EU leaders now have to focus on creating long-term eurozone stability and coherence

Reacting to the 11th hour deal amongst EU leaders to take serious measures to halt the deterioration of the eurozone crisis, Guy Verhofstadt said: "I am obviously relieved that after nearly two years of delay and hesitation EU leaders finally realised their backs were against the wall and took the bold and decisive action that I have been calling for several months."

EU-Australia PNR agreement to get green light

On October 28th the European Parliament granted its consent to the conclusion of a new agreement with Australia on the conditions ruling the transfer of Passenger Name Records (PNR). Liberals and Democrats from the very beginning of debate on the transfer of air passenger data, back in 2003, have always led the fight for the tight legal safeguards and data protection clauses governing the transfer of data.

Liberals welcome Sakharov prize to individuals behind the Arab Spring

press/press-and-release-news/press-release/article/liberals-welcome-sakharov-prize-to-individuals-behind-the-arab-spring-37704/On October 27th in Strasbourg, the European Parliament awarded the 2011 Sakharov prize for freedom of thought to the "Arab Spring" represented by the deceased Mohamed Bouazizi, from Tunisia, Asmaa Mahfouz from Egypt, Ahmed al- Zubair Ahmed al-Sanusi from Lybia and Razan Zaitouneh and Ali Farzat from Syria . Given the historic nature of the events in the Arab world this year's recipients are five individuals who have contributed to historic change in their countries. ALDE was the driving force behind these nominations.

Elections in Tunisia - A triumph for democracy

Reacting to the results of the Tunisian elections, Guy Verhofstadt, ALDE Leader has congratulated the people of Tunisia and announced that the real winner is democracy. Turnout was high with 90% of registered voters going to the polls and voting took place in a transparent and democratic way.

Reforming Financial Regulations: The EU budget can guarantee the EFSF and be replenished by the surplus of the previous year

In its technical aspects, the recasting of the Financial Regulations, approved on October 26th during the first reading by the European Parliament in the Strasbourg plenary session, simplifies procedures and lays the foundation for a new governance of the EU budget in times of crisis.

The Council can not escape parliamentary scrutiny for the proper management of its budget

Liberals and Democrats supported the refusal to discharge the Council for the implementation of its budget in 2009 as decided in the October European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg. The Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) recommended by a large majority to vote against the discharge for the Council, arguing that the Treaty and practice confer exclusive jurisdiction for discharges to Parliament, a jurisdiction disputed by the Council which refuses complete transparency in the publication and justification of expenditures.

Time for quicker, cheaper and more conciliatory cross border civil justice

On October 25th the European Parliament sent a strong message of support to the European Commission to improve cross border access to justice by developing and promoting alternative systems of dispute resolution (ADR) which could make the enforcement of rights in civil, commercial and family matters quicker, cheaper and more conciliatory.

Preventing organised crime: An EU strategy is needed now

The European Parliament set clear milestones and concrete guidelines to develop an EU strategy to fight against organised crime and mafia by adopting ALDE MEP Sonia Alfano's (Italia dei Valori, Italy) report on October 25th. By using the new legislative opportunities available under the Treaty of Lisbon, Alfano's report calls for providing new instruments at EU level, in terms of both judicial and policing cooperation and of authorities responsible for countering transnational organised crime (Europol, Eurojust, OLAF, European Public Prosecutor).

Inter-Parliamentary Budget Conference: a democratic forum for a financial framework oriented towards growth and employment

In these times of crisis and uncertainty for the European economy, the EU budget can and should be a tool for growth. Therefore, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe welcomes the meeting held for the first time in the history of the EU budget, an Inter-Parliamentary Conference dedicated to the multiannual financial framework after 2013. Indeed, it is logical that the broad outlines for future investments be worked out within such a democratic forum including representation from both European and national parliamentarians.

Verhofstadt insists on a single European bank recapitalisation plan

Addressing a debate in the European Parliament on October 12th on the urgent steps that the European Council must take to address the crisis in the Euro-zone, ALDE Group leader Guy Verhofstadt welcomed the roadmap of measures that the Commission had just adopted but underlined three important aspects:

Verhofstadt welcomes end to violence in Basque country

Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament warmly welcomed ETA's announcement of a definitive end to violence which marks an historic end to Europe's longest standing terrorist campaign.

