

Proinsias De Rossa Dublin Bus E-1823/06 Proinsias De Rossa Student grants and loans E-1824/06 Proinsias De Rossa Drift net fishing E-1825/06 Proinsias De Rossa Universal Service Directive, mobile telephony and E-1826/06 broadband internet services Proinsias De Rossa Public bus services and EC competition laws E-1827/06 Proinsias De Rossa Suicide E-1828/06 Proinsias De Rossa Universal Service Directive and connection to public E-1829/06 telephone network Proinsias De Rossa Draft Temporary Agency Work Directive E-1830/06 Proinsias De Rossa Air pollution plans for Dublin E-1831/06 Proinsias De Rossa Investigation of road accidents E-1832/06 Proinsias De Rossa Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and E-1833/06 electricity pylons in Dublin Proinsias De Rossa Airport charges E-1834/06 Proinsias De Rossa Ireland's implementation of the Second Motor Insurance E-1835/06 Directive Proinsias De Rossa Registration fee to register as a doctor in Ireland E-1836/06 Mary McDonald Irish/Spanish, Spanish/Irish dictionary P-1837/06 Ignasi Guardans Loss of quality in water intended for human consumption E-1838/06 Cambó in Alcoi Graham Watson Child abduction working party E-1839/06 Mary McDonald Common Defence Research Fund E-1840/06 Mary McDonald Inflation of development aid figures E-1841/06 Mary McDonald European Institute of Technology E-1842/06 Mary McDonald Sexual exploitation of women E-1843/06 Mary McDonald Sexual exploitation of women E-1844/06 Mary McDonald Child abandonment in Romania E-1845/06 Mary McDonald Tackling violence against women E-1846/06 Mary McDonald Care services across the EU E-1847/06

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MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES 41

Mary McDonald Women at risk of poverty and social exclusion E-1848/06 Mary McDonald State aid rules E-1849/06 Mary McDonald Social protection systems E-1850/06 Mary McDonald Community energy policy E-1851/06 Mary McDonald Gender equality mainstreaming E-1852/06 Mary McDonald Gender equality institutional mechanisms at EU level E-1853/06 Mary McDonald European Environment and Health Action Plan E-1854/06 Mary McDonald Environmental breaches cases E-1855/06 Mary McDonald Biocides Directive E-1856/06 Mary McDonald Gender equality focus in public health policy E-1857/06 Mary McDonald Access to PROGRESS programme E-1858/06 Mary McDonald Progress on the Lisbon Strategy E-1859/06 Mary McDonald Funding of European Environment and Health Action E-1860/06 Plan Mary McDonald EU Policy on gender equality E-1861/06 Mary McDonald Standish Sawmills E-1862/06 Mary McDonald Supply of water and waste water services E-1863/06 Mary McDonald Reform of pension systems E-1864/06 Mary McDonald Recruitment of Irish-language interpreters and translators E-1865/06 Mary McDonald Ambulance services in Dublin E-1866/06 Mary McDonald Women's employment E-1867/06 Mary McDonald Telephone 'roaming' charges E-1868/06 Mary McDonald Social welfare contract E-1869/06 Mary McDonald Bulgaria E-1870/06 Mary McDonald Gender equality and civil dialogue E-1871/06 Mary McDonald The situation of EU migrant workers in Ireland E-1872/06 Mary McDonald Democratic deficit and the Lisbon Strategy E-1873/06 Mary McDonald Inflation of development aid figures E-1874/06 Geoffrey Van Orden Committee of the Regions E-1875/06

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42 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

Avril Doyle Special derogation for coach operators E-1876/06 Sepp Kusstatscher Natura 2000, SCI, Alpe di Villandro P-1877/06 Gitte Seeberg China's systematic extermination of Falun Gong P-1878/06 followers Rodi Kratsa- Safety of European rail networks P-1879/06 Tsagaropoulou Saïd El Khadraoui Application in the Member States of Regulation (EC) No P-1880/06 261/2004 concerning air passengers' rights Konrad Szymański Penalties against Polish lorry drivers working for AC P-1881/06 Optima at the Greek-Italian frontier Ioannis Gklavakis Protection of health of Community palm-trees from E-1882/06 imported diseased trees Proinsias De Rossa Child labour E-1883/06 Chris Davies Nuclear power in Finland E-1884/06 Bill Newton Dunn E-procurement policy E-1885/06 Gérard Onesta Mechanical organs and the RoHS and WEEE Directives E-1886/06 Roberta Angelilli Funds to develop a conference and exhibition centre at E-1887/06 Poggio Florido in the municipality of Gradoli Roberta Angelilli Funds for creation of a lakeside nature trail in the town of E-1888/06 Gradoli Albert Maat The situation of Falun Gong adherents in China E-1889/06 Erik Meijer Use of rail dampers to reduce noise on new or renewed E-1890/06 railway tracks as an alternative to building noise barriers, which compartmentalise towns and the countryside Erik Meijer Resistance in EU Member States to the separation of E-1891/06 ownership and responsibility by separating the management of the railway network from the operation of train services Gyula Hegyi Congestion charge - European cities E-1892/06 Esko Seppänen Sosnovyi Bor E-1893/06 Jörg Leichtfried Amended proposal for a Regulation of the European P-1894/06 Parliament and of the Council on public passenger transport services by rail and by road; Article 5(2),

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István Szent-Iványi Proceedings against the Microsoft Corporation P-1895/06 David Hammerstein Planned industrial estate in El Espinar, Segovia (Spain) E-1896/06 Mintz Caroline Lucas EIB application of the recommendations of the Extractive E-1897/06 Industry Review Mary McDonald Incineration E-1898/06 Mary McDonald Audio-visual services for people with disabilities E-1899/06 Mary McDonald Waste management E-1900/06 Effectiveness of ventilation systems in reducing exposure E-1901/06 to environmental tobacco smoke Jules Maaten Measures to be taken in the event of the outbreak of a E-1902/06 bird flu pandemic Teresa Riera Madurell Seventh framework programme for R&D - New EIB P-1903/06 finance facility Othmar Karas Human rights violations in Romania E-1904/06 Hiltrud Breyer Toxicological studies on aspartame E-1905/06 Sharon Bowles Water efficiency in buildings E-1906/06 Ashley Mote The Italian economy after the election E-1907/06 Ashley Mote Recovery of public funds E-1908/06 Cristiana Muscardini Combating child abuse E-1909/06 Cristiana Muscardini Terror in Tel Aviv E-1910/06 Esko Seppänen Elections in various Central Asian countries E-1911/06 Esko Seppänen Elections in various Central Asian countries E-1912/06 Nigel Farage Regional assemblies and regional funding P-1913/06 Antolín Sánchez Execution of projects corresponding to PO-FEDER E-1914/06 Presedo (Action: stimulation of local development) to be carried out in Mondariz (Spain) Antolín Sánchez Structural Fund data for Galicia (Spain) E-1915/06 Presedo Markus Ferber Galileo funding E-1916/06 Terence Wynn Freedom of Religion Bill in India E-1917/06

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Terence Wynn Freedom of Religion Bill in India E-1918/06 Alyn Smith Independent Olympic team for Scotland E-1919/06 Corien Wortmann- Road safety: safe crash barriers for motorcyclists E-1920/06 Kool and Luís Queiró Construction of EU-funded holding centres for minors in E-1921/06 Morocco Corien Wortmann- Tachograph for transport of material for use in the course E-1922/06 Kool of a driver's work Eija-Riitta Korhola Labour camps in China E-1923/06 Rebecca Harms New statistics on the health impact of the Chernobyl P-1924/06 disaster Gay Mitchell Allocation of .eu domain names P-1925/06 Arrest of two activists involved in the 'Publish What You P-1926/06 Pay" campaign David Hammerstein Plans for roads in Fuerteventura E-1927/06 Mintz David Hammerstein Plans for a road linking Agaete and San Nicolás de E-1928/06 Mintz Tolentino on Gran Canaria island Robert Kilroy-Silk Dialogue with Muslims E-1929/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Mugabe: the Midima Road, Malawi E-1930/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Islamic threat to murder Danish cartoonist E-1931/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Islamic E-1932/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Scotland and Wales not nations E-1933/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Inequalities in health care E-1934/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Caged children in Romania E-1935/06 Bart Staes Levying of tolls under the Mobility Masterplan for E-1936/06 Antwerp Bart Staes Discrimination in the levying of tolls on HGVs E-1937/06 Bart Staes Application of Directive 85/337/EEC E-1938/06 Marcin Libicki Penalties against Polish lorry drivers working for AC E-1939/06 Optima at the Greek-Italian frontier Mechtild Rothe Aspartame study (Ramazzini Foundation) E-1940/06

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Geoffrey Van Orden Implementing the .eu TLD name E-1941/06 Charles Tannock and Alleged discrimination under Spanish regulation against E-1942/06 Robert Sturdy non-Spanish EU Scuba diving instructors Karin Riis-Jørgensen Postal monopoly P-1943/06 Esther Herranz García Avian influenza E-1944/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Lisbon agenda E-1945/06 Michael Cashman and Violations of the human rights of homosexual people in E-1946/06 others Nigeria Jan Mulder and Decision not to sell poultry products at the Football E-1947/06 Willem Schuth World Cup Philip Claeys Lexicon on Islam and terrorism E-1948/06 Paul van Buitenen Publication of list of questions on the Community patent E-1949/06 Elena Valenciano The 'disappeared' in Argentina during the military E-1950/06 Martínez-Orozco dictatorship Richard Howitt Discrimination against disabled constituent in France E-1951/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Bulgaria's unfitness to join the EU E-1952/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Bird flu pandemic E-1953/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Bullying by Gazprom E-1954/06 Mario Borghezio Condemnation of the Chinese regime's trading in organs E-1955/06 removed from persons sentenced to death Mario Borghezio Condemnation of the Chinese regime's trading in organs E-1956/06 removed from persons sentenced to death Caroline Jackson Ongoing investigation into iTunes differential pricing P-1957/06 Caroline Lucas Laboratory on South Parks Road, Oxford, UK E-1958/06 Caroline Jackson Bulgaria's accession to the EU: consideration of the E-1959/06 provisions of the Birds and Habitats and EIA Directives Caroline Jackson European City Guide E-1960/06 Robert Kilroy-Silk Practice of caging children in Romania E-1961/06 Sharon Bowles Illegally logged timber from China E-1962/06 Simon Busuttil Price indication in the air transport sector E-1963/06

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Marie-Noëlle Combating biopiracy E-1964/06 Lienemann Marie-Noëlle Change in the French universal service regime E-1965/06 Lienemann Antonio Di Pietro Price of beet in central Italy - 2005/2006 P-1966/06 Baroness Sarah Bugging of Council meeting rooms P-1967/06 Ludford Paul Rübig Selling of meat products from mobile sales vehicles P-1968/06 María Sornosa Port of Catarroja E-1969/06 Martínez Paul Rübig Posted Workers Act (Arbeitnehmer-Entsendegesetz - E-1970/06 AEntG) Paul Rübig Eligibility of seed-growing business in Slovakia to E-1971/06 receive support Georgios Karatzaferis Allegations in Greek press of nepotism in use of EU E-1972/06 funding in Greece Georgios Karatzaferis Statements by member of the Greek Government in the E-1973/06 USA Georgios Karatzaferis Low birth rate in Greece E-1974/06 Graham Watson Recognition of democratically-elected government in E-1975/06 Palestine Alyn Smith Use of palm oil as a fuel E-1976/06 Frieda Brepoels Suspension of Turkish prosecutor from office E-1977/06 Poul Rasmussen Proposal for a Council Directive on passenger car related P-1978/06 taxes, COM(2005) 261 Françoise Grossetête Legislation on pharmaceuticals - distribution of medicinal P-1979/06 products in the internal market - availability to patients Mogens Camre Turkey's conduct towards Greece and Cyprus contrary to E-1980/06 international law Antonios Trakatellis Accession partnership with Turkey - violation of E-1981/06 and Giorgos fundamental rights: confiscation of Monastery of St Dimitrakopoulos George by General Directorate for Foundations James Allister Freedom of Religion Bill in India E-1982/06

