ISSUE 453/454 • 1 MAY 2017 • WWW.THEPARLIAMENTMAGAZINE.EU @PARLIMAG

CONTROVERSIAL COOKING WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO MAKE PALM OIL SUSTAINABLE? GOODBYE TO SCIENCE? BREXIT’S INSIDE IMPACT ON EU- EU FISHERIES UK RESEARCH OBESITY ARCTIC POLICY COOPERATION 5 QUESTIONS WITH… NEENA GILL

“We need to protect freedom of speech, because if we start touching content, it will be a danger for democracy”

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Hotspot approach has helped improve migration management

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May in constructive talks with Barnier and Juncker

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Julian Priestley: A dedicated News roundup 28 / serious challenge pro-European and, Clare Moody: UK must quintessential civil servant 05 / News in brief 15 safeguard EU cooperation

08 / digital era THOUGHTLEADER sponsored by 30 / future of science Time for labour market to EpiConcept Ulrich Samm: UK’s benefits adapt, says Brando Benifei from EU science funding 18 / eu arctic policy 10 / tackling obesity Urmas Paet and David palm oil Will the EU’s work-life Michèle Rivasi and Daciana Martin balance package be the Sârbu 32 / long road first in a long line of social 20 / migration crisis Kateřina Konečná: Issue rights legislation? 12 / fishermen... Impact on local authorities goes beyond environment Must be involved in policy- making, says Renata Briano 34 / health concerns INTERVIEW Alberto Cirio: Palm oil one 13 / the simple things of the healthiest oils CFP reform should be real- 22 / eva kaili How can lightweight istic, says Gabriel Mato On the importance of sci- 36 / mass consumption materials such as aluminium ence and research, fake Eleonora Evi: Is this the help the EU meet its CO2 14 / whale in the room news and more beginning of the end? emissions reduction targets? Peter van Dalen on fisheries and Brexit brexit: research 38 / 5 questions with... neena gill 15 / vaccines 26 / adieu to science? Cover photo by Natalie Hill Piernicola Pedicini vs. Fran- Paul Rübig: UK research çoise Grossetête has a lot to lose from Brexit

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03 PM Contents.indd 3 27/04/2017 20:02:30 EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL ROAD TO NOWHERE? General editorial enquiries Tel: +32 (0)2 741 8221 [email protected] Late last year, I happened to attend an event on the rise of Managing Editor Brian Johnson Europe’s university-industry clusters. In truth, I didn’t expect Tel: +32 (0)2 741 8221 much in the way of interesting content However, I had not [email protected] Commissioning Editor counted on the enthusiasm of the parliament’s internal mar- Rajnish Singh Tel: +32 (0)2 741 8225 ket committee chief, Vicky Ford, who bounded onto the stage [email protected]

and enthralled those attending with tales of researchers in Newsdesk team Julie Levy-Abegnoli her home constituency. I am sure I was not alone in being Tel: +32 (0)2 741 8219 unaware that stu y old British establishment Cambridge was [email protected] Martin Banks one of Europe’s leading multi-disciplinary scientifi c clusters. Or even that it Tel: +32 (0)2 741 8229 was supporting – even encouraging - di erent spheres of science to “collide” [email protected] 7th Floor, Rue du Trône 60, and come up with left fi eld approaches to fi nding solutions. Ford explained Brussels 1050 how one university astronomy department had adapted their algorithms for watching the night sky to help oncologists map out how di erent breast cancers PRODUCTION Head of production grew. Apparently, in leafy old Cambridge, this kind of wacky university-industry John Levers thinking was commonplace, thanks in no small part to the EU’s science funding Tel: +44 (0)20 7593 5705 Design programmes. Matt Titley It surprises many – including those that perhaps should know - that UK uni- Max Dubiel Antonello Sticca versities lead the pack in attracting EU research funding. Equally, not enough people know that Britain boasts the greatest number of signed-up participants ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP SALES to Horizon 2020, which - with a budget of nearly €80bn - is the world’s largest Grant Hewston multinational research programme. Yet as late as last year, Ford was warning Tel: +44 (0)20 7593 5547 [email protected] of the potential consequences of a post-Brexit world. “Many of those in the Sandra Fernandez Cambridge cluster do have strong links to Europe, but they have links to the Tel: +44 (0)20 7593 5545 [email protected] US and China too. If we don’t get future collaboration right, it won’t be a case of Product Portfolio Manager those individuals relocating to Germany or France. The choice will be between Rob Ellis Tel: +44 (0)20 7593 5646 Cambridge, England and Cambridge, Massachusetts”. At the heart of this issue [email protected] is the free movement of people, a central bone of contention in the Brexit nego- tiations. The irony would be huge; dogmatic devotion to an ideology dealing a The Parliament Magazine would like to thank MEPs, blow to the collected - and collective - cooperative skills of Europe’s bo ns and their staff and members of the EU institutions for professors. Perhaps – just this once - they could teach the negotiating teams to their support, advice and contributions. be as innovative as the research taking place in Cambridge.

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04 PM Editorial.indd 4 27/04/2017 19:54:58 In brief NEWS IN BRIEF

Movers and Shakers: Elections

keep track of elections across europe with a special edition of movers and shakers In Bulgaria, Prime Minister Boyko dential elections, which will see pro- Borissov – leader of the centre-right European Emmanuel Macron face off GERB party – called early elections against the far-right’s Marine Le Pen. on 26 March following his cabinet’s In a surprise move, Le Pen announced resignation. The move was triggered she was temporarily stepping down by the victory of the Socialist-backed, as leader of the Front National, in an pro-Russian Rumen Radev effort to attract more voters. The in the presidential elec- election is somewhat of a water- tions. The new Presi- shed moment for France, as it dent, who took oath marks a shift away from the in January, succeeded parties that have traditionally Rosen Plevneliev, governed the country. Macron while then-MEP Iliana is widely tipped to win, although Iotova left Brussels to if there’s anything recent elections take on her new role as have taught us, it’s that anything deputy President. Following coalition can happen. If he does secure the talks, Borissov announced that his presidency, Macron may struggle to party came to an agreement with form a government. His movement, the nationalist United Patriots, an ‘En Marche!’, was formed alliance of the Bulgarian National just a year ago. Be sure Movement, the Attack and the to keep an eye out for National Front for the Salvation France’s parliamen- of Bulgaria. The new coalition tary elections in June. government under Borissov is Meanwhile, UK expected to be announced by 6 Prime Minister The- May. resa May has called a Why this election matters: Bul- snap election on 8 June, garia will be holding the rotating saying she was seeking a stronger Council presidency in the first half mandate in the Brexit talks. She had of 2018. Political stability will be in- previously repeatedly denied plans strumental for a successful to call an election. While her deci- Bulgarian presidency. sions was welcomed in Brussels, The caretaker govern- Scottish First Minister Nicola ment’s deputy Prime Sturgeon said this was a “huge Minister, Denitsa political miscalculation”. A Zlateva, is exclusively number of UK MEPs have an- in charge of the EU nounced plans to stand in the Council presidency. election. Prime Minister Borissov Later this year, in September, Ger- has also met with the leader of the many will hold its own elections. Will Bulgarian Socialist party to discuss former European Parliament Presi- and seek support of key priorities, dent Martin Schulz nab Chancellor ahead of the presidency. In addition, Angela Merkel’s seat? Stay tuned. Bulgaria has yet to name a new Com- missioner following the resignation Dods People is a of Kristalina Georgieva last Decem- comprehensive ber. online service that provides you with All eyes are on France now as the unparalleled access to both the political country heads to the polls on 7 May representatives and public affairs professionals for the second round of its presi- across the European Union.

www.theparliamentmagazine.eu 1 May 2017 Parliament Magazine | 5

05-07 PM News Roundup.indd 5 27/04/2017 20:00:59 In Brief

tweetfeed Naughty corner

After attempting to close it do to spread lies about the EU, in- down the CEU, Hungarian stead of offering up constructive criti- Prime Minister Viktor Orbán cism? Your latest endeavour, ‘Stop has once again angered EU Brussels’, a national consultation of @VivianeRedingEU policymakers all Hungarian households is asking Viviane Reding iktor, Viktor, Viktor. Whatever citizens how to deal with EU policies #Hungary Since 2012, history repeats Vwill we do with you? Look, we that the government considers harm- itself. Enough words. Time either for get it, sometimes it’s fun to be a lit- ful. According to the Commission, change from #Orban, or for clear action tle bit of a troublemaker, an ‘agent it’s filled with factually incorrect or from @EPPGroup @EPP provocateur’ if you will (we at PMHQ highly misleading allegations. First are a multilingual team). But Viktor, of all Viktor, not even those in the EU don’t you get tired of incur- bubble fully understand all of ring the wrath of your EU the EU’s policies (do you colleagues almost every understand them, Vik- @Ansip_EU time you open your tor?), so how are people Andrus Ansip mouth in public? We’ll living hundreds of Technology desperately lacks gender admit, the EU needs kilometres away going balance on all domains – STEM education, reforming and hell is to understand them? digital jobs, tech business. Happy certainly other people Second, not being #GirlsinICT Day. (sometimes). It can be funny Viktor, but there’s fun to be a hater and we way more harmful things in the PMHQ penthouse love to be stopped: hangovers, to have a good rant (sshh don’t tell Brussels sprouts, group Facebook anyone). But Viktor, what good does messages, the list goes on. @TheProgressives S&D Group PM+: Aluminium and CO2 We continue to believe in a EU-Turkey future! But as @KatiPiri says “with such EU needs to recognise the motive manufacturing; the average a constitution #Turkey cannot become an advantages lightweight European car currently uses 150 kg of EU member” #EPlenary materials can offer in aluminium. Lightweighting through reducing CO2 emissions aluminium use offers a real opportu- from vehicles, write Patrik nity to accelerate the shift towards Ragnarsson and Dieter Höll low-emission mobility. Given the y making cars and vans lighter, advantages offered by lightweighting, @GreensEP Bconventional vehicles will use less Europe should embrace this oppor- Greens in the EP fuel and emit fewer emissions. Lighter tunity to decarbonise the transport #PANA inquiry: #PanamaPapers resulted electric vehicles can travel further on sector. Lightweighting is a strategic in €19 bn tax loss in 8 EU countries. the same amount of charge reducing priority for European car industry; Around 1.5M jobs could have been vehicle-linked emissions. Importantly, insufficient encouragement to invest supported with that money! lightweighting confers this benefit in research into this area could see to all types of vehicles without com- any competitive advantage quickly promising safety. Aluminium plays lost. The advantages of lightweight- a pivotal role in this lightweighting ing are indisputable and in the case process; its unique properties mean of aluminium, the technology is tried, @LNBDublin it is already widely deployed in auto- tested and already available. Lynn Boylan MEP Ibrahim Halawa trial postponed until 9th May ...... Another 2 weeks of a young man’s life wasted in a Cairo Prison.... #FreeIbrahim