Bulgaria and Romania unfairly disqualified from "Schengen League"

On October 13th the European Parliament voted on a resolution urging all Member States to take the decision on enlarging the Schengen area to include Bulgaria and Romania solely on the basis of the Schengen acquis and procedures. The European Parliament gave the green light to Bulgaria and Romania's accession to the Schengen area already on July 2011 - after the Commission concluded their readiness according to the current criteria. However the Council decided to postpone indefinitely its decision over their accession.

Boosting the single market with optional European sales law

Overcoming divergences between national contract laws and boosting cross-border trade and transactions is at the heart of proposals by the European Commission for an optional common European sales law published in mid-October.

EU accession within grasp for Serbia but Kosovo question remains

On October 12th the European Commission recommended granting candidate status to Serbia and opening negotiations with Montenegro, acknowledging the progress that has been made in both countries during the past year. This positive step keeps the European perspective alive for all the Western Balkans especially at a time when the accession of Croatia has been finalised. Jelko Kacin (Liberalna Demokracija, Slovenia), European Parliament rapporteur on Serbia welcomed this development for Serbia but cautioned Belgrade to make progress on the issue of North Kosovo.

Egypt is backtracking on democratic revolution

On October 9th a peaceful demonstration of Copts turned into a massacre by the army, leaving 24 people dead and countless more injured. The ALDE Group strongly condemns this deplorable reaction from the Egyptian Army.

CAP reform proposals fail key test of sustainability and competitiveness

The European Commission's eagerly awaited proposals for an overhaul of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2013 have been criticised as a mixture between good and bad ideas that ultimately fail the key test of sustainability and competitiveness by the Liberal and Democrat Group (ALDE).

Verhofstadt: Slovak vote proves need for majority decision making in eurozone

Guy Verhofstadt (Liberal &  Democrat group leader in the European Parliament) expressed his deep regret at the Slovak Parliament's rejection October 11th of the upgraded European Financial Stability Facility which is seen as a key element of any emerging solution to the financial crisis now entering a critical phase.

Ukraine court verdict sours relations with EU

The ALDE Group expressed its deep dismay over the verdict of the Ukrainian district court on the case of Yulia Tymoshenko. Neither the verdict nor the trial itself conformed to acceptable standards that we expect from an independent and fair judicial system. The suspicion of a politically motivated trial and verdict seriously jeopardises the basis of future EU-Ukraine association.

ALDE welcomes overdue launch of new Schengen visa information system

On October 11th after two years delay, the EU has finally launched the Visa Information System (VIS); a database which will improve the processing of visa applications and biometric data for visits from non-EU nationals to the EU’s Schengen zone.

Cohesion policy must focus on reducing administrative burden

press/press-and-release-news/press-release/article/cohesion-policy-must-focus-on-reducing-administrative-burden-37645/The October 6 European Commission's proposals on a new legislative package on the EU's cohesion policy after 2013 are a first step towards an improved and more efficient way to further regional development according to Liberal and Democrat (ALDE) MEP Ramona Manescu.

European Commission Proposal: "Connecting Europe Facility"

European Commission adopts plan for €50 billion boost to European networks

The European Commission tabled a plan on October 19 2011 which will fund €50 billion worth of investment to improve Europe's transport, energy and digital networks. Targeted investments in key infrastructures will help to create jobs and boost Europe's competitiveness at a time when Europe needs this most. The "Connecting Europe Facility" will finance projects which fill the missing links in Europe's energy, transport and digital backbone.  It will also make Europe's economy greener by promoting cleaner transport modes, high speed broadband connections and facilitating the use of renewable energy in line with the Europe 2020 Strategy. In addition the funding for energy networks will further integrate the internal energy market, reduce the EU's energy dependency and bolster the security of supply. To assist with the financing of the Connecting Europe Facility, the Commission has also adopted the terms for the Europe 2020 Project Bond Initiative which will be one of a number of risk-sharing instruments upon which the facility may draw in order to attract private finance in projects. The pilot phase will start already next year.

By focussing on smart, sustainable and fully interconnected transport, energy and digital networks, the Connecting Europe Facility will help to complete the European single market. The Commission has singled out projects where additional EU investment can have the most impact. In particular, the Commission expects Connecting Europe Facility investments to act as a catalyst for further funding from the private and public sector by giving infrastructure projects credibility and lowering their risk profiles. For the first time, the Commission is proposing a single funding instrument for the three network sectors, true to its commitment to create synergies and simplification of rules.

