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Diogo Feio
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The conclusion of a Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on the implementation of legislation, governance and trade in the forestry sector with regard to timber products imported by the EU’s Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) is of the utmost importa...
null
José Manuel Fernandes
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The European Union has been struggling to combat illegal logging, while seeking to conserve forest resources and promote their sustainable use globally. I therefore welcome the signing of the Voluntary Partnership Agreements with Cameroon with the aim of improving forest governance and reforming existing legislation w...
null
João Ferreira
MEP
GUE/NGL
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
While the objectives set out in this agreement, aimed at the traceability and certification of timber products originating in the Republic of Cameroon are apparently praiseworthy, they do not respond to the extent that we believe is necessary to the problem of forest destruction, and with it the threat to the integrit...
null
Lorenzo Fontana
MEP
ID
en
it
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The fact that Cameroon is Africa’s leading exporter of hardwood to Europe makes it necessary to regulate the flow of goods through the partnership agreement on which we are voting today. The corruption and illegality afflicting trade in Cameroon really must be tackled through the development of a system to check legal...
null
Juozas Imbrasas
MEP
ID
en
lt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I agreed with this document, because the objective of the Cameroon-European Union Voluntary Partnership Agreement is to provide a legislative framework within which to detect and ensure the traceability of timber, put in place government and independent verification procedures to certify that all timber exports from C...
null
Giovanni La Via
MEP
PPE
en
it
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The draft resolution in question concerns the important partnership agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon. The main aim of this partnership is to provide a legislative framework within which to ensure the traceability of timber, put in place procedures to certify the quantities of timber ex...
null
Jean-Luc Mélenchon
MEP
GUE/NGL
en
fr
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
In the fight against the pillaging of biodiversity, forest destruction is an absolutely crucial issue. It is primarily the result of the production-driven rationale of modern-day globalisation and is therefore still perfectly legal. The implementation of the bilateral EU/Cameroon Voluntary Partnership Agreement to com...
null
Nuno Melo
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
Logging in African countries is often carried out illegally, which impacts very heavily on the protection of producer countries’ natural resources, as well as being an attack on biodiversity, on the quality of people’s lives and on their future prospects. I am hopeful that the agreement negotiated with Cameroon will e...
null
Andreas Mölzer
MEP
NI
en
de
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
Although the partnership agreement with Cameroon in the forestry sector is commendable and, as it is being introduced during the International Year of Forests, is also a very convenient way for the EU to improve its image, it is doubtful whether the agreement is worth the paper it is written on. Corruption is a fact o...
null
Franz Obermayr
MEP
NI
en
de
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
Forty percent of Cameroon’s surface area is covered in forest – for the time being – because Cameroon is the largest exporter of tropical wood in Africa and in no other country are the forests being so extensively cleared. Experts estimate that, in 10 to 15 years, the most ecologically important tree species in the Co...
null
Maria do Céu Patrão Neves
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I am voting for the signing of a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon, the goals of which are strengthening forest governance, promoting Cameroon’s timber products, and making the country more competitive on the international market. These goals must respect the...
null
Aldo Patriciello
MEP
PPE
en
it
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The aims of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon (the EU-Cameroon VPA, concluded on 6 May 2010) are to provide a legislative framework within which to detect and ensure the traceability of timber, to put in place government and independent verification procedures ...
null
Paulo Rangel
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The Cameroon-EU Voluntary Partnership Agreement provides for a series of political and legislative reforms which will enable Cameroon’s timber sector to institute good governance practices and greater transparency. It is important to guarantee that any timber and derived products originating in Cameroon that enter Eur...
null
Csanád Szegedi
MEP
NI
en
hu
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I considered the report, which agrees with the conclusion of a Voluntary Partnership Agreement between Cameroon and the European Union, to be worthy of support during the vote. I believe that it is very important for Cameroon, the largest exporter of hardwood from Africa to Europe, to apply strict regulations during i...
