| s-2
| It would certainly be counterproductive to make an offer, as some have already tried, when the Russians want nothing to do with it. |
| s-3
| In our proposals in relation to Agenda 2000 we considered the probable future trend of competition between pigmeat and beef. |
| s-4
| Should we find at any point that this is not the case, we will take the appropriate steps. |
| s-5
| I must admit I see the question of a world market orientation rather differently from the way it was presented a moment ago. |
| s-6
| Joint motion for a resolution on the crisis in the pigmeat sector |
| s-7
| We favour a reform involving the alignment of prices to world market prices and a reduction in export refunds. |
| s-8
| Finally, I should like to point out here the significance of a proposal put forward by our colleague Edouard des Places. |
| s-9
| I see this proposal as establishing some sort of precedent. |
| s-10
| It was quite a poignant fact that I was away on that particular Friday. |
| s-11
| We need foreign investors in places such as Telford, north Shropshire, Hereford, Ross-on-Wye and Wyre Forest. |
| s-12
| I would certainly not want farmers in countries that do not want to join the euro to be penalised. |
| s-13
| The 2.6 -% margin of fluctuation is nothing new; it already exists within the present system and is already being applied. |
| s-14
| The flat-rate approach produces more risk of overcompensation, which is why we have set the margin at 2.6 -%. |
| s-15
| A strong euro will therefore penalise European agricultural exports. |
| s-16
| Under these conditions, what will the future of the rural areas of Europe be like as a consequence? |
| s-17
| We in the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development feel that this form of production should be encouraged. |
| s-18
| Too little is being done in this area. More needs to be done, but we must avoid creating more bureaucracy. |
| s-19
| I have nothing against putting quality goods on the world market when it is a matter of competition. |
| s-20
| Firstly, it proposes the adoption of a regulation improving the transparency and authenticity of quality marks. |
| s-21
| It then proposes the creation of a European quality mark based on respect for the environmental criteria for production. |
| s-22
| The market in agricultural products is therefore no longer linked exclusively to price, but to the region. |
| s-23
| We in Parliament would like to add a third category covering organic products that also comply with environmental and animal protection criteria. |
| s-24
| I was recently in Poland for the Joint Parliamentary Committee. |
| s-25
| But that is precisely why we first need a clear strategy. |
| s-26
| At this stage, it still seems a little too soon to take a final position on this question. |
| s-27
| We support the introduction of a European quality mark, which takes account of animal welfare and the environment. |
| s-28
| Secondly, we can not support proposals for the split in funding or criteria in relation to the new Structural Fund regulation. |
| s-29
| We welcome the introduction of conditional clauses for the second payment. |
| s-30
| The results of the fourth phase of the Objective 2 programme, whose priority is job creation, are relatively pleasing. |
| s-31
| Thank you, Mr Donnay. |
| s-32
| Mr Escola Hernando is speaking for the first time in this House. |
| s-33
| Mr President, I should merely like to answer Mr Kellett-Bowman in one sentence. |
| s-34
| The Chair has already stated that the proposal was made in accordance with the Rules, so there are no grounds for changing anything. |
| s-35
| Our group has tabled several amendments in this direction. |
| s-36
| The programme has also contributed to the activities of 50000 creative or performing artists and other specialists in the cultural sector. |
| s-37
| The decisions were adopted unanimously. |
| s-38
| The joint debate is closed. |
| s-39
| That concludes Parliament's agenda. |
| s-40
| Adjournment of the session |
| s-41
| Yesterday it was my privilege and pleasure to be permitted two minutes' speaking time in this House. |
| s-42
| It was obviously out of excitement at this great event that I forgot to sign the register. |
| s-43
| Ladies and gentlemen, it is a good thing that the details of Members' attendance are corrected. |
| s-44
| That is wrong. |
| s-45
| This item has been correctly placed on the agenda and will be put to the vote at 12 noon today. |
| s-46
| The deadline expires today, so if we do not vote, we shall miss the opportunity to deliver our opinion. |
| s-47
| Preparing a Union-wide harmonising directive on as complex a matter as energy is certainly a complicated business. |
| s-48
| I believe that the Commission's initial approach was wise, because the problem calls for countless exceptions to the general rule. |
| s-49
| Madam President, our colleague, Mr Cox, has done some excellent work on the Commission's proposal. |
| s-50
| The Green Group fully agrees with Mr Spencer that we must preserve this proposal for a CO2 tax. |