6 | Parliament Magazine 1 May 2017 @Parlimag

05-07 PM News Roundup.indd 6 27/04/2017 20:01:02 In brief

Movers and shakers iN BRIEF

Keep track of developments in the European institutions Venezuela crisis and public affairs with our movers and shakers column EPs have adopted ollowing Theresa May’s an- to Luxembourg. Gáll-Pelcz has been a resolution nouncement that the UK would be an MEP since 2010 and is a Vice-Pres- Mcondemning the Fholding general elections on 8 June, ident of the European Parliament. “brutal repression” by a number of British MEPs are looking Parliament has initiated the pro- Venezuelan security to make the switch to national poli- cedure to lift far-right French presi- forces, as well as ir- tics. Makes sense, given their days as dential candidate Marine Le Pen’s regular armed groups, EU parliamentarians are immunity. She is being accused of against peaceful protests, which numbered. Tick, tock. misusing EU money to pay her has resulted in the deaths of over Greens/EFA group national party’s staff. She has 20 people. The text backs media- deputy Molly Scott consistently denied the ac- tion efforts by Venezuela’s neigh- Cato is running in cusations, dismissing them as bours and calls on EU foreign Bristol. a political attack and refusing security chief Federica Mogherini S&D group MEP Afzal to meet with investigators until to explore “other measures that Khan is running in after the election. Le Pen won 21.5 would enable the EU to restore full Manchester-Gorton. per cent of the vote in the first round democracy to Venezuela”. Ukip MEP Tim Aker will be running of France’s presidential election and in Thurrock, while his colleague will face off against centristEmma- New textile rules Gerard Batten will be challenging nuel Macron on 7 May. EPs have called for EU rules Theresa May in Maindenhead. French authorities have also re- to oblige textile and cloth- Ukip leader and MEP Paul Nuttall quested the waiver of Marie- Ming suppliers to respect workers’ is also running in the UK general Christine Boutonnet’s rights. Textile workers around the elections. He announced his immunity. She, too, is world – many of whom are children candidacy on Thursday 27 accused of misusing – are forced to work long hours April, ending speculation that EU funds. for low wages, in violent he would not run. However, he Parliament’s and dangerous conditions. has not yet announced where internal market Parliament has suggested he will be standing. Back in Feb- and consumer introducing a due dili- ruary he was defeated by Labour’s protection committee gence system similar to the Gareth Snell in the Stoke by-election, last week approved new one in place for blood miner- while last week UKIP’s manifesto on geo-blocking rules. Parliament’s rap- als and granting preferential ac- full-face veils ban sparked porteur on the file, Polish EPP group cess to the EU market to countries outrage. deputy Róża Thun, will now start that comply with obligations and Over in Scotland, Ian talks with the Commission and produce sustainable textiles. Duncan is the Con- the Council. servative candidate Current and former MEPs MEP s close tax loopholes for Perth and Norther last week paid homage to ultinationals, beware. MEPs Perthshire. former European Parliament are onto you. Parliament As we went to print, Secretary General Julian Priestly, Mhas amended the EU’s anti-tax other MEPs possibly run- who died after a long battle with avoidance directive to prevent ning the in the UK general election cancer aged 66. S&D group Chair multinationals taking ad- included Vicky Ford, Chair of Parlia- Gianni Pittella said, “Julian Priestley vantage of mismatches ment’s internal market and consumer will be deeply missed. He was an between EU and third protection committee, and recent outstanding European.” countries’ tax rules to MEP award winner Theresa Griffin. reduce their tax bills. MEPs have backed the appoint- Dods People is a If Council gives its ment of Hungarian EPP group mem- comprehensive approval to the new rules, ber Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz as a member online service that provides you with companies based in two jurisdic- of the European Court of Auditors. If unparalleled access to both the political tions will no longer be able to have the Council also gives the green light, representatives and public affairs professionals the same expenditure deducted she will leave Brussels and head over across the European Union. from tax in both places.

www.theparliamentmagazine.eu 1 May 2017 Parliament Magazine | 7

05-07 PM News Roundup.indd 7 27/04/2017 20:01:12 DIGITALISATION EU labour markets must adapt to the digital era Digitalisation presents through the diversity and multiplicity comes, lack of possibilities to defend of working arrangements rather than one’s rights, lack of social and health opportunities and a one-size-fi ts-all approach, and this insurance, lack of a professional challenges in the changing new fl exibility attracts youngsters and identity, lack of career prospects, and world of work, writes millennials who want more than ever di culties in reconciling on-demand Brando Benifei to be masters of their own destiny. work with private and family life. In Yet all these factors also carry the our increasingly digitalised world, Brando Benifei (S&D, IT) potential to be disruptive and danger- low-qualifi ed people, but also white is a member of Parliament’s ous. Uncertainty, insecurity and lack collars and those not in education, employment and social affairs of tailored support for education employment, or training (NEETs), not committee and training may also hinder social only have diminished employment cohesion and economic growth and opportunities, but are also more vul- make social exclusion a reality. Some nerable to long-term unemployment igitalisation is having a new forms of employment involve and experience greater di culties in profound e ect on the way prolonged economic insecurity and gaining access to services and partici- we work now, and the way bad working conditions, notably in pating fully in society. we will work in the future. It terms of lower and less certain in- Large segments of society are has opened up a world of challenges Dand transformation that must be addressed in order to enable people to benefi t from new opportunities, instead of being excluded from a changing labour market. Europe can rebuild a sustainable recovery and maintain a primary role on the global stage only if its labour legislation is able to adapt to the digital era, be resilient and e cient, far-sighted, and most of all, inclusive. An ageing, urban, educated, hyper- connected workforce is emerging. The worldwide web enables a global labour market and “Labour markets allows people to can be identified work in less formal more and more structures and to through the diversity set up on their own as independents and multiplicity of and new start-ups. working arrangements The dimensions rather than a one-size- of both time and fits-all approach” space in relation to work are shifting, allowing a more tailored response to workers’ personal needs. Labour mar- kets can be identifi ed more and more

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08-09 PM Brando Benifei.indd 8 27/04/2017 15:00:48 frightened by digitalisation and Confederation-Europe. cooperation (PPP) in supporting globalisation and what it means for I believe we should start by adapt- societal adaptation to digitalisation their future. We have seen this fear ing welfare states. Across Europe and in providing individual-tailored of change and economic uncertainty, our welfare system was designed to support services for employment, playing a key role in the rise of pop- linearly support people from school, retraining and counselling, in order ulism, mistrust towards politics and into work and then into retirement. to speed up reassignment during the recent votes for Brexit and Trump. Today this cycle is more fl uid and the inactivity periods. Traditional forms of employment may lines are more blurred. Welfare states Fears that digitalisation will lead to be obsolete and no longer a reality, are now asked to function as fl exible job destruction are also real. Latest but we still need a proper adaptation assurance that can e ectively support OECD fi gures suggest that nine per to the new world of work so that every phase of the individual’s life, cent of jobs will disappear due to social cohesion and inclusiveness are eg. by supporting income and access automation, but there is also strong guaranteed and can prosper, taking to services (health, housing) during evidence that digitalisation in parallel in account interconnections of the forced inactivity, retraining, parental creates jobs – especially for young global market and high mobility of or care leave, with special attention to people. The rise of online platforms workers as well as migration fl ows. portability and to the local community. for everything, from babysitters to So how should we respond to these We also need constant investment accountants, opens up a completely changes and set in place regulation in life-long reskilling for everyone in new world of work and opportunities that protects workers while also 21st century skills. This will require that need to be properly regulated to embracing the many benefi ts of private investment alongside public avoid exploitation. digitalisation? This is something that investment. Investing in people is not We also have to rethink adequate was discussed at a recent stakeholder just a social responsibility for today’s representation for dispersed workers lunch hosted by my o ce in asso- companies, it is a business imperative as well as appropriate health and ciation with the World Employment and ensures that they will have the safety legislation to cover remote, workforce and non-standard workers. To date, this skills they need type of PPP is still unevenly devel- to support their oped in Europe and we must work to business in the strengthen it – particularly in those years ahead. countries where unemployment levels EU fi gures sug- are stubbornly high. gest that by 2020, There is no silver bullet but partner- 90 per cent of ship and innovation will be key along- jobs will require side life-long learning and upskilling. some form of Matching the skills of workers with digital skills, the needs of the workplace of course so if we want to starts in schools and we must build prevent a digital strong links with educational estab- divide we need to lishments to teach youngsters not just address lack of IT the digital skills that they will need in skills – particu- tomorrow’s economy, but soft skills larly among older such as problem solving and critical workers. Interme- thinking too. diaries including Ensuring that digitalisation deliv- the employment ers benefi ts for all citizens is an “EU figures suggest that by industry have an important element in maintaining important role to social cohesion. We mustn’t be afraid 2020, 90 per cent of jobs will play in upskilling to pilot di erent projects in fi nding require some form of digital people to ensure solutions and seizing the opportunity skills, so if we want to prevent a that they are fi t that the digital world presents. By digital divide we need to address for the labour recognising the potential pitfalls and market. In fact, I setting in place appropriate regula- lack of IT skills – particularly see a signifi cant tory measures, I believe that Europe among older workers” opportunity for can take a lead in the changing world public private of work.

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08-09 PM Brando Benifei.indd 9 27/04/2017 15:00:57 OBESITY Tackling obesity is a political ambition Obesity is a major public food procurement specifi cations. ing children’s programmes with this These guidelines also feed into the strategy will not result in a future- health concern and action EU action plan on childhood obesity proof directive. must be taken at EU and 2014-2020 and key food groups are I hope the Commission and the national level, writes covered, such as fruit and vegetables, member states will be very quick Michèle Rivasi meat, salt, saturated fat and sugars. to set up ambitious criteria on Yet another hot topic in this area is endocrine disruptors. The Commis- Michèle Rivasi (Greens/EFA, the revision of the audiovisual media sion was condemned in 2015 by the FR) is a member of Parliament’s services directive, currently being European Court of Justice, which environment, public health and discussed in Council and Parliament. ruled that the Commission breached food safety committee The revision poses an excellent EU law by failing to adopt criteria opportunity to reduce the exposure to tackle these substances. Many of of children to the marketing of these chemicals have been shown besity is a major public unhealthy foods and bever- to have a role in the obesity health concern and we ages, thus tackling the self- epidemic. must minimise children’s regulation and marketing of Our children are the future exposure to the marketing these commodities. and priorities need to change. of unhealthy foods. It is a key factor in Self-regulation should not Further to the crippling im- Othe development of many gastrointes- be part of the solution as pact obesity has on our tinal conditions, including digestive there is no evidence healthcare systems, cancers, such as liver and colorectal that this has de- the economic bur- cancers, infl ammatory bowel diseases, livered positive den of treating gastro-oesophageal refl ux disease health results the condition (GORD) and coeliac disease. in the past, is simply too One area of particular concern is nor that it is great for the the level of childhood obesity across likely to do so European re- Europe. Last year, a United European in the future. gion to handle Gastroenterology (UEG) report stated Member states and it is estimated that, across 46 European countries, should instead to cost the Euro- one in every three children aged adopt measures pean Union €70bn between six and nine years is either that e ectively annually through overweight or obese. minimise chil- healthcare costs Childhood obesity levels through- dren’s exposure to “Self-regulation and lost productiv- out the continent are increasing at unhealthy market- should not be part of ity. an alarming rate. Globally, 41 million ing, such as imple- the solution as there National and Eu- children under the age of fi ve are menting mandatory is no evidence that ropean actions, such overweight and, if current trends limits on the market- as healthy nutrition continue, this is expected to rise to 70 ing of non-healthy this has delivered education and the million children by 2025. foods. positive health further development Earlier this year, at a meeting on Children watch results in the past” of national strate- strategies to address childhood obe- many di erent types gies for prevention sity, the Maltese Council presidency of programmes, and early interven- in collaboration with the Commission marketing restrictions should there- tion, are needed now more than ever presented a valuable resource that fore not be limited to just children’s to reduce the rising levels of obesity supports member states in translating television shows, but broadened to and, in turn, to help prevent an asso- their national school food standards sports, music and family shows, to ciated rise in digestive health condi- related to health and nutrition into reduce their exposure. Solely target- tions across the continent.

