ALDE: CAP reform suffers significant set-back

The Liberal and Democrat Group (ALDE) in the European Parliament deeply rejects large parts of today's adopted negotiating mandate of the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as a significant step back towards the bad old days of food mountains.

Commenting after the votes, George Lyon MEP (UK, Lib), ALDE shadow rapporteur on the direct payments and the horizontal regulation, said:

"While it is good news that we have established a new principle of payments for public goods rather than pure income support, the loss of flexibility on the greening components will prove very difficult for many farmers across Europe and will result in less environmental benefits."

MFF: European Parliament rejects current deal and lays out its conditions for negotiations

The European Parliament during the March Strasbourg plenary rejected the future budgetary framework proposal reached by EU leaders at their summit on 8th February. In the resolution, approved by a very large majority (506 in favour, 161 against, 23 abstentions), MEPs of all major groups supported several key demands which the ALDE group has been advocating and which will be the focus of the negotiations.

Verhofstadt: EU should follow French and UK lead and rethink arms embargo on Syria

Guy Verhofstadt, ALDE Leader welcomed comments by France's Foreign Minister - Laurent Fabius on March 14 indicating that France could be prepared to review support for the EU arms embargo in order to help the conflict to a swift end.

EU must strengthen fight against racism, xenophobia and hate crimes

The European Parliament adopted on March 14 a resolution on strengthening the fight against racism, xenophobia and hate crime.

ALDE spokesperson Renate Weber (PNL, Romania) said: "Evidence shows that populism driven by intolerance, hate and scapegoating has been spreading throughout the Union and such propaganda is also encouraged by some leading political partie".

EU cannot stand by and watch Syria implode

Addressing the March Strasbourg plenary session of the European Parliament, Guy Verhofstadt pleaded for a more activist EU approach to Syria which, if allowed to rumble on, will destroy the country its people and have a devastating effect on stability in the wider region.

Violence against women is a persistent stain on our society

Ahead of International Women's Day, Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament (ALDE) call for united international action to combat violence against women.

In Europe, 45 % of women will experience some type of violence at least once in her lifetime. Every day one in five women in Europe is a victim of violence.

Consumer disputes: a balance between consumer protection and business needs

All European consumers will now be able to turn to a competent body, whatever the type of dispute. The European Parliament on March 12th adopted by a large majority two reports that make available all mediation procedures in Europe by arbitrators, mediators, and ombudsmen. The reports define the online dispute resolution (ODR) as well as extrajudicial disputes (ADR).

Watchdog needed in fight against match-fixing

Match-fixing is not new, but is becoming an increasing problem because of criminal organizations using sport fraud both to launder their gains and to fund other illegal activities in drugs and human trafficking. They run relatively little risk to be detected whilst earning billions in manipulating sporting results across the globe.

Secure and sustainable energy future requires key targets

MEPs voted during the March Strasbourg plenary session on scenarios on how to decarbonise the energy sector in response to the Commission's 2050 Energy Roadmap proposals of how to reach the EU's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 80-95% below 1990 levels by 2050.

Commenting after the vote, Fiona Hall MEP (UK, Lib Dem), ALDE's spokesperson on energy issues, said: "ALDE agrees with the Commission that any feasible scenario to reach our decarbonisation target must include a higher share of renewables in the energy mix, increased energy efficiency and a smarter and more flexible energy infrastructure. "

Commission backs Parliament's call for candidates for Commission President

Following the Commission's March 12 recommendation to Member States concerning the European elections in 2014, Andrew Duff (Lib Dem, UK), ALDE constitutional affairs spokesperson said: "The Commission is right to back Parliament's call for the political parties to nominate their candidates for the next presidency of the Commission. The arrival of party political champions on the scene will dramatise the European Parliamentary election campaign across Europe, and offer the voters a real choice between competing policies and personalities."

Tougher measures to avoid radioactive contamination of drinking water

The European Parliament during the March Strasbourg plenary session adopted a report on draft EU rules on radioactive substances in water intended for human consumption.   The report has a significant health relevance to avoid radioactive contamination in drinking water including the regulation of carcinogenic substances and contaminants such as toxic chemicals as well as all radioactive materials which are used in the medical industry and manufacturing activities.

Active migration policies for a changing world

In her report adopted during the March plenary session on "the integration of migrants, its effects on the labour market and the external dimension of social security coordination" Nadja Hirsch (FDP, Germany) calls for active migration policies to resolve the dual dilemma faced by the EU: The decline in the working-age population and the shortage of skilled workers.

Parliament votes to rebalance MEPs in light of Croatian accession

During the Strasbourg plenary session the European Parliament proposed to adapt its composition and distribution of parliamentary seats for 2014, particularly to take into account the arrival of Croatian MEPs. ALDE does not dispute the report's approach, which is pragmatic, pending an overhaul of the institutions which should occur after the European elections.