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James Allister Freedom of Religion Bill in India E-1983/06 Jean-Claude Fruteau Change in the status of Mayotte E-1984/06 Jean-Claude Fruteau OCT access to the EDF E-1985/06 Jean-Claude Fruteau OCT access to horizontal programmes E-1986/06

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QUESTION TIME (B6-0017/06) on 4 and 5 April 2006

21 Questions (Rule 109)

Author Subject No

QUESTIONS TO THE COUNCIL

Bogusław SONIK Violation of the freedoms of conscience and religion in China H-0213/06

Dimitrios Illegal interception of telephone conversations H-0223/06 PAPADIMOULIS

Panagiotis BEGLITIS Turkey's new national security philosophy and the EU-Turkey H-0252/06 customs union protocol

Paulo CASACA Persecution of human rights activist Dr Muhamad Mugraby H-0254/06

Georgios TOUSSAS Violation of human rights at Guantanamo H-0259/06

Robert EVANS Passenger compensation H-0015/06

Eoin RYAN Air passenger rights H-0228/06

Rodi KRATSA- Funding of Trans-European Transport Networks H-0051/06 TSAGAROPOULOU

Bernd POSSELT European Magistrale and Brenner Base Tunnel H-0209/06

Stanisław Implementation of TEN-T projects H-0237/06 JAŁOWIECKI

QUESTIONS TO THE COMMISSION

Sarah LUDFORD Money-laundering directive H-0208/06

Philip BUSHILL- Protectionism amongst EU Member States H-0241/06 MATTHEWS

Harlem DÉSIR 'First job contract' (contrat première embauche): violation or non- H-0268/06 violation of Directive 2000/78/EC

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QUESTIONS TO DESIGNATED COMMISSIONERS

Mr BORG

Bart STAES Evaluation of Regulation (EC) n° 485/2005 - Transfer of H-0204/06 European vessels to the Indian Ocean

Rosa MIGUÉLEZ Ban on deep water gillnets H-0205/06 RAMOS

Pedro GUERREIRO Fisheries agreement with Morocco and protection of the H-0273/06 Sarawi people's legitimate rights

Mrs HÜBNER

Manuel MEDINA Financial perspective and regional development for the H-0203/06 ORTEGA outermost regions

Dimitrios Take-up of Community funding and the n+2 rule H-0217/06 PAPADIMOULIS

Mr ALMUNIA

Bernd POSSELT Introduction of the euro in the ten new Member States H-0210/06

Justas PALECKIS Accession of new EU Member States to the euro zone H-0222/06

Brian CROWLEY Growth and Stability Pact H-0226/06

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50 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

SUMMARY OF QUESTIONS TIME APRIL 2006

No. of No. of Questions Supplementary Lapsed Questions Questions Representatives Institution questions questions with questions questions withdrawn already on of the other tabled taken written (author by the the agenda Institutions answer absent) author

Council 39 10 24 20 0 0 5 Mr. WINKLER Mr. GORBACH

Commission 58 11 46 21 0 1 0 Mr. McCREEVY Mr. ŠPIDLA Mr. BORG Mrs HÜBNER Mr. ALMUNIA

Total 97 21 70 41 0 1 5

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WRITTEN DECLARATIONS1

No. EP No. Author Subject Tabled Closed on : Signatures

01/2006 369.297 John Bowis, Georgs Andrejevs, On diabetes 16.1.2006 16.4.2006 422 Dorette Corbey and Karin Scheele

02/2006 369.298 , Giovanni On extending basic health benefits to all residents in 16.1.2006 16.4.2006 89 Berlinguer, Patrizia Toia, Pier Antonio Europe, including those not meeting entry and Panzeri and Pia Elda Locatelli residence requirements

03/2006 369.299 Andreas Mölzer On a Europe-wide initiative to increase the birth rate 16.1.2006 16.4.2006 25

04/2006 369.300 Andreas Mölzer On the weeks of rioting in France 16.1.2006 16.4.2006 10

1 Situation as at 06.04.2006

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52 MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES

05/2006 369.301 Libor Rouček, Csaba Sándor Tabajdi, On free movement of the labour force 1.2.2006 1.5.2006 142 Marek Maciej Siwiec, Borut Pahor and Monika Beňová

06/2006 369.653 Jana Hybášková, Paulo Casaca, On recent executions of minors by the Iranian 1.2.2006 1.5.2006 105 Elizabeth Lynne, Willy Meyer Pleite authorities and Mogens Camre

07/2006 369.654 David Martin and Glyn Ford On the illegal trade in tiger and leopard skins 1.2.2006 1.5.2006 168

08/2006 370.386 Filip Kaczmarek On religious freedom in China 13.2.2006 13.5.2006 55

09/2006 370.388 Mario Borghezio On threats to the freedom of expression of European 13.2.2006 13.5.2006 17 newspapers following publication of the cartoons satirising Mohammed and Islam

10/2006 370.389 Frank Vanhecke, Philip Claeys and On the reactions in the Islamic world to the cartoons 13.2.2006 13.5.2006 13 Koenraad Dillen published in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten

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11/2006 370.590 Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulo, Robert On European Maritime Day 20.2.2006 20.5.2006 141 Navarro, Dirk Sterckx and Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert

12/2006 370.591 Jean-Claude Martinez On the dramatic situation facing European wine 22.2.2006 22.5.2006 10 growers

13/2006 371.053 Maciej Giertych On the call for all countries to open their archives 6.3.2006 6.6.2006 19 pertaining to World War II

14/2006 371.059 Janusz Wojciechowski, Caroline On genetically modified food, seeds and fodder 13.3.2006 13.6.2006 83 Lucas, Ioannis Gklavakis and Thijs Berman

15/2006 371.060 Andreas Mölzer On mutual respect 13.3.2006 13.6.2006 12

16/2006 371.061 Matteo Salvini On naming the hemicycle of the European Parliament 13.3.2006 13.6.2006 7 in Brussels after the writer Oriana Fallaci

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17/2006 371.713 Daniel Strož On the need to pursue a balanced European foreign 13.3.2006 13.6.2006 14 policy

18/2006 372.500 Roger Helmer, Ashley Mote, James On the rights of women in Saudi Arabia 30.3.2006 30.6.2006 21 Hugh Allister and Anna Záborská

19/2006 372.501 Elly de Groen-Kouwenhoven, Michael On protection of people in Bulgaria against neo- 3.4.2006 3.7.2006 21 Cashman, Erik Meijer, Alexander Graf totalitarianism Lambsdorff and Geoffrey Van Orden

20/2006 372.502 Konrad Konrad Szymański, Philippe On the protection of subsidiarity in European and 3.4.2006 3.7.2006 22 Morillon, Charles Tannock, Ari overseas health care policies Vatanen and Bastiaan Belder On the protection and preservation of the religious 21/2006 372.503 Iles Braghetto and Panayiotis heritage in the northern part of Cyprus 3.4.2006 3.7.2006 109 Demetriou

22/2006 372.504 Daniel Strož On condemnation of the activities of former Nazis 3.4.2006 3.7.2006 27 and their supporters in certain EU Member States

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23/2006 372.505 Claire Gibault, Jean-Marie Cavada, On international adoption in Romania 3.4.2006 3.7.2006 90 Antoine Duquesne, Charles Tannock and Enrique Barón Crespo

24/2006 372.706 Robert Navarro, Jean-Luc On the Europe Statute and the promotion of active 3.4.2006 3.7.2006 39 Bennahmias, Rodi Kratsa- European citizenship Tsagaropoulou, Luigi Cocilovo and Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufmann

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COMMITTEES

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APPOINTMENT OF RAPPORTEURS AND DRAFTSMEN (Referral: R = Responsible / O = Opinion)

Name Subject Committee Date Proc.

Onesta Gérard White paper on a European AFCO (O) 21/02/2006 2006/2087(INI) (Verts/ALE) communication policy

Nicholson of Kashmir: present situation and future AFET (R) 12/12/2005 2005/2242(INI) Winterbourne prospects Baroness (ALDE)

Yañez-Barnuevo The external dimension of the fight against AFET (R) 16/03/2006 2006/2032(INI) García Luis (PSE) international terrorism

Van Hecke Johan Conclusion of the Agreement amending AFET (O) 14/06/2005 2005/0071(AVC) (ALDE) the Partnership Agreement between the ACP countries and the EU and its Member States

Daul Joseph Processing aid for flax and hemp grown AGRI (R) 21/03/2006 2006/0043(CNS) (EPP-ED) for fibre

Jeggle Elisabeth The protection and welfare of animals AGRI (R) 26/01/2006 2006/2046(INI) (EPP-ED) 2006-2010

Ebner Michl Conclusion, of behalf of the EC, of the AGRI (O) 21/03/2006 2006/0026(CNS) (EPP-ED) Protocols to the Alpine Convention on Soil Protection, Energy and Tourism

Schuth Willem Strategy on Biomass and Biofuels AGRI (O) 21/03/2006 2006/2082(INI) (ALDE)

Pittella Giovanni Transfer of appropriations DEC 08/2006 - BUDG (R) 06/12/2004 2006/2088(GBD) (PSE) Section III - Commission

Pittella Giovanni Transfer of appropriations DEC 07/2006 - BUDG (R) 06/12/2004 2006/2089(GBD) (PSE) Section III - Commission

Pittella Giovanni Transfer of appropriations DEC 10/2006 - BUDG (R) 06/12/2004 2006/2096(GBD) (PSE) Section III - Commission

Pittella Giovanni Transfer of appropriations DEC 11/2006 - BUDG (R) 06/12/2004 2006/2097(GBD) (PSE) Section III - Commission

Pittella Giovanni Transfer of appropriations DEC 09/2006 - BUDG (R) 06/12/2004 2006/2095(GBD) (PSE) Section III - Commission

Deprez Gérard Regulation on the second generation BUDG (O) 22/11/2005 2005/0106(COD) (ALDE) Schengen information system (SIS II)

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Geringer de European Year of Intercultural Dialogue BUDG (O) 22/11/2005 2005/0203(COD) Oedenberg Lidia (2008) Joanna (PSE)

Gräßle Ingeborg Implementing rules of the Financial BUDG (O) 20/09/2004 2005/0904(CNS) (EPP-ED) Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities

Haug Jutta D. The basic salaries and allowances BUDG (O) 20/09/2004 2006/0803(CNS) (PSE) applicable to Europol staff

Haug Jutta D. Europol's Staff Regulations BUDG (O) 21/09/2004 2006/0804(CNS) (PSE)

Trüpel Helga Fisheries Agreement between the BUDG (O) 20/09/2004 2006/0029(CNS) (Verts/ALE) European Community and the Republic of Seychelles

Trüpel Helga Fisheries Agreement between the BUDG (O) 20/09/2004 2006/0032(CNS) (Verts/ALE) European Community and the Union of the Comoros