null
Luís Paulo Alves
MEP
S&D
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I agree with the goal of providing a legislative framework for identifying and ensuring the traceability of timber products, establishing independent governmental verification procedures which certify that all timber products exported by the Republic of Congo to European markets have been obtained, harvested, transpor...
null
Maria Da Graça Carvalho
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I welcome the commitments made in the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) between the EU and the Republic of Congo with the goal of improving forest governance and reforming existing legislation in this area. It is necessary to ensure that activities in the forestry sector are transparent, respect peoples’ rights, a...
null
Edite Estrela
MEP
S&D
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted in favour of the recommendation on the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the EU and the Republic of Congo as it sets out political and legislative reforms which will allow Congo’s timber sector to promote good governance and transparency, with a view to combating fraud and the trade in illegal timber.
null
Diogo Feio
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The trade in illegal timber is a problem which seriously affects the producing countries, one of which is the Republic of Congo, and it jeopardises ecosystems, ways of life and the very economies of developing countries. Unfortunately, the European Union continues to accept illegal timber, so the measures aimed at imp...
null
José Manuel Fernandes
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The European Union has been struggling to combat illegal logging, while seeking to conserve forest resources and promote their sustainable use globally. I therefore welcome the signing of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the Republic of Congo with the aim of improving forest governance and reforming existing l...
null
João Ferreira
MEP
GUE/NGL
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
This agreement is aimed at ensuring the traceability and certification of timber products from the Republic of Congo. These objectives are ostensibly praiseworthy, but they do not respond to the extent that we believe is necessary to the problem of forest destruction, and with it the threat to the integrity of resourc...
null
Lorenzo Fontana
MEP
ID
en
it
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
As with the provisions on Cameroon, and while I regret that the Treaty of Lisbon does not give the European Parliament the power of amendment, but only requires its consent, I have decided to support Mr Jadot’s recommendation. Every year, the Congo exports over EUR 250 million worth of timber and derived products, hal...
null
Juozas Imbrasas
MEP
ID
en
lt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I agreed with this document, because the objective of the Congo-European Union Voluntary Partnership Agreement is to provide a legislative framework within which to detect and ensure the traceability of timber, and put in place government and independent verification procedures to certify that all timber exports from ...
null
Giovanni La Via
MEP
PPE
en
it
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
As we are well aware, much of the timber used in the European Union comes from the Republic of Congo. Surveys by NGOs working in the area have shown that at least 20% of Congolese timber is of illegal origin. The aim of this recommendation on the draft decision on forest law enforcement is to ensure that in the Congo,...
null
David Martin
MEP
S&D
en
en
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted for this report. The Congo exports more than EUR 250 million of timber and derived products, half of which go to the European Union. Up to now, surveys by NGOs have shown that 20% of the Congolese timber imported to the European market is of illegal origin, whether it is for production, sale, processing or expo...
null
Jean-Luc Mélenchon
MEP
GUE/NGL
en
fr
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
In the fight against the pillaging of biodiversity, destruction of the forest is an absolutely crucial issue. It is primarily the result of the production-driven rationale of modern-day globalisation and is therefore still perfectly legal. The implementation of the bilateral EU/Congo Voluntary Partnership Agreement to...
null
Nuno Melo
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
Logging in African countries is often carried out illegally, which impacts very heavily on the protection of producer countries’ natural resources, as well as being an attack on biodiversity, and on the quality of people’s lives and their future prospects. I am hopeful that the agreement negotiated with the Republic o...
null
Andreas Mölzer
MEP
NI
en
de
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
This sort of agreement will only have any meaning when we can be sure that foreign companies are no longer exploiting the local companies, which have no forestry and environmental expertise, and when the Republic of Congo clamps down on corruption. The objective must be to establish a forestry sector which acts respon...
null
Maria do Céu Patrão Neves
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I also voted for the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) between the European Union and the Republic of Congo on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and derived products to the EU. I welcome the goal of creating a legislative framework that makes it possible, inter alia, to identify timber product...
null
Aldo Patriciello
MEP
PPE
en
it
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The aims of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Congo (the EU-Congo VPA) are to provide a legislative framework within which to ensure the traceability of timber, to put in place government and independent verification procedures to certify that all timber exports from Ca...