President José Manuel Barroso said: "The Connecting Europe Facility and the Project Bond Initiative are a perfect demonstration of the value added that Europe can provide. These proposals will help to build the roads, railways, energy grids and pipelines, and broadband networks that are so important to our citizens and businesses. We are closing the missing links in Europe's infrastructure networks that otherwise would not be built.  This investment will generate growth and jobs and at the same time make work and travel easier for millions of European citizens and businesses"

ALDE Response to Commission Communication on Connecting Europe

"Connecting Europe" important step towards upgrading Europe's infrastructures

The European Commission published on October 19th, its "Connecting Europe" package consisting of proposals to establish integrated European infrastructure networks in the areas of transport, energy and information and communication technologies. The package which also includes a proposal for the launch of the pilot phase of the Europe 2020 Project Bond Initiative is meant to deliver on the commitments made in the Commission's Multi-Annual Financial Framework presented in June 2011.

ALDE leader Guy Verhofstadt (Open VLD, Belgium), who has repeatedly argued for the introduction of project bonds to finance big infrastructure projects, said:

"The project bonds launch is a welcome and overdue step in the right direction. It is right to start a pilot phase now rather than wait until 2014 to mobilise private investment.

"The decline of the public investment ratio by more than 1% of GDP in the last three decades has turned the eurozone into a low-growth area. If we want to stimulate growth and job creation in Europe, we have to get on with upgrading our major infrastructure networks and be creative about attracting third party investments. Using the EIB as a main partner both for the expertise and for the strong AAA rating that it enjoys will substantially increase investment attractiveness."
 
ALDE MEP Ms Adina-Ioana Valean (National Liberal Party, Romania), who recently chaired a high level ALDE conference on how to finance Europe's infrastructures, commented:

"In terms of energy infrastructure we need one network, one market, but multiple entries, in order to ensure security of supply, low energy prices and competitiveness of the European economy. The Commission's proposals are therefore a welcome change from all the talk about debt, cuts, austerity and defaults. This is an area where the EU budget can bring real added value. If we do not invest in modern energy networks now, we will pay the price in the future - higher energy bills, higher carbon emissions, blackouts and supply disruptions, less competitiveness, less jobs. Public funding through grants or project bonds should not distort the market, but focus on projects which strengthen security of supply, facilitate integration of renewables and promote innovation."

Gesine Meissner MEP (FDP, Germany), ALDE spokesperson on transport, added:

"Europe's transport network must become a "real-world facebook": easy access, fast connection and low carbon. This is a great opportunity to boost the EU's single market. Member States must act quickly to make use of European funds to upgrade those essential transport networks that will bring businesses and citizens across Europe closer together. This is the chance for the most neglected and remote European areas to start enjoying the benefits of a real world social network."

Note to editors:
 
At a series of recent public hearings organised by the ALDE group it was demonstrated how funds for energy investment, which are available in principle, could be leveraged from the private sector. The role of the EU is to adopt a stable and reliable energy policy in which long-term investment can flourish. Faster procedures for granting permits are important, but work must also speed up on technical regulations to allow electricity and gas to flow across borders. 
http://www.alde.eu/event-seminar/events-details/article/can-we-finance-europes-major-infrastructures-37611/
 

ALDEPAC WORKING LUNCH DURING THE ACP-EU ACP COMMITTEE WEEK IN BRUSSELS, WITH A CAUSERIE ON KEN SARO-WIWA - OCTOBER 2011

The ALDEPAC lunch was held on 5 October in Brussels in the framework of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.

In addition to our many African Members present, ALDE Group MEP's such as Louis Michel, President of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Niccolo Rinaldi, ALDEPAC Co-President, Olle Schmidt, ALDE ACP coordinator, Catherine Bearder and Nathalie Griesbeck attended.

A very remarkable causerie was made by our Guest speaker; Professor Giuseppe BRIOTTI, on Ken SARO-WIWA "A search, a journey, a commitment" Please watch the video on
http://youtu.be/keB2CrWCszQ

Ken SARO-WIWA was a Nigerian author, television producer, environmental activist, and winner of the Right Livelihood Award and the Goldman Environmental Prize.