Xenogiannakopou Rules for participation in implementation BUDG (O) 20/09/2004 2006/0014(CNS) lou Marilisa of the Seventh Euratom Framework (PSE) Programme (2007-2011)

Duchoň Petr United Nations Convention against CONT (O) 20/04/2006 2006/0023(CNS) (EPP-ED) corruption

Beazley Initiatives to complement national school CULT (R) 03/10/2005 2006/2041(INI) Christopher (EPP- curricula providing appropriate teaching ED) materials to include the European Dimension Descamps Marie- i2010: Digital libraries CULT (R) 23/11/2005 2006/2040(INI) Hélène (EPP-ED)

Sifunakis European cultural and architectural CULT (R) 03/10/2005 2006/2050(INI) Nikolaos (PSE) heritage at local level: promotion of an unrecognised heritage

Hieronymi Ruth Interinstitutional agreement on budgetary CULT (O) 22/09/2004 2004/2099(ACI) (EPP-ED) discipline and improvement of the budgetary procedure

Ribeiro e Castro Conclusion of the Agreement amending DEVE (R) 24/05/2005 2005/0071(AVC) José (EPP-ED) the Partnership Agreement between the ACP countries and the EU and its Member States

Morgantini Luisa Fisheries Agreement between the DEVE (O) 21/03/2006 2006/0029(CNS) (GUE/NGL) European Community and the Republic of Seychelles

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Morgantini Luisa Fisheries Agreement between the DEVE (O) 21/03/2006 2006/0032(CNS) (GUE/NGL) European Community and the Union of the Comoros

Berès Pervenche Appointment of a member of the ECON (R) 14/03/2006 2006/0801(CNS) (PSE) Executive Board of the European Central Bank (Mr Jürgen Stark)

Bowles Sharon Basic information on purchasing power ECON (R) 03/04/2006 2006/0042(COD) (ALDE) parities

Ferreira Elisa Structural business statistics ECON (R) 14/03/2006 2006/0020(COD) (PSE)

Krasts Guntars Statistical classification of economic ECON (R) 14/03/2006 2006/0011(COD) (UEN) activities: NACE Rev. 2

Muscat Joseph Towards further consolidation in the ECON (R) 04/07/2005 2006/2081(INI) (PSE) European financial services industry

Tannock Charles The exemption from valued added tax and ECON (R) 14/03/2006 2006/0021(CNS) (EPP-ED) excise duty of goods imported by persons travelling from third countries

Hoppenstedt Coordination of certain of the Member ECON (O) 14/03/2006 2005/0260(COD) Karsten Friedrich States' provisions on television (EPP-ED) broadcasting

Klinz Wolf Exercise of voting rights by shareholders ECON (O) 14/02/2006 2005/0265(COD) (ALDE)

Langen Werner Public-private partnerships and ECON (O) 21/09/2004 2006/2043(INI) (EPP-ED) Community law on public procurement and concessions

Lehne Klaus- Recent developments in and prospects for ECON (O) 03/04/2006 2006/2051(INI) Heiner (EPP-ED) company law

Bachelot-Narquin Establishment of the European EMPL (R) 15/03/2006 2006/0033(COD) Roselyne (EPP- Globalisation adjustment Fund ED)

Bozkurt Emine Coordination of social security systems: EMPL (R) 01/02/2006 2006/0008(COD) (PSE) amendment

Lambert Jean Coordination of social security systems: EMPL (R) 04/04/2006 2006/0006(COD) (Verts/ALE) implementing procedures

Mann Thomas Creation of a European Qualifications EMPL (R) 27/10/2005 2006/2002(INI) (EPP-ED) Framework

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Matsouka Maria Social security schemes for employed EMPL (R) 18/01/2006 2005/0258(COD) (PSE) persons and members of their families moving within the Community

Panayotopoulos- Women with low skill levels - a new EMPL (O) 18/01/2006 2006/2011(INI) Cassiotou Marie policy (EPP-ED)

Papadimoulis Strategies and means for the Integration of EMPL (O) 14/09/2005 2006/2056(INI) Dimitrios third-country nationals in the European (GUE/NGL) Union

Sinnott Kathy Improving the mental health of the EMPL (O) 27/10/2005 2006/2058(INI) (IND/DEM) population - Towards a strategy on mental health for the European Union

Adamou Adamos Pandemic influenza preparedness and ENVI (R) 29/11/2005 2006/2062(INI) (GUE/NGL) response planning in the European Community

Bowis John (EPP- Improving the mental health of the ENVI (R) 29/11/2005 2006/2058(INI) ED) population - Towards a strategy on mental health for the European Union

Brepoels Frieda Infrastructure for spatial information in the ENVI (R) 20/09/2004 2004/0175(COD) (EPP-ED) Community (INSPIRE)

Corbey Dorette Thematic strategy on air pollution ENVI (R) 29/11/2005 2006/2060(INI) (PSE)

Grossetête Medicinal products for paediatric use ENVI (R) 20/01/2005 2004/0217(COD) Françoise (EPP- ED)

Hegyi Gyula Thematic strategy on the Urban ENVI (R) 29/11/2005 2006/2061(INI) (PSE) Environment

Klaß Christa Protection of groundwater against ENVI (R) 27/07/2004 2003/0210(COD) (EPP-ED) pollution

Papadimoulis Community civil protection mechanism ENVI (R) 21/02/2006 2006/0009(CNS) Dimitrios (recast version) (GUE/NGL)

Seeber Richard Conclusion, of behalf of the EC, of the ENVI (R) 21/03/2006 2006/0026(CNS) (EPP-ED) Protocols to the Alpine Convention on Soil Protection, Energy and Tourism

Aylward Liam Strategy on Biomass and Biofuels ENVI (O) 25/04/2006 2006/2082(INI) (UEN)

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Gomes Ana Maria Women in international policy FEMM (R) 21/02/2006 2006/2057(INI) (PSE)

Niebler Angelika Equal opportunities and equal treatment of FEMM (R) 15/03/2006 2004/0084(COD) (EPP-ED) men and women in matters of employment and occupation

Geringer de Cohesion policy in support of growth and FEMM (O) 21/03/2006 2006/2086(INI) Oedenberg Lidia jobs: Community strategic guidelines, Joanna (PSE) 2007-2013

Gröner Lissy Coordination of certain of the Member FEMM (O) 21/03/2006 2005/0260(COD) (PSE) States' provisions on television broadcasting

Vincenzi Marta Improving the mental health of the FEMM (O) 21/03/2006 2006/2058(INI) (PSE) population - Towards a strategy on mental health for the European Union

Kallenbach Gisela Control of the acquisition and possession IMCO (R) 02/05/2006 2006/0031(COD) (Verts/ALE) of weapons

McCarthy Arlene Specific problems in the Transposition and IMCO (R) 21/02/2006 2006/2084(INI) (PSE) Implementation of Public Procurement Legislation and its relation to the Lisbon Agenda

Roithová Zuzana Consumer confidence in the digital IMCO (R) 21/02/2006 2006/2048(INI) (EPP-ED) environment

Jäätteenmäki Revision of directives on medical devices IMCO (O) 02/05/2006 2005/0263(COD) Anneli (ALDE)

Rühle Heide Coordination of certain of the Member IMCO (O) 21/02/2006 2005/0260(COD) (Verts/ALE) States' provisions on television broadcasting

Karim Sajjad The EU's economic and trade relations INTA (R) 11/10/2005 2006/2034(INI) (ALDE) with India

Varela Suanzes- EU economic and trade relations with INTA (R) 25/01/2006 2006/2035(INI) Carpegna Daniel Mercosur with a view to negotiation of an (EPP-ED) interregional association agreement

Audy Jean-Pierre Strategy on Biomass and Biofuels INTA (O) 25/09/2005 2006/2082(INI) (EPP-ED)

Lucas Caroline The protection and welfare of animals INTA (O) 16/03/2006 2006/2046(INI) (Verts/ALE) 2006-2010

Langen Werner Strategy on Biomass and Biofuels ITRE (R) 21/02/2006 2006/2082(INI) (EPP-ED)

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Laperrouze Anne Rules for participation in implementation ITRE (R) 21/02/2006 2006/0014(CNS) (ALDE) of the Seventh Euratom Framework Programme (2007-2011) del Castillo Vera Implementing the Community Lisbon ITRE (R) 23/11/2005 2006/2005(INI) Pilar (EPP-ED) Programme: more research and Innovation - investing for growth and employment

Remek Vladimír Establishment of the European ITRE (O) 25/04/2006 2006/0033(COD) (GUE/NGL) Globalisation adjustment Fund del Castillo Vera Interinstitutional agreement on budgetary ITRE (O) 25/01/2006 2004/2099(ACI) Pilar (EPP-ED) discipline and improvement of the budgetary procedure

Lehne Klaus- The European privae company statute JURI (R) 12/12/2005 2006/2013(INI) Heiner (EPP-ED)

Speroni Francesco Request that Mr Pflüger's immunity be JURI (R) 30/01/2006 2006/2030(IMM) Enrico waived (IND/DEM)

Szejna Andrzej Recent developments in and prospects for JURI (R) 24/11/2004 2006/2051(INI) Jan (PSE) company law

Breyer Hiltrud Advanced therapy medicinal products JURI (O) 19/04/2006 2005/0227(COD) (Verts/ALE)

Doorn Bert (EPP- Simplification of Community legislation JURI (O) 30/01/2006 2005/2238(REG) ED)

Gargani Giuseppe Amendment of Rules 3 and 4 of the Rules JURI (O) 19/04/2006 2005/2036(REG) (EPP-ED) of Procedure

Sakalas Aloyzas Research, technological development and JURI (O) 12/12/2005 2005/0043(COD) (PSE) demonstration activities (seventh framework programme, 2007-2013)

Brejc Mihael Cooperation between Asset Recovery LIBE (R) 27/04/2006 2006/0805(CNS) (EPP-ED) Offices

Catania Giusto United Nations Convention against LIBE (R) 03/04/2006 2006/0023(CNS) (GUE/NGL) corruption

Lambrinidis Strategies and means for the Integration of LIBE (R) 04/10/2005 2006/2056(INI) Stavros (PSE) third-country nationals in the European Union

Moraes Claude The basic salaries and allowances LIBE (R) 27/04/2006 2006/0803(CNS) (PSE) applicable to Europol staff

Moraes Claude Europol's Staff Regulations LIBE (R) 27/04/2006 2006/0804(CNS) (PSE)

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Voggenhuber Compliance with the Charter of LIBE (R) 12/07/2005 2005/2169(INI) Johannes Fundamental Rights in Commission (Verts/ALE) legislative proposals: methodology for systematic and rigorous monitoring

Ždanoka Tatjana A framework strategy for non- LIBE (R) 04/07/2005 2005/2191(INI) (Verts/ALE) discrimination and equal opportunities for all

Alvaro Alexander Enhancing supply chain security LIBE (O) 03/04/2006 2006/0025(COD) (ALDE)

Bauer Edit (EPP- Development and migration LIBE (O) 04/10/2005 2005/2244(INI) ED)

Capoulas Santos Fisheries Agreement between the PECH (R) 21/03/2006 2006/0032(CNS) Luis Manuel European Community and the Union of the (PSE) Comoros

Fraga Estévez Fisheries Agreement between the PECH (R) 05/04/2006 2006/0029(CNS) Carmen (EPP- European Community and the Republic of ED) Seychelles

Miguélez Ramos The operation of Council Regulation (EC) PECH (R) 31/01/2006 2006/2054(INI) Rosa (PSE) No 1185/2003 on the removal of fins of sharks on board vessels