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10 PM Michèle Rivasi.indd 10 27/04/2017 15:01:29 OBESITY Obesity is a societal problem The EU’s approach to Poor access to healthcare and of key terms like ‘child audience’. This food advertising to education exacerbates social inequali- has allowed the large-scale advertis- children must change if it ties and contributes to the so-called ing of unhealthy foods to children to obesogenic environment. Meanwhile, continue, and yet still be considered is to e ectively tackle the technological innovation has made compatible with the rules. obesity epidemic, says access to broadcast media and This approach must change, and Daciana Octavia Sârbu audiovisual communications more over the next few weeks the European widespread than ever before. The Parliament has a chance to do just Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D, promotional messages carried by this that. The upcoming votes on the RO) is a Vice-Chair of Parliament’s increasingly diverse and far-reaching audiovisual media services directive, environment, public health and digital media have a huge impact on fi rst in the culture committee and then food safety committee consumer behaviour, and the rules in plenary, will help decide EU legisla- which govern advertising – across all tion and policy towards advertising to platforms – are therefore critical. children in both traditional broadcast besity is a common risk A key part of the battle against media and online content. This is our factor behind much of the obesity – the promotion of junk food chance to re-orientate the rules in chronic disease burden in to children – is being lost to the false favour of preventative healthcare, and Europe. The causes and im- promise of self-regulation. The inher- to discourage unhealthy eating behav- pacts of this condition are diverse and ent di culties of asking an industry iours in childhood before they become Ocomplex, and the relative contribution to deliberately reduce the promotion entrenched habits for life. As many of environmental, genetic, behaviour- of its own products are clear. It is doctors and health organisations al and other factors can be discussed hardly surprising that the rules have been arguing for years, a vote for at length. But one thing is clear: the agreed under the ‘EU pledge’ – the proper regulation of food and drink consequences are felt far and wide, fl agship self-regulatory scheme laud- advertising, especially to children, is a by individuals, families, employers, ed by large food companies and, thus vote for better public health and for a health services and governments. In far, the European Commission – were future generation of healthier adults short, this is a societal problem. exposed for having weak defi nitions less a icted by chronic disease.

“A key part of the battle against obesity – the promotion of junk food to children – is being lost to the false promise of self-regulation”

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11 PM Daciana Octavia Sârbu.indd 11 27/04/2017 15:02:22 EU FISHERIES POLICY EU must ensure future of artisanal fisheries Fishermen must be involved cent of stocks are still threatened and targeted information campaigns that the economic livelihood of fi shermen could guide them in their choices. in decision-making in order and 300,000 related jobs are at stake. Ministers and stakeholders par- to successfully implement Fishermen’s close involvement from ticipating in the Malta conference measures to safeguard fish the early stages of the decision mak- focused on existing best-practices stocks, says Renata Briano ing process is crucial for the success- and future perspectives for small- ful implementation of all measures scale fi sheries. They debated ways Renata Briano (IT) is S&D group taken to ensure sustainable fi sheries. for local fi shing communities to be rapporteur on conservation of fi shery We must act now. actively involved through specifi c resources and protection of marine We cannot wait and watch the situ- co-management projects. In their ecosystems through technical measures ation regarding fi sh stocks become MedFish4Ever declaration, member irreversible. The fi nancial viability of states committed to improve data fi shermen in the Mediterranean has collection and scientifi c evaluation of ast March, I spoke at the min- to be safeguarded. Early involvement stocks, establish an ecosystem-based isterial conference on the sus- of all actors is key to the success of fi sheries management framework and tainability of Mediterranean legislation. Small-scale artisanal fi sh- support sustainable small-scale fi sh- fi sheries in Malta, organised eries are part of the Mediterranean eries in order to protect the livelihood by European environment, maritime cultural heritage and we must ensure of coastal communities. La airs and fi sheries Commissioner their future. The sector has the poten- Ending overfi shing in the Mediter- Karmenu Vella. I made a clear call tial to deliver sustainable jobs and to ranean sea is a major priority issue for for a stronger involvement of the contribute to the conservation of the the EU. This is possible when good fi shing sector in the decision making ecosystems in which they operate. science is available, when catches process, in order to have successful Consumers enjoy eating fi sh: by are monitored and when fi shermen implementation measures. choosing local, not overexploited spe- share the e orts to protect the stocks. Mediterranean fi sheries ministers cies they could also contribute to sus- Overfi shing is one among several participated in the conference, which tainable fi shing. We need to promote causes of the current situation of the concluded with the adop- Mediterranean, whose rich tion of the MedFish4Ever biodiversity is also threat- declaration, an important ened by pollution, climate commitment that stresses change, coastal erosion and the attention European uncontrolled urbanisation. Union, member states and All Mediterranean coun- third countries are focusing tries need to act urgently on the Mediterranean issue. to avoid the collapse of fi sh Small-scale fi sheries stocks and marine ecosys- constitute over 80 per cent tems. The European Union of the Mediterranean fl eet. and its member states It is therefore important to should continue to cooper- involve fi shermen as early ate with all the countries as possible in the decision bordering the Mediter- making procedure on meas- ranean sea to achieve the ures a ecting their activity. “All Mediterranean countries sustainability of the fi shery A coordinated action with need to act collectively sector. the fi shing sector is crucial and urgently to avoid the Coordination and to solve the fi sh stocks cooperation signifi cantly crisis a ecting the Mediter- collapse of fish stocks and increase the e ectiveness of ranean sea, where 85 per marine ecosystems” the measures adopted.

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12 PM Renata Briano.indd 12 27/04/2017 15:03:02 EU FISHERIES POLICY The simple things Simplifying technical measures in line with CFP reform uncertainty among fi shermen. is an important aim, but it mustn’t be to the detriment I also think the European Commis- of fisheries activities, argues Gabriel Mato sion partially takes into account the objectives enshrined in the CFP, ignor- Gabriel Mato (EPP, ES) is Parliament’s proach adopted by the Commission ing the socioeconomic ones, which are, rapporteur on conservation of fi shery proposal to achieve a more realistic in my opinion, crucial while we deal resources and protection of marine regulation, as long as there is a com- with the fi sheries legislation having ecosystems through technical measures mon line to all fi sheries that would an impact on the living conditions of guarantee a level playing fi eld for fi sh- coastal populations. ermen and avoid a re-nationalisation Furthermore, the Commission con- his is the third attempt to of this policy. ceives the exercise of simplifi cation by modify the rules on technical The regionalisation of the technical establishing a common baseline to all measures following two fail- measures should lead to better legisla- seas with the elimination of numerous ures in recent years. However, tion in order to meet operators’ expec- existing derogations and, thus, render- this time there is no margin for error. tations and would allow the sector to ing a considerable number of activities TWe must align the technical measures get actively involved in the decision inconsistent from one day to another. with the last common fi sheries policy, making process. We all expect that this This would create an important and mainly regarding the decisions on the new approach would dissuade some unbearable strain for fi shermen at ban on discards and the maximum fi shermen from circumventing the least in the period between the enter- sustainable yield. legislation and encourage their partici- ing into force of the new regulation Aimed at limiting unwanted catches, pation in the conservation of stocks. and the adoption of the regionalised notably of juvenile fi sh, and at reduc- Still, some of the ideas included in acts, in which the technical measures ing the impacts of fi shing activities the Commission’s proposal would should be better adapted to the reality on natural resources, the current make fi sheries activities impracticable. of the di erent fi sheries. legislation has developed over time I refer more specifi cally to the limita- I am compelled to reach a balance into a very complex set of prescriptive tion of the amount of catches below between, simplifi cation of the legisla- measures, disseminated in a range of the minimum size to the unrealistic tion and conservation of the specifi ci- di erent pieces of legislation, which fi gure of fi ve per cent, or to setting up ties of the di erent seas and gears, as are not fl exible enough to adapt to vague targets linked to the application well as between regionalisation and technical evolution and do not meet of environmental directives, which the necessity to keep fundamental the particular needs of each fi shery. are not directly transposed to national baselines under co-decision by the Eu- I share the general bottom-up ap- legislation, and would create legal ropean Parliament and the Council.