HE was a member of an ethnic minority in Nigeria whose homeland, Ogoniland, in the Niger Delta has been targeted for crude oil extraction since the 1950s and which has suffered extreme environmental damage from decades of petroleum waste dumping. SARO-WIWA led a nonviolent campaign against the environmental degradation by the operations of the multinational petroleum industry, especially Shell.

He was arrested, hastily tried by a special military tribunal, and hanged in 1995 by the military government of General Sani Abacha, all on charges widely viewed as entirely politically motivated and completely unfounded. His execution provoked international outrage and resulted in Nigeria's suspension from the Commonwealth of Nations for over three years.

SIR GRAHAM WATSON MEP (LibDem, UK)

Graham Watson was born in Rothesay, Scotland, and educated at Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, where he gained an honours degree in Modern Languages.  He is a qualified interpreter who speaks four European languages.

From 1983 to 1987 he served as Head of the Private Office of the Rt.Hon. Sir David Steel MP, then Leader of the Liberal Party.  He had previously been active as General Secretary of the Liberal International's youth movement, and was a founder of the European Communities' Youth Forum.

He has also been active in the private sector working for the Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation in their London and Hong Kong offices.  His six years with HSBC encompassed a three-month stint with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.  He maintains an active interest in the Far East and is learning mandarin Chinese.

Graham Watson was the first British Liberal Democrat ever to be elected to the European Parliament, winning the Somerset & North Devon constituency.  In June 1999 Graham was elected to represent the new enlarged South West of England constituency, which covers Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Devon and Cornwall, and has since then been elected twice.  Gibraltar was added to Graham’s constituency in June 2004.

Since his being elected, Graham has been a member of the Committee for Economic & Monetary Affairs and Industrial Policy, the Budget Committee, and has chaired the Committee on Citizens' Freedoms and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE). From January 2002 to July 2009 Graham Watson served as Leader of the European Parliament’s Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE). Since 2009 he has been a member of the European Parliament's foreign affairs Committee and Chairman of Parliament's delegation for relations with India.

Graham is the Chairman of a global network of MPs and MEPs from all mainstream political parties called the Climate Parliament campaigning to increase government investment in renewable energy and electricity supergrids across the world. The Climate Parliament group in the European Parliament have been meeting various European Commissioners and will be writing to national finance ministers to highlight the importance of the issue and the supergrid vision of connecting Europe's remote sources of renewable energy together into one stable, reliable and 100% renewable source of power for all. So far, they have met with President Barroso and Commissioners Almunia (Competition), Geoghegan-Quinn (Research), Hahn (Regional Policy), Hedegaard (Climate), Piebalgs (Development), Potočnik (Environment) and Rehn (Economic and Monetary Affairs).  They hope to meet with Commissioner Oettinger (Energy) soon. 
 

Graham is also steering a report about a more consistent EU policy towards the leaders of authoritarian regimes through the European Parliament, which is recommending that they are prevented from owning property, holidaying or doing business in the EU, thereby ending the EU's hypocritical stance towards these leaders. He is also, as part of his role as a member of the European Parliament's delegation for relations with China, organising a photo exhibition in the European Parliament to celebrate the life of Dr Sun Yat-Sen, the founder of modern China and one of the most important revolutionary figures in Chinese history. The exhibition is ground breaking as some of the photos have never been seen before in Europe.

In November 2010 Graham was elected Vice-Chair of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party. His Knighthood was announced in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in June 2011.

Graham’s publications include ‘To the Power of Ten: UK Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament’ (2000), ‘2020 Vision: Liberalisation and Globalisation’ (2001), ‘Liberal Language’ (2003), ‘EU’ve got mail’ (2004)  ‘Liberal Democracy and Globalisation’ (2006), ‘Liberalism – something to shout about’ (2006), ‘The Power of Speech’ (2006) and 'Building a Liberal Europe' (2010).

His hobbies and leisure interests include sailing and listening to jazz music.  Graham lives with his wife and two children in the small market town of Langport, Somerset.

For more information, please contact:
ALDE Press Service and Inter-institutional relations unit

neil.corlett@europarl.europa.eu
willem.vandenbroucke@europarl.europa.eu