Miguélez Ramos Technical measures for the conservation of PECH (R) 04/04/2006 2006/0030(CNS) Rosa (PSE) certain stocks of highly migratory species

Krehl Constanze Cohesion policy in support of growth and REGI (R) 12/09/2005 2006/2086(INI) Angela (PSE) jobs: Community strategic guidelines, 2007-2013

Kallenbach Gisela Thematic strategy on the Urban REGI (O) 22/02/2006 2006/2061(INI) (Verts/ALE) Environment

Fava Giovanni Presumed use of European countries by the TDIP (R) 26/01/2006 2006/2027(INI) Claudio (PSE) CIA for the transportation and illegal detention of prisoners (provisional report)

Costa Paolo Agreement between the EC and Serbia and TRAN (R) 29/08/2005 2005/0141(CNS) (ALDE) Montenegro on certain aspects of air services

Costa Paolo Agreement between the EC and the former TRAN (R) 29/08/2005 2005/0146(CNS) (ALDE) Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on certain aspects of air services

Costa Paolo Agreement between the EC and Albania TRAN (R) 29/08/2005 2005/0143(CNS) (ALDE) on certain aspects of air services

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Costa Paolo Agreement between the EC and Romania TRAN (R) 29/08/2005 2005/0148(CNS) (ALDE) on certain aspects of air services

Costa Paolo Agreement between the EC and Moldova TRAN (R) 12/09/2005 2005/0151(CNS) (ALDE) on certain aspects of air services

Costa Paolo Agreement between the EU and Morocco TRAN (R) 12/09/2005 2005/0161(CNS) (ALDE) on certain aspects of air services

Savary Gilles Civil liability and financial guarantees of TRAN (R) 06/04/2006 2005/0242(COD) (PSE) shipowners

Vincenzi Marta Compliance with the obligations of Flag TRAN (R) 06/04/2006 2005/0236(COD) (PSE) States

Vlasto Dominique Port State control (recast version) TRAN (R) 28/03/2006 2005/0238(COD) (EPP-ED)

Wortmann-Kool An integrated European action programme TRAN (R) 22/02/2006 2006/2085(INI) Corien (EPP-ED) for inland waterway transport: NAIADES de Grandes Ship inspection and survey organisations TRAN (R) 28/03/2006 2005/0237(COD) Pascual Luis (recast version) (EPP-ED)

Hennis- Reducing the climate change impact of TRAN (O) 11/10/2005 2005/2249(INI) Plasschaert aviation Jeanine (ALDE)

Vincenzi Marta Strategy on Biomass and Biofuels TRAN (O) 22/02/2006 2006/2082(INI) (PSE)

Vlasto Dominique Conclusion, of behalf of the EC, of the TRAN (O) 28/03/2006 2006/0026(CNS) (EPP-ED) Protocols to the Alpine Convention on Soil Protection, Energy and Tourism

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OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS

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COMMISSION DOCUMENTS

Reports and Communications

Subject Referral Doc.

Communication from the Commission: Report on progress at 31 January 2005 BUDG COM(2005)0090 of the modernisation of the accounting system of the European Commission CONT ECON

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European AFET COM(2005)0239 Parliament: Consolidation and expansion of the External Service DEVE INTA BUDG

Commission Communication to the Council and the European Parliament: CONT COM(2005)0257 Annual Report to the Discharge Authority on Internal Audits Carried out in 2004

Commission Communication to the Council, the European Parliament, the AFET COM(2005)0290 European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: EMPL Civil Society Dialogue between the EU and Candidate Countries REGI CULT LIBE FEMM

Communication from the Commission: A strategy on the external dimension of LIBE COM(2005)0491 the area of freedom, security and justice AFET

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European AFET COM(2005)0582 Parliament: Opening of a delegation in Belarus INTA BUDG

Commission Communication to the Council, the European Parliament and the LIBE COM(2005)0620 European Economic and Social Committee: The Prevention of and Fight against ECON Terrorist Financing through enhanced national level coordination and greater IMCO transparency of the non-profit sector. JURI

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European IMCO COM(2005)0626 Parliament on the results of the consultation launched by the Green Paper on AFET Defence Procurement and on the future Commission initiatives ITRE

Report from the Commission: Evaluation report on the Settlement Finality ECON COM(2005)0657 Directive 98/26/EC - (EU 25)

Communication from the Commission: Policy Plan on Legal Migration LIBE COM(2005)0669 AFET DEVE INTA EMPL CULT FEMM

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Report from the Commission - European Union Solidarity Fund - Annual REGI COM(2005)0709 report 2004 BUDG

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European DEVE COM(2006)0018 Parliament: Investing in people - Communication on the thematic programme AFET for human and social development and the financial perspectives for 2007-2013 INTA ENVI FEMM

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, DEVE COM(2006)0019 the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the AFET Regions: The Thematic Programme “Non-state Actors and Local Authorities in INTA Development” FEMM

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European ENVI COM(2006)0020 Parliament: External Action: Thematic Programme For Environment and AFET Sustainable Management of Natural Resources including Energy DEVE INTA ITRE

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European DEVE COM(2006)0021 Parliament: A thematic strategy for food security - Advancing the food security AFET agenda to achieve the MDGs INTA ENVI AGRI

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, ITRE COM(2006)0028 the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the ECON Regions on Market Reviews under the EU Regulatory Framework: IMCO Consolidating the internal market for electronic communications

Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Annexes A and C to Regulation JURI COM(2006)0038 (EC) No 1346/2000 as regards France LIBE

Fifth report from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the CULT COM(2006)0049 European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions ECON on the application of Directive 89/552/EEC “Television without Frontiers” ITRE IMCO LIBE

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European DEVE COM(2006)0085 Parliament: Financing for Development and Aid Effectiveness – The challenges AFET of scaling up EU aid 2006 – 2010 INTA BUDG

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament DEVE COM(2006)0086 and the European Economic and Social Committee: an EU-Caribbean INTA partnership for growth, stability and development

Communication from the Commission: EU Aid: Delivering more, better and DEVE COM(2006)0087 faster AFET INTA BUDG

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Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European DEVE COM(2006)0088 Parliament: increasing the impact of EU aid: a common framework for drafting AFET country strategy papers and joint multiannual programming INTA BUDG

Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council: IMCO COM(2006)0120 Report on the operation of Directive 1999/93/EC on a Community framework JURI for electronic signatures

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, ALL COM(2006)0122 the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: Annual Policy Strategy for 2007 - Boosting trust through action

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, ALL COM(2006)0124 the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: Policy Achievements in 2005

Proposal for a Council decision on the position to be adopted by the Community BUDG COM(2006)0132 within the ACP-EC Council of Ministers concerning the multiannual financial DEVE framework for the period 2008-2013 and the modifications to be inserted in the agreement revising the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 and revised in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council EMPL COM(2006)0136 and the European Economic and Social Committee: implementing the DEVE partnership for growth and jobs: making Europe a pole of excellence on ECON corporate social responsibility ITRE IMCO JURI FEMM

Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council: AFET COM(2006)0137 General Report on pre-accession assistance (PHARE – ISPA – SAPARD) in INTA 2004 BUDG ENVI TRAN REGI AGRI

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European ITRE COM(2006)0140 Parliament on the implementation of the ENERGY STAR programme in the ENVI European Community in the period 2001 – 2005 IMCO

Communication from the Commission: A new comprehensive partnership with AFET COM(2006)0142 Greenland in the form of a joint declaration and a Council Decision based on INTA Article 187 of the EC Treaty; Proposal for a Council decision on the relations BUDG between the European Community on the one hand, and Greenland and the PECH Kingdom of Denmark on the other

Proposal for a Council decision on the position of the European Community ENVI COM(2006)0150 regarding the adaptation to technical progress of Regulation 51 of the United TRAN Nations Economic Commission for Europe

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Third Report from the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament LIBE COM(2006)0156 on the application of Directives 93/96, 90/364, 90/365 on the right of residence EMPL for students, economically inactive and retired Union citizens CULT JURI

Communication from the Commission: Guidance on the posting of workers in EMPL COM(2006)0159 the framework of the provision of services ITRE IMCO FEMM

Communication from the Commission: Review of Directive 2002/65 of the IMCO COM(2006)0161 European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2002 concerning the ECON distance marketing of consumer financial services and amending Council Directive 90/619/EEC and Directive 97/7/EC and 98/27/EC

Report from the Commission on the implementation of Directive 79/409/EEC ENVI COM(2006)0164 on the conservation of wild birds - Part I Composite Report on Overall Progress Achieved - Update for 1999-2001

Green Paper: The Presumption of Innocence LIBE COM(2006)0174 JURI

Report from the Commission: Quality of petrol and diesel fuel used for road ENVI COM(2006)0186 transport in the European Union: Third annual report (Reporting year 2004) TRAN

Commission staff Working Document - Summary of the Public Consultation for ENVI SEC(2005)0451 the Review of the European Sustainable Development Strategy 2001 ECON EMPL ITRE

Commission staff working document : Annex to the Review of the Scope of ITRE SEC(2005)0660 Universal Service in Accordance with Article 15 of Directive 2002/22/EC ECON IMCO

Croatia : 2005 Progress Report ALL SEC(2005)1424

Analytical report for the Opinion on the application from the former Yugoslav ALL SEC(2005)1425 Republic of Macedonia for EU membership

Serbia and Montenegro : 2005 Progress Report ALL SEC(2005)1428

Commission staff working paper: Annex to the Communication from the TRAN SEC(2005)1496 Commission on the third package of legislative measures on maritime safety in ENVI the European Union PECH JURI

Commission staff working document : Second annual report to the European LIBE SEC(2005)1764 Parliament and the Council on the implementation of the AGIS programme - CONT Year 2004

Commission staff working document : Sustainable Financing of Social Policies EMPL SEC(2005)1774 in the European Union ITRE FEMM

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Commission staff working document addressed to the European Parliament and IMCO SEC(2005)1777 to the Council on certain issues relating to Motor Insurance TRAN JURI

Commission staff working document : Evaluation of the Performance of ECON SEC(2005)1781 Network Industries Providing Services of General Economic Interest - 2005 EMPL Report ITRE IMCO TRAN

Commission staff working document : Single Market in Financial Services ECON SEC(2006)0017 Progress Report 2004-2005 IMCO JURI

Report from the Commission: annual report 2005 on the relations with the AFCO SEC(2006)0350 national parliaments

Proposal for an Internal Agreement between Representatives of the DEVE SEC(2006)0371 Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the BUDG financing of Community aid under the multi-annual financial framework for the period 2008-2013 in accordance with the Partnership Agreement between the African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the European Community and its Member States signed in Cotonou (Benin) on 23 June 2000 and revised in Luxemburg (Great Duchy of Luxemburg) on 25 June 2005 and on the allocation of financial assistance for the Overseas Countries and Territories to which Part Four of the EC Treaty applies

Commission staff working document : Annexes to the report from the AFET SEC(2006)0378 Commission to the European Parliament and the Council - General report on INTA pre-accession assistance (Phare-ISPA-SAPARD) in 2004 Country sections & BUDG additional information ENVI TRAN REGI AGRI

Commission staff working document : Implementation and update reports on EMPL SEC(2006)0410 2003-2005 NAPs/inclusion and update reports on 2004-2006 NAPs/inclusion ECON ITRE REGI LIBE FEMM Commission staff working Document: Commission's services report on the IMCO SEC(2006)0439 implementation of Directive 96/71/EC concerning the posting of workers in the EMPL framework of the provision of services ITRE FEMM

Commission staff working document: Annex to the Communication from the ITRE SEC(2006)0511 Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic ECON and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - i2010 eGovernment EMPL Action Plan: Accelerating eGovernment in Europe for the Benefit of All IMCO REGI CULT JURI LIBE

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Commission Staff Working Document Annexes to the Communication from the EMPL SEC(2006)0516 Commission on Social services of general interest in the European Union - ECON Socio-economic and legal overview - ENVI ITRE IMCO JURI FEMM

Commission staff working document: Annex to the Communication from the EMPL SEC(2006)0523 Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic ENVI and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Joint Report on FEMM Social Protection and Social Inclusion 2006: Technical annex to the joint report on social protection and social inclusion

Commission Staff Working Document: Annex to the Report from the LIBE SEC(2006)0525 Commission to the Council and the European Parliament based on Article 10 of FEMM the Council Framework Decision of 19 July 2002 on combating trafficking in human beings

Commission Staff Working Document: Annexes to the Communication on the TRAN SEC(2006)0530 implementation of the railway infrastructure package Directives (‘First Railway EMPL Package’)

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GENERAL INFORMATION

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COMMON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY

27/06

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union, on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism Brussels, 31 March 2006

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries and Liechtenstein, members of the , as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, declare that they share the objectives of Common Position 2005/936/CFSP of 21 December 2005 updating Common Position 2001/931/CFSP on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism and repealing Common Position 2005/847/CFSP and of Common Position 2006/231/CFSP of 20 March 2006 updating Common Position 2001/931/CFSP on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism and repealing Common Position 2005/936/CFSP.

