Strasbourg Roundup: November 2009

Treaty of Lisbon

November saw the last plenary session before the Treaty of Lisbon came into force on 1st December. It has been an exciting time in the Parliament, as it gets ready to have a greater say in the legislative procedure. I am pleased the Treaty will give the democratic institution a greater role in decision-making in the EU, and am looking forward to the enhanced role we will have in areas such as international trade. I was particularly pleased to see Catherine Ashton appointed to the position of High Representative. As a member of the international trade committee, I have worked with Cathy over the past year in her role as Trade Commissioner, and I know she will be great asset to the Union in her role as High Representative. As the Treaty of Lisbon came into effect, preparations in the Parliament took place in Strasbourg this month, where the following issues were debated / voted upon.

Information technology for customs purposes

We voted on measures to reinforce cooperation between customs authorities, and to use new technology to help customs tackle illegal trafficking. This is an important measure which will greatly aid the ability of customs authorities to work together and achieve greater coherence. I welcome the benefits that the use of new technology will bring in the sharing and exchanging of information efficiently, but I remain committed to the protection of confidential personal data. I believe we must always ensure that individuals' data is treated confidentially, and I am pleased that the Council has updated its measures for data protection.

Adapting Parliament's Rules for the Treaty of Lisbon

I was particularly pleased to see this Report voted through, as I have been the MEP responsible for drafting and negotiating this Report during this parliamentary term. The Report updated the Parliament's internal Rules of Procedure to adapt to its increased powers under the Treaty of Lisbon. The modifications to our internal rules meant we were fully prepared for the 1st December and the changes that Lisbon has brought, and - like the EU as a whole - parliamentary procedures have become more streamlined and efficient. In January, the second part of the Report will be voted on, which outlines the framework for cooperation between the European Parliament and national Parliaments. This will set our clear guidelines for dialogue and cooperation with the UK Parliament in Westminster, and I look forward to continued cooperation between the parliaments.

Copenhagen

Parliament also discussed climate change and the key issues in this month's climate change summit in Copenhagen. I support strong measures to tackle climate change, and in particular significant assistance to developing countries.  I was pleased that the Socialist and Democrat Group voted all together and with one voice in favour of the Resolution on Copenhagen, and I hope that we will continue to be able to be at the forefront of commitments to tackle climate change effectively. In particular I believe the deal at Copenhagen must have all countries on board in order to work effectively.  It is also vital that the high targets for reduction are taken seriously, and the money we provide to assist developing countries is in addition to current levels of development funding.

Stockholm Declaration

The Stockholm programme is a far-reaching programme in the area of justice and home affairs, covering immigration, asylum, fundamental rights and citizenship, civil law and police. The aim of the Resolution which the Parliament made is to put citizens at the centre of the project, particularly focusing on fundamental rights. The programme will set out the framework for the next 5 years for freedom, security and justice, and I welcome the provisions this agreement will bring for future cooperation on areas of citizen security and freedoms.