null
Paulo Rangel
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The Congo-EU Voluntary Partnership Agreement provides for a series of political and legislative reforms which will enable the Republic of Congo’s timber sector to institute good governance practices and greater transparency. It is important to guarantee that any timber and derived products originating in the Republic ...
null
Licia Ronzulli
MEP
PPE
en
it
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I am in favour of this resolution because I believe we need to try to solve the serious problem of deforestation and degradation. Maintaining the integrity of forests remains a priority. The Commission and the Council must step up their efforts to ensure human rights are respected in the Republic of Congo. Another pro...
null
Elisabeth Köstinger
MEP
PPE
en
de
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The consent of the European Parliament to the Voluntary Partnership Agreements between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon and the Republic of Congo has resulted in an important step being taken in the fight against illegal logging and the illegal trade in timber. A certification system, which ensures clea...
null
Raül Romeva i Rueda
MEP
Greens/EFA
en
en
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
As a part of FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade), exporter countries of tropical hardwood have begun to sign Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) with the EU to ensure the traceability and legality of timber and verification procedures. The objective of the two FLEGT VPAs with the Republic of Congo ...
null
Licia Ronzulli
MEP
PPE
en
it
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted in favour of these resolutions because I believe it is important to preserve natural forests, the exploitation of which may lead to forest degradation and deforestation as well as destruction of the global environment. Reform of the legal framework in the forestry sector is therefore necessary in order to have...
null
Marie-Christine Vergiat
MEP
GUE/NGL
en
fr
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The European Parliament has voted for several agreements to combat the illegal trade in timber between the European Union and the Congo and the European Union and Cameroon. These international agreements are designed to ensure the traceability of timber exported to the EU, in order to fight against deforestation and t...
null
Angelika Werthmann
MEP
NI
en
de
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I have voted in favour of the EU signing a Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the Republic of Cameroon and with the Republic of Congo. This year, 2011, is the International Year of Forests. Healthy forests are essential in order to maintain local biodiversity and they make an important contribution to the climate ob...
null
John Attard-Montalto
MEP
S&D
en
en
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
Although this resolution refers to working visas, it is highly unlikely that citizens of the Pacific States will select Malta, as opposed to the rest of the EU, as a place to seek employment. That is why I voted in favour of the original text proposed.
null
Alain Cadec
MEP
PPE
en
fr
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The resolution explains Parliament’s doubts about the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement. It points out the objectives of the agreement (development, strengthening of trade links between the EU and the Pacific) and underlines the problems raised by the derogation from the rules of origin for processed fishery prod...
null
Maria Da Graça Carvalho
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I welcome the efforts made towards deepening trade relations between the Pacific and the EU, with the aim of supporting regional integration and promoting the progressive integration of the economies of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states into the global economy. The EU has an important role in fostering t...
null
Ole Christensen, Dan Jørgensen, Christel Schaldemose and Britta Thomsen
MEP
S&D
en
da
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
With regard to Amendment 6, paragraph 23(3), we believe that it should always be up to the individual Member State to decide whether a visa is to be issued to a third-country national. If it is a question of a work visa, the work should always be on the same terms as it would be if it was done by an EU citizen in the ...
null
Corina Creţu
MEP
S&D
en
ro
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The current financial and economic crisis highlights that trade policy is more important than ever to the developing countries. The specific nature of the region, determined by fisheries and fisheries-related activities and industries, shows the best potential for future export growth, provided that fisheries activiti...
null
George Sabin Cutaş
MEP
S&D
en
ro
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted for the resolution on the Interim Partnership Agreement between the EC and the Pacific States in view of the fact that it is only one step towards negotiating a new, more extensive Partnership Agreement. At the same time, the European Commission has to bear in mind that the future agreement will have to be neg...
null
Edite Estrela
MEP
S&D
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted for this resolution because I believe that the partnership agreement will support regional integration and promote the progressive integration of the economies of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States into the global economy, while also encouraging the sustainable social and economic development o...
