Strasbourg Round up Jan 2011
Welcome to my Strasbourg Roundup. This is a very brief update to let you know what happened at the January 2011 plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Dioxins
The Socialist and Democrat (S&D) group, of which Labour MEPs are a member, encouraged the Commission to ensure Germany imposes penalties on those responsible for the recent dioxin scandal. It was recently discovered that animal feed in Germany has been contaminated with dioxin, at a huge cost to farmers. It is unacceptable that budget cuts in any EU country reduce the number of food inspectors and exposes all EU countries to the risk of undetected contamination in the food chain.
The Socialist and Democrat (S&D) group, of which Labour MEPs are a member, encouraged the Commission to ensure Germany imposes penalties on those responsible for the recent dioxin scandal. It was recently discovered that animal feed in Germany has been contaminated with dioxin, at a huge cost to farmers. It is unacceptable that budget cuts in any EU country reduce the number of food inspectors and exposes all EU countries to the risk of undetected contamination in the food chain.
Lithuanian Gay Rights
I was very pleased that S&D MEPs strongly condemned the draft law in Lithuania which would limit free speech on the issue of LGBT rights. Lithuanian law must be compatible with the Charter on fundamental rights, and I urge the Commission to investigate this and launch infringement proceeding should Lithuania be in violation.
I was very pleased that S&D MEPs strongly condemned the draft law in Lithuania which would limit free speech on the issue of LGBT rights. Lithuanian law must be compatible with the Charter on fundamental rights, and I urge the Commission to investigate this and launch infringement proceeding should Lithuania be in violation.
Pacific IEPA
My report on approving the interim Economic Partnership Agreement with the Pacific countries of Fiji and Papua New Guinea was adopted in Parliament this week. By granting consent to the Agreement, Parliament has allowed unconditional duty free access to EU markets while opening the Papua New Guinea and Fiji markets as well. I hope this trade and development agreement will pave the way for a fuller Economic Partnership Agreement with the Pacific region and other countries in the African, Carribbean and Pacific region.
My report on approving the interim Economic Partnership Agreement with the Pacific countries of Fiji and Papua New Guinea was adopted in Parliament this week. By granting consent to the Agreement, Parliament has allowed unconditional duty free access to EU markets while opening the Papua New Guinea and Fiji markets as well. I hope this trade and development agreement will pave the way for a fuller Economic Partnership Agreement with the Pacific region and other countries in the African, Carribbean and Pacific region.
Construction products
A report by my Labour colleague Catherine Stihler on harmonising construction products was approved by Parliament. This agreement will ensure building materials in DIY shops and builders' merchants will be safer and bear and EU quality mark. The changes are expected to bring the price of products available and make it easier for smaller compaines to sell their products throughout the EU.
A report by my Labour colleague Catherine Stihler on harmonising construction products was approved by Parliament. This agreement will ensure building materials in DIY shops and builders' merchants will be safer and bear and EU quality mark. The changes are expected to bring the price of products available and make it easier for smaller compaines to sell their products throughout the EU.
Humanitarian aid
MEPs called for an improvement in international humanitarian aid, by creating a European civil protection force and by increasing funding for aid. It is crucial that humanitarian aid is clearly distinct from military aid, and that the policies are well coordinated. Following from the rapid European response to the crisis in Haiti, I believe it is vital we use the resources available in Europe to improve the effectiveness and speed of European humanitarian aid.
MEPs called for an improvement in international humanitarian aid, by creating a European civil protection force and by increasing funding for aid. It is crucial that humanitarian aid is clearly distinct from military aid, and that the policies are well coordinated. Following from the rapid European response to the crisis in Haiti, I believe it is vital we use the resources available in Europe to improve the effectiveness and speed of European humanitarian aid.
Combating deforestation and corruption in timber trade
Parliament approved two voluntary partnerships between the EU and Cameroon and Congo-Brazzaville on improving the traceability of timber. The agreements are designed to help combat illegal logging and large-scale deforestation, as well as corruption, and are part of the EU's strategy on forestry management. I was also recognised as a ‘Fair Politician’ for my work on the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade action plan, a key element of which is the Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) designed to ensure that only legally harvested timber is imported into the EU. Through these agreements the EU will provide support for forest governance reforms – including traceability and verification systems. As a member of the European Parliament's International Trade Committee I questioned the Commission on concerns regarding the enforcement, local participation, human rights and not least deforestation and environmental impact of these agreements.
Parliament approved two voluntary partnerships between the EU and Cameroon and Congo-Brazzaville on improving the traceability of timber. The agreements are designed to help combat illegal logging and large-scale deforestation, as well as corruption, and are part of the EU's strategy on forestry management. I was also recognised as a ‘Fair Politician’ for my work on the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade action plan, a key element of which is the Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) designed to ensure that only legally harvested timber is imported into the EU. Through these agreements the EU will provide support for forest governance reforms – including traceability and verification systems. As a member of the European Parliament's International Trade Committee I questioned the Commission on concerns regarding the enforcement, local participation, human rights and not least deforestation and environmental impact of these agreements.
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