“The current legislation has developed over time into a very complex set of prescriptive measures”

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13 PM Gabriel Mato.indd 13 27/04/2017 15:03:44 EU FISHERIES POLICY The whale in the room In light of Brexit, before it reforms its management systems, monitor sustainable harvesting of the EU must reach an agreement with the UK on fish stocks non-target species. in the North Sea, writes Peter van Dalen By doing so we can create a man- agement system which will work. A Peter van Dalen (NL) is ECR group seem to take a di erent approach. system we can also explain to our rapporteur on conservation of fi shery Knowing that we must still engage in fi shermen. A system with room for resources and protection of marine the parliamentary process, we have innovation. This is also something ecosystems through technical measures tabled amendments to improve the that I am focused on in the technical current proposal. First, we believe it’s measures fi le. I am amazed that in- important to realise that a mixed fi sh- novative gear which increases selec- cientists and fi shermen alike ery plan is di erent from a number of tivity, such as the pulse-technique, is are noticing an increase in individual plans stapled together. For still hindered by the EU instead of en- the number of whales in the instance, Dutch demersal fi sheries couraged. If the EU manages to move North Sea. Fish stocks are in catch a mixed bag of over 60 spe- towards a more realistic and workable excellent condition in these waters cies. Scientifi c institutions lack the fi sheries policy, the negotiations with Sand species such as the humpback resources, both fi nancially and sta - Norway and the United Kingdom will whale simply go where there is food wise, to build models covering this perhaps become less of a challenge and they can eat. As Parliament’s mix. Therefore a mixed fi shery plan and the whale in room might swim ECR group shadow rapporteur on the should manage the target species and away. multi-annual plan for demersal stocks in the North Sea (NSMAP), I would like to talk about another kind of whale. That is the so-called ‘whale in room’ named Brexit. While the outcome of the Brexit ref- erendum has been known since June, the European Commission presented their NSMAP, without hesitation, to Parliament two months later, in August. In a post-Brexit Europe, less than one third of the North Sea will be considered EU water. Together, the UK, Norway and the EU will have to jointly manage over 100 stocks. Con- sequently, close communication with these countries on the development on all aspects of a mixed fi sheries plan for the North Sea is essential. This has not been the case, and so ECR group MEPs have decided to table a radical amendment. We call on the Commission to halt the process of this proposal until the future North “There is no reason why we Sea arrangement is clear. There is no should hurry, the current reason why we should hurry, the cur- management plans work well. rent management plans work well. It is a waste of our time and resources to It is a waste of our time and continue now and then realise in 2019 resources to continue now we have to start all over again. and then realise in 2019 we Unfortunately other political groups have to start all over again”

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14 PM Peter van Dalen.indd 14 27/04/2017 15:04:04 IMMUNISATION WEEK Should vaccines really be compulsory? There is limited evidence national strategies based on either a method undermines valid consent compulsory or a recommended ap- and public trust, leading in most that compulsory proach. cases to vaccine rejection. vaccination is the key to While compulsory vaccination is The prevailing choice among EU address vaccine rejection, a coercive measure which was intro- policymakers is the recommended says Piernicola Pedicini duced more than 50 and not the compulsory years ago as a means approach: 15 out of 30 Piernicola Pedicini (EFDD, to tackle infectious “The prevailing countries (the EU28 IT) is a member of Parliament’s disease pandemics, choice among plus Iceland and Nor- environment, public health and recommended vaccina- EU policymakers way) have at least one food safety committee tion seeks to promote mandatory vaccination the conscious exercise is the within their vaccina- of free choice as the recommended tion programmes, while he World Health Organisa- basis for any eff ective and not the the other 15 have no tion and Unicef estimate preventive action. In compulsory compulsory vaccina- that, in the period 2010-2015, the latter approach, tion at all. Countries Europe registered a slight clinicians and health approach” with no compulsory decline in the overall immunisation professionals play a vaccines are Austria, Tcoverage (less than two per cent), crucial role as intermediaries between Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, compared to the maximum values institutions and families, with a view Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania, (approximately 95 per cent) in the to addressing vaccine concerns. Man- Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, period 2012-2013. datory vaccination schemes imply the Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the In order to achieve the targets of removal of part of this responsibility United Kingdom. In Belgium, only vaccination coverage established from the medical profession, pushing one vaccine is mandatory, in France by the European Vaccine Action parents to carry out personal research there are three, while Greece, Italy Plan (EVAP), EU countries adopted online. However, the ‘do-it-yourself’ and Malta have four compulsory vaccines. Nowadays, the countries that have adopted a national vaccination programme with more than four mandatory vaccines are Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In open contrast with this trend, the new Italian national vaccination plan (PNPV 2017-2019) extended the vaccine off er to 14 vac- cines, adding 10 vaccines to the four traditionally mandatory ones (diphthe- ria, hepatitis B, polio and tetanus): meningococcal B and rotavirus in the fi rst year of life; varicella (1st →

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15-17 PM Pedicini & Grossetete + TL I-MOVE+.indd 15 27/04/2017 19:33:12 Immunisation week

dose) in the second year of life; varicella (2nd dose) at 5-6 years; papilloma virus, poliomyelitis Vaccination and tetravalent meningococcal in adolescents; pneumococcal (both conjugate and polysaccharide) and Herpes Zoster for people above is a collective 64 years old; making Italy the EU country with the highest number of vaccines on offer. responsibility These vaccinations are included in the national immunisation pro- Vaccination saves lives and we must not let fear mongers gramme and, therefore, already paid spread lies on the topic, writes Françoise Grossetête for by the national health service (SSN). For this reason, some re- Françoise Grossetête (EPP, high budgetary constraints on health gions have imposed full vaccination FR) is a member of Parliament’s spending, I don’t think any decision- requirements for school entry, and environment, public health and maker can remain indifferent to this adopted legislative proposals that food safety committee argument. come with disciplinary or contrac- In light of all this, I am extremely tual sanctions for those doctors and concerned by the decreasing im- SSN employees failing to support o me, immunisation is a munisation rates and growing public immunisation or actively providing key tool for prevention. It distrust towards vaccination. Who is vaccination services. can help save lives, improve to blame? There are probably many Since I have serious doubts on the public health and generate different factors: lack of information, compatibility of this approach with huge savings for our health systems. many member states’ low budgets doctors’ right to medical freedom, TUnfortunately, this simple fact is not dedicated to prevention, the lack of I have submitted a question to the often known by, and recalled to, the awareness of health professionals. Commission on this topic. I am also general public. And of course, one of the main factors requesting the executive to provide Figures do not lie. Vaccination has in my view, misinformation and anti- evidence attesting the real effective- helped save around 20 million lives vaccines propaganda. ness of compulsory vaccination poli- over the last two decades, and helped I do not have harsh enough words cies in increasing vaccination rates, to eradicate – or at least significantly for those who spread this propaganda if compared with the supportive reduce the occurrence of – a number and twist basic scientific facts to their vaccination strategies adopted by of infectious diseases. advantage in order to manufacture the majority of member states. Economically speaking, vaccina- doubt in people’s minds. Vaccination If on one hand the compulsory tion makes sense. It is estimated that is a collective responsibility. vaccination approach is considered the 2014-15 influenza pandemic had An ambitious vaccination policy is a way to improve adherence to a total cost of €1bn in France and not only key to public health, it is also immunisation programmes, on €2.2bn in Germany. In these times of important to sustain the competitive- the other hand many national pro- grammes are effective even though they do not foresee any obligation. Not only is there no significant difference in vaccine coverage among the countries that adopted a mandatory approach and those who favoured recommendation, but in some cases the latter also proved more effective. I personally believe that compul- sory vaccination is not the key to increase knowledge and awareness about the importance of immunisa- tion.

16 | Parliament Magazine 1 May 2017

15-17 PM Pedicini & Grossetete + TL I-MOVE+.indd 16 27/04/2017 19:33:15 This Thought Leader is sponsored by EpiConcept

ness of our vaccine industry. Vaccines THERE’S A CONFLICT OF are high added-value products, very INTEREST AT THE HEART OF innovative, and of course strategic for POST-AUTHORISATION VACCINE our autonomy. We need to make sure EVALUATION RESEARCH, that Europe remains a leading pro- ARGUES JIM MCMENAMIN ducer of vaccines worldwide. For this, THE PARLIAMENT MAGAZINE’S we need stability of the regulatory framework and long-term visibility over supply and demand. THOUGHTLEADER he success of our vaccination pre- resources and sometimes vaccines) and the “I do not have harsh ventable disease (VPD) programmes Commission (in cash). Arguably through enough words for Tis based on the trust EU citizens the IMI mechanism, European taxpayers those who spread this place in the safety and effectiveness of are helping vaccine producers fulfi l their vaccines. Concerns about vaccine safety EMA obligations. Other Commission cash propaganda and twist and effectiveness in one vaccine can impact funding for vaccine evaluation research basic scientific facts public confi dence in other vaccines and is scarce (ECDC annual budget of around to their advantage in threaten public health. For national public €1.3m and no Horizon 2020 research order to manufacture health agencies (NPHA) and EU competent funding in 2018-20). It is often impossible bodies it is important to be seen to be for many NPHAs to respond to the IMI doubt in people’s doing the right thing in demonstrating call to tender even though there are no minds. Vaccination safety and vaccine effectiveness (VE) other funding sources. If the currently is a collective avoiding real or perceived confl icts of proposed IMI mechanisms are used to fund responsibility” interest under EU regulations and laws. Infl uenza and other VE studies there is a Independent evaluation and com- risk that the majority of NPHAs currently munication of the safety and VE of participating in established EU networks To reach these objectives, there is publicly funded VPD programmes should such as I-MOVE/I-MOVE+, SPIDNET and no need for a new policy framework. remain the responsibility of NPHAs, their PERTINENT will be unable to participate, Instead, we have to continue working governments and appropriate EU agen- limiting the capacity to pool data to towards the full implementation of the cies like the European Centre for Disease demonstrate effectiveness at the EU level. Council conclusions from 2009 and Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the We suggest that the Commission’s 2014, which were extremely straightfor- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Vaccine high level committee on VPD adopts a ward, and fi ght anti-vaccine arguments. manufacturers also need to ensure their statement in favour of a new funding Finally, Parliament should renew its po- products meet EU and national licensing mechanism to allow public and private litical support to health Commissioner requirements. The Innovative Medicine funding to support NPHAs in evaluating Vytenis Andriukaitis, who I know is Initiative (IMI) funding mechanisms with national VPD programmes while maintain- himself very committed to pushing public-private partnership (PPP) are ing total scientifi c independence in the for an ambitious immunisation policy proposed by the European Commission as studies. This would imply that industry across all member states. a fi nancial solution for conducting EU VE are not involved in the decisions related studies. We are concerned that proposed to the study, design, conduct, monitoring, PPPs to evaluate the performance of auditing, evaluation, analysis and commu- national VPD programmes in Europe may nication of results, even as observers in the jeopardise efforts to restore public trust in scientifi c and steering committees of the the vaccines that governments recommend. projects. One model would be to establish This is because the current IMI calls do a European Vaccine Foundation linked to not guarantee scientifi c independence of an EU agency (preferably ECDC), with a the evaluation of vaccine products which ‘common pot’ of public and private money precludes participation by many NPHAs. with a steering committee independent Funding under IMI is a combination from commercial interests. The steering of private and public - equally shared by committee would place calls for tenders to Vaccine Europe (mainly in kind for human which EU research groups can respond.

