Highlights of the Strasbourg plenary session 21-24 April 2009

This week is the penultimate plenary session of the European Parliament (21-24 April 2009) before the European elections on the 4-7 June 2009. The MEPs face a packed agenda during the session and I highlight here a few of the matters for discussion.

Safer and easier e-money transactions
The offer of e-money services should be enhanced by boosting innovation and improving consumers' confidence with a legislative report put forward by John PURVIS (EPP-ED, UK) for the Economics Committee. Updating the existing legislation on e-money business to achieve a true single market allowing this industry to expand is the objective of the report.

Electricity and gas market: MEPs to debate and vote on deal with Council Presidency
Europe's electricity and gas markets will be further liberalised while the rights of energy consumers are strengthened. Parliament will debate and vote on a wide-ranging package of energy market legislation.

Charges for calling, texting and mobile internet surfing
Charges for calling, texting and mobile internet surfing will be cut from 1 July 2009. MEPs negotiated a compromise with the Czech Presidency on the extension of the 2007 which will be debated and voted on in Strasbourg. The informal compromise negotiated by Industry Committee MEPs with the Czech Presidency still needs to be backed by the whole Parliament and the Council of Ministers.

Tyre labels to show fuel efficiency, safety and noise
Tyre buyers will be better informed about their fuel-efficiency, safety and noise performance thanks to a mandatory tyre label proposal put forward by the Industry Committee. Like the European energy label, the tyre label will use fuel-efficiency classes ranging from best-performance (green “A” class) to worst (red “G” class). It will also show the tyre's wet grip and noise performance.

Nuclear safety measures in the EU must be improved, say MEPs
The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy is backing a report from the Commission/Council which is calling for an EU-wide nuclear safety framework, based on the principles of the International Atomic Energy Agency. According to the report, drafted by Gunnar HÖKMARK (EPP-ED, FI), nuclear installations should be operated so as "to achieve the highest safety standards that can reasonably be achieved taking into account economical and social factors."

Report calls for Member States to maintain minimum stocks of crude oil
MEPs are concerned that a sudden shortage of crude oil - one of the main energy sources of the EU - could be extremely damaging to the economies of Member States, and that could also "compromise" national military capabilities. The risk of an unexpected shortage of oil has increased in recent years due to increasing global demands, the concentration of oil supplies in often unstable areas and decreasing resources within the European Union. In light of this, the report drafted by Miloslav RANSDORF (GUE/NGL, CZ) calls for increased energy security and more effective monitoring of oil stocks in the EU.

Clearing away the obstacles to cross-border healthcare
The general aim of the draft directive on cross-border healthcare is to ensure that there are no obstacles to patients who seek treatment in a Member State other than their own. It also clarifies the right to be reimbursed after a treatment in another Member State. These rights have been confirmed in European Court of Justice Judgments but are not yet included in EU legislation. The directive also aims to ensure high-quality, safe and efficient healthcare and to establish healthcare co-operation mechanisms among Member States. Parliament will vote at first reading on plans to give patients the right to seek healthcare abroad more easily and be reimbursed for the costs. The Environment and Public Health Committee's report also calls for patients to be properly informed about their rights when treated outside their home Member State.

War on hospital bugs
The Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee is urging Parliament to back measures designed to reduce the millions of infections picked up by patients in hospitals each year. The recruitment of specialised nurses, better education, support for research and better information for patients are among the measures proposed. Patient safety is of increasing concern in healthcare systems everywhere. The most common problems are healthcare associated infections, medication-related events and complications during or after operations. Many such problems could be avoided fairly easily.

Action plan for urban mobility
Sixty per cent of Europeans lived in urban areas in 2005, and that number will rise to eighty per cent in 2020, making urban transport a major component of goods and passenger transport in Europe. A significant proportion of greenhouse gases are generated by road traffic in urban areas. Parliament will vote on a report by the Transport Committee that seeks to prompt EU action on problems relating to urban mobility such as congestion and pollution.