null
Diogo Feio
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
Although only Papua New Guinea and the Republic of the Fiji Islands have signed the interim partnership agreement with the EU, I believe that this merits our support because it allows European markets to be open to local products and, on the other hand, the gradual opening of those countries’ markets to European produ...
null
David Martin
MEP
S&D
en
en
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
My resolution, which accompanies the granting of consent to the EU-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement, makes it clear that Parliament, while welcoming this interim EPA covering only Fiji and Papua New Guinea, believes that any move to a full EPA must cover all 14 Pacific island states. This is important for r...
null
Nuno Melo
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The goal of Economic Partnership Agreements between the EU and Pacific States must be to increase trade, sustainable development and regional integration, while also promoting economic diversification and poverty reduction. Although currently only Papua New Guinea and the Republic of the Fiji Islands have signed the a...
null
Maria do Céu Patrão Neves
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The widely held belief that the promotion of trade relations between this region and the EU should encourage and increase trade, sustainable development and regional integration, while also promoting economic diversification and poverty reduction, is a particularly important feature of this European Parliament resolut...
null
Maurice Ponga
MEP
PPE
en
fr
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I welcome the European Parliament’s decision to approve the interim agreement between the European Union and the Pacific States. This agreement reflects the commitment of the European Union to this region of the world and sends a strong political signal to the States in the region. I am pleased about that. The politic...
null
Paulo Rangel
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted for this resolution on the Interim Partnership Agreement between the EC and the Pacific States in the hope that this agreement – which is currently limited to two countries: Papua New Guinea and the Republic of the Fiji Islands – could prepare the ground for a wider-ranging agreement. Such an agreement would b...
null
Licia Ronzulli
MEP
PPE
en
it
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The Interim Partnership Agreement between Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Fiji Islands and the European Community was initialled on 14 December 2007. These were the only countries of the Pacific Region to enter into the agreement as they were the most active in maintaining trade relations with the European Union...
null
Tokia Saïfi
MEP
PPE
en
fr
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The resolution explains Parliament’s doubts about the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement. It points out the objectives of the agreement (development, strengthening of trade links between the EU and the Pacific) and underlines the problems raised by the derogation from the rules of origin for processed fishery prod...
null
Derek Vaughan
MEP
S&D
en
en
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I supported this Interim Economic Partnership Agreement with Papua New Guinea and Fiji as it is important to develop strong links with exporting countries in the Pacific Region. Despite concerns from some Members, I believe that we need to foster closer cooperation with these countries as this allows the EU to monitor ...
null
Luís Paulo Alves
MEP
S&D
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted in favour of this resolution as I believe that this helps to establish new trade arrangements that are compatible with World Trade Organisation rules with the Republic of the Fiji Islands and Papua New Guinea. Interim Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) are agreements on the trade of goods that are intended...
null
Bastiaan Belder
MEP
ID
en
nl
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
Economic Partnership Agreements should promote trade between the EU and Papua New Guinea and Fiji and contribute to trade, development, sustainable growth and the reduction of poverty. Regional integration is crucial in the development of these countries. Therefore, the Commission should explain how these interim agre...
null
Alain Cadec
MEP
PPE
en
fr
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
This is an agreement that grants goods from the Pacific Region preferential conditions of access to the European market. I am in favour of the development of this region but I consider the derogation from the rules of origin for processed fishery products to be unacceptable. Indeed, this derogation gives rise to a sit...
null
Diogo Feio
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
Despite the low number of countries that have accepted the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), this demonstrates Europe’s commitment to supporting the development of Pacific countries by using a mechanism that goes beyond mere aid procedures and seeks to mobilise local economies, which hope to have the effec...
null
José Manuel Fernandes
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I agree with this draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Community and two Pacific States – Papua New Guinea and the Republic of the Fiji Islands – for the following reasons: 1. these countries are the region’s largest economies and have signed Econo...