Jim McMenamin is Chair of the I-MOVE+ Scientific-Steering Committee For a list of scientists supporting this initiative please go to http://bit.ly/2oPFEut

1 MAY 2017 PARLIAMENT MAGAZINE | 17

15-17 PM Pedicini & Grossetete + TL I-MOVE+.indd 17 27/04/2017 19:33:17 EU ARCTIC POLICY

EU must take Arctic risks seriously

We can, and should a whole. Developments in the Arctic could upgrade its status in the Arctic concerning security, energy and the Council to become an observer. contribute more to environment a ect the security situa- Also, respect for international maintaining peace in the tion in northern Europe and beyond. law in the Arctic is essential and Arctic, says Urmas Paet The EU’s main goal should therefore Europe could have a stronger role in be to keep tensions in the Arctic low promoting e ective multilateral ar- Urmas Paet (ALDE, EE) is and to prevent militarisation. For this rangements and a global, rules-based Parliament’s co-rapporteur on an the European Commission should order through the strengthening and integrated EU policy for the Arctic create an Arctic policy strategy which consistent implementation of relevant also deals with the security issues of international, regional and bilateral the region. agreements and frameworks. The Commission has taken a posi- Another important topic we must he melting of the Arctic sea tion on the Arctic many times in the focus on is the protection of the Arc- ice has opened a race for the past, but the focus has so far been on tic environment. The costs of inaction region. Many governments topics such as environment and re- become greater with every day that and companies are very search. These are extremely relevant, passes. If we wish to stick to the Paris interested in new navigation routes but given the increasing geopolitical agreement, immediate emission Tas well as new fi shing and natural importance of the Arctic we can no reductions are necessary. The respon- resources. However, growing competi- longer ignore the security dimension. sibility of climate action cannot be tion for access also brings risks to The EU has strong links to the Arc- in the hands of the Arctic countries the Arctic, including challenges to tic, as three EU member states – Den- alone. Pollution that appears in the security. In our report on the EU’s mark, Finland and Sweden – are full Arctic climate is mostly from Asian, Arctic policy, my co-rapporteur Sirpa members of the Arctic Council. Seven North American and European emit- Pietikäinen and I argue that the EU other EU members – France, Ger- ters. Emission reduction measures in needs a coherent Arctic strategy with many, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the EU have an important role in tack- a focus on maintaining a peaceful Spain and the UK – are observers. ling climate change in the Arctic. and stable Arctic and protecting the As the EU is also the world’s leading In conclusion, the main goal of our environment. funder in the Arctic, we should seek report is to show the European Com- The Arctic has long been an area to have more infl uence in the region. mission what kind of approach we of constructive international coop- It would only make sense that the EU would like the EU to take towards the eration, and has thankfully Arctic. The most important remained relatively free of “The EU has strong links to the message is that the EU can global tensions. We want to and should contribute more keep it that way. This is cru- Arctic, as three EU member states – to maintaining a peaceful cial not only for the region Denmark, Finland and Sweden – are Arctic and to protecting its itself but also for Europe as full members of the Arctic Council” environment.

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18 PM Urmas Paet.indd 18 27/04/2017 15:04:33 EU ARCTIC POLICY

Nevertheless, a dialogue on Arctic en- vironmental issues must be kept open, The new race for based on the 1997 EU-Russia partner- ship and cooperation agreement. Although China doesn’t itself have territory in the Arctic, like some other the North Pole Asian countries it is interested in the The EU must provide although the environmental impact possible new economic opportunities could be disastrous if these resources on o er. We must monitor the e ects environmental leadership are not managed sustainably. of the 2013 trade deal between Iceland in the Arctic through trade, Likewise, new shipping routes and and China closely because of the ac- says David Martin cross-border business partnerships cess it could give Chinese goods to the provide opportunities as well as risks. single market. David Martin (S&D, UK) is A forward-looking and sustainable More generally, through our trade Parliament’s international trade trade policy in the Arctic can both policy we must focus on bringing committee opinion rapporteur on an serve Europe’s economic and strategic economic opportunities to local and integrated EU policy for the Arctic interests, while protecting and promot- indigenous peoples in Arctic areas. ing our high environmental standards. Nevertheless, the unique Arctic eco- CETA lays down binding com- system and the wildlife that depends hen news broke last mitments on fi sheries and forestry on it must be protected. On the issue year that the wreck of products while promoting e ective of wildlife preservation, the WTO British explorer Sir John cooperation on environmental issues upheld the EU import ban on seal Franklin’s second ship, and encouraging the development and products, challenged by our Arctic HMS Terror, had been found o the use of business corporate and social partners – Canada and Norway. This is Wcoast of Canada, over 150 years after responsibility standards. Although a welcome decision and reinforces the the ill-fated crew set sail, the article TTIP is on ice for the moment, we tough line that the European Parlia- stubbornly remained perched at the have made it clear that the substantive ment has taken on this issue, as well as top of many newspapers’ most-read provisions within CETA’s ambitious providing an important precedent for article lists. It is clear that the public sustainable development chapter are future wildlife protection legislation. appetite for North Pole adventures has only a baseline for future negotiations. A new race to explore the Arctic has not abated with time. In addition, all future EU trade deals begun, but in this case, failure won’t As the formerly treacherous ice with non-EU Arctic partners will have just lead to the death of an adventur- becomes more accessible due to to take the peculiarities of the Arctic ous crew. Failure in the Arctic now environmental change, the Arctic pre- into account. will have global consequences. As the sents us policymakers with pressing With other partners, the situation is world looks to tap the economic po- challenges. It is estimated that vast re- more complicated. The EU’s political tential of this continually changing re- serves of fossil fuels lie underneath the problems with Russia are well known gion, the EU must continue to provide ice. Clearly, there is a strong economic and without a trade deal, or any pros- environmental leadership through incentive for countries to exploit this, pect of one, our leverage is limited. trade. Our world depends on it.

“A forward-looking and sustainable trade policy in the Arctic can both serve Europe’s economic and strategic interests, while protecting and promoting our high environmental standards”

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19 PM David Martin.indd 19 27/04/2017 15:06:45 MIGRATION A tragedy for our times As the migration crisis shows up for school or traineeships. the local population reacted to the city no sign of abating, local Saint-Omer is located in a region welcoming refugees? “We explained to where the far-right, anti-immigration them why there were new co-citizens. authorities are being forced Front National has traditionally en- It’s a delicate topic to explain. I don’t to handle the brunt of it joyed considerable support, so how has want to commit my constituency

urope’s migration crisis is a regular fi xture in the news, but the local dimension of the problem is less frequently mentioned. The importance of taking Eon a local approach to tackle the issue was the subject of a Committee of the Regions report presented last month. Rapporteur Hans Janssen has high- lighted the need to work more closely with local governments, particularly in Libya, in order to generate develop- ment in countries of origin. The paper was well received by Leonello Gabrici, who heads up the EEAS migration and human security unit, and called it “very complete and realistic.” He added, “These are real people living a tragic experience.” Ga- brici stressed the need to establish a partnership framework with countries of origin and transit, without focusing exclusively on “migrants who need to be sent back home.” He also noted that “looking at a regional context is fun- damental, but it also depends on the willingness of the third countries. We should not forget, however, that our own member states need to continue to support us. Local communities are the ones who really work with people.” François Decoster, Mayor of Saint- Omer in northern France, has seen fi rst-hand the pressures being place on local authorities to deal with the migration crisis. “The speed of the migratory fl ux has a direct impact on local authorities, as they deal with the day-to-day lives of citizens.” Saint- “Local Omer welcomes around 1500 minors communities are each year for fi ve days, while admin- the ones who really istrative work is carried out to locate their families. Others who wish to stay work with people” in the city receive assistance to sign Lionel Gabrici, EEAS

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20-21 PM Migration.indd 20 27/04/2017 19:35:16 further, because our capacities are authorities above local level.” A key el- set up its immigration controls in limited, but if every local authority ement of this failure is border manage- each other’s Channel ports, meaning did the same, we could take a di er- ment between France and the UK at the French border is in Kent and the ent approach to tackling the issue,” Calais. “There has been a lack of con- French border is in Calais. However, says Decoster. sideration for the reciprocal positions many migrants looking to reach Brit- Saint-Omer is just 40km from Calais, of France and Britain.” He points out ain end up being held back in Calais, which Decoster says is now seen as that when the Touquet agreement was and local authorities are struggling to a symbol of “the failure of migration signed in 2003, the situation was very cope. The infamous ‘Calais Jungle’ was policy, due to a lack of response from di erent. This agreement let countries shut down earlier this year.

“Brexit completely changes the context of this bilateral agreement, so it makes even more sense for the UK to move its border back since it wishes to move away from any kind of European solidarity in terms of migration management” François Decoster, Mayor of Saint-Omer in northern France

For Decoster, “the situation is com- pletely di erent now than when the treaty was signed, so it’s completely normal to review the question of border management within this new context.” The Brits may disagree on this one, but the Frenchman insists, “Brexit completely changes the con- text of this bilateral agreement, so it makes even more sense for the UK to move its border back since it wishes to move away from any kind of Euro- pean solidarity in terms of migration management. Previously, the border urgently needed to be moved. Now, it has become imperative.” Decoster is also critical of mem- ber states laying the blame for the migration crisis on the EU, saying governments are the ones reaching agreements in Council. “Europe isn’t abstract. It’s member states, heads of state and ministers taking decisions. Taking decisions is all well and good, but what matters is then implement- ing them.”

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20-21 PM Migration.indd 21 27/04/2017 19:35:18 interview

LET’S WORK TOGETHER

Eva Kaili talks to Rajnish Singh about the importance of investing in science and research, why Brexit should exclude scientific cooperation, and why she doesn’t want online platforms to censor fake news

learly, when far-right From a relatively young age she Polish MEP Janusz was combining learning compli- Kowin Mikke recently cated engineering formulas with argued that “Of course the cut and thrust of politics. women must earn less At 23 she was elected president than men, because they are weaker, of her university’s student as- Cthey are smaller, and they are less sociation and was an offi cial on intelligent,” he hadn’t taken the Thessaloniki’s City Council. She time to meet Eva Kaili, the Chair of went on to become the youngest ever Parliament’s STOA scientifi c panel. member of the Greek Parliament. The Greek S&D group deputy is “The reason why I was involved in an architecture and engineering politics was because I didn’t just want graduate, has an MA in international to keep complaining about things I relations, and is currently working didn’t like. I wanted to fi nd solutions.” on a PHD in international political She also wanted to use politics to

economy. Oh, and she’s also a for- fi ght for things she believed in, includ- Photos by Natalie Hill mer journalist and news anchor. ing campaigning with the Love146 With all this talent and her organisation against child traffi cking. wide-ranging interests, Kaili is as She was elected to the European ‘Renaissance Man’ - or should that be Parliament in 2014. Her main mo- ‘Renaissance Woman’ - as it gets. tivation for switching from politics