New rights for bus, coach and ship passengers
Parliament will vote at first reading on two regulations designed to replicate for bus, coach and ship passengers certain rights already granted to air travellers under EU rules. There will be stricter rules on compensation for delays and cancellations and on payments in the event of accidents and assistance for disabled passengers. The Transport Committee is tabling the two reports, one by Gabriele ALBERTINI (EPP-ED, IT) on rights of bus and coach passengers, the other by Michel TEYCHENNÉ (PES, FR) on the rights of passengers travelling by sea and inland waterway.

Deforestation and forest degradation
Recent studies show that there is potential for reducing global greenhouse emissions by 40 % by 2030 and that, at a cost of less than half of one percent of global GDP, wind, solar and other sustainable renewable energies could provide almost a third of total global power needs; whereas energy efficiency could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than a quarter and whereas deforestation could be almost halted. Parliament will debate the challenges of deforestation and forest degradation to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss following a statement from the Commission. MEPs will also vote on a resolution on this topic.

Strengthening the fight against nuclear proliferation
The next Review Conference of the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is scheduled for 2010, and according to MEPs, it should be a chance to put the production, use and disarmament of nuclear weapons under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. The conference also presents an opportunity to reach a consensus on a treaty to end the production of fissile material for military purposes.

Europe must deliver a common immigration policy, say MEPs
An own-initiative report by Simon BUSUTTIL (EPP-ED, MT) is proposing a blue-print for a common policy on European immigration. The report recognises the importance of legal immigration, in the face of Europe's ageing population and declining workforce, but also urges Member States to jointly tackle the problems caused by illegal immigration.

MEPs call for stricter legislation to protect citizens from the effects of profiling
At a time when our personal data is accumulating on the internet and in data-bases, a Parliamentary report, drafted by Sarah LUDFORD(ALDE, UK), warns against the dangers of 'profiling' of European citizens on the basis of criteria such as ethnicity, religion, gender or age, especially by the police. MEPs are warning against the excesses of the system and call on Member States to shed light onto these practices.

Greenhouse Gases Pose Threat To Public Health, EPA Finds

Well we will all be saved from Climate Change now that the USA has officially accepted that the problem exists.

Now there is no reason for non-action by the major pollution producing country to curb Greenhouses Gas emisions!

ScienceDaily (Apr. 18, 2009) — After a thorough scientific review ordered in 2007 by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a proposed finding on April 17 that greenhouse gases contribute to air pollution that may endanger public health or welfare.

The proposed finding, which now moves to a public comment period, identified six greenhouse gases that pose a potential threat. “This finding confirms that greenhouse gas pollution is a serious problem now and for future generations.

The scientific analysis also confirms that climate change impacts human health in several ways. Findings from a recent EPA study titled “Assessment of the Impacts of Global Change on Regional U.S. Air Quality: A Synthesis of Climate Change Impacts on Ground-Level Ozone,” for example, suggest that climate change may lead to higher concentrations of ground-level ozone, a harmful pollutant. Additional impacts of climate change include, but are not limited to:

• increased drought;
• more heavy downpours and flooding;
• more frequent and intense heat waves and wildfires;
• greater sea level rise;
• more intense storms; and
• harm to water resources, agriculture, wildlife and ecosystems.

Tom Leonard in an article in the Telegraph writes:

America has signalled a fundamental shift in its stance on global warming with a declaration from the Obama administration that greenhouse gases are a threat to public health.

The statement issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency is expected to pave the way for new regulations of cars, power plants, building sites and factories by identifying carbon dioxide and five other gases as pollutants.

Environmental groups applauded it as a landmark decision that would allow Barack Obama to meet his call for a low carbon economy but industry groups warned that the so-called "endangerment finding" could cripple the struggling US economy.

America is the world's biggest producer of greenhouse gases but, under the Bush administration, Washington consistently downplayed the threat from global warming and stalled the EPA finding.

European Elections - It's your Choice!

An opinion poll on interest in the 4-7 June European elections and on EU policy issues reports that 34% of possible voters surveyed across the EU say they are already certain that they will go and vote in June, while 19% of respondents said they were already certain that they would not vote.

It is feared that two out of three European voters will not cast a ballot in this June’s elections.