They will ensure that their national policies conform to those two Common Positions.

The European Union takes note of this commitment and welcomes it.

* Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

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52/06

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the occasion of the final session of the UN Commission on Human Rights Brussels, 27 March 2006

On the occasion of the final session of the Commission on Human Rights on 27 March 2006 the European Union pays tribute to 60 years of service to the cause of human rights. The European Union values the important role that the Commission on Human Rights has played in the promotion and protection of human rights. Despite the criticism the Commission has attracted in recent years, its achievements and rich legacy in the field of human rights deserve our recognition and respect.

From the Commission on Human Rights the world community inherits a rich body of international human rights law and standards. With the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Commission laid the foundation upon which the entire body of international human rights law is built. Its subsequent development of the International Covenants on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and on Civil and Political Rights, and the other core human rights instruments today form the bedrock of international human rights law. The Commission has continued the development of new standards by preparing a draft Convention on Enforced Disappearances and a draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The

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consideration and adoption of these texts is among the EU priorities for the Human Rights Council at its first session in June.

Over the last 60 years, the Commission on Human Rights has contributed significantly to identifying and addressing challenges for the protection and promotion of human rights, including emerging or urgent issues and situations.

The development of the system of special procedures has brought the intergovernmental debate on human rights closer to the reality on the ground. The independent UN human rights experts serve as an early warning mechanism for the international community and give voice to the often silenced victims. With their expert advice they contribute greatly to an informed and substantive debate. Their recommendations provide concrete guidance for the improved implementation of human rights standards. The European Union warmly welcomes that the system of special procedures will be continued in the Human Rights Council and that all mandates have been transferred to the Human Rights Council. The EU looks forward to receiving their reports and engaging them in interactive dialogue at its first session. It is important that this system will be strengthened over time.

The European Union expresses its full support to the contribution of human rights defenders in raising awareness and advocating higher respect for human rights. Throughout the existence of the Commission, human rights defenders and their organizations have raised concerns where governments have remained silent – often against the risk of discrimination, imprisonment or even losing their life. Their continued active and effective participation in the Human Rights Council is of greatest importance to the European Union. We therefore welcome that the participation of non-governmental organizations, and national human rights institutions in the work of the Human Rights Council will be based on the rules and practices of the Commission on Human Rights.

Building on the solid foundations of the instruments and mechanisms created by the Commission, the Human Rights Council now offers the opportunity to strengthen the implementation of human rights standards.

The European Union stands ready to cooperate with other members of the UN in order to make the Human Rights Council an effective and efficient body, which will make a genuine contribution to the promotion and protection of all human rights for all.

The Human Rights Council should be able to address all human rights issues as they occur, including urgent situations. The Council will offer a forum for ongoing dialogue and constructive engagement. It will provide guidance and assistance to all countries to achieve the highest standards of human rights protection through dialogue, cooperation and capacity building. We will have to make good use of all the instruments it will provide in order to translate human rights norms into tangible improvements of the situation of human rights on the ground and prevent human rights violations from occurring.

The European Union reiterates its full support for the strengthening of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The High Commissioner and her staff are working relentlessly to promote and protect all human rights and prevent the occurrence or continuation of human rights abuses throughout the world. In the words of the late High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira de Mello, we all have a part to play in making the enjoyment of all human rights a reality for everyone. We now have the opportunity to collectively demonstrate our commitment to uphold the highest standards of human rights. It is in our hands to ensure that the Human Rights Council will build on the finest elements of the legacy of the Commission on Human Rights.

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The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

______

53/06

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the arrest and transfer of Thomas Lubanga Brussels, 28 March 2006

The European Union welcomes the surrender of Thomas Lubanga Dyilo by the authorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo and his transfer by France to the International Criminal Court on 17 March 2006. Mr. Lubanga is alleged to have committed war crimes, namely enlisting and conscripting children as child soldiers and using them to actively participate in hostilities. He is the first suspect to have been arrested and transferred to the International Criminal Court in order to stand trial in .

This arrest constitutes an important achievement in the fight against impunity in the Great Lakes region, with a view to enhancing long-term stability in the region. Furthermore, this arrest is evidence of the international community’s commitment and support to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its citizens in their efforts towards peace and reconciliation. In this regard the EU welcomes the fact that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is preparing for its first democratic election in forty years.

The arrest and transfer of Mr. Lubanga proves that the International Criminal Court is fully operational. The EU is confident that the International Criminal Court will function as a deterrent and means of conflict resolution with the support of the international community. The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process. ______

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54/06

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the parliamentary elections in Ukraine Brussels, 29 March 2006

The European Union takes positive note of the preliminary conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR-led International Elections Observation Mission to the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada elections of 26 March 2006. The Mission concluded that the elections were free and fair, consolidating the democratic breakthrough in Ukraine.

The European Union welcomes these elections which stand as testimony to Ukraine's commitment to a truly democratic process. They provided the population with the opportunity to make an informed choice between distinct alternatives and to freely and fairly express their will at the ballot box. The Ukrainian people have assumed ownership of their democracy. This is a milestone in the democratic election process which began with the political events around the 2004 Ukrainian Presidential elections. The Rada elections in Ukraine set a new and very welcome standard for elections in the region as a whole.

However, the European Union also takes note of the limited number of mainly technical shortcomings identified by the election observation mission. It calls upon the relevant Ukrainian authorities to take corrective action and to ensure that such problems will not re-emerge in future elections. The European Union looks forward to continued work on deepening its partnership with Ukraine. This partnership builds on shared values expressed in the quality of Ukraine's democracy and reforms. The elections and the subsequent formation of a new government will provide a strong basis for renewed efforts to move forward in key reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law, the transformation of society and strengthening market economy, including crucially important steps enabling Ukraine to gain early membership in the World Trade Organisation. The European Union stands ready to assist Ukraine in its reforms.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process. ______

55/06

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the arrest and bringing into custody of Charles Taylor Brussels, 3 April 2006

The European Union welcomes the arrest of former Liberian President Charles Taylor in Nigeria and his speedy transfer to the Special Court for Sierra Leone, where he is to stand trial on several counts of crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international humanitarian law.

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The European Union hails the courage of Liberian President Johnson-Sirleaf in demanding Taylor’s extradition and commends the important role played by President Obasanjo and the Nigerian authorities in securing his arrest.

The European Union is pleased to see Charles Taylor finally face justice. This marks a historic event for the people of Sierra Leone and brings hope for peace and reconciliation in the region. The arrest and transfer of Charles Taylor to the Special Court is also an important victory for international justice and the fight against impunity in the whole of West Africa. The European Union welcomes ongoing efforts by the Special Court aimed at ensuring that the trial of Charles Taylor will take place without external interference.

The European Union expresses its strong and continued support for the UN backed Special Court for Sierra Leone.

The European Union reconfirms its strong support for peace, stability and democracy in the Mano River region.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

______

56/06

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on access for humanitarian operations in Darfur Brussels, 7 April 2006

The European Union notes with concern that in recent days representatives of the international community, and most recently Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland, were not authorized by the Government of Sudan to visit Darfur.

The humanitarian situation in Darfur requires sustained action by the international community. USG Egeland has a crucial role to play in that respect.

The European Union is committed to providing adequate support and funding for humanitarian activities. It recalls the need for humanitarian actors in the field to be given free access by all actors concerned. The Government of Sudan has a clear obligation to work with the United Nations and non governmental organisations and we urge it to do so with all humanitarian agencies operating in Darfur.

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The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process. ______

57/06

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the International Court of Justice Brussels, 12 April 2006

The European Union (EU) congratulates the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on its 60th anniversary. The EU reaffirms its strong support for the ICJ as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and acknowledges its contributions to the peaceful settlement of numerous disputes between States. The Court has proven to be a cornerstone of the international legal order today. It has created a corpus of judicial decisions and advisory opinions of the highest quality, which has become an indispensable and reliable means for the determination of the rules of international law.

The EU notes with satisfaction that an increasing number of cases and legal questions has been brought before the ICJ over the last decades. This clearly demonstrates the trust of the international community in the work of the ICJ, the increased reliance on international law and the commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes by judicial means.

While the establishment of specialised international courts, tribunals and other dispute settlement institutions confirm the increasing acceptance of the judicial settlement of disputes, the ICJ remains the principal judicial institution and at the heart of an international order based on the rule of law.

The EU takes this opportunity to call upon all States to refer their disputes that cannot be settled by other peaceful means to the ICJ, and strongly urges all States to comply with the decisions of the ICJ.” The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration."

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process

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58/06

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on Gambia Brussels, 20 April 2006

The European Union (EU) strongly condemns the attempted coup to remove the government of The Gambia on 21 March. We reject any effort to overthrow a democratically elected government. We welcome the fact that the Gambian people responded with calm and restraint.

Whilst acknowledging the prerogative of the Gambian authorities fully to investigate the events surrounding the coup, we are concerned that some of those detained have been held without charge beyond the 72-hour limit required under Gambian Law. The EU urges the Gambian authorities to adhere to correct procedures and to respect the human rights of those detained, to disclose their place of detention and to ensure their safety and well-being as well as access to legal counsel.

The EU notes with concern that the Independent Newspaper was forced to close following the arrest of the Managing Director and Editor. We urge the Gambian authorities to clarify the reasons for this action and we remind them that respect for a free press, as part of the right to freedom of expression, is integral to ensuring that citizens can exercise their full democratic rights.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process. ______

59/06

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the Council Common Position 2006/276/CFSP of 10 April 2006 concerning restrictive measures against certain officials of Belarus and repealing Common Position 2004/661/CFSP Brussels, 18 April 2006

Council Common Position 2006/276/CFSP of 10 April 2006 concerning restrictive measures against certain officials of Belarus and repealing Common Position 2004/661/CFSP - was published on 11 April 2006 in the Official Journal of the European Communities Nº L 101/06 p. 5.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area align themselves with this declaration.