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22-25 PM Kaili interview.indd 22 27/04/2017 19:49:34 22-25 PM Kaili interview.indd 23 27/04/2017 19:49:46 interview

provide to all members, data and scientific evidence that will help them make decisions to pass legislation. It’s something no Parliament com- mittee can do. We provide specific research and answer MEPs’ questions, so they can suggest workshops and come into contact with interesting scientists who are specialists in the topics the MEPs are investigating.” Out of all the different tech- nologies and innovations the panel is currently scrutinising, Kaili is particularly thrilled by the potential of driverless vehicles. “Our main goal in STOA for the next two and half years will be to discover what the future of mobility and au- tonomous vehicles will bring. It’s huge, industry is investing a lot of money.” Other innovations on the STOA radar which are of particular interest to Kaili and could be just as disrup- tive as autonomous cars are financial technology - also known as FinTech - and block chain technology. Though STOA has five main the- matic areas it is currently evaluating, it also recognises increasing number of new innovative technologies that can potentially change society and the economy, including the impact of new innovations such as mega- data and artificial intelligence. So does she believe the EU is doing enough to support scientific research in Europe? Kaili responds emphatically, “What is enough? It’s never enough,” before add- ing, “I love research and I believe the money you spend investing, will multiply and will provide in Athens to Brussels was, “the tions assessment panel (STOA). returns in many different ways.” economic crisis that hit Greece. I Although the Parliament’s industry, With the UK voting for Brexit, Kaili realised that that the main deci- research and energy committee hopes R&D cooperation will not be sions would be taken in Brussels. I (ITRE) also covers issues relating to negatively affected. She points out felt that I would be more useful here science and research, she is keen to that many research projects in Britain because the legislation the European point out there are clear differences. are heavily reliant on EU funding. Parliament passes is extremely im- One of them is that STOA is made She gives an example of a project portant and affects the lives of all up of MEPs not just from the ITRE in Bristol, looking at composite Europeans, especially the Greeks.” committee, but from nine other materials, which are harder than Kaili says she enjoys her role as parliamentary committees, giving it steel, but very light and transparent Chair of the European Parliament’s a more cross-parliamentary outlook. and can take on different shapes. scientific and technological op- “Our main role is to be able to The material’s benefits combined

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22-25 PM Kaili interview.indd 24 27/04/2017 19:49:49 with 3D printing could have a major properly acknowledge. Getting more in other member states providing impact on the aviation sector, with women into science and research jobs free coding lessons. If you know how planes being designed that will be requires quotas and EU funding. to code, it will give you new ideas lighter and therefore fly faster. She also mentions far-right Polish to create start-ups and new apps.” “I hope R&D will not be affected. MEP Janusz Kowin Mikke’s “women With the problem of ‘fake news’ We have excellent professionals in should be paid less” outburst as the dominating media headlines, Kaili the UK who are European, and we kind of sexist attitudes many women explains that, “In STOA we realised have students who are from the EU, face. “This is the kind of mentality we fake news is going to be an issue of since research is co-funded, I actually need to fight, although some coun- much discussion. We already provide believe we really need to think about tries have now passed legislation to scientific evidence to MEPs and what we are going to do in the future.” make salaries equal.” Kaili also wants policymakers to help them make the However, she is upbeat con- to see girls encouraged into science right decisions, so we thought we cerning scientific cooperation and digital technology subjects from should expand the scope of STOA.” post-Brexit, saying, “I think we a much younger age. The digital The panel will be launching a new will find ways to continue to work industries, she argues, are dominated information hub, “where we will try and together in the future. Although I by men. “We don’t have enough provide citizens with scientific data wanted to see the UK remain, we women entering the digital sector.” that they can use to make up their own shouldn’t have a hard Brexit.” minds.” However, she stresses, “We But she also hints that Britain “The reason why I was should not force the truth, I think this cannot expect to enjoy the same privi- would a very scary development.” leges it had with EU membership. involved in politics was Kaili believes that if content was “If everything remains the same it because I didn’t just want labelled fake news and was changed will not be a Brexit. This is not just a to complain about things. or banned, this would be worse than union of benefits, but also during the I wanted to find solutions” publishing fake news in the first place. hard times, we stick together. Howev- Instead, she wants to work with er, future cooperation on science and digital platforms, “where content research should be totally excluded will not be touched by anybody, or from any of the Brexit negotiations, banned or the transfer responsibil- along with the exchange of students.” ity of publishing to platforms on She is also confident that beyond what we can or cannot see.” Horizon 2020, funding has been Instead, she wants to use tools secured for future European R&D. such as algorithms to check disputed “We in STOA, working with the articles and then provide readers ITRE committee, have ensured with links to alternative articles. future financial support through the Kaili is also firmly against any form European Fund for Scientific Invest- of self-censorship by the major digital ment (EFSI) and the Juncker Plan.” platforms. She believes it is up to the According to Kaili, about reader to make up their own mind as half a trillion euros has been to what they want to read and whether secured. The EU also expects to to believe it or not. “I believe this attract more private money to is the democracy of social media. invest in higher risk projects. “Unfiltered information works Kaili also mentions the “brain both ways, where whoever provides drain” of recent years, where fake news, I can also comment on.” European scientists left to work However she stresses this is very primarily in the US and China, She praises the UK for addressing different from publishing hate speech; “because we could not keep them this issue by providing free les- “There are already legal instruments, working in European industry.” sons in computer coding to young where content can be taken down. When asked about why there aren’t children. “This is another reason You should be able to accept my more women working in the science why I am worried about the UK point of view, which may be crazy, and research sector, she highlights leaving. They had the foresight to but I have the right to speak, we need the work-life challenges that many address future needs by working to protect the freedom of speech, women face. Raising children is some- with companies to provide lessons in because if we start touching content thing she believes politicians do not schools. We now have pilot projects it will be a danger for democracy.”

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22-25 PM Kaili interview.indd 25 27/04/2017 19:49:49 BREXIT AND RESEARCH

Is Brexit also a goodbye to science and research cooperation? Science and research political and economic level. What research. The UK, home to many are essential motors of would happen with free trade agree- well-known, highly respected and prosperity for the EU, and ments? Would there be a loss of jobs worldwide leading universities and in the UK? Would London – the fi- research facilities, is part of a large the UK’s research sector has nancial heart of the world – exit the network of science, innovation and a lot to lose following Brexit, single market? Brit- research policy. warns Paul Rübig ain first – without The British sci- the financial sector? “The United ence community, Paul Rübig (EPP, AT) is fi rst Vice- Not to mention, Kingdom is number which is extremely Chair of Parliament’s science and the extremely dif- one in the European well-regarded technology options assessment ficult question of Union for signed- throughout the panel (STOA) how united the world, was shocked kingdom will be up participants by the Leave vote after Brexit. Will to Horizon 2020 because it was – and ollowing the UK’s EU Scotland become programme and still is – afraid of referendum, the British independent? What number two in being cut off from government has had to face will happen with European networks an avalanche of decisions, Northern Ireland? received budgets” and funding. despite not having prepared a Being part of the An article on Fsingle answer. The impact of the European Union was, especially for nature.com from August 2016 said, Leave vote has yet to reveal its full, Scotland, the number one reason to “An advocacy group, Scientists enormous impact on British society. stay within the United Kingdom. for EU, says it has gathered (in Some debates before and after Yet one field that is crucial to confidence) 25 cases of foreign the referendum looked at the effect the wealth of our continent was scientists withdrawing job applica- a Leave or Stay vote could have at hardly debated – science and tions or being refused a UK post

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26-27 PM Paul Rübig.indd 26 27/04/2017 15:25:30 It’s understandable why the university sector is now acting in an unstable way, with funding for important projects in doubt. The question is, has the British govern- ment given its assurance to fund the projects of the Horizon 2020 programme till 2020 or beyond? For many years now, one of my main priorities in the European Parliament is the field of science, research and innovation. I am convinced that – next to market economy, rule of law and democracy – these areas are fundamental to the wealth of our continent. Especially now, when globalisation brings countries, companies and people closer together than ever before. It shakes and frightens me when I hear that countries want their nations to be ‘first’ –not to be first in innovation, science or freedom, but always in protection of their own markets and goods or when it comes to the military. No country or society can prosper alone – there is almost no com- munity that is as international, as a result of Brexit, seven cases the program (13.43 per cent of all globalised and exchanging as the of someone in UK science leaving applications across the member science community. Universities the country, and 33 of disruption states) and the success rate was and research facilities compete for to funding for the EU’s Horizon above the EU-average (13.3 per the best international students and 2020 research-grants programme.” cent) at 14.8 per cent. professors, the most In January 2017, before the The United Kingdom excellent researchers UK triggered article 50, a is number one in the “No country from all over the world. group of scientists published European Union for or society can Personally I hope a roadmap for science and re- signed-up participants prosper alone – that there will be no search in Britain after Brexit. to this programme and there is almost restrictions for stu- The European Union has the number two in received dents, for young people world’s largest research, science and budgets. The top fi ve no community who want to explore innovation programme – Horizon partners are Germany, that is as the world, learn, and 2020 – with funding of almost €75bn Spain, Italy, France international, exchange their views. for scientific projects, research and The Netherlands. globalised and As a Vice-Chair of the and innovation over the period The top 10 benefi- science and technology 2014-2020. The UK is part of this ciaries in the United exchanging options assessment programme. To demonstrate its Kingdom were the Uni- as the science panel (STOA) – the importance for the science commu- versities of Cambridge, community” scientifi c panel in the nity, here are some facts and figures Oxford, Edinburgh, European Parliament about the UK and Horizon 2020. Bristol, Manchester, – the European Union, 5428 participants received €2.6bn. Warwick, Sheffield, Southampton, as the best innovative region in 1058 of them were SMEs, which the Imperial College of Science, the world, is not just a vision but a received almost €400m. 39,900 Technology and Medicine and clear mandate. And one that is even applications were submitted to University College London. better with the United Kingdom.

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26-27 PM Paul Rübig.indd 27 27/04/2017 15:25:30 BREXIT AND RESEARCH

Brexit is a challenge for the scientific community The UK must safeguard its innovation have conducted research this, withdrawing from the Euratom academic and research into cancer, produced new vaccines treaty could impact on our nuclear cooperation with the EU to fi ght Ebola, and have explored industry, a ecting not just nuclear the heart of atomic matter. Member power, but also nuclear materials beyond Brexit, writes states and citizens across Europe, used in the treatment of cancer. Clare Moody and indeed the In a time of aus- world, have terity, one of the Clare Moody (S&D, UK) is a benefi tted from “The expressions of fi rst things that substitute member of Parliament’s this collaborative support for the United gets cut is invest- industry, research and energy research into some Kingdom’s continued ment in scientifi c committee of our most chal- involvement in causes. It has been lenging issues. the EU, with the However, Brexit Horizon 2020 have focus and fi nancial he essence of modern day represents serious been a testament to stability that the science is collaboration. We challenges for the the significance of the MFF delivers, work together, we exchange scientifi c commu- relationships that have which has been information and we compare nity in the UK and the champion of data. The United Kingdom has across Europe. The been built up over ‘science for sci- Tembraced and reaped the benefi ts research sector re- many, many years” ence’s sake’, pro- of being engaged in the largest and lies on the collabo- viding seven-year most ambitious research area in the ration that has been facilitated by the stable investment programmes to world. The European Union’s frame- freedom of movement and thought support research and researchers. But work programmes for science and that is embedded in the EU. Beyond UK withdrawal from the Union could