null
João Ferreira
MEP
GUE/NGL
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
We have been criticising the signing of these Economic Partnership Agreements with the countries of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) for a long time. Irrespective of their purpose and the rhetoric with which they are presented, these agreements are essentially aimed at free trade, with all the ...
null
Pat the Cope Gallagher
MEP
ALDE
en
ga
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
There is nothing more important than children’s health and protecting the rights and welfare of children. Children must also have the right to family life, and it must be ensured that children do not have to spend long periods living in orphanages.
null
Bruno Gollnisch
MEP
NI
en
fr
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The agreement between the EU and the Pacific States grants Papua New Guinea a general derogation from the rules of origin for fishery products, especially tuna. This clause means that goods from that country can be considered to be Papuan, and consequently exempt from any customs duties or quotas, even if the fisherme...
null
Jarosław Kalinowski
MEP
PPE
en
pl
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The Pacific States form a unique area, made up mainly of island states which are, to a large extent, ethnically diverse and whose culture differs greatly from that of Europe. They require different political and economic priorities. By concluding an agreement with these states, we wish to facilitate the free flow of g...
null
Elisabeth Köstinger
MEP
PPE
en
de
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The Interim Partnership Agreement between the European Community, of the one part, and two of the ACP countries, namely Papua New Guinea and Fiji, of the other part, should be regarded as a step towards a comprehensive agreement. The Interim Partnership Agreement covers all of the important areas of a trade agreement,...
null
Giovanni La Via
MEP
PPE
en
it
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The initiative which has been approved today by Parliament has created an agreement that will undoubtedly strengthen trade between the European Union and some of the Pacific States. In particular, the Interim Partnership Agreement has been concluded with Papua New Guinea and the Republic of the Fiji Islands, which hop...
null
David Martin
MEP
S&D
en
en
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I am delighted that Parliament gave overwhelming support to my recommendation that we consent to the EU-Pacific interim EPA. The interim agreement between Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the European Community was initialled on 14 December 2007. These two countries were the only ones in the Pacific Region to enter into the ...
null
Jean-Luc Mélenchon
MEP
GUE/NGL
en
fr
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The Interim Partnership Agreement signed between the EU and Papua New Guinea and the Fiji Islands is the result of shameful pressure. This agreement provides for the gradual abolition of customs duties on a scale that is unsustainable for these States, the prohibition of any quantitative restrictions on exports and im...
null
Nuno Melo
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The goal of Economic Partnership Agreements between the EU and Pacific States must be to increase trade, sustainable development and regional integration, while also promoting economic diversification and poverty reduction. Although currently only Papua New Guinea and the Republic of the Fiji Islands have signed the a...
null
Alfredo Pallone
MEP
PPE
en
it
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted in favour of the interim partnership agreement between the European Community and the Pacific States, because I believe that it is important for Europe to have trade partnership agreements with third countries that are able to export products which European countries have difficulty in accessing. The developme...
null
Maria do Céu Patrão Neves
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted for the recommendation on the conclusion of the EU-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement for the following reasons. The Fiji Islands and Papua New Guinea have decided to conclude the agreement mainly in the hope of protecting their sugar and tuna industries. The interim agreement covers rules of origin ...
null
Aldo Patriciello
MEP
PPE
en
it
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
Negotiations began in 2002 on new economic partnership agreements (EPAs) between the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States and the European Union to replace the previous unilateral regime of trade preferences in favour of the ACP countries. Since specific issues of interest were the subject of individual negotia...
null
Maurice Ponga
MEP
PPE
en
fr
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I welcome the European Parliament’s decision to approve the interim agreement between the European Community and the Pacific States. This agreement reflects the commitment of the European Union to this region of the world and sends a strong political signal to the States in the region. I am pleased about that. The pol...
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Paulo Rangel
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted for this report because I believe that promoting trade relations between the Pacific States and the EU could contribute to promoting the region’s sustainable social and economic development, to reducing poverty, and to strengthening regional integration and cooperation, in line with the Millennium Development ...