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* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process. ______

60/06

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the adoption of the constitutional law in Bosnia and Herzegovina Brussels, 24 April 2006

In light of the upcoming vote of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the constitutional amendments proposed by the BiH Council of Ministers and endorsed by the BiH Presidency, the European Union welcomes the recent adoption of this important reform package by the Constitutional and Legal Committee of the BiH House of Representatives.

The EU reconfirms its support for the constitutional reform process in BiH which is a key element in the establishment of a modern, functional, self-sustainable and citizen-oriented multi-ethnic European state. The swift and timely adoption of this reform package by the BiH Parliament continues to demonstrate the country’s readiness to assume local ownership and to adopt and implement the reforms that the BiH citizens need.

The Acceding Country Bulgaria, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process. ______

61/06

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the press incident in Burundi Brussels, 25 April 2006

On 17 April, the journalists attending a press conference given by Mr Basabose were detained for several hours by the Burundi national police and intelligence services.

The European Union notes with disquiet this attempt on 17 April by members of the police and the national intelligence agency to intimidate the Burundi press.

The European Union welcomes the firm and rapid response of the Burundi Government, which deplored the incident and stated that it in no way represented its policy in this area.

The European Union values the climate of freedom enjoyed by the press in Burundi and regards it as one of the positive points in the country's political development.

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The European Union reiterates the great importance it attaches to freedom of the press, which is one of the prime indicators of a society's democratisation. The exercise of this freedom must be unfettered.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process. ______

62/06

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union concerning the current political situation in Nepal Brussels, 27 April 2006

The European Union (EU) has taken careful note of the proclamations issued by King Gyanendra on 21 and 24 April 2006, and of subsequent reaction to them within Nepal.

The EU urges the speedy implementation of the King´s decision to reinstate the House of Representatives. It welcomes the recognition that sovereignty in Nepal belongs to the people. The EU fully supports the Nepalese people in their aspirations for peace and democracy.

The EU now looks to the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) to exercise responsible leadership in the current tense situation. In view of the meeting of the House of Representatives announced for 28 April, the EU calls on the leaders of the SPA further to develop and operationalise the road map for democracy and peace. Action is needed without delay to restore peace to the country and to put in place a democratic, accountable government. The EU welcomes the SPA proposal to nominate Mr Koirala as Prime Minister.

The EU expects all Security Forces to refrain from the use of force against pro-democracy demonstrations and to be ready to work under a democratic government as soon as one is formed.

The EU continues to urge the transition of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) back into the democratic political mainstream, but this process must include the renunciation of violence and the decommissioning of weapons.

The EU commits itself to work with and to assist the democratic institutions which it hopes to see emerge from the present situation.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland and Liechtenstein, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

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* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process. ______

63/06 Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the situation in Sri Lanka Brussels, 27 April 2006

The EU utterly condemns the explosion which took place at the army headquarters in Colombo today. The EU sends its deepest condolences to the relatives of those killed and injured and to the Government and people of Sri Lanka for the tragic loss of life.

This appalling act of terrorism must not be allowed to threaten the prospects for peace in Sri Lanka. We continue to support the Norwegian peace facilitators' determined efforts to achieve a further round of talks on strengthening the Ceasefire Agreement between the LTTE and the Government of Sri Lanka.

The EU calls on both the LTTE and the Government of Sri Lanka to refrain from further actions liable to jeopardise the peace process.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA country Liechtenstein, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process. ______

64/06

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union concerning developments in Nepal Brussels, 4 May 2006

The European Union welcomes the first meeting in four years of the House of Representatives in Nepal and the decisions taken at that meeting. This is an important step towards full democracy and sustainable peace in the interest of the people of Nepal. The EU congratulates Girija Prasad Koirala on his appointment as Prime Minister. The EU welcomes steps taken towards the rapid formation of an effective government in Nepal.

The EU encourages members of the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) to continue to work together in implementing the SPA roadmap as they have done to date. It is important that any processes leading to Constituent Assembly elections and subsequent reforms are inclusive and participatory and respect the sovereignty vested in the Nepalese people.

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The EU welcomes the decision of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) to call a unilateral ceasefire for three months with immediate effect. The EU now calls on the CPN(M) to renounce violence completely and to commit to decommissioning its weapons. Without such a commitment, free and fair elections to a Constituent Assembly will be impossible.

The EU encourages the new government to take reciprocal measures in response to the ceasefire of the CPN (M). The EU continues to believe that a ceasefire would benefit from international facilitation and monitoring. The EU is willing to assist any process leading to a durable negotiated solution.

As a response to the call by Prime Minister Koirala, the EU, with the international community, is ready to provide support to the ongoing process. The EU will keep its policy towards Nepal under review, ready to upgrade it in the light of events. The EU is prepared, if called upon to do so, to contribute assistance aimed at ensuring that future elections are free and fair.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland and Liechtenstein, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

______

65/06 Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union concerning the Darfur talks Brussels, 4 May 2006

The European Union (EU) commends the African Union (AU) and the Sudanese parties negotiating in Abuja for the progress achieved towards a peace agreement to settle the conflict in Darfur.

It welcomes the AU mediation's draft agreement, which it regards as constituting a good basis for a settlement. It welcomes the Sudanese Government's acceptance of this draft. It calls on the SLM/A and the JEM to reach a final agreement with the Sudanese Government along the lines of the mediation's draft, without further exceeding the deadline set by the AU.

Failing to do so would be irresponsible in the light of the immense human suffering of the people in Darfur, and any party standing in the way of an agreement would have to face the consequences outlined in the UN Security Council Resolution 1591.

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The EU expresses its commitment to support the implementation of an agreement reached in Abuja, including by contributing to the enhancement of AMIS and by supporting the Darfur-Darfur dialogue and post-conflict reconstruction.

The EU expresses grave concern about the serious fighting currently occurring in Darfur, which is in contradiction with the positive spirit of the Abuja talks. The EU reiterates its strong condemnation of all cease-fire violations and in particular of attacks on civilians and humanitarian agencies. It urges the Government of Sudan and the leaders of the SLM/A and the JEM to take the necessary steps to ensure that the N'djamena cease-fire is strictly respected by all forces they claim to have under their control, and to fully cooperate with AMIS.

The EU believes it to be essential for the transition from AMIS to a UN operation in Darfur to happen as quickly as possible. The EU expresses its concern at the continued failure of the Sudanese Government to allow the visit of the UN planning team and calls on it to do so straight away. The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process. ______

66/06

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on worrying human rights developments in Iran in particular the case of Abdolfattah Soltani and the ten executions in Evin prison on April 19 Brussels, 5 May 2006

The European Union expresses its serious concern about the situation of human rights in Iran. The EU remains particularly alarmed about the indictment of the human rights defender Abdolfattah Soltani. The EU calls on Iranian authorities to respect Mr. Soltani's right to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent and impartial tribunal established by law. The EU also regrets that Abdolfattah Soltani has been disbarred from holding his elected position in the Iranian Bar Association and asks the competent bodies to reconsider this decision. The EU calls upon Iran to stop penalising individuals for contacts with embassies.

The European Union also expresses its serious concern about the general increase in executions in Iran. This trend is confirmed by the 10 executions carried out recently in the prison of Evin. The EU reiterates that it is, as a matter of principle, opposed to the death penalty under all circumstances and calls for its universal abolition. Where the death penalty still exists, the EU calls on states to progressively restrict its use, and insists that capital punishment could be imposed only for the most serious crimes and according to minimum standards and that the death penalty may not be imposed on certain categories of persons such as, for example, juvenile offenders.

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The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

______

67/06

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the amnesty of convicted journalists by Algeria on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day Brussels, 5 May 2006

The EU welcomes the amnesty issued by President Bouteflika on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on behalf of convicted journalists. This measure constitutes a positive signal as regards the willingness of the Algerian leadership to respect the freedom of the press. The EU hopes that this measure will be followed by a change in the practice of the application of the law on defamation in order to bring it in line with Algeria’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia * and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

______

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PLENARY ASSEMBLY 20 AND 21 APRIL 2006

SUMMARY OF OPINIONS ADOPTED

Full text versions of EESC opinions are available in the official languages on the Committee's web site at the following address:

http://www.esc.eu.int/documents/summaries_plenaries/index_en.asp

The plenary assembly was attended by Mr Vladimir Špidla, Member of the European Commission, who spoke on policy priorities in the area of employment, social affairs and equal opportunities, and by representatives of organised civil society from the accession countries (Bulgaria and Romania).

1 . INDUSTRIAL POLICY

• Modern industrial policy – Rapporteur: Mr Ehnmark (Employees – SE)

– References: COM(2005) 474 final – CESE 595/2006

– Key points:

The Lisbon strategy provides a wide range of horizontal measures to create a framework in order to make Europe more competitive. The sectoral approaches have so far been missing. The Commission communication on a framework for an Integrated Industry Policy is therefore highly welcome.

The EESC supports the Communication's wide analysis of necessary support measures in 27 sectors of manufacturing industry. The EESC also supports the setting-up of 14 sectoral and inter-sectoral task forces, with the objective of outlining more concrete measures to boost the competitiveness of European industry.

However, the issues of "who does what" are left to further consideration.

In particular, the communication does not highlight the necessary distribution of work between the EU and the national level. The EESC emphasises that it is essential to establish coordination.

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Two areas where the communication does not provide much guidance are the governments' role in innovation and competitiveness and the borderlines between manufacturing industry and services.

The EESC finds it essential that the social partners can reach agreements on industry change and innovation, as is already the case in some EU countries.

The EESC is ready to include European Industry Policy issues in the network set up for the Lisbon strategy.

– Contact Mr João Pereira dos Santos (Tel.: 00 32 2 546 92 45 – email: [email protected])

• Industrial change in cross-border regions – Rapporteur: Mr Krzaklewski (Employees – PL)

– Reference: Exploratory opinion – CESE 586/2006

– Key points:

The Austrian Government issued a formal request for the Consultative Commission on Industrial Change (CCMI) to prepare an exploratory opinion on Industrial change and EU enlargement: Examining the effects in border regions.

The Committee considers that, in the course of the next Presidency, it is important to establish a precise and distinct definition of what is meant by the term "REGION" in a cross-border and industrial context. One should distinguish regions bordering non-EU Member States and take into account whether or not a given neighbouring state is a candidate country.

It is important to establish how one can distinguish between the effects of the changes that occurred in these regions in the 1990s and those arising from EU accession, to assess the effectiveness of Community instruments used in these areas before and after accession and to establish the time lag with which EU policies were implemented in these regions as compared with elsewhere.

The Committee notes that a very important and possibly decisive factor which has affected the conduct and development of industrial policy in cross-border regions in the enlarged Europe, both now and in the past, is the ability of stakeholders in these areas to access EU Structural Fund resources. Increasing their role in these regions is absolutely vital. The Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a European grouping of cross-border cooperation (EGCC) is a new opportunity in this area. The Committee places particular emphasis on the need to include economic and social interest groups as well as other civil society organisations concerned in the composition of the EGCC, particularly educational institutions. The establishment of such legal entities could create an incentive for cross-border

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cooperation and give such regions a greater sense of identity and the desire to harmonise their regulations.

The Committee believes that the development of labour markets in the regions concerned is a factor for industrial change which should not be underestimated. At present, there remain temporary obstacles to the cross-border mobility of workers within the EU. The Committee calls on the Member States to look seriously at whether the transition periods could be ended earlier. This requires appropriate involvement and consultation of the social partners at all relevant levels. As far as other industrial policy instruments are concerned, the Committee stresses the importance of the possible introduction of a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB).

