Saving the world in six months! It is obviously going to take considerably longer than that, but at least nations are now beginning to work on this. This week saw the first meeting of the European Parliaments' new Climate Change Committee. With crossparty membership of 60 MEPs its key roles will be to make proposals about the EU's policy on climate change, co-ordinate the EP's position and examine the ways the EU can respond to climate change. Yes there is indeed no escape from the hot topic of the moment, though it is essential to also gain support from the greatest carbon emitting nations in the world –
America, China and India.
Two reports which I worked on closely were approved in Strasbourg this week. The
first related to Environmental Quality Standards in water for which I am Rapporteur
for the EPP-ED Group. It sets limits on the concentrations of a number of chemical
substances, including some pesticides, heavy metals and other dangerous
chemicals all of which pose a particular risk to both human health and animal and
plant life in the aquatic environment. It will implement part of the Water Framework
Directive and form a major part of EU legislation relating to water policy.
This Directive is essential to guarantee that the highest standards are met to protect
our plants and water life, as well as ensuring our own health. The EU is increasing
focussing on environmental issues and reducing the impact our actions have, so it is
particularly crucial now that standards are set and monitored.
The European Parliament's proposals will now go to the Council for their
consideration under the co-decision process.
I also presented my report to the Parliament on Economic Partnership Agreements.
EPAs are intended to link trade and development policy, incorporate sustainable
development and contribute to poverty reduction through facilitating trade and enable
countries to become better integrated into the global economy.
Appropriately designed, they represent an opportunity to revitalise EU-ACP trading
relations, promote economic diversification and regional integration, and reduce
poverty, in particular for the Sub-Saharan African states. Written into the report is
also financial accountability and good government. This is of particular importance
because monies going to these impoverished countries is, after all, your money,
taxpayers’ money.
I am proud of this report and of the support I have received from the Commission,
ACP representatives and EU member states’ governments, despite the criticism of
some non-governmental organisations. I look forward to seeing these negotiations
through to next January’s deadline and beyond. We have failed in many respects to
help ACP countries and now have a real chance to do something which, for the first
time, will help produce a stable prosperous economy for those ACP countries.