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Raül Romeva i Rueda
MEP
Greens/EFA
en
en
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
Greens maintain their long-standing opposition to EPAs with any of the ACP regions, and consequently do not see the added value of the IEPA with two of the Pacific States. In this specific case, Greens fear further de-integration of this region widely spread over the Pacific Ocean, as a consequence of IEPA preferential...
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Tokia Saïfi
MEP
PPE
en
fr
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The EC/Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement grants goods from the Pacific Region preferential conditions of access to the European market. I am in favour of the development of this region, but I feel that the derogation from the rules of origin for processed fishery products is unacceptable, as it allows for...
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Laima Liucija Andrikienė
MEP
PPE
en
lt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted in favour of this resolution on international adoption in the European Union, which is striving for the welfare of every child and recognises the right of orphans or abandoned children to have a family and be protected. I agree with the calls to explore the possibility of coordinating a strategy with measures ...
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Zigmantas Balčytis
MEP
S&D
en
lt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The protection of children’s rights, enshrined in the Treaty of Lisbon, is one of the European Union’s objectives to which even greater attention will have to be paid following the entry into force of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. European Union policy must therefore guarantee and implement ...
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George Becali
MEP
NI
en
ro
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted for this resolution as the severity of the problem of abandoned children has steadily grown in the European Union. It is important to protect the right to carry out international adoptions to avoid these children being obliged to live in orphanages. The Commission must inform us as to what measures have been t...
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Mara Bizzotto
MEP
ID
en
it
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted in favour of the joint resolution on international adoption, because I strongly believe that European coordination of adoption strategies and tools would not only bring about an improvement in the procedure as such, but would also ensure greater protection for orphans and abandoned children and their right to ...
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Vilija Blinkevičiūtė
MEP
S&D
en
lt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted in favour of the resolution on international adoption in the European Union. The protection of children’s rights is one of the European Union’s most important objectives. We must protect the welfare of each child and defend their interests. At present, there are many conventions in force on child protection an...
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Sebastian Valentin Bodu
MEP
PPE
en
ro
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
Romania is the European state which probably allowed the worst abuses to be committed regarding international adoption in the 1990s, immediately after the fall of Communism. Indeed, this was due to the lack of experience in a state which lived through a dark period for almost half a century, but equally to those who w...
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Corina Creţu
MEP
S&D
en
ro
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted in favour of the European Parliament Resolution on international adoption in the European Union, based on Romania’s experience in this area. An analysis really needs to be carried out of all the national adoption systems to see what their strengths and weaknesses are and to recommend the best practices for ado...
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Edite Estrela
MEP
S&D
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted in favour of the resolution on international adoption within the European Union. Although this is a matter for the Member States, I believe that protecting children’s rights should be one of the EU’s goals. In this context, I advocate the need to consider the possibility of coordinating strategies for an instr...
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Diogo Feio
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The adoption of children is a particularly sensitive issue. Human dignity and, in this case, the special care required of minor’s best interests, make observance of and respect for international conventions on the matter recommended, along with a study of best practices and the exchange of experience between Member St...
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José Manuel Fernandes
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The European Union has always fought to protect the rights of children and to defend their best interests. The intention of this resolution is for consideration to be given to the possibility of coordinating at European level strategies concerning the instrument of international adoption, in accordance with internatio...
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Ilda Figueiredo
MEP
GUE/NGL
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
We all agree with defending the wellbeing of children and guaranteeing their rights, as noted in this Parliamentary resolution. However, it is not enough to make general statements: it is also necessary to recognise the causes that have led to a situation where children are being exploited under international adoption...
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Louis Grech
MEP
S&D
en
en
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
To determine the increasing problem of abandoned children, European institutions and Member States should play a more active role in improving the instruments of international adoption by facilitating and coordinating international adoption procedures at European level, without jeopardising in any way the security and ...
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Sylvie Guillaume
MEP
S&D
en
fr
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted for this joint resolution, which allows us at one and the same time to defend the right of parents to adopt a child from another Member State, and to ensure the protection of minors at the time they are adopted and after they have been adopted. Indeed, international adoption should have a framework of specific...