On the European Parliament website for the 2009 Elections the following 10 excellent reasons are given why we (those eligible to vote) should vote.

Yes, you. You decide. By voting.

By voting in EP elections, you choose who influences your future and the daily life of close to 500 million fellow Europeans. If you don’t bother, somebody else will - and decide who represents you at the only directly elected Pan-European assembly. Elected MEPs shape the future of Europe for 5 upcoming years. Get the Europe you want! If you don’t vote, don’t complain.

MEPs – Your voice in Europe

Your MEP is your voice in Europe - why would you let it go wasted? Elected every five years, the European Parliament is a major and powerful player in European Union’s decision-making. Its votes shape final EU legislation that influences your everyday life, be it the food on our plates, the cost of your shopping trolley, the quality of the air you breathe, or the safety of your children’s toys.

It’s your right to vote!

As a European citizen, voting in EP elections is your fundamental right and the means to have a say in how the EU works. By voting, you participate in determining who will represent real people like you, your family and friends, your neighbours and workmates in Europe. And as an EU citizen you can vote (or stand for election!) in whatever EU country you live, even if you are not a citizen of that country. And, what’s more, it won’t cost you a penny!

It’s for people and prosperity!

Young or old, student or retired, man or woman, employed or independent, mainstream or alternative, town or countrydweller, Europe concerns all of us, often without us realising! Thanks to Europe, we can easily travel, study and work abroad. The EP works tirelessly for a cleaner environment, safer chemicals, better services and jobs. It is an ardent defender of consumer rights, equal opportunities and human rights both in the EU and abroad.

One poll - 375 million voters

In June 2009, You will have a unique opportunity to go to polls along with 375 million fellow European voters. What for? To elect both the world’s only directly elected transnational and multilingual parliament, and the EU’s only directly elected institution. Elected by the people since 1979, European Parliament represents today almost half a billion citizens.

Heavyweight MEPs

In most cases, MEPs have as much weight as the Member States in EU decision-making. Most laws that concern our daily lives are legislated side by side by MEPs and ministers at EU level. Many, probably most, laws enacted in your country are a transposition of European acts voted by MEPs - your representatives. And it’s not just laws: money for new roads, cleaner beaches, research, education, development aid? MEPs also decide where our EU money goes.

In the pipeline, even weightier MEPs

With the new Lisbon Treaty, once it can be implemented, MEPs’ decision-making powers over EU affairs will once more increase. It will place the Parliament on an equal footing as lawmaker with Member States’ ministers in virtually all areas of EU policy. The Parliament will also elect the President of the European Commission, strengthening its control over the EU executive. Furthermore, you as an EU citizen will have a right to initiate European laws.

Your vote for diversity

Europe elects its new members in June 2009. Coming from 27 countries, these MEPs represent a wide range of national political parties, constituencies and views. In Parliament, most Members then organise themselves in political groups according to their political affinities. So Parliament, like Europe, is about diversity, prizing it and accommodating it - it even speaks 23 languages.

It’s politics! It’s democracy!

Love the EU? Hate it? Want it to turn to the right? Or the left? Is there some issue you care passionately about? Are there changes you want to see? Action that can’t wait? Investments that should be made? Elect MEPs who see it your way and you could make it happen. That’s what democracy is all about. Make the difference.

It’s a small effort for a big outcome

Come on! It’s just a few minutes, maybe you can combine it with a walk in the park or a drink in a café. Not much effort to tell Europe what you want. After that it’s easy to follow what your elected members are doing for you - just visit www.europarl.europa.eu

MAKE SURE YOU ARE REGISITERED TO VOTE IN THE EUROPEAN ELECTIONS.

You can choose to vote either here in Spain (if you are on the Padron) or in your country of origin. UK citizens who left the UK less than fifteen years ago can register to vote in the UK. But ACT NOW as time is running out to register.

Information is available HERE . for UK citizens.

Edited 17.04.2009.