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28-29 PM Clare Moody.indd 28 27/04/2017 16:23:30 mean that we are excluded from lasting roots in research that have on cooperation to get the best possi- these programmes in the future un- made it a valuable partner in a num- ble deal for the science and research less we agree some sort of deal. The ber of programmes. The expressions sector. To this end, I have pressed UK government has prioritised re- of support for the UK’s continued government ministers and civil serv- search and innovation, but to deliver involvement in Horizon 2020 have ants on these points during the last on this promise it must prioritise our been a testament to the signifi cance nine months. We cannot a ord for continued relationship with the EU in of the relationships that have been world class researchers and students this area in the negotiations. built up over many, many years. to go elsewhere, the knowledge and It isn’t just about universities and The countdown has begun on ne- experience that has been built up students who ben- gotiations for the UK’s benefi ts us all. efi t from EU research withdrawal and the There is a huge amount at stake funding. Airbus and “There is huge challenge that Brexit in all areas of the Brexit negotia- Rolls Royce in the UK amount of mutual poses cannot be un- tions and, as the British expression and dozens of other appreciation and derestimated. First, goes, ‘the devil is in the detail’. The companies employing will the UK govern- negotiations about the UK’s exit from tens of thousands collaboration that ment acknowledge the the EU – even before we get to what a of workers benefi t has been built enormous contribu- future deal may look like – is fraught from EU funding to up in the field of tion EU membership with these details. However, as develop new materials research between has brought its univer- another British expression goes, we and technologies and sities and industries? should not throw the baby out with to build for the future. the United Second, will the UK the bath water. The government Kingdom and the government recognise There is huge amount of mutual needs to work to pro- European Union” the contribution of EU appreciation and collaboration that tect both the jobs and citizens as students, has been built up in the fi eld of the innovation that technicians, research research between the UK and the EU are supported by this collaboration sta and professors in its universities and, perhaps, this could be an area and to continue to grow UK indus- and beyond? To place barriers in in which both sides could remember tries with our European neighbours. the way of this world class research previous cooperation and work to But this isn’t entirely a one way would be detrimental to all citizens, maintain this relationship into the street. The UK has some deep and and the UK government must focus future.

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28-29 PM Clare Moody.indd 29 27/04/2017 16:23:30 BREXIT AND RESEARCH The future of UK science lies in the balance of Brexit

UK research benefits from more EU funding than it pays for, HM Treasury has provided sent a so there are serious doubts the British government will be clear message to UK businesses and able to fill the gap, warns Ulrich Samm universities that, while we remain a member of the EU, they Ulrich Samm is a member of the exit from and new partnership with should continue to bid Employers’ Group of the European the European Union’) Theresa May for competitive EU Economic and Social Committee clearly expressed her commitment funding.” to continuing this success story: “As This is good news we exit the EU, we would welcome for all researchers and agreement to continue to collaborate innovators in Europe. he European Union is home with our European partners on major But what about to world-class scientifi c science, research and technology those working under research based on a border- initiatives”. the Euratom treaty, free network of cooperation This aim is even underpinned by which predates the and has excellent research infra- fi nancial commitments: “The govern- formation of the Tstructure. Funding is provided by ment will work with the European EU and is therefore national programmes in the member Commission to ensure payment when not automatically states and by various EU funding funds are awarded and HM Treasury linked to Brexit? instruments, including Horizon 2020. will underwrite the payment of such The British govern- This is a key policy instrument that awards, even when specifi c projects ment has clearly contributes to sustainable European continue beyond the UK’s departure stated that the economic growth and competitive- from the EU. The guarantees that UK would also leave ness by reinforcing the Euratom, as the EU’s innovation capacity. EU and Euratom are Horizon 2020 is the world’s currently bound together largest public funding pro- on a unique legal basis. gramme for research and Thus, Brexit also means innovation. Brexatom. Potentially, British institutions have the most striking e ect tended to do rather well of this move could be on from the EU science fund- the operations of the EU- ing pot in recent years. In funded JET nuclear fusion addition, the UK recruits facility in Culham, UK, many of its best researchers which currently receives from Europe, including around €56m annually from younger ones who have Euratom. obtained EU grants. British The shocked scientists universities are by far the in Culham have been most successful in attract- reassured by a statement ing framework programme “The Brexit deal, from the Minister of State funding. for universities, science, It is therefore not sur- however, will cover research and innovation, prising that in her Brexit many more issues Jo Johnson, who said, speech to Parliament on than just research “Maintaining and building 17 January 2017, (entitled and innovation” on our world-leading fusion ‘The United Kingdom’s expertise and securing al-

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30-31 PM Ulrich Samm.indd 30 27/04/2017 16:23:19 who identify with Europe. One crucial question is: how much does this cost the UK? Britain at- tracts more research funding than it pays for. For example, in the 2007- 2013 fi nancial framework, the UK contributed €5.4bn to EU research and development funds and received €8.8bn back. One possibility could be that the UK pays this sum to the EU in order to remain part of the next framework programme, so that its involvement is cost-neutral to the EU. Maybe the EU member states could agree on this specifi c issue. The Brexit deal, however, will cover many more issues than just research and innovation. It may be di cult – if not impossible – to reach agreement on all issues of key importance to the EU. The free movement of people is one of them. Switzerland might serve as an example here. The EU has made Swit- zerland’s associated country member- ship of Horizon 2020 conditional on its continuing to accept freedom of movement. Switzerland dropped out of the Erasmus programme for two years. This year, Switzerland has been fully readmitted to the EU’s research programmes after the Swiss Parlia- ment backed a compromise solution that will see the country continue to accept the free movement of people. But Switzerland is a simple case com- to continue to collaborate on pared to Brexit. major science, research and technol- Finally, the complex Brexit deal ogy initiatives can really be achieved. must be approved as a whole by the The obstacles are not raised by the EU27 and their national parliaments. research and innovation community, The need for a unanimous vote repre- ternative routes into the international which would like to keep the British sents the greatest obstacle. fusion R&D projects such as the Joint on board. British researchers have an Research and innovation is no European Torus (JET) project at Cul- excellent reputation and are highly doubt a priority, but not all member ham and the ITER project in France, respected within Europe’s research states are as enthusiastic about the will be a priority.” communities. And universities are EU research programme as those These are very clear messages. No inevitably a natural home for those that have been active and successful damage to research and in Horizon 2020. Whether innovation. All projects will “The complex Brexit deal must be research and innovation continue and all research- approved as a whole by the EU27 will continue as Theresa ers should keep calm and May depicted in her Janu- carry on. Can we trust this? and their national parliaments. ary speech will depend, There are serious doubts The need for a unanimous vote crucially, on other quite as to whether an agreement represents the greatest obstacle” di erent issues.

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30-31 PM Ulrich Samm.indd 31 27/04/2017 16:23:20 PALM OIL The long road to sustainable palm oil The issue of palm oil goes beyond environmental ability criteria protection, writes for palm oil and Kateřina Konečná products contain- Kateřina Konečná (GUE/NGL, see how such a complex issue could ing it that enter CZ) is Parliament’s rapporteur be addressed without them. In my the EU market, on palm oil and deforestation of report, I have tried to be balanced making sure that rainforests and inclusive. this palm oil has My report focuses on two main not led to ecosys- objectives – securing sustainable tem degradation, fi rst came across the issue of production of palm oil and stopping such as degrada- palm oil in 2015. That year, deforestation. I started out with three tion of primary Indonesia and Borneo su ered important questions; is it possible to and secondary the worst wildfi res for almost sustainably grow palm oil, without rainforests and two decades. These were a result of deforestation? How trustworthy are the destruction Iclimate change, land use changes the existing certifi cation schemes? or degradation of and deforestation connected to palm Is it necessary to have palm oil in peatlands or oth- oil production. Over half of these biofuels? er ecologically fi res occurred in carbon-rich peat- Answering the fi rst question was valuable habitats, lands, turning Indonesia into one not as easy as I had hoped. Many whether directly of the largest contributors of global people claimed there was no such or indirectly. The warming on Earth. In March 2016, I thing as sustainable palm oil, and criteria must initiated a hearing on palm oil and that there never would be. While I also ensure the deforestation in the Parliament’s understood their position, refusing products have environment committee and a year the possibility of sustainable palm not caused a loss later, the resolution was adopted. oil seemed like being at peace with in biodiversity, This rather unique speed shows the wildfi res and deforestation, which especially endan- importance of this subject and Par- was unacceptable to me. gered animal and liament’s strong will to tackle it. I also learned about the many plant species; has The issue of palm oil is very com- controversies linked to certifi cation not given rise to plex and has several ramifi cations. It schemes. The sustainability criteria changes in land is not just about of these schemes management practices which have the environment are the subject negative environmental impacts; has itself, but also “It makes no sense to use of criticism, not given rise to economic, social development, first generation biofuels particularly and environmental problems and forced labour, in- that contain palm oil, regarding confl icts, including the particular digenous rights, the production of which ecological and problems of child labour, forced social problems, social integrity. labour, land grabbing or the eviction soil erosion and is the cause of wildfires The shadow rap- of indigenous or local communities; more. It was that release significant porteurs and I fully respects fundamental human therefore essen- amounts of CO2 into wanted to ensure and social rights, and is in full tial to emphasise the atmosphere” the certifi cation compliance with adequate social the importance scheme for entry and labour standards designed to of developing a onto the EU mar- guarantee the safety and wellbeing global solution, based on the collec- ket guarantees sustainably produced of workers; enables small-scale palm tive responsibility of many actors. It palm oil. oil cultivators to be included in the was my intention to start a debate The report therefore calls on the certifi cation system and ensures with all stakeholders, as I couldn’t EU to introduce minimum sustain- that they receive their fair share of

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32-33 PM Kateřina Konečná.indd 32 27/04/2017 16:24:06 profi ts; is cultivated on plantations contain palm oil, the production of from mass production of palm oil – that are managed using modern which is the cause of wildfi res that fuelled by European consumption – if agro-ecological techniques in order release signifi cant amounts of CO2 it is to take its commitment to the to drive the conversion to sustain- into the atmosphere. The shadow Paris climate agreement and the UN able agricultural practices so as to rapporteurs and I agreed to call on sustainable development goals seri- minimise adverse environmental and the Commission to take measures ously. The road to sustainable palm social outcomes. to phase out the use oil will be long, but I see the report as My third focus of vegetable oils that an important start. We don’t have all was biofuels – 46 per “The issue of palm drive deforestation, the answers, but we have shown the cent of total palm oil oil is very complex including palm oil, political will to face the issue and not imported by the EU and has several as a component of to look away from possible dangers is used for the pro- ramifications” biofuels, preferably linked to this problem. For the sake of duction of biofuels, by 2020. European consumers (who are very which requires the I was very glad that interested in this subject) and the citi- use of around one million hectares in plenary, 640 MEPs agreed that zens of producer countries, we need of tropical soils. It makes no sense the EU must take urgent action to to stop the advance of deforestation to use fi rst generation biofuels that stem the damage to the environment due to palm oil production.