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Ian Hudghton
MEP
Greens/EFA
en
en
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
Our national legal systems all have their own ways of dealing with adoption and other childcare issues. However, since issues such as people trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children have such an international dimension, EU-level action may be appropriate. We must never lose sight of the fact that the best in...
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Juozas Imbrasas
MEP
ID
en
lt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted in favour of this important resolution on international adoption in the European Union, because the protection of children’s rights is one of the European Union’s key objectives. At present, there are many conventions in force on child protection and parental responsibilities. I believe that there is a need to...
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David Martin
MEP
S&D
en
en
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I welcome this resolution which calls for consideration to be given to the possibility of coordinating at European level strategies concerning the instrument of international adoption, in accordance with international conventions, in order to improve assistance in the areas of information services, preparation for inte...
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Véronique Mathieu
MEP
PPE
en
fr
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The number of abandoned children has steadily increased over recent years, and this phenomenon can be observed in all of our Member States. These children – who are victims of conflicts and social exclusion, and who are exploited by criminal networks and used in all kinds of trafficking – are the victims of a failing ...
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Nuno Melo
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
The adoption of children is an issue that has always been of concern to the EU and must be handled with the utmost care. Children are the future of any society and must therefore be treated with the greatest dignity. Their best interests must be taken into consideration, which means that compliance with relevant inter...
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Andreas Mölzer
MEP
NI
en
de
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
Children are the weakest link in our society. Protecting their rights and subsequently ensuring that these rights are respected must be one of the major priorities throughout the EU. However, children are still falling victim to human trafficking and exploitation within the European Union, often as a result of unregul...
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Alfredo Pallone
MEP
PPE
en
it
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
Adoption is always a very sensitive issue and one that deserves special attention, as children’s futures are being decided. Adoption is often a useful way of ensuring that abandoned children and orphans do not have unhappy childhoods spent in orphanages, without the love and care that all children should enjoy. Denyin...
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Georgios Papanikolaou
MEP
PPE
en
el
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted today in favour of the joint resolution on international adoption in the EU, the aim of which is to improve the adoption system between Member States and establish guarantees to ensure that adoption is carried out in the interests of the child, with absolute respect for its fundamental rights. We emphasise the...
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Maria do Céu Patrão Neves
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
I voted in favour of Parliament’s resolution on international adoption in the EU. This initiative is in fulfilment of the Union objective set out in Article 3 of the Treaty of Lisbon for ‘protection of the rights of the child’. The economic development of the countries of the EU does not prevent there from still being...
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Rovana Plumb
MEP
S&D
en
ro
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
Halting international adoptions was one of the conditions for Romania’s accession to the European Union. Romania decided in 2001 to place a moratorium on international adoptions after the European Parliament rapporteur for Romania, Baroness Emma Nicholson, condemned child trafficking activities and criticised the Roma...
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Paulo Rangel
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
Adoption is a particularly sensitive issue which should merit the EU Member States’ full attention. Although there has been considerable progress made following the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Inter-Country Adoption, precarious childhood, violations of the rights of chi...
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Raül Romeva i Rueda
MEP
Greens/EFA
en
en
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
We Greens/EFA have abstained. In the joint motion for a resolution, following negotiations among political groups, the negative points of the EPP resolution were replaced. Nevertheless, the resolution was initiated by Italians in response to a very specific national need and in relation to a matter which does not fall ...
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Nuno Teixeira
MEP
PPE
en
pt
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
A child’s right to grow up in a healthy family environment which is beneficial to its harmonious development is the key concept behind this resolution. The growing number of children living in orphanages and the violations of their rights – particularly human trafficking, illegal adoption and work, and prostitution – ...
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Oreste Rossi
MEP
ID
en
it
2011-01-19T00:00:00
2011
Explanations of voteVideo of the speechesPV
With new migration flows, the problem of abandoned children, which was gradually being resolved, is becoming increasingly serious and significant. It is crucial to find a legal framework to cover child protection and parental responsibility, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy from practical procedures, and harmonise th...
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