In its opinion, the Committee repeatedly stresses the particularly important role that social dialogue and civil society commitment can play in managing industrial policy in the regions in question; both in implementing dynamic industrial policies and in seeking to overcome problems affecting the mutual relations between different nationalities and ethnic and cultural groups.

− Contact: Mr Pol Liemans (Tel. : 00 32 2 546 82 15 – email : [email protected])

• Greenhouse gas emissions and industrial change – Rapporteur: Mr Zboril (Employers - CZ) – Co-rapporteur: Mr Činčera (Various Interests – CZ)

– Reference: Own-initiative opinion – CESE 593/2006

– Key points:

Climate change is a unique problem that humanity has never before encountered in modern times. The problem is global, long-term (even a few centuries) and involves complex interactions between climatic, environmental, economic, political, institutional, social and technological processes. This has important international and intergenerational consequences in the context of broader societal goals such as equality and sustainable development. Developing a response to climate change is characterised by decision-making which involves substantial uncertainties and risks, including the possibility of non-linear and/or irreversible changes.

Further policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions must take into account all the economic parameters. If not, those states which have ratified the Kyoto protocol run the risk of having some of their manufacturing move to developed economies which are still hesitating to sign the protocol or to developing countries which are not yet subject to any quota obligations under it. This could result in economic losses and weakened competitiveness, without producing the desired global reduction in emissions.

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Climate change is a global phenomenon and should be tackled as such. All possible political instruments or negotiations should be used to involve all the world’s major producers of greenhouse gases in efforts to reduce the global level of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. The effectiveness of climate change mitigation can be enhanced when climate policies are integrated with the non-climate objectives of national and sectoral policy development and be turned into broad transition strategies to achieve the long-term social and technological changes required by both sustainable development and climate change mitigation.

These problems cannot be solved without a far better understanding of both the causes of the phenomenon and the possibilities of reducing the manmade influences involved. Only adequate investment in science and research, monitoring and systematic observation will enable the necessary acceleration in scientific understanding of the real causes of climate change. There can be no doubt that in many respects the key factor of both economic success and the progressive reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is efficient manufacturing and above all an economical use of energy.

The Opinion proposes a range of instruments, which will require substantial resources for science and research and a major push for their implementation if the EU really wants to take on the leading role in the fight against climate change. All measures must be adopted only after thorough analysis of the implications and consequences, so that inappropriate steps should not endanger the competitiveness and the very ability to act of the EU as a whole and of the individual Member States. The safety of the population requires that plans be made, adapted to regional circumstances, to limit the vulnerability to climate change and promote the development of warning and alarm systems linked to monitoring and systematic observation.

− Contact: Mr José Miguel Cólera Rodríguez (Tel. : 00 32 2 546 96 29 – email : [email protected])

2. SOCIAL PROTECTION

• Strategy for open coordination on social protection − Rapporteur: Mr Olsson (Various Interests – SE)

− References: COM(2005) 706 final – CESE 596/2006

− Key points:

The EESC agrees with the thrust of the Communication. It will reinforce the social dimension of the Lisbon strategy if the Member States lend more political weight through the new framework to the goal of modernising and improving social protection.

Although the EESC welcomes the initiative, it would point out that account must be taken of the specific characteristics of the three individual strands, their different stages of progress, as well as to the differences between Member States.

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One of the three overarching objectives is to "strengthen governance, transparency and the involvement of stakeholders in the design, implementation and monitoring of the policy." Social partners and other key actors from organised civil society must be much more involved in all key aspects of the process.

The EESC should, as part of its ongoing work, follow up the new framework for open coordination and report on progress before the Spring summit in 2007.

− Contact: Ms Susanne Johansson (Tel.: 00 32 2 546 84 77 – email : [email protected])

• Portability of supplementary pension rights − Rapporteur: Ms Engelen-Kefer (Employees – DE)

− References: COM(2005) 507 final – 2005/0214 COD – CESE 589/2006

− Key points:

The EESC welcomes the Commission's proposed objectives and endorses the draft directive, although it has mixed feelings about some of the means used to achieve these objectives.

Future work on the draft directive should therefore take the following points into account:

• The acquisition and the retention and transfer of supplementary pension rights must be in place to enable the dismantlement of obstacles to employees' mobility. At the same time, sufficient account must be taken of the implications for the various supplementary pension schemes in the Member States.

• Financial contributions by employers to the development of supplementary pensions are desirable and indeed necessary. To avoid any negative effects, transitional arrangements enabling employers to gradually bring pension schemes into line are needed.

• In keeping with the fundamental objectives of the Directive, the deadlines for its transposal should be kept as short as possible, taking into account what is actually necessary in each country.

• Similarly, general exceptions without time limits for certain schemes should be reconsidered.

• Accompanying measures are needed in the field of taxation of supplementary pension schemes in order to dismantle obstacles to mobility arising from such schemes.

− Contact: Ms Ewa Kaniewska

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(Tel.: 00 32 2 546 81 17 – email : [email protected])

3. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Situation of disabled people – the European action plan 2006-2007 − Rapporteur: Ms Greif (Various interests – SL)

− References: COM(2005) 604 final – CESE 591/2006

− Key points:

The EESC supports the actions proposed by the Commission and considers that the monitoring of the Equal Treatment directive in Employment and Occupation should continue to be a priority.

The EESC calls on the Commission to propose a Disability Specific Directive following the process of the feasibility study on developing non-discrimination legislation at European level.

The revised objectives of the European Employment Strategy should reinforce the mainstreaming of disability in the Employment Guidelines and the National Reform Programmes.

The EU must commit itself to the principle of mainstreaming in initiatives such as:

− The Structural Funds, ensuring the principles of non-discrimination and accessibility − The 7th Framework Programme, ensuring research projects in areas such as design for all, ICT systems, transition to independent living, etc. − Transport promoting the inclusion of more accessible rail transport, international coaches and maritime transport.

For the future agenda, the EESC urges the Commission to pay attention to the following specific issues:

− the concept of independent living and the right of disabled people not to be segregated in institutions or excluded from society. In this respect the modernizing of social protection system is one of the priorities; − active political participation of people with disabilities in society; The role of relevant NGOs (also smaller and weaker NGOs) should be strengthened at both national and EU level; − areas outside employment should be addressed in the future, such as education, culture, free time/leisure, etc.; − the impact of multiple discrimination, cultural differences, poverty, etc.; − adapted working place (including assistive technologies, job coaching), and appointing equality officers in companies could stimulate equal opportunities in employment; − safety at work in the light of prevention of disability.

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− Contact: Ms Anna Redstedt (Tel.: 00 32 2 546 92 33 – email: [email protected])

4. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COHESION

• Strategic guidelines for cohesion policy (2007-2013) − Rapporteur: Mr Vever (Employers - FR)

− References: COM(2005) 299 final – SEC (2005) 904 – CESE 592/2006

− Key points:

The Committee notes that the links between the priorities of the strategic guidelines 2007-2013 and the objectives of the Structural Funds are not explained. In view of the limited scale of the Community budget, the EESC recommends diversifying the resources of cohesion policy, concentrating its measures more and modernising its management methods in order to promote more transparency and interactivity.

− Contact: Mr Roberto Pietrasanta (Tel.: 00 32 2 546 93 13 - email: [email protected])

• Towards a new social contract in Latin America − Rapporteur: Mr Zufiaur Narvaiza (Employees – ES)

− References: Information Report – CESE 68/2006 fin

− Key points:

The forthcoming EU-LAC summit in Vienna provides an opportunity to deepen the strategic partnership. This requires a clear political will and a global strategic focus in order to achieve progress in the association agreements, the development of new institutional machinery for solidarity and development cooperation.

Organised civil society is set to be a key actor in consolidation of democracy, a functioning economy and decent work for all, and the EESC and its LAC counterparts are ready, as institutions representing civil society, to play an important role in this policy as strategic allies.

For LAC civil society organisations, the European social model has been and continues to be a benchmark. And for European civil society organisations, fostering a sustainable development model in Latin America is vital, not only for the sake of solidarity but also in order to consolidate the European social model.

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The EESC warmly welcomes the European Parliament's recommendation that "more frequent social forums bringing together the business world, workers, consumers, …" be held, and its call for "the European Economic and Social Committee to intensify its activities in this area [to establish a specific dialogue on social cohesion] and pass on its experience to the Latin American partners".

The civil societies of Europe and the various countries or regions are interested not only in taking part in the monitoring of the association agreements, but also in giving them a social dimension. This dimension would comprise a set of standards guaranteeing compliance with basic labour rights; clauses to safeguard the human, democratic and environmental rights, as well as the introduction of consultative mechanisms such as mentioned above.

− Contact: Mr Gatis Eglitis (Tel.: 00 32 2 546 81 69 – email: [email protected])

5. HEALTH AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

• Legal framework for consumer policy – Rapporteur: Mr Pegado Liz (Various Interests – PT)

– Reference: Own-initiative opinion – CESE 594/2006

– Key points:

Consumer policy is one of the policy areas closest to European citizens. It can play a key role in influencing their commitment to the European ideal, insofar as the latter satisfies their needs and aspirations, which has not always been the case.

In its opinion, the Committee notes:

• that political will is necessary to further consumer protection policy; • that there is also a need for an in-depth study on overhauling the legal framework in order to establish a firm foundation for consumer protection policy in view of the inadequacies of the provisions introduced by the treaties of Maastricht (Article 129 A) and (Article 153).

Aided by contributions from a large number of European lawyers with universally recognised expertise in this subject, the European Economic and Social Committee proposes a new legal basis for consumer policy.

− Contact: Mr Luís Lobo (Tel.: 00 32 2 546 97 17 – email: [email protected])

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6. TRANSPORT

• Inland waterway transport in Europe – Rapporteur: Mr Simons (Employers – NL)

– Reference: Own-initiative opinion – CESE 599/2006

– Key points:

The EESC endorses the ultimate aim of establishing an independent organisation, enshrined in a treaty, which can embrace at least both the international organisations, such as the EU itself, EU Member States involved in waterway transport and also non-EU states, such as and the non-EU Danube riparian states. Within an organisation, comprising various parties, covered by such a treaty, political decisions, enforceable in law, can be taken by a meeting of ministers, which can also monitor national controls. All the knowledge and expertise currently available in the various existing bodies could also be brought together in the proposed organisation. Care should also be taken to ensure that the existing level of protection and safety is at least maintained and that sectoral social dialogue continues.

Keeping in mind the aim of ultimately bringing about a uniform pan-European system of law, the opinion highlights the following points:

• With regard to geographical scope, inland waterway transport does not directly involve all EU Member States • States which are not members of the EU are still key players for the inland waterway sector and therefore also for Europe • Only joint political action can bring about the requisite infrastructure adjustments to and in respect of inland waterways, tasks which fall within the remit of the national authorities of all states

• It is clear that not all rules need to be applied in full and with the same rigour in the case of all European rivers, in view of the variety of natural conditions and differences in infrastructure and the volume of inland waterway transport Social policy, which has been largely neglected in the existing inland navigation regulatory regions in Europe, must be given special attention in this new system. The social partners must be fully involved in the efforts made in this area.

– Contact: Ms Anna Wagner (Tel.: 00 32 2 546 83 06 – email: [email protected])

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Common rules - EASA – Rapporteur: Mr Simons (Employers – NL)

− References: COM(2005) 579 final – 2005/0228 COD – CESE 600/2006

– Key points:

The objective to extend the scope of the Regulation (EC) 1592/2002 to air operations, FCL and third country aircraft is fully supported by the EESC, since greater efficiency and safety would be achieved by having all aviation safety rulemaking activities performed by a single authority.