Parliament signs off two-pack deal in return for decisive step towards debt redemption fund

On March 12th the European Parliament signed off the agreement reached last February with the Council and Commission on new EU legislation aiming at further enhancing the coordination and supervision of budgetary surveillance for all euro-area Member States - also known as 'two pack'. The adoption of these pieces of legislation will be accompanied by a formal declaration from the Commission committing itself to establish an expert group that will analyse the feasibility to mutually issue part of euro-zone national debts in the form of a redemption fund and eurobills.

Hungary is still not applying its Treaty obligations to respect fundamental rights

The ALDE group is once again extremely worried about a draft Amendment to the Constitution that is currently being examined by the Hungarian Parliament and has tabled an Oral Question on this matter with a view of holding a debate in plenary, possibly in April.

Trade negotiations EU / Morocco: an opportunity for economic development in the Maghreb

March 1st marks the official launch in Rabat of negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement (CAFTA) between the EU and Morocco, Marielle DE SARNEZ (Modem, France), rapporteur for EU trade relations with the Maghreb, said: "These trade negotiations are highly symbolic. They further deepen the close relationship between the EU and Morocco. They are also a sign that Europe remains a major economic partner for Morocco, two years after the beginning of major reforms in the country. "

EU youth guarantee scheme gets green light

The group of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament (ALDE) welcomes the political agreement reached today in Council on the Youth Guarantee proposal.

Nadja Hirsch (FDP, Germany), ALDE Vice-Chair of the Employment Committee commented:

"Too may young Europeans are drifting away from the labour market. Across Europe, 7.5 % of young people are in neither employment nor education nor training. Investment in Youth Guarantee schemes is one of the key measures to avoid us literally losing an entire generation."

MEPs close deal on stricter controls over the banking sector

On February 27th a delegation of MEPs struck a political agreement with Council and Commission on updated prudential banking rules referred to as CRD IV establishing minimum capital requirements for Europe's banks in line with Basel III provisions. Although the deal still needs to be formally confirmed by both sides, it brings to an end months of wrangling over transparency, liquidity and the bonus culture in the financial services sector.

"Smart borders package": A better management of EU external borders

The Commission presented on February 28th its "Smart borders" package. ALDE welcomes this legislative initiative as it will simplify the life of "bona fide" foreigners frequently travelling to the EU, whose number is expected to increase in the future.

Verhofstadt: EU shares responsibility for Italian election result

The result of the Italian elections has delivered a political stalemate which will only add to uncertainty about the country's ability to reform and recover from recession.

Guy Verhofstadt on the tragic accident involving Alexander Alvaro

Guy Verhofstadt, President of the ALDE Group in the European Parliament said on having been informed about the tragic accident involving Alexander Alvaro and three other people last Friday night.

EU should develop a strategy for Turkmenistan that will promote freedom and human rights

Norica Nicolai (PNL, Romania) the European Parliament's rapporteur on Turkmenistan, welcomed the recent release from prison of Sapardurdy Khajiev and Annakurban Amanklychev, unjustly jailed in 2006 for assisting a French film documentary into the state of Human Rights in the country and calls on the EU to develop a strategy for pro-active engagement with the country to promote basic freedoms and respect for human rights in view of developing a broader partnership agreement in the future.

EU needs means to uphold standards of media freedom and pluralism

The European Parliament's Civil Liberties Committee adopted on February 21st the report by ALDE MEP Renate Weber (PNL, Romania) on an "EU Charter: Standard settings for Media Freedom across the EU". The ALDE group, as well as the majority of the EP, repeatedly called on Member States and on the Commission to take appropriate measures to ensure better monitoring and enforcement of media freedom and pluralism across the EU, given that this right has become legally binding with the entry into force of the Charter of Fundamental Rights (Article 11 (2)).

Opening of EU-US FTA negotiations will be a milestone in evolution of world trade

Dutch Liberal Member of European Parliament Marietje Schaake (D66) expected the European Commission to swiftly present a negotiating mandate as the basis for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the United States following President Obama's support for the opening of negotiations in last night's State of the Union address.

European Commission proposes new measures to strengthen air passenger rights

The European Commission on March 13th announced a package of measures to ensure that air passengers have new and better rights to information, care and re-routing when they are stranded at the airport. At the same time there will be better complaint procedures and enforcement measures so passengers can actually obtain the rights to which they are entitled.

The air passenger rights proposal clarifies legal grey areas and introduces new rights where necessary, for full list see MEMO/13/203.

Vice President Siim Kallas said "It is very important that passenger rights do not just exist on paper. We all need to be able to rely on them when it matters most – when things go wrong. . We know that the real priority for stranded passengers is just to get home. So our focus is on information, care and effective rerouting. The aim is to get passengers where they want to be as quickly as possible while giving the airlines the time they need to sort problems out."