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32-33 PM Kateřina Konečná.indd 33 27/04/2017 16:24:07 PALM OIL

these countries. What was lacking in the report was, actually, the willing- Palm oil, ness to engage with these other countries by showing a commitment to keep being an export market in exchange for e orts and investments. environment Unfortunately, I could not remove the fi nal report’s general ‘punitive’ approach taken on by some political and health groups. Palm oil is more of a risk to the environment than it is to The health issue is more complex, but it is worth recalling its main public health, says Alberto Cirio aspects: we should always keep in mind that palm oil is a fat, and Alberto Cirio (IT) is Parliament’s practices can be observed and we did should be used moderately, just like EPP group shadow rapporteur our best to separate them. There are any other fat. Nonetheless, due to on palm oil and deforestation of countries (I personally visited one of its nutritional properties, its solid rainforests them) where western concerns have consistency (no need to hydrogenate, already been adequately addressed, making it healthier than many other wildlife is preserved, no tropical fats) and its lack of fl avour, it is quite always tend to worry whenever forests are burnt down and the qual- unique. Calling for its replacement a new food trend emerges. No ity of the environment is increasing. should take these facts into account matter the root – whether it’s Meanwhile, other countries have a lot together with the pros and cons of its the most recent episode of Mas- of work to do. The report addressed potential substitutes. And, there is terchef, a food blogger or a new sci- these upcoming issues by proposing no need to treat it at very high tem- Ientifi c discovery – it seems to me like solutions, sometimes also beyond peratures so carcinogenic substances communication overstates – to say our powers, as a political message to can be reduced. The European Food the least – what science proves. This is why, when I fi rst started hearing about palm oil, I tried to understand “Thanks to the as much as I could on the issue and excellence of found out some interesting facts. European industry, The fi rst thing I found out is that for consumers, there was no issue until businesses anticipated the 2011 Commission regulation on legislation and the food information to consumers (the biggest and most so-called FIC regulation) required responsible companies specifi cation of the vegetable oils used as ingredients. The EU legislator that use palm oil have did a good job of satisfying consum- voluntarily agreed to ers’ curiosity, and we are now trying raise the standard of to keep up the pace. the product they buy” Thanks to the excellence of Euro- pean industry, businesses anticipated legislation and the biggest and most responsible companies that use palm oil have voluntarily agreed to raise the standard of the product they buy. The primary concern with products containing palm oil should be envi- ronment-based, but people are more concerned with health-based worries. Both of these need explaining. When it comes to the environment, di erent

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34-35 PM Alberto Cirio.indd 34 27/04/2017 16:24:53 Safety Authority (EFSA) is for EFSA before assessing the health preparing a new report on ones. After the EFSA report, and once this aspect, and I expect we have proof that products entering nothing di erent than what the EU market are safe and defor- we already know from the estation-free, we need to spare one scientifi c papers: it contains last thought to the coordination of glycidyl-esters (that are agricultural, development and trade toxic), and it can contain policy. The demand for fats is going 2- and 3-MCPD-esters, that to increase for demographic reasons. are carcinogenic. Should For food security purposes, we need we ban the product or sup- to think ahead and make sure we port the industry e orts to have enough fats, be they animal or reduce such substances? vegetal, and the next CAP should also I have no doubts, though contribute. On the other hand, I ob- my political group has pre- serve the EU keeps liberalising trade ferred a more prudent line. with developing countries in order to In the report we have ad- give them a market to sell their (agri- dressed the environmental cultural) products to and develop – in issues and we are waiting exchange for our industrial products. Nonetheless, such policy always has “What was lacking in the report was a cost in Europe in terms of jobs and agricultural variety. Oil palms are willingness to engage with countries not cultivated in our continent and by showing a commitment to keep they do not pose such risks. Thus I being an export market in exchange personally think we should explain to for e orts and investments” EU farmers that demand is increas- ing and that importing palm oil does not pose a threat to their jobs and incomes, contrary to what rice imports do (just to cite an example of a crop that is also threatening the hydro- geological stability of many EU micro-systems). Parliament does not intend to revive the old colonialist era by impos- ing anything on developing countries, but at the same time we should be able to consume responsibly. I thank the rapporteur and shadows for the friendly and cooperative atmosphere of the negotiating table, and I award merit both to the attitude of Kateřina Konečná and her sta and to the convergence of the objectives of the political groups, on the other. We have been compact in asking for more environmental protec- tion. However, I would have appreciated a fi rmer com- mitment to helping producer countries fulfi l our requests.

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34-35 PM Alberto Cirio.indd 35 27/04/2017 16:24:55 PALM OIL

The beginning of the end for mass consumption? The use of palm oil is vote in April, has included many of action on the ground intended to map the amendments proposed by the the land in producer countries. For incompatible with the 5-Star Movement. the 5-Star Movement, this is extreme- promotion of organic, I am referring, in particular, to my ly important. Mapping out these ter- quality products, says party’s request regarding the need ritories, with the help of satellite and Eleonora Evi to propose the freezing on the area geospatial technology, is an e ective under oil palm way of controlling Eleonora Evi (IT) is Parliament’s cultivation as well as “The lack of reliable and containing the EFDD group shadow rapporteur the need to propose data on palm unfettered expan- on palm oil and deforestation of a moratorium on sion of plantations rain forests new concessions, in production areas and quantifying the the context of the is a huge problem negative impact this political dialogue that weakens monoculture has on he fi nal report on palm oil between the EU and any attempts to the environment, the and deforestation of rain for- its member states, ecosystems and the ests contains many positive on the one hand, and certify palm oil as landscape in pro- elements. I am especially producer countries, ‘sustainable’” ducer countries. pleased that the text approved by on the other hand. This would also TParliament’s environment, public Another strong point in Kateřina allow us to gain better knowledge of health and food safety committee, Konečná’s report was recognising the territory and set up targeted a or- which was submitted to a plenary the importance of supporting every estation and reforestation strategies,

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36-37 PM Eleonora Evi.indd 36 27/04/2017 15:26:10 “The report clearly states that palm oil is widely used because it is cheap, and its low price is made possible by the uncontrolled expansion of oil palm plantations, set up on deforested land, the result of devastating wildfires, leading to a hike in greenhouse gas emissions”

as well as initiatives aimed at creating peatlands into cultivation areas. The it marks the beginning of a path that ecological corridors dedicated to the certifi cation mechanism relies on in- we should follow in order to put an protection and to the conservation complete knowledge of concessions. end to a model of mass, unsustainable of critically endangered animal and The report clearly states that palm production and consumption. The EU plant species. The 5-Star Movement oil is widely used because it is cheap, is partly responsible for this model, was the fi rst to emphasise the need and its low price is made possible by which is incompatible with the use and to protect all endangered species, the uncontrolled expansion of oil palm promotion of organic, quality, zero- and not just the most ‘iconic’. We are plantations, set up on deforested land, footprint products and ingredients. extremely satisfi ed that other political the result of devastating wildfi res, One of the more thorny subjects groups have also embraced the idea leading to a hike in greenhouse gas in the report concerns biofuels. I am of including a wider reference to all emissions in Indonesia and other pleased that a large majority in Parlia- endangered species in the fi nal text. producer countries. The fi nal text has ment has recognised the need to ban The lack of reliable data on palm also included a proposal submitted the use of palm oils in the production production areas is a huge problem by the 5-Star Movement on setting up of biofuels, “preferably” – as is stated that weakens any attempts to certify non-discriminatory tari and non-tari in the document – by 2020. The 5-Star palm oil as ‘sustainable’. This is why barriers based on palm oil’s carbon Movement fought till the end for the fi - existing voluntary certifi cation footprint. The aim is to better refl ect nal text to include a more coercive ban mechanisms have failed. There are and compensate for the environmental with a better defi ned timeline. Howev- no e cient measures in place to pre- costs of producing palm oil, for exam- er, the larger groups rejected the more vent those applying for certifi cation ple in terms of CO2 emissions. ambitious proposals that resulted from from converting entire forests and This report is important because shadow rapporteur meetings.

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36-37 PM Eleonora Evi.indd 37 27/04/2017 15:26:13 5 questions with...

3. Is there anything you have personally achieved that would surprise people? I’m proud to say that my first ever job was as a librarian. I started to work there on Saturdays and in the school holidays when I was 16. I have a lot of respect for what libraries offer in our communities and the lessons I learned back then have stayed with me. I still have to file everything in a very specific, ordered way. At the same time, it was a great job. I consid- ered myself really lucky to be able to Questions with... read so many books while working. 4. What is the most humbling thing you have experienced 5 in your career? When I was CEO of the ASRA Hous- Neena Gill ing Group, I went to visit a severely disabled man who had, bafflingly, 1. What is the smallest change you been put in a flat on a second floor. have made in your career that has He literally had to crawl up and down had the biggest positive result? the stairs on his hands and knees. Back in 2008, in my second term, What shocked me was his optimism. I hosted what I expected to be a He didn’t once complain or show any modest meeting on the plight of real dissatisfaction. That was until I Indian tigers. At the time, there managed to rehouse him into a really were only about 1500 thousand lovely house, and he just broke down tigers left in the wild. With num- in tears, thanking me. His gratitude bers falling so fast, in large part was humbling because what I’d done thanks to the Chinese trafficking in helping him was so small in com- mafia, it was predicted that by parison to what he had been forced to 2025 they would be extinct. Out of put up with for the past five years. nowhere, there was huge coverage. I think it was the first time I spoke 5. What was the most on Radio 4 at peak time. More inspirational and influential importantly, it was taken up by the book you have read and why? Commission and I even had meet- The book which had the biggest im- ings with foreign representatives pact on me growing up was ‘To kill a from the Chinese government. This mockingbird’, by Harper Lee. Having is still a big problem, but we have moved from India to the UK as a girl, made progress: now I believe I had experienced racism and I knew there are something like 4000 what it was, but I had never seen it tigers in the wild. emony back in 2002. I am a genuine written about. It brings out racism Marmite addict. I even carry around in a very understated way. It doesn’t 2. What one item would you little jars of the stuff with me when I shout about it. The book gave me an save from your house or travel because I like to have it on toast awareness that I didn’t previously apartment if it was on fire? most mornings. So, as you can imag- have as a child. That would have to be my centenary ine, I was very excited to be invited Marmite box set, containing a 125g to visit the Marmite factory, which gold jar of marmite and gold knife, happens to be in my region, the West Neena Gill (S&D, UK) is a Vice-Chair of which I was given at the centenary cer- Midlands. Parliament’s delegation for relations with India

38 | Parliament Magazine 1 May 2017 @Parlimag

38 PM 5Qs Neena Gill.indd 38 27/04/2017 16:25:31 For more information and to contact us go to FRENCH MONITORING www.trombinoscopemonitoring.com

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