| s-51
| The taxes will end up in the German Treasury instead of the Danish Treasury. |
| s-52
| Nonetheless, I should like to take up two points which are mentioned in the Environment Committee's report. |
| s-53
| I should also like to know how you view the timing. |
| s-54
| This is legislation requiring a unanimous vote in the Council, which is usually a guarantee of inaction. |
| s-55
| This indexing also includes the notion of an accelerator. |
| s-56
| In other words, there is a conflict between the parafiscal and fiscal aims; you can not have your cake and eat it. |
| s-57
| That technological effort would be penalised and competitiveness on the international field jeopardised. |
| s-58
| In light of this situation, we find it difficult to accept a number of unilateral proposals that were put forward. |
| s-59
| It is therefore unacceptable to compel the Member States to apply increases that are actually above the rate of inflation. |
| s-60
| You can regulate the market, but you can not regulate nature, the weather and the harvest. |
| s-61
| In one amendment, there is a call for the inclusion of pure and simple renewal of vineyards in the restructuring measures. |
| s-62
| Nevertheless, we want to limit the Council regulations to general provisions and to cover the remaining provisions in implementing regulations. |
| s-63
| Everyone will therefore understand why I am rejecting them. |
| s-64
| I would like to start with the Convention on third-country nationals, which is certainly the more complex legislative project. |
| s-65
| The mere offer of a job was to be sufficient to justify immigration rights. |
| s-66
| They have not all been met, but a great many have. |
| s-67
| Secondly, I believe that it is time for the European Parliament to set an example. |
| s-68
| On the other hand, these initial criteria should also include provisions allowing for the list to be abolished. |
| s-69
| Such a situation is unacceptable. |
| s-70
| I am all for thought being given to this and for seeking solutions. |
| s-71
| We must help them to improve their border security. |
| s-72
| It is the whole political class that is being questioned about the way in which it must take up these challenges. |
| s-73
| Finally, I should like to say that the policies at the centre of our debate are part of an overall picture. |
| s-74
| I would also like to say something about the two amendments tabled by my group. |
| s-75
| We want things to be regulated properly so that the problem can be brought under control. |
| s-76
| He has consistently linked immigration with unemployment, insecurity and criminality, as if evil always comes from elsewhere. |
| s-77
| I would really like to know how you can escape into Europe. |
| s-78
| We have been discussing this subject ever since I have been in Parliament. |
| s-79
| I hope they will be rejected because they are really the epitome of what Parliament is not able to do. |
| s-80
| Consequently, I had hoped to be able to count on a clear expression of support from the European Parliament. |
| s-81
| Naturally the Commission will do its best to ensure that progress is made. |
| s-82
| The regulation that was annulled was based on Article 100c of the Maastricht Treaty. |
| s-83
| The debate is closed. |
| s-84
| I thought it appropriate to retable at second reading three of the 12 amendments rejected by the Council. |
| s-85
| I have to admit that I had serious misgivings during the first reading of the directive. |
| s-86
| Perhaps we are only further complicating a matter which should really have left Parliament as quickly as possible once a decision had been reached. |
| s-87
| Chemicals are still on our agenda in the EU. |
| s-88
| There has been excellent cooperation on this highly technical proposal. |
| s-89
| Thank goodness we have finally reached the last stage before adoption. |
| s-90
| Parliament agreed to urgent procedure for 22 March |
| s-91
| Amendment of the Rules of Procedure |
| s-92
| They leave space and gaps to fill in. |
| s-93
| This new legally binding vote is highlighted in the revision of the Rules by describing it as the election of the Commission. |
| s-94
| They include provisions for dealing with the new High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy. |
| s-95
| I shall not go into details on the High Representative, as his or her function has already been extensively debated. |
| s-96
| Finally, now that I am discussing resources, new technologies and speaking time, my own speaking time has elapsed. |
| s-97
| The second part makes it clear that benefits of a value greater than ECU 100 must be declared. |
| s-98
| The report is also imprudent in introducing issues not included in the mandate given by the Conference of Presidents. |
| s-99
| The opinion must be expressed when the vote on the full text is taken in committee. |
| s-100
| But that is not really my problem. |
| s-101
| What I criticise is the spirit underlying these amendments. |