The proposal updates passenger rights in four key areas:

1. Clarifying Grey Areas: rights to information on delayed or cancelled flights; extraordinary circumstances; rights in relation to long delays and tarmac delays; contingency planning; rights to re-routing and rights on connecting flights.

2. New Rights: in the case of rescheduling; misspelt names; new rights with regard to mishandled baggage and transparency requirements for cabin and checked luggage.

3. Enforcement, Complaint-Procedures and Sanctioning: strengthening oversight of air carriers by national and European authorities (monitoring and joint investigations); as well as for complaint handling and enforcing individual rights (including a requirement on airlines to reply to complaints within two months); insolvency.

4. Disproportionate Financial Burden: limits to assistance; limits for regional operations; sharing the economic burden.

ALDE Response to Commission Proposals on Passenger Rights

ALDE MEP Phil Bennion welcomes EU proposal to strengthen air passenger rights
 

The European Commission on March 13 unveiled new proposals to strengthen air passenger rights. ALDE MEP Phil Bennion, who sits on the European Parliament Transport Committee, commented:

"This is a very welcome proposal which will close some of the glaring loopholes in the existing legislation. A significant change is the clarification of the "exceptional circumstances" under which airlines do not have to pay compensation, something I have long called for as a member of the Transport Committee. This means airlines will no longer be able to avoid paying out by pointing to issues like mechanical problems, and will prevent customers being dragged through long and expensive court cases. Airlines will also have to explain to passengers why they are being delayed no more than half an hour after the scheduled departure time, putting an end to uncertain and frustrating waits sitting on the runway or in the departure lounge."

"I'd now like to see some of our other recommendations taken up, especially on price transparency and ensuring that consumers aren't mislead by hidden costs when booking tickets online. The EU has already achieved a lot in improving air passengers' rights, but there is still more work to do to make sure that all passengers are treated fairly, kept properly informed and offered adequate compensation."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
 
The full European Commission proposal can be found here:
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-219_en.htm?locale=en

Frequently ask questions o air passenger rights MEMO: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-203_en.htm?locale=en

The European Parliament's Transport Committee drafted an own-initiative report last year which called on the Commission to clarify its definition of "extraordinary circumstances" in which airlines do not have to pay compensation 

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/pressroom/content/20120227IPR39347/html/Air-travel-Transport-Committee-calls-for-a-fair-deal-for-all-passengers

Leonidas Donskis, (Lithuania)

Dr. Leonidas Donskis, (Lithuania), elected to the European Parliament in 2009, has a background as an academic with PhDs from the Department of Philosophy in Vilnius (1990) and another from the Department of Social and Moral Philosophy of the University of Helsinki (1999). He also received an honorary Doctorate from the University of Bradford in 2010. He was Professor and Dean at the Vytautas Magnus University School of Political Science and Diplomacy, in Kaunas, Lithuania before being elected to the European Parliament. He is also a visiting professor in several universities, including Bologna, Helsinki, and Tallinn. Leonidas was author and host of the highly popular cultural programme "Be pykčio" ("Pique-free") on the Lithuanian national television LTV (2003-2009).

As an academic Donskis has written and edited over thirty books, half of them in English, combining political theory, history of ideas, philosophy of culture, and philosophy of literature. Among his well known works are: Modernity in Crisis: A Dialogue on the Culture of Belonging (2011), Power and Imagination: Studies in Politics and Literature (2008), and Forms of Hatred: Troubled Imagination in Modern Philosophy and Literature (2003). Most recently, he has co-authored a book with the eminent sociologist Dr. Zygmunt Bauman Moral Blindness: The Loss of Sensitivity in Liquid Modernity (2013).

In the European Parliament Dr. Donskis, became a member of the Development Committee and the Parliamentary Subcommittee on Human Rights for which he is the ALDE Coordinator. He also participates in the activities of the Delegation to EU-Armenia, EU-Azerbaijan and EU-Georgia Parliamentary Cooperation Committees, as well as the Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly.

In 2012 L. Donskis was appointed as EP Rapporteur for the Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2011, and the European Union's policy on the matter. In the European Parliament, he is a vocal human rights defender through not only numerous EP resolutions, but he also works personally with human rights defenders and dissidents, particularly from the post-Soviet regions including Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, as well as those from other countries such as China. He also works on thematic human rights issues such as the abuse of psychiatry, caste-based discrimination and religious and cultural oppression.

In 2004 the European Commission awarded Donskis the title of Ambassador for Tolerance and Diversity in Lithuania and in 2008, he received the Orange-Nassau Order Commander’s Cross from Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.

Besides politics and academic work, his other interests lie in art history (religious painting, Flemish Primitives, Italian Renaissance painting, and Dutch Baroque painting), cultural history, museums of fine arts, literature, and music. He is also a passionate and long-time fan of Dutch football.

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

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