Mark Mardell the BBC's Europe editor has posted an article entitled Worth voting for an MEP ? on his Euroblog that is worth reading. With reference to the apparent indifference of the voters to the forthcoming elections he comments "So why the indifference? I suspect that, although a lot of our laws are made at European level (more on this next week), people find it difficult to see how their vote matters."

Campoamor Market Rubbish Spoils Agua Marina Promenade

Whilst it is important that the Campoamor Market is successful, what we don't want is for it to spoil the environment around it because of litter left by the stall holders and shoppers, but that is just what is happening!



On a walk along the Paseo Marítimo in Agua Marina I noted a substantial quantity of litter spoiling the cliff edge alongside the promenade as can be seen from the photographs. It is obvious that the vast majority of this has originated from the market which is held in Calle Fuego.



The litter being seen here has three causes, firstly that some of the stall holders fail to clean away all their rubbish correctly, secondly that the Council fails to ensure that the area is cleaned properly after the market has finished, and thirdly that a small minority members of the public can't be bothered to take their shopping rubbish home.

This unacceptable situation will be brought to the attention of the Ayuntaniento in Orihuela Costa with a request that the rubbish is cleared without delay.

Orihuela Town Council meeting - 31st March 2009

At the full monthly meeting of the Orihuela Town Council (Pleno) held on Tuesday 31st. March 2009 the following points which affect Orihuela Costa were discussed.

Bye-law for the Beaches of Orihuela Costa

The governing PP party presented a bye-law for the beaches of Orihuela entitled “Ordenanza Municipal de Seguridad en el Uso, Disfrute, Aprovechamiento y Conservación de las Playas del Litoral Oriolano” (bye-law for safety in the use, enjoyment, commercialisation and conservation of the coastal beaches of Orihuela) for its initial approval.

Manuel Gallud, Los Verdes Councillor, proposed a series of improvements to the bye-law as follows.

• On the matter of the chiringuitos and kiosks on the beaches that all the food is to be of the 'fast food' type, cold sandwiches wrapped in plastic, along with chips and other foods inadvisable for good health. Councillor Gallud asked where is the Spanish Mediterranean diet?

Los Verdes understand that this problem is not strictly part of the bye-law but insist that this aspect of the regional cuisine is a powerful advertising incentive for tourists.>

• The Los Verdes Councillor called for more consideration for people with disabilities regarding access to these beaches. Indeed, Los Verdes have identified in our campaign "Dignity for the Disabled," deficiencies in the access ramps on the promenade of Agua Marina and also in other beaches.

The PP Councillor for the Coast, Clr. Aniorte promised as a matter of urgency to modify the access to the Agua Marina promenade and then gradually the other accesses that do not conform to the law.

• Having regard to the construction of the promenade which runs along side the beaches, such as the Playa de la Glea at Campoamor, Los Verdes have found that debris is thrown onto the beach from the promenade, because of the lack of bins along its total route.

Councillor Aniorte has recognized this deficiency and promised the installation of litter bins along the path.

• Los Verdes propose a beach or part of a beach protected from onlookers for naturists and their families to swim. We believe that there is a tourism demand in this regard. In the view of Los Verdes we think it is necessary to regulate this type of activity, which the bye-law does not include, so as to then avoid trouble for the users.

Councillor Aniorte promised to study the issue.

Overall the PP answered positively to the requests of Los Verdes, so despite the shortcomings of the bye-law there was a unanimous vote in favour of this new regulation.

Now the government of the PP has to fully comply with the beach bye-law, and that it is not left in the drawer!

Los Balcones connection to Los Altos.

A further matter of interest to residents of Orihuela Costa that was discussed was the opening to traffic of a connecting road between Los Balcones and Los Altos thereby giving direct access to and from Orihuela Costa.

Three weeks previous a petition signed by a hundred or more residents of the area was presented to the Town Hall in Orihuela Costa requesting that a road connection be opened for the reasons of security and convenience, allowing easier access for the essential public services (police, ambulances and fire brigade).

Los Verdes, in support of the petition, made a request for a connection road to be opened.

Los Verdes reiterated the proposal we made to the 2009 Budget for investment for this work to improve the traffic access on this part of Orihuela Costa.

The PP government promised to reply in writing.