In the context of additional certification for third country commercial operators, there should be clear possibilities for the Community to sign bilateral agreements with third countries on the mutual recognition of the relevant certificates. This will require a considerably higher level of Community funding for EASA than currently envisaged. At the same time, the pooling of resources at EU level has the potential for substantial cost savings not only for the industry but also for the national governments. This issue is not addressed in the proposal.

The EESC is convinced that the definition of commercial operations should include corporate operations and fractional operations as well, in order to ensure the same safety protection for all passengers within the EU.

– Contact: Ms Anna Wagner (Tel.: 00 32 2 546 83 06 – email: [email protected])

• Civil aviation security – Rapporteur: Mr McDonogh (Employers - IE)

− References: COM(2005) 429 final – CESE 584/2006

– Contact: Mr Raffaele Del Fiore Tel.: 00 32 2 546 97 94 – email: [email protected])

7. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

• Climate Change Impact of Aviation – Rapporteur: Mr Simons (Employers – NL)

– References: COM(2005) 459 final – CESE 25/2006 fin – CESE 598/2006

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– Key points:

Like the Commission, the EESC is of the opinion that additional (policy) measures are needed to control the impact of aviation on climate change The increase in aviation's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions will be approximately 50% of the annual percentage increase in aviation, even if all the ambitious R&D goals are achieved over the coming decades. The budgets reserved for this in the 7th Framework Programme will have to be spent in a targeted and effective way.

To limit the impact on the climate, the European Commission has set a policy goal for the reduction of CO2 and NOx emissions in the EU, beginning with the period 2008-2012. Taking account of international treaties, agreements and ongoing studies, the EESC is of the opinion that potential measures for aviation should initially apply only to CO2 emissions from intra-EU air traffic in order to minimise potentially long implementation delays.

From the earliest date possible, all intra-EU air traffic should be included in an open (EU) Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), with a realistic baseline scenario, in order to reflect its (annually increasing) CO2 contribution to climate impact. There should be allocations at EU level and additional contribution/reduction targets should apply directly to the airlines as the trading parties; it must remain possible for new operators to enter the market, without competitive disadvantage. For other impacts, use should be made of more appropriate local instruments, such as an NOx levy or operational measures.

Investment in research into the climate change effects of aviation’s non-CO2 emissions and technological developments to secure cleaner air transport should be a key priority for the Community and industry, with particular emphasis on preventing adverse trade-offs between local noise, local emissions and global emissions of aircraft.

Given its emission reduction potential, improved air traffic management should also be a priority, using the Single Sky Initiative and the SESAR programme.

– Contact: Ms Annika Korzinek (Tel.: 00 32 2 546 80 65 – email: [email protected])

• Thematic Strategy – Marine environment − Rapporteur: Ms Sánchez Miguel (Employees – ES)

− References: COM(2005) 505 final – 2005/0211 COD – CESE 585/2006

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− Key points:

The EESC appreciates the proposal for a Directive establishing a Framework for Community Action in the field of Marine Environmental Policy (Marine Strategy Directive). However, from a critical standpoint, the EESC believes that while the proposal is necessary, it does not go far enough: the status of our seas and oceans has deteriorated so badly that more coercive measures will be needed in order to implement and monitor compliance with existing measures. Moreover, the proposal only partially covers the status of the marine environment. The EESC therefore believes that a framework directive would be more effective when subsequently integrating and developing the aspects that are not covered in depth here.

By utilising existing legislative or management instruments rather than creating new ones, Member States can be spared additional costs and, above all, increased bureaucracy. Arrangements are also included for public and stakeholder consultation and participation, which are key factors for the public's involvement in environmental issues.

The EESC notes that it is necessary to clarify and strengthen the Commission's monitoring and coordinating role vis-à-vis the regional authorities that are required to assess and plan the targets and the measures for applying these to the marine environment under their control. The aim should be to harmonise and balance actions throughout coastal areas, bearing in mind that seas and oceans stretch across borders. Centralised coordination would make it possible to intervene in the non-EU countries where Community action would be feasible and, in particular, with which the EU has international agreements.

As the good status of marine waters depends to a large extent on quantitative factors, the EESC believes that quantitative descriptors should also be included in the definitions given (particularly the definition of good environmental status based on general qualitative descriptors), as was the case for continental waters in the Water Framework Directive.

Lastly, there are two focus areas which are very important if the objectives proposed here are to be effectively applied. The first concerns the immediate application of all previous measures affecting the marine environment, such as those relating to the ERIKA I, II and III packages; and the second focus area relates to research in the marine environment. By increasing and improving knowledge, it will be possible to set clear objectives and establish the programmes of measures needed to restore good environmental status. Greater participation in the European Framework Programmes for Research is therefore required.

– Contact: Ms Filipa Pimentel (Tel.: 00 32 2 546 84 44 – email: [email protected])

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8. EUROPEAN CITIZENSHIP AND CITIZENS' RIGHTS

• Maintenance obligations − Rapporteur: Mr Retureau (Employees – FR)

− References: COM(2005) 649 final – 2005/0259 CNS – CESE 588/2006

− Key points:

The Committee endorses the Commission's legislative initiative – subject to some specific observations – and welcomes the efforts made to secure sound legislation, including the upstream consultation and preliminary impact assessment carried out ahead of the excellent legal drafting.

The Committee is also pleased that a regulation has been selected as the appropriate instrument and endorses the legal basis that has been chosen, which is better suited to securing harmonisation in cases that have a European element, despite the differences – that are set to continue – between the various national legal provisions.

This issue relates both to family law and to the recovery of claims; from a social angle, it involves poverty risks that also need to be addressed. It also meets the requirements of clarity and legal certainty for the litigants, for any third parties involved and for the relevant administrative bodies. In addition, it protects personal data from being used for any purpose other than to settle the dispute and secure the debtor's compliance with the maintenance obligations.

The Committee would ask the UK and Irish governments to consider opting into this regulation. It would also ask the Danish government to facilitate enforcement of maintenance decisions in line with the Hague Convention on the enforcement of decisions relating to maintenance obligations.

– Contact: Ms Ewa Kaniewska (Tel.: 00 32 2 546 81 17 – email: [email protected])

• European year of intercultural dialogue (2008) − Rapporteur: Ms Cser (Employees – HU)

− References: COM(2005) 467 final – 2005/0203 (COD) – CESE 590/2006

− Key points:

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The year of intercultural dialogue should, by people becoming familiar with and respecting the diversity of our cultures, be an instrument for avoiding conflicts by identifying the causes underpinning them.

A public Community-level medium should be established, such as a TV or radio channel broadcasting in all the languages of European citizens, as an instrument for achieving the objectives of the year.

The EESC is doubtful whether priority objectives can be implemented on the basis of the proposed budget, most of which is allocated to support for Community-level activity. Support for local citizens' initiatives is uncertain.

The EESC recommends that the Commission should develop qualitative as well as quantitative indicators with the participation of the EESC.

An encyclopaedia of European culture could be compiled on the basis of events and measures under the European year of intercultural dialogue. The EESC also supports the proposal for establishing a Day of Intercultural Dialogue and proposes that prizes could be awarded to European citizens, civil society organisations and educational institutions, which play a leading role in mobilising intercultural dialogue.

The EESC would like to take part in the assessment of Year 2008.

– Contact: Ms Anna Redstedt (Tel.: 00 32 2 546 92 33 – email: [email protected])

9. IMMIGRATION POLICY

• Migration and international protection − Rapporteur: Ms Sciberras (Employers – MT)

− References: COM(2005) 375 final – 2005/0156 (COD) – CESE 587/2006

− Key points:

Accurate statistical data is very important in mapping out the migrant populations of EU States, including size and other demographic characteristics, among others. The Committee urges the Commission to emphasise the need for accurate statistical data in this area, so that Member States recognise the importance of this subject and place more resources here.

Most EU Member States have developed thorough statistics on the country of origin of the asylum seekers. However, there is still a great need for a more in-depth statistics based on consistent criteria between the members for future transnational comparisons.

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One of the fundamentally important roles that statistics play is the influence in the development and review of policies.

– Contact: Mr Pierluigi Brombo (Tel.: 00 32 2 546 97 18 – email: [email protected])

10. RESEARCH

• Nanoscience and nanotechnology – Rapporteur: Mr Pezzini (Employers - IT)

– References: COM(2005) 243 final – CESE 582/2006

– Key points:

The Committee welcomes the proposals presented by the Commission to implement by 2009 an action plan for N&N and calls for this plan to be accompanied by national action plans.

The Committee believes that European industry should expand and intensify N&N research and application efforts, increasing investment levels in this sector.

By 2015 N&N-based materials, products and services will be able to generate a global market worth hundreds of billions of euros each year, provided that scientific excellence can be successfully translated into commercially viable products, processes and services.

– Contact: Ms Magdalena Bêlařová-Carabin (Tel. : 00 32 2 546 83 03 – email: [email protected])

• Specific RTD programmes

– Rapporteur: Mr Wolf (Various Interests – DE)

− Co-rapporteur: Mr Pezzini (Employers - IT)

– References: COM(2005) 439-440-441-442-443-444-445 final – CESE 583/2006

– Key points:

The objective set out in the Lisbon strategy of developing Europe as the world's leading economy calls for a substantial increase in R&D investment. The Committee also reiterates its comment that European cooperation on research and development is an effective catalyst for European integration and cohesion. The Committee reiterates its recommendation that R&D be given a substantially higher share than hitherto.

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In general, the Committee recommends providing as much scope for flexibility as possible, rather than rigidly allocating budgetary resources to the various themes, to enable the Commission to respond promptly during the implementation of the programme to new issues which arise or to necessary restructuring.

In conclusion, the Committee refers to its earlier recommendation to drastically cut red tape for applicants, to simplify procedures and at the same time to ensure maximum continuity in support instruments and award procedures.

– Contact: Ms Magdalena Bêlařová-Carabin (Tel.: 00 32 2 546 83 03 – email: [email protected])

11. COMBATING TERRORIST FUNDING

• Transfers of funds/information on the payer − Rapporteur: Mr Burani (Employers - IT)

− References: COM(2005) 343 final – 2005/0138 (COD) – CESE 597/2006

− Key points:

The Committee fully agrees that a regulation is necessary. The measures provided for in the Commission document are, in general, appropriate and sensible, but the EESC is concerned as to how effective they will be in practice, at least in the short term.

It suggests that it should be made clear that the text deals with organised crime as well as terrorism; that a single contact point should be created, to be responsible for receiving reports and referring them; and that the authorities report the names of suspects.

– Contact: Ms Imola Bedő (Tel. : 00 32 2 546 83 62 – email: [email protected])

______

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ACTIVITIES OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 105

ACTIVITIES OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Summary of resolutions and decisions adopted, subjects discussed in plenary and action taken

This document is available at :

http://www.europarl.ep.ec/bulletins/postsession.htm (Intranet) http://www.europarl.eu.int/bulletins/postsession.htm (Internet)

Section produced by the Directorate-General for Committees and Delegations

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New .eu Domain

Changed Web and E-Mail Addresses The introduction of the .eu domain also required the web and e-mail addresses of the European institutions to be adapted. Below please find a list of addresses found in the document at hand which have been changed after the document was created. The list shows the old and new address, a reference to the page where the address was found and the type of address: http: and https: for web addresses, mailto: for e-mail addresses etc.

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